It was finally game day, and Cyra had heard plenty enough from both the Twins and Cedric. Yawning, she leaned her elbows on the table, looking around the hall. Cedric was beside her, chatting with one of his team buddies. She didn't understand all the fuss they were stirring, this match was between Gryffindor and Slytherin, not Hufflepuff.
Sighing, she took a sip from her goblet, looking over at the Gryffindor table. There she saw Hermione leaning over Harry, speaking softly to him. He looked like he was about to be sick. That's right, this was going to be his first match. Of course he'd be nervous. She focused her hearing in their direction, hearing Finnegan, "Harry, you need your strength. Seekers are always the ones who get clobbered by the other team."
"Thanks Seamus."
She resisted rolling her eyes, snatching up two biscuits from the table before hopping up. Making sure she had her book bag, she strutted over to the table of red and gold. The Twins saw her coming, but noticed she wasn't heading towards them, looking disappointed.
She came up behind Harry, shoving a biscuit in his mouth to silence what he was about to say. As he made a confused muffled sound, she ruffled his hair, "Come on Potter, I'm kidnapping you for a bit." He turned around to see her, looking relieved. As he gathered his things, she looked at his friends, "Sorry to steal your seeker, I promise to return him before game time."
Ron smiled up at him, "No worries, Cyra. Though.." He glanced in his brother's direction, "Do you mind stealing the twins too? You don't have to return them." Cyra gave him a knowing smile, taking Harry's hand in hers, "Sorry kiddo, no can do. Just don't eat anything they give you." With that, she took off with the boy who lived.
He didn't ask where they were going, just nibbling on the biscuit as she dragged him along. Soon, she reached a clearing with a view of the forbidden forest. Satisfied, she let go of his hand and sat down on the grass. He copied her, crossing his legs under him. Cyra took a deep breath, closing her eyes to bask in the sun. Harry watched her for a moment before doing the same, inhaling the air deeply.
Slowly, he felt his body begin to relax, the panic settling inside. He felt much less sick. As he opened his eyes, he saw her breaking a chocolate bar in half. When she caught him staring, she offered him half, smiling softly, "It'll calm your nerves." He took it gratefully, nibbling on the edge.
Cyra took a bite out of hers, turning her attention to the view of the forest, "Quidditch, it's a crazy sport. Never appealed to me much. My dad enjoyed it, but he told me that his friend James Potter loved it so much more. Said he just came to life when he was on a broom."
Harry nodded along, before he realized what she was saying, looking at her with widened eyes, "James Potter? Is that.."
She shot him a wink, giving an affirmative nod. He was now giving her his full attention, starved for information on his parents. Cyra was more than happy to provide, telling him with a gentle smile, "James Potter, total prankster. But the things he took seriously, he gave his entire being for it. He was loyal to his friends, Lily Evans, and Quidditch. My dad said he had never seen James focus on something more than when he was playing. Not even for N.E.W.T.S."
Harry chuckled at the mention of his dad dodging studying, he hadn't been much for schoolwork, but he did genuinely enjoy learning about Quidditch from Wood. It made him feel closer to his dad to hear he was the same.
Cyra did this for the next hour, reciting some facts and stories she heard about James Potter. By the time she finished, Harry had gone through the chocolate and biscuit. He felt like he had an appetite again. As his stomach growled, she gave him a knowing look.
"Y'know, I think it would be very much in memory of your father if we sneak into the kitchens. Get you a meal before the game."
He felt a grin grow on his face, taking her hand with excitement. As soon as they were up on their feet, Cyra took off with him, making him laugh as he had to run to keep up with her.
"Come on, star seeker! Last one there is a rotten dragon's egg!"
It was soon eleven o'clock, and the stands were filling up rapidly. Cyra helped Harry duck through the crowds, leading him to the locker rooms. As they opened the door, Cyra heard shrieks.
"CYRA!?"
"WE'RE NOT DECENT! SHUT YOUR EYES!"
Cyra stared at the redheaded twins in confusion, "Boys..you're just not wearing a shirt.." Fred huffed, holding his jersey to hide his chest, "Shut your eyes!" George nodded quickly, hiding behind his brother. Wood rolled his eyes, leading Harry in as Cyra covered her eyes with her hands.
"I seriously don't get it. You guys were shirtless at the pond."
"That's-!"
