Next chapter we find out what Lyra is!

To be a Gryffindor

He'd told her to go back to bed! After giving her that shocking news of Arthur Weasleys injuries he'd told her to go back to bed! But she couldn't go back to bed! She had to help the twins! They needed her.

Well ok, maybe they didn't exactly need her Lyra acknowledged. They were probably too worried to even spare her a single thought. But she wanted to be there for them as a friend would, Her Hufflepuff side was showing. That and she liked Mr. Weasley. She'd met him once, he was nice a bit muggle obsessed but he had the kindest blue eyes she'd ever seen. Lyra would reveal herself in an instant to save him and his kind boyish smile and he was such a gentlemen. And she could freely admit she was unwilling to break the family up should his injuries turn severe.

So after stubbornly refusing to go back to bed until she could see her friends or until he brought her to St. Mungo's, they'd come to a compromise. He would take her to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix tomorrow after he visited Arthur in the hospital. Reluctantly she'd turned back to the stairs, understanding what the family needed was to be together tonight and without interruption, and fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow (much to her chagrin, she'd anticipated tossing and turning and staring blankly at the ceiling fretting).

It was now just after lunch and Lyra was pacing in the front hall, fiddling with the hem of her purple dress shirt, biting her lip as her eyes darted about impatiently. The clock was the object of her concentration as she glanced up from her paces, and then to the satchel that was near the stairs filled with candy and the twins Christmas presents (she wasn't sure if the other Weasley's would need comfort and the candy would be a nice gesture she hoped). As well as some clothes, her grandfather explaining that she could move if wanted. Damn right she wanted.

Pausing as the clock was being a tease by moving so slow, she tapped her foot anxiously until there was a small barely heard 'pop' and her grandfather was there in his black robes. She took a step back and scooped up the strap of her bag, tossing it over her head as she curled her arm around Daniel's with a determined look. "I'm ready."

He laughed and tried to tug her arm off of his, but she wasn't having any of that. "Don't miss a trick do you love? Not even going to let this weary ancient rest his legs a mo'?" Impatiently Lyra bounced on her feet. "No. Rest when we get there. You promised." She said shortly waiting for the twisting of apparating. "Very well, love." He said with a wink, not willing to deny her patting her arm. "It's time for me to measure these Weasley boys myself anyways…"

Lyra didn't get to answer and didn't bother to try as they appeared on some street she didn't recognize. She was given a scrap of paper with the words 'The Order of the Phoenix is located at 12 Grimmauld place'

She concentrated on it wordlessly recognizing the magic around it. The paper turned to dust in her hands blowing away in the winds.

The door was immediately answered by Sirius Black, she recognized him from the Daily Prophet mugshots they had printed. Well…they certainly did not do him justice…Lyra thought faintly momentarily distracted from her mission as she flushed ducking her head. Did he have to be so hot!?

"Daniel, welcome and ah…" Her host greeted with a rich timber that Lyra looked up into his twinkling dark eyes. Something about him just screamed 'old school bad boy' not that she had a problem with that at all...Because obviously being locked into Azkhaban with bloody Dementors did nothing to lessen his physic either.

"Who's this?" For someone who'd been labeled a malicious murderer for the dark lord he had such bright playful eyes. "Lyra…" She squeaked trying to get a hold of herself as she plucked the strap of her bag. He took her hand; brushing his lips to the back of her knuckles with a wink, oh yeah he knew exactly what kind of presence he had. You know…actually, it didn't make her feel gross at all when someone kissed her knuckles after all. Sirius Black had the way with the ladies apparently.

Trapped in the house with three fine wizards? Lyra knew she wouldn't stand a chance when it came to losing her blush…

"Pleasure, my dear. Welcome to my home." She squeaked out something that hopefully resembled a pleasure to meet you as well, because it certainly was a pleasure. As if reading her thoughts he chuckled backing away and holding his arm out in invitation.

'Hey now!" Daniel thumped his cane on the floor as Lyra pulled her bag over her head. "Don't be making moves on my granddaughter, you old dog. " He said thrusting his finger into Black's chest. Obviously affronted by the old comment, Sirius looked affronted. "Old? Looks who's talking. My hair hasn't even gone white yet! Not one streak of gray! Old dog my padded foot." Sirius muttered as Daniel smirked. Lyra only smiled apologetically. "Are Fre-the Weasley's here?" She corrected biting her lip at the near slip avoiding the smirk that was on her grandfather's face. She wanted to make sure all the Weasley's were alright not just Fred and George, even if she really did come for them.

