Magic in the Moonlight

CHAPTER Twenty Eight

Lyra was stood somewhere dark and grey, not because it was particularly late at night, but rather the place had a dark and grim feeling about it. The fact it was a graveyard did not help. A rather menacing looking dark clad angel…no a grim reaper stood in the very middle, holding its scythe in both hands, hood pulled high. Looking around she wondered just where she was until she heard someone behind her. Slowly turning as a feeling of foreboding hit her, Lyra's eyes widened in horror at the man stood there. Clad in long, flowing dark robes, a pale, non-human face smiled at her like a long lost friend, snake like crimson eyes gleaming at her.

"I have been waiting for you…Lyra.


Gasping awake, shooting up from her bed, Lyra looked around the room madly, grey eyes searching each dark corner of the room for something, anything, but she was alone. It had been just another nightmare but this time much clearer. Sighing as her shoulders slumped, she let her head fall into her hands feeling almost drained of energy and suddenly aware of how alone she was in the dark room. Pulling the covers up around her as she lay back down determined to get back to sleep after noting the sky beginning to grow pink outside of her window, Lyra stared at the photo beside her bed almost longingly. It was their old graduation photo, all of the people in it smiling happily, unaware of how their lives would change and the horrors and trials they would go through in the following years. Young Lily and James grinning happily, Sirius next to his best friend whilst Remus and Lyra stood smiling, his arms around her while the marauders pulled funny faces every so often as if in an effort to cheer her up. Oh how she wished she could go back to those times.

The Yule Ball was a main part of the Triwizard Tournament, almost as important as the tasks as it was a time when the three schools really came together. There would be conversation, merriment and bonds of friendship would be formed, or at least that was the intention. After a few weeks, with Duelling lessons every other Saturday progressing well, it drew closer to the holidays when the Ball was to be held. All of the younger students obviously could not attend unless invited but those older students and it was almost a requirement for the staff to attend. Now usually she would not have minded such affairs as Lyra did find some enjoyment from dressing up on these odd occasions however there were two reasons why she was not looking forward to it this time. One being that for once she would be going to such an event alone, usually Remus was with her meaning she was never alone during the night, and another was always painfully obvious whenever she wore anything slightly revealing.

Looking at her reflection with a sigh, Lyra looked herself up and down sadly. She had liked the dress so much, a pretty dark emerald dress that worked quite well with her grey eyes, even the silver trimmings on the shoulders however just like the others she had liked it didn't look right. Not when as always her eyes drifted to the scar on her shoulder and the others that ran across her arms, face and her throat. The only time she had not felt so self-conscious had been during Lily and James' wedding but even then her hair had covered most of her scars, long gloves along her arms. As a teenager she had worn her scars almost with pride, during the War they had been a sign of her hard work but now she felt nothing but self-loathing. More than half of the scars she had were her own cause. Often she wondered how she wasn't looked at with disgust by most people let alone men. Remus had been a special case due to his shared circumstances. Maybe she should try a few concealing charms on them just for the Ball. Trying for another dress, she rummaged through the rails with little effort until the shop owner came to her rescue, the kind witch returning with a dress.

"This only just arrived and I wasn't going to put it out yet but I think this dress would suit you very much. Try it on dear."

Taking the pale, metallic blue dress and trying it on she was surprised by the result. It was a strapless dress, which made her feel somewhat uncomfortable with her scars, but the dress was so beautiful, the skirt section made up of layers that bunched into a rose shape at her hip. The kind witch looked her up and down and smiled widely.

"I knew it would suit you! In fact I won't let you leave the shop unless you buy it. Wands may choose the wizard but dresses choose the witch."

Smiling, she thanked the woman and quickly changed, paying for the dress and leaving Hogsmeade, happy with her purchase but still puzzling over what to do. As she made it back to Hogwarts in time for dinner, Lyra found Dumbledore watching her with a knowing gaze before he returned back to his meal with a twinkle in his eyes. What was he plotting now?

"Have you bought yourself a dress my dear?" McGonagall asked knowingly.

