Purplepenguin12- When Lyra says 'Key. It's always the same' she's referring to the answer to the riddle she's always writing. That voice always asks her for the answer to the same riddle before she goes back to sleep, and seeing as it's the same riddle, it's the same answer as well: key. Um…it's already made for sure, but not many people use it in stories and such. I like to think I put an interesting twist on the creature…or is it creatures?(hehe)….And as for the voice in her head, when you find out what Lyra is you find out what he is too. Mwahahaha, the wait is killing isn't it? As for my country…I'm an American. Probably able to tell, haha.

Really guys, I know there are people reading this stuff….it's always nice to get feed back, yeah? The lack of reviews is smashing that thin thread I have for a heart, haha!

Disclaimer: Lalala, I still don't own the twins or Harry Potter…sadly. Cause I love the crazy carrot tops….


To be a Gryffindor

'So' the voice drawled and Lyra as she opened her eyes as thee gongs of the old grandfather clock began to ring. She got the impression he was pleased for some strange reason, and as she sat up she blinked at the page open before her. Her usually neat calligraphy was angry and scrawled the words traced over and over across the page; that same damn riddle. She glared at the words fiercely as if that would make them disappear from the page. And briefly she considered grabbing her wand and blasting the damn journal out the window and into the black lake. Maybe that damn giant squid would enjoy some light reading.

'You decided to trust them, after all?'

Lyra sighed running a hand through her hair, smoothing down the kinks repeating to herself quietly. 'Don't talk back, don't talk back...' He only chuckled in response, a deep pleased sound that had her squeezing her eyes shut again. "Did you think I would simply leave if you ignored me?"

"No..." Lyra sighed shaking her head reaching for her wand to cast the silencing charm again. Damn voice waking her up at 3am. Would she never get a good night's sleep…ever? "It hasn't worked yet...So why should it now?" She tossed back sarcastically scowling as she burrowed down in her blankets not feeling the usual guilt accompanying it. You did not wake her up in the middle of the night and expect to get away unscathed. Despite her generally shy demeanor she had no problem unleashing the wasp she called a tongue to bite if her precious sleep was disturbed.

She loved her sleep. Loved it so much she didn't think even Fred and George would escape a tongue lashing of a life-time if they ever decided to wake her in the middle of the night.

"You decided to trust them after all." He repeated with a pleased hum causing Lyra to scowl shooting a look toward the ceiling. She didn't exactly know where to glare whenever he started talking. So she figured the ceiling was good. If she burned holes in the canopy above her head no one would notice.

"That's none of your business…" Why did he have to keep talking to her? Every night. 3am. It was getting a bit annoying. "I had to agree. They didn't give me much choice. They saw…and it was risky to make both of them forget. Someone else could have happened by."

He barked out a laugh, a deep husky rumble that almost had Lyra smiling but she scowled in reply. He was like that annoying older brother that tormented you at your worst moments. "What an accomplished liar you've become, little one. Somehow I doubt they twisted your arm….or held you at the end of their wands…" Lyra sighed rubbing her eyes tiredly with the palms of her hands. Was she really that transparent in her adoration of the twins? Of course she'd wanted to be near them and be their friend. She was positively thrilled, near the point of hyperventilating at the thought of spending time with them in Hogsmeade. More than that…they wanted to hang out with her! But Lyra sure as well wasn't telling the ruddy voice in her head all of that.

Despite the sneaking suspicion he already knew.

"Can't you go away…?" She groaned, half demand half plea. But he only replied in that infuriating even way he seemed to have perfected down to the last note in his voice. "Remember my name."

"Because that wasn't completely creepy. We've been over this…I don't know your name. I've never met you! You just…started talking to me." Lyra snapped tugging on her bangs in frustration. Clicking her tongue in exasperation she pulled the covers over her head squeezing her eyes shut. Sleep glorious sleep! Sleep was the only escape she had from the voice. He never touched her dreams, thankfully because that was her time.

"Just like you don't know why you trust those boys…" He teased, and Lyra was up in an instant glaring heatedly. "Leave. Fred. And. George. Out of this." Lyra said firmly. She wouldn't tolerate that voice mocking the twins. No, it wasn't going to happen. Especially not when he was invading her sleeping time, didn't he realize she needed all eight hours to deal with Snape and Umbridge in the same Castle?

"Such a fierce bite. It makes me proud. And now, your riddle, little one. What's the answer?" He purred just a touch of seductively dark magic in his voice.

"Why make me say what you already know?"

