Chapter Twenty-Seven
A/N: And it's finally here. We're all almost done with Year Three!
Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from both the books or movie, depending on the scene; I do not own direct quotes or phrases.
~ oOo ~
And so, the day had finally arrived and on their doorstep.
It had been several weeks since Buckbeak's Hearing. Aurora was, to a certain degree, able to accept the fact the poor magical creature was to be executed based on a misunderstanding. By the time she had returned that night to Severus, she had cried enough her eyes were swollen and blood shot from all that had happened. She fell into Severus' arms that night wishing she could've done more. Buckbeak didn't deserve such a fate for something that wasn't even his fault.
Aurora was adamant Lucius Malfoy had something to do with the decision. It was too coincidental he had been there at the Hearing and was able to stay within the courtroom while she and Hagrid had to leave during the proceeding to determine a final decision. He paid them; he threatened them. It did not matter because Aurora knew his hand would be stained in Buckbeak's blood come that evening. And he didn't even give a damn.
As it was Saturday, she and Severus spent the entire day in their chambers, as the female didn't want to be around the students or the faculty; especially Hagrid. The poor woman truly felt she had let her friend down as she had been so positive they would win the Hearing. So, she spent most of the day in her pajamas by the fire with some hot chocolate, her animals and tests she needed to grade. It wasn't the best situation she could ask for, but at least she was in the comfort of her chambers with Severus by her side.
Come evening, however, she was finally able to shower and dress, mentally preparing herself for what she was to see this evening. It was the night of Buckbeak's execution and she promised Hagrid she would be by his side, just as with the Hearing.
"Are you sure you're ok with this?"
She dressed in a pair of jeans, a simple cotton t-shirt and sneakers. Throwing her legs into the jeans, she glanced upward at Severus who sat on the edge of the bed, his hand currently occupied with petting Merlin. Sighing for the umpteenth time that afternoon, she shook her head. "No, but I made a promise. Plus, I would like to see Buckbeak one last time."
"You shouldn't torture yourself as much as you are, Aurora." Standing, Severus stood before the female, holding her arms in his hands. "Are you up to this?"
Standing with no shirt, Aurora leaned forward, kissing the stubble that was Severus' non-shaven chin. Moving towards the bed, she grabbed her shirt, tossing it over her head, throwing her hair into a ponytail. "I'm not ok with any of this. Buckbeak deserves better and you know that. Despite there being nothing else I can do, I can still support my friend."
Heavily sighing, Severus took the woman into his arms. "Though I am aware how strong you are, I sometimes forget how much." Kissing her head, he then asked, "Are you ready? I must stay here and finish grading some assignments."
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." Glancing towards the bed, she whistled. "Sapphire, let's go see Hagrid." SQUEE! Wrapping around her mother's neck, Sapphire curled into Aurora's warmth, the woman smiling and hope the little surprise would bring a smile to her friends face. "Well…I'm off. I should be back before you go to bed, but if not, you don't have to wait up for me."
Severus kissed the woman once more. "I'll be here if you need me."
One more kiss goodbye and she was off. Trekking quickly, she nodded towards any students who waved in her direction, though she kept to herself most of the way. By the time she reached the entrance into the school, she soon found the infamous three headed towards the large doors from the opposite direction.
"Well well…let me guess, you three are on your way to see Hagrid, are you not?" They stopped in their tracks at the voice. "You three are such good friends to Hagrid."
"Shouldn't we be saying that to you, Professor?" Hermione asked, using 'Professor' as there were other students about.
"Very true, very true. But, uh…" She glanced over at Harry, quickly moving towards the other two. "Should you really be out this late? It'll be dark soon."
"Come on, we just want to see Hagrid before…well, before…" Ron's face fell. His facade explained everything all four of them were feeling in that exact moment.
Sighing with a roll of her eyes, she hadn't planned on keeping them away at all. "Alright, follow me." Stepping through the massive double doors, the exited into the courtyard, eyes wary from the gloomy weather thrust upon them. "But we must hurry. I have no idea when…" Aurora's words fell as she saw the executioner sitting in the corner of the courtyard surrounded by ravens, sharpening his scythe weapon of choice.
Face falling, she pushed the three students ahead of her so they wouldn't focus on the executioner and what his presence meant. They all slowed, regardless of Aurora's arms on her shoulders shoving them towards the bridge. When they finally left the courtyard and maneuvered through the bridge, all were quiet. What was to be said after acknowledging something such as that? After several minutes, Hermione was the first to actually speak.
"I can't believe they're going to kill Buckbeak…it's just too horrible."
"Of course it is," Harry stated.
"Buckbeak doesn't deserve this," Ron offered. "Nor does Hagrid."
"Unfortunately…" The three turned to Aurora, her own head shaking, still in disbelief that she failed her friend. "There's nothing we can do. The Ministry believes Buckbeak needs to be killed…" She watch he'd them closely as they came towards the bridge's exit. "We'll make it through, I promise."
"I doubt it," Ron said quickly. "Because it just got worse."
"What now?" Aurora whined. Her vision then noticed what he was staring at. Up ahead, right behind one of the stone pillars, there stood Draco, his friend Crabbe and another Slytherin friend; they were all staring down at Hagrid's hut. She was shaking with rage. Lucius Malfoy did have something to do with it! she thought.
From their position, Aurora could hear the Slytherins muttering something, but couldn't make out what. Suddenly, Hermione jumped from her position, running straight towards Draco. Upon hearing their footsteps against the mush earth, Draco and his friends turned.
