[Harry Potter Fanfiction] - Divine Glory

Chapter 7: Who is Lily Evans, after all?

Four years ago, the death of Laurelle's father, Mr. Meredith Bernice, was a shock to everyone.

All that Laurelle knew was that her father had sacrificed himself while in England, helping other Aurors with a mission. An Auror of exceptional talent, Mr. Meredith Bernice was a rare figure in the history of French wizardry—he had become the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (or Auror Department) at just 31 years old, but resigned after five years to maânge the Bernice family. His untimely death, unforeseen and sudden, was a blow. Apart from that, no one had told Laurelle exactly what had caused her father's death. No one, not even her mother, nor her uncle Kingsley, who was an Auror working at the Ministry of Magic in Britain at the same time.

Laurelle gently caressed the photograph of her father, then left the room.

A few hours later, Mrs. Donna Shacklebolt returned home.

Mrs. Donna always maintained a dignified appearance in every situation. Although her face showed the exhaustion of a long day at the Ministry of Magic, her eyes remained sharp and alert as ever. Laurelle's mother was very tall, with a slender figure, dark skin, and characteristic curly hair. She held the position of Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department, a role she had been in even before her husband, Mr. Meredith, passed away.

Laurelle knew the pressure and responsibility on her mother were immense. Holding such a high and important position as Head of the International Magical Cooperation Department, and shouldering much of the Bernice family's responsibilities after her father's death, her mother's workload was no small matter. Even with the help of her uncle Fallon Bernice and aunt Vera Bernice, her father's younger siblings, her mother still had her hands full. Moreover, she also had to look after Laurelle and the younger two.

Laurelle took the cup of tea that Mrs. Roux had brewed and placed it on the table in front of Mrs. Donna.

"You've had a long day, Mom. I got home this afternoon, after attending the End-of-Year Ceremony."

Laurelle gave her mother a light hug, rubbing her back. Mrs. Donna immediately embraced her tightly, kissing both of Laurelle's cheeks—her rather forceful way of showing affection to her children.

"I'm absolutely exhausted! All this chaos over the student Exchange program, from the start of your new term until now! That Russian Head of the International Cooperation Department keeps rejecting the British representative's proposals and arguing back and forth. I had to go and mediate between them and propose a middle ground without favoring either side," Mrs. Donna nearly rolled her eyes as she spoke. "If it weren't for your uncle Kingsley advising me, I wouldn't have gotten involved in this exchange program. Normally, I just delegate this to my subordinates."

Laurelle smiled as she listened to her mother rant. She knew that her mother was often considered blunt to the point of rudeness, but since joining the Department of International Magical Cooperation, her mother had learned to be more tactful, a significant improvement. Kingsley had once said this to Laurelle. So, if her mother could vent her frustration, it was the best outcome. Laurelle also knew that her mother was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, only speaking like this when she was with family.

"Mom!!"

Desi's bright, bell-like voice rang out as she dashed down the stairs.

"Hey! Desi, slow down!" Alvar, looking worried, was running after her, afraid she might slip and fall on the stairs.

Mrs. Donna quickly stood up, ran over, and scooped Desi into her arms, spinning her around, making her giggle. Then she turned to hug and kiss Alvar tightly.

"Alright, let's have dinner!" Mrs. Donna turned to the housekeeper. "Please, Mrs. Roux!"

"Yes, Ma'am. Everything is ready."

"Thank you, Mrs. Roux."

The sumptuous dinner, prepared by the Bernice family's chefs, began with a crisp, sweet vegetable salad and golden-brown toasted bread spread with fragrant butter. The main course consisted of a perfectly cooked steak, tender and juicy, mashed potatoes, and lobster roasted in garlic butter, all harmonizing with the rich buttery flavor.

The family usually didn't talk much during meals, but tonight was special. Laurelle only came home once a year during her studies, so they broke the usual silence and chatted a lot.

"Now, let's raise our glasses to celebrate Laurelle for being top of her exchange program!" All three raised their glasses. Normally, Mrs. Donna would drink wine, her favorite beverage, but since all three children were underage, she had juice with them instead.

"And I haven't forgotten about you, Alvar. Next year, you'll officially become a real wizard!" Mrs. Donna clinked her glass with Alvar's, winking affectionately at him.

Alvar smiled gently.

"But the question is..." Mrs. Donna lowered her voice. "Will you be going to Hogwarts or Beauxbatons?"

The table fell silent immediately after Mrs. Donna's question.

Alvar frowned slightly. "I haven't thought about it yet. But don't worry, Mom. Wherever Laurelle goes, I'll go too. It'll be the best that way."

"I know, sweetheart. But have you considered that after your sister finishes her three-year exchange program, she'll have to return to Beauxbatons? By then, you'll have gotten used to life at Hogwarts, and transferring schools might not be the best thing for you," Mrs. Donna said, her heart aching as she saw how thoughtful her son was. She knew that as a child, he would always bear the burden of such decisions.

Alvar spoke calmly. "I think it's too early to plan everything so rigidly, Mom. For now, I'll just attend Hogwarts with Laurelle. Who knows what will happen in the next three years? We can figure things out when the time comes."

Suddenly, Mrs. Donna felt both amused and moved by her little "old man" Alvar. She threw her arms around him in a tight hug. Alvar gently stroked his mother's hair.

Laurelle watched the scene, rubbing Desi's head as the little girl focused on devouring her favorite chocolate cake, feeling a deep sense of pride for her younger brother. The Bernice family had always loved, respected, protected, and sacrificed for one another in this way.

The dinner ended in a warm, loving atmosphere, with soft light and a sense of togetherness.

...

Laurelle knocked on her mother's door, the room that had once been the happiest place for both her parents.

"Mom, I need to ask you something. Can I come in?"

"Come in, dear."

Laurelle gently pushed the door open.

The room was cozier than Laurelle had imagined. Everywhere, there were traces of her father—photos, objects—testifying to the deep love between her parents. On the wall hung a large wedding photo, showing her parents dancing a waltz, a Muggle dance. Her mother was smiling with her eyes closed, radiating happiness. Honestly, her mother was an average-looking woman, but in the photo, her joyful expression shone in a way that was beyond compare. Her father was grinning broadly, with a dimple on his right cheek. Laurelle suddenly thought of Cyrus, who had the similar smile.

Laurelle saw her mother sitting in front of the mirror, brushing her curly hair with a wooden comb engraved with "M&D." Laurelle smiled.

She sat down on the soft bed and suddenly wondered how lonely her mother must feel lying in this empty bed without her father's embrace. Laurelle's heart felt heavy, though her face remained calm, not wanting her mother to notice.

"Is something wrong, sweetheart? Do you want to talk to me?" Mrs. Donna looked at her daughter through the mirror, vaguely sensing something.

Laurelle shook her head slightly, then nodded.

"Mom, do you know anyone, or have you ever heard the name Lily Evans?"

As soon as Laurelle asked the question, she saw her mother's hair-brushing movement stop abruptly. She looked up and saw her mother staring blankly at the mirror, her face stiffening.