"It's different!"
She leaned against the door frame, sighing, "Sure.." She listened to the sound of clothes rustling, tapping her foot as she waited. When hands guided hers away, she opened her eyes, smiling sweetly at them, "I wanted to wish you two good luck!" George stepped close to her, smiling mischievously, "Will you wear our colors?"
His brother realized quickly what he meant and copied his actions, getting close to Cyra's face, "Yeah! Where's your red and gold, huh? Aren't you loyal to us?" She rolled her eyes at them, shoving them playfully, "That's what I came for." She stepped past them, heading over to their things. They didn't stop her, watching as she rifled through their bags, before taking out their ties.
"Do you need both of them?" George asked curiously.
She nodded, slipping her Hufflepuff tie off and tucking it into her bag. Then she slipped on George's tie first, fixing it underneath her collar. Then, with Fred's tie, she wrapped it carefully around her left wrist. Once she was satisfied, she sauntered over, showing them off, "I'm loyal to you both, aren't I? This way al the Hufflepuffs will know I'm cheering for my two favorite Gryffindors, not just one."
They seemed to like that, grinning so wide, it looked like their cheeks would break. She patted them both on their shoulders, "Good luck you two." She then leaned in, whispering with a glint in her eye, "Give them hell." Their eyes twinkled just the same.
As she stepped past them to head out to the stands, they caught her wrists, yanking her back to them.
"Ah, ah!"
"Forgetting something?"
She thought about it for a moment before gasping, "Oh! Right!" Cyra spun on her heel, giving them a bright smile. She then stepped forward to Fred, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, "Good luck Fred." She turned away from his red face, kissing his twin's cheek next, "Good luck, George." George quickly resembled his brother, his cheeks beginning to burn pink.
Angelina Johnson watched them with a smirk, nudging Wood when he reappeared, "The twins got their good luck kisses." He rolled his eyes, "Thank merlin I missed it." He then called out to them, "OI, WEASLEYS! WIPE YOUR DOPEY SMILES AND COME LISTEN, IT'S TIME FOR THE SPEECH!"
They snapped out of it, their heads snapping to Wood to glare at him. Harry ran up to Cyra, grabbing her hand as she went to leave, "Uhm.." He began to panic as he tried to speak, "I..uhm.." He froze as she leaned down, sweetly kissing his forehead, "Good luck, Harry." He relaxed in her embrace, a happy smile forming on his face, "Thanks Cyra."
She gave him a quick hug before heading out, hurrying out to the stands to catch a seat. Luckily, Cedric always saved her a place. Once she climbed the stairs to his row, she saw him smiling brightly and patting the empty spot beside him. She slipped off her bag and plopped down beside him.
Cedric gave her knowing smirk, "Went to go see the twins, I see." She laughed, pulling at the tie around her neck, "I did. Had to drop off the star seeker safely."
"How's he doing now?"
"Better. It was just nerves." She assured him, looking out towards the pitch. Cedric blew into his hands, trying to warm them, "You'd think they'd put a warming charm on these stands." She shot him a knowing look before teasing him, "When you become head boy, maybe you can put that in action."
He gives a playful smile before dramatically running his fingers through his hair, puffing his chest out, "Are you sure that it wouldn't be the great Warrington to be head boy?" He made his accent haughtier, mimicking Cassius Warrington. She shoved his arm, trying not to snicker, "Stop that, you're awful." He chuckles before nudging her back, "Poor Warrington, if he inhales much more air in his chest, I'm afraid he'll pop!"
She let out a giggle before looking around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. Once she looked back towards the field, she spoke lower, "It has been weird though, have you noticed?" He leans his head closer, his eyebrow raised, "Hm?" She glances at the pitch nervously before looking back at him, practically whispering, "Boys. They've been weird. They keep doing that bullfrog thing, or they stare..and make all these suspicious whispers. You're a boy, do you know what they're doing?"
He stares at her before grinning, his eyes twinkling with mirth, "Oh I know what's going on." She waited for a moment before nudging him, "Well tell me, then!" He snickers, watching the players enter the field, "I think it's better that you don't know. Funnier that way, you know?" She looks at him confused, before sighing, looking away, "Whatever. Keep your secrets."
She watched the teams mount their brooms, her eyes locking onto Harry, her heart leaping as Madam Hooch blew the whistle. They were off.
