Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 17: Home

As the roaring Hall gleamed in green and silver, the colors of Slytherin House, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as Dumbledore rose from his seat at the High Table, commanding the attention of the students.

"Another year gone!" Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall, drawing all eyes to him. "Now, as I understand it, the House Cup needs awarding."

He began to announce the standings, and the tension in the air was palpable as each house waited anxiously to hear their fate. "In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 312. In third place, Hufflepuff, with 352. In second, Ravenclaw, with 426. And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin House."

The Slytherin table erupted into cheers, their victory evident in their jubilant faces. Lyanna caught sight of her brother Draco, his smirk directed towards Harry, Ron, and Hermione, a silent challenge in his gaze.

But Dumbledore wasn't finished yet. With a twinkle in his eye, he awarded last-minute points to Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Neville, acknowledging their bravery and accomplishments throughout the year. Then, to everyone's surprise, he turned his attention to Lyanna's house.

"And to Ravenclaw," Dumbledore announced, his voice carrying across the room, "I award 50 points for the outstanding natural talents and bravery displayed by one of their own. Miss Lyanna Malfoy, for her role in aiding and bringing Harry Potter back to safety."

Gasps echoed through the Great Hall as Dumbledore's words sank in. The house rankings shifted in an instant, with Gryffindor soaring to first place, followed by Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff.

Lyanna felt a swell of pride as applause erupted around her, her heart brimming with gratitude for Dumbledore's recognition.

As Dumbledore's magic transformed the colors of the Great Hall, turning Slytherin's green and silver into Gryffindor's scarlet and gold, Lyanna stood frozen, her mind reeling with disbelief. Before she could fully comprehend what had just happened, she was engulfed in a whirlwind of hugs and cheers, her fellow students celebrating their unexpected victory.

Draco Malfoy's stunned expression mirrored her own shock, but he quickly recovered, offering her a smile of genuine pride. Even Snape, with his usual air of stoicism, couldn't hide a flicker of admiration in his eyes as he exchanged a nod of congratulations with Lyanna.

Surrounded by the jubilant faces of her classmates, Lyanna felt a surge of warmth and belonging wash over her. For a moment, she simply stood there, basking in the joyous atmosphere, before her voice joined the chorus of cheers, her face breaking into a radiant smile.

In that moment, amidst the euphoria of Gryffindor's unexpected victory, Lyanna knew that she had found her place at Hogwarts—a place where she was valued, accepted, and celebrated for who she truly was. And as she raised her voice in triumph, she knew that her journey was far from over, but she will face the future with courage, determination, and the unwavering support of her newfound friends.

~~~

As most of the students bustled about, packing their belongings and preparing to leave for the summer holidays, Lyanna remained seated by the window, a sense of tranquility washing over her as she watched the world outside.

Her belongings floated lazily around her, moving effortlessly through the air as she used her magic to pack them without lifting a finger. It was a small display of her abilities, a reminder of the power that lay within her.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Dumbledore entered the room, his wise eyes twinkling with warmth as he approached her.

"Ah, Miss Malfoy," he greeted her kindly, taking a seat beside her. "I trust you are well?"

Lyanna nodded, offering him a small smile. "Yes, Professor. I'm doing much better now, thank you."

Dumbledore's expression softened with understanding as he spoke. "Severus informed me of the sleepless nights you experienced earlier in the year," he said gently. "I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better."

Lyanna's smile faltered slightly as she remembered the restless nights spent plagued by nightmares and doubts. But Dumbledore's next words drew her attention, his voice filled with wisdom and compassion.

"Remember, my dear," Dumbledore continued, his gaze meeting hers, "dwelling too much on the past can often lead to unnecessary suffering. It is important to focus on the present and the opportunities it presents."

Lyanna listened intently, absorbing Dumbledore's words of wisdom. He was right—she couldn't change the past, but she could shape her future. With a renewed sense of resolve, she nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Professor," she said sincerely. "Your words are truly wise."

Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You have a bright future ahead of you, Miss Malfoy," he said warmly. "Embrace it with courage and determination, and you will achieve great things."

As Dumbledore rose to leave, Lyanna felt a sense of peace settle over her.

Sha took a final glance around the room, ensuring she hadn't missed anything. Satisfied, she made her way out, her packed belongings floating behind her in a neat line. She met up with her friends—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—who were waiting for her in the corridor.

"Ready to go?" Ron asked, adjusting his luggage.

Lyanna nodded. "Ready."

Together, they made their way to the train station, blending into the crowd of students heading home for the summer. The familiar scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express greeted them with a friendly whistle. They found an empty compartment and settled in, the train soon lurching forward with a gentle start.

As the train rumbled along the tracks, Hermione glanced up from her book. "Feels strange, doesn't it? To be going home."

Lyanna watched as Harry traced his finger over the smiling face of his mother in a photograph, then followed Hermione's gaze to the window. She thought about how, despite being an orphan, Harry at least had the comfort of knowing his parents had loved him and knowing what they looked like. A pang of longing tugged at her heart, but she forced a smile for her friends' sake.

"I'm not going home... Not really," Harry said quietly.

Lyanna peered out the window, her face calm and peaceful. As the train chugged along, Hogwarts Castle slowly receded into the distance, its majestic towers and turrets glimmering in the reflection on the glass. It was a bittersweet sight, but one filled with hope for the future.

She leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting to the words Dumbledore had shared with her. She didn't need to dwell on her past or where she came from. She had a bright future ahead, filled with opportunities and adventures waiting to unfold. With her friends by her side and the lessons she had learned this year, she felt ready to face whatever came next.

As the Hogwarts Express carried them away, Lyanna felt a sense of peace. She might not know everything about her past, but she knew who she was now and who she wanted to become. And that was enough.