CHAPTER SIX; GOBLET OF FIRE

❝ my bad luck will get tangled up with my bad decisions, & I'll pay for it someday but for now I wait in endless agony for the day retribution finds me  ❞

early november, 1994

･ ｡ﾟ☆

❝ west tower owlry ❞

AURORA, DECIDED IT FOR WAS THE BEST FOR HER avoid as many people as she could as she sent the letter to her father. So she decided to wake up earlier than all the others to drop off her letter. It explained what of her plan she had thought out — which was to simply be kind to Harry. Since he had been chosen as a champion almost everyone stopped speaking with him. Only Hermione and Neville hung around him at this point in their lives. Aurora had specifically chosen to use her sisters owl, Kyra, to attach the letter and send the owl on its way. 

As soon as the owl had flew off she attempted to swiftly leave catching a glimpse of something already laying for her inside her stone compartment. Inside was bait of parchment with a wax seal of a blazing sun with swords protecting it, she knew it as the house sigil of her mothers family. Rhea had showed it her and her sister telling them they weren't just their fathers sigil of the dragon, but the swords of the Holmes destined to protect. Aurora hesitated a moment, glancing over her shoulder to ensure she was alone before she opened the letter reading it silently to herself.

Aurora,

I have heard the results of your and your sisters sorting ceremony and I wanted you and her to know I am happy with both arrangements for you and Anika. Slytherin and Gryffindor are excellent houses for you both. I know you're more worried for Anika now more than ever, but I ensure you, things will be okay. I also write to tell you news of your father, while I was at the ministry the other night I heard he will become one of the newest advisors to Minister Cornelius Fudge. It appears in your mothers tragic death he has reignited his love for politics, the good news is I can watch over him while he's here. I hope you continue to take my advice and enjoy your time at Hogwarts, Aurora.

Be safe,

Perseus

As her eyes finished reading the last line Aurora scoffed, of course her father had rejoined the Ministry and he was probably enjoying it more than he ever did anything else too. All those parties he had thrown and forced them to attend couldn't be for nothing. It was his own insurance policy, because if he wasn't involved in politics to the outside world he had more power than those the people did know. Anyone behind the walls of the ministry always knew better. Mercurius was a well known benefactor and now that apparently made him qualified to assist the minister. A voice in her mind made her wonder if now her father would have too much power and she wouldn't be able to do what she had planned. Shutting out all the voices of self-doubt in her head Aurora left the owlry.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:

❝ the library ❞

Harry had grown quite used to people whispering as he walked by, it was a by product of who he was and recurred almost every year now. Though this time, it felt lonelier than ever before. That was possibly because Ron had barely even looked his way this time, he had been by himself for so long studying seemed to be his only escape. Which of course he found to be the darkest part of this moment in his life, looking forward and actually wanting more work to do was too cruel even to Harry. While he sat at the table his eyes ever so often would scan the room seeing nothing but snide looks. Except this time when he looked up he saw none other than Aurora Aveline scanning the books.

As she stood there the Potter boy had to admit she was very beautiful girl, probably the prettiest he had ever seen, Ron had even thought so the first time they met her at the World Cup. She had green eyes that reminded the boy of a forest full of the healthiest trees, full lips, and rosy cheeks. Which complimented her lightly tanned skin and the long, and dark brown hair in loose waves cascading down her back. Aurora had this focused look on her face that made her appear even more adorable than before. She must've felt his eyes on her because soon enough she turned to see him. Immediately Harry looked away from her focusing on his potions work again.

It wasn't enough though, not a second later Aurora had walked over to his desk where he sat and softly greeted, "Hi Harry."

Harry was surprised, and so were the few students that could see them. Gazing up at her he met her kind eyes, "Hi, Aurora," he returned his voice sounding more confused than he had meant it too.

Aurora either didn't notice, or simply didn't care about people watching them Harry thought, which not many people were capable of. Gesturing to the seat across him she asked, "Can I sit?"

"O-Of course, please," he assured gesturing happily to the seat as she sat down. There was a moment of silence in which Harry thought about all the possible reasons she would be sitting with him. None of them seemed to be enough for him so eventually the boy asked, "I don't mean to sound rude Aurora but, why are you here... with me?"

