Sorry for the long absence, I went through a period of disinterest in fanfiction...Anyway, I'm back now, so here you go! This is the last glimpse of Lyra's first year!

Draco experienced Lyra's first year at Hogwarts in two days and four hours. Well, he didn't really have anything to do except sit in her room and read. All too soon he reached the end of her first year, and paused, fighting indecision. He remembered this day all too well...

Saturday 20th June 1992

It's officially the last day of Hogwarts. I've just arrived in my new home and am now sitting in my new room...which I share...with a Weasley.

That's right. I've been adopted by the Molly Weasley and her family.

It all started when we got off the train and walked through the barrier back to London. I had sat on a compartment with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and we were all chatting excitedly. When we finally got off the train and re-entered King's Cross Station, Harry said goodbye and walked over to his Uncle, who looked like he'd smelled something disgusting. He looked about as bad as Harry had described. Hermione gave me a fierce hug. "I'll write over the summer!" she promised, then ran over to her parents who were waving at us. I waved back.

That left me with Ron. He smiled awkwardly at me, then his face froze. Following his gaze, I saw my brother. We made eye contact for a split second, then he turned away swiftly. I spotted my parents behind him. They strode arrogantly out of the station.

"Blimey," Ron muttered, comprehension dawning on his face. "What about you?"

"Ron!"

The two of us looked up. An older woman had approached us. Judging from her blazing hair I guessed her to be Ron's mother. "How was your first year?" she asked, beaming.

"It was great-Mum!" Ron exclaimed as she enveloped him in a hug.

"Aww, ickle Ronniekins, still Mummy's little boy aren't you?" Fred and George had finally exited through the barrier, Percy not far behind. "See ya Lee!" one of the twins called as another boy in dreadlocks waved and dashed away to his family.

Quickly I moved out of the way, feeling invisible as the Weasleys went through their ritual of being embarrassed by their mother's hugs in public.

"And who's this?"

I felt my cheeks redden even further when I realised Mrs Weasley was addressing me. I looked up to see her smile fade as she recognised me. I looked back down, catching a glimpse of a young red headed girl before my gaze found the floor.

"Mum," said Ron clearly, "This is Lyra, a friend of mine. She needs a place to stay."

My head shot up as I gaped at him. Ron ignored me. "Her family kicked her out after she was Sorted into Gryffindor, and now she has nowhere to go. I wrote to you about her last week."

"You what?" I sputtered.

Mrs Weasley's gaze sharpened. "The nerve of some people!" she muttered. Her face softened as she studied me. "Hello dear. I'm Mrs Weasley. Ron told me all about you. I've spoken with Ginny and she's agreed to share her room with you if you like. I've also written to Professor Dumbledore and he'll send your belongings over by the end of the week."

I glanced at the young girl-Ginny-and she smiled shyly at me. I wheeled back to stare at Mrs Weasley numbly.

Mrs Weasley's gentle gaze faltered somewhat. "Is everything okay?"

I burst into tears. It was too much-being dumped by the people I considered family and finding a new one almost instantly. As I felt her arms go around me and heard her soothing words, I realised that maybe the Weasleys weren't as bad as Father made them out to be. Besides, if it was between blood traitor and Malfoy, I'd rather be a blood traitor right now. I actually wish that Mrs Weasley was my mum. I haven't met Mr Weasley yet, but I'm sure he's about as nice as his wife.

So I've moved into Ginny's room, and we've found an extra mattress which I can sleep on. Everybody is being so kind to me-with the exception of Fred and George, of course, but I didn't really expect them to change just for me. Besides, I like them. For the whole year I'd viewed being abandoned by my family as something terrible and depressing. Fred and George taught me how to laugh about it.

But the best thing about all this is that I have a family again.

Draco let the book slip from his fingers as he stared at his sister's face. It was still pale and peaceful, as if she'd gone to sleep and would sit up at any minute and yell at him. In fact, he was rather looking forward to that moment. As his eyes continued to roam over the face he knew so well, he let himself fall into memories...

Standing at King's Cross Station outside Platform 9 ¾, I smile at Crabbe and Goyle. "I'll see you in September, yea?" I said to my childhood friends. They both grin at me.

"Yea," they reply in unison, before heading off with their families.

Turning, I make my way over to my parents, who were waiting for me patiently. "Mother, Father," I say to them as I draw near. Mother smiles, giving me a quick hug. Father nods at me politely as he always did. "I take it your first year was good?" he asked briskly.

"As good, maybe even better, than I thought it would be," I replied.

My father's eyes drift past me for a moment, and then narrow. Slowly I follow his gaze.

Silver eyes meet mine.

I turn away quickly, forcing down the pain as I paste an arrogant smirk on my face. I didn't know it then, but my arrogance would become my hardest and best shield over the years to come. This is your fault not mine, I remind myself. If you had gone to Beauxbatons none of this would've happened. It's not my fault. Quickly, I stride from the station, Mother and Father following behind me. Am I running from you, or my lying thoughts?

Draco still didn't know the answer to that.

Did you like it? The next chapter will start in Lyra's second year. After that, I'm not really sure where it's headed, but hope you enjoy the ride to Merlin-knows-where! :D
Love you guys and thanks for your patience!

~ MagicalLeaves