I do not own Harry Potter. All rights go to J. K. Rowling as well as Warner brothers (For the movie rights).
Daughter of Darkness
Chapter Thirty-Six
Returning to the party, Lyra, Daphne, and Hermione all mingled with everyone present, talking animatedly about the school year previous and the upcoming year. Amelia and Tonks were both teasing Hermione and the surprise that had been circulating around the ministry as of late. Susan had an inkling as to what it was, but couldn't confirm anything. Lyra of course knew they were talking about a secret tournament that was going to be held at Hogwarts, but she herself wasn't privy to the details, choosing to let it be a surprise as much as possible.
"So, I assume you've already chosen your classes for this year?" Daphne asked as the stepped off the final step behind a happy Hermione.
"Yes. The core classes obviously, and I've decided to stick with Arithmancy and Runes. Don't worry, you'll get to keep your study buddy," Lyra teased. Daphne rolled her eyes before grabbing a small plate of food from the table. "What about you? Choosing anything different?"
"No. Runes and Arithmancy are two excellent classes. Besides, I enjoy studying with you," Daphne said. Lyra smiled as Susan came up behind her.
"Hello Daphne," the redhead said.
"Susan. Good to see you again," Daphne said politely, a curt nod offered to the Hufflepuff.
"You as well." Susan turned to Lyra. "Nice party. Auntie doesn't get out very often. Neither do I to be honest unless Hannah isn't busy," she said with a laugh. Lyra smiled.
"It's alright. I hang out with literally three people primarily. Daphne included now. Luna kind of comes and goes when she pleases," Lyra said with a fond smile.
"Isn't that the truth," Daphne said, rolling her eyes in good nature, having grown fond of the odd Ravenclaw. Susan chuckled and sipped her glass of butterbeer.
"Speaking of friends," the redhead spoke up. "Where's Harry? I would've thought he'd been here?" she asked. Lyra shrugged.
"He wanted to come but his…relatives," Lyra said, spitting the word out like it was poison. "Wouldn't let him come." She took a sip of her drink to hide the scowl marring her face. She'd long since held the belief that Harry's relatives didn't like him at the very least or hated magic and by extension him. If she could, she wanted to get him away from them. Harry always seemed so withdrawn when the schoolyear started and resigned when it ended. "Anyways, how has your week been Susan?" Lyra asked to change the subject.
"Fine," Susan said, allowing the change with no issue. "Got some summer work done; just finished up the transfiguration assignment last night. What about you?" she asked, ooking between Lyra and Daphne.
"Almost," Daphne said. "Just need to finish the runes and I'll be done for the summer."
"I've been sporadically working on my assignments. I think the only thing I have done is runes and transfiguration. Everything else is still half finished or barely started. I've just had no time," Lyra said, sighing in aggravation. She'd already told herself that this coming week she'd buckle down hard.
"It's easy. If you need any help though, I'd be more than willing," Daphne said.
"Or I could just let you copy off of my work," Susan offered with a cheeky grin. "Can't have my wittle sister failing her classes within the first week of school!" Susan very affectionately messed with Lyra's hair before realizing the unintentional slip. Daphne was staring wide eyed, a look of surprise on her usual blank face.
"Wait…You're-" she asked. Lyra shushed her and took her into a corner of the room after looking around to see if any of the other party guests had noticed with Susan right behind the two, apologizing profusely. "You're sisters?" she whispered. Lyra nodded as Susan shot another apologetic glance at the now red eyed Lady Black. Lyra herself took a calming breath and closed her eyes before opening them to reveal a cool blue.
"It's fine Susan…I was planning on telling her anyway before the end of the summer. I only want my closest friends to know though so, can't be talking about it in front of the Prophet," Lyra warned with a small smile, lightly punching Susan in the shoulder. She turned back to Daphne to see the same dumbfounded expression on the blonde's face. "Yes. Susan and I are half-sisters. My mother and her father-"
"Our father," Susan interrupted.
"Our father hooked up soon after Susan was born," Lyra said, offering the redhead a nod.
"Well I guess your natural form takes more after your mother then because I never would've guessed," Daphne said. Lyra shook her head.
