Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 2.15: Friendship

Lyanna felt a surge of anger and defiance rise within her as she tried to hold her father back, her voice trembling with suppressed rage. "You have no right to speak to them that way," she retorted, her words laced with venom. "They have been nothing but good friends to me."

But Lucius's grip on her arm tightened, his voice low and menacing. "Stay away from those bloody Gryffindors, Lyanna," he warned, his eyes flashing with warning. "Stay away from trouble."

Lyanna's blood boiled at his words, her resolve hardening as she met his gaze with steely determination. "And what about you, father?" she shot back, her voice dripping with accusation. "Shall I tell everyone how it was you who brought Tom Riddle's diary back to Hogwarts? How you were involved with the monster that haunted the students?"

Lucius's eyes narrowed, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features as Lyanna's words pierced through his facade of authority. For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air, tension crackling between them like electricity. Then, with a sharp exhale, Lucius released her arm, his grip loosening as he took a step back.

"You wouldn't dare," he hissed, though the uncertainty in his voice betrayed his fear of exposure.

Lyanna held her ground, her gaze unwavering as she stared down her father. "Try me," she challenged, her voice steely with determination.

For a moment, Lucius seemed torn, his anger warring with the realization that his daughter was not one to be trifled with. Finally, with a frustrated growl, he turned away, his steps heavy with resentment as he retreated down the corridor.

"Fine," he spat over his shoulder, his voice laced with bitterness. "Do as you please. But mark my words, Lyanna Malfoy, you will regret this."

As Lucius disappeared around the corner, Lyanna felt a surge of relief mixed with sadness. She had stood up to her father, but the rift between them had only widened. Turning back to Harry and Dobby, she offered them a weak smile, the weight of her defiance still heavy on her heart. But despite the turmoil, she knew she had made the right choice.

~~~

All the students gathered in the Great Hall for the end-of-year feast. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and relief after the recent events. Neville glanced towards the entrance of the Great Hall and then looked at Harry, Ron, and Ginny sitting across from him.

"Harry, it's Hermione," he said, his eyes lighting up.

Harry and Ron turned to look at the doorway and saw Hermione standing there. Both greeted her with beaming smiles as Ginny also turned to see her. Overjoyed, Hermione ran to them. Harry and Ron got up to greet her; she ran right up to Harry, and they embraced for a few seconds. Hermione then turned to Ron, who briefly smiled at her with what looked like a loving look on his face.

"Uh, uh..." Ron chuckled and cleared his throat before he and Hermione shook hands. "Welcome back, Hermione."

"It's good to be back. Congratulations. I can't believe you solved it," Hermione said, her eyes shining with pride.

Harry smiled at her. "Well, we had loads of help from you. We couldn't have done it without you."

Nearby, Lyanna sat at the Ravenclaw table, which was right beside the Gryffindors. She heard all the commotion but didn't dare to approach. She wasn't sure if Hermione would want to see her, the last person she had quarreled with before being attacked. Unexpectedly, Hermione was the first to approach her.

"Aren't you going to talk to your best friend before we all leave for the summer?" Hermione asked with a warm smile.

Lyanna's heart warmed, and they embraced, reconciling their friendship. "Even though I was petrified, I heard everything you said in your apology when you visited the Hospital Wing," Hermione whispered.

"Thanks," Lyanna replied, her eyes glistening with tears.

Professor McGonagall tapped her glass to get everyone's attention. "Could I have your attention, please?" she announced. Harry, Ron, and Hermione immediately sat down, and Lyanna returned to her own table.

Professor Dumbledore stood up. "Before we begin the feast, let us have a round of applause for Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey, whose Mandrake juice has been so successfully administered to all who had been Petrified." Everyone except Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and a few other Slytherins applauded them. "Also, in light of the recent events, as a school treat, all exams have been canceled."

Everyone except Lyanna and Hermione applauded enthusiastically. "Oh, no," they both whispered in unison.

The doors to the Great Hall opened, and Hagrid walked in, looking around with a smile on his face. "Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice booming across the hall. Harry, Ron, Lyanna, and Hermione looked at him in amazement. Even Neville was surprised to see Hagrid back. "The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused. Some ruddy bird called Errol," Hagrid explained.

Ron's eyes widened in surprise as he and Hermione glanced at Dumbledore. The headmaster smiled and nodded at Ron before turning back to Hagrid. Hagrid walked right up to the Gryffindor table as Harry, Ron, and Hermione all shifted to face him.

"And I'd just like to say that if it hadn't been for you, Harry... and Ron... and Hermione... and Lyanna, of course... I would, uh... I'd still be you-know-where, so I'd... I'd just like to say thanks," Hagrid said, chuckling.

Harry glanced at Ron, who smiled, and then stood up. "There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid," he declared.

Hagrid chuckled, and he and Harry embraced as Lyanna, Ron, and Hermione watched with smiles on their faces. Dumbledore stood up and began to applaud, followed by Professor McGonagall. Hagrid looked at them, and Harry joined in the applause, leading Lyanna, Ron, Hermione, and eventually everyone in the Hall to join in as well. Crabbe was about to get up and applaud when Malfoy stopped him; Seamus put his fingers in his mouth and whistled while Dean cheered, "Yay!" Behind Harry, Colin snapped a picture; Ron glanced at Lyanna, who had a joyful tear rolling down her face. Hagrid happily wiped a tear from his own eye and glanced at Dumbledore. As the other staff continued applauding, Hagrid spun around and held his arms out happily.

The end-of-year feast continued with laughter and cheer, the troubles of the past year momentarily forgotten as the students celebrated their victory and looked forward to the summer ahead.