Purplepenguin12: Whoa, haha. Thanks. And honestly when it comes to their relationship I have no idea! And for me that's great! It's a challenge for me, remember.

Guest: Um…the rating probably will change eventually.

Emma- Wow. I can honestly say that review was brilliant. Encouraging and bright, it actually gave me the focus I needed for this chapter, so I hope you won't be disappointed. And my grammar is atrocious but I'm glad you think it is good enough, haha!

And those of you looking for more action like in the last chapter, I'm sorry you won't be seeing any like that this chapter. Like I said in chapter 1, I don't believe in instant relationships or the like. Despite how out-going Fred and George can be, I still think they would take their time and feel out Lyra's emotions unless they're pushed into it (which they will be! Soon...). Lyra is so unsure of herself; they wouldn't want to scare her off. Like the kisses while she was half asleep and not snogging her senseless when the twins retrieved her for Christmas dinner.

Anyways, enjoy. This chapter is kind of filler since I couldn't just jump into the DA meeting here (which will be next chapter). My timeline wouldn't allow it. And I wanted more LeeX Lyra friendship interaction.

And if Lyra's a bit different than usual, it has more to do with the sickness than me switching her character around mid-story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter….

Lee Jordan was not known for his patience. As he paced the Gryffindor Common room he glared at the old grandfather clock, muttering to himself about his best friends being off and about seeing as they hadn't arrived yet.

Pausing in his pacing he brought a hand up tugging at the gold chain he'd gotten from Lyra on Christmas morning. The charm was a simple gold coin, oval and ancient attached to the end, and with it came a note from the shy rabbit promising to explain what it did when they got back to Hogwarts. He smiled fondly rolling his eyes to himself. Only she would lavish presents on her friends, and if his necklace did something cool he could only guess what she got the twins. Alright so he had slight ulterior motives for wanting his friends to get back (now!), but really he wanted to see what they'd gotten her. Both had been very (annoyingly) hush, hush about the thing so Lee could only imagine.

Snickering to himself he was only sorry he hadn't been around to see her reaction to his present. Giving his best Cheshire cat grin, all wide lips and teeth, he cackled rubbing the gold coin between his thumb and pointer finger. He'd developed the pictures he'd taken off all of them sleeping then sent each of them one enclosed in a nice frame (his mums idea, no matter what he said as in blokes didn't give a damn about the frame, she'd at least wanted one for Lyra something he'd grudgingly agreed to).

He could practically hear her squeak and blush as she ripped the glittering paper from the slim box. He cackled again, much to the concern of the others returning.

But not the three he was looking for (Alicia had already arrived and was up mingling in the girls dorm after giving Lee a pleasurable greeting) unfortunately. Sighing he tossed his arms up deciding to just go look around to see if the trio had arrived and were taking their sweet ass time.

Stalking past the portrait he shrugged and strolled down the hall, taking a moment to smirk at a sneering Filch. Oh yeah, the twins weren't the only pranksters with a rep to the squib. His dark eyes scanned the hallway, sighing in relief spotting the brunette. "About time." He muttered spotting Lyra, pausing to watch her.

She was showing Peeves a red ball of something in her hands, the Ghost looking quite put out at the attention she was placing on the fur ball once she brought it and nuzzled her cheek against it….did it just purr? Lee had to blink a few times and stick his pinky in his ear because he knew balls of fluff did not just…purr. Even more interesting, she placed in on top of her head like a nutter only to reach into her pocket withdrawing a small silver bell, handing it over to Peeves who offered her a smile as he greedily snatched up the present, dropping an apple in her hands in return.

Peeves, poltergeist and resident pain in the ass just smiled at Lyra. For some reason that didn't surprise him in the least, even if he'd never pictured the ghost (never tried either) would become enamored with a sweet little bird. But there was that dangerous aspect of her that probably drew the chaos loving spirit right along. "Does Peeves know what she is?" He wondered out loud and jerked back in surprise when Lyra suddenly noticed him.

