How It Should Have Been (2)

7 Advanced chapters on Patreon: Fiction Haven

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Harry was haunted by Lily's crying visage. Whenever he fell asleep, his mind would replay Lily's cry over and over. He assured himself that Lily deserved the emotional she had inflicted on him for years. Even so, her pitiful whimper couldn't lull him to sleep. Growing up is to learn to forgive, but being an adult is to acknowledge some things are not meant to mend. Harry cursed inwardly at the fact that Lily didn't understand that.

But have I forgiven her?

He would like to consider that he had. After all, if he hadn't, he would have cursed at his family at every chance he got. But does apathy equal forgiveness? Harry couldn't tell. He believed he was being mature by accepting the debacle that had happened and moving on, knowing what was broken could never be meant.

Quest: Reconcile with your Mom!

Reward: Charms Mastery and a chance to attain the Forbidden Fruit

And he decided he wasn't being mature enough.

Am I going to get a Devil Fruit? Blimey, I have to reconcile with Lily.

Only after he accepted the quest could he fall asleep. When morning came, the heaviness in Harry's heart returned. It was enough to make him rethink if he should reconcile with Lily this soon. Of course, the chance of getting a Devil Fruit was too tantalizing to pass up. As such, he was determined to meet Lily after one of her Charms classes with Flitwick.

Unfortunately, Lily was nowhere to be found. Harry briefly wondered if Lily was heartbroken enough to go home. Given how likely it was, he couldn't help but cringe. He wanted to get over the affair quickly, so he didn't want to dawdle. As he despaired, he met someone who could help him in the hallway.

"Brat, where is your mother?"

"Uh…what? She is your mother too."

Charlus certainly never dreamed of the day his biological brother approached him to ask about his mother. The prat had been acting aloof toward his family for as long as Charlus could remember. His father had squeezed some time for Harry despite his busy schedule to visit him, but the drat didn't even come out of his room.

Naturally, when Harry was looking for his mother, Charlus got defensive. He had enough of his mother lamenting over their mistake regarding Harry. He didn't need the twit to cause his mother more sorrow. Raising his head, Charlus stared defiantly at Harry. His brother frowned and his friends immediately got apprehensive.

"Very well. I will tell her you won't let me meet her once I see her."

Harry was about to walk away when Charlus sputtered, "Stop! How dare you paint me in a bad light?" Harry quirked an eyebrow, causing Charlus to grumble. "She is on the fifth floor at the guest professor's quarter."

"Thank you for the information, Potter," Harry drawled, reminding Charlus of Professor Snape.

"You are a…" Charlus stopped himself as Harry had moved past him. Given Harry's reaction the night before, he doubted Harry would be thrilled to put Potter behind his name.

Upon reaching the fifth floor, Harry looked for the guest professor's quarter. When he found it, he hesitated momentarily to knock on the door. Steeling himself, he eventually knocked on the door. When his knocking went unresponded, he was secretly relieved. Of course, for the sake of the sweet reward, he didn't back down.

Knock. Knock.

Harry waited a couple of seconds until he heard a muffled voice from behind the door. The door parted open, allowing him to see Lily sitting at her desk, focused on her paperwork. He suppressed a wince as he noticed her puffy eyes. Calling her name, he stepped into the room. Lily was startled upon hearing Harry's voice, not expecting him to come.

"Lily."

"Harry…"

Silence filled the space between them as the door behind Harry closed. Lily squirmed in her seat and Harry had forgotten the speech he had prepared.

"What about some tea?" Lily broke the silence, gesturing toward the couch.

"Extra sweet, please. I have had my fill of bitterness from life," Harry nodded with a light smile.

As Harry sat down, Lily busied herself. Her beat in anticipation as she thought about the purpose of Harry's visit. Last night had been painful. She had cried herself to sleep. It had even ruined her mood to teach. The flash of guilt in Harry's eyes had been enough to perk her up. Still, she dreaded Harry might visit her to end everything.

"Here you go, Harry."

"Thank you, Lily."

