Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 18

The Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop at Platform 9¾, steam billowing around as students disembarked, reuniting with their families. Lyanna gathered her belongings, the bustling energy of the platform a stark contrast to the peaceful journey she had just taken. She turned to her friends, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, offering each of them a heartfelt goodbye.

"Have a great summer," she said, hugging Hermione tightly. "And stay out of trouble, okay?" she added with a teasing glance at Harry and Ron.

"We'll try," Harry replied with a grin. "You too, Lyanna. Take care."

As they went their separate ways, Lyanna scanned the crowd for her brother. Draco stood near the barrier, looking impatient as ever. His face brightened when he spotted her, and he hurried over.

"There you are. Took you long enough," he said, though his tone was light.

"Nice to see you too, Draco," Lyanna replied with a smile.

They made their way through the throngs of people, weaving between families and luggage carts, finally spotting their mother, Narcissa, waiting near the edge of the platform. Her elegant demeanor stood out amidst the chaos, her eyes searching the crowd until they locked onto her children.

"Lyanna, Draco," she greeted them warmly, pulling them both into a gentle embrace. "How was your year?"

"It was... eventful," Lyanna said, thinking back on all that had happened.

"To say the least," Draco added with a smirk.

Narcissa smiled knowingly, though a hint of concern flickered in her eyes. "Let's get home. We can talk more there."

With a nod, Lyanna and Draco each took one of their mother's arms, and with a soft crack, they apparated away from the bustling platform, the familiar sensation of being squeezed through a tube enveloping them briefly before they reappeared in the grand foyer of Malfoy Manor.

The manor was as imposing and elegant as ever, with its high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and polished marble floors. The atmosphere was cool and calm, a stark contrast to the lively chaos of Platform 9¾.

"Welcome home," Narcissa said, her voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "I had the house elves prepare a special dinner for us. We can catch up then."

Lyanna nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Despite the grandeur of the manor, it didn't quite feel like home to her. But she was determined to make the most of her summer, to rest and prepare for another year at Hogwarts.

As they made their way to their rooms to unpack, Draco turned to her. "So, did you really have to hang out with those Gryffindors all year?"

Lyanna rolled her eyes. "They're my friends, Draco. And they aren't as bad as you think."

Draco huffed but didn't push the matter further. "Just... be careful, okay? You know how Father feels about them."

"I know," she said softly. "But I can take care of myself."

Draco gave her a long look, then nodded. "Alright. See you at dinner."

Lyanna watched him go, then turned to her own room, her thoughts already drifting back to Hogwarts, to the mysteries she had yet to solve, and to the friends who had become like a second family to her.

With a deep breath, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. She was home, for now, and she would make the best of it. She unpacked her belongings, letting the familiar routine soothe her, and prepared for the evening ahead with her family.

After unpacking her belongings, Lyanna decided to take a nap to rejuvenate herself after the long journey. She drifted off quickly, the cool, familiar comfort of her bed at Malfoy Manor lulling her into a deep sleep.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her slumber. Groggily, she sat up, rubbing her eyes as the door creaked open and Mippy, their loyal house elf, peeked inside.

"Miss Lyanna, dinner is ready," Mippy said in her high-pitched voice.

"Thank you, Mippy," Lyanna replied with a yawn. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, stretching for a moment before standing. She smoothed her clothes and checked her reflection in the mirror, ensuring she looked presentable. Then she headed out of her room.

As she made her way to the grand staircase, she saw Draco emerging from his room as well. They exchanged a brief nod, then walked together towards the dining room.

The dining room at Malfoy Manor was as opulent as the rest of the house, with a long, polished mahogany table, crystal chandeliers, and elaborate silverware. Lucius Malfoy was already seated at the head of the table, his expression stern and impassive as always. Narcissa sat at the opposite end, her gaze warm as she watched her children enter the room.

Lyanna and Draco took their seats across from each other in the center of the table. A variety of dishes were laid out before them, and the delicious aroma filled the room.

"Good evening, Father," Lyanna and Draco said in unison.

"Good evening," Lucius replied, his eyes briefly flickering to each of them. "I trust you both had a productive year at Hogwarts."

"Yes, Father," Draco responded promptly. "It was quite eventful."

Lyanna nodded in agreement, feeling a slight tension in the air. She knew Lucius was always critical, especially towards her, and she wanted to avoid any potential conflicts.

"Lyanna," Lucius said, turning his attention to her. "I heard you performed exceptionally well in your classes. That is commendable."

"Thank you, Father," Lyanna replied politely.

Narcissa smiled softly at her daughter, then addressed both of them. "Tell us about your year. Any interesting happenings?"

Draco launched into a detailed account of his year, highlighting his achievements and the various events at Hogwarts. Lyanna listened quietly, occasionally adding her own comments when necessary. She mentioned her academic successes but kept the more personal and troubling aspects of her year to herself.

As dinner progressed, Lucius couldn't resist bringing up a topic that had clearly been on his mind. "It's rather unprecedented," he said, fixing his gaze on Lyanna, "that a Malfoy would be sorted into any house other than Slytherin. Ravenclaw, you say?"

Lyanna felt a pang of discomfort but kept her expression neutral. "Yes, Father. The Sorting Hat believed it was the best fit for me."

"Hmm," Lucius responded, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp. "A Malfoy in Ravenclaw. Quite the anomaly."

Narcissa quickly intervened, her voice gentle. "Lyanna has always shown remarkable intelligence and curiosity. I'm sure she will bring honor to our family in her own way."

Lyanna gave her mother a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mother."

After dinner, Lucius excused himself to his study, and Narcissa suggested they all retire for the evening. Lyanna and Draco shared a brief, meaningful glance before heading to their respective rooms.

Once inside her room, Lyanna changed into her nightclothes and climbed into bed, her mind racing with thoughts of the past year and the uncertainties that lay ahead. As she drifted off to sleep, she resolved to focus on her present life, as Dumbledore had advised, and to make the most of her summer break before returning to Hogwarts.