From where I stand

by prongslet4life

She came from a dark past.Her family was killed before her very eyes, she has been kidnapped and tortured by vampires for something that she was born with. But when she escapes and finds herself in the house of the Potters...Well, grab some popcorn.Watch her as she goes on adventures, enters in random bets, learns magic and falls... in love?

37. To Hogwarts and beyond

Soo...

Hi.

It's been longer than a year.

My bad.

BUT I'M BACK...

AND SO IS THE STORY!

I'm SORRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! I've got a dozen excuses ready, but I wont waste your time.

ND: SO, Updates are going to be irregular- so yeah.

p.S ND: Aurora might seem a little off-ish in the begnning ( and throughout) that's because well, people get nervous when it comes to going to a new school. ESPECIALLY if you've never GONE to A school before. SO sympathize. And yeah! HOGwarts. I've decided which direction I want to go with this story, and it will consist of 3 'books'. Also, I'm sorry if it seems a little stale, just getting back in the grove of writing again.

SO ONWARDS MY FELLOW HOGWARTIANS!

TO HOGWARTS AND BEYOND

CHAPTER

Seconds. That's the amount of time out of 60 seconds at 5:30 in the morning that it took me to realize how that I was a complete idiot. I checked the clock that lay askew on my bedside table through the tiny opening from under my duvet.

Now it's 5:31 and I'm still thoroughly convinced I'm an idiot. A bubble of anxiety inflated in my stomach and I felt as it made it's way into my chest. I let out a sigh and flopped again under the duvet, cursing my mind.

Just sleep, I cried out to my busy brain. Stop thinking.

I paused for a second... Wait... wait...

Nope, there it goes again.

I let out a sigh of annoyance and turned around impatiently, accidentally landing on Flapjack who let out a hiss and darted out from under the blanket and out the room. I pulled the blanket off and glared at his dissapearing figure.

"Fine. Leave." I muttered angrily. I let out another shaky sigh and rubbed my temples.

"Come on , Aurora. You're over-thinking this, it's just school." I told myself for the umpteenth time.

My heart started to beat faster and faster and I realized that sitting still wasn't going to cut it for me. I got put and walked over to my trunk , checking and double checking that I had everything. I looked at the clock and realized it was going to be awhile until the rest of the Potters' woke up. After a shower where, I'll be honest, I contemplated if drowning myself would feel better than this and a heated mental debate on what to wear, I settled for my dark jean tights, my white shirt ( to show that I'm impartial to the Sorting) , my sneakers ( because I needed at least one thing that feels comfortable today ) and my black leather jacket. I thought I looked fine, which I guess had to count for something. I turned to look at myself in the mirror and I saw something that just about shattered all the confidence I had built up in the shower ( which wasn't all that much) to an all time low.

The ugly scar on my neck glared back at me, its disgusting, rough texture and pink color stood out against the white florescent color of my skin. I shuddered and a feeling of hate washed over me I hated what living the life of a captive has done to me. My body was frail and petite against the contrasting " assists" I've been given. My eyes looked sunken in to my skull and the color I've gained in my time from living with the Potters wasn't as much as I think everyone had hoped I would've gained. My hair was was curly and unmanageable 99% of the time and today would be no different. I knew that people would stare and ask about the numerous scars I have, they were disgusting and the only purpose they really served was to be a constant reminder of the childhood and people who were taken away.

"Aurora, dear it's-"Mrs, Potter entered the room, wearing a deep red bathrobe, "Oh, you're up."

I turned around, blinking furiously, "Y-yeah, I woke up awhile ago. Couldn't sleep."I tried to add a smile at the end but it flopped and probably looked like a wince instead.

She smiled at me with sympathy, and walked in, closing the door behind her.

"How're you feeling?"She asked.

I gave a shrug, "Nervous, I guess. Reluctant."

She gave me another smile and looked away, " Everyone's nervous for their first day of school. I cried myself to sleep for the whole week before I left."

I raised my eyebrow, "You? Crying?"

She gave a light laugh, "I was a very emotional child." I raised my eyebrow even higher and she laughed, standing up from my bed, "Not many people would remember, but I was your age when I first started speaking to Harry, before then I could hardly speak in front of him let alone too him."

She laughed at the memory, I just smiled.

" You see everyone's nervous for their first day of school. James, Albus and Lily still get nervous and it's like it's something new to them."

I dropped my gaze,"But that's different. At least the Wizarding World knew about them, I'm not supposed to be alive, as far as they're concerned the Black name is as deceased as it's members. And look at me," I took a step back, "I'm practically a weirdo-"

"No, you're not."