Sirius shook his head waving them toward the living room calling a sharp. "Kreacher! Tea in the drawing-room!" Before sitting on the couch. Daniel settled himself into the large arm-chair forcing Lyra to shyly share the couch with Sirius Black. She honestly needed to get herself under control, Lyra thought mentally rolling her eyes at her behavior. "They're still visiting Arthur, but they should return soon."

Lyra deflated slightly, her shoulders sagging in slight disappointment causing Sirius to arch a brow in amusement only for the rugged looking house-elf to enter dressed in only a loin-cloth. Lyra didn't know what to make of the sneering little elf, especially when most of the house-elves in her home were…cleaner? Happier? Everything this little guy wasn't, as he pushed the tea trolley in.

"The masters brought more filth into the home…who dares enter? Oh my Mistress' heart would break.."

"Tea Master." Alright, so maybe he had a bit of a mouth on him. He was certainly snarkier than anyone she'd met. It was like he was speaking to himself for reassurance, to himself and who better to understand all that pure-blood nonsense filling his head than him? He set the cups down before them pausing in front of Lyra the tips of his ears curling in as he regarded her. "Oh…poor creäture, Kreacher knows what stays in the Honorable house of Black. Mistress would welcome a creature of darkness….worthless son, she called him. Kreacher knows, he broke her heart, with all the filth he defiles the name with."

"Be gone with you, blasted elf!" Sirius growled his eyes narrowed, and Lyra shakily sipped her tea, clutching her necklace closer. How did he know? Her eyes flicked back to her grandfather's fearfully, but he seemed content to sip the tea provided as she internally panicked. 'He would.' She thought wryly taking another sip and sighing in contentment and Kreacher bowed pleasantly. "Of course Master…scum…Kreacheer leaves now…not even good enough to have the name black…And goes to prepare the kitchen." He turned and walked away.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "My apologizes. He's been warped by my family, you'll get use to him eventually." Obviously the former prisoner was going to ignore hiss elf calling her out. She shivered and nodded her head, but Lyra didn't think so; especially with the 'creature of darkness' thing. That felt wrong to her. Not that he called out the darkness, but as if darkness was the wrong time she associated with. Lyra didn't feel comfortable being associated with the light either. That was too much all shimmery goodness and gumdrops with happy rainbows. And that thought was almost as scary as facing down Snape to get a perfect potions grade.

"The cold I can't do anything about either. My mother needed to make sure the ice around her heart never melted." Raising the cup in salute he took a sip, his eyes lingering on the shy witchling seated next to him. "So tell me…Lyra, you're in Harry's year aren't you?" Lyra looked up nodding slowly, fascinated the way his eyes shifted into warm longing for his godson. The song around him was a sorrowful one, filled with the hope for an opportunity to give for the legacy of Lily and James. Tempted to reach out and touch the glittering notes of deep almost black blue with the soft hopeful touches of mint green that flickered a fiery red for anger on Harry's behalf.

Oh no, no, no. That wasn't good. She wasn't supposed to access that power as long as she had her necklace on her. There must be a charm around the house that canceled out the one on her necklace. Anxiously her fingers twisted into the hem of her shirt as she tried to concentrate on the conversation. Hopefully her eyes didn't change.

"Yes, in the same house as well." Seeing the pleased incline of her head she spoke. "But I-"

The door opened a clatter of chaotic family entered and Lyra nearly dropped her tea in her lap. Setting the cup down, hopping off the couch. "Excuse me." And dashed around the table without waiting for another word much to the two men's amusement, especially as Lyra launched herself at the first twin she could find which was George.

"Geo!" She cried arms wound around his neck as she pressed her nose to his neck shuddering at his musky earth toned scent. Oh yeah, she missed his scent so much…it made her head delightfully fuzzy…

"Rabbit!" Fred and George both called pleasantly surprised by her appearance. She drew back and turned just in time for Fred to grab her and pull her close, nose buried in her wavy hair. Well, who was she to deny him the closeness he wanted? It did help she was trying not to think about the last time she saw him and the spice of his scent certain ensured she didn't. "Freddie!" Lyra said in relief glad to have the both of them nearby again. Pulling back she stepped away, both of her hands holding one of theirs as they all seemed to chat at once in the middle of the doorway.

