Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The morning sun was pale, barely warming the snow-covered grounds of Potter Manor. James Potter stood in the yard, bundled in a thick coat, shoveling snow the Muggle way. His wand stayed tucked safely in his pocket—magic wasn't allowed here, not in the Muggle town where they lived.

At first, the idea of blending in with Muggles had been strange to him. But after what happened in Godric's Hollow, after Voldemort's fall and the threats that followed, he had little choice. Wizarding villages weren't safe for his family anymore, so they moved here, far from curious eyes.

Only a few people knew where they lived—Dumbledore, and Elena's family. That was enough.

In time, James had gotten used to the Muggle world. It had been hard in the beginning, learning their ways, their routines, but now… he almost liked it. The quiet. The neighbors. The way people stopped by for tea or helped each other with small chores.

Even Harry and Lyra had gone to Muggle schools when they were younger. James wanted them to understand both worlds, to feel at home in both.

As James shoveled another heap of snow, he heard the door creak open behind him. Turning, he saw Harry stepping out, hands in his pockets, his breath fogging the cold air.

"Oi, Harry," James called, grinning. "Grab a shovel and help your old man, yeah?"

Harry rolled his eyes, but with a small smile, he picked up a shovel and joined him, scraping at the snow beside him.

"So," James started, tossing a pile of snow aside, "how's life at Hogwarts? You liking it?"

Harry shrugged, shifting snow with the shovel. "Yeah… It's interesting. Especially the feasts. Food's amazing."

James laughed. "Ah, yeah. Hogwarts feasts are something else. That pumpkin juice—best I've ever had." He paused, glancing sideways. "You made some friends there, I hope? Last year, when I visited, I thought some of those Gryffindor kids looked promising. Lively bunch."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'm friends with Ron Weasley. He was the first person I met on the train."

James's face lit up with recognition. "The Weasleys? Good people, that lot. Arthur Weasley helped me more times than I can count. One of the kindest families out there."

Harry smiled faintly. "Yeah… They're nice. There's been… some stuff though. Between Gryffindors and Slytherins. And, well… you already know about the troll."

James's eyebrows lifted. "The old Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry. Some things never change." He leaned on his shovel for a second, smirking. "When I was at school, had my fair share of run-ins with Slytherins too. As for that troll… Dumbledore told me it was an accident. But was it?"

Harry hesitated, then said, "Well… me and Ron had a little fight with Draco Malfoy, and… during all that, the troll showed up. We didn't really plan on running into him." He scratched the back of his neck. "We got hurt, but… we made it."

James snorted. "The Malfoys… still as annoying as ever. Listen, try not to clash with him if you can avoid it—but if he starts something, don't back down. You've always got me behind you, alright?"

Harry grinned. "Alright."

They worked in silence for a few minutes, snow crunching underfoot, breath misting in the cold air.

They worked for a while longer, the snow piling up in neat rows, when Harry hesitated before speaking again. "Hagrid told me something…"

James paused mid-shovel. "Hagrid? Good man. What did he say?"

Harry glanced at him. "He said my mum had a sister… who lives in the Muggle world."

James froze, his expression tightening as his smile faded. Slowly, he leaned on the shovel, staring at Harry. "Yeah… she did."

Harry looked up at him, eyes bright with curiosity. "Can we… Can we go see her?"

James sighed, his breath fogging the air between them. For a long moment, he didn't speak.

"Harry…" His voice was gentle, cautious. "I don't know if that's a good idea. Your aunt… she and her husband… they hate magic. The last time your mum brought me there, well… they weren't exactly thrilled."

He chuckled softly, but there was no humor in it.

"When your mum passed," James continued, his voice tight, "I tried to tell them. Thought maybe… maybe they'd want to be part of your life." His jaw clenched faintly. "They shut the door in my face. Didn't say a word."

Harry's shoulders slumped slightly. "So we can't see them?"

James hesitated, then rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Maybe one day. When you're older. You deserve to know your mum's side of the family… but I don't want you getting hurt by their bitterness."

Harry nodded, though disappointment lingered in his eyes.

James squeezed his shoulder, forcing a smile. "Come on now. Enough heavy talk. Let's finish this before we both freeze to death."

As they got back to work, the front door creaked open, and Elena stood there, watching them, a small smile curling on her lips.

James caught her gaze, and his grin softened. Changing the subject quickly, he called, "Oi, Elena! You fancy a snowball fight later? You and Lyra against us two?"

Elena laughed, waving him off, disappearing back inside.

Harry stayed quiet, but for the first time that morning, the weight on his chest eased—just a little—as they worked side by side, the snow falling softly around them.