Disclaimer: I own nothing but my OCs and parts of the storyline. All rights go to the amazing J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros.

A/N: Hello! I am finally getting back to writing my poor, neglected stories. Hope you enjoy! To my favs/followers, finally a second chapter for you lot! Thank you to: 431252, CloverxField, EspressoPatronum13, Forbidden-Love-0776, MSimpson6, MayumiLaufeyson, NatyMVR, Raven-Renae-Lynn, SamanthaLodge, TheBookFairyXx, TheWorldBeyondEyes, anime-aquarion-fan, 101, newtsdiangelo, Victoria cullen35, 10868letsgo, and J.E. Voronina. I know in the book Harry's arrival is known by the Weasleys but decided to stick with the movie scene as it fit better. Movie scenes and book scenes will take part in this story.

Ch. 2 The Burrow

Didn't they tell us don't rush into things
Didn't you flash your green eyes at me
Haven't you heard what becomes of curious minds
Ooh didn't it all seem new and exciting
I felt your arms twisting around me
I should've slept with one eye opened at night

~Taylor Swift, Wonderland

13 July 1996

Harry had been taken by Dumbledore to recruit Horace Slughorn, the man so odd in character though he remarked that Lily Potter had been one of his favorite students. Harry had been more than happy to assist the headmaster of Hogwarts, grinning at the man when Slughorn had accepted his old post back at Hogwarts, unaware of which class Slughorn would be teaching. He was much more happier that Dumbledore had sent him to the Burrow, Harry landing in a splash in the marsh directly next to the Burrow. He shook his head at Dumbledore's actions, the man never failing him. He had just saved him from another boring summer with his Dursley relatives and instead, Harry would be at the Burrow, his second home next to Hogwarts.

Harry trudged through the murky waters of the marsh, making an unsatisfied face as he moved his toes around in his now horribly wet shoes. He saw Ginny Weasley through the window and smiled, though his face turned curious when he saw an unknown figure next her. He couldn't see her face, only dark, spiraling curls that contrasted greatly to Ginny's straight, fiery hair. His interest had been piqued as he headed towards the house, unaware of what would be revealed to him.

Meanwhile, Ginny had ventured onto the first floor of the burrow, her friend remaining behind with Ron and Hermione. Ginny's eyes widened when she saw Hedwig had abruptly appeared in their living room, her stomach suddenly gurgling with nervousness as she searched around for Harry.

"I was only wondering when Harry got here." Lyra Vallier cast a curious look at the open door and Ron practically tripped over himself to reach the staircase, Hermione not far behind him. She briefly listened to their conversation, smirking when they realized their friend had indeed showed up out of the blue and was waiting for them patiently in the living room. They bounded down the stairs, Lyra not as eager as she glided down the spiraling stairs of the oddly built home. She watched attentively as greetings were exchanged, sizing up the famous Harry Potter who she only knew through the Daily Prophet and word of mouth from her parents.

Lyra watched as Harry hugged the three members of the Weasley family and Hermione, the boy-who-lived certainly seeming at ease and at home as he physically relaxed from whatever tiring journey he had been on. Dumbledore was mentioned, Lyra's eyes narrowing at the mention of her great-grandfather who she hadn't seen since her 11th birthday. She knew he was a busy man, the greatest wizard of all time as some had voiced, but he apparently had time for Harry Potter. She continued studying Harry, taking in his untidy black hair, green eyes, and the lightning bolt scar that graced his forehead. He was good-looking, an intelligent glint in his eyes when he spotted Lyra unabashedly staring back at him.

"Oh Harry, this is Lyra Vallier. She lives right over hill, about a twenty minute walk from the Lovegood's. She popped in for a visit right before you arrived," Mrs. Weasley announced, beckoning Lyra forward. "She'll be attending Hogwarts with all of you this year!" Now it was Harry's turn to examine Lyra, casually studying her just as she had with him. Vallier, that had been the name of the man who offered his memories to save Lucius Malfoy. It had been an altered memory, Harry knowing in his gut that it had been Lucius in the Department of Mysteries and not some fraud. He was now on the defensive, Ron and Hermione instantly spotting their best friends' discomfort. However, Harry's defensives were immediately broken down when he stared back into Lyra's sparkling blue eyes, the same as Dumbledore's though he didn't know that yet. He was utterly enchanted, no longer suspicious of the girl in front of him. The batting of her eyes had been enough for him, Harry wanting to uncover exactly who Lyra Vallier was.

