Chapter 21

A Reason to Recruit

The incessant tweeting outside her window shattered Lyra's death-like slumber. She awoke, groggy and with a sharp pain in her back, a grim reminder of the previous night's events. She blinked rapidly, attempting to clear her vision, and fumbled in her pants pocket for her glasses. The potion that usually aided her vision seemed to have worn off. With a sigh, she tried to move her other hand for better access but was surprised to find her wrist gently held.

Lyra's heart raced, her mind swirling with fear. Had the Death Eaters captured her after her collapse last night? And what of Sarah? Was she safe?

With one hand, Lyra managed to put on her glasses, her heart pounding even faster. She didn't recognize her surroundings at all. Where was she? Casting a glance to her left, she spotted Severus Snape dozing lightly in a worn-out armchair. Her confusion deepened. Then, she noticed Minerva, her body half-draped across the foot of her bed. Lastly, there was Sarah, asleep on a long worn-out couch by the wall.

Lyra carefully slid off the bed, her legs trembling. Despite the sharp pain in her back, she reached for her denim jacket hanging from the bedpost, struggling to put it on. But what she assumed to be a quiet endeavor wasn't as discreet as she'd hoped. As she made her way towards the exit, she accidentally kicked a few empty glass vials, which rolled away clattered noisily.

Snape snapped awake, his eyes narrowing as he sleepily observed Lyra trying to tip-toe away. He swiftly stood up and roused Sarah, who in turn awakened Minerva.

"Where are you going, Ms. Marks?" Snape sneered, his arms crossed, treating her like an unruly first-year student.

"Where is my wand?" Lyra retorted sharply, frantically searching the secret slit in her jacket sleeve.

He rolled his eyes at her accusatory tone and then glanced at Sarah, who clung to her aunt.

"Not...so tightly, Sarah!" Lyra winced in pain, and Sarah released her grip immediately. She pulled out Lyra's wand from her cloak and handed it to her.

Lyra scanned the room, a multitude of questions racing through her mind.

"So, is this your headquarters or something? The Lincoln League, dedicated to saving Aries Shorthorn? I assume he's the one providing you with the potions while Minerva delivered it." Lyra said, smirking as if she had finally cracked the mystery.

Snape scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Here..." He said curtly, handing her some healing salve. Lyra chuckled lightly.

"Well, Severus, we've got to stop these serendipitous healing salve meet-cutes." She teased, purposefully using his first name, which seemed to irk him.

"If you're attempting to thank me for saving your ungrateful life, you're doing a terrible job at it, Ms. Marks!" He sneered before leaving the room.

Lyra chuckled again but winced in pain.

"I should probably go..." She mused.

"I've caused enough trouble."

Sarah blocked her way, appalled by her statement.

"No! You need to eat something! He gave you a ton of blood replenishers. Come downstairs, I'll make you some breakfast!" She insisted.

"I think I'll pass on the curdled eggs and burnt bacon, thanks!" Lyra smirked, her gaze turning to Minerva, who stood in the corner. She had a pained expression, as if on the verge of saying something. Lyra flashed her a charming smile, and Minerva's lips pursed again, wearing the same look of longing on her face that had been troubling Lyra for the past year.

Lyra looked away, conflicted by the unspoken emotions between them.

Snape returned, tossing an apple in Lyra's direction. With lightning reflexes, she caught it and shot him a defiant smirk. He rolled his eyes at her petulant behavior, a familiar reaction to her antics. Lyra was about to fire off another snide remark when she paused, her attention caught by the unexpected company Snape had brought with him.

Dumbledore entered the room, flanked by Alastor Moody, Zeus Shorthorn, a disheveled-looking werewolf, and a fucking criminal!

Lyra's wand was in her hand in an instant, her eyes locking onto Sirius Black, who grinned at her wickedly as he spoke.

"Didn't get that response from you last year when you fed me and showered me with kisses." His devilish smile widened, clearly reveling in her bewilderment.

Lyra's expression turned from defiance to affront. What in the world was this lunatic talking about?