Cyra sat back, trying to keep up with where Harry was going.
"And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor! What an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too.." The mischievous voice of Lee Jordan came out from the booming speakers.
"JORDAN!" There was Professor McGonagall.
"Sorry, Professor."
The students all snickered, amused at the antics. Cyra saw one of the twins fly past her, unable to get their scent to tell who it was. She watched as he swung the bat, making a loud cracking sound.
"Quaffle taken by the Slytherins, that's Adrian Pucey speeding off toward the goal posts, OH! But he's blocked by a second Bludger! Sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which..nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle!"
She watched him push his hair out of his eyes, turning to her and shooting her a smile. George. She stood on her tiptoes, shouting out, "WELL DONE GEORGE!"
"Oh! It was George! Thank you to the ever so loving Cyra Lupin, who if I may say, is looking stunning in our house colors. You should come by the common room- OW! SORRY PROFESSOR!"
Cyra let out a laugh before looking back at George, smiling brightly. His cheeks were flushed, grinning madly as people cheer for him, using his name.
"Well done George!"
"Let's go George!"
He covered his red face with a boyish laugh, before riding off to chase after the bludger. Cyra spotted Fred flying at high speed at Harry, smacking a bludger away from him. He shouted something at him, before dipping back out after the bludger. Harry seemed nervous, looking around, his eyes darting all about.
"Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers, that's a Weasley combo! He's dodged Chaser Bell, and he's speeding toward the.. wait a moment. Was that the Snitch?"
Harry saw it. He hurled himself down after the streak of gold, his robes flapping in the air as he drops. It seems Seeker Higgs saw it too. They were both so close. Harry was just a bit in the lead. Cyra held her chest in worry as they dropped further down. Harry just needed to reach out and-
A gasp left her as she saw his broom be blocked and spun off by Flint. Harry held onto his broom for his dear life as he spun off course. The Gryffindors were outraged, and Madam Hooch had to come out and settle it.
"So.. after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating."
"Jordan!" growled Professor McGonagall.
"You're right. I'm sorry. I mean, after that open and revolting foul..."
"Jordan, I'm warning you."
Cedric and Cyra tried not to laugh as Lee's dramatic sigh was all projected from the speakers, before he exhaustively speaks, "All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinner, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue play, Gryffindor still in possession."
"You know." Cedric started, "I think Professor McGonagall is regretting putting Lee Jordan in charge." She rolled her eyes playfully before replying, "No? What in merlin would give you that impression?"
"Flint with the Quaffle passes Spinnet..passes Bell. Oops, hit hard in the face by a Bludger! Oh well, hope it broke his nose. Only joking, Professor! Ow!"
"JORDAN!"
Everything seemed to be fine, until she heard a yelp from Harry in the air. Looking up, she saw him rising high in the air, looking terrified. Had he lost control of his broom. She saw Fred and George go up with him, trying to get him onto one of their brooms, but it was useless. He just flew higher.
She watched them drop back, ignoring the bludger to stay under him just in case he fell. A shout from the teacher's stands caught her attention, seeing Professor Snape swatting at some fire on his robes. Professor Quirrell behind him, his face screwed up in annoyance.
A blur went past her, the scent of pines and cinnamon flooding her senses. Her wolf recognized it instantly. Harry. He's got control of his broom again. Harry was speeding towards the ground, a hand over his mouth like he was about to puke. He hit the ground rolling, before sitting up and spitting out something gold into his hands.
"Is that.." Cedric wondered, with Cyra just as dumbfounded. Harry raised the snitch high in the air with a grin, "I've got the snitch!" There was a moment of silence before the crowd roared. There was nothing but screams and cheering, people chanting Harry's name.
The twins flew down, checking Harry out to make sure he was okay before they lifted him up on their shoulders, "WE'VE GOT POTTER! WE'VE GOT POTTER!" Cyra laughed as they bounced him around, him still looking a bit queasy. Oliver Wood was shouting along with the crowd, practically radiating sunshine and rainbows as he skips off his broom.
Once the excitement died out and the crowd thinned, Cyra appeared in Harry's view. She came to him, raising her hands out for him. He raced into her arms, hugging her tightly, "I did it! I did it Cyra!" She squeezes him tightly, "I saw! You were amazing! Well done, Harry!" As soon as he released her, two red blurs sped past him, throwing themselves at the older girl.