"Oh, come to see the show?!" Draco seemed pleasantly happy there was about to be a death on Hogwarts grounds. This caused Aurora's teeth to grind. Hermione, however, was not fazed.
Grasping the wand her from pocket, she shoved it directly into Draco's face. "You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!"
"Hermione, no!" Ron cried, arm stretched forth knowing he should stop her, yet not wanting to. "He's not worth it."
"I must concur," Aurora stepped forward, arm placed gently onto Hermione's. "Do not use your magic on him in front of me, Hermione." Draco, on the other end of her wand, was a whimpering, blubbering mess, and if Aurora wasn't in front of any of the students, she most likely would've been laughing. Instead, the next movement had the woman's mouth drop to the ground. Lowering her wand, Hermione opted to not use her magic at all.
On the other hand, the young witch wasn't opposed to using her fist to smack Draco Malfoy directly in the nose.
Harry and Ron snickered, Aurora gasped, doing her damnedest to withhold her own laughter as the three Slytherin males seemed utterly surprised.
"Malfoy? Malfoy, you okay?!"
"Let's go!"
The three soon left, struggling against the mountainous terrain, leaving the original four on their own. Draco stared evilly at Aurora as he passed, wondering why she wouldn't do anything; Harry and Ron were doing the same as she merely shrugged. Heaving a sigh, Hermione glanced upward at her friends.
"That felt good."
"No good. Brilliant!" Ron admitted honestly.
Hermione smiled, then stared at her Professor. "Why didn't you try and stop me?"
"I didn't think you would punch him! And honestly? I'm ok with it." She began walking down the treacherous stairs down towards Hagrid's hut, the infamous three following behind.
"Seriously? You are?!" Ron was flabbergasted.
"Considering all that he's done to you and has gotten away with it? I'll just pretend I saw nothing."
"Brilliant! I'm glad she's on our side."
Ron's comment made everyone snicker. But then, they were on Hagrid's doorstep, being let into the tiny hut, with poor Buckbeak merely laying in his beautiful pumpkin patch.
"Aw, look at 'im!" Hagrid stated as soon as the door was closed. "Just look, the smell of the trees as the wind blows through him. Wonderful, truly wonderful."
Harry stood next to hid friends, as he asked an honest, if not slightly ignorant, question. "I mean…why don't we just set him free?"
"Ugh, they'd knew it was me. An'…Dumbledore'd get into trouble…"
"It's not a viable move, Harry," Aurora stated from her seat across the room. "Trust me, I know it seems as simple as that. If Hagrid were to let Buckbeak go even with an order out for the creature, he could face time in Azkaban, or worse."
"Worse?" Harry asked, eyes wide as he turned back towards his Professor.
Aurora nodded. "Unfortunately. For disobeying the Ministry, Hagrid could face the death sentence himself." The cabin fell silent after that. Hermione and Ron stood beside Aurora as Harry opened then closed his mouth, not quite sure what to say.
"He's coming' down, ya know, Dumbledore," Hagrid stated through the awkwardness. "Says he wants to be with me when they…when it happens." He grew quiet; no one knew what to say. The truth of the situation to difficult to bear.
"Dumbledore's a great man for sticking with you through this, Hagrid," Aurora offered a small smile.
Turning, Hagrid offered the same expression as he grabbed some sort of meat then through it towards a creature off in the corner. "Tha' he is, Aurora; the' he is."
Hermione jumped from her seat. "We'll stay with you too, Hagrid."
"You do no such thing! Think I want you seeing something like that?!"
Groaning in her seat, all turned towards her. "If I had known your plan was to stay through it all, I would've given you detention to stay away from here. Hagrid's right, this is something you don't need to see. You don't need to stain yourselves with the evil side of the Ministry."
"Then what about you, Aurora?" Harry asked.
"My plan was to stay the whole time."
"Aurora's right," Hagrid quickly stated, hoping to bring the conversation to a close. "No," he then said softly. "You just drink your tea and be off. Oh! Before you do, Ron." Walking up towards his cabinet, Aurora was curious as he pulled something from one of the containers.
"Scabbers!" Ron seemed happy to see his pet rat. "You're alive!"
"You better keep a closer eye on your pets, Ron," Hagrid offered some truthful advice. Moving her hand upward, Aurora scratched Sapphire's head who purred lovingly into her neck.
"I think that means you owe someone an apology," Hermione stated rather hastily.
"Right," Ron said. "Next time I see Crookshanks, I'll let him know!"
"I meant me!" Hermione cried out.
CRASH!
Aurora jumped in her seat, causing Sapphire to fall into her mother's lap. "Blimey!" Hagrid cried. "Wha' was tha'?!"
Glancing towards the table, whatever it was had cracked another pot on the table causing it to break in two, dropping all of its contents. Leaning forward, she watched as Hermione picked up a semi-large rock, holding it in the palm of her hand.
"Oww!" Harry suddenly cried out, holding the back of his head. Rotating to see what had hit him, he called for their friend. "Hagrid!"
Waving the half-giant over, Hagrid looked outside the window just as Aurora stood, noticing the three individuals making their way towards the hut. "Crickey! It's late…and it's dark, you shouldn't be here…If someone see's you outside the castle this time of night you'll be in trouble, big trouble, particularly you, Harry!" Taking a large quilt, Hagrid threw the fabric over the creature in the corner, shoving his arms towards the three as they maneuvered towards the backroom. "Aurora! Can you…do you mind?!"
"On it!" She quickly ran up and gave her friend a quick hug, knowing he wanted her to guide them outside. "It'll be ok Hagrid, I promise." All he did was wave his arms forward, ushering them to leave.
