Wednesday 1st September, 1971 (P2)

-The Hogwarts express

The four sisters walked through the platform, people parting like the red sea, their gazes following after the well-known black-haired family. A few whispers followed as they passed, along with pointing and jeering from all directions, but as this type of reaction to the family was fairly normal by now, they had just learnt to ignore it over the years.

The Black family had had a reputation for as long as they could remember, so they knew it was always going to be like that... and it always had been like it. Wherever the family were, whatever they were doing, eyes would still follow them; the eyes of curious wizards, all wanting to take a look at the famous family for themselves. But that had never bothered them, in fact they often thrived off of the attention.

Looking around the platform, Aurora stopped for a minute, taking in the all so familiar view. A view that she had seen so many times before, and yet it had never actually felt real until this moment.

Though it was fairly early, the station was already packed with students from all ages, all saying goodbye to their families as many of their parents broke down in tears, hugging onto their children for dear life. Owls flew all over the place, hooting as they went causing a loud yet comforting sound around the station. And then there was the train, a big red steam train that sat proudly in the station, smoke spirally out of the huge funnel that sat on the top of it; it was the Hogwarts express.

"Hurry up Aurora, we don't have all day!" Bellatrix hissed at her sister, as she realised that the girl had started walking slower, falling behind from the pack, taking in the views as her mind raced at thousands of miles an hour.

The girl shook her head, before quickening her pace, catching up with the rest of her family. Bellatrix looked back, sending her sister a sharp look before turning her attention back in front of her; causing Aurora to subtly rolling her eyes when she was certain her sister had turned back around. She hated being out in public with Bellatrix.

Bellatrix didn't act like this at home. At home, she didn't act exactly how people expected her to. She didn't care about the rules; and it was a known fact that she never had. But the public had brainwashed her.

They had caused her to stop showing any part of her personality to anyone, and that upset Aurora. It upset her because Bellatrix was the mother figure the girl had never had; but nobody else knew that. Nobody else knew that, because nobody else had ever cared to get to know her better; everyone just making assumptions of who she presents herself to be.

But, as much as she wished she could, Aurora never complained about it. She knew that Bellatrix had a reputation to uphold, and she accepted that. She accepted that her sister acted very differently when under the public eye, because she knew deep down Bellatrix wasn't this insane and psychotic bitch that everyone painted her out to be, and that she was on fact one of the best people in her life. She just wished that she would show this side of her to other people; people other than her and her sister, but sadly, she knew it would always have to be that way. She'd already gone too far.

So, Aurora just listened, doing exactly as Bellatrix said, quickening her pace, moving to stand right behind Bellatrix and between her other two sisters. Narcissa and Andromeda didn't say anything as they followed Bellatrix, but Aurora could tell that they hated this routine just as much as her, and it was seemly worse for them this year, especially with the arrival of their aunt and cousins to the equation.

"RORY!" A voice called from across the platform snapping the girl out of her daydream, an excited Sirius Black running towards the girl, much to his mother (Walburga) and Bellatrix's displeasure, who were both watching the incident take place. "RORYYYYY! YOU'RE COMING TO HOGWARTS! RORYYYYYY!"

"Siri!" Aurora ran out from the pack, ignoring Bellatrix's sharp gaze as she ran straight into the boy's arms. "YOU'RE HERE!" She gave the boy a quick hug, before she felt a sharp tug at her shoulder as Bellatrix pulled her backwards.

"Sirius," Bellatrix nodded, looking down at the boy who was stood now in front of her, smiling even though he already knew he was in trouble. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your Mother? Because last time I checked, that was the rules. You know what the rules are, right? Or, do you need reminding... "

"I know the rules," he smirked. "But it doesn't mean I'll follow them, does it? I was just going to ask Aurora if she wanted help with-"

"You will ask her nothing of the sort," Bellatrix scowled. "Aurora is fully capable of asking for help herself if she needs it, and from one of the Slytherins, no doubt. Not from one of your kind-"

"My kind? Last time I checked; we were cousins. We're from the same blood... Are we not, Bella?"

Bellatrix froze, an annoyed expression spreading across her face. "For now," She muttered, as she headed past him, carrying on walking until she finally got to Walburga Black.

Andromeda and Narcissa followed obediently, walking closely behind her, while Aurora hung back with Sirius, whispering and giggling with him as the two of them joined the others, meeting up with Walburga and Regulus, who were still stood in place at the edge of the platform, both visually embarrassed by Sirius' actions.

Aurora smiled, waving subtly at Regulus so nobody else would see it, but he just turned away, ignoring her and looking straight towards his mother, who had already pulled Sirius (and now him) aside for a chat, while Bellatrix took the girls. All the Black children knew what the 'chats' would be about, they had had plenty of them before, but they had no choice but to listen to them every year. It wouldn't be a normal family event without one.

