Cyra was at a loss for words. Fred and George waited for her reaction to the news, playing around with the potion bottles by her bedside. She had been ordered on rest by Madam Pomfrey, and the elder woman didn't trust her to do it out of her sight, so Cyra was confined to the hospital wing.
She took a deep breath, her amber eyes blinking wildly, "So.." They turned to look at her, grins growing. Cyra licked her lips as she tried to gather her thoughts, "Instead of punishing Harry…she made him seeker for the team? When he's a first year?" Fred was the first one to speak, taking her hand, "Yes. But we will watch after him, we promise." George rushed to take her other, snickering, "Absolutely! With us being amazing beaters, we'll be sure to protect all of Potter's fingers and toes."
"Can't promise for his ear though."
"Oh the ear may have to go."
She rolled her eyes, but didn't push them off, "What made McGonagall think this was a good idea? He doesn't even have a broom!" The twins shared a look, catching Cyra's attention, "Wait, what? Does he have a broom? That's against the rules! First years can't have brooms!"
"Well, from what Ronny-kins said, it's not just a broom."
"It's the Nimbus Two Thousand."
"NIMBUS TWO THOUSAND?!" She shrieked, her eyes wide in terror, "Is she mad!?" Fred and George grabbed onto her as she tried to crawl out the bed, "Let me go! That broom is MUCH too fast for a boy his age! He's just learned to fly! I said let me go!"
Fred tried not to laugh, biting his tongue as he shoved her back on the pillows, "Now now, Ms. Lupin! You are under strict orders to rest! You are a patient!" George pulled the covers over her, tucking her in, "Yeah, Cy, you need to heal. You don't need to be worrying about little Potter fracturing a bone!"
"You're not helping!" She complained, pushing their hands off her, "Who's even going to coach him!?"
"Wood of course."
"WOOD!?" She started struggling again, causing them both to laugh, "That nutjob!? Do you not remember his speech last year!? 'Don't come back unscathed, or I'll know you didn't try. We either win or we die!' He's insane!"
George shushed her in between his chuckling, "Cyra, really, it'll be fine!" Fred snorted, trying to hold her in his arms, "Yeah Cy! Oliver wouldn't let his new star seeker die!"
"Okay that's enough you two! Stop riling up this poor dear!" Madam Pomfrey rounded the corner with a new cart of potions. Both boys hopped up, acting innocent. She shooed them away from Cyra's bed, uncorking a vial, "You two are going to give Ms. Lupin grey hairs if you keep frightening her so."
Cyra pressed her lips tightly together before speaking, "Madam Pomfrey, can I please be ex-"
"No you cannot. You are staying here where I can see you."
She sighed loudly, dropping against the pillows, "Great."
"Don't worry dear, you'll be out by Halloween. Just got to get through this week."
Cyra glanced over at the twins, who were staring at the shimmering blue liquid in the vial curiously. She felt her stomach drop as she recognized it. That was her wolfsbane. Pomfrey gave her the vial with a soft smile, "Bottoms up, dear."
She placed the vial to her lips, hoping that they wouldn't ask questions. But they always did opposite of what she wanted. As she dunked it back, they asked in unison, "What's that?" She forced herself to swallow it, gagging as it slid down her throat.
Madam Pomfrey handled it before she could, replying calmly, "It's a potion for feminine issues." The twins instantly looked uncomfortable, turning pale in the face. Cyra raised a brow at them, watching as they packed their stuff up.
"Right, we'll let you rest. Right George?"
"Right Fred. Gotta get your rest, with your.."
"Feminine…issues.." Fred trailed off at the end, swallowing nervously.
Cyra sighed softly, waving them off, "Go on, you're free to go. Go do boy stuff." She didn't have to tell them twice, they were off. Once she was left alone, she glanced at Madam Pomfrey, whispering, "Thank you.."
"Of course, dear. Now you get your rest." Madam Pomfrey reached down, stroking a hand over Cyra's hair before going off to her next patient.
