Invisible String

7.

"We're not doing anything tonight. Help us if Aurora hears it after we just lectured her about all of that."

Sirius belly-laughed at Remus's comment.

It was the middle of July when Aurora decided it was time to visit a few people.

She got ready and went downstairs. Initially, she planned to sneak out. Then she thought she should say she was going out and she'd be home by nightfall. Then, once the news of the attacks on muggles and wizards alike by Death Eaters had become headlining news, she decided against her will that she would actually tell her paternal figures where she was off to.

Remus and Sirius were in the sitting room, reading The Daily Prophet and drinking tea, when Aurora walked in. By the anxious look on her face and the stubborn walk into the room, Remus knew she was up to something.

"What now?" He asked.

"I'm going out." She simply said.

"To where? You must be cautious during these times, Aurora."

Aurora looked to the floor. "First I'm going to visit Harry..."

"Then?"

"Then I'm going to Severus' house, to—"

"Snape? What business have you got going there?" asked Sirius.

"I just want to talk to him about something. Nothing special. After that, I'm going to visit... Draco."

"Absolutely not!" The men said, synchronously.

"Where do you come up with these ideas, Aurora? Going to Malfoy Manor at times like this? I simply would not be surprised if the Dark Lord himself was there," said Remus.

"Fine, then. I won't visit him. Can I at least go to the other two places?"

Sirius and Remus looked at one another.

"Okay. But you must be back before dusk. Give Harry our love," said Remus.

"I'll give Severus your love too," said Aurora, as they hugged.

She stepped out of the house and within moments, found herself in the street of Spinner's End. It was gloomy and dark; more than usual. She walked in the direction of the familiar house and noticed two dark figures leave into the house she had intended to walk to. Aurora waited until they were out of sight, before knocking. The tall, dark man opened the door, looking fairly irritated.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"Nice to see you too..." She brushed past him and into the small house he resided in.

"It is not nice to see you, Aurora. Why are you here?" He closed the door.

"Well, I wanted to talk about our last interaction, but I was distracted. Who just left here?" asked Aurora.

"That is none of your concern," Severus sat down on the couch across from her.

"Should we put my Occlumency skills to the test? You won't be the first person that's underestimated me lately," Aurora teased, tilting her head politely.

"Are you threatening me?"

"You threatened me first."

Severus was furious but did not let this show on his usually expressionless face.

"Narcissa Malfoy and her darling sister, Bellatrix, were here. She demands that I protect Draco. From what exactly, I do not understand thoroughly," Severus's lip curled. "Bellatrix had lovely things to say about you."