The man Lily called 'Banban' laughed heartily, retracting the hand teasing Harry with a small Flying Broom, and nudged the short, stout man sitting beside him with his elbow, saying cheerfully, "Look, James's talent in Magic Potion remains as incomprehensible as ever."
The short, stout man was amused by Banban's words and laughed, clutching his belly.
"Alright, you two."
Lily tapped the table, commanding the two, "You, Banban, go take out the trash—Chongchong, go to the Muggle District to buy some black pepper, we're out of it."
"Yes, ma'am!"
The two clapped hands together, happily walking out.
Harry watched as his mom entered the kitchen, then soon after, she was directing the Magic Wand, levitating a bowl of soup toward the dining room.
After setting down the bowl of soup, Lily called out loudly, "James? Darling? Are you still brewing Magic Potion?"
The last thing Harry expected was the rustling sound coming from the bathroom.
James's muffled voice came through, "No, sweetheart, I'm in the bathroom—"
Harry burst out laughing, surprised at the amusing interaction between his parents.
It seemed... Lily was clearly raising three big kids—James, Banban, and Chongchong.
...
The scene swirled again, and Harry found himself back in the Map Secret Room with his mom.
Harry noticed that this time his mother appeared more worn than ever before, and somewhat tired.
"Vivi..."
His mother's voice was no longer as vibrant as it usually was, but completely weary.
"Long time no see, Lily," Vivi said cheerfully, "Your Little Harry... should be almost one year old by now, right?"
Upon hearing 'Little Harry', Lily's tears flowed instantly.
Vivi became a bit flustered; it was only the second time Harry had seen such an expression on her face—the first time was the moment he was hit by the Lanlock Curse.
"Vivi, Professor Trelawney made a prophecy," she knelt on the ground, looking utterly helpless, "She said a child with the power to conquer the Black Demon has been born, appearing in a family that has thrice defeated the Black Demon—born at the end of the seventh month, the Black Demon marks him as their fiercest enemy, yet he possesses a power the Black Demon does not understand... one must die at the hand of the other because neither can live while the other survives, only one will remain alive... the child with the power to defeat the Black Demon will be born at the end of the seventh month."
Vivi paused for a moment upon hearing Lily's words then asked again, "You mean, prophecy? Professor Trelawney... what's her relationship with Cassandra Trelawney?"
"She's the grand-granddaughter of that Prophet," Lily said, wiping her tears, "Her prophecy... is very accurate."
"Isn't this something worth celebrating? Why are you crying?" Vivi asked.
"Because... because somehow this prophecy was known to the Black Demon, he intends... he intends to target us..." Lily said, sobbing.
"Are you afraid?" Vivi asked.
"No, I'm not afraid to die, but Harry..." Lily said sadly, "Harry is less than one year old... How can you expect a child to defeat the Black Demon? Only one of them can survive, my poor Harry... he... hasn't had the chance to see the world, hasn't learned interesting magic, and hasn't played Quidditch—if you haven't seen him riding his Flying Broom, oh he's so adorable... but... how can it be so cruel... how can it be..."
Watching his mother so helpless, Harry couldn't help but shed tears as well.
No one can remain composed in the face of a mother's tears.
Vivi remained silent for a long time.
Just when Harry thought Vivi would continue to stay silent, she unexpectedly spoke.
"Lily, we… but we're the descendants of Ancient Magic."
Vivi said softly.
"I know, that evil Black Demon used some kind of Dark Magic, making him invincible, but..."
"But what?" Lily's eyes lit up with hope at the turn in Villatia's words.
Vivi paused for quite a while.
Harry saw the struggle and conflict in her expression.
"Vivi..." he murmured.
"I know a Magic Spell, an Ancient Magic Spell," Vivi said softly, "This Ancient Magic Spell can not only transfer your Ancient Magic inheritance to Harry but also cast a Protective Spell on him that permanently shields him from the Drilling Curse and Killing Curse, and will reflect harm to those with malicious intentions..."
Hope flashed in Lily's emerald eyes.
"Teach me, Vivi, I'm willing to learn..."
There was a trace of reluctance in Vivi's eyes.
"Lily, you must understand, such magic comes at a price..."
Lily seemed determined, saying, "Tell me, no matter the price, I can accept it—as long as Harry can live healthily and happily."
"You..."
Villatia closed her eyes.
"Truly willing to pay..."
Harry saw his mother's expression becoming exceptionally resolute.
"Anything!"
Upon hearing Lily's words, Villatia nodded gently.
An ominous feeling rose in Harry's heart.
Vivi's voice was gentle yet carried a slight tremor.
"This Magic Spell... requires you to pay with your life as the price, requires you... to die before Little Harry, as a sacrifice for the Protective Spell..."
"No! Mom! Don't!"
Harry shouted loudly, but it couldn't reach Lily.
"Vivi! Don't tell her! Don't teach her this Magic Spell!"
However,
This was just a memory.
Lily's resolve was unwavering; she nodded steadily and said to Villatia, "I'm willing, for Harry, I'm willing to give everything, even my life!"
Harry watched helplessly as his mom followed Vivi's actions in the image, inscribing a mysterious Ancient Magic Spell on her arm, shouting out to stop her, but unable to influence the mother in the memory.
He extended his hand, vainly trying to pull his mom back, trying to stop her motions, but could only grasp at the air.
He would rather die than see his mom sacrifice her life to protect him.
With the Magic Spell completed, a violet ray flashed across Lily's arm.
"Thank you, Vivi."
Lily's face regained a joyful smile, the radiant girl had returned.
But she saw Vivi in the image already crouched down on the ground.
"I'm sorry, Harry, I'm sorry..." she muttered.
Lily didn't understand what her apology meant; she simply assured her, "Don't worry, Vivi, I volunteered, regardless... Harry won't blame you... um, how about this, I'll copy part of the memory into the Meditation Basin..."
"I suggest you copy a large part so Harry… can see more of you, ideally including his father and that dear friend you had." Vivi suggested softly.
"That's a good idea."
Lily laughed happily, walking towards the Meditation Basin, she reached out to hold the Magic Wand to her temple, strands of silver-white threads were drawn out by the Magic Wand, extracted from the temple and dissolved into the Meditation Basin.
"Perhaps this is our last meeting, Vivi," Lily whispered, "Thank you for your teaching all this time..."
"Professor..."
Vivi's eyes became sorrowful as she gazed at Lily with violet eyes.
"Class dismissed." Her voice trembled.
"Goodbye, Vivi!"
Lily raised her right hand high, waving it vigorously toward Vivi, revealing an incredibly happy smile.
Then, she turned around, stepped lightly toward the door.
The memory cut off abruptly at this moment.
Harry pulled his head from the Meditation Basin, grabbing his collar, and took deep breaths.
Footsteps still echoed in his ears, as if his mother had just left from the Map Secret Room.
(Twenty thousand words delivered, asking! For! Monthly! Ticket!)