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?

42. To be found

Hey all

SO, no feed back from the previous chapter and I'll be honest, that hurt *tears*. But anyway, I'll post this chapter before I leave to go on holiday to a place with no wifi, so no updates for the next two weeks.

Anyway, this is the part where all starts happening. From here , it gets a tad serious. But, enjoy!

"Tell me again what's function of a Chaser?"I asked blandly, holding my pen at the ready.

Rose sighed, " I've already told you. They score using the Quaffle-"

I shoked my head, "No. I'm pretty sure you said they use the snitch-"

"No, The Seeker's job is to find the snitch-"

"And chase after it? Making him a Chaser?" I asked, shaking my head in confusion.

Rose groaned and hit her head on the wooden desk.I don't want to be the person that points out the obvious , but I think she's regretting her decision to help me. After two lengthy seconds where I allowed her to participate in self harm , she drew a deep breath and said sternly, "Chasers score goals using a Quaffle, Beaters use the Bludgers to basically hit other players -"Sounds like my kind of people- " The Seekers only job is to get the Golden Snitch, ending the game immediately and the Keeper-"

"Is boyfriend material."I interrupted and , although she tried to hide it,Rose grinned.

"Good one, but no. He makes sure the qualffle doesn't go through the goal loops, get it?"

I looked up from my notes and nodded, "Yeah, I think I have enough to wish them good luck."

I stood up and picked my bag up off the floor, throwing it over my shoulder, "And you're sure you don't want to come watch?"

Rose smiled and shook her head, "I can't , prefect duties on fourth floor, besides, I highly doubt they'll let you watch, they're pretty...serious about their Quidditch."

I rolled my eyes, "They can try and keep me away, but it's been awhile since I've landed someone in the infirmary-"

"That was two days ago."

I waved my hand, "She'll be fine, and they say she's not MOO-ing as much, unfortunately. See you later then." I waved and made my way to Quidditch Pitch which was really hard to miss-I know, I've already tried.

The sky was clear blue which contradicted the ice in the air as summer drew to a close and the fact that they had grass at the bottom of a Quidditch Pitch didn't make all that sense to me either, it's not like it held all that much use or softened a fall from , let's say fifty feet – but, I'm not judging. The stands stood high ( which finally made sense ) and their looming presence didn't make me feel tiny and insignificant at all- okay, it did. I'm lying.

"Aurora!"Malfoy called from behind me.

"Coach-"I addressed him formally.

He threw me a lopsided grin, "It's Captain."

"Oh..." I shrugged nonchalantly.

Captain? Coach? Excuse my lack of knowledge on sports , but that's kind of the same thing.

"So, see any talent yet?"I asked, not sure if this was how most people spoke about sports.

He laughed loudly, "I first have to start the trails before I start looking for talent!"

I blushed, "Right, and that's what you're doing today?"

I tried to make it sound like a statement rather than a question, but he grinned and said, "Good guess."

I threw my hands in to the air, "Hey, this isn't the easiest thing for my brain to process-"

He nodded and his face became serious again, scaring the wits out of me ( Stupid, serious Slytherins) , "I know. And I'm grateful, I really am."

A silenced passed over us and I grinned, "Meh, I could only listen to Rose panic about that potions assignment for so long before I got bored."

He's lips twitched as he looked off in to the distance, "Rose is really something else , isn't she?"

I nearly tripped over my stupidity. Malfoy- Rose-but, Malfoy- Rose? Oh! Merlins-Valentines -G-string NO!

I was saved from answering as he cleared his throat awkwardly and and looked at me, "You got Albus's note right , to wear the Invisibility Cloak?"

I nodded and pulled it from my bag in a not so 'I- planned-this' motioned. He nodded, "Good , you can sit up on the stand, the higher the better, obviously."

I nodded and draped it over my shoulders , ignoring the fact that this was probably creepier than it felt. I gave him a hug ( which I'm pretty sure I've never done) and said, "Tell Al, I say good luck and just because I don't know most of what's going on, doesn't give him a reason to slack off, okay?"