Much to his relief the brunette didn't get mad at his question, she simply offered a grin and answered, "Anika told me that when she was sorted you were apart of the few people who weren't outright cautious around her. It's not her fault people think all Slytherin's are bad, and that she comes from a family of them. I think someone who is that kind wouldn't have put his name in the Goblet searching for glory."

"You don't think I put my name in the Goblet," Harry repeated surprised someone believed him, it shocked even more so she was willing to say it. Neville was the only other person who was even socializing with him. Hermione had every so often, but being put in the middle of a fight between him and Ron was hard on her.

Aurora grimaced a look of joy telling him, "Of course not Harry. I am sorry that others don't feel the same." Seeing his books in front of him she switched to talking about, "I'm also sorry because it looks like I've disturbed you're studying. I should go, Godric knows I have enough research left to do about the Goblin Rebellions."

The brunette stood from the desk readying herself to leave, "Wait," Harry protested his chair scratching against the floor as he stood. The Aveline girl stood still grinning as he quickly stumbled his way through his next words, "W-would you like to hang out...later today after classes. Neville and I are going be by the great lake, you don't have to if do––"

She did not need him to finish before Aurora told him, "I'd like that." Her words brought his eyebrows to a raise, she chuckled assuring him, "I'll see you later then."

Harry nodded scratching the back of his neck telling her, "Brilliant, um, I'll see you later." 

Aurora sent him one last smile walking away, as she rounded the corner she was flooded with guilt. It was as if a large boulder had been placed upon her chest and left there forever. In the days that followed Harry's name being called she had managed to avoid allowing herself to see her affects on him. Which had been fairly easy given Mara and Nina had gone through such efforts taking her in. It left her almost forgetting what she had gone there for, but it didn't last long.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:

❝ mara and aurora's dorm ❞

"If I have to listen to Professor Snape recite one more time the importance of knowing the antidote to any potions you use I will lose my bloody mind. Also, I need your help with something for later," Aurora announced opening the door to her dorm not paying any mind to who was inside assuming it was just Mara waiting.

Mara, who had been sitting on the floor replied, "You have a few more years of that I'm afraid."

Aurora sighed shaking her head sitting on her bed after which she finally took notice of the fact Draco, Pansy, Nikolai, Nina, Blaise, and Ronan were all scattered around her room. "Oh," she said dryly at first as she sat up straight adding awkwardly, "Hi. What are you all doing here?"

Blaise, who had been leaning against the frame of Maras bed replied, "Homework, but I'm sure. we'd all be willing to finish early to help you with...what is it again?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment her eyes locking with Nikolai's, "Nothing you three need to worry," answered the Aveline girl.

"And here I was thinking we were friends," Ronan stated sounding offended by her vague answers.

"Speak for yourself," Draco muttered rudely flipping the pages of his book.

Silencing all three boys Mara said, "Shut it, what do you need help with?"

The brunette went to explain but she stopped herself realizing Draco was in the room and frankly she didn't want him knowing what she was doing. As he had said many times before they weren't friends and frankly she wasn't keeping on hearing his judgement.

 Trying to be as evasive as possible she finally answered, "I'm going out and I just need you to pick the shirt." Noticing how the girls starred strangely she swiftly added, "Silly I know, I just would like to have some opinions." Mara smiled nodding, since Aurora had been living with her the blonde could see clear as day how guarded she was. Aurora said nothing of herself that wasn't related to classes, or her sister. It was nice to see her even want her opinion on something so small as the shirt she would wear.

Draco couldn't resist, he had to inquire, "Oh, and who pray tell will the lovely heiress be getting dressed for?"

Aurora rolled her eyes at the question and nickname while Blaise inquired, "Heiress?"

Amused with his friends cluelessness the Malfoy boy replied, "You don't know?" Looking at the faces of them all he could tell they didn't know either. It seemed only he, his brother, and Aurora herself knew the truth he spoke of. Gazing back at Aurora, Draco chuckled asking, "You didn't say a word of it?"

"Not everyone enjoy's flaunting things to people Draco," Aurora reasoned simply.

