p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Dravin and Blaise were waiting for me outside Quirrell's Class on Sunday. The two boys had become fast friends once they found out that neither wanted to take me away from Theo. I smiled and linked arms with them. "Hello, boys. How's your Sunday going for you?" I asked as we started to the Great Hall for their lunch. "Wondering why you're overreaching yourself. But that's normal," Blaise commented from my left. "Pretty good except for the number of threats you get for being the unofficial top of the class of three years simultaneously," Dravin chimed from my right. I laughed. "I'm sorry that I put you two through hell. But you know you don't have to do any of this," I explained. They just huffed and changed the subject. We debated over the use of the Unforgivables and what it would take for us to use them ourselves until we sat down at the Slytherin Table. Dravin broke off and sat opposite of me while Blaise led me to sit next to Theo. As I sat down, Theo placed a plate of finger sandwiches and fruits in front of me. I looked around and saw Draco and co. sitting in hearing range but far enough away for the other students to see that they weren't actually talking to us, even though they were. I shook my head and pretended to eat. Theo joined in on our debate. Then Crabbe and Goyle. After which Pansy commented causing Draco to give his answer. Soon we had all the Slytherins debating on the Unforgivables. No one was actually being serious about the debate, but before Lunch was over the entire table was split down the middle. On the side with the wall were those who would only use it if they had no other choice at all. The side next to the Ravenclaws were the ones who would use it to protect their families at all cost. I was relieved to see my small group of friends was on the side of the Ravenclaws. I, however, refused to choose a side because I already knew that I would be using them for both reasons. Then my wand vibrated in my robes. I sighed in relief and left for my new Psychology Lesson./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Hey, you don't have class on Sunday afternoons!" Theo yelled over the other Slytherins. I smiled and waved at him as I slipped out the Grand Hall. I walked up to the Charms Classroom in silence. The rest of the students were either outside enjoying the snowy day or tucked away in the Library getting ready for exams. I knocked on the door and heard a squeaked, "Come in." I opened the door narrowly and slipped in before closing it again. "I see you're still trying to sneak around as if you're doing something you shouldn't be doing," Professor Fenwick stated from his tower of books. I shrugged saying, "I'm not used to being able to do whatever I want yet. I've had to sneak around my entire life." The dwarf looked up at me curiously, "Even when you were the Tonks household?" I looked down and didn't answer. I heard him make a soft noise and then thump down off his tower. "Today we're going to learn the basics of the mind. Are you ready?" he asked walking up to me. "Yes sir," I said eager to move onto something I didn't know anything about. "Good. Follow me." The professor led me from the Charms Classroom to his office on the second floor. Once there he put a silencing charm on the door and window. I grabbed my wand from my robes and held it tightly at my side. "Lyra don't be alarmed. I simply don't want you to get distracted by the outside world today," he said softly as he walked over to his desk. I relaxed some but didn't release my grip on my wand. He started pulling books from inside his desk and waved his hand for me to come closer. I did so wearily. "These books will be your new textbooks for now. Now turn to chapter one," Professor Fenwick started teaching the class and I settled into a new routine./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Theo, Blaise, and Dravin were waiting for me at the Great Hall for dinner. None of the boys looked happy at my disappearance. I looked down and stopped in front of them waiting for the lecture. "We'll deal with this later. Let's go eat," Dravin stated before they walked into the hall. I grumbled under my breath and stayed where I was for a second. "Why do you let them control you?" Hermione asked as she walked up behind me. I didn't look back at her. After a moment of thought, I answered, "Because I'm not completely disowned by the Pureblood society yet. Then again, I'll never truly free of them anyway." I walked to where my friends sat without waiting for her answer. "What did the Mudblood want?" Blaise asked as I got to them. I slapped him without thought. "On second thought, I don't feel like pretending I'm hungry," I growled as I turned and stalked away. I heard some vague threats coming from Dravin but I didn't listen. I stomped all the way to the Whomping Willow, through the Tunnel, and into the Shrieking Shack. Once in the living room, I turned on my speaker and took out my earphones. Connecting my iPod, I blared IDFC by Blackbear. Singing along, I made myself a dinner of sandwiches and fruit. After I ate and got my things ready for Monday morning, I curled up on my couch with a book. I read and read until I fell asleep to Paper Crown by Alec Benjamin./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I woke up the next morning with a stiffness in my lower back and neck. Groaning, I got up and showered. After breakfast, I grabbed my things and plugged my earphones back into my iPod. I place both earphones in my ears as I walked down the tunnel. I turned on Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne. I sang under my breath for the next couple of songs as I made my way down to Potions. However, that meant passing the Slytherin Dorm. As I walked passed, the door opened and the group came walking out. "Lyra Lestrange. Where in Merlin's Beard did you go last night?" Draco called out to me. I paused and looked at them. "Somewhere I didn't have to worry about being myself," I stated monotoned. "Lyra you know you aren't judged here," Pansy said coming towards me. I looked from her to Dravin, Theo, and