Harry set Hedwig free of her traces, watching as she soared into the sky. He stood at the lake's edge with Professor Lupin, the cold breeze ruffling their hair.
"Why do they affect me so, Professor? I mean, more than everyone else..." Harry asked, his voice tinged with frustration and confusion.
"Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth," Professor Lupin began, his tone serious. "They feed on every good feeling, every happy memory until a person is left with nothing but his worst experiences. You're not weak, Harry. The Dementors affect you most because there are true horrors in your past. Horrors your classmates can scarcely imagine. You have nothing to be ashamed of."
Harry looked down, his fingers tightening around his cloak. "I'm scared, Professor."
"I'd consider you a fool if you weren't," Lupin replied, his gaze steady and reassuring.
"I need to learn how to fight them, like how they say Lyanna did when the Dementors attacked me. You could teach me, Professor. You made that Dementor on the train go away..."
Lupin sighed softly, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "There was only one that night. And Lyanna... well, Lyanna is one powerful witch. I can sense it in her, that she is a natural. And yet, I can only imagine how much effort she puts into things to be able to cast such a powerful spell without a wand or uttering the spell. You weren't the only one attacked on the train back then, Harry. Lyanna was too, alone, but she cast a powerful spell even in such a weakened state. I'm quite certain she has mastered the spell skillfully. You're friends, are you not? Learn from her."
"Yes, but... I wouldn't be so sure if she had the patience to do so. She's a great friend, but I don't think I'll be able to catch up easily with her... But you also made it go away, that night on the train."
Lupin paused, considering Harry's words. "I don't pretend to be an expert, Harry. But yes, I can teach you. Perhaps after the holiday. For now, though, I need to rest. I'm feeling... tired."
Harry turned, studying Lupin's haggard face. A weary smile appeared as Hedwig's reflection glided over Lupin's irises.
"Beautiful..." Lupin murmured.
Harry looked up, watching Hedwig pinwheel through the blue, past the clock tower, and out of sight. The skies paled, and snow began to fall, casting a serene, white blanket over the castle grounds. As the first flakes touched his face, Harry felt a mix of hope and determination. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with friends like Lyanna and mentors like Lupin, he felt ready to face whatever came next.
~~~
Meanwhile, Lyanna sneaked deep into the Forbidden Forest. Broad daylight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. She moved with careful steps, her senses alert for any signs of danger. She knew the dark and dangerous creatures of the forest would likely remain hidden during the day, but caution was always prudent in this place.
She carried her enchanted suitcase, the one that contained her beloved dragon, Fyrion. Today, she decided to let Fyrion fly free for a while. He had been cooped up for too long, and she knew he needed the exercise and the thrill of open skies.
Finding a small clearing bathed in sunlight, she placed the suitcase on the ground and opened it. Fyrion emerged, stretching his almost-ten-feet-wide wings with a powerful flap that sent a gust of wind rustling through the leaves. His dark scales shimmered slightly in the sunlight, a magnificent sight that made Lyanna's heart swell with pride and affection.
"Go on, Fyrion," she said softly. "Stretch your wings and enjoy the sky."
With a mighty leap, Fyrion took to the air, his wings slicing through the air with ease. He soared high above the treetops, his roars echoing through the forest. Lyanna watched him with a smile, feeling a sense of freedom and exhilaration through their bond.
She sat down on a fallen log, watching Fyrion as he performed acrobatic maneuvers, diving and swooping with joy. The minutes turned into hours as she lost track of time, completely engrossed in the sight of her dragon flying free.
Suddenly, Fyrion roared, his voice filled with warning. He landed beside Lyanna, his body tense and his eyes scanning the surroundings. She stood up, her wand at the ready, trying to see what had alerted Fyrion.
For a moment, there was nothing but the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Then, a big black dog appeared from the shadows, its eyes fixed on Lyanna. The dog moved silently, its presence imposing and unsettling. Lyanna and Fyrion were ready to defend each other if it came to that.
Fyrion let out a breath of fire, the flames licking at the air and sending the huge dog scrambling away into the underbrush. The dragon growled lowly, his gaze following the retreating figure until it disappeared from sight.
"Good job, Fyrion," Lyanna said, patting his scaly side. "But we should head back. It's getting late."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the forest, Lyanna packed up her suitcase and called Fyrion back inside. They made their way back to the castle, careful to remain undetected. Lyanna's mind was still racing with thoughts of the black dog. How could such a creature end up in the Forbidden Forest? It wasn't an ordinary stray; there was something ominous about its appearance and the way it had watched her.
Back at the castle, Lyanna slipped through the corridors unnoticed, her thoughts lingering on the mysterious encounter. She couldn't shake the feeling that the black dog was more than it seemed.
YOU ARE READING
Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}
Fiksi PenggemarTeaser: The wind howled through the bare branches, a chilling reminder of winter's harsh grip on the land. Snowflakes danced in the moonlight, casting an eerie glow over Malfoy Manor. Inside, the warmth of the hearths did little to comfort Narcissa...