Re:HP-A New Life

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 Seventeen: A Difficult Goodbye

The first rays of sunlight streamed into Harry's room, casting a golden glow over the organized chaos of trunks, books, and supplies stacked neatly for his departure to Hogwarts. Harry stirred awake, only to realize he couldn't move. Blankets were tangled around his arms and legs, and atop his chest sat a triumphant Lillian, her wide smile framed by messy auburn hair.

"You're not going, Harry!" she declared with the fierce determination only a six-year-old could muster.

He blinked at her, half amused, half exasperated. "And why's that?"

"I'll teach you everything! You don't need school!" she replied, her small hands pressing into his chest as if she could physically pin him in place.

Before Harry could respond, the blankets around him began to unravel, floating gently into the air and folding themselves neatly at the foot of the bed. Lillian gasped as she found herself weightless, suspended a few inches above the mattress. Her eyes widened, a mix of shock and indignation on her face.

"Harry!" she squeaked, flailing her arms and legs as though swimming through the air.

Harry sat up, now free, and gave her a raised eyebrow. "Really, Lils? You think blankets would stop me?"

Lillian huffed, and the invisible magic holding her in place gently set her down. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she rushed at him, wrapping her small arms around his legs in a fierce hug.

"Please don't go, Harry," she pleaded, looking up at him with teary green eyes that mirrored his own. "I'll miss you too much."

Harry's heart clenched. Over the years, he'd come to adore Lillian, her innocence and unwavering love breaking down walls he hadn't even realized he'd built. He knelt to her level, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

"Lils, I'll miss you too," he said softly. "But I have to go. Hogwarts is important. It's where I'll learn to be the best wizard I can be."

"But you're already the best," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Harry smiled, feeling an ache in his chest. He gently pulled her into a hug, her small frame fitting perfectly against his. "You're the sweetest little sister anyone could ask for," he murmured. "I promise I'll write to you all the time. And I'll visit during the holidays. Deal?"

Reluctantly, she nodded, sniffling into his shoulder.

Later that morning, the Potter family gathered in the grand foyer of their estate. Harry and Rose stood by their parents, their Hogwarts trunks waiting nearby. The rest of the family had assembled to bid them farewell, including Charlus, Dorea, and the younger sisters, Evelyn and Alice.

Three house-elves—Sally, Trixie, and Nibsy—stood to the side, each dressed in tiny black tuxedos for the occasion. Sally, the elf responsible for looking after the children, had tears streaming down her face.

"Master Harry, Miss Rose," she said, her voice quivering, "you will be missed so much. Hogwarts is lucky to have you."

Rose knelt and gave Sally a warm hug. "Don't worry, Sally. We'll be back before you know it."

Harry, noticing the elf's distress, nodded reassuringly. "We'll be fine, Sally. Just keep an eye on Lillian for me, alright? She can be a handful."

Lillian crossed her arms and pouted. "I'm not a handful!"

Everyone chuckled, and Dorea stepped forward to embrace both children. "You two will make us proud. Hogwarts will be just another place where the Potter name shines."

James and Lily led Harry and Rose to the fireplace. It was time. With one last round of hugs, they prepared to Floo to King's Cross.

"Remember to be kind," Lily reminded them. "Make friends, but don't let anyone push you around."

James grinned. "And keep the Marauder legacy alive, alright? I expect at least a few pranks this year."

Rose giggled, and Harry rolled his eyes fondly.

As the green flames of the Floo network roared to life, Harry glanced back at his family, taking in their smiling faces. This was the life he had fought so hard for—a life filled with love and laughter.

With a deep breath, he stepped into the fireplace with Rose by his side. "King's Cross Station," they called in unison, and in a flash of green light, they were gone.