The Untold Reborn

Chapter-14 : An Unlikely Reunion

Aurelia could hardly contain her excitement as her parents' car rolled through the familiar streets of Cirencester. The trees that lined the road swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows across the pavement. After her intense first year at Hogwarts, the sight of her home brought a sense of calm she hadn't realized she needed. Leaning back in her seat, she glanced over at Margaret and Edward Harrison, her adoptive parents, who had picked her up from the station.

"Feels like it's been ages since we've all been together, doesn't it?" Edward said warmly, catching Aurelia's eye through the rearview mirror.

Aurelia smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Yeah, it really does. I've missed this place."

Margaret reached back to gently squeeze her hand. "And we've missed you, love. It's not the same without you running around the house."

Aurelia grinned at the thought of how quiet the house must have been without her. As they turned onto their street, she could already see her grandmother, Elizabeth Harrison—Liza, as Aurelia fondly called her—standing by the front door. Elizabeth was a modern, sharp-witted woman, and although she wasn't biologically related to Aurelia, their bond had always felt unbreakable. She waved energetically as the car pulled into the driveway.

"There's Liza," Aurelia said, her grin widening as she hopped out of the car.

"Lia!" Elizabeth called out with her usual brightness, striding over to meet them. Her silver-gray hair was pulled back neatly, and she was wearing one of her signature floral dresses. "Look at you, all grown up and back from your magical school."

"Hi, Liza!" Aurelia ran into her grandmother's arms, the comfort of her embrace easing any lingering thoughts about the wizarding world.

Elizabeth laughed, pulling back to inspect her granddaughter. "You've got a bit more sparkle in your eyes than when you left. Hogwarts must be suiting you well."

"It's been amazing," Aurelia replied with a nod, her voice filled with excitement. "There's so much to tell you. But first, I'm starving."

"Come inside then, dear. I've got your favorite cookies waiting for you," Elizabeth said, gently patting Aurelia's back. "And lemonade, of course."

Margaret and Edward exchanged a knowing look, happy to see their daughter so at ease. As they all stepped inside the house, Aurelia felt the warmth of home settle over her. The smell of Elizabeth's baking filled the air, and the familiar furniture and décor made her feel like nothing had changed, even though so much had in the past year.

Once they were settled in the living room, Aurelia sipped on her lemonade, glancing between her parents and grandmother. She had been thinking about this for a while, but now felt like the right time to ask.

"So," she began hesitantly, looking at Elizabeth first, "can you tell me more about how you found me? I know I'm adopted, but I've never really asked about the details before."

Margaret and Edward paused, exchanging a glance, and Elizabeth's smile softened. "Of course, Lia. You've always had the right to know, and I think it's time you heard the full story."

Aurelia leaned forward, her heart pounding a little faster as Elizabeth began to speak.

"It was a quiet, misty morning," Elizabeth began, her eyes distant with memory. "I was taking my usual walk when I came across a small basket on the steps of the old church. You were in it, wrapped up in the coziest blankets. There was a little tag tied to the handle with your name—'Aurelia'—written on it. I remember thinking it was such a beautiful name, fitting for a beautiful baby."

Aurelia's throat tightened as she listened, her mind swirling with images of that moment.

Elizabeth continued, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I knew I couldn't leave you there, so I brought you here, to your parents. The moment Edward and Margaret saw you, they fell in love with you, just like I had."