Cyra didn't even flinch, hugging the two as they sandwich her in, "Congratulations you two! You were brilliant!" She spoke sweetly, visibly rolling her eyes as they lift her in the air. Harry laughed as he watched Cyra tossed over Fred's shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Fred and George waved goodbye to the team before taking off with Cyra. As Oliver shouted after them, they sped out of sight, him jogging after them, "HEY! YOU'RE BOTH REQUIRED FOR THE AFTER-PARTY!"
"After party?" Harry repeated, looking over at Angelina. She was fixing her hair up, watching Oliver running off, "It's a tradition, anytime we beat Slytherin. After dinner, we'll all be partying and celebrating Gryffindor's achievement."
He thanked her before rushing off to Ron and Hermione, excited for the party later.
"Where are we going?" Cyra asked for the fifth time.
George tsked from behind her, "Patience, Ms. Lupin." She tried to aim a kick at his head, only for Fred to step back, chuckling as she missed, "Watch it Georgie. She's out for blood." Cyra reached down and smacked Fred's butt, making him jump, almost letting go of her.
"C-Cyra..y-you stop that!" He stammered, jostling her roughly. She let out a snicker, before demanding, "Tell me where we're going, or the right buttock gets it next!"
George laughed from further ahead, "Go ahead, might as well balance it out, eh?" Fred stammered, jostling her again, "Wait! Wait! Okay, I'll tell you, just do NOT smack my arse again. Okay?"
She raised her hand in a silent threat, "I'm waiting."
He continues down the path, speaking calmly, "We're sneaking off to McGonagall's office to snatch some of her stash." Cyra's brows furrowed, patting Fred's lower back, "Keep going, what stash?" He looked around to make sure no one was listening, whispering, "Her firewhiskey." Cyra let out a gasp, covering her mouth quickly.
George looked down at the Maruader's Map, leading them down a curved path, "This way." Fred watched his step, keeping ahold of Cyra so he didn't drop her. The young girl was muttering to herself, "We're only thirteen…we can't be drinking..or stealing.." Her eyes lit up in a panic as she realized where they were taking her, "NO!" She started squirming, "You tricked me!"
"Ahh, it seems the hostage has realized of her capture." George remarked calmly, sparing an amused glance at his twin who struggled to keep ahold of the young werewolf. Fred grunted as he felt her knee his side, "Calm down you mad-woman! We just need you to be the look-out, okay?! Use your sniffer skills!"
Cyra tries to smack his arse, but he blocks it with his free hand, "I am not a mad-woman! I don't appreciate being tricked, you two know that!" She finally brought Fred to the ground, scrambling away from him.
When she got to her feet, she crossed her arms across her chest, glaring at George, "I don't like being tricked by you two. You promised not to." He grimaced at the reminder before stepping over his twin to approach Cyra calmly, "We didn't mean to trick you. Just didn't tell you the full truth...which is kinda like tricking you. But, we just need you to cover for us! Okay? If we get caught, Fred and I will take full blame."
She seemed to relax at that, letting out a huff, "You know I wouldn't let you do that. We're in this together, so we go down together. Just don't trick me again." He held his hands up in surrender, "Cross Fred's heart."
"Oi!"
Cyra was tuned into her instincts, her eyes glowing amber in the dark doorway. It was a simple mission, retrieve a bottle from the far back of the cabinet and return. So why did it feel like they've been in there for a bloody hour? Inhaling deeply, she focused on the scents in the area. Fred and George were still in the office, there were a few students approaching. She couldn't tell how many.
Turning her head, she closed her eyes, focusing on the sound of their footsteps. Seems they were headed somewhere, she heard the steps stagger near her before they stopped. Curious, she cracked her eyes open, seeing it was the group of Ravenclaw fourth years again. They were staring directly at her, smirks on their faces.
She stood there awkwardly, waiting for them to stop staring. They didn't. She was incredibly uncomfortable. Pressing her lips together, she manages a weak smile at them. They seem to react slightly, offering smiles back. But nothing else.
Awkwardly, she speaks, "U-Uhm..hello?"
The one with the twitchy eye is quick to shout out, "Hello!" Cyra jumped at his loud tone, giving a nervous laugh, "Yes..Hello. Um.." She glanced behind her at the office before looking back at them, "Can..Can I help you with something?" The boys all looked at each other, as if just realizing they were here.