He nodded and chuckled, " I'll pass on that message. Dammit lady, if you're the one motivating him this season, we'll win easily."

And he left just like that, leaving me with a grin and beating heart.I threw the cloak over my head and climbed the stadium. I sat there, shivering as the wind picked up again, silently cursing my stupidity of not learning a heating spell.

The trails began and although I couldn't make out what they were saying, I watched as they all separated in to bundles according to which position they were playing for. I watched Albus run on to the pitch, his cheeks slightly red and his hair even more bedraggled than it's norm. Scorp called him over and they spoke softly to each other, Scorp pointing to the direction of the stand, I stuck out my hand and waved quickly showing that I was indeed living up to my side of the deal. Al's eyes found my hand and grinned a boyish grin , giving a slightly nod. Malfoy patted him on the back and then said something making them both laugh and then they separated. I couldn't help but notice the slight spring in his step as his excitement for the game grew. I felt a smile tug involuntarily at my lips. Malfoy mentioned something and the first five boys all various body shapes come forward and they flew up. He opened the box and let a small ball rest in his hands before it took off, disappearing in to the abundance of space. I felt myself scan for it , but all I saw was what everyone else was seeing until one of the boys with messy blond hair dived forward and before anyone ( well, me) could register what had happened he landed with a fist held open and there it was, lying completely still: The Golden Snitch.

In the moment I started clapping only to realize that I was not supposed to be here and if there was any doubt in anyone's mind of me considering being a spy was out of the question. Surprisingly enough, nobody turned to the noise except Albus who placed a finger on lips.

I watched the rest of the trails with ( as far as Rose, Malfoy and Al is concerned ) with dull interest and I felt ready to topple out of my seat when it was Albus's turn. He kicked off the ground soaring high in to the sky, grinning all the way as he went. Another blond boy who wore glasses and a brunette followed closely behind with a ball- the Quaffle! I watched as they passed to each other, weaving and dodging blugders that Malfoy made the Beaters send. After doing this for a while. He called up a Keeper and ( what I suspected) told them to hit goals. I watched as the two before them did moderately well, they managed to get most of them in except at a much slower pace than Al. Al slid through the air with more grace than a mermaid in water and I watched in awe as the ball moved at a nearly blinding speed. Once they were called down the Keepers went up and the other Chasers, but I didn't see that as I was being attacked by an owl.

Just my luck to discover that animals aren't fooled by invisibility cloaks as we were, by a rather rude and savage owl. The owl flew at my head , trying to scratch and tear through the material.

"Leave. Me. Alone." I muttered , finally freeing my hand and shoving the owl back, sustaining dire injuries. I tore the cloak off my head and gazed at the winged vermin who sat beside me all motionlessly. I recognized the bird and glared, " Go attack Albus, whatever he's done , he's your owner, not me."

The Owl did nothing except sit with the letter in his mouth. I rolled my eyes and took the letter from him , he left immediately after that , having taken my swearing to heart. I turned over the letter and read: Aurora Black

I frowned and turned it around to open it, only to realise that I was sitting out in the open without the cloak on. I ducked and made my way out from the stands to hide behind them and pulled out the letter again, opening it:

Aurora,

Thank you for your previous letter, although it was more like a rather lengthy rant on three topics: potions, Amanda and no flapjacks for lunch, it was lovely to hear from you all the same.

Everything is fine here. Harry is coming to a close on his case, should be any day now, and I have been stuck in the hospital making sure that two men with dragon pox rather die from the disease rather than being murdered by the other. Life back here seems oddly dull without the catastrophes that children have to offer.

Which brings me back to the rumor I heard of an unsolved pranking case that ended with children being pelted with stuff. Mr. Engleman wrote me a letter immediately saying that my child( ren) are being put under heavy watch until they are proven innocent- boring old sod, isn't he? It could be worse is what I replied.

