Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 4.20

Lyanna sat nervously in one of the plush chairs in Dumbledore's office, her fingers tightly gripping the armrests. The portraits of previous headmasters and headmistresses peered down at her, their painted eyes following her every move. The serene but probing gaze of Albus Dumbledore met hers from behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Ms. Malfoy," Dumbledore began, his voice calm and measured, "it has come to our attention that Barty Crouch Jr., posing as Professor Moody, was responsible for bewitching the Triwizard Cup and orchestrating much of the unfortunate events that have transpired."

Lyanna widened her eyes in feigned surprise, hoping to mask the tumult of emotions and thoughts swirling within her. "Barty Crouch Jr.? Posing as Mad-Eye? I can't believe it," she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Dumbledore nodded, his gaze never leaving her. "Indeed. However, there remains a mystery. It appears that Crouch was not the one who put your name into the Goblet of Fire. His goals seem to have been centered around Harry Potter. This raises the question of who wanted you in the Tournament and why."

Lyanna forced herself to remain calm, her mind racing to maintain her facade. "I have no idea, Professor. It's frightening to think someone had such intentions."

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled before him. "Your surprise appears genuine, but I must inform you of another curious matter. On the same day Cedric miraculously regained consciousness, Barty Crouch Jr. was found dead in his cell."

Lyanna's heart pounded. She did her best to keep her expression neutral. "Dead? How?"

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, though his tone remained even. "A very powerful Killing Curse killed him. Unfortunately, we have been unable to trace the wand used. However, we do know that the spell was cast with a wand core of dragon heartstring, which, as you know, is quite rare. There are only a few wands at Hogwarts with such a core."

Lyanna swallowed hard, her mind racing. She had taken great care to ensure there were no traces of her involvement. "That's... Who else has a wand like mine?"

Dumbledore's gaze sharpened. "A few individuals. The circumstances are suspicious, and whoever killed Barty Crouch Jr. must have had a compelling reason and considerable resolve."

Lyanna feigned indignation. "What makes you think they are from Hogwarts, Professor?... It's a pity I didn't witness his death. I would have made him suffer before he died, for all the chaos he caused."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with curiosity and a hint of sadness. "Indeed, such sentiments are understandable. This brings us to another point. The level of skill and determination required to commit such an act within the castle is significant. It implies a deep personal grudge and a willingness to take extreme measures."

Lyanna took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Whoever did it must have been very determined. Perhaps they saw it as justice."

Dumbledore's gaze softened slightly, though his eyes remained piercing. "Perhaps. Ms. Malfoy, I urge you to be cautious. Whoever sought to place you in the Tournament may still be out there. But remember, there's a thin line between justice and vengeance. They are not always the same."

Lyanna nodded, her face a mask of controlled emotions. "Thank you, Professor. I'll be careful."

Dumbledore watched her for a long moment before finally nodding. "You may go, Ms. Malfoy. Take care."

As Lyanna left the office, she felt the weight of Dumbledore's suspicion pressing down on her. She had managed to convince him, at least for now. But she knew that maintaining her facade would require constant vigilance and cunning.