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❝ 𝘈𝘯 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺.❞

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Unlike Lyra who was having a peaceful sleep, Amelia was still in her study referring to books that had information on Ancient Dark Wizards. She didn't know how to assess the situation that Lyra was in. They at least had an idea of Voldemort's goals and the extent of his power. But she had no idea about the so-called 'Herpo, the foul'.

If she couldn't even know who he is now, and what his goals are, how were they supposed to protect Lyra from him? And if Lyra wanted to fight, then even more so, they needed to find more about him.

While she knew it was Herpo who created the unforgivable curses, he was the one who created the first Horcrux and ironically bred the first Basilisk, she knew nothing more. Not how he'll approach Lyra and for what reason.

For Merlin's sake, Amelia couldn't even start imagining the extent of power he'd hold if he's lived for several centuries.

The lack of information on Herpo frustrated Amelia so much so that she didn't even bother to eat dinner.

Amelia decided to get a breath of fresh air to clear her mind and took a small walk in the garden. She walked for a few minutes before her mind wandered off thinking about how the children were doing. By this time, they already would have been sorted into their respective houses.

Sitting on the bench, she noticed a Hogwarts owl flying towards her holding three letters.

Of course, it was time they sent it. The letters from the Head of houses informing the parents or guardians of the results of their child's sorting. She took the three letters from the owl and gave it some owl treat from her moleskin pouch. The owl happily hooted and flew away.

The letters were Green, Red and Yellow in colour. And from the colour of the letters, she already figured out the situation, before even opening them. After all, she knew the children's personalities the best. Though she expected Lyra to have a great chance of Gryffindor, it seems her over cautiousness made her not be one.

Imagining Sirius' reaction to his daughter being in Slytherin, Amelia chuckled. He'd definitely say, "So, I wasn't adopted after all."

Well, Lyra being in Slytherin was good too. Although most of the time she might have to be among spoiled children, they at least know not to get caught and won't be too impulsive. Being in their company might toughen up Lyra. And Merlin knows what kind of mayhem Lyra would cause if she was among a bunch of impulsive Gryffindors. The thought gave her a shudder.

For Harry to be in Gryffindor and Susan to be in Hufflepuff, that was the best as well. Susan was... well, being Susan. Susan's mother and father both were Hufflepuffs. There was almost no surprise there. As for Harry, after 11 years of having no fun, he would get to enjoy his childhood a little if he was in Gryffindor. Almost no other house would guarantee that, given his circumstances.

Amelia decided to open the letters, even though she knew who was in which house. After all, she might be wrong.

But it was exactly as she guessed. Harry in Gryffindor. Susan in Hufflepuff. Lyra in Slytherin.

Seeing Severus' letter informing her of Lyra's acceptance to Slytherin, Amelia pondered whether she should write a letter to Severus. Since he too was similar to Sirius in holding grudges, he most probably would direct his disgust at Lyra. He might even hate Harry. She had to remind him a bit, to look at the children for who they are.

.......

After sending the letter, Amelia was still bothered about Herpo. It concerned her daughter's life and she just couldn't sit doing nothing about it.

From the looks of it, even Dumbledore seems to have no idea. And he was already fully occupied with Voldemort's problem. There was no way he would be able to take upon another dark wizard, who was probably more powerful than himself. Besides, after Harry's incident, she was never going to trust that old man fully. He might be aiming to do good, but he was too caught up in being all mysterious and pretty much hiding everything.

He might have never told Harry to prepare himself to face Voldemort. Although he might be giving out hints to the boy that Voldemort was still alive, he'd never tell Harry everything. That was why Amelia took it upon herself to give Harry the general idea of what was happening. The boy had to know at least that much. He had the right to, after everything that he had gone through.

As for Lyra's matters, she doesn't even know much to tell her. The only thing she would be able to do was to tell Lyra to practice a few spells to at least defend herself.

Amelia was frustrated even more at her inability to help her daughter. She had already used all her official channels, but it was all in vain.

