Where Secrets Abound

"Are you sure I can't just copy the last bit, Remus?" Lyra heard James Potter pestering his friend. It was nearly time for the end of year exams, and the Gryffindor show off hadn't prepared in any way. Now, Lyra was stuck listening to them bicker in the courtyard while she attempted to study.

Christmas had come and gone, yet she still hadn't worked up the courage to confront Lovetta and Remus. Every time the opportunity arose, she wound up convincing herself that she needed to do more research first. If there were some way to help, Lyra reasoned, wouldn't it be better not to go to them empty-handed? So far, there was only one option, but it was highly illegal, not to mention dangerous. Still, that Slytherin part of her heart had set its ambitions on helping her friend, so by Merlin's beard, she was going to get it done. And, that meant proceeding with the only thing she could think to do. First things first: Where could she get ahold of a mandrake leaf?

Suddenly, the answer came to her. Dear Lucius would do anything for his sweet, innocent, baby sister... Lyra snapped her book shut, startling the four Gryffindor boys, and jumped up, practically running off to find her brother.

"What's her hurry?" she heard Potter muttering as she went, but it didn't bother her at all. Nothing could distract her right now.

---

"Lucius? Can I see you for a second?"

Her brother had been easy enough to find, chatting up Narcissa Black in the Great Hall. Lucius actually almost seemed relieved, like he'd just run out of things to talk about and Lyra had just come to his rescue. A small smile crossed his face.

"Of course, Lyra," he said, standing. He lead her out the doors and onto the grounds, turning to her when they were away from most other students. "Now, what is it you want to talk about?"

"Well..." she began, not even needing to pretend to be hesitant, "You know how much I love my studying."

Lucius nodded. "Of course. I do hope you're well prepared for your exams, for that matter..."

"That's actually part of what I wanted to talk about. I'm done with all of that, and things got boring, so I was reading some of your old second and third year books--"

"Third year?" Her brother quirked an eyebrow. "That's a bit elementary for you, isn't it, Lyra?"

"Yes, I know, but I couldn't help but notice something new this time. I was doing some more thorough research in Herbology when I realized I've never actually gotten the chance to see a Mandrake leaf for myself. I know first years aren't allowed to take anything from the greenhouses, and that nobody is supposed to take any plant samples without permission, but... Lucius, do you think..." Sighing, she pretended to be disappointed in her own idea. "Nevermind, it's a silly idea. I know none of the teachers would ever allow it, but I just so wish I could study one."

Lucius made a soft tsking sound. "Come now, my dear sister, you know I'll make anything happen to keep you happy." Smirking, he swiftly kissed her forehead and turned to stride away. "I'll find you later, Lyra. Don't wait up, now..."

Well... That had gone smoother than expected. It had been a long, long time since Lyra had pulled the helpless little sister card, but she found it more effective when used sparingly anyway. So, once she had that Mandrake leaf, then the next phase of the plan - the most tricky phase - could begin. But, she had only asked Lucius for one leaf, so that meant only one chance... She'd have to get it right on the first try. There was just one last thing Lyra needed to do before she began.

---

After the bell had rung, Lyra made her way into the classroom. The sixth years paid her no mind as they left for dinner, and soon, the only one left in the room was the Gryffindor Head of House.

"Professor McGonagall?" Lyra spoke up shyly.

The woman peered over her spectacles at the small girl before her. "Miss Malfoy? What are you doing here at this time of the day?"

"I... I came to ask you about Animagi."

"Animagi?" McGonagall repeated. "That's rather advanced magic for a first year to be wondering about. You're not meant to learn about that subject until third year." There was a hint of a smile on her face as she continued, "What is it you wish to know?"

Lyra gave her a small smile. "Are there any books that detail the exact process of becoming an Animagus? I find it all so fascinating."

McGonagall hummed in thought. "Yes, such books do indeed exist, but they are in the restricted section of the library."

"Oh, well that's alright, Professor... Thank you for your time." Lyra turned to walk away, but McGonagall stopped her.

"Miss Malfoy... You are a very bright young witch. If you truly wish to learn, I could answer any questions you may have."

Lyra brightened at that. "Really? Thank you, Professor!" After a moment's hesitation, she reached into her bag and grabbed a piece of parchment to take notes. "I want to be an Animagus," she admitted. "When I'm of age, of course..."

McGonagall nodded. "It is no easy task, but I see great potential in you."

"Thank you..." Lyra knew she was blushing, but she wasn't used to being thought of so highly by an adult. "I know about needing a Mandrake leaf, but I'm a bit confused about the potion that's needed afterwards," she started, ready to write down every word.

Throughout the time spent asking questions, Lyra had a strange feeling that McGonagall could see right through her, but the woman never once confronted her about why she was being so detailed in her research. She did, however, part with a warning.

"Just remember, Miss Malfoy, Animagus transformations are closely monitored for a reason. It is a very dangerous process, and it is all too easy to get it wrong. When you do attempt this, keep in mind all of the details." Then, she smiled. "I wish the best of luck to you." Almost as an afterthought, she added, "When you're of age to complete the process, of course." Her wise eyes sparkled with a hidden knowledge, but she said nothing more.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall."

The door closed behind her, and Lyra looked back over her notes. This plan was stupid, reckless, and dangerous. It was everything she shouldn't do, yet at the same time, it was everything she needed to do to be able to help her friend. The internal conflict was giving Lyra a headache. There was only one way to reconcile the two warring ideals: by imitating the mindset of someone who was stupid, reckless, and dangerous on a daily basis. With a feeling of great irritation, Lyra realized that she needed to learn how to think more like Sirius Black.