"He's the...uh...he's the..." Sarah began to explain, struggling to form a coherent sentence.

"He's the mutt who was roaming around with Harry Potter all through last year." Snape scoffed, referring to Sirius's animagus form. Sirius shot him a venomous glare for calling him a mutt.

Lyra's jaw dropped slightly. How could she not have known that he was an animagus? That must have been how he outwitted those dementors and escaped.

"Ms. Marks, I'd like to formally introduce myself—for real this time. I'm Alastor Moody." Moody said, limping towards her, offering his hand to shake. Lyra stared at it, then glanced around at the others, utterly confused.

"Welcome to the Lincoln League..." Sarah attempted to defuse the tension with humor.

"...formerly known as the Order of the Phoenix..." She added awkwardly when the silence grew more serious.

Lyra shook her head in mild confusion, then it hit her: this was the Book's doing. She recalled her conversation with Tessra from the night before, and Tessra's words echoed in her mind.

"In England's last war against Voldemort, a courageous group of witches and wizards stood firmly in opposition. They fought with unwavering determination, Lyra. There are whispers of this group rebuilding their forces. I've will be in touch with their leader and will be extending our support with your involvement in their missions. They go by the name 'The Order of the Phoenix,' and their efforts are being spearheaded by..."

By the tall, half-moon spectacled man now standing before Lyra. She gritted her teeth as a wave of emotions washed over her, along with a pain in her back. She didn't want to be a part of this, not like this. She'd have to tell Tessra to find someone else. She wasn't going to work for a man who thought so little of her, not after he had broken her trust so easily.

Last year, Lyra and Albus had formed a rather strong bond, especially after Christmas when they had drunkenly poured their hearts out. He had revealed his past mistakes with Minerva, and Lyra had told him about being adopted.

"I...I should leave..." Lyra said as a nerve thumped in her head. She wanted to get out of there before her anger got the best of her again. Her fingers were itching at her ring already.

"Ms. Marks, please!" Zeus pleaded, blocking her path to the door.

"Mr. Shorthorn, you best get out of my way. After what you've done last night, I should be taking my niece with me! But I'm assuming you've brainwashed her with an excuse of an apology. However, I am not an 18-year-old teenager in love, and as your associates will tell you, capable of doing much worse!" Snapped Lyra angrily. Her fury radiated like a scorching heat wave, leaving Zeus taken aback.

Zeus stepped aside instantly, and Lyra grasped the doorknob, her intent clear.

"Lyra..."

That single word was enough to halt her in her tracks.

Lyra sighed, her knuckles white as she gripped the doorknob. She closed her eyes and exhaled. She didn't know why he had this effect on her, perhaps because she still respected him, or maybe because he had carved a place for himself in her heart as a friend.

Lyra had never had many friends, not because she couldn't make them, but because she could be a lot for most people. The only person outside of her family who had stuck by her was Zenia, who had been like a sister to her long before marrying Michelin. Lyra didn't think she needed anyone else. There was her brother and Zenia—her best friend and her unwavering defenders. She didn't need more.

Then why had she stopped?

Dumbledore had broken her trust, sullied her reputation. He had reacted the way she would have, and deep down, she knew it. But she hadn't accepted it.

When Lyra had accused the imposter earlier that year, she had nothing but her own word as proof. Yet, it had wounded her fragile ego deeply that he hadn't believed her. Her reputation had carried little weight in England, and she had been too arrogant to let him undermine her. He hadn't trusted her enough to accept her accusation against the imposter Moody, whom he thought he had known for years. But why would Dumbledore have chosen to believe her, someone he had only recently become acquainted with, over someone he had known for years? It was a question she hadn't considered at the time. Instead, she had taken it as a personal attack on her ethics, her honesty, her experience—essentially, herself.

Over the years, as she had gained fame and recognition, Lyra had also collected a certain amount of arrogance. When Dumbledore had ruthlessly dismissed her, it had struck at the core of her ego. She had silently retreated, nursing her wounded pride, judging him, resenting him. Then, she had basked in the glory of being proven right when the truth about the imposter was revealed. In reality, she had not seen Dumbledore as a friend but as a friendly rival, someone to match magic and wits with. She had admired him for that.