"I came as soon as I could. How is your dad?"

"How did you find us?"

"How did you know dad was injured? No one's reported it-"

"My grandfather's in the order. Is he?"

"He's injured-" "Healing from a snake bite-" "Order business they keep telling us-"

"How awful! I wanted to he-"

Ron, annoyed he couldn't get past the trio in the door way groaned. "Will you all move out-of-the-way? Some of us would like to get inside! It's bloody freezing out here. Not that the house does much good-" Lyra paused turning around as her mouth dropped open in surprise. Molly, Ginny, Harry, and Ron were all there staring at the three with a mixture of annoyance, surprise and puzzlement (and if that knowing twinkle in Mrs. Weasley's eye didn't cause her to be weary…).

"Ronald Weasley!" Mrs. Weasley hissed causing the boy to grumble as she pushed past him into the kitchen. She would have to save her introductions for later. Lyra wondered if he would ever learn. "What? They're the ones who won't move…" "Careful Ronniekins..." Fred sneered. George grinned with a wink at Lyra. "Someone might think you're jealous of our pretty bird." He finished taunting his younger brother causing both Ron and Lyra to flush in anger and awkwardness .

"You're forgetting Forge, Ronnie doesn't go for the sweet ones." He crooned bending his head slightly so his reddish spikes fell in his eyes. "He likes the bossy-" "Bushy-haired" George chimed in with a wink as Fred continued. "Book worm" "Grade grubbing" "Mischief killing" "Rule-abiding" "Granger." The twins finished in unison as Ron turned purple, and Lyra scowled.

She got that Ron had a crush on Hermione and was utterly blind on the fact Hermione had a crush on him, what she didn't like was the twins teasing him about it. Yeah, yeah male code, older siblings rights, budger it. It was wrong and only proved to her the twins would mock her endlessly for her crush on them. That wasn't ok. Embarrass Ron all they wanted, but don't drag someone's crush into it. Ginny rolled her eyes pushing past them, Lyra turned to them putting her hands on her hips. Ron scowled, glaring fiercely as he and Harry disappeared up the stairs.

"Fred. George." Lyra said pointedly her eyes flickering black in disappointment. Confused the boys waited for her to continue, but Lyra huffed and pushed past them going back into the living room only for one of them to grab her.

Honestly grabbing her and being in her face, what was she some naughty child to be picked up.

Only this time, Lyra grabbed the hand going for her and twisted on her heel, ducking down right under it once she cleared releasing Fred's hand. Grinning she winked playfully at Fred mentally screaming at herself. Why was she being so damn bold suddenly? She glanced down at her necklace nervously, but found herself enjoying it. It wasn't like a complete shift of personality; she'd always wanted to show off a bit, despite being careful not to get attention.

But both knew she was different….

Fred's eyes narrowed in challenge. George stepped up beside him with a lazy lop-sided grin. "Freddie…I think we were just challenged." Because once you challenge one twin the other wasn't that far behind now were they? Lyra gulped audibly and stepped back.

"I believe so. Uh-uh, rabbit! No running off." Fred sang playfully, his eyes daring her as he advanced. Lyra smiled slowly her eyes bright as she waited for him to move. But it was George who dived for her this time and Lyra escaped just as his fingers brushed against the material of her shirt.

"Why not? Can't catch me." Lyra returned the banter she'd grown familiar with in the time they'd been friends. "We've caught you twice-" "Three times!" George amended childishly as Fred nodded with a solemn nod. "Of course, Georgie, of course how could I forget? But four is a better number than three, don't you think?" From the evil spark in his eyes and the roguish wink at Lyra once she finished cringing from that awful name and he lunged for the girl who danced out-of-the-way easily hopping up on the first step spinning gracefully and hoping down to avoid George who'd tried do a sneak attack.

"You're not going to catch me now, Freddie, especially after using that name." Lyra grinned mischievously. She loved this, the playful banter

It was like a dance between the three of them, both boys shifting and reading each other's movements as they tried to grab the dodging rabbit that was doing surprisingly well to avoid their snatching fingers.

