There were a total of sixteen prefects that patrolled the corridors at night. I may not remember all of their names, but I remember their footsteps. Samantha Dale had a light tread, as she treated these patrols like a fun walk through the castle. Amit Thacker would always walk slowly by a window so he could take an extra moment or two to look at the night sky. One of the older Hufflepuff prefects would always pause before they entered a corridor, as if they were expecting something (or someone) to jump out at them. Leander had the heavy tread or an arrogant prat who wanted his presence and power to be known, but to be fair, I didn't need to study his footprints to know that. The footsteps I were looking for were those of a determined person who never left a job unfinished, including the nightly watches.

"Hello, Natty. Care to patrol together?"

The footsteps paused as she turned around. "Oh, Ominis! Please let's do. Then I won't have to make small talk with Leander for the next half hour. You know, he's annoyingly excited to take away house points from other students. Thankfully, Garreth is the one that bothers him the most, and he's not fool enough to deduct points from his own house. But anyways, I never see you walk the halls. Have you been slacking in your duties?" Her voice was teasing.

"I'm sure you're aware that I'm perfectly capable of monitoring the hallways. Usually I can't stand pity from other people, but if the staff at Hogwarts think I can't adequately do night patrol because of my lack of vision, I'm not going to beg for the extra work. I'm actually doing this because I wanted to ask you something."

"Sure. What is it?"

I pulled out the small dandelion-like flower out of my pocket and gave it to her. "Look familiar?"

"Oh, this is what's in Sebastian's necklace," she tskd, "I know you two are close, Ominis, but Merlin, it was a terrible gift."

I couldn't help but laugh. "What makes you say that?"

"It's so showy! And the chain is gold, with little gold flakes inside the clear pendant. All of Lyra's jewelry is silver. I know boys don't exactly understand fashion, and we wear uniforms all the time, but it doesn't match anything she has. And if you didn't notice," she continued, "the three of us got her gifts that meant something to her. Gifts that showed we pay attention to her. He just got her something shiny."

I couldn't count how many times Lyra did strange, wonderful things to my heart in the way that only she could. Merlin knows I found it hard to breathe when I realized how much she genuinely loved my gift earlier today. Knowing I make her happy is a whole experience. Natty, however, made my heart swell up with pride when I think about her dedication and fearlessness where her friends were concerned. I knew she would charge recklessly into battle for Lyra, just how Lyra would do for her. I always thought Lyra did so much for some people that wouldn't reciprocate, but Natty wasn't like that whatsoever. Lyra would rather be polite than speak her thoughts, but Natty was behind her, reading her mind and making sure she didn't get taken advantage of. That's why she didn't fully trust Sebastian, and I didn't blame her for it.

"But what's the deal with the… dandelion?" Natty asked. "That's what Lyra called it."

"I just wanted to know what was inside the necklace," I lied. "I think these come from a tree around Hogsmeade. He must've asked someone to get it for him."

"Ah, right," Natty responded, "he's on house arrest. There's something kind of bothering me, though. That necklace looked expensive. How did he get it?"

"I'm guessing he had someone purchase it on his behalf, but I can't say for certain what he spent," I said honestly, "we never talked about it. I can try to ask, but if he feels I'm cornering him, he'll close up."

Shortly after, I said goodbye to Natty and headed back to the Slytherin common room. Unsurprisingly, few people went straight to bed at 9, let alone curfew at 8, so I wasn't worried about disturbing anyone with my arrival.

"Sebastian?" I was in our bedroom. "The flower of a sallow tree?"

I could tell he was sitting at a desk, and he didn't turn around to look at me. "Hmm?"

"Is the dandelion in Lyra's necklace a flower from a sallow tree?"

He turned around and faced me, and I could sense him putting his hands behind his head and reclining in his chair. "Yeah," I could hear a smile in his voice. "I had Lucan go to Feldcroft and get a handful, then he met with a jeweler in Hogsmead for me."

