Walburga glared when Kreacher brought in a child "This has come for mistress" he lowered the girl to the floor and handed her the envelope along with the daily profit, casting the girl a passing glance she picked up the news paper and the smile that erupted could send shivers down anyone back.
"Well looks like my son wasn't a shame after all...No he's a mastermind! Infiltrate the order so deep no one would suspect until after the cause, my boy did it. He killed the Potters" she all but cackled into the paper.
: 'Black In Azkaban For The Potters Deaths Along With Pettigrew And 13 Muggles.'
She placed the paper down gently as to not crease the words then lifted the envelope,
๐๐ช๐ญ๐ ๐๐ต๐ช๐ฌ๐ด,
๐ฃ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ผ ๐ฒ๐ผ ๐๐ธ๐พ๐ป ๐ฐ๐ป๐ช๐ท๐ญ๐ช๐พ๐ฐ๐ฑ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐๐ป๐ช ๐๐ต๐ช๐ฌ๐ด, ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ช๐พ๐ผ๐ฎ ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐๐ธ๐พ๐ป ๐ผ๐ธ๐ท๐ผ ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ๐ช๐ซ๐ธ๐พ๐ฝ๐ผ ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฝ๐ฑ ๐ธ๐ฏ ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ช๐ท๐ญ ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฝ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป๐ผ ๐ฏ๐ช๐ถ๐ฒ๐ต๐ ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฎ ๐ฒ๐ผ ๐น๐ต๐ช๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐ท๐ฝ๐ธ ๐๐ธ๐พ๐ป ๐ฌ๐ช๐ป๐ฎ.
There was no signature, no wax stamp nothing to indicate where the girl had come from nor of her mothers name so before Walburga celebrated the chance of more heirs for house Black she snatched the child up keeping her under the sleeping sleeping spell she was originally under she apparated just outside of Gringotts.
Walking to the head stand she cleared her throat "i want an inheritance test done, now" the goblin sneered but pointed from the stand.
"Go with Blordak"
Walburga rolled her eyes and moved towards the goblin who was waiting "I want an inheritance test done"
"Right this way" the goblin smirked and led her to an office "For the child yes?"
"Well obviously"
"It will cost you"
"Everything you goblins do costs me now get on with it" she held back anymore insults and the goblin approached with a knife.
"I need 10 drops of blood on this paper" Walburga just held the childs hand over the paper and dragged the knife through the childs palm watching as the goblin magic healed it with distain, disgusting magic, she waiting until the blood changed into words.
Name: Lyra Black (Pureblood)
Birthday: April 16th 1980
Father: Sirius Black (Pureblood) (Disowned / Imprisoned)
Mother: Marlene McKinnon (Pureblood) (Deceased)
Heir: Heir to Nobel House McKinnon
Ladyships: Lady La Fay
Entitlements: McKinnon Manor
Inheritance:
Trust Fund (20,000 Galleons)
La Fay Vault (23,884,036 Galleons)
Guardian:
Remus John Lupin (Whereabouts Unknown)
Lily Potter (Deceased)
Walburga Black
"Hmm, we are not related to the La Fays there's been some mistake" Walburga frowned pushing the papers back.
"No but the McKinnon family are and this child is related to them is she not?" the goblin smirked.
"I want to reinstate my son today as heir to the Black name, she will be placed as secondary heir until she births a son, key her into the Black vault...Now" she demanded and the goblin huffed walking off to do as told while she watched the paper, minutes later the words of blood shifted.
Name: Lyra Black (Pureblood)
Birthday: April 16th 1980
Father: Lord Sirius Black (Pureblood) (Imprisoned)
Mother: Marlene McKinnon (Pureblood) (Deceased)
Heir:
Heir to The Noble and Most Ancient House Of Black
Heir to Noble House McKinnon
Ladyships:
Lady La Fay
Lady Black
Entitlements:
Black Manor
12 Grimmauld Place
McKinnon Manor
Inheritance:
Trust Fund (20,000 Galleons)
Black Vault (19,749,936 Galleons)
La Fay Vault (23,884,036 Galleons)
Guardian:
Remus John Lupin (Whereabouts Unknown)
Lily Potter (Deceased)
Walburga Black
Walburga smirked "There, that packed it out a bit ay child" she looked down at the sleeping child and studied her, there was no denying she was of Black blood with the black curls and features, in fact there were no sign of McKinnon blood anywhere apart from on the paper.