"How are you doing that?" George questioned curiously, they were staring at her as she stood perfectly still before them somehow taking in both of their movements. "I…" Lyra bit her lip nervously. How did one describe a family training technique?

"Magic fails sometimes, lads." Her grandfather swept in with Sirius trailing behind him in interest. They turned in surprise at the fit Santa Claus look-alike. "Grandfather…" Lyra whispered with caution as they glanced back at her in surprise. "It's important to know more than just the magic you use with the wand. Wandless, even non-verbal is dangerous sorts against you and if your wand is taken you're done for. Unless…" His eyes darkened and Lyra stared at him frantically shaking her head pushing to stand protectively toward thee confused boys. "Stop it, old man." She commanded her eyes flickering black in response.

He smiled kindly a bit too innocently as he chuckled with that deep brogue. "M'not doing anything of the sort, my Lyra love." Hearing her snort of disbelief the twins glanced back in shock. They'd never heard Lyra be so…flip with someone before. It did give them a bit of a thrill…to know the sweet rabbit did have a bit of a bite, but they'd already discovered that hadn't they? "I'll believe you when Freddie and Geo renounce their prankster life-styles and convert to being Madam Prince's apprentices to take over the library and help Filch catch everyone doing every wrong deed for the rest of their lives."

They snapped out of it in an instant looking sick at the thought. "Rabbit! You've got to be kidding!?" George choked thumping a fist against his chest in disbelief. "Kill us slowly why don't ya?"

"Allow the world to live without the tricks and treats only the Weasley Twin Grandmaster Pranksters can offer?" Fred continued his brother's charade clutching his chest as he turned her around with a wink, hand firmly clasped around her wrist as he tugged her up against him. Her smile dimmed a bit (much to Fred's annoyance) but giggled anyways. "It's just…inconceivable!" Daniel looked on amused. "You going to introduce me to your friends, lass?" Lyra spun in Fred's arms, wiggling until hee released her.

"Daniel Mackade: The Weasley boys, Fred and George. Freddie, Geo, the old coot is my grandfather." She said with a saucy wink to the old man who scowled playfully and swung his cane out as she pressed back into Fred's chest causing him to lean back a bit to help her avoid the cane. "Watch where you swinging that thing!" Fred squawked and George nodded with a frown. Lyra only grinned wiggling around in the red heads arms. "Nu-uh caught you fair and square." Fred teased even going as far as to duck down to press his nose to hers briefly.

Right in front of the old man…She could hear him snickering from here.

"Fred…let me go." Lyra said quietly, she didn't want the old dinosaur to get the wrong idea about her and the twins. Sure she liked them, but Fred voiced aloud he practically thought of her as a little sister. And no doubt George shared those sentiments. Depressed again, Lyra pulled away only to meet a half second of resistance. He seemed to be debating with himself, clearly frustrated with whatever it was as he nodded she stepped back as George subtly reached out his fingers brushing against the inside of her wrist as he bumped Fred's shoulder with his own.

"You staying here?" George asked calmly, though clearly curious as Fred tried to work off the frown. Well he was going to have to find some way to get her back to normal. "Aye, she is." Daniel interrupted smoothly reaching out and snagging his poor thing as she wilted in on herself like a flower denied the sun. He curled her into his side with an offer of warm comfort as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Held me as a hostage until she could come comfort her friends, fiercely loyal my love is." He said the last part softly eyeing the two boys contemplatively. They looked pleased and a little awed at his admission. "I did not." Lyra mumbled embarrassed avoiding their eyes.

She had of course, but did George and Fred really need to know that? Lyra wasn't so certain. "But here we are, and if I can convince ol' Black here to let her stay, she'll be here." The two red heads turned to Sirius who'd lingered in the doorway with an odd smile until he heard the words 'Old' in relation to him.

"You're nearly twice my age!" He protested with a grumble watching as Lyra smiled slowly at the older wizard. "No." She said softly stepping away from him to curl conspiratorial around Sirius' arm. "He's older than that. I heard even Merlin was in envy over his beard long before he grew one." Lyra said with such a hesitant expression he barked out a husky laugh, patting the hand resting on his. With a devilish smirk he winked at Lyra, who realizing what's she'd just done blushed furiously as the muscle under her arm twitched. "She can stay, especially when she puts you in your place, Ancient one." Daniel huffed looking like a disgruntled child despite the length of his beard.