I pursed my lips. "Out of curiosity, why didn't you tell her?"

Sebastian took a moment to answer. "I don't know. I guess… I just want her to look at me the way she used to last year. I thought if she saw how personal it was it would scare her."

I sighed, remembering what Lyra confessed to me in the Room of Requirement. "Sebastian, she's forgiven you. She trusts you again. I think that might have to be enough for now."

"That's easy for you to say; she's never hated you. And you've never seen that look in her eyes…"

"Yes, thank you for reminding me I'm blind," I said sharply, feeling my face burn in anger, "I had forgotten and just thought I was closing my eyes this whole time." I didn't need to be reminded of what I don't have, especially her.

"Calm down, Ominis, I didn't mean anything by it."

I touched my hand to my temple. Sometimes I wonder why I don't have a divot in my skull for all the times Sebastian made me enact this movement. "I just have one more question, then I'll drop it. How… exactly did you pay for the necklace? I'm just worried about you getting in trouble again, and I know Lyra didn't say anything, but I'm sure she's wondering the same thing. Can you please give me some piece of mind?"

"I promise I haven't left the castle," Sebastian said sincerely, "and I got the money through a completely legitimate way. Lyra said we could take care of the beasts and get materials for potions or the loom – she said she had more than enough herself. I sold a couple phoenix feathers and unicorn hairs."

I exhaled and turned my head up towards the ceiling. "So you used her beasts to buy her present?"

"Well, we can't all come from wealthy families, Ominis. Besides, do you really think it would bother her?" Sebastian countered.

I had to admit, I legitimately didn't think it would, she would just appreciate the gift. And, technically, it was legitimate, so I had no cause for concern. "No," I admitted. "It wouldn't. Thank you for telling me, sorry to bother you about it."

I heard Sebastian turn around in his seat. "It's alright. I'm going to finish the reading for potions now, if you don't mind."
"Of course. Goodnight."

I got ready for bed, laid down, and tried to sleep, but that damned necklace stayed on my mind for longer than it was necessary. If he saw her wearing it, knowing what it was, would he find some secret enjoyment in it? Would he feel like he had put her name on her, in a way for everyone to see? I highly doubt anyone else would know what the flower was, but I did. He knew I would be able to tell, if given the opportunity. Did he want me to know his name was on her? Or did he find it funny, when he bought it, that this symbol could be around her neck and I would never know?

I turned on my side, making sure my back was to him. I shouldn't feel this way, not when Sebastian probably never considered the possibilities running through my head. I was going too far with these convoluted thoughts. He was my friend, after all.

So is she, a voice in my head said. Friends probably don't think of friends in order to fall asleep at night, but I took even breaths and imagined Lyra listening to my record, thinking of me.

xxxxxxxxxxx

The next day, I was due to meet with a ministry official in the afternoon to legitimately inherit Professor Fig's home. I knew Professor Weasley would be there to help me through the process, but I was still nervous. I had no idea what to expect, and even though I was told I didn't need to bring anything, I felt underprepared.

I knocked on Professor Weasley's office door timidly, and she opened it right away. "Right on time!" she said, ushering me in. As usual, she had her hair in a tight bun and was wearing her staff uniform, pressed to perfection. Sometimes I wondered how someone so neat and prim could have been a curse breaker, but I knew not to underestimate the woman in front of me. Her smiling face grew a little more serious as she saw the trepidation on my face. "Are you ready?"

"Probably as ready as I'll every be," I said truthfully, "but I'm nervous. I don't know what's going to happen, and I don't want to make any bad decisions."

Professor Weasley's gaze was gentle as she put her hand on my shoulder. "I promise I'll help you with whatever it is you need. If my suspicions are correct, they'll tell you what you've inherited, they'll ask you if want to sell, and you'll sign some forms."

I nodded. "Okay, I can do that. I don't think I'll sell anything, though. I need a place to live over the summer now that I'm old enough to be out of the foster care system. That and I can live there when I graduate."

