The Mistaken Dream
I have spent a quiet and uneventful break at Beauxbatons, most of my time I’ve been reading, practicing magic, and occasionally writing to Draco and Narcissa. As the end of the Christmas break neared, I found myself roaming the familiar halls of the academy. Walking into my dormitory, I was met with an unpleasant sight. To my dismay, my roommate Lucinda, was perched on her desk chair, combing her hair. She turned to me with a sly smile, her accent dripping with condescension.
" Oh, Aurora, how was your holiday ?" she inquires, " I assume that it was rather quiet, as usual. "
I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I grabbed my homework. " Quiet and peaceful, just the way I like it, " I replied, my light accent tinged with a hint of sarcasm that I hoped she would catch.
Lucinda, unfortunately, didn't catch on and continued talking,
" Well, you know, we start our fifth year tomorrow. It's going to be quite the challenge, especially for those who haven't been paying much attention to their studies. "
I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to retort. I focus my attention on my Charms homework, But as I do, a snowy owl suddenly swoops into the room, dropping a letter on my desk before hooting softly and flying away. I approached the letter, and as I flip it around. I notice the unmistakable Hogwarts stamp, My heart quickens and I quickly begin to untie and unfold it, curious as to what could be inside.
I have spent a quiet and uneventful break at Beauxbatons, most of my time I’ve been reading, practicing magic, and occasionally writing to Draco and Narcissa. As the end of the Christmas break neared, I found myself roaming the familiar halls of the academy. Walking into my dormitory, I was met with an unpleasant sight. To my dismay, my roommate Lucinda, was perched on her desk chair, combing her hair. She turned to me with a sly smile, her accent dripping with condescension.
" Oh, Aurora, how was your holiday ?" she inquires, " I assume that it was rather quiet, as usual. "
I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I grabbed my homework. " Quiet and peaceful, just the way I like it, " I replied, my light accent tinged with a hint of sarcasm that I hoped she would catch.
Lucinda, unfortunately, didn't catch on and continued talking,
" Well, you know, we start our fifth year tomorrow. It's going to be quite the challenge, especially for those who haven't been paying much attention to their studies. "
I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to retort. I focus my attention on my Charms homework, But as I do, a snowy owl suddenly swoops into the room, dropping a letter on my desk before hooting softly and flying away. I approached the letter, and as I flip it around. I notice the unmistakable Hogwarts stamp, My heart quickens and I quickly begin to untie and unfold it, curious as to what could be inside.
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Dear Miss Aurora Black,
I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a decision that has been reached by both the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the Ministry of Magic.
In light of recent developments and for your own safety, it has been decided that you will attend Hogwarts for the remainder of your education.
Please pack your belongings as soon as possible, as arrangements have been made for your return to Hogwarts. More details will be provided upon your arrival.
Wishing you a safe journey,
Professor Albus Dumbledore
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I quickly fold up the letter and put it aside as I stare at my desk for a moment. I have to leave Beauxbatons? Somewhere I have been continuously for the past 4 years? My safety is in jeopardy? What about Narcissa and Draco? The second the thought crosses my mind I let out a smile. I am finally going to see my family again, well, Draco and Narcissa. For the rest of the night I pack my bags and ignore the questions and glances Lucinda sends me. I pack everything including my books, clothes, and photos but as I do so the heartstrings in my chest pull. I am leaving everything I have grown to love. Beauxbatons is my home and it houses my friends. What about Gabrielle and Margot? I have to leave my best friends. Once my bags were packed I hastily walked to their dorm to find them both slowly unpacking. They look at me with matching bright smiles.
“Aurora!” They say in unison
“Gabrielle! Margot!” They run up to me and pull me into a tight hug, “How were your holidays?”
“Beautiful!”
“Fantastic!”
I let out a small smile but it fell when I remembered what I had to tell them. I took a second to take in their looks. Gabrielle had beautiful auburn hair that fell around her elegant face, her eyes were so blue that you could swim in them. Margot’s eyes were the opposite, they were a deep brown almost golden in some lights. Her sun-like hair curled around the frame of her face giving her an angelic glow. I can’t believe I have to leave them.
“I…I have to tell you something..” I stuttered slightly trying to hold back my emotions,
Worried expressions take over their faces, “What is it, Rora?” Margot took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She had always been there for anyone and everyone, she was the type of person to drop everything if she saw a stranger in the hall fall or buy sweets for someone crying to bring a smile to their face. And where Margot was sweet Gabrielle was every bit the firecracker. Gabrielle was the type of person to hunt down the person who hurt someone and make them regret everything. She was a force to be reckoned with.
