Chapter 2
Many years ago....
As the train whistle blew to warn everyone that it was time to leave. Sirius caught up with James and Remus. They talked excitedly about the fun they were going to have during their third year. As Sirius waived his arms about, he nearly swiped a new first year in the head.
"Watch it, you stupid git," a young blond girl snapped at him. Her long curls were tied up in a ponytail. She was tall for her age but her young features gave away her first year status.
"Hey hey," Sirius chided. "Be careful how you speak to one of the great Marauders."
"What," Aurora asked "in Merlin's beard is a Marauder and why should I care?"
"Because lil' first year, we control the mischief in the school and you don't want to be on the receiving end of any of our pranks," he teased her.
"Leave her be, Padfoot," the messy haired boy interrupted. "She is just a kid."
"Aww, Prongs, if I can't tease the first years, then who can I tease?" Sirius whined. "Remus, take up for a mate here?"
"I agree with James," Remus kindly told his friend. "Don't want to give the new students a bad impression of Gryffindors, now do we?"
Aurora rolled her eyes and made her way onto the train. She found an empty compartment and sat down, alone with her thoughts. How she hated her parents for making her to go this school! She had been tutored privately all her life since her parents were afraid to let her be at school alone in light of her father's job. Now, they suddenly thought it was okay for her to go hundreds of miles away since Dumbledore, whoever that was, could protect her. Damn that bloody owl for bringing that letter! Her silent ravings were interrupted by the entrance of the boys she met as she boarded the train.
"Well, look here," the one with the jet-black hair. "If it isn't our new first year friend." Aurora replied with a scowl. "By the way, I'm Sirius Black."
"Aurora Walsh," she responded. Looking towards the others, they began to introduce themselves.
"James Potter," a skinny young man with glasses said with a smile.
"Remus Lupin," a sandy haired young man gently said with a small bow.
"Peter Pettigrew," stammered a short chubby boy with watery eyes. The boys all seated themselves in the compartment and Aurora began to relax slightly. The boys began to explain many of the aspects of Hogwarts to her, including the concept of Sorting. As they filled her in on the good parts and bad parts of life at the wizarding school, she laughed and smiled at their descriptions. A sort of instant bond was formed between them and she began, for the first time since she found out she was going away, to enjoy herself.
The train lurched to a stop and the boys smiled to one another before James stood and announced that it was time to undergo another year of mischief. The boys began to depart the train, carefully leaving Aurora in the middle of them and guiding her to where the boats were docked that would bring the first-years across the lake.
"We will see you during the Sorting," Remus told her. "Good luck. Hope you make it to Gryffindor." The rest of the boys waived their good- byes. As she began to climb into a boat, she heard Sirius's voice calling to her.
"What, Black?" she yelled.
"I said, don't fall in. There is a giant squid who lives in the lake," he informed her with a wink. "Bye, Rori!" She groaned at his choice of nickname and shook her head.
"I won't Siri!" she called back to him. The boys laughed and climbed into the horseless carriages to make their way to the school. Walking into the front doors of the school, they were greeted by the sight of their transfiguration teacher, McGonnagal. A stern looking lady, they knew they had secured a special place in her heart. She would never admit it, but she loved Quidditch and as head of Gryffindor house, slightly favored the boys since Sirius and James were stars of the Quidditch team.
"I trust you four will be up to your usual good behavior this year," she informed them as a small smile played at the corners of her mouth.
"Oh yes, Professor," Sirius replied as the four of them ran into the great hall. As they waived hello to all their friends, they noticed Aurora standing in line with the first years and Remus gave her a wink. She smiled back and gave them a small shrug, as if you say, what next. Dumbledore stood and raised his hand to stop the excited chatter.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. To our new students, you shall soon be sorted into your housed by the ancient Sorting Hat," he explained. Good luck to you all and let the sorting begin." Professor McGonnagal stood and began to call the names of the first years. As each name was called, the student walked forward and sat on a stool while a tattered hat was placed on his head. After a few moments the hat would yell out the name of the house where the student was to be placed. Finally, she heard "Walsh, Aurora."
Sitting on the tiny stool seemed to go on forever as the Hat pondered where to put her. "Definitely not Slytherin.much too brave for that," the Hat said to itself. "Hufflepuff.no no...I know, how about Gryffindor?" With a smile she stood up and ran to join the Gryffindor table. Sirius gave her a smile and motioned for her to come sit beside him. Remus moved over slightly to give her some room. A pretty red haired girl rolled her eyes at Sirius. "She is a little young for you isn't she, Black?"