"I don't want to hear from anyone that you're misbehaving again, Andromeda," Bellatrix spoke firmly to the girl, who only looked up at her sister, despite her tone and the expression on her face, which would have made any other person squirm under her gaze. "Just because I'm not there with you this year, doesn't mean I don't know what's going on, ok?"

"Yes, Bella," Andromeda replied confidently, looking back up at Bellatrix, causing her to frown slightly as she turned away to look at her younger sister, without another word.

Andromeda let out a small sigh, a sigh that only Aurora, who was stood next to her at the time, could hear.

She didn't know what she was expecting, a hug? An 'I love you'. She knew that even a small smile would be pushing it from Bellatrix. Maybe she would make an exception for Aurora, or even maybe Narcissa, but she definitely wouldn't for her; they weren't that close anymore. And as much as she hated to admit it, it hurt. It hurt being left there with nothing; nothing but an empty threat and a warning. She was used to it by now. But every time it happened, it still hurt her all the same.

The Black's weren't known for being the most compassionate and loving people, sure, but it didn't mean they couldn't be, because they could if they wanted too.

And, even if that wasn't the case, each year, Andromeda still couldn't help but wish that for once, her family would act like they miss her. She wished that they would act like they actually cared about her but she knew that deep down, they didn't. Bellatrix was the oldest, Aurora was the youngest, Narcissa was the favourite and she was nothing. Everyone had given up on her; only her, and it had been like that for as long as she could remember.

That was, everyone but Aurora. But she knew that she couldn't stay with the girl. She couldn't stay because as much as she wanted to, it would put her in too much danger. The only option she had was to distance herself from the girl. She was going to hate herself for it, yes, and she would hate herself forever for it, but she was going to have to do so. It was the only way to ensure safety for the both of them.

"You are to look out for your sister, Cissa," Bellatrix spoke again, now addressing her other sister.

"You write immediately if she places even a single toe out of line," she continued, making the young girl turn to look at her, feeling satisfied when she nodded in return.

"And you, " Bellatrix continued again, this time talking straight to Aurora. "We're Slytherins, remember? I don't want to be disappointed, Aurora. "

"Of course, Bella," Aurora sighed, glancing over at Regulus, who she guessed had probably been told the exact same thing plenty of times too.

"You know the rules," Walburga said after Bellatrix had finished her part of the conversation, now addressing all of the Black children, and not just her own.

They all knew that she was not talking about the school rules, but about the rules that they had made for their children in the Black household. The rules that would get them into a lot of bother if they didn't follow them, hence why there seemed to be favourites in the two families (Narcissa and Regulus).

"And if any of you break those rules, prepare yourself."

The women didn't need to go on for her children to understand what she was going on about, and while most children would have thought that what they were saying was rather harsh, the Black children were used to it by now.

"Yes, Mother," the Black brothers spoke in sync, while the three girls just nodded.

Looking closely, Aurora could see Sirius rolling her eyes dramatically as his mother moved to stand next to her sister once more, which although it went unnoticed by them, made her giggle all the same.

"We expect to see you all at Christmas," Bellatrix spoke, sending the children sharp gazes, her tone holding its usual bitterness.

The children nodded their heads yet again, muttering their goodbyes quickly as Walburga and Bellatrix took off without saying another word.

From there, Narcissa went off with Regulus (as expected) quickly getting onto the train, but Sirius and Andromeda stayed behind, communicating with each other in a way that Aurora didn't understand. She assumed that it was some sort of plan, something that she obviously wasn't included in, so she just stood there, waiting for one of them to finally break off and talk to her.

Sirius was the first person to move, giving Aurora a quick smile and a sad look as he boarded the train, leaving Aurora on the platform with just Andromeda for company. Aurora found it strange how quickly the boy left. Yes, he wanted to find his friends, but she thought he'd at least invite her, even if she did eventually have to decline his offer.

Then, Andromeda walked over to the girl. She picked up her (and Aurora's) trunks, placing them carefully into the train before turning to look at her younger sister as they stepped on the train together. As much as she wanted Aurora to come with her, just as Sirius had too, she knew she couldn't do it; she couldn't stay with her sister. Aurora had to sit with the Slytherins... It was the only safe option, and she couldn't go with her.

"I'll see you later," she mumbled, giving Aurora a small side hug before turning on her heels and walking down the train, dragging her trunk behind her.

Aurora watched as left, only smiling softly at her older sister. She had a feeling this would happen, and her suspicions were confirmed when Sirius left, but she wished that Andromeda didn't do the same. She wished that she would have stayed. But it didn't matter anymore. It was time for Aurora to move on with her life and meet new people, and now was the perfect opportunity to do it.