Taking the lead in front of the three, Aurora opened the back door from Hagrid's bedroom, maneuvering her head around to face the front, waiting for the perfect moment. As soon as the Minister, Albus and the executioner were all inside, Hagrid stayed for several seconds longer watching as Aurora moved first. Guiding Harry, Ron and Hermione, they all ran towards the pumpkin patch. Hiding behind the large pile of pumpkin, awaiting the opportune moment to run and hightail it out of there. As they waited, they watched as the Minister read towards Hagrid the events of the evening and what was to occur.
There was a snap behind them.
Hermione and Aurora turned quickly, watching to see what it was they just saw.
"What?!" Harry cried out, watching the two of them.
"I thought I just saw…"
"I heard…"
"Never mind," they both said in unison.
"Let's go then, hurry!"
Aurora said, pushing the three up the steps. Nearly tripping several times due to the slope and the wetness of the stones, the four made it to the top of the hill near the stone pillars. Aurora tried urging them into the castle, as they were needed to be inside their Dormitories, though neither of them budged.
"Please Aurora, allow us to stay! We can't be next to Hagrid but we at least…"
Sighing heavily, Aurora caved. "You three…really want to see this?" They nodded. "Are you prepared for what is to happen?" They nodded again. Knowing she most likely would regret this, she stood to the opposite side of Harry, leaving Hermione in the middle between him and Ron. "Just..don't tell Hagrid I let you watch, alright?" They agreed.
And then, all they had to do was wait.
Which, by the time they stopped talking, the executioner was already raising his scythe into the air. Holding Sapphire close to her chest, she gasped as soon as his blade as fallen onto poor Buckbeak. Beside them, Hermione curled into Ron, her cries tearing Aurora's ears as she knew this was partly her fault.
"Scabbers!"
Falling from Ron's hand, the pet rat ran directly away from them. "He bit me!" Ron seemed dumbfounded as Aurora watched in confusion. Sniffling, she watched he turned in circles, searching for his pet. "Scabbers, where'd you go? Come here! Scabbers!"
"Ron!" Harry and Hermione cried out, instantly running off in the direction their friend had fled to. On their heels, Aurora was quick to catch up, she screaming their names as they screamed for Ron's. It was several minutes later when they all came to a stop, the three watching Ron as he had jumped onto the grass to grab his rat, lovingly petting the darned thing, not even realizing what was behind him.
"Harry, do you realize what tree this is?!" Aurora stated, immediately walking forward to quickly grab Ron so they could all he'd back up to the castle.
"Ron, run! Look behind you!"
Ron suddenly yelled. "No you need to run! Harry, it's the Grim!"
The…Grim?
Circling around, into the distance, she could see a shaggy black dog snarling at them. Running, it jumped over the three, immediately sinking its teeth into Ron's leg as it pulled the crying boy towards the Whomping Willow.
"Ron!" Harry and Hermione cried, instantly running towards the tree which was slowly coming to life, thrashing its limbs around.
Crying out, she stepped as close as she could without getting in the way of the willow. "What'd you two think you're doing?! Get back here!"
"No!" Harry yelled back, he and Hermione avoiding each limb as it whacked against the ground. "We have to save Ron!"
"And I have to save you!" Glancing around, there was only one thing she could do, so she did just that: she ran.
She ran long and hard, right back towards her chambers in the depths of the castle. Thankful there weren't any students around as dinner was already over, she sprinted as fast she could, nearly tripping over her own feet as she came to the main stairway down into the dungeons. Her lungs were burning. Her legs throbbed. She couldn't give in though, her students - her friends - their lives were on the line. Not just that, but whatever Ron had called the dog. A…Grim? Was definitely not a Grim…no. She could recognize that animagus anywhere.
"Severus!"
Tripping on her shoes as soon as the portrait was opened, Aurora fell flat upon her stomach, Sapphire flying off towards Severus who was sitting by his desk across the room. Upon hearing the commotion, the Potion Masters head thrusted upward, his body moving before his brain could even comprehend what was happening.
"Aurora?!" Kneeling by her side, Severus helped the woman to her feet, reeling when he noticed her reddened and sweaty skin. "What in heaven's name is going on here? Is Hagrid…?"
"Forget about…Hagrid!" The woman huffed, trying with all her might to gain her breathing back under control. "He's fine, we've got more urgent…matters to consider!"
"Then bloody hell what is it?!" Helping the woman to stand, she nearly collapsed against the man's chest, only for him to hold her upwards.
"It's Sirius Black! I know it's him!"
This caused the man to pull his head away, all the while smoothing the woman's hair away from her face. "What're you talking about?" So she explained what had happened, how they chased after Ron when his rat ran away and then this dog jumped out, taking Ron underneath the Whomping Willow.
"Ugh, save it for Potter and his friends to get into trouble again."
"Severus they weren't trying to get into trouble, and that's not the point! The dog is Sirius Black! I could recognize his animagus anywhere!"
Now the man was focused. "And you're sure about this? It could just be a feral dog or wolf."
"Please believe me, Severus!"
"…I do." Taking a deep breath, Severus calmed his demeanor, and his voice. "Alright, if you believe this is Black, then there's nothing we can do but intercept where they may be headed."
"There's only one logical place because he took Ron under the willow."
"Yeah, you're right."
"The Shrieking Shack."
~ oOo ~
Having left Sapphire in their chambers, Severus and Aurora quickly made their outside towards the Whomping Willow. Though an interesting turn of events occurred as they had just exited the bridge: they saw Remus Lupin headed in the same direction. Following the Defense Professor, they lurked in the dark as the sun gradually set in the sky. Following the professor, they soon learned he was headed towards the Whomping Willow as well, and once they were upon the tree, Remus cast a spell that caused the tree limbs to freeze in the air.
