You Only Live Once

CHAPTER 26

The healers at St. Mungo's had finally allowed Mira to return to Potter Manor, but the freedom came with a heavy price. She was under strict instructions to stay in bed all day, every day. It was a frustrating existence for someone who used to spend her time roaming the Hogwarts corridors or walking around the Manor's kitchen . Now, her world was reduced to the four walls of her bedroom and the view of the sprawling gardens from her window.

Mira hated feeling like a burden. No matter how many times Mia and Monty assured her that they were happy to care for her, she still felt a twinge of guilt every time she had to ask for a glass of water or help adjusting her pillows. The Potters already had enough on their plates with the war intensifying, and Mira didn't want to be one more problem to solve.

James and Sirius were around the house often, but their presence was loud and restless. They were officially members of the Order of the Phoenix now, a fact that made Mira's stomach twist with anxiety. She knew Dumbledore had recruited them as soon as they came of age, but knowing it was coming didn't make the reality any easier. Secret meetings were one thing, but the missions were becoming more frequent and far more dangerous.

The thought of her Gryffindor family facing off against her Slytherin friends on a battlefield was a nightmare she couldn't escape. She lived in constant fear that she would wake up to news that someone she loved had hurt someone else she loved.

Lily and Remus visited whenever they could, usually appearing at the Manor after an Order meeting with tired eyes but warm smiles. They were so relieved she had survived the attack that they were more than happy to play nurse, bringing her books from the library or just sitting with her to talk.

By the end of July, Mira was finally starting to feel like herself again. The agonizing pain had faded into a dull ache, and she had regained enough strength to sit up and eat without help. She was convinced that by next week, she would be able to take her first steps.

Tonight, however, the house felt unusually empty. Everyone was out at an Order meeting that was expected to run late into the night. It also happened to be the night of a major pureblood party that every one of her Slytherin friends would be attending. Mira felt a sharp pang of jealousy. She missed them all terribly. Even Regulus, with his quiet brooding and sharp wit.

She was particularly hurt by Barty. Mr. Crouch had promised dozens of times that Barty would visit her just like he had during the school holidays, but the boy had never showed up. Mira couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong, or if he was simply avoiding her because he didn't know what to say about the attack.

A gentle knock at the door broke her train of thought.

"Rosie, sweetheart" Mia said, peeking her head inside the room. "I'm going to bed, love. It's getting quite late for me. If the boys come back, tell them to wake me up" she said with a tired but sweet smile. "Which I doubt they will" she added, already turning to close the door.

"Goodnight, Mia!" Mira shouted back, feeling a bit bewildered.

Usually, Mia would come into the room, sit on the edge of the bed, and talk to her for at least twenty minutes. She would kiss Mira's temple and check if she needed any fresh water. To have her just wave from the doorway was strange. It made Mira's sense of isolation feel even deeper. She was stuck in bed, her friends were at a party, and now her nightly company had vanished.

She lay there in the silence of the Manor, staring at the ceiling and craving someone to talk to. The quiet felt heavy until, ten minutes later, there was another knock on the door. This one was different—firmer and more rhythmic. Before she could even say come in, the door swung open.

"Did someone order something hot?"

Mira's heart did a somersault. Theodore Nott was leaning against the door frame, a roguish smile playing on his lips. He looked windswept and handsome, completely out of place in the quiet Potter household.