Whoa...I've certainly been gone for a while, huh? Sorry about that, school has been crazy as hell, not to mention all of my other problems I won't dare to bore you with. I've lost my way a bit, so hopefully I can get back on track.

Um...couple of things. Like I keep saying, I don't know how she's going to end up with both of them. I also warned a couple of chapters ago that if it makes you uncomfortable stop reading. I, personally, could not choose between Fred and George when I was planning out the story. They both seemed to fit in the situations planned out, sometimes Fred worked better and sometimes George. It's just what happens. But this could also change. After all of this she may only end up with one of them. But keep in mind; they are with Lyra and not each other. Sorry, no twin action here haha.

Also, I don't think I over-powered Lyra. I think it only seems that way because we haven't gotten into any of her weaknesses yet. Minstrels (even powerful Hybrids) aren't infallible. She can be killed, and beaten. There are beings her voice doesn't affect, ways to get around her voice. She has restrictions. I just haven't gotten there yet. But keep in mind you can't put human restrictions on her. She's not entirely human.

Yes, Lyra is still timid. But she has changed a bit since the beginning. I said this story was going to be long and on the slow path. I want her to grow. I don't want the switch to be instant. Fred and George have helped, but there is more Lyra has to go through.

I believe...that about covers it….

Onward!

Disclaimer: I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter or the 'verse. But I do own Lyra, Wicky, Grandfather MacKade and an array of other beings of the sort I introduce. Lucky me, mwahahaha..

Chapter 25:

"Where the devil is it!?"

Growling as he reached his room, he flung his bag off to the side glaring at it as if it was the source of his current problem. Scowling he scanned the room his jaw nearly dropping as he spotted the parchment resting on his bed. "I must be going barmy…" Lee muttered to himself rubbing the bridge of his nose before walking over cautiously.

This all seemed a bit suspicious, after all.

Pausing, he looked around once before making a dive for for it to disappear with a barely audible 'pop'.

"Bollocks." Lee cursed fist slamming down onto the neatly made bed. With a small growl he scrambled off the bed standing in the middle of the room. "Alright you two! Give it back. I need it, yeah? Stop messing about!" Lee demanded waiting impatiently. The twins were always messing with him, but they had never gone this far over such an important paper.

"Two, sir? There is only one Wicky. And no other of Wicky's kind is present." Pivoting around Lee looked down in surprise to see Wicky and his large emerald eyes staring up at him quizzically. The ratty tunic was slipping from one shoulder and in his nimble fingers he held both his agate wand and Lee's paper for Macgonagle.

"Wicky? You took my paper-" Well at least there would be no need for retaliation on those crazy gingers. Wicky's lips trembled as he ducked his head down, kicking at the floor. Looking every inch like a small boy not willing to admit he pushed someone in a sand pit.

"But I had to sir, was the only way to get you alone. Away from my Lie' and her Wheezes. Wicky has already punished himself sir, and again because he's gone against his Lie's orders of no self-harm. " He wailed falling to his knees and Lee noticed one of the wrinkled ears was a bit singed. He winced at the sight.

"Alright, alright!" Lee said, kneeling down before the sobbing elf, extracting his slightly soggy , now he had to turn in a late and soggy paper. Macgonagle was going to fry him."Why me alone? Is Lyra alright? Has something happened again?" Placing his hands on Wicky's shoulders to make him focus Lee shook him slightly to get Wicky's attention.

Sucking in air through his nose, wiping the dripping appendage (Lee flinched slightly) Wicky stared at him nodding his head vigorously. "Thats why the Wicky has come to find you, sir! You must stop Lie. She wishes to do something dangerous. Could let her secret out to the horrid pinky! Mus'nt let that happen. She'll be sent away. Lie cannot leave Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She must stay. She must." Wicky told him frantically his arms waving about.

Lee frowned, confused and oddly flattered. "What kind of dangerous!?" Hoping to his feet he reaches inside his cloak for his wand as Wicky blinks up at him.

