Re:HP-A New Life

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 39: Snowbound Joy

The early morning air was crisp, the ground blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. Hogwarts' grounds were transformed into a winter wonderland, the landscape glittering under the pale winter sun. Out on the vast expanse of snow-covered lawn, five figures darted about, laughing and shouting as snowballs flew through the air.

Harry Potter ducked behind a tree, a grin spreading across his face as he peered out from his cover. A snowball narrowly missed his head, whizzing past and exploding against the trunk behind him. Across the field, Rose, Hermione, Ron, and Neville were huddled together, plotting their next move.

"He's too quick!" Ron exclaimed, brushing snow off his jacket.

"We need a strategy," Hermione said, crouching low behind a snowbank.

Rose, her cheeks flushed from the cold and excitement, nodded. "We have to hit him all at once. He can't dodge all of us at the same time!"

Neville, bundled up in a thick scarf, added, "Maybe if we distract him, one of us can get close enough."

Harry, hearing snippets of their conversation, chuckled to himself. He packed another snowball and launched it with precision, hitting Ron squarely in the chest. Ron let out a surprised yelp as the snowball exploded in a puff of white.

"Nice try!" Harry called out, his voice filled with laughter.

The group regrouped and launched another volley of snowballs in Harry's direction. With swift movements, Harry dodged and deflected the projectiles, his agility and reflexes honed from years of Quidditch training and battle.

But it wasn't just his skills that gave him the edge—it was the sheer joy of the moment. For once, Harry felt unburdened, free from the weight of destiny and the vigilance his life usually demanded. Here, in the snow, with his friends and sister, he was just Harry, a boy enjoying a snowy morning.

Rose, seeing her brother's momentary distraction, seized the opportunity. She lobbed a snowball with all her might, catching Harry off guard. The snowball hit him squarely on the shoulder, and Harry let out a mock gasp of shock.

"Got you!" Rose cheered, raising her arms in victory.

"Nice shot!" Hermione applauded, throwing another snowball for good measure.

Harry, grinning, raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! You got me."

Just then, a booming laugh echoed across the grounds. Hagrid, bundled up in his massive coat, approached the group, a wide smile on his face. "What's all this then? Having a bit of fun, are we?"

Rose beamed. "Hagrid! Join us! We need all the help we can get against Harry."

Hagrid chuckled, scooping up a massive handful of snow. "Don't mind if I do!"

With Hagrid on their side, the balance of power shifted. Harry found himself on the defensive as the group, bolstered by Hagrid's presence, launched a coordinated assault. Snowballs flew thick and fast, and for the first time, Harry was struggling to keep up.

Hagrid's massive snowballs were particularly hard to dodge, and before long, Harry stumbled, slipping on a patch of ice. He fell backward into a snowdrift, laughing as the others took full advantage of his downed position. Snowballs pelted him from all sides, and within moments, he was buried under a mound of snow.

"Victory!" Ron declared, punching the air triumphantly.

Hermione laughed, brushing snow off her gloves. "We did it!"

Rose leaned over the mound of snow that now covered her brother, giggling. "Harry, are you still alive under there?"

Harry's muffled voice replied, "Barely."

The group burst into laughter, their breath visible in the cold morning air. Hagrid, grinning from ear to ear, helped Harry up, brushing the snow off his coat.

"That was a right good laugh," Hagrid said, his eyes twinkling. "Haven't had that much fun in ages."

Harry, his face flushed from the cold and exertion, nodded. "Thanks, Hagrid. That was brilliant."

From a nearby window, Lily Potter watched the scene unfold, a soft smile on her lips. Seeing her children and their friends enjoying such simple pleasures warmed her heart. For a moment, the weight of her responsibilities as a professor and the concerns for their safety seemed to lift.

She watched as Rose playfully tackled Harry, the two of them falling into the snow again, laughing. Hermione and Ron were trying to catch their breath, and Neville was leaning on his knees, still smiling despite the cold. Hagrid's deep, rumbling laughter echoed across the grounds.

Lily lingered for a few more moments, enjoying the sight of her children so carefree and happy. Then, with a contented sigh, she turned away from the window, heading off to prepare for her classes.

Back outside, Harry helped Rose to her feet, shaking the snow from his hair. "Alright, I admit defeat. You lot are a formidable team."

Rose grinned. "You were outnumbered. But you put up a good fight."

"Next time, I won't go easy on you," Harry teased, ruffling her hair.

"Next time, we'll be ready," Hermione said with a determined nod.

As the sun climbed higher, the group decided to head inside, their faces flushed and hearts light. They trudged back toward the castle, their laughter echoing through the crisp morning air.

For Harry, the day had been a rare and precious respite. In the midst of all the challenges and dangers that lay ahead, moments like these were a reminder of why he fought so hard—for these simple, joyful times with the people he loved.