September 1, 1991

I swallow hard, watching my mother move from one side of the room to the other, resembling a headless chicken. I glance at the clock, blink twice, and then focus on her again, a bit surprised that it's already half-past ten. The train leaves at exactly eleven, and we've packed all our bags, eaten, and all that's left to do is Appear on the platform.

The thing is, my mother is extremely panicked because today she'll see Harry again after so long. I didn't tell her that I met him when I went to Diagon Alley; she would have probably lost her mind even more. I turn my attention to Caelin, sitting helplessly to my right, all of us watching Aunt Kayla and Aunt Kaytelin try to calm my mother.

I sigh, resting my chin in my palm. I understand, but I think she's picked up the dramatics from Uncle James or Sirius—I don't even know which one of them was nicknamed the Drama Queen. I don't know how I could make her stop feeling guilty for what happened to them or stop fearing that Harry might hate her. I mean, seriously, who could hold a grudge against Mom?

Maybe some extremely shady students with ties to Dark Magic. Yeah, I don't need to look for an answer to my own question anymore.

"How long has she been like this?" Sasha suddenly asks, making us jump.

"Stop doing that!" Caelin exclaims, hand over his heart. "About half an hour; nothing seems to calm her down."

"Well, at this rate, the little one will miss her first ride on the Hogwarts Express," says the redhead, crossing her arms over her chest. "Not to mention, we won't have time to see Cedric, Fred, George, and Lee before the ceremony!"

"Stop complaining; you know very well this is hard for her. Ly, do you think you can do something so we don't end up late?"

I look into the brunette's brown eyes and nod slowly. I approach my mother, who's constantly bumping her head against the side of a cupboard, like something out of a comic book. I can barely keep myself from laughing as I step slowly toward her, and when I reach her, I place my hand on her shoulder. My dear fighter, no matter what you think of yourself, I will always stand by you. No matter what you've done.

"Mom, I know it's hard. It's hard knowing that your nephew, who doesn't even know you exist, will sit in your classes or talk to you. Think about what Lily or James would say if they were here and saw you like this."

She looks at me, and I give her a shy smile.

"Just be yourself as much as you can; they loved you as you are, and I doubt Harry won't follow in their footsteps on that. As for the truth about that night... we'll figure it out as we go, okay?" I suggest hesitantly.

She shakes her head slightly, then pulls me into her warm embrace. He'll be the happiest when he finds out he's not alone in this big world, that he has a family ready to love him with all their heart.

"You're a wonder, Ly, don't forget that for as long as you live," she whispers emotionally.

She steps back far enough to kiss my forehead. Mom will always be Mom, the one who'll pamper me when she thinks I need it. And this is one of those moments.

"So, no hugs for us?"

"You're so needy, Caelin!" Sasha shouts, elbowing him in the ribs, making him laugh. These two will never change.

Mom laughs too, then pulls them both into a hug. Meanwhile, I say goodbye to Aunt Kayla and Uncle Rayn with a hug, then join Merek and Kayt. They'll take us to the platform and help with the luggage. I take a deep breath, kissing Mom on the cheek, telling her we'll see each other at the ceremony. I can't wait to see if my assumption comes true.

Or if old Ollivander knows more than he lets on. I hope he's wrong, at least somewhat, because otherwise... I don't know what I'll do. I take Caelin's hand, he takes Sasha's, and the redhead grabs a suitcase in her free hand. I pick up my trunk with my free hand, leaving Merek and Kayt to come with Sasha's trunk and the two animal cages. The redhead's black cat, Pandora, and the brunette's ferret... whose name I can't pronounce. He has some odd tastes in names.

As for me, I didn't want any pets. Sure, the ones Muggles have or even owls are adorable, but I tend to lean toward magical creatures. They're just... unique, with an energy close to that of humans that allows me to know which ones I can approach without problems or... which ones I can somehow heal. I don't know how or why, but whenever I'm not feeling great, I retreat to them.

I find them as an anchor I never want to let go of. Mom knows about this; she knows where to find me after one of her arguments with Severus or when I feel really alone—moments that have happened quite a lot. Both of them look for me in the Forbidden Forest, alongside unicorns, centaurs, and Acromantulas. Well, when I'm with Aragog, Mom doesn't even dare enter their lair because she has a fear of spiders. But to me, they're incredibly cute.

Now, I'm not sure if Hagrid's had some influence on me too. I snort at the thought, deciding it's better to get going. I close my eyes as I feel us Disapparating from my mother's mansion, still scared of Apparition. I haven't quite gotten used to that weird feeling in my stomach. When I open them, I realize we're near the platform, and a smile immediately spreads across my face. Merlin, I've waited so long!

