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 18: Bonds of Blood and Flight

The morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the Potter estate's dining room, bathing the elegant table in a warm glow. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air as Charlus, Dorea, James, and Lily sat together for breakfast. Despite the tranquil setting, a buzz of anticipation hung in the air.

"I've been thinking," Lily began, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. She looked at James, who gave her an encouraging nod before she continued. "James and I have decided to move back here for a while."

Charlus and Dorea both paused, their expressions a mixture of surprise and delight.

"Back here?" Dorea asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Yes," Lily confirmed, smiling. "We love our little cottage, but with everything that's happened... and now with Harry here... we want to connect with him. Really get to know him."

James chimed in, his tone warm and earnest. "He's our son, Mum, Dad. Even if it's... complicated, we can't miss this chance. And honestly, it feels right to be back home for a bit."

Dorea's hand fluttered to her chest, her face radiant. "Oh, Lily, James—that's wonderful news! Of course, you're both welcome. This house is big enough for all of us and more. Right, Charlus?"

Charlus grinned broadly. "Absolutely. It'll be good to have the family together under one roof. And Harry... well, he could use the grounding, I think."

Lily smiled gratefully, glancing out the window. "Speaking of Harry, where is he this morning?"

"Gone on a run," Charlus answered, sipping his tea. "I told him he didn't need to train so hard here, but he just smirked and said something about staying sharp."

James chuckled. "Sounds about right. I don't think he knows how to slow down."

Later that day, Charlus led James and Harry into his study, an air of mischief about him. "There's something I've been wanting to show you, Harry," he said, opening a large mahogany cabinet. Inside was an impressive collection of Quidditch memorabilia: autographed Quaffles, broom models spanning decades, team pennants, and framed photographs of famous matches.

Harry's eyes widened as he took it all in. "This is... incredible," he said, reverently running his fingers over the polished handle of an old Nimbus model.

Charlus's chest puffed with pride. "I've been collecting since I was a boy. Wanted to play professionally, you know. Chaser for the Montrose Magpies."

"Really?" Harry asked, turning to face his grandfather with a grin.

"Really," Charlus confirmed, his tone wistful. "But then Grindelwald's madness started spreading, and duty called. I couldn't stand by while the world burned, so I gave up that dream to fight in the war."

Harry's gaze softened. "I know how that feels."

Charlus studied him for a moment, nodding thoughtfully. "I suppose you do." He glanced at James. "Your father faced the same choice, you know. He could've gone pro after Hogwarts, but Voldemort's war changed everything. Some battles are bigger than our dreams."

James gave a small smile, clapping Harry on the shoulder. "And you, Harry? Did you ever play?"

Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Seeker. Played for Gryffindor. It was... an escape, I suppose. Something to hold onto when everything else felt like chaos."

Charlus's face broke into a wide grin. "A Seeker, eh? That's no small feat. Let's see what you've got, then."

James laughed. "Oh, you've done it now, Dad. He'll wipe the floor with us."

Charlus's eyes twinkled with mischief. "We'll see about that."

Minutes later, the three men were outside, brooms in hand. Charlus had taken out a Quaffle, and they quickly fell into a lively match of impromptu flying and skill displays. Harry's speed and precision were unmatched, while James relied on his signature daring maneuvers. Charlus, despite his age, held his own with years of experience and clever tricks.

Inside the house, Dorea and Lily stood by the window, watching the scene with warm smiles.

"They look happy," Lily murmured, her voice tinged with awe.

"They are," Dorea replied softly. "Charlus has been waiting for this moment his whole life. And James... seeing him and Harry together like this, it's like something's finally clicked into place."

Lily nodded, her eyes glistening. "It's surreal. A few days ago, Harry was a stranger—this mysterious, powerful wizard who didn't seem to belong anywhere. Now he's... ours."

Dorea rested a gentle hand on Lily's arm. "He is. And he's stronger than I think any of us can imagine. But even the strongest need family, Lily. I'm glad you and James decided to stay."

Outside, Charlus whooped as Harry executed a flawless dive, snatching the Quaffle from James and flipping it into an impromptu hoop Charlus had conjured. Laughter rang out as the three men celebrated, their bond growing stronger with every moment spent together.