It didn't take long for the dreaded night to come. After a week of being isolated in the hospital wing, and doing her schoolwork in bed, she was itching to get out. Once her head of house appeared, she got to her feet, following after her.
Professor Sprout, as usual, was very chatty. She told Cyra about the new snapdragons she got for the second year class, how Longbottom was showing promise in the subject, and whatever pranks the twins have pulled in her absence.
Once they arrived at the Whomping Willow, she pressed at the knot, calming the swinging limbs. Cyra stared down at the hole, feeling dread sinking in. Something didn't feel right. Professor Sprout cupped her cheek, lifting her head up to look at her, "I'm so sorry dear. I wish I could make things easier for you. Minerva and I placed some new pillows and blankets down there for you, so you'll be nice and comfy."
She managed to give the Professor a small smile, thanking her before heading down into her personal hell. Once she entered the shack, she looked around. After her first transformation, the whole shack had been cleaned up. It now was like a glorified doghouse. Letting out a sharp sigh, she tossed her bag over to the side of the room, "Great."
Time ticked by slowly, and she felt her bones ache with each minute that passed. Now was the time that she was truly alone. No housemates, no twins, and no Madam Pomfrey to hover. Relaxing her muscles, she looked up at the ceiling, allowing her eyes to water. She could finally cry in peace.
A soft sob broke from her lips, the tears falling down her cheeks. She let herself mourn for her humanity. Mourn for what could have been. She allowed the guilt, the anger, and the sadness. To feel them all, in solitude.
The moon was rising, so she stood, stripping her clothes off slowly. She ran her fingers over the raised flesh on her shoulder, the teeth indents that interrupted smooth skin. She still could feel the fear of that night. The feeling of being chased. She would always be on edge, waiting for Fenrir to finish the game and end her suffering.
A creak nearby caught her attention, causing her to whirl her head towards the doorway. Her amber eyes glowed in the darkness. She grabbed onto the blanket on the bed, wrapping her body in it. Did one of the Professors forget something?
Feeling her canines begin to grow in her mouth, she called out, "It's not safe! Head back to the castle!" Her voice was shaking, not wanting to hurt one of Professors. As the door creaked open, she began to wish it was a Professor. Not her worst nightmare.
"Cyra?" George whispered, staring at her confused. Fred rushed in, grabbing onto her arms, "Cyra! Are you okay!? Why isn't it safe?" She couldn't say anything. She just stared at them in horror, tears blurring her vision. They both crowded her, trying to get her to explain.
"Cyra, why are you here?"
"We saw on the map. Why did Sprout take you here?"
"Are you okay?"
Her breath quickened, her chest tightening as she saw the moon getting higher in the sky. This couldn't be real. This couldn't be happening. It finally sunk when Fred's wand lit up the room, revealing her shivering figure. She felt the bile rise in her throat as their eyes drifted to her shoulder, seeing the mark.
"Cyra…."
"What is.."
She flinched as they reached out to touch her, finally shouting, "GET OUT! You need to go!" She backed up towards the bed, clinging to the blanket around her. Fred's face was scrunched up in anger, shouting back, "Not until you explain! Please! Enough excuses!" George tried to calm him, stepping forward to diffuse the situation, "Cyra, we're just worried. You've looked terrible. Every month, you look like you're a corpse. Something has to be up. I know we shouldn't have followed you, but we care about you."
She shook her head quickly, before letting out a cry of pain as her leg snapped in half to reform, "FUCK! GO! PLEASE GO!" Fred tried to go to her, but George stopped him. They both watched in horror as her body broke and reformed, her screams ringing in their ears and breaking their hearts, fur growing from her skin. Her last words is what sent them out, "PLEASE GO. I DON'T WANT YOU TO SEE- AGH, I CAN'T HURT YOU!"
She watched as they ran out, her sobs turning into whimpering. Once the transformation finished, she was in too much pain to move. They saw her. She could still see the horror in their eyes. Her best friends. Her boys. She let out a whine, pushing herself up onto her paws.