" As far as they're concerned I will be. I don't even look like those other children, I've seen them at Diagon Alley, next to them I look like some starving, pale, malnutrioned, scarred- worm! With puffy hair! And if that's not enough what about the fact that I've hardly had any education at all! I've hardly been around people in my age group at all! What do I say? What do I do? What don't I do?"I know she was probably regarding me as a raving idiot, but I couldn't stop, " But you know what I'm really worried about?"She shook her head, "I'm scared that I embarrass you."She opened her mouth but I carried on, " I'm scared that I'm not as good as you hope I'll be or I hope I'll be. I'm scared that I will embarrass the Potter name, the Black name." I paused and let out a shaky breath, "I want to make everyone proud."

By now I was staring at my hands, my carelessly scarred hands and Mrs. Potter did the last thing I expected, she hugged me. I mean , I know, I hardly get involved in the little cult of PDA so this was new. I sighed and she pulled away.

"You're right to fear these things- Heavens know I would if I were you. But what you do realize that you've been given an opportunity, one that I think is a far better alternative than your problems three months ago. So, as a person who has gone to Hogwarts, I can honestly tell you that you will meet those who will point out all those fears and might play them to their advantage and then you'll meet those who will probably not give a flying rats-,"She paused, collecting herself, "anyway, you give people your weakness, so it's basically your choice on what will hurt you and what will make you a better person, it's your choice. Now I'm not saying that you have to be a robot, but if they're going to talk , you might as well give them something good to talk about."She winked at me and I smiled, a quick frown washed over her face and she dug in to her robe's pocket and pulled out a jar with a bright pink cream in it, "And mentioning your scars, I went through the trouble of ordering you this."

Now it was my turn to frown,"Cream? Thanks, but you already-"

"No, it's Glamor Cream."She smiled and opened it, taking out a small dab of the cream, "It's designed to cover scars, blemishes, bruises and so forth. I personally don't think your scars are such a big deal, but if this will make you feel comfortable."

She motioned me closer and put some on my neck, carefully rubbing it in. I felt a tingle in that spot, but it died down after a second. She took a step back and surveyed her work, "Not bad, but I recommend you don't sleep with it on, it can leave your skin in a far worse state than what it started."

I turned and looked in the mirror and grinned, it had just about disappeared leaving such a faint shade of pink that you wouldn't notice it unless you were looking for it. Needless to say it took me a while to calm down and an even longer period of time for Mrs. Potter to leave my room ( and that was after telling me to 'Shut Up' once or twice -I forgot).

It was probably five minutes after she left that I got another knock on my door. Lily walked in holding a grumpy Flapjack and let me just tell you, it was hard to tell who was more annoyed.

"He got in to the pantry again."She said , tossing my cat on the bed, who was now choosing not look at either of us.

I frowned , "I thought the stopped doing that."

She shrugged, sending a glare at my over-sized cat, " Dunno , all I know is that he had gotten through all the cereal and bread by the time dad found him."

Ah! Merlins pantry stock!

I groaned and dropped to my knees in front of Flapjack, "Ey, Flappy? What's this I hear now, you naughty cat?"

I don't know which part of that offended him, but he seemed to enjoy taking a swipe at my outreached arm more than he usually does. I swore, glaring holes into he's over fluffed body.

"Aurora?"Lily asked, snapping me out of my Cat-vs-Human Stare-down.

"Yup?"I asked, turning to face her, but she was staring at the cat bowl.

"When was the last time you feed him?"She asked, a frown etched on to her face.

...

...

...

I laughed nervously, rubbing my neck, " Like, yester-no not yesterday -last night-no- this mornin- AH SHIT BALLS!"

I groaned, turning back to my cat who was now sitting all important on my bed, glaring at me with eyes that screamed accusations.

"I'm sorry Flapjack,"I moaned, "I forgot! You've seen the stress I've been under lately and- and-and it just slipped my mind, that's all."No reaction. "PLEASE!"I fell on my knees in front of the bed, "PLEASE! What if I feed you now, ey? All's forgiven then?"Blank expression , he jumped of my bed and started strutting out of my room slowly, chin up.

"What if I feed you twice the amount?" I bargained, but nothing.

"W-With treats tonight?" I added hastily, that got his attention. He turned to me and fixed me with a stare of distrust. "I p-promise, okay?"

He twitched his tail and carried on walking out the room, with ( AND I SWEAR THIS ) what looked like a spring in his step.

I pouted, "What? No cuddle for your master?"I called out , but he had already left the room.

"I AM YOUR MASTER CAT! YOU JUST BETTER KEEP THAT IN MIND!"

No reaction, I sighed and turned to Lily who was staring at the scene with an bemused expression on her face.

"We're fine."I said.

