Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 3.16

Harry and Lyanna walked softly toward an open door—Lupin's office—and peered in. Lupin stood over a battered suitcase, filling it with the last of his books. Without turning, he spoke.

"Hello, Harry, Lyanna."

They jumped. Lupin turned, smiling through haggard eyes.

"Saw you coming."

The Marauder's Map lay open on an otherwise bare desk. Harry nodded. Lyanna looked back to Lupin, unable to disguise her shock at his appearance.

"I've looked worse, believe me," Lupin said.

Harry eyed the open desk drawers and the bare bookshelves. "You've been sacked."

Lyanna quickly added, "Don't worry, Professor. I'm sure I can—"

"Resigned, actually," Lupin interrupted.

"Resigned! But why?" Harry asked, his voice rising in disbelief.

Lyanna interjected, "But you are the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we've had in years."

"It seems that someone has let slip the nature of my condition," Lupin said quietly.

"Snape," Harry spat out.

"Whoever. It was bound to get out. This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving. Parents will not want someone like me teaching their children."

"But Dumbledore—" Harry began.

"Has already risked enough on my behalf. Besides, people like me, well... let's just say I'm used to this by now. But before I go, tell me about your Patronus," Lupin said, turning to Lyanna.

"Back on the train, I did not have one. Maybe because I'd only been fueled with different emotions that did not mean much to me. But at the lake, when I cast the Patronus charm, it took the form of a dragon, and I figured that it took a form because all I felt was determination. To protect my friends."

Lupin nodded thoughtfully. "You really are different from the rest of your family, Lyanna. Did you know that as one of the most intimidating and feared entities within the Wizarding World, dragons tend to represent dominance and ambition? But, for you, it represents someone fearless, assertive, and accepting of any challenge. I am proud of you, Lyanna, for although you may be powerful and have much potential, you use it for the greater good."

He turned to Harry. "How about yours, Harry?"

"Well, at first I thought it was a horse, or perhaps a unicorn, but I think it was—"

"A stag," Lupin finished for him.

"Yes."

"Your father used to transform into one. That's how he was able to keep me company when I became... sick. He was a great friend, James."

Lupin smiled wanly, lifted his sorry suitcase, and then stopped.

"There are stories about him and your mother, you know. Some are even true. But I think it's safe to say, in the end, you'll know them best by getting to know yourself."

Lyanna asked quietly, "Will we ever see you again?"

Lupin, with a wicked twinkle, raised his wand. "Mischief managed."

They watched the Map go blank. When they looked back, Lupin was gone.

~~~

The Great Hall was adorned with the colors of all four Hogwarts houses, its ceiling bewitched to resemble the night sky filled with stars. Students chatted animatedly, their faces glowing with the excitement of the year-end feast. At the head table, Professor Dumbledore stood, raising a hand to call for silence. The room hushed almost instantly, every eye turning to the headmaster.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his half-moon spectacles as he began, "Another year has come to an end at Hogwarts, and as we gather here tonight, I am reminded of the incredible journey each of you has undertaken. This year, perhaps more than any other, has shown us the true value of loyalty, friendship, goodness, and the nature of power."

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room, lingering briefly on Lyanna, Hermione, Ron, and Harry. They exchanged glances, sensing the significance of his words.

"Loyalty," Dumbledore continued, "is the bond that holds us together. It is a fierce and unyielding force that compels us to stand by one another, even in the face of great danger. Loyalty is not just about standing by those we love, but also about believing in them, even when others doubt. This year, we have seen remarkable acts of loyalty, reminding us that we are never truly alone when we stand united."

His eyes glimmered with warmth as he spoke, reflecting on the trials they had faced. "Friendship is the light that guides us through the darkest times. True friends do not simply share in our joys; they stand by us in our darkest hours, offering strength, comfort, and hope. It is through friendship that we learn to understand and appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses. It teaches us compassion and empathy, the very foundation of our humanity."

Dumbledore's expression grew more serious as he moved on. "Goodness is a choice, one we must make every day. It is easy to be swayed by power, to choose the path of least resistance, to succumb to fear and hatred. But true goodness requires courage. It demands that we stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult, even when it is dangerous. It is in those moments, when we choose to be good despite the odds, that we define who we truly are."

He took a deep breath, his eyes now focused intently on the four friends who had faced so much. "Power, true power, is not about control or domination. It is not about forcing others to bend to our will. True power lies in the ability to uplift others, to inspire them to be their best selves. It is about using our strengths, not for personal gain, but to create a world where everyone can thrive. Power without compassion is hollow; it is only through kindness and understanding that power becomes meaningful."

The hall was silent, every student absorbed in Dumbledore's words. "This year, we have all witnessed the strength of loyalty, the warmth of friendship, the courage of goodness, and the true nature of power. These values are not just lessons to be learned, but principles to live by. As you leave tonight, take these lessons with you. Let them guide your actions and shape your future. Remember, it is not our abilities that show who we truly are—it is our choices."

With a gentle smile, Dumbledore concluded, "To each of you, I wish you a safe and restful summer. Know that you are always welcome here and that Hogwarts is, and always will be, your home. Now, let the feast begin!"

As applause erupted and food magically appeared on the tables, Lyanna, Hermione, Ron, and Harry exchanged thoughtful looks. They knew Dumbledore's speech had been meant especially for them. Their journey had been arduous, filled with peril and uncertainty, but they had come through it stronger, bound by the very principles Dumbledore had spoken of. They had faced the darkness and emerged into the light, and they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together, united by loyalty, friendship, goodness, and a true understanding of power.