Hey everyone!

First of all sorry for the late updates. Life has gotten a little rougher for me and I am still writing but updates may be a little later than the 3rd and 18th but writing is one of the most normal things I have right now, so updates are still coming. I can also officially say that my birthday is next month.

Stay safe.

Lots of love,

LSH xxx

Finally Belonging Somewhere-Part 98:

Daphne and Astoria were talking in hushed voices before they heard footsteps… hurrying footsteps… getting closer and soon Aurora came rushing back in and stopped in front of the sisters.

"Aurora! Stop running everywhere. This isn't Malfoy Manor. We're guests here and need to treat the House with respect," Draco said as he walked into the room.

"Don't worry about it Draco," Jen said, "as long as nothing gets broken or damaged she's OK. She's excited; it's a new place for her to explore," she said as Aurora went over to her and looked at her causing Jen to chuckle softly, "don't worry Aurora. Just don't break anything and you'll be good," she said and Aurora nodded as the group turned hearing footsteps and soon Cait was walking in.

"Everyone is pretty much here now," she said as she looked at the group, "just waiting on one more person but, by the time we get downstairs, they'll be here."

"Kenzie," Astoria said with a chuckle as she looked at her grandmother and then looked at Aurora, "Princess Sparkles or Arabella? You can only have one with you," she said and Aurora looked at her doll and unicorn teddy before placing Arabella on her pillow and smiling softly.

"Princess Sparkles," she said and watched as Cait checked everyone over one last time.

The group left Aurora's bedroom and headed downstairs to the sitting room which was used before meals and Aurora looked around as Astoria's family were gathered in little bubbles and she held Princess Sparkles close to her and she felt Cait's hand on her back and she looked up as the witch called Draco to her as well.

"Time for you both to meet the clan," she said and then she began to walk Draco and Aurora around introducing them to the family members that the two hadn't met yet. Kenzie was watching Aurora with interest and was rather gentle with the girl and Aurora smiled shyly at Kenzie before the meet and greet was over.

Draco went to chat to Astoria and Daphne but Aurora went and sat down near Astoria's six cousins, who were now sat together. She just watched and listened to what they were saying and remembered that Astoria had told her that the oldest two were at Hogwarts and heard them talking about Ravenclaw. She listened to what was being said but wouldn't say a thing. She wasn't even sure what she could say. Jen had been fine and not overwhelming but meeting the six cousins was overwhelming her. She just remained quiet and listened to what was being said, but not offering any conversation.

"Hey," Kenzie said softly as she sat by Aurora, "you feeling a little overwhelmed?"

"Yes," Aurora said, "so many people around," she said softly and Kenzie just stayed close to Aurora but didn't force her to speak and just allowed the girl to get used to her.

Eventually Cait announced that dinner was ready and Astoria made a beeline for Aurora and walked her through to the dining room and sat her down beside her and then she sat down as well. Cait was watching the two and smirked as Astoria had seated herself between Draco and Aurora. Yes the marriage would be perfect between Draco and Astoria and she could see the blossoming romance between her granddaughter and the Malfoy heir… and the love Astoria showed for Aurora made her heart swell.

"It's so big!" Aurora gasped as she looked around the dining room as she waited for the food to be served and she pointed to a picture. Astoria chuckled before she began to explain who the person was as the food was served.

The meal was progressing well and Draco was relieved that Aurora wasn't talking much because she was, no doubt, bursting with questions that she wanted to ask. Eventually, though, that moment came and she began to ask James a fair few questions.

"Sorry about this," Draco said, "she's a curious child at times."

James chuckled and put his hand up to silence Draco,

"Don't worry about it Draco. She's a curious child and we'll answer any questions she has… within reason," he said and turned to the 12-year-old guest and he and Cait answered any questions Aurora threw their way. Maggie, Jen and Calum offered some input when they needed to but otherwise Cait and James were only too happy to answer the curious girl's questions, fully aware that Jen was also watching Aurora so she could assess her. They just hoped that Draco wouldn't pick up on it as he was still in the dark.

Eventually it began to grow later and Kenzie walked over to James and Cait and asked if she and the cousins could be excused to go to their room in the Big House and James allowed it. Kenzie then went over to Aurora and asked if the girl wanted to go with her and the others.

Aurora looked at Draco, almost scared before Astoria gently cupped Aurora's chin and turned the girl's head to look at her.

"Kenzie will look after you. It's in her nature and you'll be able to come back here if you wish to," she said softly before Aurora looked at Kenzie and the older girl nodded softly, as if trying to reassure Aurora that she'd be OK and not forced to go.

Aurora eventually nodded and she got up and Kenzie gently guided Aurora out of the room and to the playroom. The younger ones instantly went to play and Jamie and Kenzie grabbed a book each that they were clearly reading. Aurora just sat by the window cuddling her unicorn teddy close and watching everything that was happening ahead of her and she just kept quiet. Kenzie was keeping an eye on the girl to make sure that she wasn't too scared or nervous but she appeared settled so Kenzie left her alone.

The adults and Draco, Daphne and Astoria were sat talking when silence fell and Jen turned to Draco.

"I want to confess something now Draco. You and Aurora are here for a reason… I am taking over form your mother as Aurora's main Healer and they've asked me to assess her. I think she may have something that Muggles have and I am trained in both magical and Muggle medicine," she said before watching as Draco went to say something but stopped as Astoria stopped him.

"Whatever is best for my sister I will support," Draco said, "I'm not happy about the deception but Aurora is what matters here and that is all I have to say," he said as he looked at Jen, knowing that all he wanted Aurora to do was have fun and be a carefree child and hopefully that is what would happen.