Driven by Challenges

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 7

Lily Evans found, for the first time, speechless. She had wanted Severus Snape to move on from their friendship and to be happy. But seeing him hovering near Lyra. It caused an uneasy feeling in her heart and she didn't know what to call it. But Lily knew that she wasn't jealous. No, but she felt something else.

She noticed that they were not holding hands. Only that their hands were hovering near each other. Seeing that, Severus was afraid to hold Lyra. Almost like she would disappear if he tried.

While Lyra looked like she was battling with herself. Lily could see that she was shy. While giving Lyra shyly glance over her shoulder to spy on him. Even while walking next to each other. 'They seemed cute together…'

Then there was Sirius and Hermione. Lily saw that they seemed to have melted into one another. Sirius wrapped his arm over Hermione's shoulders. While she leaned into him, while walking. 'They seemed way too comfortable for only being together for a short time.'

Lily followed behind the two couples. With James next to her and Remus on the other side of James. Along with Regulus on the other side of her. She could only imagine how unusually their group looked, while making their way around the castle. Nearing the stairs to the dungeons.

Once they were there. Severus turned to Lyra with a pained look in his eyes. "This is where I must leave you." He made a painful sound, before looking at the boys of Gryffindor. "I'm going to hate to ask, but can you keep her safe, while I'm unable to do so?"

Remus stepped forward. "It'll be my honor to help out, Severus." Speaking in a calm and determined voice.

Lyra looked at each one of the students of 1976. "Why do I need to be watched over? What's going on," she hissed softly. Trying to understand what was going on.

James let out a sigh. "Other than these two," he pointed towards Severus and Regulus. "Most Slytherins would harm anyone sporting red and gold." He pointed towards the entrance hall banners of Gryffindor.

Severus nodded his head. "Since most of my house will be Death Eaters. I must act like I can't care much for you. Because they could use you against me, in order for me to join them. And I wouldn't live with myself if something did happen."

After a few moments, Lyra nodded. "I understand." She smiled at him. "Just try to give me a subtle message that you don't mean, what you have to do."

"I'll do my best." He gave her a peck on her forehead. "Keep her safe, wolf." Before he turned on his heels and left, with Regulus right behind him.

Remus wrapped his arm with Lyra's. Leading the group up the stairs to the tower. The group was surprised that no one had stopped them on the way. But they were glad all the same.

Once they reached the portrait of the fat lady. Lily spoke clearly, "Hidden lion." Allowing the group to step into their common room. As she looked around. They were the only ones there, making the hour much later than what it was.

Hermione waved her wand, casting some privacy wards around the room. Making it impossible for any one thing to hear them. "We need to be on the same page, before we're faced with anyone else."

Causing everyone to sit around the fireplace. Lily said, "Well, you two showed up on a mishap portkey to your grandfather. Who called on Remus and me, since we're sixth year prefects."

"Making James and I wander the halls. Only to run to you on the way to Gryffindor Tower." Sirius had jumped in on the explanation. "Where I couldn't keep my eyes off Hermione."

Remus sighed, "While Lyra and I become study partners. When finding out we like similar things." He then turned to her. "What do you like?"

Lyra smiled, "History, Care of Magical Creatures, Runes, DADA, Charms, Transfiguration and shape-shifting."

"What," cried everyone including Hermione. "What do you mean shape-shifting?"

Lyra smiled, "It's when you change into an animal. Sometimes more than one, but you have to be a third degree master to do that."

"We're Animagus," Sirius pointed towards most of the guys, but one.

Lyra gave a kind smile. "I know a way for you to turn into a wolf before your change. Where you can keep your mind for the whole night. Along with no added pain."

Remus gave her a one arm hug. "If it works, I'll treat you to anything you wish."

After a few minutes of laughter. Everyone wished each other a good night. Then they rushed up to their dorms. Where Lily saw two new beds in the room. Beside her bed and another bed with a sleeping Alice Davis.

Everyone changed their clothes and then hopped into bed. Falling asleep within moments of hitting the pillow.