" Perhaps I like hearing your voice.." The way the words rolled over his tongue, with such a deliciously dark promise had her blushing brightly. "Key! The answer to the riddle is always key it will always be key. Why make me say what you already know!?"

"You tell me." He mocked her, and Lyra was at her wit's end. Sleep would give a blissful escape and she was going to use it with a sadistic joy knowing he couldn't even touch her mind when she dreamed.

"Ugh, goodnight." Lyra moaned slumping down on her pillow again. "Morning, little one. It's morning now…"

"Morning, noon, night. I'm tired, let me sleep."


A defense against the dark arts club after school that's what Harry and Hermione (and she was sure Ron was mixed in there as well) were proposing? A place to learn everything Umbridge refused to teach them. The idea of it alone, Lyra knew, was enough to have Umbridge up in a tizzy and every one of them doing a round of the tango with the bloody awful quill…no pun intended of course. The ministry puppet was sure to blow her top and bring down Hogwarts on their heads.

Oh it was bloody brilliant!

Sitting in the Hogs Head Inn between Fred and George as they stared intently at the Golden Trio, Lyra took her time observing the Hogs Head. The owner was behind the counter eyeing them distastefully, and slightly weary. But Lyra could detect the faint traces of amusement in his eyes. Obviously he didn't get a lot of Hogwarts students at the Inn. And why should he? This was an Inn, and they lived at the castle. Of course…perhaps there were some reason Hogwarts students might rent a room…Lyra flushed just thinking of why students might rent a room here.

She'd been around Fred and George too much this past week, and she didn't believe that was a bad thing at all. And that could turn out to be a problem later.

True to their words they hadn't left her alone popping up randomly all day the day before the scheduled Hogsmeade trip. Grinning she bit her lip, cuddling further into her cloak to hide her smile, and they had been relentless in their questions each of them teasing and partly ridiculous to her…especially when they questioned if she could possibly use her eyes to freak Snape out. Lyra had honestly given that some thought...eventually deciding against it.

But they didn't shrink away from her in fear nor did they share looks of disgust at any point of their conversations. They were just….everything she hoped for. Lyra liked to believe they'd become close despite her refusing to explain what she was. But the Half-breed witch was being extremely cautious, because if it was one thing Lyra tried not to do, it was kid herself.

She knew very well the twins would find out what she was one day. And she could only hope on that day, if their reactions be negative (because what else could they be really? She sighed unhappily) she should have a quick painless death. But until then, Lyra thought taking a glance at their eager faces as they listened intently to Harry now, scowling as a Hufflepuff spoke up against him, she would stay with them as long as they allowed and she would soak up the warmth of fire and take comfort in the calm of earth. Because it would only be a matter of time until they banished her from the small bit of happiness she'd acquired. Lyra hoped she could prolong their time together as long as possible.

Oh Merlin…now she was being dramatic… Lyra wrinkled her nose in disgust. Honestly, she really had to get a grip. Reaching for the butter beer the twins had insisted on buying her (despite her stuttering protests) she sipped in trying to listen into what was happening.

Harry was speaking, talking back to that Hufflepuff Zacharias Smith, and Lyra nearly applauded him for it. She wished she had the courage to hex the oblivious Hufflepuff. Did he not feel the tension in the air? Lyra herself knew war was coming, and she agreed with the Trio, they had to defend themselves! She could practically scent the pull of dark magic, hell she could scent dark magic which was why she was holding her necklace extra close, the charms on it dulling her senses.

Watching Hermione hold out a piece of parchment Lyra cocked her head to the side, realization dawning. Right, of course they wanted a count of who was in the club. Wasn't that kind of….risky? To write all their names down, have it out in the open?

Alright…so they were kind of making an illegal club…it really didn't get any more risky than that, did it?

Putting her glass down, Lyra stroked the side of the cup deliberating. She wanted to sign it, maybe it was because with Fred and George beside her she felt powerful, almost believing she may have that famed Gryffindor courage, or perhaps it was the tick of annoyance she felt recalling the shame of having 'I must not tell lies' carved into her skin for all eternity (dramatics again Lyra...she chided herself) either way, Lyra wanted to sign the paper.

But she didn't want to sign it first.

Signing it first meant getting up, the movement calling everyone's attention now that they've all gone suspiciously quiet, having everyone stare and whisper speculating who she was as she scrawled her name at the top of the parchment.

And even with Fred and George beside her, there was no way in hell she was doing that. But Fred and George were beside her…

She reached out then, brushing her finger tips along Fred's covered arm. But when he didn't move, obviously not feeling the brush of her fingers, she curled her fingers into the fabric plucking at it until she had his attention. He cocked his head to the side in question.