Blaise. "Are you sure about that Pans?" I asked. I felt my throat start to close under the tears and unhappiness I've been holding back since Christmas Eve. I turned away from them so they wouldn't see that I was about to break down. Taking a deep breath, I said, "I'll be back in the common room before curfew from now on. I promise." I continued to Potions./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"For the next two months, I stayed in my own world. I did my work and went to classes with my music in my ears to keep me from breaking down. The boys didn't have a chance to lecture or apologize. I took orders during Quidditch but didn't speak unless asked a direct question. Draco dragged me out to catch the Golden Trio in doing something. I didn't care enough to try and understand his obsession with the Gryffindors so I just went with him to shut him up. I trailed behind him in no hurry to get to wherever he was taking me. When we got to Hagrid's Hut, I noticed that they were indeed out of bed after hours. And Hagrid had a baby dragon on the table in front of them. "This isn't good," I muttered to Draco as I ducked out of the window so he could see. Suddenly he was bolting to the Castle. I got up and ran after him. He kept going until he got to McGonagall's Office. I figured out what he was doing and I tackled him, casting a cushioning charm on us. "What do you think you're doing Lestrange?" he growled from under me. "Saving your butt Malfoy," I answered a rough whisper, pinning him down. "Think Draco. If you wake up the Professor after hours and lead her to the Gryffindors, she's going to wonder how we knew they were out of bed in the first place. We'll get punished as well. And we both know what will happen to you now that you can't hide behind my failures," I stated. "You're right. You are nothing to the Malfoys now. So get off," He said pushing me off him. Hitting the stone at full force, I was too dazed to completely get away when he knocked on the door. I was just able to stand up and accept my fate as McGonagall opened the door to see two Slytherin first years standing there after 9 pm./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""What's the meaning of this?" she demanded, wrapping her dressing robe around her tighter. Draco quickly explained and offered to show her to the Trio. She looked over Draco's head and at me leaning against the wall holding my head. "You'll be staying in my office, Ms. Lestrange. You seem to be a bit ill," she stated with a flash of a smile. She was waiting. Great. I nodded and just slide down the wall to the floor. I was only flung to the wall by Draco, but my ribs had been taking beatings during Quidditch practice and games. The professor and fellow Slytherin left to caught the Gryffindors. I closed my eyes and let some tears of both pain and emotion slide down my face as I waited. Less than a half hour later I had detention with the other four. Draco tried to fight it, acting like his dad, but I simply gave him an 'I told you so' smirk. As the others were dismissed back to bed, McGonagall asked me to stay behind once again./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Yes Professor?" I asked as politely as possible. "I understand that you've found the way to the Shrieking Shack and have renovated it to suit your needs," she stated, staring at me. I nodded slowly. "And you feel safe there correct?" she kept going. "Yes, ma'am. The only way to it from the grounds is under a very overprotective tree. And no one from the village ever comes near it," I explained shifting my weight. "Have you considered moving into it for your time here at the school?" she asked. I stared at her in shock before saying, "Every day." McGonagall smiled and nodded, "Very well. We'll need to redo the Fidelius Charm on it, but I'm sure the other House Heads and Professor Dumbledore would be okay with you moving in there."I stared at the Deputy Headmistress in shock. "You mean, I could actually live in my small house? Without anyone hovering over me to be the Heir I'm supposed to be?" I asked cautiously. She gave me a questioning look but nodded all the same. "Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make our students feel as safe as possible, but we are only a school," she explained. I nodded and started smiling like an idiot. "When, Professor?" I asked excitedly. She smiled and dismissed me with a, "We'll speak in full in the Morning." I bowed and went down to the Slytherin common room with a smile on my face./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Draco was pouting on my couch when I entered the Common Room. "Come off it, Draco. We got them in trouble, which is what you wanted," I said plopping down next to him. Pansy came out of the dorms, probably looking for me, and said, "Got who in trouble?" "Probably Potter and Co. Since that's all he talks about when he isn't pissed off about Lyra having better grades than him," I heard Blaise say from the hall coming our way. Draco stood up and took resident in his normal chair next to the couch. Pansy sat across from him and they continued their game of chess without thought. "Of course it was those Gryffindors. I just didn't expect to get punished too," Draco grumbled. Blaise sat next to me on the couch and pulled me into his chest. "The smaller Malfoy thought he was big and bad enough for McGonagall not to punish us for being out of bed as well," I chuckled lying my head on Blaise's shoulder. "Us?" Theo questioned, coming out of the dorms followed by Dravin, Crabbe, and Goyle. "Yes, us. I dragged Lyra with me. She's the golden girl among the Professors. I thought she'd bail me out. Instead, she tackled me to the ground in front McGonagall's Office and yelled at me," Draco explained as he moved his knight to take Pansy's rook. "Please tell me that you only got detention," Dravin begged as he leaned against the back of the couch. Theo took his spot at my feet and pulled me into his lap from Blaise's arms. I squealed at the sudden movement but settled into his arms without a problem. "Remember she's my betrothed please, Blaise," He commented as Blaise start protesting. I