Wait.

It hit her at that moment. Unofficial channels. The Underground Society.

There was no choice on this matter. She had to somehow gather the information. It wasn't a matter of principles anymore. It was a matter of survival. Anything was fair in war.

And it wasn't like she was going to kill someone or anything, right?

.......

The next morning, Amelia applied for leave for the first time in years. It was rather shocking and made everyone wonder what made the workaholic Madam Bones apply for a leave, but the leave was nevertheless approved in a matter of minutes.

Leaving the Ministry Building, Amelia disguised herself and directly apparated to Diagon Alley. To be exact, she apparated right to the entrance of Knockturn Alley. She walked through many turns and finally reached her destination. The Heaven's Wine Pub.

Entering the building, she noticed many wizards, dressed shabbily, discussing things over drinks. One must never underestimate them just because of their dress. If anything, they were the informants of this place and for that, they would at least have to be a decent wizard themselves.

She quickly turned her head away from them towards the receptionist of the pub, placed an engraved card in front of him and said, "Hello Mr Sutton, I have some business to talk about"

The receptionist, Morris Sutton, examined the card for its authenticity and brought Amelia to a private room.

He motioned for her to take a seat in front of him and inquired, "May I know your identity, ma'am?"

Amelia hesitated for a second but she knew she could trust them with her identity as they run the most trustworthy business here in the Knockturn Alley. In their words, 'they valued their business ethics too much to reveal their customers' identity'.

"Amelia Susan Bones"

Sutton poured her a cup of tea and took one for himself, "So it was Madam Bones. Forgive my lack of manners. Here, have a cup of tea, Madam Bones. I was expecting you'd come, but I didn't expect it to be this soon"

"Expecting me?" Amelia frowned. "You know what I came here for?"

"Of course not. It was our superior who had expected it. I was ordered to bring you directly to meet with him if you ever came here. You can go to this address to meet him or if you find that uncomfortable, you can suggest a place and time and I'll inform him about it," said Sutton, handing her a business card.

Taking the card, Amelia stood up, preparing to depart, "That won't be necessary, Mr Sutton. I'll head over there myself. Would I be able to meet him if I go there this evening?"

"Of course," Sutton stood up from his seat and extended his hand, "Nice doing business with you, Madam Bones."

.......

Reaching the Bones Manor, Amelia sighed quietly thinking about the meeting that evening. She was unsure of what to expect from it. The other party clearly expected her arrival. For all she knew it could be a trap from the enemy side, or it could just be someone with a common enemy as them.

She clutched the business card tightly in her hands, strengthening her resolve to take the risk.

.......

02 September 1991. Slytherin Common Room.

11:15 AM

"I didn't expect to screw up on the first day itself," Lyra slumped on the couch. "Thought I'd at least be able to turn the match silver"

Their first period was Transfiguration with the Ravenclaws and the second was Magical Theory with Gryffindors. While Lyra enjoyed both the classes, she was annoyed that she couldn't get to make any changes at all to the match stick that Professor McGonagall had asked them to turn into a needle.

"You didn't expect transfiguration was that easy, did you?" said Zale, passing a chocolate frog each to Lyra and Daphane.

"You are worrying too much, Lyra. Nobody managed to complete the task."

"Says the girl who turned the matchstick all silver" Lyra snorted and took a bite of the chocolate frog, while Daphane stuck out her tongue playfully.

"Well, have you two got your potions textbook with you? It's the last class we have before lunch" Zale took out his Potions textbook and waved causing Daphane to gasp, "Merlin's beard! I totally forgot. I'll be back in a minute."

As soon as Daphane came back with her Potions textbook, the trio left their common room and started walking towards the Potions classroom. They were lucky that the Potions classroom was down in the dungeons.

They were the first to arrive and Lyra took a seat in the front hoping that it'll leave a good impression on Professor Snape.

"Where do you think you're going, Daph?" Asked Lyra noticing her taking a seat in the back.