"It's my natural form, but my base form is actually very Bones like," she said, allowing the blonde to see the dark chestnut hair and less angular features before shifting back. Daphne shrugged, completely unbothered by it now that she had time to regain her composure. "Look, you two can talk, but Narcissa is giving me a look that tells me I'm being a bad host right now so I have to go see what that's all about," she said, rolling her eyes and heading towards her godmother.
"I can appreciate wanting to spend time with your friends after not seeing them for so long, but it's rude to neglect your other guests," Narcissa chastised.
"They all seem to be getting along fine. The Weasleys and the Greengrass' are surprisingly chummy," Lyra pointed out. Narcissa hummed.
"Yes, that's fine that they're all talking and not shouting at each other, but you're still the host of this gathering and you need to take time to talk with your guests," Narcissa said. Lyra sighed and growled low in her chest.
"Fine," she huffed, walking away from the older witch and heading to someone she at least knew. "How are you, Mr. Weasley?" she asked.
"Very good dear. Are you coming to the World Cup with us? I heard Minister Fudge telling everyone who would hear that he'd invited you to sit in the minister's box with him."
"No, I declined the offer. I'd much rather enjoy a game I hardly understand in good company rather than a bunch of stuffy old lords who've long since lost the ability to even track the quaffle," Lyra said with a hearty laugh at the end. Mr. Weasley joined her and clapped her on the shoulder.
"That's a good one! Wouldn't have it any other way, either. Ron's been talking about it non-stop. He was so excited when you said you'd come," Arthur said.
"Of course. Ron's one of my best friends," She said happily.
"It's good to know Ron has such loyal friends. How've you been doing though? Coping with everything?" he asked kindly.
"I'm tired, that much I can say," Lyra said. "I'm glad I have Narcissa though. I'd be lost by now without her."
"I'm glad you have her help," Arthur said with a smile. "She's a good woman from the few times I've met her personally, a bit distant, but good. How's she doing with the annulment, her being your proxy?" he asked.
"She's doing alright, though I think she's keeping quiet about how much she misses Draco. She worries for him; what Lucius is filling his head with now that she's gone. Being my proxy helps distract her, I think," Lyra admitted.
"I'd imagine so. Draco hasn't been seen all summer so far except at the announcement of his heirship. Some at the ministry have suspected the Lucius is purposefully keeping Draco at home," Arthur said in a low whisper. Lyra sighed.
"I don't like the boy, but Lucius shouldn't have been allowed to have him. Narcissa has told me enough to know that even when she was there, Draco was turning into his father. I shudder to think what he'll be like in school," Lyra muttered.
"There's nothing that can be done unfortunately until such a time as Lucius proves to be an unfit parent. Draco is the Malfoy heir, by pureblood law, nothing short of extremely dark magic or severe abuse could have him removed from his fathers care," Arthur explained.
"There's got to be something," Lyra muttered, mostly to herself. Arthur patted her on the shoulder.
"Don't worry yourself about it. Everything happens for a reason," he said with a smile. "That's what the muggles say, anyway. I think." Lyra gave a small laugh.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, the muggles do say that. Now, I must excuse myself and continue my rounds of the party guests or Narcissa will have me inside for the next week as she tries to teach me party etiquette," Lyra joked. Arthur laughed in good nature before pushing her along. Immediately, Lyra's eyes settled Ron, Hermione, and the twins.
"Well well well, if it isn't the wizarding worlds newest celebrity!" Fred joked. Or was he George? Lyra smirked as she approached her friends.
"Celebrity? I hardly think so. More of an upset in the political game I think," she said. "How are you all doing? Can I get you anything?" she asked politely, feeling Narcissa's eyes on the back of her head.
"We're all good," Ron said, answering for everyone. "Could use a little more food though!" he added. Everyone laughed as his stomach rumbled. Lyra chuckled and nodded.
"I shouldn't be surprised!" she joked. She turned to the side and called for the family house elf. "Kreacher!" A pop at her ankles signified his manifestation by her side.
"Young Mistress be needn' anything?" He asked.
"Yes, Kreacher. If you could bring out the main course and set it on the dining room table I'd appreciate it very much," Lyra said.
"Food for the mudbloods and blood traitors. Oh, what would Mistress Walburga think!" Kreacher groaned. Lyra's gaze sharpened on the little elf.