"Evans, I am hurt," he whined. "You act as if I must have a reason to be nice to a first year. Our new students, why they would be alone and friendless if not for the grace of the older students."
"Besides Evans," James jumped in, "we have to raise a new generation of Marauders."
"Merlin help us all then," she groaned. Turning around to face Aurora, she smiled. "Watch for that one," Lily told her pointing to Sirius, "he'll break your heart."
Present time...
How right she was Aurora thought. Here she was twenty-two years later and he had fulfilled that promise many years ago. The sound of a woman yelling for them to come to dinner interrupted Aurora's flashback. She rose to walk to the mirror and pull her long locks into a clip. Walking out the door, she almost bumped into a young girl with long bushy brown hair.
"Excuse me," she told Aurora. "I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger. And you are?"
"Aurora Walsh," she replied. "I'm here as a favor to Prof. Dumbledore."
"Yes, Harry was just telling me about that earlier. Well, you must be starved," Hermione said politely. As they neared the bottom of the steps, they heard the door open and Harry's voice along with someone else's. One of the voices sounded familiar to Aurora. Suddenly, she heard someone call her name and turned to find Remus Lupin standing in the foyer.
"Reems," she whispered before running over to him and grabbing him in a hug.
"Aurora, it's wonderful to see you," he told her excitedly. "Aurora, there is so much that needs to be explained to you. I have to tell you about, well, Sirius. He is here, Aurora. We were wrong. You deserve to know the truth. He didn't betray James and Lily, Rori. It was Peter."
"So I've heard," Aurora whispered. "I've seen him. I got here earlier. Dumbledore started to explain, but it was too much. Oh Remus, what is going on?"
"It is a long story," Lupin told her. "We will explain everything I promise. How did Sirius act at seeing you?"
"Not very well, I am afraid," Aurora replied.
"We all have scars, Aurora," Remus responded. "Sirius has them, you have them, and Merlin knows that Harry has them. It will be okay, I promise. Now, let's go eat." They walked into the dining room where Sirius sat glaring at the table. Harry was sitting beside him trying earnestly to engage him in a conversation. A red headed lady bustled about readying dinner while two identical twin boys helped to carry everything to the table. Remus pulled out a chair beside of Sirius for Aurora and she sat down, unwilling to cause a scene. Sirius threw her a glance and turned towards Harry once again.
The red haired lady stepped towards Aurora and laid a hand on her shoulder. "I'm Molly Weasley, dear. I haven't gotten to meet you yet." Aurora glanced up and saw the kindness in her eyes and smiled. "I'm Aurora," she replied. "It's very nice to meet you." Mrs. Weasley's introduction spawned a reaction as different people around the table began to introduce themselves to her, attempting to make her feel welcome.
"Fred and George," one of the twins said with a smile.
"Ron Weasley," a tall red haired boy beside Harry told her.
"Ginny Weasley," a shy little redhead said softly. The introductions continued around the table and everyone turned to look at Sirius, who hadn't said a word.
"What's everyone looking at me for?" he barked. "Trust me, Aurora and I have already met, haven't we?" With that, he stood from the table and walked out of the kitchen. Remus laid his hand on her shoulder and shook his head, a silent hint to let him be. Heat rose into Aurora's cheeks from embarrassment. Tears started to sting her eyes and she stood and thanked Molly for the meal. She walked out of the kitchen and found Sirius talking to Dumbledore. The headmaster smiled at her and motioned her to come closer to them.
"I was just talking to Sirius here and we thought it would be most prudent if you stayed over night here. Then we will be able to discuss all of the details as to why you need to rejoin our world and perhaps you two can iron out some of your differences." Sirius even offered to let you have his room for tonight until one can be cleaned out for you tomorrow."
"I just think it would be best if I left, Professor," Aurora stammered.
"Yes, after all, running is what she does best," Sirius replied. Aurora turned to glare at him. Praying for strength, she walked towards the front door.
"Stay tonight, Aurora," Dumbledore requested. "If you must leave, then it can wait till tomorrow." She nodded and began to walk upstairs. Her eyes were blinded by tears and she failed to see the step that Sirius took towards her. She failed to see the glimmer of pain that momentarily flashed over his face. A look of sadness and loneliness combined showed in his eyes.
But Dumbledore stopped him from going towards her. He shook his head gently. "Let her go, Sirius. Whatever must be settled between you can wait till another day."
"I don't want to talk to her," Sirius snarled.
"Things change son," the elderly wizard told him with a smile. "Never rule out any possibility, Sirius."