"Lee!" She beamed, jumping up and wrapping her arms around his neck. Unable to resist the affection he curled one arm around her waist making sure she knew it was welcome. Lyra was funny like that, if it even seemed like you were about to reject her careful affection she would withdraw and make sure you weren't able to do so. Self-preservation in a way was his guess. So Lee took great pains to make sure he didn't reject it (and come on no bloke in his right mind would).

"Hey, hey, I know you missed me. But you should really step back. I don't want Alicia to think we're starting our own love affair." He joked. And before Alicia got to him, he'd have to face down two angry Weasley's. And he liked all his body curse free.

Lyra laughed and released him, taking the step back, smiling up at him brightly. It was way brighter than her normal smile, he noted. The unknown danger before him actually looked…happier than she had before break. He was so asking about that the first chance he could without sounding like a curious girlfriend. But for now, "Did you like my present?" He asked slyly and Lyra giggled nervously nodding her head. "I did…." The picture of her, George and Fred all curled together was sitting on her bedside table at home; she'd been too embarrassed to take it with her and have Lavender catch it again. She beamed again and wrapped an arm around his, and he looked at her in surprise enough that she looked back in confusion.

"Oh..sorry did I…am…right, Alicia." Lyra muttered withdrawing her arm, absently reaching in her pocket for the ball of red fur, bringing it up to her cheek as her eyes remained downcast. Yeah he was right; the fur was purring and glaring at him with beady black eyes. If he didn't feel like a git he probably would have laughed at the thing trying to look terrifying. "No, no, no. I was just surprised." Lee denied taking her arm again with a small grin. "I haven't seen you so happy. What's got you in a great mood? And what the hell is that?" He asked pointing to Mac.

Lyra beamed bobbing her head. "I am happy." Her smiled dimmed a bit, why was she so happy? She'd been beaming, practically walking on air after waking up after Christmas day. Her temples throbbed, her vision dimmed a bit before shaking it off. "Right, this is Mac. He's a pigmy Puff. He's from Fred and George, they're going to sell them in the shop when they breed more of them." She explained cooing at the red as it perked up hearing its name.

Lee rolled his eyes, Merlin, utter saps they were. Giving the bird they fancied something cute and cuddly…and red. Really red, Weasley red, how obvious could they get? He was totally taking the Mickey out of them first chance he got. Though as Lyra cooed and cuddled Mac, Lee had to grin at the sight, they kind of had to be obvious with Lyra, she wouldn't believe them otherwise so…good luck to them. Not that he would even begin to understand how that relationship would work out, but he'd support it anyways.

She finally noticed her present hanging outside his robes. "Oh…you got it! Do you like it?" She questioned eagerly trying to mask her slight sickness. She did feel a little woozy, which was slightly concerning, but other than that and some mild blurring of her vision there was nothing wrong. "Love it!" He cheered; unconsciously grasping the coin again, gave her that cat like grin only Lee seemed to be able to pull off.

"Oi, where are we going?" Lee asked realizing they were in the corridor where the Room of Requirement was. Lyra grinned shaking her head tossing the little red up a bit so it did this squeal like noise and purred rubbing against her thumb. "I promised to show you what the necklace did!" Oh, right, she had promised that. He couldn't help himself if bubbly Lyra was distracting. "Well if you want to have me all to yourself." Lee sighed dramatically his eye twitching as the ball of red in Lyra's hands swooned and did this weird roll. She laughed and gently stashed him in her pocket. "None of that, Mac. Come on Lee." She gave him that shy careful smile, the slightly awed one as if she couldn't believe she was actually coming into contact with another human. It humbled him really, he'd always been a people person; loud and attention-getting (look who his best friends were for Merlin's sakes!). But to Lyra it hadn't even been an option because she was so frightened.

"He does, you know." Lyra said after a moment, answering his confused look with an impish grin that fit her way to well. "Peeves, he knows what I am. He thinks it's beautifully chaotic and to keep such a secret. He used to blackmail me now I think he adores me." As her eyes glittered fondly, Lee grinned sheepishly rubbing that back of his neck.

