Hello everyone! Sorry for making you all wait, but I hope you guys understand why I take so long. This is the longest chapter I have ever written. So enjoy it!
The next chapter will be up in a few days, so keep on reading!
Also, I would like to add, that I'm enjoying playing with Galadriel character. Since here, no Negative Karma or Demon traits are twisting her personality or hiding many of her mental problems. Here she has nothing of sorts, regulating such problems of her. So it allows me to play with her much better. Well, I hope you guys understand why I mean with that!
So see you guys later! Kisses I love you all! (No homo)
(Trigger warning, sensitive topics ahead!)
Chapter 5
A suffocating sound of despair, horror, and anxiety came from a young girl with green eyes who tried with every fiber of her body to walk in a straight line. Her arms were trembling. Each step she walked felt like a mile. Nothing she did could relieve her from the Panic attack she was having. A full blow-out assault of anxiety showing no mercy to her being. Harriet Potter fell to the floor of her bathroom. And it was not only that, Harriet could not stop herself from puking everything she ate the last night. Tears of pain, fear, and fatigue drop to the floor as Harriet kept on puking.
When there was nothing left inside her to puke, Harriet brought her knees to her chest as she counted to ten. Trying to calm herself before something dangerous happened.
"1, 2, 3, 4… 5."
Harriet whispered, trying her best to lower the rhythm of her heart.
"It's not real… I'm not there anymore. It's not real."
"They are shadows, not real. They are not real."
Harriet sobbed. Her body was still trembling horribly as she kept on talking to herself. The whole practice of talking and holding herself together was not new for Harriet. Well, the current situation was not something new for Harriet. No matter how horrible it sounded. Her current state was the product of a lifetime of mental and physical abuse. From her father, workplace, and many things in her old life.
Even back then, she would have these moments of pure agony. Where her mind and body reacted by the memories of those who she wanted to forget. No matter how happy she was now. For every joyous moment, for every kiss and hug from her parents and family.
A memory of her old life would appear.
Creeping out of nowhere, only to remind her of what she suffered. Of the things they did to her.
Harriet sat on the icy floor of the bathroom, slowly caressing her arms. There was nothing else she could do but wait for it to go away. Like always.
I'm almost finished! Keep using your mouth, that's it, good girl!
You're as useless as your mother! What don't you just kill yourself? No one will miss you!
You are beautiful, my girl. Why don't you come here and let me make you feel really good?
If you ever try to tell anyone about this, I will make sure next time hurts! Understand?
I'm sorry, Suzuki, I don't think I can play anymore. Sorry, but maybe we could play again in Yggdrasil 2?
"1, 2, 3… They are not humans. They are not actual people," Harriet said, as she clutched her finger in her skin. Not noticing how much damage her nails were doing to her.
Back in her old life, this type of situation would come once in a while. It was hard to say since she had an extensive collection of Anti-depressants and other types of pills that would allow her to avoid exactly this. But Harriet had nothing like that here.
Harriet thought with gloom how much she missed the numbness the pills would allow her to feel. But then again, feeling nothing was not good either.
The intensity of how everything seems heavy, as if the entire world was falling on her. How every voice in her mind, every scene, was louder than before. Harriet could not explain it in words, but sometimes it felt as if something was eating her from inside out.
What could she do? Nothing.
There was no Nazarick in which she could take refuge. Where she could just pretend nothing happened to her. A place in which Harriet could talk about her problems with close friends. Well, it was mostly Pandora's Actor who listened to her ramblings. But she couldn't do that here.
To whom she could speak about her problems?
Could she even speak about such a thing to anyone?
Harriet has never been to a therapist or anything of sorts. It was only Nazarick and pills.
So there was little she could do about anything. Only to deal with it, like she always does. The only way she knows how. To lie down on the floor, as every negative feeling or thought went away. To the dark corners of her mind, waiting for the moment to strike again. No, the best someone could do, but Harriet was so used to live like that. On the edge of borderline suicide and depression. She didn't know how else to live. Even now, there were things she was still having trouble adjusting to.
"But, I'm not alone. Not anymore, they are with me," Harriet said while hugging herself.
Harriet stayed on the floor for an hour, just there, not doing anything. Allowing herself to get a hold of her breathing and emotional state.
"Perhaps I should buy a psychology book? Could it help me?" Harriet asked.
"Well, it this is the second time this month. Not really that bad, if I could say so for myself. It used to be weekly."
Harriet took a cold shower, just to help her mind to calm down. It was a routine of a sort when it happened. She doesn't even take her clothes off, she just stood there. Under the cold water.
"I should cut my nails," Harriet said, watching the marks on her forearms.
"Focus, nothing happened to you here. You are fine. Everything, it's fine."
Harriet said to herself from one last time, as she felt the bathroom. Today was going to be a good day. It has to.
With tired eyes and an exhausted mind, she walked to her room. There she saw her beautiful snowy owl, Hedwig, sitting near the window. The owl looked at Harriet with an almost intelligent gaze. Harriet wondered why she felt a powerful bond with the owl. It was strange, but if she has learned anything so far. It was that life was confusing and full of surprises. So, taking her time, Harriet inspected Hedwig's stats.
[Familiar Pet]
[Hedwig Level 1] [Upgradable]
Abilities - Messenger.
"Well, how about that? A Familiar pet? Mm, I remember a few classes had something similar back in Yggdrasil. I think Beast Tamer could have familiars or something like that."
Harriet said, while caressing the soft feathers of her newfound familiar.
"Aren't you the cutest owl ever?"
Hedwig let a small nose of affection, as she rejoiced at the acceptance of her new master. Harriet smiled, already liking her new pet.
"Well, how about we get something to eat? Although I don't know exactly what do owls eat."
