FULL DARK, NO STARS

The man responded to the rejection with a nonchalant shrug. As previously stated, he thought poorly of the social implications of dating and had as little a desire to go on one with Aurora as he did with any other person. It seemed like an appropriate offer to make in the moment, but he realized now that he had only mistaken her bitterness to be directed at the fact that the offer to take her out hadn’t been made sooner. Taking a sip of his drink, he quirked a brow over the glass at her next words. The suddenness of the statement was almost comical. What she meant to insinuate with it was unclear, but whether she intended to be a compliment or an insult had little impact on the way Walden interpreted it. “We’re already engaged. It’s completely unnecessary to flatter me.” 

A great part of his life had been spent offering help to those who didn’t want it or providing advice to those who didn’t listen to it. He didn’t think he knew what was best for everyone in every situation ― it was simply a theory that had proven itself to be true time and time again. It was from the resulting frustration of watching others ignore his assistance only to make matters worse for themselves and others that stemmed his overwhelming urge to take control in important situations. Like others often did, he expected Aurora to gratefully grant him permission to do as he saw fit to mend the situation at hand. Her unexpected desire to handle it herself and her willingness to swallow her pride long enough to ask for his aid was more refreshing than he could explain. 

He looked at her for a moment, then cracked a smile. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear someone say those words to me,” He said. Many people believed that a strong couple shared common beliefs and views and favorite pass time activities, but if all he and Aurora ever shared was a hatred for the same people, he was fairly certain that they could make it. “Come on. Make yourself a plate, and we’ll sit and talk about it.” Picking up his own plate, he started towards the dining table. “It won’t be easy. I’ve been trying to bring that bastard down for years, but no one will kill him. How serious are you about this?”

“It wasn’t a compliment,” she shot back, making sure she knocked him down off his high horse as best as she could. He was incredibly arrogant and it was times like this where he was exactly the type of person she thought he could be. Wretched, arrogant and selfish. He did have a few shining moments here and there, but Aurora didn’t care. She was engaged to him for one reason and one reason only - to get dirt. That wasn’t going to happen though if they hated each other, so Aurora had to pretend a little. She was pretending right? “I just meant, that you’re not the hard ass you try to make yourself out to be. At least, not all the time. And that was half a compliment.” Aurora smirked up at him before turning her back on his again. That was enough, just enough hopefully, to butter him up without raising any suspicion. Because, while they were talking about the Death Eater that had plummeted a knife in her hand, Aurora hoped she could also get Walden talking about the Death Eaters in general.

Aurora grabbed a small plate, still not feeling very hungry, and made her way to the dining room table. She did her best to make herself comfortable considering if she was at home with her cat now she would already be in the comfiest clothes owned, relaxing on the couch with a book in her hand, but she had to get used to a Pureblood dinner time - it apparently involved a table. “I’ve honestly never seen you more aroused Walden. Revenge was the answer, who knew?” she teased, crossing her legs at her ankles and taking a bite from the food on her plate. The teasing didn’t last long though because, despite her sarcasm, she was determined to take at least one Death Eater down in her life. If it had to be this one, someone who left her with a nasty scar, well then that was even better. “I’m quite serious,” she commented, rubbing her hand again. “I’m furious. I’m disgusted...” She was hurt, but didn’t say that out loud not wanting to seem weak. “What’s with the history between you and him? You should be allies and you despise him? Why?”

If he was truly a stranger to the gathering and had no knowledge of Aurora from before her apparent change of heart, Ted was sure that he would have been convinced that she was was much one of them as one of the two remaining Black sisters. It wasn’t as though the woman had always been carefree and easy going, nor that he thought that there was anything wrong with the way she chose to act, but there was an undeniable shift in the way that she seemed to be able to pull off the haughtiness and self importance that they all seemed to wear so well.

Half of him was uncertain about whether or not he was right to think that there was more to her sudden engagement than met the eyes or whether he’d be proven wrong and Aurora had simply chosen what she thought to be the safest and easiest choice at the time. He had more faith in her than to think that she could set aside her passion for Aversio’s cause so easily and decided that he would choose to think better of her rather than worse. After all, it hardly mattered which side she was on or what she thought of him when he had someone else’s face as the perfect shield.

“I can assure you that if I were complimenting you that there would be no doubt of my intention to flatter.” In truth he really only had eyes for his wife and couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had the need to compliment anyone else on their looks. “However, he does not look like a man I would like to get on the wrong side of so for now I will keep my face in tact.” He couldn’t help but emphasise the ‘for now’ when he was well aware that by the same time tomorrow it would be his own features that looked back at him from a mirror.

