Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 4.21

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the Hogwarts Express rumbled to life, signaling the end of another school year. The platform buzzed with students saying hurried goodbyes, many already discussing plans for the summer. Among them, Lyanna and Cedric stood close together, their hands brushing briefly as they shared a few final words.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Cedric asked, his eyes full of concern.

Lyanna offered a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Cedric. Just a bit tired from everything. It's been... a lot."

Cedric nodded, understandingly. "I'll see you soon, okay? Write to me."

"Of course," Lyanna promised, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before he helped her find her friends' compartment.

As they reached the compartment, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were already settled in, their faces lighting up at the sight of Lyanna and Cedric together. The trio exchanged knowing glances, smirking mischievously.

"Look who's here," Ron teased, nudging Harry. "The lovebirds."

Lyanna blushed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, shut up, Ron."

Cedric chuckled, giving Lyanna a quick hug before heading off to find his own friends. "Take care, Lyanna. See you soon."

"You too, Cedric," she replied, watching him walk down the corridor before turning to face her friends.

Hermione, ever observant, couldn't resist joining in. "So, Lyanna, anything you want to tell us?"

Lyanna laughed, shaking her head. "You're all impossible."

As the train began its journey, the compartment filled with laughter and chatter. The trio kept teasing Lyanna about Cedric, making her laugh despite the turmoil brewing inside her. Yet, as the landscape sped by outside the window, Lyanna found her thoughts drifting away from the present moment.

She stared out at the passing scenery, the fields and forests blurring into a mosaic of colors. The conversation around her faded into a soft hum, her friends' voices becoming distant as her mind wandered back to the events of the past few weeks. The Yule Ball, the Triwizard Tournament, Cedric's near-death experience, and the terrifying resurrection of Voldemort – it all felt like a dark, surreal dream.

Her heart clenched at the thought of going home to Malfoy Manor. Her parents, Narcissa and Lucius, were loyal followers of the Dark Lord, a fact she could no longer ignore. The betrayal she felt was a heavy weight on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She loved her mother, Narcissa, dearly, but knowing their allegiance made her question everything about her family. The very thought of confronting them, of hearing them defend their actions, made her stomach churn.

"Lyanna?" Hermione's gentle voice broke through her reverie.

Lyanna blinked, turning to face her friend. "Sorry, what?"

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "You seem a bit... distant."

Lyanna forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Hermione. Just... thinking about everything that's happened."

Harry, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "It's been a rough year for all of us. But we'll get through it. Together."

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we've faced worse, haven't we?"

Lyanna appreciated their attempts to cheer her up, but the sense of dread remained. "I guess I'm just missing Hogwarts already," she said, trying to sound casual.

Hermione gave her a sympathetic look. "We'll be back before you know it. And we'll be in touch all summer. You're not alone, Lyanna."

"Thanks, Hermione," Lyanna replied, grateful for her friend's support.