Now, as Lyra turned to face him, her anger had faded, replaced by disappointment. She refused to say anything and waited for Dumbledore to break the silence.

"Could everyone give us the room, please?" Albus requested gently. The others exchanged awkward glances before slowly filing out, leaving only Moody behind.

"Alastor..." Dumbledore sighed, a touch of sternness in his tone, but Moody ignored him.

Lyra stepped back into the room, allowing the others to exit. Dumbledore sighed and took a seat on the bed. Lyra remained standing, her impatience pounding at her temples.

"I know...I know we've had our differences..." Dumbledore began, but she cut him off, her bruised ego driving her words.

"They aren't just differences, Albus. It's a matter of trust. You didn't trust me...and it seems like you never did. And now, I don't trust you either. To be honest, I don't even know why I'm still here," Lyra said, her tone laced with bitterness.

Moody's magical eye shifted between Dumbledore and Marks, atleast they were still on a first-name basis. That had to count for something, he thought.

"Then I propose we change that, Lyra." Dumbledore said simply. Lyra regarded him with a weary expression, frowning and biting her lower lip in contemplation.

"With a combination of your minds and magical abilities, there's nothing that can stop the Order from protecting innocent people. With you on the team, we'll be an unstoppable force. You are the greatest witch of your time, Ms. Marks. We need you to help us, to help others. You could spare so many lives from the destruction that You-Know-Who is planning." Moody added, attempting to persuade her.

Lyra shot him a glare, making it clear that he didn't need to interfere.

"I respect your experience as an Auror, Mr. Moody, I truly do. But forgive me for being blunt, you have no place in this conversation!" Lyra said with distaste.

"I apologize, and I understand that, Ms. Marks. Especially after recent events, I understand your reservations. But I'm not as spry as I used to be, which is why I'm trying to persuade you." Moody replied.

"To what end? Join the Order of the Phoenix? In case you've forgotten, Mr. Moody, this isn't my war to fight!" Lyra snapped, getting straight to the point.

"But it is, Lyra. It's your destiny." Dumbledore interjected rudely, causing Lyra's nostrils to flare in anger.

"I'm not some puppet. I don't know what information you've received, but I don't blindly follow orders. And if you're trying to manipulate me, it won't work, Albus. You know better than that!" She retorted.

"Tessra Jones has shown great interest in supporting the Order's initiative. We had a lengthy discussion last night after your arrival. She specifically mentioned that it had to be you." Dumbledore responded, shrugging. Lyra's fists clenched at her sides.

Of course, Tessra had spoken to him. She knew that. But that didn't mean he could manipulate her like this.

"I thought Tessra made it very clear, Lyra. I'm not aware of any other member ever defying a direct order. Please, enlighten us..." Albus said, his tone challenging.

"She also mentioned that this is tied to your destiny. So, I'll ask again, do you really believe this isn't where you're meant to be?" Dumbledore asked, his tone calmer this time.

Lyra had no leg to stand on now, but she played her final card.

"I am the maker of my own destiny. It's my choice to decide where I want my life to go. So, if you think that speaking to Tessra Jones will convince me to fight a battle that isn't mine, you're sorely mistaken." Lyra snarled.

Albus's guards went up, and he was clearly annoyed that someone as intelligent as Lyra couldn't see things from the right perspective. The room fell into a tense silence, with both of them glaring at each other. Moody stood awkwardly, his eyes darting between the two, feeling as though a duel might break out at any moment.

Moody was taken aback when it was Dumbledore who finally broke the silence, his gentle demeanor replaced by a infuriated one. Even Moody was surprised how Dumbledore had cut straight to the point.

"What is your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald?" Albus asked sharply, his wand was now in his hand, adding an edge to his inquiry.

"Wha...what?" Lyra stumbled back, deeply offended by the question. She looked at him with a mix of shock and anger. Her affronted expression only served to raise Albus's curiosity further. He had put her in a delicate position, but he couldn't possibly have known. Could he?