"How are you feeling, Ly? I bet you can't wait to get on and reach the Sorting, right?" Sasha asks excitedly as we slowly move to place our trunks on a cart and wait for her parents.

"Yeah, especially since I want to see my friends again! Draco's been away with his parents and only sent me one letter in the last two weeks."

"It's strange you get along with them," the brunette mutters, making me roll my eyes.

He's never liked the fact that I'm close to Lucius Malfoy's son, a man Mom absolutely can't stand. But he doesn't understand that Draco is good; I haven't met his father yet to form an opinion about his aura. She's the one who gives people away, that's why I trust my senses.

"I'm not going to argue with you because I love you like a brother, and I know you mean well, but this power has never failed me. No one can hide their aura from me," I say as I gesture with my hands.

Or the heartache. I swallow hard, shaking my head. No, I won't let the memory of Harry ruin my mood because I don't want to end up crying.

"Anyway, you still want to be in Ravenclaw?" Caelin changes the subject.

"Of course, I do, mama's boy, it's known for creativity and intelligence," the redhead snaps back at him.

"Something you clearly don't have. I still wonder how in the world you ended up there!"

I burst out laughing when Sasha smacks him on the back of the head. These two really act like older siblings who can't stand each other, and I'm always the quiet, peaceful younger one.

"What I meant to say," he starts, rubbing the back of his neck, "is that Lyra would fit perfectly in Hufflepuff, just like me. We're both compassionate, loyal, and hardworking, so I don't see why that option wouldn't be on the table."

Actually, I've considered them all. With my love for books, ballet, piano, knowledge, and magical creatures, I do believe I belong there. I mean, that's what I think. I wouldn't mind ending up in any of the remaining houses; I'd adapt somehow.

"I think we should let the Hat decide," I calm them down in a soft tone. "In the end, we're just talking because I'm not in a position to choose, and I think it's best to wait. What do you say?"

I see them both sigh and finally agree that I'm right. I glance back, relieved to see Merek and Kayt have arrived with the rest of the luggage. They signal for us to move forward, so I don't wait for my friends and rush toward the gate with the biggest smile. I can't wait for this year, to finally be in a classroom as a student and not just the daughter of the Healing Methods professor.

One second. That's all it takes for my jaw to drop at the sight of the Hogwarts Express. The locomotive is a bright red, and the smoke rising from it drifts above everyone's heads. I scan the area, hoping with all my heart to spot a familiar face I can hug. I haven't told anyone at Hogwarts, except Sev, that I'll be attending this year. I move closer to one of the carriages and spot a familiar brown-haired boy with a very familiar haircut.

I leave the cart behind and sprint toward him, trying not to bump into too many people, admittedly. When I'm close enough, I shout as loud as I can:

"CEDRIC! CEDRIC!"

The brown-haired Hufflepuff boy turns toward me, surprised, and comes my way, and we nearly collide with each other. He picks me up, spinning me around as I laugh like a lunatic.

"Shorty!" he shouts, lowering me back down and hugging me tight.

I'd forgotten how good that feels. I step back from him, bouncing up and down like a little ball.

"I'm coming to Hogwarts!"

"No way, you've been doing that for years," he quips with a grin at the corner of his mouth.

"No, I mean as a student!" I exclaim, pulling the letter from my jeans pocket.

His eyes widen, his jaw drops, and he looks from the letter to me and back. I was just as shocked when I found out, so I understand. Who would've thought I'd get accepted before turning eleven? Not even me, seriously. He pulls me into another hug, this time jumping up and down with me like maniacs. With Cedric, I've always felt I could be as crazy as I am with Draco or the rest of my friends.

"Merlin! What a surprise! So I'll get to see you in robes, with a wand and everything?"

"Of course!" I shout as Caelin comes up with the rest of the luggage. "Let's get these on board quickly since there are only ten minutes until the train leaves."

Cedric nods, and they start loading the luggage onto the carriage one by one. Since it will be left on the train when we arrive and taken by Filch and his helpers, we don't need to stay in the same compartment as the luggage. However, we do need to keep our robes with us, which is why mine is tightly packed in my backpack. Luckily, I've already learned most of the spells.

A few moments later, the two boys finish, and I say goodbye to my uncle and aunt, telling them I'm off to find Draco. I wave to them, running through the crowd like a madwoman, just to find my friend. God forbid, I really do resemble my mom in a certain way, or at least I think so. She always told me how happy she was when she returned to Hogwarts with her friends, and now I really feel the same.

But as I search for a proud blonde head, I suddenly find myself stopping in front of some familiar redheads. I recognize Fred and George, and next to them is another boy, probably their younger brother, Ron, and a little girl who must be Ginny. However, what really makes me freeze is the mature woman standing in front of them, with the same red hair and a kind smile on her face.

