Five hours later, I'm just putting the final additions to my last Astronomy essay when Mum tells Draco and me to get ready. I glance towards her to respond, but she has already left the room again. For being seven-months pregnant, she can certainly move fast. I place the final period on my essay on Virgo and sigh. Thankfully, Dad has rushed through our remaining lectures so I don't have to worry about writing any more essays during the week.

I think he's being a bit overwhelmed right now with teaching me Astronomy and taking over Mum's Defense class in addition to dealing with Mum's sudden mood swings. I've seen Dad attempt to talk to Mum about making plans for the baby's arrival like choosing baby names and whatnot. Mum, however, either is too tired or gets a sudden craving for some food that she has to have that exact second or the world is going to end. I'm not joking either. She has actually yelled at Dad that if he didn't get her spinach soup, the world was going to end. It was rather hard not to laugh at that, but somehow Draco and I managed it.

"Severus," Mum says walking back into the sitting room a few seconds later.

I glance up and look at Dad. For the past hour, he has been reading a rather thick book that was in his Dark Arts section of the bookshelves. He instantly closes the book and stares up at her, making sure she knows that she has his undivided attention. We've all had to alter our behavior to make sure Mum doesn't feel underappreciated or anything else that pregnant women feel sometimes. Dad makes it look so easy, though.

"Severus, am I still beautiful?"

Uh-oh, I think biting my lip. I've seen this conversation before, and last time it didn't end well. I watch Dad instantly reply. Please be the right response.

"Of course you are, Aurora," Dad replies standing up instantly. His arms wrap around her, and he gently kisses her.

"And you love me, right?"

"Is there any doubt?" His voice is full warmth and love.

"Well, no," Mum softly responds before sighing heavily. Her dark eyes then stare into his. "Am I your second choice?"

"No," Dad answers instantly. "You are my only choice, Aurora."

I catch Mum's sudden mood swing instantly. She pulls herself out of Dad's arms and glares at him. Obviously, that isn't the right thing for Dad to have said. This pregnancy thing looks really hard. I hope when my wife is pregnant that she's not so emotional as Mum.

"Oh, so if Princess Lily was still alive then I would be your second choice?" Mum growls.

Unfortunately, the one fight that I keep hearing between Mum and Dad is about my real mum. I have to admit that I didn't realize there was so much animosity between Mum and my real mum. Then again, I guess it makes sense. Dad didn't like my real dad because, well, my real dad was chasing after my real mum, who Dad loved, and used his bullying of Dad as part of his charm.

"Look at me, Aurora. While you are correct that she will always hold a place in my life, you have my heart and soul, not her," Dad responds fiercely.

"Really?" asks Mum walking towards him again. She looks like she's going to cry again.

At this point, I so want to roll my eyes. And people call teenagers horrible, yeah, well, I think my mum takes the cake on drama. Luckily, this up and down yo-yo of her emotions is only temporary. I glance away when she pushes Dad back down onto the couch. Yep, I so don't need to see Mum and Dad snogging again. First fifty times were bad enough. Now they're just trying to inflict emotional damage on me when I have enough to write a freaking book.

"Aurora, you do…realize that the…boys are still…in the room," Dad says taking short pauses when Mum's sucking the air out of him.

"They'll leave, my dark Prince," Mum purrs back.

Draco and I instantly shiver in response. Some day, I swear we'll all have to be in intensive counseling because of this. Silence then settles into the room, which makes Draco and I stare at each other as if to dare the other to look. I unfortunately draw the short end of the wand. I bite my bottom lip and slowly glance towards the couch. However, I can't see Mum or Dad anymore. That makes me shiver again because that can only mean one more thing. I glance at Draco, and he joins me in our best impression of Ron after eating broccoli.

"DAMMIT!" Mum shouts, gaining our attention instantly. "We're going to be late, and it's all because you can't control yourself, Severus. Honestly, keep your hands to yourself. The poor boys don't need to see that." She quickly, as quickly as she can, stands up and runs a hand through her ruffled thick, dark curly hair. "Are you boys all ready to go?" We nod back, trying desperately to keep the grins from our face. Yep, that's our mum. "Severus, get up. Merlin, you'd swear you were the pregnant one by the way you're acting. Come on. No time to be lollygagging around," she responds before rolling her eyes.

"Yes, Aurora," Dad drawls prior to standing up. He glances at us with that familiar warning look.

"Well, come on, boys. One of you can come with me, and the other can go with Severus."

"Mum, we know how to use the Floo," I drawl.

"Harry James Potter, do not talk back to me," Mum snaps glaring at me.

"Yes, Mum," I quickly reply wincing. Obviously, that isn't the right thing to say. I then feel Mum's arms wrap around me maternally.