"She wishes to steal the quill from the pink one." Wicky replied, trembling.

Lee was filled with a sense of dread, nearly dropping his wand. Whatever he'd been expecting the danger to Lyra to be in, it certainly hadn't been that! "What? I've got to get Fred and George-" "No!" Wicky scampered after the seventh year, jumping up to latch onto Lee's back trying to scramble his way up onto the wizards shoulders.

Lee stumbled, dropping his wand as he tried to reach back for the house elf currently tugging on his dreads. Trying to stay on his feet, his pesky robe slipped under his foot (maybe with just a bit of help from the agate wand of the house elf) and knocked him on his back, Wicky on his chest. "You mus'nt!" The elf cried grabbing the collar of his robe.

Alright, as mean as it was to think, Lee did not ever want any house elf this close to his face. With Wicky leaning down, he could see how leather-y his skin looked as the skin folded into itself. He looked slightly creepy as Lee winced and tried not to flinch back anymore. "What?"

"Find the red ones. Lie wouldn't like that. Must'n do that. Spider-head stops Lie. She moves tonight! Stop her, stop her." Wicky murmured frantically only to freeze as hurried footsteps bounded up through the staircase. Wicky squeaked and looked down at Lee once more. "Stop Lie." And snapped just as the door opened.

End flashback.

(Line)

Stealing the quill from right under Umbitch's nose.

The barmy bird was either trying to get herself killed or was trying to make up for some imagined wrong she'd done. Knowing Lyra, it was probably the latter of the two reasons.

Lee shook his head. The blood ink quill though. It worried him, what could have have possibly happened that would drive her to try something like this? Endangering her secret and possibly her life wasn't a way to make up a bloody thing.

But perhaps he had one or two things to make up for. Now that Wicky had made him look, he realized he hadn't seen Lyra all day since she'd missed both breakfast and lunch. And now it was obvious it was more than some illness keeping her away. But neither Fred nor George had mentioned her or tried to seek her out. So maybe it was when they'd gone back to talk to her last night? He'd been off with Alicia when they'd gone to talk to Lyra. And when he got back, only Fred had been in the room looking through his potions book looking drawn and thoughtful. Lee had assumed it was only due to his upcoming potions exam and gone to bed.

He shifted guiltily, brows furrowing together. Well now he felt like a git and a bloody horrible friend.

None of that was helping him figure out what the hell was going on though. His brows furrowed together as he fisted a clump of his dreads in his hands. "What the hell is going on…?"

"Well mate, while you were off in your dream land, class ended. You're lucky the ol' battle axe didn't catch ya' this time." " Fred said cheekily hopping up on the table beside him drawing a knee to his chest.

"Yeah." George agreed, hopping up on the other side. "But don't worry. We'd of told Minnie you were busy dreamin' bout your girlfriend." He said wagging his brows in a suggestive manner as he snatched up a quill to twirl in his hands. Lee scowled, punching Fred in the arm as the redhead batted his eyelashes and made kissing noises.

"Thanks, prats." Lee mumbled gathering his books, walking out the door flanked by two red haired nutters. "What's bugging ya?" Fred asked, probing his shoulder with one of his thin finger.

Lee seriously debated going against Wicky's wishes and telling his friends everything. While Lee considered himself close to Lyra, he wasn't the one (or ones) she liked as in more than just friends. Fred and George were the obvious choice and not only because Lyra liked them. But because they actually seemed to have a genuinely deep bond with the younger Gryffindor. That and there was two of them. One to tackle her and one to stop whatever spell she was casting. You know, just in case.

But then he remembered if Lyra was running from the twins, it was unlikely she'd actually stay put if she spotted two gingers charging toward her. Which meant he was the obvious choice since Wicky wasn't having any luck.

Merlin, this was turning into one of those Muggle Soap's his mum was always watching.

"Nothing." He answered, zoning back in noticing the look George was giving him. Catching himself he continued walking not even realizing he paused. "Just wondering where Lyra's been. I haven't seen her all day." He remarked casually, fixing the collar of his robe. George instantly gave him a warning look like he knew what the hell was going on and Fred's shoulders tensed up.

