Bound by Blood and Magic

Chapter 2 : The Journey Begins

The following days passed in a blur for (Y/N). Preparations for Hogwarts were underway, though the weight of her family’s expectations hung over her like a dark cloud. Every decision, every piece of clothing packed, every textbook chosen, seemed to carry the unspoken reminder of the legacy she was meant to uphold. The (L/N) family was known for its power, its influence, and its pure-blood supremacy, and Hogwarts would be no different.

As (Y/N) stood by the window of her grand bedroom, staring out at the sprawling estate, a soft knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

“Miss (Y/N),” Kippa’s small, squeaky voice called from the hallway. The house-elf entered, carrying a neatly folded set of robes. “Your parents are waiting for you downstairs. It’s time to leave for King’s Cross.”

(Y/N) sighed, glancing at the reflection in the mirror. Her long, golden hair was tied back in a loose braid, framing her perfect face. She was dressed in elegant traveling robes that only accentuated her natural beauty, a beauty that had caused heads to turn her entire life. But today, her mind was far from appearances.

She nodded to Kippa and gathered her things, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She wanted to leave, to start something new at Hogwarts, but the shadow of her family’s plans loomed large. The Malfoy alliance was all but sealed in their minds, and she could already feel the chains tightening.

Making her way down the grand staircase, she found her parents waiting in the foyer. Her father, Lord Alaric (L/N), stood tall, his expression as stern and commanding as ever. Her mother, Lady Evelyn, was beside him, her cold beauty reflecting the same icy demeanor. Neither of them had ever been particularly warm, their focus always on duty, legacy, and appearances.

“Remember who you are, (Y/N),” her father said as she approached. “You are a (L/N), and you carry with you the weight of our name. Hogwarts is your opportunity to solidify our influence, to build alliances, and most importantly, to remain above those who are beneath us.”

Her mother added, “And Draco will be there. I expect you to keep the bond between our families strong. The Malfoys are our allies, and the future depends on it.”

(Y/N) nodded but said nothing. She had learned long ago that arguing or showing dissent was useless. The (L/N) family was immovable in its beliefs and expectations. Instead, she focused on the thought of Hogwarts—a place that, despite everything, held the promise of freedom. At least for a little while.

Before long, they arrived at King’s Cross Station. The familiar sight of the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 greeted them, and with a subtle nudge from her father, (Y/N) passed through the barrier to Platform 9 ¾. The scarlet Hogwarts Express stood waiting, steam billowing from its engine, and the platform was bustling with students, families, and creatures of all kinds.

Her father’s parting words echoed in her mind as she stood there, watching the flurry of activity. *Remember who you are.*

But who was she, really? To the outside world, she was the beautiful, poised daughter of the powerful (L/N) family, destined for greatness. To her parents, she was the key to securing the family’s future through an arranged marriage with Draco Malfoy. But to herself, (Y/N) wasn’t sure. She felt like a pawn in a much larger game, one that she didn’t want to play.

As she boarded the train, her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

“Well, if it isn’t the princess of the (L/N) family herself.”

(Y/N) turned to see Draco Malfoy standing in the corridor, flanked by his usual companions, Crabbe and Goyle. His sharp, arrogant smirk was as irritating as ever. He was dressed in fine robes, his white-blond hair slicked back, and his cold grey eyes gleamed with the same superiority that he always carried.