"Okay."

"We're just having some relationship issues."

"Okay."

"We'll get through it. I believe in this friendship."I said, she just shrugged nonchalantly, "Need help with The Hair?"

_( Moving On)_

"And you want me to what?"I asked , not trusting my hearing.

"You can take it at a run, if you want?"Mr. Potter said casually.

Take it at a run?

If I want?

Well, this is the most polite suicide instructions I've ever been warranted.

"Run to a door?"I suggested, staring at him with a straight face.

He let out a sigh of exasperation, "For the millionth time, there is no door, there is no invisible train in front of the wall, you have to go through the wall to get to the train."

Yeah, the train to crazy land maybe.

"Okay, I understand that part now, but please look at that wall, I'm not sure if it's my eyesight or the angle I'm standing at, but that wall looks pretty solid, if you know what I mean?" I pointed out.

Now everyone sighed, even James.

"James you go ahead."Mr. Potter said, "And look carefully now Aurora."

I stared at James, watching his precise movements as he took off at a slight run in the direction of the wall.

Three...

Two ...

One...

"You got that Aurora?"Mr Potter asked, turning to me.

I groaned as a slight blush arose from my cheeks, " I blinked."

The Potters and I threw our heads back in exasperation and frustration.

"Fine Albus, you next." Mr. Potter instructed.

"Watch and no blinking."Albus muttered under his breath as he passed me.

I pulled a face, but made sure that I watched his every movement, even refraining myself from blinking when my eyes started to water...

He disappeared , no sound, no crash, no Albus.

The rest of the Potters turned to look at me and I groaned.

"Dammit, you guys aren't crazy."I mumbled, severely disappointed.

"Now you're up, Aurora. Just wait with the boys on the other side until we all are through, okay?"

"Dandy."I said deadpanned.

I grabbed hold of my trolley and made sure Flapjack was nicely secured and then let out a sigh and a prayer. And then I ran towards the wall. Surprisingly the only thing I could think of while running to the wall was how solid that wall actually looked and I was pretty sure it was going to feel pretty solid too.

I kept on going, one step after the other and shut my eyes.

One step after the other.

One step after the other.

One step after the other-

Two strong hands grabbed hold of my upper arms and I felt myself being pulled back.

"Are you planning to run to Hogwarts?"I felt James laughed in my ear.

I froze.

I made it-

I opened one eye and then the other and then I was momentarily stunned by my surroundings , I gasped, my eyes widening.

I felt myself being tugged away to the side and heard Albus mumble, "You can stare at this later, just get out of the way first before you get crushed."

I merrily blinked in response and tugged on their sleeves, "Th-this is magical."

I heard them both laugh and James say, "Magic, babe, is sort of our thing."

I smiled.

People.

I've never seen so many people all in one place in my life. Not at the Potters/ Weasley gatherings or at Diagon Alley. It was just amazing. I saw people of various ages, some adults some students. I saw people of various race, age, height. Everything was chaotic and busy, people bustling around, yelling, talking, moaning, laughing. It was amazing and the train- OH THE TRAIN! It was long and sleek , shinning red with Hogwarts Express written on in fancy writing.

My mind tried to comprehend the realization that washed over me, but it couldn't , I couldn't. I heard commotion behind me and turned my attention away from the crowds and rather to the Potters. Lily, Mrs. Potter and Mr. Potter made their way through the crowd towards us and I couldn't help but notice the stares that followed them, what would soon follow me. I blushed and cringed so that I was less visible to the crowd who seemed taken with this family.

I looked at Mr Potter sheepishly and shrugged, "Guess that wall wasn't as solid as I thought."I said awkwardly, which was my way of saying "'sorry", well, I think we've all assumed that's my way of saying sorry.

He just shook his head at me with a look I would describe as 'Fondness', but then again, it might differ from who to who you ask . He looked down at his tacky watch – WHICH I'VE NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD, but I digress- and frown, " Seven minutes until the train leaves, you all best get loading then."

Now, my dear friends ( which by now I assume we are) this is the awkward part I've been dreading... Severely so.

The Goodbyes- And-Thank-Yous

We were all given a tight , and rather lengthy, hug from both the Potter parents ( excuse the alliteration) and I felt pretty chuffed with myself when I received an extra one from Mr. Potter.

As Ms. Potter chastised her children and warning them of the nearly "lethal" punishments that she has lined up for them if they , and I quote, " Take part in, indirectly or directly get involved or is the creator or co-creator of any pranks this year". James just stood there with a silly/ innocent grin on his face and I could almost see the words going through one ear and out the other and I guess Ms. Potter did too seeing as she sighed and said softly, "As long as I don't get any behavioral problem mail the first week of school, I'll at least hesitate on sending a Howler this year."I saw James' body relax a little when she said this and he grinned , giving his mother a hug, "This is why you're our mother. Always so understanding and generous." Something caught his eye in the crowd and he let go of her quickly, giving her a peck on the cheek and his dad hug before disappearing in to the crowd.

