N/A: I suck at writing this kind of chapter, but it was necessary for plot reasons ;(. If you couldn't understand their crappy plan, you probably will on the next chapter!.
Riddle had a plan to change the direction of his movement, and Harriet spent endless hours making sure she could fulfill her part. When the day of putting it all into practice finally arrived, she was so exhausted she could barely think.
And even fatigued, the girl almost blew up the visitor she had forgotten she would have when the woman passed through the floo network in the living room. ''Our Lord sent me to help you! ''. The guest exclaims in a nasal and scared voice.
She has chin-length dark hair and the same flat nose as Pansy Parkinson.
Still with her wand tucked into the woman's delicate throat, Harriet noticed the reverence with which Riddle's ''title'' was uttered. Would this blind worship persist if all of his faithful followers discovered that their leader was nothing more than a ' 'filthy half-blood''? .
Potter draws away and pulls herself together. Tom's plan depends on her as much as it does on him, and the girl always had a chameleon's soul.
''I'm so sorry, I completely forgot about it''. Potter said, gesturing for her visitor to take a seat in one of the comfortable armchairs near the fireplace. The woman still looked a little prim and scanned the space not so discreetly, barely hiding her surprise.
So Riddle never brought anyone here, curious . Harry thinks, excusing herself to go into the kitchen for tea and biscuits.
Her visitor, who looks so much like Pansy that she definitely is some ancestor of the girl, is still staring at the living room's furniture and decor when Harry returns, placing the tray on the coffee table between them.
''Where are my manners? I'm Viola Parkinson, finally meeting you is a pleasure ''. She introduces herself, rising again with one hand outstretched.
Harriet feels an unexpected wave of affection. Despite acting like a bitch for seven years, Pansy joined the rebels when they needed her. She and Ginny are raising Teddy safely in Italy. Harry owes Pansy a lot , so she decides she won't cause trouble for the woman who is probably her grandmother.
''Harriet Potter''.
She discussed with Riddle the move of using her Potter surname. Viola didn't comment on it, but approval shone on her features for a moment, as it happens with all pure-bloods, upon hearing the familiar surname of one of their own.
''This clears up my doubt. I thought you were our Lord sister, you two even look alike ''.
Harry remembered the way Riddle had kissed her and grimaced. I really hope he doesn't see me as a sister .
''Let me guess, he didn't tell, and you didn't ask''.
Despite the friendly tone in Potter's voice, Viola paused for a moment.
''The Parkinson's are not as rich or influential as the Black's, Malfoy's, or Lestrange's, and even so, our Lord has favored my family. He made it clear that you are not a follower, that you are like him. I feel honored to be here, and I can't afford to ask questions ''. There was no shame in her admission. The woman was staring at Harriet as if she expected some nasty comment. Harry had no interest in that.
Potter knew her role in their plans, but she didn't expect Riddle to declare them as equals for all his minions.
''You can ask me questions. I came from a very different place, and I need someone I can trust to help me adapt''. Until a while ago, Potter would have felt bad for assuming the same manipulative attitude as Riddle, but things had changed. To win that game, she would need every card up her sleeve and a few more.
Tom had chosen Viola as a sort of secretary to Harry precisely because of the low status of the Parkinson family in his inner circle. Riddle knew she would be grateful, and therefore the chances of her trying something harmful to their plans were almost non-existent.
The woman's eyes lit up with the possibilities an alliance with Harriet would bring. Potter, for her part, maintained a falsely confident smile behind the cup of tea she had raised to her lips.
Now that the tension had left Viola's shoulders, the woman was as gossipy as Pansy, telling her all about society at the time. Within twenty minutes, Harriet knew who was married to whom, who was in what profession, which families were falling, and which ones were rising. Viola also provided him with an extensive list of Riddle's most prominent supporters and why . Harriet absorbed such information like a sponge.
She wanted the Dolohovs dead. The Russian family was too dangerous. They had been Grindelwald supporters, and Antonin, who helped murder Fabian and Gideon Prewett, had almost killed Hermione in the battle of the department of mysteries too.
''You should get ready for dinner with the Malfoys. I brought your outfit, and I'll help you with makeup''. Viola speaks when they finish their tea, taking out a bag and a box from the bag that she has brought with her.