"I think that's a wise judgement call," she agreed, "and I know you're full of those. Now let's get going. Have you ever apparated or side-apparated before?"

I shook my head. "Arthur Plummly said it feels like you're falling down the stairs but you land on your feet."

Professor Weasley considered this comparison. "I suppose that's what the first couple of times feel like. Hold on to my arm, and we'll go to our assigned meeting place."

After I felt my body falling through space, I found myself stumbling on a tile floor the lobby of a nondescript office building. If it weren't for Professor Weasley's arm, I definitely would've fallen flat on my face.

"Was Mr. Plummly right?" I heard her ask.

"Yes, it was a very apt comparison." I straightened and smoothed my skirt, then felt compelled to button my cardigan for some reason as we walked into the room nearest to us, bearing the sign "Flamel Enterprises." It wasn't an office but a small conference room, its space mostly taken up by the large mahogany table in the middle. There were several chairs surrounding the table, but only one was filled by a man in a grey suit, similar to what muggles would wear. I recognized him as the same man who visited Hogwarts after Professor Fig's death to tell me I was a beneficiary in his will, in due time. He stood up when we entered, and leaned forward to shake our hands. "Professor Weasley, Ms. Bloor, it's good to see you again. It's been awhile – I'm George Thorne, and I'm responsible for bestowing Ms. Bloor with her inheritance now that she's of age."

We murmured our hellos and sat down, waiting for him to start the process.

"I'm going to read off some official paperwork, and then you'll sign some forms acknowledging that you've accepted your inheritance." He cleared his throat and started reading from a form. "Lyra Bloor, you are set to inherit Eleazar Fig's estate now that you are of age in the Wizarding World. You are the sole beneficiary of this will, which means you are now the owner of properties, belongings, and whatever remains in his Gringott's bank account."

Why was that word plural? I looked at Professor Weasley, who seemed to catch it too. "I'm sorry," I interrupted, raising my hand slightly out of habit, "did he have more than one property?"

"Yes, he owned a cottage by the Eastern shore, I have the deed here too," he said, pulling out a piece of paper and adjusting his round spectacles. "It was not his primary form of residence, and it appears he was renting it to a witch by the name of… ah! Amrita Chasse. Do you wish to evict her?"

I grew alarmed. "Oh my goodness, of course not! I'm not about to ruin that woman's life."

"Understood. Her payment of 100 galleons a month will now go to you, but you now have the ability to charge her more or less."

I looked back at Professor Weasley and shook my head, and she responded in kind. "I'd like to honor Professor Fig's price for the time being," I said. "But will Ms. Chasse be made aware of the change in ownership?"

"Yes, but I recommend you either meet her or write her a letter so she knows who to contact should she desire to move out. In terms of his primary residence, are you interested in selling it?"

I shook my head. "Not at the moment, no. I plan to live there during summer and after graduation."

"Okay, then here are the keys," he said, passing them to me. I pocketed it then signed a form, acknowledging I now owned both properties.

"Now, according to the statement from Gringotts, Professor Fig had approximately 25,000 galleons in his bank account that will, upon your signature here, be transferred to yours."

I felt myself go pale and my heart stop completely. "25,000 galleons?"

He gave me a wry smile. "Yes. That's how much he had. Please sign here."

I looked back at Professor Weasley, whose face was also in a mix of surprised and pleased. I felt childish, but I couldn't seem to stop myself from asking her, "What am I supposed to do with that? I've never had more than $50 in my muggle bank account."

Blinking and settling herself, Professor Weasley regained her composure. "You can do anything you want with it, Ms. Bloor. You may want to update Professor Fig's house if you so choose, but I recommend not touching a large portion of it until graduation. Don't stop yourself from enjoying the holidays, but don't be rash. I have a feeling that won't be a problem."

