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 Forty Two: Balancing Passions.
Rose sat in the warmth of her grandmother Dorea's study, a place that smelled of old parchment, fresh ink, and the soft fragrance of lavender. The room was bathed in soft afternoon light filtering through the large windows, casting a cozy glow over the leather-bound books lining the shelves. Dorea Black Potter, always the picture of elegance and wisdom, poured tea into a delicate china cup and handed it to Rose with a serene smile.
"Congratulations on your Quidditch performance," Dorea began, her voice calm yet carrying a note of seriousness. "You were exceptional on the pitch."
Rose felt a swell of pride at her grandmother's praise but also sensed the conversation was about to take a more serious turn. She sipped her tea, the warmth spreading through her, and braced herself.
"However," Dorea continued, setting down her own cup, "as much as I admire your dedication to Quidditch, we must talk about your future. A career in professional Quidditch is admirable but also fleeting, especially given how long witches and wizards live. You need to ensure you have other avenues open to you."
Rose frowned slightly, setting her cup on the saucer with a soft clink. "But Grandmother, I love Quidditch. It's what I'm passionate about."
Dorea's gaze softened, but her tone remained firm. "Passion is important, Rose, but so is preparation for the future. Your recent grades have slipped since you joined the team. While excelling in Quidditch is commendable, neglecting your studies is not an option."
Rose pouted, crossing her arms. "Why am I the only one getting this lecture? What about Harry?"
Dorea smiled knowingly and gestured toward the window. "Look outside, dear."
Curious, Rose rose from her seat and approached the window. Peering out, she saw Harry in the snow-covered garden, surrounded by their younger siblings, Alice, Evelyn, and Lillian. Harry, wand in hand, was enchanting snow into various animals that danced and frolicked through the air, chasing the giggling girls. The scene was magical and heartwarming, the air filled with the sound of laughter.
Rose watched, her initial frustration melting into understanding. Harry's magical prowess was evident, even in play. He seemed to manage his responsibilities and leisure effortlessly, embodying the balance their grandmother was urging her to find.
Dorea's voice was gentle but pointed. "Harry has found a way to balance his passions with his responsibilities. He excels in both, which is why he doesn't need constant reminders. You, my dear, must strive for that balance as well."
Rose sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I understand, Grandmother. I'll work harder on my studies."
Dorea's expression softened into a smile. "That's all I ask. Remember, if your grades don't improve, there will be no more Quidditch. Understood?"
Rose nodded, the weight of the conversation sinking in. But as she glanced out the window again, the sight of her siblings playing in the snow tugged at her heart. She turned back to her grandmother, a pleading look in her eyes.
"May I go join them now?" Rose asked, trying her best to look innocent and hopeful.
Dorea chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Go on, but remember our conversation."
With a grin, Rose bolted from the room, her heart lighter and ready for some snowy fun.
Elsewhere in the Potter Estate, James and Lily sat in the cozy living room, the fire crackling merrily in the hearth. The warmth of the flames added to the festive atmosphere as they sipped their afternoon tea. The peace of the moment was soon interrupted by a familiar topic: Sirius Black.
"Sirius is crashing in the guest room for a few days," James announced with a grin, setting his cup down.
Lily, already accustomed to Sirius's frequent visits, raised an eyebrow in mild amusement. "What's the reason this time?"
James chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It's about his grandfather, Arcturus. His 97th birthday is coming up, and he's demanding that Sirius bring a respectable lady as his date."
Lily smirked, the corners of her mouth twitching in amusement. "Why doesn't he just take Amelia Bones? They've been dancing around each other for years."
James nodded, laughing. "Exactly what I told him! But Sirius is actually nervous about asking her out. Can you believe it? The great Sirius Black, reduced to a bundle of nerves."
Lily burst out laughing at the image. "That's rich. Sirius, the charmer, nervous to ask out a woman."
James grinned, shaking his head. "I told him to man up and do it, but now he's sulking in the guest room, nursing his wounded pride."
The couple shared a laugh, the sound of their mirth filling the room. Despite the chaos Sirius often brought into their lives, they wouldn't have it any other way.
In the snowy garden, Rose joined Harry and their sisters, her laughter ringing out as she was immediately drawn into the magical snowball fight. Harry, ever the skilled wizard, was conjuring snowballs and sending them flying with precision, much to the delight of their younger siblings.
"Think you can handle me, Rose?" Harry teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Rose grinned, scooping up a handful of snow. "Bring it on, Potter!"
The siblings played and laughed, the cold air filled with joy and the simple pleasure of family togetherness. Rose felt her earlier concerns melt away, replaced by the warmth of familial love.
Inside, Sirius emerged from the guest room, his sulking replaced by a mischievous grin. He joined James and Lily in the living room, plopping down on the couch with exaggerated exhaustion.
"Well, if I'm going to ask out Amelia, I might as well do it in style," Sirius announced, a glint of determination in his eyes.
James clapped him on the back, grinning. "That's the spirit! Now go charm the socks off her."
Lily shook her head, amused. "Just try not to be too over-the-top, Sirius."
As the day wound down, the Potter Estate was filled with the warmth of family and laughter.