The Archer

September 1st, 1971
Lyra felt almost overwhelmed the moment she stepped out of the floo at platform 9 & 3/4, there were hundreds of families, some in wizards robes like her own, some in what she could only assume was typical muggle attire, and some, like her sisters, prefect and head girl, already in their Hogwarts uniform.

“Come Along, little star” her father called, as he pushed her gently, his hand resting on her back

“Shall we try and find your cousin?” Lyra perked up at this, Sirius has promised they would sit together on the train, thank Merlin.

After searching the crowded platform, Sirius was nowhere to be found, presumably running late, she hoped maybe she could sit with her elder sisters until Sirius found the compartment, then they could go off on their own.

The 10 minute warning whistle went off as Lucius Malfoy arrived, greeting the elder Blacks as proper pureblood should
“Hello Lyra, are you looking forward to joining the ranks of Slytherin” the haughty boy asked,

She smirked despite her nerves that she was not fit for Slytherin house, not holding the same values or cunning as the rest of her family, “ of course I am”

As Lucius appeared to linger, Andromeda made her leave, “Goodbye mother, father,” she said rather coldly compared to the other times Lyra had come to see them off, “I must go and get read, as head girl, I am running the meeting which is about to start”

She turned to Lyra, “and I’ll see you as soon, I’m so happy you’re joining us” with a kiss to her head, she was off on the train.

As the youngest Black said goodbyes, her father embraced her “Lyra, you will do brilliant, as have your sisters, I know it” he gave her a kiss on the cheek and she turned to her mother,

“Make Slytherin proud Lyra, you’ll have a big job ahead of you with Sirius in your year as well, you must ensure the Black name is not tarnished by his misconduct” to this she received a tap on the shoulder, warm for her mother.

Aboard the train, she searched for Sirius, hoping she would find her best friend soon. As she walked she came across a compartment with a young boy inside, he was dressed in his uniform and reading one of her favourite books; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them By Newt Scamander.

Lyra figured it wouldn't be her to say hello, she loved to talk about her favourite books, and he looked lonely, sitting by himself, but maybe he was waiting for his best friend too? She internally argued before coming to a decision

“I love that book, it’s my absolute favourite” she smiled at the boy,

The young boy looked wary as Lyra sat down, but he responded “It’s my second read through”, he said quietly.

“I absolutely love reading about nifflers, they’re quite interesting, though mum would never let me have one” she sighed at the last bit.

The young boy let out a laugh at this “I never thought of that before, although I’ve always thought a bowtruckle could be nice, maybe” he finished, seeming more comfortable.

“Are you a first year as well?” Lyra asked

“ I am” he said straightening up at this inquisition,

“ I’m Lyra Black, what house do you expect to get, my whole family is Slytherin, but I’m not so sure I’m fit for it.” the young blonde rambled.

“Remus Lupin” the boy smiled, “I’m not sure, I doubt Slytherin, and I don't think I’m brave enough to be Gryffindor, I like to read so maybe Ravenclaw?”

Lyra sized up the dirty blonde, he had a scar under his lip, and another on his temple, he looked brave enough to her, just as she was about to respond, Andromeda walked in.

“Lyra, there you are, Sirius said he could not find you still” she rolled her eyes at the young girl, the noticing her companion

“Hello, I’m Andromeda, head girl.” she stuck her hand out for him to shake it in greeting.
.
Remus looked hesitant to shake the elder girls hand, just as it looked like he wanted to make a mad dash Lyra cut in, “and my Sister, don’t worry Remus, she’s not the scary one, she won’t bite” she teased

Remus hesitantly shook her hand and smiled slightly, “can you take us to Sirius Dromeda?” Lyra asked.

“I’m supposed to continue my rounds but he’s about 20 compartments down” she ruffled Lyra’s hair and set off.

“Come on Remus, as my new friend, you must come meet my best friend, Sirius” she grabbed his hand tugging him along

Remus looked hesitant, but the headstrong girl did not give him a chance to say he would be okay staying alone again. Remus had a feeling that this would become a frequent theme, especially if they became housemates.

As the duo approached, a commotion could be heard coming from a near by cart and Lyra knew she had found her cousin.

In the compartment, Lyra found Sirius, and a boy with messy black hair and hazel eyes that were staring back at her as she entered the cabin.

“Ah, dear cousin, so glad you finally found me” Sirius smiled and patted his seat. Lyra took her place next to Sirius while Remus hesitantly sat next to James.

