Chapter 8
Chapter 8
The next morning Draco and Theo have breakfast before going out to ride their brooms. They race around the grounds for hours. At lunch, Theo says that it is time for him to return home.
As soon as Theo floos home Draco summons an elf.
‘Tell mother that Theo went home and I'm headed to Aunt Bella’s house.’
A moment later he exits the floo and begins his search for his cousin. His search leads him to the pool again.
‘My dear cousin. I found you.’
‘What took you so long? When you left yesterday you said you would return after breakfast?’
‘Theo was in my room when I got home. He just left after lunch.’
‘Oh that makes sense. What are we doing today?’
‘Whatever you like, I suppose.’
‘Know anywhere we can go shopping without anyone bothering us?’
‘Well if we can talk your parents into applying a glamor on you, I think we can just go to Diagon?’
Hermione climbs out of the pool. ‘Alright let's go ask.’
Moments later Lyra is changed into simple robes and they are heading to the library looking for Bellatrix.
‘Mother? Can you help me?’
‘Of course darling. What do you need?’
‘I want to go to Diagon today, but I don't want anyone to see me.’
‘I can understand that. I can change your appearance. I'm sorry to say that we have not added you to our vaults yet.’
‘That's ok Auntie, I will get whatever she needs today.’
‘Thank you. Let us know what is spent.’
Bella takes a moment to change Lyra's appearance (strawberry blond curls and a slightly different skin tone, nothing major) before waving goodbye to the teens. They disappear through the floo one after the other. Moments later they enter the alley and begin walking along discussing what stores they plan to visit for the day. The first stop is Gringotts followed by a visit to Madam Malkin's robe shop.
‘What can I get for you today?’
‘Just some nice robes to wear to tea.’
‘And something to wear to a formal family dinner.’
Hermione looks at him questioningly.
‘Father will want a nice dinner when he meets you. I think that's why he is last in line. Everyone wants to know you are well enough.’
Lyra nods. She is feeling much better now that she is actually resting. Soon they leave Madam Malkins, who promises to owl the purchases to Malfoy Manor. Lyra finds herself browsing Flourish and Blotts. Before long she is sitting in an armchair looking at the books she has selected trying to decide what to get and what to put back.
Lyra simply cannot decide. Suddenly she hears raised voices a couple ailes from her. She gets up and walks in that direction.
‘What do you mean you can't hang out? Are you here with someone?’
‘Yes I am. Do you mind?’
‘Is this someone you are serious about?’
‘What are you talking about? I will owl you in a few days and we can hang out ok?’
‘Fine but I want details.’
‘Have a nice day, Blaise.’
‘Yeah, whatever, you too.’
A moment later someone comes around the corner and runs right into Lyra. his arms circle her waist as she begins to fall. Looking up she sees his hazel eyes staring unblinkingly into her own. Before she knows it he releases her and takes a step back.
‘Well hello beautiful. I didn't see you there.’
‘Of course you didn't. No one ever does.’
‘That can't be true. How can anyone not notice you? You are breathtaking.’
‘I'm sure you believe that. I need to get back to my friend.’
‘Anyone I know?’
‘Ah Draco there you are. Let me grab my books and we can go for ice cream?’
He nods silently and follows her past a now silent Blaise.
After Draco purchases her books and arranges for them to be owled to his home, they stop for some ice cream.
‘You do know I'm going to need to answer his questions eventually right?’
‘I know. I trust you will make sure not to say too much. We wouldn't want mother or father to get upset would we?’
‘No, no, we would not. I will figure out what to tell him.’
‘Good thing, something tells me you will do great. Now I think it's time to return home. I'm starting to feel weak again.’
Draco brings Lyra home and gets her into bed to rest. He then floos home to grab her purchases and places them on her desk in her room. When he exits her room the second time he runs into his uncle.
‘Hello Draco, long day?’
‘Yes uncle. We went to diagon. I think I was more than she had energy for but she sat when she needed to. She is already asleep. Everything she purchased is on her desk. I had it all sent to my house then I brought it here. We did run into one of my friends while we were out.’
‘Which one? Is he going to be a problem?’
‘I think Blaise was just trying to flirt with her? Neither of us said her name so I know he is going to be asking me about her when I see him next.’
‘I see. And what did Lyra say?’
‘She trusts that I will say what I need to not to upset you and Aunt Bella.’
‘Then we trust that as well. Is there anything else I need to know about today?’