Many years ago....
As the train whistle blew to warn everyone that it was time to leave. Sirius caught up with James and Remus. They talked excitedly about the fun they were going to have during their third year. As Sirius waived his arms about, he nearly swiped a new first year in the head.
"Watch it, you stupid git," a young blond girl snapped at him. Her long curls were tied up in a ponytail. She was tall for her age but her young features gave away her first year status.
"Hey hey," Sirius chided. "Be careful how you speak to one of the great Marauders."
"What," Aurora asked "in Merlin's beard is a Marauder and why should I care?"
"Because lil' first year, we control the mischief in the school and you don't want to be on the receiving end of any of our pranks," he teased her.
"Leave her be, Padfoot," the messy haired boy interrupted. "She is just a kid."
"Aww, Prongs, if I can't tease the first years, then who can I tease?" Sirius whined. "Remus, take up for a mate here?"
"I agree with James," Remus kindly told his friend. "Don't want to give the new students a bad impression of Gryffindors, now do we?"
Aurora rolled her eyes and made her way onto the train. She found an empty compartment and sat down, alone with her thoughts. How she hated her parents for making her to go this school! She had been tutored privately all her life since her parents were afraid to let her be at school alone in light of her father's job. Now, they suddenly thought it was okay for her to go hundreds of miles away since Dumbledore, whoever that was, could protect her. Damn that bloody owl for bringing that letter! Her silent ravings were interrupted by the entrance of the boys she met as she boarded the train.
"Well, look here," the one with the jet-black hair. "If it isn't our new first year friend." Aurora replied with a scowl. "By the way, I'm Sirius Black."
"Aurora Walsh," she responded. Looking towards the others, they began to introduce themselves.
"James Potter," a skinny young man with glasses said with a smile.
"Remus Lupin," a sandy haired young man gently said with a small bow.
"Peter Pettigrew," stammered a short chubby boy with watery eyes. The boys all seated themselves in the compartment and Aurora began to relax slightly. The boys began to explain many of the aspects of Hogwarts to her, including the concept of Sorting. As they filled her in on the good parts and bad parts of life at the wizarding school, she laughed and smiled at their descriptions. A sort of instant bond was formed between them and she began, for the first time since she found out she was going away, to enjoy herself.
The train lurched to a stop and the boys smiled to one another before James stood and announced that it was time to undergo another year of mischief. The boys began to depart the train, carefully leaving Aurora in the middle of them and guiding her to where the boats were docked that would bring the first-years across the lake.
"We will see you during the Sorting," Remus told her. "Good luck. Hope you make it to Gryffindor." The rest of the boys waived their good- byes. As she began to climb into a boat, she heard Sirius's voice calling to her.
"What, Black?" she yelled.
"I said, don't fall in. There is a giant squid who lives in the lake," he informed her with a wink. "Bye, Rori!" She groaned at his choice of nickname and shook her head.
"I won't Siri!" she called back to him. The boys laughed and climbed into the horseless carriages to make their way to the school. Walking into the front doors of the school, they were greeted by the sight of their transfiguration teacher, McGonnagal. A stern looking lady, they knew they had secured a special place in her heart. She would never admit it, but she loved Quidditch and as head of Gryffindor house, slightly favored the boys since Sirius and James were stars of the Quidditch team.
"I trust you four will be up to your usual good behavior this year," she informed them as a small smile played at the corners of her mouth.
"Oh yes, Professor," Sirius replied as the four of them ran into the great hall. As they waived hello to all their friends, they noticed Aurora standing in line with the first years and Remus gave her a wink. She smiled back and gave them a small shrug, as if you say, what next. Dumbledore stood and raised his hand to stop the excited chatter.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. To our new students, you shall soon be sorted into your housed by the ancient Sorting Hat," he explained. Good luck to you all and let the sorting begin." Professor McGonnagal stood and began to call the names of the first years. As each name was called, the student walked forward and sat on a stool while a tattered hat was placed on his head. After a few moments the hat would yell out the name of the house where the student was to be placed. Finally, she heard "Walsh, Aurora."
Sitting on the tiny stool seemed to go on forever as the Hat pondered where to put her. "Definitely not Slytherin.much too brave for that," the Hat said to itself. "Hufflepuff.no no...I know, how about Gryffindor?" With a smile she stood up and ran to join the Gryffindor table. Sirius gave her a smile and motioned for her to come sit beside him. Remus moved over slightly to give her some room. A pretty red haired girl rolled her eyes at Sirius. "She is a little young for you isn't she, Black?"
