HELLLLOOO!

I am back and with the second part of our lovely, amazing, awesome, fantastic ect. Harry Potters birthday! Yay!

Anyway, this chapter has about 6 rough drafts, the part of meeting the cousins has about nine... hmm...

Anyway, i am not sure about this this chapter, but hope you enjoy it all the same :b! Those of you who reviewed the last chapter, thanks! Made my day as always! And those who are reading, following and favouriting this stories, thanks a whole chocolate frog much ! :D

Anyway, on with the story... Enjoy, my sweet(see what i did there, the whole Flich thing with that blasted cat of his)

Chapter 17

I had just finished getting dressed for Mr. Potters birthday party, which was being held at a place called the "Burrows", I had to admit that it was an odd name, were we now moles or something? I put that to the back of my mind, I had worst things to focus on.

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I felt like I was a walking wreck. This would be the first in a long time that I had any other interaction with other people, besides the Potters , and though they assured me that they were all friends ,I couldn't help be a little spectacle about it. Don't get me wrong, I trust them and all but this was something I wasn't sure I could pull off. I knew that I was probably going to be the oddball amongst them, I wasn't like them. They were all probably smart and sophisticated, you know, tall and proud and then there is me. That random strange girl that didn't know anything about their way of life. Would they judge? Criticize me?

And just like that my face became a mask, my protective shields up. They wouldn't hurt me, they couldn't. I wouldn't give them the chance anyway. Maybe the nerves made it worse, but I could feel sweat come over me. Maybe I could just stay behind. That way I don't have to go and the Potters can enjoy a splendid night with friends and families. But I knew it wouldn't do me well, I had to get used to people and besides as they always say " The first stride is always the hardest".

" You look lovely." Mrs. Potter cooed as she walked in, standing behind me.

I jumped a little at her voice, not hearing her come in. I smiled slightly at her sneakiness, " And you look magnificent."

And she truly did. She wore a light green strapless dress that fell just above her knees and complimented it with a black robe. Though it would be considered plain, she wore it with such confidence that she could have been wearing a ball gown and it would have not made a difference.

She just smiled lightly, "How are you feeling?"

I mustered up the best fake smile that I could and said, " I feel fine."

She didn't believe me, not that I could blame her, I was rather awful at acting happy even on a good day.

She put her arms around me and gave me a quick squeeze, " Now tell me the truth."

I sighed, I should have known that I couldn't fool her. I didn't know if I could speak without vomiting or if I could even find the right words. How do I tell her that I am frightened, that I didn't want to do this, I wasn't ready. I wanted to curl up in a ball and sit in the corner and never leave, but I couldn't. I had to face my fears one way or another they would come for me.

I shook my head, "Just nervous, you know."

She beamed, " The only thing you have to worry about is not having your ears talked off, trust me. You plan to stay an hour and you stay there for five."

I laughed, it made me feel slightly better. No, not fully, but better.

A loud bang echoed from down stairs and we both sighed knowing that it was most probably the boys.

" Meet us down stairs when you are done." She said and hurried out the door to investigate on the strange noise.

I sighed and looked back at my reflection in the mirror.

I was wearing a white strapped dress with a blue ribbon that twisted around my waist, sending the dress flaring out to half way to my knee. I was a little uncomfortable with the length, but shrugged I didn't know a single thing of what people wore as fashion. I fiddled with my hair, which was loose, its dark curls falling to my waist. I tried to cover as many scars as I could, but it was impossible. I touched the nasty looking one on my neck and huffed in frustration.

I threw my hands into the air with frustration. It was hopeless, they weren't ever going to go away. They were stuck to me, my past was printed onto my skin for the world to see and I couldn't hide it.

I ran my fingers through my hair in annoyance. It made no sense of me standing here getting frustrated about things out of my control.

I turned away from the mirror and hurried out of my room to the lounge where Mr. and Mrs. Potter where already waiting, I frowned slightly at the fact that Albus and James were missing. They stopped their whispering when I walked in and smiled, I smiled back .

