Love The Heartless

Chapter Fourteen

September 1st, 1970

"Do you have everything?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure, we have time-"

"Aurora." Andromeda stopped pushing the cart and grabbed the older witch's hands. "I have everything. I'll be fine on the train."
"Just remember, there will be teachers on the train. You can find one of them if there's trouble."

"I know, Rory. I can handle myself. And I promise to come find you as soon as I get to the castle."
"Look at you. Going into your seventh year." Aurora smiled and squeezed the girl's hands. "I remember when I first met you. Eleven years old, and the smallest one on the train." 

"I remember finding your compartment, and you had your nose stuck in a book. Most older students would've brushed me off, but you took time and explained everything about the book."

"I can't wait to see what you do in the future. You have so much to look forward to kid." Aurora grabbed the younger witch up in a hug, as a worker took her cart, pushing it towards the end of the train.
"Be careful. I love you, Andromeda."
"You be careful. I love you too, Rory. I'll see you at the feast."
Aurora smiled and watched Andromeda run off to catch up with Ted. The two of them grabbed hands and made their way onto the train.

Andromeda's face appeared in a window a few moments later, and the two girls waved at each other as the train pulled out of the station.

------------

"Good morning, Aberforth. Minerva said I could use your floo to get to her office?" Aurora greeted the always grumpy man.
He gruffed in response and nodded his head to the back of the room.
"Thank you." Aurora nodded, making her way to the floo. She grabbed a handful of the powder, throwing it into the flames.
"McGonagall's office!"

"Ah, Professor Nott. I was wondering if you would be arriving on time." Minerva smiled up at the younger witch as she brushed the soot off her robes.
"You know I hate to be late, Professor."
"Yes, but watching your child depart for the first time. It's an emotional experience."
"It is. But I've been watching her board the train for years." Aurora reminded her.

"Ah, yes. But this is the first time as a parent that you've watched Miss Black board the express."

Aurora nodded and clasped her hands in front of her. She knew she was responsible for Andromeda. But could she consider herself Andromeda's parent? Did Andromeda see her as such?

"Now. Before we join the others. I have a large favor to ask of you."
"Anything you need, Professor." Aurora nodded and sat in one of the chairs across the desk.

"It seems that Professor Meadowes has decided to retire at the last minute. I was wondering if you would perhaps help out and take charge of the defense against the dark arts classes. At least until we can find a replacement."
"Of course. Will I still have transfiguration classes?"
"You will only have the first and second-year classes until we find a replacement teacher for defense. I do not want to overwork you."

"Consider the position filled then. If I can still be of assistance in any other classes, please let me know."
"You were always the overachiever, Miss Nott." Minerva chuckled. "Now, let us join the other professors at the beginning of the year meeting."

Aurora stood and followed the older professor down the hall to the professor's lounge.
"I will show you your living quarters after the feast. I have taken the liberty of outlining a lesson plan for the first week of defense since I sprung you on this at the last possible second."
"I appreciate that, Professor."

The two witches walked into the room, finding open seats between a few other teachers.

"Another September first, another start to a wonderful year," Dumbledore said as he stood. "I'm sure you all remember Aurora Nott from last term. She has agreed to join us as a teacher this year to help out with transfiguration classes."