The Phoenix Fire | Harry Potter

CHAPTER ONE

The full moon shone brightly in the night sky. A light breeze ruffled the living room curtains as Lily sat on the floor with Harry in her arms. The little baby giggled, squeezing his tiny fingers around his mother's finger. His tousled black hair, identical to James's, looked an adorable mess.

James watched the scene from his feet, leaning against the doorframe with a proud smile as he twirled his wand absently between his fingers. It was hard to believe that moments like these, so simple and peaceful, could exist amidst the chaos that the wizarding world was facing.

— He's going to be trouble, isn't he? — James joked, pointing his wand at Harry, who was kicking excitedly. — With all that energy, he's going to be a troublemaker.

Lily let out a soft laugh, her green eyes shining.

— Troublemaker? James Potter, you've always been the first to cause trouble, so don't even try to tell me that Harry is the problem.

James forced a smile and came closer, kneeling beside Lily. He stroked Harry's hair affectionately, his smile fading a little.

Lily noticed that her husband had seemed tense and restless all day. She brought her hand closer to his face, lifting his head, making him look at her.

— What's wrong, honey? You don't look so good.

James bit his lip, looking away and letting out a sigh.

— I don't know. I feel anxious like something isn't right. I guess... — he paused, trying to gather his thoughts. — I guess I just wish he could grow up without fear. That he could play outside, without having to worry about any of that...

Lily tilted her head, her gaze full of understanding. With a gentle touch, she caressed James's face, her fingers sliding through his thin beard. She knew exactly how he felt; the weight of responsibility to protect that little life was immense.

— Hey... — she said tenderly, keeping her eyes fixed on James's. — We'll make sure he has a safe life. And we'll always be by his side. We can't control the world, but we can give him all the love and protection he needs.

James took a deep breath, the weight on his shoulders easing, if only a little. He smiled gratefully at Lily, who leaned over to give him a kiss on the forehead before standing up.

— Dinner will be ready in five minutes. — she said with a smile, running her fingers lightly over the baby's head and leaving a kiss on his son's forehead, making him laugh excitedly.

As soon as she left the room, James sighed and looked at little Harry, who was staring at him with those bright eyes, completely oblivious to his parents' worries. He was so small, so innocent, and James felt like he would give anything to keep that sparkle in his son's eyes.

— Hey, champ. — James murmured, picking Harry up and rocking him gently. — Don't worry, okay? I'll be here for you. Always.

Harry chuckled and James smiled, feeling a little more confident. He knew the future was uncertain, but there, in that room lit by the moonlight and the warmth of that little life in his arms, he promised himself that he would do everything to protect his family.

— I promise, Harry. — he whispered, looking into his son's eyes. — We'll be fine. Your mother and I will fight to make sure you have the world you deserve.

James held Harry against his chest, smelling the comforting scent of his son's little head. Harry grabbed his shirt, biting the collar as he laid his head against his shoulder.

James played with Harry until he heard Lily's voice calling them for dinner. He got up, still with Harry in his arms, and went to the kitchen, where Lily had everything ready. She smiled when she saw the two of them come in and adjusted Harry's highchair so that the little one could sit next to his parents.