" You look beautiful Aurora." Mr. Potter said kindly.

And there I was an idiot and replied, " You too."

I realized my mistake and blushed heavily.

Mr. and Mrs. Potter laughed, " Thank you."

I blushed and turned to Mrs. Potter, "Where's James and Albus?"

Mr. Potter laughed as she slapped his shoulder, "They had to change again."

I frowned at Mr. Potter who was still laughing, "Why?"

She looked at her husband and rolled her eyes, "Because their dear father decided that whipped cream looks good on his sons."

I could just picture it and I burst out laughing ,giving Mr. Potter a high-five. First flour and now whipped cream, shame, people obviously were not impressed with the way they dressed. Lily ran in, her red hair forming a mane. She came to a sudden halt.

" I didn't find some in the cupboard ,so I looked in the shed and found a crate of them." She said offering Mr. Potter a rusted old flowerpot, I frowned in confusion.

Loud banging was heard from the steps as Albus and James appeared in new clothes. They were both grumbling and sulking about something.

" Oh come on guys, cheer up." I said enthusiastically (though I could tell you it was fake).

They just threw me a dark look and walked right past us. We all chuckled.

Once we all were assembled in the lounge, I asked a question that had been on my mind all day.

" How are we getting there?" I asked curiously.

Walking seemed out of the question and so did flying, seeing as all the girls were wearing dresses. Besides, I wasn't exactly in mood to show off my knickers.

" Floo Powder." Mr. Potter said, I waited for the rest of the sentence but he said nothing.

" What's that?" I asked, confused.

Realization dawned on all their faces probably having forgotten about my lack of knowledge when it comes to the wizard world.

" Well, it's transport." James said, smart boy that.

I rolled my eyes, " Okay, so what is it? Besides a form of transport." I asked.

Mr. Potter frowned, " Maybe this isn't a good idea. She could get lost or something."

My heart warmed at his concern, it was rather sweet of him to care.

Mrs. Potter giggled, " You are right. We don't want another repeat on what happened with you, now do we."

Mr. Potter smiled slightly as his cheeks turned a faint pink, " That we do not."

I looked between them, wanting to know more, " What happened?"

Mr. Potter looked down at the floor sheepishly, " Nothing." He cleared his throat loudly, " Um. We should get moving. You know? We might be late?"

All the Potters laughed at his discomfort.

" Can't be late for your own surprise birthday party." James grinned.

" You idiot!" Lily swatted his head. Sadly, for him anyway, he didn't see it coming and could not dodge the hand heading towards him.

" Damn it, you wacko!" He screeched, clutching his head.

She ignored the comment and growled, " What part of surprise party do you not understand."

" Like he didn't know! Believe it or not this family cannot keep secretes. Let alone, throw a successful surprise party." He countered back.

" That's not the point-" Lily's face started to grow a deeper shade of purple.

"Enough." Mrs. Potter said, looking between all the children, they all shut their mouths immediately.

" Your mother is right. Apologize." Mr. Potter eyed them.

James and Lily exchanged a very 'heart warming' apology, which no one believed.

"Whatever happened to 'Violence is never the answer' ?" Albus asked innocently.

Lily puffed, "Well, talking it out takes too long."

We laughed.

"I still want to know what happened." I said, curious.

Mrs. Potter winked at me, " Later."

I grinned at her.

Seeing Mr. Potter opening his mouth to argue she hurried on, "Anyway. Travelling."

That got everyone back on course. Everyone grew serious again, except James. That was an impossible feat for him.

I remembered and decided.

I didn't want them to go through all the trouble for me, besides I have to learn sometime.

"I can do it. Tell me what you want and I shall do it." I grinned, this was a challenge. One that I was willing to accept.

The parents of the house looked at me thoughtfully, "If you are sure?"

I nodded, "How bad can it be?"

They looked at each other and nodded in a silent agreement.

