Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 2.2: New Year, New Challenges

As Lyanna settled into her seat beside Draco, she couldn't help but notice Pansy Parkinson's incessant chatter and overt attempts to capture Draco's attention. It was clear to Lyanna that Pansy harbored a significant crush on her brother, which only served to irritate her further. She found herself rolling her eyes at Pansy's clinginess, silently wishing she would find someone else to pester.

Inwardly, Lyanna pondered who would be the ideal match for Draco, should he ever look beyond Pansy's obvious infatuation. Hermione Granger immediately came to mind—levelheaded, book-smart, and always logical, she seemed like the perfect complement to Draco's more impulsive nature. Alternatively, Astoria Greengrass, with her unwavering convictions and outspoken nature, presented another intriguing option. Lyanna admired Astoria's willingness to challenge traditional pure-blood views, seeing her as a potential source of growth and enlightenment for her brother.

However, Lyanna kept her thoughts to herself, knowing that Draco was not yet ready to consider such matters. For now, she remained content to observe from the sidelines, silently hoping that Draco would one day find someone who truly appreciated him for who he was.

~~~

Lyanna found herself increasingly annoyed by the constant presence of Draco's so-called friends, who seemed more like minions than genuine companions. Pansy's relentless attempts to get Draco's attention grated on her nerves. Finally, she could take no more.

"I need some air," she said, excusing herself from the compartment.

Draco glanced at her but then turned back to Pansy and his other friends without much concern. Lyanna walked briskly down the train corridor, hoping to find Harry and Ron. She checked several compartments but found no sign of them. Eventually, she encountered Hermione sitting with a group of Gryffindors.

"Hey, Hermione," Lyanna said, peering into the compartment. "Have you seen Harry and Ron?"

Hermione looked up, a bit puzzled. "No, I haven't. They weren't at the station either. I've been wondering where they are."

Lyanna frowned. "That's odd. Well, thanks anyway."

She excused herself again, feeling a growing sense of unease. She couldn't shake the feeling that something bad had happened to Harry and Ron, but she tried to dismiss it as paranoia. Maybe they were just up to some mischief and would show up at Hogwarts with some elaborate story.

With the train bustling and noisy, Lyanna made her way to the very back, where it was mostly empty. She found an isolated compartment and sat down, hoping the solitude would help clear her mind. She stared out the window at the passing countryside, trying to convince herself that Harry and Ron were just playing a prank and that everything would be fine once they reached Hogwarts.

As the scenery blurred by, she took a few deep breaths, her fingers idly playing with the silver necklace bearing her name. She knew she would have to wait until they arrived at the school to see Harry and Ron and confirm they were safe. In the meantime, she resolved to think positively and not let her worries ruin the journey.

But despite her efforts, a nagging worry remained at the back of her mind. She couldn't help but wonder what trouble her friends had put themselves in and why they hadn't been on the train. For now, she could only wait and hope for the best.

To take her mind off worrying about Harry and Ron, Lyanna turned her thoughts to her upcoming school year. Just this past summer, she had received a letter from Hogwarts, written by Professor McGonagall, informing her that she would be taking extra classes with the higher years due to her advanced abilities. One of the courses that particularly caught her interest was Mystical Divination.

The course description read:

Mystical Divination This advanced course delves into the arts of prophecy, flame reading, and the interpretation of signs and omens. Students will explore ancient rituals and learn to discern the subtle threads of fate that weave through the magical and mundane worlds.

Lyanna was both excited and apprehensive about the new challenge. She loved learning and was eager to expand her knowledge, but she knew that managing the additional workload alongside her regular classes would be demanding. She imagined herself delving into ancient texts, mastering intricate rituals, and perhaps even discovering more about her own mysterious abilities.

As the train rumbled on, she pulled out her journal and began sketching symbols and patterns she remembered from books she had read over the summer. The rhythmic motion of the train and the familiar act of drawing helped calm her nerves. She filled several pages with intricate designs, her mind drifting into a state of focused creativity.

Lost in her sketches, she barely noticed the passing time until the train began to slow down, signaling their imminent arrival at Hogsmeade Station. Lyanna put away her journal, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She would soon find out if Harry and Ron had made it to Hogwarts safely.

The train came to a stop, and Lyanna joined the throng of students disembarking. She spotted Draco ahead, surrounded by his usual entourage, and rolled her eyes at the sight of Pansy clinging to his arm. Determined not to let her worries overshadow the excitement of returning to school, she straightened her shoulders and made her way toward the carriages that would take them to the castle.

As she climbed into one of the horseless carriages, she couldn't help but glance around, hoping to catch sight of Harry and Ron. She didn't see them, but she took comfort in the fact that she would soon be reunited with her friends and the familiar halls of Hogwarts.

The ride to the castle was filled with the chatter and laughter of students catching up after the summer break. Lyanna listened absently, her mind already shifting to the new classes and challenges that awaited her. She knew this year would be different—more demanding, but also more rewarding. She resolved to make the most of every opportunity, trusting that she would find a way to balance her studies and her friendships.

Arriving at Hogwarts, Lyanna felt a sense of homecoming wash over her. The castle stood majestic and welcoming, its turrets silhouetted against the twilight sky. She followed the other students into the Great Hall, where the Sorting Ceremony for the first years would soon begin, her heart lighter and her mind focused on the adventures and mysteries that lay ahead.