It took a bit longer than normal but here it is! I hope you all enjoy since we're now at a point that's probably taken longer than it should have.

Please enjoy and as always leave your comments below!


Hermione avoided every possible human interaction she could for at least 48 hours. She had descended into a level of mortification she never thought she would reach. She had cheated on her boyfriend not once, not twice but now a third time. Hermione apparated to the top of Otterly St Catchpole, sighing at the sight of the Burrow, it had always felt like a home from home. Now, however, it filled Hermione with dread. Walking up the driveway, her trainers collected dust as she walked quickly down the drive. She was late for brunch, a special brunch according to Ginny's letter. She had been working overtime, mainly to stay away from Ron and Blaise Zabini who had been making recurring appearances at her office. She had yet to piece together what he was up to but she gathered it was reconnaissance for Lyra. Hermione walked into the living room of the burrow to see Ron standing with Harry who looked ridiculously nervous. Hermione smirked, clicking as to why she had been summoned by Ginny.

"'Mione" Ginny squealed at the sight of her.

"Hey Gin-" Harry called before Hermione could greet her. "Um is everyone here?" Harry called around the room.

"Harry dear, whatever is going on?" Mrs Weasley asked walking in from the kitchen.

"Not another end of our world as we know it situation, I hope?" Mr Weasley joked, earning a handful of glares.

"Um well no, Ginny and I have some news actually" Harry stuttered out. Hermione rolled her eyes, leaning against the doorway of the living room. This was worse than Harry's first captain's speech.

"You better not have knocked up my sister" Ron stated from the couch clearly in a huff.

"What?" Harry squeaked. The room erupted into congratulations and hugs. "What no" Harry tried.

"Shut it!" Ginny shouted over them. Silence fell the room,

"Well if you've not knocked her up then what is it?" Bill asked, earning a smack from Fleur.

"We're engaged" Ginny announced. The room once again filled with congratulations.

Drinks flowed within the room and as Hermione mingled she watched Harry and Ginny. Harry's hand rested on the small of Ginny's back, as she spoke excitedly with Bill about her latest game at the Holyhead Harpies. He watched every word fall from her mouth as though it was the first time he had heard the story, even though Hermione knew this was at least the twentieth time. She smiled softly as Ginny shoved her left hand into Bills face showing off the small band excitedly.

Hermione stared down at her own hand. Ron had reminded her to wear it that morning when she had left. She swallowed thickly at the memory, she had felt sick putting it on like it was handcuffing her to something she didn't want. Sighing she looked up to see Ron talking excitedly with Harry. Ginny was holding little Teddy on his hip as the toddler's luminous blue hair fell into his eyes. This was what she wanted. To belong in her family, to have a family. She just knew Ron wasn't the right one.

Walking into the kitchen she found Mrs Weasley making snacks,

"Thank you for having me Mrs Weasley," Hermione said with a small smile

"You know this is your home Hermione" Molly responded with a smile,

"Thank you again, I actually need to go. I have some extra work I want to get done before tomorrow" Hermione explained.

"It's a Sunday Hermione" Mrs Weasley chastised.

"I know but the Wizengamot convene tomorrow and I want my argument for the new bill on employment to be solid" Hermione explained.

"I understand dear. Thank you for coming" Mrs Weasley said with a warm smile. Turning, she found Ron frowning down at her,

"Are you leaving already? You just got here" Ron asked.

"I want to make sure my argument is tight for tomorrow Ron, that's all" Hermione tried to explain,

"This is my family Hermione, I'd like you to spend some time with them" He stated his lips in a thin line hiding his anger.

"I know Ron, and if it was any other day" Hermione tried but Ron gripped her wrist tightly.

"'Mione I just want you to spend a few hours with them is that so much to ask?" He hissed, his grip tightening on her wrist

"Ron-"

"Your family are gone, I'd expect you to want to spend some time with the only ones you have left"

Hermione ripped her arm from his grip, tears welling in her eyes.

"Don't wait up for me Ronald" Hermione sneered as she walked away.

"Congrats Gin" Hermione told a shocked redhead as she left.


Hermione couldn't sit at her desk and quickly found herself running down the driveway in the Cotswolds. She knocked and paced until the door opened, the small elf Jax whom she had assigned to Lyra's home greeted her.