'Should have taken the belt to her…" Daniel muttered but his eyes were glowing to see she was falling back into comfortable banter. "You've never raised a hand to me." Lyra told him with a sweet smile. "And why would I?"

Sirius blinked, as the MacKades continued their banter, suddenly feeling the icy chill of someone glaring massive holes into his body (really he'd gotten use to the look being the subject of Snape's hatred and all but this felt different, though just as hostile). Looking up arched a brow as Fred glared at him intensely, the fist at his side curling and shaking. George wasn't glaring exactly but he was frowning, his eyes turning frosty at the hand he was using to hold Lyra's to him. It was an odd roll for the Marauder, seeing as both of the red haired boys had practically dropped to their knees to worship him and Remus once they'd discovered who they were. Deciding he was still too much of a Marauder to let things go, he caught up the hand laid delicately on his and kissed her hand again, lingering chuckling as she made that adorable squeaked again.

Pulling away he nodded. "You can stay here. I'm sure Molly will enjoy another mouth to feed. Enjoy your stay." He purred watching from the corner of his eye as Fred took a step forward only to be stopped by George discreetly grabbing his side, only barely as he glared harder. "Th-thank you." Lyra said softly, dazed and confused by the attention.

"I'm sure Fred and George can show you to your room. Lucky they finished cleaning a bedroom out yesterday." Daniel nodded when Lyra looked to him. 'Go on, love. I'll see you at dinner. I'm sure I can sweet talk Molly into feeding us both and Mira to take the night off." Rolling her eyes as Daniel winked at Sirius who grinned. "See you old man." Sirius chuckled and Daniel scowled. "Albus will always be older!" He declared twisting and returning to his home. Sirius rolled his eyes and moved back to hide out in his study for when Molly felt like recruiting him for cooking again.

"Freddie? Geo? Are you both alright?" Lyra asked softly cocking her head to the side. Fred was looking stiff and irritated, while George looked calmly at her. "We're fine, rabbit. Fredericka's just reacting to his time of the month." He said it with such a straight face it took her a moment to see the frost in his eyes melt as they sparked with mischief once again.

Fred snapped out of it punching him in the arm. 'Prat! I'm not a bird!" George chuckled stepped to Lyra curling an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, I'll show you to your room, then our room…" His voice lowered as he his head, forehead resting against her temple as he kissed her cheek sweetly. "Two rooms with beds, rabbit, look like we won't have to worry about finding an ally here." At her dazed look he burst out laughing, giving her one wet sloppy kiss to her cheek. "Hold on." He said with a wink twisting and apparating to the twin's room before she could reply.

She groaned, slumping against him from the unexpected transportation. He wrapped an arm around her soothing one up and down her back. "Sorry…should have warned you sooner." George chuckled softly, and Lyra knew he wasn't actually sorry but she nodded all the same straightening up as Fred appeared pointing accusingly at George.

"First you call me a bird-" Lyra looked around the room in interest. This was the twins room, they were bound to have something intere-was that an ear on the bed? She wandered over. Poking it only to shudder as it shuddered from the intrusion. 'Which I assured you, brother of mine, I am not. We're twins' ,git. Identical twins-" "I'm the handsomer twin." George disagreed easily with a cheeky grin. Fred scoffed running a hand through his hair. "As if. And then you proposition our rabbit without me!?" He cried dramatically clutching his chest. 'And then you take her up here to have your wicked way and not even-"

Lyra shuddered, oh that sounded way too good. Shouldn't she be to delicate for thinking of such things or something like that? Really there were other things her mind could be doing? Damn George for giving her all sorts of ideas. "Wicked way?" Lyra whispered trying to douse the flames erupting across her face traveling down her neck.

"I don't think I've ever seen her blush that much…" George observed in amusement. Fred chuckled as well nodding his head. "Don't pass out on us rabbit." Fred cautioned half-heartedly hoping up to lay on his bed crossing his hands behind his head, his ankles crossed.

And didn't he look scrumptious? Lean body relaxed and stretched out across the deep emerald comforter his shirt riding up slightly from his arms being behind his head. Best part about it was George would look exactly the same if he was in that position. Scent would be different though..

