Chapter 26

Hidden Souls

Severus firmly guided Lyra into an empty subway car, his gaze remained locked on his father standing on the platform until the train pulled away. Once the train was in motion, he sat down, burying his face in his hands. The unexpected encounter with his father had brought back a flood of painful memories from his life at Spinner's End. He loathed every aspect of that man.

Lyra's hand was still linked with his, a gesture that puzzled him. She had every reason to be angry with him, so why had she helped him appear good in front of his father? He needed to understand her thoughts. Slowly, he disengaged himself from her touch. Something about encountering his father had made him feel vulnerable, and he couldn't comprehend it.

"Lyra..." He began in a soft tone, and she regarded him with concern.

"Why did you...why did you tell him we were together?" He inquired.

Lyra looked at him and let out a small chuckle.

"For someone as intelligent as you, Severus, you can be really thick sometimes."

"This was literally the first time I've ever seen you look so...lost. I thought if I could help you look good in front of someone you clearly have a strong resentment for, there wouldn't be any harm in it. I mean, isn't that what you want? To keep up the façade, to look good in front of everyone. So I...I did just that. Except, when I saw the ever-so-unreadable Severus Snape's face suddenly express emotion, I thought perhaps you needed a little assistance."

"But...I...I said those things...about you...to Black...I thought you hated me...I'm sorry for saying those things...I got carried away." Severus admitted.

"I don't hate you, Severus." She said sighing.

He looked up at her, meeting her gaze as she blinked back at him.

"You can be exasperatingly annoying some times, equally rude and infuriating as well, and..."

"Yes, I get the general idea...I am a terrible person!" He snapped. She looked at him oddly and laughed.

"Yes, but...you're still my friend. I don't know if you consider me yours, but somehow, you've managed to win my friendship."

"I don't deserve your friendship." He muttered.

"Everyone deserves a friend." She replied gently.

"You shouldn't have to associate with me."

"You'd love that, wouldn't you? Well, tough luck. You're stuck with me." She replied, resting her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her, perplexed.

"Even after I said those terrible things?" He asked, his expression filled with disbelief.

"You didn't mean them." She said, stifling a yawn.

"Yes, but I said them." He reminded her, pulling away from her and scrutinizing her with astonishment. How had she forgiven him so easily? She didn't strike him as the type of person to do that.

"Severus, we're adults. People make mistakes. I've made plenty throughout my life. I don't believe in holding grudges– at least not for things like this. I don't believe in abandoning people. I know what it feels like when people abandon you, and I'd never want anyone to feel that way because of me, not anymore. I've tried to cut ties with my family before, but it never worked. My brother would never let me. Everyone needs someone like that...you know."

"And you and me...we have history. Unless, you've forgotten how I kicked your arse last year..." She joked.

"You wish..." He snorted. She smiled at him.

"I think I've managed to weasel my way into your life quite effectively. You've always intrigued me, the only person I could never read. You were such a mystery, and I wanted to get to know you better. Maybe it comes with the territory of being an Auror, but that's just how I'm wired."

"Besides, who's going to apply healing salve to my hands if I give up on you?"

He remained silent. Her words weigh heavy on him. No one in his life had stayed. Not his parents, not Lily. And here she was, offering him her friendship, even though he never asked for it. Something changed, he started seeing her differently.

"...Things don't just fall neatly into place for people like us, Severus. Everything has its ups and downs, but that's the harsh cycle of life. If you dwell on it, most humans would be each other's downfall."

"I might be your downfall."

"I wouldn't bet on that; I seem to be indestructible when it comes to cheating death." She replied, pointing to her ring and flashing a smirk.

For the first time, Snape erupted into hearty laughter, and Lyra couldn't help but smile. His laughter was melodious. She was determined to keep making him laugh in the future.


They stepped off the train and onto a deserted platform, making their way into the bustling street filled with Muggles enjoying their evening. The sidewalk was full of people, and the two started their walk towards headquarters.