"We wait until he's gone, and then we follow him."
"How did Remus even know about tonight?" Aurora asked as they gradually removed themselves from their hiding position. "You don't think…"
"What, that Lupin was coercing with Black throughout the year? I've had my suspicions."
Aurora smacked Severus' arm. "Then why haven't you spoke to me about it?!"
Severus stared at the woman. "Is now the time to really bring that up? I said I had my suspicions, but there was no proof. Tonight I think changes that completely. Come on, let's follow them."
Clambering through the tiny hole beneath the willow's roots, Aurora dusted off the dirt from her jeans, doing the same against Severus' cloak as he held an arm around her waist. "It's…pretty dark down here."
Flicking his wand, a bright light appeared from its tip. "Don't worry," he whispered down into her ear. "I've got you."
She reached upwards to peck his cheek. "Even in situations such as this, you're still so sweet."
Maneuvering quickly through the dark path, there were only several times Aurora nearly fell, though Severus was right by her side to keep her from falling. The path was long and dark. Stone steps encompassed most of the way along with a simple dirt path. The gradual incline then decline didn't leave much to imagination; they were headed to the Shrieking Shack. Given their past experiences with 'the most haunted building in Great Britain', Aurora and Severus were prepared for whatever may occur inside.
By the time they reached the shack, it was near dark outside, as there was no sunlight bearing in through the cracks of the walls. Allowing Aurora to enter the shack first, she jumped upward through the already opened passage, noting the layer of dust upon everything inside. What caught her attention were the dog and shoes prints in the dust, leading towards the stairs. Turning back, she helped Severus as he stood to his feet, acknowledging the floor as well.
"They're upstairs," he commented in a whisper.
"What're we gonna do about Sirius, Sev?"
"We must apprehend him, Aurora. He's a menace to the school and is a runaway prisoner."
"…you're the reason they're dead!"
"No Harry it wasn't him. Somebody did betray your parents, but it was somebody until, quite recently, I thought to be dead!"
Severus held a finger up to his lips, Aurora nodded in understanding. Creeping their way up the stairs, they were silent for a few steps.
"Who was it then?!"
"Peter Pettigrew. And he's in this room, right now. Come out, come out, Peter! Come out, come out and play!"
Deciding to forgo being stealthy, Severus ran up the steps two at a time with Aurora behind on his heels. Once they neared the top, she pulled out her wand in preparation for whatever may lay ahead. Maybe Sirius was as crazy as they claimed, or maybe Azkaban had made him such a person.
"Expelliarmus!"
Running towards the door, Aurora held her wand pointed at Remus whilst Severus whisked the wand out of Sirius' hand, to see it fly away towards the door. All those in the room froze to see two people they didn't expect to find.
"Ohhh, vengeance is sweet. How I hoped I'd be the one to catch you, Black."
"Now Severus - " Remus tried stepping forward when Aurora steered her wand in his direction, shaking her head back and forth. He stepped away, hands held up in defense.
"I told Dumbledore you were helping an old friend into the castle, and now, here's the proof."
"Brilliant Snape," Sirius stated as Aurora's wand pointed towards him as he stepped forward. "Once again you put your keen and penetrating mind to the task and as usual come to the wrong conclusion. Now if you'll excuse us, Remus and I have some unfinished business to attend to." His voice was cut off when Severus jabbed the end of his wand into the man's neck. Aurora was surprised as she stared off towards the infamous three, noting their injuries.
"Give me a reason," Severus sneered. "I beg you."
"Now Severus, don't be a fool," Remus tried to explain.
All this time, Aurora remained quiet. This was something that could only occur between the one that bullied and the individual who was bullied.
"He can't help it, it's a habit!"
"Now Sirius be quiet!"
"You be quiet, Remus!"
Remus threw his hands down, knowing there was nothing else he could do.
"Oh, well look at you two, quarreling like an old married couple," Severus sneered, wand still jabbed into the prisoner's neck.
Sneering himself, Sirius then stated hotly, "Why don't you run along and play with your chemistry set!" This caused the Potions Master to thrust his wand tighter into the man's neck. "Tch, you could't even be here without Aurora by your side. What, did he convince you to come along and play as well?"
The witch flicked her wand towards his face. "Don't make me do something you'll regret, Sirius. You know why I'm here."
"No you're only here to remain by his sickly side. You and Severus…always together with your stupid potions books."
This caused Severus to push his wand even tighter, creating an indent into the man's skin. "I could do it, you know." This time, Aurora stepped forward, dropping her wand as she grasped the man's arm, knowing this was not the true man speaking. Severus stole quick glance at the woman though it did nothing to curve his revived anger. "But why deny the Dementors. They're so longing to see you. Oh, do I detect a sliver of fear? Oh yes. The Dementor's Kiss; I can only imagine what that's supposed to feel like, to endure. It's said to be nearly unbearable to witness, but I'll do my best. Aurora? Take the students."
"Severus, please," Remus cried, though not moving from his position against the back wall.
Ignoring the man's comment, Severus nodded towards the door. "After you," he snickered at Sirius. Turning to Harry, Ron and Hermione, she nodded at them, silently asking to listen and follow along with what needed to be done. Severus did the same as he nodded towards the door.
Harry, the sneaky little devil that he was, took hold of Hermione's wand and yelled, "Expelliarmus!" Straight towards Severus who flew backs into the old rickety bed. Falling unconscious, Aurora yelled his name as she ran towards his side, checking his pulse, only to discover he'd been knocked out.