rolled my eyes at the comment but it changed the subject. I don't know when but I fell asleep in Theo's lap that night./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"The next morning I was dragged to Breakfast when all I wanted to sleep through the first few classes. Yawning, I sat leaning against Theo half asleep. He and Dravin coaxed some food down my throat. I sneezed then and Blaise leaned over the table. Feeling my forehead his face fell into shock. "Guys Lyra's sick," he said in utter surprise. "No way. She never gets sick," I heard Goyle say getting closer. I felt Blaise take his hand from my head only to be replaced by a slightly cooler one. I leaned into the hand thankful for the coldness. I didn't realize until then that I was burning up. I took off my robes and rolled up my sleeves, all without moving my head from the hand. "Yeah she's burning up," Draco said softly, pulling his hand away. I coughed into my elbow and groaned, "Guys I don't have time to be sick." Theo batted the top of my head saying, "You were the one who wanted to sleep through the first couple of classes today." I laughed then coughed again. "Yeah, I want to. But who here thinks that I'd actually do it" I asked once my fit was over. No one answered. "Exactly," I said triumphantly. I then saw Severus coming down the table to us. "Come, Lyra. It's time for your meeting with the Headmaster and House Heads," he stated not stopping. I rolled my eyes and got up following. "You're going to tell us about this later right?" I heard Pansy yell after me. I raise a thumbs up to her as I coughed again. The walk up to Dumbledore's office was silent except for my coughing. We stopped in front of the Gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's Office, but before he could say the password it moved to the side. "The Headmaster has no need for passwords," it said at Severus's confused face. I blushed and bowed to the Gargoyle. We walked up the spiral staircase. I knocked on the door and heard an "Enter." The potions master opened the door and entered first./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I followed and closed the door behind me. In front of me were Professor Dumbledore sitting at his desk. Professor McGonagall standing to his right behind his desk as well. Professors Sprout and Fenwick were sitting in the chairs in front of the Headmaster's desk. Severus was leaning against the fireplace in classic Slytherin style. I was surprised to see Madam Pomfrey in the office as well. I stifled a cough and leaned against the door. I saw the Head Nurse glare at me but ignored it. "I would like permission to move into the Shrieking Shack for the remainder of my years at Hogwarts," I stated confidently staring at Dumbledore. "And why is that?" Professor Snape asked. I looked at him out the corner of my eye. He was indeed using his 'I'm the teacher and you are the student. Why are you going against me?' voice but he was facing the fire. Not me. I took a breath and explained, "I don't feel safe among my fellow students. I've received multiple threats since the beginning of the year because I'm getting special treatment since I'm learning three years worth of magic in one. Many believe that I'll be starting in fourth year next year instead of second. And it's gotten worse since word has leaked that I've been banished from the Malfoys and the reason behind it." I saw my godfather sag slightly under my words. I turned my eyes back to the other Professors. Professor Fenwick spoke up then./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""I believe it will be good for her to be away from the students at night. Her work will become better as there won't be any distractions from the other Heirs for her to follow traditions," he spoke calmly. The Professors flinched at the word 'Heirs'. I raised my eyebrow in question but kept my mouth shut. I coughed softly into my elbow as Professor Sprout added, "And she'll feel safe. Something she obviously hasn't felt in the school itself. And we all know Professor McGonagall's opinion since she set this up." They turned to Madam Pomfrey for her answer. The Head Nurse looked me over. "You're sick with a cold and your body is under a lot of stress. Can you rest peacefully in the shrieking shack better than you do in the Slytherin Dorms?" she asked demandingly. I nodded through my coughing fit. "Very well. I say we allow it," Madam Pomfrey confirmed. Dumbledore and Severus were the last to say yes. "Only if she has someone other than her as the Secret Keeper. A student," Severus compromised. Dumbledore nodded his agreement, "Lyra is there anyone among the students you trust enough to keep this for you?" "Blaise Zabini," came out of my mouth before I could even think. Severus turned and faced me for the first time during this whole exchange. "Not Theo or Dravin? Why?" he demanded. I stood up straight and pointed at the door. "Because out of the entire group that calls themselves my friends, Blaise was the only one to realize that I didn't eat much over the Holidays nor since coming back. He was the only one to realize that I had a cut on my face from when Lucius and I got into it on Christmas Blaise is going to be the one waiting for me at the bottom of this staircase to make sure that I'm okay," I defended my answer as anger snuck into my voice. But that was what they wanted. I was overrun with six minds pushing on my walls around my mind. I growled and slammed more down without letting up any of the others. "You want to see a memory? Here's a Memory for you!" I shouted as I drew a single memory out of my walls, sucking all of us in./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"emI watched as nine years old me played with a couple of leafs as Aunt Andromeda talked to Aunt and Uncle Malfoy. The professors and Madam Pomfrey stood behind me as I tucked my hands into my pockets. "Lyra what have I told you about playing with leaves?" Aunt Andromeda barked at younger me. I watched the leafs drop from their suspended state back to the ground as young me bowed her head and walked back to her aunt's side. "I've taught her everything she