Nasty light family, blood traitors but Pureblooded at least and in the end no one had to know she was related to the McKinnons...
The goblin walked back in "Is that all?"
"Yes that is all" she stood and walked from the bank apparating back to Grimmauld place "Kreacher!"
The elf snapped into the drawing room "What can Kreacher do to for Mistress Black?"
"Set a room up for the child, she is of Black Blood" Walburga sat the child down as Kreacher disappeared she lifted the spell and watched as the girls eyes fluttered open for the first time.
The girl looked around the room and then the woman in front of her, if she was not mistaken this was Grimmauld place...It was drab but no where near run down as the films that was because the woman in front of her was alive, her grandmother Walburga Black.
Lyra knew she had to be careful now, any mistake and this woman was not against using illegal magic, torturous magic. She couldn't believe she'd been brought here all of places!
"Hello" she spoke as clearly as she could keeping her voice soft and childlike, she didn't know much about her apart from the fact that she was the eldest daughter to Pollux Black and Irma Crabbe. Sister to Alphard and Cygnus Black and that she married her second cousin Orion Black whom she was older then by four years.
"Hmm Black signature grey eyes, we'll do something to smooth those curls out so they aren't as wild, blood etiquette will start as early as possible as to not have the same issues as before no matter how it turned out...The Malfoys have given birth to a stunning heir, Draco i believe his name was, yes i will contact them about a marriage contract but i will need backups if you're anything like your mother" the woman scoffed looking deeply in thought "Tiberius Nott has also birthed a heir young Theodore i believe...The Crabbe's as well, oh what was that blasted boys name...Vincent!"
She was nodding as she sat "Yes many fine heirs recently, you'll have to birth them an heir first but the moment that's over you can start trying to produce a good solid heir for house Black unlike the others" she tutted "5 Blacks, 3 females and not a solid heir to show for it, a disgrace i tell you...Well Narcissa may have another but that is neither here nor there and Bellatrix landed herself straight in azkaban with your father, We don't speak of the other do you hear me, not one word, even if she birthed 7 heirs not one would i claim even if it meant house Black going extinct!"
Walburga seemed to snap out of her rant and glanced at the child who was sat still watching her with a look of obedience she smiled coldly "Yes you will do just fine my girl, i am your grandmother Walburga"
Lyra nodded politely "Lyra" she pointed to herself and smiled, thinking of it this could be perfect working from the inside, she'd get close to Kreacher getting the locket off him and Walburga being close to the Malfoys opened up the chances of getting the diary at an event. Then she had the hassle of the cup but it being in Bellatrix's vault and her being of Black blood, if Lyra could get this vile woman to like her she could take heir of Black and claim Bellatrix had stolen some Black family heirlooms.
The goblins hated thieves right? They'd probably storm the vault immediately, she was born of magical blood meaning she should be able to go to Hogwarts and there lies the fourth Horcrux leaving behind the ring, the snake and Harry.
This would be a piece of cake, she just had to bide her time. Taking the Horcruxes to Hogwarts would be her best bet, placing them all with the diadem while she worked to destroy them that way she wouldn't have to worry about anyone finding them until perhaps sixth year when Draco works on the cabinet...That is if she'd be here to that point.
ย She sat up straight rolling her shoulders back, Walburga wanted a pureblooded princess? She'd give her one.
ย "Yes i know that, not only did i receive a letter i also took you to Gringotts, had to check you see but don't worry child you are now officially a Black, no one will acknowledge the McKinnon in you" Walburga grinned "Now i need to see what you've been taught follow me"
She followed the woman to a random room but couldn't help the look of awe on her face when she saw the tapestry. It was beautiful, excluding the burnt faces of course "This is the family tapestry" Walburga waved her hand "Kreacher!" the elf appeared and she looked pleased when Lyra didn't startle.
"Yes mistress" the elf bowed.
"Fix Sirius' entry will you, he has done house Black proud" she nodded and Kreacher hesitated before walking forward and using his elvish magic to fix Sirius entry on the tapestry, the moment his face was back on the wall Black family magic swirled into the room the silk glowed as a branch appeared and her face was added to the wall with a small scroll under it.
Lyra
She walked forward and glanced up at her face, she'd moved so she was standing side by side with Kreacher but made sure not to look or smile at the elf in front of Walburga she smiled up at the tapestry, now to continue her plans.
