Authors Note: Thank you so much everyone who has seen my story so far. There hasn't been a ton of you, but I really appreciate anyone is reading this at all. I know I posted pretty late. I hope I'll be able to get some chapters posted earlier in the day soon. Thank you again y'all!
The encounter Aurora had with Draco had not diminished her spirits. Upon entering Hogwarts, she would be a new person, and she was giddy at the thought of what lay before her. She would not allow Draco ruin this for her.
Finding her way back to her compartment to collect Ron and Harry, the trio excitedly chattered whilst exiting the train. As first year students were packed together, Aurora could not help but feel claustrophobic. Reaching the final steps of the platform and onto the cobblestone pathway, Aurora tensed as the cold air brushed harshly against her. This would not be good.
"Are you alright Aurora?"
She lifted her chin from her fingers to make eye contact with Harry.
"Yes. It's just my Reynaud's," replied Aurora shaking her hands in attempt to bring circulation into her fingers, which were now turning a deep yellow.
"Reynauds?" Harry lifted his eyebrows and pushed his glasses higher on the bridge of his nose. The boy really needed better fitting glasses, but the constant fidgeting amused Aurora. She found it rather charming.
"Circulation disease. I'm fine, just, uh cold and numb."
"Here," Harry outstretched this hands and pushed hers together. Rubbing his hands against hers, he generated heat.
"Thanks," Aurora blushed. She had never held hands with a boy, let alone The Boy Who Lived, who luckily for her happened to be very cute.
"Yeah, no problem."
Aurora could not quite tell if Harry was blushing as well or if the crisp night air was biting at his paler skin. She hoped he would chalk up her blushing to the cold air as well.
When Aurora, Harry, and Ron reached the end of the cobblestone path along with the other first years, they were met by a giant holding a bright lamp that illuminated the lake beyond. This must be Hagrid. Aurora was well aware of the half giant gamekeeper of Hogwarts. Her father had called his presence a disgrace to the school among a string a slurs for his kind. Aurora could not imagine hating someone for something they could not control. How could she judge the content of their character based off how they were born?
"Firs Years! Welcome! Well ello Harry. How're ye doing," Hagrid called out. Aurora did not think his voice matched his appearance. A hairy, massive man of at least 15 feet and very wide, his voice was pleasant and countered the beastly appearance of his body. Not waiting for Harry to answer, Hagrid lead the large group over to the dock of boats ahead.
"That's Hagrid" Harry informed Ron and Aurora, beaming at his kind giant friend. Ron stood shocked. He had never seen a man so large. Aurora hadn't either, but she was much better at hiding her surprise than the Weasley.
"Ah ight. Four to a boat. No more'n four."
Stepping down the ravine to select a boat, Harry, Ron, and Aurora were once again joined by Hermione to complete their group. Much to the dismay of Ron, Hermione was still talking. Grabbing a seat next to Harry and across from Ron, Aurora began to take in the scenery around her. Across the vast lake the first years were crossing, lay the Hogwarts castle. The Great Black Lake only illuminated the massive castle more as the lights of the tower reflected off its surface. Droning out Hermione's voice she took in everything around her. This was her new life. These were her new friends. She would be a witch at Hogwarts, and she was determined to be the best
Once they made it to the other side, students got off in an orderly fashion, continuing to follow Hagrid as they marched their way to the castle. Going through a dark tunnel and into a sort of underground harbor the first years were finally at the front tower door. Knocking gruffly on the carved wooden door three times, Hagrid stood back.
Immediately after Hagrid's knocks, a stern woman with green eyes and black hair pulled into a tight knot at the back of her head, swung the door open.
"The firs years, Ms. McGonagall," Gesturing to the students behind him, Hagrid stepped to the side.
"Thank you Hagrid. I'll take it from here." She pulled the door further open and signaled for the students to follow her. Aurora was shocked at the opening foyer. Sure she had expected it to be big, but she did not expect for nearly the first floor of her manor to fit all in one room. Gasping at the large marble staircase and intricate architecture, she was blown away by the gloriousness of Hogwarts and she has hardly seen any of it so far. Following McGonagall along the stoned flooring, she abruptly stopped upon reaching a small chamber. Aurora could feel her nerves pricking at the sound of hundreds of voices beyond it like a soft drum. Instinctively she grabbed Harry's hand. She could tell he was nervous too. Too anxious to feel any embarrassment or bashful by her actions she stood by to listen to what McGonagall would have to say next.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," McGonagall said smoothing down her long cloak whilst looking into the crowd of newcomers. Her voice commanded respect. And all of the first years stood anxiously waiting for her to speak more.
"The start of term banquet will begin shortly, but first you must be sorted into your house. The Sorting Ceremony is very important to Hogwarts as your house will be your family for the next seven years. You will have classes together, eat together, sleep in your house dorms, and compete together for the House and Quidditch cup. The four houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin."