“I am getting transferred to Hogwarts…” Everything went silent for a moment, no one dared to breathe.
“What?” For the first time in my life, I saw Gabrielle with a confused expression, “Why?”
“My safety apparently.” A sad smile took over my face as I looked upon the sorrow in my best friends' faces. Slow tears started to fall down Margot’s face and Gabrielle and I quickly wrapped her in a hug. In the end, we all cried and that night we held each other in our arms until the sun rose. I had one final look at my friends before I left to prepare for my long day ahead.
___________________
After a long tedious day, I finally walked out of the green flames into the Deputy Headmistress's office. The office has a warm and cozy feeling to it, books elegantly littered the room and walls, and beautiful tapestries hung from the roof, and in the middle of it all an old woman stood. She is dressed in deep emerald robes with a large brimmed pointed hat that covers her beautiful pinned grey hair. She let out a warm welcoming smile.
“Miss Black, it’s an honor to welcome you to Hogwarts” Her accent was firm.
I let out a small graceful curtsy out of respect, “The honor is all mine, Deputy Headmistress.” After years of etiquette lessons, I am well-versed in being the epitome of elegance. I still had my delicate French accent when I spoke it but over the years I found myself still keeping my strong British accent as well.
“Please dear, call me McGonagall” I reply with a small smile and a tasteful nod.
“Apologies that Dumbledore could not welcome you but he is in the hall for the Start-of-Term feast with the other students. Let me escort you.” With a gesture of her hand the doors open and we walk down the large corridors of Hogwarts and I take a second to examine everything. The walls and ceilings were adorned with beautiful arches and intricate detailing. The evening moonlight shone through the windows and helped light the way ahead as well as some brightly burning candles. Once we arrived at massive decorative double doors McGonagall stopped and turned to me.
“All you have to do is walk to Dumbledore at the front of the hall. I have to quickly take care of something but I will see you in there later.” Her kind but gentle voice helped to calm my nerves, “You will do great here, Miss Black.” Her hand gently rested on my shoulder.
“Please call me Aurora.” McGonagall let out a little smile and turned back down the corridors. With one final look, I look down at my blank Hogwarts uniform and back to the large doors to see them start to open. With every inch of elegance I have I graced along the floor and into the hall. My charming high heels clinked on the floor and the hall went silent. Everyone's eyes turned to me, and I could feel their evaluating gazes but I did not stop walking nor dip my head. With my shoulders back and eyes at the front of the room, I continued my walk. My platinum hair shone in the candlelight and I locked eyes with Headmaster Dumbledore at the top of the room. He was in light periwinkle robes adorned with silver embroidery, his silver beard was accessorized with a small metal ring at the bottom. He looked at me with a slightly shocked face but it was quickly replaced with a pleasant smile. As I continue my walk towards him he introduces me.
“May I welcome our new student to Hogwarts, Miss Aurora Black,” Gasps and whispers fill the hall as everyone stares at her with shock, “She has exchanged from Beauxbatons and will be starting her fifth year here? I hope you all give her a warm welcome.”
I finally reach the stairs and elegantly step up them to meet Dumbledore. Once I stand in front of them he holds out his hand and takes it with a small but firm shake.
“I thank you for the honor of attending Hogwarts, Headmaster.” My voice is firm but light so only those around us can hear.
“Miss Black. It is an honor to have you here.” There is a lot of honor at this school apparently. “Let’s get you sorted into your house.” Dumbledore gestures to a stool that seats an old wrinkled leather-like hat that looks as though it has a face. Dumbledore lifts the hat and I take a seat facing the crowd. I finally get a look at the students and their faces range from shocked to confused to intrigued. The hat is placed on my head and I can feel the weight of its decisions.
“Ah, A Black! I haven't had one of those for a few years.” The room is silent and I keep my gaze leveled in front of me, “Hm….. I see you are clever and wise, loyal and just, brave and determined but also ambitious and cunning.” I don’t think I have ever heard a room so quiet. Eyes threaten me to cower all over but I keep my mind calm and my body strong. “Ah, I see…SLYTHERIN”
The table furthest to the right breaks out in cheers and whistles. Happiness spreads over my body as I realize I am in the same house as Draco but before I can run to search for him Dumbledore is back at my side.
