I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.
https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon
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Chapter 42: A Quiet Reflection
The celebration had finally wound down. The Potter estate, which had been filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of glasses just hours before, now lay in peaceful silence. The remnants of the night's festivities lingered—a forgotten scarf draped over a chair, a half-empty bottle of butterbeer on the table, and plates stacked haphazardly on the counter. The house was a testament to the joy and relief that had filled the hearts of those within, a collective exhale after the storm.
Everyone had succumbed to the comfort of sleep, their energy spent from the emotional highs and the catharsis of knowing the Dark Lord was no more. Harry, James, Lily, Sirius, and Remus were sprawled across couches and beds, the tension of years of war finally giving way to exhaustion. The flickering flames of the fireplace cast a warm, soothing light, the only movement in the otherwise still room.
In the quiet sitting room, two figures remained awake. Dorea Potter and Arcturus Black sat side by side in matching armchairs, the soft crackling of the fire providing a comforting backdrop to their thoughts. Between them on a small table was a bottle of aged firewhisky, its amber contents reflecting the flickering light. They had poured themselves another glass, neither quite ready to give in to sleep, their minds still processing the events of the day.
The silence between them was companionable, a shared moment of introspection. Arcturus leaned back in his chair, the weight of the evening pressing down on him. He swirled the liquid in his glass, watching the firelight dance across its surface, before taking a slow sip. It was he who broke the silence, his voice low and contemplative.
"Thank you, Dorea," he began, his gaze fixed on the flames. "For what you did back there... for saving my life when I hesitated."
Dorea turned her head to look at her brother, her expression softening. She didn't need him to explain further. She knew exactly what he was referring to. The battle had been fierce, chaotic, and in the midst of it all, Bellatrix Lestrange had turned her wand on Arcturus. Dorea had acted without hesitation, stepping in to neutralize the threat when her brother had faltered. She had seen the conflict in his eyes, the brief moment of indecision that could have cost him his life.
"You don't have to thank me," she replied gently, her tone filled with understanding. "I knew you couldn't do it."
Arcturus finally looked at her, his expression a mixture of guilt and frustration. "I should have been able to," he admitted. "After everything she's done, after everything Harry told me about what she would become... I knew what had to be done, but when the moment came—"
"You hesitated because she's family," Dorea interrupted, her voice calm and reassuring. "Despite everything, you still see her as the girl you once knew. That doesn't make you weak, Arcturus. It makes you human."
He shook his head, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "Being human nearly got me killed. I knew what Bellatrix was capable of. I knew she wouldn't hesitate."
Dorea reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "None of us are immune to moments of weakness," she said softly. "What matters is that we're still here. We've survived. And we have a future to build."
Arcturus took another sip of his drink, letting her words sink in. After a moment, he glanced at her, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "You've always been the ruthless one," he said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Efficient, decisive. Everyone sees your pretty face and underestimates you. They don't realize the dangerous witch hidden behind it until it's too late."
Dorea chuckled softly, the sound warm and genuine. "I've always preferred it that way," she admitted. "It's easier to get things done when people don't see you coming."
They fell into silence again, each lost in their thoughts. The battle had taken its toll, not just physically but emotionally. They had lost friends, family, and a part of themselves. Yet, in the aftermath, there was also a sense of renewal. The Dark Lord was gone, his followers defeated, and for the first time in a long while, the future seemed promising.
"House Black has suffered losses," Arcturus said quietly, his gaze distant. "But we've also been given a second chance. A chance to rebuild, to do things differently."
Dorea nodded, her eyes reflecting the same determination. "We'll honor those we've lost by making the most of this chance," she said firmly. "We'll build a future worth living in."
Arcturus raised his glass, a silent toast to their shared resolve. Dorea clinked her glass against his, the sound a quiet affirmation of their commitment to the path ahead.
As the fire burned low, casting a warm glow over the room, the brother and sister sat together, drawing strength from each other. They had faced the darkness and emerged on the other side, stronger and more united than ever. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, it was a future filled with hope.
Their conversation drifted into lighter topics, reminiscing about childhood memories and old friends. They spoke of plans to restore the Black family's reputation, to use their influence for good. They shared dreams of peace and prosperity, of a world where their children could grow up without the shadow of fear looming over them.
Eventually, the bottle of firewhisky was empty, and the fire had dwindled to glowing embers. The weight of the day's events and the late hour finally caught up with them. Arcturus stood, stretching his limbs, and offered a hand to Dorea.
"Come on, sister," he said with a gentle smile. "Let's get some rest. We've earned it."
Dorea took his hand, rising to her feet. Together, they made their way through the quiet house, the warmth of their bond a beacon in the darkness. As they parted ways for the night, there was a sense of peace, a quiet assurance that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.