"Yes I have," Lyra replied a little downtrodden, "but I still don't know if I'm even going to bother with it…"

"Heavens, why not?" the older witch asked surprised, "surely you can dance!"

"Of course I can dance," Lyra almost huffed, "however I seem to be lacking in dance partners…" or at least a dance partner who would be willing, she suddenly grinned, "unless my grandfather will take me for a spin."
Dumbledore chuckled a little loudly, his eyes shining with mirth, "as enjoyable as that would be, I fear I am too old to keep up with you dear Lyra."

She did like calling him grandfather sometimes and he too didn't seem to mind, even if it did confuse most people.

"Then what is the problem?" the Head of Gryffindor asked, unperturbed by her changing of the subject.

Lyra lifted her drink to her lips, staring down at the Daily Prophet in her other hand as if disinterested but still replied half into her pumpkin juice.

"Maybe because I have more scars that my battle-scarred mentor over there, I've become a little self-conscious it seems."

McGonagall's eyes widened slightly in realisation before she flushed lightly in embarrassment at having forgotten.

"Oh, my dear! I am sorry I asked, but surely we can fix something up. I will not have you missing out on this just because of some silly scars."

Smiling slightly at the older woman, Lyra simply said nothing as she continued trying to read the Daily Prophet as it continued to spout rubbish about Harry thanks to Rita Skeeter. She had even spied a small section about her being at Hogwarts, 'a werewolf duelling professor' however it seemed she had become old news in comparison to Harry. There were still other things on her mind, such as the nightmare from a few nights ago but she had yet to tell anyone. After all Dumbledore would simply say again it was nothing. She was getting used to ignoring the things her mind came up with. But thankfully she had other matters to take her mind of her worries. Sirius had finally replied back to her after a while of waiting. He had claimed that he was heading their way as he felt the need to see Harry, and although she figured Dumbledore would know, she had promised to keep his visit secret. He would no doubt tell Harry once he arrived otherwise their Godson would worry too much. She had also asked him if he had heard anything from Remus of late after informing him of Remus' odd letter. Sirius seemed to think that Remus was doing fine and that she would probably hear from him soon. In his words, he had said; 'don't worry, old Moony will snap to his senses when he realises what an utter idiot he's being.' She had to chuckle at that. Still, she had only felt slightly reassured.

The next day a large number of the students headed for the Hogwarts Express to take them home for the holidays but not those staying for the Yule Ball. Lyra had met up with three teenagers to see what they were doing. She had been unable to stop herself from cackling loudly at the sight of Ron's dress robes before trying to calm herself at his pale look.

"I'm sorry Ron, but really what was my cousin thinking?!" she broke out into another fit of giggles before she cleared her throat, "leave it to me."

Taking the horrid dress robes aside she used her wand to remove all traces of lace and frills, even changing the colour of the fabric to black making it look ten times better. Ron looked ready to kiss her when she handed the improved robes back to him. However she soon had to leave as McGonagall had promised to help her hide her scars. After changing into her dress, Lyra headed into the next room where the older witch was waiting. Her eyes lit up with a bright smile.

"You look beautiful Lyra!" she almost gushed before collecting herself just as she noticed the scars.

Although Lyra thanked her for not saying anything it was obvious that her eyes strayed over each scar with growing respect and sympathy. It wasn't like she could boast that her scars were from her battles, when in fact the majority had been from the battles with herself. Luckily the head of Gryffindor was quite talented at the concealing charms and within no time her skin appeared fresh and new. As Lyra looked in the mirror she almost felt regret that after the Ball her flawless skin would once again become tarnished with her scars. Trying not to think too much about it, with a flick of her wand her hair gathered in soft waves around her shoulders, completing her look.

Making her way to the Great hall ahead of the students it was to find Professor Flitwick adding the finishing touches by charming snowflakes to fall softly from the ceiling. The majority of the other professors, including the Headmaster of Durmstrang and Beauxbaton, were also waiting. At hearing them enter, Dumbledore looked towards them, his eyes shining as they fell on Lyra.

