Disclaimer – J.K. Rowling, I am not… you're reading Harry Potter fanfiction.

The Letter

To my lovely daughter Harriett,

If you are reading this, something has gone horribly, horribly wrong, and your father and I are no longer able to take care of you. I'm deeply sorry for this and truly hope that you can find happiness in your life, even without us.

You mean the world to your father and me, we love you deeply.

Know that now that we're no longer there, we've made arrangements for your care, and I'll list your advisors and guardians below for you, yet some things must be told from a mother to her daughter.

So, how shall I begin… perhaps a bit of family history?

Your father and I met in Hogwarts, we were both sorted into Gryffindor while my best friend at the time Severus was sorted into Slytherin. Your father and Sev really didn't get along… probably due to his jealousy over me spending time with Sev and turning down his ridiculous marriage proposals every few months. He was cute and creative, I'll give him that, but he was a prat and a bit of a bully… thankfully he grew out of that. We graduated in the spring of 1978 and I 'finally' (which was your father's exclamation dear) agreed to marry him at Christmas that year. We married in St. Hedwig's on November 20th, 1979 in honor of my parents' own anniversary, but like you, since you are reading this, they never got the chance to see my wedding, as we will unfortunately not be at yours (at least in person). I still can't believe the prank your father pulled on Sirius at the wedding, though I'll let your Godfather tell you about that one. Your father must have been shooting silver bullets that night, as you were born shortly before midnight on July 31, 1980 at home in Potter Cottage, which was a surprise as you were nearly three weeks early and poked your head out only half an hour after saying it was time.

As I do not know when you will get to read this letter, though my prayers that it never happen have obviously failed, you should know that as you are the eldest grand child of Lord Charlus Fleamont-Potter and Lady Dorea Potter nee Black, and as your father Heir Apparent James Potter, Lord Potter's only child, is no longer living, you are next in line to inherit the Headship of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and all that that entails. You will need to request an inheritance test from the goblins of Gringott's to acquire the Heir's Ring, and your guardian, hopefully your grandfather, will take care of the Wizengamot parchmentwork. Don't be afraid of the goblins, yes they are scary looking at first and have very surly tempers most of the time, but treat them as your friends and they will treat you the same, especially the Potter Account Manager Bloodsinger.

I want you to know, that as I write this, I'm scared.

Albus Dumbledore spoke with your father last week and neither of them would tell me about it, though both looked frightened.

I've nearly completed my Charms Mastery with Master Flitwick and I know the drawbacks of using the Fidelius Charm. Potter Cottage is well warded, but taking the defenses down to a level where that charm would work… there is only one person I can think of that would scare James enough to consider it. But why us? A second year Auror trainee and me, a Charms and Enchanting student? It doesn't make any sense. Sure we're in Albus' little group, but neither of us have ever even seen Him, just helped out here and there to protect those His minions have attacked. Sorry, I'm rambling, but I'll leave it so you know at least some of what has been going on here, and why I've written this letter. I just hope Peter was the right choice.

Anyhow, back to you, my darling girl.

Your first bout of accidental magic happened when you were only two weeks old. Your Godfather was tickling your feet and holding your pacifier, next thing he knew your pacifier was stuck in his mouth and he couldn't get it out. It took both your father and me to undo that sticking charm you used, and don't worry, I took plenty of pictures for you.

Though we didn't want to at first, we knew, living in Potter Cottage and interacting with the non-magical side of Godric's Hollow, we had to place bindings on your magic until you were old enough to learn how to control them. Your grandparents and Godparents know about them both, so they shouldn't be a problem. The one on your magic to prevent accidental outbursts you can probably understand from simply what I've already written, and should be removed somewhere between your eighth and tenth birthdays, so your core can expand and settle a bit before you start at Hogwarts.

The other binding is on your Metamorphmagus abilities. Your cousin, Nymphadora Tonks, started her training with the Unspeakables just after her fifth birthday (the year I graduated Hogwarts), and we've arranged for you to have the same training. Little known fact, all Metamorphmagi are born female, though since you can choose to be either sex, you have all the rights of a male. Probably has something to do with girls being born with all the eggs they will ever have while males… never mind… as I don't know when you'll read this, I'd prefer you not read about that until your later teens and not practice until at least after you graduate. I waited for marriage, but I know I was one of the few in my class that did. I won't be disappointed in you, I just want you to be safe.

You should also know of the three Betrothal Agreements your father and I set up for you. Don't be scared or think we've taken away your free will, we've done this for several reasons, so let me explain. I am what is called a Muggleborn, as neither of my parents had magic, while your father is a Pureblood, and while there's a whole lot of nonsense in the wizarding society when it comes to blood status, a few things do matter, even to me. Your father's family can trace its' magical roots back thousands of years, well before the founding of the Wizards Council (which eventually became the Wizengamot). This history is your legacy, you will have access all to the family magics, even more than I have access to, as well as the political power of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter at your disposal. Added to that, you can choose to activate one, or all, of the Betrothal Agreements to expand your influence even farther. Multiple marriages aren't common in wizarding society, but they aren't exactly rare either, though they tend to be for line continuation purposes (your guardian or advisors will explain this in great detail I'm sure).