However, the main reason for this letter is to invite you to the Second Wizarding War ceremony that our family participates in, every year, to honor those fallen in the war. I'm not sure if we told you , but your grandfather was one of those who is- was considered a close family friend . It will take place tomorrow , we will be fetching the other children outside the great hall at six, if you would like to join us , please meet us there and if not, we understand completely.

I hope all goes well, please wish Al, Rose and James luck on their trials and see you soon I hope.

Love,

The Potter Parents.

I read it through again and frowned. Pay my respect to my grandfather? To Albus's grandparents? Teddy's parents? Molly and Arthur's son, Fred? I didn't need to think of a reply, I knew I was going and that's that.

"Aurora!"Albus exclaimed, coming around into view. He was sweating and his shirt clung to his skin, outlining muscles that was attracting my attention more than I would have liked. Running his hand through his hair and fidlled with his glasses. "Just wanted to see where you were running off too, I thought I saw-"

"Your owl attack me. "I said, expressionless.

He chuckled , "Yeah, he tends to do that."He paused again and looked at the letter in my hand, "Who's that from?"

I handed it over and ignored his judgmental glare as he read his mom's encouragement. His lips pressed together tightly and handed it back to me, "You're going , aren't you?"

I nodded, "I should, I'm the only one from the Black family left, I should give my respects."

Albus shook his head, "It's not an obligation-"

I smiled sadly, " When is it ever?"

_
The night was sombre and quiet. Godric's Hollow was compacted with mourners grieving over their dead and paying their respects. The night sky was clear and , if the circumstances were different, mockingly cast a harmonious feel to the eve. Families gathered around tombstones or went to the Potter's fallen house where all this started.

I swallowed as I followed the Potters through the graveyard, my eye scanning the stones for anything that sounded particular. I asked Hermione why there seemed to be be a flood of grievers at this cemetery, surely there were others nearby to plant their dead. She replied, saying that this along with three others became the official resting places for people who died during one of the wars. Mr. Potter's parents were buried here along with Fred Weasley ( the first), both Teddy's parents, Mad-Eye Moody and so many more lay beneath the ground. We had barely taken two steps in to the cemetery when the tears had started and although I couldn't cry ( especially over people I had never known) I still felt a sense of worthlessness as I stood among those paying their respect.

I stayed a while with the Potters, giving my silence and a prayer, before leaving them to their privacy and moved down the line, the next stop was Remus Lupin and Nymphadora 'Tonks' Lupin where Teddy sat in between his parents, I moved along quickly when I heard him having a conversation with them as though they were there enjoying the night out. Fred Weasley's grave was next and Molly, Arthur and the rest of their children knelt down with heads hung. Mrs. Weasley's tears could be seen dripping on to the ground as Arthur clutched her body against his chest, the other hand rested on the soil as though trying to touch his son. George was there too, not saying anything but just staring- staring at the spot where his brother would be, I watched for a few minutes longer until he said in a broken voice, " Alright there, Fred?", but he was only met with silence. A tear slid down his face and hung on his chin, his jaw vibrating as it struggled to fight the impulse to cry. I tore my eyes away, unable to stand the heartache of losing a son, brother, twin, friend. I stopped short at the next as it read:

"Sirius Black"

I felt my heart ache as I reached out to clear the leaves off the headstone and my hand dropped. I don't know how long I stood there , staring at the name.

My grandfather?

"There's no body."

I turned around as Mr. Potter came to stand next to me, he's eyes were red and puffy and I couldn't imagine the pain he was currently in. " Because he fell through the veil, we had no body to bury him with , but I couldn't just leave him, you know? I thought he would enjoy being buried with his friends- family."Silence washed over us , not uncomfortable silence, just silence." You can speak to him , if you like? I know it doesn't make sense, but, I always had the feeling that they're listening in a way."

I nodded and cleared my throat, "My mom told me when ,I was younger, that when you find a feather in an odd place, where feathers usually aren't, it means your loved ones are watching and protecting you."

He smiled and placed his arm around me, giving me a squeeze, "They could be, then again, nobody can really say what happens on that side of the curtain." He smiled a knowing smile, "I'll leave you alone then."