"Is Lyra home, Jax?" Hermione asked,

"In her room miss," Jax said with a bow, letting her enter. Hermione stood awkwardly in the doorway. "Just up the stairs miss," He said with a smile before pop and vanishing. Hermione stood with her mouth open. She was to go to Lyra's room, Lyra the one human she was avoiding when it came to bedroom activity. Walking up the stairs, Hermione caught sight of light at the end of the hall. Walking to the door she listened, she could hear soft music being played and knocked lightly,

"Come in" Lyra's voice was relaxed, more relaxed than Hermione had ever heard it. Walking in, she found Lyra packing, she wore simple plain jeans and a t-shirt.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked.

"Berlin, I have some business there that Blaise was trying to secure but it's not played out how we would have liked" Lyra explained as she placed clothes into a small holdall, "Are you ok?" Lyra asked looking her up and down. Hermione realised at that moment she probably looked overly dishevelled. She was flustered and stressed about tomorrow.

"Yes, I'm fine, I just thought um- I don't actually know why I'm here," Hermione admitted sitting on Lyra's bed. The taller girl smirked,

"Did you have a fight with Weasley?" Lyra asked gently. Hermione snapped.

"You're wrong, I don't always come crawling back to you just because Ron and I fight" Hermione snapped. Lyra took a moment to respond. Hermione turned to find Lyra simply watching her,

"What makes you think we've had a fight?" Hermione asked quietly,

"Because your wrist is all bruised" Lyra stated simply, going back to packing her bag. Hermione looked down and found Lyra was right, her wrist was bruised where Ron had grabbed her. Sighing, she asked,

"What do you want in life Lyra?"

Lyra watched Hermione for a moment with a frown, "Why do you want to know?" She asked in return,

"Because I know what all my friends want, I know what I want and I want to know what you want," Hermione said watching her carefully. Lyra rubbed the back of her neck, as she often did when she was unsure.

"I hadn't really thought of it, to be honest. I know I want to make our world better. For everyone to be equal. No more Pure-blood or Muggleborn just witches and wizard" Lyra explained,

"You don't want a family or someone to share your life with?" Hermione asked carefully, trying not to show her emotions.

"I suppose eventually," Lyra said with a shrug, frowning she sat beside Hermione whose hair hid her face as she stared at her hands. "Where has this come from?" Lyra asked quietly,

"I'm trying to figure out how to get what I want without hurting everyone," Hermione explained

"It's difficult but ultimately someone will always be hurt," Lyra said softly, wrapping her arm around Hermione's shoulders she held her quietly. The hug was enough for Hermione. Enough to make up her mind.


Hermione walked into the flat that evening to find Ron sat reading the Daily Prophet,

"Did you sort your argument for tomorrow?" He asked quietly,

"Ugh, yeah I did," Hermione said, shocked he had remembered. He folded the paper slowly and set it to the side of him.

"I think we need to talk 'Mione," Ron said rubbing his scarred arm,

"I think we do too" Hermione admitted rubbing her bruised wrist.

"I don't think we've been very good to each other 'Mione" Ron started rubbing his arm subconsciously.

"No, you haven't been a good boyfriend Ron and I think we shouldn't have done this. I think in the rush of everything, we jamp to the wrong thing. We just didn't want to be alone" Hermione said watching him closely. He was staring at the floor, his eyes not blinking.

"I know I haven't been good to you. I keep thinking about what I do and my anger and I just can't stand knowing that I'm not good enough for you"

"Instead of forcing me to stay Ron, you should have made me want to be with you Ronald" Hermione snapped, her temper rising.

"I don't think we should break up, 'Mione. I could be better" Ron tried, Hermione had had enough. She knew she didn't want this. Not after seeing how happy Harry and Ginny were.

"I'm sorry Ron. I don't think we should do this anymore. I don't think it's healthy for either of us" Hermione said honestly.

"But what about all we've been through Hermione" Ron tried.

"You'll always be my best friend Ron, that won't ever change. I just don't think we work as a couple. I shouldn't dread to come to my own home" Hermione stated. Ron's nostrils flared, he stood tall over her.

"There's someone else isn't there" He stated.

"Even if there was Ron, what we are doing isn't normal. It isn't healthy, I don't want you to be trapped when you clearly want to be yourself as best you can be and I can't do that for you" Hermione explained. She chose to avoid his question knowing his temper would get the better over him. Hermione knew she was being manipulative. She was telling him it was her, not him that was truly the issue.

"I love you Hermione" Ron tried, tears pricking his eyes.