A taller one spoke up, his accent sounding very proper, "What are you doing here, Lupin? All alone?" Cyra looked at him strangely, obviously very confused, "I'm not? I'm waiting here for Fred and George." He steps out from the group, looking at her with a confident smirk, "The Weasleys? Shouldn't a nice girl like you hang with a better group?"
She furrowed her brows at him, looking him up and down, "What did you say your name was?" He seemed pleased with her response, placing out his hand for her to take, "Jasper Inkwell." She looked at his hand, confused why he was holding it out like he wanted something. That's not a proper handshake.
Sighing, she took his hand in hers, shaking it firmly, though his side was all limp. "Cyra Lupin, a pleasure." She introduces herself, ignoring the now confused Jasper as he stared at his hand. "Now that we both no longer strangers, I'm going to ask you why it's any of your business?" She spoke cooly, making the other boys snicker and make quiet comments behind their fellow Ravenclaw's back.
The teenage boy seemed annoyed, his jaw twitching as he looks down at her, "A girl like you should be careful is all, especially alone." Cyra wasn't one to back down though, shooting back, "A girl like me? What do you mean?"
He gives a mocking smile, "You know. A pretty girl. One that looks very easy to break." She caught the threat, having to repress a growl, her eyes narrowing at him.
"Oh I don't think that'll be a problem, Inkwell." George's voice came from behind her.
"Yeah, considering we're more likely to break your boney nose first." Fred joins in, placing his hand on Cyra's shoulder and tugging her behind them. The one with a twitchy eye spoke up, "W-We didn't mean anything by it, guys. Just.. harmless flirting."
Fred and George paid him no mind, their stares locked on Jasper. Fred was the one to speak first, "Pretty girls like her, huh? You think that means she's fragile? Her?" George smirked at his brother's words, adding in, "A guy like you? She'd kick your arse and send you crying home to your mummy."
Cyra couldn't hold back her smile, trying not to laugh as they continued to sing her praises.
"You think you can take her on? I watched her fight thirteen gnomes bare-handed! Not a sweat!"
That is a total exaggeration, she hates the bloody gnomes. She bruises like a peach.
"Cyra is one of the most powerful witches of her age, she could even take on Albus Dumbledore."
She absolutely could not. Grabbing them from the back of their jerseys, she grits out, "Let's go before McGonagall comes wanting a fight." They catch on to what she's saying, and Fred takes her hand, leading them away. George was still hurling threats at the Ravenclaws as they were leaving, "She'd mess up your mum! You better watch out, cause we know your names! Better sleep with one eye open, you ravens!"
"George, we only know one name."
He gave a shrug, before running to catch up to his twin and friend.
"We can't drink, we're thirteen." Cyra repeated herself, watching Fred pour the firewhiskey into the punch, "If our parents knew about this-" George puts his hand over her mouth, muffling her, smiling cheekily, "Now, Cyra. Our parents aren't here, are they? They can't exactly know if they don't see it." She narrows her eyes at that, before pushing his hand off of her, "I don't want to." Fred capped the firewhiskey bottle, "Then you don't have to, okay? We won't make you do anything."
She sits on the Gryffindor's common room couch, sighing softly, "Should you have alcohol so easily accessed, what if Harry tries to drink it?" George motioned to an older Ravenclaw in the corner, "Angelina's friend, Chester Davies. He's gonna guard the bowl and make sure no one underage drinks it."
Chester gave a slight wave to her before going back to his paper. She sighed in relief, relaxing against the cushions, "Oh okay..you could have just said that." Fred crawled onto the couch with her, pulling his legs under him, "Well we tried, you ninny. But you kept going on about how we're thirteen and can't drink." He laid his head on her shoulder, teasing her, "You were like a broken record, honestly. No stopping that."
She tried to nudge him off, but he remained, hugging her left arm. After a moment, she gave in, sighing, "I'm sorry for not listening. And thank you, for earlier." George climbed over the back of the couch, wiggling himself between Cyra and the armrest on her right, "You're welcome. You let us know if they or any other guys bother you, okay?" She laughs as he latches himself to her right arm, "What about you two bothering me?" They laid all their body weight onto her, whining loudly.