I saw Ms. Potter bite her lip with worry and yelled out , "At least keep it CHILD APPROPRIATE!"

As Ms, Potter turned to her other two children Mr. Potter turned to me with a serious expression, "Aurora. I know you might worry about your safety , but I assure you Hogwarts is probably the safest place for you at the moment."I nodded, safety was probably the last thing on my mind, " And as much as I want you to have fun and really experience childhood, I need to ask you to make me a promise?"

I nodded, unsure of where this was leading, " About?"

He sighed and cast a quick look around , lowering his voice, "That you will not try to take on your enemies alone."I frowned, but he carried on, " We both know how territorial vampires are and it seems that they have classified you as their territory, which means that they have it in for you. Now I don't want to scare you, but the Hogwarts security is only as good as you are. Keep to the rules, don't wonder alone whether you're well familiar with the place or not. And lastly, when you're memory starts coming back , which I don't doubt it will, keep us informed. I will continue my search for information , but your input and involvement would be nice too."

I smiled at him softly and felt my throat get tight, I nodded, "Thank you Mr. Potter , thank you so much. "I threw my arms around his shoulders and hugged him, "Thank you."I mumbled again into his coat.

He laughed and withdrew , taking one long last look at me and smiled with pride, "I can't say much for your parents , but I'm bloody sure that they would've been proud of you right now. I know for a fact your grandfather Sirius would, you really remind me of him sometimes."He paused and smiled with a little sadness behind it, "He too had a flare for dramatics."He laughed again and I also managed a laugh too at this grandfather I've never known.

The trains horn blew, echoing as students rushed on to the train. Albus and Lily were already at the stairs waiting for me, but I had something to do first. I turned to the Potter Parents and I had no idea what to say, I didn't know how to convey the gratitude and compassion I had for them...

The people who took me in, fed me, healed me, loved me as their own, provided for me, taught me and so much more.

They both nodded, " We know." They said , but I shook my head, " I don't think you can."

Ms. Potter tackled me with a hug and I felt her breathing become irregular, " Keep in touch and I don't think it's necessary to say that you're more than welcome to return to continue staying with us if you would like?"

Now I was overcome with emotion, I nodded vigorously,"Yes please."

They both smiled and the trains horn sounded again.

"Go." They said, ushering me on.

With one last smile I rushed to the train and jumped on the step as Albus lifted on my trunk. I cast a look out of the nearest window to all the parents and children waving as the train started to move. Some parents were crying , some were smiling and others were doing both.

"Best go find a compartment." Albus said, moving down the corridor. I followed behind him, glad for his tall stature. Many people walked out to them as they made their way down the train and some just yelled from their compartment. No one really noticed me, which despite my annoyance of being ignored , I was perfectly fine with it at the moment. I tried to calm the tension that would build up in me every time someone yelled , "Good Holiday, Potter?" or " Prefect? Not that I'm surprised", I could tell that that last comment stung a little. Lily disappeared to a different compartment with a couple of her other classmates, James had disappeared a while ago and I was under the sneaky suspicion that it was probably to finalize the start-of-year prank that seemed customary.

A red head stuck his head out of the compartment door, looking up and down until his gaze settled on us and grinned , "We saved you a seat." Hugh called out over the noise.

Hugh and two other forth years students occupied the space when Albus and I entered. I frowned at Hugh, not really sure of what the protocol was when meeting a friend's friends, he seemed to pick up on this relatively quickly and said, " This is Charles and Ivan, they're in Hufflepuff too." He nodded towards the plump-ish brunette with freckles who I guessed was Charles and the tall, skinny dude who was Ivan, they just grinned at me with kind eyes, "This is Aurora."

I smiled at them lightly- I thought of grinning, but then I would labeled as creepy and I found that that could be slightly problematic in the near future.

The Charles kid frowned at me, surveying me, "I haven't seen you around before, fifth year right?"

I opened my mouth to give The Lie- or Background Story that we've all agreed on, but Hugh panicked and said loudly, "Al, aren't you supposed to be up front with the prefects?"

Realization drew over his face and he swore, "Sorry guys, I've got to go- Completely forgot."He straightened his shirt and looked at me, "Shouldn't be too long, I'll see you later okay? Stay with Hugh." and with that he left me alone with an awkward silence.