"How about we finish this bottle with a nice, long conversation...my friend?" Lyra suggested with a playful wiggle of her eyebrows, holding up the half-empty bottle of single malt they had ordered during dinner. Severus responded with a polite nod and a smile.

As they strolled, Lyra felt an unusual lightness, even happiness, for the first time since she had returned to England. The streets were alive with music, people singing, dancing, and showcasing various talents, from selling knick-knacks to busking for the crowd's enjoyment. Amid the vibrant crowd, one particular performance caught Lyra's attention. She stopped to watch, joining the gathering.

An Indian street magician was narrating a story while performing tricks involving a parrot.

"How is this legal? A wizard and an animagus performing tricks for Muggles?" Lyra questioned, frowning.

"He's not a wizard...have you never seen a Muggle magician before?" Severus inquired, amused. Lyra shook her head. The man, dressed in dazzling Indian attire, appeared remarkably skilled to be non-magical.

The magician continued his act in a language Lyra didn't understand, but as she watched, she realized that the parrot was trained, and the tricks were a result of sleight of hand.

"Jadugaar ki jaan totte mein… kehte hai…"

"What is he saying?" Lyra wondered as the magician performed his next trick. The magician proceeded to narrate a somewhat convoluted story.

"I'm not sure..." Severus replied loudly.

"He's saying that the magician's soul resides in his parrot." A helpful Indian Muggle woman, who had been watching with them, chimed in. She kindly explained each word the magician uttered.

"It's actually just a silly fairytale we were told as kids. There once was a powerful magician who, despite his innocent appearance, used his powers for evil—destroying lands, taking lives, and even murdering children. He always had a pet at his side, along with numerous trinkets that anchored him to the world. Eventually, people discovered that his precious possessions were the source of his power and decided that taking them away would end the magician's reign of terror.

Their clever king played on the magician's ego, challenging him to prove his abilities without his prized possessions. With each item confiscated, the magician found his powers waning. When it came to the parrot, the magician refused to part with his last possession. The king, however, made a promise not to harm the parrot. Still, when the parrot was taken, a soldier split it in two. Enraged, the magician accused the king of breaking his word. The king, laughing, revealed that he had indeed kept his promise not to harm the parrot but had said nothing about others acting on their feelings. As the parrot took its last breath, so did the magician."

As the woman concluded her tale, Severus and Lyra shared a laugh about the whimsical story, along with the Muggle woman. However, something struck Lyra, causing her to gasp and seize Snape's hand.

"Thank you!" She hurriedly exclaimed, the woman nodded and continued to enjoy the performance with the crowd.

"We need to get to headquarters, now!" Lyra exclaimed, tugging Snape along with her.

"Lyra, what on Earth?" He huffed, trying to keep up with her.

Lyra dashed into the house and head straight to the kitchen, where she had hidden her research material.

"Everyone, out!" She urgently ordered as the children in the kitchen stared at her as if she had lost her mind.

She piled her research materials onto the table.

"Marks! What are you doing?!" Moody growled, concerned that the youngsters might see something inappropriate.

"I need Dumbledore!" She barked.

"He's not in London at the moment." Moody replied.

Lyra sifted through her papers, searching for something she couldn't find. Her frustration grew, but eventually, she located it: the article about a young Voldemort, or Tom Riddle, traveling through Eastern Europe to study dark arts.

"She's gone mad. We were watching a Muggle magician, and then she went completely mental!" Snape explained to Moody, who limped toward Lyra.

"What is it, Marks?" Moody asked placing his hand on her shoulder, hoping to calm her nerves.

"I've... I've got a theory..."

Moody looked at Snape, who shrugged in response. Both men were unsure as to what this meant.

"Pull yourself together, Marks!"

"I need to be alone...I need Tessra, and I need Dumbledore...send him a letter...Alastor, please just tell him I'm going to America!" Lyra snapped.

"WHAT?!" Moody roared.

