44 Ch. 44 Morning After

Friday, November 13, 1992

As usual, I wake before sunrise, despite Aurora and I talking into the early morning.

I think at this point, I could comfortably go for several days without sleep.

Being limited to only a few hours of sleep a day does have some advantages, like right now. I have plenty of time to think about what we discussed last night.

I have to admit, bringing Aurora up to speed on the 'Voldemort situation' was a good call. Some of her ideas were both simple and brilliant.

When we first started planning, I was hesitant to fully commit to anything. Only a fool would trust Dumbledore to not peek into their head.

I wasn't entirely sure about Aurora's relationship with Dumbledore, so I attempted to subtly hint at it not being safe to make detailed plans right now.

She accurately guessed the issue and confessed to being an experienced Occlumens!

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked her how long she's been practicing the Mind Arts. Aurora told me she began practicing Occlumency before she started at Hogwarts. She heard rumors of how Dumbledore would take liberties with his Legilimency and took steps to protect her mind.

In a shocking bit of news, Aurora informed me that most Pure-Blood families are aware of Dumbledore's little habit. They can't take legal action against him due to it being so difficult to prove someone is using Legilimency. So, they take other steps to protect themselves and their families.

In fact, most Pure-Blood families will not discuss anything private around their children until the child has built up adequate mental defenses.

And here I thought the Mind Arts were on a decline in Britain!

After Aurora ensured me, she was fully able to protect her mind, we got down to business. We agreed that Voldemort is the biggest issue, but he's not the only problem we have to prepare for. His Death Eaters and his sympathizers can be just as troublesome in their own ways.

So, starting today, we're entering what I've dubbed as the Intelligence Gathering Phase. Finding and killing Voldemort is the preferred route, Aurora was insistent we begin preparations for his return.

Our number one priority is to research any means possible to track down Voldy's current location and any remaining Horcruxes he may have. The second thing on our list is to gather as much intelligence and leverage, as we can about each known Death Eater.

While I'm willing to bet there are several Death Eaters fully committed to their terrorist ideology. I'm convinced there must be some that would prefer to distance themselves from the whole situation. Lucius Malfoy's behavior in the later books strongly suggests that not everyone is fully committed to drinking the Kool-Aide.

Getting leverage on some of the Death Eaters won't be enough. There also has to be an incentive to persuade them. Removing the Dark Mark, amnesty for past crimes, and protection for them and their families until Voldeshorts is permanently dealt with, are the three main incentives Aurora and I came up with.

Of course, as Alfred once said, 'Some men just want to watch the world burn.'

We know we won't be able to convince everyone to abandon the dark side. Hell, I would be surprised if we managed to sway five people. But the fewer people on Voldenose's side, the easier it will be to fight them.

And if we can't stop the Noseless-One from resurrecting, I don't intend to take them all on myself. Don't get me wrong, I could, but why should I?

It's hard to explain, but I have this urge to let others do their part of the fighting. I have no desire to swoop in and solve every problem. In fact, I strongly dislike that idea.

I do plan to weaken the Death Eaters before they can gain too much strength, and I intend to try and keep the fight from including children. And right now, that feels like enough.

Two covered platters and several pitchers appear on my small dining table. I frown at that.

I've been trying to detect House-elves and their magic for weeks now, but I'm getting nothing. Most of the time, I can't even tell when they are using magic. Even when I knew I was being watched, it wasn't because I could detect them, but my senses telling me I was being watched.

The rumbling in my stomach reminds me I went most of yesterday without eating. I'm sure I could go without eating again today, but why would I ever do that? Food is delicious.

Putting my failure at detecting House-elf magic aside, I carefully slide out of bed. A few hours of sleep may be more than enough for me, but that's not true for Aurora. I have no desire to wake her. She's really not a morning person.

I'm nearly finished with my food when an owl lands on my window sill. Clutched in its talons, is the morning newspaper.

I soundlessly move to the window and open the window. After an exchange of bacon for the newspaper, I return to my seat.

It looks like Dumbledore had a productive day as well.

On the top half of the Daily Prophet, was a picture of whimpering Pettigrew being hauled away by several Aurors. The article was rather brief. It mentioned how the newly discovered Death Eater, who was previously thought murdered, was 'somehow' captured at Hogwarts.

