She saw Petunia approaching before she even brushed her teeth. She did so quickly and checked to make sure her mother was still asleep before heading downstairs and opening the door before Petunia had the chance to ring the bell. "Oh, come in," Aquila greeted. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Petunia smiled brightly. She held up the summer dress. "Just as I've promised."

"Oh, I have your green dress. I cleaned it," Aquila stated. "Excuse the, er, boxes."

"Oh, it's alright," Petunia insisted.

"Please, take a seat," Aquila insisted. "Would you like tea?"

"Oh, no thank you. I'm fine. Is your mother here?"

"Sleeping," Aquila stated. She opened the door to the wash room and selected the green dress that was hanging. She brought it out to Petunia, who traded her.

"Good, I've been thinking, Aquila... Last night." Here it came. "The arranged marriage thing." Not what Aquila was expecting. "She's not forcing you to do something you don't want to, is she?"

"Oh, no," Aquila admitted after a moment. "I will marry whoever she picks. My brother and I are the last of the Black family name. Although my husband isn't as important as my brother..." She paused and laughed lightly. "Alright, that's a lie. I want to get married, don't get me wrong. My mother... she was in an arranged marriage with my father. They loved each other very much... But, sometimes I fear that his death took all the sanity she had. She will make a contract and I will go to the family when I graduate. There's no dispute with that." Aquila bit her lip as she glanced at the dress on her lap. "I want to chose who I marry, however. My marriage to a pureblood family is expected of me... So I will do it." She gave a bitter smile. "But I'll do it kicking and screaming the entire way."

Petunia laughed at that. "I know nothing of your world, just what I've heard from my sister and that was so long ago... Vernon does like you. It's amazing how quickly he warmed to you." She perked up slightly. "My son likes you as well."

"Does he?" Aquila asked. Petunia nodded. "I didn't get that impression at dinner."

"He's a shy boy," Petunia admitted. "Very outgoing, but when he's in the same vacinity with a girl, well... He clams up."

Aquila swallowed. "Nothing would happen between us, I'm afraid. It can't. Mother will expect me to be engaged next summer-"

"That's why I'm most upset to hear that news," Petunia admitted. "I never think you'll get married, but you never know with these things. Oh, well." She gazed at Aquila with something like fondness. "Do you know the man you might marry?"

"No," Aquila admitted.

"Is this very common in your world?"

"No," Aquila sighed. "Not anymore. Twenty years ago was the last phase of it, when the Dark Lord fell. The pressure to marry well was over. But with him back, she's just trying to protect herself, and me in the future." She gave a wry smile. "I only know of two people in my school in an arranged marriage. Both of them to each other. Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass. It's not common at all... It's stupid and degrading and makes the women feel like a piece of livestock, while the men get all the say in whether or not the marriage should go through or not." Aquila waved a hand towards her face. "They choose off of looks. The wizarding world is still very strick with customs. We wear long robes and we haven't changed much in a thousand years. The same buildings still stand, some people are nearing two hundred years old, and they shape our society."

Petunia nodded. "Sort of like our world. We move back in fads to some other era, because it's ressurected, people think it looks great, but it's really just the same old thing-rediscovered again."

"I've never had company that was an adult before, you know," Aquila said suddenly. "It's refreshingly different."

"I'm glad. I don't know many people in the neighborhood," Petunia admitted. "They're either too old and gossipy or just starting their own families and have no time."

Aquila nodded quietly. "I'm so sorry about last night... My mother... she does it all the time. It's no excuse, but she starts the night pleasantly and then she ... she just blows up." Aquila sighed. "It's so embarrassing. I know you must think we're right mad, but-"

"Actually, I forgive and forget it," Petunia insisted. "What happened, happened. Though she did seem to be flirting with my husband." Aquila winced.

"She does that," Aquila admitted. "She doesn't mean it. I'm sorry if-"

"It's alright, Aquila," Petunia insisted. "Now, tea starts at three. Will you be arriving?"

"Of course. I'd be happy to. Do you want me to bring anything?"

"Just yourself," Petunia declared. She rose, dusting off her skirt. Aquila stood quickly as well. "Give your mother my regards. I have to make breakfast for Vernon before he leaves for work."

"Oh, then you should probably hurry. It's nearly eight."

Petunia nodded and headed for the door. Aquila opened it for her and Petunia crossed the threshold, hesitating. "There are a lot of questions Dudley, Vernon, and myself have for the wizarding world. We don't know much, you see. But... well, it is rather interesting."

"I'd be more than happy to answer anything." Aquila bit her lip. "You are legally allowed to know. Since Potter is under your ward, you can learn anything you wish. Otherwise, the Ministry would have to provide a secrecy oath, but your family is fine." She released her lip as she nodded. "I'll be at the park today if your son has questions." She watched as the elder woman nodded carefully, a small smile creeping onto her face. "He does seem to be more curious about the wizarding world than your husband, I will admit."

