Week 2-3
Aurelia was so shocked that Black had just compared her to a centaur that when Lily leaned over, whispering to ignore the idiots behind them, Aurelia didn’t quite hear. Black was obviously trying to insult her, that much she knew. But… to be called centaur-like was so terribly flattering to her that she couldn’t help but accept the insult as a compliment.
Aurelia saw Sirius’s face light up in flames and only slightly regretted her choice. Perhaps it would have been best to let him think she was upset by his comments. Maybe then he would forget she existed and leave her alone. Now, Aurelia would undoubtedly face the consequences of her actions.
But really… a centaur? How delightful!
“Aurelia, this needs three and a half counterclockwise stirs,” Lily Evans said, breaking through Aurelia’s thoughts.
“O-oh, right, yes,” Aurelia mumbled, stirring their shared cauldron.
Aurelia felt Lily eyeing her and attempted to hide behind her hair. As much as she admired Lily, she knew that openly associating with her would bring her nothing but grief when she made it to her dormitory tonight. Aurelia felt a pang of guilt deep in her chest. Ultimately, it was for Lily’s good as much as it was for her own. Aurelia didn’t even want to think what that disgusting Mulciber would do if he heard about Aurelia and Lily speaking to each other. What could be worse, giving Lily the cold shoulder or having Lily’s excellent magical blood on her hands?
Aurelia took a cautionary glance around the room, avoiding Lily’s eyes. Snape was nearby at the workstation to the left of theirs; he would certainly report back to his stupid blood purist friends. Although working diligently at his workstation while his partner was flicking lacewing flies across the room, he also let his eyes wander, often catching on to Lily (who paid him no mind). Curious , Aurelia thought to herself.
Aurelia recalls observing Snape and Lily Evans and their previously chummy relationship. She would often see them walking the grounds together, having hushed conversations, making eye contact over jokes only they seemed to understand. She’s unsure when they must have fallen out because they used to be thick as thieves and now they were as good as strangers.
Aurelia’s eyes looked to Lily, who was already staring at her.
“O-oh!” Aurelia said, startled, “Did you say something?”
“Yes!” Lily sighed, “You were supposed to add the next ingredient!”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Aurelia whispered, her eyes darting about her.
Hopefully no one noticed Lily becoming exasperated toward her. She did not want people thinking that she was not smart enough to be in the NEWT level of Potions, least of all Slughorn who would just cluck like a mother hen at her. Horrible! She needed enough of Lily’s approval to skate by unnoticed in class, but not too much so as to stir competition. She must be perfectly unassuming. Just good enough to stay invisible.
She heard a chuckle from the station behind her, and felt herself bristle.
She leaned over to Lily and whispered as quietly as she could, “I was lost in thought, I will pay attention from now on,”
Aurelia’s face felt hot, and she felt sticky hot moisture beading on the back of her neck.
Lily met Aurelia’s eyes, and Lily seemed to soften when she whispered back, “That’s alright, I’m sorry for snapping,”
Aurelia blinked twice before giving Lily the tiniest of smiles.
The two girls continued brewing their potion in amicable silence, with Lily giving Aurelia pointers and cues for the next few steps. Aurelia found the experience very pleasant. Just two people brewing a potion, with no one else to bother them.
“ Neeeeighhh ,” Black jibed from behind them, disturbing their peace.
Aurelia, refusing to acknowledge it, said from the corner of her mouth to Lily, “Did he just neigh ? Like a horse?”
Lily, unperturbed, said back, “Do not acknowledge it, it only encourages them.”
This brief exchange was, unfortunately, enough to encourage the boys behind them.
“Oh come on Evans, it’s all in good fun,” chimed James Potter, “isn’t that right, Centaur?”
Lily rolled her eyes so aggressively, it seemed like her head might roll off.
Aurelia blanched at being directly addressed. The hot sweat that accumulated earlier dripped down her neck. Was it suddenly very musty in the potions classroom? Oh dear, what should I say? Aurelia thought imploringly to herself.
