An alternate version of books 6 and 7 through the eyes of Slytherin students.

Sirius Black is a Slytherin and a Death Eater.

The first chapters of the Aurora character were written in the original fanfiction by my friend Lyanna Stark, who got me started writing this story and inspired me.

The original version of the fanfic is written in another language. I apologize for the inaccuracies of the translation, as English is not my native language. I would be happy if you help me to fix the bugs.

But I really wanted the whole world to see my story, because I wrote it from the bottom of my heart and put my soul into it, creating it like a Horcrux ;)

Annabelle

The sun hit me right in the eyes. This could mean only one thing — the green velvet curtains were parted on purpose so that I would wake up sooner. Damn Kreacher. Sometimes he annoys me so much! You can't order him anything, he will immediately report everything to my grandmother. How many times have I told him not to come into my bedroom when I'm sleeping and don't dare to wake me up! But no. Today is a big day!

Oh, this day! How I hate it! The only joy is that I'll be wearing a stunningly beautiful dress that we bought last week in Diagon Alley and for which, by the way, we paid a hundred Galleons! Everyone will see me in it and gasp! Oh, and my grandmother will finally allow me to take her precious brooch, encrusted with thirteen emeralds, which she inherited and passed down exclusively through the female line of our family. I have been begging for this brooch from her for several years, but my grandmother is still in no way!

Well, that thought made me open my eyes and get out of bed. What a bright sun today! You don't often see weather like this in London. Everything seems to be good. But this day makes me sad.

I took a deep breath at these thoughts and opened the window.

"What, birds, missed me?" I winked at two swallows on a branch near the window and, opening the window frame wider, flew out of the house like a gray-brown hawk.

Yes, I'm an animagus. Not like my father, of course, I'm just learning. And I can't fly far away, only within the confines of the house, otherwise the Ministry of Magic will consider this as an illegal use of magic by minors outside of Hogwarts.

But this is such a blessing! Just to fly, spread your wings, feel the taste of freedom, which, alas, I do not have. Oh, how do I understand my father who once made a reservation that he could spend his whole life in the "skin" of an animal. How I would like to fly away from here, not to be obliged to anyone and not to fulfill these stupid family traditions!

"Annabelle! We can't be late! Wake up immediately and go downstairs!" I heard my grandmother's formidable voice and almost crashed into the wall of the house from surprise.

I went back to the room, jumped from the window onto the soft carpet already on my two legs and brushed off the remaining feathers.

"Well, let's have some fun, shall we?" I said uncertainly to my reflection in the huge mirror against the wall. "Where is my luxurious dress?"

*

Aurora

All pureblood families are related to each other. Taking advantage of such a privilege as belonging to one of the oldest clans of pureblood families in the magical world — the Lestrange clan — you can usually visit relatives, who often arrange luxurious receptions and celebrations. Moreover, today was a truly grand occasion — the engagement of my cousin Annabelle Black to the sole heir of the Malfoy family — Draco.

"At least we'll eat to satiety," I casually threw the house elf while she laced up my corset so that I could fit into a tight dress bought especially for this occasion.

"Oh, no, miss," the elf squeaked, "a real lady, especially from a family like yours, cannot afford such…"

"I'm kidding, Ollie."

In fact, Anna and Draco's engagement was no secret for many years — as is customary in the families of pureblooded wizards, they were engaged from early childhood. Although, I'm not sure that both were happy about this event.

Knowing Annabelle well, I was sure that in love she would want adventures, dangers, so that she would take her breath away! Honestly, with her temper she must date with Harry Potter.

I barely suppressed a chuckle — how could I think like that?

Can Draco — insecure, narcissistic and not even hiding it, but specifically emphasizing his superiority over the rest (which, however, is inherent in all members of the Malfoy family) — give her that thirst for adventure and freedom that she so wanted — it was really big question.

Well, he's better than some decrepit old Goyle, I thought.

"Miss is ready," Ollie announced. "Miss looks amazing!"

Indeed, my reflection in the mirror confirmed the veracity of her words. She styled my wavy red hair in a beautiful updo, adorned with a small tiara — emeralds gleaming playfully in neatly arranged strands. My natural pallor was set off by soft pink blush — so the skin did not look as painful as usual. Lips were bright red — I wanted to look spectacular on this special day. And I succeeded.

*

Malfoy Manor has always amazed me with its luxury and elegance — fortunately, Lucius's financial condition made it possible to keep the house in unacceptable wealth and gloss. I'm afraid to imagine how many house elves worked tirelessly to give the mansion such a festive and solemn look. The house was decorated with exquisite fountains, from which, curving into bizarre patterns, streams of multi-colored water poured. The louder the water murmured, the more distinctly the voices of the nymphs from the magical choir sounded, delighting the ear to the strings of enchanted harps. Several snow-white swans swam in the lake nearby — very symbolic for such an event as an engagement.

The lobby was full of people. Sure! They say that the Dark Lord himself had to appear at such an important event.

In the very corner of the elaborately decorated living room, away from prying eyes, Draco's dark figure could be seen. Pale fingers clenched a glass of wine, eyes wandered absentmindedly around the room. It seemed that his thoughts hovered somewhere very far away, far from this fabulous holiday. Something is clearly nibbling, tearing him apart from the inside. Maybe he's nervous about getting engaged?

When he saw me, he saluted me with his glass and smiled nervously.

"You look great, Aurora!"

A genteel tilt, a light touch of lips on my hand. True gentleman.

"Thanks Draco. In fact, this is not my merit, but my house elf. And you look tired, are you all right?"

He was visibly nervous, but quickly pulled himself together.

"Of course, Ora. Mom overdid it with instructions on what I should and shouldn't do. It seems that I am a little boy who needs an eye and an eye, although I have long since ceased to be one."

With these words, he raised the glass to his lips and took a long sip, visibly shivering.

"Father is in Azkaban right now, as you know, now all the responsibility lies with me."

"Sorry about Lucius..."

"All that bloody Potter," Draco spat with hatred, as if the very name already made him vomit, "I will not rest until I have avenged my father."

"Draco, on a day like this, it's clearly not about Potter to think about," I remarked with a smile and lightly patted him on the shoulder, "because today is your engagement, fool! I'm so happy for you! But Potter won't let you rest..."

Malfoy straightened up and put on an air of importance.

"Of course, today is a big day. I swear that I will live up to all the expectations placed on me, no matter what the cost."

"I see you're a little tight on romance today, Draco. One more thing left to mention the Dark Lord in the list of your duties..."

I laughed, hoping to cheer him up, but, to my surprise, Malfoy changed his face and said hastily:

"I have to go, Ora, see you later. Was glad to see you."

Quickly placing the empty glass on the table, he disappeared from view. Turning around, I saw in the motley crowd of guests only a reflection of his blond hair.