"Kreacher, you will not call anyone by such foul terms again. Those words will not be tolerated in this house any longer," she said in a low tone. She was furious, but unwilling to make a scene in front of her friends and family.
The little elf felt the darkening magic rolling off his new mistress as her anger and magic intertwined. "Yes Mistress," Kreacher said before popping away to do as he was commanded.
"Lyra? What was that?" Hermione piped up.
"That was a house elf. All the pureblood families have them," Ron explained for Lyra. She nodded in thanks.
"What do house elves do for them? And why was he wearing a pillowcase?" Hermione asked.
"They're like servants, essentially. And the pillowcase is a mark of a house elf," Lyra said, remembering how Susan and Amelia had explained it.
"You can't have him wear anything better? The poor thing must be miserable just wearing a pillowcase!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Not really. House elves hate getting clothes. It sets them free," Ron explained offhandedly as he look at the pile of food appearing on the dining room table, replacing the hors d'oeuvres.
"Free? You mean they're slaves?!" Hermione asked.
"In a way," Lyra hedged. She'd had a similar reaction when she first met Flopsy, the Bones house elf, and then Narcissa had explained the relationship between house elves and their owners. "They like working, and they are paid. To them, giving them clothes is a badge of dishonor on them, like they've failed they're family," she explained.
"But what about elves like Dobby? Harry said he worked for the Malfoy's and hated it!" Hermione pointed out.
"Not all families treat their house elves with respect and kindness, just like people don't treat other people with respect and kindness. With everything, you're going to have the good and the bad," Lyra said. "Please, I know you've probably got a lot of thoughts going on in your head right now but try to enjoy the party…please?" she asked. Hermione nodded, but clearly didn't look happy.
"Fine. I'll enjoy the party put together by slaves," she said, turning her nose up and crossing her arms across her chest. Lyra sighed.
"Hermione," she said, closing her eyes. "Do you think so little of me that I'd treat any sentient being as a slave?" she asked, more than a little hurt by Hermione's words. The brunette's eyes softened, and they lost their righteous anger.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to imply that you would treat any sentient creature with such barbarity. Forgive me?" she asked. Lyra nodded and offered her best friend a smile.
"I always do, Hermione," she said fondly, throwing an arm over the girls shoulder.
"Don't expect me to just ignore this though," Hermione said. "It's still not right, even if they're treated well."
"Then do what you do best, Hermione," Lyra said with a toothy grin. "Research!"
"Maybe I will!" Hermione said with a determined expression that shifted into a calm smile.
"Good. None of that tonight though. Tonight is a night of having fun and enjoying other peoples company," Lyra said. "Tonight is an excuse to relax and-" a thud sounded from outside. Lyra, the twins, Ron, and Hermione all heard it. The others were farther away, surrounding the table and idly chatting.
"What in the world was that?" Hermione asked. Lyra shrugged.
"Don't ask me. It sounded like it came from the backyard though," she said. Moving to investigate, Lyra went to the kitchen window that had the best view of the small backyard and nearly fainted at the sight that greeted her.
Buckbeak the hippogriff was in her backyard, casually walking around. A noise of shock rose from Lyra's chest before she called over her best friend. Said best friend made the exact same noise before the Weasley boys came over to see what the fuss was about.
"Is that-" Ron started, tilting his head to the side. Lyra nodded.
"Yes, Ron. Yes it is," she said calmly before her eyes and hair turned white in panic. "Oh Merlin there's a bloody overgrown chicken in my backyard that was supposed to be executed weeks ago and the head of the DMLE is in my bloody parlor!" she whisper shouted, shaking Hermione as panic gripped her. The last thing she wanted was to put Amelia in any compromising situation, knowing how much the older woman valued the law. "Oh, Merlin what am I going to do!?" Lyra said, panicking for the first time in what felt like forever.
"Is everything alright over here?" Molly Weasley asked from the kitchen door. All five teenagers turned to her at once.
"Everything's fine!" they said at the same time. Molly looked suspicious and started to come over, but Fred and George were already heading to intercept.
"Don't worry about a thing. Lyra here is just nervous about how all the other kids at school will treat her. She doesn't want to be seen any differently," Fred said.