Her eyes darted to where Hermione was standing expectantly. His lips curled up at the ends in approval as he waggled his brows tilting his head back toward the bookworm. Lyra beamed nodding her head, flushing once it dawned on her they'd had a whole silent conversation and he knew what she meant!

It was like…a smaller version of Fred and George's silent conversations! She bit her lip hard to keep from letting out her nervous laugh again as this giddy feeling rose up in her. It bubbled in her stomach, toiling and ticking her throat bunching up in her chest. This could only mean they were getting to be good friends, right? He winked standing and grabbing her hand. George followed suit already knowing what his twin was about to do and once more Lyra marveled at how well they understood each other.

Together, with Lyra's hand firmly held in Fred's grasp, they stood before Hermione Granger as she sent them a thankful smile. Fred took the offered quill and scrawled his name in big bold letters across the top. George followed suit.

"Thanks Fred, George." Hermione whispered with a small thankful smile. George handed Lyra the quill, and looked pointedly at Hermione, who smiled nervously. "You too, Lyra." She thanked, and Lyra flushed ducking her head as she quickly scribbled her name down.

"No problem Granger." Fred said shrugging off the thanks; he squeezed Lyra's hand gently. "Anything to get Umbridge off our backs, and a place we can actually learn something. We're not daft. We know you-know-who is back." George added tossing a pointed look over his shoulder at Zarachias, who scowled.

"I think this is more likely to get Umbridge on our backs…" Lyra whispered loud enough for Fred to hear who chuckled, leading her out of the Hogs Head, George following closely behind.


They led her to Zonko's unsurprisingly, Lyra could tell this was probably they're favorite place. (Joke shop, twins who played pranks….it was kind of obvious…) And Lyra was only slightly disappointed when Fred let go of her hand in favor of moving through the aisles.

But she didn't dwell on it….ok she did. Fred had held her hand. His hands were wide palms with long fingers, but they'd curled around Lyra's smaller hand without a second thought. Without a second thought. She envied him for how easily he could share even the briefest caress with others. Even her, who no one spared a second or even a first thought for…

But the wonder of Zonko's distracted her. There was just so much stuff. Lyra couldn't name even half of the things lining the shelves but it was all so fascinating and she just had to move about to absorb the wonder of the store. Some colorful and eye-catching, others tucked behind other objects as if they were about to spring free and play the joke all on its own. Lyra hesitantly reached out poking a clear bottle, jumping as it sparkled and shook inside. Beside her, George chuckled. "It's a crackle snap, you put it somewhere like a desk or a wardrobe and it kind of acts like a boggart. Only when you open it, fireworks start-up and other kinds that sing or something. I've never used it. Never really liked the idea…" George said and Lyra smiled shyly.

"I've never been in here." Lyra confided dancing around him, to look further into shops products. "I love it, it's fascinating." She murmured picking up a ball that shuddered and changed to a spider in her hands. She made a squeak of surprise, dropping it as it turned into a ball rolling to George's feet. "How come?" George questioned, picking up the ball tossing it up and catching it and setting it on the shelf.

"I usually just hang out with Peeves on the weekends." She admitted with a shrug, turning her head as Fred reappeared, his hands full with things Lyra wasn't sure if she should swiftly back away from or stare in fascination. "Now that I don't understand." Fred announced moving to the counter to pay.

"Understand?" Lyra echoed tilting her head questioningly. "Yeah, you and Peeves how did that even happen?" Fred questioned, handing over the amount required for his purchase. "Peeves is alright at times, and he seems to like us…as much as he can anyways, or he just likes that we prank. But you? He seems completely different and yet the same." George elaborated for his twin.

Lyra smiled softly, reminiscing over it. "That's a long story-" "We have time." Fred said with a grin. "And a secret." Lyra finished, sticking her tongue out at him playfully.

"You have too many secrets." He complained as they exited the shop, George reaching out and snagging her hand this time. Lyra smiled sweetly. "Don't we all?" Well they certainly didn't have a response to that.

"Still nothing new…" Fred scowled, shoving his hands in his pockets as they walked toward Honeydukes. "Yeah…" George sighed nodding his head. Lyra could tell they were referring to Zonko's products. And she recalled them complaining about the lack of new products in the joke shop one day after returning to Hogsmeade. She could remember because George had bumped into her that day, he'd apologized and sent her small smile before continuing on his way with Fred. And Lyra had spent that night in blissful slumber dreaming of that smile.

They loved Zonko's. The laughs, the products, the opportunities to cause mischief stocking the shelves, Zonko's welcoming the customers to come in and partake in amusement.

