Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 3.7: Boggart

Lyanna walked into the Great Hall, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor as she made her way to the Ravenclaw table. She found a spot nearest to her Gryffindor friends and settled in just as the conversation turned to her brother, Draco. Ron's comment about Draco laying it on thick elicited a wry smirk from Lyanna, a silent agreement with their assessment of her brother's behavior.

"Yeah, that's my brother," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. The familiar banter with her friends was a welcome distraction from the lingering worry about her brother's actions and the recent news about Sirius Black.

The mention of Hagrid not getting sacked brought a collective sigh of relief, but Hermione's comment about Draco's father being furious cast a shadow over their conversation. Lyanna's expression turned thoughtful as she mentioned her attempt to intervene by writing to their father, only to be interrupted by Seamus's urgent announcement.

"He's been sighted!" Seamus exclaimed, drawing their attention to a copy of The Daily Prophet. Lyanna joined the group, peering over their shoulders at the front-page photograph that revealed Sirius Black's presence.

"Who?" Ron asked, his voice tinged with concern, but the answer became chillingly clear as they looked at the photograph.

Hermione read the accompanying article silently, her brow furrowing in apprehension. Lyanna's mind raced with thoughts of the recent attack on the Gryffindor Tower and the possibility of Black targeting Hogwarts next.

"Achintee? That's not far from here..." Lyanna murmured, exchanging a worried glance with Hermione. The proximity of Black's sighting to Hogwarts only heightened their unease.

Neville's question about Black coming to Hogwarts prompted a grim response from Lavender, but Lyanna couldn't shake the feeling that Black might attempt it despite the presence of Dementors.

"Dementors? He's already slipped by them once, hasn't he? Who's to say he can't do it again?" Lyanna remarked, her voice tinged with concern. The memory of the Dementors' failed attempt to capture Black on the Hogwarts Express sent a shiver down her spine.

As Harry's face betrayed a flicker of fear, Bem, a Nigerian boy, spoke up with a grim observation about Black's elusive nature. Lyanna nodded in agreement, her thoughts aligning with Bem's analogy.

"That's right. Black could be anywhere. It's like trying to catch smoke. Like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands," Bem remarked, his words carrying a weight of resignation.

With the knowledge that Black was out there, somewhere, the sense of vulnerability within Hogwarts seemed more palpable than ever.

~~~

The tall wardrobe rattled violently as Lyanna, Harry, Ron, and several classmates regarded it warily. Professor Lupin's calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the tension in the room.

"Intriguing, yes? Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what's inside?" Lupin asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"That's a Boggart, that is," Seamus whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Very good, Mr. Finnigan. Can anyone tell us what a Boggart looks like?" Lupin continued, turning his attention to the class.

"No one knows. Boggarts are shape-shifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears most. That's what makes it so—" Hermione began, her voice steady with knowledge.

"Terrifying, yes. Luckily, a very simple charm exists to repel a Boggart. Let's practice it now, shall we? Without wands, please... Riddikulus!" Lupin instructed, his tone encouraging.