"I'm Harry," Harry spoke, thrusting his hand out in a friendly manner while Lyra stared at it amusingly. She took it, her small hand fitting effortlessly inside Harry's own.

"Lyra," she returned. She smiled back at him politely, jerking her head upwards towards Ron's room. "Well now that introductions are over, should we get back to the Daily Prophet?" She once again glided over to the stairs, the graceful way she walked beckoning Harry to follow behind. Hermine and Ron gave each other a knowing look, both having recognized that there was the possibility Harry would develop a crush on Lyra.

The trio bounded up the stairs, a new member unofficially welcomed into their small group for the moment. They all sat cross-legged around a makeshift campfire which was composed of the daily prophet tumbling in mid-air by magic. "So when did you get here?" Harry questioned Hermione.

"A few days ago…Though for a while I wasn't sure I was coming," Hermione announced. Harry gave her a confused look, looking towards Ron who shrugged his shoulders.

"Mum sort of lost it last week. Said Ginny and I had no business going back to Hogwarts. That it's too dangerous," Ron mumbled under his breath.

"Oh come on.." Harry complained, watching as Lyra absentmindedly started to twist a curl between her fingers as she watched the daily prophet burn to a crisp in front of them. She had a frown on her face, thinking about something she wouldn't voice to the group. Her eyes lifted to connect with Harry's, green forest hues gazing back at stormy blue ones. A shade of pink began to rise on the surface of Lyra's cheeks, and she diverted her eyes back to the campfire.

"She's not alone," Hermione insisted. "Even my parents, and they're Muggles, know something bad is happening. Lyra's parents even considered sending her to Beuxbatons instead because of the danger Hogwarts might be in."

"I begged them not to. I want to go to Hogwarts," Lyra explained. "I've been schooled by private tutors and such since I was eleven. My parents refused to send me until Mr. Weasley said something."

"Anyway," Ron continued, Harry's attention captured by his best-friend. "Dad stepped in, told her she was being barmy…took a few days, but she came round."

"But this is Hogwarts we're talking about. Dumbledore! What could be safer?" Harry questioned.

"Some might think otherwise, Harry, but I do agree with you. Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard there is. He wouldn't be trusted with hundreds of students otherwise," Lyra voiced, Harry sending her a grateful smile.

However, Hermione and Ron exchanged glances. "There's been a lot of talk recently that Dumbledore's gotten a bit old," Hermione announced.

"Rubbish!" Harry exclaimed. "He's only…what is he?"

"A hundred and fifty…Give or take a few years." The trio laughed at Ron's unplanned joke before Lyra interrupted.

"A hundred and fourteen. He'll be a hundred and fifteen in August," Lyra declared, the trio giving her a curious look. Lyra covered herself, thinking up an excuse for how she could quite possibly know his exact birthdate. "I read a lot…Aren't you all supposed to be getting your O.W.L.s soon?" she explained, hoping she had covered her tracks. She didn't want anyone to know she was Dumbledore's granddaughter. No one seemed to notice, the conversation continuing as she let out a sigh of relief.

"She's right you know! We should have gotten them by now. I know I messed up Ancient Ruins…" Hermione muttered anxiously.

"Bloody Hell Hermione! Shut up! You're not the only one who's nervous," Ron spoke. Lyra chuckled at their banter, Harry rolling his eyes at his friends' antics.

"Does something happen if we fail?" Harry asked.

"We meet with McGonagall to discuss our options," Hermione declared, shrieking suddenly when she saw the owls at the window. She jumped to her feet, snatching the letters eagerly from the tawnies and shoving each letter into its owner's hands. Her hands shook as she opened the letter, Harry and Ron following suit as they opened their own letters.

Silence filled the room, Lyra looking curiously at each member of the trio. "So what's the verdict?" she questioned.

"Well, I got nine 'Outstanding' and an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione moped, unreasonably upset about her one 'E.' Lyra shook her head, giggling at Hermione's reaction.

