Gritty sand dug into my barefeet as I took in the cool salted air, making my way down to the ocean. The sun was starting to rise, painting the water in front of me with yellows and oranges. The world around me was calm, peaceful.
Summer break had started and we were on our summer trip to France, joined by our Grandfather who owned the beach house that had been in our family for generations. And as much as I loved our summers here, filled with luxury shopping, fresh seafood, and the ocean air, Abraxus Malfoy I could live without.
Grandfather had not loved my 'display of ignorance' from Christmas Day and almost refused to let us go until Father promised that I would behave myself. So I held my tongue while Grandfather did the best he could to get a rise out of me. It was exhausting, listening to him rant and rave yet I didn't fight back this time. I knew what would happen if I did.
Father had been very clear. A transfer letter to Beauxbatons had been threatened and if I continued to misbehave while under their roof, it would be written and sent.
So my summer came with no letters to my friends, no talk of muggleborns, Gryffindor, or anything of the sort. I held my tongue and did my best to pretend that everything was the way it was before. It was suffocating.
It would have helped if I had heard from Harry, Hermione, or Ron. It would have given me a break from the stuffiness and mounting tensions, yet no letters were received. I had my suspicions that Father was blocking my mail yet I wouldn't confront him about it. It wasn't worth the drama.
Just a couple of months and I would be free. As long as I survived until then.
I walked towards the figure sitting on top of a towel, alone this early morning. The reason why I couldn't sleep now confirmed.
Draco didn't move as I approached him. His gaze never left the ocean in front of us as I sat down on the towel next to him, careful not to kick up sand on the two of us.
"You'll catch a cold if you stay out here any longer."
The only acknowledgement I got from Draco was a slight straightening of his posture. I unfurled the blanket that I had wrapped around myself and pulled a corner over Draco's shoulder. He didn't lean in but he didn't flinch away either. I took that as a sign to scoot closer to him until our arms were pressed together. My heart ached at the feeling of him at my side. Something I hadn't felt in too long.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked despite myself, my voice small and I felt him give a small shrug after a moment. "Please believe me when I say, there are things I wish I could share with you but I can't. But that doesn't mean that things have to change between us."
"We can't keep pretending like nothing has changed." Draco stressed, finally looking at me.
His grey eyes that mirrored my own were full of pain yet I found myself agreeing with him. As much as I hated to admit it, things had changed. The moment I was sorted into Gryffindor everything about our relationship had changed.
"We keep trying to pretend like things are the same but then get upset because things are different." Draco shook his head, looking torn. "I don't know what to do anymore."
"I need you in my life, Draco." My voice wavered and my eyes started to burn, terrified by what his response was going to be. This was something we had been avoiding for a year "I know that things are different now but-"
"Lyra, we are twins." Draco interrupted, his own voice thick with emotion. "Whether we like it or not we are stuck with each other for life."
"We are going to have secrets from each other." I mumbled, knowing that as we grew older, it would go both ways.
"We are also not going to like each other's friends." Draco reminded and I snorted despite myself.
"I've been telling you for years you can do better than Crabbe and Goyle." I couldn't help myself. Draco nudged me in the ribs with his elbow but took no offense.
"If you are going to put yourself in danger you need to let me know."
"Why? You're not always going to be there to protect me."
"You made that very clear." Though his tone wasn't malicious, Draco said his words so matter of fact that the already heavy guilt in my chest made my breath catch in my throat.
"I'm tired of fighting you, Draco."
"I'm tired of finding out that you are putting yourself in danger through rumors and gut feelings." He shot back.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my quaking nerves. My mind raced as I tried to think of a solution that suited the both of us. Last year when he had detention in the Forbidden Forest with the others had been nerve wracking, yet I was in the loop which gave me some comfort. I couldn't imagine how stressful it was to not get anything information afterwards.