In the end she really only had a handful of options, her brain rationalised. As much as she wanted to just move on and ignore them like Lily said, even ignoring them seemed to taunt them into further pestering her. She could innocently agree, but that would probably encourage them as well. The other option would be to somehow let them know that their words were getting to her… Maybe then they would be satisfied that they had their fun and stop. But if her Slytherin classmates saw that she was being deeply affected by the teasing, she could see it being grounds for violence against the Gryffindors. No matter how invisible she made herself to her housemates, she still wore the green and silver just the same as them.
Oh, but if she didn’t just value the lives of all, regardless if they were some of the most annoying, pestering, and belligerent.
Aurelia hung her head and felt the same strange pulling on her scalp when her long strands of hair began to curl tightly.
“Aurelia,” Lily said slowly as if reading her thoughts, “don’t.”
Aurelia picked her head up suddenly and, with a bright smile turned to face the boys behind her who seemed to be looking at her with a sick and twisted kind of glee.
“It’s Pooter, right?” Aurelia said, unable to bite her tongue
“P-Pooter?” stuttered Potter.
“ Pooter? ” exclaimed Black, who was struggling to maintain his composure. Potter swiftly and aggressively elbowed him in the side.
Aurelia looked at Lily, whose eyes were sparkling with mirth. Aurelia cocked her head innocently. “I thought his name was Pooter, is it not?”
“Yes, that’s right Aurelia, it is Pooter,”
“Right, well Pooter, yes it is all in good fun, thank you! I had no idea you knew how much I loved magical creatures,” Aurelia said, forcing a blush before turning back to her potion.
Lily and Aurelia continued their brew in comfortable silence, free of any pestering, blithering, bullying boys. Lily even seemed smug after Aurelia called Potter “Pooter.” Not long after, Lily and Aurelia were able to anticipate the other’s needs, barely speaking, just silently working in tandem. Aurelia began to feel a bit of a sweet kinship toward Lily, and privately hoped that one day they would emerge into a world where they could be true friends. Aurelia sorely wished that day would be soon. Perhaps after graduation, when she was out from under the thumb of Slytherin house expectations, maybe they could write, or perhaps she could talk to Slughorn about–
“Ah yes! What a pair,” Slughorn himself interrupted jovially. “I was in truth rather looking forward to seeing what the two of you would be able to produce,”
Slughorn pats himself down and pulls a spare vial out from his robes. He peers into their cauldron, nods once to himself, before ladling himself a sample.
“Ho ho! Full marks, my golden girls, I was right to expect nothing less when I paired the two of you together! Just the right smell and consistency. Very good!” Slughorn exclaimed, before moving on to the next pair of students.
Aurelia chanced a glance at Lily who had a pretty flush on the peaks of her cheeks, clearly pleased with the praise from Slughorn. As wonderful as Lily was, Aurelia could tell that Lily was in constant pursuit of validation and affirmation in her magical prowess–after all she was a muggle born in a muggle born hating world. The validation must somehow be proof that she belongs here after all. A sort of, “Ha! I’m just as good as you, maybe even better!”
Well, Aurelia thought to herself admiringly, she has nothing to prove to me!
Lily met Aurelia’s gaze with a serious look in her eye. “Aurelia,” Lily said, “nicely done,”
Aurelia nodded to her. “Same to you,” She said simply.
Lily gave her a small smile and began tidying their workstation. Was there a small way to perhaps convey her admiration for Lily without drawing too much attention to her? Perhaps plant seeds of friendship that could be sowed slowly? Lily didn’t seem the type to hide friendships behind closed doors. Even if Aurelia pretended that she needed tutoring in Potions or some other class would probably draw unwanted attention from Gryffindors and Slytherins alike.
Aurelia sighed to herself, resigned. Potions partners would have to be good enough. Aurelia began to help Lily finish off cleaning their station.