~~~
"Kreacher?" Lyra called softly, she'd just had her fourth birthday, almost three years without her parents and it sucked, big time.
"What can Kreacher do for young mistress" he sneered but she'd noticed his sneered weren't as venomous as they started out to be, she tried being as much alike Regulus as she could hoping to jog his memory and allow him to like her more, seems like she was getting there, slowly.
"Is grandmother awake?" she asked gently with a big smile.
"No" he narrowed his eyes.
"Kreacher is my fathers old room still in tact?"
"Mistress says you're Master Regulus' child but Kreacher knows better, he sees the tapestry. You are not Master Regulus child"
"I never claimed i was Kreacher i was asking about Sirius Blacks room?" she kept her smile up and he sighed.
"Yes, old master Sirius' room is as he left"
"Can you show it to me?"
He sighed once more "Follow me" she followed after him.
"Thank you for dinner last night Kreacher it was beautifully done" she tried supplying him compliments that if heard by Walburga wouldn't harm her too much.
"Kreacher lives to serve house of Black" he nodded.
"And you do an amazing job" she watched him closely as he turned to face her.
"Young mistress does look like Master Regulus, talks like him too..."
"My uncle?" she asked and he nodded "Would you tell me about him? He sounds amazing and i'm sad i never met him"
Kreacher hummed as he started walking once more making her follow along "Master Regulus was brightest master Kreacher has ever served"
Lyra had been thinking of ways to get past knowing so much at a young age and now was time to test one of her theories "I've seen him before Kreacher"
"Yes he is on the tapestry miss" Kreacher nodded.
"No, i see him in my dreams" she whispered and Kreacher paused turning to face her.
"Dreams?"
"Yes they always stay the same, i'm with him in a cave and it's so dark, the cave is filled with water but there's a small island in the middle of it and a boat" she answered watching as Kreacher turned white.
He gasped reaching forward to grab her hand he took her into a room that was decorated in slytherin colours, photos of her uncle littered the desk and walls along with quidditch clothes and potion books.
"Young mistress has the gift of sight! A seer! The Black family hasn't had seer blood in almost as long as it had metamorphmagus traits!" he grinned before becoming serious "Young mistress is not to tell Mistress Black about this dream of Master Regulus, you mustn't"
"I won't Kreacher, i know what he did and i shall not tell a soul" she whispered patting his hand and he sunk in relief "You've done everything you could Kreacher and when i'm strong enough i will help you complete Regulus' mission" she whispered and he gasped, big tears building in his eyes before they fell.
"Has young mistress had anymore dreams of master Regulus?" he asked gently and she nodded.
"I saw a note being placed into a evil locket, i saw water and terrible beasts claiming him as their own...But i saw he had no regrets, he was happy you got away safe, he cared for you Kreacher" she whispered and he sobbed she moved closer and wrapped her arms around his small structure, she'd not long passed him in height but it wasn't by much "Kreacher you can not tell Walburga i'm helping you, i'm scared of her" she embedded the idea gently in a child like tone.
"Kreacher helps young mistress, mistress Black may not stop young mistress in her mission. Master Regulus ordered Kreacher to destroy the locket and if you can, then that means Kreacher is bound by the order to protect young mistress so she may help destroy the locket" he nodded straightening up as if he found a second bound of life.
"You found a loop hole? I didn't know elves could do that?" she smiled and he nodded.
"Elvish magic works on words, elves are good at finding loop holes but we rarely use them if we are happy to obey the set command" he answered "Now you wished to see master Sirius' room? Come quickly before Mistress Black wakes"
She followed him to the room looking around it was littered with Gryffindor memorabilia, posters of half naked women, clothes thrown around the room. He'd clearly been doing things to anger Walburga and Lyra couldn't help but smirk, she caught sight of a box of photos in the wardrobe, the box was filled of polaroid photos of her father and his friends back at Hogwarts so she tucked the box under her arm and followed Kreacher back to her room.
He left her there to start breakfast while she sat on the floor back against the bed frame flicking through photos, he hadn't marked them but she knew the faces of most, there were a few she couldn't name but the important ones stood out.
She sighed, she truly tried to stop Sirius she really did but it was no good, now she had to decide wither or not to follow the script line where he stays there for 12 years or to help him out early, Percy may be in possession of Scabbers now but she wasn't sure.
If she waited until she was 11 on the train to Hogwarts she could figure something out, she could steal the rat and give him to Dumbledore but how would she explain it? She could say she caught him but that's a big jump...She had time, she'd figure it out.