Hedwig walked to the window, touching the crystal, almost telling her she could hunt for herself. Harriet could now see her owl was smarter than she thought. It brought a few questions, since if she levels up Hedwig. Could it mean that the owl could get smarter? Or stronger? What types of abilities could Hedwig have?
"So much to think about. There is a lot we should think about, Hedwig."
The snowy owl stared at her as if she was saying no right now. I'm hungry. Harriet giggled. "Sorry, hunt something big and tasty, alright?"
"But not to big, because then you will get fat!"
Hedwig bit one of Harriet's finger. The girl let a small yelp. "Sorry!"
Hedwig huffed as she flew away.
"I see, she doesn't like being called fat."
"I have a sassy owl as a familiar," Harriet said with an amused face.
Harriet sighed. She thought about having a quick nap, but dismissed it. There was no way she could go back to sleep after that. So, putting on some new clothes, she walked down the stairs. Hoping maybe she would see her family soon.
As she walked down the stairs, a delicious smell hit her nose. It was the smell of her mother's pancakes. It was out of the ordinary since it was fairly early. But then again, it made sense for her mother to be in such good humor today. Both of Harriet's parents would be incredibly touchy today. They always were when they had a night of passion and all of that. Of course, for Harriet only meant that she would have to deal with Lily and James' shows of affections. Not that she was against it. Truly, it was endearing to see the affection they had for each other.
Reaching the kitchen, Harriet saw Remus sitting on the chair, drinking tea and reading the Prophet. There was no reason for her family to use the living room. Too big and luxurious. The kitchen table was mostly the ideal place for most of the time. So, smiling, she sat down next to him.
"Good morning, uncle Moony," Harriet said.
"Good morning to you, Harriet," Remus said.
"How was your night? You look tire," Remus asked.
Harriet brought a forced smile to her face, something that Remus took notice of.
"It was fine."
Remus looked at Harriet with those eyes of his, watching the tire expression of her face. There was exhaustion in her eyes, but it was clearly not because of lack of sleep.
"Are you sure about it? Don't you want to talk about it?" Remus said.
Harriet, for a moment, considered the possibilities of opening herself up to him. But a knot in her throat said otherwise. Harriet could not bring herself to speak about it. There was no way for her to do it. What could she say? That she was suffering from PTSD or something like that? They would ask questions, and some of those questions were not something Harriet was ready to talk about.
"Don't worry about it, Uncle Moony. I'm alright. Everything, it's fine. I just couldn't sleep properly," Harriet lied as she tried to avoid looking Remus in the eyes.
Those words did not convince Remus, but he was not about to force her to speak about it. So he only smiled at her. He would talk about it later with James and Lily.
"I understand, but please just remember that you can speak with me whenever you want, alright?" Remus said.
"Alright… Thank you."
"Oh, sweetheart, you are awake! I was about to call for you," Lily said happily.
"Good morning, mom," Harriet smiling at the soft kiss of Lily on her cheek.
Lily placed the breakfast before them, and Harriet could already feel her mouth go dry. The pancakes looked delicious, and the honey look incredible, among many other things, only brought it to another level. Harriet wasted no time to get herself a few of those marvelous pancakes. Remus and Lily could only smile at the scene.
Coming from the door, James, her father, appeared. He had wet hair and seemed fresh out of a shower. And like always, he grabbed Lily by the waist and kissed her with all the love in the world. Both of them started practically make out in front of Remus and Harriet. Their daughter had a disgusted face, and Remus only coughed to remind them they had an audience.
"Please, you have a child in front of you. Take it to your room… Wait, forget about it. Don't take it there," Harriet said, shivering at the loud noises of last night.
"And what does that mean, my beautiful daughter?" James said, smiling.
"You both have the tendencies of forgetting to mute you room."
Lily's eyes had almost left her head as she stared at James, who had his mouth open. "I thought I did." He said.
Remus couldn't hold himself as he laughed loudly.
"You told me!" Lily hissed.
"I thought I did!"
"He clearly didn't do it," Harriet muttered.
"No, he didn't do it," Remus added.
"Bloody Merlins, saggy balls," Lily muttered.
"Wow, mom, that language!"
Harriet smiled at the embarrassed face of her mother and father. They were truly some dorks. But she loved them so much.
"Please let's change topic!" Lily said.
"Let's do that," James said.
"So, are you excited about Hogwarts?" Remus asked.
Harriet nodded, since she was, although it could be for other reasons. The school could help her understand more about the magic of the world. It could also prepare her for what was coming. Harriet needed to ready. Failure was not an option. Yet, Harriet hoped she could develop more of her magic, and what she meant with that was that she wanted to discover more. Maybe even creating a new type of Tier magic. Who knows, it may work.
"Yes, there is a lot I want to learn there."
The adults were not entirely sure if they liked the tone of the young girl. Harriet was incredibly serious. Not at all what a young child would sound like. But then again, Harriet was not a normal kid.
"Well, if you are anything like your mother. You will do just fine!" James said.
"Of course, she will!" Lily said. "But dear, try to have fun too, alright?"
"I will do my best," Harriet said.
"Don't forget to that Gryffindor, it's the best house in Hogwarts!"
"Stop it, James."
"Why? It's true, everyone knows it. Besides, McGonagall wants a Seeker, and I think Harriet it's the best one for the job."
James said with a smug on his face. Both Lily and Remus rolled their eyes at the enthusiasm of James. They knew Harriet was not a Quidditch fan, she barely cared about such a thing. Both James and Sirius tried their hardest to make her like the sport, but with no success. They took her to see games, to watch how amazing Quidditch was, and of course. Harriet was just not interested in the sport. Although it was amusing to see both Marauders trying their best. But Harriet would lie if she says she didn't enjoy spending time with both of them.