For the love of Helga Hufflepuff he seriously needed to find out what happen…..Lee thought nearly grabbing onto his dreads in frustration.

But George was the one to answer. With a shrug the elder twin voiced his reason. "Lyra wants to spend a few days away. Said Peeves felt neglected." George shuddered playfully. "Didn't want that git coming after us with those balls again."

That would have been a good reason. Entirely plausible even, considered Peeves was somewhat possessive. Lee probably would have believed him, if it hadn't been for the fact George's smile looked forced and Fred hadn't cracked any jokes during the explanation. But far be it from him to push.

"Can't blame say I blame her. It is a bit much with you both as her constant shadows.." Lee remarked playfully. Alright, so he was pushing a bit. But damnit if he didn't find out what was going on soon he didn't know what he would do.

The Weasley's grew quiet and pensive for a moment, and Lee's joking smile faded slowly as the quiet lingered.

Drawing to a halt again he glared heatedly. "Alright, that's it. Someone better tell me what's going on with you lot. Lyra wouldn't stay away for just no reason. And you both have been looking like someone just told ya Zonko's shut down for good. Now start talkin'." Lee demanded narrowing his eyes threateningly.

They stared at him, and then each other before Lee snapped again. "Start talking."

"Che." Fred said crossing his arms and looking off to the side. "She….told us she likes us, alright?" Fred admitted after a pause looking distinctly uncomfortable Lee stared at him blankly for several moments.

Lee felt the exact moment his jaw became unhinged, as it dropped from the sheer shock of what he'd just been told. Lyra confessed? She actually confessed? Bloody hell, she'd nearly broke down into tears when he'd made the suggestion the week before and now she confessed? Actually, that explained a few things. Like why she wanted a bit of space.

"Blimey…" Lee breathed, not knowing whether to be excited or throttle both of his best mates were still avoiding his eyes..Which couldn't be a good thing. Fred and George always looked someone in the eyes, they never backed down. 'What did you two say?" He questioned suspiciously. "What could we say!?" Fred snapped back tossing his hands up above his head in frustration.

"We may have pushed her a little bit." George said slowly, putting a hand on Fred's shoulder to calm him down. "Pushed." Lee echoed slowly, resisting the urge to bang his head against the wall since he was beginning to have more questions than answers. What was it with everyone and being cryptic today? Could no one give a straight answer?

"She might have told us a bit more than she planned to." George admitted with a mysterious grin and Fred's lips twitched in amusement.

Lee scowled, crossing his arms. "You're both doing this on purpose. Prats." It wasn't worth the headache to argue further so he continued. "Well...what did you say to her!?" Lee asked pushing past them to continue their trek to the Gryffindor tower.

"Who?" Drawled Fred, picking a piece of lint from his robe. "Lyra! What did you say to her?" Lee growled in exasperation.

"Ohhh…" George winked playfully at his twin. Pausing they stood before him, taking a deep breath, they answered in unison, smiles gone.

"Nothing."

Lee could feel his eyes twitch in disbelief. "Nothing? That girl finally confesses to both of you and you're brilliant replies are 'nothing'? Ya don't say a single word to the bird!?" Fred scowled, his eyes flashing which was usually a dangerous sign but Lee wasn't afraid. He was running on his own temper. And if he thought he could take on Fred and George he would have. Saying nothing. His fists clenched. All he could think of was her panic and fear, the tear in her eyes when she admitted to him she would say nothing to them. She'd finally gotten the courage and...what? Nothing? Maybe Lyra was right, it wasn't worth it.

"She made us leave before we had a chance to say anything'." George cut in calmly. "You know our rabbit, couldn't even look us in the eye-" "We tried but the crazy bird wouldn't listen." Fred finished in affectionate exasperation.

