A Love at Stake

Chapter 10

At half past six that evening, the entrance hall of Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement. Parents and students mingled, their chatter a blend of nervous anticipation and joyful laughter, all awaiting the assembly that would soon usher them into the resplendent Great Hall. For many, this was not just another day at school; it was a celebration of connections, experiences, and the all-important beginning of a new term.

Lily weaved her way through the throngs of students, her warm smile lingering on her lips even as she scanned the crowd. Today was special; it marked not just the opening of doors but the unveiling of possibilities for her son, Harry. She shifted on her feet, trying to spot the familiar tousle of his dark hair.

Amidst the crowd, she finally spotted Hermione Granger, one of Harry's closest friends. The girl stood a little taller than most kids her age, her bushy hair bouncing with every barely contained shiver of excitement. Behind her, her parents seemed equally affected, barely able to contain their own apprehension.

"Hello, Hermione, is that you?" Lily called, her heart lightening at the sight of the enthusiastic girl.

"Oh, hi, Mrs. Potter!" Hermione replied, a wide smile breaking across her face. She quickly introduced her parents, both equally nervous about the evening's events, their hands fidgeting as they greeted Lily.

Lily shook their hands warmly, a sense of comfort enveloping her in this familiar space. "You look beautiful, Mrs. Potter," Hermione complimented, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Thank you, dear." Lily felt a flutter of pride at the young witch's sincerity but remained vigilant, scanning the hall for her son. "Have you seen my son?" she asked, hoping the answer was in her favour.

Before Hermione could respond, a familiar wave of enthusiasm surged through the crowd. The grand oak doors creaked open, revealing Harry and the Weasley family. Harry's eyes lit up upon spotting his mother, and he waved excitedly, cutting through the sea of anxious faces. Lily's heart swelled as she hurried toward him, greeting him with a warm embrace that spoke volumes of her love and pride.

"It's wonderful to see you again, sweetheart," she said, pulling back to take a proper look at him.

"Did you finish what you had to do, Mum?" Harry asked, his expression earnest and slightly worried, as if noticing the tension that loomed over the evening.

"Yes, everything is taken care of," she reassured him, a gentle smile on her lips. "I came early because I didn't want to miss the Assembly for my son, of course."

He beamed at her in response, the warmth of that familiar connection washing away the worries that threatened to bubble to the surface.

"Thank you, Arthur," Lily said, nodding appreciatively as Mr. Weasley joined them, his presence a comforting one.

Leaning in, Mr. Weasley offered a hushed but grave whisper, "Before we Portkeyed here, we got a message from Dumbledore. Is everything alright?"

Lily's heart raced as she felt the weight of that question settle over her. She glanced at Harry, who was animatedly chatting with Ron and Hermione, blissfully detached from the shadows of uncertainty flickering at the corners of the hall. With renewed resolve, she turned to Arthur, her voice barely a whisper against the backdrop of laughter. "That strange dream I had... it's happening, Arthur."

Concern flickered in Arthur's eyes, and he leaned away slightly, scanning their surroundings to ensure no one was overhearing. "Is that why Dumbledore called for an order meeting after the assembly?" he enquired, his voice tight with urgency.

Lily nodded, frustration boiling beneath her composed exterior. She felt the weight of her fears pressing against her like a storm cloud ready to burst. "Something's shifting, and we need to be prepared. I fear..." She paused, her words faltering against the clear excitement around them, hesitant to let her son hear the worry in her voice. "I fear we're being watched."