Draco waved his hand dismissing her idea before he looked back to his friends saying, "You all know Hengist of Woodcroft founded Hogsmeade?" Each of them nodded making him continue to explain, "Well, he had no heirs so when he died one of Aurora ancestors bought the land. They own all of Hogsmeade and get quite a bit of money from the Ministry and the town itself for it. Not to mention her lot has been advising kings, the ministry, or anyone else with power since the dawn of time. They have hoarded wealth across multiple generations. When her father dies it all falls to Aurora making her––"

"The heiress," Ronan finished as they all stared at Aurora amazed by the information she hadn't said a word about.

Feeling rather uncomfortable about the whole conversation Aurora stood saying, "Happy now, you all understand Draco's nickname? I am certain he will make long work of explaining all his others. Now, can you just help me, I have to leave soon."

"You never said who you're meeting," Blaise reminded truly curious to know.

Seeing none of the boys were helping Mara shut her book standing, "You're right Aurora, boys leave."

 The three looked up at her assuming she was joking. Once more, this time more serious Nina made her wya to the door gesturing for them all to leave, demanding, "Off you go boys." Ronan was the first to stand, Blaise and Draco followed suit leaving the room with Nikolai trailing behind last. Once they were gone Nina said with a smile, "Lets get you dressed."

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:

The heiress's hands were digging into her palms since she began her walk out of the school and down to the lake. Aurora had just stepped off the last step when a hand covered her mouth dragging her backwards hiding behind the stairs. She began thrashing in their arms until she was put against the stone wall meeting eyes made of ice piercing through her.

Forcefully Aurora shoved Nikolai away from her whisperingly shouting, "What the devil are you doing Nikolai?! You scared the heavens out of me! Has anyone ever shown you the value of just calling out a girl's name when you wanted her attention."

"If were being honest I was taught if I wanted a girl's attention to simply just take it," Nikolai smirked doing his best not to look at her too long, he would forget what he was meant to be doing if he had. Though how could he not lose focus? Aurora had hardly been out of her uniforms since she'd arrived, and most girls couldn't wear their uniforms the way Aurora had. It had nothing to do with the clothes she had been given but everything to do with the way she carried herself.

With a roll of her emerald eyes Aurora remarked, "Charming, now if you'll excuse me--" the heiress attempted to walk away but was stop by Nikolai tugging her arm. "What do you want," Aurora groaned not fighting the tug that stopped her.

"You're going to meet Potter aren't you," Nikolai reasoned dropping the playfulness from a moment before. Aurora did nothing but nod, lowering his whispering voice he added, "You're meant to spy on him not have stars in your eyes for the golden boy."

Tearing her arm from his grasp Aurora lifted her head challenging, "If I wasn't mistaken you sound jealous of the golden boy, Nikolai. What? Having Draco in your life is too much already?"

Scoffing the boy reprised, "The only people jealous of Potter are other orphans wishing they got the glory he did for their parents being offed." Auora's eyes widened at his brazen statement as the Malfoy towered over her adding, "I just don't see how you spending all your time with him will help you with what needs to be done. You do remember your father had other requirements of you other than Harry."

Maintaining her position before him leaving her close enough to smell his vanilla and rain musk, "I am very aware of what my father asked of me Nikolai. He's been asking the same of me for some time now. Be the perfect student, be the perfect liar, and be the perfect replica of him. I know what had been asked of me. How do you even think Harry's name came out of the Goblet?"

Aurora glanced around them ensuring they hadn't drawn any attention. All while Nikolai was nearly deer eyed realizing what she had managed to do, the magic she had performed was far beyond anything they had been taught. "You overpowered Dumbledore," the boy whispered softly.

"Overpowered is a strong word, I just had a stronger will than he did when he made the age line. That's all," corrected the Aveline heiress. Running her hands through her soft curls he sighed insisting, "Now, if it's alright with you I will do whatever I need to do in order to get Harry to trust me. I can't go into his dorms, his friends flinch when they see a Slytherin coming their way, not to mention one they know is friends with the likes of you and your brother. I know what is needed of me, all that is needed from you, is to do whatever it is I need you to do." Nikolai's jaw clenched as Aurora swiftly walked out from behind the stairs heading straight for the lake. 