So, trying not to dwell on things for too long, Aurora decided to follow her actions herself, heading down the corridor in the opposite direction to her, heading the way she had seen Narcissa and Regulus go only a few minutes before her. She didn't know exactly where she would end up, or who would be there, but she could only assume that it would be the Slytherin carriages, and if it was, she would most likely know most of the people there.

Aurora carried on walking. She headed past groups of scared first years, prefects, Ravenclaws... but she still couldn't find anyone that she knew. That was, until she heard footsteps echoing out from behind her.

"Aurora?" a voice suddenly spoke out. "Aurora Black?"

Aurora turned quickly, coming face to face with Evan Rosier. She already knew the boy fairly well. She knew that he was one of Regulus' other cousins (meaning that he was most likely closely related to her too), that he was a year older than Sirius and that he was a Slytherin... That's all she had ever really needed to know.

She was more surprised that the boy remembered her. They had talked before, but only on a few occasions. Occasions that they had no choice but to speak, like the balls, the parties and the events; but they had never spoken more than that.

"Rosier..." she replied anxiously. "How- how do you remember me? How do you know me?"

"How do I know you?" he laughed, moving over to her and placing an arm over her shoulder as he walked with her along the train's corridors. "How could I forget you? Regulus talks about you all the flipping time. Honestly, the boy doesn't shut up about you! It gets quite annoying sometimes."

"Reg does? Are we talking about the same Regulus? Regulus Black, right?"

"I mean, yeah. You two danced together at the wedding, right?" Evan questioned, raising a brow at her.

"We did," she nodded. "But Reg danced with lots of people... Not just me. I wasn't the only one-"

"Well maybe the other people didn't mean as much to him."

"Or maybe, he just didn't think you'd care to know about the others"

"Or maybe you were just special?"

"I doubt that," Aurora shook her head adamantly. "I'm just another girl."

"Not to him..." he mumbled.

Aurora went silent, not saying a word. She didn't know what to say to back to him without making things more awkward, so she chose to stay quiet.

"Anyway, less talk about Reg for a second," Evan continued when he finally realised that the girl had stopped answering him, leaving them to stand next to each other in awkward silence. "How are you doing today, Little Miss Black? You know, it being you first train ride and all... are you alright?"

"Umm... Yeah," Aurora answered. "I'm good, I think..."

"You think, huh?" he laughed. "You sure about that? Because, from what I can see, you seem lost. Are you lost?"

Aurora sighed, annoyed at how much the boy already seemed to know about her, yet also feeling kind of happy that she met him. "Not lost, just stranded. Andromeda-"

"Left you... I get it, " he replied, looking almost pitiful.

"You do?"

"Yeah, of course I do. She left all of us. It's been like this for years now. You can ask anyone, any of us Slytherins... Cissa was just the same as you when it first happened."

"She was?"

"Yep," he said sadly. "You just need to find your people... And luckily for you, I think I can help you with that. I know where your people are."

"Where are they?"

"In here, " he said, opening the door to a second carriage full of familiar faces. She could see cousins, friends and even her sister. Everyone was there; everyone that she knew, in one carriage. "Welcome home, Rory."

"Wow..." Aurora's mouth flew open in shock.

"You like it?" Evan questioned, signalling for her to walk through the door first.

"Um... Sure."

"Thought you'd say that," he smiled, giving her a slight push before turning and starting to head back in the other direction.

"Evan?" Aurora questioned, turning to face him again. "Aren't you coming?"

"Coming where?"

"To sit with the others."

"Oh no..." he said quickly. "I have some- um business to take care of... you have fun though. But, tell Reggie I say 'hi', will you? You know, when you find him... because I'm guessing that's who you're looking for."

She nodded lightly, causing him to let out a quick smile before he went on his way. "Hey, Rosier!" Aurora called his name, causing him to turn back around it.

"What do you want now, Aurora," he sighed, "I told you I have business to- "

"I was just going to say 'Thank you'... for helping me," she shrugged. "Thought it would be the right thing to do. You know, seeing as I'm not a complete dickhead unlike some people."

He laughed, "Is that all?"

"Yep," she replied. "That's all... you can go now."

"I'll see you around, Aurora ," he called as he started walking again. "Just you wait. You'll be sick of me by the end of the year!"

"I don't think so," she muttered under her breath, as she headed through the door to the Slytherin carriages, confidently striding in, making herself at home.

As soon as she entered, Aurora could see her sister (Narcissa) and so, being the annoying younger sibling she was, she headed straight towards the table that she saw her sister was sat at, ready to annoy the girl. When she arrived at the table, Aurora gently perched herself on the edge of one of the seats, looking around at all her friends, all of whom seemed were familiar to her as well.

"Who do we have here then," Aurora smirked. "Zabini, Avery and... aww, if it isn't my second favourite couple."

