Constellations of Black

Chapter 55

Lyra and Cetus glanced at each other, watching as their father stirred the potion he was currently working on. The mandrake leaf sat comfortably under their tongue. It had been almost a month since Regulus had instructed them to keep it under their tongues. Which also meant they would be leaving for the Weasleys and the Malfoys soon.

"Just a few more days of you two having to deal with the leaf, then we can continue the ritual," Regulus looked at the twins, who looked relieved at the news. He turned his attention back to the cauldron, turning the burner off.

Lyra and Regulus stepped through the floo network and into the Leaky Cauldron. It had been the meeting point for them and Narcissa. Mrs Malfoy stood and smiled, brushing off imaginary dust. Regulus had his normal disguise on.

"Mrs Malfoy," Ryan greeted happily, slipping something into his cousin's hand as they shook.

"Good morning, Mr Nerro. Good morning, Lyra," Narcissa dipped her head in greeting, pocketing the slipped item.

"Thank you so much for taking her until the term starts, please write if she causes any trouble," Ryan played up the accent before turning to the twins.

Lyra hugged her father tightly. Even though she was excited to see Draco and Narcissa, she didn't want her father to leave.

"Se mai avessi bisogno di qualcosa da lei, chiediglielo in francese," Regulus started before looking at Narcissa and changing languages, "C'est vrai, Cissa? Ils peuvent parler français quand ils ont besoin de vous?"

Narcissa nodded. Regulus nodded slightly and gave his daughter a tight hug and a kiss on her hair. Regulus left through the floo with a roar of green flames trailing behind. Lyra fidgeted with her blouse collar, just as she had done at King's Cross.

"Draco has told me a lot about both of you, as has your father. And before anything, yes I know," Narcissa got straight to the point as she lowered her voice, "I know the truth and I'm trying to do the same as your father. Before all else, let's get to the manor."

Narcissa gently grasped Lyra's hand and the witches apparated away with a click.

Harry walked the field to the playground alone. It was a beautiful day in Surrey, free of clouds but with a soft breeze. With Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon off at work, Harry finally got the chance to get out of the bloody house just for a little while. After all, both boys were getting older and the older couple never paid much attention to Harry anyway.

Harry regretted not asking his godfather if he could live with him for the holiday. He couldn't floo or send owls to anyone. Potter didn't know if Cetus and his family were off travelling wizarding Europe once more. Hermione was likely off spending her summer with her parents and her muggle friends. He couldn't go with the Weasleys, knowing Molly and Arthur struggled enough with the twins, Ron, and Ginny still at home. Neville was likely off somewhere too, with his grandmother. Plus, the Dark Lord was back.

"Come on, love, off you get," Harry watched as a mother beckoned her son off the merry-go-round, the woman wanting to go back home.

Oh, what Harry would give to have his mother and father alive. The boy complained slightly, not ready to leave the playground quite yet. The old merry-go-round kept spinning as the mother made a compromise with her son, Harry watching the structure absent-mindedly. Dudley and his friends stood nearby, watching and snickering. He looked down, trying to hide the bruising some, Dudley had done a number on him.

"He squealed like a pig, didn't he?" One of Dudley's friends asked.

"Yeah, brilliant punch, Big D," Another praised, "Did you see his face?"