"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry," she whispers softly before kissing the top of my head. "I didn't mean to snap at you just now."

"I know," I softly reply. Another mood swing has come and passed. "I'll go with you, Mum."

"Awe, have I told you lately that you're my favorite?" Mum teases with a brilliant smile.

We walk into the fireplace, and I instantly close my eyes when I hear her give our destination. Draco owes me big time. We arrive two seconds later in a rundown house. My eyes glance around briefly, but I quickly help Mum. She presses another kiss against my forehead and briskly walks, if one could call it walking, towards another room. I wait for Dad and Draco, however.

"Where is she?" Dad instantly asks once he arrives.

"She went off to the left," I reply. Dad starts to relax visibly before sighing.

"Yes, well, go upstairs. Your friends should be in the second door to the right waiting for you both. I'll speak with you two after the meeting is finished."

"Can't Draco and I—"

"No," Dad flatly responds. "Now, go."

Draco and I do as Dad asks and head upstairs. One would think that it'd be beneficial if I know what my attempted murderer is up to, but not to Dad supposedly. I suppose I can understand. I do have a tendency to rush off towards the danger. For example, when I found out that the man who allegedly betrayed my parents was on the loose, I foolishly said that I hoped he'd find me so I could kill him. Unfortunately, I would have killed my godfather who was an innocent man.

"Hiya, Harry, Draco," Fred says when Draco and I walk into the room that Dad mentioned.

"Hi," I reply while Draco only nods towards the twins. "How much trouble are you guys in?"

"Not much," Ron answers before the twins can. "I think Snape didn't tell our parents yet."

"Well, you should, Ronald Weasley," Hermione responds before hitting him with her copy of the Daily Prophet. "Honestly, stealing from Professor Snape, you should be ashamed of yourself."

"Jeez, 'Mione, I already cleaned cauldrons and disemboweled frogs, what more must I do?"

"Tell your parents, Ronald Weasley, that you stole from Professor Snape and that you drank last night." Her eyes then stop on the twins. "And if you two have any sense, you'll do the same."

"Oh, we have," admits George. "We told them after we got back this afternoon."

"Mum wanted to know why we were limping—"

"—so we told Mum how we—"

"—dueled Snape this afternoon for his Defense class in order to see what our punishment should be, and we lost," finishes Fred. "By the way, Harry, he's wicked fast and bloody brilliant."

"Yeah, I know, guys," I say laughing. "So, does anyone know what this meeting is all about?"

"Nah, Mum says we're too young," George replies with a bit of somberness in his voice.

"Luckily, though, we've got Extendable Ears." The twins then grin widely before pulling out what looks to be real ears attached to a long giant string. "Shall we, George?"

"Oh, yes, we shall," responds Fred calmly walking out of the room. I don't even think about my actions for a second. I don't know how to describe it, but I know that I need to hear what they're saying.

We walk to the staircase, and the twins lower one ear down towards the closed door. Almost instantly, we start to hear voices that we recognize. I break into a wide grin when I hear Sirius's voice follow by Remus. However, I miss what they say in my happiness.

"You're certain, Severus?" Dumbledore asks with a bit of edge to his voice.

"Just why are you questioning him, Albus? Is there something wrong with asking me since it was I who sacrificed her magic for my son?" Mum snarls.

"No, my dear, it's just—very well, you are certain then, Aurora, that the connection between young Harry's mind and Voldemort's is blocked temporarily?"

"I'm rather certain of it, Albus," she responds in a soft voice. "He has not been experiencing any nightmares recently, and I have not noticed anything when I was near him. I'd say my spell worked."

"So it seems, my dear," the Headmaster replies.

"Unfortunately, with his discovery of my adopting Harry, I cannot continue my spying so we frankly are in the dark if that is the true reason or not."

"Unlike you, Severus, I find that to be a good thing," Mum growls. "You have obligations now."

"I am well aware of that, Aurora. However, I am also well aware of the fact that the monster I previously served is after our son. I would think he would be more important."

"He is, but Harry doesn't need to lose another father because of arrogance again."

Fred and Ron both glance at me, but I force my face to remain relaxed. However, as I continue to listen to Mum and Dad fight, I find myself shaking inside with fear. Dad spied on Voldemort… Even I know that's dangerous.

"I am not arrogant, Sinistra," Dad hisses. "I know—"

"Yes, I know, Severus. You've spewed that crap to me for months. You know all the risks. Well, I'm certain James and Lily knew the risks too, and it didn't help them any either. Then again, what do I know? I'm just an overly emotional pregnant witch. However, you forget, Severus, that a mother has instincts that tells her if something's wrong. I'm not feeling any of those instincts right now around Harry. My magic has sealed the link temporarily, and the Dark Lord isn't trying to break it."

