As the older students shuffled into the castle, Cyra caught sight of a familiar man bumbling past the crowd. Stepping away from the twin's grasp, she went to greet him, "Evening, Professor Quirrell." The nervous man spun around to face her, his eyes wide in a panic, "O-Oh! Yes! Um..Miss.." She gave an understanding smile, she didn't expect him to remember her. After all, she had been too young until now to take his muggle studies class, "Lupin, sir."

"Ah, yes, Miss L-Lupin. L-L-Last time I had seen you, you were t-t-t-this small." He placed his hand down very low, causing her to laugh. Obviously he was exaggerating, she hadn't been that small since she was nine. "Well," She began, "I was eleven the last time you saw me. Then I heard you took a sabbatical? How was it?"

His face seemed to grow paler at the mention, his eyes darting around the halls before landing on her again, "I-I-It was most enlightening." She waited for him to continue, but he didn't, his eyes baring into her. Something in the back of her mind twinged, her instincts growing stronger as she began to sense danger. Deciding not to alert him, she just gave a bright smile, "Well, lovely to have you back! Will you still be teaching muggle studies?"

He waved off the notion, smiling once again, "No, no. I shall be teaching D-D-Defense against Dark Arts." Well that was new. She didn't know he even had an interest in that subject. Then again, she didn't really pay much attention to the stuttering man. Hearing the twins call for her, she decided to cut the conversation short, "Well, I look forward to learning from you!"

Quirrell bowed his head at her, dismissing her so she could join with her friends. Once she stepped back into the crowd, she allowed the boy's scents to flood her senses, calming her instantly. Fred took her hand worriedly, guiding her through, "Where'd you run off to?" She gave his hand a soft squeeze before answering, "I just wanted to say hello to Professor Quirrell, he's back from his trip." George scoffed, taking her other hand protectively, "Oh great, good thing we didn't take Muggle Studies as our electives."

Cyra didn't bother to correct them, knowing it would be much funnier for them to find out on their own. As they entered the hall, she attempted to head over to the Hufflepuff's table, but was yanked back by the hands grasping at her.

"Oi, you."

"Where do you think you're going, missy?"

She gave a small giggle, looking at them both, "Can't I sit with my own house?"

"You can. But you avoided us all during the train ride."

"We deserve compensation."

"So you're sitting with us."

"You can file your complaints after dinner."

With no room for argument, they dragged her to the bright red and gold decorated table. Cyra didn't put up a fight, finding their childishness very amusing. They were still very sour over her spending her time with Hermione and Neville during the train ride.

Once they were seated, the conversation came back around, this time by Fred's doing. "So, what electives did you choose Cyra?" He asked, going ahead and pouring himself some pumpkin juice. Sliding her glass over to his so he'd pour her some as well, she politely answered, "Divination and Care for Magical Creatures." George gasped out, "What a surprise! So did we!" She narrowed her eyes at that, the gasp was much too fake for it to be a surprise.

Fred slid her now filled glass back over to her, looking as innocent as a devil, "Such a coincidence, eh brother?" Cyra didn't think she wanted to know how they made this 'coincidence' happen. Deciding it would be best to let it go, she prompted, "I'm also very excited for Potions this year." At their dramatic groans, she continued, "I heard we'll be learning to make antidotes to poisons."

"Probably cause the old bat will be poisoning our food." George grumbled. Fred muttered something under his breath as well, narrowing his eyes at the Potion's Professor who sat highly at the Head's Table. Rolling her eyes at their antics, she slipped in, "We'll also be learning a potion that can cause the drinker to shrink." Their heads whipped towards her so fast, she could have sworn she heard their necks crack. Knowing she had their attention, she gave a sweet smile, "But I dunno when we'd ever use that. Do you?"

Their identical grins were all she needed as an answer. Hearing soft whispering outside the Great Hall's doors, she prepared herself for the arrival of the first years. As Dumbledore raised his hand, the doors parted, Professor McGonagall stepping through and guiding the small first years in a neat line. She always loved to see the reactions of the students when they walked in, the looks of awe as they took in the beauty and magic of the castle.