"Hermione, stop complaining. You did better than Harry and I… as usual," Ron stated, but he appeared pleased with his results. "Only failed Divination and History of Magic and those are rubbish anyways. Harry did too," Ron continued as he peered over at Harry's O.W.L.s. "Both of us got seven O.W.L.s!" Harry smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He had hoped to obtain an 'Outstanding' for Potions, but he had gotten an "Exceeds Expectations.' He needed an 'O' to pursue the career of an Auror and his heart dropped to his stomach at the thought his dream was ended. Hopefully that wasn't the case if he talked to McGonagall.

"Congratulations you three!" Lyra responded cheerily. "Not so bad if I say so myself."

"Thanks, Lyra," Hermione replied. "Did you have to take O.W.L.s too? I'm not sure how that works if you were homeschooled."

"I did. My parents insisted. 'Outstanding' on everything except Divination. My only 'Exceeds Expectations.' That subject is dreadful anyways. Who wants to stare into a crystal ball all day?" Lyra joked, drawing a few chuckles out from Harry. "Well, anyways, I'll see you lot later. I've got to get home now." All four rose to their feet, Lyra hugging Hermione while Ron awkwardly accepted her goodbye. She turned to Harry, holding her hand out in farewell. "I'll see you around, Harry," she said gently, Harry nodding his head enthusiastically as their hands shook and Lyra departed from the room, heading downstairs and flooing home to Vallier Manor. His eyes remained glued to the door, Ron, and Hermione grinning.

"She's gone, mate. Stop staring like a puppy at the door," Ron teased, wiggling his eyebrows at Harry. In turn, Harry threw a pillow off Ron's bed at the redhead, earning a round of laughter from Hermione and Ron as Harry tackled Ron to the ground. Hermione shook her head, amused as the boys started to wrestle. They would be seeing a lot of Lyra the next coming weeks and she would bet on Crookshanks that Harry would be dating her by the end of the summer.

31 July 1996

Hermione had been proven correct when she guessed the trio would be seeing Lyra frequently over the next few weeks. She was practically there every hour of every day, arriving just as breakfast started and leaving to go home when the stars filled the night sky. Sometimes she even stayed the night, the girls giggling into the early hours of the morning while Ron and Harry were banned to the other side of the burrow so they couldn't eavesdrop on their private conversations.

The group's time was spent mostly playing Quidditch on the Weasley's makeshift field, Harry surprised when he realized Lyra had never been on a broom her entire life. She was used to more 'practical' pastimes as her mother put it like riding horses, violin lessons, painting, dancing, and such, things that were considered appropriate for the daughter of a pureblood family. So one could only imagine how elated Harry had been when he got to teach Lyra how to ride a broom.

The situation was quite comical, Lyra standing with the broom between her legs just about four or five feet off the ground. Harry was supervising, a wide grin on his face as he showed her where to place her hands and explained when she should bend forward, lean backwards, and all the basic movements. He placed his hand on her back, the heat seeping into Lyra's simple tank top she had borrowed from Hermione. She blushed at the contact, averting her eyes from Harry's as he mounted the broom behind her. His face was placed directly next to her ear, his hands placed over hers as he guided her into the air. Things were going pleasantly well for him until the broom decided to act up, a loud shriek of fear erupting from Lyra's mouth when the broom suddenly jerked into the air.

Lyra had practically thrown herself backwards into Harry's arms, the expert seeker almost falling off the broom at the sudden weight change. He had recovered quickly, getting the broom under control, but it was too late. Lyra had demanded that Harry land, her face buried in his chest as she shook in his arms. Ron had let out uncontrollable laughter at the scene and Ginny had snickered, Hermione sending him a scalding look. She had hurried over when the pair landed, tending primarily to Lyra who was shaking after almost falling off the broom.

"Are you alright, Lyra?" Hermione questioned the girl, checking her over for any injury. Harry wracked his brain for anything he could say to Lyra, but his voice was caught in his throat. Hermione escorted Lyra away, bringing her inside to calm her nerves while Ron attended to the Boy-Who-Lived.

"Well, I blew my shot with her," Harry spoke, his hand running though his messy black locks.

