Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 5.6

Lyanna didn't leave the room as she had intended. Before she could take a step, the door burst open, and Ron and Hermione came rushing in, their faces lit up with excitement.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, waving a letter in her hand. "Ron and I... we've been named House Prefects!" She practically beamed as she handed both Harry and Lyanna their letters.

There was the sound of parchment ripping as the letters were opened. Lyanna smiled as she unfolded hers, glancing briefly at the Prefect badge that tumbled out. But her smile faltered as she looked over at Harry, noticing that his letter did not include a badge.

Harry shook his head slightly. "Nothing," he said, a tinge of disappointment in his voice.

Hermione frowned, clearly puzzled. "Are you sure?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion. "I would have thought you'd get one!"

Harry shook his head again. "I'm sure. There's nothing."

There was an awkward silence, the atmosphere growing heavy.

"So... congratulations, Ron, Hermione, Lyanna," Harry said after a moment, his voice quieter now.

"Well... thanks, Harry," Hermione replied, her excitement subdued.

"Yeah, thanks, mate," Ron added, though his voice lacked its usual cheer. "Come on, let's go back downstairs!" he said, glancing between Lyanna and Hermione.

Harry remained on his bed, turning away from them. "Yes, do go enjoy yourselves," he said, his tone half-hearted, as he lay back down, staring at the ceiling.

Lyanna hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. She glanced at Hermione and Ron, then back at Harry, a pang of guilt in her chest. But seeing Harry's clear wish to be alone, she decided not to press him further.

"Let's give him some space," she whispered to Hermione and Ron before quietly leading them out of the room. As they left, the door clicked shut, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.

~~~

Time seemed to blur as the summer days faded, and before they knew it, Harry, Lyanna, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were stepping off the Hogwarts Express, the cool evening air signaling their return to school. The station buzzed with the chatter and excitement of students reuniting after the break. The group moved quickly through the crowd, eager to reach the carriages that would take them to the castle.

As they approached the row of carriages waiting near the platform, Harry slowed, his eyes fixed on something unusual. At the front of the carriages, where there had always been nothing before, was a large, skeletal creature, like a horse with leathery wings, its bony frame tethered to the front. Harry stopped dead in his tracks, his face drawn in confusion.

"What is that?" Harry asked, his voice filled with surprise.

Ron, already halfway into the carriage, turned back and followed Harry's gaze. "What?" Ron asked, looking where Harry pointed but seeing nothing.

"That... thing," Harry insisted, jabbing his finger toward the front of the carriage.

Lyanna glanced between Harry and the invisible space he was gesturing toward, her brow furrowed. "You can see them?" she asked, her voice filled with equal parts confusion and curiosity. "They're right there... can't you?"

Ron stared hard at the spot Harry was pointing to, his eyes narrowed in concentration. After a few moments, he looked back at Harry, shaking his head. "Mate, there's nothing there," Ron said slowly, as though hoping Harry would come to his senses.

"Yes, there is!" Harry insisted, more adamant this time. "It's standing right there, plain as day."

A dreamy voice floated over from behind them. "I see them too, Harry."