"I can't promise you that I'll tell you if we get into trouble," He looked like he was going to argue but I held a hand up. "Most of it wasn't planned so it's not practical. I can promise you that I will check in with you afterwards and tell you what I can. Which might not be everything."
For a moment, it looked like he was going to argue with me but slowly his soured expression relaxed. Draco nodded.
"Just keep me in the loop, Lyra. Who knows, maybe I can offer some help."
I rose an eyebrow at that skeptical.
"You'd help the others?"
"No, I'd help you."
Draco wrapped his arm around me causing me to smile, feeling content for the first time this summer.
I leaned into my brother, trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to spill. Breathing in his familar shampoo that smelled like sandalwood and spice, I felt myself relax into him. For once we weren't butting heads. For once, we were one again.
Hermione,
I know you won't get this but I figured I'd write it anyways. I hope your summer is going alright. Things have been… surprisingly alright at the Malfoy household. We've been in France for the past two weeks at one of our family homes. You'd love it. There's a massive library that has books collected from generations ago.
I found a couple of old diaries that looked dreadfully boring if I am going to be completely honest. There were some about the goblin rebellion in the late eighteen hundreds. While I thought they were almost as dull as Binns' lectures, I'm sure you'd find it all fascinating.
Have you gotten your grades yet? Ours arrived two days ago. E in everything except for Astronomy. No surprise there.
Things at home have been… awkward but alright. I just miss Hogwarts and you and Harry. And Ron too… I guess. (Though don't tell him I said that- kidding of course).
Once we get home we're going to be hosting our birthday party. It's almost a month late but we always hold it after our trip to France. There's horderves, dancing, a chance to network (which you would like). Luckily it's not themed this year, with being so close to our France trip Mother didn't want it too be -too- much work. Last year it was Hogwarts (Slytherin) themed with it being our eleventh…. A bit funny to look back on now. The boys would absolutely hate it. I would pay money to see Ron there. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.
As much as I want to- I won't be able to invite any of you. I'm sure you all understand but I still feel a little bad about it… I'm thinking I might try and invite Neville. It's a long shot but I think it could be fun. Maybe I am going a bit stir crazy… I'm definitely going stir crazy.
Lyra
"You're going to make us late."
I ignored Draco's whine as I shifted a pin in my hair, trying to make sure that it looked perfect. I observed my appearance carefully in the mirror. Long blond hair was pulled into an updo with sparkling hairpins to keep it in place. I had a light layer of makeup on- enough to look nicer than normal but not enough that I looked like a charloton. I had insisted that I get ready myself for once, instead of having Mother or the house elves help and I felt like I had done a pretty good job.
"Sorry, I want to make an entrance for our birthday." I rolled my eyes good naturedly and he just shook his head from where he was lying on my bed. "You're going to crease your shirt."
"None of them are going to care." Draco said, through a mouthful of chocolate. I just shook my head and pulled him to his feet, finally ready to go.
"Mother is going to care. Let's go before your friends eat Longbottom alive."
"I can't believe you managed to convince Mother to let him come."
"I can't believe that he agreed to come." I laughed and I could tell he was holding back an insult about my fellow Gryffindor.
It took about a week for me to convince our parents that inviting him was a good idea. The Longbottoms weren't known to hang around the same circles as all of our friends and family and were on the edge of being blood traitors which made them a bit skeptical. I told Mother and Father that it would be good to have a pureblood ally in Gryffindor and somehow it worked.
I had been shocked when we got the RSVP back saying that he and his grandmother would attend. Surely his grandmother had been the one to accept. I wasn't sure where I stood with Neville after the end of the school year. We hadn't talked since I had cursed him back in the Common Room before our adventures to the Sorcerer's Stone. While he still celebrated with Gryffindor when we won (thanks to the five points he got from standing up to us), I couldn't help but to feel a bit guilty about what had gone down.
Hopefully he still wasn't too upset about it.