"Harry Potter!" She cried out as she turned to stare back at the young wizard.
"Harry, what'd you just do?!"
"You attacked a teacher!" His friends screamed, though he paid no attention to anyone else except for two people within the room.
"Tell me about Peter Pettigrew!"
"He was at school with us, we thought he was our friend," Remus cried, walked towards the abandoned piano.
"No…Pettigrew's dead!" Harry then pointed the wand towards Sirius when Remus blocked the boy's view. "You killed him!"
"No he didn't! I thought so too until you mentioned seeing Pettigrew on the map!"
"The map was lying then!"
"The map never lies!" Aurora yelled, the turn for her voice to be heard over the male's. Turning from Severus to everyone else, she then said, "The map does not lie. If there's a name on that map, they are very much alive!"
"And how would you know?" Harry stated accusingly.
"Because I made the bloody map!" Aurora cried. Harry, Ron and Hermione froze, not quite sure what to make of what they just learned. "Yes, I'm very aware of the map and what it does, believe me. If the map says Peter is here, then he's is somewhere in this room. The question to ask now, is where is he?" She stared hard at Remus and Sirius.
"He's right there," Sirius pointed towards Ron.
"Me?" Ron cried. "He's mental!"
"Not you! Your rat!"
"N-No! Scabbers has been in my family for twelve…"
"Twelve years! A curiously long life for a common garden rat! And he's missing a toe, isn't he?!"
Ron held his rat closer to his chest. "So what?!"
Something clicked in Harry's mind. "All they could find of Pettigrew was his…"
"Finger!"
"One would think he's dead with no body present. But then he transformed!"
"Show me!" Harry was adamant.
"Now Harry, are you sure this is the best thing to do?" Aurora stepped closer to the boy, though Remus held his arm out to stop her from reaching any further.
"This is something I must see, Aurora!" Sirius took that as his cue, so he reached out for the rat, though Ron put up a fight. "Give it to him, Ron!"
"What're you trying to do to him?! Scabbers! Leave him alone!"
Knowing it was now or never, Aurora joined in with the two males. Sirius placed the rat upon the piano when all three cast their magic at the creature. 'Peter' quickly ran away from each shot of magical energy when he finally ran towards the door. Aurora shot her wand once last time for the rat's form to wear off, turning him back into his human self. Peter squeaked as if he was still a rat, looking all over the room.
"Remus? Si-Sirius! My old friends…gyah!" Though he tried to run out the of the shack, he was immediately caught and pushed backwards, until his eyes landed on Harry. Aurora kept her wand out, occasionally glancing backwards to see if Severus had woken up at all. "Harry, look at you! You look so much like your father, like James! We were the best of friends!"
"How dare you speak to Harry!" Sirius suddenly appeared, wand pointed directly at Peter. "How dare you talk about James in front of him!"
Trapping him behind the piano, the two males cornered him with their questions and statements. "You sold James and Lily to Voldemort, didn't you?!"
"I didn't mean to," Peter whined and cried. "The Dark Lord…you have no idea what weapons he possesses! What of you Sirius! What would you have done? What would you have done?!"
"I would've died! I would've died rather than betray my best friends!"
Harry suddenly moved in front of the only escape, the open door just as Peter was about to run away. Peter ran straight up to the bay as Aurora grasped Peter's arm, trying to pull him away. "Harry! James wouldn't want me to be killed. Your dad…your dad would've spared me. He would've shown me mercy…gyah!"
Aurora, Sirius and Remus all pulled Peter off Harry when the witch stood in front of the young wizard. The poor boy had enough information scattered into his brain this night and she wanted to do her best to protect him.
"You should've realized Peter!" Sirius screamed. He and Remus pointed their wands at the male, ready to use the Killing Curse. "That if Voldemort didn't kill you, then we would - together!"
"No!"
Shaken by Harry's response, Aurora turned towards the boy, not once dropping her wand to see the resolve upon his young face. "Harry…are, are you sure?"
Remus then spoke up. "Harry, this man…"
"I know what he is. But we'll take him to the castle." Harry started moving forward, slowly towards the man who had been the reason his parents were now dead. Was he giving Peter mercy because his father would've?
"Bless you boy, bless you!" Peter fell to his knees, outstretching his arm to grasp Harry's leg.
"Get off! I said we'd take him to the castle. After that the Dementors can have you."
Scared to all ends, Peter began rattling his long nail against his teeth. His attention turned towards the female in the room as Aurora took a step backward. "Aurora! Please! You'll show me mercy won't you?!" He scrambled his way over to the witch who latched on to her shoe. "Remember all the times we had in school? How I always protected you from your bullies?!"
"That wasn't you!" She yelled, knowing Peter was trying to pass himself off as Severus. "Your time is up, Peter. What you've done…what you did is despicable and I can't believe I once considered you a possible friend!" Peter screeched into the night as everyone stared at Aurora in question. Turning to everyone else, she moved towards Severus who was still unconscious. "It's probably best if you head to the castle. Ron needs that leg checked out and the Dementors have been hungry all year."
Though they stared long and hard at the woman who stayed by Severus' side, neither made any indication they would speak on the matter. One by one they all left, Remus was the last to leave with Peter almost strewn by his wand. They were probably gone not ten minutes when a groan escaped the man beside her body.
"Severus?"
Head tilting towards her voice, the man in question raised his hand towards her cheek, caressing the skin as she cradled towards his own. "I'm to assume Potter truly did attack me?"
She nodded solemnly. "In a poor matter of decision, yes, he did. I…can see why. The boy wanted answers."