~~~
1985 came and so did her fifth birthday, it was no different to any other day as Walburga didn't celebrate it but in the morning before she'd awoken Kreacher appeared into the room with a small cupcake and a candle "Make a wish now little mistress" he grinned.
They'd became close in the year she confronted him about her dreams, poor thing was so depressed that the mere thought of her being the answer to Regulus plans he attached to her like glue, when Walburga was drilling into her about 'mudbloods' and blood traitors he was there in the afternoon telling her stories of Regulus and Sirius.
When Walburga had her awake for hours memorising pureblooded families and where their loyalties lied in the war he appeared with tea and biscuits with drops of sleeping potion to help her sleep well.
The moment Walburga tried to curse her with the cruciatus spell when she'd asked about the McKinnon family he'd used his elf magic to surround her mind, protecting her from the mental pain and damage before nursing her body back to health.
Lyra was confused though Walburga was meant to die this year from dragon pox but as the year came to a close Walburga was in perfect health and she was slightly worried.
~~~
Six year old Lyra stood with her shoulders back as she walked up and down the lounge under Walburga's watchful eyes "How many times do i have to tell you, chin up" the old woman hissed digging her nails into Lyra's chin and she forced the girls head up leaving behind sore red half moon imprints in the girls skin.
Lyra bit her tongue trying to hold back the snarky comment that if she lifted her head anymore she'd be staring at the ceiling, instead she just looked straight on and lifted her head.
"Stop shifting your hips, you are meant to walk like a lady not a trollop!" Walburga snapped and Lyra hissed out feeling the womans cane snap against her hip "What was that girl?"
"I apologise Grandmother"
The woman hummed trying to decide if she continued or if she punished the girl who had her father's stubborn nature "Eyes forward, go again!"
Lyra's skin was bruised and raw when their second daily etiquette training was done, she was waved off when Walburga grew tired of punishing her 'sloppy' movements. The last lashing had been because Lyra ran her thumb up and down her forefinger twice, it was twitching and unladylike apparently.
When she made it to her room she whimpered softly feeling her skin scream when she laid down on her bed, the new cuts were tight as she moved along with the still throbbing marks that were beginning to bruise already. Lyra didn't even look up when she heard Kreacher pop into the room with what looked like bruise cream and tea. She simply thanked him and took the cream, If Walburga didn't die soon Lyra was not opposed to doing it herself somehow.
~~~
"Sit up straight girl" Walburga sneered and Lyra straighten out her spine trying not to hiss when a stinging hex hit the skin of her arm once again "Stop clinking the cup, that's it. We need to clean up your image girl, the light wizards won't accept a marriage contract right now because of what your father did and the dark wizards are too scared to be affiliated with the spawn of Sirius Black...Fools the lot of them!"
Walburga sighed when Lyra didn't reply but simply look ahead like a well trained girl should "That's enough, go to your room and continue reading about what's expected of you when a marriage contract comes in" she waved the six year old off who set the china cup down delicately and walked towards her room obviously not running as it wasn't 'lady like'.
Reaching under her bed she pulled out the photo box flicking through them again chanting names in her mind so she didn't forget when Kreacher appeared just by the door "Young mistress?"
ย "Hello Kreacher, how's your day going?" she asked with a big smile as she packed the photos away and tucked the box back under her bed.
"Fine young mistress, Kreacher has come to inform you Mistress Black isn't feeling very well so you shall be having dinner alone" he entered the room whispering "Have you seen?"
"I have Kreacher but i can not know of when just the how" she nodded and he sucked in his bottom lip holding back tears.
"But if mistress dies then what of Kreacher?"
"I will not abandon you Kreacher" she smiled and he nodded and she paused remembering a certain elf "Kreacher do you know other elves?"
"Of course Kreacher does, many elves around England" he nodded.
"Do you know of an elf named Dobby?"
"Kreacher does young mistress, youngling, poor manners, his knuckles are paying the price for his transgressions" Kreacher sneered.
"I think it's a shame no? Such a waste of elf magic seeing as no one is teaching the poor thing properly, i'd imagine if we were to get more elves you would make sure they uphold the standard of house Black?" she titled her head.
"Of course young mistress, we have had other elves before but after the death of Master Regulus Mistress Black released them all and Kreacher was head elf, every elf under the roof was taught by Kreacher himself" the elf nodded.