"It did look pretty awful," Ron replied, sheepishly, hardly helping Harry with his response. It only made Harry groan in frustration.

"Well thanks mate," Harry said in an irritated manner, stalking past Ron and towards the burrow. He angrily tossed the wretched broom into the shed off the side of the pitch and headed towards the burrow with Ron in tow. When they entered, Molly was fussing over Lyra who had stopped shaking and was cradling a cup of tea in her hand. Her eyes met Harry's as he silently asked her for forgiveness.

"It's not your fault, Harry. Something was wrong with that bloody broom," Lyra joked.

"Language young lady!" Molly scolded in response, earning a chuckle from Harry as Lyra winked at him. She wasn't mad at him, but she hated that death trap with a burning passion. She wouldn't be going near it anytime soon.

That had been the week before and now it was Harry's 16th birthday. Mrs. Weasley had gone all out for her so-called adopted son's birthday. With Sirius gone, Harry needed some major cheering up in his life and Lyra seemed to be the answer. With all the disappearances, odd deaths, and dementor attacks, Lyra was Harry's beam of light in this dark time.

In the early hours of the morning, Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Hermione, and Lyra had descended into the kitchen, arms filled with birthday decorations. Mrs. Weasley started to cook furiously, beginning with a birthday breakfast of pancakes, sausages, eggs, toast, fruit salad, and other breakfast pastries the boys would enjoy. Meanwhile, Ginny and Hermione were throwing streamers across the room, hanging them up carefully while Lyra blew up balloons and arranged a 'Happy Birthday Harry' sign across the opening of the kitchen. The girls soon joined Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen, helping her finish the wonderful breakfast she was preparing.

The boys clambered downstairs at the smell of breakfast, lazily wiping away the sleep from their eyes. Their heavy footsteps sounded like elephants, Molly rolling her eyes at the boys loudness. The girls held their breath, situating themselves around the table. When Harry entered the kitchen, a loud "Happy birthday" sounded throughout the room, Ron jumping at the sudden noise while Harry cracked an embarrassed smile.

An eruption of laughter was let out by the girls, Molly shaking her head at her eldest son. "Happy birthday Harry dear," she said as she made her way to her adopted son and kissed him on the cheek. "I made all your favorites for you with the girls help of course." Harry sent a smile in the girls' direction, his gaze landing on Lyra. She blushed lightly at his action, but otherwise seemed unbothered by his attention.

The group all sat down to eat, Molly making sure the girls filled their plates before sitting down. The boys followed suit, Harry nonchalantly plopping himself down next to Lyra who was eating her pancakes as daintily as she could. "I thought we could all go over to the manor if that's alright Mrs. Weasley. Mama said we could have Harry's birthday there since we have the pool and the garden and everything…" She looked to Mrs. Weasley for an answer, the older woman smiling to herself at the suggestion. She had arranged everything with Elise Vallier already, knowing that another day of quidditch would be fun, but not enough for Harry's birthday to be exciting.

"That's quite alright dear. Why don't you lot head over after breakfast and I'll meet you over there with the rest of the family later," Mrs. Weasley replied, giving Lyra a knowing look. Lyra nodded her head enthusiastically, having planned a great surprise for Harry at her home. She had invited his friends from Hogwarts, with Hermione's help of course. It was going to be a spectacular surprise for Harry. He deserved it after all he had endured, especially with the rectn death of his Godfather Sirius Black.

They finished breakfast soon enough, Mrs. Weasley sending them off with an array of homemade snacks, towels, and bathing suits for the afternoon. She had suggested they take the brooms, but Lyra had turned pale at the mention of the deathtrap and so the Vallier chauffeur had showed up instead.

"Remind me to hang out with you more," Ron spoke as the shiny, black limousine pulled up, Lyra rolling her eyes and laughing at his starstruck behavior. She had to remember that the Weasleys weren't used to this, but for her it was normal. The chauffeur opened the door for her, muttering a "Miss Vallier" in greeting as the teenagers all shuffled in behind her. Lyra sank back into the leather material, watching out the window as they started to drive past the countryside on a simple dirt road. They didn't' have much traffic out there, most wizarding families being within a half-hour of each other on foot and out of muggles sights.