"You'd think they'd come up with something new…but…nothing." George sighed shaking his head.

The lack of will from the shop to create anything new drove the twins barmey. The owners seemed content with the products they had, and how well they sold; but the twins, as the great jokester's they were couldn't stand by with the same old, same old. And that was one of the things that drew Lyra to them.

"Good thing you both have enough imagination that your shop will never run out of ideas." Lyra murmured absently, fascinated by how small her hand was in George's. Their fingers entwined, and just like Fred, he didn't even seem to realize he had done so!

So caught up in her thoughts, Lyra didn't even notice when they paused and gaped at her as she stared at the pale hand wrapped around her own, calloused, sure. And he had one freckle between the knuckles of his pointer and middle fingers that Fred didn't seem to have.

But the quiet soon registered and Lyra looked up alarmed at their dropped jaws. Oh no! She panicked internally, already taking a step back instinctively mentally running through the conversation. Had she done something wrong? And the day was going so well too! Dozens of apologies bubbled up, getting ready to break through the dam of her pink lips until Fred broke through.

"You…know about our shop?" It wasn't a secret, but no one besides Harry and Lee had ever blatantly put stock in the idea as she had just done. She'd tried to drop George's hand, but he tightened his grip gently, tugging her toward him until she leaned slightly on his arm.

"Well…yes…I overheard you both talking to Lee about it…And I knew it was a brilliant idea. Your inventions are brilliant. Like the canary crème's…." Her eyes glazed over with a soft smile, but she quickly snapped out of it looking between them, panicked again. "I'm sorry, was it a secret? I didn't mean- I haven't told anyone…" Ugh! Why did she have such a big mouth! That sounded so stalker-ish! "Look-" Fred bounced forward pressing a finger gently to her lips, and her eyes crossed looking down at the long finger that stopped her lips from moving.

"And this is why we can't believe you're dangerous." He said playfully and George chuckled nodding in agreement. He pulled his finger away, her eyes un-crossing as she stared at him confused. What? Why not? She was very dangerous! "Rabbit….you're too sweet for your own good." George finished playfully, squeezing her hand.

Shaking her head with a deep frown, Lyra looked at the both of them. "I am dangerous though. That won't change. Please don't forget that." They shook their heads in disagreement. "Rabbit, it won't happen. Unless you tell us, we won't believe you." Fred said confidently.

It was disturbing how much that pleased her, warmth pulling in her belly at the loyalty they were willing to show her. But slightly put out they wouldn't believe her warning. They should! Lyra could never forget she was a danger to them.

"But I can't tell you. Just believe me." She pleaded her gaze on George. He could reel Fred in, if need be. He'd be more willing to listen and agree to her pleas. And they had to listen. As much as Lyra loved that they trusted her, refused to believe she was dangerous….Lyra never wanted them to forget it! It was safer for all that way.

"Fine. We'll believe you….if you can tell us one thing that makes you dangerous." George conceded, and when Lyra opened her mouth to refuse, it was his turn to press his finger to her lips. "If you can't then we'll believe that you won't hurt us, rabbit." "Lyra, my name is Lyra.." She murmured but considered it.

Surely there was one thing she could do that would make them believe her without her giving too much away. Biting her lip, a nervous habit, and she looked at them solemnly. "Alright…" She said slowly.

If she was going into already dangling on the edge of a cliff, she might as well do it right and let go without her wand to cast a cushioning spell. "Come on." She murmured, wrapping her free arm around one of Fred's keeping her hand locked in George's she moved past Honeydukes pulling them both into the ally and behind the store, before releasing them.

"Alright….there is one thing I can show you that won't give anything away." She told them and they looked on eagerly. "You know…you know how wolves hunt, yes?" They nodded, confused by the reference. "Part of what makes me so dangerous is my sense of smell." Lyra explained shifting nervously her fingers linking together and twisting.

"Damn Freddie, there goes our vampire theory..." George teased crossing those lean arms that Lyra had fantasized about more than once in her dreams. "Vampire!" Her was voice higher than she wanted it to be as she put her shaking hands on her hips. "You thought I was a creepy blood sucker?"

"It was that or werewolf." Fred teased reaching out to playfully tug a strand of her hair. "And werewolf is looking pretty good seeing as you can smell us to death." He said mockingly cowering in fear and Lyra huffed. "Just listen…it's not your smell…it's your scent." She stressed and the raised a brow, sharing the look she'd yet to label.