First, we've set up an agreement with Theodore and Andromeda Tonks nee Black between you and Nymphadora. Metamorphmagi are rare so perhaps you could strengthen that ability within the bloodline, even if Andi was disowned from the family for marrying Ted, you both have Black blood flowing in your veins. Ted's a really great solicitor and Andi is already at the head of her ward in St. Mungo's, she a really dedicated healer. The Black family's offensive magics are a good balance to the Potter family's defensive. Your father and I want you to have a well rounded education, so learn all you can; though if you ever have to fight, go with what works, don't try to be clever or use a different spell every cast, hesitation will get you or those you are with hurt. Nor should you hold back, an enemy that can get back up is still an enemy that needs to be put down again; don't kill unless you have to, but don't shy away from it either.

The second agreement is with Frank and Alice Longbottom between you and your Godbrother Neville of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom. The Potters and Longbottoms have long been allies and we all thought that this would benefit you both, though the decision is yours to make. Being Aurors seems to run in that family as Frank's parents, Harfang and Calidora Black, were Aurors as well, though Frank's step-mother Augusta went into teaching and has just joined the Wizarding Examinations Authority, so I'm sure you'll meet her someday. Your father and Frank are partners in the Auror training right now, while Alice is partnered with your Godfather Sirius' fiancé Amelia Bones (Sirius is training as a Hit Wizard instead of Auror, he hated the thought of all that extra paperwork, the lazy bum).

The final agreement is between you and Daphne Greengrass of the Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass. I won't sugarcoat this, we set this up with her grandfather, Lord Peneus Greengrass, to protect her from her step-father, Cyrus Temple-Greengrass. Heiress Creusa Greengrass will inherit the family magics and Lordship of House Greengrass which is bound to the BA Daphne has with you, while Cyrus will take control of the political power of the House if Lord Peneus dies before Daphne comes of age. Cyrus may attempt to block this, as he already attempted to make a BA with the Magical House of Malfoy for her, but he really has no legal way to block your BA (his was set up for daughter, not eldest, eldest daughter, or Daphne specifically, as yours is, which means little Astoria is stuck with the Malfoy Heir now, unless we can find a way to break that one for her). Creusa has her father's gift for enchanting and has her own Mastery in Charms and Enchantments from Master Flitwick, though Cyrus is forcing her to be a stay-at-home mother, isolating her as much as he can.

I keep saying the choice is yours, and this is what I mean. We've worked into each of the BAs a simple clause that will allow you to simply go to Gringott's and tell the Potter Account Manager that you want to cancel the agreement and it's done, provided that the cancellation is done of your own free will (which the goblins will verify) and both parties agree to do so (if both parties don't agree, it can still be cancelled for cause but might incur penalties for one or both parties). In order to enact these clauses for you, Neville, and Daphne you must be 'of age' in the wizarding world, which occurs on your seventeenth birthday, unless you are emancipated early by your guardian or by taking up the Head of House ring after your grandfather's passing or your fourteenth birthday (whichever is later). Since Nymphadora is six years older than you, we decided to allow her to break it on her own when she turns twenty (three months after your fourteenth birthday). Bloodsinger has the originals of all three BAs and our Wills and I encourage you to read them when you get a chance, they will aid you in your decisions.

Though your guardian should train you, you can sit in on the Wizengamot for practical experience at fifteen; and assume the Potter vote at sixteen if your grandfather allows you to sit in for him (I really hope he's still around to guide you though).

Speaking of guardians and advisors, this is probably a good point to get into them, huh? Right. What is a Guardian or an Advisor you ask? Well… a guardian is like a stand-in for your father and me since, to my disappointment, we can't be there for you anymore, while an advisor is sort of like a teacher, someone we trust to guide you into becoming the best person you can be but not dominating you into only doing it their way; at least we hope that they allow you the freedom of making your own choices and mistakes, we trust them, but people do have a tendency to change over time. I'll just list them out, then explain who they are and why these specific people were selected, shall I? All twelve of these people are your Advisors, but your Guardianship will go down the list in order:

Lord Charlus and/or Lady Dorea Potter nee Black – your father's parents.

Lord Frank and/or Lady Alice Longbottom nee Bowmaker – your main godmother and her husband.

Sirius Black and/or Amelia Black nee Bones (at least I hope that's true before you read this) – your Godfather and his betrothed/wife.

Jonathan Bones and/or Gwendolyn Bones nee Morgan – your second godmother and her husband.