Still not sold on the man’s good intentions, Aurora shook her head softly and did her best to look for an out. Then again, that would go against all of her grandmother’s training. ‘When there is someone new at a party and they approach you, you introduce yourself and then ask a question to keep conversation flowing. Let it be a polite question, Aurora.’ Her grandmother’s croaky, old voice ran through her head and almost made Aurora shudder, but she kept her wits about herself considering they were in public. Knowing she would get a harsh talking to from one of the elder women at the party tonight is she wasn’t careful, Aurora quickly shifted her attitude to something more polite. 

“Well, it’s good to see they haven’t invited idiots to the fundraiser tonight. However, those are the type of people to give up their money more easily, so hopefully I haven’t been too quick to judge,” she smirked like she was trying to make a joke as she held out her hand to introduce herself. “Aurora Sinistra. It’s nice to meet you this evening. Will you be donating any money to the cause?” Was the a rude question? Oh, most definitely and had her grandmother already died, she would have been rolling around in her grave. 

If she had heard more of what Aurora had said perhaps she wouldn’t have been so warm but ignorance was bliss and so she was easily able to speak to the other woman with the fondness that she had been developing for her over the time that they had been spending together. “I have to say it is a relief to hear that, I could not bear it if there were any feelings between the two of us when we are to be family.” There was a truth to her words even if they were more honeyed than most people would get. While she couldn’t deny that she liked the older woman, Emma still wasn’t convinced that she trusted, or could trust, her just yet. “I’m glad that we could give you something of a respite, perhaps you will be able to enjoy yourself more tonight because of it.”

With a shake of her head, Aurora tried to make sure that Emma knew it was not the case. Was Aurora jealous of Emma? It was possible. The woman felt many emotions she couldn’t put a name to, but one of them was probably jealousy. “It is your uncle’s second wedding, it’s not as exciting as an engagement like yours dear Emma. We’ll get married in due time, but we’d much rather celebrate you right now.” Besides, with Aurora and Walden playing second fiddle, that meant fewer eyes on Aurora (hopefully) and more chances for her to try and find out more information about the Death Eaters. “Oh, I am. It is a wonderful party. A great turnout too.” Much better than her’s... And Emma still hadn’t been stabbed by someone... ‘You’re just drunk’ Aurora reminded herself. “Are you truly friends with everyone here?”

“Perhaps it is the dress,” He said half-heartedly, merely shrugging a shoulder in response. Between her wardrobe and her attitude, he personally found the latter much more interesting. Contrary to popular opinion, a cynical pessimist like Walden was quite glad to find that his fiance appeared to be as bitter a person as he was. “No? It was a rather loud comment for a sober person to make,” He stated. Quirking a brow at her words, he held back his own opinion on the matter that suggested she would always be closely observed by those in their society even if it didn’t feel like it ― deeming that discussion one that could be had another night instead. “By all means, enjoy yourself, if you know how,” He challenged. “My only concern is that you’re able to stand with me while I give my speech without stumbling over your own two feet.”

Shaking her head, Aurora was quick to protest, like with most things. “Drunk, tipsy and sober all have different meanings, my dear. I can say, with plenty of confidence, that I fall into the tipsy range.” She hiccuped then. Maybe she was misjudging how much she had to drink. Turning and finding the nearest waiter, Aurora ordered two glasses of water for herself before turning back to her fiance. “Give me a break Walden - the last party I went to, I was poisoned. I will be poised perfection beside you, as always. Besides, you won’t need me to embarrass you,” she teased. “What will you even say for your speech? ‘My name is Walden Macnair, my own engagement is a load of crock and love is a sham?” The teasing was whispered, Aurora knowing that if anyone heard, they’d both be in a pickle. “I understand you’re her uncle, but you’re not exactly romantic.” She was digging herself into a hole now. 

July 1, 1979 Selina’s flat @auroras-sinistra

A shot glass slammed against the kitchen counter, the familiar clink as marble hit against the now emptied thimble of firewhiskey. The bottle sat near the edge, close enough to be grabbed with ease without needing  to worry about any cleanup. Not that there really could be, Selina was quick enough with her wand to prevent any accidents. She wasn’t a huge drinkers – okay, sometimes that was a lie – but the burn that came with alcohol was necessary at times. It wasn’t so much the feeling of inebriation that did her in as the burn in her lungs, offering a distraction. Getting drunk was always counterproductive to actually doing something, and Selina wasn’t the sort to enjoy those sorts of instances.

But sometimes she needed it. Her muscles were tense in a way nothing seemed to calm, always coiled and tense, making every step feel like she was wading through Devil’s Snare. She knew it was the stress, because what the hell else could it be? Everyday things seemed to only be getting worse, no matter what anyone wanted to believe. Death Eaters had invaded the Ministry and now Aversio had tucked their tail and gone to the Order. Worse than that, Selina hadn’t spoken to her family in months. Ever since the attacks on the Ministry and St. Mungo’s alike she had been keeping her distance, trying to keep from adding any unnecessary threat to their lives. Her brothers were Year 11, three years from graduating into university. Their lives were normal without her and regardless of how much that tore her up, it was for the best.