Mr. Potter walked forward to the chimney, " You trust us right?"
I nodded, what a dumb question that was. Trusted the Potters with all my heart, I knew that they would never hurt me on purpose.

He smiled, "Good then. James you up first."

I frowned as James walked up to the fireplace confidently and took some sort of sand that Mr. Potter offered him in a flowerpot and then to my utmost confusion he went to stand in the fireplace, facing us all.

" Remember to speak clearly, darling." Mrs. Potter fussed.

My frown deepened.

What does she mean to speak clearly?

James pulled a face, "Yes mom."

He looked at us and bellowed out in a clear voice, "The Burrows."

And then I screamed.

Green flames engulfed his body and he was disappearing. I ran forward in hopes of pulling him out if the flames but hands held me back, I wriggled and kicked to get to the last of the flames but he was gone. He was gone.

" James." I whispered in a cracked voice.

"Aurora?" I heard a voice, calling for me

I couldn't find the voice, it all seemed unreal. I moved my head to see Mr. and Mrs. Potter staring at me worriedly.

I couldn't get the green flame out of my mind, " How could you?"
I whispered.

They all frowned at this, I started to get angry.

James.

"He was your son and you killed him." I screamed. I arms squeezing me tighter.

Lily chuckled; I whipped my head around to see her amused expression. My body started shaking.

I had trusted these people! I allowed myself to get close. To be friendly to them and there they go and kill their son in the most savage way possible. It was cruel and barbaric, and I didn't stop it.

There had been many incidences where I have witness death caused by fire. People yelling and screaming as the flames devoured them, a long painful death.

Mrs. Potter put her hands up as if asking me to calm down, " James is okay. What you just saw was a means of transport for the Magical World. We travel using Floo powder."

I stared at her unsurely. I was still raging inside. How on earth do you travel by powder? No wand magic or anything, just powder. It seemed farfetched and rather ludicrous. I shook my head, unable to believe it. They sighed at this and carried on explaining over and over again how it worked, you step in take the powder and say where you want to go, then throw it down to the floor. However, the image of James being engulfed by green flames was still fresh in my memory and I could do it.

My body had been still for a while already, but Albus didn't let me go and that is what bothered me more. I felt safe in his arms as if he would protect me and that confused me. It was strange. I put this from my mind; I will deal with that later. Besides there are more pressing matters to attend to: Do I or do I not risk being set alight?

I know we have been here for well over ten minutes, me refusing to be torched and them having to explain. It all just seemed barbaric and inhumane. Nevertheless, somewhere deep inside, I knew from the hurt look on Mr. and Mrs. Potters face that they were not lying.

"But James…" I trailed off, putting attention to that factor.

I felt Albus's body shack against my back, I twisted my head around to see him, "James is fine. You really think that he would allow himself to be killed in a fire."

He laughed.

I frowned a little. No, probably not, he would have had a fit, you know with having his 'glorious' looks and all being destroyed in a fire. Maybe I took too long to reply as Albus turned me around, looked straight into my eyes and whispered the words that I believed.

" Trust me."

And I did, I was being stupid and childish. James was a part of their family and even if they had wanted me dead they could have done it a while ago already. I have been sleeping under the same roof with them for weeks.

I nodded and let out shaky laugh, " Huh. You don't think that it is too late to tell you guys that I am absolutely terrified of fire."

Then there was silence. You could have heard a pin drop in the stillness of everything.

" You're joking, right?" Lily said in shock.

I shook my head, feeling slightly light headed.

Mr. Potter frowned , " Hmm. I guess I could understand why and all."
He shot me a look and I was glad he understood. I mean, you don't live with vampires for half your life and never have your fair share of flames and fire. It is a cruel way to end a life or punish someone.

There was silence as everyone travelled in their personal web of thoughts, after a few seconds Lily beamed at all of us and clapped her hands.

" I have an idea." She grinned, " What if I travel with her? I mean, we both are small enough to travel together."

She smirked at all of us, seemingly impressed with herself.