Don't get me wrong, I know Hugh, but I've only really conversed with him like once or twice- we weren't exactly best buddies. I sat down near the window , opposite them with Hugh sitting next to me. After two lengthy seconds of complete silence, that Charles boy started again, "So I'm guessing you're new?" He didn't wait for an answer, "Where'd you come from?"

I opened my mouth again, but was interrupted by the Ivan dude who threw me an apologetic look, "Sorry about him,he so nosey I think he would've belonged in Ravenclaw a lot better."

They all laughed, except Charles, who just pulled a face. It dawned on me then that no one really liked to be told they should belong in another house. I mean, James almost threw a fit when Lily made a joke that he had more in common with a Slytherin than his own sister-

"Never mind him,"Charles said, thumping his friend in the side, "I'm just keeping the conversation going, that's all. So where you from?"

I swallowed and relaxed my shoulders, placing a small but sad smile on my face ( Mr. Potter pointed out that this would make it more 'believable' than my suggestion of falling to the floor in agony , clutching my heart... IDIOTS!), I noticed Hugh's shoulders stiffen and I was quite flattered that he got nervous for my sake.

"I was home schooled." I said and I could literally see the next question form in their mind.

"Why-" Charles started to ask , but I interrupted him.

"Did I come this year?"I finished, and looked at my hands, "I can say it's rather personal."

I looked up to see their faces, but they all just nodded and that's when I realized I kind of liked the Hufflepuffs who didn't press for matters and allowed people their privacy.

"Understandable- but, I hope you realize that at Hogwarts things don't stay secret or personal for very long. We're practically one huge gossip group."They all laughed at Ivan's joke and so did I , having James tell me the exact same thing a while ago.

"Speaking of Hogwarts," Charles said, arching his eyebrow, "Which house you think you're going to?"

I paused and then pulled a face, "Whichever will have me."

They laughed thinking I was joking- which I wasn't , but I gave a quick HAHA too.

"I think Gryffindor."Hugh said, confidently, "The House of Parties." He turned to me, "You've never experienced a party like a Gryffindor party or at least that's what they say."

"I hear they bring in dragons- "Ivan said softly, his eyes wide with apprehension.

"And that if they capture a merperson in the great lake they get unlimited Firewiskey for the rest of their time in Hogwarts," said Charles, clearly in awe of them. I restrained from pulling a face -which took a lot of unnoticed willpower, might I just add- and fiddled with Flapjack's cage.

Charles looked me up and down, "You might just be a Hufflepuff, you look like you can be kind enough."

...

...

...

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"I laughed loudly, tears falling from my eyes. Hugh chuckled too under his breath, which probably meant he's heard of my slightly-frowned-upon behavior.

I wiped my eyes and grinned at the naive person in front of me, "That's really sweet."I said and took a deep breath calming me down, " But I think I'm far from being anywhere near Hufflepuff worthy."

He crossed his arms, " We're not saints, contrary to popular belief. We just try harder than most to be good and kind. Besides some people are quite awful I tell you."

I blushed a little, realizing that I've offended him a little ( Well this is going swimmingly) , " As kind of you to suggest that house, I think I'm closer to belonging in Slytherin than I am in Hufflepuff."

They pulled a face at the word Slytherin.

"Anything but Slytherin,"Charles muttered under his breathe. I looked at Hugh and frowned.

"I thought everyone got on better with the Slytherins after the Second War." I said without a second of hesitation.

Their eyes widened and I saw Hugh shake his head a little, I mentally yelled- JUST WHEN I THOUGHT I HAD THIS.

Ivan paused , checking to see if anyone was near their compartment before continuing, " The opposite actually. My parents told me that when they were at school, during the Great Battle mind you, their was hardly a Slytherin that wasn't on You-Know-"

"Voldemort."Hugh said with a deadpanned expression, I noticed a slight wince that both the other boys tried to hide.

Ivan threw him an annoyed glare and continued, "Anyway, there was hardly a Slytherin that wasn't on His side. They say it's because they were too scared of the alternative or that their family was involved and expected them to be involved. They basically snitched out any rebellion they could get their hands on, many people were hurt because of them. Mom said that first years were held by their ankles off the Astronomy Tower if they refused to preform the Unforgivable Curse."

"But that was forever ago, what's wrong with the Slytherin now?"I asked, leaning closer.

He shrugged, " Nothing. But it just shows that even when the school needed them most you can't trust a Slytherin."

I leaned back against the seat and looked at Hugh who was oddly quiet and I could guess why, his cousin was in Slytherin. An odd silence filled the compartment for a few seconds until Charles let out an odd whistles, "Well, until Albus Potter joined Slytherin. I mean, I heard everyone was pretty shocked when the Sorting Hat announced that."He paused and then grinned, "but I guess it sort of makes sense doesn't it? Almost like a peace offering of sorts, having Harry Potter's son being placed in That House."