"Doesn't mean he should've attacked me!"
Aurora raised her hand. "I'm very aware. But what do you plan on doing? Expelling the poor boy for wanting to know more about his parent's death? Bloody hell, I would've done the same if my parents were murdered."
Severus groaned once more, using Aurora's arm as leverage to sit upon the edge of the bed. "Where did they all run off to?"
"They're making their way back into the tunnel. Harry decided the Dementors should take care of Peter rather than Sirius or Remus."
"So…he was behind their murders after all, Not Sirius."
"Seems like it." Taking hold of his arm, they stood together, Aurora brushing off the man's cloak of any debris or cobwebs. "Regardless, I think it was very mature of Harry to have made the decision he did. You have to give him credit for that."
"…sadly, I must," Severus answered after a few moments. "I know if I had been in his situation, I probably would've killed the git on my own."
She leaned upwards to kiss the man's cheek. "I know you would've. But let's go. This place is creepy and I'm getting cold." Severus nodded, an arm wrapping around her shoulder for warmth and protection.
Soon they were traversing the trip back through the darkened tunnel, with light appearing from the man's wand. Stiff by the man's side, they walked on in silence, each contemplating what had happened. Aurora was shocked to learn it had been Peter, but considering the new information, it all made sense. Out of the four friends, Peter had been the 'outcast' of the group, almost like they only accepted him out of pity.
Aurora had tried to befriend him as he was nice to her during her first year when James hadn't been. But it soon come to discover Peter had alternative notions for wanting to get closer to her. That's why she had told Severus and why he had always kept the man at bay away from Aurora. She had soon grown scared of what Peter would do it her if they were ever alone, even for a moment.
None of that mattered, especially once they graduated. She lost contact with Peter and was grateful she wouldn't have to have conversation with him anymore. She truly had tried to be friends with him, but soon she realized how…creepy he could be. That was all in the past, and all she could care for was the moonlight at the end of the tunnel. They were almost back towards the Whomping Willow. Once they were through the small entrance, the first people they were able to see were the infamous three. But…why were they all huddled together?
"There you are, Potter!" Severus exclaimed as he grabbed the young wizard's arm.
There was a growl behind them.
Severus and Aurora turned, the witch squealing in fright as the wizard gathered everyone behind him to protect the students from Remus who had subsequently turned into his werewolf form. Growling menacingly, Remus withdrew his arm, slamming it down against Severus shoulder, causing all if them to fall onto the ground. While laying there, Remus roared right at them, bringing his arm upward once more to slash again to Severus as he was the closest individual.
But then Sirius returned in how dog form to catch Remus off guard as they were thrown across the grass.
As they fought together, Severus and Aurora pulled the students to their feet. Their Potions Master keeping them securely behind his arms as there was nothing that could be done to prevent an attack from a werewolf. Watching the two of them fight was heartbreaking for Aurora to witness. They were the best of friends and here they were, fighting like animals. It was only when Remus threw Sirius away from their position did Aurora decide on her answer.
Running away from Severus's arms, he screamed at her to come back. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
On the opposite side of the clearing, Aurora stared lovingly at the man, knowing full well this could end up in a disastrous night for them. "I'm doing the right thing," she commented. Picking up a rock from the ground, she threw it in Remus' direction, catching him against his balding head. The werewolf turned, roared in her direction as he slowly stepped her way. She didn't give him the chance to even reach her position.
For she began to alter her appearance. The woman was an animagus, and her body slowly split between her human self and the one she chose. It took only a matter of seconds for the woman to change into her black panther form, growling just the same as Remus as a werewolf. Her orange-red eyes shifted through the night, piercing right into that of Severus. He had only seen her form once before, but knew this is how she snuck through the castle on some nights during patrol.
Even as a panther, the woman was beautiful. Aurora's coat was sleek with slight darker spots, but it was her roar that caused concern for Severus and the students. It was loud and intimidating, her long, thick teeth protruding past her mouth as she stared down her prey. Remus ,as a werewolf, showed no fear and held no restraint as he progressed his movements against her. Their teeth clashed. Claws tore at the skin of one another. It was brutal to watch.
Aurora was thrown several times, and each time she stood on all four paws, latching her teeth onto Remus' arm to lull him back. She was a quick fighter, working hard to keep Remus away from Severus and the students. Every so often, Remus would gain the upper hand and attack. Sometimes Aurora would be able to move out of the way; other times, she was hit dead on.
It wasn't until Sirius came back from being thrown off once more that they attacked together. One went for his feet whilst the other attacked the arms. Remus suddenly threw his arms back, flinging Sirius with it once more when he swung and slashed downward. Aurora was hit right on impact. Caught in the claws of the werewolf, she was thrown right into Severus who did his best to catch her within his arms. As she lay there, panting into the night, Remus lifted his clawed hand to slash once more when Sirius gripped the werewolf's extended hand pulled backwards, lulling the diseased man away from everyone else.
The two were then off, Harry following soon to see if his god-father was alright.
"Come back here, Potter!" Severus yelled. Attention flickering between Aurora and Harry, his sight soon fell on the woman, who had just transformed back into her human self. It took only one second for the male to realize her shoulder was sliced pretty badly and bleeding profusely. "Aurora? Can you hear me?"
She nodded, her head slowly bouncing up and down. "I'll be fine," she wheezed. Her hand grasped her shoulder, feeling the incision which ran down from her shoulder down across her chest. "Don't worry about me, you need to take care of Harry."