"Heh, sorry, didn't know I said that out loud earlier…" He muttered looking around to see if anyone heard him. Lyra smiled, and Lee noticed (when he looked back at her) her dark eyes looked a bit glassy more than normal from the haze that seemed to cloud over her eyes. "It's alright…You didn't say it that loud. More of a whisper really but my hearings good." She waved it off sounding a bit more breathless than usual, as if she'd run for miles and had only caught her breath. "Are you alright?" Lee muttered as she tilted her head, and the symptoms he'd noticed before were gone. "Yes." Lyra answered promptly flashing an excited smile as the door appeared.

She ducked inside the room to the usual common room and Lee nervously stood by the door. Was this really such a good idea? He honestly didn't mind hanging out with Lyra, but Merlins' balls he didn't for one second believe Alicia, Fred or George would be ok with him being alone with her.

"Lee?" Lyra asked her large eyes trusting and confused as she cocked her head to the side biting her lip. Poor bird probably was confused about him acting strange. He was, wasn't he? Gathering his Gryffindor courage he managed to whip up: "Yeah. Just deciding if I want to keep all my body parts for when your Honeydukes Honey's come." She rolled her eyes despite the red blossoming on her face. "Lee, come on. You know that's just a rumor. Besides, you…you know how I feel." Lyra murmured bowing her head smiling slightly as Mac rolled out of her pocket with a soft squeak and if it had legs Lee was positive they would be kicking in frustration. "They don't care for me like that. I hardly think they'll rearrange you because I'm explaining your gift."

He loved her innocent mind, really, truly, he did. But Lee was still firm in this idea. Whether Lyra believed it or not, the twins did care. How much though? Merlin, Lee didn't feel like finding out. But looking up at Lyra's expectant gaze he mentally groaned, alright he was a Gryff, he could and would do this. Sighing, he bowed his head rubbing his hand over his dreds as he moved to sit next to her on the couch slipping the necklace off and staring at the puff doing some sort of nuzzling or burrowing against his leg.

He swore if tiny hearts started floating about, he would use his jelly-legs hex on his best friends. Hesitantly he used a finger to scratch the top of its head, snickering as it shuddered all over and seemed to sag into itself in pleasure from the simple scratch. It was cute…it a creepy kind of way.

Lyra smiled at him and the puff fondly, allowing the coin to sit in her hand the chain dangling. "It's called a secret keeper." She explained with a bit of a rasp that had him stiffening and turning back to look at her in concern. "Lyr-" "Think of a word." She interrupted reaching for his hand and placing it over the coin over her open palm. "What like any word?" She grinned, her eyes brightening in excitement as he found himself beaming back, it was near impossible not to with her.

"No, a secret word, only you would know." He did surprised, that when he opened his eyes she was holding the chain in one hand, no longer connected to the coin. "Alright, one second." Lyra murmured digging in her pocket smiling as Mac let out a sleepy huff falling back on the couch. "Ah!" Withdrawing a bit of parchment she held it out. It was blank, but apparently it didn't need to say anything at the moment but she'd caught Lee's attention all the same.

"Say, lumos." She instructed and bewildered he followed. "Lumos." Their hands shifted and he flinched drawing his hand away. There in Lyra's hand was a small golden frog. "It changes into a dragonfly too." Lyra said with a grin feeding it the parchment. Its long golden tongue wrapped around the bit as it let out a croak the piece disappearing inside its body. "Good for passing notes." She continued rubbing her forehead as the frog shifted green looking like any frog or toad a wizard might carry. "But you can't get inside it, well, unless you want them too. That password you thought of, it prevents anyone from stealing the gift. That and the command lumos will only recognize your voice. " The frog lazily hopped to Lee's lap, the boy staring at it in awe as the parchment was spit up into his lap, dry, and ready to read. "But if you say 'Nox' the parchment will disintegrate or think of your password if you feel the person you're sending the secret to has been compromised, it will hold it indefinitely. "

He stared at the frog and said. "Wow…I can't…that's way too much." He decided, pushing the frog back toward the girl who suddenly looked a bit to pale and he hoped it was just the firelight. The frog didn't move, only sat contently on his knee croaking as Mac awoke fur bristling from the noise as he tried to move closer to the curious frog. He watched her shoulder sag, her head bowed and Salazar help him if she was crying. He did not do well with crying birds. "You don't like it? I thought…well, I guess it is a strange gift...and you don't have to keep it, I just…" She fumbled her hands moving along with her words looking uncertain and as she looked up at him through her bangs he could see why they insisted on calling her 'rabbit'. Lyra honestly looked ready to bolt and Lee realized wryly, she had this uncanny ability to make a bloke feel like a prat.