“Aurelia,” Lily said, once again breaking through her thoughts, “I-I was wondering…” Aurelia looked up from brushing leftover pearl dust off the table. Lily averted her eyes, and picked at what looked to be dried shrivelfig juice. “Why does Slughorn call you ‘golden girl’?”
Aurelia cocked her head. She had never been asked that question before. She assumed it was because of her name, Centore, which meant one hundred gold pieces. Or even her first name which, derived from Latin, meant “golden.” She didn’t think there could be any other reason.
“I’ll tell you why, Evans,” Sirius Black cut in from behind them. He leaned menacingly across his own workstation, eyes wide with Aurelia could only guess was annoyance. His voice was thick with the intent to wound, and his words cutting. “Because she’s a rich girl from a rich family who probably paid Slughorn to treat her the way he does!”
“Sirius, stop–” Potter tried, pulling Black away from the way he was stretched across the table top. Potter made eyes at Lily, and a remorseful look crossed over his face.
“It’s true!” Black insisted, shaking Potter off him. “Why else do you think Slughorn paired the brainless pretty princess with Evans? He’s paid off, it’s obvious!”
Aurelia felt her heart jump up into her throat. She swallowed thickly. Is that really what people think of her? No one had ever bothered to get to know her in her seven years at Hogwarts, and now all of a sudden people think that her parents bribe the staff? Aurelia fought back a tremble, and tried to think of something to say to defend herself. Was it even worth defending herself? Aurelia repressed the urge to cover her ears with her hands.
“Black, that’s enough!” Lily said, her eyebrows high on her face.
“Why?” Sirius, said, “You know it’s true, we watched you pull all the weight for your potion, and–”
“You hold your tongue, Black!” said a gravelly voice from the workstation directly left of theirs.
Lily and Aurelia, like a pair of twin marionettes, whipped their heads to the voice, Lily further blanching with shock and confusion. “ Sev? ” she said.
Severus Snape had risen from his stool, his wand in his hand at his side.
“You should know all about pretty rich princesses, being one yourself!” Snape sneered, approaching them slowly, like a cat stalking a mouse.
Aurelia felt her fingers tingle. This was the last thing she wanted–she absolutely hated being proven right! If these two went to blows in the middle of the classroom, she knew it would be all her fault. A cold sweat broke out against Aurelia’s brow.
Never one to back down, Aurelia knew, Black barked a humorless laugh. “I’m so flattered you think so!” He said coldly, “especially coming from you, O Greasy One,” Sirius did a mock bow, which earned the snickers of Potter.
Aurelia bit her lip, and covered her face. “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear…” she mumbled to herself. Being caught in the middle of a Slytherin vs. Gryffindor blow out was not in the cards (Aurelia having read her cards during Divination the day prior, of course). Aurelia felt Lily’s hands encircle her wrists, gripping tightly. “Aurelia?” She whispered, concerned.
“Boys, boys!” Slughorn called from the front of the room, “that’s enough, thank you!” Aurelia picked up her head and thanked her lucky stars. Maybe she really was a lot like the centaur herd. She gave Lily a small relieved smile
The tension seemed to slightly dissipate, especially when Lupin approached and patted Black on the shoulder with an “all right, mate?” It seemed to snap Black back to reality.
Aurelia tried not to blush at seeing Lupin, but she couldn’t help herself, he really was just so handsome. She honestly forgot that he was in this class with all the chaotic man child activities that were going on. Aurelia began neatly stacking her parchment and textbook and packed them in her bag, sneaking glances at Lupin all the while. He was so tall, and he had filled out his baggy uniform quite a bit since last term.
“He’s single you know,” Lily whispered to Aurelia, a mischievous glint of her own in her eye.
Aurelia’s eyes widened, but she shot Lily a questioning look, attempting to hide her intrigue. “I’m sure he’ll find someone someday,” Aurelia replied sagely. She took her bag and dismissed herself quickly, not noticing the dark looks sent her way.
“She’s an odd one, your Slytherin Princess,” James said that night at dinner, “I mean… Pooter? Really?”