“Congratulations, Miss Black.” His gaze is a bit odd as if sad but I just gently take his already out hand and give it a shake before I turn to the table of Slytherins and make my way over. Most of them are already sitting back down but towards the middle of the table, I see someone with matching hair to me standing with a smile that could light the darkness outside, and before I know it I am running into my brother's arms. With ease his arms surround me and tears threaten to escape my eyes but I don’t let them.
“Rora” Draco whispers into my hair as he holds me so tight that I think he is going to fall if he lets go. I pull from his arms to look at his face. He has grown so much in the past 4 years. His hair, especially from where it used to be a pale yellow, is now more like hers, platinum. His eyes were still silver but now are slightly colder. And finally, he is taller than me. “It is good to see you.”, my voice filled with happiness.
“Let me introduce you to everyone.” Draco sits down and I sit down next to him and look around the table to see most eyes on me. I swallow a little tightly and turn my attention back to Draco, “Aurora these are The Slytherins.” He gestures his arms to 2 girls and 3 boys.
“You call yourself The Slytherins?” I look back to Draco and try not to smile but to no avail. A slight smirk takes over his face but before he can reply the boy across from him chimes in.
“Of course, we do, Argent .” My eyebrows rise a little due to the use of the nickname. His voice is pure playful arrogance. He has beautiful brown hair with curls at the ends that fall slightly on his face and eyes, which are deep blue and are naturally ‘dead’. He is effortlessly handsome and he knows it.
“You speak French?” Amusement is heavy in my voice.
“We all do.” I turn to look who spoke and just beside Draco is a boy with dark skin, so smooth it shines in the light and dark black hair. I think to myself that he is even more attractive than the cocky one.
“Aurora, this is Blaise Zabini,” he nods to the boy next to him who keeps a bored expression on his face but gives a subtle nod in reply. Draco then motioned to a girl sitting across from Blaise. She had beautiful blonde hair and a sweet genuine smile on her face, “This is Daphne Greengrass”.
“It’s wonderful to meet you Aurora!” Her voice is happy and kind and makes me smile wide.
Before I can reply Draco continues to introduce everyone. Next to Daphne is a girl with a dark black bob and sharp features. Her expression looks as though it could cut through steel.
“Pansy Parkinson,” He says with a nod to the scowling girl.
“I like your earrings,” My voice comes out as a hum, “ Piaget . Right?” Pansy eyes go wide for a second as she reaches up to touch her beautiful spiked diamond earring but almost like she had been burned she pulls her arm back down and puts her mask back on.
“They are.” Skepticism swims in her voice but I ignore it and turn to the boy next to Pansy who is already looking at me with a hate-filled expression. I lock eyes with him and see that they are so dark they are almost black. He has deep brown hair that curls delicately around his sharp cheekbones that lead down to his angular jaw. He’s striking in a way that confuses me, it makes me want to find out more. My thoughts are interrupted when the cocky one’s voice cuts through the unknown tension.
“And of course, you know me,” A smug grin stretches over his face.
“I am afraid I don’t.” I keep my voice sly and a matching grin forces itself onto my face.
“Theodore Nott. But you Argent can call me Theo.” I give a small nod trying not to laugh because of the use of the nickname. To my side, Draco hesitates then gestures to the boy who is still staring at me with an expression that would cower the weaker.
“And this is Mattheo…Riddle.” My head turns to Draco and a nervousness covers his face. Riddle? As in Tom Riddle? Voldemort? He is the son of Voldermort everyone talks about? The son of the monster that killed my family is sitting across from me. I can tell Draco knows exactly what I am thinking and he gives me an almost apologetic look and that's when everything snaps. It’s not Mattheo's fault my parents are dead, so why am I acting like it? I turn back to face Mattheo to see his hateful sneering expression.
He rudely stands from the table, puts his hands on either side of my plate, and leans into the table face to face with me, then he whispers a single phrase that makes me fill with rage, “Blood Traitor.” And with malice, he stands and strides his way out of the hall with his hands in his pockets. I feel Draco move to stand beside me but I put my hand on his forearm to stop him. I have only been called that a few times but I am never one hundred percent sure what blood they're talking about. Is it my mother's muggle blood, because my grandparents were just simple muggles? Or was it because of whatever my father did to be killed by Voldemort? On this occasion, I believe it to be both which make my veins fill with even more anger and resentment.
Every other time someone has dared to speak an ill word of me or my family they find themselves filled with regret. And I will make sure he is filled with the same regret. Everyone looks at me as though I will break down in tears or cry out in rage but I just keep my leveled calm mask tightly in place as my gaze sweeps over the table.