"I do like it. It just seems so expensive and the charms it must have taken…" He trailed off, shrugging. "Feel kind of bad for just sending a picture…" He muttered in embarrassment. She'd gotten him this cool necklace and he'd sent her a picture, he wasn't at all comfortable with that thought. "I love your gift." Lyra said firmly, with so much conviction he looked up in surprise. She was cuddling Mac, coyly looking down at her knees. "Please, don't worry about cost. I was just happy to have someone to give a gift too besides Wicky and Peeves. I love them, I do." She assured him for no other reason than because she was Lyra and to nervous not too (Lee thought, listening carefully). "But…I…well, aside from the twins you're one of my closest friends. And I thought you would like it." Well, what was he supposed to do with that confession?

He reached over and pulled her to his chest, hugging her tightly because he had too. If he hadn't found Alicia, Lee seriously believed the twins would have had some competition with this bird as he buried his face in her wild waves. Merlin, when had he become such a sap? Lyra seemed confused but hugged him back tightly pressing her face into his shoulder. "Thanks, rabbit." He whispered softly, and vowed to eat something manly at the welcome back feast to counteract this bird-syndrome he'd come down with. "Lee." She muttered warningly hearing that name huffing against him. He laughed playfully tugging her hair as he drew back.

"Well what do you know, Freddie."

"Mhm…I think she's replaced us."

They two on the couch sprung apart like caught lovers only to gaze at each other and burst out laughing. Lee smirked as his laughter died reaching out to drag Lyra against him. "Yes, you've caught us." Lee smirked. Yeah he'd been a bit of a wuss earlier thinking of the twins reaction. But he realized one thing, his prankster nature wouldn't let him do any less than tease them both seeing as they were being such pansies when it came to just telling the girl. "We've been in love these last few months, just looking for a way to break it to the world." Lyra was in his arms trying hopelessly to push him away as she was caught between exasperation and laughing again. Lee definitely noticed people had a way of grabbing her when they wanted to talk probably nervous she'd bolt on them. That had him chuckling all over again as he dipped the poor girl.

"Oh? In love are you?" George commented skeptically moving further into the room trying to fight off the glare as Lee dipped rabbit putting his face way to close to hers.

"Guess Alicia will be heartbroken when we break the news." Fred finished grinning wickedly as he followed after his brother his eyes darkening at the sight.

Alicia? Lee's jaw dropped and in his surprised, dropped Lyra. "You wouldn't!" He accused glaring nastily at Fred as George chuckled moving to help Lyra up. Fred gave a dark chuckle, blue eyes flashing mischievously. "I would and you know I would." Lee stared him down for a minute before rolling his eyes. "You would too, ya smug bastard." They chuckled nodding in greeting.

On the ground Lyra stared up at the ceiling waiting for the dizziness to pass as she moaned inaudibly resisting the urge to clutch her head. "Lee…did you just drop her?" George pointed frowning when it looked like he still hadn't noticed her. Lee jumped and reached down helping her up. "Not yet." Lyra rasped her hand stilling him as she squeezed her eyes shut. "Rabbit?" The twins said in unison, and she would have smiled if she didn't feel like she fell from her broom. "I'm fine."

And her head was clear suddenly as she opened her eyes and Lee cocked his head to the side. "You're eyes changed." "Is your necklace not working again?" George asked reaching out gently to brush her hair from her face, only to withdraw his hand. "Lyra, you're burning up." Fred and Lee both frowned reaching out to touch part of her face; they withdrew their fingers with a small flinch. "That's not normal." Lee muttered and Fred snorted. "Obviously."