Molly Weasley, one of Mom's friends. I swallow hard, taking in as much air as I can. I have to do this, for Mom, who doesn't have the courage, and for myself. The twins have asked me hundreds of times to come with them for Christmas or Easter, but I've always refused for Mom's sake. She would have been left alone, and I never wanted that. Come on, Lyra, you have to make a quick decision...

"FRED! GEORGE!"

I shout, jumping up to get the attention of the two troublemakers. They both turn toward me, shocked, and before I know it, I'm lifted up in their arms. Seems like I'm as cuddly as that brown-haired boy.

"What's our favorite vampire up to?" they both whisper in sync.

"Coming as a first-year student!" I wave the letter in front of them, laughing at their shock.

"But... but you turn eleven in December!" Fred exclaims.

"You were supposed to be in the same year as Ginny!"

Of course, I was supposed to. I wink at them, then raise my eyebrows twice, subtly hinting that a certain professor is to blame for this. The two high-five and we start our secret handshake. Ever since I met them and joined in on their pranks, we created a handshake just for us, and it feels so good to know they consider me their little sister.

I'm incredibly happy that this news has cheered them up so much. I thought they would be more shocked or a bit upset that I have some "connections" at school. I wouldn't really call it that—they probably did it so I could be with Harry and maybe we could become friends. The twins still have no idea that I'm related to him, and I think it's better this way for now. I'm already known because of my mother, and I don't want any more weirdos on my case like that day I went with Severus to Diagon Alley.

Suddenly, Fred gently grabs my arm and pulls me towards his mother, and I instantly turn red. Great, this idiot acts without thinking. I hold back from hitting him in front of Molly; it wouldn't be polite, plus I'll have plenty of time to bury him when we get to the castle.

"Mom, I want to quickly introduce you to the troublemaker I told you about," he starts, making me blush. Troublemaker? Nice, what can I say?

I watch her closely, somehow taken aback by her aura. It's much brighter than my mother's, but I can also sense that underlying sadness inside her.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Lyra!" I say, nervously extending my hand towards her.

I know I'll regret this, but I can't miss the opportunity. If I want my mother to reconnect with her old friends, then I need to understand the pain of this woman who was by her side during so many moments, despite the secrets she had kept from her.

She gently takes my hand, patting it with her other one. Merlin, I feel like the air is knocked out of my lungs, and I want to burst into tears, maybe even more than when I touched Harry. This is a completely different kind of pain—one tied to loss and the death of loved ones, and the sobs and cries I hear only amplify that feeling. I maintain my smile, biting my tongue, and eventually, she lets go of my hand, bringing me great relief.

Now all I want is to lock myself in the train bathroom and cry a little.

"It's nice to meet you too, dear. I understand you were raised by Professor McGonagall, right?" Molly asks in a gentle tone.

"Yes, my mother wanted her to raise me if anything happened to her."

I swallow hard. The question is coming, I'm sure of it.

"Your mother? What was her name, my dear?"

"Rovergrood. Catherine Rovergrood."

I see all the color drain from her face, but she doesn't get the chance to ask me anything else because we're being called into the carriages. I say goodbye to Molly, my heart pounding at the thought of leaving her like this, without any explanation. Good job, Lyra, good job!

I swear I feel like banging my head against every wall right now—I could have been gentler or even avoided this situation. Merlin, what must she be thinking now, standing there alone on the platform? I sigh in frustration, blaming myself a little. I should go find that bathroom and cry as much as I can.

That woman has lost so many loved ones, and the pain in her heart killed me for a few seconds. It's different from what Harry went through. I felt some loneliness or injustice with him, but Molly... she seemed to have lost someone with whom she shared a blood bond, someone who died. Probably a sibling or two, or a parent—I can't think of anything else.

My legs keep moving on their own, straight ahead, trying my best to avoid the older students, not to look at or touch them because I couldn't handle more pain. Finally, I find the bathroom and lock myself inside. I murmur a *Muffliato* spell and lean against the door, sliding down to the floor, crying loudly and screaming until my vocal cords hurt. How can people feel so much pain?

*******

Is it even worth mentioning that I've been wandering around here for a while and still have no idea where I'm going? I mean, I want to find Draco, but at the same time, I want to see Harry too. Maybe it would be a good idea to look for that blond brat first—just hope he's not with some new pure-blood friends of his. Just like my mother, I can't stand most of them, especially the proud ones who say that wizards born from Muggles shouldn't come to Hogwarts.

I could strangle those kinds of people, but I hold back for my mother's sake... or I can let her do it instead. I snort at that thought, continuing my path through the compartments while humming a random tune. At one point, I stop in front of a door, feeling an extremely strong negative energy. I turn towards it, seeing a boy who seems to be in his first year, dark-haired with the most electric blue eyes I've ever seen.

