HP-A New Future

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

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Chapter 12: Truth Unveiled

The Potter estate's parlor was heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. Dorea, Charlus, and Arcturus sat together, their gazes fixed on the flickering flames in the fireplace. The mysterious wizard who had saved them had requested this meeting, and though none of them knew what to expect, the air was thick with tension.

When the flames roared green, a figure stepped through. Harry Potter emerged from the Floo Network, his black cloak flowing around him. He straightened, his green eyes calm and sharp as he surveyed the room.

"You came," Dorea said, rising from her seat.

Harry inclined his head. "You invited me. Thank you for trusting me enough to do so."

Charlus stood, crossing his arms. "Trust is earned. You've done much to deserve it, but we don't know you. Not truly. Who are you?"

Harry's gaze flicked to each of them. He could see the suspicion in Charlus's eyes, the curiosity in Dorea's, and the sharp, calculating expression on Arcturus's face. He took a breath, steadying himself.

"My name is Harry Potter," he said evenly. "I'm your grandson."

The silence that followed was absolute.

"Grandson?" Charlus finally said, his voice disbelieving. "That's impossible. James is barely more than a boy. He doesn't have children."

"I know," Harry replied calmly. "I wasn't supposed to exist in this time. I was born in 1980, in a future where Voldemort rose to power, only to be defeated years later. That future no longer exists because of my actions here."

Dorea took a step closer, her expression unreadable. "You're saying you're from the future?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I know how it sounds. But I can prove it."

Arcturus stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Prove it, then. Words are cheap, and you could be an imposter."

Harry nodded, expecting the challenge. "You were the Head of the Black family until your wife's death. Afterward, you stepped down and left Britain, though you still keep her pocket watch in your desk drawer. It's enchanted to chime on your anniversary."

Arcturus's expression faltered for a moment before hardening again.

Harry turned to Dorea. "When James was five, he climbed the old oak tree in the back garden and got stuck. You told him to stay put, but he jumped down anyway. He broke his arm, and you patched him up yourself, scolding him the entire time."

Dorea's breath hitched. "How could you know that?"

Finally, Harry faced Charlus. "You were hit with a curse during your first battle against Grindelwald's forces. It nearly severed your wand arm. The scar's still there, though you hide it with a charm."

Charlus's hand went to his forearm, his disbelief slowly giving way to awe.

Dorea stepped closer, searching Harry's face. "You have James's features. But your eyes... they're Lily's, aren't they?"

Harry smiled faintly. "Yes. Lily Evans. She's my mother."

Dorea's hand flew to her mouth, tears brimming in her eyes. Charlus staggered back, sinking into a chair as he tried to process the revelation.

Arcturus, ever the skeptic, folded his arms. "Assuming we believe you, why reveal yourself now? What do you want from us?"

"I need your help," Harry said plainly. "I'm trying to stop Voldemort before he becomes immortal. He's already created Horcruxes—objects anchoring fragments of his soul. If I don't destroy them, he'll become impossible to kill."

Arcturus's eyes narrowed. "Horcruxes? That kind of magic is... unspeakable."

"That's why it has to be undone," Harry said firmly. He flicked his wrist, conjuring a parchment that floated to Arcturus. "This is a list of materials I need for the ritual to destroy them. They're rare, expensive, and in some cases, illegal. But they're necessary."

Arcturus scanned the list, his expression dark. "Phoenix tears, powdered moonstone, basilisk venom... This isn't a simple request."

"I know," Harry said. "But it's the only way."

Dorea, her emotions still raw, stepped forward. "You saved us. Whatever you need, we'll help. You're family."

Arcturus handed the list to Dorea. "I'll get what you need. But I want answers when this is over."

"You'll have them," Harry promised.

Charlus finally found his voice, looking up at Harry. "If you're really our grandson... what happens to us in your time?"

Harry hesitated, his jaw tightening. "You don't want to know."

The weight of his words settled over them like a storm cloud.

Dorea placed a hand on Harry's arm. "You don't have to carry this burden alone anymore. We're with you."

For the first time, Harry allowed himself to relax slightly. "Thank you," he said quietly.

"Stay," Dorea said suddenly, surprising even herself.

Harry blinked. "What?"

"Stay," she repeated. "You shouldn't be alone. You're family, Harry. Let us help you."

After a moment's hesitation, Harry nodded. "All right. I'll stay."

The Potter family began to feel whole again, even as the storm of war raged around them. For now, they had each other—and they had hope.