Harry had been having the best holidays of his life. He spent his Christmas with Ron, opening presents that he didn't expect to get. Every day was filled with wizarding chess, snow, and joyful fun. Excited for another day, he quickly hopped out of bed, and pulled on the warm sweater Mrs. Weasley had knitted for him. As Ron woke up and rubbed his eyes, he squinted over at Harry only to look embarrassed, "Sorry if it's a bit scratchy, mum knits them each year. Mine is always maroon."
He didn't mind. He had never gotten something so nice. It was in emerald green, to match his eyes. He grinned at Ron, "It's really nice of her, I love it." Ron seemed surprised, before he smiles back, "We can wear ours when we go to eat at the Great Hall. Even if we complain, it's tradition to wear the sweaters for a couple days to show Mum our appreciation. So, all of my brothers will be wearing theirs still. Though Fred and George may switch just to mess around, and without Cyra around, it's going to be harder to tell-"
"I would love that." Harry cut him off, an excited gleam in his eyes. Ron relaxed, giving him a grateful look before climbing out of bed. Harry tried not to laugh when Ron cringed at the sight of the maroon sweater sitting on his chair.
Cyra rested on the couch, her new Weasley sweater adorned. This year, Mrs. Weasley decided to go with a royal blue. It was nice, very warm. She had her new book balanced on her stomach, resting against her thighs. Turning the page, her eyes lazily moved across the page.
Her dad was working his shift in the bookshop, instructing her to stay inside the cabin until he returned home. But that was boring. Her eyes were beginning to dry, and if she laid against the soft cushions any longer, she'll fall asleep.
Shutting the book and setting it on the table, she sat herself up, stretching out her body with a groan. Growing pains were the bane of her existence. As if her bones shifting during transformations wasn't enough, she had to deal with puberty too.
After bundling up, Cyra opened the closet to get out the axe. Might as well burn some energy by chopping up more wood for the fireplace. As she stepped outside, she felt her hearing prick at the sound of the snow crunching beneath her boot.
The outside came at once, every bird chirp and shifting of leaves had her attention. Sniffling at the cold air, she shut the door behind her and set out on a path in the woods. The snow was practically seven inches deep, but she ventured on without hesitation.
"Put it on already, Percy, we're all wearing ours! Even Harry!" Fred scolded his older brother. Percy paled as he looked at the lumpy sweater hanging on his arm, "But we already wore it yesterday, mum isn't even here!" He simply had no choice, as the identical brothers forced the sweater onto him, knocking his glasses off in the process.
George patted his shoulder roughly with a smirk, before going over to Ron, "You get yours on too, it's cold out." Ron groaned dramatically as he pulled his on, "Why does it always have to be maroon?" Harry giggled beside him, just happy to be a part of it.
Fred came beside him and patted him on the back, "Come on then, Harry. We've all got to eat together like a family." Harry felt embarrassed as he stumbled with them, "O-Okay!"
She wondered what Fred and George were doing, feeling saddened that she couldn't spend the holidays with them as well. She hoped that they're taking care of Harry and Ron. Swinging swiftly, she let out a grunt as she brought the axe down on the fallen tree branch.
She watched it break apart, and tossed the axe to the side, grabbing the smaller portion and cracking it over her knee. Once she was happy with the amount of wood she gathered, she tied it all up and began trekking back to the cabin.
The wind blew all around, her curls lifting up in the air. As she blinked, she felt the snow falling down her cheeks. She hummed a song softly to herself, her eyes sweeping along the snow-covered forest. There was a small rabbit burrow along the larger roots of the tree she was passing.
Crack.
She stopped. Remaining perfectly still, she inhaled the winter air around her. Everything smelt the same, nothing in the air. She shifted her head slightly to the side, picking up some squirrel chittering. There was a hawk flying above her. Looking for prey? There wasn't a smell of death in the air, so it wasn't anything luring them.
One more second passed, and she continued on to her home. Her eyes glowed in the sunlight, looking almost golden. Her heart rate picked up, the feeling of being watched unsettling her. Something was there, she knew it. Everything in her screamed to run.
Her eyes were locked on the cabin door, her speed increasing. Just a few more steps. She was so close.
Crack!
He's on the left. The steps are heavier, she can hear his breath, he's speeding up. Fight. She gritted her teeth, a growl bubbling in her chest. Fight.
