Magic in the Moonlight
CHAPTER Ten
"Perfection is beyond the reach of humankind, beyond the reach of magic. In every shining moment of happiness is that drop of poison: the knowledge that pain will come again. Be honest to those you love, show your pain. To suffer is as human as to breathe.". – Dumbledore, The Cursed Child
Several months had passed since their graduation and things had been relatively calm. They had all met up once again on Dumbledore's call, meeting the gathering known as the Order of the Phoenix. It was surprising to see some of the people there who had been professors at Hogwarts or other students she recognized from past years. She had also been surprised to see her cousins Fabian and Gideon, the two had been happy to see her and had refused to allow her to return home until she had stopped by to see her cousin Molly. It had been somewhat amusing that Dumbledore wanted a photo taken of them all stood there, the entire Order but even she knew that it would most likely serve as a memorial for those who had fought against the Dark Lord Voldemort behind the scenes. Some of them had been given tasks such as searching for information however Lyra had been told to concentrate on passing her Auror training under the tutelage of Mad-Eye Moody, another member of the Order which was lucky. It hadn't taken him long to realize she was a werewolf so the knowledge that her secret was safe was greatly calming. No doubt, Lyra expected her true strengths would come into play once she had completed her training.
Summer was upon them once again bringing glorious weather from nowhere, a nice change from the usual dark clouds and rain that had been haunting them for a while now. Sighing contently, Lyra snuggled further into her blankets despite the warm sunshine on her face. There was a chuckle behind her before arms wrapped around her, lips kissing her scarred shoulder tenderly.
"Time to wake up Lyra," Remus tried to stir her but she shook her head.
"Five more minutes," she grumbled into her pillow.
"You do remember what today is don't you?" he questioned amused.
It took a moment before her eyes snapped open and she almost fell out of bed if it hadn't been for Remus' arms.
"Oh Merlin! Lily and James' wedding!" she suddenly panicked, "I can't believe I almost forgot!"
"Calm down love," Remus soothed, "it's not that late," he kissed her shoulder again before placing kisses up her neck.
"Remus!" she tried to fend him off with a laugh, "we've got a wedding to get ready for!"
She turned round to face him, the old mischievous glint in his eyes.
"We've still got an hour before you need to go help Lily," he shrugged before almost pouncing on her, kissing her as she laughed but gave up on her futile efforts of fending him off.
An hour later she was rushing from her cottage home apparated to the quiet town somewhere in the outskirts of London where James and Lily currently lived. The wedding was to be a quiet affair with only a small group of them, not unsurprising considering how the world was currently, but Lyra was determined to help make the day memorable for her friend. Giggling, she could make out Lily pacing this way and that in front of a window, pausing only at hearing Lyra apparate into the street. Once again it was up to her to calm her friend before she tore her hair out. Knocking on the door it was immediately answered by an irate looking Lily. Really, this might be the best day of her life but her friend didn't look it at the moment…but she'd change that. After several hours of preparing, talking her friend down and keeping her from becoming a nervous wreck whilst also getting herself ready, they made their way out of the house. Even as they left Lyra was waving her hand, finishing up the loose curls of her hair with a flick of her fingers. Remus was waiting after having agreed to give Lily away however at that moment his eyes were only on one person.
"You look beautiful love," he couldn't resist kissing her, surprising even her with the desire behind it but it also amused her.
"Wasn't this morning good enough?" she teased.
"It's your fault for being so beautiful."
"Ahem," Lily cleared her throat but looked amused, "let's not forget this is my wedding."
Laughing lightly, Lyra organised everyone into order before shooing Remus and Lily towards the centre of Godric's Hollow were the wedding was to be held. Although it was to be a small event there was still the Marauders, James' family and the Headmaster of Hogwarts present. Lyra felt these joyous events were all that kept the spirits up of them all even including the elderly wizard. James looked surprisingly nervous and even his best man Sirius was shuffling in his spot trying to keep his friend from running to find Lily. As the music started up, Remus led her friend down the aisle in her gorgeous white dress that shone beautifully in the sunlight. Lyra was incredibly proud of her friend in that moment as she walked behind her in her light blue dress that Lily had bought for her, the only time she would dare wear such a colour even if it did suit her. In the back of her mind she couldn't help but wonder how things would have been if there was another of their friends present. It probably wouldn't have gone well to be honest. She had still not heard anything from Severus but Lyra brushed those thoughts from her mind, now was meant to be a time of happiness and love, not stewing over lost love and an estranged friend.