"My dear Lyra, you look uncannily like your mother. I only wish your parents could see you now."

Despite the sombre undertone to his words, she smiled softly and thanked him before glancing up to notice Severus was staring at her almost intensely. Smirking at that, she relaxed a little more as McGonagall left to lead the four Champions in ahead of the other students. As Harry nervously walked in with his date, looking quite charming in his black dress robes, Lyra sent him a wink to which he blushed at, before quickly stumbling his way into the first dance of the Ball once the other students were all inside. As the four Champions and their companions continued to dance, slowly others began to join until the dance floor began to fill up. It was a truly beautiful setting with the Christmas decorations, an icy theme throughout the Great Hall but not at all cold. Lyra sighed quietly as she watched Dumbledore and McGonagall join the dancers. Even Karkaroff had a dance partner, one of the Hogwarts professors she rarely spoke to. Truly it was depressing.

"Continue with such things and you may even darken the room," Severus almost growled beside her all of a sudden, "if you sigh anymore I will curse you silent."

"I'm bored Sev," she grumbled, "I don't even know why I bothered coming unless…" a sudden mischievous light went off behind her eyes to his worry, "unless you will dance with me?"

If it was possible it looked like Severus paled beneath his already pale skin, dark eyes wide as he looked down at her before a scowl fell into place.

"Absolutely not!" he hissed, "if you wish to dance that badly ask your mentor over there," he inclined his head towards Moody.

Lyra scoffed, "I'd rather eat my own foot, considering I'd probably lose it in a dance with him anyway, besides I want to dance with you."

"Only because there is no one else," he argued back.

"How do you know I wasn't planning on finding a way to get you on the dance floor anyway?" she asked with a smirk before holding out her hand to him, "come on Sev, for an old friend."

For a moment he simply stared at her hand and she believed she had lost the bet she had with her inner self. Much to her surprise he slowly took her hand in his own. He glared at her surprised look before pulling her onto the dance floor amongst the others, a few skittering away in shock at their teacher's sudden appearance. He barely hesitated as he gripped her hand a little tightly, his other finding her waist and effortlessly leading her into the dance. Despite his almost tense movements it took her breath away for a brief moment. Finally overcoming her shock, Lyra smiled up at him warmly.

"Thanks Sev," she muttered quietly for only him to hear.

Slowly he relaxed, his grip less iron-like and his shoulders less square only making her smile more. It was good to see him finally relaxing and showing some of her old friend through the cold and snarky potion's master. As he spun her lightly she couldn't help but giggle.

"You're even better at this than I thought," she commented.

A small smile tweaked at his lips at her compliment, "ever the tone of surprise?"

For a moment the rest of the Hall melted away as her eyes met his, holding that connection that he surprisingly did not break away from. Neither of them heard the mutters and whispers from some of the surprised students around them as the pair slowly danced to the music, Severus almost effortlessly holding her out as she gave a small spin that sent her dress sparkling with a magic shimmer. She couldn't help the small laugh that fell from her lips as her heart hammered in her chest, smiling warmly at the tall dark wizard who found himself entranced. But the moment ended all too quickly and his small smile faded as he looked behind Lyra.

Looking up at Severus with an arched eyebrow she followed his eyes towards the doors of the Great Hall that were still wide open. Lyra's eyes widened to find Remus stood there looking handsome in a brand new set of dark dress robes, looking a little nervous if anything until he looked over at her. He looked a little more worn than last year, fine stubble making its way onto his jaw. His hazel eyes widened a fraction before they seemed to brighten warmly as he made his way towards where she stood almost frozen. Glancing quickly over at Dumbledore she could see the elderly wizard had that mischievous glint in his eyes as he inclined his head towards her.

'Oh you blasted brilliant man,' she couldn't help but smile until she noticed Severus' hands move away from her, the potions master leaving her stood there with barely a word.

Frowning lightly, she felt the need to call him back but already Remus was halfway across the Hall. Trying to ignore how her heart was still pounding in her chest, she turned to greet Remus. The brunette wizard looked stunned as his eyes took her in up close, a little gobsmacked but he soon managed to piece two words together.

