Lynx walked toward her first class of the day. She had science with Professor Snape. She shared her two classes, taught by Professor Snape, with the Snakes.
Harry met her at the door along with Ron. They appeared to be the first there, so as not to start the year on Snape's bad side. Both gave her a casual greeting, not moving from the wall they leaned on. Skyra was no where to be found then. Even though Nyt is in a different team, when she got to class Lynx had some things to tell her, such as happenings between herself and Fred.
The classroom door remained closed, and by checking her watch Lynx realized they had close to twenty minutes. Commotion down the hallway grabbed all three's attention.
The Snake team would be sharing their Science, Psychology, English, and Physical Education classes. It was them that were approaching. Draco and Nyt were in the lead, flanked by the idiotic Crabbe and Goyle with some other teammates. Nyt and Draco appeared to have become some sort of friends…or whatever, but they seemed closer then appropriate, especially with Nyt's standards.
The group met up with Lynx, Harry, and Ron and all just looked at one another. Lynx knew not to address Nyt before the snakes, that would only lead to trouble for both of them, but both were still feeling guilty in being forced to ignore their best friends. Silence surrounded them and an eternity stretched until Harry sighed very audibly.
"Okay, we can't do this," he gestured from between both group that seemed to be separated by an imaginary line, "anymore. We are 7th years, we should be able to at least tolerate each other."
"I believe you're right." Draco's answer startled a lot of people, especially his moronic sidekicks. "I mean, who's to say we really need all this tension. How has the summer treated you, Harry?"
Yet another silence followed, and the feeling of over passed boundaries weighted upon everyone. Draco's sarcasm had achieved its objective.
Harry changed his approach. "Okay, forget I said that. Let's just go back to the awkward silence. I liked that, no one talking. It really made me want to hurt you less."
"Okay, so you don't annoy us with your inane dribble, and we'll stick to our selves this year."
"Agreed."
By this time most of the students stood at the door in wait of the teacher. Lynx cast a knowing glance to a very nervous Nyt, the previous exchange doing nothing to their friendship. Oh, this class and the last class would be loads of fun.
Footsteps could be heard on the other side of the door and with a swift BANG the door connected with the wall after being opened so forcefully. Snape, already appearing annoying, ushered the two groups in. Lynx could hear the intake of breath from Nyt as both passed through the door, Nyt brushing against Professor Snape.
"You will not take seats. I will be assigning them." He glided behind his desk and lifted a paper from it. "After the obvious cheating, and stentorian, idle talking of last year, I have decided to take another approach."
Ron chose this time to lean over to Lynx, "Well at least it's better than last years, 'sit down and don't utter one word' greeting we received last year."
Her stare at Ron was enough to efficiently silence him. But he wasn't able to stop the laugh that escaped from him. Snape's head shot up his gaze automatically turning to Ron and the trademark sneer became firmly placed on his lips.
"Ah, Mister Weasley, I see you have made it to another year. Though I don't know how you did so, I believe you do wish to continue." He paused causing a shudder to run through the room. "So if you wish to survive this year, and be one more year closer to leaving me forever, I suggest you SHUT UP!"
Lynx looked knowingly at Nyt and slightly nodded. They knew better than to go against a teacher, no matter what mood they were in. Lynx watched as Snape looked over his paper. She noticed how young that Snape was. He looked like he was about 25 years old with messy black hair and black eyes.
Nyt noticed Lynx watching him and threw her a look that said 'he's mine so back off'. Lynx smirked then landed her gaze on someone else. That someone else was Draco. He was very attractive to Lynx's eyes. He had blond hair and silvery gray eyes. Nyt just rolled her eyes. Yes, everything seemed back to the same old ways.
He went through the list of partners, and in it Ron and Crabbe were paired together, Harry and Draco, and as luck would have it Lynx and Nyt were together. Though both were extremely glad, the arrangement confused them. Snape did know they were friends, most of the teachers did it seemed, but still the sit order was strange. Next, Goyle and Skyra were paired together, though they didn't get along they didn't' complain.
Lynx and Nyt slowly sat down at their seats while Snape pairing people up. The look on Ron and Skyra's face told Lynx that they wanted to be paired together, but that they knew that would never happen.
"Now, that everyone has been paired up with someone and has now taken their seats we will being. Get out pencil and paper and write down what's on the board. Then simply follow the directions. When you're done let me know and I'll give you something else to do." Snape said as he sat down and looked over some papers on his desk.
Work in the first thirty minutes of class, Snape appeared to be ready for the New Year. Everyone got set with their experiments; neither Lynx nor Nyt have difficulty. If things continued like this, it would be a good year.
With the only remaining work of the experiment being recording results, both had time to talk, which they did with eagerness.
"Lynx, what's been going on with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I saw the look, you act like me sometimes, way too possessive…still, Draco? I commend you on the choice, he is…well…perfect, but I have heard rumors of Fred Weasley."
Lynx's face paled, "Where did you hear that from?"
"Just a certain red-head that doesn't shut-up, so I helped him."
Lynx turned back to look at Ron, still bent over his table appearing behave difficulty with some ingredients. It is impossible to trust anyone, but your best friend, in this school with any information.
"What did you do?"
"Don't you worry about that, just believe that I took care of it."
"Anyway, you and Draco seem rather cozy."
"No." Nyt snapped it quickly. Lynx liked Draco and Nyt wouldn't do that to her, but Nyt also knew that Draco was attracted to Lynx. "He is just a means to an end."
Lynx took a pointed glance towards Snape behind his desk, making sure that Nyt saw it. "That means to an end."
"Yes, that means to an end."