"I'm ok." Lyra protested sitting up, panting and Lee shook his head. "She's been like this since I found her. Off and on like, she's sick one minute, then fine the next." George soothingly rubbed her back as she leaned heavily against him and he brushed his fingers over her cheek again. Lyra purred at the cool brush and nuzzled closer. "You're cold." Lyra breathed in delight pressing her cheek against the cool skin of his neck and George chuckled softly. "It's winter, Lyra, and we did just get here."

Fred shifted, frowning. "Should we take her to Poppy?" Her ears prickled at the name of the mediwitch and Lyra shook her head. "No!" She protested, struggling in George's arms, shaking her head until she was dizzy and her vision blurred. "Won't!" "Shh.." George murmured kissing her temple. Lee scowled and cuffed the side of Fred's head. "Idiot. She can't. Poppy would scan her. Wouldn't that be the same as letting the secret out?"

"Oh right." He sighed and reached out, brushing his lips cold lips against her cheek knowing she'd enjoy the feel. "Alright, relax rabbit." It seemed to snap her out of it and she smiled. "I'm fine." And much to their surprise, she was. "Fever's gone." George muttered in surprise. "Eyes are normal." Lee announced and they helped her stand.

"I told you I was fine." Lyra said with a small smiled going to the couch and tossing Lee his necklace as she caught up Mac. "Now…can we go to the feast?" Worried, they nodded, but hurried after her as she left the room throwing their arms around her lazily as Lee walked on George's side.

"So I see ya' gave our girl something cute and cuddly." Lee poked George, deliberately saying the 'our' as George glanced at him warningly. "Yeah." Fred answered lazily from the opposite side (Lyra between him and George). "As far as we know birds liked cute and cuddly, Rabbit proves it. We'll make tons for the shop." "Why Lee jealous?" George drawled lazily side stepping enough to trip his friend.

Catching himself Lee smirked instead of glared. Oh so they were avoiding. This would be fun. "Funny about the color though. I swear that little guy resembles a color I usually see. Can't place it though…Lyra, what do you think?"

Lyra was confused. That's what she thought. What did it matter what color Mac was? She already knew it was the same color as the twins hair. They'd said as much. Her hand gently pet the fluff in her pocket in response. Why the hell did it feel like there was another conversation she was missing out on? "Lee. I think Alicia would just love to know-" "What was our worst product test." They drawled, warning clear in their eyes at their best friend. Lee only grinned cheekily. "Fine, fine. I can catch a hint-"

"Six inches, please." That sickly sweet tone had them all freezing and internally groaning. Not even back a day and Umbridge was already on their backs. "What?" Lee asked skeptically as they turned to face off the pink terror.

Umbridge, dressed in her usual pink disaster, smiled placating the boy as she raised a small white-gloved hand (Lyra had to wonder why everyone she didn't like seemed to wear gloves…Malfoy, Umbridge…she was noticing a pattern here) motioning toward the trio wrapped together. Lyra internally sighed; there was just no escaping this woman.

"Boys and girls will remain six inches apart. It's one of our new rules. You'll find..." She laughed sweetly touching up her hat not acknowledging the cringe that followed. "Much has changed since the holidays…I only tell you so we won't have anymore…detentions on our hands." A double meaning. If Lyra hadn't pressed her lips firmly together she probably would have said what an awful one-liner that was. Instead she shrugged out of George and Fred's arms making sure they remained eight inches apart and merely raised a brow at Umbridge.

Umbridge's smile seemed to icy over slightly as Lyra stood before her looking as defiant as she had in the hall when she'd first helped the twins from detention. "Ms. MacKade. I got such an interesting letting from the Minister the other day. I had no idea he and your grandfather were such…good friends."

Ah so, the minister had sent a letter and the result: a battle of wits like with Malfoy all over again. Lyra canted her head to the side, wondering if it was worth bringing forth the 'heiress' for a battle. She glanced behind her, obviously her friends were having a hard time keeping quiet. George had his eyes narrowed but his hand was firmly gripping Fred's wand hand as it twitched, and she spotted the scared words across their hands. Even Lee was biting his lip with narrowed eyes.