"Dad, you know I don't really care about Quidditch."
James' face betrayed his feelings, his broken heart.
"You hear her, Lily? She… She doesn't care about Quidditch," James said in a dramatic voice.
"You don't want to get in, Gryffindor?" Lily asked, ignoring James' dramatic tantrum.
"Honestly, I don't really care about the house system. It's irrelevant to me. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. It's all the same to me, so the question here, is if any of you would have a problem with me getting sorted in another house, that is not Gryffindor."
Lily and James looked at each other. They had discussed the topic before, with the rest of the family. Ever since they discovered Harriet Parselmouth's ability in that incident during Neville's birthday. They grew worried about what could entail for them and Harriet. It was one of the few times they talked with Dumbledore. The old wizard theorizes that something happened that night. He believed that somehow, Voldemort transferred some of his power to Harriet by accident. Dumbledore thought it would be better if they put a block on Harriet's magical core to avoid any complications. What type of complications? Dumbledore did not say. But they expected as much, since he wanted to have more control over Harriet. Why? They didn't know.
Lily and James, of course, refuse to do that. It was a barbaric thing to do, especially to a child of Harriet's age.
Dumbledore yet again tries to convince the Potter family of how important was, Harriet Potter, to everyone in the Wizarding World, and if they learned she was a Parselmouth, they would consider her another dark wizard. He told them Harriet needed to be a good Gryffindor, and that she needed to listen to him when the times come. James and Lily were not liking the idea of allowing Harriet to assist Hogwarts after that talk with the old wizard. And that was almost two years ago. Who knows what he was planning now.
James always wanted for her daughter to be a Gryffindor, but he knew she was not a Gryffindor. Lily asked him what would they do if Harriet ended up in Slytherin. The idea terrified them, but the more they thought about it. The less worried they grew. Especially when they kept hearing how little Harriet care about houses. It was strange to hear a child completely ignore the history of the house and the animosity each one has. Harriet simply didn't bother to follow everyone else hate train.
It brought a new fresh mindset to them. Where actions and people's choices matter more than the color of the uniforms and which family they belong to.
"Would you be mad if I ended up in another house besides, Gryffindor? Like Slytherin?" Harriet asked seriously.
Lily, James, and Remus looked at each other for a few seconds until they all smiled.
"We only care about you, that's all. No matter the house, you're still our daughter," James said.
"Exactly, even if you ended up in Slytherin or another house. You will be the best student of Hogwarts, without a doubt!" Lily said, smiling.
"That's true, Harriet. We belive in you," Remus said.
Harriet smiled at them. Happy and proud, they changed their mindset about the house system and many other things; she considered being close-minded.
"But try to get into Quidditch!"
Harriet giggled as she saw her mother give him her angry face.
"So, you won't mind making friends with other children? From other houses," Remus asked.
"As long they are not gits."
"Wise words to live by," Remus smiled.
"Where is Padfoot?" Harriet asked, noticing her godfather's absence.
"Well, your godfather, it's with Amelia now."
"Sirius is helping her with some… things."
Harriet snorted at them. She knew what was going on with the both of them. Everyone knows it.
"Please, dad I know Padfoot and aunt Amelia are together. Susan and everyone else know it. They are bad at hiding it," Harriet said innocently.
The adults looked at each other, confused since they thought both Sirius and Amelia were being discreet and all.
"And how does Susan know that?" Lily asked.
Harriet pulled the biggest smiled ever. She stared at her parents and said. "Because Padfoot and aunt Amelia also forget to mute their room."
At London King's Cross Station, Harriet and her family stared at the Hogwarts Express with mixed feelings. James and Lily sighed at the sight of the train. So many memories, good ones and bad ones.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, it has been such a long time," James said.
"I can still remember the first time I saw the Hogwarts Express. I couldn't belive it was that big!" James said.
"Everything was big for us, James," Remus added, smiling.
"That's true."
The train mesmerized Harriet; she has never seen a steam locomotive train before. She, however, remembers how much Nishikienrai loved those engines. Something about them representing the old school of railway engineering or something like that. Harriet did not know what her friend was talking about in those times, but she thinks now she could see what he was trying to say. Harriet could not hide her excitement about riding the train.
"It seems someone it's excited about the train," Remus said.
"It's an amazing piece of engineering! But I wonder if the use of coal it's necessary for it to run. They could use runes to pro-pulse it. Perhaps they could enhance the whole train for it to be faster? But it would require a high powerful spell for it, so maybe it's not really that good of an idea. Mm, maybe they use coal to avoid suspicion? To make any muggle who sees it, to think of it as an attraction of sorts? I wonder," Harriet muttered.
"It's just a train," James said with an amused look on his face.
"Harriet!"
A voice brought Harriet down from her dreamland. A red-haired girl hugged her tightly, and while many would think such action would have made Harriet happy, it made the Girl-Who-Lived body stiffen by the sudden touch of someone else. That reaction doesn't happen often. Normally it would delight Harriet that someone wanted to hug her. But not today, not after having an episode of anxiety and PTSD attack. Harriet only stared numb, at the adults, saw it immediately. Susan, who noticed the lack of reaction coming from Harriet, looked at her face and got scared. The girl looked so lost.
"Harriet?" Susan asked softly.
"Dear, are you okay?" Lily knelt before her daughter, as Harriet's eyes seemed unfocused. Like she was not there with them.
"Ah… Yes, would that be all, sir?" Harriet said with the most monotone voice they had heard her speak.
"Sir?" Lily asked.
Harriet then realized what she said to them and apologized for no reason. She felt so uncomfortable about it. The response was natural, something she was so used to saying too much.
"I apologize, sorry I didn't realize it."
Harriet said, trying to defuse the surrounding tension.
"Harriet, are you alright? Are you in pain?" Lily asked.