Scanning through the crowd, she finally caught sight of Harry, his eyes wide behind the black frames. He was watching the candles as they levitated above their heads. Soon enough, he seemed to have felt her stare, looking into her direction with a wide smile. Giggling, she waved a hand at him before motioning for him to pay attention to what was infront of him.

McGonagall held her hand out for the line to stop, taking out a four-legged stool and placing it before them. She awaited the looks of confusion as she placed the sorting hat on top of the stool. Fred and George snickered on both sides of her, before Fred leaned in to whisper, "Look at Ronny-kins, he looks like he's about to wee himself." A quick glance confirmed Fred's joke, Ron look positively terrified at the ratty and frayed hat.

Her lips quirked up in amusement as she whispered back, "What did you say to him?" George slid in closer to her side, snickering, "Oh not much, just that it was painful." Fred glanced over at his brother, "Oh yeah? I said we had to wrestle a troll. I suppose that lines up, eh?"

As the hat began to move, the first years all took a terrified step back, their eyes wide. The Sorting Hat's lips appeared at the brim of the hat, opening wide to belt out his song. Cyra enjoyed watching the children's reaction, seeing the shock and awe amongst them all. Even a young Malfoy was almost hypnotized by the old hat. Hogwarts truly was very magical.

Once the hat finished, Professor McGonagall whisked out her long scroll, speaking clearly and strict, "When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted." With that, it began. She was pleased to see a bunch of new Hufflepuffs, last year they didn't get many. Glancing over at her table, she spotted Cedric welcoming in the new girls with a charming smile.

"Brown, Lavender."

"GRYFFINDOR!"

There it was. Within seconds, both boys on her sides were hooting and hollering in excitement. Laughing at their antics, she grabbed them both by their ties and tugged them back down to their seats. The poor girl looked positively terrified to approach them after that excitement, rushing to the other side.

Once Hermione was sorted, she skipped herself proudly over to where Cyra sat, sitting on the other side. Leaning forward, Cyra whispered, "Good job, welcome to the Lion's Den." Hermione gave her a grin before looking down at her tie in confusion, "Are you not Gryffindor?" Chuckling, she shook her head, "Nope, but two very clingy gnomes kept me from returning to my table."

"Well that's awful rude, don't you think Fred?"

"Yeah, George. I'm sure she meant to say very handsome clingy gnomes."

Cyra sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically to make Hermione giggle, "Yeah, sure, that's what I meant."

All the other names seemed to brush past her ears until she heard a familiar name. Glancing over, she spotted the young Longbottom as he fell over on his way to the stool. Once he got situated, there was a long pause, causing her to wonder if it was a hat stall. Watching the shifting emotion on the boy's face, he seemed to be fairly against what the Hat was saying to him.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Oh, it was decided. She felt pity for the poor dear as he looked over at the table with frightened eyes. Hopping up with the twins, she clapped her hands and cheered, "Whoo! Welcome Longbottom!" The other Gryffindors joined in, cheering and motioning for him to join. He bashfully stumbled on his way, taking a seat at the end with Brown.

Soon, they were at the M's. She had to hold back a chuckle as she watched Draco's saunter to the stool, his robes dramatically flourishing behind him, reminding her of a certain Potion's Professor. There was no question where he would end up.

Why the hat barely even touched the boy before it screamed out, "SLYTHERIN!" His eyes searched the Hufflepuff table before landing on her at the Gryffindors, being sure to send her a smug smirk. Scoffing, she shook her head before softly clapping. He was so very pleased with himself.

It felt like this sorting was much longer than usual. Getting impatient, Cyra groaned, "How many bloody children is there this year?" Fred patted her head mockingly, "Now now, Cyra. I'm sure they'll skip over the rest of the poor firsties just to get to your precious boy." He took her hit to the shoulder with pride, grinning evilly as his twin joined in to tease her, "In fact, we personally asked them toss a couple of them off the boats just to make the wait time much shorter, just for you."