"I bet if Dobby was to be under house Black you'd teach him the ways"
"Kreacher would young mistress" he nodded again "The Malfoy head elf has terrible training if Dobby bes punishing himself daily"
Lyra just left the conversation there "Kreacher will you sit with me while i eat dinner, you're welcome to join me eat as long as Walburga doesn't catch us..."
He seemed shocked at the mere suggestion and took a while before he nodded "If young miss wants me too then Kreacher shall sit and eat with her"
She beamed "Oh that's brilliant, do you have a favourite food Kreacher? I'd love to try your favourite food"
His eyes looked teary as he nodded "Kreacher's favourite used to be master Regulus' favourite"
She reached out holding his small hand in her own "Then we shall eat Regulus' favourite meal to remember him by" Kreacher sniffled and moved from the room muttering about cooking.
"Right" she sighed and cracked open a book about witches courting rules while she practiced wandless magic, age four she hit her accidental magic and since then she'd been practicing everyday.
It got easier when she imagined her magic, the colour of it, the way it moved, the way it felt as she used it. Once she'd created that image her small spells she casted were cake as long as she kept the image tight and focused heavily on what she wanted to happen.
She lifted the book into the air holding it there while she read using her magic to turn the pages when need when she was losing focus she lowered the book and moved on to the next spell.
~~~
September 1987 Walburga Black died of Dragon Pox just as she had in cannon but this time it was two years later then her canon death, Lyra was waiting in the drawing room for the will reader.
She hadn't expected Dumbledore to walk in as well.
"Miss Black, my condolences" the will reader bowed respectfully and she bowed her head in thanks as she sat in the biggest chair she could find to make herself appear smaller as she thanked the lords the Lestranges were in prison "Now the reading" he nodded taking a seat opposite her.
"Before you start Adam, i was hoping i could talk about where Miss Black will be going now seeing as she is an under age witch, i have spoken to her cousin Andromeda and she had agreed to take on Miss Black" Dumbledore cut him off.
"That would be fine but in the will, the first thing Mrs Black makes clear was that Miss Lyra Black was to be put into the care of Narcissa Malfoy nee Black" the will reader spoke simply "I'm sorry Dumbledore but the will is legally binding you know this"
"Of course" the old man looked put out at being told no, when he'd placed Lyra with Walburga he hadn't expected the older woman to keep the girl in lockdown under the wards, he had planned on offering the girl help from her atrocious guardian to further insure loyalty. However, to his chagrin it seemed Walburga had sunk her claws deep into the girl and instead of the desperate young Sirius Black he'd offered help to years prior, she seemed much too alike young Regulus Black who hadn't given his generous offer any thought.
"Now you have been given the main key to the Black vaults but seeing as you're under 17 it is capped to a certain amount and will be given to your new guardian until you turn 17" Adam explained not giving much thought as to why Dumbledore seemed to be sulking.
"Grimmauld Place is under your name for when you turn 17 or until your father is released from Azkaban, in which case he is reinstated as head of house immediately...Should he be released before your 17th birthday he will take guardianship over you and your accounts. However, should you come into possession of the houses before he is released then the houses will be yours until you release them to head of house, or an heir of your choosing" Adam spoke smoothly as if he had said so a thousand times.
"What of the house elf Kreacher? If i am to leave this house then he will be left alone" she asked gently.
Adam nodded "He is to stay here to look after the grounds"
"No" Lyra narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I'm sorry, no?" Adam frowned glancing at the girl above his paperwork and watched her straighten her spine even further and clasp her hands on her lap tightly as if trying to gain confidence, if only they knew it was a ruse.
"That's right, Kreacher is bound to house Black, to live and serve members of house Black...Not Grimmauld place, leaving him here with no one to serve will go against his orders meaning Kreacher goes where i go" Lyra spoke clearly and it made Dumbledore nervous, not that he'd admit it but she was clearly educated in the old ways as well as the new ones, she wasn't going to be easy to trick and he was going to have to tread carefully.
"I'm afraid the Malfoys have no need for another house elf Miss Black" Adam searched his papers for a clear answer.
"Why does this have anything to do with the Malfoys? I am a Black, entering the guardianship of Mr and Mrs Malfoy doesn't change my name...Kreacher serves house of Black, i am his last living and un-imprisoned Mistress. Kreacher will serve me and me only. Instead of being a house of Black elf he will become my personal elf" she raised her brows waiting for him to argue.