"So then you're claiming that he's weakened because you fought him?"

"A mother will do anything to protect her child, Severus. You may not have had that experience growing up, but two witches that you love have shown you that. I sacrificed my magic knowing there was a risk that I'd die in the process, and I believe you know what Lily did for Harry before she died." Mum then sighs loudly. "I'm not claiming that I weakened him. However, I believe that the Dark Lord knows that I will use any means necessary to protect Harry from him. And I doubt I need to inform you about my lineage."

My eyes narrow slightly, and I glance towards Draco. He only shrugs. What does she mean her lineage? I then look at Fred and George, hoping maybe that their parents have let it slip. The twins shake their heads, though.

"You do not, Aurora," Dad replies softly. "However, you have made yourself a target now."

"If the Dark Lord wishes to kill me, Severus, then why hasn't he attacked Hogwarts yet? It's not as if I'm in hiding or anything."

"Hogwarts is impenetrable as long as Dumbledore is there, and the Dark Lord knows that."

"I thank you for your confidence, Severus, but I doubt I am the reason for him not attacking Hogwarts," Dumbledore says. It then is silent for a while before he speaks again. "Mundungus, must you be leaving us so soon?"

"Unfortunately, Dumbledore," replies an unfamiliar voice. "I am not feeling well."

"Then we shall send word to you later, my boy."

"Yes, thank you, good day to you all."

"Who's Mundungus?" I ask Fred.

"Some creepy bloke who's in the Order," he responds shaking his head. "Don't know why, but I don't think that man's sick."

"You didn't leave out another one of our special treats again, did you, Fred?"

"Not since Mum went ballistic on us the last time, George," he answers narrowing his eyes on the wizard slinking out of the front door.

"Has young Harry informed either of you what his dreams consist of?"

"No, he continues to refuse. However, his last nightmare concerned the Dursleys."

"I am inclined to believe there are little nights that young Mr. Potter did not have nightmares concerning them," Dumbledore replies somberly. "I should have known that Petunia would not put aside her grudge against her sister and treat Harry with love. She has become bitter with time."

"She was bitter before, Albus," Dad drawls. "I take it by your asking that you believe that the Dark Lord might have ingrained something into Harry? Perhaps concerning the prophecy?" he asks.

"I had thought that, yes, Severus."

"I've seen no indication of Harry having known about it. We do not need to concern ourselves over it yet. In fact, he is more interested in finding the Sword of Slytherin than anything else."

"Indeed? That is most surprising."

"Not really," Dad replies with a sigh. "He wishes to become a treasure hunter."

"Severus," Mum scolds.

"As you wish, Aurora," Dad responds.

"You will keep us informed if young Mr. Potter starts to develop a taste for visiting the Ministry, Severus?" There's no vocal response, but I take it that Dad just nods. "Well, on that note, I would say this meeting is adjourned for the evening. Good night, everyone," Dumbledore says pleasantly.

Us young adults quickly head back into the room and sit down in various places. I can't help but start to wonder what's in the Ministry, and what is this prophecy concerning me? However, when Draco hits my shoulder, I glare at him forgetting all about it.

"What was that for?" I snap rubbing my shoulder.

"You were getting another stupid Gryffindor idea in your head."

"Jeez, you're as bad as Dad, Draco," I grumble. "I wasn't thinking anything."

"Uh-huh," he haughtily replies. "And Weasley's not crushing on Granger."

I close my eyes instantly, preparing for the second punch to the shoulder. However, it doesn't come. I take a quick peek at Ron and see his face beat red in embarrassment.

"What?" Hermione softly says before turning towards Ron. "You like me?"

"Well, yeah, you're…um…well, a girl," Ron stumbles out saying.

"Honestly, Weasley, that's the best you can do?" Draco says scoffing and shaking his head. "How about you tell her what gorgeous eyes she has that sparkle so radiantly when she's brewing? Or how intellectual she is and how bloody brilliant she is at times when casting a charm? How you can't stand to be away from her for a moment because you're afraid that you'll lose her? Any of those would be better than you like her because she's a girl, Weasley."

I glance at Draco and narrow my eyes. Is he trying to help Ron get Hermione? No, I have to be nutters to think that. Then again, why did Draco say that, though?

"Uh, yeah, what Draco said," Ron awkwardly says. "I mean, sure, it's not just because you're a girl. I mean, you've got nice…skin, yeah, that's it. You've got nice skin, Hermione."

"Well, thank you, Ron, I guess," Hermione says wincing slightly.

That has to be the most awkward thing I've ever seen. Mum and Dad snogging on the couch don't even come close to that. I shake my head in sadness at how horrible that was. I then glance at Draco. He's being rather calm about all of this.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," Draco whispers. "She won't give me the time of day and she's already Weasley's so why fight about it?"