The wedding was a beautiful affair with James looking like he could cry with happiness numerous times. It never ceased to amuse her how he acted around Lily, ever the love struck fool but she knew he would protect her and keep her safe, and because of that he had her permission to marry her friend. Lyra had been thoroughly surprised when he had come up to her asking permission to marry her best friend, knowing that she still held some dislike over him but they had all grown out of such feelings. But as the two kissed to the cheers and applause of many, she knew that her friend would be very happy with him. James and Lily Potter. As Lily tossed the bouquet of flowers backwards Lyra blushed as she caught the beautiful blue and white flowers, glancing sideways at a similarly blushing Remus while Sirius laughed, clapping his friend on the back.
"Congratulations four eyes," Lyra gave James a small hug which surprised him a little.
"No hexes or threats that if I upset Lily you'll kill me?" he asked.
"You sound almost disappointed!" she laughed, "but no, I know you'll make her happy, so just try and stay out of trouble."
"You know me."
"That's what I mean."
After yet another painful transformation, Lyra laid curled up beside Remus, his arms wrapped around her. Long gone were any embarrassment or shy feelings concerning their naked bodies as they returned to human form. The sun rose on the horizon casting pink and crimson hues through the sky and in through the gaps in the curtains. They were allowed to transform in her home thanks to the extensive range of protection spells and charms that were layered across the building. Her grey eyes stared out through the gap sadly. Even though she was used to the monthly transformations by now and the pain that accompanied them, she was finding keeping her secret a lot harder than during Hogwarts. Her Auror training always had to pause on the days running up to the full moon and the other candidates were beginning to get suspicious. Moody did his best to quell any questions but there was only so much he could do. She feared what would happen should the Ministry find out about her. Not only would she be outcast like Remus was but she doubted they would let her and Dumbledore off easy for hiding her presence. Shivering at the thought, Remus' grip tightened on her.
"What's wrong?" he whispered, pulling her closer to him despite already been close enough, "does it still hurt?"
"It's not that…" she sighed turning in his arms feeling safe as always in his embrace, "I just worry about things."
"I know," he placed soothing kisses on her bare shoulder, "let's just try and make out of this war alive."
Once dressed, the two lounged on the couch watching the fireplace crackle before the flames turned green. Right on time Dumbledore stepped from the fireplace a somewhat tired but determined look on his face.
"I am sorry to intrude on you both Lyra, Remus, but there is something I need you to do my dear," he cut straight to the chase and it worried her more than anything.
"Has something happened?" she asked instantly thinking the worst.
"Not yet but I fear it won't be long before something does," the aged wizard admitted, "Moody tells me that he expects you to become a full fledged Auror before the years is out and because of this I need your eyes. I have no doubt that the Death Eaters are recruiting again but I would not trust this task to anyone else."
Nodding, Lyra turned serious, a developing behaviour that was beginning to shine through her usually childish attitude. They listened silently as he explained that Sirius had heard talk of a meeting being held in Knockturn Alley. She was to get close enough to hear the details that could very likely tip the war in their favour. Remus didn't like the sound of her going alone however Lyra was not about to give up on their chance at gaining the advantage.
"I'll do it, just tell me when."
"I wish I did not have to ask you this but I trust you," he did indeed wish he could not send her on dangerous missions, but he could not protect her forever, "Sirius has agreed to be on standby should things turn sour," before his eyes suddenly seemed to bore through her, "I would advise that you perhaps not share any words with any of them."
Stiffening, she ignored the questioning glance Remus sent her before the old wizard bid them goodbye, leaving their home to disapparate outside with a crack. That night she had her first argument with Remus.
He had asked her what Dumbledore had meant with his parting words and tentatively, she had told him of what had happened during her third year where she had been scouted by Lucius Malfoy. To say the werewolf was angry was somewhat of an understatement.
"You actually thought of joining the Death Eaters?!" Remus threw his hands in the air as if not knowing what to do with them or himself for that matter as he began pacing.
Lyra winced with his words, not having expected the explosion from the usually soft spoken man.
"I didn't know what he meant at first," she almost growled, "trust me, I know how stupid I was but…I just wanted to be recognised for something other than being a pureblood witch. It's not like I wanted to go off hunting down muggles!" she defended.
"That's not the point!" he yelled before calming somewhat, "I still can't believe you even considered for one minute…You-Know-Who was the one who killed your parents!"
"Do you think I don't know that?!" she couldn't help but shout back, "everyone keeps reminding me this but I was the one who went running home after the news. I was the one to run home to find it swarming with Aurors and seeing my parent's bodies! I was the one who had been told that they had been killed by him for no reason just meaningless murder!"
They stared at each other angrily before Lyra turned for the door.
"Where are you going?" Remus asked worriedly, following after her.