needs to know about Muggles and being kind. Though I'm sure you'll just over right it with the Pureblood way of life," she said to her sister. Narcissa looked down her nose at the young witch. "Did you teach her proper manners and edict?" Lucius asked with even looking at me. Andromeda scoffed, "I may have married a Muggle and raise my own daughter outside of the Pureblood way, but I know what this child needs to learn to at least survive in your lifestyle. Be warned though, she's just like her mother." The Malfoys huffed and nodded. Lucius grabbed me by my neck and disapparated to the Manor. /emWe followed of course but I did something that surprised even Severus. I layered memories on top of each other. Throughout my first few months of staying at the Malfoys, I placed my memories from the Tonks household over it. The shouting, the hitting, the nights without food so I wouldn't gain too much weight. The constant Legilimens. I allowed the Professors and Head Nurse to see exactly why I came to Hogwarts on Christmas Eve instead of going to my Aunt Andromeda's home. Then I pushed all of them out of my mind and slammed every wall I had down./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Everyone either sagged into their chair or against the closest wall to them. I was still standing up straight and coughed into my elbow before placing my hands into my pockets. "Are we satisfied now? Do we understand why I am who I am?" I asked with my head held high. They remained silent until Severus said, "She showed those on purpose. We didn't break her walls." I clapped sarcastically, feeling very vindictive, "Congrats. You sounded like a real professor." "That's quite enough, Ms. Lestrange," Dumbledore said, "Mr. Zabini can be your Secret Keeper. You'll be able to move in at the end of March. You have until then to show him the space. You're dismissed." I bowed and took my leave. I was glad to see Blaise leaning against the wall opposite of the staircase. I ran into his arms and buried my face in his chest. "Woah there, Ly. What's wrong?" he asked rubbing my back. I pulled back to sneeze and cough. "They are allowing me to move into my space but only if you'll be my Secret Keeper," I explained. "Which means I have to show you the place and we both have to be there during the spell. Are you okay with that?" I asked, looking at him through my bangs. Blaise chuckled and moved my bangs out of my face. "I, the horrid Blaise, get to see the Queen Lyra's inner sanctum and get to keep it a secret from the others? I would be stupid to say no," he stated as he kissed my forehead. I smiled and hugged him. "Come on. It's actually Saturday and I have a feeling that you don't have class today," Blaise said leading me down the halls towards the Slytherin dorms. I stopped us at the entry hall and looked out the door to the rain. "Actually do you mind if I show you today? I don't have the energy to deal with Theo," I said looking longingly at the Willow. Blaise instantly changed our direction and we went out into the rain. I cast a drying and a warming charms over the both of us as we strolled towards the Willow. I smiled and called out to her as we approached, "My dear Guardian. Please allow me to introduce my friend and Secret Keeper, Blaise Zabini. He will be allowed to enter the House whenever I am inside." Blaise bowed as much as he could without taking his arm from around my waist. The Willow gave its version of a bow and I led the way Blaise to the tunnel. He stared in awe at me as we kept walking./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"When we reached the end of the tunnel, I just pushed the door open without thinking. "You don't lock the door?" Blaise asked concerned as he walked in. I smiled as I watched Blaise instinctually slid off his shoes under the coat rack before continuing to the couch. "I'm sorry. Did you miss the giant tree that moves on its own that I had to introduce you to?" I asked, closing the door. Blaise laughed and plopped on the couch. "That's true enough. What about the teachers?" he questioned, laying out like he does in the Slytherin Common room. I kicked off my shoes and sat next to him. "They tend to knock. No one's just barged into the Shack yet," I said thoughtfully. Blaise sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees, "Lyra you know what this is going to do to Theo when he realizes that you chose me over him again right?" I sighed understanding that we won't have a light conversation until this is over. "Theo will soon not be able to talk to me. None of them will. Which is why I chose to request to move out here. Your mother doesn't care about the Pureblood Social Circle much unless it's to either wed you or finding herself a new husband. And you notice when I'm in need. So I chose you out so no one actually getting hurt from it," I explained looking at the ceiling. "Do you really think Narcissa is going to disown you?" he whispered. I nodded. I heard Blaise mutter under his breath before getting up. "Where's the tea in this place?" he growled, stalking to the Kitchen. I waved my hand toward the general area. Hearing the kettle being filled and the stove starting, I settled back into my seat on the couch. "Teapot should be on the counter. There is an assortment of tea in the cabinet above the stove and milk in the fridge. Sugar should be on the bar," I stated staring into the fire. I heard a chuckle then silence apart from tea being made. A few minutes later, Blaise came back with a trey. On it was my teapot, two cups and saucers, lemons, milk, sugar, and a plate of finger sandwiches. He made quick work of making our cups and handing me mine. I took it and had a sip. We sat there just looking at the fire. Blaise placed his cup down on the saucer and sighed. "How long, Lyra?" He asked not looking at me. I placed mine down and clasped my hands. "The end of March. Mid-April if we're lucky," I said matter of factly. "No. How long until you can come back?" he asked. I heard worry and concern in his voice so I softened my own, "At the end of fourth year is the earliest I believe." Blaise looked at me out the corner of his eye. "The