"What happened last night?" Pansy parted the curtains that surrounded Lyra's bed. "Blaise came back fuming! He said that you knocked him out?" Lyra pulled her sheets higher to cover her bruising face and Pansy snatched the blanket away from her and gasped.

"Well, no wonder you knocked him out." Pansy winced at the sight of Lyra, "I'll kill him."

"It wasn't Blaise." She curled into herself. "Can you just leave me alone." Pansy tucked Lyra in gently and knelt at the side of her bed.

"Are you, well obviously you're not okay, but can I do anything?" Lyra was crying again, holding her stomach to ease the pain. "I'll bring you something for the pain and the bruises. I'll see if I can get something from Madam Pomfrey. Maybe Snape." Pansy blinked, unsure what to do as Lyra turned her face into her pillow to cry. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have let you leave last night. But I didn't think-" She stood slowly and placed a kiss on her friend's head, then pulled the curtains back together. "You should report the attack." Lyra heard her whispering spells to give her privacy and a place to cry without judgment, she felt comforted by the gesture.

Lyra laid there for days, every now and then the girls would try to ask her questions, and would bring her food, but she couldn't move without wincing. The smell of food made her nauseous on several occasions but she was long past being able to throw up anything. "Sweetheart. You have to get up." Pansy pulled the curtains back, "Come on Lyra, I'll help you." Her voice softened when Lyra flinched at her touch, "Come on, let's get you cleaned and dressed." Pansy and Tracey helped her walk to the private baths and sucked in a breath at the amount of deep bruises on her back. Lyra held her stomach and covered his brand as they lowered her into the tub and they began to wash her hair. "It's okay." Pansy's touch was gentle and kind and Lyra couldn't keep it together.

"What happened Lyra?" Tracey was whispering, as if Lyra would shatter if she spoke in a normal volume. She sobbed as the girls washed her back tenderly, "There you go," they rubbed the parts of her back that weren't bruised or cut from fighting against Draco and getting thrown into rocks and branches.

"We should get Madam Pomfrey." Tracey whispered.

"It's up to Lyra." She shook her head, "Maybe we could get you something more for the pain? I don't think those potions are working."

"I have some pain meds in my nightstand." Lyra whispered, "Small bottle that says Naproxen." Lyra washed her face slowly, gently brushing her bruise and wincing heavily, "It has my name on it, orange with a white lid."

"Well go on then." Pansy nudged Tracey who stood quickly and strode out of the room. "Who did this to you?"

"I don't know." She lied, "I didn't see them."

"We should get you dressed." Lyra nodded, wordless and Pansy frowned. "I think you should go to your classes again. The work must be piling, I'll help."

❧

Lyra sat, hollow, barely paying attention as the day went on. "What happened to you?" Hermione pulled her aside after Potions and stared at her bruised jaw and busted lip.

"Plans went swimmingly." She bit at her, "Didn't get to see any Dark Marks before I was attacked. Draco is still your best suspect."

"Draco?" Hermione scowled, "You're telling me that he did this to you? He was there?"

"I don't know what happened to Hermione, I was drunk and flirting with Zabini and then I was being beaten. I was tortured and r-" her voice cracked and she could smell him, his cologne, could feel his eyes on her. "I don't want to remember so don't ask me to. Don't ask me for anything. I'm done doing you and your friends favors." She brushed away from Hermione, "Let's go!" Lyra snapped and pulled Ban with her, determined not to be alone.

She managed fourteen days of always being occupied and surrounded by people, a few times she even managed to not notice that Draco existed. She would almost manage to forget him completely until Pansy gushed about him, she would turn bright red and smile. Lyra felt disgusting every time. "You have to eat Lala." Ban pushed a plate towards his sister, it was piled with eggs, bacon and toast. Lyra glanced at Ban and caught him staring at her bruises.

"I ate a little while ago." said Lyra as she pushed the plate from her.

"Four grapes and some crackers isn't a meal."

"I just- I still can't keep anything down Ban." She laid on her arm, "And I'm so tired."

"Because you haven't eaten in days." Ban smiled lightly when she took a piece of bacon. Lyra instantly regretted it when her stomach cramped.

"You really should go see Madam Pomfrey. I'm sure she could help."

"It's fine, I've been treating my cuts and bruises, you know," she groaned at the smell of the cooked meat, "massaging them to increase blood flow. And Pansy gave me potions for the pain that really have been helping. And my medicine, been taking that." Ban offered her a piece of unbuttered toast and she accepted and hoped he wouldn't give her another. "Besides in two weeks we'll be home for Christmas and those three and a half Hogwarts free weeks will be glorious."