"Rabbit." George snapped her out of it just as her tongue danced across her lips. She looked up at him in surprise. "Y-yes?" Merlin, was that her voice? She sounded ready to purr and be stroked to her heart's content. Maybe even by two tasty looking red-head. "You're eyes are different again." George pointed out after clearing his throat. "What?" Lyra asked in alarm and turned to find a mirror only for George to calmly turn her back again. "They're normal again…I thought the necklace-" Fred sat up by now waltzing over to stare in her eyes. They flickered in response. "They changed for a mo' what happen?" Lyra shrugged helplessly stepping back to wave at the walls of the room.

"Something's blocking the charms on my necklace. I don't know. My powers keep….flickering?" They looked up staring at each other in concern. "Maybe you should go home." George said slowly. Lyra frowned rubbing her arm. They didn't want her to stay? Well...she supposed she didn't have to. Lyra had made sure they were alright, and their father would likely be released soon so…

"Alright.." Lyra muttered, trying not to be hurt by it. "Don't do that." Fred chided reaching out to cup her cheek. "We don't want you to go-" "But your secrets in danger" "especially if your powers-" "Are flickering." They finished in unison with lopsided smiles, though worry curled around their mouths.

"Oh." Lyra said, that giddy feeling returning. They were only worried about keeping her safe! Well that was understandable. It was supposed to be kept locked up tightly. So they were just looking out for her…

Like they would for Ginny.

Whoa and the bitter thought appeared out of nowhere. But that made sense to as she stabbed the giddy feeling to death. As a sister. It was only natural they looked after her. Right. That made sense. "Well…Grandfather is coming back for dinner…I could always ask him to check them, even add more charms?" They beamed, and Lyra somehow felt she'd given the right response.

"Right! Well until then, rabbit. Let's show you our goods-" Fred said waggling his brows. Her head was dizzy again. Merlin help her…surely they couldn't mean… Oh Godric, she knew her thoughts usually led there but she wasn't entirely sure she was ready to go down that route!

George burst out laughing smacking his twin upside his head calming Lyra down considerably. "Cool it Freddie!" Wiping the tears of mirth from his eyes he turned to Lyra. "He meant our inventions. We have a few of them we want to show you." "Of course that's what I meant. Get your mind out of the gutter." Fred said to his twin grinning sinfully as he sent Lyra a none to innocent wink with that wickedness. Lyra grinned, she'd certainly missed their jokes and affections since she'd been back.

"I've missed you both." Lyra said softly as George held up a pair of extendable ears, and Fred some kind of candy she didn't recognize (and certainly would not be putting anywhere near her mouth). Both sets of dodger blue eyes softened considerably at the admission and they leaned forward giving her one of those soft feather light kisses she was always hoping for. "We missed you too." They said in unison keep their tone just as soft.

"Lee more though." Lyra teased ducking her head looking up at them, hoping they'd appreciate the joke. Fred's jaw dropped as George's lips twitched up into an approving smirk. "Fred…" He drawled snapping his twin out of it. "Yes, Georgie…" Lyra winced narrowing her eyes.

"I believe…this calls for revenge, Gred. We were just put second best to Lee." George made a mock disgusted face as Fred nodded solemnly. "How long til dinner, Forge." He pretended to check a watch latched on his wrist. "I'd say plenty of time for revenge." He declared before they both advanced diving at her place on the bed (this time not allowing her to escape) as they tickled her mercilessly.

Her squeals, begging and peals of laughter had Ron, Ginny and Harry bursting through the door curiously, causing the three occupants of the bed to pause. Lyra panted between them, taking in all the air she could hope to calm down a bit as she wiped at her cheeks, removing her dried tears.

"What are you staring at-" "Can't a bloke greet-" "his rabbit?" They questioned, George giving a pointed look while Fred nodded look smug. "Jealous, the lot of them Forge." Fred said as Ginny rolled her eyes and turned heading back to her room, her brothers would never change, Harry silently moved away off to brood again. Ron stared at Lyra bewildered though, as if he'd never seen her before. And Lyra thought that Ron was that oblivious that no, he wouldn't have noticed her. Even if they were in the same year, same classes, same DA club…she hung with his brothers….

Damn he was blind.