"Not seeing a difference, rabbit." Fred said dismissively and Lyra scowled, slowly getting frustrated. Another thing they did, they didn't let her finish a damn sentence! She knew she was meek but damn! At least let her finish. "A smell is kind of like…what you'd smell regularly, toothpaste, food, onions- she hated onions with a passion -A scent is different. It's you. Like how everyone has a wand that's made for them. Everyone has a unique scent that's their's and only theirs." Fascinated now weren't they? Lyra observed as their faces started at her in wonder, never having thought they had a particular scent about them. " George nodded in understanding.

"But how does that make you dangerous? If you can just smell things a different way." "Sh." Lyra said, her temper ticking as she pressed a finger to his mouth. "Let me finish…its dangerous because I can track you. You leave behind a scent like a trail. I can track you all around this place. From your dorm all the way down here. You can't hide from me, because I'll always know." Lyra said.

A silence lingered as the boys shuddered. Now that, they agreed, was slightly unnerving. To be able to be found..

"A disillusionment-" Fred began and Lyra waved it away as if it were no more than a bothersome fly. "Only hides you, not your scent."

To be able to find them even under a spell, now that made her dangerous. But this was still their rabbit! And it was hard picturing it…

Lyra shifted nervously because of their silence. She'd given them something. Something small, it could allude to any creäture really but it was enough to convince them she was in fact dangerous. But now…as they gazed at each other gravely she wasn't sure if she made the right decision. They would stay away from her now she was positive! Why wouldn't they? She just told them she was practically a hunter and at any give time-

"So what do we smell like?"

Could find them. If that didn't sound creepy, unnerving and stalkerish, Lyra wasn't sure what would. And what…

"Huh?" Lyra asked staring at the boys in stunned disbelief. And she was pretty sure her jaw had unhinged and was hanging somewhere down by her knees. That whole explanation of her being a skilled hunter and they…they wanted to know how they smelled? What the hell was wrong with them!? She could hunt them down if they betrayed her secret; they would never be able to hide and they just stood before her, pale cheeks flushed from the cold of winter eyes glittering with mirrored curiosity looking so attractive and unconcerned at the information she'd given them.

Would it be to forward to snog them senseless? Lyra wondered wide-eyed as George reached out helpfully closing her dropped jaw. She ran the tip of her tongue over her top lip in response. "I tell you: you can never hide from me, and you want to know what your scent is?" She questioned deliberately slowly because she obviously must have wax in her ears. They deserved a good cleaning when she got back to her dorm, but until then the crazy carrot tops would have to repeat themselves.

"Yeah." They said in unison giving her large toothy grins that had her lips twitching into a smile. "I don't understand either of you…" Lyra confessed, bemused. And somehow she doubted she ever would. Affection flared up in her, brightening her eyes as she gazed at the two fondly. Lyra felt as though she was looking at the twins for the first time. They just accepted it. It didn't matter because they had already formed a bond with her. And to them, that bond would keep them safe because they trusted her. Loyalty, extreme loyalty they seemed to have in her for no clear reason at all.

Snogging them senseless was looking better and better, she believed, as her eyes began to tear up. She laughed and shook her head, beaming at them. "Perhaps I'm not meant to understand the minds of the infamous Weasley twins. " Fred tilted his head grinning.

"Hey Georgie-" Lyra cringed but bit the tip of her tongue and shoved her hands deeply into her pocket to stop from stomping closer to him and shaking him until he couldn't remember that horrid nickname.

"I think we just charmed our little rabbit." He teased as George rocked on the balls of his feet. "We're just that good Freddie.." George drawled and bent his head slightly to look down at their shorter friend. "So how do we smell? Something manly right? If it's something girlie like wildflowers then we don't want to know." He said with an exaggerated wink Fred nodding as he flexeed his arms playfully. Lyra laughed and helped up her wrist. "My necklace is charmed to dull my senses down to regular wizard standards. I'd have to take it off to tell you."

"So do it." Fred said reaching out and tugging the chain gently as not to break it. Lyra playfully batted his hand away. "Fred…George…are you both sure? My eyes will change...and I know that frightened you…" Looking affronted Fred dramatically grasped his chest. "I was not frightened. Frightened implies that I was scared for a second! And I wasn't. Why? Because I…am a man." Lyra burst out laughing. "Because you're a man? That's the best you had? Alright fine. If you're such-"George coughed giving her a look and Lyra grinned. "If you're both such men, I'll do it." They nodded and Lyra gently tugged her necklace off her wrist, hanging it on a nail behind her.