"Yeah! Humble that one is!" George chimed in with an innocent smile.
"Completely unnecessary. We say…"
"She should flaunt it!" they said in tandem as they led their mother out the door. Lyra was ever so grateful for their help in solving one problem, but she still had another. An idea suddenly struck her.
"Kreacher!" she called.
"Mistress calls for Kreacher?" the old elf croaked.
"Yes! Yes. I need you to send that hippogriff somewhere safe!" Lyra ordered. Kreacher snapped his fingers and popped outside for several moments before returning to the kitchen.
"Kreacher can't do it," the little elf said miserably. "Kreacher be going to iron his hands now," he croaked. Lyra caught him before he was able to pop away.
"No, you won't be going to iron your hands," she said firmly. Kreacher nodded and stayed put. "Hermione what do I do!" Lyra asked.
"We'll have to hide him somewhere! Is there a shed out back?" Hermione asked, peering out into the evening lit backyard. Lyra gave her friend a deadpan look.
"A shed? You want to shove a hippogriff into a shed?" she asked. Hermione looked up and realized how badly that could go.
"Well is there any enchanted rooms in this house? We could try and get him into one of those?" Hermione suggested.
"The only enlarged and enchanted rooms are the bedrooms. What's that stupid thing doing here in the first-" Lyra cut herself off with a realization. "place? Oh I'm going to kill him!" Lyra seethed as she stormed over to the kitchen door. "Try to keep anyone from looking out the back window. I have an escaped convict to murder!"
Sirius Black was sitting on the bed he'd had as kid in a house he'd sworn never to return to at the age of fifteen. Of course, he'd been back since then a few times, but always in secret. One notable time was one of Lily's friends from the ministry needing a book that could be found in the Black library. How that odd woman even knew what specific book was in the library to begin with was beyond him, but it had been important for some reason that he couldn't quite remember, so he never questioned it. Of course, now that he thought about it...it was a bit odd that he couldn't think of what the book had been needed for.
It had been oh so worth it though to sneak back into the house right under his mothers nose not just once but twice, leaving several good 'presents' here and there just to piss off the old bat!
Totally worth it.
Now here he was, a man in his mid-thirties, sitting on his childhood bed as a soon to be former convict while just down stairs, the woman he had loved and two members of his family were having a party.
He wanted to go down, but for once in his life it was best to be responsible. Lyra knew what she was doing, it was why Arcturus had made him the temporary heir, to hold the seat until the proper head of House Black could take it.
Sirius was under no illusions that he could be a decent politician or head of house. All he really wanted was to be there for Harry, his godson, and have no other distractions. Thirteen long years in a terrible prison next to his insane cousin had taught him all about wasted time and consequences.
The door to his room opening drew his attention as a panicked Lyra stormed in.
"What in the bloody hell is Buckbeak doing in my backyard?" she seethed through clenched teeth.
"He made it? Ahh I always knew that birdbrain was smarter than he looked!" Sirius said. Lyra however, was ready to have an aneurism.
"Sirius!" she hissed. "Do you realize that the head of the DMLE is downstairs! She knows what Buckbeak looks like and unlike you, he's actually been given a lawful trial and sentenced to death! She knows what he looks like!" Lyra growled. Sirius face paled as Lyra's grew redder, almost matching an apple.
"Right, wouldn't want anything to happen to Beaky. Kept me company when I was away. He even got me out of a few tight spots," Sirius said.
"That's all well and lovely, but how in Merlin's name do I get him to hide! Or better yet, leave!" Lyra strained, her hands clenching into tight fists. She was so panicked and upset that her eyes had completely gone red and her canines had extended. She hadn't even noticed that her lip was bleeding from accidently biting it.
"Well…I don't know," Sirius admittedly lamely, watching the little vein in Lyra's neck begin to throb.
"Sirius, I need this to go well! This is my family and friends we're talking about! Now, I know they don't really care about how wealthy or 'proper' I am, but I need to at least prove that I can be a good Lady of an ancient house!" Lyra near shouted, her eyes beginning to form small tears. Sirius stood and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Alright. Take a deep breath, and think for a moment," Sirius said. "Have you already tried Kreacher?" he asked. Lyra nodded.