"Agreed, Gred. And why wouldn't they be?" George leaned down to give her a loud smacking kiss on flushed her cheek as she beamed up at him his arm curling around her back to help her sit up. Lyra hadn't realized she craved their affectionate gestures so much. It was like a small addiction George and Fred were more than willing to take care of, even unknowingly. "What's she doing here?" Ron asked and Lyra was sure he hadn't meant to be rude, but his tone caused her to cringe cuddling back into Fred, only to stiff and move back to George's side.

Fred noticed the movement and frowned momentarily before catching her and tugging her close, his bright cheery mood back as his hand clumsily stroked her hair. "As if we'd miss out on calling our shagging partner over break." Ron turned red in surprise as he fumbled pointing at them both. "Both of you?" He looked a little green, in envy or sickened she couldn't tell, and Lyra looked a lot of red. Good thing Christmas was coming up, right?

"Of course. One Weasley twin is damn good-" "Both of us completely unbelievable. Magical, I thought she described the other day Forge." Fred finished with a cheeky wink. Lyra gaped and smacked his chest, much to his pleasure. At least she wasn't pulling away from him. 'Freddie, give it a rest!" She moaned in embarrassment only for George to join in.

"No, Gred…I believe her exact words were 'Oh sweet Merlin, again!" He said making his voice high-pitched and girlie. "Geo!" Lyra sagged against Fred, holding her forehead. They must be perfectly at ease if they could joke about the escapades that never happen just to get a rise out of her and Ron. Fred tightened his grip in response kissing the top of her head with a large exaggerated noise. "And we can this time, Forge. This place has more than enough beds.-" And desks"- Better than our favorite ally…" Ron made a strangled noise and finally scampered off and Lyra scowled struggling out of Fred's arms.

She was severely lacking in the three C's now: composure, composure, composure. Had to a get a grip before Lyra knew she would melt into a puddle of red embarrassment. It was bad enough she wasn't going to be looking Ron in the eyes for years.

"And where are you going?" Fred demanded as George tugged back her shoulders. "Revenge rabbit! There is always more than one cold dish to be served!" They cackled madly as she laughed once again.

Lyra should have known something bad was going to happen soon. Arthur Weasley getting injured aside, she should have known bad things come in threes and the universe was not about to just brush aside the opportunity for more trouble.

The hybrid should have been more alert. Her charms weren't working, and Kreacher knew what she was, but other than that everything was fine. As fine as they could be in the house that was headquarters to a secret group that was out to protect the wizarding world from Voldemort. Because it wasn't as if any of these secret societies just sat around getting fat off of tea cakes and earl grey right? Nope.

Dinner was fine. She'd been introduced to Molly Weasley, who declared she was certainly pretty but would need some fattening up. Other order members joined in (Remus, Tonks, her grandfather as promised; Moody was guarding Arthur until Tonks returned) and it was pleasant with the twins pranking and storytelling, trying to outdo Sirius' stories of mischief with Remus Lupin adding in his dry two cents as he tiredly rubbed his eyes. The werewolf (yes, were-wolf you didn't have amazing senses like hers and not know your teacher was a werewolf) ex-professor was the source of her current problems Lyra decided.

His eyes had watched her like hawk (probably a bad joke somewhere about that) well…not her, more her interactions with the twins. It made her uneasy and uncomfortable and she didn't like it. Lyra toyed with the idea of simply asking him, but as he held her questioning void eyes he seemed to almost…snarl at her.

Lyra clutched her necklace closer as they all moved to the living room, she was firmly tucked between the twins which if anything made Lupin even more uneasy and edgy he'd snapped at Sirius once and merely glared at Mrs. Weasley when she called his attention (Yeah, it was probably best not to snap back at Molly Weasley). Lyra couldn't figure out for the life of her what she'd done, but for some reason she wanted to growl back at him.

And if growling at a werewolf wasn't the least bit alarming and dangerous she might have seriously considered it…

"Wonderful meal as always, Molly. " He usually would have made a crack about stealing her from Arthur, but that would have been in bad form when the man was in the hospital injured. Molly gave a strained smile, but Lyra could tell the compliment was appreciated. 'And the only thing to go with a meal that wonderful is entertainment…Lyra-love." Lyra snapped up, sitting straight up hands folded in her lap as she stared. Just what was the old man playing at? He couldn't be suggesting exactly what she thought he was right…?

