Hey again. I'm gonna be away for a while due to my end of semester exams coming up so I need to study. Anyway, I actually have been writing A LOT. It's really quite easy when you're inspired by something (unlike the essay I had to write for uni. Ugh.) I just forgot to upload any of it xD So, sorry if I overwhelm everyone's inboxes, I'll just upload it all in one go! xD

"Hey. You alright?"

Draco looked up. He realised that George was awake. Then he felt the wetness on his cheeks. "I'm fine," he mumbled, averting his gaze.

George studied him for a moment, then picked the box of tissues off the table and offered it to him. For a moment grey eyes met blue.

Draco reached over and took a tissue. "Thanks," he whispered.

"We make an odd pair don't we?" George murmured after a long silence. Confused, Draco studied the boy. "You're lucky though," added George softly. "She's still alive."

In those pools of blue, Draco caught a glimpse of tears. "I'm sorry," he said. It was getting easier to say it now, and Draco realised that he meant it.

George smiled, though pain still lingered in his eyes. Draco suspected that it would never go away. "Save it for when she wakes up," replied the red-head. "Then you'll shock her and the rest of us at the same time. Both boys tried to smile at eachother. Draco opened his mouth to say something, he wasn't sure what, but Hermione interrupted at that moment to tell Draco it was his turn with Lyra.

Saturday 5th July 1997

This is the first free time I've had since The Death Eaters attacked. I need to write this all down, but it's impossible to do so without crying.

Albus Dumbledore is dead.

It's hard to believe he's gone.

On the Tuesday, Harry and Professor Dumbledore left for Merlin-knows-where. Harry couldn't say anything, only that he was going with Dumbledore. However, Harry, worried as always, gave us the Felix Felicis he'd earned during that Potions lesson so long ago before he left.

It was a good thing he did.

That night, Death Eaters attacked the castle. Nobody had any idea how they'd gotten in. In any case, they headed up to the Astronomy Tower. We-that is Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and I shared out the potion before heading out of the common room, Ron, Ginny, and I heading for the Room of Requirement, while Hermione, Luna, and Neville went to keep watch on Professor Snape's office.

It was a good thing we did. Harry had been right-Death Eaters did attack that night. They emerged from the room, but Draco saw us and threw Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, before leading the Death Eaters away with his Hand of Glory. While we blundered around, I could sense them running past us. Instantly we alerted the Order members that had been placed in the castle by Dumbledore before he had left.

None of us knew what happened on the tower until afterwards, but the battle after they came back down was quick and vicious. I was grateful that Harry had given us his Felix Felicis. Spells just seemed to miss us all the time, while our spells always hit home. Ginny and I were duelling Dolohov together when she suddenly screamed in terror. "Bill!"

I turned as her older brother reeled back from Greyback, blood dripping down his face. Without thinking I raised my wand, but I was too slow. The werewolf was gone before I could even think of a spell to curse him with.

Suddenly, a group came hurtling down the stairs from the tower. "It's over!" Snape's voice rang out. Instantly the others ran. I caught a glimpse of Draco's pale frightened face.

Then it was over.

We all helped carry Bill and Neville (who'd been knocked unconscious by one of the Death Eaters) up to the hospital wing. Ginny was near tears at Bill's state, but we all relaxed somewhat when Lupin assured us Bill would not be a werewolf and would only carry some 'wolfish' traits.

After they had been settled, Ginny went to find Harry. I, unable to sit around in the hospital wing, followed.

It was quite easy to find Harry. All we had to do was follow the students. We found them all congregated at the Astronomy Tower, over which a giant Dark Mark hovered Harry was kneeling beside a body.

For a moment the world receded. No. Impossible, were my first thoughts I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. People were beginning to whisper in fear. "Oh god," I finally whispered. "It's Professor Dumbledore."

I don't know how Ginny managed to get Harry back to the hospital wing, but she did. I was shaken. We all cried when we broke the news to the others.

Dumbledore's funeral was yesterday. I don't remember much of it, but that's because I try not to. Instead, I focus on my twin. I try, for the first time since we'd parted in first year, to find him. Sometimes I get flashes of images, but they mean nothing to me. Usually I just get the feeling that you've lost your grip and are being swept away by the current. After the funeral, unable to take it, I ask Harry what happened to Draco. Had he killed Dumbledore?

"No," replied Harry softly. I could see the pain in my eyes mirrored in his glasses.