"I'm not insane enough to take a seat in the front, Lyra. Though he's known to favour us Slytherins, it is definitely safer here at the back."

Lyra could only pleadingly look at Zale who sighed and took a seat next to her.

Sharp at 11.30, Snape entered the classroom and his bellowing robes made his entrance quite dramatic.

Snape started the class by taking the roll call, and he paused at Harry's name.

"Ah, yes," he said softly, "Harry Potter. Our new — celebrity."

Draco and his friends Crabbe and Goyle sniggered behind their hands. Snape finished calling the names and looked up at the class.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word — like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort.

"As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses. . . . I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death — if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

More silence followed this little speech. Though Lyra felt that this was the most interesting speech she had ever heard.

"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" and immediately Hermione's hand had shot into the air.

Although Lyra knew the answer, she couldn't answer in his stead. So, she could only hope Harry remembered the answer. After all, he had read quite a bit of the book when he was at home.

"We would get a sleeping potion which is known as the Draught of Living Death, sir."

Although Harry's answer was right, and although Snape kept on a stoic face, Lyra felt that Snape looked quite disappointed. As for why she didn't know. She had the feeling that whatever the reason might be, it definitely wasn't that Harry answered him.

"Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

"I don't know, sir."

"Tut, tut — fame clearly isn't everything."

He ignored Hermione's hand.

"Thought you wouldn't read a book properly before coming, eh, Potter?" Then he turned towards Lyra, "Miss Bones"

This made Lyra look at him straight in his eyes. This time, although she could see dislike in his eyes, there was also some scrutiny.

What made that little change, she didn't know. But it was certainly good for her.

"What is the difference, between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"They are the same plant, sir. Which also goes by the name of aconite."

"Correct," Snape took one last look at her and again turned towards Harry.

"For your information, Potter, a bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons. Well? Why aren't you all copying that down?"

There was a sudden rummaging for quills and parchment. Over the noise, Snape said, "And a point will be taken from Gryffindor House for not preparing beforehand, Potter."

From the looks of it, Lyra could deduce what was happening. Snape clearly targeted the two of them. Maybe Snape hated their parents? But then again, she couldn't understand why would her mum tell her to look for Snape if that was the case. Anyway, she trusted her mum, and in turn, decided to trust Snape too.

Things didn't improve for the Gryffindors as the Potions lesson continued.

Snape put them all into pairs and set them to mixing up a simple potion to cure boils. He swept around in his long black cloak, watching them weigh dried nettles and crush snake fangs, criticizing almost everyone except Malfoy, whom he seemed to like.

He wanted to criticize Lyra, but he couldn't manage to find any faults. He was even shocked at her talent in potion-making. Though he didn't show it out that he was shocked, he occasionally looked at her cauldron nodding to himself.

Neville had somehow managed to melt Seamus's cauldron into a twisted blob, and their potion was seeping across the stone floor, burning holes in people's shoes. Within seconds, the whole class was standing on their stools while Neville, who had been drenched in the potion when the cauldron collapsed, moaned in pain as angry red boils sprang up all over his arms and legs.

"Idiot boy!" snarled Snape, clearing the spilled potion away with one wave of his wand. "I suppose you added the porcupine quills before taking the cauldron off the fire?"

Neville whimpered as boils started to pop up all over his nose.

"Take him up to the hospital wing," Snape spat at Seamus. Then he rounded on Harry and Ron, who had been working next to Neville.

"You — Potter — why didn't you tell him not to add the quills? Thought he'd make you look good if he got it wrong, did you? That's another point you've lost for Gryffindor."

From this, Lyra was definitely sure that her guess was right. He definitely targeted the two of them. The reason Lyra didn't suffer was that he couldn't find any reason to make her suffer.

When the potions class ended, Lyra hurriedly followed Harry out and stopped him for a little talk, "Are you alright, Harry?"

"I'm not. But I think I'll be okay after having some treacle tarts," Harry smiled bitterly.