She took a deep breath as everything flooded her, scents, old and new, mingling in an over powering combination. It didn't smell good, or bad it was just so much all at once making her temples throb. She swayed and held out her hand to stop them from advancing; their concern clear and they opened their mouths probably to rescind their invitation. Her eyes watered, her nose tingled something awful like when there was an itch that just couldn't be scratched. But after a few deep breaths she was fine, her head cleared, vision leveled and she gave them a small unsure smile.

"There are so many scents around….I can't distinguish yours…I have to be closer, is that ok?" Alright she was lying right through her pretty white teeth. She could perfectly well deviate which scent belonged to whom even standing this close. But a chance to stand really close to the twins, breath in their scent, and possibly cuddle into those Quidditch conditioned bodies was too good to pass up. Maybe instead of a Hufflepuff she was secretly a Slytherin. That was possible too.

"Mind having a pretty bird close to us? Perish the thought." George said with a grin, his eyes sparking as he playfully flirted. Lyra rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Who's first?" She asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of her voice.

The boys turned to each other, striking up that silent twin conversation. But the boys were in sync, their faces didn't move. No lips twitching, or suggestive wiggle of their eye brows, they just looked into each other's eyes already knowing. "Me first." George said with certainty and Fred grinned at her. "Alright.." Lyra stuttered and stepped closer as Fred stepped away her cheeks already bright red.

"Come on rabbit….how do I smell?" He meant it to sound playful, Lyra was sure but as she stepped closer wrapping her arms around his neck all she could focus on was the deeper hints of the drawl. George obligingly wrapped an arm around her waist. Closing her blackened eyes, Lyra breathed in shuddering in his arms. He smelled….fantastic, really. Even now, close to him she loved it. It was so calming but the underlying musk to it was filling her head in a seductive green swirl. Oh she simply adored the way it fuzzed her head and body shudder and heat up in a way she'd never felt before. Chancing a touch, the girl couldn't help but gently skim the tip of her nose along the smooth ivory column of his throat with a soft purr. George almost seemed to be reacting on instinct as he leaned down brushing his cheek against the side of her hair, shivering at the contact of her nose. His hand soothed up and down her back. "Well, rabbit?" He purred in that lazy drawl and swore the girl in his arms almost whimpered.

"You smell so good..." Lyra tilted her head back, a slow smile curving her pink lips looking positively drunk on his scent. But her black eyes were glossy and suddenly his throat was dry as he started back unblinking, how could he rip his gaze away from the mystery of the void? "Good huh? You hear that Freddie? I smell good…better'n you will, I'm sure…" George joked with his twin but he felt the words were mashed and muddle together. Who would believe the shy rabbit was a vixen in disguise. Shaking it off he tried to stay focused even as she pulled him closer. "Hm…real good, Geo." She purred throatily nuzzling his shoulder.

Geo, huh? His lips twitched up in amusement. He was asking her about that once she was normal. "Like black tea and musky earth fresh from the forest. And honey…I really like honey…" She mused her tongue tracing her top lip. George bit his lip to stop the soft groan from escaping him as she moved from his neck to his jaw her cheek pressed against his. Merlin's drawers…Why did she have to say it like that? Like she wanted to just lean over and taste him. He was male; there was really only so much he could take. "Bet you do…" George said with a wide smirk, silently applauding himself on his self-control, until Fred whisked her away from him into his open arms.

She whined in protest, unconsciously reaching for the source of the earthy scent, until she found herself wrapped in similar arms pressed against the other Weasley. "Right; black tea, dirt, honey good combination there Georgie. Mine turn now. What about me?" He asked eagerly. And Lyra found she didn't mind being pulled into his arms because his scent was just as delicious as George's had been. All spicy and warm that made her nose tingle slightly, but that didn't stop her from nuzzling his shoulder, nose pressed to his neck; breathing in deep. His scent caused a sharp zing right through her awaking up all of her senses instantly having her focused on nothing but him, though she had to admit even in her hazed mind she was well aware of George next to them. "Cinnamon and pumpkin pie and something…all spicy, just like fire." She murmured standing up on the tips of her toes the brush her nose across his earth lobe in response he shifted at the flash of heat he felt from the movement. Fred squeezed his eyes shut tightly, tensing. Lyra grinned where he couldn't see, running her tongue along her teeth. She just wanted to bite them both…mark them for her own. No,now was not the time…so she settled for words with less of a bite and more of a purr as they vibrated in her throat. "Smell good, Freddie…" The words breathed in his ear caused him to groan quietly only to shoot a wild look at George who only smirked raising a brow.