Cyra hummed in response, before delivering the same blow to his shoulder, "Hush it George." He rubbed his arm with a whine, "Easy there, Cy, you'll leave a bruise!" She shot him a sickeningly sweet smile, "Good."

"Potter, Harry."

GASP. That was it! Her eyes were instantly locked onto the boy, watching with excitement as he approached the stool nervously. Gripping onto the table with excitement, she silently chanted, "Hufflepuff..come on.." The students in the hall were having their own hushed whispers, but it was moreso about the fact the 'Boy who Lived' was in Hogwarts.

As time grew on, the hat remained silent. It was much longer than Longbottom's, causing the students to speak louder, confused on what was happening. George tilted his head close to hers, whispering, "Bet he'll be a Gryffindor." Giving him a scoff, she challenged him, "You're on."

"When I win, what do I get?"

"You mean IF you win, which you won't. If you do, I'll make you your own cookie tin, one you won't have to share with Fred."

"Hey!"

"Perfect. If you win, which you won't, Fred and I will sit with you for breakfast tomorrow with the Hufflepuffs."

"What about my say?"

They both ignored Fred, taking each other's hands and shaking firmly before giving Harry their attention again. The tension lingered for a moment longer before the Sorting Hat parted his lips and announced, "GRYFFINDOR."

"HA! Told you!"

Cyra whined as the redheads leaped up, doing almost a jig as they shouted boisterously, "WE GOT POTTER! WE GOT POTTER!" She watched as Percy leaped up from his end, taking Harry's hand and shaking it vigorously. Once Harry's eyes made contact with hers, he said something to Percy to excuse himself before rushing over to her side. She pulled him into a hug, laughing despite her losing the bet.

"I-I was so nervous, I thought I'd have to perform magic or something. And then I wouldn't be allowed in, and I would disappoint-" Harry rambled, quietening down as he felt her cradle his face in her hands. Cyra gave him a soft smile as she squished his round cheeks teasingly, "Silly Potter, you wouldn't disappoint anyone. Not one soul."

He seemed to preen from her attention, smiling brightly up at her. Something in the back of her mind niggled, a small worry forming from how much he enjoyed affection instead of getting embarrassed like a boy his age would. But she decided to push it aside, placing a soft kiss on his forehead before releasing him, "You can sit next to me until Ron gets sorted." He seemed to like that idea, quickly taking his seat beside her, thanking Fred as he scooted to allow him space.

"Speaking of Ron, look at the bloke, he looks almost green." Fred commented, watching his brother as he approached the hat. Cyra saw what he was talking about, the poor kid looked like he was about to puke on stage, "Oh dear." Was all she could say. She knew Ron wouldn't calm down until it was all over with, then he would find another thing to freak out about.

Harry watched his friend worried, crossing his fingers beneath the table. Within seconds, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" The redheaded twins leaped up and cheered for their brother as he joined them. Percy gave him a pat on the head over the table, "Well done, Ron, excellent." Fred moved so Ron could take his place beside Harry, who now scooted to the side to allow him his spot back beside Cyra.

Once the sorting finished with a young slytherin, Zabini, Professor McGonagall whisked away the stool before taking her place at the head table. Headmaster Dumbledore stood from his seat, approaching the hall with wide arms and a pleased grin, "Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Now before we begin, I would like to say a few words." Cyra sighed as she prepared for his next part of the speech, already knowing what about to happen.

He got a little twinkle in his eye as he addressed the now silent hall, clearing his throat, "And here they are.. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" The hall remained silent, the new students staring at him in complete confusion. Nodding in approval, he thanked them before returning to his seat. Cyra resisted the urge to laugh at the shock as she and the other students clapped and cheered for the Headmaster.

One particular reaction that was amusing was Harry's, who looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or clap. Looking over at Percy for guidance, he asked, "Is he..a bit mad?" Percy seemed amused at the question, "Mad? He's a genius! The best wizard in the world!"