Harriet felt her heart pressure rising. The number of people looking at her was not good either. But she was not about to let others see her in such a state. So, taking a deep breath, Harriet pushed down every sensation that could snap something in her.
"Yes, I'm alright, mom. Just dazed out, nothing more."
Susan, like the rest, was not so convinced about it. "Are you sure?" She asked.
"Everything it's fine. There is no need to worry about."
"Oh, I finally found all of you!" The voice of Sirius stopped any inquiry about Harriet's situation, but it was not the end of the discussion for the adults.
Their daughter's erratic behaviors did not come as to surprise to James and Lily. Some days Harriet would act in such a way it was hard to describe. Like something inside her wasn't right. Lily has been trying to get Harriet to open more about it, but it was a dead end. Harriet would only reply that everything was right, repeatedly. It frustrated both of them; it made them feel like a failure. Like they weren't good parents, since something was troubling their child, hurting Harriet and there was nothing they could do about it.
They had to be better. They must be better.
So for now, they could only give Harriet some space, and hope she would open to them when she was ready.
"Hello, Padfoot, aunt Amelia," Harriet said.
The red-haired woman, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and boss of both Sirius and James sighed at her niece.
"Susan, don't run like that," Amelia said.
"Sorry, auntie," Susan said, as she observed Harriet's body.
Harriet's hands were trembling, and those beautiful green eyes were looking at everyone. They looked afraid of even the shadow of the sun.
"Hello there, boss," James said, smiling.
"Don't call me boss out in public, Lord Potter," Amelia said.
"Don't call me like that!" James moaned.
"Hello there Remus, Lily, good morning so far?" Amelia asked, ignoring James.
"So far so good," Lily said, although she was not so sure about it now.
Amelia then approached Lily, and secretly gave her a letter.
"Lily, I know it's not the best of times, but someone asked me to send you a message. They want me to tell you they are still interested in you down there."
Harriet's ear peak out when she listened to that. What does it mean? Interested in what? She thought.
"I see, thank you Amelia. What about we talk about this later?" Lily said.
"Alright, I will send the letters."
Harriet like she always does, started to ask questions.
"Mom, what do they want? Are you going to work as an Unspeakble in the Department of Mysteries?" Harriet then looked at the face of Amelia, and realized it was not the right moment to said something like that. "Ah... Well, not that I know anything about that!" Harriet said while smiling nervously.
Amelia's face showed panic at the idea of a young girl knowing such a thing. However, the face of Lily and James showed nothing but peace and calmness.
"Did you tell her?!" Amelia asked.
"Nop! We did not!" James and Lily said at the same time. "She is just smart!" They said.
"It's everyone ready for Hogwarts?!" Sirius said excitedly.
Sirius was trying to bring the attention of everyone to somewhere else. Since he knew how much her goddaughter liked to ask questions of topics that should not be asking about. But that was who she was. Harriet truly knows more than many kids at her age.
"Of course, we are! Aren't we?" Harriet said nervously.
"I guess we are," Lily said with a heavy sigh.
The loud sound of the engine getting started and the calls for everyone to get ready ease Harriet's anxiety. She wanted to leave the gazing eyes of her parents. She was not ready to face whatever was behind that horrible and dark door yet.
"Alright, it's my time to go!" Harriet said.
"Oh, Harriet, we must hurry! The rest it's already on board!" Susan said.
"Ah, when did they arrive here?" Harriet asked, surprised. "That was fast."
"Alright, before you go, let us kiss you!" James said
"Please not here, we are in public!" Harriet whined as she felt her body more relaxed.
Lily and James noticed the body language of Harriet. She looked more in peace and less worried someone would jump out at her out of nowhere. Slowly, James hugged her. He wanted to make Harriet feel safe and loved because that was the only thing Lily and he could do now. To bring to her comfort and confidence that if there was something, she wanted to talk about it to them. They would be there for her.
"We love you!" Lily and James said.
"I love you both too," Harriet whispered in their embrace.
"Now, get on the train before it leaves you with us!"
"Alright, goodbye Moony! Goodbye Padfoot, aunt Amelia! Now you don't have to worry about muting your room!" Susan couldn't help herself but laugh at the face of both Sirius and Amelia.
"What?! You told me you did mute the room!" Amelia hissed.
"I thought I did!" Sirius replied.
"Bye auntie!" Susan yelled as she boarded the Hogwarts Express.
Today was the start of a new journey.
Harriet watched the interiors of the train with wonder. The details of each compartment, the smell of wood and furniture. A truly wonderful experience. She was so marveled by the train that Harriet could not notice Susan smile as she hugged the green-eyed girl's arm. Harriet kept on staring at each of the compartments with curiosity. They were big enough to hold six people inside, with gigantic windows and comfortable furniture for what she could see. Such a beautiful train! Harriet thought with joy.
"Harriet, here!" Susan said, pointing to the compartment before them.
Harriet saw Daphne, Tracey, Neville, Hannah, and a boy named Blaise Zabini. One of Daphne's dearest friends. Well, so Harriet thought since from what she knows, both Daphne and Blaise knew each other since childhood. The same way Neville and she do. Daphne's mother, Lady Heloise Greengrass, and Blaise's mother, Lady Ivone Zabini, were best friends at Hogwarts, back in the day. Since then, their friendship has grown to new horizons. Well, it was hard to say since they seemed to argue all the time, like an old married couple. It was hilarious to see honestly.