Adam did in fact argue, in fact he had this small little smile as if the idea showed her age and he now spoke to her like she was a toddler "But you would need a female elf for that"
Lyra scoffed "I am seven, not an infant. I do not need a nanny elf or an elf to help bathe or dress me, Kreacher will serve as my personal elf in the Malfoy Manor, the elf magic demands it nor is it written anywhere in my grandmothers will he is not to, am i right?"
He paused "Well yes but..."
"Then it's settled, Grimmauld place will remain empty until it's needed" she nodded "When am i expected to leave?"
"Today" Adam choked out not believing he was scolded by a seven year old, Dumbledore would have found it amusing if not for the fact that the seven year old commanded the room and by laws couldn't be refused.
"Then i will go and pack my things and inform Kreacher of his new demands" she nodded and shuffled forward on the seat to slide off of it with upmost grace before walking to her room she shut the door "Kreacher?"
Kreacher appeared in front of her "What can Kreacher do for his mistress?"
"Kreacher can you make the room private so no one can listen in?"
He nodded "If you order it as such"
"Then i order it" she sat on the bed and he waved his hand as if it was the most simple spell "Kreacher i'm afraid i spoke out of bounds earlier"
"In which way mistress?"
"The will came and i am to leave Grimmauld place to settle in the Malfoy Manor" she started and he immediately started stressing his dress rag "They stated you was to stay here"
Kreacher started sobbing "But i have been a good elf! I followed every command!"
"I know you did Kreacher, so i told them instead of being an elf for house of Black you'd become my personal elf...I didn't ask your permission and i'm truly sorry"
Kreacher sniffled looking up at her closely "Mistress would have Kreacher as her personal elf? But Kreacher is an old elf, a male?"
She nodded "But you're the only one i trust"
This made him start sobbing again "Mistress want's Kreacher for such an important task...He is honoured, Kreacher does everything he can to protect and keep mistress happy" he nodded reassuring not only her but himself, it was no longer just about the locket for him, in fact it hadn't been for a while now.
"That amazing Kreacher because as my first order as my personal elf was to help me pack" she grinned grabbing his hand gently.
~~~
She was side apparated in front of two massive black gates which closed off beautiful grounds and a huge gaudy Manor that looked like a mini castle "This way Lyra" Adam moved her forward levitating her bags while Kreacher stayed a few steps behind her when the gates opened and they followed the gravelled road toward the two large doors of the manor.
They stood in front of the doors for no longer then a few seconds before it swung open slowly but they were not greeted by the Malfoys instead it was a small elf with bandages on his hands and huge green eyes.
"Master Malfoy is waiting for you in his study, follow Dobby" he waved them in and the small party followed the elf as he moved quickly towards a room off to the side and they watched as he opened the door "Master, the guests are here" he looked at the ground not daring to look Lucius Malfoy in the eye finding the man looked too much like his father to settle Dobby's feeling of panic.
"Leave us Dobby" he ordered and the elf left with no parting glances or words "Please do come in" Lucius beckoned them in with a gentle sweep of his arm.
The three walked in, Kreacher staying extremely quite as Lyra told him so while Lyra and Adam sat on the seats he stood himself to the left of her chair slightly behind "I see you not only brought your bags but an elf?" Lucius faced Lyra.
"Yes sir, Kreacher is to serve house of Black members not a random house so he will be serving his job as my personal elf from now forth" she nodded not allowing him to intimidate her but he just allowed a small smile to grace his lips as he nodded.
"I see, do you mind if we wait a few moments for my wife she wanted to be here for this meeting?" Lucius turned to Adam.
"Of course Lord Malfoy, Lyra is here because Lady Malfoy is her first cousin once removed so it's only fair Lady Malfoy is here as well" Adam spoke quickly as if to appease Lucius which made the blonde clearly happy.
Moments later there was a gentle knock at the door before it opened and Narcissa walked in, she was the picture of perfection but unlike the films this Narcissa had a full head of shiny blonde hair that was neatly pinned back. Her dress was a dark green colour and looked to be velvet when the light caught is as she moved to the seat beside Lucius but never once had she taken her eyes from Lyra.
Narcissa had known about the girl in words and mere glimpses years ago but seeing the curly black haired witch in front of her made her stomach flip, the curls were perfectly sleek falling down her back in a stunning half up style paired with a silver bow that matched her eyes to the exact tone. The eyes were a shocking silver that while her son held a similar if anything a slightly darker colouring there was no child like awe in them, they were assessing, the girl was taking in the room without trying to be obvious while she waited but they were bright, like she held the power in the room and demanded respect.