"I love you too Ron but I'm not in love with you," Hermione said taking his hand. "And I know you feel the same," She said as nicely as she could. He nodded.

"I'll get my stuff, I guess" He mumbled.

"I'm going to get some air. Give you some space" Hermione said watching him walk away into the bedroom.

She walked down Diagon Alley without thinking where she was going, she found herself outside Lyra's small office building. She noticed if you didn't really know about it, it would look like any number of the flats at Diagon Alley. She rang a small bell and the door swung open. Stepping in, she walked up to see the door of the office open, walking through she could see Blaise pottering around with files. He turned to see her walk-in,

"What can I do for Granger?" He asked looking over what was a long roll of parchment.

"I was looking for Lyra, I thought she might have been here before she goes to Berlin" Hermione stated, looking around and taking it in, there was a portrait of a proud man Hermione recognised, "Who is that?" Hermione asked pointing up to the portrait,

"She's at the estate if you want her. I can chime her on the floo to make sure she's in the mood to see guests and to see if she hasn't left yet" Blaise asked, Hermione, nodded and found herself wandering around. There were large books on a variety of topics. She glanced into Lyra's office, it was small with books on either side of the walls with large windows looking down into Diagon Alley. She could hear the muffled voices of Blaise and Lyra. She stepped to the edge of the office to listen,

"Grangers here looking for you," Blaise said with a bored voice,

"What does she want?" Lyra asked with a sigh, Hermione felt a pang of hurt in her chest.

"I didn't ask" He chuckled, "Shall I tell her you're too busy for guests?" He asked,

"No, no it's fine," Lyra said, she sounded odd Hermione thought like it was a great effort for her to speak.

"Will I tell her what you've been up to?" Blaise asked,

"No" Lyra hissed, "Keep her out of it, the last thing we need is for more people to get hurt"

"She might be able to help Lyra" Blaise insisted,

"Don't start mothering me too. I have one of those already" Lyra chewed out. Hermione quickly went back to inspecting the books as Blaise entered with a small knock,

"She said to come right on over," He said with a smirk.

"Thank you" Hermione smiled and walked out, apparating to the Lestrange Estate.

The gates opened as she approached, the dusk sky shrouding the house in bright red colours. Hermione knocked and as she did Motley opened with a smile,

"Miss is waiting for you in the study," Motley said, pointing to the hallway to the right of the central staircase. Hermione walked unsurely down the narrow hallway, it reminded her of her first days in Grimmauld place but with far less dust and dirt. Hermione knocked on the hardwood door, a muffled response came, Hermione opened the door to find Lyra sat at the desk in the back of the room. The fire raging with leather seats in front of them. Hermione smiled at the sight of Lyra, she sat in a large leather-backed chair with parchment spilt out in front of her.

"Thank you for seeing me," Hermione said walking in, Lyra looked up, a soft smile on her features.

"I'm not as busy as it looks," She said sitting straight with a slight frown. Hermione didn't notice until she stood and gestured to the warmth of the fire. Hermione sat and watched as Lyra walked with a slight wince. Her hand holding her side,

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked worried,

"Nothing" Lyra lied sitting in a chair. She sighed as she settled, rubbing her temples.

Hermione stood walking to Lyra and pushing her shoulder making her wince. Forcing Lyra to lie back she pulled up Lyra's shirt,

"You're far too comfortable about this" Lyra wheezed.

"Shut up" Hermione teased looking down at Lyra's pale skin. Except, half of it wasn't pale, Hermione could see Lyra's scars of the Fiendfyre, they were angry and red like they had been aggravated, in some areas it was turning black.

"What did you do?" Hermione asked,

"Nothing" Lyra winced as Hermione tested the sensitivity by brushing her fingers over blackening skin. Hermione frowned, unsure of what was best. She called Motley and asked for some books. After half an hour, Hermione had made a salve that smelled and looked similar to that which Mrs Weasley had used when Lyra had first been cursed.

"This might hurt" Hermione warned Lyra who nodded gripping the back of the couch. Applying the salve Lyra grimaced. Hermione looked up to see Lyra nod, her face was contorted in pain as Hermione applied the salve as quickly as she could without causing Lyra more pain. When she was finished she applied bandages in the attempt to help it heal.