Cyra giggled, following up his answer with, "But he is mad, yes. Very mad." Percy nodded in approval, "Positively batty. Potatoes, Harry?" The food at the table seemed to shock the boy, who took it all in with wide eyes. Cyra began plating her own food, her ears piquing at the sound of the boy's stomach growling. He must be starving from the journey.

The pup is practically skin and bones. Moony wouldn't be happy to know about this.

No, indeed he wouldn't. But she placed that to the back of her mind once again, knowing now was not the time. She silenced her wolf, biting into her steak greedily, though she did wish it was a bit rarer.

Once she was stuffed with meat and chocolate, she laid her head sleepily against George's shoulder. Soon the food all disappeared, and they remained silent for Headmaster Dumbledore's speech.

"Ahem, just a few more words now that we are all fed and warm. I have just a few start-of-term notices to give you. So please stay awake with me and then we may all retire. First years, you should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."

Oh she could practically feel the stare directed at her and the boys. Whispering softly, she teased, "Yeah Fred. You heard him." She heard him scoff before he replied, "Yeah, sure. I wasn't the one going, 'The only dangerous thing in here is me!' Like you're some big bad wolf." She tried not to smile at the irony of his words.

"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."

Her head shot up at that, now wide awake. Harry laughed, but quickly stopped as he saw the older students weren't, "He's not serious, is he?" Cyra looked over at Dumbledore confused, seeing how grim he looked. He had to be joking. He wouldn't put something life threatening to the students in the school?

Besides me?

"Now, finally! For the school song! Everyone pick your favorite tune!"

Oh dear merlin, please no. Cyra groaned, burying her face into her hands as everyone began singing. A chorus of different versions and horrible off-key tunes. She sat through it all, but slowly it all drained out. That was, except for the twin brothers, who decided it would be funny to sing a funeral march tune.

Dumbledore guided them through the last of the song, conducting with his wand. Once they finished, he seemed to have teared up, wiping at his eyes, "Ah music. Magic beyond all we do here.." He allowed a dramatic pause before finishing, "Bedtime! Off you trot! Hopefully to your correct dormitories! Farewell!"

Cyra stood up from her seat, going over to Harry, "Right then, follow Percy and he'll show you everything. You sleep tight." He hugged her around her waist sleepily, "You're not coming with?"

She petted his hair back, "No, I'm sorry to say I can't. I've got to go with my house, we all live in separate dorms. I'll see you at breakfast though, okay?" He nodded, giving her one more hug before following after Percy.

Feeling two pairs of hands slide around her waist, she hummed, "Goodnight boys." Fred was the first to hug her, pulling her into his arms, almost whining, "Are you sure you can't come with?" She smiled against his shoulder, reaching up to rub at his back, "I know, it's such a crime to keep us apart." George came behind her, squishing her against Fred as he hugged her, "We should really file a complaint with Dumbledore." She laughed as she was forced into a Weasley sandwich, having to stand up on her tiptoes so she could breathe, "He's right there, go file them!"

They squeezed her tighter instead, cutting off her air supply. After suffocating for a while, she was finally released. It was then she decided to try something a bit different. Leaning in, she gave them both a peck on the cheek, "Goodnight guys." With that, she hurried over to Cedric, leaving the twins turning as red as their hair.

The next few weeks went splendidly, soon the fame of Harry Potter being at Hogwarts died down, and the poor boy could live his life freely. Well, as free as he could after somehow ending up on Filch's bad side. Cyra tried to comfort him that almost everyone was on the caretaker's hate list.

But all in all, it wasn't too rough. But of course, the moment she would relax and enjoy the moment, it would come. In the moment she woke, she felt it. Groaning loudly, she rubbed her eyes in irritation, "Great." Her first stop would be to Professor Snape it seemed.

Pulling her body up from the bed, she could feel her bones protesting. Pushing the curtains from her bed, she stared with narrowed eyes at her housemates who were sleeping soundly. A shower would be wise before she left for anywhere.

