Arthur's note: I just want to say that I am so sorry for going completely M.I.A. who knew that adulthood would totally suck and be so time consuming! I just want to thank everyone who is still following my story, you guys are the best. It's been a while so I'm a bit rusty, I do have every intention of continuing this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review! Thank you!

The wind howled harshly blowing her hair into her numb face, and the snow kept falling relentlessly. Aurora gripped her hat tightly desperately trying to keep from flying off her head, and continued to trek through the storm. She had forgotten how unforgiving the Russian winters were, it probably wasn't the wisest idea walking through a blizzard, but what choice did she have? Russia has very strict regulations when it came to Apparating; civilians were strictly prohibited, only government officials were allowed to carry permits to Apparate. And all means of public transportation were shut down due to the storm.

The wind eased and she picked up the pace.

Almost there.

A few more paces and then the wind picked up again blowing snow into her face.

"Christ!" Her face burned, it felt like frozen knives were being pelted into her skin, she shut her eyes as the wind continued to blow relentlessly around her.

Again, it slowed down and she picked up the pace once more, she needed to get to her destination before she froze to death. Aurora continued to walk blindly, her eyes and nose where running and she had completely lost feeling in her fingers and toes. But there was nothing she could do about it now she had to continue on.

She reached the town square, where a line of apartment buildings were completely engulfed in white. It was getting dark, the dim glow of street lamps illuminated the square. Aurora continued to drag her feet through the snow and stopped once she found herself in front of a building with a green door, it's been years since she last laid eyes on it.

Aurors stood in front of apartment A5, the name plate on the door read "The Woman", she smiled. Inside she could her Mozart's Lacrimosa blaring, yup, this was the place. She knocked on the door. The music continued to play and there was no response, she knocked once more but with more force. A few seconds past the music halted,

"Kto eto?"[1] Called a woman's voice from behind the door.

"Staryy druug."[2] Aurora called back.

Footsteps shuffled to the door, a few clicks came from the multiple locks that were on it and it was open.

A thin dark haired woman with blue doe like eyes stood before her barely able to contain her smile. She was dressed in a black leotard, her black hair was pulled back in a neat bun with a few fly-aways sticking out, the deep purple streaks in it were visible, her feet her clad in faded pink ballet shoes. She was covered in sweat.

"Ya znal chto ty ne mozhesh' ostat'sya v storone…Avrora."[3]

"Ya vizhu, vy vse yeshche treniruyetes'[4] Esfir."

Esfir was Aurora's old dance partner back when she was with the company, they used to practice together day and night. In fact, Esfir was the very first friend Aurora made when she first came to Russia, she even helped Aurora improve her Russian.

"Alvays, are you coming back to us?"

Esfir's accent was as thick as Aurora remembered, she always found it charming.

"If Madam Aleksandrov will have me."

"I think she vill, come, come I make tea." Esfir grabbed Aurora's hand and pulled her inside shutting the door behind them. She continued to drag Aurora to the kitchen,"after tea we train!"

Aurora let out a small laugh." You can't be serious? I don't have knee wraps or shoes. And it's been ages since I last did a routine!"

Esfir shook her head and moved to the living room and motioned for Aurora to follow.

"That is vhy we can't vaste more time! Training begins today!" she opened the door to her storage closet, "I alvays knew you vould come back," she stood on her toes and reached for a box that was on the top shelf. Once she pulled it out she wasted no time, Esfir handed the box to Aurora.

Aurora looked down at the box curiously and sat on the couch placing the box down, she looked up at Esfir and in return Esfir gave her an encouraging smile.

Placing her hand on the flaps she slowly opened it. Inside where a number of various ballet paraphernalia from her dancing days, she pulled them all out one by one: her old leotard now faded and grey, number of bows and hair clips she used to wear in her hair, tutus, tiaras…at the bottom were her old ballet shoes and some photographs. She picked up one of the photographs. It was a picture of her in one of her costumes, hair neatly pulled back into a tight bun with a tiara adorning the crown of her head. She held a regal expression as she twirled elegantly on her toes. Aurora's vision blurred as her eyes began to water.

"You tried to kill the old you ven you learned you couldn't dance the same vay you used to. You threw everything avay. I pulled them from the trash and saved them for you."

"But why?"

"Because dancing is your passion and I said before I knew you vould alvays come back."

"Do you think I have a chance?" She whispered as she whipped her eyes away.

"Of course you do!" Esfir replied earnestly.

"But my knee…"

"You can fix-"

"How?! I already had surgery on it multiple times!"

"Yes but you've never had this kind. It is new, all injured dancers go to him."

"Who?"

"You remember Farlan, yes?"

Aurora nodded.