Ban fidgeted awkwardly, "I though Uncle William told you." Lyra groaned, "Him and Uncle James have work to do and won't be home for the Holidays. They put in a request for us to stay here."

"We're almost eighteen Ban. That's a bit ridiculous." Lyra rolled her eyes, "We can take care of ourselves."

"Obviously, because you're doing so well here." Lyra sighed and moved her head on the table, she hissed and turned her face so the unbruised side lay on the cool wood.

"I wouldn't get beat in my own home Thuban."

Her brother snorted, "You might." He frowned when she didn't laugh, "Got it. Too soon."

❧

Lyra was so used to Ban or one of her friends tailing her that she didn't even notice her brother leave the library. Ginny had been particularly nice and although they didn't talk much she hovered around her whenever she could. Lyra enjoyed her sense of security and she hummed to herself as she moved slowly through the stacks, unable to remember where she had heard the song. Lyra's hand fell into the gap where the book she needed would have been and sighed.

"Lyra." Draco whispered, her mouth dried. Would he leave if she pretended not to hear him? She hummed, her heart beat so fast that her chest cramped and she winced, and carried pulling books from the shelves and turned down the aisle and then down another stack to the rest of her belongings. "Lyra, please." he walked towards her as she stared out past the window and into the blizzard that harassed the castle.

"Ms. Piers!" Cormac yelled and got a few disgruntled students groaning, "Come now you haven't forgotten me already?" He touched her and she screamed, "Did I startle you? I didn't mean Ms. Piers."

"You can call me Lyra, Cormac." She smiled and tucked her books into her bag. "What can I do for you?" Her head snapped down the aisle and watched as her blond shadow faded.

"Oh, but it is what I could do for you, Ms. Piers." He held a parchment between his index and middle fingers. "How would you like to accompany me to Slughorn's Christmas Party?"

"Just Lyra, please. And I don't think I'm in the most appealing state to be going to any party." Lyra turned her head to show the lightning bruises that covered her left cheek and jaw. "Not exactly presentable."

"I think you're healing beautifully." He blinked and grabbed the remaining books that wouldn't fit in her bag.

"Have you gone blind?"

"Only from your beauty." Lyra snorted and he held the Library door for her. "Say yes Lyra. I've seen you since The Green and Blue and-" Lyra's pace slowed and Cormac stopped behind her when Lyra stopped altogether. "Well, you must have had a rough time," he cleared his throat and lowered his voice, "considering." She didn't turn to him, so Cormac circled in front of her. "I mean nothing harsh, or to offend you. But it looks like you could use some fun. Something light hearted."

"Cormac, I really- I don't know what's going on in your head. And I'm sorry but I'm not interested in you-"

"Perfect!" He smiled widely, "Despite you being one of the most alluring women I have ever seen, I am not interested in you either." His smile made her laugh. "Absolutely beautiful." She waved him away.

"Then why did you get in a fight at The Green and Blue? Ban said-"

"Ban's an ass. And I enjoy defending women's honor. That Hufflepuff had it coming with all he was saying, if you only heard-"

"I'm good," She sighed and her stomach churned, "I have so much work to do. And the last time someone told me I needed some fun I ended up with a dislocated jaw. The answers no, Cormac." He skipped after her and blocked her on the stairs.

"Please, I know Granger would-"

"Hermione?" She laughed, "You're doing this for Hermione?" She shook her head, "All the boys here are actually stupid. Why not ask her then?"

"She's asked your brother already."

"Ban?" Cormac nodded. "Hermione asked Ban?"

"I know she'll be jealous if I were to attend the party with you. How could anyone not, especially since you're a Veela."

"I see that rumor traveled quickly." She groaned.

"No, Ban told me months ago. We're roommates, he didn't tell you? He told me, but then asked not to tell the others. It wasn't a surprise, made sense really." Cormac smiled, "Don't be mad it was just a slip up, but when I heard about it recently, well I reckon it just made sense to everyone. And it explains a lot, actually." Cormac pulled at the collar of his uniform and his cheeks flushed. Lyra side stepped him on the stairs and continued towards her common room. "I'll pay you." He shouted. Lyra frowned, and turned to him., Cormac shrugged, and offered Lyra her books as he approached. "Please, I just want Hermione to-"

"Fifty Galleons." His face fell a bit and she turned from him.

"Fine." He shouted quickly, Lyra smiled and spun again.

"And you pay for my dress."

"Do I get approval?"

"Do I have a budget?" Cormac groaned and ran his hands through his hair.

"You're killing me Lyra."

"Then I'll be off," She turned again, "You're the one who needs a date and frankly, I'm okay with never going to a party or dance again!"

"Wait." Lyra stopped and laughed, "Fine. No budget for the dress and fifty Galleons," he was grinding his teeth.