"No," repeated Harry. "He was just…trapped. He couldn't do it. He was just a kid. Snape did it." Harry looked up. He had told us what had happened that night, but I hadn't listened then. "Draco was protecting you."

For a moment I was struck dumb. "What are you talking about?" I whisper.

Harry held my gaze. "I was there. Dumbledore tried to speak to him, but he wouldn't listen. He said Voldemort had threatened his family. He said he had to do it, otherwise he'd kill her. I'm pretty sure that 'her' was you." As I continued to stare at him Harry laid a hand on my arm. "I was wrong about Malfoy. I thought he actually wanted to do all this. I never actually thought he was operating under blackmail. I'm sorry."

I stood up and walked away. Harry, understanding, didn't follow.

Finally, I have the answer. I've suspected all along, but to hear it confirmed shook me to my core. You still care Draco. What happened to you?

Draco slammed the book shut. With an inarticulate shout, he threw it across the room. Almost immediately he ran after it, picking it up with a sob, and pressing it to his cheek, while memories and emotions churned through him.

I stare in terror at Him. "What?" I finally whisper.

"You may be a skilled Occlumens, but did you really think you could hide from your Dark Lord, Draco? Did you honestly think I wouldn't see what you had done for that blood traitor brat? I have seen you heart, and it is mine. You will obey me."

"Please." The word leaves my mouth unbidden, and suddenly agony rips through me. I collapse with a scream.

"You beg for her? That blood traitor whelp who was no better than her filthy dead cousin? You thought you could lie to me to protect her? No, Draco. You will finish what you started. Finish it, or I will deal with your family. I will deal with her."

"Malfoy. Malfoy!"

Hands were shaking him. Draco realised he was curled up on the floor in a foetal position, sweating. He realised that the whimpering noises were coming from him.

Hermione knelt beside him. "Are you alright?" she asked, genuine worry in her tone. "Do you need a Healer?"

Draco looked up into those brown orbs, and shut his eyes, letting the Granger girl see his vulnerability. "Help," he sobbed suddenly, unable to control the tears.

Hermione didn't hesitate. For once she viewed him not as Malfoy, Slytherin Prince, Death Eater, but as Draco, Lyra's twin brother, Voldemort's victim. She wrapped her arms around the boy's prone form. "It's okay," she soothed him. "Everything's okay." She moved one hand to smooth the hair on his head as the boy cried.

Tuesday 3rd September 1997

I hadn't wanted to go back, yet here I am on this train. It's no longer optional to attend Hogwarts-every student MUST do so now. We have to prove our Blood Status to enter. This means that we have to prove we're of wizarding descent. This singles out the Muggle-borns, as they are being regarded as 'thieves' of magic. However, me, like Ginny, Luna, and Neville at least, are safe, as we all have 'magical' blood. On the way to Hogwarts, Death Eaters boarded the train, looking for Harry. Neville stood up and told them to leave, and that he wasn't here. It was only then that I realised how much he's developed from a pudgy little boy who kept losing Trevor.

After the Death Eaters left, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and I all agreed that we should restart Dumbledore's Army, though I had to be careful about it-for some amazing reason, I had been appointed Head Girl. I suspected I would be Quidditch Captain as well-Harry wouldn't be so stupid as to come back.

After the first feast of the year (during which we found out that Snape was now Headmaster, and Death Eaters Amycus and Alecto Carrow had been appointed D.A.D.A and Muggle Studies Professor respectively), Professor McGonagall pulled me aside. It turned out she had somehow pulled some strings and gotten me appointed as Head Girl for the year, which was how I came to receive said badge in the mail. Fred and George hadn't gotten tired of teasing me yet. The professor had done so in order to give me more authority around the school, because she knew that I would look out for all the students, not just the Gryffindors. If it came down to it, I'd even protect the Slytherins.

I do. It's only been a few days, but already I've intervened in 6 different incidents. It's going to be a busy year.

It was indeed a busy year for his sister. She intervened countless times, defending students and breaking up fights. She saw plenty of action as she protected younger and older students from the attentions of Alecto and Amycus Carrow, who were now teaching at Hogwarts.

Friday 3rd October 1997

After my N.E.W.T Transfiguration class I waited behind to speak to Professor McGonagall. She was packing neatly. "Miss Malfoy. What can I do for you?"

I approached her. "I have a request to make."

The woman sighed. "I can't allow you to hand in your badge, Miss Malfoy. You're seen as a beacon for the other students. You can't crush them."