Ah, now that sounded exactly like Lyra. Relaxing his tense muscles he rolled his eyes. "Well you should have said that in the beginning." He informed them nodding so they continued walking again. "So she confessed…" Lee said carefully glancing at them from the corner of his eyes. At their nods he whistled. "Tough break mates, What are ya thinking? Especially when she's back to running. They smiled slyly, but never had the chance to answer because of an explosion echoing through the halls.

Lee paled, freezing instantly. "Lyra.." He said quietly, fumbling for his wand. Wicky said tonight! Dinner hadn't even started yet! She wouldn't have….damnit! She was going to get herself killed. He'd already taken off running when George shouted out. "Where ya going!?" "Lyra." Lee shouted over his shoulder in explanation.

The twins, although confused, chased after Lee feeling his urgency.

And really, that was all the explanation they needed before they were gaining on the half-blood wizard. Only to trip on an invisible string. They fell, tangled together. "Forge!" "Gred!" They growled to one another in urgency pulling at robes and limbs to free themselves. George, exasperated by this predicament reached for his wand only for another to say "Accio Wheezes wands." And both of their wands were caught by a familiar looking elf.

"Wicky!?" They cried in surprise and Wicky had the decency to look guilty as his singed ears curled at the tips. "I'm sorry, sirs. But Lyra cannot see you yet. It is not time." He told them biting his cracked lips and gently holding their wands along with his own. "Time my arse, let us go." Fred demanded. Wicky shook his head stubbornly. "Wicky cannot. It's not time yet." He repeated. George continued tugging, since it seemed only his legs were stuck to the floor by a loose sticking charm. Pausing to allow his strained muscles a break George looked at him. "Is she safe?" Wicky paused for a moment, licking his lips before nodding hesitantly. "Lie is safe." He agreed and George nodded, reaching out his free hand to smack Fred gently upside his head. "Let's go. You'll see Lyra later." He said casually and Fred nodded after a moment of steady glaring at Wicky. "Right.." He said in agreement as Wicky waved his wand and they were free. Standing up, they dusted themselves off holding out their hands for their wands. Wicky frowned knowing this wasn't a good idea.

"We're not going after her. Lee can do whatever it is you need him to do." George told him with a small grin. Fred nodded in agreement. Wicky put the wands down and quickly scampered back snapping to disappear. Best not to stick around in-case they were feeling a bit bitter about being bested by an elf.

Scowling Fred stalked over and picked up their wands. "I wonder why we have to stay away, aside from the obvious." George wondered as Fred tossed him his wand. George barely looked up to catch it. "Quit your belly-achin will ya? You get to see her later. I'm the one that has to wait." Fred pointed out with a roll of his eyes.

"Well if you hadn't lost…" George sang. "Lost? You cheated." Fred accused waving his hand dismissively. "You can't prove it, brother-o'-mine. " "I don't have to prove it, ya prat. I know." He said confidently and George shrugged in response. "You were cheating too." George retorted before going down the opposite hall Lee had taken.

Fred only snickered and followed after his brother. "Can't prove it." "I don't have to prove it, prat. I know." George mocked, dodging the punch Fred made toward his shoulder.

(line)

Lee skidded to a halt in the hallway that led to Umbridge's office. It was crowded with students and up front he could spot a few professors. The door to Umbridge's office was smoking, and he could spot that hideous shade of pink up front as well some of her covered in soot her hat askew. She was screeching at Filch demanding to know who had given Peeves such a dangerous weapon and what was the spell to send a ghost into the afterlife?

Lee doubted if there was even such a spell that it would work on Peeves. The lil bugger was too damn stubborn to actually cross over. But he ignored the screeching in favor of trying to find Lyra.

"Lee!" His girlfriend ran over to him eyes brightening as she grabbed his hands in greeting. "Did you see that!? Old Bridge's office!? Peeves literally blew it to smithereens. Where did he get those explosives though? Not part of the twins stalk are they?" Alicia asked suspiciously, eyeing her boyfriend. The terrible three were bad enough to give out exploding balls to that mischievous ghost.

