Invisible String

7.

Aurora ignored the latter comment. "Didn't Dumbledore tell you what he thinks is going to happen? With Draco?"

"Draco becoming a Death Eater? In my personal opinion, I believe that has already happened."

Aurora felt as if she was stabbed in her heart by a knife that had been newly sharpened. She could not bear to say anything. Severus's words, Dumbledore's words, and the argument she had with Draco echoed through her head. Surely, she didn't provoke him?

"So, Draco became a Death Eater and Narcissa wants you to protect him?"

Severus stayed silent.

"Something's missing. She definitely told you something else. You know more."

Severus stood up. "I am unsure whether Draco has truly become one, it may be a matter of time. What you need to understand is that you do not need to be informed of everything, Aurora, because some things simply do not concern you. Is there anything else you would like to discuss? If not, I ask that you leave."

Aurora furrowed her eyebrows. "What is your problem, Severus? First all those crude things you said to me before I left Hogwarts, now all this attitude. Is it something I did?"

Severus turned from her. "You are still young. You are foolish and continue to misuse the powers blessed upon you. You act as if you are an adult and treat the actual adults in your life as your friends simply because you level with or overtake them in strength. May I remind you that regardless of your abilities, you are juvenile, and I personally believe Dumbledore made a mistake in letting you reveal yourself to those who mustn't notice your presence before this year. You worked best when you were in the shadows. Your kind is meant to stay that way. You are not to go befriending those who you protect and start sleeping with others who just happen to be harmful towards the one whom you are protecting."

Aurora could not believe what she was hearing.

"If you are truly enjoying your time as a present individual, why don't you stick to protecting Potter and let everyone else do their job? We let you join the Order and ever since you have lost sight of what you are here for. Now, may I see you out?"

She looked at him feeling anguished but displayed pure anger and disgust across her face.

"Don't bother."

Aurora walked out the door, slammed it close, and within seconds was in the grasslands of Little Whinging. Wiping her tears as she walked, she concealed herself. She made her way into Harry's bedroom, where he had been sitting on his bed and staring out the window.

"Harry?" said Aurora, before revealing herself. He jumped and looked around to see her figure come into vision.

"Aurora? How did you—"

"You know exactly how," she said, winking. He jumped up and hugged her.

"You alright?" Aurora asked, sitting on his bed, facing him.

"Yeah... apparently Dumbledore is coming to get me sometime in the coming week. Thankful I've only spent a couple weeks here."

"That's good, the energy in here sucks," she murmured, pretending to observe his small room. It wasn't her first time in here, but he didn't know that.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

Aurora could have cried that very instant but refused to let her weakness show in front of the boy whose very existence was the reason for her strength.

"Yes. I'm okay. I just had a... brief argument with Snape. It's fine though."

Harry placed his hand on hers. "What did he say?"

"I guess we both said some vulgar things. It just sucks because he's never snapped at me like that before. I respect him so much and his opinions mean a great deal to me and he tarnished my own name in front of me."

"Told you he's a foul git."

Aurora smiled. "Everyone has their flaws, Harry."

She then got up and nudged Harry to move over, so she could sit next to him. He rested his head on her shoulder.

"I spoke to Draco," Harry said, abruptly. He fiddled with his hands.

Aurora looked down at him. "You did? When?"

"On the Hogwarts Express. I came to look for you. He was alone, crying, I think. I sat across him for the rest of the ride. He asked about you and me, asked if I love you."

"And what did you say?"

"I said I do. Because I do love you. But not romantically, you know? At least not anymore."

"Moved on from me already, have you?" said Aurora, making Harry laugh. "He's only asking because he's jealous of you."

And then Aurora explained what happened before the events of the Ministry, and what happened aboard the train on the way home.

"He fancies you then, huh?" Harry asked.

"Hopefully not. Ruins the friendship, in my opinion."

"Are you going to see him soon?"

"Maybe. I sent him an owl, asking to meet me at Diagon Alley before school starts up again. He hasn't replied."

"How long are you staying?" he asked, holding her hand.

"Not too much longer. Promised dad I'd be home before it's dark. They send their love, by the way."

Harry sighed. "I wish I could live with you three. It would be lovely."

Aurora turned her head and kissed his forehead. "I know, my love. You'll be out of here soon, hopefully."

"You give nice kisses; did you know that? No surprise that Malfoy wanted more," said Harry, chuckling.

"You realise it's because of who I am? My acts of love come off as warmer, softer, far more comforting. It's enchanted that way. It's related to how I healed your scars too."

Harry looked up at her in surprise. "Ron and Hermione had a bet on that ever since the both of them hugged you. Both of them felt more warmth than ever."

Aurora beamed at him. He rolled over so that he laid with his head on Aurora's stomach, his arms still around her. She ran her hand through his hair, petting him like a small child. She would have done anything to stay there forever. The boy whose very existence was as valuable to her as her own life, if not more, finally finding some peace and quiet. Some consolation. They stayed like this until Aurora heard Harry's soft snores. But as she moved to get up, his arms around her tightened.

"Stay." he murmured.

"I can't, Harry, darling. It's almost dark and I have to go home. Dad's already kind of pissed cause of the Draco thing."

"You told him?"

"Yeah. Wanted to put his and Sirius's fatherly skills to the test. All they did was yell, it was funny."

Harry sighed, but laughed at this. She kissed his head before sliding out of his grip and getting up. He rolled over to look up at her.

"I love you. Thank you for everything," said Harry.

Aurora looked at him in awe. "I love you Harry. Stay safe, I'll see you soon."

She disappeared into thin air in Harry's sight. The usual crack! sound of Apparating was not heard.

He drifted to sleep with the blissful thought of seeing Dumbledore soon, and reuniting with his best friends once more.