Even though Aurora had been staying up late the past few days, her eyes were growing heavier by the minute that evening. So, despite the clock reading only nine o'clock, she decided to turn in for the night. She had already taken a quick shower and changed into her nightwear, and now she was heading calmly toward her bed.
Unfortunately, her plans were abruptly interrupted when someone began knocking at the door to her office. The unexpected sound startled her. Who on earth could possibly need something from her at this hour?
Aurora quickly grabbed a satin robe draped over the chair nearby and threw it on before rushing to open the door. When she did, she was met with the last person she expected to see. Remus Lupin.
"Remus? What's wrong?" she asked, her confusion clear. This was the second time he had appeared at her door unannounced, and once again, she had no clue why.
"We're on patrol together tonight," he explained simply.
Aurora froze, her face heating with embarrassment as the realization hit her. Of course, she had forgotten again. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to mask her frustration with herself.
"Sorry, I—I'm still adjusting to all of this. I'll get changed and join you right away," she said, already stepping back toward her room.
"That's completely normal," Remus assured her, his tone calm and understanding. "You've had a long week. I can manage tonight's patrol alone, you look like you need some rest."
"No!" Aurora protested, her voice sharper than she intended. She shook her head quickly. "Give me two minutes, and I'll be ready."
Aurora hurried into her bedroom, grabbing the first outfit she found in her closet. She quickly changed, not wanting to keep Remus waiting any longer.
"I'm ready," she announced as she stepped out of her chambers.
To her surprise, she found Remus seated at her desk, his attention caught by something on the surface. His fingers hovered just above the frame of a photo resting on the wooden counter.
"Is this you in the photo?" he asked without looking up, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Aurora stepped closer, her gaze softening when she saw the image he was referring to.
"Yeah," she said with a faint smile. "That's me with my grandma."
Remus smiled warmly at Aurora as he stood from her desk. Gently, he placed a hand on her back, a subtle gesture meant to guide them toward the exit.
"It's sweet that you keep a photo of the two of you on your desk. You must love her very much," he said softly.
"I did," Aurora replied, her voice tinged with emotion. "You don't even know how much."
They continued walking, but as they stepped just outside her classroom, she noticed Remus had fallen a few steps behind. The warmth of his touch was gone, replaced by a hesitance she could almost feel in the air.
"Sorry," he said, his voice quieter now. "I didn't mean to bring up something painful again."
Aurora turned to face him, offering a gentle smile. "It doesn't matter, Remus, really. I remember her with so much fondness. She was a wonderful woman."
The woman glanced back at Lupin one last time, a soft smile on her lips, before leaving the History of Magic classroom. She hoped he would follow, and when she heard his footsteps behind her, a quiet sense of reassurance settled over her.
Together, they began their patrol.
"My grandmother was a Muggle," Aurora began after a stretch of silence, her voice low and measured. "She lived with us during the war. That day, Mum had to go for some tests, she was heavily pregnant at the time. Dad and I went with her, and Granny stayed at home."
Her steps slowed slightly as she spoke, the memory weighing on her.
"Our house was attacked while we were gone. When we came back, we found her... She was dead. And above our house, their sign was there."
"I'm so sorry," Remus said softly, his voice heavy with sympathy. "Death at the hands of Death Eaters is always cruel."
Aurora nodded, a faraway look in her eyes. "It was... But you know, not long after, my sister was born. And..." She paused, her expression softening as a faint smile appeared. "She looks so much like Granny."
Remus glanced at her, his brow furrowed with quiet empathy. "It sounds like a piece of your grandmother lives on in her. That's something to hold onto."
Aurora met his gaze, her smile lingering, her voice steadier now. "Yeah. I think so too."
They continued their patrol in silence, wandering through the vast, dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, even checking some of the lesser-known corners of the castle. At first, Aurora found the quiet a little uncomfortable, every echo of their footsteps seemed too loud, but as the minutes passed, she began to relax in Remus's calm presence.
As they approached the Astronomy Tower, Remus broke the silence.
"What year was your sister born?"
Aurora glanced at him, surprised by the sudden question. "In 1980, in May to be exact."
"Merlin," Remus murmured, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I thought I recognized her when I first read her name on the roll and saw her in class. You two really look alike. She's in her third year now, isn't she?"
Aurora's lips curved into a fond smile. "She is. She ended up in Gryffindor, just like our dad. She's always been full of spirit." Pausing, she chuckled lightly. "And I think she often hangs out with... Hermione Granger, if I remember her name correctly."
Remus nodded with a faint smile. "That sounds about right. Gryffindor's been shaping some impressive minds lately."
"That it has," Aurora agreed. Her expression softened as she continued. "She's a good kid. I just hope she doesn't get too caught up in the chaos that seems to find its way into Hogwarts these days."
Remus gave her a reassuring look. "From what I've seen, your sister is clever and steady. And if she's anything like you, she'll be just fine."
Aurora blushed slightly at the compliment, quickly looking away.
They continued up the tower stairs, the silence between them now warm and comfortable.
Aurora began her Tuesday morning teaching her third-year class. It was a unique and somewhat surreal experience to have her own sister among her students.