She made sure to lock the door behind her, not wanting another incident to happen like it did last year. Once the hot water hit her skin, she sighed with relief. It didn't stop the cravings, but it did assist with how awful she felt.

I could tear into a steak right now. Rare and bloody.

Oh merlin, did that sound great. She grabbed her soap, washing her skin carefully. The light scent of lavender tickled her nose. That was one thing she liked about it, especially during this time, not being overbearing on the senses.

Once she finished, she rinsed her curls with a little water before hopping out. She really just needed to refresh them, the curls had gotten a bit loose from her tying it up in a bun the past few days. Once she was dressed in her uniform, she headed to her dorm again to snatch up her bag.

"Mmph..Lupin, you're up already?"

Ah shoot. Spinning around on her heel, she smiled sweetly at her housemate, "Morning French, yeah.. I've got some questions for Professor Snape for our upcoming essay."

"Ugh..good luck." Sarah muttered grumpily before turning away from her, snuggling back into her duvet. She waited a moment to allow her to fall asleep again before she hurried out. Thankfully no one was in the common room to stop her in her path.

Get to Snape. Take the potion. Then steak.

A plan that had her hot on her heels, flying past the poltergeists in the halls. Once she made it to the Potion's classroom, she took a deep gasp for breath before knocking. Expecting her, the door swung open, the snarky tone calling out, "Inside, Lupin."

She stepped carefully inside, shutting the door behind her before hurrying on her journey to the Professor, the glowing vial sitting upon his desk.

He gave her a look up and down before saying, "You look haggard. Honestly girl, do you ever sleep?" She kept herself from snapping, knowing this was his way of showing he cared. Taking the vial with a polite smile, she uncorked it, simply replying, "Too busy cursing out the moon." Before she dunked the entire content of the potion into her mouth, instantly grimacing at the taste.

She swallowed it all, not wasting a drop, but that didn't mean it tasted anything better than sewage. Gagging once it was all down, she gave him the vial back, "There has to be a way to make that stuff taste better." He said nothing, plucking the vial from her fingers before going over to his cabinets.

Once she got over the icky taste, she straightened herself, looking over at him, "Thank you-"

"Enough. For the millionth time, you do not have to thank me, Lupin. Take yourself to breakfast at once. I'm sure your appetite is almost..beastly."

Cyra huffed at the remark, turning away from him to leave, "Yeah yeah.." Once she opened the door, she got a small smirk, quickly calling out, "Thank you!" She then shut it behind her before he could retort, snickering. It was so fun to harass Professor Snape with kindness. She was a Hufflepuff after all.

Pushing herself off the door, she heard someone call out her name. Looking over at the dark corridor, she saw Malfoy appear with two boys, "Lupin. What are you doing down in the dungeons?" He looked genuinely curious, raising a blonde brow at her.

Humming, she gave the same excuse she always used, "Had a question to ask Professor Snape?" Then she changed the subject, "Are you three heading to the Great Hall? Want to walk together?"

Draco seemed to consider her offer before replying, "Well, either way, we'd be walking the same way. So very well." She resisted the urge to roll her eyes, forcing a chipper tone, "Great!" She turned to the other two boys, "I'm Cyra Lupin. We didn't meet before."

They stared at her silently, but didn't seem very unwelcoming, just..quiet. Draco stepped forward, motioning to them both, "This is Crabbe and Goyle." Cyra nodded, understanding, "Gotcha. Pleased to meet you two."

The silence continued on the walk to the Great Hall, though Cyra could feel the curious stare from Draco. But she honestly couldn't bring herself to care. She was so hungry. Practically drooling at the thought of bacon, she sped up her steps.

When they entered, they went their separate ways without a word. The moment she sat down at her table; she was piling her plate high with different meats. She placed some greens as well, but that was just for show.

A couple bites into her sausage, she was interrupted again, "Q-Quite an appetite, M-Ms. L-Lupin." She could sense him coming, but said nothing until he spoke. Taking a napkin, she politely dabbed her mouth before turning around to face him, "Morning, Professor Quirrell! I'm afraid I didn't eat much last night at dinner, so I woke up positively ravenous."