"I'll pass the word along." She ran her hand over the dress. "This is truly lovely on you."

"I'm sure it was even lovlier on you when you wore it."

Petunia laughed. "Oh, I never wore it. I kept it for years and years as my go-to for when I needed to lose some weight." She glanced at the dress fondly. "I've never worn it." She was silent a moment before she laughed. "Three o'clock, dear."

"I'll be there. Have a good morning," Aquila insisted.

"You as well." She seemed relatively pleased with herself as she left. Aquila sighed and shut the door before turning to the kitchen and squinting at the stove. She had no idea how to work it but it couldn't be that difficult. Finally she managed to make a breakfast of eggs and bacon before she turned the stove off and sat by herself at the table. It was the same routine. Since her brother had graduated this year, however, he wasn't there to teacher her about the Muggle stuff he had a fascination with. Euryale was right. Evan wouldn't be coming back. Not because he would probably die, but because he didn't want to. Who would return to their crazy mother? He was better off in Spain, where he'd meet a nice girl and marry her before mother could try to set him up with someone, as well. Aquila hoped she was Muggle - just to spite her mother.

It wasn't that Euryale was a blood surpremist. She wasn't, to an extent. She wanted to protect the reputation of her family more than anything.

Aquila went to her room to change from the silk pajamas she wore to something more fitting for a day out - a Muggle outfit of jeans and a tank top. She wrote a note to her mother about how she was "out" and left a plate of breakfast under the stasis charm before heading out into the sun. She hadn't ever gotten much color before - London was always cloudy and even if it was nice out, her mother never let her go too far.

The park was deserted - though she supposed because it was a Wednesday, parents were at work and their children were most likely with a babysitter. Aquila spotted the swings and took off in a run before she hopped onto them and began to swing. It was as close to flying as she could get in a Muggle neighborhood. She closed her eyes and let the wind blow back at her hair. It was close enough. Close enough to give her the illusion of swinging out of the way of Quaffles and darting between players to hit the bludger at the other team.

"Oi! Black!" Potter's voice called.

"I'm currently kicking your arse in our match, Potter. Allow me a minute while Cho catches the snitch."

She heard him laugh before someone grabbed her swing. Her eyes flew open and she aimed a glare in the direction of Potter. "She almost had it."

"I'm sure she did," Potter snorted. He glanced towards Dudley, who was standing with his hands in his pocket. "Er, Aunt Petunia said you were going to be here."

"Lonely, Potter?" Aquila questioned. She glanced at Dudley. "You don't have to stand all the way over there. There are plenty of swings for the two of ya."

They each took a swing beside her and she glared at Potter before she kicked back off and began to swing once more. "I've never been to a Muggle playground before. This is fun."

"You don't have playgrounds?"

"We don't have primary schools in the wizarding world," Aquila admitted. "Most of us are home-schooled how to read and write and then are taught basics to get us ahead of our peers in the first few weeks of school. In wizarding communities, no, there are no playgrounds. It depends on where you live." She gazed up at the sky, a grin on her face. "Ever been flying, Dursley?"

"Er, no."

"I'll have to take you sometime... Flying is our playground."

"Any idea who your Quidditch captain will be this year?"

Aquila laughed. "Me, of course. Professor Flitwick promised it to me after the last match. I took your beater's teeth out. No idea if it was Fred or George... You can never tell in the air who is who. And there may not have been any cup to compete for last year, but we sure as hell tried."

"Is, er, Quidditch always violant?" Dudley asked. "You said you broke your arm and leg first time. And you took someone's teeth out."

"Very violant," Aquila nodded. "You either pay attention or you don't. You don't, you get hurt." She grinned at him suddenly. "See that pink scar?" She thrust her arm out to show him and he nodded at the fading scar on her skin. "I got that second year after Malfoy sent me flying into the stands. The students barely had time to get out of the way before I crashed into the wood and fell down three floors. I was going one hundred kilometers an hour on my broom. Lucky I didn't lose my head." She saw his astonished look. "Davies about had to have a leg amputation once. Malfoy's absolutely brutal. A right bully that cowers behind the name of his father."

"Your dad was Sirius's brother."

Aquila looked at Potter sharply. "Yeah, and?"

Potter looked away quickly. "Nothing."

"He murdered your parents. He got my own dad killed. I owe no loyalty to him." Potter swallowed and Aquila glanced at Dudley. "Er, I do hope you aren't feeling a bit left out. I don't mean for you to be."

"Have you always been fascinated with Muggle schools?"

She nodded at the abrupt question. "Well, yeah, I mean, it's so different. I've never set foot in a different education system than my own. It's truly fascinating. Do you board at your schools?"

"Er, no, you just go for the day before you come back home," Dudley nodded.

"Oh... Are you close with everyone in your class? Or do you mostly just stick with a select group of friends?"