Her posture was one that had been drilled into Narcissa as a child herself, back straight, shoulders back, elbows tucked, hands clasped in a gentle grip on her lap, knees firmly pressed together and because her legs weren't long enough to reach the floor she had her ankles crossed. It was perfect in everyway, almost too perfect.
"Hello Lyra, i'm Narcissa" she greeted the child with a soft smile.
"Hello" the girl smiled politely "Thank you for agreeing to take guardianship over me until i reach of legal age"
"Right then if you could both sign some paper work, i'll be on my way" Adam nodded handing the Malfoys a few pieces of paper which Mr Malfoy read over thoroughly before they both signed "And you're happy for the house elf to stay yes?" he asked the couple but any answer was cut off by the clearing of a childs throat.
"I truly beg your forgiveness for speaking out of line but Kreacher is my house elf, a motion to dismiss him from either my command or where i deem him necessary is out of bounds. If you proceed to continue i shall be forced to ask Lord Malfoy to contact a superior"
The adults just sat in silence for a moment running the small seven year olds words through their minds before Lord Malfoy smirked "Yes i am happy for the elf to stay, after all the girl is correct i have no say where or what her elf does so long as it doesn't put her life at risk"
"Of course Lord Malfoy" Adam nodded collecting his papers quickly wanting nothing more then to leave "If that is all i shall be on my way" he nodded and once he was waved on he left without a further word.
Lyra sat quietly as if waiting for a command and Narcissa had to swallow the lump in her throat, the whole encounter had put her on edge. The girl was trained to be a perfect little pureblooded princess, not even she could speak with that much authority and conviction at Lyra's age no matter how much her father tried to beat it into her and her sisters.
Everyone knew the kind of woman Walburga was and the idea of this bright eyed, softly spoken angel being held in that dingy house with no one but that devil of a witch and an ancient house elf left a bad taste in Narcissa's mouth. If she was this well trained so young how much of a childhood had she been allowed? If her calculations were right Lyra was placed into Walburga's care before she even hit two...Just over five years of nothing but Walburga's training, the boys had it easy, they were mainly taught by their fathers and Sirius was only older then Regulus by two years meaning they had each other.
Lyra had no one but her grandmother and the elf, perhaps that's why she seemed so insistent on keeping him there. Narcissa leant forward "Lyra what is it that you know of us?" she asked gently trying to build a conversation with the girl.
"Do you mean yourselves personally or house of Malfoy?" the girl tilted her head slightly showcasing the first sign of her being a child since she entered the room.
"How about both?" Lucius leant forward on the desk clasping his fingers together as he rest his elbows against the wood.
Lyra leant back against her chair, she knew she'd have to be careful here while also playing it smart so she took a deep breath and exhaled "I know that you're the son of Abraxas Malfoy, I know that your ancestor Armand Malfoy after offering his services to King William the first, was gifted the very land we stand on now, upon which the Malfoys have lived in for ten consecutive centuries, give or take"
"I'm aware you married Lady Malfoy not long after she left Hogwarts but i know you were intended for another, of whom i'm not permitted to speak of. You were both sorted into Slytherin house of which was normal for both of your families...I know Lady Malfoy used to be a Black, youngest daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black, Cygnus being grandmother Walburga's youngest brother making Lady Malfoy my first cousin once removed"
"I also know you both produced an heir, Draco Malfoy, June 5th 1980...Grandmother had me sit for hours reading up the history of the new and old of the sacred 28" Lyra wasn't silly, she knew she'd have to play on Lucius' need for perfection, blood purity while also playing on Narcissa's mother instincts. What a better way then to give as much information proving not only did she know a lot of the sacred 28 but also the poor childhood she was given in the care of an awful woman.
Lucius nodded as he studied her closely "You're a very bright girl"
"Thank you" she smiled politely trying not to feel smug at the guilty expression on Narcissa's face, this wasn't exactly where she wanted to live but she had work to do and this way there should be no signs of her being the one too steal the diary because she'd live in the house for four years before her going off to Hogwarts. It was like her ducks were lining up in a pretty line she just had to wait to shoot her shot.
"Would you like to meet our son, he's been excited to meet you" Narcissa forced a smile onto her face.
"Oh...Erh sure, what should i say? Are we having etiquette lessons?" She said naively tilting her head with a child like grin.