“Ignore him. I’ll go talk to him.” And with that, Blaise gets up and goes after Mattheo. Everyone is quiet for a second not really knowing what to say. Only a few other Slytherins look down to see what caused the disturbance but with a few terrifying looks from Pansy and Draco, they all turn back to their food.
“Someone’s staring” Daphne’s voice pulls everyone to where she is looking. There is a table filled with red and sitting at it are 3 students who are staring at us. One of the boys had red hair and was sending a weak scowl our way. The only girl of the group had a big bundle of stunning brown curls swaying around her face which had a worried expression plastered to it as she looked between the two boys sitting in front of her. The final of the group was a boy with short messy dark brown hair, metal-framed glasses, and a scar that ran across his forehead. Harry Potter. I am a little awed for a second until I hear the hatred in Draco’s voice.
“Potter and his little servants.” His voice dripped with anger and it made me wonder what the hell they did to him. When did he become so hateful?
“...Why do you hate them?” I tip my head a little to the side as I evaluate him.
“Are you kidding me? Look at them! Weasley is an insufferable prick who doesn't understand his place. Potter gets whatever he bloody wants and gets no repercussions for anything he does. And that Granger is the worst of them all and is a flat-out know-it-all. All she does is tell everyone what to do and get her bloody mangy hair everywhere!” I have never seen him so hate-filled before. He keeps his eyes locked on the table as he continues to speak, “And she is also a Mud-”
I cut off his disgusting words before he could continue, “She is a what?” His wide eyes cut to me and fear and regret cover his face.
He stammers a second, “Uh..I…nothing” His eyes drop to his food and I kick him under the table. An awkward silence takes over for a few minutes before Daphne is sick of it.
“So Aurora, tell us about yourself!” Her elbows are on the table so she can lean in.
"Well," I begin, "I transferred from Beauxbatons, obviously. I'm quite interested in magical creatures, especially dragons.”
Draco chuckles from beside me “You and you're creatures, I swear-”
I stop him before he can continue his rant and my lips turn up into a teasing smirk. “Please at least I'm not afraid of them. Don’t think Cissa didn’t write to me about you getting scratched by a hippogriff in the third year”
“Bloody beast almost killed me” Draco sneers. “You try getting close to a hippogriff, and we’ll see how you react.” I roll my eyes at his dramatics and turn my attention back to Daphne.
___________________
After dinner, Pansy and Daphne lead me to the dimly lit corridors, and we wind down a grand staircase that leads us to a dark room with nothing but a plain brick wall and a serpentine-like inscription on the floor. I watch as Pansy strolls straight towards the wall, just as I think she is going to crash, I watch as a snake curls up creating a doorway into a cozy-looking room.
“Wow,” I say in a hushed tone.
Daphne chuckles at my amazement. “It’s one of the enchantments of the Slytherin common room. Only Slytherins can see the entrance, everyone else will just see a wall.” She says as we make our way through the entrance. The room is bathed in a warm, greenish hue from the lake that we’re submerged in, with plush, green velvet sofas and armchairs arranged in front of a roaring fireplace. Silver and green banners hang from the walls, and the room exudes an air of sophistication and elegance.
“Stunning, isn't it?” Daphne smiles.
We continue our way up into the girl's dormitory. As we enter, I notice another girl who must be our roommate. She has wavy brown hair that cascades down her shoulders and a fringe that slightly covers her hazel eyes. “Hi, I'm Anne,” She smiles.
“I’m Aurora,” I reply back, returning her smile. Our dorm room is cozy and inviting. The light filters in through small, arched windows that reveal a glimpse of the Black Lake outside. It has dark wood furnishings and rich emerald and black curtains, each bed is draped in green and silver canopies, giving it a distinctly Slytherin touch. I settle down at my desk, pulling out a piece of parchment and my quill I begin to write a letter to Narcissa.
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Dear Cissa
I made it to Hogwarts safely, you’d be glad to know I got sorted into Slytherin, much like Draco was. We reunited and he introduced me to all his friends, two of whom are my roommates, Daphne and Pansy, they’ve all been quite welcoming.
The Slytherin common room is stunning, just as you described it. I haven’t really explored much of the castle yet as I only arrived here just before Dinner, I’ll make Draco show me around tomorrow.
Feeling exhausted right now, so I'll keep it short.
Missing you always
Love Aurora x
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I seal the letter and hand it to my owl, Abernathy, who takes it in his beak and swoops out the window. I turn to see Daphne and Anne already asleep, their soft breaths filling the room. Pansy, however, is still awake, engrossed in a book I recognize.