"Stup-"
Her hand snatched the wand out of her hair with lightning speed, spinning around on her heel, shouting, "Lumos Maxima!" A bright light emitted from her wand, blinding her attacker. As his sight went white, adrenaline pumped through her as she continued to blast spells in his direction, "Expelliarmus!" She caught his wand and kept hers pointed at him threateningly, "Who are you?"
"J-Just let.."
"Who are you!?" She growled, holding her wand tightly in her grip. At the tip, sparks were flying off, like a sputtering candle. It felt hot in her hand.
"I-I was sent by the ministry." The man stuttered out, holding his hands out in defeat, "I am just here for a-"
"Is it part of your protocol at the ministry to stun an underage witch?" She hissed. He flinched at her tone, "I-I am sorry for that. I am looking for a Remus Lupin? Maybe you might know where he is?"
She kept her eyes locked on him, breathing heavily, "He's at work. You'll have to come back later. Preferably with a letter in advance."
"Of course.. may I have my wand?" He holds his hand out to her, looking up as his sight finally returned. As his eyes took her in, she glared coldly. He offered a friendly smile, addressing her with a sugared tone, "Well you're awfully young to be on your own, aren't you?" Her nails dug into her palm, gripping her hot wand, "You'll get your wand back after I go get my cousin. She's an Auror, and she can confirm your identity." A total bluff, but she knew something was off.
At the mention of an Auror, the man seemed to grow tense. "Miss, I promise I will be out of your hair as soon-" He tried to convince her. She kept her wand raised, backing up to the cabin, "You'll wait here. Move, and I'll blow you into that tree."
He kept his hands raised, his face scrunched up in worry, "Again, I am terribly sorry about this, miss. Truly. Can't we just move on, forgive and let me go back to work?" She narrowed her eyes at him, holding onto the railing as she went up the stairs backwards. At the last step, she lost her footing, her hand losing grip of his wand as it grabbed onto the railing. The sound of it clacking down the wooden stairs caught the cowering wizard's attention, his eyes shifting to its direction. She had no chance to get it. She needed to escape. Run.
She said nothing, keeping her eyes locked on the man as she backed into the doorway, grabbing onto the door. As she stepped in, she took a deep breath in, before she slammed the door shut. There was a shift in the snow, she locked the deadbolt. Spinning on her heel, she ran quickly through the den, grabbing hold of the floo powder container.
Crunch.
That sounded close. Too close. He has his wand.
"I TRIED TO REASON WITH YOU, BITCH. BOMBARDA!"
She screamed as the wall blew apart, debris flying in the air. Tossing the lid off, she grabbed a handful of powder, hurrying to the floo.
"Now how about we have that talk!?"
Cyra threw the powder down, whispering in a hurried breath, "Severus Snape's office." As the green flames overtook her, she saw the shadow approaching on the floor before her.
She shut her eyes tightly, holding her breath. The air changed, and she threw herself out of the floo, screaming out, "Professor Snape!" She stumbled over to the desk, looking around in a panic. Why wasn't he here? He was always here.
Letting out a shaking breath, she looked at the floo nervously. Whoever it was, they wouldn't follow her to Hogwarts, would they? She inhaled sharply, wincing as she felt something tearing into her right hip. Glancing down, she saw a piece of wood lodged in her, her sweater stained with her blood.
"Oh.." She breathed out shakily, "Madam Pomfrey is going to kill me."
She couldn't stop panting, her eyes flying wildly around the office. She couldn't just stay here. It wasn't safe. She needed help. Gritting her teeth, she moved out of her lean against the desk, slowly making her way to the door.
She wondered how many scars she'd have before the new year. Grabbing hold of the handle, she pushed it open, grunting as she felt her skin tear from the movement. She was a big girl, she could do this.
"Oh honestly, if you're going to mope about, do it somewhere else. You're ruining my appetite." Ron grumbled, taking a large bite out of his turkey leg. Harry looked at the twins curiously, seeing they were in fact moping, their faces crestfallen.
Earlier that morning, they seemed a lot chipper. One of the twins sighed, poking at his potatoes, "It's just.. she's not here." His brother nodded, sighing deeply. Harry furrowed his brows for a moment, confused, "She?"
Ron sighed, nudging Harry's shoulder, "They mean Cyra. She's been gone for only four days, but they always do this. It's a bit sad, really." He ignored his older brother's glares, shrugging at them, "It is." Harry offered the twins a smile, "I get it. Hogwarts doesn't feel the same without Cyra. She makes it feel warmer."
