'she held me spellbound in the night, dancing shadows and firelight'
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"Black! Wake up, you bloody tosspot!"
Lyra hurled her pillow at the young redhead who stood at the end of her bed. "Go away, Ginny. Let me sleep."
It was the morning - or afternoon, rather - after the Black Ball, and Lyra had a vicious headache. The night had gone excellently, with no meltdown over her appearance as she changed into her dress. In fact, Lyra made sure everyone had a good glimpse at her. Maybe if they thought they saw her vulnerabilities she'd be prepared for when they tried to use them against her.
She was right, of course. At some time through the night when she was separated from George, Mary and Cedric, Druella had found her. Her Aunt held her wand pointedly at her collarbones, pushing her long curls away for a closer look.
"You filthy creature," she'd whispered harshly. "Wearing these scars around. You're only drawing attention to yourself. Not even using your silly half breed powers to cover it."
Lyra had rolled her eyes and shoved past the woman, making sure to step on her exposed toes. "Go to hell, Druella."
But now Lyra was suffering the consequences of one too many glasses of wine. "Shut the ruddy curtains. It's too bright in here..."
She buried her head further under the sheets as Ginny's footsteps approached, "Get. Up. Now."
"No."
"I'll hex your eyebrows off - !"
"Ginevra Weasley!"
Lyra let out a sigh of relief as Molly's familiar voice entered the room.
"What?" Ginny asked, innocently. "I just wanted to play some The Weird Sisters."
"Yes, dear," Molly hummed, guiding her daughter out of the room before closing the door. The bed across Lyra groaned, indicating that the older woman had taken a seat. "I brought up a draught, should make you feel replenished in a mo'."
She sat up, drawing the sheets down and resting her back against the bed frame. Her neck cracked as she leaned forward to take the mug from Molly's delicate hands, and downed the drink in one go. Her headache immediately faded, and the world seemed to dim, enabling her to look around without squinting. "Thank you."
"No problem, deary." Molly waved her hand dismissively. "I just wanted to check if you were staying for the rest of the holidays?"
Lyra gnawed her lip. There were still two weeks until school resumed, and she didn't want to bother Molly. On the other hand, Lyra lived just beyond the fields, an easy walk to her own home, if need be. "If it's alright with you?"
"Of course it is," Molly smiled, warmly. "It's always lovely to have you around. You help keep the boys in line."
Lyra chuckled, her gaze falling to her hands as they hauled her to a stand. "I try."
