Family | HP x FT

Chapter 13: Lunch

Everyone was quiet, too quiet. Then a sob was heard. They turned to the source and saw that it was Harry himself. James and Lily were quick to get him out of the Great Hall to calm him down. Everyone glanced at the trio with sympathy.

Dumbledore clapped his hands to get everyone's attention, "Alright everyone, we will be having a few moments of rest, then we will have our lunch to fill our bellies. Come you go now,"

Everyone was hesitant, as the Ministry Officials went with the Professors for a talk. Remus and Sirius immediately went to look for the Potters. Harry's friends were stopped to give the family some space. They had just read about his mother sacrificing the majority of her magic to save the world, to protect him.

"Poor Harry," Lavender frowned, feeling sympathetic to their friend.

"I can't imagine how he feels," Ron frowned, "His mother practically sacrificed most of her magic,"

"I just want to go out there and hug him," Hermione said, "I know he has his family..."

"But we were around him for so long that you wish it was us comforting him?" Ron continued her words. She nodded, Ron smiled bitterly, "I understood that, Mione. But you gotta understand that Harry didn't even know that, he was knocked out, remember?"

Outside of the Great Hall, they were just by the stairs as they couldn't get out of the castle itself. Lily was holding onto her son as he cried.

"There, there Harry, it's alright. Lucy has been fine, remember?" She patted his back.

Their son was still sobbing from the fate his own blood-adopted mother gave herself too. Lucy Heartfilia was clumsy with her emotions, there are times she would act like nothing is going on. But she cares, and her sacrificing most of her magic was the proof of it.

Lily held Harry tightly, gently rocking him back and forth as he continued to cry. She felt a mix of emotions herself—relief that Harry was safe, grief for the sacrifice Lucy had made, and a deep sense of gratitude towards her. Lucy had become a beloved member of their family, and her selflessness had touched them all.

James stood beside Lily, his own eyes filled with tears. He reached out and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, offering silent support. Remus and Sirius approached, their expressions filled with concern and love for their godson.

"We're here for you, Harry," Remus said softly, his voice filled with empathy. "We're all here for you."

Sirius nodded, his voice choked with emotion. "You're not alone, pup. We're your family, and we'll always be by your side."

Harry sniffled and looked up at them, his green eyes puffy and red. "I miss her, Mum. Why did she have to do it?"

Lily sighed, her heart aching for her son. "Lucy did it because she loved you, Harry. She wanted to protect you and everyone else. She made a brave and selfless choice."

Remus added, "And she knew you would be safe with us, with your family. She had faith in all of us."

Harry wiped his tears and nodded, taking comfort in their words. He knew deep down that his mother had made the ultimate sacrifice out of love, and he was grateful for the family he had. He knew he wasn't alone in his grief. She wasn't dead that's for sure, but those magics has been a constant part of her, and she sacrificed it for his sake.

Meanwhile, inside the Great Hall, the Ministry officials and professors had gathered to discuss the events that had unfolded. They were deep in conversation, trying to make sense of everything that had happened and determine the next course of action.

Dumbledore, still standing at the front of the hall, surveyed the somber atmosphere. He knew the weight of the sacrifices made and the impact they would have on Harry and the wizarding world, it opened their eyes to the things they almost would never know. After a few moments, he raised his hands once again to get everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for your patience and understanding," Dumbledore began, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "Let us take a moment to rest and gather our strength. Lunch will be served shortly, and we shall find solace in each other's company."

The students and faculty exchanged glances, finding comfort in Dumbledore's words. Slowly, they began to disperse, moving towards the tables to find a seat and share a meal together.

Back outside, the Potters and their closest friends stood united, their bond stronger than ever. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they had each other to lean on.

As Harry wiped away his tears, he felt a renewed determination burning within him. He would honor the sacrifices made for him and fight for a world where love and courage triumphed over darkness. With his family and friends by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Together, they would forge a brighter future.

"Feeling better, sweetie?" Lily asked her son.

"Harry nodded, "Yeah, I think so,"

Lily smiled softly at her son, relieved to see a glimmer of hope in his eyes. She brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead and said, "We're here for you, Harry. Always remember that. We'll face whatever comes our way together."

Harry nodded, feeling the love and support from his family and friends enveloping him. He knew he couldn't dwell in sorrow forever. Lucy's sacrifice had given him a renewed purpose, a reason to keep fighting. He would carry her memory in his heart and make sure her sacrifice was not in vain.

Taking a deep breath, Harry straightened his posture and wiped away the last traces of tears. He looked at Remus, Sirius, and his friends, Ron and Hermione, who stood beside him. They all shared a determined expression, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.

"Let's go back inside," Harry said, his voice filled with newfound strength. "If I remembered right, Mother's backstory would be read next,"