Divine

12 | High Tea

Harry James Potter is the head of magical law enforcement, a department under the Ministry of Magic, UK. He had been working in that department, previously in the Auror subdivision, since he was eighteen. He remembered working out late some night, coming home after a long day and spending time with his family. He had raised four kids with his wife Ginny Potter, who is the sports editor of Daily Prophet and was previously the star chaser of Holy Head Harpies.

The year was 2026, and their youngest kid, Lily Luna Potter had just turned 18. Albus Potter was 20, James Sirius Potter was 22 and Edward Lupin was 28. Harry and Ginny were in their mid-40s and they were planning on an early retirement sometime in the next five years.

Today was a special day as Lily L. Potter was celebrating her 18th birthday, and her family had surprised her by throwing a birthday party at midnight earlier that day. The Potter-Lupin clan was under the same roof. The Potter estate was fuller than ever. Days like these reminded Ginny of her childhood, growing up with 6 brothers meant that the house was always full and loud.

"Come on, Teddy-bear, finish up.", Ginny said as she saw Teddy playing with his food. "You're almost 30, you shouldn't need your Mom to feed you."

Teddy's daughter Nev, short for Ginevra Nymphadora Lupin, who was named that just to spite Ginny and Tonks who both hated their first names, laughed at this. "Daddy, even I am eating my veggies."

Teddy stuck his tongue out and his wife asked him to behave himself. Many people started laughing and James S. Potter took this opportunity to tease his elder brother by taking his niece's side.

"Here comes the birthday girl!", Albus changed the topic as he saw Lily trying to sneak out food. Lily threw a piece of bread at his head and got an earful from her nephew, Gauthier Lupin, for wasting food.

The Potter family tree had grown a lot in the past decade, taking inspiration from the Black Family Tree, Harry and Ginny enchanted a book to record details about the Potter family and maintain a family tree. The tree went back to the first known Potter, Linfred of Stinchcombe also known as the Potterer. Harry found out a lot about his family history, most importantly he learned about his grandparents and his parents.

Henry was only two months old, he was born the day before Albus and Arabella said their vows, he was born a week later than he was supposed to. Gauthier was 7 and Nev was 9. Lily Luna got out of a somewhat toxic two-year relationship with her ex-girlfriend Xena, days after Albus and Bella's wedding. Thanks to Albus who wouldn't leave her alone and bugged her until she opened up about what was happening. 

Harry loved having his family over, and ever since Teddy moved out, the Potter made sure to have brunch every Sunday. Usually, the grandkids would stay with Harry and Ginny for the day and the parents would have some time for themselves. Jamie and Gracie especially needed that as a newborn was more work than they had ever expected it to be. No matter how much they loved Henry, he was a loud one. Henry was named after Gracie's mom (Henrietta Mills) and loosely after Hary himself as Harry was named after his own great-grandfather Henry Potter.

"Dad, if you spend any more time with this lot, we will be late for our tea.", Lily pointed out. 

Harry checked his watch and said, "Darling, we have a lot of time before that."

Bella wasn't sure what they were talking about, "High tea? I didn't know we were going out?"

Albus chuckled, "We are not. Dad and Lily are."

"Every year on Lily's birthday Dad and Lily go out for tea party.", Teddy added. 

"Hey, tell her everything.", James protested. 

The three older Potter children started arguing as to who will tell the story behind high tea before Ginny stopped them. 

"Honestly, you three need to behave.", Ginny said as she rolled her eyes. "Bella, when Lily was younger these three here," she said pointing at James, Albus and Teddy, " wouldn't play with her, so every day after work Harry and Lily would have a tea party.", James and Albus started snickering. "Anyway, ever since Lily started Hogwarts, Harry and Lily would go out every year on her birthday to have their own tiny tea party at some fancy London hotel."

"Aww, that's so adorable, Mr. Potter.", said Bella. "I mean Harry."

"Oh OH! Do you remember how Lily used to put makeup on Dad?", James asked. 

People around the table started laughing, "Do you remember when she cried until dad shaved his beard only to draw a beard on his face the way she likes it?", Albus added. 

"Oh, sweet Merlin! Remember those fairy wings?!", James laughed even louder. "And when she made dad a princess?" 

Teddy started laughing even louder, almost matching James' volume, he was practically crying at this point, "Remember when we charmed the makeup and dad had to hide in his bedroom for a week!"

There were many gasps, laughs and protests. 

"I might have a picture!", Ginny said as she stood up. "I will get it."

"Don't you dare, Weasley.", Harry said as he pulled Ginny back. "I will retire this very moment for you to burn that picture."

"Ma, remember I taught you how to scan papers and images?", Albus asked as he caught his breath. "Do that before burning them and email me the picture. I want that thing framed in my house."

"Oh my god! I want that too!", James said.

"We can sneak it inside the hall of fame.", Albus suggested. 

"Harry James Potter, The Boy Who Lived, The Chosen One, The Defeater of Voldemort and the first model of designer Lily L. Potter.", Teddy said. "Has a ring to it, don't you agree, Dad?"

"I am just writing off you all from my will.", Harry said calmly as he picked up his dirty dishes and kept them in the sink. 

People around the table were still laughing and sharing stories of young Lily and how she had Harry wrapped around her finger. Harry's eyes met Lily's and they smiled at each other, Harry wordlessly asked her to get ready and Lily nodded. Just like every other year, they had their tea party at their favourite spot and share everything that had happened.