"She does. George has been having sleeping issues since her departure." Fred admitted, his twin nudging him with a glare, "So have you."
Percy sighed loudly, finally putting down the book he was trying to read. He looked annoyed, his brow twitching, "Oh honestly, why would you have sleeping problems? It's not as if Cyra is your bunkmate. You aren't seven anymore." At that statement, George gave a dreamy sigh, "Oh, the good times." Fred hummed, a smile growing on his lips, "She was so small. We were her protectors."
Harry glanced at Percy for confirmation, the older brother shook his head, replying, "You didn't protect her! You tormented her the most. Remember who caused that cut on her lip?"
Fred narrowed his eyes at Percy, "You did!" Percy took offense, looking at Fred with a frown, "I did not mean to scare her! You two convinced her to steal Charlie's wand, not me!"
"She was having fun till you ruined it!" They retorted defiantly.
Ron groaned, looking at Harry apologetically, "Sorry about this, it's so embarrassing." He shook his head, offering Ron a smile, "No, I don't mind at all. What's this story about Cyra's scar and stealing a Charlie's wand?"
"Oh, well I don't remember much because I was about five at the time, you see. But how I remember it-"
"You are not the shining knights you two think you are." Percy mocked.
"Oh sod off Percy, you wish you could save a maiden as lovely as our Cyra!"
Cyra groaned as she rested against the stone wall, listening out for any footsteps. "Seriously?" She complained, "How is there no one in these bloody halls?"
She savored the cool stone against her sore head, panting softly to herself, "Come on Cyra, you can do this." As she shifted to move, the wood moved in her side, causing her to cry out. Her voice carried through the halls, and she listened until the echo disappeared.
"Great." She said blankly. Pushing herself up, she cursed Snape in her head. Of all times to be missing. She felt bile rise in her throat as she walked, the wood digging deeper with each step. She hoped in the back of her mind that the attacker left before her father returned.
The halls were so empty, it was deafening. How was she going to get help before she bled out? Stumbling a couple steps more, she heard a familiar singing appear. Tone-deaf and painful for her ears. "You've got to be kidding me." She groaned, her head beginning to build pressure. Merlin must be laughing at her right now.
Moving over to a painting of a tea party, she meekly greeted the Fat Lady, who was sitting at the table alone, "Evening, Fat Lady.." When the woman looked over, she looked angry for a moment before taking in her state. "Oh," The Fat Lady gasped, "Oh you poor dear, what happened to you?"
Cyra managed a weak smile, "Guess it's karma." When the portrait didn't laugh, she quickly blurted out, "Look I'm really sorry about snapping at you a couple days ago. And for calling you a shrill cow. But could you please find it in your heart to forgive me, and get a professor? Tell them the cabin was attacked."
"Of course, dear." The Fat Lady cooed, looking her over worriedly, "Are you alright to be alone while I inform them?" The young girl leaned against the stones, giving a low thumbs up, her vision beginning to get blurry.
Was this her karma? She had left the cabin when her dad specifically told her not to. He wouldn't done that if he hadn't thought something was out there. How could she have been so stupid? She's gotten reckless. A soft smile formed on her lips, muttering, "I wonder who was the influence." She missed Fred and George.
The castle was spinning, the stone floor shifting around her. Why was her head so heavy? The floor shifted again, flying towards her face. She felt a pain through her side, and decided sleep was better than dealing with the pain.
Minerva and Severus walked together to the Great Hall, conversing together. "I think," She began, "If Longbottom applies himself more, he could be a brilliant wizard like Frank." At that, Severus sneered, "The boy trembles at the sight of a mouse. I doubt he'll be an Auror in the future."
She gave a warning look, "I do hope I won't hear of any unfair treatment of my cubs." He looked down his nose at her, "So long as your cubs keep their paws away from my snakes." They shared a look, before Minerva slyly responded, "Such a shame you can't protect your snakes on the quidditch field."
His lips quirked, "Oh contraire, it will be your-"
"INJURED STUDENT! HURRY PROFESSORS!" The Fat Lady shouted, running through the portraits, trying to get their attention. Minerva approached the painting she was in, asking worried, "Which student, do you know?" The Fat Lady looked devastated, her face grim as she replies, "Ms. Lupin."
Both Severus and Minerva paled at the name. Severus stepped forward, stern as he demands answers, "Where is she?"
"DUNGEONS! Poor thing stumbled out of your office!" She motioned for them to follow her, rushing back. They bustled after her. Severus's eyes were dark as he continued to question her, his steps firm as they hurried, "What happened?"