I flashed a small smile and then turned my gaze to the scenery out of the window. Fields of green rushing past as the midday sun started it's descend. Hugh and his friends had taken to playing Exploding Snap and I would be pretty surprised if any of them walked off this train with their eyebrows intact. I was just about to pull out a book to read when Albus and Rose entered , both looking relatively annoyed.

"And now with those faces?"I asked, half out of curiosity and half because I knew it would annoy them.

They took one look at each other, let out a moan and then collapsed on to the seat opposite me, "Guess what the New Heads are asking us to do?" Rose asked angrily, crossing her arms.

I raised an eyebrow, remaining silent until they both looked at my accusingly, "What? No multiple choice?"

Albus sneered , " No, we are to be spending every night for the rest of the week explaining the school rules thoroughly and giving examples of the punishments one would receive it they broke these rule to the first years."

I frowned, "Doesn't sound so bad?"

They stared at me with open mouths.

Aw crap.

Three.

Two.

One.

"NOT THAT BAD? I could be doing Arithmancy!"Rose yelled and at the same time Albus yelled, "What about Quidditch! I need to practice!" And then with such synchronization they puffed and mumbled, "Not that bad."

I raised an eyebrow, " Did you guys practice that last bit?"

They looked at each other and then back at me with a sly smile.

"I hope you know you have to come to these classes too?"Albus smirked.

Now it was my turn for my jaw to drop, " B-but y-you said for the f-first years." I stuttered looking at them both. They both grinned in an evil and unsettling way for prefects.

Rose smiled innocently, "We did try to get you off, I promise."

Albus laughed, "No we didn't."

Rose grinned, " Nah.. So, I guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow night."

I looked between the two of them and then let out a moan, "I'm going to be the oldest one there."I mumbled, crossing my arms and staring miserably out the window.

_( Sometime later)_

The train started slowing down, it was dark and I could hardly make out a meter of the landscape until the dark swallowed it all- which is to say ,it was eerie. My stomach growled loudly as I fiddled nervously with the hem of robe only to smooth it out and then start the process again. I stole a glance in the direction of where they told me the castle was and yet a castle of the apparent size was clearly not visible from where I sat. Albus and Rose left having to be near the doors to help collect and control the First Years who I guess I would be joining on this little excursion- Not that I feel slightly insult or embarrassed to be in par with them( and that was sarcasm for anyone who didn't catch it). I moved uneasily in my seat, ignoring the advice the Forth Years were throwing me- Not that I felt more superior than them, but because they just didn't stop talking. At all. I hadn't seen James, Lily or Scorpius the whole trip which to be honest was a little scary seeing as I was pretty used to seeing all the time, but I didn't complain or dwell all that much on it, it's not like I made them sign a contract- which looking back now was a stupid mistake on my part, but it's fine I've got the rest of the year to force-convince them in to signing one.

The train came to a steady stop and their was literally a nanosecond of silence before chaos broke loose. The train honked it's horn and students made their way off , leaving their trunks behind .Hugh and his friends moved out of the compartment after waiting for a couple of older students to walk past – this I guess was a true sign of their house. I just resisted the urge to let out an impatient sigh and not push in- this I guess was a true sign of what house I would not be in.

"You okay , Aurora?"Hugh asked , his face filled with concern as we got on to flat ground again.

I nodded, " Yeah. Thank you." I said this to all of them, actually grateful for not sitting all by my lonesome self on my first train ride ( that would seem like a bad omen if you ask me).

"Firs' Years." A very recognizable voice called out, I turned and saw Hagrid, holding a lamp high up into the sky. I let out a sigh of relief and gratitude that he hadn't called me by name, "Firs' Years and Aurora this was, follow me."

A lot of students turned their heads at that last part and I ducked my head, feeling the heat of my blush contrasting against the coolness of the September night. I followed in the direction towards a lake where I noticed a bunch of tiny rowing boats. I looked around and I'm ( sadly ) proud to announce that I was the tallest one there, a good two heads taller than the tallest which made me stick out like a sore thumb.

"Righ' now," Hagrid called and we all stopped, " Three in a boats- Except if ye going with Aurora there," And then, to my dismay he pointed right at me- AS THOUGH NOW OF THEM COULD GUESS, " then only two. Righ', on we get."