Harriet gave a resigned sigh and rose from her chair. ''Thank you, I've always been terrible with cosmetic spells''.
''Most people think it's a useless skill to have, but I got really good at transfiguration because of it''.
Potter remembered Lavender's talent for transforming things and managed a tight smile. '' I'll be right back ''.
Viola sat Harriet on the stool behind the dressing table in her bedroom when she emerged from the bath, wrapped in a comfortable robe, and started working. Under Parkinson's rapid touch, Harry felt her face heat, then cool and tingle, but she couldn't see what the other woman was doing.
'' Can't wait to see Walburga's face when you get introduced officially today! ''.
''Walburga Black ? ''. Potter asks, trying not to resemble too startled.
Viola nodded, doing something particularly vicious with her wand that made Harriet's eyes water. '' She acts as if our Lord is going to marry her one of these days. And she already has Orion ''.
Why were the Black women so obsessed with Voldemort?. '' She seems... intense ''. That's all Harry says, remembering the hideous portrait of Sirius' mother shrieking at everyone in Grimmauld Place.
Viola scrunched her nose in a terribly Pansy gesture. '' Humph, she's a horrid cow ''.
When Potter's hair became the woman's next victim, she started talking about the families whose support Riddle didn't have but who would be attending the ball after dinner at Malfoy Manor. Gaining the support of families like the Longbottom's, Prewett's, and Potter's was Harriet's task too. But when Viola, who was much more perceptive than the girl thought, asked her a question about it, Harriet smiled devilishly.
''I'm sure we'll come to terms with them eventually.''
Parkinson looked pleased enough to go back to gossiping.
When she finishes, she takes a moment to evaluate her work. '' You look great. I'll let our Lord know you're ready while you get dressed. We'll see each other later. It was a pleasure to meet you, Harriet ''. Viola says, winking and pointing to the carefully separated clothes over the bed.
Harry put on her lingerie, stocks, and high heels as soon as she was alone again. She stumbled twice before reaching the bag where her dress was, fumbling completely to get it over her head. Her balance only got better when she remembered one of Parvati and Lavender's favorite spells, one that made high-heeled shoes as comfortable as slippers.
Harry didn't know what to expect when she approached the full-length mirror, but she got pleased to see that she looked exactly like herself, like Harriet Potter.
Her exhaustion lines and dark circles were gone, though. Viola had blackened and stretched her eyelashes, creating the illusion that her eyes were brighter and more open. The only trace of color on Harriet's face was the deep red lipstick, and her hair fell in heavy waves of glossy curls down her back, but the most stunning part had to be the dress.
Her gown was of a dark emerald, with patterns that, under the light, looked like serpent scales. The skirt opened above the knee, and the dress had a deep v-neck reaching the top of the girl's abdomen before being circled by a thin black belt.
It was clear that Tom had chosen that dress for her.
Harry is so distracted examining the light's reflection shimmering over the fabric that she doesn't see Riddle arriving until his image joined hers in the mirror.
He is absolutely breathtaking in typical pureblood dress robes, not a hair out of place. When Tom is behind her, he brushes the hair off of Harriet's shoulder to slide Salazar Slytherin's locket around her neck. Riddle's featherlight touch brings back that devasting spiral of desire from when they kissed, and Harry struggles to remain still.
There's no Horcrux hidden in the cameo this time, which means he's probably kept his promise to reabsorb them. Maybe Riddle isn't lying to her. Maybe seven was really too much. Maybe the thirteen years he spent wandering without a body also helped pull him into the abyss of insanity. A part of Potter hates him, will probably hate him forever, and even then, she finds herself giving in.
Tom silences such thoughts when he strokes her jaw, inspecting how the locket fits into the gap between her breasts. Harriet clears her throat.
" May I know why I'm wearing your family heirloom? ''.
Riddle seems to come out of a trance. ''Family heirloom''. He scoffs.
''Slytherin's legacy is just mistrust, I, like you, have never had anything easy in my life''.
"What did I say about the sad orphan boy trick?". Harry teases, but her voice is doubtful. When she looks in the mirror, she finally sees them as equals.