Lyra didn't utter a word, choosing instead to turn her back on them and move towards the window. She closed her eyes, attempting to push the dark thoughts away. She realized she was dealing with no ordinary wizard; Albus Dumbledore was a legend for a reason. She would be foolish to think she could deceive him. She sighed and opened her eyes, gazing out at the rainy day outside. Her mind was a tumultuous mess. The moment he had called her name, he had managed to rage havoc in her mind.

Albus knew he had won this small battle. He exchanged a knowing look with Alastor, silently acknowledging that there was something different about this woman. Something both familiar and unknown. But Albus wasn't naive; he knew he had to tread carefully. He had seen it many times before—nurture often triumphed over nature. Lyra had been raised well, but there were elements in her past, and his, for that matter, that could intersect in unexpected, possibly sinister ways. Albus needed to be prepared. If she truly was who he thought she might be, he would have to figure out how to deal with her. He despised Grindelwald and held him responsible for his losses, his mistakes, and his past. If Lyra had any connection to him and had concealed it from the world, she was just as manipulative as Grindelwald. And Albus would make sure she paid for it. But he needed her to admit it; he had no concrete proof. He needed her to tell him the truth.

"Lyra, if we are to trust each other again, you need to answer my question honestly. What is your relationship with Gellert Grindelwald?" He asked calmly this time, his voice carrying an air of fatigue and a lack of expectations. He didn't anticipate that she would answer.

Lyra couldn't bear it any longer. Memories she had repressed deep within her were clamoring to be set free. She had expected to confront them sooner or later, but she hadn't thought it would be this soon, and especially, not like this! She knew she couldn't defy Tessra's orders, nor could she deny her own destiny. To make any sense of her future, she had to reveal the truth. Tears welled up in her eyes, and despite her intense blinking, they streamed down her face. She hastily wiped them away, disappointed by her lack of emotional control.

A sudden shuffle outside the door diverted their attention. Moody angrily limped towards the door. The group that had been in the room earlier was still lingering outside, using one of the Weasley twins' hearing aids to eavesdrop.

"You lot..." Moody thundered angrily, but Sirius was the first to speak.

"If Dumbledore doesn't trust her, how can you expect us to, Moody? And what does Grindelwald have to do with any of this?" Sirius snapped.

"She's my aunt! I trust her with my life, blindly, with my eyes closed!" Sarah snarled in her aunt's defense, as if daring Sirius to say another word.

"Sirius, know your place!" Moody growled. He didn't need a tense situation to escalate further, especially after what had happened last night. He was concerned that if she could control a Fiendfyre as she had a few hours ago, there would be no stopping her from burning the house down if provoked any further.

However, Lyra surprised them with her response.

"It's alright..." She sighed vulnerably. The group re-entered the room, and the door was shut behind them.

"I'm not afraid to tell you, but it's a long story..." Lyra said, her gaze scanning the room. She may have been ashamed of this part of her life, but she wasn't afraid of it any longer. However, recalling it pained her deeply. She hated feeling so vulnerable. She didn't want these people to judge her for her sins, for the things she had tried to hide behind her work and charming demeanor. But she had repented. No, she would forever repent for those sins, her arrogance. It was the reason she had chosen to shy away from constant attention, the reason why those close to her always treaded lightly. The reason her brother had to live with that face for the rest of his life.

"Years ago, my brother had a friend, Reginald Smith. In fact, he's still friends with him..." Lyra began. But Moody interrupted her.

"The current president of MACUSA?" Moody asked, clearly surprised.

"Yes, the same Reginald Smith. He and Michelin, my brother, were in the same year at AIMS. He was three years my senior, but always a handsome boy. He was kind, sweet, truly an amazing person. He never had a problem hanging out with Michelin's silly little sister. Just like my brother, fell in love with my best friend, I fell in love with his." Lyra began, noticing that everyone in the room was listening with rapt attention.