latest?" he asked cautiously. I stood up and gathered the tea and took it to the kitchen without answering. Blaise understood the answer and came to help me with the dishes. We then spent the day reading and playing chess./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""You keep this place like the Malfoy's do. Spotless. But there's a certain lived-in feel here. It suits you," Blaise commented as we got ready to go back to the Common room. I smiled and opened the door. He stepped out and I followed. We walked back to the Castle in silence. None of the teachers questioned us coming in from the rain. They just directed us to dinner. I steeled myself for the lecture that was going to happen, but when we got to our spot there was none. Everyone looked anywhere but at me. "Guys, what happened?" I asked confused. Severus came down from the Head Table and dropped a stack of letters on the table next to me. I stared at the stack in fear. "No, I was supposed to have another month," I whispered holding back tears that were pricking my eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Hey, you don't have class on Sunday afternoons!" Theo yelled over the other Slytherins. I smiled and waved at him as I slipped out the Grand Hall. I walked up to the Charms Classroom in silence. The rest of the students were either outside enjoying the snowy day or tucked away in the Library getting ready for exams. I knocked on the door and heard a squeaked, "Come in." I opened the door narrowly and slipped in before closing it again. "I see you're still trying to sneak around as if you're doing something you shouldn't be doing," Professor Fenwick stated from his tower of books. I shrugged saying, "I'm not used to being able to do whatever I want yet. I've had to sneak around my entire life." The dwarf looked up at me curiously, "Even when you were the Tonks household?" I looked down and didn't answer. I heard him make a soft noise and then thump down off his tower. "Today we're going to learn the basics of the mind. Are you ready?" he asked walking up to me. "Yes sir," I said eager to move onto something I didn't know anything about. "Good. Follow me." The professor led me from the Charms Classroom to his office on the second floor. Once there he put a silencing charm on the door and window. I grabbed my wand from my robes and held it tightly at my side. "Lyra don't be alarmed. I simply don't want you to get distracted by the outside world today," he said softly as he walked over to his desk. I relaxed some but didn't release my grip on my wand. He started pulling books from inside his desk and waved his hand for me to come closer. I did so wearily. "These books will be your new textbooks for now. Now turn to chapter one," Professor Fenwick started teaching the class and I settled into a new routine./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Theo, Blaise, and Dravin were waiting for me at the Great Hall for dinner. None of the boys looked happy at my disappearance. I looked down and stopped in front of them waiting for the lecture. "We'll deal with this later. Let's go eat," Dravin stated before they walked into the hall. I grumbled under my breath and stayed where I was for a second. "Why do you let them control you?" Hermione asked as she walked up behind me. I didn't look back at her. After a moment of thought, I answered, "Because I'm not completely disowned by the Pureblood society yet. Then again, I'll never truly free of them anyway." I walked to where my friends sat without waiting for her answer. "What did the Mudblood want?" Blaise asked as I got to them. I slapped him without thought. "On second thought, I don't feel like pretending I'm hungry," I growled as I turned and stalked away. I heard some vague threats coming from Dravin but I didn't listen. I stomped all the way to the Whomping Willow, through the Tunnel, and into the Shrieking Shack. Once in the living room, I turned on my speaker and took out my earphones. Connecting my iPod, I blared IDFC by Blackbear. Singing along, I made myself a dinner of sandwiches and fruit. After I ate and got my things ready for Monday morning, I curled up on my couch with a book. I read and read until I fell asleep to Paper Crown by Alec Benjamin./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I woke up the next morning with a stiffness in my lower back and neck. Groaning, I got up and showered. After breakfast, I grabbed my things and plugged my earphones back into my iPod. I place both earphones in my ears as I walked down the tunnel. I turned on Nobody's Home by Avril Lavigne. I sang under my breath for the next couple of songs as I made my way down to Potions. However, that meant passing the Slytherin Dorm. As I walked passed, the door opened and the group came walking out. "Lyra Lestrange. Where in Merlin's Beard did you go last night?" Draco called out to me. I paused and looked at them. "Somewhere I didn't have to worry about being myself," I stated monotoned. "Lyra you know you aren't judged here," Pansy said coming towards me. I looked from her to Dravin, Theo, and Blaise. "Are you sure about that Pans?" I asked. I felt my throat start to close under the tears and unhappiness I've been holding back since Christmas Eve. I turned away from them so they wouldn't see that I was about to break down. Taking a deep breath, I said, "I'll be back in the common room before curfew from now on. I promise." I continued to Potions./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"For the next two months, I stayed in my own world. I did my work and went to classes with my music in my ears to keep me from breaking down. The boys didn't have a chance to lecture or apologize. I took orders during Quidditch but didn't speak unless asked a direct question. Draco dragged me out to catch the Golden Trio in doing something. I didn't care enough to try and understand his obsession with the Gryffindors so I just went with him to shut him up. I trailed behind him in no hurry to get to wherever he was taking me. When we got to Hagrid's Hut, I noticed that they were indeed out of bed after hours. And Hagrid had a baby dragon