Mrs. Potter thought for a moment until he beamed at Lily, "I don't see how anything bad could happen."

He looked over at Ginny who agreed.

Lily grinned, "Yes, I am just that clever."

She did a little bow, they laughed.

" But he fire." I whimpered, memories invading my thought. I shut my eyes, trying to ward them off. I breathed in and out, until I was steady then opened them again.

" It is not real fames." Mrs. Potter assured me.

Lily nodded, " It doesn't even hurt. It is more like a warm breeze instead."

" And besides, Lily is travelling with you." Albus comforted.

I looked at them all and view the situation form various angles until I came up with my not-so-happy-decision.

"Alright then" I said, my voice shaking. I stepped beside Lily with my head held high. I knew that if I didn't do it now I would chicken out and never do it.

They all let out a huge sigh of relief, probably thinking that I was going to put up an argument, but still couldn't help but feel a little amused.

Mr. Potter smile encouragingly and held out the flowerpot.

I frowned and took it from him. They all chuckled.

He smiled at me, " No, just take a pinch and step into the fire place."

I swallowed, my throat feeling dry and as rough as the ground.

I took a handful of the powder and somehow managed to walk into the fireplace with my legs feeling as stiff as lead. Lily handed the leather bag to her mom and stepped in besides me.

" Now what?" I asked.

Mrs. Potter smiled kindly, " You are going to say ' The Burrows' and throw the powder to the floor. Then mind you get out at the right grate-"

" The right what?" I asked panicky and looked down at Lily in panic.

Mr. Potter frowned, " Well , there are a lot more wizard fireplaces to choose from, but don't worry as long as you speak clearly you will be fine."

I nodded feeling slightly lightheaded, speak clearly, "And once I have throw the powder down then what?" I asked.

" Don't worry, Lily knows what to do. She will help. Or just what until you see James-" Mrs. Potter said encouragingly.

Albus interrupted her, " Keep your elbows tucked in."

Mr. Potter said, " Don't fidget either-"

Albus nodded viciously, " You might just fall out."

Mrs. Potter and glared at him when I gave a nervous gulp," Just wait till you see James, dear."

I nodded, trying to remember all the advice they gave. I raised my arm out in front of me, looked at Lily and was as ready as I could be.

I nodded and whispered, " Three. Two-"

" And you guys are sure of this?" I said, fine I admit I chickened out.

They all nodded, " perfectly."

I nodded and started again. My arm now shaking worse, " Three. Two-"

"And what if I fall out?" I asked.

They all sighed, " You won't."

I nodded again, " Three. Two-"

"What if they don't like me?" I burst out. I silently slapped myself for my idiocy.

Mr. Potter just grinned tiredly, " They will love you. I have failed to meet someone who they have ever hated. "

Lily nudged me and smiled, " Stop stalling."

I could have laughed, knowing that it was true.

I raised my arm up, " Three. Two. One."

" The Burrows."

It felt as though I was being squeezed through a pipe, twisting and turning and spinning round and round. I kept my eyes shut as the emerald green flames made my head spin. I opened my mouth as a scream came out but the sot from- wherever it came from- flew into my mouth, after that I shut my mouth and prayed to whoever was up there that this would stop. I grabbed hold of Lily. Scared that she might fall out from all the motion and partly because I was scared out of my mind.

After what felt like hours, my feet hit against a hard ground and then I was out of there. I didn't care if it was just a half way stop or if I was just imagining it, I wanted out. I didn't even bother opening my eyes and in the process tripped and stumbled out there.

" Hell no!" I screeched. " Nah-ah, forget it! I am walking next time!"

I doubled over, whipping the ash from off my face, still mumbling profanities as I did so.

Lily came and stood next to me and chuckled.

"Um… Aurora." She laughed.

I stood up to look at her, but instead met the eyes of what looked like a thousand people.

There are many types of silence. The companionable silence. The silence when words are just not enough. A comfortable silence. A silence when everyone is deep in thought and then the awkward silence.