"Beautiful, are we going to Gladrags then? Saturday?" His smile widened. "You'll need to get the proper paperwork done, since there haven't been any trips since-" Lyra felt sick, "Since what happened to Katie." What she did to Katie. "We'll need special permission."

"It's a date, Lyra."

"No. It's not." She strode with a little more effort and waved to him as she walked away. "Ask Ban to call for Ladon, to let me know when we are allowed to go. I don't like to be kept waiting." Cormac laughed and watched her disappear as she turned down a hall and towards the dungeons.

Lyra's body fell limp at the sound of chirping, "Go away!" She swatted the small white bird as it fluttered around her when she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Leave me alone!" Her movements were swift, clutching her books to her chest and pulling her wand from her robes; a green glow lit the hall. Lyra watched the bird fall from the air. It didn't make a sound, or transform into parchment, it simply fell with the faintest thud. Lyra laughed to herself and then dissolved to the floor in hysterical sobs.

❧

Draco watched her fall to her knees in front of the tiny animal. He desperately wanted to comfort her. He held himself tightly as he squatted at the top of the stairs and studied her. Lyra's trembling hand hovered over the small bird as she laughed herself into panic. He could see her final thread snap as she stared at the small, dead, animal. Lyra scrambled to her feet and stumbled past the bird. She tripped over herself and her palms slapped the cold stone floor. Lyra's arms trembled, her breathing was fast and it shuddered as she tried to control it. Draco rubbed his arms and listened to the noise she made as she ran away, her quick footfalls and sobs echoed through the corridor.

He stood over the small bird for a moment, and bent to touch it. Lyra stared at him as she held the wall for support. Draco's wide shoulders dipped, and he cradled the bird in his hand, her breathing hitched when his face lit up from the small flame. The hall was filled with the slight cracking of the parchment as it opened, "Mistletoe." Lyra whispered and fell forward into the Common Room. She held her chest and tried to slow her breathing as she stepped forward and tumbled to her knees. Draco was behind her, he touched her back and she screamed. The students in the Common Room starred as she tuned and scrambled backwards down the steps and away from Draco. She was on her feet, clumsily, and running through the common room towards the girl's dormitories. Draco stared after her as she hit into the archway and slipped on the stairs when she moved too quickly down the staircase.

❧

Lyra barely made it to the toilets before she had to empty the meager contents of her stomach. She sobbed until Pansy came to collect her roommate. "Come on now, easy." Pansy's tone was cold but she spoke softly. Lyra could tell that she knew Draco was the one who hurt her. Pansy didn't say anything, simply helped her to her feet and filled a tumbler with water so she could wash her mouth out.

Pansy helped her back to their room and applied a thick yellow paste to Lyra's still bruised back and chin. "I just got this in. About bloody time, I put in the order when I first saw you." Pansy wouldn't even meet Lyra's eyes as she helped her into bed.

"What is it?" Lyra looked at the lid of the small tin, "Bruise removal paste?"

"Yeah I got it from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes along with a few other things, and should get rid of your bruises in about an hour. Maybe less since they're kind of faded." Lyra winced when Pansy touched her jaw. "I'm sorry." Lyra couldn't look at her but gave her a weak smile. "I should have-" Pansy sighed, "Just know I didn't-"

"It's okay." Pansy looked as if she was about to cry, "I don't blame you." The girl nodded and moved from the bed, placing the small tin on Lyra's side table before she tugged the curtains shut.

She woke up in a cold sweat. She was tossing and turning all night while the memories of Draco consumed her. Lyra was shocked awake when she accidentally squished Ladon, who yowled loudly. "I'm sorry bud." She whispered and massaged his ear, her cat leant into her touch. Lyra huffed and pulled her robe on and moved quietly from her bed, Ladon's tags jingled as strutted after he. "A hot chocolate would be something, huh Ladon?" Lyra chuckled, "Or a stiff drink." she sat on her legs in one of the leather chairs closest to the windows and stared out into the dark waters. She could see the layer of ice atop the lake, and wondered if it would get thick enough to skate on.

Ladon chattered and pawed the glass as something spread past the window, "Easy boy." She scratched his back, he turned into her and sat on her lap. "You're such a big baby." He was purring as she stroked him from head to tail, "Such a handsome little man." There was a delicate tinkling sound and she glanced towards the fireplace, a large smile created across her face when she focused on the steaming mug of hot chocolate. "Thank you, that's very kind," her voice sounded misplaced in the silent room. Lyra lifted Ladon and placed him gently on the ground before she stood to retrieve the treat left by the House Elves.