"Do you want to tell me how this happened?" Hermione asked as Lyra let out a relaxing breath,

"Travers" Lyra grimaced sitting up, "He turned up not long after you left" Lyra explained,

"I thought they had caught him," Hermione asked exasperated, Lyra shook her head,

"Not yet" Lyra sat back trying to get comfortable, "He found me on the way back from the Manor, attacked me outside the gates of the estate"

"Did he curse you again?" Hermione asked, hand over her mouth in horror. Lyra shook her head,

"No he just sent a stinging jinx but that's the problem when someone sends a stinging jinx, it flares up the curse," Lyra said with a wince.

"Lyra, why didn't you get Harry?" Hermione asked worry littering her voice,

"Because by the time Potter would have gotten there, he was gone. Besides I've had enough interaction with the Auror office thanks" Lyra's bitterness made Hermione look away ashamed.

"I'm still sorry-"

"I told you, it's not you that has to apologise," Lyra said with a pained smile. "I'll be fine in a day or two," Lyra said with a smile. "Not to be rude, but why are you back?" Lyra asked sitting up with a wince.

Hermione looked down ashamed, "Ron and I, we broke up, I was giving him time to pack but didn't really know where to go" Hermione looked away, the emotion of it being over hit her like a wave.

"Did he hurt you?" Lyra asked quietly, Hermione shook her head running her hand across her eyes wiping away any tears that dared fall.

"I'm sorry," Lyra said quietly,

"It's not your fault," Hermione said, her voice making the noise that tears were threatening to get worse.

"I know but I know enough to know that it still hurts" Lyra stated, "That wasn't not what love is"

Hermione smiled softly as she sat next to Lyra,

"Who is the man in the portrait?" Hermione asked Lyra smiled softly,

"My grandfather, Cygnus Black" Hermione looked up at the portrait, the man was tall, his pale features stood out against black hair. He looked like a proud, strong man. "He gave me the funds to start all of this" Lyra admitted,

"I thought that had something to do with your family?" Hermione asked,

"No, in pure-blood tradition, a woman doesn't inherit anything other than what she is worth to the highest bidder" Lyra explained

"Like a dowry?" Hermione asked,

"How do you know about them?" Lyra asked immediately suspicious,

"They were common in upper-class muggle families in the 16th and 17th Century Britain" Hermione explained,

"I guess some of our practices must seem incredibly backwards to you" Lyra stated with a small smile

"Not all of them but a few, especially some of your families" Hermione admitted.

"Anyway, my grandfather never truly believed a man would marry me with how independent I was. So he gave me my dowry in a Gringotts vault" Lyra explained.

"It must be a lot if you started a business like you have" Hermione theorised,

"A generous amount" Lyra stated, "But it'll only keep us aloft for so long. Eventually, it'll run out but more and more businesses are coming under our banner so they can expand and in some cases survive" Lyra explained with a shrug. Hermione watched Lyra with a soft smile before her stomach gave a loud gurgle. Lyra laughed as Hermione turned scarlet

"I'm sorry I should have gotten you food" Lyra stated, she called Motley who appeared with a smile,

"How can Motley help miss?" The small elf asked,

"Can you prepare Hermione something to eat please Motley?" Lyra asked sitting up with a wince. Hermione watched the small elf place her hands on her hips,

"Miss is injured again?" Motley asked, "Should Motley call for Mistress Cissy?" Motley asked quickly,

"No" Lyra protested, Hermione saw fear flash across Lyra's face, "Don't get my mother involved too"

Motley seemed to nod before turning to Hermione,

"What would miss like?" Motley asked,

"It's ok, I can get something on my way home" Hermione insisted but Motley gave the same concerned look she had just given Lyra,

"Motley will make food for BOTH Miss's," Motley said with a pointed glare at Lyra before snapping her fingers and disappearing. Hermione saw Lyra roll her eyes.

"You have a very stern elf," Hermione said with a chuckle.

"You have no idea" Lyra stated as her own stomach gurgled unhappily.

"Has she been in your family long?" Hermione asked,

"As long as I can remember" Lyra admitted with a small smile. They sat discussing Hermione's developments on the werewolf bill.

"I think those affected by Greyback have been lucky so far" Hermione admitted,

"Oh yes because a fondness for red meat and to howl at the moon is lucky for any survivor" Lyra stated sarcastically as possible with a roll of her eyes,

"What's the alternative, a full werewolf or death?" Hermione bit back, Lyra shook her head,

"I just don't think some of them would agree with the testament" Lyra argued. Motley appeared with a large tray floating in front of her. There was a variety of pasta dishes on the tray, Motley conjured a table to place in front of them and set the tray upon. Lyra sat up with a wince and a huff from Motley told Hermione the Older Malfoy would likely be getting shouted at by an elf.