When the two emerged from the Floo Network at Malfoy Manor, Harry realized with some relief that the property doesn't resemble the ruins Potter left behind before coming to the time she's in and that everything was also very different from when she and her friends got captured. Still, Harriet could almost see Bellatrix torturing Hermione on the polished floor of a big room while Draco, contained by Rabastan and Rodolphus, screamed for his aunt to stop. He pleaded her to torture him instead.
Harry swallowed the discomfort and leaned against Riddle, allowing him to lead her into a reception room.
Not even ten seconds had passed when a young couple slipped up to where they were. Harriet found herself holding her breath because the thin-jawed, fair-haired man looked like Draco before the brutal reality of purist ideology made him desert the Death Eaters. Draco, before he fell in love with a Muggle-born and felt the ostracism on the skin.
All these Pure-Blood families look so much alike. Harry feels like she's walking among ghosts.
''My lord''. The man nods respectfully, then turns to kiss Harriet's hand. '' Milady ''.
All the panic fades, and Potter clamps her mouth shut to stifle a laugh. An ancestor of Lucius Malfoy has just kissed the hand of a half-blood and called her Milady . Riddle follows the same etiquette protocol before turning to introduce her officially to his ''friends' '.
''Abraxas Malfoy, Melânia Selwyn-Malfoy, this is Harriet Potter''.
''It's an honor to meet you''. Senior Malfoy mutters pompously. Harry replies with an ''likewise' ' that makes it clear she's not quite so honored. The woman accompanying him is like a porcelain doll with brown hair and a heart-shaped face. She makes a graceful little bow when Harriet's eyes fall on her silhouette.
Abraxas takes Potter's arm to escort her to another room after they exchanged pleasantries. Riddle does the same with Melânia right behind them. Abraxas talks about his Manor and how it has been in his family for centuries while they walk. He conveniently forgets to mention that the Malfoys have gotten much of what they have working with Muggles , but instead of reminding him of this little detail, Harriet responds with the appropriate nonsense. If her voice sounded polite but a little bored, that was his problem.
Harry didn't need to impress him. He was the one who had to impress her . Power is the only thing the Malfoys respect, and Riddle had told those people that Harriet was just like him, so the girl needed to act the part.
Being the perfect host, Abraxas led her to a room full of other women, Melânia appearing on Riddle's arm shortly after.
''Try not to kill any of them. I'll be very displeased if you tear my followers' wives apart''. Tom whispered while Abraxas distracted himself by saying something to his wife in an affectionate tone.
'' I make no promises ''.
The only familiar face in the sitting room was Viola, who smiled in Harriet's direction and made a discreet gesture toward a stunning woman dressed in red on the left. Potter is slow to recognize Walburga Black before madness took away the aristocratic beauty Sirius had inherited.
''Ladies, this is Harriet Potter''. Melânia introduces her to her friends, and most women respond with polite nods, no questions asked.
Harriet doesn't know if this is because of Riddle or if the talent for making record-time gossip is a genetic trait in the Parkinson family, just as the lack of subtlety appears to be to the Malfoys.
''It's lovely to meet you all, except for Viola, who I already know''. She says, earning a grateful grin from the other. The Death Eaters' wives are polite enough, but they keep their eyes on Harriet sharply, as if looking for some sign of weakness.
Whoever dismisses these women as being just high society housewives is terribly stupid. They are more intelligent and quick-witted than their husbands, but Potter had already expected that. The world is always harder for women.
The only person who isn't happy is Walburga, her eyes narrow with irritation when Mrs. Malfoy gestures for Harriet to take a seat in the armchair next to hers.
Sirius' mother is gorgeous, and Harry starts to feel like a child wearing grown-up clothes. Potter is nothing when placed alongside this dazzling creature, who exudes power and arrogance. What the hell does Riddle have in mind to choose her over Walburga?. Judging by what Viola has told her and Black's reactions to her presence, it's clear that she loves Riddle and that maybe she'd make a much better whatever Harriet is to him.
And here is my answer . Harry thinks, regaining some of her lost confidence. He would be bored in a week with all this obedience and worship .
''I'm surprised to see someone like you here. Aren't the Potters all blood traitors? ''. Walburga questions, and Harriet can see the irritation on Melânia's face at her guest's rude comment. But no one will interfere. The Blacks are too important a family, too respected.