"Select group. It's easier that way. Know too many people and it's harder to get stuff done." Potter snorted. "Oi. I do get stuff done, Potter."

Aquila smiled. "I believe him." She threw Potter a look. "Are you rude to everyone or just people you don't like?"

"Er-" Potter said, at a sudden loss.

"Malfoy, Cedric, hell, even McLaggen gets some hate. Is it because they're guys or is it because you just stick with your two best friends and that's all?"

"Woah, I never-" Potter struggled for what to say. "That's not what I meant."

She smirked. "Sure it isn't. You know who I am, right? Your God-sister. That means that if you act out of line, I can get ahold of the dog and well... I don't think he'd be rather pleased."

"But you said you-"

"I never said it wasn't innocent Potter. We all know he is, in the Order," Aquila glanced at Dudley. "Wording means a lot, Potter. I don't owe loyalty to him, because he doesn't deserve it. I do, however, owe him the loyalty of the Black family. Family is family." She cleared her throat. "You were saying?"

"Er, yeah. There are some wicked parties though. Down on past this neighborhood, into the next, there are quite a few. Piers is having one this weekend."

"I gather there's drinking and idiocy and-"

He was about to nod when a voice cut through the air. "Oi, D-man. Who's this?" She slowed on the swing, her eyes watching one of the boys from yesterday, following another. His eyes darted to Potter. "Hanging out with the cousin?"

Aquila stood deftly and she watched as the boys looked her over appreciatively. "Ella Black," she offered, her hand out for them to shake. The boy in front took it, a smirk on his face as he kissed her knuckles. "You see the boy with black hair?" she said, her voice as normal as before, so they could obviously hear her. "I think he has a crush on me. Followed me here when all I wanted to do was go on the swings with Dudley." She threw a glare at Potter. "I don't even know who he is."

"Threaten you then, lovely?" the boy asked, glancing at Potter. "Oi, you, scat." Potter gave a disgusted sigh and stormed away, leaving a very smug Aquila behind. "Piers Polkiss." He gestured to the kid behind him. "This is Dennis."

Aquila nodded to him. "Pleasure, I assure you." She glanced at Dudley, "I've heard a lot about you." Dudley shuffled to his feet, looking a lot more confidant than before. "You have a party this weekend?"

"Depends. Are you coming, lovely?" Piers flirted - though it was obvious and Aquila had to stop herself from laughing as he gave her was she supposed was his 'you better be' look.

"Depends," she returned. "Am I invited?"

"I like you," Piers approved. He glanced at Dudley. "You should bring her to the party, Duds."

"Reckon I will," Dudley nodded. He stepped up besides Aquila. "What are you lot doing over here?"

"We came looking for you."

"Isn't nine a little early for you?" Dudley returned.

"Mum had me leave so she could clean the house," Piers shrugged. "Me dad's buying the alcohol. Say, beautiful, can you hold your liquor?"

Aquila laughed. "How do you think I survive boarding school? What liquor we talking?"

He sucked his teeth. "Vodka, rum, tequila."

She hadn't heard of any of them, but she doubted they were stronger than fire whiskey. "Oh, my school has stuff a lot stronger than that. I can hold it."

"You should bring some of your stuff."

"Can't," Aquila winced. "The girl that brings it brews it specifically in a location just a ways from my school."

"And where's that?"

"Russia," Aquila threw out there, not really quite sure where it came from, but with their discouraged looks they agreed that they'd have to wait.

"Saturday, eight o'clock."

"I'll be there," Aquila promised.

"I'm sure Dudley will give you directions. We're going to head over to Malcolm's, Dud. You can bring her along." Piers looked her over again, obviously in a lewd manner. "Or I will."

"That's alright. I'm supposed to be heading home. My mother wanted me by nine thirty to help her unpack." She glanced at Dudley to see he seemed a little relieved. "Er, see you later." She glanced at his friends. "Nice to meet you."

She wasn't even five feet away when she heard Piers hooting, "Shag her already, have you?" Aquila rolled her eyes.

"Shu'up, mate," Dudley replied gruffly. She could hear the skin meet skin as he punched his friend in the arm. "It's not like that. I just met her yesterday."

"A little out of your league, mate," another voice, most likely Dennis, stated. "Bit on the pretty side, isn't she?"

"What? I can't meet people now, mate?"

"Yeah? How did you meet then?"

"Er, well, she just moved in, ya see. I helped her with some boxes that she was struggling with." A good cover. One Aquila could remember. She leaped onto the road and glanced back at them. Their voices were a bit muffled, but she could still hear them.

"Mate, she's looking back here." Dudley glanced her way in surprise and she gave him a small smile - though she was truly just laughing at what Piers had whispered quite loudly - and turned away, playing with her hair as she wandered down the road. She couldn't hear their conversation any longer, just some hoots of laughter. She honestly had no idea how Dudley Dursley could be friends with those boys - then again, she didn't know what Dudley Dursley was like in the slightest.