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:

❝ the black lake ❞

All the while aurora walked down to the lake; she was left haunted by the duplicity that would follow. No matter how things would go from there on out, therefore there wouldn't be any hiding from who she was. A liar, Aurora was nothing more than her father's lying daughter. The only difference was who she was doing it all for, 'it's for Anika.' Anika deserved her freedom and peace. 

Though, as Aurora made her way down the hill and saw Harry leaning against the tree reading it seemed more a justification than the truth. Hearing her approaching footsteps Harry turned a smile coming to his face as he stood up to greet her, "Aurora, hi."

The brunette forced all the guilty thoughts she had out of her head as she finally approached with a brightening grin, "Hello, sorry I'm late."

"You're fine," Harry assured her before gesturing to the startled boy in the water. Introducing the Slytherin girl to his friend he began, "Neville, this is Aurora Aveline. Aurora this is Neville Longbottom."

Holding out her hand the brunette smiled nearing the shoreline as much as she could without getting her heeled boots from touching the water, she addressed him, "Pleasure to meet you, Neville."

This couldn't be, Neville thought, Aurora Aveline, heiress to her ancestor's fortune and empire, a Slytherin, meant to marry Draco Malfoy, speaking to him? Shaking the shock from his head he nervously moved closer kicking some water onto her that she didn't even react to. "H-hello, it's nice to meet you A-Aurora," he returned shaking her hand.

Looking at the dropper, petri dish, and forceps in his hand she curiously asked, "Are you doing something with those? An experiment?"

Neville nodded nearly bursting with excitement wanting to tell someone of his discoveries, "I am! I'm searching the lake for what plants it has."

"My mother used to love Herbology, and I have some of her notes you could use them if you like. In my opinion she was brilliant, and you might find something useful in them. Her garden was always so beautiful, I tried keeping it up when she died, but father never liked the thought of child playing in the dirt," Aurora offered. Before leaving home Aurora took most of her mother's favorite items with her, including her books. Her mother loved to learn, and it didn't feel right to Aurora to leave her things behind when it was possible, she would not return. Her father wouldn't do anything with them anyway.

Neville nodded thrilled with the idea, "Yes, please. Your mother was Rhae Aveline?" Aurora nodded pleased to hear someone mention her again, "I've read most of the articles she wrote, she was brilliant. Did you know her mother created plants that could sing the truth of your heart to you? Absolutely wickedly talented."

"I didn't know your mother was a herboligist," Harry repeated back to the Aveline girl.

Nodded her head she confirmed, "Yes. That and more, my father pushed her to diversify her talents." Looking back to Neville Aurora added, "I'll give you them in the next couple days then I need to find them in my things," Aurora said.

"Thank you," Neville said as she and Harry returned to sit underneath the tree.

While the two returned to sitting Neville contently continued on with his research. "That was nice," Harry said somewhat quiet. Aurora looked at him confused forcing him to explain, "You offering your notes to, Neville."

Taking the chance to tease the Potter boy Aurora bumped his shoulder with her own and replied, "You mean nice for a Slytherin." Harry's face ran pale making her laugh lightly, "Relax Harry, I'm only joking. Hogwarts is filled with stereotypes that I cannot resist making fun of the hypocrisy of it all."

Harry let out a sigh of relief laughing, "What do you mean," he asked making conversation.

Tucking her hair behind her ears she answered, "You know all about them, Harry, I've been at Hogwarts for nearly two months and everyone has some bias about the other houses." When the Potter boy merely narrowed his puzzled eyes upon her, Aurora turned more in towards him saying, "People like to believe all Hufflepuffs are soft, and incapable. That they care more for being lovers of fun and parties than what I see in people like Cedric. He seems sweet, fair, but not some shrieking violet running from trouble." 