"I-Indeed. Well, b-be sure to eat w-well, we don't w-want you so hungry you eat a s-student! Ah-ha!" He gave a shakey laugh at his own joke, prompting Cyra to laugh as well. Though she was just being polite. A part of her didn't enjoy the underlying message behind it though. Surely he had been notified of her condition like the others? Was his humor simply dark?

"W-Well, I'll leave you be. I l-look forward to seeing y-you in class this a-afternoon." Professor Quirrell excused himself, heading up to the Head Table. She gave a wave before turning back to her meal, reminding herself to eat carefully. She didn't need to look like a wild dog as she ate.

She ate until she almost felt sick, placing her fork on her plate with a sigh. She felt her bones creaking with each movement, reminding her of the transformation that would be waiting for her soon. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she jerked, looking up.

"You okay Cy?" Cedric spoke softly, his face scrunched up in worry. She gave him a weak smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't get much sleep." He nodded before sitting beside her, beginning to make his plate. Glancing around the hall, she saw students begin to shuffle in and take their places at the tables. Her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for familiar red hair, but didn't spot them.

Cedric was whispering something, catching her attention, "I'm sorry, what?" She asked quietly, looking at him curiously. He glanced around before repeating himself, his voice low, "Are you feeling cramps?" Cyra was sure the shock was very clear on her face, as Cedric gave her a weak pat on her head, looking just as uncomfortable as her, "It's okay, my mum told me about it last summer. She said I needed to know since you were my friend, and I was confused when you couldn't show up to classes sometimes. Mum explained you must have been an..early bloomer."

She really wished she wasn't having this conversation right now. It was sweet. Cedric was always a big sweetheart. But she really didn't want to discuss her periods with him. But she also knew that it would be the only viable excuse for her. With a strained smile, she forced a nod, "Y-Yeah, my cramps are just really bad right now."

He looked at her in pity, before reaching over to spoon a chunk of the chocolate pudding on her plate, "Here, mum says it helps."

She tried not to laugh at how absurd this situation was, picking up her spoon and beginning to eat some of the pudding, "Thank you Cedric." He watched her with a proud stare, before turning back to eat his breakfast.

Once they finished, Cedric was sidled right alongside her, offering to carry her bag. As she tried to refuse, he insisted, "You don't need to strain your body, Cyra. Mum said it can make your body weak-" Cyra let out a groan before giving him her bag, "Okay! Okay! Take it! Just stop talking so loudly about it!" She then began to stomp off, Cedric keeping up with her with a smug grin.

After a moment of silence, Cyra began to feel bad for snapping at him. He was just trying to help her. Sighing, she glanced at him, tucking a curl behind her ear, "Sorry for my attitude, I didn't mean-" Cedric took her hand, cutting her off, "I know. It's okay. Mum told me that you'll be in a mood during it. No harm done." She resisted the urge to snap that she wasn't having her bloody period, but let it go. She squeezed his hand, straining out, "Thank you for understanding."

It wasn't too bad having his help that week, as the days began to edge closer to the full moon, she began to actually need it. Today was definitely one of those days. She woke late in a cold sweat, her body trembling with each step. She really didn't look forward to Professor Snape's comments on her appearance, one glance in the mirror was enough to make her swear off looking at her reflection for the rest of the week.

As she got down, she saw Cedric waiting for her, his eyes filled with worry as he took in her form. Before she could speak, he rushed her, taking her bag off her shoulder, and linking their arms together.

"You hold onto me if you need to. I'll be here to support you." He proclaimed, puffing his chest out. She let out a weak laugh, before telling him their first destination. He sweetly escorted her to the dungeons, waiting outside the door of Professor Snape's classroom to allow her privacy to take what he thought was a potion to ease the pain.

The potions professor said nothing about her haggard appearance, though he did not even attempt to restrain the disdaining sneer. At the Great Hall, Cedric continued to mother her, though he tried to insist she eat more fruits and greens. When Fred and George joined them, Cedric scolded them for handling her roughly, to which they completely ignored.