Lyra hadn't even noticed when Harry inched his hand closer to her, their pinkies barely touching on the cool, leather seat. Hermione smirked at the sight, both extremely stubborn and unwilling to tell the other of their feelings. She knew this party was Lyra's way of showing her affections, Harry was just too daft to notice.

They arrived at the manor soon enough, all mouths opening at the sight of the Vallier manor. It looked more like a castle than anything else, the gate enchanted to open when any of its occupants or invited guests arrived. Built during the 17th century, the manor consisted of a white and beige stone, giving the manor a refined look. The manor had an addition of two entrance pavilions and outbuildings to extend the property in the 18th century while a mirror pond and moats accentuated the character of the home. The property was perfectly landscaped with a walled orchard, centennial plane, and pear trees. The home itself was placed on 40 acres of land owned by the Vallier family, further consisting of forests, meadows, and pastures which were adjacent to the stables on the grounds. The house itself had 25 bedrooms, the residents only occupying five at the moment. And even when they had guests, the rooms were never completely filled.

Harry's eyes practically bulged out of his head at the sight, Lyra smiling slightly and laughing to herself at his reaction. "You and your parents live here?"

"And my brother, his fiancé, and my sisters," Lyra added. Linden had recently become engaged that year and she got along remarkably well with her future sister-in-law. Victoria de Lacy had attended Beauxbatons and was only a few years older than Lyra. With her pale blond hair and grey eyes, she was often mistaken for Lyra's older sister since she had the looks of Elise Vallier. It was a family joke, acquaintances often mistaking Victoria for the eldest Vallier daughter if Lyra was not in attendance.

"Gosh, I forgot about the gremlins," Ron spoke, eliciting a giggle from Lyra. They often ganged up on Ron if the Weasleys and Valliers had a family get-together.

"I'm sure they'll turn their attentions to Harry this time, Ron." Lyra flashed a beaming smile Harry's way. It was a nice way for Harry to meet her family, though her father was hesitant since he was the first boy Lyra was bringing home. Not to mention her mother had spoiled her secret and mentioned Lyra fancied the boy.

Finally reaching the intimidating gate which led to the courtyard of the manor, the chauffeur politely opened the door for the occupants of the limousine. Lyra bid him farewell, bounding into the manor and dragging Harry behind her eagerly. The foyer of the manor was white and open, the marble floors and staircase screaming elegance and poise at its guests. A huge stain glass window hung over where the staircase descended, shades of blue flickering over the marble. Three huge crystal chandeliers hung in the center of the hall, casting light on the French doors below the staircase that led onto the terrace of the manor. Various rooms were lined up on either side of the hall: a music room, a large library, two ballrooms, a formal dining hall, several parlor rooms for various uses, office areas for Magnus, the kitchen, and casual dining area. Upstairs the manor split into two separate wings, one where the family mainly resided and closer guests while the other wing was more for entertaining purposes and visitors. The left wing overlooked the pool area while the right favored the stables.

"I hope you don't mind, but my mum went all out for your party," Lyra spoke as she led Harry and the others under the left archway of the staircase and towards one set of French doors. On the veranda they were met with the sight of red and yellow sashes around the bannisters and columns. Floating candles, sparklers, and balloons filled the sky even though it was midday, a pathway leading through the hedges to the pool which the veranda overlooked. Harry spotted several of his fellow Gryffindors and various members of Dumbledore's army hanging around by the pool, sending Hermione a grateful look. He was sure she had helped with the guest list, Lyra not knowing any of his friends other than Ron and Hermione.

"Harry!" everyone exclaimed when they saw the guest of honor enter the main area of the party, many rushing over to say Happy birthday and to greet the golden trio. Lyra moved out of the way, blushing when Harry pulled her back to his side and started introducing her to his friends. He had no issue showing his interest in Lyra, his hand moving to her side to grab her hip slightly and navigate her towards him. She settled there comfortably, playing the gracious hostess. Her mother and father watched from their place across the pool, their youngest children playing in the shallow end of the pool.