"I was always a model student, studying hard and acing every test, every class, everything. It wasn't rare, but I knew I was special, and I discovered just how true that was, when Alexander Moses died. He was a member of the 27 and had passed away. That meant there was a position open in one of the most prestigious covens the world had ever seen. I didn't pay much attention to it, though. Why would the all-powerful 27 care about a 17-year-old like me?"

"But in my seventh year, Tessra Jones noticed my skills at the AIMS Annual Duelling Championship. She suggested I spend the next few years working hard to earn a double graduation. She had hand-picked me. A seventeen-year-old chosen by the leader of the 27. I couldn't believe it. It was extremely rare for the coven's leader to pick someone in the first place, and one so young, was unheard of. She asked about my interests, and I told her I wanted to become an auror. She suggested I take up healing alongside. Two of the most challenging majors to graduate in—defense and healing. At first, I wasn't sure. I didn't think I was cut out for it. But she was persuasive. She said I had nothing to lose, and I was too ambitious to let an opportunity of a lifetime pass me by."

"Reggie stood by my side, helping me study, practice, and in every way he could. He was one of my biggest supporters, cheering me on while I excelled. I completed my degree in healing first, receiving an award from the International Society of Magical Healing itself at just 18. A major that took most two years to finish, I did in one. I got cocky and arrogant and received a lot of attention for it. Imagine what happened when I did the same the next year during my auror training." Scoffed Lyra, pausing to take a breath as the room continued to listen.

"Over the next year, I worked even harder. I ignored every relationship I had. I didn't eat. I didn't sleep. Sometimes, I think I forgot to breathe. I knew it was affecting my relationship with Reggie. We started fighting every single day. You see, he was running for the post of Governor of Boston, just like his father had and his grandfather before him. Reggie wanted to marry me. It would help him get more votes if the public knew he was a family man. I kept pushing his proposals aside, every time. 'Not now,' I'd say. 'Once I finish my double graduation, why rush? I'm just 19, and we have our whole lives ahead of us.' Reggie waited for me; he never left. He waited..." Lyra said, drifting off as she recalled those horrible fights.

Taking a deep breath, she swallowed her pain and continued.

"Soon, I passed auror training with flying colors. I became the youngest member of MACUSA's A-Squad that year. And I got what I wanted, of course. I became the youngest member to ever be invited into the Coven. As you can tell, the press covered every angle of my life. There was constant attention on me—where I was going, who I was meeting, who I was dating, what I was wearing. I thrived in the spotlight. But now, I had time to focus on Reggie. He proposed again, and I finally said yes!"

"A month later, Reggie invited me home for dinner with his parents to make our engagement official. He had already won the senate elections that year, and he hoped this would be another feather in his cap. I don't know what this engagement meant to him, but to me, it meant I had found someone who would be there for me forever. He had stood by me through it all. I took him for granted. He wasn't going anywhere. He was the one who had proposed. He would never leave me..." Lyra continued, her voice filled with emotion.

"However, his father had bigger plans for him. Mr. Smith stood up during that dinner, and I can still remember the resentment on his face. He said some terrible things to me. He said that dating me was one thing, but marrying me was out of the question. He wanted Reggie to become the next MACUSA president, and according to Mr. Smith, Reggie would never achieve that with me as his wife." Lyra said somberly.

"Why?" Minerva, her voice unsteady and upset, asked the next question.

"I was just the adopted daughter of a magizoologist and a homemaker, although they were pure-bloods. My true blood status was still a mystery to everyone. I could have been a muggle-born for all anyone knew. How could a Smith, a family of pure-bloods, marry someone like me? And then there was the issue of my social reputation. I was a celebrity, with an article in the American Bugle almost every day. I was more popular than Reggie could ever hope to be. Having a wife with more power than the President of MACUSA was simply unacceptable to the Smiths."

"I vividly recall him speaking to his son..." Lyra began, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"He warned Reggie, 'She will devour your career! You will never have control over the 27. They will control your life...your career. You'll never know a moment's peace if you marry this woman!'"