‘Oh, I wrote down what was spent. Aunt Bella was sad by the fact that Lyra is not added to your vaults yet. I promised to keep track and give it to you. I need to get home for dinner. Have a nice night uncle.’
‘You as well Draco.’
*.*
When Draco arrives home his father is waiting for him.
‘Tell me about your day?’
Draco summarizes everything for his father.
‘So you were out with your cousin and not some random girl?’
‘Of course father. She asked to go out and I thought it would be nice. Aunt Bella changed her appearance because us wandering together would have raised too many other questions.’
‘Alright I understand. Go get ready for dinner while I share this with your mother.’
Draco walks away wondering who was watching him today.
‘You know you could have sent an owl Blaise.’
‘This is more entertaining. Tell me about that girl.’
‘Not much to tell. Met her this week. Went to Diagon and got some ice cream.’
‘Who is she? I have to know the name of such an angel.’
‘You came over here thinking i was… what on a date with her?’
‘Well yes I did think that now I'm not so sure.’
‘And your first reaction is to ask me about her because you want to date her?’
‘I… ok, you have a point. But now it sounds like it wasn't a date so there is nothing wrong with me asking about her.’
‘I think I understand your logic but right now I'm not going to answer your questions. I will ask. Are you staying for dinner?’
‘No mother is expecting me home. I'm going to continue asking questions about her though.’
Blaise leaves a moment later and Draco goes down to dinner with his parents.
*.*
The next day Lyra sleeps in and wakes in time for tea with her mother and aunt. After dressing in the outfit Draco helped her pick out (a simple floral dress) and she goes downstairs to see if Narcissa has arrived.
‘Mother is Aunt Narcissa here yet?’
‘Not yet dear. While we are waiting tell me more about your medicine? Any change in dosage?’
‘Not yet. I'm hoping that this will begin to improve next week or the week after.’
‘That's good to hear. Let us know if you need anything to speed along your recovery.’
‘Just rest as much as I need.’
‘I am glad you are getting more rest then.’
Narcissa enters the room and sits between her sister and niece.
‘Thank you for having me for tea Lyra. It is so nice to meet you.’
‘It is nice to meet you too. Um what would you like me to call you?’
‘Aunt Cissy if you don't mind?’
‘Alright Aunt Cissy it is. Tell me about yourself?’
The rest of the afternoon was spent with the 3 women discussing many topics and most of their acquaintances. The women were attempting to decide who may have been involved in the kidnapping. Nothing was decided however.
‘Your uncles are getting a bit antsy. They both want to meet you but are concerned about your health.’
‘Can we have a nice dinner and I can meet them both?’
‘I'm sure they would both enjoy that. Would you prefer tomorrow or the next day?’
‘Not tomorrow i need to spend some time resting. This week is taking a lot out of me.’
‘We all understand that. there is no rush.’
‘I'm not rushing. I do think I will have the energy the day after tomorrow. It will be mother, father, and myself. You, Uncle Lucius, and Draco. And Uncle Rabastian. That's everyone in the immediate family correct?’
‘Yes dear.’
‘Tell everyone I'm looking forward to dinner. I need to lay down now. Please excuse me.’
Lyra walks into her room and sees an owl at the window. She lets him in and gives him a treat before sending him out again.
The potion pouch that comes with the note seems to be a bit lighter than the last one. Curious Lyra places the potions on her desk and opens the letter.
Ms. Hermione Granger,
Based on the bloodwork you have provided we are able to proceed into the next phase of your treatment. I can still see that you need to get your rest but I'm assuming since your last letter that you are. Please continue to do so.
This week you have some potions to take in the mornings. But the rest are to be taken just before bed. All are clearly labeled but if you find that you have any questions contact me immediately.
Over the next several days you may find that you have more energy than last week. This is not an excuse to get up and exhaust yourself. Rest is key to recovering before the new school year. Keep that in mind.
Sincerely
Madam Pomfrey
Lyra spends the next 2 days reading outside and soaking her muscles in the pool. Draco comes by for brunch the day of the dinner.
‘Hello cousin, did you need any help getting ready for dinner later?’
‘No, I'm sure I have everything under control.’
‘Alright then we can just relax for the rest of the day.’
‘Let's relax by the pool.’
Later that night the family sits together. Lyra meets both of her uncles and finds that she enjoys discussing the finer points of various topics with her whole family. Lyra enjoys having a family that she can connect with.
*.*