I climbed in to a boat and then had to wait an excruciatingly long and awkward moment to see if anyone would want to travel with me and judging by the looks on their faces and how many avoided my hopeful look there were few takers. It was then that I realized I've grown quite desperate if I was looking to eleven year olds to be my friend. I let out a sigh ( which is like sigh number fifty for the day) and silently cursed every single Potter, Weasley and Malfoy for abandoning me. Finally a scrawny child with glasses and pale blond hair climbed it my boat and it started rowing itself down the lake. Now I just want to straighten something out about Mr. Scrawny -child-with-glasses-and-pale-blond-hair , he didn't actually volunteer to sit with me, there were just no boats left for him. So yes, that is embarrassing and yes, I am spiteful enough to be happy that someone is finally forced in to my company and that we both don't like it.

He avoided looking at me for half the trip, only stealing glances when he thought I was not looking, I caught his frowning gaze twice and he blushed and looked away which left me with a proud smile.

After a long silence he looked at me and opened his mouth only to close it and look away, he repeated this action many times , before I got annoy and asked, " Want to ask me something?"

He looked at me and blurted out so quickly that I almost missed it, " Why are you so old?"

Told you so, I mentally sent that message to all the Potters, told you they would ask questions like this.

He blushed so badly that I started to feel sorry for him, " Cause I've had a lot of birthdays."I said.

He paused for a few seconds before asking, "I mean, why are you here with us if you're so old?"

I winced, how old does this kid think I am?

I just let my sarcastic comment go and answered my usual answer, "I was home schooled until this year and apparently I have to travel and be Sorted like a First year."

He seemed to accept this answer- then again, who wouldn't! This story is plausible, once my surname comes out that's when all this story telling gets serious.

He nodded and relaxed a little, I suspected that he thought I was like some undercover pedophile.

Socialize, I heard Mrs. Potters voice egging me on in the back of my mind.

"I'm Aurora."I said , nodding at him with a I'm-not-a-pedophile-please-be-my-friend smile.

He nodded back, " Jacob." He hesitated, "what year you going to?"

"Fifth."

He nodded, " Which House do you want to go too?" He asked, "I want to go to Gryffindor."He frowned, "Then again, everyone wants to go to Gryffindor." He blushed and looked away.

I shrugged, "I'll just go where ever the Hat sorts me- it obviously knows best." I saw his face take in the last bit and I realized I might have scared him a little. "But I guess Gryffindor would be cool."I added quickly, trying to cover up for my mistake. And then I was saved my a loud chorus of 'Ohhh' and 'Ahhh', come to think of it I think I said 'Ohhh'.

Hogwarts came into view as we came around the massive boulder in the lake and I was glad that everyone had kept quiet about it, because I was pretty sure that however they were to describe it wouldn't have done it any justice. Hogwarts was castle like no other:with seven stories and four towers. It was massive, impressive, intimidating and looked as though it would be standing strong a millennium from now. It was beautiful. We all stared at it with large, budging eyes, my hungry stomach silencing itself.

We all got a fright when our boats gave a slight lurch and we climbed out, gathering around Hagrid who stood in front of a large wooden door.

"Welcome to Hogwarts."He said dramatically, clearly enjoying the bewildered looks on our faces. The doors opened and in front stood a stern looking man with a bolding head and grey hair left , he had dark black eyes that made me think of the center of an abyss and wrinkles that defined his age.

All the First Years quietened down and swallowed heavily, no longer having the facial expressions of someone in awe.

Hagrid looked at the teacher and nodded to the students, " Everyone this is Mr. Birch, Head of Slytherin, he'll be taking you to the Great Hall."

Mr. Birch didn't say a word or acknowledge Hagrid at all,"Follow me."He said in a monotonous voice and turned around , gliding in to the school. We shuffled along nervously, and I made sure to remain further towards the back, not want to draw anymore attention to myself. I walked with lead-like legs and threw Hagrid a nervous smile when I passes him, he just grinned and gave me a thumbs up- which did little to calm my thoughts and nerves.

We walked in to the school, whose walls were covered from top to bottom in frames with moving subjects who watched us as we walked by nervously , occasionally asking( yelling ) at someone asking if they were related to someone they might know. I avoided their gaze.

The halls were lit by lanterns and chandeliers and occasionally floating candles. I loved it, it felt like home.

Mr. Birch walked in front, with his nose up , still speaking with a barely audible monotonous voice, explaining what the Potters had already explained to me, the Houses, the gaining and losing of House Points, the loyalty to your House and only your House and so on. I zoned out and unfortunately that lead me to tripping over my robe and falling straight on to the floor- ON THE BRIGHT SIDE THOUGH, no one noticed so my reputation as a Stalking Pedophile remained intact ( thankfully). I looked up an saw them ascend a grand staircase, I looked down at the part of the robe I tripped on and felt by heart deflate. I cursed as I surveyed the tear. Ahh... Merlin. I looked up again and saw that the crowd of First years had disappeared , I panicked until I heard their faint footsteps up ahead. I pulled out my wand with shaky hands and thought of the spell I needed. I've never had to repair clothes before so I tried the next best thing, " Reparo."I muttered, tapping the cloth.