And it was not like Harriet knew much about Blaise. The dark-skinned boy has just recently joined the group, and that was because of his mother joining the Potter alliance, making the Zabini family another member of the powerful union of houses against the Dark Faction, and Light Faction. Even though many considered them Dumbledore pawns, they were actually part of the Gray Faction. Well, they were now the Gray Faction. The Potter, Black, Bones, Abbott, Greengrass, Davis, Longbottom, and now the Zabini hold a great sheer of seats at the Wizengamot. And if one of Harriet's ancestors was right, they could claim a few other ancient houses to their name. Hardwin Potter, although he was an annoying great-uncle of hers, was not a fool. Not entirely.
He told James that he could claim the Peverell family by the right of blood. But so far, Harriet's father hasn't done it. James truly wanted to avoid another Lordship. Ancient houses, like the Peverell, could have a marriage contract, or a blood contract that could force him to do something he didn't want by the threat of him losing his magic or life. That's why he wanted to avoid such a title.
Harriet understood it. He was being careful. Still, the option was there for them.
There is a lot they are doing. I wonder what is their major goal? I have heard they are trying to push down new laws and economic reforms. Argh! I want to know the details! Harriet thought.
Every time they had meetings, they do it in different places. Sometimes at Potter manor, others at Longbottom, or sometimes at Greengrass manor. So Harriet could only spy on them when they were at Potter manor, which was annoying for her.
"Harriet!" Daphne said, trying to hide her blush behind her cool face. Something that Blaise noticed and makes fun of immediately.
"Here is the love of your life," Blaise said with a smirk.
"Shut up!" Daphne hissed.
"Now, now, Blaise, don't tease Daphne like that! Besides, we all love Harriet, don't we?" Hannah said, smiling.
"That we do, my dear Hannah!" Susan said while hugging Harriet tenderly.
"Now, my lady, please sit next to Daphne because I doubt she would be happy for the rest of day," Blaise said as he switched please and sat next to Neville who couldn't help to grin at the scene before him.
"That's not true!" Daphne replied.
"It's true, and you know it, Daphne," Tracey said.
"Oh, I have no problem with Harriet sitting next to me!" Hannah said with a smirk.
"Neither do I!" Susan followed.
Daphne practically brought Harriet next to her as she let a cat-like hiss. "No, she is mine!" The golden-haired girl said.
The rest of the kids couldn't hold back their laughter at the girl's fierce response. Susan sat next to Harriet and Hannah beside her. Daphne kept holding Harriet's hand without the green-eyed girl realizing it. Of course, Susan noticed it, and she too took the other free hand of Harriet for herself.
"Now she is ours, too!" Susan said, as Hannah nodded with a smile.
"Ugh, you two are going to be Hufflepuff without a doubt!" Daphne hissed.
"Waah, it's to crowed here!" Tracey added with a smile as she sat next to Daphne.
"Don't worry about it. There is enough Harriet for everyone! Even thought they didn't make these seats for five," Tracey said as she tried to get comfortable as so did the rest.
"You can sit on my lap, Hannah," Susan said.
"No, I'm fat."
"That's true."
"Don't say that!"
"But you started it!"
"Can you please move so I can breathe?"
"Daphne, did you take a bath? You smell funny."
"Of course, I did!"
The five girls were sitting next to each other joking and smiling.
Harriet couldn't hold her giggles at the banter going on with them. So she was now the ham of a sandwich, since Daphne, Tracey, Hanna, and Susan sat on the same side of the compartment. But uncomfortable was not the word Harriet would use for the situation. It felt pleasant, comfortable, and many other expressions to describe the feeling of friendship and affection coming from those kids she has grown to like. They were a group of sassy kids with a horrible sense of humor.
It feels nice. I like this feeling. Harriet said as she put her head over Susan's shoulder, suddenly feeling tired. Maybe she would take a nap after all. Her body needed it.
"Well, Sorry for taking to long but the Hogwarts Express fascinates me. I wanted to inspect it first," Harriet said with a tired voice.
"It's just a train, Harriet. How can if fascinate you?" Neville asked, amused.
"You won't understand, Neville," Harriet said smiling.
"Wow a train, truly a wonder of the new world~!" Blaise said, drooling with sarcasm.
"Shut up, trains are fun," Harriet replied.
"I don't doubt it."
"So is everyone ready for Hogwarts and all of that?" Susan asked.
"As ready as I will ever be," Neville muttered. "I just hope to not disappoint my parents."
"Please, heir Longbottom, don't sell yourself to shortly. If you do, then everyone will," Blaise said in an honest voice.
"That's right, Neville, don't think like that," Hannah said.
"It's just that, I been thinking about it lately. What if my grandmother was right about me? If I don't have what it takes to be the next Lord Longbottom?" Neville asked.
"You grandmother was an ass, Neville. Don't think that you're not worthy of the title of Lord Longbottom. Because you are, and you will always be. Now stop moping around about it or I will kick you arse," Harriet said in a sleepy voice.
"Such a foul language from a lady!" Neville replied, smiling at her honorary sister.
"Haven't you hear how Daphne talks when she is alone or when she is angry at Astoria? Now that's a foul language!" Blaise said.
"I would like to hear it," Susan said.
"Be silence you."
Harriet smiled for a while, and the moment the train moved, she felt even more drained than before. Normally she would do just fine with a few hours of sleep. But that was because Harriet drank a lot of energy drinks and coffee. But now that Harriet could finally sleep all she wanted, a day without sleeping truly brings her body down. However, as soon as she was about to let herself take a small nap. The door open and from it, a blond-haired boy appeared, and beside him, two dumb cronies made sure to show who was the boss.
The group let a loud groan.
"Heir Malfoy, what can we do for you?" Neville asked politely.
"I came here to look for Harriet Potter, and see if she has changed her attitude," he said with a nasty, arrogant tone of voice.
"Barging into someone else compartment it rude, heir Malfoy," Tracey said.
Draco Malfoy sneered at her but said nothing. It was clear he saw her as nothing but a half-blood witch.
