How to be a Pureblood

Chapter 21

As the week went on, Lyra started stressing about the upcoming dinner at Malfoy Manor. She had written to her parents to inform them about it and was now anxiously awaiting their reply. She knew they would be ecstatic for her as they saw Lucius as a potential marriage candidate for her. Her mother would want her to wear an emerald gown, of that she was sure. 

The Marauders were all seated for breakfast on Thursday morning, waiting for Lyra. She had walked over to the Slytherin table first to talk to Evan.

"Morning Evan," Lyra leaned in and gave Evan a light kiss on his cheek. "Are you well prepared for dinner at the manor tomorrow?"

"Morning sister," he moved his hair out of his face. "Yes, I am. I've had one of the elves collect my dressrobes for steaming."

"Perfect," Lyra nodded a polite hello at Evan's friends. "I just wanted to check in with you. I assume we will receive a letter from mother with the owls in a bit."

Evan nodded, deep in thought.

"I'm going to join the others for breakfast. I'll see you tomorrow." Lyra waved and walked over to the Gryffindor table.

As she approached her friends, she saw her plate already filled with food, waiting for her at the only free spot, right in the middle.

Lyra sighed and sat down. "Guys, I know you mean well but I feel like I'm being put on display here."

"Lyra, sweetie, we just want to take care of you," James spoke for all of them. He smiled softly at her.

She felt Sirius grab her hand and gently rub it with his thumb. She felt shivers run through her body.

Sirius must have noticed because he pressed his leg against hers. Lyra felt a blush creep onto her face and swallowed.

"You've got this," Sirius whispered into her ear. "take a deep breath."

Lyra inhaled through her nose and started eating. She felt everybody staring at her but noticed them relaxing more after every bite she took. She ate about half of her plate and decided it was enough. Sirius did not seem to agree with that but he kept quiet after one of Lily's death stares. That's when the owls came.

Evan's owl dropped her post and Lyra caught her letter. She quickly read through it and pocketed it in her robe.

"As expected," she shrugged. "Some advice on how to behave, not being alone with Lucius in private, wear green, be docile. I can't wait."

They all struggled through the day, all looking forward to the end of the week. After their classes and dinner, they all gathered in the girls' room to help Lyra pick a dress.

"It has to be elegant and modest but absolutely not boring," Lyra explained to her friends. "It would also be nice if I could breathe in it."

The girls giggled and started digging through her wardrobe.

"So Lyra, are you even related to Malfoy?" James laughed. "It wouldn't be a Pureblood match if you weren't at least somehow related."

Everybody started laughing.

"No, thank Merlin," Lara blew out some air. "I'm pretty sure that mom would have boasted about it if we were."

"How about you and Sirius?" Dorcas asked innocently. "Aren't Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda both cousins of yours?"

"Please allow me to explain," Sirius cleared his throat resulting in laughter. "We have puzzled this out before."

"Yeah," Lyra added. "We're not related."