MINOR EDITS IN PROGRESS - The Forgotten Heir | Sirius Black (Marauders Era)

Chapter 10: Veil of Secrets

Lamia stood in stunned silence, her breath catching in her throat as the aftermath of the explosion settled around her. The clearing, once quiet and peaceful, now felt charged with an unnatural energy. Her hands still tingled with the remnants of the power that had surged through her, the white light gradually dimming until it vanished altogether.

She stared at Sirius's motionless form, panic rising like a tidal wave. What had she done? The memory of the white aura's words echoed in her mind—the power that lies within. She had felt it, raw and unrestrained, and now Sirius lay unconscious because of it.

"Sirius?" she whispered, her voice trembling. She took a hesitant step toward him, but fear held her back. She didn't understand this power, didn't know how to control it, and the thought of accidentally hurting him further was too much to bear.

But she couldn't just leave him there. Summoning what little courage she had left, Lamia hurried to Sirius's side, dropping to her knees beside him. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, but he didn't stir. She reached out, her hand hovering over his face, afraid to touch him, afraid of what she might do.

"Sirius, please wake up," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

The forest around them was silent, save for the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Lamia's heart pounded in her chest as she watched for any sign of movement, any indication that Sirius was alright. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

The white light, the power surging from her—what did it mean? Was this the heritage the aura had spoken of in her dream? And if so, why was it happening now? She had so many questions, but no answers, and the fear of the unknown gnawed at her.

Minutes passed, each one feeling like an eternity, and still Sirius remained unconscious. Lamia's fear began to shift into a cold, hard determination. She had to help him, had to find someone who could. But she was in the middle of the Forbidden Forest, far from the castle, and she wasn't sure she could carry him all the way back by herself.

She glanced around the clearing, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of the centaur she had encountered before. He had helped her once, guided her toward understanding—perhaps he could help her again, or at least guide her to someone who could.

Lamia took a deep breath, steadying herself. She had no other options. If the centaur was the only one who could help, then she had to find him. She stood up slowly, her legs shaking as she turned her gaze back to Sirius.

"I'll come back for you, I promise," she whispered, though the words felt hollow in the emptiness of the forest.

With one last glance at Sirius, Lamia turned and walked to the edge of the clearing. Her hands still tingled with the strange energy, a constant reminder of the power she had unleashed. She hesitated, feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt and fear, but then she squared her shoulders and stepped into the dense foliage.

The forest seemed darker now, more ominous, as if it were aware of the turmoil within her. Every sound made her jump, every shadow felt like it was watching her. But she pushed forward, driven by the need to find answers—to understand who she was and what she had done.

As she walked, she tried to recall the centaur's words from their last encounter. He had spoken of destiny, of a power within her that was tied to the forest and the stars. But his riddles had only confused her, leaving her with more questions than answers.

"Where are you?" she called out, her voice echoing through the trees. "Please, I need your help!"

The forest remained silent, the only response the distant call of a bird and the rustling of leaves. Lamia's heart sank, but she refused to give up. She continued to walk, deeper into the forest, her desperation growing with each step.