Magnus lounged in a white linen outfit on one of the various poolside chairs, ever so observant as he watched the Boy-Who-Lived. In one hand he held his signature glass of whiskey while the other padded through the Daily Prophet. His dark eyes peered over the edge of the paper ever so often. Meanwhile, Elise had donned a black and white bathing suit with an oversized hat which protected her fair face from the sun. "Hello darling," she shouted from across the pool, waving at her eldest and beckoning them over while Lyra's sisters splashed alongside their mother.

Heeding her mother's request, Lyra and Harry made their way towards Lyra's parents. Elise was the first to speak, breaking the silence that had threatened to make the first meeting awkward. "Harry dear, you look so much like your father. I knew him and your mother during my years at Hogwarts." Harry smiled politely at the mention of his parents before looking towards Magnus. The father of the girl he fancied had a stony look on his face, rising to his feet and holding out his hand. Harry took it immediately, making sure his handshake was somewhat firm.

"Harry Potter. I'm glad to finally make your acquaintance." Harry didn't know what to think of Magnus Vallier. He evoked the same type of mannerisms Lucius Malfoy possessed and he wondered for a moment why Dumbledore and Magnus had come to Lucius' defense. But surely if Dumbledore trusted the man, Harry should as well.

"The pleasure is all mine, sir," Harry spoke clearly, not letting his nerves get to him. Magnus nodded briefly, returning to his seat while Elise shot Lyra an impressed look. Lyra's little sisters cast curious looks at Harry and Lyra could see the mechanisms of their small minds trying to form an opinion of the boy their sister liked.

"Well, you enjoy your party. Lyra planned the whole thing! I only helped with the decorations," Elise spoke, leaving the teenagers to their own devices. Her cheery disposition faltered at the scowl across her husband's face as Lyra and Harry returned to the guests. "Magnus, watch yourself love." A look of amusement passed across Elise's face as Magnus leaned back in his seat, heeding his wife's warning. He said nothing, his protective instincts having kicked in when he realized Lyra would indeed date the infamous Harry Potter.

The rest of the day passed by rather smoothly. Harry and his friends enjoying the pool party much to Lyra's relief. When she had stepped outside in her blue two piece, Harry had scanned her body rather appreciatively. She could have said the same thing for him. He had some muscle built from quidditch, his shoulders rather broad. And though he didn't have abs, he looked incredibly fit.

It wasn't until the late hours of the evening when Lyra and Harry were given a moment alone. It was almost midnight, the two lounging in the shallow end of the pool. Hermione had nudged Ron, the redhead Gryffindor unaware that the two wanted time alone. Harry finally gathered the courage to gather Lyra in his arms, her hands around his neck while his hands held her sides gently yet firmly.

"Is it wrong of me to admit I've been waiting to do this all day?" Lyra giggled at his honesty, a light blush appearing on her cheeks when she caught the serious look in his green eyes. She was so at ease with him, so natural. It only felt right when he leaned in to kiss her.

"Not at all," Lyra teased. "I've been waiting forever," she added, Harry leaning in once more to kiss her lightly. "Did you get everything you wanted for your birthday?"

"Not everything," Harry admitted. Lyra chuckled as she leaned back against the edge of the pool. Harry's hands gripped the brick edge. He suddenly looked nervous and licked his lips in anticipation. Lyra tilted her head to the side, her hands nonchalantly moving his brown locks across his forehead. It revealed his trademark scar and she frowned. She wondered how he could carry such a burden, but she said nothing. He hardly noticed his eyes fixed on the water.

"I wanted to ask if you would be my girlfriend?" The question rang in Lyra's ears and her bright smile immediately gave Harry his answer. He had been nervous for no reason, the boy-who-lived doubting the attraction he held for Lyra. It was like her smile was reserved just for him, her best feature he thought. He leaned in once more, cradling her face as if she were precious cargo he had somehow obtained.

Harry had never been lucky with girls. There had been Cho and though there was a brief fling, it was nothing serious. And when she ratted Dumbledore's army out, that had been the end of things. There had been a string of others, all snogging sessions and one quick shag though he had only told Ron about the embarrassing situation that occurred after Sirius' death.

"I take it that's a yes?" Lyra nodded her head enthusiastically at Harry's words, standing on her tiptoes to press her lips against his lightly. He grinned down at her, his green eyes flashing with content. And though it wasn't something lifechanging, Harry felt some type of happiness since Sirius died.