“Hélas, Je me suis Transfiguré Les Pieds” I say fondly.
She looks up from her book, her eyes flickering with surprise “You’ve read it?”
“Yeah it’s one of my favorites” I nod enthusiastically.
“It is quite intriguing,” Pansy says, looking unimpressed with her input before turning back to her book, for a second I think I see a small smile. I finally climb into my bed, feeling the softness of the blankets envelop me. As I settle in and close my eyes, the subtle glow of the greenish lamps in the dorm room casts a soothing ambiance and the weight of the day slowly pulls me into slumber.
Blood was seeping into the clear crystal water turning it ruby. Making the water itself bleed. An inhuman scream screeched so loudly that the cobblestones started to produce boiling blood from in between the cracks. It was as if the world was bleeding its very self-dry. A cloud-like form started to take over the sky it was so black that it looked like a rip in space. But it was no cloud that littered the sky. The form of black death started to descend onto the earth and all it left behind was a screeching scream and death. Blood. Fear. Death. And in the middle of it all was Aurora Black who was staring at the scene with silent tears that ran down her pale face.
I woke in a jump to find my skin slick with sweat, my heart racing at an unnatural rate and my breaths uneven and shaky. My head feels as though it was just hit against a wall. I quickly look to my sides to find everyone else still asleep which is a relief. I have been having these ‘dreams’ for years but recently they have been becoming more violent, darker and so real it is as though I am living it. They only used to haunt me during sleep but the other day when I was in my dorm at Beauxbatons alone studying on my desk I was forced into a nightmare. I have no idea how long I was out but when I woke I was lying on the floor with my ripped study paper surrounding me. No one truly knows that these happen. The only time someone has ever caught me in one is when an annoyed Lucinda was standing over me shaking me and yelling to ‘Stop screaming because I am ruining her beauty sleep’. I feel as though I am going crazy like my brain is continuously bleeding and I can’t stop this. I can’t even ask for help without being labeled ‘Insane’ or ‘Deranged’. But I need help.
Ever so slowly I peel the emerald covers back and walk to my wardrobe where I throw on my lilac silk dressing gown that Narcissa got me and my quietest slippers. I silently creep out of the room and soundlessly close the door to the dorm as I sneak down the stairs toward the common room. I hold my breath as I walk into the common room praying no one is up. Luckily it is empty. I hastily make my way to the serpentine door and just about when I am about to open it I hear a bang from behind me. I turn and my silver hair flicks in my face but I find nothing there. The room is still empty, the lake is motionless and I can’t even hear any footsteps or even a whisper. I take another slow breath as I turn around and prepare myself.
I reach out my hand to the stone door and with a few soft clicks it opens itself wide, I step out and with a slight haste, I try and find my way back to the first floor. I found myself outside in the fresh cold air. I took a few steps away from the large wooden door and i am just about to round the corner when all of a sudden it was slammed open widely to reveal Mattheo Fucking Riddle. In the flash of a second spin around the corner and behind a large colum. I didn’t dare to breathe, no one could find out about what I was doing or why. After a second of silence, I can hear him start to close the door and then I see him from my spot behind the colum stride straight towards a large tower that stood as high as the stars.
I finally let out my breath. What the fuck was he doing? I continue throughout the courtyard and through the stone bridge searching for the Library. I make it to the other side of the school and back inside. After what felt like an hour of searching throughout the halls I finally found it. Stalls from floor to ceiling covered the ornate room with thousands of different colored spines filling the shelves. I take a second to run my hands across the beautifully embellished spines as I make my way through the aisles. I have no idea what I am meant to be looking for so I just browse the stalls until something out of the corner of my eye draws me to it. I realize somehow I made it all the way to the very back of the Library. I continue to the back but am stopped by a thick rope with a sign that states, “RESTRICTED SECTION NO STUDENTS”.
I slowly step over the room and continue my way through the aisles. As I walk it seems to get colder and almost darker but something continues to draw me to the very back of the room. When I arrived at the back wall I slowly walked down the final aisle reading the spines but nothing caught my eye until I found a book that stood out from the rest. It was darker and more worn compared to the brighter spines and only a single word was printed on the spine, “Divination”. With nervous hands, I slowly picked up the book. It was so cold it felt like I was holding ice just as I was about to flick open the book, the doors to the Library swung open. Without a second look, I secured the book under my robe and made my way to the closest exit. I didn’t stop running until I was back in my dorm where I hid the book in the wooden planks of my bed for no one to find. I got back into bed and attempted to calm my nerves with sleep. But to no avail.