"Just for a couple of days... I..."

"No! Absolutely not! You're needed here!"

Lyra glared at him, she tried her best to control her anger.

"I will be back shortly." She said, storming out of the house, leaving everyone bewildered. Her phoenix flying off behind her.


As soon as Lyra arrived in America, she pounded on Tessra's door, despite the late hour. She was drenched from the raging storm outside, when a woman answered the door and allowed Lyra inside.

"I'm here for Tessra Jones…I'm Lyra Marks." She stated with urgency.

"I know who you are, Ms. Marks. But my wife has just returned from a grueling meeting, and she's fallen asleep. I won't allow you to wake her up." The woman interrupted sternly.

"Please, Frieda...ma'am...it's very urgent!"

"I don't care. You're not permitted to barge into our home like this. I won't allow it. Now, it's very late, and you're soaked to the bone. Do you have a place to stay for the night, or shall I set up a cot for you?" Frieda inquired firmly. Lyra decided not to argue and asked if she could use the floo to spend the night at her brother's. Frieda agreed.

Upon falling through Michelin's fireplace, Lyra found the study dark, with only a few candles providing light.

The surge of energy must have woken the residents of the house. Michelin and Zenia burst into the study with wands drawn, ready to defend their home.

"It's just me." Lyra assured, brushing soot off her clothes.

"Lyra?" They chorused in surprise.

Zenia waved her wand to light all the candles and then quickly used a drying charm on Lyra. She embraced her best friend tightly, and Lyra returned the hug. They stayed that way for a few minutes, and Lyra realized just how much she had missed them.

"What happened? Is Sarah okay?" Michelin asked urgently.

Lyra smiled and nodded, which eased his worry a bit. They then sat in the study until the early morning, with Lyra recounting everything that had transpired. At first, they were horrified by the Fiendfyre incident. Lyra hadn't experienced something like that in years. However, when she mentioned the ring and Sarah, they calmed down somewhat. Lyra continued to explain what Sarah had been doing, and they were impressed by her talents but also concerned for their daughter. At one point, Michelin broke down from worry, but his sister and wife managed to comfort him.

When morning arrived, Lyra found herself covered with a blanket. She had fallen asleep on the couch at some point, and Zenia had made sure she was comfortable. As she stumbled into the kitchen, the scent of bacon wafted through the air. She sat down at the table, where a steaming mug of black coffee was placed in front of her.

"Good morning, Darling!" Greeted Margery as Lyra turned to see her mother helping Zenia in the kitchen. Margery set a breakfast plate in front of Lyra and both, she and Zenia took their seats.

Michelin had already left for work and most likely informed their mother of Lyra's abrupt visit.

"Mom...?"

"I couldn't miss you this time, Lyra. I hardly get to see you that much anyway..."

Lyra grumbled something unintelligible and began eating hastily.

"How's London?"

"It's alright."

"Have you seen any of the sights?"

"No."

"Have you made any friends at work?"

"No."

"How is work?"

"It's fine."

"Are you going to makefull sentences today, or continue with these brief responses?"

"Hmm…"

"Lyra!"

"What? I'm hungry!"

"I can see that. I'm asking if you're okay, if you're taking care of yourself."

"I'm fine, Mom!"

"You don't seem fine, Ly!"

"I'm fine!"

"Well, if you need anything, you should go speak to Minerva…"

"I did already…"

"Oh…"

"Yeah...I really like her, Mom. Probably a lot more than Athena...because you know Athena can be such a stick-in-the-mud sometimes. Although, Minerva...is a little peculiar...maybe it runs in your family." Lyra said with a shrug.

"What do you mean by 'peculiar'? Is she alright? We correspond quite frequently, and she hasn't mentioned anything to me. That woman...she's just like you, Lyra; she hardly tells me anything!" Her mother huffed and then paused abruptly, which Lyra found odd.

"Why did you pause, Mom?"

"I didn't pause."

"You said she's just like me...and then you stopped talking..."