The Fat Lady shuffled through a crowd in the painting, calling out, "She said the cabin was attacked!" Minerva gasped in horror, breaking into what was almost a run, "Oh that poor thing! Was Remus with her?"
"No, Professor, she's alone."
Severus took his wand out, his eyes narrowing, "She must have escaped through the floo." Following his lead, Minerva kept her wand by her side, her face wrinkled with worry, "How could this happen?"
"My question is," He hissed, poison dripping from his words, "How did the Lupin's location become compromised?"
At that realization, Minerva's firmed her expression, her grip tightening around her wand. When they neared the dungeons, they saw the sight of a slumped figure. Minerva let out a shuddering gasp as she saw the pool of blood forming on the stone. Severus was quick, kneeling down and tapping his wand on the girl's head, "Rennervate."
Cyra's eyes shot open, quickly squinting at the bright lights. Everything hurt. Severus held her, speaking calmly, "Do not rest, Ms. Lupin, you could have a concussion." She groans, leaning her head on his shoulder, "Thank you.." Her words slurred, her eyes drooping, though she seemed to be fighting it.
They levitate her so they didn't shift her body and cause worse pain for her. When she was lowered onto a cot, she heard a raised voice, "WHAT IS THIS!?" As she neared, Cyra held her free hand out to the blurry figure, "Please don't be mad at me.."
Madam Pomfrey took her hand, looking over her body with worry, "How did this happen?" The young girl squeezed the hand in hers weakly, slurring, "Please don't tell Pomfrey, she'll skin me alive." That alerted the nurse, who quickly held open Cyra's eyes to look at her pupils, "Minerva, get me the blood replenishing potions from the cabinets!"
As Severus stood by Cyra's side, he noticed she was still gripping her wand. When he touched her fist, she jerked away. "It's alright, it's just me." He tried to comfort her, but he could see how tense she was. "You're going to break your wand if you keep gripping it like that, I'll just put it by your bedside."
He watched as she slowly relaxed, and he carefully grasped the top of the wand, only to jerk back with a hiss. Her wand was scalding hot, it felt like pure fire. Checking his hand, he saw blistering from where he grabbed it. What in the merlin was happening?
Cyra was finally allowed to rest after her head was healed. Madam Pomfrey gave her a sleep potion, since she wouldn't want to be awake while they take the chunk of wood out of her. Thankfully these injuries, while painful, were easy to heal.
Minerva hurried to contact Remus, notifying him of Cyra's location and opened her floo for him. Within a half hour, he had come barreling through, not even greeting her as he tore off towards the infirmary. She didn't take note of it, hurrying after him. She would have to later inform Dumbledore of the situation.
Madam Pomfrey didn't leave the girl's side, staying beside her and watching as she slept. When Remus came in, she stood up, giving up her seat to him. He was quick to replace her spot, taking hold of Cyra's hand, "How did this happen? She was supposed to be safe there."
She allowed him a moment to take his daughter in, watching her chest rise with each breath until he was sure she wouldn't drop dead. "Some of the wood from the cabin punctured her side, along with some of the debris hitting her head pretty hard. She must have been running on pure adrenaline, cause the wood in her side would be shifting with each movement."
Remus let out a shaking breath, "I just saw her this morning, h-how.." Madam Pomfrey felt her heart break for him, it must be hard to see your child injured so often. "She was attacked." She said firmly, "She managed to tell the Fat Lady before she fainted. She did not go down without a fight, Remus." His sight blurred with tears.
He nodded, bowing his head, "I know. But she shouldn't have had to." His voice turned cold, "She's thirteen, Pomfrey." She released his shoulder, sighing deeply, "Remus, I understand, better than most. I remember when you were the one on the cot."
Minerva stayed off to the side, feeling her heart ache for Remus, her own anger boiling at the sight of the wounded child. Hearing steps approach, she turned her head to see Severus entering, his hand appearing to be healed. Once he stopped beside her, she whispered, "Have you notified Albus?" His dark eyes remained trained on the unconscious teenager, speaking lowly, "Not yet. I predicted Lupin would need to calm down before Albus shows his face."
"But how could he have known this would happen?" She questioned, to which the Slytherin Head remained silent. Remus reached over, brushing some hair from her face, sighing softly. When the doors to the Hospital Wing opened, it caused all the adults to stiffen.