"Evans, I am hurt," he whined. "You act as if I must have a reason to be nice to a first year. Our new students, why they would be alone and friendless if not for the grace of the older students."
"Besides Evans," James jumped in, "we have to raise a new generation of Marauders."
"Merlin help us all then," she groaned. Turning around to face Aurora, she smiled. "Watch for that one," Lily told her pointing to Sirius, "he'll break your heart."
Present time...
How right she was Aurora thought. Here she was twenty-two years later and he had fulfilled that promise many years ago. The sound of a woman yelling for them to come to dinner interrupted Aurora's flashback. She rose to walk to the mirror and pull her long locks into a clip. Walking out the door, she almost bumped into a young girl with long bushy brown hair.
"Excuse me," she told Aurora. "I'm Hermione, Hermione Granger. And you are?"
"Aurora Walsh," she replied. "I'm here as a favor to Prof. Dumbledore."
"Yes, Harry was just telling me about that earlier. Well, you must be starved," Hermione said politely. As they neared the bottom of the steps, they heard the door open and Harry's voice along with someone else's. One of the voices sounded familiar to Aurora. Suddenly, she heard someone call her name and turned to find Remus Lupin standing in the foyer.
"Reems," she whispered before running over to him and grabbing him in a hug.
"Aurora, it's wonderful to see you," he told her excitedly. "Aurora, there is so much that needs to be explained to you. I have to tell you about, well, Sirius. He is here, Aurora. We were wrong. You deserve to know the truth. He didn't betray James and Lily, Rori. It was Peter."
"So I've heard," Aurora whispered. "I've seen him. I got here earlier. Dumbledore started to explain, but it was too much. Oh Remus, what is going on?"
"It is a long story," Lupin told her. "We will explain everything I promise. How did Sirius act at seeing you?"
"Not very well, I am afraid," Aurora replied.
"We all have scars, Aurora," Remus responded. "Sirius has them, you have them, and Merlin knows that Harry has them. It will be okay, I promise. Now, let's go eat." They walked into the dining room where Sirius sat glaring at the table. Harry was sitting beside him trying earnestly to engage him in a conversation. A red headed lady bustled about readying dinner while two identical twin boys helped to carry everything to the table. Remus pulled out a chair beside of Sirius for Aurora and she sat down, unwilling to cause a scene. Sirius threw her a glance and turned towards Harry once again.
The red haired lady stepped towards Aurora and laid a hand on her shoulder. "I'm Molly Weasley, dear. I haven't gotten to meet you yet." Aurora glanced up and saw the kindness in her eyes and smiled. "I'm Aurora," she replied. "It's very nice to meet you." Mrs. Weasley's introduction spawned a reaction as different people around the table began to introduce themselves to her, attempting to make her feel welcome.
"Fred and George," one of the twins said with a smile.
"Ron Weasley," a tall red haired boy beside Harry told her.
"Ginny Weasley," a shy little redhead said softly. The introductions continued around the table and everyone turned to look at Sirius, who hadn't said a word.
"What's everyone looking at me for?" he barked. "Trust me, Aurora and I have already met, haven't we?" With that, he stood from the table and walked out of the kitchen. Remus laid his hand on her shoulder and shook his head, a silent hint to let him be. Heat rose into Aurora's cheeks from embarrassment. Tears started to sting her eyes and she stood and thanked Molly for the meal. She walked out of the kitchen and found Sirius talking to Dumbledore. The headmaster smiled at her and motioned her to come closer to them.
"I was just talking to Sirius here and we thought it would be most prudent if you stayed over night here. Then we will be able to discuss all of the details as to why you need to rejoin our world and perhaps you two can iron out some of your differences." Sirius even offered to let you have his room for tonight until one can be cleaned out for you tomorrow."
"I just think it would be best if I left, Professor," Aurora stammered.
"Yes, after all, running is what she does best," Sirius replied. Aurora turned to glare at him. Praying for strength, she walked towards the front door.
"Stay tonight, Aurora," Dumbledore requested. "If you must leave, then it can wait till tomorrow." She nodded and began to walk upstairs. Her eyes were blinded by tears and she failed to see the step that Sirius took towards her. She failed to see the glimmer of pain that momentarily flashed over his face. A look of sadness and loneliness combined showed in his eyes.
But Dumbledore stopped him from going towards her. He shook his head gently. "Let her go, Sirius. Whatever must be settled between you can wait till another day."
"I don't want to talk to her," Sirius snarled.
"Things change son," the elderly wizard told him with a smile. "Never rule out any possibility, Sirius."