Heirs of darkness

Ashes(5)

As the school year continued, career advice sessions began. Aurora found herself sitting across from Professor Snape in his dimly lit office, the smell of potions hanging heavily in the air. Snape regarded her with his usual inscrutable expression, waiting for her to speak.

"I want to be Minister for Magic," Aurora declared confidently, meeting Snape's gaze head-on.

Snape raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed but hiding it behind his usual stoicism. "Ambitious," he remarked, leaning back in his chair. "And I suppose you've already devised a plan to get there?"

Aurora smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Of course. I plan to start in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, work my way up, and make the right connections. It's all about strategy, isn't it?"

Snape's lips twitched slightly, almost forming a smile. "Indeed. Very well, Miss Black. It seems you have thought this through. Just remember, power is nothing without wisdom to guide it."

Aurora nodded, taking his words to heart. She knew the path she had chosen was not an easy one, but she was determined to succeed. The vision of her future kept her focused, even as the chaos around her threatened to pull her under.

The weeks flew by, and before long, the pressure of exams was upon them. The atmosphere in the castle became tense, students huddled over textbooks, cramming for their OWLs and NEWTs. Aurora did her best to stay calm, focusing on her studies and keeping an eye on the ever-tightening grip of Umbridge's regime.

After their History of Magic exam, the tension reached a breaking point. Harry was caught by Umbridge and the Inquisitorial Squad, Aurora included. They had also captured his friends, who were trying to aid him. As they stood in Umbridge's office, the High Inquisitor's eyes gleaming with triumph, Aurora felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach.

Umbridge summoned Snape to provide Veritaserum, but Snape claimed he was out. As he turned to leave, Harry desperately tried to pass a message to him, saying, "He's got Padfoot."

Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she realized Harry was referring to Sirius. Panic flared inside her, and she watched as Snape left the office, his expression unreadable. Had he understood the message? Would he help? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but there was no time to dwell on it. Umbridge's attention was focused on Harry now, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Tell me where Dumbledore is, Potter!" Umbridge demanded, her voice shrill and commanding.

When Harry refused to answer, Umbridge's face twisted with fury. Her hand moved toward her wand, and Aurora realized with horror what she intended to do.

"No!" Aurora shouted, stepping forward. "Wait! I heard Harry talking about where Dumbledore has hidden a powerful weapon in the Forbidden Forest."

Umbridge's eyes lit up with greed and excitement, the promise of a new lead. She turned to Aurora, her expression a mixture of suspicion and eagerness. "A weapon, you say? Lead the way, Miss Black."

Aurora's heart pounded in her chest as she led Umbridge and Harry out of the castle and into the Forbidden Forest. The shadows grew thicker around them as they ventured deeper, the sounds of the forest muffled by the dense foliage. Aurora walked with purpose, but her mind was racing, calculating her next move. She had no idea if her plan would work, but she knew she had to try.

They walked for what felt like hours, the forest growing darker and more ominous with each step. Aurora could sense the creatures watching them from the shadows, hear the rustling of leaves and the snapping of twigs. She hoped they would not encounter any of the more dangerous inhabitants, but her thoughts were focused on one being in particular Caraxes.

When they reached a small clearing, Aurora knew it was time. She subtly raised her hand, signaling to the shadows. Moments later, the massive form of Caraxes emerged, his scales shimmering in the dappled moonlight. His eyes glowed with an eerie intensity, and a low growl rumbled from his throat.

Umbridge's confidence faltered at the sight of the dragon. She drew her wand, her voice shaking slightly as she cast, "Stupefy!"

The spell hit Caraxes and dissipated harmlessly against his scales. Aurora stepped forward, her voice calm but filled with a cold fury. "He's immune to magic. And now, you will pay for everything you've done."

Before Umbridge could react, Aurora commanded, "Inferno!" It was the command she had trained Caraxes to respond to. With a deafening roar, Caraxes unleashed a torrent of fire, the flames engulfing Umbridge in an instant.

Umbridge's scream was cut short as the fire consumed her, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes where she had stood. Aurora watched with a grim satisfaction, her heart pounding in her chest. She had done it. She had stopped Umbridge, but at a cost she had not anticipated.

"We need to go," Aurora urged Harry, her voice shaking slightly.

Harry looked at her, his face pale but determined. "I can't put you in danger."

Aurora shook her head. "But it's my father we're talking about."

Harry placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I've done this before. Sirius will be home safe soon, I promise."

Aurora looked into his eyes and saw the determination there. She nodded, finally believing him. "Be careful, Harry."

With one last glance at the charred remains of Umbridge, they parted ways. Aurora watched as Harry disappeared into the shadows, her mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. She had taken a step she could never undo, crossed a line that set her on a path from which there was no turning back.

As she stood alone in the forest, with only Caraxes for company, Aurora felt a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. She had protected her friends, stood up to a tyrant, and defended those she cared about. But she knew that her actions would have consequences, that the battle was far from over. The war was just beginning, and Aurora was ready to fight.