"You fancy her, though."

"Yeah, but maybe you've forgotten what I called her our second year. She's not likely to forget that. Now is she?" Draco's gray eyes then stare at Hermione for a few moments before he looks away. He loves her. He has that same goofy look in his eyes that Dad had when he saw Mum in her wedding dress. Draco Malfoy, my adopted brother, loves Hermione, my best friend.

I shake my head. This is so ridiculous. While I understand that Draco thinks Hermione isn't going to forgive him for the name-calling incident, he should still fight for her. I then glance towards Ron. I can't believe I'm stuck in the middle of this. Hermione's eyes, however, glance at Draco before looking away. My eyes narrow. Does she know that Draco was telling her right then what he felt for her? Oh, what am I saying? Hermione's a bright witch. She probably does know. I then shake my head again. I'm not going to get involved. It's Draco and Ron's deal, not mine.

"KIDS," we hear someone shout from downstairs.

"I think that's our cue." The twins vanish with a soft pop as they apparate downstairs.

Feeling horribly awkward, I grab Draco's elbow and start dragging him out of the room. I'm pretty sure that if he remained in that room, I'd find Ron in a bloody heap later. We walk downstairs towards the sound of loud voices.

"Well, take a seat, no need to loitering about in the doorway," Mr. Weasley says with a smile.

I nod before walking towards the kitchen table. However, I stop before I sit down. My eyes then dart towards Dad who is sitting with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Where's Mum?"

"She went to get some fresh air," Dad answers. "She'll be back shortly."

"Did you guys get into another fight?" Dad glances at me instantly before scoffing.

"You don't have to worry about her kicking me out of the house, Harry." My eyes narrow on him. That phrase sounds familiar, but I don't know where I've heard it before. "She was feeling a bit nauseous, Harry, so she went outside for a few moments. If you'd like, you could go outside and inform her that Molly's brewed her some chamomile tea."

I don't respond to Dad. I just whirl around and start heading towards the front door. Something inside me deep within my gut makes me think something bad is going to happen. I can't describe it. When I hit the doorway for the kitchen, I find myself sprinting. I faintly hear chairs at the kitchen table behind me quickly scratch against the wood floor as people stand up. No doubt, Dad has noticed my emotional distress. However, I'm already gone and rushing down the long corridor in the house.

I then open the front door and stare out before sighing. Mum has a bouquet of white lilies in her hand, and she's reading a card that came with it as she makes her way back to the house. However, she's fine. She's safe. And most importantly, she's alive.

My green eyes then notice the crazy looking lady with wild dark curly hair standing several feet behind Mum. I catch the wand trained on Mum instantly. I quickly pluck my holly wand out of my pocket and level it on the crazy lady. Mum's eyes then glance up at me. Horror's in her eyes as if she's realized there's a psycho lady behind her. And somehow, I hear Mum loud and clear as she whispers.

"Lily." Her lips form just as the green light speeds out of the crazy lady's wand.

"Mum!" I shout to warn her.

"Aurora!" Dad yells behind me. We both watch in complete and utter horror as Mum drops to her knees. Her face is completely relaxed with her eyes closed as she falls gently face-first into the grass. Harsh cackling echoes around us, as if it is to taunt me. "Sectumsempra!" snarls Dad before an angry jet of light slams into the crazy lady that…that… Moments later, Dad sprints towards Mum. His knees stain from the wet grass. He picks her up very carefully as if she'll break, and I just stare unable to move.

She…she can't be…no…no…NO! I feel someone wrap arms around me. I try to fight the person. She can't be…no…no…NO! I…please, God, no. Tears stream down my cheeks as Dad and Mum vanish with the harsh crack signaling he has apparated. I start to fall to my knees.

All around me, I can hear the whizzing and sizzling of magic. Numbly, I notice the dark robes of the people in the street with wands. It can only mean one thing: Death Eaters are attacking. However, I feel the familiar squeezing of my insides as whoever has me apparate us away from the grisly scene. I instantly notice my surroundings. I'm in Prince Manor. I slam my hands against the person holding me and rush upstairs towards the master bedroom. Seconds later, I skid to a halt. Dad's holding Mum tightly against his chest, whispering something in her ear. However, it's the fact that her chest is moving that forces me to choke back my sob. Dad glances up at me, and for the first time, I see him truly smile.

"But…it…"

"Bellatrix missed," Sirius says behind me. "I don't know how, but she missed, Snape. I've contacted Pomfrey. Is she all right, though?"

"Other than a few bruises, she's fine, Black." Dad then ruefully chuckles. "She fainted. That's why she fell to the ground. She fainted."