"I had nothing more to say."

"There's something you're not telling me!"

"Please, Lyra, don't go psychoanalyzing me! I'm well aware of your little tricks."

"I wasn't. I was merely asking a question...but like always...you never seem to want to answer them!"

"I was just bemoaning my silly little sister...there's really nothing more. You're overthinking it as always."

Both women glared at each other, turning the conversation from calm to heated in a matter of seconds, a familiar pattern when it came to this topic. Lyra realized she wouldn't get an answer this time either, rolled her eyes, and went back to devouring her food. She didn't have time for this; she had to leave to inform Tessra. However, her mother seemed to have snapped, her nostrils flaring, and a frown forming. Lyra smirked, recognizing the similarities between all three McGonagall sisters.

"You know..." She began cautiously.

"Minerva...she does that too when she's annoyed. And then there's that annoying look...that I can't put my finger on."

Margery's eyes locked onto Lyra, her curiosity piqued.

"What look?" She demanded.

Lyra leaned in slightly as she spoke.

"It's a certain look she gives me. I started noticing it last year, at Christmas, but I brushed it off. For some reason, every time I'm alone with her, it's as though she's yearning to say something, yet she never does. I've mostly ignored it, but now that I spend more time with her..."

The concern in Margery's expression deepened.

"Why do you see her so often?"

Lyra met her mother's gaze, noting the concern in her eyes.

"Why? Don't you want me to?" Lyra teased grinning.

"No, it's not that. I'm sure she enjoys your company." Margery quickly reassured her.

Lyra's grin broadened as she continued,

"Initially, I spent time with her for the ginger newts, but now...she's really grown on me."

Margery's frown morphed into a warm smile.

"What, Mom? Why are you smiling like that?"

"It's nothing, just...I'm genuinely pleased that you're enjoying Minerva's company."

Margery affectionately traced her daughter's face with her hand.

"Anyway, I'm finished, and I'm running late. Thanks for breakfast and the couch, Zee! I'll try to stop by before I leave, but don't hold your breath." Lyra declared, changing the subject.

"I never do..." Zenia replied rolling her eyes. Lyra chuckled at her, offering both women heartfelt hugs before departing the house.

As Lyra left, Zenia couldn't help but express her thoughts to Margery.

"You know, Lyra can be pretty dense when it comes to these things, despite being so observant. I don't understand how she hasn't caught on yet. It's like her mind refuses to see what's right in front of her. She approaches everything like it's some kind of mission. I saw that same look last year, during Christmas, when I met Minerva..."

"What are you talking about, Zenia?" Margery asked shaking her head.

Zenia gave her mother-in-law a look, silently conveying that she knew something more.

"Please don't imagine that I am as thick as Lyra. I'm a mother too, Margie…I know what it's like to have a daughter." She replied.

"I don't know what you're on about." Said Margery attempting to shift the conversation away from the topic. Zenia shook her head and continued cleaning, leaving a sense of heaviness hanging in the air


When Lyra entered Tessra's office, she was surprised to find the very man she had been meaning to speak to. Dumbledore stood there, engaged in a discussion as Lyra entered the room, her steps cautious.

"Lyra? You scared my wife, last night!" Tessra said amused.

"I apologize. Although, she was pretty terrifying herself!"

"This is precisely why I prefer to keep my personal and professional lives separate." Tessra replied, shaking her head.

"Frieda isn't particularly fond of humans..." Tessra added, explaining her wife's reaction.

"Oh, why is that?" Albus inquired.

"Frieda happens to be a vampire—quite a fierce and nasty one—and she dislikes me." Lyra replied, her arms crossed.

"A vampire?" Albus looked surprised to learn that Tessra Jones was married to a vampire.

"Yes, well, in America, we're not as uptight as they are in England." Tessra quipped.

"And she certainly doesn't dislike you, Lyra. She's just very particular about unexpected 2 a.m. visitors." She added.

