Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 5.1: 12 Grimmauld Place

Lyanna's hands trembled as she sealed the letter to Dumbledore. She knew the risk she was taking by leaving the Malfoy Manor, but she couldn't stay. Not with the Dark Lord planning to make it his stronghold. She had been labeled a traitor by the Malfoys, and now she was on the run, desperate for a safe haven. For three days, she had moved from one apartment to another, always looking over her shoulder, waiting for Dumbledore's reply.

Finally, on the fourth night, as she huddled in a dimly lit room, a tiny owl tapped at her window. Her heart pounded as she let it in, untying the small scroll attached to its leg. 

Dumbledore's response was brief, yet comforting:

"Be careful. Head to London, 12 Grimmauld Place."

Lyanna wasted no time. She packed her enchanted suitcase, donned her leather hooded jacket, and gripped her wand tightly. She had to be vigilant; Draco's last letter warned her that Death Eaters were hunting her.

The journey to London was nerve-wracking, every shadow and unfamiliar sound making her jump. When she finally reached the address, a grand townhouse materialized before her eyes, as if it had been waiting for her. It was late, and the drizzle made her shiver as she hurried inside.

Once inside, she walked further in and found the living room, the fireplace casting a warm glow. She sighed with relief, putting her things down and sinking into the couch, exhaustion washing over her. Just as she was about to fall asleep, a noise startled her.

Grabbing her wand, Lyanna moved cautiously toward the sound, ending up in the kitchen. Suddenly, a voice behind her made her whirl around, wand at the ready.

"Easy there, it's just me," said Sirius Black, standing with his hands raised in mock surrender.

Lyanna let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding and lowered her wand. "Sirius, you scared me!"

Sirius chuckled. "You have a habit of greeting people with your wand, don't you?"

Lyanna smiled wearily. "What are you doing here?"

Sirius grinned. "Well, am I not allowed in my own house?"

Lyanna's confusion deepened. "Your house?"

Sirius nodded. "Yes, this is the ancestral home of the Black family."

Before she could ask more questions, Sirius cut her off. "We'll talk more tomorrow. For now, you need rest. Dumbledore asked me to prepare a room for you."

He led her to a cozy bedroom and then added with a smile, "I actually made some midnight snacks, that's why there was a noise that woke you up. But you look exhausted, so get some sleep."

Lyanna's eyes were indeed heavy with fatigue. "Thank you, Sirius. I appreciate it."

She settled into the bed, feeling a sense of safety she hadn't felt in days.

~~~

Lyanna was awoken by a soft clattering from below. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, she was disoriented, the unfamiliar room making her momentarily forget where she was. Then it all came rushing back—the escape from Malfoy Manor, the anxious days of waiting, and the relief of finally finding sanctuary at 12 Grimmauld Place. She could still smell the faint scent of wood smoke from the fire that had lulled her to sleep the night before.

Curious and slightly concerned about the noise, Lyanna slipped out of bed, grabbed her wand from the nightstand, and quietly made her way downstairs. As she descended, the clattering grew louder, interspersed with the occasional muffled curse. She reached the kitchen door, pushing it open gently, only to find Sirius Black, sleeves rolled up, standing at the stove. He was intently reading from an old cookbook, his brow furrowed in concentration. Pots and pans were strewn about, but to her surprise, the kitchen smelled amazing.