She didn't complain as she was dragged off by them, inhaling their comforting scents. They spoke about their upcoming prank with her, guiding her through the halls. She half-listened, her head fuzzy as she leaned against George.

He didn't notice for a while, excitedly joining his brother in explaining the procedure, "So we began to think, what if we could make potions that could cause one to get sick but only for a limited amount? It's pretty genius, something to get out of class, and we could even sell it!" At her soft hum, he glanced down, finally taking in her state.

"Whoa! Cyra?" He quickly reached up to feel her forehead, "You're burning up!" His exclaim finally caught Fred's attention, who felt her forehead next, "You're right, she is. Should we take her to Madam Pomfrey?" Cyra groaned, shaking her head, "No no, you shouldn't. She will be fine. Just need some..fresh air."

George scoffed, "Right, cause fine people talk of themselves in third person." He pulled her close, leading her out to the courtyard. Fred grabbing her things and following after. As she felt the sunshine hit her face, she closed her eyes quickly, wincing at how bright it was.

"Place me on the ground if you don't mind." She asked politely, holding onto George. He obeyed, helping her onto the ground slowly. As she felt the cool ground, she let out a satisfied sigh, laying back on the grass.

Fred got on the ground with her, brushing her curls out of her face, "Cyra, are you sure you're okay? You look so pale." George joined him, his face pinched together in worry, "Yeah. Paler than usual, at least." She stayed silent, focusing on their touches and scents. Beginning to get stressed out from her silence, Fred grasped her shoulder, "Cyra, please. Talk to us. You know you can tell us anything."

They waited a moment, their breaths hitching as she remained still. Then a soft snore left her lips, causing their bodies to collapse with relief. George let out a weak laugh, looking down at her, "How in merlin is she asleep so fast?" Fred shook his head, letting out a sigh, "She must not be sleeping again. You saw how tired she looked."

"I hope she's okay."

"I do too, Gred."

George slowly laid himself down on the grass, his twin copying him. Taking their places beside her, they each took one of her hands and made the decision to stay with her until she woke.

It was shouting that woke Cyra, her eyes slowly opening to see a broom hovering above in the sky. Blinking the sleep out of her eyes, she spotted the blonde hair glinting in the sunlight.

"Give it here! Or I'll knock you off your broom!"

That voice. Her suspicions confirmed, Harry came into view, hovering high in the air on his broom. She hear Malfoy reply something, but it was forgotten as panic seized her at the sight of Harry shooting off after something. He was too high. Much too high.

Sitting up quickly, she gasped out, "Harry!" But he couldn't hear her, going in a steep decline towards the ground. As she saw him take a tumble on the ground, she pushed herself up and run over to him. Fred and George woke with her screaming, rubbing the sleep from their eyes as she rushed off.

The children were cheering for him as he laid on the ground. Cyra picked up speed, screaming at the same time as Professor McGonagall who ran out from the castle, "HARRY POTTER!"

He visibly winced, quickly getting to his feet, his head whipping between his head of house and Cyra. Professor McGonagall was practically speechless, her glasses glinting intimidatingly, "Never in all my time at Hogwarts! You might have broken your neck! You might have-"

Cyra took over, shouting with her hands on her hips, "What on earth were you thinking, Harry!? You could have broken something! You could have split your head open! You could have DIED! Do you want to give me a heart attack, Harry Potter?! Cause that's what you almost gave me! Of all the foolish things to do, you sky dive out of the sky on an old school broom!? Does your life mean nothing to you!?"

Professor McGonagall stammered, motioning to Cyra, "I agree, Ms. Lupin! You took the words practically out of my mouth!" Harry was practically trembling, staring up at Cyra with wide eyes that almost broke her heart. Sighing, she softened her gaze, motioning for him to come over, "Come here, let me get a look at you."