With a trembling hand, I signed my name on the line indicated, my mind struggling to comprehend the world of possibilities in front of me. I recalled all of the years I spent making every single cent last – wearing my clothes until they had multiple holes, making my meals with canned foods, and buying most of my belongings second-hand. I wouldn't have to do any of that anymore, and I wouldn't have to worry about making ends meet once I was on my own.

"Fantastic," said Mr. Thorne, putting all the paperwork in a briefcase. "The only thing left to give you is this." He handed me an envelope with my name on it, in Professor Fig's handwriting. "Would you like to open it now?"

I would ideally like to wait until I was alone, but what if something inside the envelope needed to be addressed by Thorne? I cleared my throat. "Do you think I could have some privacy while I read it?"

"Of course," said Professor Weasley, standing up. "We'll wait outside."

After they exited the room, I steeled myself and opened the envelope. Inside was a letter.

Lyra,

I'm writing this letter after our ordeal with San Bakar's tower. You were magnificent facing the goblin loyalists, but it reminded me that I'm not exactly young, and the road ahead is a perilous one indeed. If you're reading this, I have passed on, and am with Miriam in the next life. There are some things I want you to know.

First, I'm in the process of adopting you, but I won't sign the last form until I have your permission. Miriam and I never had children, but I've come to love you like a daughter. It's unfortunately a lengthy process, but I'm hoping to finish it before you read this letter. If I am gone before anything is made official, I wanted you to know that it was something I planned to do. I never want you to return to that foster home when you've flourished at Hogwarts.

Second, I don't know right now what the future holds for the Keepers and Ranrok, but I have nothing but confidence in you and your abilities – I have never seen a student take to magic like you have. If anyone can stop the goblin rebellion, it's you. If I'm not with you in body at the end, them know I'm with you in spirit, always cheering you on.

Last, as it has probably been explained to you, I am leaving you everything I own. You can keep or sell the house as you choose, but I only ask you leave up one picture of Miriam and I if you choose to keep it. I also request you try to donate the things you don't want before throwing them away, but as I write this, I know that's what you would do anyway. You have always had a good heart. I'm currently renting our summer cottage to an old friend of mine, and my solicitor insists I have ask you here not to evict her. Don't worry, I know you would never. As far as the money goes, I hope it is enough to keep you comfortable for a long time. This year will be full of trials and tribulations, and I understand if you either become an auror or never want to see another dark wizard again. Were I still living, I know I would do anything to keep you safe.

Goodbye, Lyra. Know that you are loved – not just by this old wizard, but also by the friends I see you've come to know. I wish you a long and happy life.

Professor Fig

I put the letter back in the envelope, and then I couldn't fight the tears. I sobbed into my hands, feeling the scar in my chest being ripped open again.

He was going to adopt me. It was the only thought that repeated in my mind. He was going to make sure I stayed in the wizarding world, where I belonged. Of course I would have said yes – like his letter said, I had come to love him as a father. We would have trained and traveled in the summers and spent Christmases together while I was a student. Then I couldn't stop the all the unfulfilled possibilities that flashed in my head. Him tearing up as I graduated, as I waved to him from one of the boats going across the Black Lake. Him helping me figure out what I wanted to do with my life, telling me stories about the jobs he once worked to make me feel better. Him meeting a special someone of mine and giving me away at my wedding, with me kissing him on the cheek as I let go of his arm. Possibly, him holding his grandchild up in the air and smiling at the cooing baby.

Ranrok took it all away.

Despite this, he knew I could do it, and a part of me was happy he actually got to see me – us – succeed, if just for a moment.

I tried to take deep breaths to calm down, but I couldn't stop the tears completely. I was still wiping them away when Professor Weasley stuck her head in.

"Do you have any questions for Mr. Thorne, dear?" she asked kindly.

I shook my head. "No. We're all done. Let's go back to Hogwarts, please."

xxxxxxx

I had asked my friends weeks ago to meet me in Room of Requirement when I returned, as I knew I would be an emotional wreck. At the very last minute, I remembered to stop by Ravenclaw tower to put on Sebastian's necklace, so he saw I me wearing it, and then I made my way over.