Yeah it was worth it alright.

Lyra allowed a small polite smile and began. "Close friends? I do recall my grandfather mentioning Cornelius a time or two." She deliberately used the Minister's first name; inwardly delighting in the bristling the mention got from Umbridge. "How dare you address-" "A close family friend by the name they gave me leave to use." Lyra cut in coldly, her chin raising just a fraction but it was enough for the red to color Umbridge's cheeks in suppressed rage. Oh yeah, it was all power and cool politeness with this women. Umbridge had the power, knew she had the power to rule this school despite Dumbledore (and a handful of other professors) doing his (their) best to protect them. But Lyra had her grandfather's ear, and didn't that just rattle Umbridge to the core, especially with the minister and ministry in such a precarious position (even if only a few could see it)? "If my grandfather spoke to the minister, and he sent you a letter…it is only fair to say then, professor, he was unhappy with some aspect of your performance with the place you've taken."

Umbridge squared her shoulders, sniffing delicately, but her eyes sparked in disgust and hatred. "The Minister gave me a job to do." "Which no doubt, professor, you expect to follow through." Lyra said mildly brushing her hair over her shoulder her hands shaking.

She felt the nausea creep up on her then, and no doubt her cheeks were pale again, but she had to push through. Pushing….it felt like someone was urging her on. She felt powerful and animalistic suddenly. This women had moved in on three people under her protection and she didn't like it one bit. She fought to keep herself upright and in control. Soon she could relax the persona, soon. Hopefully.

"I do." Umbridge answered promptly. Lyra smiled slowly, and if her teeth looked sharper than normal she would deny it if Umbridge ever complained. "Of course you do..." Lyra soothed inclining her head. "I only wish you luck when others express their views." She allowed her eyes to flick behind her purposefully so Umbridge could clearly see her three biggest pranksters backing her up.

And luckily for Lyra they were all smirking at the professor. Oh she would have snogged all three of them senseless except, well, she still wasn't sure where she stood with George and Fred, and knew damn well Alicia wouldn't have appreciated that.

"Surely you haven't stooped down to threats?" Umbridge smiled sweetly, clasping her hands in front of her the white lace on her hands looking to innocent and delicate for this women. Lyra blinked owlishly, suddenly the heiress was gone and Lyra was there with a shy smile as she shrugged. "The Mackade heiress doesn't threaten. My grandfather says that, he says you should let others speak for themselves. And I'm sure whatever you thought of as a threat, professor, isn't nearly as bad as you think…" Inclining her head again she turned pushed past the twins. "Fred, George, Lee…I think the feast is about to begin…" She called knowing by the hurried footsteps they were following after.

And once she was sure she was far enough, Lyra collapsed against the wall gasping for air as she pressed hand to her stomach. Oh she hated doing that! And just what was pushing her earlier, her secretive other half no doubt. "Breathe." She whimpered closing her eyes only to open them again, the three boys crowding her in a mixture of concern and awe.

"What-"

"The hell-"

"Was that!?"

Lyra blinked smiling at Lee. "I didn't know you could do that. I thought only they did the break up a sentence." "Chit." Lee said playfully, swiping at her. "Really, what was that?"

"Yeah, rabbit!" "You totally put Umbridge in her place!" Fred said excitedly bouncing on his knees as he leaned forward with a loud smacking kiss on her cheek. "Six inches, Freddie." George said with a playful smile pushing his twin away to do the same thing to her cheek. Fred shrugged. 'Nah, more closer to eight." He said wickedly with a roughish wink at Lyra.

Lyra looked scandalized, (had he really just gone there!? He did. Oh...Merlin she was going to need a dose of dreamless sleep tonight) gaping at him as Lee burst out laughing grabbing her and standing up. "Fred, there is a lady present." "Right!" George said rolling his eyes as he stood shoving Fred back down as he tried to stand. Fred growled and kicked George down going in for the tackle.