"Thank you, Motley," Lyra said as the elf disappeared.

"Thank you for dinner," Hermione stated. Lyra nodded and collected some of the pasta leaving more than enough for another three people. They ate in silence and Hermione hated to admit that it was delicious. As Lyra set her plate down the floo chimed. Lyra froze. Hermione set her plate down gripping her wand and standing. Lyra stood slightly hunched as she held her side, she pointedly stood in front of Hermione. Hermione glared and they paled as a click of heels sounded.

"Lyra Septima Malfoy, Merlin gives me strength. You better not be pointing your wand at me" Hermione pocketed her wand as Narcissa Malfoy strode through the fire. Lyra had lowered her wand but continued to stand. She looked furious,

"MOTLEY!" Lyra shouted. Hermione jumped as the small elf bowed at Lyra's command. Hermione glanced at Narcissa. She stood in a pale green dress with her hair pulled back into a perfect bun at the base of her neck.

"Yes, Miss" Motley greeted with a small bow,

"Did you contact her?" Lyra hissed,

"No Miss"

"Lyra, leave the elf alone. She didn't contact me" Narcissa stated folding her gloves in her hand with a bored look on her face. Lyra glared down at Motley, who Hermione was surprised to find almost glaring back.

"Thank you, Motley, you can go back to work now" Narcissa ordered. Motley bowed and was gone. Hermione frowned, elves only had to listen to their masters. Lyra glared at her mother before sitting trying to hide her wince. "Lyra" Narcissa chided, Hermione watched both women carefully, their interactions fueling her curiosity in the Malfoy family.

"Mother, you've met Granger '' Lyra stated with a wince.

"I know, it is still not appropriate when you have guests to lounge like a drunkard" Narcissa chided walking closer to her eldest child with eyes narrowed. Similarly, Narcissa pulled Lyra's shirt up revealing Hermione's makeshift attempts at helping. Narcissa clicked her tongue with a raised eyebrow.

"Have you ever treated Fiendfyre before Miss Granger?" Narcissa asked in a tone that most people would have cowered at. Swallowing thickly Hermione replied,

"No, but I had seen Mrs Weasley try before" Hermione admitted. Narcissa clicked her tongue,

"Mother I'm-"

"If you say you are fine Lyra Septima Malfoy. I will make these burns seem like a paper cut" Narcissa hissed down at Lyra. Hermione was shocked to see Lyra practically shrink into the couch. "Miss Granger I will need your help" Narcissa stated as she spun around removing her overcoat and depositing all on the couch,

"Shouldn't we go to St-"

"No, those buffoons will just make it worse. Come I'll need your help with ingredients"

"Mother, " Lyra tried,

"Not another word from you, you're lucky Miss Granger did what she did or you would be unconscious by now" Narcissa chided.

"Unconscious?" Hermione asked,

"Oh yes, my idiot child is experiencing something muggles I believe call a relapse. When the wound flares itself once more?" Narcissa half explained half asked,

"Em no, but I know what you mean" Hermione stated. Narcissa nodded and gestured for Hermione to follow. Hermione followed Narcissa through the halls of the Estate, narrowed eyes followed her through the halls until they reached a cabinet in the far corner of one of the reception rooms Hermione theorised. Looking around the room, it was odd, almost a makeshift hospital room. The room was set up in the centre to make it look like a sitting room although all the cabinets held ingredients or books on magical remedies.

"We'll need a variety of ingredients" Narcissa stated as she almost ripped the handle from the cabinet as she opened it. Narcissa began rattling off a list of ingredients longer than Hermione's arm,

"Will it take long to make?" Hermione asked as she began juggling the ingredients.

"A couple of hours, I'm sure if you had somewhere else to be-"

"I don't," Hermione snapped. Narcissa turned with a raised brow, a look often donned by Lyra and Hermione could see the plain resemblance.

"For Merlin's sake girl" Narcissa tutted as Hermione caught one of the slipping vials. With a quick wave of her wand they levitated. Hermione muttered an apology before Narcissa moved on looking through some of the cauldrons. Hermione took the time to examine the books.

"These books. They're old, some I've never even heard off" Hermione muttered to herself.