"Won't you play something for us? Music is a good way to relax and digest. Some even say a soothing melody will help a pained person sleep." He spoke mildly, as if this was something they did every night, and not incredibly dangerous. He's said those words deliberately, as his gaze lazily slid to Molly and then to Harry, he wanted her to charm her song so they could sleep easier. They were the two most conflicted about the event (the twins had explained to her why Harry had left with them after finishing their revenge) and it was only natural they would be losing sleep over it.

"Of course…" The twins must have sensed her nervousness as they both discreetly pressed the pads of their fingers to the inside of her hands. Standing she flashed them a weak smile, walking over and holding out her necklace to her grandfather. He waved a hand over it lazily and it grew, not by much, but enough to rest in both of her small hands comfortably. Lupin was staring at her still, unblinking as she bowed to her audience with a flourish slowly falling to her knees as she pressed her lips to the mouth piece of the ocarina, slowly shuttering her eyes.

Expertly she played the instrument, keeping her eyes firmly closed to hide the change of her eyes, as the notes wept for the family before her before slowly growing, a calming, soft melody replacing the sorrow in steady tones keeping them light and airy as Lyra slowly pushed her power into the song. It was enough to calm and sooth the ones listening as her fingers pressed to one or two of the air holes before releasing them and switching them around as she too lost herself in bringing the notes to life, music intoxicating to her as Fred or George's scent could be, as she fought the urge to growl in pleasure as the fire in the fireplace warmed her back, the magic of the notes warming her hand.

And as the notes died down, she smiled as she pulled the smooth dragon tooth away from her buzzing lips. Pushing her powers down, and once Lyra was positively certain her eyes hadn't shifted; she opened them to look at all the dreamy faces of the witches and wizards in the room. "That was lovely, dear…" Mrs. Weasley praised, a serene smile setting on her lips. Lyra bowed her head in gratitude. "You'll have to play for Arthur sometime…he'll be sorry he missed it." There was a soft murmur of agreement as Lyra turned to her grandfather who gave a pleased nod, her necklace shrinking down to size.

Chance a look at the twins, Lyra canted her head to the side. They were staring at her in a way she hadn't noticed on their faces before. Like they were seeing her for the first time all over again, it made her blush (but really what didn't? Lyra acknowledged) how sharp their eyes were. Fred's were dark, heated making her lean back since he looked ready to snatch her up , his lips in a look of neutrality she never thought he or George could pull off (really they always had some emotion tugging on their lips smiles, frowns, sneers, leers). George's eyes held that darkness that only ever slinked into his eyes when Umbridge was around or Voldemort mentioned, was that boyish smile back with a vengeance to throw her heart into a tizzy. There were other things too… But Lyra was distracted by Professor Lupin.

He did not have a dreamy smile on his face, his shoulders were tense as he brooded in the corner his eyes flickering back and forth between her and the twins.

Lyra really, really should have known there was something wrong then and there.

But it wasn't until the next day, when Mrs. Weasley sent her to clean out a study (the twins were in their room working on a new batch of extendable ears) did she truly understand what was going on.

Entering, she looked around, scrunching her nose as dust assaulted her sensitive nasal cavity making her sneeze at least six times before she could walk in farther than the doorway. Setting the bucket of cleaning supplies down, she hummed picking a rag and some sort of polish, turning only when the door clicked shut.

"Oh Professor-" Be still her heart that apparently felt like taking a dive out of her chest " You scared me" Lyra said offering him a hesitant smile. He offered her nothing as she shifted, taking an unconscious step back not liking his silence at all, his wand was out, she noticed as he waved it at the door causing it to lock.

Isn't this how all those Muggle horror films started out? Adult male locking an unexpected girl in a room? Fear raced through her then and if the room wasn't already so cold, she would have sworn his eyes had made the place freezing.

"W-why did you lock the door?" Lyra whispered her eyes large and pleading as he continued his silent treatment.

"I know what you are." He spoke and she swore it was like someone pulled a string from the top of her head pulling her body taunt as her cheeks turned a deathly pale. "I don't know what you're talking about…" The words left unmoving lips as he observed her for a moment.

"You know what I am." He said simply and Lyra could have kicked herself. Her necklace was being difficult so her scent wasn't masked, and for a werewolf who had a nose just as well as she did, he would know instantly. So yes, she knew exactly what he was. Just like he knew exactly what she was.

Why hadn't she paid attention before?