บท 11: How It Should Have Been
7 Advanced chapters on Patreon: Fiction Haven
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Fleur glanced shyly at Harry who was beside her at the end of the table. She had always stood up for herself, never thinking she needed someone to stand up for her. However, being defended by Harry made her heart flutter. Harry noted her reaction and snorted inwardly. Teenagers. How easy. That was what he thought despite having just recently graduated from being a teenager in his past life.
The feast started and everyone busied themselves with their food while talking with their friends. Fleur talked about mundane things with Harry, mostly about the French courtesy she had preached about the day before. Harry was delighted turning her red during the entire course of her explanation. Of course, Fleur was too prideful to admit she had made that up.
"Ah, a beautiful Beauxbatons witch helped me this afternoon in the library. I forgot to kiss her. I think I should do that later," Harry said contemplatively, masterfully hiding his mirth.
"Non!" Fleur exclaimed in panic. "I mean, not many witches still adopt the old tradition," she reiterated.
"Sure."
Harry's smirk told Fleur she had been played. With a grumble, she focused on her food and ignored him ever since. At the end of the feast, Dumbledore stood up and stood before the Goblet of Fire. He cleared his throat, silencing the students.
"Due to the international interest, the Ministry is determined to ensure an impartial judging panel. As such, an additional judge, unaffiliated to none, will be joining us tonight."
The door to the Great Hall opened, causing everyone to pin their eyes on it. A red-haired beauty was standing in the doorway. She was covered by a black blouse underneath a grey coat that failed to hide her salacious body. Her cream trousers hugged her legs and stopped a little above her ankles, enough to reveal her pale feet which were sporting a pair of elegant black heels.
"Everyone, please welcome, Charms Master Lily Potter!"
A gasp of recognition washed over the Great Hall as Lily walked to Dumbledore. As everyone clapped, Lily shook hands with Dumbledore.
"What a beautiful woman, the Minister's wife," Fleur commented.
Indeed, many people cast an appreciative look at Lily. Some of the boys even openly whistled at her. Charlus was busy hissing at those boys and Harry merely cast a harsh glare at the Slytherin boys to make them behave. No one knew that he was secretly annoyed by everyone ogling his mother. To them, Harry was annoyed by the uncouth act the boys showed.
"Charms Master Lily will also help Professor Flitwick teach during the tournament, so you will see her a lot. Please, don't be fooled by her kind visage, everyone. Should you step over the line, you may wonder if you are in the presence of the devil."
Dumbledore's remark earned him a swat on the arm. Lily could deny all she could but what she did to the officially strongest Wizard in the world proved that Dumbledore didn't lie. Everyone still chuckled at the stunt, though. Clearing her throat, Lily fixed her stance and looked around the room. Her smile bloomed when she met Harry's apathetic gaze.
"Well, it is time for the most awaited occasion tonight. The Goblet of Fire will announce the champion from each school!" Dumbledore announced, eliciting an exciting roar from the crowd. "Lily, if you please," he handed the honour over to Lily.
Lily tapped her wand on the Goblet of Fire. The artefact turned red, spewing sparks before a long flame shot into the air, bearing a piece of parchment that landed softly on Lily's palm.
"Durmstrang Champion, Viktor Krum!" Lily announced, filling the hall with roars.
Viktor stood up and moved to the Champion's assembly room. The Goblet of Fire turned red again and produced another parchment.
"Beauxbatons Champion, Fleur Delacour!"
Fleur stood up proudly with a smile. She shot a smirk at Harry before sashaying away. Harry only chuckled in amusement. Lily noticed that and instantly disliked the girl, not only for her haughtiness but also for her blatant flirting with her son. Dumbledore had to cough for her to remember her duty.
The Goblet of Fire turned red again and a tongue of flame shot into the air. Borne upon it was a piece of parchment. Lily eyed the parchment warily as it landed on her palm. She read it before announcing what was written on it. Both elation and worry flashed across her face.
"Hogwarts Champion, Harry James Potter!"
The entire room was floored at the announcement. They had an inkling as to who was Harry James Potter but still entertained the idea of its being a fluke. Naturally, they turned their eyes toward Harry. The young man was frowning as he looked at Lily who was looking at him uncertainly. He then turned to Barty Jr and caught a hint of smirk.
Stomping down a scowl, Harry stood up and swept his bangs to the back. Daphne initiated the clap and the room was immediately filled with thunderous claps. Walking to the Champion's room, Harry ignored the confused but elated looks sent by the entire school. Lily's wistful gaze was on his back until he entered the room.
"I knew you would be a Champion, Harry!" Fleur said in delight as soon as Harry entered the room.
"I guess we have to be rivals, then," Harry smirked.
"Well, good luck, Monsieur Evans," Fleur sneered playfully.
For a reason Fleur didn't know, Harry's mouth crooked awkwardly. She was about to ask what bothered him when Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Madame Maxime, Ludo, Barty Sr and Lily entered the room. Fleur noticed Lily was shooting an awkward look at Harry. On the other hand, Harry remained stoic, putting his gaze on Dumbledore.
"The shocking revelation aside, I guess it is only proper to inform our Champions of the details of the event," Barty Sr said.
What is the shocking revelation? Fleur's thought was shared with her other fellow Champion.
"The First Task shall begin on 24th November. You may do your best to figure out what the First Task was but asking for help from anyone is forbidden. Best of luck, Champions!"
After saying that, Barty Sr left. Ludo Bagman wished the Champions luck before following suit. Bidding their farewell, the other headmasters took their students with them, leaving Dumbledore, Lily and Harry behind. The pregnant silence made Lily shift uncomfortably. Dumbledore sighed wistfully before putting his hand on Lily's shoulder.
"I will let you handle this, Lily."
Before Lily could say anything, Dumbledore left the room. Lily met Harry's gaze and became hesitant. Harry didn't want to deal with unnecessary drama, so he walked past Lily. To his dismay, Lily held him by his arm. Quirking an eyebrow, Harry looked at Lily inquiringly.
"My, this is not the place to get steamy, Mrs Potter," Harry deadpanned.
"T- That's not…!" Despite the serious situation, Lily managed to blush. "H- Harry. We—James and I—have been planning to take you back into the family. We were planning to make the announcement this Christmas. But given what happened earlier, we will do it sooner. I assure you. We are not doing it because of what you did. Even without it, we would still—"
"I didn't write my name that way, Lily," Harry interrupted, sounding harsher than he intended. "Someone tampered with the parchment. Let's keep it at that."
"Even if that is the case…"
Harry raised his hand. "Harry James Potter died in favour of Charlus Potter. I am fine with the status quo, Lily. You can't take back Harry James Potter as he is no longer alive. And you don't need to adopt Harry Evans as he is already content with his life."
"Is there no chance for us to reconcile, Harry?" Lily pleaded, tears brimming in her eyes.
"Just wait for an entire decade. Maybe, I will one day come to your home bringing a child or two and act as if nothing happened," Harry snarked, causing Lily to flinch. "Just… let me go. We will never be the same once the insults I have been holding back come out of my mouth."
Lily sobbed and Harry could feel her tears on his forearm. His chest tightened, but he didn't do anything to comfort her. A part of his mind was screaming at him to mock her for her shamelessness and hurl insults at her. The small and logical part of him told him not to do anything as the woman had suffered enough.
Yeah, I am too old for this shit.
Like any responsible adult, Harry possessed the ability to walk away. Pushing the guilt down, he left the room and let Lily weep alone. He avoided contact with anyone and headed to his room. The pressure he was exuding was enough to deter anyone from approaching, even the stupid ones. His conversation with Lily affected him more than he would like to admit.
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