Potter settles down in the armchair as if sitting on a throne. She thought the whole thing about being shoved in a room with women while men talked business was sexist and stupid. But she reminded herself that sexism was prevalent in the forties, especially in such a conservative society. Riddle didn't give a damn about the roles each gender was supposed to play, but he was more the exception than the rule.
"And aren't the Blacks all crazy?".
Dead silence fell over the parlor at Harry's comment. The disgust she harbored for Walburga had nothing to do with Riddle but the woman's face contorted with fury as if it had.
'' YOU FILTHY BLOOD TRAITOR, HOW DARE YOU!. I AM THE HEIR OF THE... ''. She exclaimed, her voice rising a few octaves until it was exactly like the portrait she would have in a few decades.
''Walburga! ''. Their hostess interrupted before she had a chance to continue, looking horrified. ''This is still my house, and I won't allow my guests to kill themselves before dinner''.
''I'm sorry, Melânia. I'm sure Walburga and I can resolve our differences as civilized adult women''. Harriet ironically suggested, and Sirius' mother's face turned even redder with anger, but she was silent.
Two women, whom Harriet recognized as Rosier's and Nott's wives, exchanged worried looks. Viola was the one to break the silence, bending forward from her chair with a wicked grin on her face. ''Mel, did you see the gift our Lord gave to Harriet? ''.
Potter's eyes are on Walburga as she smiles the most falsely sweet smile she can manage, tracing the S on the locket with the tip of her index finger. That is the same woman who made Regulus and her godfather have a miserable childhood. Harry will spare no effort to taunt her.
''It's a family heirloom''. She arrogantly says. She had had enough conversations with Pureblood Witches in the past to know what it meant when a man presented a woman with a family piece of jewelry; marriage, an alliance between two lineages.
The girl doesn't believe this applies to her and Riddle. She can't imagine him marrying anyone, but the way Walburga's spine visibly stiffens at this revelation makes it all worthwhile.
''Ah, but this is wonderful!. Spring Weddings are just beautiful ''.A dark-skinned woman Harriet knew was Mulciber's spouse said, smiling warmly. '' We should all have tea at my house. I have dozens of catalogs on ceremonies ''.
'' I know the best tailors from Paris, we should schedule a brunch to help you with the details, only Merlin knows how to organize a wedding is complicated''. Melania adds, and, looking around the room, Potter realizes that those women are staring at her expectantly.
Of course, Harriet is a Potter, and they think she will marry the man their husbands, fathers, and brothers serve. Everyone wants to be in her good graces.
Harry would be stupid if she didn't use it to her advantage.
''I still think it's a little early to talk about marriage, but I would love for us to have a little gathering. Mrs. Rosier, Viola told me you hosted the season's event last year. I would love your opinion ''.
Mrs. Rosier, who previously conversed in a low voice with Walburga, turned and beamed. ''Please, call me Cassandra''.
A house-elf appeared, bringing wine and canapes, and soon, Potter was engaged in conversation with the wives of Riddle's Death Eaters as if she was born for it. Fake smiles, pleasant, empty comments she learned from the Greengrass sisters. When another house-elf appeared and announced that the gentlemen were waiting for them, Harriet already had at least fifteen invitations to Brunch's, afternoon teas, and charity events.
The men rush to receive them as they enter the dining room.
Riddle observes the other women almost bickering for Harriet's attention and raises both eyebrows, pulling out one of the chairs for the girl to sit beside him. Dinner appears on the large table in the blink of an eye, but Potter doesn't know if she'll be able to eat in the presence of those people.
Melânia whispers something at lightning speed to Abraxas, and the man straightens up in his chair. ''My lord, allow me to congratulate you on your engagement''.
The smile on Melânia's face was much warmer than before. ''Abraxas and I are very happy for you, my Lord. Harriet is a lovely woman. I hope we can become great friends''.
Amusement danced across Riddle's features. He bats a napkin over his mouth and smiles indulgently at Harry. ''What did you tell them, my love? ''.
The pet name did not go unnoticed. There was at least one coughing attack and three cutlery clattering against the porcelain.
'' Nothing ''. Potter responds, taking a long drink of the sweet wine.
''Hmm, I see... Your compliments are appreciated, Abraxas, but Harriet is not here just as my future wife.''