"No sweet girl, why don't we go out to the stables? Do you like abraxans?"ย Narcissa stood holding her hand out for the child, Lyra made herself pause looking at the hand as if confused of what to do "Do you not want to hold my hand?" Narcissa asked gently, the question wasn't confrontational more like she was confused herself.
"Grandmother said i shouldn't act like a child if i wanted to be taken seriously" she spoke softly staring at the offered hand "But if you wish for me to take your hand, i could do so?"
"It's whatever you wish for sweetheart, I'll take you seriously either way" Narcissa shot the girl a comforting smile but her heart squeezed uncomfortably when the small child slowly slipped her tiny hand in her own, watching to see if she'd get in trouble.
Lucius watched as the girl kept shooting quick glances at his hands as if waiting for him to attack her "Before you go i need to ask you some very important questions" he stopped them in their tracks and Lyra snatched her hand away as if Narcissa burnt her while Narcissa shot him a burning glare herself.
Lyra collected herself turning to face him completely showing he had her full attention, while he appreciated the effort it was slightly concerning that she acted like a well trained pet compared to a seven year old.
"Lyra did Mrs Black ever cast spells on you while you trained?" he asked and ignored the hiss of breath that came from Narcissa.
Lyra nodded nervously making it appear it was an everyday thing "She casted spells whenever i got things wrong or asked about my parents, more so my mother" she whispered holding her wide eyed stare with his own blue eyes.
"What spells?" Lucius asked again forcing himself to sit still.
"I'm not allowed to say it, she demanded i kept silent"
"But she's gone now Lyra, whatever you say here is in secret" he nodded towards her.
"I can't, please don't order me to. She'll know! She always does" Lyra begged childishly.
"How about you tell me the colour of the spell" he offered and she tensed.
She stayed silent for a moment to build tension for the adults before she whimpered "Yellow" the sniffle from Narcissa and the clearing of Lucius' throat was more then enough to tell her she'd sold them.
"Thank you Lyra, you may go with Narcissa now" Lucius nodded and Narcissa held her hand out, Lyra paused looking back at Lucius almost like she was asking his permission and when he nodded she took the offered hand allowing Narcissa to move her from the room.
Narcissa walked them further into the house towards a sitting room where a child was sat clearly waiting for them but he was drawing on some paper "Draco, my dragon this is Lyra" Narcissa called gently and Draco's head snapped up, he left his drawing alone to move quickly towards the two girls, he stopped a few feet in front of them.
"Hello, i'm Draco" he grinned and Lyra almost answered immediately but she remembered her plan so she paused and lifted her hand for Draco.
"My name's Lyra Black" Draco frowned for a split moment before it clicked and he took her hand and bowed over it kissing the air above it for it was not allowed for a male to kiss a womans hand unless they were courting and even then there were stipulations.
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Black" he stood and grinned "That was fun, i never get to do that! Did you see that mother?" he beamed up at his mother who was trying to swallow back her need to cry at how unfair is was. The girl was seven and she was so pressed in the ways she couldn't even greet a child her age normally.
"I did dragon" she smiled and smoothed his hair back fighting back the urge to bring both children into her arms to protect them from the world, she promised herself she'd try and give the girl four years of a normal childhood until she was to go to Hogwarts, she was going to take this child and love her as if she truly was her own "Shall we go see the abraxans?"
"Yeah!" Draco all but yelled while Lyra nodded gently watching the boy in front of her as if she was completely lost "Lyra you'll love them, have you ever been riding? Do you have your own abraxan? If not don't worry i'm sure my father can get you one seeing as you're to be living with us? You are living with us right? Your grandmother died which is very sad, are you sad? You're very quiet" the blonde boy shot so many questions Lyra didn't need to pretend to be shocked, she didn't take Malfoy as such a lively child.
She couldn't stop the small giggle that erupted from her as she watched him wide eyed and Narcissa beamed at her son "I have never been riding nor do i own an abraxan. Your father doesn't need to buy me one it's okay and i am staying here as my grandmother died, i guess i am sad but i'm used to it i guess and i didn't think i was quite" Lyra answered each of his questions.
"Well you are" Draco answered and before Narcissa could scold him his hand reached over and had grabbed Lyra's hand dragging her towards the peacocks blurting out facts while Lyra followed wide eyed.
Never in a million years did she believe Draco would be such an open child, especially to touch.