The Common Room fire popped and she jumped at the abrupt sound. Lyra let the warmth of the mug creep into her and hummed at the delicious drink sent a shiver through her. She perched on the edge of the low table to be closer to the fire and let the light cracking mixed with the soft sound of the lake against the glass relax her. The room was dim and calming, cast in a faint green glow from the thick glass orbs that hung from the ceiling. The sculpted stone was covered in deep green and silver tapestries and dark wood furniture. The area was soothing at night and the slight sound of water moving against the glass gave her goosebumps. Ladon meowed softly and nudged her knee, "I know, I wanted to go home too. Would have been nice to see Kangee and the others, right? I hope that stupid bird is behaving."

Lyra leant forward to be closer to the low flames, it didn't take more than a thought to make them dance. She smiled and sipped her hot chocolate as a horse stomped over the hot coals and kicked up sparks with every gallop. "Epona." Ladon was mesmerized and flicked his tail as he watched the other animals in their family seemed to come alive in the flames.

Lyra could feel him, as his eyes traveled over her body. His cold gaze slithering over her arms and her hair that she had forgotten to put up. "Please leave."

"You know I can't do that Lyra." She stared at the fire as it hissed, and tried to focus on its sounds that the mirror images of her pets created, all she could hear was his bare feet on the stone steps and then the soft sound of him walking across the rug. "You said you weren't mad." He was behind her, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "You told me you wan-"

"Don't touch me." She stood, spilling her mug and making Landon jump away.

"Lyra," he stepped towards her and she pulled her robes tight as she backed away from him. "Lyra stop, this isn't funny." He glared at her and she gasped when she hit the side of the fireplace, her heart was racing and her head pounded as he reached for her.

"I'm not joking, Draco. Don't come near me."

"But we-" he shook his head, "You said-"

"That I hated you." She spat, "And I meant it."

"Is this because we had sex in the woods?" His eyebrows knitted together into a scowl, "Because I didn't bring home first?"

"Home." She whispered and shook her head, Lyra's face scrunched painfully, "Sex?" She scoffed and moved along the wall with Draco matching her very move. "That wasn't sex Malfoy. That was-" Lyra was sick, her head pounded and her eyes welled, "You used me, you ra-" she couldn't say it. It would make it too real, her chest tensed and she tightened her grip on her robes.

"You were being disobedient!" Draco growled. Anger was growing in him and she could see it, she could feel it. "I punished you."

"I told you what we had was over." Her voice was shaking, she was shaking, "And then you-"

"I didn't do anything Lyra." Draco shook his head, "We-"

"You could have killed Blaise." She gripped the table to steady herself as she moved away from him, he stopped short and Lyra kept moving, her eyes never leaving him.

"This is about Blaise?" He flexed his fingers before forming a fist, "Because I stopped him from taking what is mine?" He growled, "This is about Blaise?" Lyra winced when he shouted.

"I'm not yours Draco."

"Of course you are," His features softened, "We-"

"There's no we!" Lyra pulled at her hair, "You use me. However you want."

"Yeah but you-"

"You almost had me kill Katie." She hissed and he pulled at his hair.

"It wasn't meant for Katie, Lyra, it was for the Headmaster. You know this, I told you."

"Can't you see? That doesn't make it better, or easier on me, that it's actually worse?" He rushed her and gripped her shoulders tightly, Lyra screamed and he put his hand over her mouth.

"Stop this Lyra." His eyes searched hers but only found fear, Draco lowered his hand but didn't let go of her arms. "You know I don't have a choice. My father-"

"There's always a choice Malfoy." She winced as he held her, "Let me go." She tried to step away from him but he squeezed harder. "Just let me go."

"You know what you mean to me Lyra." He kissed her, slow and deep and she relaxed at his warm touch, melting into him. All fear she had disappeared under his gentle touches and his warm embrace. "You're all I have. You're the only on, Lyra." He cupped her face and kissed her again and again, and she felt like putty in his hands, until Draco moved them from her face to her shoulders. He trailed his fingers down her arms and snake them around her waist. "Forgive me." He kissed her again and she fisted the soft fabric of his top, and then his hands moved lower, he gripped her ass roughly and pulled her closer. Reality snapped into her like a rubber band, and all the fear and pain crippled her. Lyra pushed him but he wouldn't move, keeping his mouth firmly on hers.

"Stop." She whimpered and pushed him again, Draco stepped away from her and she wiped him from her mouth.

"Lyra, please." She brushed her tears from her cheeks.

"You don't get to do this. You can't just do what you did and then-" she bent and picked up Ladon when he circled her legs. "Don't come near me." She screamed as he held his hand out for her, and held her cat tighter to her chest. "Just stay away from me. Please, I can't do this." She squared her shoulders and then took off down the stairs to the dorms. She heard him yell, and then glass shattering behind her as she rushed down the stairs.