Harry took a sip of his tea and smiled pleasantly. He liked the sweetness level. Lily smiled at that. She wished Harry could show her more of that side of his. She took a sip of her tea and watched Harry apprehensively as he put down his.

"I am sorry," Harry said solemnly. "I hate it when people shove things down my throat. I sort of lost it last night."

Lily smiled brightly. "It is fine, Harry. I completely understand your position."

Looking at Lily carefully, Harry asked, "Aren't you mad?"

"I am saddened but not mad," Lily shook her head. "But as I told you, I understand your position. We impudently invaded your life after casting you aside like spare rags, so you just reacted accordingly. I understand your anger… even if it pains me."

"I see."

Harry fiddled with his cup and looked down. He waited for Kowalski to announce the question was completed. It didn't come. Lily looked at him silently. She thought he must be thinking a lot of things, which was true, albeit not about his reconciliation with his family.

Kowalski, analysis!

Pro tip: Ask your mother on a date to hasten the quest's completion!

A helpless look flashed across Harry's face as he realized the quest was a long one. Even though he had expected it, he was still disappointed that apologizing to each other didn't count as reconciliation. Lily misinterpreted the look. Her heart ached as she thought her son was going to make a painful decision for her sake.

"Going back to the family is not possible…for the time being," Harry drawled. "I was not lying when I told you I was content with my current life. Half of my life was spent by myself. Bella was the first family I got. I don't think I can accept another one any time soon."

"I understand," Lily quivered.

"However, I am willing to try. You and I…forming a bond that should have been there," Harry said defeatedly, forcing down the protest from his emotional side. "It might not be a conventional one, but we can at least be friends."

Lily stared at Harry silently, tears brimming her eyes. Words couldn't express her elation and how glad she was, so he did it the way she was most familiar with. Jumping over to Harry, Lily hugged him tightly. Harry stiffened under her touch, mind-boggled by her squishy mounds. Lily didn't know what her son was thinking, so she thought she had ruined her chance. Only when Harry returned her hug did she relax.

So enraptured Lily was by Harry's warmth that she didn't realize she was wrapping her legs around him. She didn't even register Harry's hands cupping her perky bottom.

"Mom, it is me."

It was Charlus' voice that awakened Lily from her immersed state. Once she realized their position, she separated herself with cheeks red in embarrassment. Harry shrugged nonchalantly, stood up and swept his bangs to the back. The gesture somehow urged Lily to squeal like a maiden.

"Enter!"

The door parted and Charlus walked in. "Is Harry here?" he looked around before his eyes settled on Harry. "Professor Dumbledore is looking for you. Your presence is required for the Wand-Weighing Ceremony," he informed, looking at his flustered mother and his forever stoic brother suspiciously.

Harry turned to Lily and said, "Let's resume our conversation later. It has been a pleasant chat, Lily."

"S- See you later, Harry."

Harry nodded before leaving the room. Charlus frowned at his mother's wistful tone before shrugging. He bade his mother goodbye before leaving after Harry. Alone in her room, Lily threw herself on the bed and squealed like a love-struck maiden. After years of agony, she could finally spend time with her young man. It was the best day of her life.

Upon entering the room where the ceremony would be held, Harry was immediately cornered by Rita Skeeter. She wanted to interview him about his relationship with the Potters and how he felt about his chance in the tournament. She invited him to go somewhere private for the interview, but he refused. He said he wouldn't take her interview if she didn't want to do it in the open.

"V- Very well, Mr Potter. Then, riddle me this, are you and Minister Potter truly related?" Rita asked carefully.

"Yes," Harry curtly answered.

"Why did you hide your relation with the Potters? Is there someone after you?"

"That question is better answered by the Minister."

Rita tried to dig for more information but failed miserably. Harry was tight-lipped, so she couldn't twist anything. The only narration she could twist was Harry's opinion on his chance, but Harry didn't even care if everyone would view him as arrogant. He knew he would dominate the field.

At the end of the interview, Rita concluded that she would only get something juicy from the Minister. Harry ignored the journalist and joined his fellow Champions as the ceremony began.