Once she was steady, she went over to the mirror, meeting the gaze of the beast. She was horrid. A monster. No matter how hard she tried to conceal it, they still found out. Her Papa was right.
Turning away, she grew agitated as she thought about how they looked at her. How angry Fred was at being lied to. They must hate her. She hated herself. Her body felt like it was on fire, her throat rumbling with angry growls. While the wolfsbane let her keep her consciousness, it didn't repress the beast.
With a snarl, she charged at the mirror, slamming her body into it. Broken shards rained down, slicing at her skin. But it wasn't enough. She stood up on her hind legs, reaching up to claw at herself. She was so angry. She wanted to die.
A claw caught her eye, causing her to yelp, red filling her vision. She slammed herself against anything she could find. Blood dripped from her wounds, staining the wood. She let out despaired howls, throwing herself against the walls with heavy thuds.
She was a monster, she deserved to suffer. She convinced herself of this, finding a relief in the pain she caused herself. It was like repentance. The world grew blurry, her body feeling like it was floating. Did she do it? Did she beat the beast?
She let her eyes close, flopping onto the ground with a heavy thud.
McGonagall had been the one who found her, screaming in terror as she saw the young girl bleeding out on the floors, her flesh scraped apart. She sent a patronus in her panic, summoning the others to hurry, before she tried to heal what she could. As her hands became coated with the girl's blood, she let out a sob, "D-Don't you dare die on me, young lady!" Tears fell from her eyes as she tried to heal the gashes on her back, but they refused. It was werewolf inflicted, which meant no healing spell would work. She cradled the girl in her arms, stroking her hair, her hands trembling.
Severus was the first to arrive, barraging down the door, "Honestly what has the-" He froze as he saw Cyra, his voice softer as he spoke, "She's lost a lot of blood. Pomfrey is on the way. Dumbledore is already notifying her father." Minerva gasped as she realized the poor man would have to see his daughter like this, "Oh no.. Remus.."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. She's not dead yet." He snapped, bending down to asses the damage. As he looked over the wounds, he sighed, "We'll need to transport her secretly. I'm sure she wouldn't want anyone to see her like this." Minerva sniffled, wiping her cheeks, "Why on earth would she do this anyway? She's been injured a couple times, but she's never.."
"Tried to kill herself?" He replied, his voice cracking for a moment from it's calmness, "No. She'd rather torture herself. I've seen it in her eyes. She doesn't consider herself worthy of anything. It was only a matter of time before she snapped."
"You shouldn't say that! She is a girl-"
"But he is correct, Minerva." A low voice interrupted. They turned to face Headmaster Dumbledore, who arrived with Madam Pomfrey.
As the healer got to work, he continued, his eyes staring at Cyra's form sadly, "Fenrir did something to her that night. He didn't just attack her. He played with her, made her fight for her life, even when in the end it wouldn't matter. He just wanted to see her terrified. He chose to keep her alive, but just barely. It was enough to instill fear in her. A message."
"What was the message?" Minerva asked, her voice shaking. Dumbledore's face was grim, the twinkle gone from his eye, "'Your life is nothing but a game, and I get to decide when it ends.'"
"Remus, you have to let Pomfrey-"
"I'M HER FATHER!" Remus spatted back, his eyes narrowing at Dumbledore, "I am her father. And no one told me she was struggling!? She wasn't sleeping!?" The Headmaster stayed calm, placing his hands up in defense, "I understand you're upset, Remus. I would be-"
"No." Remus cut him off, shaking his head, "No, you don't understand." He pointed towards the curtains, growling, "That is my fucking daughter! That is my baby! The last time I saw her, she was in one piece! She was smiling! She wasn't bleeding out, looking like she did when Fenrir attacked her!"
"What happened to Cyra?" The young voices drew the adult's attention, seeing the redheaded twins at the entrance. Professor McGonagall rushed over to them, "Weasleys! You cannot be here! Class is canceled, so please return to your common room!"
They ignored her, hurrying to Remus. Fred was the one to speak, "Mr. Lupin, is Cyra okay?" Remus didn't know what to say, turning away to hide his tears, "They're.. Madam Pomfrey is doing her best."
