firecracker ???

Dumbledore summoned her first.

It was late evening, the castle dim and flickering with dying torchlight, when Lyra stepped into the Headmaster's office. The air was heavy with scent — old wood, lemon drops, smoke. The fire crackled softly in the hearth.

Lucius Malfoy was already seated, calm as stone, hands folded atop one knee.

Regulus stood near the window, arms crossed, looking out as though waiting for something darker than an owl.

"You've found another," Lyra said before anyone spoke.

Dumbledore inclined his head. "We believe so."

Regulus turned. "The Diadem. Rowena Ravenclaw's."

Lyra's brow twitched. "The lost heirloom?"

Lucius gave a single nod. "Hidden in a place that hides everything."

"The Room of Requirement," Dumbledore said. "A room that shifts its shape for whoever walks past with need."

"I've used it," Lyra replied. "Draco's using it this year—for his cabinet."

"Then that is your entry," Lucius said. "Assist him. Help with the cabinet. But search for the Diadem."

"He trusts you," Regulus added. "That's rare for him."

"I'm not sure what I'm looking for," Lyra admitted.

"It will feel... wrong," Dumbledore said quietly. "The way the Cup did. The way the Ring did. You'll know."

Lucius tilted his head. "Be careful. And don't lose focus. The Vanishing Cabinet is a distraction—necessary, but not your mission."

"You will tell no one of the cabinet," Regulus added, "Not even Potter."

That made her glance up. "I haven't."

"Good," Lucius said. "Keep it that way."

There was no further discussion.

Just the weight of purpose, her father's cold gaze softening for only a moment as he stood to leave.

-

She began visiting the Room the next day.

"Helping Draco find something," she told Harry when he asked.

Which was true.

Mostly. 

Draco was already spending long hours in the seventh floor corridor, pacing and muttering to the walls. She joined him quietly, and the room welcomed her like an old friend.

Sometimes, it was full of broken furniture and ancient books. Sometimes a hollow cathedral of dust and forgotten things.

Sometimes, she slipped in when Draco wasn't there. Whispering her own needs. Searching shelves alone.

The Diadem never appeared.

But something shimmered at the edge of her reach—something buried.

She could feel it watching.

She never told Harry what she was looking for.

And she never told him Draco's task.

At first, he didn't notice.

Then... he did.

"You didn't come to dinner."

"I was busy."

"With what?"

"Something with Draco."

It became routine.