Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 3.8: Dragon Stuff

Two weeks later, the air buzzed with anticipation as a great queue of students—Third Years and older—lined up, each clutching a permission form. The line snaked through the entrance hall, where Filch stood glowering at each student as they passed.

"Remember!" Professor McGonagall's voice cut through the murmurs of excitement. "These visits to Hogsmeade Village are a privilege. Should your behavior reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again."

Harry approached her, clutching his empty hands together. "Professor McGonagall, I don't have a permission form, but I thought if you said I could go—"

McGonagall's stern expression softened just a fraction. "No permission form. No visiting the Village. That's the rule, Potter."

"But I—"

She cut him off with a firm shake of her head. "A parent or guardian must sign, and since I am neither, it would be inappropriate. I'm sorry, Potter. But that's my final word."

Harry's shoulders slumped in defeat. Across the way, Ron, Lyanna, and Hermione watched him expectantly, their faces hopeful. But when he turned and shook his head, their expressions fell. They exchanged glances of disappointment.

"We'll bring you back some sweets from Honeydukes," Ron called out, trying to lift Harry's spirits.

"Yeah, don't worry, Harry," Hermione added, her tone sympathetic.

Lyanna waved, her smile tinged with regret. "See you later, Harry."

Harry raised his hand in farewell, forcing a smile as he watched them join the throng of students heading towards Hogsmeade. As they disappeared from sight, the empty feeling in his chest grew, and he turned back towards the castle, the excitement of the day drained away.

~~~

As the students journeyed throughout Hogsmeade, Lyanna, Ron, and Hermione decided to spend their last hours enjoying drinks in the Three Broomsticks. The lively chatter and warm atmosphere made it a perfect spot to unwind after their day of exploring.

"Go ahead and order me a butterbeer," Lyanna said, pulling her cloak tighter against the chill. "I'll catch up with you later. There's something I need to take care of first."

Ron and Hermione exchanged curious glances but nodded. "Alright, but don't take too long," Hermione said. "We'll save you a seat."

Lyanna smiled and watched them head off before turning down a quieter street. She needed to find a market or a shop that sold meat. Her mind was preoccupied with Fyrion, her dragon, who had been eating less and less. She knew that this would hinder his growth, and the thought worried her. As an obligate carnivore, his diet needed to consist entirely of meat, and she had to ensure he was getting enough.

After wandering through a few streets, Lyanna found a butcher's shop tucked away in a corner. She entered and glanced around, making sure no one she knew was nearby. The shopkeeper gave her a curious look as she approached the counter.

"I need to buy a large amount of meat," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Different kinds, if you have them."

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow but didn't ask questions. "How much are we talking?"

"Enough for a... large pet," she replied, realizing how unusual the request might sound.

He nodded and began to gather various cuts of meat. Lyanna quickly calculated how much she would need to last Fyrion for a while, considering his rapid growth. His wingspan had already increased from one foot to six feet since she first got him. She needed to make sure he was well-fed to continue growing strong.

When the shopkeeper handed her the hefty parcel, she thanked him and stepped outside. The challenge now was to transport it all without drawing attention. She glanced around, ensuring she was alone, and pulled out her pouch. Muttering an incantation, she cast the Undetectable Extension Charm on it, creating a seemingly bottomless space inside.

She carefully packed the meat into the pouch, making sure it was secure before slinging it over her shoulder. With a sense of relief, she started back towards the Three Broomsticks, hoping Ron and Hermione hadn't finished their butterbeers yet.

Entering the pub, she spotted her friends at a table near the window. The warmth of the room and the sight of her butterbeer waiting for her brought a smile to her face.

"Everything alright?" Ron asked as she sat down.

"Yeah, just had to pick up a few things," Lyanna replied, taking a sip of the butterbeer. The rich, creamy taste was a welcome comfort after her errand.

Hermione looked at her curiously but didn't press further. "Glad you made it back. We were just talking about our next Hogsmeade visit."

Lyanna nodded, joining in the conversation, but her mind kept wandering back to Fyrion. She felt a pang of guilt for keeping such a significant secret from her friends, but she knew she had to protect her dragon at all costs. For now, she was content knowing he would have enough food, and she could enjoy the rest of the evening with her friends.

~~~

As the three walked back to the castle, the evening air was crisp, and the path was illuminated by the warm glow of torches. Ron, eager to get back and enjoy a snack before curfew, walked ahead of the two girls, his steps echoing on the stone pathway. Hermione lagged behind, her gaze fixed on Lyanna, her mind clearly occupied with questions.

"Lyanna," Hermione began, her voice low but insistent, "I've been noticing some things lately. You've been acting... different. Sneaking off, buying unusual things. What are you up to?"

Lyanna sighed, hoping to divert Hermione's attention. "I could ask the same about you, Hermione. You've been attending multiple classes at once. Using a Time-Turner, perhaps?"

Hermione's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly regained her composure. "This isn't about me. We're talking about you. Why won't you just tell me what's going on? Don't you trust me enough to share your secret?"

Lyanna glanced ahead at Ron, who was now a considerable distance away, then back at Hermione. "It's not about trust, Hermione. It's just... complicated. But fine. If you must know, I've been taking care of a dragon."

Hermione stopped in her tracks, her mouth slightly agape. "A dragon? Lyanna, that's... that's incredibly dangerous! Not to mention illegal. Do you realize what could happen if you're caught?"

"Exactly," Lyanna replied, her voice steady but firm. "That's why you can't tell anyone. If you do, I could be imprisoned for harboring an illegal creature. Do you really want to risk that?"

Hermione looked at her friend, her expression a mix of shock and concern. "I just... I can't believe you'd take such a risk. Why would you do this?"

Lyanna took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "He's... special to me, Hermione. I couldn't just leave him. I promise I'm being careful. But I need you to trust me and keep this between us."

Hermione stared at Lyanna for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Alright. I won't tell anyone. But you have to promise me you'll be careful. And if you need help, you come to me. Understand?"

Lyanna smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Hermione. I promise."

With a nod, Hermione began walking again, this time matching Lyanna's pace. They continued their journey back to the castle in silence.