HP-A New Future

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

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 14: A Family Connection

The Potter estate basked in the warm afternoon light, a calm sanctuary amid the storm of the wizarding world outside. Dorea and Charlus sat in the parlor with Harry, the three sharing tea and quiet conversation. Though the atmosphere was relaxed, there was an undercurrent of tension as Dorea and Charlus continued to study Harry, still marveling at the idea of their grandson being here, now, from a future they could only imagine.

The tranquility broke as the front door opened and a familiar voice echoed through the halls.

"James, we should've sent an owl first!" Lily's tone was exasperated, though there was fondness in it.

"Nonsense, Lily. They love surprise visits," James replied cheerfully.

Dorea's heart jumped. She exchanged a glance with Charlus, whose expression mirrored her own: a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Harry, sitting across from them, stilled, his posture subtly shifting as if bracing for something inevitable.

Moments later, the door to the parlor opened, and James strode in, every bit as confident and vibrant as always. Behind him was Lily, her auburn hair shining in the sunlight, her emerald eyes sharp and curious.

"Mom, Dad," James began with his usual grin, "we thought we'd—" His words faltered when his gaze landed on Harry.

The room froze as James stared, his hazel eyes narrowing. Harry, standing tall at his full height, met James's gaze evenly.

"Who's this?" James asked cautiously.

Lily stepped forward, her eyes darting between Harry and James. "He looks just like you," she said softly, her tone a mixture of awe and confusion. "But... those eyes."

Dorea rose, her voice steady though her heart raced. "This is Harry," she said carefully. "He's family."

"Family?" James echoed, his brow furrowing as he stepped closer to Harry. "He looks like he could be my twin."

"Not quite," Harry said quietly, his voice calm but firm.

"Who are you, then?" James demanded, his gaze piercing.

Harry sighed, glancing at Dorea and Charlus. They gave him a small nod, silently encouraging him. Turning back to James and Lily, he straightened, his expression resolute.

"I'm your son," he said, his voice steady.

The silence that followed was deafening.

James blinked. "What?"

"Your son," Harry repeated. "From the future."

Lily's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. James, meanwhile, looked like he'd been hit with a Bludger.

"This has to be a joke," James said, shaking his head. "Right? A prank? Did Sirius put you up to this?"

Harry's lips twitched in a faint smile. "I can see why you'd think that."

Lily found her voice, trembling but determined. "Prove it."

Harry nodded. "Alright. You married in secret right after you graduated from Hogwarts. Only a handful of people knew: Sirius, Charlus, and Dorea. James, you proposed at the top of the Astronomy Tower, but you were so nervous you almost dropped the ring."

James paled. "How...?"

Harry turned to Lily. "When you were six, you fell from a tree in your backyard and broke your wrist. Petunia was furious because it ruined the picnic you were supposed to have that afternoon. She blamed you for everything."

Lily gasped, her green eyes filling with tears. "No one knows that," she whispered.

"I do," Harry said softly.

James looked at his parents, searching their faces for answers. "You believe him?"

Charlus placed a hand on James's shoulder. "We do," he said firmly. "He's told us things only family would know. And, James, he saved our lives."

Dorea stepped forward, her voice gentle. "He's your son, James. Our grandson."

James turned back to Harry, his hazel eyes searching. "You're really my son?"

Harry nodded. "Harry James Potter. You named me after both of you."

James stared at him, his expression a mixture of disbelief and wonder. "But... you're as tall as me!"

Harry's faint smile returned. "It's not a competition, Dad."

James blinked at the word "Dad," and something in his expression softened.

Lily moved closer, tears streaming down her face. "Harry," she said, as if testing the name.

"Mum," Harry whispered, his voice cracking.

Lily closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce embrace. Harry hesitated for only a moment before hugging her back, his composure finally breaking.

James stepped forward, his movements hesitant. "So... you're really mine?"

Harry looked up, his green eyes meeting James's hazel ones. "Yeah, Dad. I'm yours."

James exhaled slowly before reaching out and clapping Harry on the shoulder. "Well," he said gruffly, "if you're really my son, then welcome home. But I still don't like that you're as tall as me."

The room filled with soft laughter, the tension easing though the weight of the truth remained. For now, the Potters were together, even if the circumstances were extraordinary.