The hands on her hips tighten as Fred regained control but she lulled her head back seeing his slightly strained smile. "You are too cute rabbit..." He cooed leaning in to nuzzle their noses together. She gave him that same seductively slow smile she'd given George without her permission, and he paused in surprise but pulled her closer. "Absolutely intoxicating…I love both your scents." She cooed her fingers digging into Fred's shoulders lightly as she rubbed her head against his broad shoulders with a purr, curling her body into his. With a roughish smirk, Fred used one hand to tangle in her hair, cupping the back of her head. "Oh, George I think rabbit only hangs around us because she can't get enough of our apparently delicious scents. And wow…that was weird to say. I never thought I'd be saying that." Fred laughed as George nodded and Fred turned back to her almost jumping away in shock. Instead his arms tightened around her middle.

Lyra's eyes had shifted again. They were still that pitch black, but now silver slits speared through the middle. Just a hint of violet outlined the silver, brightened by the onyx background. "Ra…Lyra..you're eyes are different." She smiled drunkenly and bobbed her head. "Of course they are. Do you like them?" He found himself nodding as George peered over his shoulder at the change. "Oh both of your scents mix so well. " Lazily she tugged George closer, but he chuckled and slipped her necklace over her head. When he'd grabbed it she hadn't a clue.

Like a bucket of icy water dumped over her head Lyra blushed brightly stepping away as the twins grinned at her. But she was completely humiliated not to mention shaking from having…having done such...intimate things to them! Granted it wasn't as if she'd…gone and taken off all their clothes, her body trembled at the thought, but those simple touches had been so purposeful. She'd been worse than a cat in heat rubbing up pleadingly against two tom cats she fancied!

But they were laughing heartily as she looked up in surprise all wide-eyed her hand rising to lay somewhere near her chest. "I'm…I'm sorry." She apologized unsurely and George waved her off. "That was great! I didn't know you could be such a tease, rabbit." Scarlet was the wonderful shade her face chose to turn in reply as she groaned burying her face in her hands.

But he gently pride her hands from her face. "And what was this Geo business?" He asked gently, that boyishly sweet smile painted on his face, his eyes shining bright blue at the name. "And Freddie too." Fred chimed in and didn't know if they were upset or teasing. Teasing was more likely, but Lyra also knew no one but George had ever called Fred, Freddie. It seemed something that just wasn't done. Lyra couldn't believe she let her tongue slip like that! Even…as crude as it was...under the influence of two intoxicating scents! But this was not a court and Fred and George would never be as fair as any judge…at least in this matter.

When she did dream of them, and oh Godric did she dream of these two, Lyra had always called them Freddie and Geo for several reasons. It kept her fully aware that it was just a dream (as sad as it was); they were just what her mind created for her amusement. The dream versions looked and acted like the twins but they were not in fact the twins as sad as it was to admit it. Another reason stemmed from that horrid nickname Fred was always cooing at the worst moments; George needed a better nickname than Georgie that was for damn sure! And what better name did the first three letters of his name make than the element which she deemed him so close to in temperament? But with her mind drunk, her tongue was effectively loosened and for just a few blissful minutes she was in a dream.

"I guess I was just a bit…drunk?" More of a question and Lyra was already doing her usual mental chiding as she straighten her back with a firm nod, as if trying to agree with herself. "I don't know…" George said slowly cocking his head to the side. "Seemed a bit easy that they just rolled off your tongue like that, huh Freddie?"

Fred grinned tugging the embarrassed girl closer. "Seems like your right there, Geo…"Struggling vainly for Fred to release her, and Lyra really had to stop lying to herself she was well aware she didn't want him to let go…which in her mind was all the more reason to struggle. The elder boy ignored her struggles leaning in to nuzzle their noses together as he'd done earlier. She eeped in surprise jerking her head back.

"Tell us…" Fred said in a sing-song voice and Lyra stopped struggling with a sigh. "Fine…it…" Oh she didn't want to upset them! She knew that was something special between them. But it was just so…so…oh Godric's beard did it make her skin crawl when she heard that name. Using that fire that flared up she, for once, spoke her mind. "Alright, fine. I don't like it when you call him Georgie! It's so nauseatingly cute! He is seventeen! He is not a five-year old with big chubby cheeks walking around in a sailor outfit with a lollipop dancing to some la-de-da happy song! No one should be calling him Georgie! And ugh! That's all I can picture every time you say that and it's just…it gives me the creeps! Not to mention all the other words that end in ie, yuckie, ickie…"She winced at the naming of those words. "Not exactly something I like hearing." She exploded before her little flare of something could dive back down the rabbit hole.