"Lyra I…you look so beautiful tonight," Remus cleared his throat, remembering where they were before offering his hand to her, "would you care to dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask," she smiled back at him, her heart almost fluttering once more as he took her hand and led her back onto the dance floor amongst the students and staff.

Holding her waist with one hand, the other holding her hand, he led her into a small twirl as they took up the beat of the charming music.

"I take it Dumbledore managed to persuade you back," she chuckled as they danced, feeling not unlike the time at Lily and James' wedding.

He tried not to cringe, looking down at her hand rather than her eyes, "I'm sorry Lyra…I never meant to hurt you by running away…all I seem to be doing lately is hurting you while I try not to."

"Remus, there's nothing to forgive," he twirled her around his arm before back to him, "I understand. True I was angry when you just suddenly left and didn't even think to contact me," he winced again, "but I was more worried about you, especially after that odd letter you sent me."
Chuckling weakly as they spun around the dance floor in their slow waltz, his eyes met hers. There was still the disgust at his actions in his hazel eyes but also loneliness. It seemed their venture apart had hurt him just as much as her. At the peak in the tempo he expertly grasped her waist and lifted her up in a small twirl before setting her back down while she giggled. Not many would have believed just how well Remus could dance, or how strong he was beneath his usual ragged appearance, but the only reason most did not see him for who he was, was due to being a werewolf, and of course the afflictions of being one. The scars were not the only thing they received but the harsh transformations usually gave them premature aging if Remus' greying hair was anything to go by. But that did not make him any less of a man.

"You know, I'm surprised Severus hasn't tried to steal you while I was away," he chuckled lightly, glancing over at said man who was oddly watching them with a scowl in place, "I dare say it almost looked like he was enjoying himself a moment ago."

Lyra felt her smile dim slightly as her chest tightened. At that moment she wished she was not there, not stuck between the gaze of two men nor with her heart torn between them.

"Even so," she finally responded with a small tired smile, "I don't think Sev thinks that of me, don't worry you have me all to yourself."

She didn't miss how his eyes brightened at this bit of information but he couldn't help but wonder if he had actually heard her correctly, looking at her surprised.

"You're giving up on him?"

"No, I've just come to terms that he will always love Lily, he knows that, I know that. It's time I stopped ignoring what I've got right in front of me…can you forgive me?" even those words brought pain to her but she quickly bottled it away with everything else.

The warm smile on his face said it all. Almost forgetting they were still amongst students, he leant forwards and lightly kissed her lips as if trying to steal away her breath.
"Always."

With the dance over, there was applause around the Great Hall. Deciding to go get a drink, she almost dragged Remus towards the table laden with drinks and snacks where the professors were also situated. Catching sight of Dumbledore talking amiably with Karkaroff and Maxime, Lyra let go of Remus' hand only to hug the elderly wizard much to the surprise of most around. The Headmaster of Hogwarts didn't seem to mind as he warmly patted her back.

"Thank you for persuading him back."

"I do not know what you are talking about my dear," Dumbledore chuckled but his twinkling blue eyes said otherwise.

Grabbing a drink from the table, Lyra turned back to Remus who had yet to take his eyes off her, something she found rather amusing and did well for her ego, until he lightly stroked her bare shoulder where the charms hid her scars.

"I'm sorry you have to hide them," he sighed quietly, the old weary look of sadness passing over his face, "you are beautiful even with them."
Smiling slightly, she took his hand and held it warmly, kissing his scarred cheek, "as are you my handsome lupine prince."

He blushed lightly but smiled, shaking his head in wonder, "let's get a little fresh air, there is far too much for us to catch up on."

Nodding in understanding, she left her glass on the table before heading out of the Great Hall with him, noticing in the back of her mind that Severus and Karkaroff had vanished, before walking out onto the snow covered grounds. Lyra shivered lightly but within seconds Remus' jacket was round her shoulders. The warmth and scent of him on the garment made her sigh in content as his arm wrapped round her waist. Oh how she had missed this.