Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 5.11: Walls Closing In

Lyanna walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, her shoulders hunched as though the weight of the world rested upon them. The whispers that followed her were louder now, more malicious. The Gryffindors who had gossiped about her in the courtyard weren't the only ones anymore. News of her family's dark affiliations and her own connection to the Malfoy name had spread like Fiendfyre.

"Do you think she's like her father?" one student muttered to another as Lyanna passed the Great Hall.

"I heard she's been sneaking off to the Forbidden Forest. Maybe she's meeting Death Eaters," another whispered.

She clenched her jaw and walked faster, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her react. But their words sliced through her like a knife.

Even her professors seemed more cautious around her. Snape avoided her gaze during Potions, an uncharacteristic behavior for someone who had once taken pride in her skill. Professor McGonagall gave her sympathetic looks, but Lyanna could tell even she was wary.

The only people who still seemed to trust her were Hermione, Harry, and Ron, but even that bond felt strained. Harry was preoccupied with the Order's movements and his growing tension with Umbridge. Ron was consumed with Quidditch, and Hermione... Hermione was trying, but Lyanna could see the worry in her friend's eyes every time they spoke.

Today's Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match was supposed to be a distraction. Lyanna had gone to cheer for Ron, knowing he needed the support. The stands were packed, and the air buzzed with excitement.

But halfway through the match, the jeers started.

"Oi, Malfoy!" someone yelled from the Gryffindor section. "Where's your father? Hiding from the Ministry, is he?"

Lyanna froze, her eyes scanning the crowd. She spotted a group of older students laughing and pointing in her direction.

"Bet she's got a Dark Mark hidden somewhere!" another shouted.

The insults grew louder, and Lyanna's hands gripped the edge of her seat so tightly her knuckles turned white. Hermione placed a hand on her arm, trying to calm her. "Ignore them, Lyanna. They're just trying to get a rise out of you."

But she couldn't. The laughter and taunts were deafening. Her blood boiled, and she felt the heat rising in her chest—a dangerous, unrelenting fire. She forced herself to stay seated, but it was a near thing.

Later that evening, Lyanna found herself wandering the castle, unable to shake the anger and humiliation. She ended up near the Astronomy Tower, seeking solitude.

But she wasn't alone.

She heard voices—a girl's laugh, followed by a familiar male voice. Lyanna's heart sank as she stepped closer, peeking around the corner. There was Cedric, leaning against the stone parapet, and Cho Chang was with him. They were standing too close, laughing too easily.

Lyanna didn't confront them. She turned and walked away, her chest tightening with each step.

*quick Cedric's POV; you can skip if you'd like*

Cedric sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the floor of the Hufflepuff dormitory. Cho's words from the night before echoed in his mind.

"You're hurting, Cedric," she had said, her voice gentle but firm as they stood in the quiet of the Astronomy Tower. "And so is she. You can't keep avoiding this—it's only making things worse."

Cedric had been defensive at first. "I've tried, Cho. She doesn't want to see me."

Cho had smiled sadly. "Of course she doesn't. She's angry, confused, and heartbroken. But so are you. You two care about each other too much to let this fester. If you don't try again, you might lose her for good."