And there she went with the bad puns again…

Her cheeks puffed out, still red from both the cold and her embarrassment, her nostrils flaring as she closed her eyes drawing her hands up to nervously play with the necklace she wore. Fiddling with the smooth dragon tooth ocarina she continued much softer the fire gone from her. "George…Geo…it means earth. George…he reminds me of earth. I thought it fit. And Freddie…I like that. It's sweet, like a name you don't use often but it's still there filled with all the affection of a childhood past."

Oh…Merlin…no. Lyra internally panicked. Those kinds of thoughts you don't share aloud. This wasn't the time for her to be all romantic and poetic! Freddie and Georgie was something they shared. Like pet names for each other. It wasn't fair for her to try to put a stop to it no matter how annoying she found the name Georgie to be!

Instead of their scoffs or the sound of their heavy steps as they walked away from her and her outrageous behavior, they pulled her between them in an awkward group hug. Only awkward because she dwarfed considerably standing between them as their arms encircled her as her arms were trapped against her chest as she'd still been fiddling with her necklace. Ever so softly, she could feel the brush of their lips across her cheeks like the touch of wind on a warm summer day when you begged for a breeze, maddening and barely there. "You're not mad?" Lyra questioned finally opening her eyes. "I did just kind of insult you…" She trailed off, still playing with her necklace.

"I like it." George said with a grin and a wink. "Most because the image you gave me every time Freddie says Georgie is really not something I want to picture ever again. Besides, Friends give each other nicknames. " He explained gently with a nod. "Like rabbit?" Lyra said dryly and Fred nodded quickly. "Exactly! Now. We smell delicious. We had a pretty bird all over us." Fred chuckled as she groaned and flushed again."We got our pretty rabbit to speak her mind and new nicknames…well…you did Geo. I'm still Freddie." He teased grabbing Lyra's hand again, George wrapping her free arm around his arm like she'd done to Fred tugging them into the ally earlier.

"Who wants candy?" Fred asked cheerfully and Lyra could clearly see that no, she wasn't meant to understand the way their minds worked. It was so much more fun to see and experience their reactions. Especially if they were all this good and welcoming. Lyra beamed as they exited the ally her cheeks delightfully flushed her eyes still slightly glossy but she couldn't contain the giddy laughter that escaped her and soon the boys were joining her with their boisterous laughter. Quite the spectacle they were making, but none of them cared.


It wasn't until later when George asked curiously. "So…do you know what Lee's scent is?" Lyra blinked owlishly as the twins pulled her back to the castle eagerly. "What?" "Lee. What does he smell like?" Fred asked and Lyra giggled softly closing her eyes. She had caught Lee's scent when Fred took off her necklace in the hallway. "Coconut." She answered opening her eyes. "He smells like coconut."

George and Fred snickered. "Too bad we can't take the mickey out of him for smelling like coconut…" Fred said snorting, George nodded in agreement.

And it just so happen Lee entered after them, waving and making his way over. But seeing his dark face lit up in a grin finding his two best friends and the sweet bird they usually forced to tag along, it sent the twins into another fit of laughter.

"Oi, what's with this lot?" He questioned Lyra who was staring at them amused. She shook her head pushing her bangs out of her eyes before calling out softly. "Freddie…Geo…play nice." She said trying to keep her expression stern but her lips were cracking into a large smile as the boys only stifled their laughs enough.

"Freddie? Geo?" Lee mimicked, astonished. Last time someone had dared called Fred, Freddie, the red-haired boy almost skinned them alive. And Geo? That was certainly new…But looking at the bird next to him as she was quickly drawn toward the laughing twins Lee supposed it fit somehow.

"Don't we always play nice?" George questioned as both he and Fred mercilessly ticked their female companion. She laughed loudly squealing and trying to escape their grip with valiant tries but no use.

"No…" She gasped, breathless from laughing so hard her dark eyes sparkling as she beamed happily. "You don't..." They pouted but Lyra would never change their minds.

No, the twins did not play fair. And Lyra was finding she was fine with that. If they played fair they would have left her alone after she'd taken their detention. If they played fair they would have walked away from her the moment they could; completely forgetting her existence.

But the Weasley twins did nothing you expected them to do. They sought her out continuously, found she was hiding a secret and bargained with her for them to stick around her, gathering clues when she specifically told them not to figure it out but didn't have the heart to keep tight-lipped on. Because there was that small bit of hope she always tried to kill that if, when, they found out they wouldn't leave her because for some reason she knew they'd never kill her.

All they were doing was making her fall for them harder, crave a normal friendship and were teaching her slowly that no one would snap for her to be quiet if she spoke her mind.

No, the boys certainly did not play fair. And Lyra knew she'd never ever be able to hold it against them.

Cheeky bastards.