"Mr. Smith was always a nasty man, I never liked him!" Sarah interjected with a hiss, and Lyra gave her a small chuckle, acknowledging the sentiment.

"Well, Reggie's parents managed to convince him. He started to believe that I wasn't the right person for him. He gave up on me and broke our engagement as if it meant nothing. He said I had chosen my career and ambitions over him and that it was time for him to do the same. I begged, I pleaded, I promised to leave the 27 if it meant he'd stay, but Reggie pushed me away, as if I meant nothing. He blamed me for everything and said terrible, but probably honest things about me. He said, he could never be with someone as selfish as me."

"I spiraled into depression. I started smoking, doing drugs I shouldn't have been doing, and drinking to numb the pain. I was left with no one. My brother and his wife were always there for me, but it wasn't enough."

"I would destroy things, leaving Michelin to pick up the pieces after me. I broke my ties with everyone I knew, with my friends, with my family. I pushed everyone away. But Michelin stayed. I still don't know why, but he always...stayed. But how long could I depend on my poor brother? He had a young daughter to look after and his own family to worry about. So, me and my vices found another outlet. I was always a better auror than I was a healer, so I threw myself into my work. I rose to the position of captain of MACUSA's aurors within the next year, becoming a senior member of the team with multiple arrests under my belt. If the Smiths thought I was going to outshine their son, I'd show them just how much!" Lyra paused, sighing deeply. She wiped away a stray tear and continued her story.

"That year, my team and I arrested a rather aggressive group of vampires who were trying to start a coup against their own kind. As the leader of the team, I was tasked with taking them to prison. MACUSA prisons were full that day, so they were transferred to Nurmengard, which MACUSA used to house prisoners more dangerous prisoners...frequently."

"It was my first time there. I did my duty, deposited those prisoners, and they were taken to their cells. Since they were vampires, they were placed in the deepest dungeons of the castle, where no light could penetrate. It was a dark and foreboding place, smelling of rotting flesh and shit. I decided to light a cigarette once I was on a higher floor."

"That's when something strange happened with my Muggle lighter. The flame did something I had never witnessed before—it grew larger and started moving toward a bend. I followed the trail, trying to see where it was leading me in the darkness of the dungeons. Then, the trail disappeared. That's when I saw them—two dancing flames behind a large cell door. Captivated, I walked closer to the long bars of the cell and realized there was a man inside...his eyes...his eyes were on fire!" Lyra said, looking directly at Dumbledore, her face filled with fear and horror.

She exhaled and fumbled in her pockets for a cigarette. After lighting it quickly and taking a few drags, she continued.

"That was the first time I met him. He was polite and asked me for a cigarette. I had never witnessed magic like that before. He had no wand, no obvious magical instrument through which he could channel such power. He made me want it...that magic. So, I told him I'd give him a cigarette if he taught me how to do what I had just witnessed. He laughed menacingly at me. I knew who he was, and I knew how dangerous he was. But in my arrogance, I didn't care. He noticed my phoenix and said...he said I reminded him of an old friend who had a phoenix just like mine. Of course, I only learned who he was talking about last year..." Lyra said, pausing to look at Albus again. Their eyes met, and it was clear that Gellert Grindelwald had been referring to him. Lyra continued her story.

"He marveled at how young I was and how much I had achieved. In my youthful stupidity, I told him everything about me. He told me I was extraordinary and once again fondly mentioned that I reminded him of a man he once knew. When I asked him who he was talking about, he laughed. He said he'd either tell me who it was or teach me what he had just done. I chose the latter, obviously. He warned me not to come back if I regretted my choice, but I didn't care. I wanted that power. I wanted to learn. I felt like if I could wield such magic, I wouldn't need the 27 or their mastery in elemental magic. Maybe I could even win Reggie back. So, he taught me."

"Gellert Grindelwald is the reason my element is fire. He taught me how to tap into the darkest aspects of it and bend it to my will. I didn't know exactly what he had taught me. Elements are not toys, and they are not easy to control. That's why the 27 provide us with alchemical rings. But I thought I was special. He thought I was special. An entire continent thought I was special...so maybe I was..." Lyra explained with a sense of disappointment in her younger self.