I shook my head. "It's not about that." Seeing I had her full attention now, I took a deep breath. "I want to learn how to be an Animagus."

The professor's eyes rose. "Now that's a request I wasn't expecting," she remarked slowly. "Why?"

"Because I want to learn more about who I am," I replied. "I also want to help protect people, and the more skills I have, the better And," I paused swallowing, "and the night Dumbledore was killed, and Bill was attacked…I want to be able to fight that." The last words came out in a whisper as I remembered Greyback's face. "I want to stop it happening ever again."

Professor McGonagall rose. "Come with me."

Once in her office, she turned to face me. "The path to becoming an Animagus is long and arduous, with disastrous results if it goes wrong. It takes a long time to transform fully, and an even longer time to perfect it such that you can transform at will, any time, anywhere." She paused, studying me. "Are you sure you want to continue?"

"Yes." I said the word without hesitation.

"You have a free period now, correct?" When I nodded, she motioned to me. "Stand up then. Your first lesson begins now."

Draco, swayed in disbelief. Lyra was learning to be an Animagus? He felt like he'd been Confunded. Taking a breath, he read on.

Wednesday April 15th 1998

I'm in the Room of Requirement as I write this. I had to go into hiding after today's Defence Against the Dark Arts (or rather, just Dark Arts now) class. Today, we were supposed to be practicing the Cruciatus Curse on students in detention. Crabbe and Goyle were sucking it up, but when it came to me, my victim was a young Ravenclaw second-year.

"Off you go, then," said Amycus.

I met his evil gaze. "No." My voice was soft and clear.

The man stared at me. "What did you say?"

I caught a glimpse of Draco staring at me in a frightened manner (he too had returned to Hogwarts, though we had almost no contact with eachother). I lifted my chin. "No," I repeated. "It's wrong. I won't allow it any longer."

Carrow laughed. "You won't allow it? You have no say in the matter!" He drew his wand, pointing it at me. "If you won't do it, I will."

I moved to stand in front of the young student, drawing my own wand. "No."

Carrow opened his mouth, but I was faster. "Stupefy!"

The Death Eater was lifted off his feet by the force of the spell, flying to hit the wall with a dull crack. I turned to face the student, not lowering my wand. "Let's go," I said flatly, taking the boy's hand.

I paused at the door. "As your Head Girl, I'm sorry to say that I will no longer be able to stay here. I'm sorry I will not be around any longer to protect you. But I will be watching."

And with that we were gone.

"What's your name?" I asked as we ran down the hallway.

"Richard Stewart," replied the boy breathlessly.

"Okay Richard," I said calmly as we skidded to a stop. "Wand out, just in case. If you see either of the Carrows coming, use the Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus. I need to contact a friend of mine."

Digging in my pocket, I produced the fake enchanted Galleon that we all used in fifth year for Dumbledore's Army. Tapping it with my wand, I whispered. The numbers and letters rearranged themselves. I'm in trouble. Coming with someone. Let me in. Then we left again at a fast pace.

Richard was shocked when he walked into the Room of Requirement. I greeted Neville, who'd been hiding here for the past few weeks, calmly. "This is Richard Stewart. He needs to leave now and go into hiding with his family."

"Why? What happened?" Neville gave the boy a once over and turned back to me.

I sighed. "Amycus was teaching the Cruciatus Curse again. I disagreed on his teaching methods."

Neville blinked at me, and Richard piped up, "She Stunned him."

Neville grinned. "I was wondering when you'd knock one of them out." He turned to the kid. "C'mon Richard. Let's get you out of here."

As Neville led the boy away, I realised I wasn't the only one here. There were plenty of other students from Dumbledore's Army hiding here too. I was startled but relieved. I'd thought the worst when they'd begun disappearing.

It seems that the Room of Requirement does live up to its name. There was room for everyone, and bathrooms. A passage had opened to the Hog's Head, where we got food from the bartender (who Neville later told me was Aberforth Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledore's brother). There were also bathrooms, one for each gender.

As I sit here, I feel safer and more nervous than I've ever felt in my life . As I sit here, I hope that I know what we are all doing. As I sit here, I hope that Harry, Hermione, and Ron are okay.

