Before The Past

Ch. 5

Erby knocked on the door before letting himself in.

I was still asleep, but not for long. I felt cold fingers wrap around my arm gently, giving me a soft shake and heard his small voice calling my name.

"Miss Aurora, Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne need you immediately." I groaned and rolled over to let him know I was awake. 

He stood nervously looking at me before letting himself back out.

I got up slowly, putting on a quick outfit before going to see what was so urgent. The hall smelled of something sweet and savory. Waffles and bacon. It was my favourite  breakfast dish, but hadn't had it since we moved. I figured something was going on and knew to be careful as I walked into the dining room. The table was fully set up for the first time, and everything I enjoyed was there. 

"There you are, sit down. Your father and I need to have a talk with you." My mother said. 

"You are aware of what happened yesterday, yes?" My father put down the daily prophet, and for the first time in weeks, he made direct eye contact.

I nodded skeptically before dishing myself up.

"And you are aware of our, relationships with, certain people?" My mother asked. 

I nodded again. 

"In that case, what do you know about our plans." Added my father. 

I stiffened a bit. There wasn't much I did know, and what I thought I knew I wasn't sure of.

"I'm not entirely sure, I'm aware something big is going to happen and you-know-who is involved." I replied. 

He nodded and stroked his chin before taking a sip of his tea.

"You are right about that, but I do wish you would call him the Dark Lord, rather than call him a name to be feared of."

Did it truly matter what name was used? No matter what it was a name that was laced with fear and evil.

A short pause came before he spoke again "This year, there is a special event happening. It's been banned everywhere, except this year. There have been a few strings pulled to get it back, which will be the perfect way to get the Dark Lord back. We'll need your help, should you disobey and there will be consequences. Is that understood?" My father looked at me expectantly. 

I nodded, hoping that whatever I was needed for wasn't too much. It seemed as though there was more to this 'plan' that I wasn't aware of. It was probably because I can't be trusted yet, whatever that meant. 

I tried to finish up as fast as possible while still enjoying my food. When I had gotten back to my room I noticed that my owl Athena was flying towards me. As she got closer I could make out what it was that she had in her beak. It was a small letter with a wax seal that had an H and other symbols on it. I carefully opened the letter as two sheets of paper fell out.

One was a list of items, and the other was a letter.

Aroura Hawthorne.

You have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We are pleased to welcome you and hope that you will have a fabulous year with us. Encased with this letter is your list of books and supplies you will need for this year.

Best Regards, 

-Headmaster Dumbledore

I sighed and looked at the list with dread. I wasn't excited at all to attend this new school, and the letter only made it worse. There was no telling how I would be treated or if I would make any friends. Not to mention I would be the outcast American. My only hope was that my accent was going to help me out and that there wouldn't be too many questions about why I'm here.