"His brother is a healer."

"Really?"

"Oh yes, he fixes dancers."

"Where does he live?"

"He moved to Moscow two years ago. Vant to see him?"

"Yes."

"Okay we go tomorrow after the storm. But first tea and then training!"

Aurora smiled, she had a sneaking suspicion that coming back to Russia would be worth her while.

XXXX

Aurora felt odd going to see a healer at his apartment, she asked Esfir if they should wait until the clinic was open to see Farlan's brother but she insisted to go directly to his home since he was an old friend.

"This doesn't seem appropriate! We are intruding!" Aurora hissed as Esfir rang the doorbell.

"Vat do you mean? I ring bell?!"

"No, it's not that! We should just wait until-"Aurora halted when the door opened and a very familiar handsome curly haired man opened the door.

His green eyes went wide, clearly surprised and confused.

"Aurora? The Aurora?! Is that really you?!"

"Yes it's me in the flesh. It's been so long Farlan, how are you?"

"I'm doing well…"

Farlan was shocked to see her here in Russia of all places. His last memory of her was her completely distraught and swearing that she would never return to this country ever again...and she was swearing at him as well…

"That's great!"

"So what brings you here, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, well you see..."

"Her knee." Esfir cut in.

Farlan nodded, "Philip should be back soon, he went to go visit our mother."

"Oh then perhaps this is a bad time." Aurora gave Esfir a pointed look.

"Of course not! Please come in, Esfir, always a pleasure to see you."

"I saw you two days ago." Esfir was not a big fan of pleasantries.

Farlan cleared his throat. "Yes, well…please come in come in!"

The two women entered, Farlan motioned for them to sit on the couch. Aurora looked around; the apartment was simple and bare. The walls had no pictures adorning them and the only thing that sat in the living room was furniture, it kind of looked like it was on display in one of those home catalogues, untouched with no traces of life to leave its mark.

"Do you live here with your brother?" Aurora inquired tugging at the sleeves of her sweater.

"Yes, I actually just moved back to Russia a month ago."

"That's nice..."

She'll never admit it but she did feel a bit awkward running into her old boyfriend like this, she simply didn't know how to act around him. They were sixteen when they first started dating and to be frank their relationship did not end on the best of terms. Back then Farlan Campbell was the pretty boy that all the girls wanted to be with. Born to a Scottish father and Russian mother his good looks were second to none, or at least to all the girls in the dance company they were. Curly brown hair, chiseled cheek bones, strong jaw and shiny green eyes who wouldn't go weak at the knees at the sight of him?! Aurora could hardly believe it when he asked her out.

The first 7 months of their relationship had been wonderful, they would go out on dates, steal kisses in between acts and make out underneath the stage, but it didn't last long. Farlan was a hot blooded young male and like all young men he wanted a more physical relationship. Apparently Aurora was "too chaste" for him, their relationship wasn't moving fast enough. So what did he do? Well he went to someone else. It was devastating, Aurora spent that whole night crying in Esfir's lap and cursing the day she ever met Farlan Campbell. It's was utterly humiliating, and the way she found out was just plain cruel, she had accidentally walked in on them ,and…well, that was that, she turned around and walked away trying to comprehend what she had just seen. At first she was in shock and then the deep sting of betrayal with an aftertaste of humiliation began to set in. It was a shame that her first relationship went to shit like that. No wonder she didn't trust men.

They didn't really get along that well after that whole incident. Aurora had trouble with removing the image of him thrusting himself into another woman out of her head, the mere thought of it made her angry. She would glare at him every time they crossed paths which was often because they had to work together since they had a duet together. Every day was agony having to look him in the face knowing that he had cheated on her. She asked her self over and over what was it that she didn't have that that other girl did. Why wasn't she enough?! It took her ages to finally realize that it wasn't her, it was him; he was an asshole, plain and simple. She was a fantastic girlfriend in her own opinion. She always listened to him when he wanted someone to talk to, she supported him, made time in her schedule for him, but that all went unnoticed. He was just a shitty boyfriend. Eventually it got easier, she injured her knee and moved back to America and didn't ever have to look at his stupid face ever again! Last she heard he quit dancing moved to Scotland to live with his father.

That chapter of her life ended 6 years ago, practically ancient history now, but Aurora still can't help but feel a twinge of hurt looking back, yes they had good times together as well but the bad memories are the ones that really resonate with her. That was one of her many faults, letting go of the past was a very difficult thing to do. She coped by never thinking about it, and it worked until now where Farlan is sitting right across from her. She had no ill will towards him, just some mild resentment.

"Well how about you Rory, what have you been up to these past few years?"

Aurora smiled nervously hearing him address her so familiarly. "Well I recently graduated from University-"

"Congratulations."