Now, I could most definitely tell you that this was a companionable silence. And, I could then promise you that that was most definitely a lie.

All I could do was stare at them in a Sorry-Didn't-See-You-There sort of way.

I swallowed nervously. Clearly embarrassed by my swearing a few seconds ago.

I looked over at Lily, in panic, who just kept looking from me to our 'audience' in an amused sort of way, I got what she was say and started screaming inside, feeling extremely self conscious. But ,I knew I had to do this. No shields could come up; I had to face the strangers.

I turned to all of them who were all staring at me expectantly.

I swallowed again, my throat dry and full of the left over ash, as I looked them head on.

Really, a bunch of people staring at you like you just committed a crime was so not intimidating, I thought sarcastically. But then again I did just swear in front of them, I blushed.

Come on! You can do it, I urged myself.

I smiled at them shaking, "Hi there." I paused, feeling that an apology was in need, " Sorry about that."

And just like that the room exploded with life. Everyone started moving and talking, though many of them chuckled.

A plump, old, red headed lady accompanied by her husband( I think) walked in front of me, " No need to look all embarrassed , my dear. It has happened to everyone on their first time."

Lily beamed at the old lady, " Aurora, this is Grandma and Grandpa Weasley."

I smiled at them not really over the whole incidence, " Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."

They laughed, "Oh, you don't need to call us that. There are about five different Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's here."

I frowned, " Then what should I call you?"

They smiled, " Molly and Arthur or Grandma and Grandpa are fine too."

I smiled at them, " Molly and Arthur."

They laughed and turned to a blond man and started a conversation. Lily tucked at my hand and grinned, "I want to introduce you to the cousins."

" I am telling you now, a broom!" A pale boy said as we neared.

There was a huge up roar. All the children started screaming at him. I started to get nervous, what on earth was this all about. I pulled my over my shoulder again, hoping to hide some of the scar.

" You're wrong." A red head-well one of them- argued back.

There were nods of agreement of the crowd and some shakes of the head. He let of a huff in frustration and looked around frantically, for what I have no clue. His eyes fell on me.

" You! If you were confronting a dragon what would you choose to get away with?" He asked me-well I think.

I looked at him Blankly. Was he really talking to me? I looked over at Lily who raised an eyebrow and nodded, I was going to guess that was a yes.

I started back at them and croaked, " It depends on what is nearby, I guess."

He shook his head, " Anything. They say that they would use another dragon, I say to use a broom."

I pursed my lips, thinking but decided to be honest, " None. 'Cause there is no way I would ever confront a dragon. Not in this life time or the next."

James walked stepped out so that I could see him, "How brave." He said seriously.

I stuck my tongue out, " Or you could use James' big head as a shield."

They all laughed. I smiled, that wasn't so hard. It was nice having people laugh, maybe I wasn't to bad at the ' Meet and Great' thing.

He grinned happily, " Oh , how heartwarming."

I grinned back and teased, "That's what two-thirty is going to get you."

A redhead boy stepped forward, " You two know each other?"

James laughed, " Dude, she lives with us, of course we know each other."

I blushed heavily, feeling embarrassed.

Lily sighed, " James, you being so thick I am still in shock that you have noticed her."

They all burst out in laughter, when it started dying down I noticed a red headed girl examining me. I could tell she was one of those smart people, just the way her doe shaped eyes watched me, she gasped ," You are the girl my mom spoke about."

I blushed, but decided that it should be easier to joke about it, " Well, how am I to know that?"

She grinned, having taken my answer as a yes. I was exactly sure if I liked not knowing what people know of me, but shrugged it off, " Rose Weasley. Daughter of Hermione and Ron Weasley."

I smiled, glad that she was introducing herself properly.

" Hugo Weasley. Brother to this idiot." A pale red headed boy said, pointing to Rose.

She wacked him over the head as I giggled.

Typical James and Lily stunt there.

Another red head headed person stepped forward and grabbed my hand, I stared at him in shock.