"At first, I couldn't do it. Things didn't work for me without a wand. The harder I tried, the more I failed. I couldn't even produce a tiny flame without my wand. Thinking that he had made a fool out of me, I gave up and pushed that interaction to the back of my mind. I went on with my life. I started doing better. Sarah was growing up, and Michelin always wanted me to babysit, his way of drawing me back to normalcy. And every time that little girl smiled at me, it brought some light into my dark world. I thought I was finally overcoming my depression, feeling normal again. But I was wrong. I wasn't going back to normal; I was only repressing my feelings, wishing deep down that they'd never resurface. It worked for a while..." Lyra paused, finding it hard to continue. But she knew she had to, she had come this far.

"And then it happened?" Sarah asked poignantly. Lyra nodded darkly.

"And then it happened. The Bugle ran a cover story on America's most eligible bachelor, about to tie the knot in a few days. When I read that, rage consumed me. I couldn't believe it. I was depressed and miserable, living a life of despair. And there he was, finding happiness. I don't know what I expected."

"That night, in a drunken and drug-fueled stupor, I went to his house. It was late, but I didn't care. I pounded on the door, demanding to be let in. I screamed, claiming that he had ruined my life and insisting that he should be as miserable as me."

"Reggie and his fiancée eventually let me in. I remember not being in my senses, brandishing my wand at them...and destroying his house. I...I remember, pointing my wand at his fiancée, the spell was at the tip of my tongue...fortunately, I was too much of a coward to use it. I still remember her, crying and begging me for her life. Reggie called Michelin, fearing that he would be ashamed of me. I left."

"I...I don't know how Reggie's wife has ever forgiven me..."

"What happened then?" Sarah asked.

"Well, Michelin searched everywhere for me until he found me at a deserted muggle bar. I was already heavily intoxicated. Everyone had left, even the usual patrons. Michelin did his best to take me home, but I insisted on drinking more. I demanded it! The barkeep decided to cut me off. I remember looking at him as if he had committed the gravest sin. How dare he deny me? How dare he take away what was rightfully mine? Just like Reggie had! How dare he take away the one thing that had been my crutch, the only thing keeping me sane! I wasn't thinking straight; all I felt was hatred, unhappiness, and dark seething revenge!"

"I don't even remember uttering the spell. But a massive fiery phoenix consumed the barkeep. It engulfed the entire establishment. I couldn't control it; it took over my body, my mind, every fiber of my being was part of this raging fire!"

"I don't know how, but Michelin managed to get me out of there. He rushed back in to rescue the severely burned barkeep, who miraculously was still alive. The inferno died, and I almost lost my brother that night."

Lyra felt her throat constricting as she relived those horrifying memories. Sarah looked at her in shock. She had never known the true story behind her father's disfigured face, only hearing bits and pieces about some accident.

"I took my brother and the barkeep and apparated them straight to the hospital. I lied and told them there had been a gas leak in the bar that set it ablaze. They believed me. I was Lyra Marks; why would I lie to them? No charges were filed, no one knew what had happened that night except for a gas leak that injured two people. The barkeep and the owner received a hefty insurance payout. After that, I swore to myself. I swore to learn how to control my powers, to never lose control over my emotions, and to never engage in dark magic again. Because I knew that darkness resided within me, ready to explode at any moment unless I kept it in check."

"I never used that spell again until last night. I allowed my emotions to get the better of me. But my mastery over fire and the ring helped me channel my magic for good. And that, Albus, is how I know Gellert Grindelwald." Lyra concluded her harrowing story.

The room was engulfed in heavy silence. No one dared to make a sound or move a muscle. Everyone, including Albus, was stunned by the revelations. Finally, Sarah broke the silence by embracing her aunt tightly, and this time, Lyra reciprocated. She allowed herself to be hugged, closing her eyes and accepting the warmth of her niece's love. She didn't deserve pity; she deserved to confront her past and make amends, especially with Sarah, whose father had been a victim. However, it became evident to Lyra that her niece was beyond judgment and condemnation. Sarah's actions proved that she possessed the same kindness and love as her parents.