Lucrecia Moonridge had been born just three days after their grandmother, Lucrecia Holloway, had passed away. Her arrival into the world had been unexpected and far too early, but she had proven to be a fighter from the start. Now, as Aurora glanced at the front row, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of her younger sister.
Her little girl, eight years her junior, was gazing up at her with wide, adoring eyes. It was almost overwhelming, the sheer admiration in that look. How strange, Aurora thought, to be both a sister and a teacher, and to see the same child she used to rock to sleep now sitting attentively in her classroom, ready to learn.
The classroom began to fill as more students arrived, settling into their seats as the start of the lesson approached. Lucrecia was soon joined by her best friend since their first year, Hermione Granger. In the desk next to them sat their friends, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter.
Aurora's gaze briefly lingered on Harry. Memories began to surface—memories of Godric's Hollow, where she had spent her entire life. She still remembered the Potters, who had moved there shortly after finishing school. They had been neighbors, often passing each other on the street with warm smiles and occasional waves.
Aurora vividly recalled how Lily had announced her pregnancy; the happiness had been infectious. Then, seemingly overnight, they had disappeared without a word. The next thing anyone heard was the tragic news of their deaths. They were murdered in their own home, the same one they had lived in before they disappeared.
Aurora could still remember the day her parents took her to the memorial service held in their honor. The grief in the air had been palpable, and even though she was just a child, she'd felt the weight of it. Everyone there had cried.
"Alright, could someone tell me who Nicolas Flamel was?" Aurora asked the class, her voice carrying across the room as she leaned casually against her desk.
Immediately, three hands shot into the air — Hermione, Harry, and Lucrecia. Aurora couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm.
"Well," she said, a playful lilt in her tone, "since you're all from the same house, I suppose it doesn't matter who I pick." She closed her eyes dramatically and pointed blindly in their direction. When she opened them, her finger was aimed at Hermione. "Hermione, please."
Hermione straightened in her seat, her voice brimming with confidence. "Nicolas Flamel was a French wizard and famed alchemist who is best known as the only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary substance with incredible powers, including the ability to grant immortality."
"Excellent answer," Aurora praised with a nod, her eyes sparkling with approval. "And can anyone tell me why the Philosopher's Stone is so important in magical history?"
Hermione's hand shot up again. Harry and Lucrecia exchanged glances before raising theirs as well. Aurora stifled a laugh. "Alright, let's give someone else a chance this time…"
"Lucrecia, this time, you," Aurora said with a smile, gesturing toward her sister.
"The Philosopher's Stone was a legendary alchemical substance with magical properties. The ruby-red stone could be used to transform any metal into pure gold, as well as to create the Elixir of Life, which made the drinker immortal."
"That's a good answer, yes," Aurora nodded approvingly. "Unfortunately, we said goodbye to Mr. Flamel a year ago. The man lived for about six centuries. And as for the Philosopher's Stone..." Her gaze flicked knowingly toward Harry, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Well, I think Harry here knows perfectly well what happened to it."
The class's attention shifted to Harry, who flushed slightly under the sudden focus.
Aurora laughed softly, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, Harry, it's just that Dumbledore told me the whole story."
Harry managed a sheepish smile, while Ron leaned closer to him and muttered, "Seems like Dumbledore tells everyone everything about you, mate."
Aurora cleared her throat, gently steering the conversation back. "Alright, everyone, let's move on. There's plenty more history to cover without embarrassing our local celebrity." Her tone was light, keeping the mood in the room upbeat.
When the lesson ended, Professor Moonridge stood by her desk, watching the students file out. Her gaze lingered on Harry, who was already packed and heading for the door. A sudden impulse stopped her.
"Harry, wait a moment, please."
The Boy Who Lived hesitated, then stepped aside as the last of his classmates left the room. Once they were alone, he turned to her with a curious expression.
"I'm sorry for what I said earlier," Aurora began, her tone sincere. "I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
Harry shook his head lightly. "It's okay, Professor, really. Honestly, I'm used to it by now."
Aurora exhaled, her lips curving into a faint, bittersweet smile. "Oh, Harry," she said softly, stepping closer to him. "Merlin, you have her eyes. Just like Lily's."
Harry blinked, his breath catching. "You knew her?" he asked, a spark of hope in his voice. Then, awkwardly, he added, "I'm sorry, but... I thought you were a bit younger."
Aurora laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I was just a child when I met her. You weren't even born yet. Your parents were my neighbors in Godric's Hollow."
Harry tilted his head thoughtfully. "I've never been back there since… everything happened."
Aurora gave him an encouraging smile. "Well, you should visit Lucrecia during the holidays. She still lives there with my parents. You'd be more than welcome."
For a moment, Harry stood silent, processing her words. Then he nodded, a shy but genuine smile crossing his face.
"Thank you, Professor," he said earnestly.
"You're welcome, Harry," Aurora replied, gesturing toward the door. "You can go now. And… if you ever want to talk about them, you know where to find me."
Harry gave her a grateful glance before slipping out of the room, leaving Aurora standing there with a soft, wistful expression.