"Yes Rodolphus and Bella were quite the collectors when it came to ancient texts" Narcissa stated quietly. Hermione looked up, Narcissa had a look on her face of recollection. "Shall we go Miss Granger?" Narcissa asked with a stern look. Hermione quickly nodded and scurried back along the corridors ingredients and cauldron floating along behind them. Narcissa began setting things up on the small table after dismissing the food that was on it. Hermione looked at Lyra, she looked awful, her skin pale and clammy, the edges of the scarring blackening.

"How do you feel?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Like shit" Lyra coughed wincing.

"Lyra" A stern voice from Narcissa Malfoy made Hermione smirk as Lyra rolled her eyes. Kneeling beside the sofa Lyra had slumped on Hermione brushed the hair away that was sticking to her burning forehead. Hermione glanced at the back of Narcissa Malfoy who was quickly and ineptly making the potion.

"Miss Granger, a hand please," Narcissa asked pointedly. Hermione quickly knelt in front of the stewing potion. It smelt like campfire smoke.

"I need you cut up these beans and only put them in when I tell you" Narcissa instructed quickly,

"How do you know all this?" Hermione asked amazed,

"Whom do you think tutored Lily Evans in potions" Narcissa quipped staring at Hermione over the cauldron,

"You taught Harry's mum?" Hermione stated with a gaping mouth.

"Not all of us Malfoy's are prejudice Miss Granger" Hermione wasn't sure if she meant it to be chiding but it certainly felt it. "Beans" Narcissa ordered and Hermione jumped doing as she was told. Narcissa stirred the potion adeptly before summoning a vial and ladle. "I must commend Molly Weasley really, she has done a remarkable job not letting her die when this first happened" Narcissa mused,

"Mother, not this rant again" Lyra wheezed. Hermione looked past Narcissa to see Lyra slumped on the couch, her face beaded in sweat as her breathing slowed.

"Lyra Septima if you interrupt me once more Merlin help me" Narcissa chided as she tapped the vial with a flurry of her wand and muttered an incantation Hermione had never heard of. The potion caught alight and burned like copper. Narcissa stood and held the vial down to her daughter, "Drink it" Narcissa ordered, Lyra took the vial and swallowed it down. Hermione didn't know what to expect from someone drinking a burning liquid but she didn't expect her to be sick exactly four seconds after. Lyra vomited between her legs. Hermione sat staring at the contents of Lyra's stomach and was shocked to be staring at ash.

"Aguamenti" Narcissa stated pointing her wand into a goblet, "Drink this you'll feel better" Lyra gulped the water down panting as she lay back. Narcissa plastered her hand to Lyra's forehead as the woman painted clearly still very unwell.

"You'll take another in 37 minutes" Narcissa ordered. Lyra shook her head.

"I'll survive without it" Lyra panted.

"That wasn't a suggestion" Narcissa stated with a raised eyebrow. "Now lie down and sleep. I'll wake you when the next is due'' Narcissa lifted Lyra's legs onto the couch forcing the tall girl to lay on her side,

"I'm fine" Lyra tried to protest but by the time Narcissa had conjured a blanket Lyra was asleep. Hermione stood,

"I should probably go," Hermione suggested. Narcissa looked sharply down at her, a look that would rival even Professor McGonagall.

"If you don't mind Miss Granger, I would rather you stayed in case I need help" Narcissa requested. Hermione opened her mouth in shock. She nodded sitting back down onto the floor.

"There's not quite any need to sit upon the floor Miss Granger, Please" Narcissa nodded to the leather-bound sofa she had perched upon. Swallowing thickly Hermione sat across from her. Hermione felt nervous, it was one thing to walk through the gardens of Malfoy Manor when there were nearly a hundred people there but she was now alone. Lyra was asleep and probably useless in a fight and Narcissa seemed to be far more than she seemed.

"I was surprised to find you here" Narcissa pondered,

"I didn't really intend to barge in on Lyra's evening" Hermione admitted

"These things are often coincidences' ' Narcissa stated with a quizzical gaze. "Do you trust her?" Narcissa asked curiously. Hermione frowned,

"I don't understand we're just friends" Hermione began to babble

"Being friends or whatever has nothing to do with it Miss Granger, I asked you if you trusted her?" Narcissa asked again.