"What does that mean, Cyraaaa.."
"We are the exception, aren't we? Cyraaaa…"
She groans as they begin to squish her in, "Okay, okay!"
"Cyraaaaaaaaa…" They chorused as they smothered her, sporting identical mischievous grins.
She sinks lower into the couch, letting out a laugh, "Okay! You're the exception, now please let me breathe!"
"How can you laugh if you can't breathe, Cyraaaaa.."
"I'll bite you!"
The Great Hall was suspiciously silent, students whispering amongst themselves. The Slytherin Quidditch team was seething at their table. Cyra was sat between Fred and George, droning out their conversation with Lee. Glancing over where Ron was, she saw Harry on his right, grinning brightly. He looked so happy. Smiling to herself, she scooped up some chocolate pudding and plopped it heavily onto her plate. Satisfied, she took up her spoon and closed her eyes as she savored the sweet bitter chocolate. It was perfect. Magical. Chocolate.
"Better make sure your eyes aren't bigger than your stomach, Lupin. All that chocolate will make you fat."
Moment ruined. Cyra looked over her shoulder to see Elizabeth Graham standing behind. As soon as Graham caught sight of Cyra's face, she looked horrified, "Oh..Lupin. I'm so sorry. What happened?" The younger girl was confused what she was speaking about, and now was beginning to feel insecure as others started looking over their way. She took a deep breath, calming herself before she stood, looking at Elizabeth in the eye, "Whatever do you mean, Graham?" She put on her sweetest smile, "Is there something on my face?"
As she smiled, her eyes crinkled, the scar that traveled up her right eye moving and catching the candlelight. It shimmered almost silver, dancing around her eye in thin lines. As Graham caught sight of her gaze, she felt her gut clench up at how brightly Lupin's eyes were glowing. They looked almost like a predator's eyes, glowing in the darkness and making you feel small.
Brushing it off, Graham straightened her spine so she towered over the younger girl, "What on earth do you get up to, Lupin, that you get so marred up?" If the Hall was quiet before, it was practically crickets now. Fred and George began putting their forks down, prepared to intervene.
They had no chance. What happened next was spoken about until the end of the school year. The amazing event when the small girl tore into Graham like a hungry wolf.
It began with her smile dropping, the facade leaving her tired face. That was the first red flag for Graham, and wouldn't be the last she ignored. The second would be a certain Cassius Warrington who had halted his conversation to watch the interaction.
Cyra took a deep breath, hunching her shoulders and bowing her head. To Graham, it looked like she conceded defeat. So she relaxed, a cocky smile appearing on her face. But it was when the other girl suddenly raised up again, that she knew it was a trick.
Cyra's eyes gleamed dangerously as she stared at Graham, parting her lips softly, "I live a very dangerous life, Graham. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Not that any of it is your business." Graham made a choked noise, parting her lips to speak, but Cyra was having none of it.
"Is that just what you do? Look at other flaws and ask them about it, pretending to be concerned, because you want them to feel just as small as you do?" Her gaze was piercing, cold. Graham winced at the jab, and shot back, "Don't act like you know me, Lupin."
"You're right. I don't know you as the lovely girl you present yourself as." Cyra's voiced edged into a darker tone, "But I've seen enough of your real personality to say this." She took a step towards Graham, watching amused as the older girl leaped back in fear.
Tucking her arms behind her back, Cyra spoke in a chillingly serious tone, "Graham, no matter how many jewels or pretty lipsticks you try to adorn yourself with, it will never be able to cover the stench of your rotten insides." She let the statement hang in the air, not removing her intense stare from her enemy. Graham looked both startled and angry, her eye twitching from stress as she wracked her head for something, anything that could make the young scarred girl to back down.
The hall alit with soft gasps and whispering. The Heads Table was doing nothing, all the Professors and Headmaster watching the interaction in silence.
Graham had nothing. So she did the only thing she could. She swung. Cyra didn't stop her, allowing her hand to make contact with her cheek, hitting her hard enough that there was a loud ringing smack in the hall. Satisfied she got her hit, Graham spatted out, "Fuck you, Lupin, you bitch!"
Then all she saw was the floor.
"Sorry. I forget my strength sometimes." Cyra chimed above her in a sweet tone.