Lee wasn't listening though. His eyes were too busy scanning the huddle of students. "That's great, Licia. Have you seen Lyra 'round here?" Alicia drew back in confusion, cocking her head to the side. "Um, Lyra? She's...well she was right over there…" She said slowly nodding her head in Lyra's direction.

His eyes shifted, and he spotted the girl on her tip-toes trying to see past some of the taller students. "Thanks. I'll catch you later." He said putting a distracted kiss on her cheek as he darted off. Alicia stared after him with narrowed eyes. Huffing angrily she pushed past a small Hufflepuff all the way back to her friends.

Lyra really despised being short. It wasn't even that she was short! In fact she was at a perfectly average height (and not to cornish pixies, thank you very so much Fred!), but she felt as though all the tall people in Hogwarts had suddenly decided that standing in front of her was the best viewing place ever. Well it wasn't.

Damnit move! She mentally demanded glaring heatedly at the tallest one in front of her. She wanted to see what was up with Peeves. Her insane best friend hadn't liked her plan. Which surprised her. Really, really surprised her. Out of everyone, Peeves should have been the most excited to steal and cause general mayhem. But he'd argued with her, and said he hadn't needed her help to get the stupid quill.

He just didn't understand it had to be her...it had to be!

With a yelp, she found her arm locked in a vice-grip, her body twirling around as she stumbled after Lee. "Lee? W-what?" She questioned but he seemed to be ignoring dragging her all the way to Myrtle's bathroom. Even Myrtle looked curiously at the two before diving down her usual toilet once he finally released Lyra's arm.

Well, that was quite an entrance.

"What's going on?" Lyra asked in confusion rubbing her arm, hoping the sting would go away quickly. He'd certainly made it so she hadn't been able to escape. Peering at him in concern she noticed he looked slightly frustrated as well.

"Well come on then, hand it over." He said impatiently, and really all she could do was stare at him in confusion. Maybe she blinked a few times as well. Either way, the girl had no idea what he was referring too. "Hand...what over?" Lyra asked the obvious question staring at Lee's out stretched hand.

"The bloody quill Lyra. I know you stole it. Mad plan that it was. You should have come to find me, If Wicky hadn't filled me in and practically forced me inta' promising not to get Fred and George involved, what would have happen?Well, I've seen what happen.I should have gotten to you earlier. I know ya probably thinking...no, wait, I've no idea what you were thinking!" He said tossing his hands up and gripping his dreads. Lyra flinched at the mention of her crushes. "So hand it over so we can chuck it in the lake before Umbitch finds us with it." He finished, wiggling his fingers impatiently.

Bowing her head she shrugged. "I don't have it." She admitted softly, biting her lip. Lee relaxed slightly, his shoulders dropping. "But I thought…" "I was going too." Lyra amended. "But….Peeves decided he wanted all the glory." She said with a half-hearted smile.

Oh yes, she was going too. She had been ready, she'd wanted Peeves and Myrtle to set up a diversion while she an Wicky ducked into Umbridge's office. Between the elf's magic and her senses, she was sure she could have stolen the quill. She'd wanted to,to burn off this need to feel some type of rush. To make up for what she'd done to Fred and George. But Wicky had cried and argued (while trying to punish himself at the same time), Peeves had refused when Wicky shouted that she'd have to leave Hogwarts. Myrtle had also be put out of joint that one of the only ones alive paying attention to her might possibly be sent away.

All in all it had been one big headache.

Lee heaved a sigh glancing off to the side before looking at Lyra again. She looked so...guilty. For what, Lee didn't even try to imagine. "Oh, come here." He sighed and reached out pulling her to his chest laying his cheek on top of her head as she wrapped her arms hesitantly around his waist. She shuddered as if she'd been waiting for human contact for lifetimes and Lee smiled slightly. "What were you doing rabbit?" Noticing her small flinch at the name he'd deliberately used, Lee pulled back some to tip her chin up.