"Thank you. I've done a bit of traveling and well I don't want to bore you with the details but I want to give dancing another shot before my bones become too brittle and weak." She let out a small awkward laugh at her own joke.

Farlan nodded. "Good for you, glad to hear that you are doing well."

"Thanks."

An awkward silence engulf the room. Esfir began to fidget uncomfortably, she could sense the tension between the two. They may have been together at one point but now they were complete strangers to each other. Although Esfir could understand why they both seem uncomfortable seeing each other like this, the last memories they have of each other was not pleasant, she would know since she was there. She couldn't take the silence anymore she opened her mouth the start a new conversation when she was interrupted by the sound of a door opening.

"Farlan, did you pick up the supplies like I asked you to?!" Called a deep voice.

"Yes, Philip I did." Farlan stood from his seat. "We have company."

"Oh?" A tall skinny black haired blue eyed man came into view.

"Philip, you look as handsome as ever." Esfir smiled.

"Hello Esfir," Philip greeted her with a curt nod and looked to Aurora.

Farlan took a step forward and introduced her. "This is Aurora Pontellier, of the Pontelliers of France."

Aurora blushed at that little introduction, she was a normal person like everyone else there was no need to mention her family.

A coy smile graced Philip's lips, "ah yes I'm familiar with the Pontelliers. Your wine is excellent!" Philip extended his hand out to Aurora. "It's very nice to meet you Ms. Pontellier."

"Please, Healer Campbell you can just call me Aurora."

"Well then I insist that you call me Philip! Now, how may I help you?"

"Well to keep things short, I injured my knee a few years back when I was dancing and-

"And you want me to repair it for you." Philip eyed her knee.

Aurora nodded.

"Well that's fine, but first and foremost I want to make clear that just because you are a friend of my brother's-"

"Please," Aurora held up her hand halting the man. "I just want to establish that the last time Farlan and I spoke was about 6 years ago and in that point in time there was no love lost between us. And now we are complete strangers to one another. I don't know him and he certainly does not know me, or at least in the way that he used to. I'm not asking you for any favors, I only ask that you treat me like any other patient. Name your price and I will pay."

Philip smirked and nodded. "Why don't we work out the logistics in my office?"

Aurora picked up her pocketbook and followed the older man to his study, hopefully this will be quick so that they can get on the procedure.

XXXX

To her surprised negotiations were quick, Philip simply explained what the procedure was. It was a new technique he developed where he would use magic to regenerate the damaged cells in the tissue. If all goes well recovery time should be about two weeks and then she'll be able to start dancing again. She signed a few waivers and agreed to wire him the money for the operation straight away.

In the living room Esfir and Farlan were making some idol conversation.

"How do you feel seeing her again?" Esfir asked.

"Uncomfortable."

"Good!"

"How is that good?"

"Because it means you feel guilty."

"Guilty over something that happened 6 years ago?" Farlan scuffed, he was trying to play it cool but Esfir was right. He did feel guilty. Aurora was a decent girl and when they were together he didn't treat her properly. "Do you think she still hates me?"

Esfir shrugged. "I don't know. Ask her." She beckoned to Philip's study as Aurora emerged.

"Well that was quick." Farlan commented.

"I hope you don't mind sleeping on the couch tonight." Aurora tugged at her sleeve. "Philip said he's going to operate on me today as soon as he gets the confirmation that the money has been wired to this account."

Farlan looked between his brother and Aurora. "Wouldn't you need a day or two to assess the situation?"

"What is there to assess? Her ACL is damaged and I have to repair it as if it was never damaged in the first place." Philip shrugged, "Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to check to see if I received my money." He turned to go back to his office.

"I have to say it's quite convenient how the only currency used in Russia among Muggles and magical folk alike is Muggle money. Makes things easier." Aurora took a seat on the couch.

Farlan opened his mouth to respond when his brother called out-

"Farlan please help Aurora prepare for the operation!"

Farlan sighed, he hated prepping patients, and he wasn't sure if this was going to be awkward or not, this was his ex-girlfriend after all. He wasn't sure if she still held a grudge against him, he wouldn't doubt it if she did. Despite his faults he does admit to the fact that he messed up and that girl who he cheated with wasn't worth losing Aurora, not by a long shot.

"So when does the prepping begin?" Aurora asked now feeling a bit uncomfortable due to Farlan's sudden silence.

"Oh yes, follow me you can get ready in my room. Esfir, you can go. We'll ring you once she's done."

"Great!" Esfir gathered her coat. "Good luck!" she winked at Aurora and left without a second word.

What was that about? She wondered, then shook her head and turned to Farlan. "Ring?" she asked.