"But you, Aurora…!" Severus was at a loss, especially in front of Hermione and Ron. Instead of cradling her cheek, which he most definitely wanted to do in the moment, he opted to stand instead. "Granger, watch over her for a moment, I need to find Potter."
"Y-Yes sir." Hermione dropped to the woman's side, inspecting the injury on her arm. "Ouch, that looks painful, Aurora."
"Oh this is nothing," she commented. "I've had worse, believe me." Blinking several times, the woman tried focusing her attention on Hermione, though she was failing as her eye swung back and forth.
"Aurora? What's wrong?"
"I'm…not feeling so good." Her eyes fluttered shut.
"No, no Aurora!" Shaking the woman by her opposite shoulder, Hermione was glancing between her favorite Professor and the one across the way. "Don't shut your eyes. Please!"
"I'll be fine Hermione, I'm just tired."
"No, you're bleeding way to much, what can I do?! Aurora? Aurora!"
~ oOo ~
The next situation Aurora found herself in was waking up in the Hospital Wing, the bright lights from the morning sun peering through the window curtains. Managing to somehow sit with her back against the bed frame, she realized her right arm was laid within a sling. Curious as to how that happened, she glanced around the room to find the three students in different beds. Harry and Ron were asleep whereas Hermione sat upon her bed, head lifting to stare at her Professor.
"Aurora!" Bouncing from her position, she ran towards the witches side of the bed. Reaching outward to touch her arm, Hermione retracted, merely crossing her arms as she stared long and hard. "How're you feeling?"
"Oh I feel fine, Hermione," Aurora answered honestly. "I'm just more curious why my arm's in a sling and how I got here."
"You…don't remember anything?"
Aurora tilted her head in thought. "Um, well…I remember turning into my animagus and fighting Remus…but after that is when my memory gets fuzzy."
"Professor Lupin attacked your arm," she pointed towards the sling. "You have some pretty deep gashes that extend all the way to your chest." Curious, Aurora gently touched her arm to feel the thick layer of gauze underneath her fingers. "After Professor Snape secured Harry and Sirius Black, he called for Dumbledore where we were all escorted here to the Hospital Wing. You fell unconscious not long after your attack."
"Ah, that's why I don't remember. It seems me turning into my cat form did nothing to help."
"N-No, it did Aurora. Sirius was able to come back and lull Professor Lupin away from us. I'm just sorry you were hurt in the process."
The elder witch waved her hand. "Psh, don't mind this. Though I'll most likely be in a sling for several days, this heal in no time."
"You think?" Hermione asked.
"I do; I'm not too worried."
The doors suddenly burst open across the room, with Severus beelining straight for Aurora's bed. Without glancing at his student, his statement for for Hermione. "Miss Granger, please find Dumbledore and tell him I need to speak with him here."
"Yes sir," she replied softly, giving Aurora one last smile before closing the Hospital doors behind her.
Once there was silence in the room, Severus conjured a chair to sit by the woman's side. "Just what the hell were you thinking?!"
She knew there would be a lecture, Aurora just didn't think it would be this quick. "I…"
"Don't give me that 'I just wanted to help' nonsense!"
"But that's exactly what it was," she replied calmly. "Sirius couldn't take Remus on by himself, and I knew there was something I could do!"
The Potions Master merely shook his head, reaching forward to grasp her uninjured hand in his. "You just had to save everyone, didn't you."
"No, but…that's kinda what I like to do, isn't it?"
With a roll of his eyes, Severus brought her hand towards his lips, kissing each finger until he brushed the back of her hand. "You astound me sometimes, Aurora. So much so all I want to give you is a lecture for your ignorance."
"Hey, I'm not ignorant!"
"When it comes to your safety, you sometimes are."
"Well, I…!" Aurora huffed, knowing full well the man was right. "Alright, go ahead and lecture me. I don't regret a damn thing I did last night."
The man heaved a sigh, reaching over from his chair to peck the woman on her cheek. "I knew you could tackled Lupin on your own. I was more worried about after when he got your arm." Peering down at the sling, he traced his fingers over the gauze. "How does it feel?"
"Considering I don't really feel anything? Not bad. I know Poppy gave me something to numb the pain. Besides, when did she say I could be discharged?"
"She said you might be able to be leave when you awoke, but she's off getting some potions for Mr. Weasley over there, considering the puncture wound he received on his leg."
"Tss, yeah I can only imagine how that must feel." They grew quiet, both peering throughout the room towards Ron and Harry, who were both very much asleep. "I can only imagine what Harry must be thinking. He learned so much about his parents murder…"
"He's…a strong boy, I'm sure he'll manage."
Aurora smiled brightly. "Oh Severus…was that a compliment just now?"
Though the man turned his head to hide behind his curtain of hair, Aurora could still see the pink coating his cheeks. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh very funny mister, I heard exactly what you said."
"I think that's potions talking, Aurora."
"Sure, sure."
The doors opened once more where Poppy walked in with several potions in her arms. Head tilted upward, she smiled to find one of her patients actually awake. "Well look who decided to join us!" Setting the vial upon a table, she pressed her hand towards Aurora's forehead. "You look well enough, but how is your pain?"
"Can't tell, I don't really feel anything, though I guess that's a good thing."
"It is my dear, you suffered a Nast gash across your right shoulder down to your chest. Since you're up, how're you feeling otherwise? Any dizziness, nausea?"
"Just a little tired, but that's it."