Remus hid a smile behind his glass of pumpkin juice. The lads were just filling Peter in on what happened during Potions, as Peter had been seated across the room partnered with a Ravenclaw.
“ Pooter? ” Peter guffawed, “I will be using that from now on!”
“Oh, Worms, please don’t!”
Peter coughed out more laughs in between bites of mince pie, some of it spittering out of his mouth.
“She’s not my Slytherin Princess, Prongs! Why do you keep saying that?” Sirius said, flicking Wormtail’s half digested mince pie bits at him, to Peter’s delight.
“Oi!” James said, disgusted.
“Well,” Remus interjected, “it’s just that it’s all that you can talk about. ‘Centore did this, I saw her with Regulus, Regulus smiled at her, Centore blah blah blah.’ I’ve heard her name more times this week than I have in seven years.”
Remus immediately regretted saying anything as it only drew Sirius’s ire.
“If she’s anyone’s Slytherin Princess, she’s Moony’s !” Sirius exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. Ugh, the drama, Remus thought to himself.
“Here we go,” Remus said, rolling his eyes and attempting to ignore what was surely going to be another one of Sirius’s tirades.
“Yes! Here I will go!” Sirius nearly shouted, “Prongs was clear. Evans told him she completely fancies you!”
James chuckled awkwardly, “Well, no that’s not what I—“
“So now not only is she a psychotic blood purist princess, but she’s also taking my brother for a ride!”
Peter, his cheeks full like a squirrel in autumn, watched the boys bicker back and forth, his head turning rather comically this way and that.
Remus averted his eyes from Peter before his dinner made a second appearance. In the end, he still had no idea what had Sirius’s pants in such a twist. So Regulus made a friend… what did it matter? Wouldn’t it even be better if the girl had false intentions toward Regulus? Then the Marauders wouldn’t have to get so involved. Whatever Sirius hoped to accomplish by tormenting this girl would be achieved without lifting a finger. Besides, they were involved enough! But Remus knew there was no talking Sirius out of these mad obsessions and assumptions he made. He truly had a one-track mind.
On the other hand, Remus couldn’t help but feel a bit flattered. Since he found out it was even possible the girl fancied him, he had been fighting the urge to puff out his chest a bit. And even before this, when he knew she smelled chocolate in her Amortentia, Remus had been hiding a certain intrigue toward her. Aurelia was a very beautiful girl; there was no denying it. Maybe he would just speak to her directly, just to get a read on her for himself… no, no, not with Sirius barking mad as he was.
In a shocking twist, James puts his metaphorical foot down. “Pads, you need to relax. Lily told me she suspected Aurelia fancied Moony, not that it was a sure thing,”
“Oh, and now she’s ’Aurelia’ to you? Whose side are you even on?” Sirius spat, crossing his arms petulantly.
“I’ve never even spoken to her, Padfoot, I swear it!” Remus insisted.
“Swear you won’t!” Sirius exclaimed.
The boys all fell quiet, staring at Sirius in shock.
“Remus, don’t—“
“Sirius, you can’t just—“
But Remus tuned them out, looking at Sirius solemnly. Sirius’s gray eyes were stormy and dark, his normally jovial face stern. Remus sighed to himself. He would do anything for one of his first and only friends, even this. Even more.
“I swear.”
Aurelia sighed to herself, relieved to finally be alone back in the Slytherin common room. Well, as alone as she could be surrounded by students. She settled herself in her favorite chair by the Black Lake window, her sweet baby Dolce curled up on her lap. Aurelia absentmindedly stroked the fur behind his ear while she gazed out into the water.
The water was so dark she could see her reflection in the glass. It was how she saw him approach.
“Hello, Regulus,” she said.
“Aurelia,” he said.
This time he didn’t ask. He took the seat opposite her, quietly.
Aurelia looked over at him and stifled a gasp. He had her book with him. There was no bookmark to be seen between the pages. Had he finished already?