Selina liked to tell herself that once the war was over she would return to  the Muggle city her family had always lived in. She would show up in one piece, looking nothing like the disaster she constantly felt like, and be welcomed back. Maybe she would, someday, but it was only starting to feel like a light fading further into the distance. Pulling her eyes away from the glass they had fixated on, Selina looked up at Aurora. Time together without anyone else around seemed to have become almost as rare as her letters home, only this was preventable. At least it should have been, the witch wasn’t sure if it really was anymore. Her friend had always been who she considered herself closest to but war was taking a toll on them both, and it was hard not to notice. “How haven’t you gone mad yet?” She sighed, gaze flickering toward the bottle again though she didn’t move. “I don’t know how you do it. I feel like any day now I’m going to lose it.”

Aurora stayed away from the alcohol most days and today was no exception despite the company that now entertained her. Sure, the alcohol would take the edge off of things, blur the edges and make everything a little easier to handle, but Aurora was stronger than that and knew better than to give into one of the vices of the world. Not when it was so important for her to be her best. Sure, she’d had a drink now and then to play the part - a glass at a party, a small shot with her fiance - but Selina was someone that wouldn’t push. Aurora didn’t have to pretend in front of her friend or explain why she wasn’t playing the part of drinking buddy at a time like this. No tough questions would be asked. Not this early in the evening at least.

It was an amazing feat she was able to get away in the first place. Eyes had been on her for so long, Aurora wasn’t sure how the women were able to set up such a meeting. The Ravenclaw hadn’t been able to contact anyone - Not her father, her friends in Aversio or the Order, her cat... She could only hope her grey baby was being taken care of at a time like this. 

With a sigh, Aurora realized she didn’t know how to answer Selina’s question. Was Aurora close to losing it? She took a few moments to wonder as well as she stared at the bottle of alcohol on the counter. Aurora had already lost it once, with Frank, right after she’d taken that leap and received the Dark Mark. It was the first time she’d known there was no going back, no turning away from this life she’d chosen, the life she now hid underneath a cardigan so she wouldn’t have to explain herself to Selina. It was already bad enough to have to try and explain her engagement. 

“I don’t know,” Aurora shrugged casually, “I just try to come at everything from a logical standpoint. If you don’t let emotion into the equation, well, then you don’t reach a breaking point. You’re doing fine though. You haven’t lost it yet and you won’t. You’re too smart for that.”

The tone of voice seemed strange to Lily who was always very observant, realizing that maybe someone was just too drunk. Trying to gain some time, she straightened her blond hair and then smiled, showing the transfigured wedding ring to the other. “Married, actually. A few years ago, but it’s still a novelty. And you? Already engaged? I am sure that when that happens you will be flattered, my dear.” The final words, so common to the person she was imitating, was disgusting to Lily. “I don’t think so.” Using her best French accent she’d practiced in the past few days, Lily turned to the other with a smile, letting the halfveela charms be practiced even though they were not sure if they would work. She offered her hand gently, “Bradbury. Persephone Bradbury. And you, miss?”

Aurora glanced at the ring on the woman’s finger and tried to act vaguely interested in the relationship of someone she barely knew. She barely cared for the relationship of the guest of honor this evening, so it was difficult for Aurora to sell it. At least she didn’t throw all of her grandmother’s training to the wind and make a nasty face at the other woman. “I was quite flattered when it happened,” she commented, uncrossing her arms so that the ring was now visible. It was like some game for the woman. Who’s ring was bigger? It was the equivalent of men pulling out their cocks to compare sizes. “Aurora Sinistra. Nice to meet you Persephone. How do you know the happy couple?”

Walden paused and looked at the woman curiously as she spoke. He wasn’t aware that her desire to go on double dates with him even existed, or that their lack of doing so had ever been an issue as her words insinuated. “I believe dates of any sort are juvenile,” He stated. Perhaps it was because of her teaching position, but he had assumed that she shared such views. It had been years since he had formally been out with someone, and even then the occasion was a rarity. Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, he added lowly, “However, if you were to insist that we go on one one day, I would consider it.” 

He listened closely to what she shared, only half surprised that she appeared so willingly to be telling him the truth. “Walburga is incapable of causing harm to anyone besides herself, and Rodolphus is critical of anyone who bothers to do anything for themselves that could be done by magical means,” He dismissed her concerns one by one. While Walden considered himself close colleagues with Rodolphus, it was undeniable that the two had starkly different personalities and beliefs. They were united by a single system of values, however, and that was the most important thing in their society. “I used to have a house elf, nasty little thing. I got rid of it a few years ago ― don’t trust those creatures one bit.” 