"I have come here to speak with, Potter, not you," Draco said.
Harriet, who by that point was awake, glared at the blonde-haired boy. He has been such a pain in the last few years.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harriet asked.
Draco huffed at her as he tried his best to look scary to intimidate Harriet. And of course, it didn't work since Harriet was not afraid of a spoiled kid.
"I came here to offer my peace, and to allow us to get a better relationship," Draco said with a smug face.
"I see, and why would you do that?" Harriet asked.
"We are civilized people, not barbarians like those... Muggles."
"After all, who knows what the future hold for us? Maybe one day, you will be my wife."
Harriet, like the rest, could only stare, baffled by the kid's attitude. She suspected the reason why he was acting like that was that Sirius named her the heir of the Black family. Making her the holder of two powerful and ancient families at once, not something that was normal at all. Making it more difficult for her in some ways. Although there was no marriage contract for her in either family. The Wizarding World has a law in which it forced an heir or heiress of two or more titles to marry at sixteen.
They clearly made the law to take advantage of young heir and heiress in the past. For what Harriet's ancestors told her, back in the good old day when nobility was barely begging. Powerful families would trick the system by lifting young families into nobility and marry them to other young noble families. Then they would convince the families to use the seniority succession spell, locking the titles of both young families in the first child and forcing that child to marry the heir of their choosing. Bringing more seats and power to them. That practice was banned, and they put many other laws in check to block such a thing. However, the law that forced the heir or heiress to marry never left, it was just forgotten.
The law itself was more than just marriage at sixteen. It was practically a law in which she was to bear children at that age, to continue the ancient house line. Her parents wanted to remove it, no matter what. Sirius in fact, multiple times thought about having a child of his own to avoid Harriet being forced to such a thing, but it was too late for that. It was also one of the reasons why James also avoided taking another title, like the Peverell. It would add more titles to Harriet. Even if Lily and he had another child, the Peverell title would go to Harriet regardless of it, since she was the oldest child. And only the oldest child could only inherit the Potter, Peverell, and Black title. That's how the seniority succession spell worked. It locked the lordships to one kid by using blood magic and the family magic. Making impossible to get rid of.
And for Harriet misfortune, those houses titles were locked with that spell as well.
Such an obnoxious tradition in many ancient families. The worst part of it was that Magic itself considered Harriet the sole heir of the Potter and Black family. On both family line succession, they could see Harriet Potter as next in line on both families. Only death, or being cut off from the family magic by being disinherited, could save her. Sirius regretted making Harriet his heir, and it was not only that. He was Harriet's godfather as well, and they share blood too. Although it was distant, it was there. That's why the Black family tree recognized her as one of them by blood.
So, even if Amelia and he had a child, Harriet would still be the sole heir of the black family.
Harriet knew her parents were working tirelessly to remove such a law, but it was hard since many other families knew about her now. The Girl-Who-Lived. The savior of the Wizarding World, and heir of two of the most influential and powerful houses in the Wizarding World, had to marry by the age of sixteen. Everyone wanted a piece of her. The Potter and Black combine gold. The power alone she could bring by the sheer number of seats in her name and adding her magic power. She was prize worth fighthing for.
Harriet could name an heir at the age of eighteen. But what does it even matter? Since she had to marry and have children at the age of sixteen? The loophole was there to take advatange of these type of situations, and Harriet and her family had to think fast about how to stop it. Since if she doesn't follow the law, the repercussions to her family could be too great to deal with.
"Wife? Me?" Harriet asked.
"My father, has told me about it. Your family wants to remove the law, right? But it won't happen. They wrote it in magic and blood. But you see, The Malfoy family, my family, has enough resources to help your parents to remove the law. Even with the union of the Gray faction, you're still outnumbered. My father, however, understands the barbarity of such law and he will help you…"
"If I marry, so you can have both the Potter title and Black title, since the law would make you the Lord of those houses by default."
"Exactly!" Draco said.
Harriet only stared, annoyed by the blonde-haired boy's face. Truly, the Wizarding World has such a bunch of infuriating laws. There was a ticking bomb for her, yet there was time. Harriet trusted her parents. She knew they would abolish such law; they had to.
"I apologize, heir Malfoy, but I will pass. I rather marry a troll than you."
Draco's face got red at the insult.
"You should be careful, Potter! This may be your last chance to save yourself. Or something may happen to you," Draco said.
"Threating me now? That's not how you propose marriage. Well, maybe that's how your father did to poor aunt Narcissa. So, like father like son, eh?"
Dracon and his two braindead cronies pulled out their wands, only to meet six wands pointing at him.
"Don't dare to move, Malfoy!" Neville said with a serious face.
"I'm not afraid of you, filthy squib!"
"Oh, really? Want to see for yourself if I am indeed a squib? Because even if I was, I could still destroy you with my bare hands," Neville said with a furious voice.
"You should listen to him, heir Malfoy. I have seen heir Longbottom carrying bags of fertilizer bigger than yourself," Blaise said, with an elegant yet serious voice as his wand pointed directly to Draco's face. The blonde-haired boy hissed, knowing full well he was at a disadvantage.
"Go away, you son of a Death Eater!" Hannah said.
"You filthy blood-traitor," one of Draco's followers said.
"And here I thought, the Greengrass and Zabini could still be worthy of being noble houses," Draco said.
"We are worthy, more than you, Malfoy. The Greengrass was already a High Noble family while yours was a refugee house from France. So tread carefully," Daphne said coldly.
"You will pay for this."
That was all that Draco could say before leaving. He would get his due sooner than later, of that he would make sure of.
The rest relaxed as they sat down again. Harriet sighed, as she just wanted to take a nap more than ever.
"What a git," Daphne hissed.
"Of that can we agree," Blaise said.
"Harriet, are you alright?" Hannah asked.