"I do upon certain things, others I'm wary" Narcissa smirked at her levelled answer, Hermione decided to counter the odd situation by firing answers back,

"How did you know that potion?" Hermione asked making Narcissa smirk,

"Lyra wasn't the first in my family to suffer the curse. My brother in law was also injured with it in the first war" Narcissa explained,

"Rabastan?" Hermione asked Narcissa nodded,

"He went mad with the burning, it never stops" Narcissa stated. "We tried to counter it with the potion but once the fever doesn't break it stays slowly driving them mad" Narcissa watched Lyra as she spoke,

"The fever-"

"Not this fever Miss Granger, one that luckily Molly Weasley has managed to subdue" She explained,

"Is that why" Hermione began to ask but she stopped unsure how to ask without offending the rather prestigious woman sat in front of her,

"Is that why they attacked Frank and Alice Longbottom?" Narcissa asked Hermione nodded,

"No" Narcissa stated her lips drawing into a thin line. "The Dark Lord ordered the Aurors to be dealt with"

"Frank and Alice Longbottom were excellent Aurors" Narcissa began, "But Bella was devoted, she wasn't as unstable back then. Rodolphus had managed to filter out most of the Dark Lords ramblings to her but she had been adamant to make the Dark Lord happy. Alice and Frank Longbottom weren't the only ones that left that house completely broken" Narcissa explained, "It doesn't excuse the atrocity that Bella committed but she wasn't the same after"

"Does it bother you to be here?" Narcissa asked,

"No, I have no association with it other than a wife of a man who owned it" Hermione stated looking around the library, "I wanted to look at the books but I'm slightly worried they'll have curses all over them" She theorised, making Narcissa laugh. The musical sound was a surprise to Hermione.

"The books aren't cursed Ms Granger" Narcissa reassured, "Lyra's first act when she got here was go through every one and make sure it wasn't going to blast her across the room" Narcissa explained,

"Why did Motley listen to you?" Hermione asked, "They only listen to their masters" Hermione stated. Narcissa smirked,

"Motley is the daughter of my elf, she was presented to us not long after Lyra and Draco were born. She helped raise Lyra and since her mother is my elf she has a certain respect for those her mother reports too" Narcissa explained. "You should examine the books, I'm sure there are plenty here that wouldn't dare be in the library at Hogwarts"

Hermione nodded and concluded she would at some point, still not trusting turning her back on Narcissa.

"How did you know Lyra was unwell?" Hermione asked curiously,

"Oh, Blaise owled me" Narcissa stated fiddling absently with her wedding ring.

"He really cares for her," Hermione thought aloud, looking back at Narcissa she was met with a smirk,

"He's not the only one" Narcissa's eyes were calculating. "I'm curious as to why you are not with Mr Weasley this evening"

"We parted ways this evening so I was giving him space," Hermione admitted. Narcissa's eyebrows shot up. "I don't quite know why ended up here" Hermione stated,

"I see" Narcissa's lips were in a thin line, "If you don't mind me saying Miss Granger, your fiance's lack of attendance in your relationship was his own downfall, not yours. When I was engaged it was a different time, it was arranged and even then despite his current flaws, Lucius was attentive" Narcissa said deeply. Hermione frowned, she deciphered Narcissa's words to a simple, he's not treating you right, and she knew it.

"He's my best friend" Hermione admitted quietly,

"That doesn't make him the best person to hold your heart" Narcissa said with a soft smile. She looked over at Lyra who was frowning in her sleep and sighed, "I should have given her a sleeping draught as well" Narcissa muttered to herself, Hermione heard her and followed her eyes to Lyra, who tossed slightly.

"She has bad nightmares?" Hermione pondered aloud, Narcissa nodded with a slight frown.

"She often doesn't admit it, however" Narcissa quipped. Lyra stirred and Narcissa was up and striding to where Lyra lay. Hermione felt wrong to be there watching a familial moment. She felt like she was intruding on the part of Lyra's life that she hadn't shared with her.

"It's just a dream" Narcissa whispered softly into Lyra's ear. The tall girl whimpered in her sleep. "Hush little one, it's alright" Narcissa's voice was suddenly quite soft, the soft voice her own mother used to put on when she was upset. Lyra shifted again, her face wincing in pain as she did. Narcissa turned,

"Miss Granger, could you pour more of the potion please?" Narcissa ordered. Hermione was quick to move. Pouring it carefully she drew her wand and copied Narcissa. The flames ignited on the vial and Hermione grinned in success. She handed to Narcissa who wore an expression Hermione could only convey as a surprise. Lyra woke, rolling into herself in pain,

"Here, Lyra drink it" Narcissa ordered, Lyra groaned, shaking her head.