Her eyes had changed again, and he noticed with a sigh. "Eyes, Lyra." He told her and she nodded both turning back to the normal shade of black/brown. Lyra sighed and looked off to the side. "Did they tell you what I did?" She asked softly and he nodded. Of course they had. "You confessed, I heard. Though I almost beat both of them bloody when they told me they didn't say anything in return." He chuckled only for Lyra to push herself away from him.

"Confess!? I did more than that!" She cried out. Now Lee was just downright confused, Lyra could smell it easily and she quieted down and kicked at the floor.

"I...marked them...I kind of made it so no one else could have them. At least until the mark fades." The silence pushed her to panic as it had the night before with the twins so she continued to babble. " You see its this thing in my family, sometimes when we really like someone we get the urge to bite them and then this brand appears. Of course we're only supposed to do this to someone we're engaged too… and I really didn't mean too! Honestly, I couldn't stop myself. You saw me when I was...out of it. I really couldn't help it, and they were there and I didn't have any of my normal self-control. I mean, not that I've thought about marking them. Maybe once or twice. But to do both of them? Oh..…" The loud laughter cut her off and she stared at her friend with her jaw dropped.

She told him she accidentally marked the twins as hers and he was laughing!? She pours her heart out and he starts laughing like a hyena!? In what way was any of this funny!? It certainly wasn't funny to her. Frowning she crossed her arms staring him down.

"Will you stop!" She snapped, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. But he didn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. Besides this wasn't just a small laugh for a mildly humorous joke. He was laughing full out, nearly hysterical, as he dropped to his knees holding his stomach. It was getting old quick, at least in her mind. He was making her feel utterly ridiculous and she didn't really like it.

Lee simply could not stop laughing. The idea that Lyra was secretly extremely possessive enough to mark the twins was suddenly very, very, funny. He couldn't explain why. It was just one of those things. He could picture her doing too. Reptile eyes and all, glaring and brooding in a corner ready to pounce for any females ready to come near Fred or George.

Would he stop? Not just yet. He suddenly pictured her flying at some unknown female, wand out and red fire in her eyes while the twins coward in a corner. It was unlikely, but at the moment it set him off again..

"Alright! Alright!" He gasped wiping tears from his eyes as chuckles escaped him falling back on his arse since his knees were suddenly full of pins and needles. "I'm...done." He wheezed before laughing again. Lyra huffed and pulled out her wand

Aguamenti !' Lyra said forcefully, giggling as water shot from the tip of her wand, instantly changing Lee's laughter into sputters as water got into his open mouth. "Hey! Hey! I'm done! I'm done!" Lee cried putting his hand up in front of him to somehow block the spray. "Crazy bird!" He complied brushing water from his face with a glare. Lyra smiled sweetly at him in response. Taking out his wand he dried himself off, grumbling before snorting and looking back up at her with a small grin.

"Looks like I'm winning the pool after all." He chuckled and Lyra scowled crossing her arms. This is what she gets for befriending the three biggest pranksters in Hogwarts. He turned thoughtful for a moment. "Is this mark the reason why you're staying away? Or is it because of what you said?"

Lyra's shoulders slumped and she glanced off to the side. Well, he certainly knew how to ask the most painful questions. If she didn't think it would insult him, Lyra probably would have asked if the sorting hat tried to put him in Slytherin. "A bit of both…" She acknowledged, joining him on the floor and hugging her knees to her chest. "I mean….the mark will fade quicker if I'm not around. And well….I just…" She slapped her hands on her burning cheeks. "I still can't believe I admitted it…" Lyra groaned burying her face in her knees grasping her hair tightly.

Lee snorted crossing his arms. "I say its about bloody time." Lyra looked up at him questioningly. "You've been holding this in a while. It was good to get it out, yeah?" Lyra nodded slowly. She knew it wasn't always the case, and it probably had something to do with the face she hadn't exactly allowed the twins a chance to turn her down, but she actually felt better that she'd told them. It was one less secret she had to (unsuccessfully, apparently) hide from her friends.