Lee snickered and looked at the bird in his arms. She looked dazed, whether because she was sick or Fred's (and George's) information (true or false the idea was in her head now...Merlin help her.) but for Lyra he was surprised she hadn't fainted.

Or had she? He shook her a little, no response. Could you faint with your eyes open? Lee wondered gently tapping her cheek. "Lyra?"

"Yes? Yes what is it?" She breathed and Lee smirked. "Though we might have lost you to fantasy. Are you alright?" He muttered glancing over as George pinned Fred only for his twin to do some weird worm kind of move to shake him off.

'Say uncle!'

'You say uncle! Git!'

'Don't be rude, Freddie, its unbecoming.'

"So's my foot up your arse!'

'Like to see you try..'

Lyra smiled shrugging. "I'm always alright."

Lee frowned but didn't question it. Whether Lyra admitted it or not, something was wrong.

Something was wrong. Like Lupin locking her in a dusty study wrong. And Lyra wasn't thinking it had to do with all the useless and downright ridiculous rules Umbridge had stationed all over the school when they returned to Hogwarts(eight inches between boys and girls!? Not happening as long as Fred and George remained red-haired pranksters).

But this time something was different. Well…sort of. She was back in her Hogwarts bed, curtains drawn at 3 a.m as usual but this time she was unnaturally warm like earlier. Not even a couple dozen cooling charms (twenty-three, actually, she'd cast twenty-three of them and by all rights she should be an ice-cube) could help her get rid of this heat. And it wasn't the kind of heat her grandfather meant either; she wasn't keening for a mate.

It was just so damn hot.

Raising her hand she wiped it across her slick forehead grimacing as it practically flooded her palm. Merlin, she felt so weak and, and sick. That scared her; Lyra had never been sick. Before anyone calls bullshit, it was true. She'd never suffered from a sore throat, a cough, or fever. She never got sick; it was like something was keeping her from anything that affected a human body. So despite how many time she'd reassured the boys she was fine, Lyra freely admitted she was not fine. She just hadn't wanted them to worry.

Well she was a hybrid, mystery solved. It didn't even begin to explain why she was sick now. And if this is what it was like Lyra had to question why the twins were patenting sweets that did this to a person. It was horrible and she felt like she'd overdosed on fever fudge and then dived into a lava pit for fun. Her mind hazed as her temples throbbed.

'Little one...' The voice cooed and Lyra groaned from hearing him and the shudders that racked her body and she rolled on her back as if the pressure of being pressed into the mattress would stop the tremors. Ghostly hands brushed across her face and Lyra didn't bother to repress the soft purr that escaped her throat. Ok, the creepy, generally pervy voice could stay as long as he kept doing that. His hands were icy, she could actually feel the cold penetrating through the inferno. She shifted to her right, though unsure of actually where to move to get closer. 'Lyra..' He purred and she opened her red-rimmed eyes, which were black and silver again. 'I think that's the first time you've said my name.' She rasped softly whining as her stomach clenched painfully, but talking did not seem to do her throbbing head any favors.

He growled softly, and cool lips danced across her forehead. "Sleep, love." "Love…" Lyra murmured softly her eyes glazed over as she stared up at the canopy limply. Why did that word make her shudder as if someone else had whispered that to her? "Why do I feel so sick…?" She moaned her hands weakly sliding up to clutch her damp temples. "Did you ever think, little one, you chose them for a reason?" The voice answered in reply continuing to press his fingers to her cheeks. "What does that have to do with anything?" Lyra hissed

"Nothing, everything. Just because I give you one riddle, doesn't mean I don't have more." The voice replied with a smirk she felt against her cheek as he kissed it gently. "It's key." Lyra murmured closing her eyes. "Before you even ask me; it's key."

He laughed, and Lyra found herself grinning; a small one but it was there. "Sleep now."

"Never will need your permission to do that…" Lyra tossed back, closing her eyes.

Ooooo, Lee still doesn't know what Lyra is! Maybe he'll find out next chapter? Dunno…let's find out!