George furrowed his brows at that, "We shouldn't have left her.." That piqued the adult's attention. Fred let out a heavy sigh, tears forming in his eyes, "It's all our fault. She…she told us to go. But we should have stayed."
Remus grabbed onto their shoulders, shaking them, "What do you mean you should have stayed!? Where were you!?" Fred stammered, "W-We went into the Shrieking Shack. We were just s-so worried about her!" George took over, "We didn't know what was going on! B-But then she.. she started.."
Dumbledore took a step forward, speaking softly, "Mr. Weasleys, did you see her transform?" At their hesitant nods, Remus let them go, stepping back. It all made sense. The adults all shared a look, before looking towards the curtains.
"W-We're really sorry. If we stayed, we could have made sure she didn't get hurt while transforming." Fred spoke softly, his voice cracking.
"That's not what happened." Remus replied quietly, staring at the curtains, "She didn't want you to know. Didn't want anyone to know.." His eyes watered, "It's my fault. I was the one who told her to lie, I'm the one who made her ashamed-"
Minerva came over, resting her hand on his shoulder, "Remus. You did that for her safety. You wanted her to live a normal life, without prejudice." He let out shaking breath, closing his eyes, "She.. She did all of that to herself. I knew she was insecure, but I didn't think.."
It all clicked. Fred and George collapsed to their knees, tears falling down. Fred looked at the floor, his sight blurry, "It's our fault. She hurt herself because we found out.." George gritted his teeth, trying to keep control of himself, "W-We were just worried. But I just couldn't.. the screaming. She was in so much pain."
Severus winced as he imagined the scene they were conjuring, knowing the girl must have been desperately trying to keep herself together for them, fighting the transformation. Remus let in a deep breath, reaching over to the boys on the floor, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, "No, boys. I knew eventually you both would find out. And I think so did Cyra, which is why she tried so hard to keep you from it."
Fred stared at the ground, sniffling, "We love her though. We don't care if she's.." George finished for him, "A werewolf." His bottom lip quivered as the tears fell down his cheeks, "She's still Cyra."
Remus managed a weak smile, patting their shoulders, "Be sure to tell her that when she recovers. I'm sure she'll appreciate it." They nodded quickly. He finished with, "And also, be sure not to tell anyone. I'm sure you know this has to remain quiet."
"Our lips are sealed."
He nodded, "Good boys." With that, he got up, brushing past Dumbledore, "I'm going to see her."
"Remus, that isn't-"
"I don't care what you think. I'm her father."
Remus stepped past the curtains, making sure no one else could see inside before turning to the scene before him. Madam Pomfrey paused as she saw him, her eyes red and swollen from crying, "Remus…she.." She quickly went back to pouring the dittany into the wounds, not wanting to waste a second.
He looked over his pup, trembling as he took in the exposed flesh, "Oh my love." Cyra was halfway healed, the gash on her right eye was still open but slowly healing. He came over, stroking his hand over Cyra's curls, "Will she be able to see out of it?" Madam Pomfrey gave an affirmative nod as she worked at the cuts on her legs, "She just took a chunk of skin, but managed not to scratch any of her actual retina."
"Can I help?"
"Just be here. When she wakes, she'll need her Papa."
And so he did. He waited by her bedside, watching as her chest slowly rose and fell. Her body was covered in bandages, her right eye as well. It would take her a while to heal. He held her small hand in his, stroking the soft skin underneath his thumb.
It felt like when he finally stopped crying, the tears kept coming back. He lifted the hand up to his mouth, kissing the skin softly. He stared at her face, she looked so peaceful, her color slowly coming back to her cheeks. Reaching up, he ran a thumb over her cheek, "You're such a pretty girl. My worst fear, you know? Everybody said it would happen, even when you were eight years old. You'd be a little heartbreaker. And I'd have to curse the hormonal teenagers away from you."