Nothing.

I started to panic.

Black was top of the list.

I closed my eyes and tried to think of the movement Mrs. Potter made when she was fixing James' shirts and socks. It took me five tries to get it right and even then it still looked flimsy and a close to breaking point again. I let out a sigh and ran up the steps I saw them disappearing up. Now- let me just remind you of something: I'm. Not. Fit. I've never been, nor am I now. So after sprinting up those thousands of steps ( actually 71- but it felt like thousands) and into a new chamber where there were two different staircases leading to two different directions, I almost burst out crying.

Get a grip, Aurora. Crying wont help you!

I mentally nodded and thought.

School hall- children-... noise!

I listened carefully and then sure enough I heard movement to the East staircase, I sprinted up it , ignoring the pain in- EVERYWHERE and came to another chamber. Need I say that I started growing rather tired of chambers. But then, I'm sure that someone out there was smiling graciously at me because at that very moment I heard the voice call, "Aurora Black" from the door to the left, I raced to it, yanked it open and announced with a clear and raspy voice, " I'M HERE!" .

That proved to be the worst possible way to announce your arrival, because there's something really nerve -racking about having hundreds of eyes on you. I blinked a couple of times and I felt heat rise to my cheeks and my face burn at a temperature that I was pretty sure should be considered deadly.

"Ms. Black if you'd come this way to be Sorted at last." Mr. Birch said- or at least I thought that's what he said, I was momentarily paralyzed. I stood, planted on that spot. Whispers started to rise and I realized I was just making this more and more embarrassing, I blinked and for some odd reason remembered Daniel.

"Give them Hell."

Right.

I put one foot in front of the other and carried on doing this until I felt a little more confident, I raised my chin and kept my gaze to the front , ignoring all the , "Black?" , "There are no Blacks.", " She's lying." and all the other things they were saying, I just put on my best defensive facial expression and kept on walking. The whispers grew louder and louder and by the time I reached the steps McGonagall stood up and said, "That's enough. Ms. Black if you'll please." and she motioned me towards the three legged stool and a worn out hat lying on top. I nodded and walked over, sat down with the best of posture and Mr. Birch placed the Hat on my head, it's rim wide enough that it blocked out the hall and then it was silence:

Well, well, well, what a strange Sorting this is indeed.

Many surprises today.

I frowned, many surprises?

And just when I thought I had seen the last of the Black's,

well, trust Mr. Sirius Black to keep things interesting- even in his death.

Umm... I thought, unsure of what conversation might interest a hat.

I find that comment insulting dear, I'm not a common Hat unless it is common that all your hats talk back.

I blushed, they don't.

Exactly, said the Sorting Hat. Now let's see.. Ahh... Their we are. My dear a what a sad and unfortunate life you've led so far, indeed. There's clearly no lack of bravery- clearly not, but I fear that most heroic acts were done out of desperation, not bravery.

I felt my heart plummet... O dear.

And yet, that makes me think more of Slytherin and not Gryffindor. Sly, yes, self preservation, definitely-

I felt my hands curl around the edges of my seat.

Please no. No Slytherin.

I agree, preservation for friends outweighs your self preservation. Slytherin would only increase your willingness to fight for those you love and will not keep it at bay. Hufflepuff ?

I could feel myself pulling a face involuntarily.

No. Forgiveness and selflessness are not your strong suit, neither is thinking of others.

HEY! I said, slightly offended, I DO THINK OF OTHERS!

I heard the Hat chuckled, but didn't say anything.

Ravenclaw perhaps? Ready and eager mind, but not yet fully developed... That might be a problem.

I frowned, a problem?

Why, yes. Ravenclaw's are determined and the use of knowledge outranks any birth, financial connections privilege's a student has to offer. If I were to place you... Hard work will be important.

So where to put you?

I held my breath and shut my eyes as the seconds tick on.

I know:

"RAVENCLAW!"

The hat was torn from my head and I was met with a deadly quiet hall.

Soooooooo...

READ! REVIEW! SUGGEST! COMMENT! TELL ME WHAT YOU LIKE! WHAT YOU DONT! JUST SPEAK TO ME!

Oh! and I know this story may seem long and their are some really unimportant chapters, but I just want to say that for Aurora all is new, so what other's might take for granted, she finds it interesting or odd, eg. relationships, people, magic ect.

SO AGAIN! PLEASE REVIEW!