I frowned , "But there's no body here?"

He smiled, "Like you said, there is a slight chance that he might be listening anyway."

I sighed and turned to the stone, reading it again and again, thinking of what to say.

I clapped my lips together, "So... Grandpa Sirius?"I shook my head, " If you were here, you'd agree that this is stupid, but you're not, so there's that..."I drew in a deep breath and sat down on the cold , hard ground. "Now, I don't know if this really works and to be honest, I'm not sure if I want it too.I don't want you to know that you had a little girl who grew up without a dad only for her to have three children in which two died and one remained alive only to grow up without a dad or mum."I drew in a deep breath and started yanking at the grass, "I read up on my-our family actually, well, the Potters helped too, and our family actually sucks. Your mother was awful, your father wasn't all that sunshine and rainbows either, Bellatrix was one screw loose of a mental asylum and the family tree get's more and more tainted as it goes on: Murderers, torturers , traitors, blood enthusiasts, thieves, stuck-up scum."I paused , "Needless to say, this family is dandy. But some of them were okay, right? I mean, obviously you, sure you were over dramatic and slightly reckless, but you turned out alright. Then you get Andromeda and Tonks, I heard a lot about her, she married one of your friends , right? Which makes Teddy and me family, that's odd. " I groaned, " I can't believe I'm discussing our messed-up family tree, you already know it!" I looked around for the others, Lily flashed me a small smile before carrying on. I looked up to the sky, "I'm going to be very blunt,mainly because I don't have much time, but I miss you- or at least the idea of you. Same goes for mom and my brothers ... and dad, wherever he may be. And I know it's not totally your fault for dying and people prefer not too , but- just know that I love you all, and I hate the fact that I can't remember how my family looks and although my brain seems to deny them an image, I still refuse to believe that they're not real. So if you could pass that on, maybe?"Silence, I wasn't sure if I was waiting for a silent 'yes' or something, but I lost my patience. "This is stupid!" I got up and dusted myself off , I was about to turn away , but something caught my eye. A long, sleek and shiny feather, the color of onyx laying upon the tombstone. I felt my breath draw, but I felt calm, surprisingly enough, I felt absolutely calm. I picked it up and stared at it for a long time, it feeling warm in my hands. I looked up in to the sky to identify the bird , but it was night and the sky bird-less.

"Aurora, if you're finished we'd like to go?" Mrs. Potter asked, her voice was as wet has her face. I nodded and squeezed her hand, wishing not for the first time that night that I could remove at least an ounce of their pain. We walked back to the others in silence, both of us too lost in thought to make conversation.

Albus came and took my free hand, his hand felt warmer than the feather, "Are you alright?"

I nodded and tightened my grip on his hand for a second, "And you?"

He nodded and cast his parents a worried look, "It never get's easier , does it?"

"No , only more bearable."I answered back and let go of his hand.

He remained silent for a moment , before letting out a whistle, " Where did you find a feather like that?"

Mr. Potter's head snapped back at the question, eying the feather and me, his eyes twinkling before he turned around again.

"On a tombstone." I answered, trying to be deceitfully vague, " It seemed too out of place to not take it."

( Rose)

I hate cats.

Well, that's a lie. I hate Flapjack, Aurora's walking monstrosity. He's violent, moody, sleeps the whole day and only wakes up to eat and discrete- sounding more like his owner everyday. I held my pajama pants to Aurora's face.

"This is the second time this week he's urinated on it!"I said angrily.

Aurora smiled sheepishly, " Maybe he's giving you fashion advice?"

I glared, "Not now, Aurora. I'm tired and snotty and there's no way I'm cleaning this a second time!"

I tossed it at her, she caught it pulling a face at the reek.

"But why must I clean it?"She moaned.

" Because he's your cat!" I exclaimed.

She blinked and glared at Flapjack , who was fast asleep at the foot of her bed, "Thanks, you four-legged rodent."

The cat didn't budge.

