Rain pattered softly against the tall windows of the Potter home, nestled quietly among the Muggle city . Inside, in the warmly lit sitting room, James Potter sat on the edge of a leather armchair, brows drawn tight in concern. Across from him, beside a steaming cup of tea, sat Elena, his wife. Between them stood Albus Dumbledore, his long robes faintly damp from travel, his eyes as calm and knowing as ever.
"I don't know, Professor," James said at last, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not sure it's safe for Harry and Lyra to attend Hogwarts this year."
Elena nodded. "He's right. If Sirius Black is really out there, and he's escaped Azkaban… they'll be targets. Especially Harry."
Dumbledore folded his hands in front of him. "I understand your fears. Believe me, I do. But Hogwarts remains the safest place in our world for young witches and wizards—safer than anywhere else, even in uncertain times."
Elena frowned. "But if Sirius Black is desperate enough to break out of Azkaban, he might be desperate enough to break into Hogwarts."
The headmaster's blue eyes twinkled, though there was gravity in his tone. "That's why I've asked an old friend—someone you both know and trust—to return to Hogwarts. He's agreed to take up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts."
James leaned forward, suspicious and curious. "Someone we know?"
Dumbledore smiled. "A very close friend of yours. Remus Lupin."
James blinked.
"…Moony?"
For a moment, silence filled the room. James's eyes welled, and his hand trembled slightly as he exhaled, staring down at the wooden floor. "I haven't seen him in over a decade. The last time was… at the funeral."
"I've sent him dozens of letters," James whispered. "None were answered."
"He's been… difficult to reach," Dumbledore said gently. "Much of his time has been spent abroad—in Romania, with certain werewolf settlements where he could live peacefully. His situation made contact… complicated."
James gave a small, regretful nod. "I think he's still angry with me. I said things that day I shouldn't have. Harsh things. I owe him an apology."
"And I'm sure," said Dumbledore, "that Remus will accept it. He's still the same loyal friend he always was. He never stopped caring."
The room fell into a comfortable quiet for a moment—until Dumbledore broke it with a change of topic.
"This year," he said, "the third-years will be allowed trips to Hogsmeade."
James tilted his head. "And…?"
"I'd like to ask that you not sign Harry's permission slip."
"What?!" James said, straightening up. "That'll crush him. His friends will go, and he'll be stuck in the castle?"
Dumbledore sighed, clearly sharing in the discomfort. "I wish it could be otherwise. But the Ministry has decided to place Dementors around the school—on patrol."
Elena stood. "What?! They're sending Dementors near a school full of children?"
"I tried to stop it," Dumbledore said, quietly. "But Minister Fudge pushed it through. Some members of the Wizengamot supported the decision as well. There's little I can do to prevent it now."
James muttered under his breath. "Well… at least if the Dementors are there, Sirius won't be able to get in. But still… how did he escape Azkaban? That's supposed to be impossible."
Dumbledore's expression darkened. "According to the reports, he assaulted an Auror stationed near his cell, stole his wand and key, and fled by sea. He disappeared before the Dementors could react."
At that moment, two footsteps could be heard descending the stairs.
"Hello, Professor Dumbledore!" came Harry's voice.
"Hello, Professor!" echoed Lyra, bounding into the room beside her brother.
Dumbledore turned and smiled warmly. "Ah, Harry. Lyra. Just the two I was hoping to see. Come, come. Sit."
As the children took their seats, he reached into his robe and produced a letter sealed with the crest of Hogwarts.
He handed it to Lyra with a proud smile.
"Miss Lyra Potter," he said. "It is my pleasure, as Headmaster of Hogwarts, to invite you to begin your magical education this September."
Lyra's eyes went wide. Her fingers trembled as she took the letter, then tore it open in a rush.
"I knew it!" she beamed. "Mum, Dad—look! I told you I'd get in!"
Elena laughed and pulled her daughter into a hug. "Of course, my little princess. I never doubted it."
James ruffled her hair proudly. "That's my girl."
"I'm going to Hogwarts!" she squealed. "Finally!"
"Dad," she said, turning to him with barely-contained excitement. "When are we going to Diagon Alley? I need my wand!"
James chuckled. "Don't worry, little Gryffindor witch, we'll go tomorrow."
"She's a Ravenclaw, thank you very much," Elena interjected, grinning. "Just like her mum."
James rolled his eyes. "Sure, sure… but she's a Potter. She'll be in Gryffindor."
Lyra giggled as her parents playfully bickered.
Dumbledore stood slowly, adjusting his robes. "Well, I shall leave you to your family celebration. Go to Diagon Alley, buy her wand, her books, her robes. Let her enjoy this moment."
James nodded. "Thank you, Professor. And… I heard from Harry about what happened last year. Especially about Cael."
"I wrote him a letter," James added. "Wanted to invite him here, thank him properly. But the owl returned—letter unopened."
"Ah," said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling. "He was in France. Research, I believe. Quite a promising young man, that one. During Christmas break, you might try again. He'd enjoy the visit, I suspect."
Elena smiled. "We'll do that."
Dumbledore stepped toward the door.
"Don't worry about Hogwarts," he said, voice full of quiet conviction. "Remus will be there. I'll be there. And Harry—Harry has strong allies. He won't be alone."
With that, he stepped out into the fading light. Outside, the sky had cleared, and a faint golden hue washed over the fields. Dumbledore paused, took one look back at the house, then apparated away in a shimmer of light.
Inside, James turned to Lyra.
"Well then, Miss Hogwarts Student. Ready to get your wand?"
Lyra leapt into the air. "Yay! Let's go, Dad!"