Lynx went back to work trying to figure out how Ron knew about her and Fred. She hoped that Draco didn't hear about her 'fling' with Fred. That would just kill her. The only thing she could figure is that Ron saw that night in the common room when everyone was dancing and having a good time.
Once Science was over Lynx had talked to Nyt about trying to see if maybe the library had some kind of idea about who her father might be. They had decided to search during their lunch break before their last class of the day.
Lynx and the other Gryffin's walked to their next class. They had Arts and Arts Appreciation taught by Professor Lupin. Unlike Snape Lupin was about 34 or 35 years old. He had brown hair and amber eyes. He was a very nice professor, much friendlier than Snape.
"Now, now. Settle down, settle down. For those who don't know me, I'm Remus Lupin, Professor of Arts and Art Appreciation. Now, I don't care who you sit with, since it seems that we have both seventh and ninth years in this class."
Fred motioned for Lynx to sit by him, Harry and Ron following. Skyra didn't' want to sit with Fred, so she sat with the two girls she's roomed with. Everyone seemed rather pleased with this order, and the introduction began rather quickly.
Pre-usual, Lupin tried to make every student comfortable, letting them know that questions were encouraged, and curiosity was a good way to learn. Sitting back and watching him, he did appear handsome, though Lynx felt no attraction. Judging from the females of the class though, she was the only one.
Class ended with a rather warm "I'll see you all tomorrow" and no homework, which suited Lynx just fine. She maintained excellent grades, but refused to become obsessed with them. Though, she was avid on her friend's study habits, which appeared to be non-existent.
They had lunch scheduled now, and Lynx was at a loose on what to do. The library was tempting, as it was secluded and tranquil, but the Great Hall held Draco. The Great Hall it is then.
When she walked into the Great Hall she noticed that Nyt was there also. Apparently she wanted to be close to Snape. She looked toward the Snake table and caught Draco's gaze before sitting with the Gryffin's.
Lupin walked up to where Lynx was sitting and stood before them.
"Professor Lupin! What is it? It there something wrong?" Harry asked.
"No, Harry. Dumbledore just wants to talk with me and Miss Phoenix."
Lynx nodded, then stood up and followed Lupin out of the Great Hall and toward Dumbledore's office. They walk inside and sit down as they wait for Dumbledore to enter.
"Ah…Miss Phoenix and Professor Lupin, I'm glad that you two were able to come. I've been meaning to talk with you two before the semester started, but I guess this is as good as any."
"What is it that you want to talk to us about, Professor?" Lynx asked.
"It's about your father, Lynx."
"My father?"
"What do I have to do with Lynx's fath…" Lupin looked at Dumbledore then looked to Lynx.
The look in his eyes told Lynx what he was thinking Dumbledore was trying to tell them. Dumbledore was telling them that Lupin was Lynx's father. Lynx, if she had known, would be known as Lynx Lupin instead of Lynx Phoenix. She had taken her mother's name since that was the only name anyone knew. Still, Lynx didn't know such, and the trail off only confused her.
"Yes professor?"
"Ummm…Principal Dumbledore, are you sure?"
His eyes twinkled as his head slowly nodded in confirmation.
"Must she know now?
"When else would you prefer, professor Lupin?"
A sad expression covered his face as he turned to Lynx. It did seem logical, they did share certain physical similarities.
"Miss Phoenix, I believe you should be going by Miss Lupin instead."
"What?"
"My dear, it would seem that Principal Dumbledore believes that…I am your…father."
He visibly swallowed. This was all happening way too fast for Lynx. Nothing here made sense. Dumbledore believed Lynx's father to be Lupin. She just couldn't picture it though. Her heart hammered in her chest as she began to have trouble breathing. It was Dumbledore that spoke first.
"This will be between us and who you decide to tell yourself. The staff will remain addressing you as Miss Phoenix for the purpose of secrecy, if you wish it. How do you feel, Miss Phoenix, you look a tad bit pale?"
She turned to professor Lupin, meeting his eyes. Her face felt cold, and her heart just wouldn't seem to slow.
"I've…I've had so many questions. About everything…Why?" It came out breathless, almost no sound at all. "Never mind, I just…I just have to leave. I need air."
With that said, she quickly arose from her chair and fled the room, leaving behind a concern principal and a hurt teacher…father.
Lynx didn't want to believe that Lupin was her father, yet something inside of her was telling her that Dumbledore was telling the truth. Professor Lupin is indeed her father and she just left him with a hurt look on his face. She felt ashamed that she had done that, and wanted to make it right but she wasn't' sure how.
Then she remembered she still had one more class to go to, so she went. Harry looked at her alittle worried as she entered McGonagall's English class. She sat beside Draco since that was the only seat available. She was still pretty pale but didn't say anything to anyone.
"What happened to you?" Draco whispered.
"Nothing."
McGonagall went on with her lesson, not knowing that Lynx had just walked in and was now being distracted by Draco.
"Come on, what's wrong?" Draco asked, placing his hand against her leg, lightly brushing his fingers upon her jeans.
She quickly removed his hand and scooted away. "That's none of your business, Snake."
"Miss Phoenix, is there something wrong? You look awfully pale, my dear." Professor McGonagall asked.
"I'm not feeling very well, Professor."
"Go to the hospital wing and see Madame Pomfrey."
Lynx slowly got up and walked out of the classroom. Then she tried to make her way toward the hospital wing without falling. Once she was about half way there she collapsed on the floor and suddenly felt very sick. Then strong arms picked her up and carried her to Madame' Pomfrey.
"It's ok, Lynx. You'll be ok."
Lynx smiled knowing that it was her father, Lupin. Then without warning she fell into unconsciousness, everything becoming black and without any meaning.