"Please Tess, what was she expecting? Dinner? No, she dislikes me!" Lyra scoffed.

"Lyra...don't push it!" Tessra warned.

"I'm the reason her younger brother ended up in prison. But she knew he deserved it. In fact, she even petitioned for it!" Lyra stated. Tessra shook her head, her expression solemn. However, that was a story for another time.

"So, Albus, what brings you here?" Lyra asked, surprised by his presence.

"You left your post quite abruptly last night, Lyra. Everyone at headquarters was deeply concerned. I happened to be visiting an old friend—your godfather, actually—when I received an urgent floo call from Moody, stating that you'd gone off the deep end. You know his opinions on using the floo network."

"Oh..." was all Lyra could manage.

"Mr. Scamander and his son have joined our cause." Tessra announced, smiling and patting Dumbledore's shoulder in congratulations.

"What brings you here, Lyra? And what's so urgently pressing that it couldn't wait?" Tessra inquired, waving her wand to securely seal the door with powerful wards.

"Last night, I believe I found what I've been searching for, or at least, I have a working theory. I think there might be something worth looking into." Lyra began, taking a seat and indicating that the others should do the same.

"You mean you've discovered Lord Voldemort's weakness?" Dumbledore asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'd like to think so, but I'm not certain if you'd call it a weakness. That's why I believe I need to spend some time in the Caves."

"The Caves?" Dumbledore seemed puzzled.

"She's referring to the sacred libraries of the 27." Tessra explained. Dumbledore nodded in understanding.

"What's your theory?" Tessra asked, her interest piqued.

Typically, Lyra presented grand theories that Tessra entertained, much to the annoyance of the other members of the Coven. They felt that Tessra was biased toward Lyra, being the youngest and her personal protege, potentially grooming her to take her place. Considering their collective age and wisdom, they weren't always forthcoming.

"Well, after a conversation with Harry Potter the other night, something he said has been bothering me. He mentioned that he often felt a connection between his mind and Voldemort's. I've heard of hypnosis and mind reading, but I've never encountered a mind link between individuals. It began to bite at me, but I couldn't find any relevant information until yesterday." Lyra explained.

"Last night, I watched an Indian street magician telling a children's story that sounded eerily similar to the one I heard at the Yule Ball from Ivan Chomsky, Victor Krum's mentor."

Lyra held up a book of Bulgarian fairytales that she had taken from the Caves, and an article clipping from her research file.

"Apparently, this is a famous story present in multiple cultures and Muggle folklore, from Europe to Asia. It's about powerful magicians who hide parts of themselves in various possessions to make it more challenging for their hunters in case of a threat. This is a clipping from when Voldemort was roaming around Europe, learning more about the dark arts."

"Your theory is based on Muggle folklore?" Tessra asked, clearly shocked.

This theory seemed wild, even for Lyra, who had a penchant for pursuing unconventional ideas. Tessra was concerned, knowing that Lyra had a history of diving down research rabbit holes, albeit some of her theories eventually proving correct. However, Tessra was also aware that Lyra was not an ordinary witch; she possessed great power, and those with immense power often faced risks of losing themselves to their own madness.

"Please, let me continue. This mind link between Harry Potter and Voldemort can't be a coincidence. I believe that when Voldemort's curse backfired due to Harry's mother's transcendental magic, a fragment of Voldemort's soul inadvertently transferred into Harry Potter. That's why he bears that scar, and that's why he can see Voldemort's actions."

"That sounds like an implausible theory, Lyra." Tessra remarked.

"It's widely known that Voldemort roamed the forests of Albania for years. He returned there to hide after his initial defeat. Before he encountered Quirrell, he was nothing more than a shadow, a wraith, as described by Harry during his first year. Drinking unicorn blood to stay alive After which, he somehow managed to survive in Albania. Albania is the darkest place on Earth, devoid of magic that isn't associated with the dark arts. No ordinary wizard could become a wraith and then return to a human state without possessing the darkest of powers. Voldemort, as per Severus's reports, is still frequenting those parts, gathering strength. However, this time, he's amassing forces that none of us can fathom. And if that's not enough, at the graveyard...he needed the boy's blood to complete his transformation. What if it wasn't just Harry's blood that he needed? What if it was a part of himself too?"

