Chapter 7: chapter 6
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Chapter Six: The Seventh Year
The Potter estate buzzed with excitement. Streamers floated midair, glowing candles hovered above the long dining table, and a magnificent birthday cake shimmered with magical frosting. It was Harry and Rose's seventh birthday, and the house was alive with warmth and joy.
But Harry's mind wasn't on the festivities—not entirely. While the past three years had brought a cascade of love and laughter into his life, they had also been filled with relentless focus. Despite being a child in body, Harry had been determined to push the boundaries of what magic could achieve.
And he had succeeded.
Most magical children didn't begin formal education until they turned eleven. Before that, their magic was wild and untrained, tied closely to their emotions and development. To force control over such raw power could harm a child's magical core, stunting their potential permanently.
But Harry was not like other children. He was armed with the discipline and experience of a man who had already lived a life defined by magic. Combined with his mastery of Occlumency, he approached his raw magical energy with a precision and understanding that few wizards ever achieved, even as adults.
He began with small, careful exercises, channeling his magic with intent rather than instinct. A feather hovered before him, then a book, then a chair. Each success came faster than the last, his control growing sharper with every attempt.
By the time he turned five, he had moved far beyond simple levitation and summoning. He could light fires with a flick of his fingers, conjure water from thin air, and create protective shields strong enough to withstand most hexes. He practiced silently and tirelessly, often under the guise of playing in the gardens or hiding away in his room.
By his seventh birthday, Harry's mastery of wandless magic was unparalleled. What most wizards required a wand to accomplish, he could do with nothing but his will and focus.
On the morning of his birthday, Harry sat cross-legged in the garden, hidden among the tall hedges. The early sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Before him, a small fountain of water danced in midair, shimmering as it twisted and spun.
Harry waved his hand, and the water morphed into a bird, its wings rippling as it took flight. He smiled as it soared a few feet before dissolving into droplets.
With a flick of his wrist, a pile of fallen leaves rose into the air, swirling together in a tight spiral. He imagined them forming into a dragon, and the magic responded instantly. The leaves shifted and molded, creating a small but intricate dragon that roared silently before crumbling back into the earth.
The magic felt natural now, like breathing. It no longer required immense effort or focus—it was simply a part of him.
As proud as Harry was of his progress, he knew he had to be cautious. No one expected a child to wield such power, and he didn't want to raise questions or alarm his family. His parents celebrated the occasional accidental bursts of magic as normal, laughing when Rose levitated a fork or Evelyn turned her teddy bear blue.
Harry, meanwhile, kept his abilities hidden. He trained alone, refining his skills in the quiet moments when no one was watching. His family saw him as a bright, curious boy, blissfully unaware of the sheer power he carried within him.
It wasn't just about keeping a secret—it was about preparing. Harry didn't know what fate had in store for him, but he refused to be caught unprepared.
The sun climbed higher, and soon the garden was filled with laughter and the sound of footsteps. Rose came barreling through the hedges, her red hair flying as she grabbed Harry's hand.
"Harry! Mum says it's time for the cake!" she exclaimed, tugging him toward the house.
Harry chuckled, letting her pull him along. The dining room was already crowded with family—James and Lily stood by the cake, their faces glowing with pride. Charlus and Dorea beamed from their seats, and the two youngest Potters, Evelyn and Alice, clapped their hands in excitement.
As Harry and Rose took their places by the cake, the room erupted into song. The candles flickered with enchanted flames, their light casting a warm glow over the room.
"Make a wish!" Rose whispered, nudging him with her elbow.
Harry stared at the candles, his mind racing. He had everything he could have ever wished for—a loving family, a safe home, and the power to protect it all.
But power isn't enough, he thought. I need to be ready for whatever comes.
He closed his eyes and made a silent promise:
I will protect this. No matter what it takes, I won't let anyone take this life away from me.
With a deep breath, he and Rose blew out the candles, the flames disappearing in a puff of smoke.
As the room filled with laughter and cheers, Harry allowed himself a moment of peace. The journey ahead would be long and uncertain, but for now, he was surrounded by love and light.
And he was ready for whatever came next.