Aurora Black, the daughter of the infamous Sirius Black, has always lived in the shadow of her family's dark legacy. Raised by her strict grandmother, Walburga Black, Aurora struggles to carve out her own identity at Hogwarts. With her sharp wit, fi...
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The courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the autumn sun, casting a warm, golden light over the stone benches and patches of withering grass. The leaves, once vibrant with reds, oranges, and yellows, were beginning to fade, a sign that winter was creeping closer. The air was crisp, but not yet biting, a perfect day to be outside before the chill of winter settled in.
Aurora Black and Theodore Nott had claimed a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from the prying eyes of their classmates. The two were nestled together on a stone bench, Aurora perched comfortably on Theo's lap, her fingers gently combing through his dark hair. Theo leaned back against the bench, a rare, easy smile playing on his lips as he watched Aurora's concentrated expression while she played with his hair.
"Do you ever stop playing with my hair?" Theo asked with a smirk, his voice laced with amusement.
Aurora looked down at him, her own smile mirroring his. "No, and I don't intend to. It's the only time you're truly at my mercy."
Theo chuckled, a warm sound that seemed to blend with the rustling leaves around them. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were practicing some sort of spell on me."
Aurora grinned. "Maybe I am. I'd tell you to watch out, but I like the results so far."
They both laughed, the sound light and carefree, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere that had settled over Hogwarts since the start of the school year. For a brief moment, it felt like nothing else mattered no Ministry interference, no Umbridge, no looming darkness. Just them, the autumn breeze, and the soft rustling of leaves.
But the moment was short-lived.
"Ahem!"
The sharp, sickly sweet voice cut through their laughter like a knife, making Aurora's smile falter. She didn't need to look up to know who it was. The shadow that fell over them was unmistakable, and it sent a chill down Aurora's spine that had nothing to do with the cooling weather.
Dolores Umbridge stood before them, her pink cardigan clashing violently with the natural tones of the courtyard. Her wide, toad-like eyes flicked from Aurora to Theo, her lips curling into a tight, disapproving smile.
"Miss Black, Mr. Nott," she began, her voice dripping with false politeness. "It seems you've forgotten where you are. This is a school, not a how shall I put it public display of affection arena."
Aurora's eyes narrowed, her fingers still tangled in Theo's hair. "We're just sitting here, Professor."
Umbridge's smile didn't waver, but her eyes gleamed with something akin to satisfaction. "Sitting, yes, but not in a manner befitting students of this institution. Miss Black, you will report to my office every evening this week for detention."
Aurora felt a surge of anger. "Detention? For what?"
"For improper behavior, my dear," Umbridge replied, her tone condescending. "Sitting on Mr. Nott's lap is hardly appropriate. We must maintain a certain level of decorum, after all."
