sugar {regulus black}

fourteen

The Robertson family apparated in front of their castle and, as their house elves greeted them, Vittoria walked towards her office, claiming that he had a clothing collection to finish.

Aurora was going to go back to her bedroom, when her father stopped her.

''Rory, can you come with me? I need to talk to you.''

Aurora smiled and nodded. Any other child would think they were in trouble if their father told them they needed to talk, but Aurora had never gotten into trouble, her parents had always given her complete freedom to do whatever she wanted and, if something went wrong, they helped her without scolding or punishing her - because after all she was still a child and it was her right to make mistakes.

''Yes, sure, dad. What do you need?''

They started walking together and Aurora realised he was guiding her towards the ball room, where they always celebrated all types of parties and events.

''Your mother has asked me to be in charge of the preparations for the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve ball and, to be honest, I'm a bit lost and I don't know where to start, would you be so kind as to help your poor father prepare the balls? I was thinking of doing a monochrome themed dance. You know, all the decorations in the same colour but in different shades and saturations. What do you think?'' Logan said.

''I think it's a good idea, although we'll have to choose a colour that can be combined with itself because, for example, many shades of pink cause dissonance between them and don't look good together. Green, on the other hand, is a colour that can be matched very well, as well as being quite elegant and one of the key colours for Christmas.'' Aurora added, still walking ''We can buy garlands and flowers in different colours and match them with the tablecloths of the catering tables.'' was pointing to every corner of the great hall, indicating where to put each item.

Logan smiled and nodded. 

''I knew you would be a great help. In my office there are a few books with samples of all kinds of decorations that your mother has given me, I'd like you to take a look at them while I'm at work and we can discuss the details over dinner, is that okay?''

''Of course, I'd love that. I'll take a look at them, but later. I'm meeting Archie in two hours and I have to get ready. I'll do it once I get back.''

Logan nodded.

''Great, awesome, thank you, Rory, you're saving my life.''

Aurora laughed and waved goodbye to her dad before walking upstairs to her bedroom. She started getting ready, looking at herself in the mirror at smiling at her image. 

She had always loved herself. She had been told from a young age how beautiful she was and had always been showered with compliments, she had also been born with a natural beauty that no one could match. For that very reason, she had always tried to make her classmates and friends love themselves too, because she knew how good it felt when you appreciated yourself enough and didn't hate yourself. Although sometimes even she hated herself, her brain, how it worked, or how it didn't seem to work.

Once she was ready, she apparated herself at Glasgow's train station. She could apparate directly in Perth, but she liked that ride on the train - she really enjoyed the views. 

It had started snowing at the end of October, and would not stop until the end of February, so the landscape Aurora saw for an hour was completely white. The trees seemed to be frozen and the sun shone brighter than ever reflected in the 20 centimetres of snow that covered the ground. She hoped that, at least in Perth, it would be possible to walk without too much trouble.

Once off the train, she looked for her friend in the crowd. They had agreed that she would travel to Perth, but he was to meet her at the station. When she saw him, she smiled and walked towards him. He, too, smiled when he saw her.

''Ah, I've missed you, little dove.'' he said, as he held her in his arms.

''I've missed you too, you big-head.'' she whispered. It had been months since they last saw each other. 

''How are things at Hogwarts? Any scandals? Any romance...?'' he asked. 

''Archie! Last time I saw you, you weren't so gossipy.''

Archie laughed and shrugged.

''What can I say, things at Durmstrang are pretty boring. They're all too strict and uptight. I wish my parents hadn't transferred me there three years ago.''

Aurora sighed as they got out the train station.

''Yeah, me too. But, you know, your dad studied there and your mum studied in Hogwarts, they both wanted you to assist to their schools. And transferring was they best way to achieve both goals.''

Archie was her best friend in the whole world. He was the only one who really listened to her, who supported her in everything and, above all, he was the only guy she had ever met who didn't want to sleep with her. She knew him long before she entered Hogwarts because, besides being his best friend, he was also her cousin; his mother was her father's sister. And when she got the news that he was leaving Hogwarts to transfer to Durmstrang, her heart broke into a thousand pieces.

They kept in touch, but could only see each other during the holidays, which was often complicated by different responsibilities and duties, and completely opposite schedules. So they took advantage of every opportunity to see each other and catch up.

''I've brought you the usual, and I've also brought a new herb. It was recently recommended to me by a colleague and I have to say it's quite good, it leaves you completely groggy, as if you lose all control of your body.''

He was also her dealer. He gave her a bag with about 90 grams of herbs. Enough to sustain herself for six months, until the next summer holidays. Although, obviously, she had her spare dealer inside Hogwarts, in case she ran out of substance. Although that term she had more than her usual supply.

She took 76 galleons out of her purse and gave them to him. Once the exchange was made, both cousins began to walk through the streets of Perth. 

They hung out for almost four and a half hours and, at 3:30pm, Archie accompanied her to the train station. 

They hugged one more time as a farewell before Aurora boarded the train.

''I love you, and I'll miss you.'' she said.

''I love you too. Write to me when you're not too busy studying, little dove.''

''I will.''