"If you say so," Lyra decided not to push it. "By the way, did you get a letter from mum this morning? She said she'd write to us as soon as possible, but there hasn't been any letter from her yet."

"No, I didn't. I thought she'd have written one common letter to all three of us and wanted to ask you and Susan about it."

"I hope she's okay. It's easy to get into trouble when she has that kind of job," Lyra sighed.

.......

02 September 1991. London.

03:00 PM

Coming out of her car, Amelia raised her head towards the high rise building that was in front of her. Although she already knew that the place which was mentioned in the business card was in the muggle community, she couldn't imagine the owner of the largest information trade in the entire wizarding world walking among muggles every day.

Arriving at the entrance, she noticed that there was already a person who was seemed to be the butler welcoming her. He brought her to the top floor of the building and politely pushed open the door of a room and showed her inside, "If you please, Ma'am."

Amelia stepped into the room and took a seat on the couch, noticing the absence of magical items. As she observed every bit of the elegant room, suddenly it went dark. She was already a bit suspicious before even coming here and with the current situation, she felt her senses heighten.

The screeching of the door and soft crunching footsteps hit her ears from behind, accelerating her already pounding heart. She slid out her wand, ready to defend herself at any moment.

She prepared to attack, only for the lights to be back with an awfully familiar voice booming in her ears.

"Surprise!"

Amelia turned around and her gaze fell on a handsome man in his thirties. Almost instantly her eyes widened, recognising her childhood friend, Amory Osmond. They had known each other ever since they were five, not to mention the fact that the two families have been close friends for centuries.

"Very funny, Amory. Way to surprise someone who hasn't seen you in a decade," Amelia gritted her teeth and didn't bother to hide the sarcasm.

"Now, now, Amelia. Let's calm down shall we?" Amory grinned at his long time friend.

"If you were even a moment late in your so-called greeting, you would already be on your way to meet your ancestors above."

"I'm not that weak you know?"

"Whatever." Amelia took her seat again and motioned for Amory to take a seat opposite of her, "Let's get to proper business. Tell me everything that you know about that Herpo guy"

"Alright then. He might have Horcruxes, considering the fact that he created the first Horcrux ever. We don't have information on how many he has though."

"Wait a minute," Amelia waved her hand indicating for him to stop, "How could he still be sane after creating who knows how many Horcruxes? And how the heck is he still alive after centuries?"

"I don't know the answer to these questions, but let me tell you," Amory calmly took a sip of his tea as if he was talking about the weather, "He's perfectly sane. And he could probably live on forever if no one manages to kill him"

Then he gestured for Amelia to drink her tea, but she shook her head in denial. She didn't come here to drink tea. "Do you know under what identity he is now?"

Amory leaned towards her and whispered something to her, making Amelia's eyes widen in surprise, "Then the boy—"

"There's no need to worry much about him for now. My son is there at Hogwarts. He's in the same year as your daughter, you know."

"Whatever happened to the 'Osmonds never attend school' policy?" Amelia rolled her eyes as she remembered her friend's father's reply when she asked him why Amory wasn't coming to school with her and her brothers.

"About that, it's is related to what I am going to tell you. Let me explain it all from the beginning, will you?"

.......

"Now, answer my final question. How powerful is he and can he even be defeated?" Amelia asked, but she was still unable to digest everything she had heard from her friend.

"He defeated Salazar Slytherin himself, Amelia. Imagine the extent of his power yourself." Amory paused, "The only possibility of him being less powerful than how he was at that time is that he somehow got injured. But I don't think he ever got injured after that. The positive thing is that he hides his power very well, and he wouldn't make any big moves under the public's eyes."

"And we don't have any choice in this matter either. He has to be killed for the wizardkind to live. If he doesn't die, he'll figure out a way to get to 'that' object. And if it happens, we will all die," he looked straight at Amelia in her eyes, "Lyra is our only hope, Amelia. We have to keep her safe until she grows and she needs to be properly trained."