"Said he couldn't do it," she answered. Sirius nodded.
"Yeah. Probably because he's too old and a Hippogriff is too large," he muttered. "Are any of you strong enough to cast a disillusionment charm?" he asked.
"A what?" Lyra asked.
"Never mind then," Sirius huffed. "Alright. I've got an idea. Here's what you're going to do."
"This is never going to work," Hermione groaned as she held onto a dead ferret once more. "I'm going to smack him once we get up there," she added, waving the ferret in front of the hippogriff. "Come on Buckbeak. Come get the ferret," she said, leading him to the back door. Lyra stood, watching her best friend and currently fugitive hippogriff inch slowly closer.
When the two got close enough, Lyra opened the door and signaled to Ron who was in the dining room. Ron, in turn, looked to both of his brothers and nodded. They were the distraction. Ron gave a thumbs up as Fred and George began hamming it up for their audience.
Lyra turned to the door and nodded to Hermione who began walking Buckbeak into the ancestral home. Kreature had cast a silencing charm on the door to the dining room as an added precaution. A good thing too since Buckbeak seemed to be trying to knock over everything within his reach.
"That's it! Good Buckbeak!" Hermione whispered, backing slowly to the stairs to get the hippogriff up to one of the empty bedrooms. Lyra was tempted to guide Hermione to Sirius' bedroom, throw the ferret in, and lock the door behind her.
Very tempted indeed.
Instead, Lyra winced as a portrait of Cassiopeia Black was knocked off the wall and sent clattering to the floor. "Sorry auntie," lyra grumbled as Hermione and Buckbeak made it to the first landing. The portrait scowled at her and called her a rather rude name.
"Lyra? Is everything alright?" Lyra heard Amelia calling from the entrance of the dining hall. Once more, her hair and eyes went bone white.
"Everything's fine!" she called back, hoping Amelia would go back to the party.
"Well, Narcissa sent me to get you for dessert," Amelia called. Lyra rushed over to the doorway and stood in it, blocking Amelia from coming any further.
"Oh well, thank you Amelia. Hermione and I will be right in in just a moment," Lyra replied, a hint of nervous energy in her voice.
Buckbeak shifted his wing and knocked over one of the house elf heads adorning the staircase. Lyra grimaced, but held her smile as best she could, making her look rather crazy.
"What was that?" Amelia asked, already knowing something wasn't right. She'd be a pretty poor DMLE director if she didn't.
"Nothing!" Lyra answered quickly, giving off a perfectly innocent look. "Why don't we go back to the dining room! Hermione's using the loo and should be able to find her way back here!" Amelia narrowed her eyes suspiciously, right at the exact moment Buckbeak decided he didn't want to remain still any longer and lunged for the ferret.
"Buckbeak no!" Hermione whisper shouted as the hippogriff lunged forward and grabbed the tasty morsel. Hermione was knocked back and landed on her butt as Buckbeak wolfed down his snack before letting out a happy squawk. Amelia rushed in past Lyra and nearly had a heart attack at the sight of the giant creature in the living room.
"Uh-I-We-I was-" Hermione stuttered, trying to think of a good excuse to give to the head of the DMLE that wouldn't get her expelled from school.
"Oh, Uh! Oh my!" Lyra said, sounding so shocked it almost sounded fake (it was). "How did that get here?" she asked as Amelia turned to glare at her. Lyra shrank under the intense gaze until Amelia pursed her lips, closed her eyes, and massaged her temples with the tips of her fingers.
"We will talk about this later," Amelia said. "For now, I didn't see anything. I'm not on duty. It's not even my department that really handles this kind of thing." With that, Amelia walked back into the dining room where Lyra saw her whispering in Narcissa's ear. The blonde witch turned to her goddaughter slowly, anger in her eyes.
Oh Merlin. She was so dead.
Red=angry
Gray=nervous/anxious/irritated
Orange=happy/excited
Blue=sad/overwhelmed
Purple=worried/concerned/frustrated
Green=jealous/suspicious
Brown=content/relaxed
Yellow=afraid/shocked
Pink=amusement/surprise
Silver=determination
Light blue=embarrassment