on the table in front of them. "This isn't good," I muttered to Draco as I ducked out of the window so he could see. Suddenly he was bolting to the Castle. I got up and ran after him. He kept going until he got to McGonagall's Office. I figured out what he was doing and I tackled him, casting a cushioning charm on us. "What do you think you're doing Lestrange?" he growled from under me. "Saving your butt Malfoy," I answered a rough whisper, pinning him down. "Think Draco. If you wake up the Professor after hours and lead her to the Gryffindors, she's going to wonder how we knew they were out of bed in the first place. We'll get punished as well. And we both know what will happen to you now that you can't hide behind my failures," I stated. "You're right. You are nothing to the Malfoys now. So get off," He said pushing me off him. Hitting the stone at full force, I was too dazed to completely get away when he knocked on the door. I was just able to stand up and accept my fate as McGonagall opened the door to see two Slytherin first years standing there after 9 pm./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""What's the meaning of this?" she demanded, wrapping her dressing robe around her tighter. Draco quickly explained and offered to show her to the Trio. She looked over Draco's head and at me leaning against the wall holding my head. "You'll be staying in my office, Ms. Lestrange. You seem to be a bit ill," she stated with a flash of a smile. She was waiting. Great. I nodded and just slide down the wall to the floor. I was only flung to the wall by Draco, but my ribs had been taking beatings during Quidditch practice and games. The professor and fellow Slytherin left to caught the Gryffindors. I closed my eyes and let some tears of both pain and emotion slide down my face as I waited. Less than a half hour later I had detention with the other four. Draco tried to fight it, acting like his dad, but I simply gave him an 'I told you so' smirk. As the others were dismissed back to bed, McGonagall asked me to stay behind once again./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Yes Professor?" I asked as politely as possible. "I understand that you've found the way to the Shrieking Shack and have renovated it to suit your needs," she stated, staring at me. I nodded slowly. "And you feel safe there correct?" she kept going. "Yes, ma'am. The only way to it from the grounds is under a very overprotective tree. And no one from the village ever comes near it," I explained shifting my weight. "Have you considered moving into it for your time here at the school?" she asked. I stared at her in shock before saying, "Every day." McGonagall smiled and nodded, "Very well. We'll need to redo the Fidelius Charm on it, but I'm sure the other House Heads and Professor Dumbledore would be okay with you moving in there."I stared at the Deputy Headmistress in shock. "You mean, I could actually live in my small house? Without anyone hovering over me to be the Heir I'm supposed to be?" I asked cautiously. She gave me a questioning look but nodded all the same. "Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make our students feel as safe as possible, but we are only a school," she explained. I nodded and started smiling like an idiot. "When, Professor?" I asked excitedly. She smiled and dismissed me with a, "We'll speak in full in the Morning." I bowed and went down to the Slytherin common room with a smile on my face./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Draco was pouting on my couch when I entered the Common Room. "Come off it, Draco. We got them in trouble, which is what you wanted," I said plopping down next to him. Pansy came out of the dorms, probably looking for me, and said, "Got who in trouble?" "Probably Potter and Co. Since that's all he talks about when he isn't pissed off about Lyra having better grades than him," I heard Blaise say from the hall coming our way. Draco stood up and took resident in his normal chair next to the couch. Pansy sat across from him and they continued their game of chess without thought. "Of course it was those Gryffindors. I just didn't expect to get punished too," Draco grumbled. Blaise sat next to me on the couch and pulled me into his chest. "The smaller Malfoy thought he was big and bad enough for McGonagall not to punish us for being out of bed as well," I chuckled lying my head on Blaise's shoulder. "Us?" Theo questioned, coming out of the dorms followed by Dravin, Crabbe, and Goyle. "Yes, us. I dragged Lyra with me. She's the golden girl among the Professors. I thought she'd bail me out. Instead, she tackled me to the ground in front McGonagall's Office and yelled at me," Draco explained as he moved his knight to take Pansy's rook. "Please tell me that you only got detention," Dravin begged as he leaned against the back of the couch. Theo took his spot at my feet and pulled me into his lap from Blaise's arms. I squealed at the sudden movement but settled into his arms without a problem. "Remember she's my betrothed please, Blaise," He commented as Blaise start protesting. I rolled my eyes at the comment but it changed the subject. I don't know when but I fell asleep in Theo's lap that night./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"The next morning I was dragged to Breakfast when all I wanted to sleep through the first few classes. Yawning, I sat leaning against Theo half asleep. He and Dravin coaxed some food down my throat. I sneezed then and Blaise leaned over the table. Feeling my forehead his face fell into shock. "Guys Lyra's sick," he said in utter surprise. "No way. She never gets sick," I heard Goyle say getting closer. I felt Blaise take his hand from my head only to be replaced by a slightly cooler one. I leaned into the hand thankful for the coldness. I didn't realize until then that I was burning up. I took off my robes and rolled up my sleeves, all without moving my head from the hand. "Yeah she's burning up," Draco said softly, pulling his hand away. I coughed into my elbow and groaned, "Guys I don't have time to be sick." Theo batted the top of my head saying, "You were the