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 28: A Reckless Feint and a Mother's Wrath

The Great Hall was buzzing louder than ever. Whispers and glances were thrown in Harry and Rose's direction, some subtle, others blatant. The events of the first flying lesson had spread like wildfire, and it seemed everyone had an opinion. Harry did his best to ignore it, focusing instead on his dinner.

He wasn't the only one who had earned attention that day. While Harry's quick wand work had saved Neville Longbottom from serious injury, it was Rose's daring Wronski Feint that had stolen the spotlight. She'd not only executed the dangerous maneuver flawlessly but had also caught Neville's Remembrall mid-dive, earning gasps from students and staff alike.

At the Gryffindor table, Rose was the center of attention. She sat between Ron and Hermione, her cheeks flushed with excitement as her friends and housemates lavished her with praise.

"That was the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Ron declared, gesturing wildly with his fork.

"Definitely," another Gryffindor chimed in. "You'll be giving the pros a run for their money soon, Rose."

Even Hermione, who often downplayed reckless behavior, couldn't deny her admiration. "It was very impressive," she admitted, though her tone carried a hint of disapproval.

Harry watched all this from the Slytherin table, a small smile tugging at his lips. Despite his concerns over Rose's stunt, he couldn't help but feel proud of her. She'd always had a knack for surprising people, and today was no exception.

However, his pride was tempered by a nagging worry. Glancing up at the staff table, Harry's sharp green eyes caught his mother's stern gaze fixed on Rose. Lily Potter didn't look impressed—far from it. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her eyes burned with a mixture of frustration and worry.

Harry sighed, already anticipating what was to come.

As dinner drew to a close, Harry was just about to leave the Great Hall when a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Harry. Rose. My office. Now."

Harry turned to see his mother standing near the entrance, her arms crossed and her expression forbidding. Rose, who had been laughing with Ron and Hermione moments ago, froze mid-step.

"Uh-oh," she muttered, casting a nervous glance at her brother.

Harry gave her a resigned look. "Let's get this over with."

The walk to Lily's office was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. When they arrived, Lily closed the door behind them with a decisive snap and rounded on Rose.

"Rose Lily Potter!" she began, her voice sharp enough to make even Harry flinch. "What in Merlin's name were you thinking? A Wronski Feint? At your age?"

Rose shrank back, looking sheepish. "I just... I wanted to help Neville."

"Help Neville?" Lily repeated incredulously. "By risking your neck and nearly giving me a heart attack? Do you have any idea how dangerous that stunt was? You could have been seriously hurt!"

Rose shuffled her feet, her usual confidence nowhere to be seen. "I'm sorry, Mum. I didn't mean to scare you."

Harry stood silently, watching as his sister tried—and failed—to defuse their mother's anger. He knew better than to intervene when Lily was in full lecture mode.

"And you!" Lily said suddenly, turning her fiery gaze on Harry. "You're her older brother. How could you let this happen?"

Harry blinked, caught off guard. "I wasn't even there when she—"

"That's not the point!" Lily interrupted, her frustration evident. "You're supposed to look after her, Harry. She's your little sister!"

"I did save Neville," Harry pointed out, his tone calm. "If I hadn't, he might've been seriously hurt."

Lily faltered for a moment, her anger giving way to a flicker of gratitude. But it didn't last long.

"Be that as it may," she said firmly, "you still need to keep an eye on your sister. She clearly needs someone to rein her in."

Before Harry could respond, the fireplace flared green, and James Potter stepped through the Floo Network, his face alight with excitement.

"There's my little Quidditch star!" James exclaimed, striding over to Rose and scooping her up into a bear hug. "I heard all about it. A perfect Wronski Feint! You're a natural, just like your old man."

Rose's face lit up, her earlier nervousness evaporating. "Thanks, Dad!"

James set her down and ruffled her hair, his pride evident. "You'll be the youngest player on the Gryffindor team in over a century. I knew you had it in you!"

Harry watched the scene unfold, torn between amusement and exasperation. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his mother's expression darken.

"James Potter," Lily said, her voice dangerously low.

James turned to her, oblivious to the storm brewing in her eyes. "What is it, Lily? Our daughter just made history! Isn't it brilliant?"

"Brilliant?" Lily repeated, her tone icy. "She could have been killed."

James blinked, finally realizing he might be in trouble. "Well, I mean, sure, it was a bit risky, but she's fine, isn't she?"

Harry decided it was the perfect moment to make an exit.

"Come on, Rose," he whispered, nudging her toward the door.

"But—"

"No buts," Harry insisted, guiding her out before their mother's wrath could turn on them again.

As they closed the door behind them, they heard Lily launch into a tirade about recklessness and parental responsibility.

"That was close," Rose muttered, glancing over her shoulder.

Harry smirked. "You've got Dad to thank for that. His obliviousness saved you."

Rose grinned. "It's a family trait."

Harry chuckled, draping an arm over her shoulder as they walked back to the common rooms.

Despite everything, Harry couldn't help but feel proud of his little sister. She might be reckless, but she had a heart of gold—and no matter what happened, he'd always be there to keep her safe.