"Mm, yes, just tired, that's all. Please, I will take a small nap, wake me up when we arrive at Hogwarts."
The rest said nothing, but nodded. Harriet looked completely exhausted. "Daphne, sorry, but I'm going to use your lap as my pillow, alright?" Daphne blushed.
"It's okay, don't worry," she said.
Harriet sighed at the feeling of softness from Daphne's thighs, and once again. She fell asleep; it surprised all the kids how fast Harriet could do such a thing.
"Well, she has no troubles sleeping at all." Blaise said.
"I know she could fall sleep really quick, but this is the first time I have seen her fall sleep this fast," Neville said.
"She looked very tense in the morning, as if she was out of it. It was a bit scary to see her like that," Susan said, as she allowed Harriet to have more space for herself. Tracey and Hannah moved the other seat, so Harriet could rest completely. Susan put Harriet's legs above her lap and smiled at the soft snores of the girl with green eyes.
"I hope she tells us what was bothering her," Hannah said.
"Yeah, I hope so too," Neville said.
The rest of the journey to Hogwarts was peaceful. Well, almost since a red-haired boy came to the door asking if he could sit with them. It did not really bother them at first, but the moment the boy they all recognized as Ron Weasley tried to wake up Harriet to ask her about her scar and other stupid things. Susan and Daphne put their foot down and kicked him out. Then a girl with bushy hair told them about changing clothes since they were close to Hogwarts. They would have done it. If they were actually close to arriving, Hogsmeade. There's was still two hours left to reach their location. So they ignored her.
Tracey and Hannah were talking about Witch Weekly articles about fashion and make-up recipes. Neville and Blaise were bonding over Herbology since it was their favorite topic and hobby. Daphne was just happy to stroke Harriet's hair and to have her over her lap. And Susan seemed to share the same feeling as Daphne.
Yet those wonderful moments of peace ended when they announce the arrival at Hogsmeade soon. So with a painful expression, Daphne woke Harriet up.
"Harriet, it's time to wake up. We are arriving, we have to change clothes," Daphne said.
Harriet groaned, but woke up regardless. Her hair was truly was a mess, all thanks to her father's genes.
"It's time?" She asked.
"Yes, now let's leave the ladies alone so they change those horrible outfits they call clothes," Blaise said as he pushed Neville out of the compartment.
Harriet sighed, but looked at the window, and saw, at the distance, an enormous castle. She was finally at Hogwarts, and the first step of her future was beginning.
The journey to the castle was an interested one, to be sure.
The view of the lake was a gorgeous thing, except for the giant squib living there for some odd reason. Traveling in small boats was amazing. And as they reached the castle, she felt magic pulsating from the castle. Harriet frowned at such sensation, but ignored so far.
As they reached the top of the stairs, Harriet saw an old witch waiting for them. Professor McGonagall looked more scary in person, of that Harriet was absolutely sure.
"Good evening to all of you. My name is Profesor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor. Now please follow me to the great hall where the sorting will begin."
So without wasting more time, she lead the first-year-old students to the great hall where the rest of the students were waiting for them. Harriet saw the pink-haired girl, Nymphadora, on the Hufflepuff table, and smiled at her. But a sudden feeling of confusion made Harriet almost stop. Like something was trying to make her feel sad and weak. It was hard to explain what it was. But before she could think about it, the headmistress voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Now, before we began. Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words."
Harriet unsettled by the previous feeling stared at the old wizard. There was something strange in him. Odd, and familiar.
"I have a few announcements to make to the first-year students. Please note, that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you, that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side it's out of bound to everyone who does not wish to die a must painful death. Than you."
Dumbledore said, as he sat down on his throne. Harriet could only wonder why type of person would announce such a thing to students. Yet Harriet must be careful. Her parent's warned her about him. She had to keep her guard up, no matter what.
Harriet looked around the long table of the teachers of Hogwarts. There was someone staring at her with cold, dead eyes full of resentment and hate. He had greasy black hair, black eyes, and a black outfit. The moment Harriet looked in his direction, she felt a horrible pain in her head. Like a needle trying to get inside her brain. But then another horrible pain assaulted her. This time it was on her scar. A burning sensation, like someone was holding a candle near her forehead, enough to burn her skin.
Harriet groaned in pain as it suddenly vanished. Both horrible feelings disappeared, but left her sore. What was that?! Harriet wondered. It was the second time she ever felt something like that.
"Now, when I call your name. You will come forth, I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head and you will sort into your houses. Hermione Granger!"
Harriet paid no much attention to what came next. The burning sensation in her forehead still annoyed her.
"Gryffindor!" The hat yelled, and it was at that moment Harriet realized she should have paid attention.
"A talking hat? Wow," Harriet whispered.
"What are you on about?" Susan asked, confused.
"Nothing," Harriet replied.
"Draco Malfoy!"
The hat didn't even touch the blonde-haired kid hair, as it yelled Slytherin. Daphne and Blaise groaned at the sight of him going to Slytherin.
"Susan Bones!"
"Good luck, Susan," Harriet whispered.
The red-haired girl sat down, and the hat and the girl seemed to have a deep conversation none could hear. But the deep blushing face of Susan was a funny thing to see. "Alright, good luck girl, Hufflepuff!"
Harriet and the rest applauded as Susan sat on the badger's table.
Then a red-haired boy called Ronal Weasley was sorted into the house of Lions, however Harriet's name was yet to be called. They sorted Hannah in Hufflepuff. Daphne, Tracey and Blaise were sorted into Slytherin. No surprise there. They sorted Neville in Gryffindor and then they finally call her up.
"Harriet Potter!"
The girl felt too uncomfortable one; they were all looking at her. Whispering gods know what. However, the stares of Dumbledore and greasy haired-man were truly horrible. Harriet would write about it to her parents.
