Cherreads

Chapter 17 - CHAPTER - 17 " HARRY POTTER IS BACK "

Frank and Albus sprinted toward James the moment they saw him alive. Without hesitation, they threw their arms around him, holding him as if they would never let go. Relief flooded their faces.

Behind them, Thorn Claw let out a thunderous roar of joy—"RRAAHHHHHH…!"—his mighty voice trembling with emotion. Tears gathered in his glowing eyes, shimmering like silver flames. Before James could react, Bobby rushed forward and hugged him tightly.

"I was so scared, James," Bobby whispered, still shaking. "Your step… it was too dangerous."

James smiled softly and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder."I'm okay, Bobby. Really. I'm fine."

He turned to Thorn Claw, reached up, and gently wiped the dragon's tears. Thorn lowered his head, allowing James to hug him, both of them overwhelmed with relief and happiness.

Albus hugged James again, unable to hide his pride."I'm so proud of you, James."

James smiled warmly. "Even I'm proud of you, Albus."

Then Albus walked toward Dagger. His voice softened."I'm happy you're back, Dagger. Truly back."

Dagger nodded gratefully."Thanks to your brother James. He saved my life… he's a great man."

He turned to James, emotion filling his voice."You are just like your grandfather, James Potter."

James' smile faded into something softer—almost shy."I'm sorry for stabbing you with the Gryffindor sword," he murmured. "And… thank you for protecting my younger brother."

Then he hesitated. "I saved you… but what about my father? Harry Potter?"

Dagger's expression warmed."You purified the darkness inside me. Because of that, your father will return. He will survive the poison."

James released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding.

Albus stepped closer."I read your diary, Dagger. Without permission, I know… but I learned you were a good man. How did you change? What happened to you? And how is it true that you're Tom Riddle's cousin? How did Voldemort come back?"

Dagger lifted his hand."I'll tell you everything. But not here."

With a sweep of his wand, magic swirled around them. In a blink, they were transported into Dagger's house—an ancient, elegant place filled with polished wooden furniture, antique collections, and walls covered in rich paintings.

Frank and Bobby looked around in awe."Your house is incredible!"

Rose smiled warmly."It's beautiful, Dagger. You have so many antiques."

"Thank you," he said. "I've collected them for years."

But James stood steady, waiting for the truth.Albus looked at Dagger with urgency. "Tell us now."

Dagger finally began.

"After graduation, I hid myself in many places. I changed my identity to John Blackwood—new name, new look, everything. But even then, I always kept track of Hogwarts. I admired Harry, Ron, and Hermione deeply."

His eyes darkened.

"After the Final Battle, everyone believed evil was destroyed. But my cousin Evan—Tom Riddle's other cousin—returned to his homeland. He wasn't fully trained in magic, but he stumbled upon Salazar Slytherin's Dark Arts book. Out of greed and desire for revenge, he read it."

Dagger paused.

"Tom Riddle wasn't dead. His spirit lingered. And he possessed Evan. Evan, foolish and unaware, went to Tom's ancient house—the place where Tom stored his most dangerous artifacts. Through him, Tom found the book he desperately needed… the source of his rebirth."

James and the others listened, stunned.

"Tom regained power," Dagger continued, "but Evan's weak body couldn't sustain him. Then Tom learned that I was still alive—protected by dark magic. He attacked me, controlled my mind, but… not my heart."

He placed a hand over his chest.

"The darkness inside me made me forget myself. But when Albus came into my life… he reminded me who I truly am."

Everyone fell silent, absorbing the truth.

Meanwhile, in Hogwarts, Harry Potter awakened—alive.

The moment he stepped inside, Hogwarts erupted with joy. Draco ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"You're back!"

Hagrid lifted Harry in one of his crushing embraces. "Harry! Oh, thank Merlin—you're back!"

Ginny rushed forward, hugging her husband with tears in her eyes. Lily Luna and Hugo wrapped their arms around him too.

Miss Amelia stepped forward, nearly in tears herself."I'm so glad to see you alive, Mr. Potter."

Soon, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, and Neville sat together as Ron and Hermione explained everything that had happened.

Harry's face grew tense."James, Rose, Scorpius, Frank, Bobby… they all went to face Voldemort? Alone? They're just children!"

He rose to leave, but Ron and Hermione pulled him back. Amelia too stepped forward.

"They're sixteen and fourteen, Harry," she said softly.

Hagrid crossed his arms."When you fought Voldemort at their age, Harry… what were you? Sixteen?"He sighed. "But I still can't let kids suffer."

Harry clenched his fists."I refuse to sit still. Hogwarts is in danger. My children are out there."

Amelia stepped closer."They are not ordinary children, Harry. I sent them because they are the chosen ones for Hogwarts' ancient power. It is written in their destiny."

Silence fell.

Hermione whispered, "Ancient powers…?"

Ron frowned. "What are you saying, Amelia?"

Amelia hesitated."History is repeating. Ancient Hogwarts magic is rising again. A great miracle… and a great battle… is coming. Your children will become heroes. And James…"

Her eyes softened."James is the true heir and master of the Gryffindor Sword. It will always protect him and his friends."

Harry stared in disbelief."I don't understand."

"Then see it for yourself," Amelia said.

She removed her bracelet and placed it in the center.

"Touch it."

The group touched it—and visions burst before their eyes.

They saw James' birthmark.They saw the adventures of James, Rose, Scorpius, Albus, Frank, Bobby, Mirael, and Thorn Claw.They saw James' sacrifice.They saw how he became the chosen one.

Ron gasped."James Sirius Potter… he's the chosen one!"

Everyone agreed, voices rising with awe.

Hagrid wiped a tear."I always knew James would be great… just like Harry. Just like Dumbledore."

Harry stood frozen, overwhelmed.

"Miss Amelia… thank you," he said quietly.

She hugged Harry, Ron, and Hermione."Your children will achieve greatness. And the Gryffindor Sword will protect them."

Amelia looked at Harry with determination.

"Lead us, Mr. Potter. Save Hogwarts."

Harry placed a hand over his heart."It's my duty. I will protect Hogwarts… and I will wait for my children. Together, we will fight all evil again."

Everyone smiled and gathered around him, hope burning bright.A new battle was coming—but the heroes of Hogwarts were ready.

More Chapters