"So, what are you suggesting?"

"You already know we have all the resources with us and our manor is the safest place after Hogwarts, so—"

"You're telling us to move in?" Amelia cut him off before he could finish. She felt that it was a good idea, but she wasn't too sure about it.

"Yes. Even though she might be safe for now, it's better to be cautious." Amory put down his empty teacup, "You can even bring the Potter boy along with you"

"I'll think about it"

.......

The Great Hall, Hogwarts.

7:30 PM

"Why does it seem like I always screw up?" Lyra stabbed her dinner with her fork.

"If you're talking about almost blinding the whole class with your spell, you didn't." Daphane giggled, "It should be that 'you almost screwed our eyes up'"

Lyra didn't answer her and was still brooding over the fact that she didn't do well, "What the hell is wrong with me? First, I couldn't even do anything in Transfiguration. Then in Charms class, Professor Flitwick wants me to practice my control over my magic."

"Then just practice."

"Eh?" Lyra tilted her head at Zale.

Seeing that she was looking all confused, Zale explained, "Maybe you might not be as talented in Transfiguration as you are in Potions, but that doesn't mean practice can't do the trick. As for Charms, I must say, you were just overpowering the spell. Once you get control over it, you'll be able to master any kind of Charm easily than the others."

"Oh," Only then did she understand.

Minutes later, Daphane put down her cutlery and stood up pointing at the Ravenclaw table, "Guys, I'm off to see Carina."

Lyra was still slowly munching on her food while letting her thoughts wander elsewhere.

And finally, when she put her fork down and stood up from her seat she noticed Harry approaching the Slytherin table.

"Harry! What happened?"

"Come with me for a second," he pulled her aside.

"Wait for me!" Zale too stood up and followed two out.

Harry took out a letter which had both his and Lyra's names on it.

"What is in there? Who is it from?"

"I don't know. I thought I should open it in front of you. It is for both of us after all," said Harry and opened the letter.

Harry, Lyra congratulations on getting into your respective houses.

When the two of you come home for Christmas Holidays, I and several others would be testing your Duelling Skills. By that time if the two of you couldn't even defend our attacks, there would be severe punishment.

I'm very serious. There is a very high possibility that you two might face danger in the coming years. Thus, please understand the situation and practice. I do hope you keep this from Susan so that she doesn't worry too much.

P.S: Don't you ever think of causing trouble.

~ With Love,

Amelia

"What does she mean by that?" Lyra's eyes widened when she saw the contents of the letter, "I'm very sure that she'll make us duel some of the best Aurors in the Ministry. Not to mention the fact that she herself is one of the best duellers out there!"

"Well, she did say that we might face some kind of danger. So, I suppose it is understandable"

"Understandable?" Lyra rolled her eyes in exasperation, "Harry, we don't even know any spells that might help us in duelling. She wants us to challenge the elite in just three months!"

Hearing Lyra, Harry opened his mouth, but no words came out. Although he understood Amelia's concern, it was indeed unreasonable.

"Alright then," Zale popped in and smirked, "I'll inform your mum that the two of you aren't agreeing to it."

""No"" Both Lyra and Harry said in a hurry.

"Absolutely no. I'm agreeing. Who said I'm not agreeing? Did I even say anything?" Lyra looked as if she wasn't the one who was complaining moments ago. It was a complete 180-degree flip in her attitude.

Merlin knows what her mum would do if she said something like that. Also, since she knew that her mother was just preparing them to defend themselves, there was no harm in agreeing.

"I was just kidding Zale. Not a word to my mother, got it?"

"Yeah, don't tell her Zale. We'll practice diligently," Harry added.

"That depends on your performance in the coming days," Zale smirked looking at his two friends.

.......

A/N: Any idea on Herpo's identity? Many of you might have already guessed, I think. And while re-reading the whole thing again, why do I feel like Amelia is the main character instead? Anyone with me in that?