"Owls are a thing of the past, phoning is much easier." He walked to one of the storage closets and pulled out a light pink robe and handed it to her. You can get ready in my room since that's where the operation will be taking place."

"Your room?"

"Well you don't expect he'll be opening up you knee in the kitchen do you?"

Aurora rolled her eyes. "I see you are still sarcastic as ever."

"Very observant of you."

"Is this how you treat all patients under your care?"

"No, just you." He winked at her and shot her a wolfish smirk.

"Ha, ha." Aurora turned without a second word and entered his bedroom shutting the door behind her.

Farlan let out a big sign, stop being an idiot! He scolded himself, he did not mean to be rude to her, it all kind of slipped out, it was his odd way to mask the fact that he felt a bit nervous and awkward around her, he didn't know how to act otherwise.

"Can you handle this or do I need to send you out for the night?" Philip asked stepping out into the living room.

"No, I can help."

"Are you sure, Farlan?"

"Yes I'm sure."

"Okay then, stop being an arse. You will treat her as if she is a regular patient. I know you two have a bit of a history but that was years ago and you shouldn't let it interfere with your work here."

"I know, I know. I just didn't think I'd ever see her again."

"Ah, well, tough shit. Go check on her and see if she's okay."

Farlan let out a long sigh and walked to his bedroom door, he knocked twice before he heard a soft voice call. "Come in."

He entered the room and found Aurora wearing the pink robe he handed her moments ago with her hair pulled in a tight braid. He picked up a clipboard that was on the nightstand and began to jot down some notes.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

"Did you eat before coming here?"

"No."

"Do you have any allergies?"

"No."

"Are you on any medication?"

"No."

"Do you smoke?"

"Yes."

"How often?"

Aurora thought for a moment, she wasn't entirely sure, she never really kept track. "I'd say a few times a week."

Farlan nodded and continued writing.

"Do you drink?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"Wine, only on occasion."

"Okay, great." Farlan set the clipboard down and grabbed a machine that was in the far corner of the room, he grabbed a thin tube and a small package that contained a needle, "This is going to administer the anesthetic."

Aurora sucked in a deep breath. "Great." She winced when she feel a small pinch in her arm.

Philip walked in wearing his scrubs. "Are you ready?" He asked picking up the clipboard and reading the contents that were on it.

Aurora nodded.

"Lie down please." Philip put the clipboard down and placed is surgical mask over his face.

"Count backwards from 10." Farlan instructed.

She didn't even make it to 8 when everything went black.

It was bright…too bright and there was an overwhelming smell of alcohol in the air, it made her both dizzy and nauseous. She was swaying from side to side, where was she? Was she on a ship? Why was the ground so unsteady?

She heard a voice talking but couldn't understand what they were saying. Her vision began to clear and she realized that she was not on a ship, she was sitting on a bed the babbling voice was hers, she couldn't comprehend what she was saying. There was someone beside her holding on to her shoulders trying to keep her still.

"What happened?" She asked trying to lift her head which currently felt like it weighed a ton.

"Nothing, Philip finished the operation." Farlan answered, trying to keep her still. She was so squirmy!

"Oh…is my knee better?"

"Yes."

"You're lying to me."

"How so?"

"Because my knee hurts."

"It's normal, the anesthesia is fading, once you are fully awake and had something to eat we'll give you some more medicine for the pain."

Aurora looked up at him her pupils were dilated and her eyes were unfocused. "It's so bright in here."

Farlan pulled out his wand and dimed the lights.

"It smells."

"Well I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do anything to help with the smell."

Aurora leaned forward and Farlan tried to push her back in an upright position. "Try not to move, you're going to make yourself sick."

"But I already feel sick, I think I'm going to-"Aurora gagged and Farlan quickly grabbed a bucket that was next to the bed and held it in front of her face and she vomited. Once she emptied the contents of her stomach Farlan wiped her mouth clean with a handkerchief. Jesus, he hated this job.

"I'm tired." Aurora moaned.

"Okay, I'll let you sleep but once you wake up you need to eat and take the medicine for your knee."

Aurora nodded and muttered something incoherent, Farlan didn't really care to know what it was she was trying to say, it was probably all gibberish anyway. He helped her lie down where she instantly fell asleep.

Farlan sighed and picked up the bucket full of vomit so he can clean it out, his babysitting shift has officially begun.

[1] Kto eto: Who is it?

[2] Staryy druug: An old friend.

[3] Ya znal chto ty ne mozhesh' ostat'sya v storone…Avrora: I know that you couldn't stay away…Aurora

[4] Ya vizhu, vy vse yeshche treniruyetes' Esfir: I see that you are still training Esfir.