"In all my years as a member of the 27, and as its leader, Lyra, I have never heard of such magic." Tessra said, clearly concerned about the implications. Lyra contemplated her words, but she needed to let Tessra know what she was planning to do.

"That's precisely what I'm saying, Tess. Perhaps this magic has been hidden from us all these years because we are not dark wizards. We would spend days searching for answers within the library, and find nothing. I propose going to a source, and making him speak."

"You know he's the only one we have access to, with this kind of knowledge. He's spent years perfecting his craft, in Albania as well and you know he will have the answers…" Lyra began, approaching her proposal cautiously.

"He won't speak to anyone else, Tess. He hasn't uttered a single word in years, but he'll talk to me." Lyra added.

"Yes, we know that. But we don't know why." Tessra replied sternly.

"The 'why' isn't important if it helps us find answers." Lyra retorted.

"You can only and only use the Caves for this, Lyra. I will not allow you to visit that man again!"

"You could be wrong, Lyra, the path you're contemplating is dangerous. You know just how it impacted you the last time. Darkness like that doesn't take long to corrupt..." Tessra warned.

"Besides, what makes you think he'll be honest?"

"I don't know. But we won't know anything until…until we've tried."

"Tried what exactly?" Dumbledore finally interjected, breaking the argument between the two women. He didn't like what Lyra was getting at. Especially, if Tessra was so fiercely against it.

"She wants to speak to...to Gellert Grindelwald." Tessra revealed, her tone exasperated as she looked at Dumbledore.

The room fell silent as Dumbledore's face darkened instantly.

"Take him with you!" Tessra suddenly insisted, her gaze fixed on Dumbledore.

"Tessra..." Dumbledore began, shaking his head, uncertain about this request. He had no desire to see that man again, the man who had once been his best friend, with whom he had shared grand plans, and who had ultimately cost him everything.

"Albus…I know this…this doesn't sound like a smart thing to do…" Lyra began turning to him.

"NO! IT DOES NOT!" He thundered.

"There is no other way." Lyra snapped stubbornly. Dumbledore clenched his jaw.

"I understand it may be painful, Albus. But I will not risk my child, a member of my Coven, for your war, not like this!" Tessra said firmly. She wouldn't send her girl into that dark abyss alone, even if it was seemingly her destiny. Tessra had never even let Lyra near that prisoner after last time.

Lyra sighed, realizing that Tessra was only trying to protect her.

"Very well, but if we do this, we must proceed with caution." Dumbledore hesitated but finally relented.

Tessra knew Dumbledore's relationship with Grindelwald, may have been rocky. But Albus would be instrumental, in keeping Lyra's head straight, stick to what they needed, without having the mad wizard manipulate Lyra more.

"I don't need him…he may not talk! He's the reason Grindelwald is in prison!" Lyra snapped stubbornly.

"This is not up for discussion!" Tessra said sternly, raising her hand to silence Lyra.

"And He will indeed talk! Remember when Grindelwald mentioned that you reminded him of an old friend? Well, that friend stands beside you now. Dumbledore and Grindelwald have a long history together, going way back to their friendship. It's been many years, and I believe that prison may have humbled Grindelwald somewhat. Albus seeing him in this state will be a blow to his pride. Who knows, he might even seek redemption, just as Albus did after his sister was tragically killed by his best friend." Tessra explained, her gaze fixed on Albus, whose expression grew increasingly serious. He turned away from them, looking ashamed.

"History books tell tall tales of victories, Lyra. Only the ones who live through it, know the true cost at which they come." Tessra finished wisely.


AN/ Thanks for reading, do leave your thoughts in the reviews! :)