one who wanted to sleep through the first couple of classes today." I laughed then coughed again. "Yeah, I want to. But who here thinks that I'd actually do it" I asked once my fit was over. No one answered. "Exactly," I said triumphantly. I then saw Severus coming down the table to us. "Come, Lyra. It's time for your meeting with the Headmaster and House Heads," he stated not stopping. I rolled my eyes and got up following. "You're going to tell us about this later right?" I heard Pansy yell after me. I raise a thumbs up to her as I coughed again. The walk up to Dumbledore's office was silent except for my coughing. We stopped in front of the Gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's Office, but before he could say the password it moved to the side. "The Headmaster has no need for passwords," it said at Severus's confused face. I blushed and bowed to the Gargoyle. We walked up the spiral staircase. I knocked on the door and heard an "Enter." The potions master opened the door and entered first./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I followed and closed the door behind me. In front of me were Professor Dumbledore sitting at his desk. Professor McGonagall standing to his right behind his desk as well. Professors Sprout and Fenwick were sitting in the chairs in front of the Headmaster's desk. Severus was leaning against the fireplace in classic Slytherin style. I was surprised to see Madam Pomfrey in the office as well. I stifled a cough and leaned against the door. I saw the Head Nurse glare at me but ignored it. "I would like permission to move into the Shrieking Shack for the remainder of my years at Hogwarts," I stated confidently staring at Dumbledore. "And why is that?" Professor Snape asked. I looked at him out the corner of my eye. He was indeed using his 'I'm the teacher and you are the student. Why are you going against me?' voice but he was facing the fire. Not me. I took a breath and explained, "I don't feel safe among my fellow students. I've received multiple threats since the beginning of the year because I'm getting special treatment since I'm learning three years worth of magic in one. Many believe that I'll be starting in fourth year next year instead of second. And it's gotten worse since word has leaked that I've been banished from the Malfoys and the reason behind it." I saw my godfather sag slightly under my words. I turned my eyes back to the other Professors. Professor Fenwick spoke up then./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""I believe it will be good for her to be away from the students at night. Her work will become better as there won't be any distractions from the other Heirs for her to follow traditions," he spoke calmly. The Professors flinched at the word 'Heirs'. I raised my eyebrow in question but kept my mouth shut. I coughed softly into my elbow as Professor Sprout added, "And she'll feel safe. Something she obviously hasn't felt in the school itself. And we all know Professor McGonagall's opinion since she set this up." They turned to Madam Pomfrey for her answer. The Head Nurse looked me over. "You're sick with a cold and your body is under a lot of stress. Can you rest peacefully in the shrieking shack better than you do in the Slytherin Dorms?" she asked demandingly. I nodded through my coughing fit. "Very well. I say we allow it," Madam Pomfrey confirmed. Dumbledore and Severus were the last to say yes. "Only if she has someone other than her as the Secret Keeper. A student," Severus compromised. Dumbledore nodded his agreement, "Lyra is there anyone among the students you trust enough to keep this for you?" "Blaise Zabini," came out of my mouth before I could even think. Severus turned and faced me for the first time during this whole exchange. "Not Theo or Dravin? Why?" he demanded. I stood up straight and pointed at the door. "Because out of the entire group that calls themselves my friends, Blaise was the only one to realize that I didn't eat much over the Holidays nor since coming back. He was the only one to realize that I had a cut on my face from when Lucius and I got into it on Christmas Blaise is going to be the one waiting for me at the bottom of this staircase to make sure that I'm okay," I defended my answer as anger snuck into my voice. But that was what they wanted. I was overrun with six minds pushing on my walls around my mind. I growled and slammed more down without letting up any of the others. "You want to see a memory? Here's a Memory for you!" I shouted as I drew a single memory out of my walls, sucking all of us in./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"emI watched as nine years old me played with a couple of leafs as Aunt Andromeda talked to Aunt and Uncle Malfoy. The professors and Madam Pomfrey stood behind me as I tucked my hands into my pockets. "Lyra what have I told you about playing with leaves?" Aunt Andromeda barked at younger me. I watched the leafs drop from their suspended state back to the ground as young me bowed her head and walked back to her aunt's side. "I've taught her everything she needs to know about Muggles and being kind. Though I'm sure you'll just over right it with the Pureblood way of life," she said to her sister. Narcissa looked down her nose at the young witch. "Did you teach her proper manners and edict?" Lucius asked with even looking at me. Andromeda scoffed, "I may have married a Muggle and raise my own daughter outside of the Pureblood way, but I know what this child needs to learn to at least survive in your lifestyle. Be warned though, she's just like her mother." The Malfoys huffed and nodded. Lucius grabbed me by my neck and disapparated to the Manor. /emWe followed of course but I did something that surprised even Severus. I layered memories on top of each other. Throughout my first few months of staying at the Malfoys, I placed my memories from the Tonks household over it. The shouting, the hitting, the nights without food so I wouldn't gain too much weight. The constant Legilimens. I allowed the Professors and Head Nurse to see exactly why I came to Hogwarts on Christmas Eve instead of going