Chapter 7: Surprised? Unexpected?

Charlie's awareness enveloped the entire house.

At this moment, he could clearly sense

His father, James, was rapidly losing vitality.

"My darlings, may the heavens bless us."

Lily, too, seemed to have sensed the impending doom.

A hint of despair surfaced on her face.

Lily struggled to pick up Charlie and Harry, preparing to escape.

Not long ago, she and her husband, James, had rehearsed for this very situation.

If danger truly arrived, James would stay behind to buy them time, while Lily would focus on fleeing with the two babies and seeking help.

But despite having a plan, they both understood

When faced with him, the chances of survival were slim to none.

And with the children in tow, it was even worse.

After all, the children were Voldemort's true targets.

Creak.

Lily pushed open the door, cautiously scanning her surroundings.

Then, she quietly made her way to the balcony, preparing to leave.

Deep down, she could already sense her husband's peril.

But there was no time to think about it.

She had to protect the two children with everything she had.

That was the greatest wish she and James shared.

But things rarely go as planned.

Just as she reached the balcony and was about to cast a spell

"Expelliarmus!"

A voice rang out.

A sudden force yanked Lily's wand from her grasp.

Now, she had no means of resistance.

Although she could cast some wandless spells, they were all minor incantations

Nothing that could truly defend against an attack.

Three figures stood before her.

The only silver lining

Voldemort wasn't among them.

He was likely still being stalled by James.

"You're really going to do this?" Lily asked, her voice filled with despair.

She recognized one of the Death Eaters

An old classmate.

That person avoided her gaze, showing a hint of hesitation.

"I'm sorry, but these are the Dark Lord's orders. Your children must die."

"Enough talking. Let's get this over with."

"Lily, we won't harm you. That much, the Dark Lord has promised."

The three Death Eaters raised their wands, magic beginning to gather.

Harry, cradled in Lily's arms, was already terrified, wailing loudly.

Charlie, however, remained eerily calm.

He was waiting.

Right now, he had no real ability to fight.

But he had his Animagus form.

A single moment of opportunity, that was all he needed.

Miss it, and there would be no second chance.

Lily wasn't idle, either.

She knew these people would never let her go.

If the Death Eaters and Voldemort were already here, then there had to be a traitor within the Order of the Phoenix.

She shifted her stance ever so slightly

Then suddenly dashed forward.

"She prepared a spell in advance?"

One of the Death Eaters narrowed his eyes.

Just as Lily was about to grab her wand

A bolt of magic shot toward her children.

"Cowards!"

She had no time to react.

Instead, she pulled her children close, using her own body as a shield.

With a painful gasp, she collapsed to the ground.

Harry was flung from her arms, crying even louder in fear.

Charlie, too, stumbled and hit the floor.

Damn… that actually hurt.

Also, Harry, could you stop screaming?

Charlie sensed that the moment had come.

The three Death Eaters were slowly approaching Harry.

Harry, sensing danger, wailed even louder.

Charlie thought for a moment

Then, he began to cry as well.

A necessary act.

If he didn't, the difference between him and Harry would be too obvious.

If they attacked him first, he'd have no chance to fight back.

"Please… just spare my children," Lily pleaded, weakly crawling toward Harry.

"Impossible. If the Dark Lord wants someone dead, they die."

One of the Death Eaters raised his wand.

"Avada"

Just as the Killing Curse was about to be unleashed

A sudden change occurred.

From behind them

A massive fire dragon appeared out of nowhere.

There was no warning, no roar

Just a burst of scorching dragon flames.

In an instant, the three Death Eaters were engulfed.

They didn't even have time to scream.

They lost all ability to resist in mere moments.

Charlie exhaled slightly in relief.

Sorry, little brother.

I had no choice.

To save you and Mom, I had to use you as bait.

Lily's eyes widened in shock.

Just a second ago, she had been completely hopeless.

She was too far away

There was no way she could have saved the children in time.

But now

What she saw left her utterly speechless.

Her eldest son…

Had executed the perfect counterattack.

He waited until the Death Eaters were completely off guard,

Then struck from behind with a flawless ambush.

His moves were swift, calculated

And terrifyingly efficient.

Could it be…

That he had practiced this?

If that was the case

Then her son was far beyond extraordinary.

After all, she knew

Even though Charlie had transformed into his Animagus form,

He had retained full consciousness.

Which meant

That fire dragon's attack just now

Was entirely deliberate.

But how old was Charlie, really?

Lily was stunned.

Of course, Charlie had done it on purpose.

Long before this night,

He had meticulously practiced this very plan and combination of moves.

What was that saying again?

"Deliberate practice, from novice to master…"

Before Lily could fully process what had happened,

Charlie grabbed Harry in his jaws and bolted toward her.

Now was not the time to hesitate.

Every second mattered.

Unfortunately, Charlie's young dragon form, despite having grown considerably,

Still struggled with flight

Especially while carrying two people.

Lily quickly understood his intentions.

Ignoring her own injuries,

She forced herself up,

Took Harry into her arms,

And prepared to climb down from the balcony.

Just then

Charlie's heart clenched.

A terrifying surge of magical energy was rapidly approaching.

His father had lost.

Voldemort was here.