Which brought her to another question. "Have you...seen them today?" Well that wasn't as casual as she'd like it to be, but hey, the question was asked.

Lee quirked a brow up, clearly amused at how transparent she was being. "Course I have. Unlike you, I can't hide from those crazy gingers." He said with a grin, reaching out to ruffle her hair playfully. She glared in return, gently smacking his hand away before she looked at him expectantly. He stared back challengingly and Lyra huffed. "Well...how are they?" She asked leaning forward slightly all the while trying not to appear too eager.

Lee leaned back on his palms. "Now thats a good question. How are the twins, Fred and George, my best mates since first year, the devious duo, the master pranksters (aside from myself of course), the terrors of Filch and Ms. Norris,You're Honeyduckes Honey's-"

"Lee!" Lyra cried out in exasperation, trying hard not to acknowledge the last name he'd given them. Honestly, would she never live down that everyone thought she'd shagged the twins behind Honeydukes? Apparently not…

"I wanted to know how they were doing. Not the titles they've gathered over the years." She finished sourly. He chuckled waving his hand. "Alright, alright. They're fine. A little more broodish than usual, they miss you." He nodded sagely and Lyra bit back a smile. "Oh, really?"

Was it wrong of her to hope that they had been missing her? It gave her just a small thrill to know this friendship wasn't completely one sided. That even if their feelings weren't (and never would be) romantic, they still cared for her enough that they missed her even the slightest bit. She hoped could be content with that, however long their friendship lasted.

At least, thats what she kept telling herself. Lee chuckled reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Don't pull that innocent act with me, missy. I know exactly what you're thinking." Lyra smiled bashfully fixing her kinked up hair. "Sorry.." She mumbled blushing slightly.

Lee eyed her for a moment. "Tell ya what." Lyra perked up, looking at him expectantly. "How about me and you have dinner in here tonight? You can't see the twins yet 'cause of this mark thing. But doesn't mean I can't grace you with my company." He said dramatically and Lyra beamed. "So it'll be you, me, Myrtle, Peeve and Wicky. Speakin of your blasted elf….we need to have words." Lee scolded playfully.

"Do you know what he did...blasted elf stole my homework. Trying giving that excuse to Macgonagle." Lee said pointedly as Lyra burst out laughing.

Dinner was interesting to say the least. With her odd combination of friends it made for a very entertaining meal. Her cheeks hurt, and so did her gut from Peeves taking turns attacking Lee and Wicky. Until Lee and Wicky huddled together in the corner to go over a plan of attack. Not that it would do much good with Peeves being dead, but hey, who was she to stomp out the best laid plans of Wizards and Elves?

Lee grumbled as he held out a hand to help her up. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. He actually likes you." He pointed out sourly as she grabbed his hand. Using more force than necessary, he yanked her up so quickly she stumbled into him. "True." Lyra commented with a sly smile releasing Lee's hand after righting herself. "Besides, he could have done a lot worse than making Mrytle screech again."

"Like blowing up the whole office?" Lee said pointedly. Lyra winced and nodded her head. "Yeah, like that." She admitted as Lee pulled her into the hallway before releasing her.

"Just don't try….I'd rather take the quill than have you face whatever crazy punishment the ministry is allowing Umbitch to use next." Lee said seriously. Lyra sighed ducking her head. It wasn't as if she was going to try again. It was an idea, something she would never normally do to shock her into feeling normal again. Maybe it hadn't been the best way to go about it but it had just….popped into her mind quick as you like. And it seemed like just the thing…

Now though, she knew it had been a little much. She just...wanted a distraction. She'd done something she wouldn't take back, because that was the one lie she told, and told both Fred and George successfully.

The marks could be taken away. She told them she had to be away from them to have the magic fade, which was true. But there was also another way, which only worked for court marks because they weren't permanent.

