Chapter 8: chapter 7
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Chapter Seven: A Grandmother's Watchful Eye
The morning sunlight streamed into the Potter estate's dining room, casting a warm glow over the family as they enjoyed breakfast. Dorea Potter sipped her tea, her sharp eyes observing her family with quiet affection. James was tearing into his toast with boyish enthusiasm, while Charlus hid behind the Daily Prophet, muttering occasional remarks about the Ministry's incompetence. Across the table, Lily wore a thoughtful expression as she delicately buttered a scone.
"Dorea," Lily began hesitantly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. "I've been wondering… perhaps we should take Harry to see a healer?"
Charlus lowered his newspaper, and James paused mid-chew, looking at Lily with raised eyebrows.
"A healer? Why?" James asked, confused.
Lily sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just… Harry is seven now, and he hasn't shown any signs of accidental magic. Rose has had her moments—plenty of them—and even Evelyn and Alice have displayed bursts. But Harry? Not a single instance."
James frowned, but before he could respond, Dorea spoke, her voice calm and reassuring. "Lily, dear, there's no need to fret. Magical development isn't a strict timeline. Some children take longer to show their magic, especially those with exceptionally strong magical cores. Harry is perfectly fine."
Lily's brow furrowed. "But what if—"
"Trust me," Dorea interrupted gently, giving her daughter-in-law a kind smile. "I've seen this before. When Harry's magic manifests, it will be extraordinary. Until then, he's simply biding his time."
Lily nodded slowly, though her worry didn't completely fade. James reached out to squeeze her hand, his usual grin returning. "Mum's right, Lils. Harry's probably just holding out to surprise us. Knowing him, he'll do something spectacular when we least expect it."
Dorea allowed herself a small smile but kept her thoughts to herself. Harry was a peculiar child, quiet yet observant, with a maturity far beyond his years. Something about him felt different—unique in a way she couldn't quite put into words.
The day unfolded with laughter and celebration as the Potter family gathered for Harry and Rose's seventh birthday. The dining room was filled with the sweet scent of cake, and the twins sat side by side, their faces glowing in the flickering candlelight.
Once the cake had been devoured and the presents unwrapped, Charlus stood with a dramatic flourish, holding two long, thin packages.
"Now for the grand finale," he announced, his voice booming with pride. "Harry, Rose—come here!"
The twins rushed forward, Rose bouncing on her toes while Harry approached with his usual calm demeanor.
Charlus handed them the packages with a grin. "Your first training brooms," he said, his hazel eyes twinkling.
Rose let out a squeal of delight, tearing into her wrapping with unbridled excitement. She hugged the sleek child-sized broomstick to her chest, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, Grandpa!"
Harry unwrapped his broom more carefully, examining it with quiet appreciation. "Thank you," he said simply, his voice steady.
"Come on, Harry!" Rose exclaimed, already mounting her broom. "Let's try them out!"
Before anyone could stop her, Rose kicked off the ground, soaring into the air with a delighted laugh.
Rose tilted her broom higher, pushing it to its limit as the wind whipped through her hair. The family watched from below, smiles on their faces, though Lily clutched James's arm nervously.
But then, without warning, the broom wobbled. Rose let out a small yelp as it bucked beneath her.
"Rose!" Lily cried, panic rising in her voice as the little girl lost her grip and plummeted toward the ground.
Gasps filled the air as time seemed to slow. Dorea's heart leaped into her throat, her sharp instincts screaming for her to act. But before anyone could move, something extraordinary happened.
Harry stepped forward, his green eyes narrowing in focus. His hand shot out instinctively, and the air around Rose shimmered with an invisible force.
Rose's descent slowed, her body cradled by what felt like a soft cushion of air. She landed gently on the grass, unharmed but wide-eyed with shock.
The silence was deafening.
James was the first to break the spell, rushing to Rose and scooping her into his arms. "Rose, are you alright?"
"I… I think so," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
The rest of the family quickly gathered around, relief washing over their faces. But all eyes soon turned to Harry, who stood still, his hand slowly lowering.
"Harry," Lily said softly, kneeling in front of him. "Did you… did you do that?"
Harry blinked, looking from his hand to his sister. "I… I think so. I just didn't want her to get hurt."
James ruffled Harry's hair, his grin returning. "Well, it seems our boy's magic has finally made an appearance!"
"It must have been accidental magic," Charlus added, though there was a note of doubt in his voice. "A strong emotional response can trigger powerful results."
Lily nodded, though her eyes lingered on Harry. "Yes… yes, of course. It's just… it was so controlled."
"Accidental magic can sometimes appear that way," Dorea interjected, her tone measured. "Especially in children with strong magical cores."
The explanation seemed to satisfy everyone, and the conversation shifted back to Rose's bravery. But Dorea watched Harry closely.
He stood apart from the others, his expression calm and thoughtful. There was no confusion in his eyes, no sign of surprise or wonder. He knew exactly what he had done.
Dorea's heart ached with a mix of pride and unease. Whatever secrets Harry carried, she resolved to protect him and guide him, no matter what the future held.