Draco and I made our way down the staircase to the foyer which was full of people. Clapping started and both of us gave our best smiles and greetings as we were swarmed with people wishing us a happy birthday.
After an hour of fake smiles and surface level conversations, I finally found Neville. The pudgy boy had grown a few inches over the summer but was looking terribly out of place in his dress robes. Crabbe and Goyle were saying something to him and his face was growing redder by the second.
I broke away from Blaise Zambini to save him.
"Neville! There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."
All three boys looked at me in surprise as I pushed my way in between the two Slytherin's. Everyone stared shocked as I grabbed Neville's hand, pulling him towards me.
"Crabbe, Goyle, I hope you don't mind me stealing him. It's a party. We should be dancing."
Neville stumbled after me onto the dance floor and I could hear the whispers around us as I held one of his hands in my own, the other on his shoulder. His face was bright red as he stood there, still staring at me open mouthed.
"I suggest you grab my waist Longbottom." I whispered yet kept the smile on my face. "People are staring."
Somehow his face grew even redder. The two of us started to awkwardly sway to the music, Neville hesitating with each step.
"I know you've taken dance classes. You've got to be better than that." I kept my tone light, though was serious about it. His grandmother was traditional enough to send him to dance classes, just like the rest of us.
Neville nodded and after a couple of missteps, finally started to lead. The chatter faded to the background as Neville and I fell into step with the other couples on the dance floor. I smiled brightly up at the round faced boy only to see he was staring above my head, intent on avoiding eye contact. My smile fell at the sight.
"Are you still mad about what happened?" I asked and he almost tripped over me in his surprise.
"What happened- what? No?" The brown haired boy sputtered, his ears turning red. "I just- I- I thought I was invited here as a joke."
"Why did you come then?" My head tilted to the side in confusion. He continued to avoid eye contact and I could feel the hesitation in his step.
"Gran thought it would be a good idea." His voice was soft and I had to lean in to catch what he was saying. "I just don't get it. You cursed me last year and now you're dancing with me."
"I'm dancing with you because I wanted to apologize for cursing you. I realize that you were just trying to keep Gryffindor out of trouble and I can respect that. I thought if I invited you, maybe you'd forgive me." I felt my cheeks grow warm at that confession. A year ago it wouldn't matter to me whether or not he forgave me.
Neville's face went bright red as well.
"I forgave you guys the day after it happened."
"You clearly need to learn how to hold a grudge."
Harry,
Happy Birthday!
I'm sure this letter is coming to you early but I really hope you get it and Neville didn't forget. I'm so sorry you haven't heard from me this summer, Mother and Father have been weird about our friendship and banned me from sending letters to you, Hermione, and Ron. Let them know I'm alive! I cannot wait till Hogwarts starts back up. I've got a couple of presents from you from our annual France trip. I think you're going to love yours.
We had our birthday party a few weeks ago and I invited Neville. Did you know he's actually a pretty good dancer? You're shocked right? I know I (and everyone else) was.
You should have seen Draco's face when he saw Neville and I dancing. I thought he was going to have a fit. He shoved Neville out of the way and refused to let me dance with anyone else for the rest of the night. He's ridiculous. It was fun though, I wish you guys could have been there.
Anyways, you can write back if you want to but I can't guarantee that I'll get it. I hope things are alright with your family. I know you were dreading going home.
Wishing you well,
Lyra
"Lyra Malfoy."
I looked up from my glass to see Theodore Nott standing in front of me, a roguish smile on his face. I smiled at the boy despite myself. We had been invited to the Parkinson Estate for a summer garden party and as much as I loved watching Pansy show off and fawn over my brother, to say I was bored was an understatement. I had tried to stay home yet Mother insisted we all attend.
"Thank Merlin, a familiar face." I said relieved and Theodore sat down on the bench next to me. "What are you doing here? I didn't realize you family was particularly close with the Parkinsons."
