Chapter 11: chapter 10
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Chapter Ten: The Matriarch's Perspective
Dorea Potter sat in her favorite armchair in the drawing room, gazing out at the sprawling grounds of the Potter Estate. The estate, with its lush gardens and ancient oak trees, was as timeless as the family it housed. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the soft rug where her youngest granddaughter, Lillian, played with her enchanted dolls.
At seventy-one, Dorea had lived through more than her share of history. Wars, grief, triumphs—she had seen it all. Now, her purpose was singular: to prepare her grandchildren for the future, whatever it might hold.
Her thoughts turned to Harry, her eldest grandson. He was in the library with Rose and the younger twins, Amelia and Evelyn, working through the morning's lessons. At eleven years old, Harry was already an enigma, wise beyond his years yet quietly unassuming.
It had been four years since his accidental display of magic on his and Rose's seventh birthday. That moment had been seared into her memory: Rose, wobbling on her new broom, falling, and then freezing mid-air as Harry's magic surged to catch her.
The display had silenced the room. Even James, usually boisterous and quick to laugh, had been momentarily stunned. Though everyone had chalked it up to accidental magic, Dorea had seen the control in Harry's actions, the subtle way his aura had flared before settling back into calm. It was no accident.
Since that day, Dorea had kept a closer eye on Harry. She had watched as he excelled in his studies, his discipline unmatched even among the gifted Potter and Black children of the past. There was a quiet intensity to him, a depth she hadn't seen in someone so young.
His magical abilities were... different. While the other children exhibited bursts of wild, untamed magic typical for their age, Harry's magic seemed measured and deliberate, even when he wasn't consciously using it.
Dorea had considered speaking to him about it but decided against it for now. She knew Harry wasn't ready to share whatever burden he carried, and she trusted him to reveal it when the time was right.
Rose, Harry's twin, was another matter entirely. Where Harry was calm and introspective, Rose was vibrant and full of energy, her curiosity often getting her into trouble. The bond between the twins was unshakable, though. Dorea had seen it time and time again: the way Harry's gaze softened when Rose was near, the way Rose instinctively looked to Harry for reassurance.
Rose's magical talents had blossomed beautifully. She had a natural flair for charms and transfiguration, often outpacing even the advanced lessons Dorea designed for her. Yet, for all her talent, Rose lacked the restraint Harry displayed, a trait Dorea was determined to instill in her.
Amelia and Evelyn, now nine, were a delightfully chaotic pair. Amelia was studious and methodical, often shadowing Harry during their lessons, while Evelyn had inherited James's mischievous streak, constantly devising new pranks to liven up the household.
And then there was Lillian, her youngest grandchild. At six years old, Lillian was a bundle of joy, her red curls and bright green eyes a perfect blend of her parents. She had a knack for softening even the sternest moments, her laughter echoing through the manor like a melody.
Dorea's days were filled with the structured chaos of raising the next generation of Potters. She oversaw their education, instilling in them the values that had defined their family for centuries: courage, integrity, and compassion.
She had taken on this responsibility gladly, knowing James and Lily were consumed by their careers. James, as a Senior Auror, was often away on missions, his name now synonymous with bravery and strategic brilliance. Lily, a master enchantress and inventor, had patents to her name that were revolutionizing magical defenses and household charms.
The Potter children thrived under her guidance. Lessons in history, magical theory, and etiquette were interspersed with time for play and exploration. Dorea ensured their upbringing was balanced, cultivating both discipline and imagination.
As the day progressed, Dorea found herself reflecting on the changes in her family since that fateful seventh birthday. Harry's display of magic had been a turning point, a moment that had shifted her perspective on him.
She had seen many powerful witches and wizards in her time, but there was something unique about Harry. He carried an air of quiet authority, a presence that felt far older than his eleven years.
"Harry," she had told Charlus one night, "is going to change the world. Whether for better or worse, I cannot say, but the boy has a destiny written in the stars."
Her husband had chuckled at her dramatic phrasing but hadn't disagreed.
Dorea's gaze drifted back to Lillian, who had fallen asleep on the rug, her doll clutched tightly in her small hands. The world was at peace now, but Dorea knew better than to trust its calm. Shadows always lingered, waiting for the right moment to rise again.
The Potter children were her legacy, and she would ensure they were prepared for whatever lay ahead. Harry, Rose, Amelia, Evelyn, and Lillian—all of them carried the weight of their family's name, a name synonymous with bravery and honor.
Dorea set her teacup down, her resolve firm. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the Potter family would face it together, strong and unyielding, as they always had.