Her theory began to capture Harry's attention and understanding as Aurora went on, "Ravenclaws are snobs who know it all and love to make others feel stupid for it, Luna Lovegood is in my charms class and I have never, ever been made out to be a fool by her. Not unlike some Gryffindors who have been called every name under the sun by the other houses but none more than reckless glory hogs who can't help but do everything they are told not to do, teachers' pet's that never get in trouble, hence another reason why no one believes you didn't put your name in that Goblet. And Slytherins?" Jokingly Aurora scoffed gesturing to herself as if she was a prize example, "We are all either death eaters in the making or just horrible people who will betray everyone eventually and have never felt love in our hearts. I'll be honest though, stereotypes come from repeated tropes. We all wouldn't think these things if they hadn't been proven in some way or another to us so many times before."

"I don't think you'd be a death eater just because you're in Slytherin," he asserted to her firmly believing it.

Aurora smirked, wishing she herself could believe his words but she knew the truth. She forced herself to say, "That's because you, Harry Potter, are not like everyone else. Even Neville was surprised I was nice and he's probably one of the nicest people in this whole school. I don't mind stereotypes –– being unconventional is my own antidote to it, but it's not like I am clueless. I see how it bothers the others when they're behind closed doors, I know it doesn't always feel good for me. Thick skin and all."

As she spoke Harry had to admit she was right, he himself had grown to believe most, if not all Slytherins were bad. Yet here she was, a clever, strong, and all be it friendly girl who just happened to be a pureblood Slytherin. Even more shocking she was friends with Draco, Nikolai and their lot and was still able to be friends with people the Malfoy's couldn't be caught dead with. "Neither are you, you're not like everyone else Aurora," Harry reasoned much to her distaste. 

Here she was talking about Slytherins being back stabbers and that was exactly what she was doing. Aurora forced a smile in response unsure how to respond. Changing the conversation she began, "Though, speaking of that pesky Goblet. Do you have any plans for the tournament? You know, in terms of surviving the extremely deadly competition."

Harry sighed thinking of the dreadful competition again, "No, but thank you for the reminder that I probably should."

Nudging his arm Aurora leaned further back against the tree saying, "No problem, I am here to be that horrible moke reminding you that you need a plan." 

Disrupting his train of thought Neville exclaimed, "Amazing. Amazing."

Aurora chuckled her attention moving to the boy in the water as Harry gently reminded, "Neville! You're doing it again!"

With his cheeks turning red Neville apologized, "Oh, right sorry.

Looking off to the ground beside her Aurora saw a book, picking it up she read it aloud, "Magical water plants of the highland Lochs?"

"Moody gave it to me," Neville told her before reminding Harry, "That day we had tea."

Aurora leaned closer to Harry allowing him to read the book but they were distracted by Neville waving his hand. Curiously the two turned back seeing Anika, Ginny, Hermione and Ron walking up to them. The Granger girl was whispering back and forth with Ron but Aurora couldn't make out what they were saying. Harry stood up as Aurora stayed put watching. Anika sent her sister an inquisitive look seeing her with Harry of all people but Aurora sent her a look saying she'd explain later.

The Weasley's, and Anika stood back while Hermione approached Harry clearly confused about the message she was supposed to pass on, "Ronald would like me to tell you that Seamus told him that Dean was told by Parvati that Hagrid was looking for you."

Aurora was just as confused by what she said as Harry apparently was, "Is that right? Well.... what," he asked.

Hermione hesitated drowning out, "Uhhh..." Unable to think of something to say she walked back to Ron only for him to whisper something back quickly. Turning back she looked to her friend repeating, "Dean was told by Parvati that––" stopping herself Hermione sighed pleading with him, "Please don't ask me say it again. Hagrid's looking for you."

Just as Hermione turned to leave Harry said, "Well you can tell Ronald..."

Turning around the Granger girl shouted at him, "I'm NOT an owl!"

Seeing that no one was speaking for Harry like Hermione was clearly doing for Ron, the brunette stood up. "Maybe you should tell Ronald the same thing when he uses you next time," she suddenly spoke up making everyone look to her surprised. Standing next to Harry she added calmly, "Especially when he comes with you to deliver the message with you, that way you avoid looking like a hypocrite, and he avoids looking like a coward."