The doors opened slowly, revealing Albus Dumbledore, a grim look on his face as he entered, "Terrible news this holiday." He passed by the Professors, approaching the cot. A low growl formed in Remus's chest, but he restrained himself, clenching his jaw.
"I am so sorry to hear of this incident, Remus. I've already notified the ministry, they're sending aurors over to get her statement." Albus attempted to comfort Remus, but the younger man was having none of it, glaring up at him, "How did this happen? The cabin was an undisclosed location."
The elder wizard hesitated, retreating his outstretched hand, "Ah..yes..I understand your anger." He looked down at the sleeping child, sighing sadly, "I have failed you Remus. The wards I made myself, broken. Whoever this was, they knew what they were doing."
There was a tense silence, before he hurried to finish, "But be assured, I will not rest until we find out who did this and bring them to justice." He looks to Cyra's clenched hand, and goes to reach for her wand.
"Don't." Severus intervened, stepping forward, "Her magic is on the defense. I don't have enough healing salve to fix everyone's hands."
"Hm." Albus made a noise of interest, looking over her wand to see the tip firing off small sparks, "Interesting. Professor Quirrell had reported she wasn't doing well in Defense, but perhaps it is unwise to dismiss her just yet." Remus worried for a moment that the sparks would fall on the sheets and cause an accidental fire, but when they fell against the fabric, they went out.
Looking towards Madam Pomfrey, Albus questioned her, "Will it be alright to wake her when the Aurors arrive?" The matron huffed, going over her supply, "I don't feel right about it, the poor thing deserves rest." He awaited her answer, she scrunched her face in before saying, "But she can be woken when they arrive. Until then, I don't want to see her moved an inch."
They did as she instructed, remaining quiet until the enforcement arrived. When the doors opened, Albus stood to greet them, "Ah, Kingsley, good to see an old friend!" The wizard gave a deep chuckle, patting the headmaster on his shoulder, "Greetings to you, Albus. Though I wish it was under better circumstances."
Kingsley motioned to the pale wizard next to him, "This is Proudfoot, he's training under me." Proudfoot gave a friendly wave, "Ello, all." They did not wave back. Kingsley cleared his throat, straightening his posture, "Right, may we see the young student?"
"Her name is Cyra." Remus interjected, looking at his old classmate, "She's my daughter." Kingsley's expression fell as realization struck, "Oh, Remus, my apologies." Once Remus nodded, he walked over to the bedside, "Madam, if you don't mind waking her."
They all watched as Pomfrey held a vial to Cyra's lips, pouring the contents in. She tilted the girls head so she would swallow. After a moment, her lashes began to flutter, slowly opening, "Mmph.." She squinted at the bright light, raising her free hand weakly to block her eyes, "Ow.."
"Ms. Lupin, can you hear me?" Kingsley spoke slowly, not wishing to startle her. Cyra's face scrunched up as she managed out, "Yes..who are you?" Her voice was croaky, she heard hurried footsteps. Soon a glass of water was pressed to her lips, and she drank greedily. She was so thirsty.
"I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, I am an Auror. I am here to help find the man that did this to you." He responded, summoning a chair to himself so he could take a seat, "Do you mind telling me what happened?"
Madam Pomfrey pulled the curtains over the window, making the room a bit darker for the teenager. No longer squinting, Cyra took in the room of adults slowly, "Yeah.. I can do that.." She saw her Dad beside her, and she let out a relieved sigh, "Oh you're okay."
Remus gave a weak chuckle, reaching out to stroke her hair, "I'm okay? You're the one in a hospital cot. At this rate, you're going to get a plaque." She managed a small laugh before turning to the Auror, her expression turning serious.
"I went outside to get some firewood. Everything was normal." She fiddled with the sheets with her free hand, "I know the woods fairly well, so I didn't feel worried. But then, I started to feel watched. I tried to act normal, make my way back home. He was fast. Next thing I knew, he was behind me." Her wand shot off a spark, but she paid no attention, "I-I couldn't smell him. It's like..he was cloaking himself. But I heard him."
The ones who were aware of her condition were alerted by the fact she couldn't smell him. No witch or wizard would cover their scent unless they knew they were dealing with a creature with enhanced senses. That meant he knew exactly who Cyra was, and what she was.
"He was about to stun me." She continued, looking at the wall as she remembered the incident, "I-I blinded him and took his wand." Kingsley nodded, paying close attention to her, "That's very quick thinking, Ms. Lupin."