My skin crawls. It might be a good idea to stay away from him—his aura's darkness doesn't sit well with me. I shake my head, walking further until I feel someone pull me from behind, making me spin around like an owl.

"What's up, little vampire? Did you miss me?"

Draco's smirk is so irritating, but I can't stop myself from throwing my arms around him as if we haven't seen each other in ages. He then pulls me into his compartment, where I find the other three idiots, and I hug them just as tightly. Pansy Parkinson, Theo Nott, and Blaise Zabini are the other troublemakers in our group and some of the best pranksters.

I sit on a bench, looking at each of them before pulling out the letter and handing it to them to read. These idiots don't believe me when I tell them we'll be in the same year. Well, what can I say? The perks of being a professor's child.

And their joy is so infectious, it makes me forget the sadness caused by Molly Weasley's grief. These four always manage to make me feel better, and I'm so grateful to them with all my heart. They all hug me, offering me the warmth I've grown so used to over the years, and it feels so good, Merlin!

"So we're in the same year, possibly the same house, and we'll spend our time learning and getting out of trouble?" Theo asks, shocked. "Damn, these are going to be the best years of our lives!"

"Let's not forget about the cursed exams next summer."

"Stop being such a party pooper, Zabini!" Pansy exclaims, annoyed. "We'll get through those too—relax, we have Lyra here to educate us when we're dumb."

We all burst into laughter. For a while now, I've been nicknamed the mom of the group, along with Blaise, who is much more rational than Dray, ironically. I adore these people; their humor is so refreshing and much needed right now.

"I'm feeling better now. So, I've got a question that's been bugging me for a while. Do we want to continue with Operation Cupid this year?" Blaise asks with that classic grin of his.

"Do you even have to ask? I'm willing to take a week of detention if we manage to pull it off!" says Theo, excited. "And I think I'm speaking for Pansy too when I say this, but you guys need to be on board as well."

I raise an eyebrow at Dray, waiting for him to say something. We've been trying this for a few years, and it feels like it's all for nothing, but I, for one, don't want to give up. Plus, it might be one of the only times we can spend together as a group, without worrying about studying or whatever.

"Uncle Severus has been alone for far too long," Dray murmurs, concerned. "And so has your mom, Ly. They're both still young! They're only thirty-one, and they've sacrificed so much already. Plus... they both deserve a chance at love."

"I'm not saying they don't, Draco. But they hate each other to the core."

"I don't think so," I say thoughtfully. "There's something in their eyes that tells me the opposite, a spark of love only for the other. I don't know how to explain it—it's like they speak just through glances. I wish they'd let go of their pride and give themselves at least a chance."

Because they both deserve this chance, especially after all the pain in their hearts, which has been killing me inside. I try to understand how an adult can live while their heart cries for help constantly. Maybe I'm too young for this discussion? Maybe I haven't gone through enough to figure out the answer on my own?

Most likely. I shake my head, returning to the present, to my four friends who bring so much light into my life, I don't even know how to thank them for it. We start coming up with a few plans to bring those two stubborn people together and make them spend as much time alone as possible. I think we'll go with our classic move of locking them in the library, only this time, we'll leave them there overnight.

I'm pretty sure I can convince Madam Pince to help us—I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and I really want to use them. Amidst our laughter, I don't immediately notice the gloomy expression on Dray's face, only realizing it when we're halfway through the journey.

"Dray, are you okay?" Pansy asks, concerned.

"We're making plans for them and all, but we haven't considered one small yet very important detail," he says, bringing his fingers together under his chin, seemingly thinking about how to phrase it. "And that problem is coming to Hogwarts this year... specifically Harry."

Oh, damn! I forgot about the hatred Severus had for Uncle James, and I'm sure that hatred will carry over to Harry.

Great.

"Snape hates Harry, and I bet it'll be mutual. And if he finds out we're trying to match his aunt, whom he doesn't even know, with his father's enemy, he'll take our heads off," Theo's words spin in my mind.

"So, what do you want us to do now? Give up because of Lyra's cousin, who probably won't approve of a relationship between two people he doesn't even know yet?"

"Of course not, Blaise."

I immediately catch my friends' attention, who are raising their eyebrows in surprise.

"Harry wasn't raised by Mom, even though she wanted to do that. He has no right to interfere in her life, just like I don't. She needs someone who will cherish her more than anything in this world, and the only person who can do that right now is Severus."

I smile broadly when they all nod enthusiastically. Well, we've got a mission, and I fully intend to see it through as soon as possible.

"So, what are we waiting for? Let's kick off Operation Cupid!"