"Fine!"She mumbled, then handed me her feather, "Put that on my bedside, please?"

I nodded and ignored her mumbles as she left for the bathroom.

The dormitory was empty,the other girls were probably still out and would only be coming back tomorrow morning. I walked over to her bed – more like maneuvered- and noticed a dark brown package that was on her pillow. I frowned and made to examine it, before pushing my Ravenclaw curiosity aside and rather allowed her to practice her right to privacy. I placed the feather on her bedside then went to get ready for bed.

By the time she had finished I was already in bed, reading through my Charms Textbook, to calm my mind.

Her face was set in a deep frown, looking absolutely furious.

"How much does one cat need to pee! It's absolutely mindboggling- no, revolting! She waved her wand and steam came out, drying it quickly, before tossing it on to my bed, she then turned to her still- snoring cat and said, "Do that again , Mister and I'm putting you out on the street! Then you can pee wherever you want without us complaining, capché?"The cat didn't even stir. "That's right! You better pretend to be sleeping!"

I watched all this highly amused, before smirking, "Someone left a parcel on your bed."

She paused, "From who?"

I shrugged, putting my book aside and switching off my bedside lamp, "It didn't say."

This confused her more. I pulled my blankets up and turned on my side, my eyes already closing. I heard the crumpling of paper.

The world was dark and everything felt content, I could feel my body giving into exhaustion after all the late nights and busy schedules. My limps felt heavy and impossible to move and that's how I knew it would be a good sleep. The night's events seemed to disappear from my mind as it became more and more clouded with nothingness. It was peaceful, serene...

"AAAHHHHHH!"A blood-curling scream broke through my subconscious, my eyes snapped open.

Aurora!

I jumped from my bed and dived to her bed, flinging the curtain to the side. She stood there in shock, wrapping paper still in her hand, staring at her bed. My eyes scanned her body, but she seemed physically unharmed.

"Aurora, what-"I started to ask , but she just pointed at the object still partially wrapped.

I frowned and moved closer, picking it up, it felt heavy and solid. I looked at her to see if it was okay to proceed, but she was just staring ahead, not seeing, too lost in a nightmare.

I moved the wrapping back slowly, jewels and silver: A dagger.

I looked at her, not understanding the magnitude of her reaction. Her hands were now clenched in her hair, tugging and pulling as though to relieve the horror. I jumped over the bed and yanked her hands away.

"Aurora!" I cried out, panicking.

Her eyes flew open. Blue, her beautiful blue eyes, tormented.

"NO!"She cried out again.

" AURORA! STOP!" I cried out louder this time, pulling her face to look at me, but she struggled, trying to get out of my grip, "WHAT IS IT?" She pulled again, hitting her elbow on the bed frame, but she didn't notice, "PLEASE!" Her yanking subsided and she finally focused on me.

"Rose?"She whispered softly as though to check that I was really there.

"I'm here."I whispered softly.

She went quiet, staring at me as though I was her anchor , the answer to an unsolved question. I waited for her to indicate that it was safe for me to ask the obvious question: what the bloody hell was that dagger used for? But I needn't wait long , within the first twenty seconds, our rapid breaths were the only sounds in the room, but she let out a broken sigh and said:

"They've got me, Rose."

I felt the world fall from under my feet as I stared at the dagger, the glistening, red rubies staring at us mockingly.

so there you have it.

That graveyard scene was something I've been wanting to write about for a long time and I thought it would be nice for to connect with a character we all know and love as well. Thoughts? Thoughts on A& A? Thoughts on A& other A? Thoughts on the graveyard scene? Thoughts on Flapjack? Thoughts on Scorp& Rose? Thoughts on Dagger? Thoughts on what might happen? Thoughts?

Please review, I know it's a tad annoying, but it's always to interesting to get feed back.

P.s. Sorry for any grammatical and spelling mistakes, I'm currently in mid-pack and we're leaving relatively soon, so time to really check all errors is currently unavailable.

So, Read and Review.

Love Prongslet4life

xxxx