Did she just get her ass kicked? She reached up and touched her throbbing eye, wincing as she feels it beginning to swell. Pushing herself up onto her feet, she shouted at Cyra, "Did you bloody punch me!? I only slapped you!"
Cyra offered her a guilty smile, though she didn't look to feel all that bad, "Sorry. I was raised by a single dad. Never really got the whole slapping thing." Fred and George snickered from behind her. As did most of the other Gryffindors.
Finally, Graham looked towards the Head Table for help. But they were acting as if they saw nothing, keeping their heads down. That wasn't fair. Cyra looked over in worry, before deciding she should just end this before she got in trouble.
'Stick your hand in the werewolf's den and get bit' Her wolf chimed inside her head.
A soft smile appeared on her lips, taking a deep breath before addressing Graham again, "Even if you coat a bee's stinger in honey, it doesn't make the sting any less painful." At the girl's confused look, she sighed, "Even if you act like a nice person, it doesn't mean you don't hurt people. And eventually you're going to sting the wrong person, and your stinger will fall off."
"Is that a threat?" Graham shot back.
"No." Cyra replied, her pupils dilating as she stared at Graham, "That's just nature. Survival of the fittest." Then, as if a switch was flipped, she went back to her usual kind smile, "Which, by the way, is how I got this scar. Nature. I went for a walk and took a tumble down a hill and into a bushel of spiky prickly plants.." She gave a good-natured shrug, letting out a laugh, "Clumsy me."
Some students laughed with her. Graham saw right through it. It was obvious that Cyra said that to lighten the mood. From how predatory she was looking a moment ago, it told Graham that the scar was definitely not caused by some wild spiky prickly plants. But what choice did she have but to accept it? She wasn't sure she wanted to know the real reason. Holding her swelling eye, she gritted out, "Be more careful next time, Lupin." Before she started to go find Madam Pomfrey.
As she passed Cyra, she heard a whisper, "Right back at you." She turned her head to look at her, but the young girl was already taking her seat again. Shivering, she hurried out.
"That was amazing, Cyra! You just bit her head off, like..rargh!" Lee was fanboying as they entered the Gryffindor Room.
"Oh honestly." She rolls her eyes, amused, "I'm lucky that McGonagall didn't bite my head off." Fred wrapped his arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm comfortingly, "Hey, I bet McGonagall was thinking the same thing we were."
"She got what she deserved!" George chimed in, patting her on the back. Fred laughed at his twin, pointing a finger at him, "Exactly! Plus, we got to see Cyra's right hook in action!" George feigned to swoon over the couch, falling back, "A total knockout, be still, my heart!"
Lee Jordan snickered before nudging Cyra, "You were incredible. The way you swung was so clean. So fast!" She gave him an appreciative smile, "Thank you, Lee. My Papa taught me how to punch. I was worried I might have gone too hard when she hit the ground like that."
"Nah, she got what she deserved!"
"Even Headmaster Dumbledore didn't stop you!"
(Meanwhile, on that side of events.)
Severus watched the fourth year Hufflepuff approach Cyra, saying something that caused her to stiffen in her chocolate tasting. Nudging Minerva next to him, he motioned to Cyra's direction with his head, "What do you think is happening down there?"
Minerva looked where he was motioning, her eyes widening in curiosity as she watches Cyra stand up and say something back. "She looks like she's forcing a smile. Can't be anything good that girl is saying to her." She chimed in, seeing the Potions Master nod out the corner of her eye.
"What on earth do you get up to, Lupin, that you get so marred up?" The snotty voice came clearly through the student's chatter.
McGonagall gasped, dropping her biscuit, "She did not.." She whispered in shock. Severus's eyes were wide, watching Cyra bow her head in defeat. After a moment, he said softly, "Lupin isn't just going to let her get away with that, is she?"
"No. She's definitely not." Another voice interjected. They turned to see Dumbledore staring at the pair of girls, his eyes watching in a calculating manner, "If I know our Miss Lupin enough. She'll be able to beat this girl with her kind and loving personality." Severus rolled his eyes, taking a sip from his water.
"I live a very dangerous life, Graham. You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Not that any of it is your business."
He snorted in his cup, water going up his nose. As Severus was trying to muffle his coughing, Cyra was still going.
"Is that just what you do? Look at other flaws and ask them about it, pretending to be concerned, because you want them to feel just as small as you do?"