"Thank you," She said politely, "He did not tell me his name, but he said he was from the Ministry." Kingsley's lips firmed for a moment, but remained silent. It was obvious this was a targeted attack. But to a child?
"I didn't believe him. I lied and said Tonks was an auror, and I would get her to confirm his identity." Knowing who she was speaking about, Kingsley and Proudfoot had a quiet chuckle. "Quick thinking." Proudfoot offered.
"He was too nervous at her mention. I walked backwards to the cabin, but then I tripped and I dropped his wand." She grimaced as she remembered her mistake, "So I ran quickly inside, I locked the door. I ran to the floo, and next thing I know.." She trailed off for a moment, her body tensing.
"Take your time, Ms. Lupin."
She swallowed slowly, her wand heating up in her hand again, "He was screaming, he called me a bitch. Then, he blew up the wall. I threw myself in the floo and hurried to Professor Snape's office. He didn't follow me."
Kingsley let out the breath he was holding, "I admire you for your courage, Ms. Lupin. You acted faster than most witches your age would." He held his wand out so she could see, "Do you mind if we extract the memory of the attack, so we can identify him?"
She looked over his wand carefully before giving a slow nod, closing her eyes, "Go ahead." He held his wand to her temple, instructing her softly, "Think of his face, his voice. Give us a clear image." Her brows creased in concentration, her wand sparking off again in her hand. Kingsley gave it a worried glance before returning his attention to the silver strand he was drawing out.
She winced at the feeling, grunting softly as she continues to replay the memory over and over again in her mind. Proudfoot took out a vial, holding it out as Kingsley guided the long silver strand inside. Once it was complete, she opened her eyes again, asking, "What's gonna happen to our home?"
Remus winced, knowing she wasn't going to like the answer. Kingsley delivered the bad news for him, stating, "It's been compromised. It is no longer safe for you. You will need to relocate." She stared at him in shock, before turning slowly to Remus, her eyes wide, "But that's..your home.."
He quickly took her hand, squeezing it, "My home is where you are. I'll find us somewhere else to stay, I promise." She fought back tears, feeling like this was her fault. Kingsley stood from his seat, nudging Proudfoot back, "We'll be off then. I'll keep you updated through letters, Remus."
Her father nodded at him, before he began attempting to soothe her, speaking softly, "It's okay. We'll be okay." She closed her eyes, feeling his hand run through her curls. She listened to the retreating footsteps. When she could no longer sense the Aurors, she opened her eyes and said softly, "He covered his scent."
Severus stepped forward, speaking calmly, "You said you couldn't smell him at all? Did you pick up anything underlining? His breath?" She shook her head, remembering it clearly, "Not even his breath. He must have taken a potion."
He went silent before a thought struck him, "Redolence Solution. Makes the drinker scentless, for a timeframe of thirty minutes." He replied, "Commonly used by dragon tamers when the dragon is considered hostile."
Minerva stepped forward, staring at Cyra with worry, "Are you quite alright, dear? That must have been dreadful." The teenager nodded, looking down at her wand hand, seeing it lit up, "Oh.. that started when he attacked me. It felt hot, but not enough to burn my hand." Severus made a noise, and Minerva resisted the laugh that tried to escape, "Yes, my dear, that's your magic. Your wand is reacting to your magical core, which I imagine won't calm down until you do."
Cyra attempted to relax, but it was no use. She still felt on the edge. As the silence lingered, Albus took a moment to step forward, his eyes twinkling, "Ms. Lupin, I do find it curious that you went to Professor Snape's office. You've always traveled to Hogwarts through the Headmaster's Office."
She looked at him confused before realizing that what he said was true, and she wondered about her own decision process, "Well.. it was the first thing that came to mind. I just needed to get somewhere safe." Remus noticed how Severus seemed to look surprised at the idea that Cyra considered him safe.
Albus patted the footrest of the cot, offering Cyra a comforting smile, "A smart move, indeed, Ms. Lupin. But do know that my office is always welcome to those in need, including you." She gave him a thankful smile, nodding softly, "Thank you, Headmaster."
At that, he excused himself, "I've heard they're serving chocolate pudding, I simply can't miss it." As soon as he was gone, Remus saw Cyra's hand begin to unclench around the wand. Minerva stood beside Severus, her lips tight as she thought to herself. Something was bugging her, and she really hoped it didn't mean anything.
After a moment, she finally broke and asked Severus, "How did Albus know Cyra was here? You said you didn't alert him." To that, Severus cast her a dark look, "I didn't."