Harriet felt the hat touch her head and sense a strange feeling inside of her.
"Well, this is new," the hat said.
"Are you inside my head?! Reading my mind?!" Harriet replied worried.
"Ah, well, yes and no. Contrary to popular belief, I don't read minds. I just see personality traits, and sort you into a house depending in those traits. Pretty simple, don't you think?"
"I still don't like it. Can you just sort me into a house, now?"
"Why the hurry? This is the first time I feel such a strong connection with a student. Mm, well, well, you have strong Occlumency barriers! Ha Ha! This is amazing for a student of such an age!"
"You say you weren't reading my mind!"
"I'm not, but I can see the surrounding construct of your mind. And… Mm, someone has been trying to poke inside of it. There are some scars there."
Harriet felt panic running inside her body. How could it be? Someone has been trying to get inside her head? To mind rape her or something? The thought of it made her feel beyond sick.
"I see, you know Occlumency but no one has taught you Legilimency."
"I know what Legilimency is."
"Yes, but what about how does it feel? That's the difference. Have you ever feel an intense pain in her head? Like someone trying to poke holes inside your skull? That's a Legilimency attack. Of course, it could feel different depending on the user. Some master of Legilimency could even read your mind without you even feeling it, with or without Occlumency. However, the scar left behind in your shield was made by someone who wanted to hurt you. You need to be careful, young Harriet. If someone tried to attack you again in such a way. It could hurt you brain. Kind of like a Lobotomy. But the person who attacked you, wanted something more... Intimate, I think."
"That's…"
"Yes, I know. However, if someone break trough your defenses, they could play with your brain. They could see memories, good and bad ones. Some could even force you to see them, repeatedly. That's why you need to be careful and keep your guard up."
Harriet gripped the chair as she was having problems breathing. Not only was she afraid and felt violated, but she was boiling in anger.
The great hall only stared at the Girl-Who-Lived, wondering what was going on. The girl looked tense, as she was gripping the chair with such a strength they thought she would break it. Yet it was not only that. The air felt heavy, and someone of the teachers could feel Harriet's magic going wild. Dumbledore had his wand ready, he was prepared to block the girl magic away.
"Now, now, don't let your anger get the best of you. Control yourself!" The hat said, as he was the one feeling the power running in the girl's body.
"Easy for you to say it! You weren't mind rape! You don't have horrible memories inside of you! Locked away!" Harriet hissed.
"Harriet, think of the people you love. Your family. I'm not telling you to stop being angry at the people who tried to get inside your head. I'm asking you to be strong for the ones who love you. Breath, if you snap now. You could harm them. Breath."
Harriet's eyes watched the group of kids who became her family. Daphne, Susan, Tracey, Hannah, Neville and the sassy kid, Blaise. She didn't want to hurt them. Never. So, taking the Hat advice, Harriet controlled herself.
"1, 2, 3, 4…" Harriet whispered.
"Now, that's better!"
Harriet started to calm down, and a few more minutes she could hold her feelings down. Yet, she was still furious.
"Sorry, but I really don't like when someone invades my privacy… Among other things."
"I understand. Now, I would like to speak with you more but we have sorting to do."
"Yes, please sort away."
"Mm, for what I see, you don't care about which house you go."
"I don't care about it, yes."
"I see." The Hat was having a hard time trying to sort Harriet traits. The girl could easily go to any house without a problem.
Harriet had the bravery of a Gryffindor. The intelligence of a Ravenclaw. The resourcefulness of a Slytherin, and the loyalty of a Hufflepuff. Yet, there was one key element the Hat could see in her. A particular set of oddities that made her hard to sort.
"Girl, do you love your family?"
"Eh, yes. I do without a doubt."
"I see..."
The Hat saw it clearly now. Those oddities in her were simply to sort out. The girl had truly all the qualities of the four houses but the love of her family was the major drive of her goals.
The girl was brave, like a Gryffindor, but she was not reckless. The reason for her to be courageous was her family. It was only for them she would be valiant. It was for them. She would have the determination to face whatever horrors come out to her. Their love, fuel her fire.
Harriet was smart, without a doubt. But it didn't come from a genius like brain. Her intelligence and learning abilities came from her need to protect herself and those around her. To cover every possibility and danger. The girl wanted to learn ways to help those she care about, to support them in any way she could. No to impress people or show off. Her wisdom came from knowing what pain was and her intelligence from learning ways to protect herself and her loved.
Harriet could be cunning and prideful. Yet, all of that ambition and resourcefulness came from the need to care her family. Harriet's pride came not from her name, gold or titles, but from her loved ones. Their safety and happiness were her only goal.
The Hat also saw she was hardworking and loyal. So taking notice of all of that, Hufflepuff was truly the only house that represented, Harriet's spirit the best.
The Hat thought that Harriet Potter was truly the best Hufflepuff he has ever sorted. But, also the must dangerous one. There was no doubt in the Hat mind that the girl named Harriet Potter would do whatever it was necessary to protect her family. Whatever it was necessary. That's the dangerous part of her. Her love for them. It was almost as if the girl could become a demon just for them.
I pray for any fool who dares to hurt this girl's family and friends. The Hat thought.
"Well, miss Potter, I can only wish you the best of lucks in the future and please avoid looking at Dumbledore eyes. He is a master in Legilimency."
"Thank you, Hat."
"you're welcome."
"Yes, now I can see it finally! You better be Hufflepuff!"
Everyone in the badgers table stood up, screaming in joy, while the rest of the houses wondered what could it mean. The Girl-Who-Lived as a badger? The madness of it. Harriet stared at Dumbledore as she walked down. The Old wizard looked troubled by some reason. But whatever it was, she would be ready for it.