Harrys eyes went wide surprised she was even trying to defend him. Behind them Neville was covering his mouth surprised and a little concerned where this was going. Hermione, despite hating what she said looked hurt because she knew she was right. Ginny and Anika just shared concerned looks seeing their siblings and knowing they were going to argue. Finally Ron spoke up shouting, "A coward? A lot of talk for someone who's only just bloody gotten here."

"Yes, I've only just gotten here and apparently I am more willing to speak with your best friend than you. You two living in the same bloody room which obviously isn't enough opportunity for you," the brunette argued back leaving no room for false information.

When Ron went to speak again Hermione walked back grabbing his hand, "Ron," she said commanding his attention, "Lets go," she insisted much to his dismay. Hermione sent both Harry and Aurora sorrowful looks as the group of Gryffindors took their leave.

"You didn't have to do that," Harry said even though he was happy she did.

Aurora shrugged replying, "I know."

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:

❝ west tower owlry ❞

Father,

I have done as you asked and tried to find out Harrys plan for the tournament which is, he has no plan. My impression is he's either clueless and doesn't know what to do because he hasn't been told the task or he doesn't trust me enough to tell me anything. If I find out anything else before the task I'll send Kyra straight away.

Aurora.

As she finished reading over her letter there was a suddenly drip onto the paper, she was crying. She didn't want to do this, she shouldn't do this. What would her mother do if she heard her daughter was being just like her father doing what she 'had' to do in order to survive. Aurora hated, no, she was disgusted with her choice. But in her case, the devil she knew was better than the devil she didn't. She didn't want to live under her father abusive control, she wanted to be free and as her father had always said, if you want something you have to earn it. And sometimes to earn things you had to make horrible choices for the right reasons.

Wiping her eyes of her few spilled tears Aurora stuffed the letter in its carrier petting her sisters owl. Kyra was a friendly owl with mostly black feathers except for the front of it which had a small mixture of brown and white. Aurora paused looking at Kyra on her arm debating her choice, "I'm doing this for Anika," she reminded herself quietly as Kyra rubbed her head against the girl. Aurora smiled before letting the bird fly out of the window.

"Aurora," a voice happily greeted making her turn around seeing Edmund walking in, "What brings you up here?"

Immediately covering her regret Aurora answered, "Sending a letter to our father."

Pointing to his owl with shades of brown feathers he replied, "I was about to do the same with Daisy here, she's a burrowing owl. My mother and father like to hear from me often as well." Not meaning to Aurora chuckled, "What," he asked intrigued sending his owl off.

"Nothing," Aurora muttered as the pair started to walk out.

Edmund shook his head countering, "That sounds totally believable."

Caving slightly as they made their way down the stairs to the fourth-floor entrance of the castle she answered, "You said 'as well' is all."

"Sounds like there's a story there," he reasoned wearing a cheeky grin.

Deflecting as always Aurora said slyly, "Little known fact Edmund, everyone has a story but judging by conversation technique I understand why Anika speaks so highly of you."

Clear as day Edmunds cheeks went red as he asked, "She speaks of me?"

"Yes of course she does, you are the first person she met here and from what I can tell you're a lot like her. Sweet, and unwaveringly kind," she reminded nudging him playfully.

Speaking freely only because she was Anika sister Edmund replied, "I believe it's that kindness that she loathes for putting her in Gryffindor."

Sure of herself as they rounded a corner she said, "I can assure you it was not her just kindness that got her into Gryffindor. She may still be hesitant about it, but she belongs there. I think part of her always knew that, hell if could switch places with her I would."

"I think you knew too," Edmund prodded much to her surprise.

Aurora stopped asking, "What makes you think that?"

"From what I can see you're much better at reading people than you lead on," he reasoned fairly. He had seen her in action around Draco and Anika had told him as much when they talked.

"Edmund, Rory," Anika shouted rushing over to the two interrupting their conversation. Grabbing her sisters hand she said rather quickly, "Mara, Ronan, and I have been looking for you all over –– "

Concern being her default setting Aurora asked, "Is everything alright?"

Anika shook her head saying, "Of course, we just wanted to hang out with you two. You guys coming or not?" The two looked to each other for a moment before they nodded walking off to go meet their other friends and hopefully for Aurora, it would be enough to forget what they had done.