A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 23: The Long Summer

Chapter 23: The Long Summer

The end of term buzz filled the air, mingling with the clatter of trunks and the shouts of farewells. The platform was alive with the chaos of Hogwarts students boarding the train, their robes swirling as they hugged friends, promised to write, and laughed about summer plans. But for Anastasia Gaunt, the vibrant atmosphere felt muted, her focus narrowing on what—or rather, who—was waiting for her at the other end of the journey.

She moved gracefully through the crowd, her steps deliberate as she navigated the bustling platform. Regulus trailed close behind, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he glanced around nervously, ever alert to who might be watching. Lucius followed as well, his blond hair immaculate, his expression one of detached boredom as if the noise and movement were beneath him.

As they boarded the train, Anastasia remained silent, her thoughts heavy despite her perfectly composed exterior.

"You're awfully quiet," Lucius observed once they had settled into a compartment. He lounged on one of the cushioned seats, his legs stretched out and his hands resting casually on his lap.

"Am I?" Anastasia replied coolly, her gaze fixed out the window as the castle disappeared from view. Her reflection stared back at her, pale and expressionless, as the train began its steady journey toward London.

Regulus, seated beside her, glanced between the two, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's the last day of school," he said cautiously. "You'd think that would be a relief."

Anastasia's lips curved into a faint, apathetic smile. "Relief isn't exactly what I'd call it."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, studying her with faint curiosity. "Ah," he said, a knowing edge to his voice. "Nervous about your summer plans, are we?"

Her gaze flickered to him, her expression unreadable. "Nervous isn't the word I'd use either."

"Dread, then?" he offered, his tone light but pointed.

"Lucius," Regulus muttered, a warning in his voice.

Anastasia's eyes didn't leave Lucius's, her smile sharp as glass. "How astute of you."

He shrugged, unbothered by the tension. "Well, it's hardly surprising, is it? I doubt anyone would relish spending their summer under his roof."

Regulus shifted uncomfortably beside her, his hands twisting in his lap. Anastasia placed a hand on his knee, a small, reassuring gesture that belied her own unease.

"I'll manage," she said quietly, her voice steady despite the knot tightening in her chest.

Lucius gave a soft, derisive laugh, leaning his head back against the seat. "You always do," he said, his tone almost admiring. "But I'd wager even you have your limits, Ana. There's only so much one can endure, even for the sake of legacy."

The word hung in the air like a shadow, and Anastasia's jaw tightened. Legacy. It was the word that had dictated her entire existence, the invisible chain that bound her to her name, her bloodline, and the choices that had been made for her long before she'd had any say.

She turned her gaze back to the window, watching as the landscape blurred into green and gold streaks, the train speeding them toward their destinies.

"What about you?" she asked, her tone lightening just enough to shift the focus. "Summer wedding plans, perhaps?"

Lucius smirked, though there was a flicker of genuine amusement in his expression. "Not quite yet. Narcissa's parents insist on waiting until after she graduates. They're... traditional that way."