Except for a detailed description of Pettigrew's interrogation, the article was mostly speculation. It did state that Pettigrew was being held at Azkaban until his trial, and he was facing the Dementor's Kiss.

Dumbledore's efforts to protect the Weasleys appeared to be successful, for now. The longer Pettigrew lives, the more likely the Weasley family will come under scrutiny.

The lower half of the front page contained a picture of a gaunt and crazed looking man being released to the custody of a group of Mediwitches. Sirius Black looked nothing like his movie character. Although the movie nailed the grimy teeth and messy long hair.

I was nearly finished reading the article when a monstrous growl came from under my covers. Turning towards my bed, I can't stop a smile from forming. The sight of a waking Aurora reminded me of someone doing a zombie impersonation.

She's squinting her eyes, and her nose is scrunched up like she caught a whiff of something foul. Her look doesn't change much as she drags herself across the bed. With her feet finally on the floor, she fumbles around the nightstand until she finds her wand.

"Is there a reason you're impersonating an inferi?" I cheerfully ask.

Aurora shows me her displeasure at my remark by pointing her wand at me. She even growls for added effect.

I can't stop myself from laughing at that!

With her point made, Aurora taps the top of her head with the tip of her wand. A shiver runs through her body, and her eyes are suddenly filled with awareness. As if she just slept twelve hours, Aurora gives me a bright smile and joins me at the small table.

"Good morning," Aurora cheerfully says as she pulls a plate of food and tea in front of her.

With a touch of concern in my voice, "You're gonna crash hard later."

"Without a doubt," Aurora immediately agrees. "But I only have one class after lunch, and then I'm free to sleep for the rest of the night!"

I can only shake my head. As Aurora begins eating, I return to reading the article about Sirius Black.

"Anything interesting?" Aurora suddenly asked.

"There's mention of Peter Pettigrew's discovery and being sent to Azkaban while pending trial. And there's an article about Sirius Black." I nonchalantly reply.

"Oh, what does it say about Black?" Aurora curiously asks.

"Black was formally cleared of all murder charges. He was found guilty of being an unregistered Animagus, but the Wizengamot credited him with time previously served." I said. "Apparently, Lucius Malfoy attempted to ask unauthorized questions while Black was still under the effects of Veritaserum."

"What an arse," Aurora stated in a vexed tone.

"With Sirius out of the picture, Draco stands to inherit the Black Family fortune." I reason.

Aurora slightly nods her head. "He's still an arse."

"Without a doubt," I agree.

"So, what's next for Black?" Aurora asks as she sips on her tea.

"It says after he has was treated at St. Mungo's Hospital, he departed to an unknown location with Dumbledore. Most likely, under a Fidelius so he can recover without worry." I finish and place the newspaper on the table.

Aurora glanced at the newspaper before looking back at me. "You should give Dumbledore Ravenclaw's Diadem soon. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to patch up your relationship." Aurora said with a sense of gravity in her voice.

"Wording please. Telling me to patch up my relationship with a gay man could send the wrong message." I tell her with a smile.

At Aurora's deadpan look, get back on topic. "I had planned to give it to him today after my classes are over. I don't want to give him time to start plotting against me." I said as I stare at the goblet in my hand.

Aurora looked at me and tilted her head slightly. Straightening up, she leaned back in her chair. "I know that look," Aurora softly says. "What are you thinking?"

I draw a deep breath as I piece together my thoughts. "I'm thinking of teaching my classes about Tom Riddle. No, I will tell them about Riddle. I'm just not sure when."

Aurora's eyes grow wide, and her mouth drops open at that. Recovering enough to close her mouth, Aurora attempted to voice her thoughts. "That... That is... damn." Aurora stuttered as she tried to find the words.

Finally, shaking off the shock, Aurora stares into my eyes. "I agree the world needs to know the truth, but this is something you really need to discuss with Dumbledore. There will be repercussions when the truth is known."

Letting out another sigh, "Yeah. Yeah, I know." I finish the rest of my coffee before standing up. "I'll talk to him after my classes today. Now, I need to start getting ready."

I lean over and give Aurora a light kiss before I stand up. "I'm going to take a shower."

A mischievous smile spreads across Aurora's face. "I'll join you."