Dolce stirred and stretched on Aurelia’s lap. He gazed lazily across at Regulus, studying him, before leaping across and settling himself in Regulus’s own lap, purring loudly.
Regulus startled, “Oh!”
Aurelia blushed but made no move to take Dolce back. “This is Dolce,” she said, “he is my familiar, and he has a mind of his own,”
Regulus blinked at the black cat but seemed to relax a little, even allowing his free hand to rest on Dolce's back.
Aurelia took the opportunity to really study Regulus. He was, again, immaculately dressed with a perfectly pressed shirt and straight tie. His wavy hair was styled neatly from his face, and even his shiny black shoes did not have a single scuff. Even so, Aurelia couldn’t help but notice the dark circles forming beneath his eyes. Those were new.
Aurelia thought of what to say. Was it even her turn to speak? She wasn’t sure. How much time had passed since she last spoke? Oh dear… well… Here goes!
“Um, Regulus,” she said shyly, averting her eyes.
“Mm?” He said dazedly.
Aurelia looked back over at him. His eyes had shut, and he was stroking Dolce, who was purring so loud she was surprised no one had asked her to bring him to her dormitory.
“Well. You know… I’ve read that a cat’s purr has healing magic.”
Regulus’s eyes blinked open. He seemed to let his weariness show in the look he gave her. His shoulders became hunched, his mouth downturned, and his eyes half-lidded. He looked rather enticing this way like Aurelia couldn’t help but care for him. Like a hippogriff who had flown all night and just now found his place of rest.
“Is that so?” He said simply. He looked down at Dolce, who purred on and on.
Aurelia said nothing. But should she say more? Aurelia weighed her options. She could say nothing and learn nothing about his feelings about her book. She could talk more and risk annoying him when he’s so obviously exhausted. But from what? Does she have any right to know? It can’t be from classes; it’s only the third week of term!
Aurelia recalled he came from a notoriously Dark family. Could it be that he received word from home? Or from… elsewhere?
Aurelia, unable to bite back her need for… something, settled on:
“Regulus, are you alright?”
Aurelia saw him swallow, the bump in his throat bobbing up and down. He looked up at her from watching Dolce’s back rise and fall. His eyes became keen. He knew she saw how worn out he was.
He reached across to her with the book by Hamish Clarke, the muggle-born.
“This book,” he said, “it was quite good. You were right.”
Aurelia blushed in earnest now, her face becoming unbearably hot. She clutched the book to her chest.
“Yes, erm, I’m glad you liked it,” she said, attempting to be neutral despite the embarrassing flush to her cheeks.
Regulus became a bit flustered himself. “Well, that is, more specifically, I suppose I… well,” Aurelia couldn’t believe her eyes. Was that a blush on his own cheeks?
“Of course, the notes in the margin were quite… telling,” he finished lamely, “were they yours?”
Aurelia could only nod.
How could she have been so stupid? Of all the bloody things she could forget, her own notes in the margin? Morgana, Merlin, and Circe, he certainly thought her a blood traitor now! And what kind of Slytherin was she anyway? Why couldn’t she have just lied?
But.. deep down, Aurelia knew why she didn’t lie. Aurelia knew why just as much as Regulus knew why. Because…
“Well, it was a compelling read. As you know, the author has an interesting perspective, one that uniquely equipped him to report on Scamander’s… revolutionary feats… I took the liberty of destroying the page with your name on it should it fall into the wrong hands,” Regulus looked at her shyly from beneath hooded eyes.
Aurelia blinked. And then she smiled widely at him. And he smiled back. And the spark of a secret shared began to glow in each of them.
The following days were some of the best of Aurelia’s entire schooling career. Regulus would wait for her in the common room, walk her to breakfast, and even walk with her to her first class of the day sometimes. They barely spoke, but it was enough for Aurelia. Regulus’s tangible presence was more than what she had these last seven years.
An added benefit of having him so near was the four boys from Gryffindor seemed to leave her alone when they were together. Mealtimes were safe from them, at least. Unfortunately, though, it did not prevent them from repeatedly neighing in her direction during Potions and in Charms. Sirius even maliciously began calling her “horse face” under his breath.