He slowly approached her, sniffling as she checked him over for injuries. Once she was sure he hadn't broken anything, she pulled him into a tight hug, "Don't you ever do that again, do you understand me?" Her voice was shaking as she spoke, holding him firmly in her arms. Harry realized quickly how terrified she must have been, hugging her back with a quiet mumble that he promised.

"But Malfoy-"

"That's enough, Mr. Weasley. Potter. Follow me."

Cyra released him, allowing him to follow after Professor McGonagall back into the castle. Hermione soon came over to her, trying to explain, "I tried to stop him, Cyra. I swear! He's so stubborn and w-" She quietened down at the hand on her head, patting her softly. Cyra sighed, looking down at her tiredly, "I know. Thank you for trying to reason with him, sweetie." Hermione stared up at her in wonder, before noticing how exhausted the older teen looked, her pale skin causing her eyes to look almost inhumanly gold.

"Are you-"

"CYRA!"

Hermione looked to the sources of the voice, seeing Ron's older brothers running over to them. Cyra let out a sigh, turning back to them, "Harry's okay. He managed to somehow survive-" Fred grasped at her face, caressing her cheeks, "We're not worried about that lad, Cyra. You can't go running off after you just fainted!"

Hermione gasped in shock, "You fainted!?" The older girl waved her off, "They're being dramatic, I just took a little nap." Fred rolled his eyes, "Yeah, okay, we'll call it that then." Cyra took his hands off her face, trying to assure him, "Really Fred, I'm fine." She went to take a step back, but her legs were too weak, either from shock or her lack of strength. George managed to grab her before she fell, holding her tightly to his chest, "Right then, we're taking you to Madam Pomfrey."

"No! I'm fine guys, seriously-" She yelped as she was lifted up in George's arms, grabbing onto him, "Let me down! I'm fine!" Fred smirked at her, "Fight us back then, though you may faint before you can even land a punch." She glared at him, before giving in, allowing them to carry her off.

Hermione watched them in worry, glancing over at Ron as he stood beside her, "Is she going to be okay?" He rubbed at his nose, not even bothered, "Who? Cyra? Oh yeah, she's always been a bit frail. Don't worry, the twins have her. We should be more worried about what'll happen to Harry. They can't kick out the Boy-Who-Lived, right?"

"She looks like a corpse!"

"Her body is burning up, and she's so sweaty!"

"She has feelings, guys." Cyra grumbled, her arms crossed over her chest. They ignored her, continuing to list out her symptoms to Madam Pomfrey, who listened patiently. Once they finished, Madam Pomfrey gave them a smile, "You're right boys, she looks absolutely awful. She should have come to me much sooner." Cyra flinched, looking away from her pointed stare. She didn't really feel like being scolded right now.

"Why don't you boys give her space and head to class, I'll take good care of her."

Cyra's eyes widened, turning to Fred and George, "Wait, wait a minute. Don't go." Madam Pomfrey placed a hand on her shoulder, laughing merrily, "Now, Ms. Lupin. Weren't you just complaining about them hurting your feelings? Let them go on."

She felt her heart sink as she was given smug waves before she was abandoned in the infirmary. The jolly smile on Madam Pomfrey's face fell, and Cyra let out a groan, falling back on the cot.

"WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU THINKING, MS. LUPIN?! YOU COULD HAVE FAINTED DOWN THE STAIRS! YOU COULD HAVE DIED!"

She covered her face in embarrassment at the situation, now regretting how she shouted at Harry, "I'm fine!" She heard the scoff, and the arrangement of things beside her, "Oh yes, I'm sure you're fine. Fine with being the walking dead! You're just like your father! Suffering in silence!"

She couldn't help but pout at being compared to her Papa, staring up at the ceiling in defiance. Hearing paper rustle, she waited for the questioning to begin.

"How long have you been sleeping?"

"Enough."

"How many hours?"

"…like two, three maybe."

There was a moment of silence, the sharp inhale from Madam Pomfrey causing Cyra to cover her ears, already knowing what was coming.

"TWO HOURS!? CYRA LUPIN, I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU-"