"Hiya Rory!" Zabini exclaimed, trying desperately not to laugh at the young girl, knowing what would most likely happen to him if he did.

"Aurora-" Avery nodded.

"No! Wait a minute..." Narcissa finally spoke up, stopping the boys before they could say anything else, realising what Aurora had originally said. "Before we continue, can something just tell me... Did she-"

"Did she what?" Lucius spoke up, worriedly. "What's wrong, Cissa? What's happened?"

"Did she just say second favourite?" Narcissa said questioningly, turning to face the girl, who was still sat there, smirking, confirming all her suspicions. "What do you mean second, Rory? Who is the-"

Aurora sighed, trying to act serious, before she eventually gave up and blurted out, "You and Kreacher."

The table fell silent for a few seconds; however, it didn't take long for Avery and Zabini burst out laughing, not being able to control themselves for any longer. Aurora didn't blame them for laughing, of course, because her jokes were made to be laughed at. But, Narcissa... she seemed angry!

"KREACHER?" Narcissa shouted, her face going red with embarrassment (and anger). "Really Rory! You couldn't have chosen someone better? Out of all the people in the world you had to choose him."

"What?" Aurora smiled innocently. "I ship Krecissa... Or Neacher... Or whatever the fuck you want to call it."

"He's a house elf!"

"A very handsome house elf. And, if you're comparing him to Lucy over here, I'd say he's way better; I'd choose Kreacher over him any day. At least Kreacher is useful for something..."

"You little bi-" Lucius began, but Aurora soon interrupted him.

"Be careful!" she muttered in a low, yet teasing voice. "I wouldn't insult your future sister-in-law of I were you, Lucy. I have connections, you know. I can always just owl Bella and-"

"You wouldn't!"

"I would," Aurora replied. "Bella told me to contact her if anyone was causing me any trouble, and this conversation is starting to feel like it's heading that way... "

"But he's family!" Narcissa complained, "You wouldn't do that to your family, would you?"

"Oh, so you're married then?" Aurora said, raising a brow at her sister.

"No..."

"Then he's not my family yet, is he?" she continued. "And may I say, thank god for that!"

"Why? What do you have against my boyfriend?" Narcissa questioned angrily. "What has he ever done to you?"

"Cissa, it's fine... drop it," Zabini spoke up trying to calm the girl down, but it obviously wasn't working. Aurora had gone too far, but that wasn't going to stop her. She found great pleasure in annoying her older sister.

"Oh, nothing much," Aurora grinned. "I was just confused, that's all. I mean, I thought you said that there was a picture of your boyfriend inside of that necklace Lucy bought you..."

"And, what is it to you?" Lucius finally spoke up again, trying to defend his girlfriend without getting too involved in the argument himself. "Why is that any of your business?"

"It's none of my business," she shrugged. "You're right. It's just... I thought Cissa was only dating you..."

Narcissa gave Aurora a strange look, looking down at her necklace. "What do you-" She stopped for a moment, opening the locket around her neck and looking down to reveal a picture of Kreacher the house elf, that had once been a photo of Lucius Malfoy. "AURORA BLACK!" She shouted, trying to reach her sister.

Aurora just laughed, quickly jumping up from the table. "And that is my call to leave," she said teasingly, making her way further down the carriage once more. "Bye now... I'll be with Reg if you need me!"

And so, Aurora went on her way, once again going to find Regulus Black and the other first years while Narcissa and the others stayed where they were.

"She's such a brat," Narcissa groaned, slumping back into her chair as soon as she was sure that Aurora had left. "I can't believe she would do that to me; that she would do that to us!"

"She's not that bad, Cissa. Stop being dramatic," Lucius mumbled, pulling out a book from his bag and deciding to start reading to avoid getting involved in any more unnecessary drama.

"Yeah, I agree with Lucius on this one. I like her," Zabini muttered as he watched the girl head down the corridor. "She's a fiery little thing, isn't she? Plus, she has great potential..."

"And not to mention the fact that she's attractive," Avery added.

"She is," he nodded. "If only she was a bit older then-

Zabini stopped, Narcissa quickly slapping him across the face, causing him to shriek, clutching his face in agony.

"Ouch! Cissa," Zabini shouted out in pain. "What the heck was that for?"

"Oh, keep it in your pants Zabini! You know what that was for, and you deserved it... that's my LITTLE sister you're talking about!"

"So, what?" he replied defensively, "Her being your sister doesn't change things... And besides, you should take it as a compliment. Good looks run in the family, don't they?"

Avery smirked. "Oh yeah, Andromeda is- "

"- And Bella..."

"Can you two please shut up about my family for one minute!" Narcissa groaned. "I'd rather not be involved in this conversation."

"What if you're not involved?" Zabini asked. "Then can we- "

"Not a chance, Zabini," she growled. "Not a fucking chance..."