In the time that had elapsed since leaving the ministry office, I had caught my breath. I wouldn't go as far as to say I was okay, but I felt somewhat collected. All of that shattered when I opened the door to the Room of Requirement and saw four concerned faces waiting for me. How did that phenomenon work? You could build yourself up after a tough situation alone, convince yourself you're fine, but when you see people willing to help you, it all comes crashing down. It's like your soul recognizes another and knows you can be strong, but you don't need to be. That's why I didn't make it three steps inside without starting to cry again. My vision was blurry, but I hear footsteps rushing toward me, and I imagined Poppy or Natty's arms out, ready to hold me.

"Incoming, Lyra," I heard instead, to my surprise, and then I felt Ominis' arms envelop me in a hug. I automatically wrapped my arms around him, not caring that I was probably making a mess of his shoulder as he held me. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I wanted to breathe him in and revel in the fact that he was the one who reached me first, but I couldn't feel any sense of joy while I was like this.

"Shhh, it's alright," I felt his hands run through my hair in a soothing motion, "I'm here – we're here." He kept gently stroking the back of my head, and I gradually took deeper, easier breaths. I felt myself relax, I and softly leaned into him some more. It was such a small shift, but he noticed, and his body responded in kind, holding me just a little bit tighter and tucking his head in further. Now that I had begun to calm down, I was more aware of his warm body pressed against mine. I inhaled the faint smell of sandalwood and clean cotton, trying to commit it to memory, wondering if we'd ever be this close for this long ever again. I willed time to slow down, to keep me here for just a couple more breaths, even if I was done crying.

"Better?" He whispered in my ear. Hearing his voice so close made my heart skip a beat, and I swallowed. "Yes, thank you, I… should probably sit down."

We started to pull apart, and I wished history would repeat itself, and he would wipe away my tears, caressing my face again. I hate the thought of crying or breaking down in front of anyone, but if I was with Ominis, his comforting touch and reassurance were worth the tears and vulnerability. Maybe he thought it was too intimate, or he just didn't want to do it again after fulfilling the purpose of seeing me, because he instead starting patting the inside of his robes. "Do you need a handkerchief? I might-"

"Oh, thank you, Ominis, but no need. I still have the one you gave me from the Un– defense against the dark arts tower." I pulled the small emerald cloth, embroidered with a G, out of my pocket and dabbed my eyes with it. I saw Ominis' lips part slightly in surprise, but then it was gone, and we all made our way to the sitting area.

Poppy took the chair to my right, and she reached over to squeeze my hand. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to, but we're here for you if you'd like to tell us."

I'm sure my face was red from crying – and other reasons – so I'm not sure how convincing my meek smile was, but I tried it and said "I'll tell you the gist of it. I was the sole beneficiary to his will, meaning I got everything. He even has a summer cottage on the East coast that's mine now, but he was renting it to a friend, and I have no desire to send her away. What made me so emotional was that he wrote me a letter when he last updated his will." I closed my eyes as I recalled the words, and I told them the important parts. "He said how much he believed in me, how I flourished here at Hogwarts, and," I had to take another breath, "he said that at the time of him writing that letter, he was in the process of adopting me, so I never had to go back. He mentioned loving me like a daughter-" I heard my voice crack and I shook my head, trying to keep it together. "That's it." I opened my eyes and did a small, sad shrug.

"That must have been both heartwarming and difficult to read," said Sebastian, with sympathy in his green eyes, "he was a good man, and we know you loved him like a father, too."

"I did," I lamented, then sighed. "Since I now own his home and everything in it, I'm going to go there over Christmas holiday to see what items I can donate – probably clothes. It's not like I have any furniture of my own to replace what's already there."

"Will you need any help?" Asked Poppy, concern on her brow.

I shook my head. "I'm sure I'll be fine, and I know you everyone goes home or on vacation in December, anyway. Don't worry about it. But hopefully I can invite you all over in the summer."