No one else in the room said or did anything, assuming this reason enough to leave. Lyra opened the door and made her exit.

Lyra rushed down the stairs, tears streaming down her face, falling like heavy raindrops. She hoped no one would stop her, and thankfully, the other residents seemed to be preoccupied elsewhere.

As she reached for the main door, a hand gently grasped hers and held her back. She turned, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Thank you for telling me this. I know it wasn't easy for you, especially in front of all those people. Lyra, I can't even begin to fathom..." Albus began, his voice filled with understanding and sympathy.

"Please stop, Albus. I don't need your pity." She said softly, her voice wavering.

"I don't pity you, Lyra. I know it's not easy to overcome the hardships of lost love. Believe me, I do. But to blossom the way you have, after enduring so much pain, tells me that you are a person of true resilience. I have always known that I could trust you, Lyra, but you have just given me another reason to." He spoke earnestly as Lyra wiped her eyes and composed herself.

Albus felt a heavy weight of guilt for having made her recount those painful memories. He related to her, understood how manipulative Grindelwald could be. She had been young and vulnerable, unable to see Grindelwald's exploitation. Albus felt disappointed in himself for thinking so poorly of her. Of ever believing her to have some familial association with Grindelwald.

"...and if you would do us the honor of joining our fight against the darkness in our lives, I believe I will owe you a reason to trust me." Albus added sincerely.

"What do you mean, Albus? I don't need a reason to trust you. I just spewed my life out to you up there. I already trust you!" She replied genuinely.

"And yet...I would like to give you one, Lyra."

"If you're willing to join the Order, Lyra, I will help you find your parents. I know you've searched for years, and it's still an unanswered question. But you were born in England. I asked Tessra why it had to be you, why you were the one meant to join the Order. She simply said it was your destiny, that you were meant to be here in London. I have many ways and contacts to help you find the answers you seek!" He stated simply.

Lyra looked at him, stunned by the offer. Contrary to what she had believed earlier, Tessra hadn't revealed anything specific. Yet, Albus's words echoed the book's prophecy - "find the answers you seek."

If this wasn't a clear indication, Lyra didn't know what would be. So, she shared with him exactly what the book had said.

They shook hands, sealing her commitment to the Order of the Phoenix. Albus then handed her a note with the address of the house.

"This house is under a Fidelius charm. Last night, when you arrived, I whispered it into your ear, hoping your unconscious mind would register some part of it. I am its secret keeper. This should help you see clearly." Albus explained softly.

Lyra nodded, closed her eyes, and opened them again. The entire layout of the house had shifted. She could no longer see only specific elements; she now saw the entire house.

"I suggest you move in today. Mrs. Molly Weasley will help you settle in. We will speak to Tessra Jones together once you are comfortable." Finished Albus.

However, Lyra had something more to say before parting ways.

"Albus, wait..." She began as Dumbledore turned around to look at her.

"I know I'm not one to talk about love, and honestly, I think I stopped giving it a chance a long time ago. I apologize if I'm overstepping, but when you said...you know about overcoming the hardships of lost love...I don't think you do, Albus. I'm sorry, but your love is not lost, Albus. She's right there, probably still waiting for you. You need to give yourself a chance, Albus...you deserve a chance. She deserves a chance!" Lyra said genuinely.

Albus appeared forlorn at her words, but he smiled sadly at her.

"Minerva and I have slipped into a comfortable friendship, Lyra. I doubt she would ever forgive my mistakes. It destroyed our lives so many years ago. We can never go back to how it used to be." He said with a tinge of regret.

"Maybe...maybe it's time you apologized then. Many of us may never have a chance to reclaim what we once had. But...but you still do, Albus. Don't let it slip away, even if it's been so many years." Lyra urged, patting his shoulder. She offered a warm smile before apparating to her apartment to gather her belongings and move in.

AN/- Phew! That was a long chapter. Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far :)