But she hadn't been able to bring herself to tell them that. To take back the mark. She liked knowing they were marked. She liked knowing (however temporarily) they were hers. The more animalistic side of her, which she was trying hard to pretend didn't exist, was completely satisfied with the knowledge she had two possible mates. Two possible, intelligent, extremely handsome, hilarious mates…

And she was sooo wrong for thinking that. Which was why she needed to do something to make up for her lie. Because even now….Lyra knew she couldn't tell them it was so simple to remove.

"I won't try it again." Lyra sighed finally and Lee nodded in approval. "I don't know rabbit, it might be fun." Fred said casually as he appeared next to her. "You don't even know what we're talking about!" Lee sighed rolling his eyes. Fred shrugged. "Nope." He agreed cheerfully as she gasped and froze, shoulders tightening up as she stared at him wide-eyed. "Fr-fred…..I told you, that I...the mark…" But Fred seemed to ignore her weak protests as he smiled slyly leaning forward to peck her cheek. "I heard what you said rabbit. I've just come to get this one." He said jerking his thumb as Lee who snorted. "It just so happens I got a lovely surprise when I came to find him. Certainly makes up for the fact I have to hang around this one. He's just….not as pretty." Fred sighed heavily.

Lee batted his eyelashes playfully. "But still pretty apparently…" Fred actually looked sick at the words, and Lyra giggled softly, relaxing slightly. It was only a moment then, that was alright, she could deal with that.

He still smelled amazing. It was even heightened now that he had a mark. Her mark. She growled softly, her eyes flickering. Neither of the guys seemed to notice though.

'Easy..' The voice in her head soothed and she snapped out of it, shaking her head. That was weird. Scents had never overpowered her like that. That was….slightly worrying. Lyra bit her lip. Great, now she had to deal with her crazy side coming through.

'We follow a basic nature…' The voice volunteered, but Lyra wasn't in the mood to reply since Fred seemed to be dragging Lee away despite the other wizards protests.

"Oi! I was hanging with Lyra." Fred made a noise of irritation at the protest. "Get over it. We've things to do." Lee scowled. as he was dragged away. 'Why do I feel like I'm not going to like this…"

"Well…" Fred said thoughtfully. "It does involve Snape, and Umbrella and a box of this yellow powder that suppose to make him blonde…." The redhead shrugged as they disappeared around a corner leaving Lyra to stare and wonder just what the hell just happen…."Alright then." Lyra said slowly with a shrug only to stiffen as she sniffed the air gently. "Geo…." Lyra murmured drunkenly as a chuckle sounded behind her. "Well, it certainly makes it difficult to sneak up on you rabbit if you can smell me. Hm, thats still bit weird to think on." George said thoughtfully as Lyra turned around, suddenly remembering her promise to buy them bells for Christmas.

She wondered if it was too late since they were still trying to sneak up on her and….oh. "You made Fred come out first to distract me." Lyra accused and George smiled sweetly, shrugging. "Might'of." He said adjusting the bag tossed over his shoulder.

A moment passed between them and finally Lyra swallowed thickly, averting her eyes. "I thought you and Fred said you guys would give me time. I still can't…." "We backed off." George interrupted calmly. "We let you run. But its not in our nature to leave things for long." He gave her a sideways look as if she should already know these things. Lyra sighed and risked a quick glance up. "It's only been a day…"

His lips twitched and he was giving her that sweet boyish smile again, causing her to grin in return. "No one said we were patient." She laughed softly and nodded her head.

He seemed to be observing her then, much to her chagrin. She wasn't sure how to react when George gave her this look, read her soul as easily as he did one of those advanced arithmancy books. "Will you come with me?" He asked her suddenly, holding out his free hand.

He kept his gaze steady, his eyes a soft baby blue and suddenly she remembered another time he held out his hand to her.

It would have been so easy to take his hand. Could she? Was her resolve so weak that she couldn't stay away from them for more than a day? No, she was made of stronger stuff than that...

Wasn't she?

Alright, now don't be angry with me. This was a filler or transition for the next few chapters. I just wanted to focus on Lyra and George next chapter.

*I had to fix this part, the ending was giving me writers block for real..

Aren't you curious?

-NightzSong.