Chapter 3: One Year Later – A Birthday of Wonder
31 July 1981
The morning air was crisp with the scent of dew-covered grass and fresh lilacs blooming along the garden fence. Godric's Hollow basked in gentle summer light, and soft sunlight filtered through the swaying trees. A pair of bluebirds chirped on the rooftop, and inside the Potter cottage, the warmth of a birthday celebration filled every crevice.
Sunlight danced across the kitchen tiles as James levitated a batch of muffins onto a plate. The rich scent of vanilla and cinnamon floated through the air, blending with the warm tang of brewed tea. Lily hummed as she stirred a bubbling cauldron of oatmeal infused with honey and apples. Two small, matching wooden high chairs were set at the table, each with a miniature golden nameplate: Harry and Hardwin.
The cottage was aglow with magical decorations. Floating ribbons changed color as they twisted, and enchanted paper cranes swooped gently through the living room. A birthday banner read:
> Happy Birthday, Harry and Hardwin!
Their names twinkled in silver and green, then shifted to gold and blue.
Harry was already clapping his hands excitedly in his high chair, babbling with delight at the sight of his floating spoon. Across from him, Hardwin sat silently, studying the colors and movement of the decorations with a depth far beyond his age.
> It's strange, he thought. I was twenty-five not long ago. This body doesn't match what's inside.
He looked at his chubby baby fingers, gripping the edges of the tray. He could feel the textures—smooth wood, the slightly sticky residue of mashed fruit. It was grounding, real. Yet surreal.
Then Lily appeared beside him, her hair loose and glowing in the morning sun. She smiled as she bent to wipe porridge from his chin.
Hardwin's breath caught.
> She's real. She's warm. She smells like lavender and fresh bread.
He reached out instinctively, placing a hand on her cheek.
"M-mom..."
The word escaped him like a soft breath.
Lily froze, her eyes going wide. She leaned closer, eyes shimmering. "What did you say, sweetheart?"
Hardwin swallowed. His little throat worked awkwardly, but he spoke again.
"Mom."
James dropped his spoon.
Harry squealed with laughter, completely oblivious.
Lily scooped Hardwin into her arms, holding him tight against her chest. Her voice trembled. "You said it. Your first word."
Hardwin rested his head against her collarbone. He felt her heart beating through the fabric. It was strong and steady, like an anchor.
He let out a sigh that wasn't quite a baby's sigh.
> I don't care if I've lived another life. I don't care what I knew before. This is where I belong now.
---
Outside, the garden had been transformed. James had conjured a small obstacle course of floating hoops and sparkling orbs. The twins toddled through it with increasing confidence, Harry shrieking with glee and chasing after a floating snitch charm that darted just out of reach.
Hardwin was quieter. He moved more carefully, but with surprising coordination. He picked up a tiny enchanted ball, examined the rune etched into its side, then tossed it through one of the hoops. It chimed pleasantly.
James whistled. "That one's already aiming for Ravenclaw."
Sirius arrived with loud fanfare, tossing firecrackers into the air that exploded into harmless golden lion shapes. "Oi! Where are the birthday cubs?!"
Harry toddled toward him with open arms. Hardwin followed more cautiously but still allowed Sirius to scoop him up.
"You're both getting brooms next year," Sirius declared.
Remus chuckled behind him. "Please let them walk before they fly."
Peter brought gifts—a music box for Harry and a floating picture frame for Hardwin. The frame shimmered between an enchanted forest and a quiet library. Hardwin was mesmerized.
> Like places I've seen before, he thought. Places I longed for but never reached.
---
After the cake, which Harry eagerly smashed his face into, came more quiet moments. Lily sat on a blanket under the apple tree, both boys in her lap. The scent of warm fruit and fresh earth filled the air.
She sang to them. A slow, old lullaby that wove through the rustling leaves. Hardwin nestled against her, eyes half-closed.
Harry played with a ladybug crawling across his sleeve, giggling every time it tickled his skin.
Hardwin turned his head and looked at his brother.
> He has no idea what's coming. Neither does she.
He blinked away a sudden tear.
> But I do. And maybe... maybe I can change it.
---
That evening, after the guests had left and the soft candlelight painted golden halos on the walls, Lily sat at her desk. The faint scratch of quill on parchment filled the silence.
> Severus,
I know it has been long since we last spoke. But today was the twins' first birthday, and I found myself thinking of you.
Hardwin is... special. Not just because he's my son. But because I feel something in him that goes deeper than I understand. I want him to have guidance that even James or I might not be able to offer. I want you to be his godfather.
You once told me magic is in the stillness, in the quiet minds. Hardwin lives in that stillness.
If you would accept... please come visit. You'll see what I mean.
With hope,
Lily
She sealed the letter and sent it off with a snowy owl, watching it disappear into the starlit sky.
Downstairs, Hardwin lay in his crib, his tiny hand reaching toward the shadows on the ceiling, tracing something unseen.
In his dreams, he heard his mother singing. He saw Hogwarts, standing tall in mist. And far, far away, a serpent stirred.
The world outside would soon turn dark.
But in this house, on this day, there was only warmth.
And the quiet power of beginnings.