Aurora was beginning to grow impatient. More than anything she wanted the relief of finally being sorted and making her way to her newfound Hogwarts family. However, McGonagall continued to talk at the first years leaving Aurora increasingly more aching to get started.
"Trevor!" A kid shouted. As he scurried towards McGonagall's feet to grab a toad, Aurora recognized the boy as Neville from the train. That boy could not keep his hands on anything, bemused Aurora. McGonagall did not look impressed, fixing Neville a tense stare.
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin in a few moments, I recommend you all smarten up until then." And with that she left, likely in order to make last second preparations for the incoming students. Aurora sighed. She wanted this over with as soon as possible. Though she was excited for the beginning of her journey, she was growing antsier the closer she got to the Great Hall. What is she was placed in Slytherin? What happened if she wasn't?
"How do you think we'll get sorted into our houses?" Ron asked nervously. Releasing Harry's hand, Aurora patted him on the soldier.
"I'm not sure, but I'm sure it will be just fine." Aurora was not confident herself that was true, but she was hopeful her words gave Ron the reassurance he needed.
Before Ron could respond, Aurora heard the voice she loathed so much.
"Is it true Harry Potter is here?" Draco asked dramatically leaning against a side block off the stoned wall. The stupid prick always had to make such an entrance. Harry gulped besides Aurora. Poor Harry, he didn't want this attention.
"Ah and he's already made friends. And perhaps a little girlfriend," Draco added as an extra thought, tilting his head at Aurora. Aurora could feel the heat raising to her face. Why did that insufferable git insist on ruining everything?
"Malfoy-" Aurora started.
"I wasn't talking to you Greengrass, now where was I, yes my name is Draco Malfoy," He said speaking to Harry.
"Draco?" Ron laughed.
"Think my name is funny don't you. I know all about you, bet you're a Weasley. Ginger hair, dirty, having more kids than they can afford." Ron started turning pink.
"You'll come to learn, Harry, that some wizards are better than others. Let me help you find the good sort." Draco raised his hand to Harry in attempt of a handshake. Aurora hoped he spat on it, she was tired of that arsehole cutting her off when she's speaking. Harry's arm remained limp at his side.
"I think I can tell the good sort for myself, thank you." Harry responded dryly. Aurora tried to stifle her laughter. Draco sheathed silently before regaining his composure.
"Well, we'll see about that." And with that Draco stalked off, Crabbe and Goyle, The Brickhead Dummies following closely behind.
McGonagall soon came back, directing the first years to follow her through an archway and into the Great Hall. Aurora felt her heart rate quicken again and she played with her fingers in an attempt to calm herself. She had never seen such a magnificent place. Candles were raised all in midair to light the large hall continuing five tables, four occupied with students and one slightly smaller one full of older wizards, which Aurora guessed was the staff. Walking up to a stool and hat, Aurora heard Hermione discuss the ceiling and what she had read in Hogwarts: A History.
"All we have to do it try on a hat!" Ron exclaimed. "Im going to kill Fred and George they kept going on and on about wrestling a troll."
The next several minutes were a blur for Aurora. She watched as many of her peers made their way up to sit on the stool and get the hat placed on their head. She had already watched Hermione, Ron, and Neville get sorted into Gryffindor and Draco's prideful smile as he got sorted into Slytherin. The hat had barely touched his platinum hair before shouting its decision.
"Next up, Harry Potter," McGonagall called.
"Wish me luck." Harry breathed apprehensively, squeezing her hand for reassurance.
The hat sat on Harry's head for several moments contemplating where to place him. Harry seemed deep in conversation with the hat until it finally announced, "Gryffindor!"
"And Aurora Greengrass." McGonagall called, rolling up the script once again. Aurora nearly froze on the spot when her name was called. She could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on her. She would give anything to just die in that moment.
Walking slowly up to the stool, Aurora eyes made contact with Draco. He looked comfortable at the Slytherin table and smirked at her as she got closer to the stool. She glared back, then looked forward. Her palms were sweating and she could no longer feel her hands or feet. This will all be over soon, she tried to remind herself
Upon McGonagall placing the hat on her head, a voice filled her thoughts.
"Ahh another Greengrass. I know just where you belong, Sl-"
"No." Aurora reflexively answered back.
"No? Ah, a rebel of the group. A black sheep. I do see you don't quite belong to Slytherin. You possess some great qualities you are cunning indeed, but I sense something greater within you. You'll do best in, Gryffindor!" The hat called out. The Gryffindor table burst into cheers.
Aurora was shocked. She had not been placed in the house her father had instructed her to be in. She felt disconnected as she neatly pulled the hat off her head and placed it on the stool. Playing with her fingers again as she walked to her house table, she didn't look for Draco in the sea of surprised Slytherin faces.
Sitting next to Harry and Ron at the table she was warmly greeted. Perhaps she would be the most happy here. This would not change the fact that her father would still be angry, that Draco would bother her, and that she may have made a mistake by asking the hat to not place her in Slytherin. Regardless of what awaited her, Aurora was sure there would soon be consequences.