" A rose by any other name is still a rose." He locked into my eyes, " The names Fred. Fred Weasley.

Humble, honest, gorgeous , kind , caring and single."

He ended off with wink at me. I stared at him.

" Well, hi." I said awkwardly, " I'll keep that in mind if ever I need help with flowers' names."

He chuckled, but ignored my comment, " That was Shakespeare."

Shakespeare?

"That was corny." I stated. They all burst out in laughter.

" Roxanne." A girl with tanned skin introduced herself and swept aside glance Fred, "Glad someone

has finally been put I his place."

Fred stood up, "I will get you one day my sweat rose."

I laughed.

A blond boy stepped in front of me. It was nice to see a change in hair color.

" Harassing the poor girl already, Weasley? Let me show you how it is done." He grinned.

" The name is Scorpius Malfoy. But all my friends are allowed to call me Scorp." He flashed me a

charming smile.

"So, what am I?" I asked.

" Whatever you want to be." He grinned.

" Alright." I said. Not sure on what to call him.

"So what will it be?" He asked.

"Well, that's my secret until I feel fit to tell you." I teased.

He pouted, " But then what will you call me in the mean time."

I thought about this. What was I going to call him?

"I don't know. Maybe, 'That pale Blond Boy'." I grinned. He looked shocked.

" Smooth." Fred laughed and high five me.

We all burst out laughing.

"Making jokes already?" Albus said from behind me. I would know his voice anywhere.

I grinned, " What can I say? I have it all."

I winked at him as he laughed.

" Except modesty. That you obviously lack." He teased.

I swatted him, " Hey! I am extremely modest, but I speak the truth and only the true."

I put my hand over my heart.

He grinned, " No wonder you always call me a sexy beast."

I spluttered, " No, cause then that would be a lie."

He chuckled. Ignoring all the strange looks we were receiving from everyone else.

"When you two are done, I think we should at the very least get the name of this charming girl."

Fred said, winking at us knowingly. Don't ask me why ,because something in his eyes made me

uncomfortable, as if he knew something was going to happen.

" Aurora." I said simply. They all looked at me as if waiting for me to add something to that, but I didn't. There was nothing to add, at all. No surname, parents, hobbies, house or siblings. Nothing but my name.

Hugo opened his mouth to say something, but James butted in. I think somewhere, deep inside, there is a sensitive spot in his heart that cared.

"The other cousins will be here later." He paused, sending a meaningful glance at those already here and continued, "Besides I think some adults would like to meet you, especially after your bad mouthing the floo network system."

I blushed heavily, " No, its fine. I think I would rather stay here."

The other cousins just laughed.

" She did that?" Scorpius laughed.

"It was an accident. I didn't know that they were watching!" I exclaimed.

"It doesn't matter. Still made quite an impact on the family." James laughed, " Don't worry though, I have seen my fair share of swear words coming from my dear and colorfully-mouthed relatives."

" Still it's fine." I said earnestly, wishing nothing more than to stay away from them.

Fred stepped forward, " Come on."

I shook my head.

Scorpius stepped forward," You know my dear friends, we could always carry her."

I stared him down, "You wouldn't."

They stared at me and I knew for some reason that they would. I don't know if I could stand the humiliation of being carried like some pathetic, embarrassed dog.

I turned around, " Fine, but no carrying."

I stormed across the room and was about to open the door when someone laughed.

" Wrong door." Rose said.

I let out a sigh of frustration and stomped to the other door across the room.

" I knew that." I said angrily, hoping they wouldn't notice my face that looked surprisingly identical to the color of a tomato.

So... Whatcha think?

I dont know, i always thought that people would overreact to Floo Powder... I knew that i would! lol

Anyone enjoy it?

Please review and i think that i might put some Albus and Aurora one on one time in the next chapter! But wait for whats in store: A crazy Weasley family, a funny talk about the past and some rather witty jokes.

So Read and Review!

Love

Prongslet4life!