Her subtle change of tone revealed her true qualms about Orion Black, and Walden found that those were more difficult to disregard than the suspicion of Rodolphus or Walburga. “Everyone is aware that you weren’t a Death Eater before. It only takes a lucky guess to know which group you belonged to,” He said. As she made his plate, he waited for her to make her own before moving to sit at the table. When it became clear that she no longer had intentions of eating, he set his own plate on the counter once more and cleared his throat. “Aurora, as long as you’re marrying me, other Death Eaters are the least of your worries. Perhaps our relationship isn’t the most honest, but you can rest assured that I won’t let harm come your way without retaliation, even it places me in the bad graces of my colleagues,” He vowed. “Walburga is harmless and Rodolphus won’t do anything to jeopardize his image as Minister. What would you like me to do about Orion?”

The offer received Walden a strange look from Aurora. Had she expressed interest in a date? Or a want to go on one? To be fair, she had no desire to go on one, even less desire to go on another double date. Aurora had assumed this is what engaged people did. What had really thrown her for a loop though was his willingness to change his opinion despite being visibly uncomfortable. It left her speechless... “Well, I- I wouldn’t insist. Dates aren’t needed now.” 

Aurora turned a critical eye onto her fiance. He disliked house elves, wanted nothing to do with parties or other normal pureblood customs. For so long she’d put him into a little box, labeled him and figured she knew everything about Walden Macnair. “I don’t know you. You’re not like everyone else.” The second the words escaped her lips she knew it was a stupid thing to say. She wasn’t sure why she said it. It made her seem vulnerable and stupid. With Walden, she was learning, there was a slim chance that would work in her favor. 

There was some comfort in his words. As much comfort as there was offered in a relationship like theirs. Still, there was something in what he said that scared Aurora. There was a fierceness to the protectiveness he displayed now and Aurora hadn’t earned it or deserved it yet. They weren’t close? So where was all of this coming from? Aurora pushed her hair from her face and looked up to Walden who towered over her by a few inches, but he seemed so solid and grounded all the time. He could protect her, but Aurora didn’t want that. She needed to be strong and self-sustaining. “Nothing... I want you to help me figure out what to do about Orion. I want him to be bested by someone he sees as inferior. Help me.”

Intellectual 

Super Power: Wisdom

Archetype Family: Thinking

Other Expressions: Professional, Student, Scholar, Judge

Life Journey: To pursue knowledge for the sake of discovering thruth in all areas of life.

Unique Challenge: To recognize when I’ve locked myself into a line of thinking based on my education or experience; to remain open to new ideas.

Lesson To Learn: To learn to listen to my gut, and to discern the differences between reason and truth.

Challenge To Self: I will avoid paralysis by analysis.

Visionary

Super Power: Courage

Archetype Family: Visionary

Other Expressions: Entrepreneur, Innovator, Pioneer, Guide, Dreamer

Life Journey: To bring the future into the present, and sense the changing impulses of society

Unique Challenge: To remain committed to a new vision in order to bring it to fruition

Lesson To Learn: To believe in my vision, however great or small, and my creative potential to change lives

Defining Grace: Courage

Challenge To Self: I will envision new possibilities for humanity and recognize when an idea is worth rearranging my life for

Royal

Super Power: Power

Archetype Family: Royal

Other Expressions: Executive, CEO, Leader, Heir/Heiress

Life Journey: To learn to use power wisely, productively, and responsibly.

Unique Challenge: To identify the causes in which to invest my power and influence

Lesson To Learn: To differentiate between authentic and illusory power

Defining Grace:Generosity

Hogsmeade Village  @constantvigilancex

Aurora came and went from her apartment usually by the illegal floo powder network set up by her friends. It was the easiest and safest way to go to and from her hiding spot without being notice. To the outside world, her flat above Madame Puddifoots looked abandoned and no longer occupied, when it reality it was Aurora’s safe haven away from the Pureblood world she now lived in. And, besides, if Walden was able to have his own, private space - Well, then Aurora was allowed to as well. At least she said as much during their first family meeting.

There were meetings to attend to that day. Now with two pureblood weddings on the horizon, there were meetings about cake and meetings about silver and china and all this and that. It was a lot for someone like Aurora to handle, so already she was not motivated to go to her meetings. On top of that, the tea from Madame Puddifoots wafted through the floor of her flat, tempting her and calling to her like a siren’s song.

She needed to leave. She needed to use her floo portal. The tea was too tempting though and Aurora made for the door of her apartment. It squeaked as she opened it, having not had any red headed visitors in a while, but no one seemed to be around to hear. She hurried down the steps and right into one of the last people she wanted to see. Alastor Moody. “I am so sorry Mr. Moody. I was in a hurry and obviously not watching where I was going.”