"That is to be expected. Just let me take one last look at your arm, then I think you'll be set to leave for the day." Walking around towards the other side, Severus stood, giving Poppy enough room to examine her patient. Carefully lifting the shoulder from the sling, she maneuvered her wand over the gauze, its tip lighting to a soft red, but as she dragged the wand over her arm, it gradually turned green. "Well! You're healing as I expected. As long as you keep an eye on it, you'll be fine." She smiled. "If you were a student, I'd keep you here, but since you have medical experience, I trust you'll take good care of it."
Placing the arm back into the sling, she nodded. "Of course, wouldn't want to be rid of the amazing work you've already done."
This caused the Medical Witch to blush. "Oh dear, you're so good with words!" She then turned to Severus who stood at the front of the bed. "Now, she needs to take a pain tolerance potion every few hours with food." Back to Aurora she then stated, "Come see my during lunch and I'll change the bandages. Other than that, you should be good go!"
"Oh thank you Poppy!"
Tossing aside the sheets, Aurora slowly moved her feet over the bed, accepting Severus' outstretched hand. Once on her feet, she swayed momentarily while she adjusted once more. Smiling, she turned to others, nodding in confirmation that she was alright. Receiving more instructions from Poppy, the two were able to leave the Hospital. Stepping through the large doors, they were face-to-face with the clock tower, its pendulum swinging back and forth.
As they walked through the castle, Aurora paid no heed to where Severus was directing them. She waved at students as they gawked at her arm. Some asked quick questions while the woman only smiled. Once they reached the Great Hall and passed the steps down into the dungeons did cause worry for Aurora. Where were they headed? What did Severus up his sleeve?
They entered the area of the grand staircase and made their way upward towards the tallest tower. Aurora then realized they were headed to the Astronomy Tower and wanted to ask hat Severus was doing, but kept quiet. She had been holding his hand for some time, as there hadn't been any students in sight for several moments. Once they were before the doors leading into the main astronomy room, Severus halted his movements, turning to face the woman.
"There's…something I would like to show you before we head to our chambers. If, that's alright with you?"
Eyes widening slightly, Aurora nodded. This was different from t he normal Severus she was used to. The man standing before her was tall, confidant. Though he was always tall and confidant, the exuberance radiating off his body was higher than normal. The woman didn't know what to make of it, so instead, she nodded, smiling to confirm she was waiting to see what he wanted to show her.
Taking her hand in his, he leaned over, whispering in her ear. "I need you to keep your eyes shut." As she blinked up at him, he added, "Please."
Taking a deep breath, she obliged, her eyelids fluttering shut against her cheeks. With the only guidance being Severus' hand, he pulled her through the door, careful that she wouldn't hit anything on the way upwards. As they hit the stairs, she released a squeak as Aurora was picked up from underneath her legs, carried upwards into the air. Once at the top, Severus gently placed her back onto her feet, the ground stable as she tried turned to see what was going on. Eyelids still closed, there was nothing that could penetrate through her dark vision.
Suddenly, there was warmth. It surrounded her very being. Warmth from her left, then her right; it was everywhere. "Alright." Aurora jumped at the voice abruptly entering her ear. "Now you can open your eyes." Doing as instructed, her eyelids gradually opened, revealing a most wondrous sight surrounding her very being.
Around her were several vases of flowers, specifically star-gazer lilies and roses, the same as her mother. And candles - there were candles everywhere! Set upon the stone railing, some floating in the air. As night was beginning to fall, a soft glow from the later afternoon sunset peered through the tower, casting a beautiful glow upon everything in her sight.
Hand covering her mouth, she gawked. "S-Severus this is…! This is absolutely beautiful!" Turning to the man, she noticed he had been watching her, waiting to see her reaction. "When did you manage all this without any students around?"
"I merely set a lock and trap on the door. I didn't want any dunderheads entering this room and ruining everything I had done for you."
"For me?" Aurora still seemed surprised. "What did I do to deserve such kindness, such…wonder? Truly, this is beautiful Sev."
Making his way towards her, Severus kissed her cheek.
"Aurora-Nyx Helen Warrington."
"Y-Yes?" She was caught off guard with the full use of her name. The man rarely called her such, only when he truly needed her attention.
"There is…so much I wish to tell you, but as you know, words fail me more than half the time." Turning his head, he hid behind his hair, his tactic for when he was embarrassed. But not this night, not this important moment in their lives. Turning back to her, Severus took note of the pink in her cheeks, the way her chest fluttered up and down. "I love you," was all he said.
"Sev, I love you too." She reached forward to cup his cheek, yet he caught her wrist just as her palm touched his skin.
"No, please I-I need to say this." Walking backwards, the man turned until he was facing the railing, the beautiful sunset casting colors of orange and red off his deep midnight cloak. "I love you more than I ever thought I could, more than I thought possible for myself. The mistakes I have made in my life, I must…apologize for, even though I knew, deep in my heart, you wouldn't accept such pain I've brought to others in my life. So here tonight, I want to change. I want to be the man you can always rely on to do the what's right." Rotating until they were face-to-face, Aurora took note how one hand was fumbling for something in his pocket.
"You are…the most perfect woman I could ever form a relationship with. If only I could see that ten years ago, then we would've been able to enjoy ten more years together."
"Sev - " Aurora was stopped before she could state his full name as he held his hand up.
"Aurora-Nyx…there's no other woman I'd love to spend the rest of my life with. You are the embodiment of perfection, I can think of no other word that would describe you best." Stepping forward until he was within reach, Severus pulled out a small box from his cloak. Aurora, having a feeling what it was, covered her mouth, a sob escaping, past her lips. "Aurora-Nyx Helen Warrington…" The man took a deep breath.
Then dropped down to one knee.
"Will you do the honor of marrying me?"
~ oOo ~
I regret nothing.
DragonGoddess629