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 Fifteen: A Serpent's Secret

Harry sat in the quiet of his room, staring at the enchanted clock on his bedside table. Its hands didn't mark hours but instead pointed to emotions—nervous, determined, conflicted. Tonight, all the hands pointed squarely to resolve.

He knew he couldn't leave for Hogwarts without revealing the truth. Keeping Lillian's ability a secret wasn't just unfair to her; it was dangerous. If someone discovered it unexpectedly, the consequences could be disastrous in a world where Parseltongue was synonymous with dark magic.

He took a deep breath and stood, smoothing his robes. His parents and grandparents were in the library downstairs, enjoying an evening of quiet conversation. Harry squared his shoulders and descended the grand staircase.

The room was warm and inviting, the fire crackling in the hearth as James, Lily, Charlus, and Dorea sat in comfortable chairs, discussing Hogwarts and the twins' impending departure. They looked up as Harry entered.

"Harry?" James asked, setting down his tea. "Everything alright?"

"I need to talk to all of you," Harry said, his voice steady but serious.

The adults exchanged concerned glances but gestured for him to continue.

Harry hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "There's something you need to know about Lillian—and me. We're both Parselmouths."

The room fell silent, the crackling fire suddenly loud in the stillness.

"Lillian?" Charlus asked, his tone heavy with disbelief.

"And you?" Dorea added, her sharp gaze fixed on Harry.

Harry nodded. "I discovered it a few weeks ago when we were at the Magical Menagerie. Lillian was speaking to a snake. I stopped her before anyone noticed, but... I didn't want to leave for Hogwarts without telling you."

James looked stunned, his mouth opening and closing without words. Charlus and Dorea exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable.

But it was Lily who broke the silence. She leaned forward, her green eyes calm but tinged with guilt. "This... might be my fault."

All eyes turned to her in shock.

Lily took a deep breath, folding her hands in her lap. "I'm a Parselmouth too."

"What?" James exclaimed, nearly spilling his tea.

"It's rare, especially for a Muggleborn," Lily admitted, "but not impossible. I discovered it by accident when I was young, and I've kept it a secret my whole life. The ability has no inherent alignment to dark magic—it's just a gift. But I knew how people in our world view it, so I never told anyone."

She paused, her gaze falling on Harry. "When we learned Voldemort was targeting us, I... I performed an ancient Parseltongue ritual on you, Harry. It was designed to strengthen your magical core and protect you from harm. I didn't think it would make you a Parselmouth, but it seems it did."

The room was silent again as everyone absorbed her words.

"So," Dorea began slowly, "Lillian's ability might not be entirely inherited. It could be connected to that ritual?"

"Possibly," Lily admitted. "But even if it isn't, the trait alone doesn't make someone dark."

Charlus leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed. "This is... complicated. Parseltongue is so closely associated with dark magic and the Dark Lord that it could cause problems if people find out."

"Exactly," Dorea agreed. "We'll need to be very careful, especially with Lillian. She's so young, and she might not understand why this needs to stay private."

James ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to process everything. "And what about Harry? He's going to Hogwarts in a few weeks. If he slips up, it could follow him his entire life."

Harry's voice was firm when he spoke. "I know how to control it. I've practiced, and I won't use it unless it's absolutely necessary. But Lillian needs to be protected. That's why I told you now."

Lily reached over and took his hand. "You did the right thing, Harry. Thank you for trusting us."

Charlus nodded, his expression softening. "We'll figure this out. Together."

As the conversation wound down, the tension in the room began to ease. Plans were made to teach Lillian the importance of discretion, and Harry was reassured that his family would support him no matter what.

Later that night, as Harry returned to his room, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He had done what he could to protect his sister, and his family had responded with understanding and love.

For the first time in weeks, Harry allowed himself to look forward to Hogwarts—not just as a place of learning but as a new beginning. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them with the strength of his family behind him.