Lyra turned to the bespectacled boy and introduced herself “I’m Lyra Black, Sirius’s cousin” she stuck out her hand and James shook it “ and next to you is my new friend Remus Lupin”, who shook both the boys hands, just as the trolley came by.

Feasting on their chocolate frogs and sugar quills, Lyra rested her head on Sirius’ shoulder, all three boys were now in an animated discussion about the quidditch league, and though Lyra enjoyed quidditch, she was quite nervous about what was to come and did not feel like speaking.

After some time had passed, Lyra turned to Sirius, “Sirius, what do you think will happen if I don’t make Slytherin, do you think they’ll be mad?”

Sirius gave Lyra a comforting look and wrapped his arm around her, “ I’m not sure, I’m worried too, but I doubt Cissa and Dromeda would be mad, and you’ll always have me” he gave her a somewhat reassuring smile.

James noticing the tension, spoke up “well I’ll be your friend no matter what house any of you are in” he grinned widely, “no matter what us lot will all be mates, you’re the first people I met here”

Remus hummed in agreement “Lyra, you were so kind, I’ll be your friend no matter the house too.” Lyra blushed slightly as she made eye contact with the green eyed boy.

“Thanks James, Remus, I agree, Friends no matter” she smiled and excused her self to change into her uniform.

As the first years disembarked the train, Lyra grabbed Sirius’ hand, nerves and excitement all at once at the site of the beautiful castle encased by the glow of sunset, following the large man to the boats.

“Oi! You lot!” James called from up ahead, Remus not far behind, “I’ve found a boat for us”,

Lyra, Sirius and Remus joined their new friend on the boat, as she looked around Sirius began to rock the boat.

James joined in as Lyra looked queasy and Sirius just laughed.

“Merlin, you two are going to make me sick” the lady of the group groaned.

“Oh please don't be sick, that’ll make me sick” James whined, finally stopping the rocking as shore approached

As the quartet began to walk forward James gushed about the sorting “I just know I’m bound for Gryffindor, best house there is!” he exclaimed, not watching his step, tripping on the boy in front of him.

“You bloody wanker watch where you’re going” a boy with black eyes and chin length black hair to match yelled.

“Oi! Who are you to talk to my friend like that?” Sirius questioned, and Lyra could see his temper rising, as Remus gave James a hand up.

“Not to worry mates, a Gryffindor is always prepared, didn’t even get scuffed up” he smiled raising his hands in armistice

“Of course you want to be Gryffindor,” the black eyed boy rolled his eyes.

“Leave it alone” Lyra spoke, grabbing her cousin's hand, and dragging him forward, towards the great hall, as the other two boys followed.

The four new friends anxiously awaited their turns as the first student, “Abott, Eric”
was called up to the stool and then subsequently sorted into Ravenclaw.

As the A’s drew to a close with Reem Abdoni going to Hufflepuff, Lyra Squeezed Sirius’s hand a little tighter, looking over at her sisters at the Slytherin table.

“Black, Lyra” was called, breaking her out of her trance, Sirius gave her a reassuring nod as she let go of his hand and walked up. Before the hat was placed on her head, she saw smiles from her sisters and Remus, as well as a thumbs up from James”

“Hmmm, another Black, where should I put you” the hat spoke in her mind as she thought about Slytherin and the disappointment of her family.

“While you do have many Slytherin qualities, I see far more greatness for you somewhere else” Lyra held her breath, heart beating rapidly, sweet merlin, she was about to be the only Black to never make Slytherin.

“Wit beyond measure, quite wise, a knack for knowledge, I see greatness and success for you” she squeezed her eyes shut praying he still meant Slytherin.

“BETTER BE RAVENCLAW” that hat yelled allowed, and she gasped, frozen on the spot, looking at her sister’s then to her cousin, and back to her sisters.

Narcissa looked stunned, but not angry, while Andromeda smiled and nodded her head to the table to Slytherin’s left. Hands shaking, and heart pounding, she stood up and joined the ravenclaw table, sitting on the side closer to Slytherin so she could see the sorting, and not have to face her sisters disdain just yet.

Sirius was called up and gave her a smile of reassurance, as she waited for him to be sorted, mortified she would be the only Black to ever not be in Slytherin, when to her shock, the hat called “GRYFFINDOR”, Sirius looked pleased with himself, at this revelation and went to become the first Gryffindor of the year.

The sorting continued, with James, Remus, one other boy and three girls, joining the Gryffindor table. The boys gave her a small wave from across the hall, which she returned rather slomenly.

Meanwhile, Lyra and Eric Abott were joined by several other girls and boys. Eric told her that traditionally Ravenclaw always had a large number of students, she hummed in response and began digging into her food.