Walburga Black left the table without even excusing herself, and it was Harry's turn to drop the silverware onto the plate.
Riddle shouldn't encourage that rumor. Only when his spectators seemed eager enough did Tom continue to talk. ''The vital information she has is about the future of our little community''.
Fear, uncertainty, and skepticism fill the room. They're all looking at Harriet with wide eyes now, except for Draco's grandfather, who seems delighted with the situation.
''A seer! ''. he exclaims. Potter already considers him an idiot. ''What does the future hold for me? ''.
Harry clears her throat and leans towards the man. ''You will have an only child, Lucius, who will marry a Black and also have only one child''. The girl informs, smirking at the satisfaction emanating from him.
'' Your grandson falls in love with a Mudblood at the height of the Second Wizarding War. He dies with her, and the Malfoy dynasty ends. There is no one left to carry the name ''.
In Abraxas' defense, he seems far more appalled at the prospect of two Wizarding Wars than at his grandson falling in love with a muggle-born.
''You're not serious''.
Harry remains with the same expression, and Malfoy looks to Riddle for help.
''She's not a seer , but she's telling the truth. Harriet is my most trusted general fifty years into the future. I sent her here to ensure our victory''.
That was the plan, to distort the future until Riddle's followers were desperate enough to do what they wanted. Abraxas turned paler than ever and inclined across the table to take Potter's hands in his own with an ardor that almost had her punching him. ''Did you meet them? My son and my grandson? ''.
Harry stood her ground and didn't look at Riddle when she answered, using their script. ''My parents got killed when I was just a baby, I was raised by what's left of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, and I've known your grandson since I was a child. He fought by my side in the future. He and our Lord were responsible for bringing me here. I know you have opinions about blood purity, but Hermione Granger, Draco's muggle-born girlfriend, is the brightest witch of my generation. She is more powerful than me , and I managed to travel fifty years back in time with no consequence ''. She replied, trying to subtly disentangle herself from Malfoy's sweaty touch, who smiled proudly before pulling away.
''A mudblood ''. Abraxas commented with a snort, being interrupted by Melânia, who, like Narcissa, cared way more about her family than about that pureblood foolishness.
'' They're not really the problem. Muggleborns still have magic, and we can teach them our ways. The real problem is the pro-muggle policies that the ministry wants to force on us ''.
Melânia's little speech triggered turmoil inside the dining room. But when Tom raised his own glass in agreement, everyone immediately shut up.
''Times are changing, and I won't force anyone to change with them. After dinner, Harriet will show you all wall will happen in the future if we don't open up to a more progressive vision and recognize who our real enemies are''.
Shock turned to chaos, and Tom seemed pleased with the result as he muttered to Harry in the snake's tongue. '' Do you see how scared they are?. I was right to do that. They're all idiots ''.
Harriet wasn't so sure. ''L ook at the Lestranges. They don't believe a word you said. We'll have to kill them too ''. She replied in the same language.
'' Too ? ''. Tom presses on, clearly amused. '' Who else of my followers do you want to kill, dearest ? ''.
'' I'll give you the full list when we go home. ''
The almost fond expression on Tom's face brought silence into the room again. The inner-circle around the table looked at them in awe.
''Are you Parselmouth? ''. Abraxas's question came out in a whisper. He looked dumbstruck.
'' Harriet is a descendant of the Peverell family. They married into the Gaunt's ''. Riddle clarifies as if it's no big deal.
''Are you saying all Potters are Parselmouths? ''. A man who looked so much like Sirius that Harry wanted to cry questioned, silencing himself at the annoyed look Riddle shoots in his direction.
''No, they don't even know about it, and I want it to stay that way. I'm sure you understand. Light inclined families react badly to everything they don't understand. Our community is already too divided ''.
''Of course... Milady ''. Orion Black reverentially hums.
Tom tilts his head almost imperceptibly towards the girl. When he presented her with that idiotic plan weeks ago, she never thought it would work. '' We'll do a little display for my inner circle, and then we use your status as a Potter to bring the families that support Dumbledore to our side .''
Against all odds, it was working, and Harry knows she can't go back now.
N/A: There's no bashing on this fic, which means that Harriet and Walburga will resolve their differences like adult women in the next chapter.