"I can't" She whined,

"You can now drink it" Narcissa ordered placing the vial to her lips. Lyra drank and was quick to vomit ash once more. Hermione winced as Lyra coughed. Already ahead of Narcissa, she handed her the replenished goblet of water. Lyra took it and drank deeply, glancing up at Hermione she lay back asking,

"Why are you still here?" Lyra wheezed, her eyes bloodshot.

"Lyra that's enough" Narcissa snapped, it was almost like something had taken over the older Malfoy. Hermione remained silent curious,

"Haven't you been summoned by Weasley yet?" She asked,

"Lyra" Narcissa warned carefully, but Hermione stood her arms folded. Bloodshot grey eyes staring into her,

"Isn't that what happens?" Lyra asked, "You come help me, or find out what's wrong and run off to your boyfriend and tell him what's going on?"

Hermione narrowed her eyes, suddenly dawning on her that what Lyra was saying was wrong like every bad thought passing through her mind was currently coming out.

"Then you come running back when he isn't good enough?" Lyra sneered looking like her father.

"Lyra" Narcissa shouted. Bloodshot eyes snapped to Narcissa and her lip curled,

"And you" Lyra hissed. Hermione turned not listening to Lyra harass her mother, but her movement brought the attention back to her, "That's it, go on!" Lyra shouted, "Run back to your precious Weasley" Lyra sneered. Hermione stormed to where the ingredients were and began summoning what she required.

She returned to the room where Lyra lay unconscious, she looked at Narcissa who was breathing heavily through flared nostrils,

"What did you do?" Hermione asked sd Narcissa stared at her with narrow eyes,

"Nothing, the curse drained what little energy she had just gained" Narcissa explained, "What's all this?" she asked gesturing to the ingredients Hermione was now setting up the cauldron beside the existing one,

"I'm making a sleeping draught" Hermione stated, "Preferably one that will knock her out for several hours" Hermione stated, she sounded angry even to herself.

"Miss Granger, what you just experienced-" Narcissa tried but Hermione shook her head,

"I know what I experienced Narcissa, I experienced Lyra's true thoughts" Hermione snapped as she stirred the potion,

"That is where you are wrong" Narcissa snapped back, making Hermione stop and look up at her. "What you just experienced is what the Fiendfyre does to their mind" Narcissa explained,

"The potion, it regulates it" Hermione stated as if it was obvious,

"Suppresses it is probably a better word" Narcissa added her arms folded with a stern look. "You aren't wrong with a sleeping draught however," Narcissa stated kneeling to help her. Swallowing thickly Hermione asked,

"Is that what she was like before? Before she came home after the ministry?" Hermione asked. Narcissa realised what the young Gryffindor was asking her.

"A much tamer scale, I suppose" Narcissa admitted. "She snapped a lot and I was quick to realise that Mrs Weasley hadn't given her the right potion"

"So if she gets injured this is what happens?" Hermione asked,

"Not so much injured" Narcissa explained, "the potion I gave her makes the curse subdue, takes the heat from the burn so to speak. What you gave her merely stops the burns from consuming her and her mind"

"It's horrible" Hermione whispered as she poured the draught into vials. Narcissa hummed. Narcissa took a draught and began to rouse Lyra once more. Lyra woke groggy, mumbling about darkness. Hermione listened to curiosity peaking,

"Hush now Lyra, drink this" Narcissa forced the potion into Lyra who drank it willingly. As soon as she did the tall Malfoy fell back into a deep sleep.

"She'll be out now until morning" Narcissa stated simply. "You can return to your life now Miss Granger I won't keep you any longer"

Hermione looked away with a pause before nodding and collecting her bag and jacket,

"How long will you stay here?" Hermione asked,

"Till she's better" Narcissa stated, Hermione nodded, before walking out. She felt horrible like she shouldn't be leaving. Apparating to her flat she stepped inside to find emptiness, she hadn't felt lonely. She had always had something in her life to come home too. Her parents, Ron, Cruikshanks. Well, she still had Cruikshanks. She thought of what was next what she was going to do. How she was going to go on. Shaking her head she sat, lighting the fire. She had managed before. She would manage now. It was just a different battle.


Finally! Is what I imagine all of you are thinking. Let me know your thoughts and until next time!

As always thank you all for your dedication and patience!