Aurae Black was one of those siblings who hid in the shadows whilst the others flourished in the sunlight, like an undernourished tree that faltered under the expectation. She often dressed in dark colours, like the deepest blue of the ocean or the obsidian black of a raven's feather. Her hair matched both of her sisters', the curled and sleek black hair that tumbled around her shoulders seemed to run in the Black family; even Sirius had inherited it. Although her passionless eyes and china-white complexion merited the surname Black, her heart held something different, something purer.
When the Sorting Hat had been rested upon Aurae's head in her first year at Hogwarts, it had whispered some inspirational words into her ear.
"Your heart beats with the courage of a Gryffindor, yet the blood that runs through your veins holds the genes of a Slytherin. So…where to put you?" the Sorting Hat questioned quietly into her ear.
"Please…please not Gryffindor."
"And why would that be?"
"My family…my entire family has been in Slytherin for centuries – they would be so disappointed…" her voice broke.
The wise old Sorting Hat pondered the situation for a few seconds before shouting –
"SLYTHERIN!"
Aurae jumped from the stool, running off toward the Slytherin cheers and forgetting about the Sorting Hat on her head. She clumsily ran back to hand the Hat to her Professor before taking her seat beside Narcissa and Bellatrix at the Slytherin table.
When all of the first years had been sorted into their houses, the feast began. Aurae barely spoke, feeling inferior to the aristocratic pureblood witches and wizards that surrounded her. At one point, she looked up and clasped eyes with Severus Snape. He was exactly as Cissy had described him and, as expected, he was seated next to the blonde boy he followed around, Lucius Malfoy. And as described, they sat barely a foot away from Bella and Cissy.
Occasionally Malfoy would lift his gaze from his plate to give Narcissa a filthy look before returning to his usual pompous state. Aurae wondered what Cissy had done to deserve such a look; Malfoy was definitely the master of the evil stares.
Later that day, Aurae found herself seated next to Severus Snape in the library; unfortunately for her there were no other free seats. Ignoring him purposefully, she carried on with her Potions work until she came across a term she didn't understand at all. Deciding Snape was the only person she could ask without disturbing the entire library, she lightly placed her hand on his forearm. He flinched at her touch before turning quickly to face her, his greasy hair whipping through the air, his eternally empty eyes meeting hers; life meeting death and hope meeting despair. From the first moment their eyes met, she knew.
They would meet in the library accidentally many times after this meeting but eventually it became like a habit. Severus was a boy who craved friendships and all he got in return was dirty looks and cold shoulders. After a while Severus opened right up to Aurae, it may have taken a few months but they became inseparably close. Aurae's Gryffindor heart also sought out another boy that had good morals and a kind heart. James Potter.
Although James knew that Aurae was a Slytherin, he couldn't help but see past all of that to the insecure girl that lay underneath. Both he and Severus found that she was extremely kind and considerate as well as beautiful. But of course Aurae was not the focus of their attentions however as both boys were rather transfixed by Lily Evans. Aurae was always on hand for both of them whenever they needed a friend to rely on but as nature took its course, Aurae's feelings started to intrude upon the friendships…
/
Lucius Malfoy was, by no pretences, a scheming little bastard and he always got what he wanted. In this case, it was Narcissa Black. She had evaded him for months now, dodged his traps of seduction and even threatened him at wandpoint twice but Lucius was definitely not about to give up now.
Using a Polyjuice Potion he had been brewing with Sev's help, he planned to transform into a handsome 7th year Slytherin that all the girls fawned over. When the potion was ready, he added the hairs and downed the lot in one. Lucius had entrusted Severus with the task of keeping the real imbecile at bay whilst he made his move. Striding purposefully down to the common room in the dungeons, he entered and immediately saw Narcissa lying down on a couch by the fire. Lucky, he thought.
"Narcissa? May I have a word?" he altered his voice slightly, emitting a passable imitation of Terence Donald, the 7th year Slytherin. Narcissa narrowed her eyes slightly before her lips curved into a smile and she stood up. Lucius noticed Bellatrix flash her a wink before they left the common room together.
"So Terrence, what is it that you wanted?" said Narcissa, battling her eyelashes unconsciously.
"This." He spoke abruptly, moving swiftly forward and pressing his lips to hers. When they broke apart, Narcissa's eyelids fluttered and she gazed into his eyes. Inside, he cackled. He couldn't believe it. She liked it!
/
Narcissa's head was swimming. That was one good kiss. She felt like there had been a connection between them as their lips joined, like fusion, like magnetism. Running her hands up his arms and placing them on either side of his face, she pulled his head down to meet hers once again…
/
Lucius couldn't believe his luck. And the best part would be in a few minutes…
/
They held each other for a few minutes, never breaking away and passionately kissing like a couple madly in love. Then Narcissa felt Terence's face literally start to bubble underneath her palms. Oh my god, what's happening to his beautiful face?
/
Lucius's face broke into a wicked smile as he felt himself changing back to his glorious self. He saw Narcissa's face widen in shock and he wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her from escaping. He watched her face changing through emotions like a picture book as he transformed back…
/
You have got to be kidding me! She stood there in his arms, stunned. The chiselled, pale-fleshed face and gleaming grey eyes of Lucius Malfoy appeared in front of her like a nightmare from where her dream Terence Donald once stood. Polyjuice Potion! Her hands clenched upon his face, digging into his skin until he cried out in pain yet she did not stop. Then she began slapping him furiously across the face and chest, she was indescribably angry. He had made a fool out of her again!