Lyra found herself enjoying conversation with Emmaline her new housemate, through out dinner, however as it drew to a close she became more nervous. When their prefect, Sri Patel, called them to follow to Ravenclaw tower, However, noticing her sister, she told Emmaline she would meet her in the tower, and had something to do first, running after the Slytherin.

“Cissa” she yelled and the gorgeous blonde turned, noticing her little sister, a look of worry immediately washing over her features.

“Lyra, what are you doing here you should have followed your prefect?” she said in alarm

Lyra immediately burst into to tears throwing her arms around her sister, “Please don’t hate me” she sobbed “ Please I didn’t mean to be placed in Ravenclaw” Narcissa knelt down and gave her sister a hug.

“Little star I could never hate you, you’re my favourite sister you know” she rubbed her back comfortingly, “you’ve always been too smart for us, It was no surprise, you will do fantastic in Ravenclaw” the sixteen year old comforted her sweet sister.

“But…But…Andromeda” wailed Lyra, clearly worried, “and Mummy and Daddy…and….Bella…Bellatrix” she cried.

“Oh Lyra, it will be okay” she cooed, “Let me get Andromeda for you, she can tell you herself” she picked her sister, carrying her the rest of the way to the dungeons, seeming to have finally calmed down a bit.

“You wait right here, I’ll be right back” she planted a kiss on the little girls forehead and entered the common room.

After several minutes, Lyra had managed to calm her self down, sitting on the cool dungeon floor, when her sisters emerged from the door, immediately they encompassed her, Andromeda on her left, Narcissa on her right.

“Oh Lyra, you must know I’m so proud of you for making Ravenclaw, it doesn’t matter what house you’re in I will always love you” she reassured her, running her hands through her little sisters hair, like she would to when Lyra snuck into her room at night.

Lyra turned and hugged her big sister, “promise you'll both still talk to me?” she sniffled, turning her head to look at Narcissa, while remaining in Andromeda’s embrace

The elder sisters seemed to be having an unspoken conversation over their sister’s head, and then Narcissa spoke “of course we will still talk to you” she rubbed her sister’s arm “We’ll talk to you all the time!” Andromeda added.

“We can even spend time together studying in the library, or out by the lake while its nice” Narcissa, always the softest sister, insisted

“I doubt we can manage to get you in our common room, but we’ll walk you back to your own now” Andromeda said, standing up and dusting off her skirt.

Narcissa and Lyra joined her, and the elder two both grabbed one of Lyra’s hands beginning to walk towards the tower, the little girl feeling much better than she had before “and not to worry, you’ll make loads of friends, even if you don’t know the other Ravenclaws yet, they’re very nice, I’ve a friend in there, she’s a prefect” Andromeda smiled.

“Well of course, I've already made two friends on the train, but they’re both Gryffindor, with Sirius,” Lyra replied, looking down at her mary-janes.

“Don’t worry Lyra, now, do you know the password?” Narcissa asked as they reached the top of the stairs.

At this Lyra rolled her eyes, “Haven’t you read Hogwarts a History? Ravenclaws answer a riddle each time, there’s no password”

“Oh of course, I just forgot, How many times did I read that to you?” Narcissa responded. Lyra knocked on the door, her sisters waiting anxiously,

“What’s always on its way but never arrives?” spoke the door, Lyra puzzled the question for a minute before arriving at her answer.

“Tomorrow” she said proudly, and the door swung open.

Before she left she turned to her sisters, the two girls she always felt she was a perfect mix of. With Andromeda’s soft brown eyes and wavy hair, but Narcissa’s face shape and golden locks. “I love you both” she said as she launched herself on the both of them, hugging them as tight as she could.

“And we love you little star” Andromeda said as she hugged her littlest sister, “Always” Narcissa said, with a kiss to her sister’s cheek.

Lyra let go, heading to the common room, turning back one last time “I’m so glad you’re my sisters” she beamed “I’ll see you tomorrow”

“Until Tomorrow” Narcissa smiled heading back down the winding stairs, towards the dungeons

Andromeda lingered a moment, with a somewhat worried, mostly warm way about them “ You’ll always be my sister and I’ll love you no matter what, you remember that Lyra Violetta,” she said, sounding almost like a plea.

The sisters stared at each other for a moment before Narcissa’s yell echoed up the stairs “Dromeda? Are you coming?”, at this she turned and left.

Lyra shut the door to the common room, taking in the blue and bronze surroundings, ready to take on life as a Ravenclaw, making her way towards the first years sitting on a blue rug by the fire.