Theodore and/or Andromeda Tonks nee Black – they, and their daughter Nymphadora, will be able to help you with your abilities.

Filius Flitwick or his daughter Fiona – My mentor and master and the woman that's as good as a sister to me (last on the list by their choice).

So, to explain all of this… your grandparents should be obvious, but you're probably wondering 'why two godmothers?'

Fiona would have been your godmother if it weren't for some strange goblin inheritance laws I can't make heads or tails of, something to do with religions, and since we couldn't decide between Alice or Gwen you have both. Had things gone differently with Sev, I'd have offered him to chance to become your Godfather, but he's not the same person he was when we were growing up in Cokesworth… I hope he gets over whatever it is and becomes the man I know he can be. I never met Filius' bondmate, as she never came out of Gringott's and I wasn't allowed to visit her home within, but I suspect something happened to her as Filius has been quite depressed lately, especially if anyone mentions Twio'lig.

We decided to put Frank and Alice second on the list after your father spent a week on the couch demanding you go to Sirius first, seems he finally came to understand that Alice can teach you things that Amelia wouldn't be able to and the protections on Longbottom Hall are nearly as strong as those around Pottermore Manor. Jonathan Bones' brother Harrold is the current Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Bones and his eldest son, Edgar after him, followed by David, Jonathan (sexist wizarding inheritance laws), and then Amelia. Amy knows a lot of things, that's true, but she hasn't really been studying the specifics you'll need to know when you ascend to the headship of the family.

Sirius is to James as Fiona is to me, brothers in all but blood (even if they are cousins). He's a really good man, but be careful around him, he loves playing 'pranks' on people and unless Remus is around to dampen his excesses can take things too far. Who's Remus? A kind man with a heart three times too large for his own good. Remus would be on this list as your second Godfather if not for his 'furry little problem' which the bigots in the Ministry keep regulating against. Oppression breeds desperation which in turn causes the situations they are regulating against causing more oppression… people need help not more laws preventing them from getting help… perhaps one day you will be able to help them as your grandfather is currently trying to do.

Jonathan was our Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor during fifth year and Gwen was pregnant with little Elaina, your Godsister. Gwen helped me through a rather delicate time in my life, and turned me into a Hollyhead Harpies fan in the process. I suspect, though neither of them will admit to it, that Jonathan knocked some sense into your father that year too. Everything changed that year, even my sister Petunia (may you never have the misfortune of meeting her or her husband Vernon Dursley, the less said about them the better).

It's funny. Every time I try to explain who one person is, another pops up. Just goes to show how complicated life really is.

Your father will of course want you to know about the Marauders… Prongs (James Potter), Padfoot (Sirius Black), Wormtail (Peter Pettigrew), Moony (Remus Lupin), and Dove (me, well after Hogwarts anyway). I don't know about Peter, but James and I forced Sirius to register as an Animagus when the two of us did, but with James being an Auror trainee, Sirius in Hit Wizard training, and the job offer I have waiting for me once I finish my Mastery, our forms were placed on the restricted access list within the Department of Mysteries, rather than the public list. Since you are reading this, I can tell you that your father was a Stag and I'm a Liger (a white lion/tiger mix), though why they call me 'Dove' I still haven't figured out, not that I mind. We were all in the same year in Gryffindor (Alice was in our year too, while Frank and Amy were two years ahead of us, but the three of them were in Hufflepuff). The number of times I heard those boys 'solemnly swear' that they were 'up to no good' would boggle your mind, I'm sure. They were all about playing pranks and having fun, but Moony (and me to some extent) kept them grounded enough to do well in school, even Peter though he wasn't as good as the rest of us.

That, I suppose, brings us back to Albus and the Fidelius Charm he cast on Potter Cottage last night.

Sirius being the Secret Keeper, the only person that can share the knowledge of where we are hidden, was 'too obvious' for him, so he convinced James to have Peter hold that burden while he, Sirius, ran around as a decoy. I understand the tactical side of it, but Sirius needs to learn how to be serious about things like this… not everything should be considered a joke.

We updated out Wills with Bloodsinger this morning with all of this information as well, but I'm sure your grandfather (or guardian) will have taken care of everything by now. It wouldn't hurt to check though when you pick up your Heir's Ring.

You still have a ton of questions, I know, as I still have a ton of things I want to tell you, but I have no idea how to put them on parchment. You're only a year old and have such potential ahead of you.

Your father and I love you.

With deepest regrets for no longer being there for you… we'll be waiting for you on the other side.

Your Mother,

Lily Jasmine Potter nee Evans

12 August 1981

When I work on this little idea in the future (probably once I get bored with Jamie Potter and the Arrogant Warlock's Curse), it will definitely be rated M... but that might be a while.

For those curious about Charlus Fleamont-Potter... Fleamont is a surname according to the wiki info (I will of course browse any new info sent my way if you disagree)...

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