When she didn't reply, he swallowed thickly, continuing, "And they were right. You have two boys so madly in love with you that they'd follow you into the shrieking shack." He chuckled weakly, "I can't even bring myself to curse them though. I'm sure anyone who had the pleasure of knowing you would do the same."
He checked her chest to make sure she was still breathing, before squeezing her hand, "You've always been like that. So disarming. You've even got Severus Snape teary-eyed over you. That man has a heart of ice, and you managed to make him cry. Not to mention Minerva. I swear she's like a fountain of tears. Heh…I'm no better. I have nothing but you, Cyra. It's times like now that I wish..I wish Sirius was here. I wish he could hold me, and tell me that you're going to be okay. I'm sure he'd have some extravagant bouquet for you to wake up to."
He let out a sob, hanging his head, "Cyra, you can't ever.. please don't ever do this to me again. I can't lose you too. Please don't make me lose you. I know it's selfish. But you're my little light. You're the only thing keeping me going. I can't do this without you."
A soft squeeze was all he got in reply, but it was enough. He peppered kisses on her hand, whispering, "Please.. Please wake up soon."
It took three days, but she did. But at the worst time possible. The entire school was in an uproar, the news given by Professor Quirrell, a troll loose in the dungeon. Remus went with Madam Pomfrey to help set up a protective ward on the wing.
As the sound of children terrified screaming entered the halls, Cyra's eyes slowly fluttered open. Everyone was in a panic, trying to help the students to their dormitories, while the Professors were trying to figure out how this happened.
Cyra grunted as she tried to move herself up, her body still in pain. No one heard her. Professor McGonagall rushed in with the twins, shouting, "Pomfrey! These two refused to go their dormitories. Gave each other black eyes so they'd be taken here. Have them!" Madam Pomfrey hurried over to them, tsking, "Honestly you two! I will let you know when she wakes. We've got the wing secured."
She then looked at McGonagall, "Speaking of, how is the situation?" The Professor let out an annoyed huff, "You'd never believe it. Potter, Weasley, and Granger all decided to take it on. Knocked it out good too. Still. Unbelievable."
Remus came over to them, chuckling, "Well, Harry is his father's son. Potter's are known for being unbelievable." Cyra watched them, smiling softly as she watched them all interact. It was only when Fred made eye contact with her that her smile fell. He didn't believe his eyes for a moment, his brother turning to look in the same direction.
"CYRA!" George shouted, running over to her, his twin right behind him. Cyra jumped as he shouted, tears forming in her eye, "I-I-I'm sorry…I-I.." They both wrapped their arms tightly around her, burying their faces into her neck. She let out a sob, seeing the adults staring at her in shock, "I-I'm so sorry…"
They all ran over to her, grins on their faces. Remus took her hand, tears of joy forming, "Oh merlin, Cyra. I'm so happy you're awake." She went to reply, but Fred and George took her attention, babbling away.
"We would never hate you! Before you say it! We love you!"
"Yeah! And we weren't scared of you! We were scared for you!"
"You were in pain!"
"We don't like to see you in pain!"
"But we love you!"
"Always."
They finished in unison, "You're our Cyra." She sat there in shock, her face wet from tears. Both boys sat up and gave her cheeks a soft and lingering kiss. Cyra's eyes widened, warmth flooding to her cheeks, "I-I love you too. Both of you."
Remus shooed them off, "Okay okay, you've had enough! It's my turn!" Cyra let out a laugh as the twins glared at him, looking at Remus with a weak smile, "Hi Papa." He stared at her, "Hi pup. C'mere." He took her in his arm, hugging her tightly, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hold you again. My sweet girl." She let out a sob against his shoulder, trying to apologize again. He shushed her, stroking her hair, "I know. It's okay. I'm here."
Professor McGonagall sniffed, wiping at her eyes, "Well. It seems two amazing things happened tonight.." She gave Cyra a soft smile before heading out, "I must go tell Severus and Albus. They'll want to know."
Cyra nuzzled her head against Remus's sweater, sighing softly, "What did I miss? What was that all about a troll?"
Fred and George shared a grin before turning to her, "Well…"