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 Thirteen: Whispers of the Serpent

Diagon Alley was bustling as the Potter family, Sirius, and Remus made their way down the cobbled streets. The twins, Harry and Rose, were practically glowing with excitement. Their Hogwarts letters had arrived that morning, and the day was filled with the thrill of shopping for their first year.

After purchasing robes, books, and potion supplies, Sirius decided it was time for a little mischief.

"Now, I know first-years aren't allowed brooms at Hogwarts," he said with a sly grin, "but rules are meant to be... loosely interpreted, right?"

James raised an eyebrow. "Padfoot, you're incorrigible."

"And you're boring," Sirius quipped, steering Harry and Rose toward Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Inside the shop, Sirius wasted no time, buying a Nimbus 2000 for Rose and a Nimbus Junior for Harry.

"These should keep you out of trouble—or in it, depending on how you use them," Sirius said, handing over the brooms.

Rose squealed in delight, hugging her godfather. Harry accepted his broom with a quiet "thank you," a small smile playing on his lips.

"I'm going to regret this," James muttered as Lily laughed.

After their broom escapade, the group stopped for ice cream at Florean Fortescue's. As the family sat enjoying their treats, Harry and Lillian wandered off to explore the Magical Menagerie nearby.

The shop was alive with the sounds of magical creatures. Owls hooted softly, cats purred, and pygmy puffs chirped from their cages. Harry wandered toward the display of owls, admiring their regal plumage, while Lillian moved to a small enclosure housing a sleek green snake.

Harry's attention snapped to her as he heard the soft hissing sound of Parseltongue. His stomach clenched.

"Hello, little one," Lillian whispered, her voice a mix of curiosity and delight. The snake lifted its head, flicking its tongue as though it were responding.

"Lillian," Harry hissed sharply in the same language, startling her. She turned to him, wide-eyed.

"You can talk to it too?" she asked in awe.

Harry crouched beside her, keeping his voice low. "Yes, but listen to me—you can't let anyone see you do this."

"Why not?" Lillian tilted her head. "It's just talking."

"It's not something people understand," Harry explained carefully. "Speaking to snakes... it makes people think of dark magic. You remember the stories about Voldemort, don't you?"

Her face scrunched up. "He was bad. But we're not bad, right?"

"Of course not," Harry assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But not everyone knows that. Promise me you won't do this in front of anyone else, okay?"

Lillian hesitated but finally nodded. "I promise."

Relieved, Harry guided her back to the others, but his mind was racing.

As they rejoined the family, Harry couldn't shake the weight of what had just happened. Parseltongue. It had always been a contentious part of his identity in his past life, one he had reluctantly come to terms with. Now, seeing Lillian share the gift—or curse—added a new layer of complexity.

He glanced at his youngest sister, laughing and chatting with their mother about the creatures she'd seen. She was so innocent, so unburdened by the world's prejudices. How could he protect her from what he had faced?

And yet, there was another part of him—a cautious hope. In this timeline, with the love of their family and a more peaceful world, perhaps Lillian wouldn't have to carry the same stigma he had endured. Perhaps they could face this together.

As they left the Menagerie and began their journey home, Harry resolved to keep their secret—for now. But the question lingered in his mind: when, and how, would he tell their family about the whispers of the serpent that ran in their blood?