Minerva's mouth dropped as she listened, feeling pride blossom in her chest.
"Don't act like you know me, Lupin."
"You're right. I don't know you as the lovely girl you present yourself as." All of the professors were now watching, food abandoned as they watch in anticipation, "But I've seen enough of your real personality to say this."
"Ooh, ooh, she's stepping towards her." Flitwick quipped in.
They watched the young werewolf tuck her arms politely behind her back, "Graham, no matter how many jewels or pretty perfumes you try to adorn yourself with, it will never be able to cover the stench of your rotten insides."
Before she could stop herself, Minerva whispered, "Atta girl." Dumbledore was frozen solid, terribly confused by how wrong he was. Severus smirked and picked up his fork, "Her kind and loving personality indeed."
Dumbledore shot him a glare before clearing his throat, "Well, everyone has a line. It seems Miss Lupin's was crossed. Even the saints have limited patience."
There was a resounding smacking sound, and their heads shot back to the scene. Cyra's head was turned to the side, her burning cheek in clear sight.
"D-Did she.." Quirrell stammered.
"Fuck you, Lupin, you bitch!"
They watched as Miss Graham got a cocky smile on her face. There was a moment of silence, a ticking of the clock. And then the entire Great Hall watched as the small teen reared her arm back and threw her fist at rapid speed. It felt like the world was in slow motion, watching her fist hit bulls-eye and Graham being thrown to the ground by the force.
By the time they could all blink, Cyra was back in her usual stance, speaking sweetly down at the older girl, "Sorry. I forget my strength sometimes."
Severus scoffed in amusement, the edges of his lips turning up into a smile. He was quick to cover his mouth, hiding it. Minerva was still slack-jawed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. Quirrell looked a cross between curious and slightly terrified. Flitwick was doing a silent fistpump. The Hufflepuff Head, Pomona Sprout, she was staring at the scene with pride.
"Don't underestimate Hufflepuffs." She whispered to Flitwick, "Honeybadgers have some deadly claws." He gave an appreciative noise, chuckling to himself.
"Did you bloody punch me!? I only slapped you!"
"Sorry. I was raised by a single dad. Never really got the whole slapping thing."
Headmaster Dumbledore's lips quirked up at the mention of her father, "Seems Remus taught her well." Minerva gave a giggle, covering it quickly with a cough, "Hmm..indeed."
"Heads down." Trelawney rasped out. They all quickly followed her suggestion, looking down at their plates. Just as they did, they felt the stare from Miss Graham. But there would be no help offered here. From their view, it seemed Cyra returned the favor, and all was fair.
"Even if you coat a bee's stinger in honey, it doesn't make the sting any less painful." Their ears perked at Cyra's voice, hearing her exasperated sigh as Graham didn't seem to understand what she was saying, "Even if you act like a nice person, it doesn't mean you don't hurt people. And eventually you're going to sting the wrong person, and your stinger will fall off."
"Very wise advice." Dumbledore murmured softly to the others, who nodded in agreement.
"Is that a threat?"
"No. That's just nature. Survival of the fittest." Severus looked up from his plate, seeing Cyra's eyes shimmering a bright gold. It sent shivers down his spine. She was too similar to her father, and her predatory gaze reminded him of a memory he's tried his best to forget.
"Which, by the way, is how I got this scar. Nature. I went for a walk and took a tumble down a hill and into a bushel of spiky prickly plants..clumsy me." They listened to her laugh, feeling the tense mood lighten slightly. The other students seemed to enjoy her joke, laughing with her. The entire head table was silent. They knew exactly what Cyra was hinting at, and so did Graham.
"A-Alas, a rabbit p-pokes the wolf and gets bit." Quirrell quips quietly. Dumbledore looked at him curiously for a moment before replying, "Only a fool would present themselves as the apex predator when there will always be something stronger and bigger." Quirrell seemed to shake a bit under his gaze, "F-Funny, c-considering how small the a-apex predator is."
Dumbledore glances back, chuckling as he sees what he means. Cyra was indeed quite shorter than Graham, having to look up at her. It was almost comedic. But he knew that the situation was anything but funny. Cyra was standing up for herself, which he expected would happen, but she also just went outside her anticipated moves. Unpredictable. That chaos unsettled him deeply, niggling at that part of him that desired control. She would be a wild card he'd need to watch.