to my Aunt Andromeda's home. Then I pushed all of them out of my mind and slammed every wall I had down./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Everyone either sagged into their chair or against the closest wall to them. I was still standing up straight and coughed into my elbow before placing my hands into my pockets. "Are we satisfied now? Do we understand why I am who I am?" I asked with my head held high. They remained silent until Severus said, "She showed those on purpose. We didn't break her walls." I clapped sarcastically, feeling very vindictive, "Congrats. You sounded like a real professor." "That's quite enough, Ms. Lestrange," Dumbledore said, "Mr. Zabini can be your Secret Keeper. You'll be able to move in at the end of March. You have until then to show him the space. You're dismissed." I bowed and took my leave. I was glad to see Blaise leaning against the wall opposite of the staircase. I ran into his arms and buried my face in his chest. "Woah there, Ly. What's wrong?" he asked rubbing my back. I pulled back to sneeze and cough. "They are allowing me to move into my space but only if you'll be my Secret Keeper," I explained. "Which means I have to show you the place and we both have to be there during the spell. Are you okay with that?" I asked, looking at him through my bangs. Blaise chuckled and moved my bangs out of my face. "I, the horrid Blaise, get to see the Queen Lyra's inner sanctum and get to keep it a secret from the others? I would be stupid to say no," he stated as he kissed my forehead. I smiled and hugged him. "Come on. It's actually Saturday and I have a feeling that you don't have class today," Blaise said leading me down the halls towards the Slytherin dorms. I stopped us at the entry hall and looked out the door to the rain. "Actually do you mind if I show you today? I don't have the energy to deal with Theo," I said looking longingly at the Willow. Blaise instantly changed our direction and we went out into the rain. I cast a drying and a warming charms over the both of us as we strolled towards the Willow. I smiled and called out to her as we approached, "My dear Guardian. Please allow me to introduce my friend and Secret Keeper, Blaise Zabini. He will be allowed to enter the House whenever I am inside." Blaise bowed as much as he could without taking his arm from around my waist. The Willow gave its version of a bow and I led the way Blaise to the tunnel. He stared in awe at me as we kept walking./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"When we reached the end of the tunnel, I just pushed the door open without thinking. "You don't lock the door?" Blaise asked concerned as he walked in. I smiled as I watched Blaise instinctually slid off his shoes under the coat rack before continuing to the couch. "I'm sorry. Did you miss the giant tree that moves on its own that I had to introduce you to?" I asked, closing the door. Blaise laughed and plopped on the couch. "That's true enough. What about the teachers?" he questioned, laying out like he does in the Slytherin Common room. I kicked off my shoes and sat next to him. "They tend to knock. No one's just barged into the Shack yet," I said thoughtfully. Blaise sat up and leaned his elbows on his knees, "Lyra you know what this is going to do to Theo when he realizes that you chose me over him again right?" I sighed understanding that we won't have a light conversation until this is over. "Theo will soon not be able to talk to me. None of them will. Which is why I chose to request to move out here. Your mother doesn't care about the Pureblood Social Circle much unless it's to either wed you or finding herself a new husband. And you notice when I'm in need. So I chose you out so no one actually getting hurt from it," I explained looking at the ceiling. "Do you really think Narcissa is going to disown you?" he whispered. I nodded. I heard Blaise mutter under his breath before getting up. "Where's the tea in this place?" he growled, stalking to the Kitchen. I waved my hand toward the general area. Hearing the kettle being filled and the stove starting, I settled back into my seat on the couch. "Teapot should be on the counter. There is an assortment of tea in the cabinet above the stove and milk in the fridge. Sugar should be on the bar," I stated staring into the fire. I heard a chuckle then silence apart from tea being made. A few minutes later, Blaise came back with a trey. On it was my teapot, two cups and saucers, lemons, milk, sugar, and a plate of finger sandwiches. He made quick work of making our cups and handing me mine. I took it and had a sip. We sat there just looking at the fire. Blaise placed his cup down on the saucer and sighed. "How long, Lyra?" He asked not looking at me. I placed mine down and clasped my hands. "The end of March. Mid-April if we're lucky," I said matter of factly. "No. How long until you can come back?" he asked. I heard worry and concern in his voice so I softened my own, "At the end of fourth year is the earliest I believe." Blaise looked at me out the corner of his eye. "The latest?" he asked cautiously. I stood up and gathered the tea and took it to the kitchen without answering. Blaise understood the answer and came to help me with the dishes. We then spent the day reading and playing chess./p
p style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""You keep this place like the Malfoy's do. Spotless. But there's a certain lived-in feel here. It suits you," Blaise commented as we got ready to go back to the Common room. I smiled and opened the door. He stepped out and I followed. We walked back to the Castle in silence. None of the teachers questioned us coming in from the rain. They just directed us to dinner. I steeled myself for the lecture that was going to happen, but when we got to our spot there was none. Everyone looked anywhere but at me. "Guys, what happened?" I asked confused. Severus came down from the Head Table and dropped a stack of letters on the table next to me. I stared at the stack in fear. "No, I was supposed to have another month," I whispered holding back tears that were pricking my eyes./p