Draco remembered that day. In seventh year, he'd been appointed Head Boy (he still had no idea why), which meant that he'd had to work with Lyra. They'd managed to get on fairly well, neither of them moving beyond politeness. He'd been stunned that day when she'd suddenly hexed the former Professor Amycus Carrow, then disappeared. He thought he saw signs of her occasionally-sometimes kids would disappear from the dungeons and such. Once a Decoy Detonator made its way into the Muggle Studies class while Alecto Carrow had been yelling at a young girl. She had disappeared in the confusion. Draco shook the memories out of his head, turning the pages. It was basically all the same-sneaking out to rescue kids in trouble, lessons with Professor McGonagall, and training with the other members of Dumbledore's Army.

Tuesday April 21st 1997

I was again in Professor McGonagall's office, struggling to transform. We both had some idea of what I might be-last week I'd succeeded in growing a tail. Fortunately the professor could change it back-I had been unable to.

Concentrating, I shut my eyes, focusing. When I opened them, I scowled at myself in the mirror. I still was the same.

"Concentrate," said Professor McGonagall patiently. "It's a case of mind over matter-if you want to change badly enough, you will."

I shut my eyes again, reaching deep inside myself. I let thoughts run through me. What did I want? To transform into my Animagi form. Why did I want to do this? To protect everybody at Hogwarts. I felt a tug deep inside, from a place that seemed alien, yet familiar. Suddenly, air left my lungs in a whoosh. Unable to breathe, I dropped to my hands and knees, wheezing. I opened my mouth to ask for help. Something yelped.

My eyes flew open.

A pair of golden orbs stared back.

"Well done," murmured the professor nearby. I looked up at her, marvelling at my sense of smell. I could tell just by using my nose that the inkwell on her desk was uncapped. Turning, I studied myself in the mirror.

A sleek silvery-white wolf stared back, with a slender figure, snow-white belly, and bright gold eyes. I shifted on my feet, amazed at how natural it felt. Turning sideways, I studied the tail that I had managed to produce last week.

How do I change back?

Professor McGonagall must've seen the question in my eyes, because she smiled crookedly. "Imagine yourself as human."

Poof. I felt that familiar tug in my stomach, and I stood on two feet once more, then sat down hard in a chair.

"Why that colour?" I found myself asking.

The professor shrugged. "Every Animagus in their animal form has something unique to distinguish them, like a marking."

"Like the marks around you eyes, from your spectacles?" I asked. She nodded, studying me. "Your fur is the same colour as your hair. Did you see what marked you out from other wolves?" she asked. I closed my eyes, thinking as the image swam through my eyes. A mark, like a bracelet, around my front left paw. "Yes," I whispered, but didn't elaborate.

I opened my eyes to Professor McGonagall staring at me. "What?" I asked, surprised.

"You're something else," she replied thoughtfully. "You've only been learning for six months, and have already completed a full transformation."

I shrugged. "You're a good teacher."

"And you're too modest," replied the professor, amused now, though her eyes were still serious. "Do you intend to tell anybody?" she added.

"No," I replied. "The less people that know, the better. I'll tell my friends eventually." I suddenly thought of something. "Professor, under Ministry law I have to be registered as an Animagus."

McGonagall raised a brow. "You're a fugitive in your own school, and you want to register with that Ministry?" When I didn't reply, she smiled. "I didn't think you would." She rose. "Now that you've undergone your first transformations, the rest should be easy. The process becomes more fluid with time and practice. That being said, I'll see you tomorrow, same time."

I nodded. "Thanks Professor."

Draco stared. She'd done it. She'd actually done it. He knew there were only seven registered Animagi of the 20th century-well now there were eight-and she was one of them. Shaken by new knowledge, he turned the page.

Friday 2nd May 1998

This is it. Tonight, Harry, Ron, and Hermione returned to Hogwarts. Everything's been organised, and Neville, Ginny, and Luna (who we were gladly reunited with after she'd been snatched by Death Eaters on the train) organised Dumbledore's Army for the coming fight. I have to admit that I'm terrified. But I'm also proud. Proud because I have the chance to fight for something I believe in. I know that, if I die, part of me will regret that I won't survive to see whatever future we have won. But I know that I'll be happy because I made an effort to fight for freedom. There's one last thing I must write, but it won't be a diary entry. It's something else.

I have to go, other people are arriving.

Well, if Sirius, James and Peter could do it, why not her? I always thought Animagi were awesome, and wanted Lyra to be one too. Anyway. We're coming to a close on the diary section of the story...things are heating up!

~ MagicalLeaves