In the end, she could only assume that the more time she spent with Regulus openly, the more it fueled their bullying flame. In her opinion, it was worth it. Nothing drastically horrible had happened yet, and she knew it would stay that way as long as she didn’t tell Regulus how insufferable his brother was being.
Aurelia turned her attention to her textbook and opened the page on demiguises. Such delightful creatures they were, with the ability to become invisible and predict the future. She studied the image closely, marveling at the demiguise’s long, silky coat. Unfortunately highly sought after for the ability to creat invisibility cloaks. Cruel treatment and poaching of demiguises were widely known.
“Apologies for the rather theoretical study,” Kettleburn said to his only three students, “My contact who raises demiguises has been, er, avoiding my owls.”
“No worries, Professor, this is just as good as a practical lesson!” flattered Calliope Englewood, a seventh-year Ravenclaw.
“Yes, Professor, the demiguises do seem like they would be a bit difficult to catch don’t they?” chimed in Archie Miller, the other Ravenclaw.
The benefit of having only three students in class was that Kettleburn allowed the small group to discuss and speak openly, rather than lecturing on for the whole instructional block. Aurelia was still reserved, but when Kettleburn invited her to share her thoughts, she couldn’t help but gush.
“Miss Centore, any thoughts on the demiguise?” Kettleburn asked with a knowing glint in his eye.
Aurelia nodded excitedly, “Well, they are very cute. It makes sense why they are so highly sought after,”
Archie had the smallest patience for Aurelia’s contributions. “Cute? That’s hardly the reason they’re sought after, Aurelia.” Even Callie, who was more likely to agree with Aurelia, rolled her eyes.
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Miller!” Kettleburn said, exasperated. “Class, let’s be clear… it’s true that knowledge, research, and facts are important aspects of caring for magical creatures. But the foundation of this class and magizoology at large lies in a key term: care. Something that Miss Centore has in spades. You Ravenclaws could stand to learn a thing or two from her,”
Aurelia blushed and looked away, missing the chagrined looks of her two classmates.
“Alright, class is dismissed! Tonight, 6 inches of parchment on the profile of a demiguise, and make sure to cite the text properly this time, Miss Centore.”
Aurelia nodded, feeling a newfound burst of energy. This was one of her favorite assignments to complete. Profiling magical creatures, making nonmagical comparisons, developing theories, creating a care itinerary, the list goes on. As Aurelia stuffed her textbook into her bag, Kettleburn approached her.
“Miss Centore,” he began quietly, waiting for the Ravenclaws to collect themselves and leave.
“Yes, Professor?”
“I have a special project for you,” he said, leaning close to her.
“Like last year?” she asked, her interest piqued.
Last year, Aurelia and Kettleburn ventured into the Forbidden Forest to chart the unicorn herd’s migration, population, and territory. Aurelia cried upon seeing the glowing majestic creatures, tears falling on her parchment. A young filly had approached her, its hooves skittish and shy. It fled back to its mother when Kettleburn was spotted beside her. It was the greatest experience she could ever have.
“No, my dear, not quite like last year,” he said sadly, “we may see the unicorns, yes, but this year I was hoping to make contact with the centaur herd,”
“The centaurs?” Aurelia asked, confused.
“Yes. Hogwarts has had a long-standing relationship with the herd in the Forbidden Forest for centuries, but it has been many years since we last treated with them. That is what I hope to do. In doing so, perhaps we would be able to create more learning opportunities for the students here. I know you love this class as much as I do, but we would be the only ones,” he frowned.
Aurelia knew he was referring to how the program seemed to be dying out, with fewer and fewer students enrolling for higher levels of Care of Magical Creatures. Her own class only had three students. Aurelia couldn’t help but smirk at the irony. Here she was being pestered incessantly over centaurs, and now she was going to go run among them.
“When do we go?”
Kettleburn laughed heartily.