Love The Heartless

Chapter Thirteen

August 22, 1970

"'Dromeda, I'm home," Aurora called out with a sigh. Today had been her last day at the bookshop, at least until the end of the school year.
"Hey! How did your last day go?" Andromeda looked up from her book.
"Exhausting. I was sad to go. But, Hogwarts is a better opportunity for the both of us."

"Are you sure you want to do this? I don't mind finishing my seventh year at home."
"I promised Minnie. And besides, you know you're excited to go back." Aurora tossed her bag on the counter and started flipping through the post.

"Yes, but you've already given up so much for me and-"
"Hush. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm happy you're here with me." Aurora plopped on the couch next to the young girl and handed her a letter.

"Your Hogwarts letter has arrived. We'll go shopping this weekend."
"Rory, this list is... expensive." Andromeda glanced over the list.
"Yes, it is." Aurora opened her letter from Minnie.

"I can't afford-"
"Andromeda, do you think I'm going to make you pay for your school supplies?" Aurora glanced over to the younger witch. "You're a kid. You don't need to worry about these things. I have a job, it will be okay." Aurora took the list from her, glancing over it.

"I will pay you back one day. I promise."
"You will not. This is not up for discussion. Now, what do you want for dinner? Chinese or Indian takeout?" Aurora tossed the letter on the living room table, grabbing the menus from their usual spot.

"Chinese, please."

Their evening was interrupted by Dumbledore's patronus sweeping into the room, his voice whispering through the room. "The Order is needed at the Tower of London, Death Eaters have been seen. Prepare for a fight."

"Do not answer the door for anyone," Aurora wordlessly placed protection charms on the apartment. "I've placed anti-apparition charms on the apartment. I am the only one who can get in and out now."
"Aurora, you're going?" Andromeda stood and followed her around.
"I'm part of the Order, 'Dromeda," Aurora summoned her cloak. "Listen to me, I don't care who comes to that door. Do not open it. Do not give them any indication that you are here."

"It'll be dangerous!" Andromeda was on the verge of tears.
"I have to go. I'll be safe. I promise." Aurora kissed the top of the younger witch's head, turning and disapperating on the spot.

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Dumbledore's voice was grave as he addressed Aurora, "You received my message." She nodded in response, quickly casting protection charms on their meeting place. The other Order members stood grim-faced and tense, all knowing the danger that awaited them.

"Death Eaters at the Tower," Moody growled. "Ten masked death eaters, including the Lestranges." Aurora felt a chill run down her spine despite the summer heat. They needed to act fast before more joined the fray.

"We are expecting more to show soon. We need to get in there soon to head off whatever they have pla-" Shacklebolt was interrupted by a large boom and screaming.

Suddenly, a loud explosion and screams filled the air. "Looks like we go in now!" Gideon Prewett yelled, drawing his wand while Aurora followed suit. They pushed through panicking Muggles, only to be met with chaos and terror.

"Bones! Dearborn! Get those flames under control!" Moody barked orders while Fenwick and Dippet herded the fleeing Muggles. The rest of them prepared for battle.

And then it began - a high-pitched shriek announced Bellatrix Lestrange's arrival, her wand already sending deadly spells toward Aurora. "How lovely to see you again," Aurora taunted, blocking each attack with precision.

But Bellatrix was relentless, her hatred fueling every curse she threw at Aurora. As they dueled furiously, Aurora couldn't help but feel a pang of dread as she saw Minerva struggling against another Death Eater out of the corner of her eye.

A scream of pain caught her attention for just a moment, but it was enough for Bellatrix to strike. She disarmed Aurora easily and sent two cutting curses towards her stomach. Aurora cried out in agony, feeling like her insides were being shredded apart.

Bellatrix gloated over her fallen opponent, "Things could've been different. You could've been by my side as I worked up The Dark Lord's ranks. You would have been great."
"Fuck you, Lestrange." Aurora spat. "And fuck that bastard who calls himself a 'lord'."

"Crucio!" Bellatrix screamed, her twisted smile never faltering. Aurora felt like her body was on fire, each nerve ending screaming in agony. She desperately tried to hold on, to cling to something that would ground her and give her strength.

And then it came - a powerful shield charm from Minerva that blocked Bellatrix's curse and finally stopped the excruciating pain. Aurora gasped for air, her body trembling with the aftereffects of the Unforgivable Curse.

But there was no time for rest as Minerva checked her injuries. "We need to get you to Saint Mungo's," she said urgently.

"Use dittany. I need to get back to 'Dromeda." Aurora mumbled, her eyesight becoming blurry.

However, Gideon's panicked face and Minerva's stern command convinced her otherwise. The last thing she remembered was the pull of apparition.

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Andromeda's voice was laced with fear and anger as she exclaimed, "I told her it was too dangerous! Don't you dare 'Miss Black' me! We are not at school!" Aurora could feel the tension in the air. Andromeda's grip on her hands was tight as if trying to hold on to something solid amid chaos.

Aurora's eyes slowly blinked open as she heard her name being whispered. She saw Andromeda's face hovering over hers, concern etched in every line. "Rory, I'm here," Andromeda said, her voice barely above a whisper. Aurora felt her hand being squeezed gently.

"How are you feeling, Miss Nott?" Dumbledore's voice broke through the haze. It took Aurora a moment to gather her thoughts and realize where she was - Saint Mungo's hospital. The room was sterile and white, smelling strongly of antiseptic.

"I feel like I've been cut open and crucioed," Aurora replied weakly as she sat up gingerly.

Andromeda burst into tears, burying her head in her hands. "I almost lost you," she sobbed.

"But I'm okay now," Aurora reassured the young witch.

Dumbledore tried to interject, but Andromeda wouldn't hear it. "You've done enough damage!" she exclaimed, small sparks of magic flashing from her fingertips.

"Please leave. She needs to rest," Andromeda's voice was calm but firm. Dumbledore nodded and left the room.

"Andromeda..." Aurora began, but before she could finish, Andromeda turned to face her. Tears were streaming down her face, and Aurora could see the raw emotion in her eyes.

"I can't lose you," Andromeda whispered.

"But you didn't. I'm here," Aurora responded softly, reaching out to wipe away the falling tears.

Andromeda quickly climbed into the bed, curling up next to Aurora. "I almost lost you," she repeated, her voice breaking.

"But we're both okay now," Aurora reassured her, pulling the covers down and making room for Andromeda in the bed. The two held each other tightly, finding comfort in a difficult time.