The Nott family preferred their solitude, something I respected. Theodore made a face at that then gestured to the crowd. I saw his father talking to mine and a few other men, looking serious.
"Father had some business to attend to. I heard you would probably be here and wanted to check on my favorite Gryffindor." He said with a cheeky smile. I averted my eyes, trying to keep my expression under control.
We had talked briefly at my birthday but hadn't gotten a chance to have a real conversation. Now, I had a moment to actually observe him. Theodore, while always handsome, somehow continued to grow more handsome.
"You better be careful saying stuff like that," I said with a controlled smile. "People might get the wrong idea."
"And if they do?" Theodore challenged, and I felt my face grow warm.
I turned my face away from him, hoping that he didn't see me blushing. The last thing I needed was for him to think I liked him.
"Are you and Draco still fighting? Things looked better at your party but you both are pretty good at putting on an act." Theodore asked, breaking the awkward pause and I frowned at that. It was weird having our private business so publicly known.
"We've had a talk and decided to put aside our differences. Not that it is any of your business." I sniffed, trying to push down the butterflies that I was getting in my stomach at our close proximity.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Now, what was up with you and Longbottom? Pansy was spreading rumors that you are a secret couple." He nudged my arm and I just shook my head in response.
"Pansy is all talk. Do you think Neville would have lived if we were actually a couple? Draco looked ready to kill him and all we did was dance." Theodore laughed loudly at my statement, his posture relaxing a bit. I felt myself tense up next to him, hyper aware of the lack of space between us.
What was wrong with me?
"There is actually a reason why I wanted to talk to you." Theodore's expression grew serious and he lowered his voice. I tried not to jump as Theodore wrapped his arm around me, leaning in to whisper in my ear.
"I over heard my dad talking about the Ministry raiding houses. That's what he's warning your dad about right now." I glanced over to the adults, seeing them talking in low voices, frustration evident on their faces. "Weasley's name was mentioned a couple of times… just so that you are aware."
Weasley, as in Ron Weasley. I looked back at Theodore, mind racing. I knew that Ron's dad worked for the Ministry with muggle items… but raids? That put most of our families at risk. Why was he even mentioning this to me? What was I even supposed to do with this knowledge?
"What are they looking for?" I whispered back and he just gave a small shrug.
"I don't know but whatever it is, it isn't good."
Worry gnawed at me as we looked at the adults. I took in their cagey body language, their stiff expressions.
"You two better cut it out."
A voice called out and Theodore and I jumped apart. His arm retracted from my shoulders immediately. Daphne Greengrass was standing in front of us, her little blond sister Astoria trailing behind. She didn't look like she overheard anything. I forced myself to relax, trying to seem easy going.
"If you keep it up, Draco is going to notice." Daphne gestured to where Pansy was trying to talk to Draco a few feet away from us. Draco was clearly bored and uninterested yet Pansy kept talking animatedly next to him.
"She's relentless." I sighed shaking my head.
"She assumed that with you in a different house she'd have a better chance at getting Draco to notice her." Daphne said, sounding bored. "Pansy claimed that you were 'poisoning' him against her all these years."
I laughed at that, rolling my eyes. That really did sound like her.
"If only she realized her 'charming' personality and good looks will only get her so far with my brother." It was mean yet I couldn't help myself. "Anyway, Astoria are you excited to start Hogwarts?"
The eleven year old hesitated answering until Daphne gave her a small nudge. The conversation turned to our experiences at the school, trying to ease the eleven year old's nerves. As we chatted, I couldn't help but to wonder if this would be what it would be like all the time had I been sorted into Slytherin. It wasn't bad, having Theodore and Daphne at my side.
Ron,
You're probably not going to get this letter but I am praying to Merlin that you do. I'm not sure what's going on exactly but your father is causing a bit of a stir within the Ministry (or at least my Father's circles). I know this sounds silly but tell him to be cautious- they have a lot of pull and I worry.
Lyra.