"I'm going to see Lily if you must know!" she snapped, swatting away his hand as he reached for her, "I'm not running off the Death Eaters! I'm just going to be down the street!"
With that she slammed her door in his face before stalking her way towards the Potter household. They had recently moved to Godric's Hollow, Lily having always wanted to do so, and it was proving suddenly very useful. In the few meters it took to reach their house and knock on the door she was already in tears. Lily who answered the door seemed shocked but pulled her in with a hug. Her husband was shocked to see the usual fiery woman in tears and after explaining what had happened, although James was surprised by their argument, he had suddenly turned stern and left them alone, the sound of the door opening and closing soon after. Lily understood and soothed her friend, reminding her that Remus was probably just worried about her. But why couldn't Remus understand like Lily did? Maybe she had been stupid, maybe they both had been stupid but Lyra didn't care, she just felt so angry and upset that he didn't trust her.
The sound of James returning drew their attention. He walked over to the two before patting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"I've had a talk with Remus. He's cooling off and regretting what he said so don't take his words to heart, okay?"
Oddly she found him quite reassuring and she nodded, wiping her eyes, "Can I…can I stop here tonight?"
"Of course you can!" Lily immediately agreed with a warm smile, "just like old times but this time it's my house."
She chuckled lightly at that but that night as she slept in the spare room she couldn't help but feel cold and lonely. Most of the night she lay awake staring at the silver charm bracelet on her wrist. Joining the other three charms were a few new additions. There was a small paw shaped charm that was Sirius she had created after they had left school, transfiguring charms for all her friends. There was a small snitch charm that was James and of course a wolf's head charm that was obviously Remus. But she couldn't help but stare fondly at the snake charm. A year had passed since graduation and yet she had not received a single note from Severus. True he had not promised to keep in touch but she had hoped there was at least a little shred of their friendship intact. She wanted to know if he was okay, if he had indeed joined the Death Eaters. What would she do if she saw him at the meeting tomorrow? Lyra didn't know but she hoped dearly that he would not be there.
Even though James had told her that Remus wanted to speak with her clearly to apologise for their argument, she had felt stubborn and had refused to return home, instead spending most of her time the next day with Lily. Although her best friend tried to get her to at least speak to the clearly worried Remus, she gave up upon seeing that Lyra would not give up easily but before long it was time to begin her mission. Dressing inconspicuously, she even cast a spell to change her hair to a light brown colour, shortening in length while her eyes turned brown also. If she could help it she did not want to be recognized. Pulling the hood of her cloak over her head she apparated into Diagon Alley after sunset and made her way through Knockturn Alley. There were a few glances spared her way from suspicious witches and wizards the prowled the dark corners but her presence seemed intimidating enough to keep them at bay, something Moody had taught her. Sometimes an intimidating presence was enough to give you the edge and stop a fight before it could erupt.
Winding through the winding brickwork she soon came across the meeting point, a shady alley behind Borgin and Burkes. Sticking to the shadows on the rooftop of a nearby shop, she listened intently to the sound of hushed voices from the group of dark clad witches and wizards. They were unchallenged in this area and it was not surprising considering the sort of witches and wizards that skulked around Knockturn Alley. Frowning at the odd buzzing in her ears as she tried to hear what they spoke of she recognized the charm with a sickening feeling. It was one of the spells she remembered Severus having invented luckily she could remember how to dispel it. Flicking her wand with a silent spell, their voices became much clearer.
"-We must proceed quickly and carefully," a familiar voice drawled with self-importance.
"Nevermind that Lucius," someone scoffed, "we've got those two blood traitors on the run, it's only a matter of time before we catch them."
Lucius Malfoy almost scoffed, "yes and by moving too quickly you are likely to bring in the force of Albus Dumbledore. Despite all that he is, it would be most unwise to underestimate him. The two Prewett boys will be dealt with soon," Lyra froze, her heart pounding suddenly in her chest at the mention of her cousins, "Dolohov will take-"
Whatever was about to be said was cut off as silence fell. Gripping her wand tightly, Lyra moved just as the spell exploded the roof tiles she had been resting against just moments before. Sliding down the rooftop as more spells sent tiles shattering around her, she threw up a quick shield as one got too close before jumping down into the dark alley across from where the Death Eater group had been. Landing a little roughly, she wasted no time in pulling herself back to her feet only to stop. Lucius Malfoy stood at the end of the alley, a smirk on his pale face. Suddenly she was surrounded, several Death Eaters flanking him and behind her towered no other than a familiar brute of a man, Fenrir Greyback. Things had quickly gone bad to worse but in the back of her mind all she could think about was that her cousins were in trouble.