The Other Potter
Chapter three
Hogwarts was an appallingly average place Harriet mused as she sat on the train taking her home from her first year. The classes had on the whole been good, some like History of Magic and Potions were deceptively poor, yet Charms and shockingly Herbology, had been better than expected. Still the year had been average, yes, she had come out at the top of her classes, made a few acquaintances and spent time with her family but that was it, it wasn't an overly fantastic experience. Then again Harriet's opinion was biased, she really just wanted to go home and see her mother, who had taken ill over Yule but had recovered well according to her letters.
"What's wrong little star?" Bella asked, pulling Harriet out from her thoughts and back into the present.
Harry was sitting with her cousins; excluding Sirius who was off with James, no doubt making somebody's life miserable and Andromeda who had snuck off to go flutter her eyelashes at her not-so-secret Hufflepuff boyfriend. Joining them was also Lucius Malfoy, who Narcissa had tentatively started to date, and the Lestrange twins, the elder of whom Bellatrix was engaged to and Barty who Harriet could admit was a good friend and ally.
"Nothing Bella, just hoping next year will be better, Hogwarts wasn't as magical as I had wished," she admitted honestly.
Lucius nodded, "I agree, the school has lost some of its grandeur in recent years."
Bella cooed and pulled at Harriet until she ended up cuddled in her arms. Sending Narcissa who was giggling an exasperated look, the emerald eyed 11 year old gave up trying to escape and accepted her fate. She did however send a stinging hex at Barty when he had the audacity to try and take a photo. Harriet loved the fact that behind closed doors these people trusted each other enough to allow their masks to drop.
"She isn't a kneazle Bella," Rodolphus commented, watching his betrothed in amusement.
Bella laughed and kissed Harriet's head before letting her get back into her seat.
"No, but if I tried it with her kneazle I would lose an eye."
The fact Bella sounded impressed by that made Harriet laugh. Bella was odd but Harriet couldn't help but love her all the more for it. Although it did make her wonder if it was Bella who had been training Bia to attack Hufflepuffs whenever they fell over, a horribly common occurrence it would seem. The rest of their compartment shuddered at Bella's words; Bia had made herself quite the reputation at Hogwarts.
"Are you excited to be leaving?" Harriet asked the twins once everybody had finished shooting Bia's travel container wary glances.
Rodolphus pulled as face whilst Rabastan smirked.
"My father is bestowing on me the noble task of working under him at the ministry and taking a more active role in our family businesses," Rodo explained, "I'm to be a glorified house elf until he deems me suitable."
Lucius sent him a look of understanding; he as the heir to the Malfoy family could relate to such tragedy, whilst everybody else simply smirked, Bella adding a manic giggle at his seemingly terrible fate.
"Unlike my dear older brother," Rabastan said with a smirk, winking at Rodolphus who looked mutinously at his twin, "I have the honour of actually doing something I want. I've secured myself the position of apprentice under Remy Levant, depending on my NEWT results, studying wards and curses. So hopefully within the next few years I will be a qualified ward master and curse breaker."
Harriet would admit she was envious, she wanted to study warding and curses, and eventually go onto their creation.
"Impressive," Regulus commented, "Mr. Levant is a formidable curse breaker, you're lucky to have such a renowned teacher."
Rabastan smirked, "I know, I had to work my ass off to secure this placement."
Harriet didn't doubt it; she had seen the long hours both Lestranges had spent in the library this year to secure top scores in their NEWTs. Rabastan would have had to do extremely well in his tests and to have shown real promise to secure his placement. No real master would take on a under qualified student, even a rich one; Doing so would cause more harm than good as an unprepared student would just end up dead, especially in this case as the work would be dangerous.
His words however caused Harriet to remember an argument she had had with a fellow Ravenclaw earlier in the year...
The girl, a muggleborns named Heidi Green had accused Harry of nepotism and said she was only at the top of their class because of her family and circumstances. Which Harry could concede to a point, compared to some Harry was better prepared; she was a pureblood who had grown up with magic and had access to two of the best magical libraries in the UK and arguably Europe. However to say that she cheated and didn't deserve her marks was unfair, Harriet worked hard to be at the top of her classes.
It had been during this argument that Harry had met James's little gang of Gryffindors; as James apparently didn't like other people being mean to his sister. It was fine when he and Sirius taunted her but he took offence when others did. He had hexed the girl with boils and told her to never talk to his sister again. His threat has seemingly worked as Green and her mudblood friends had ignored her for the rest of the year.
It was during this that Remus Lupin had introduced himself to Harriet; an experience she would never forget. She had met few magical creatures in her life, as they didn't mix with the company she kept, but she didn't hold anything against them. However the boy was the first werewolf she had personally met, he hid it well but as soon as their eyes met she knew; she could see the wolf in his eyes even without turning her sight on fully. She didn't know how he knew that she knew, but he did, he had paled after their eyes met and he often avoided her now. She wondered if James knew about his friend but didn't ask in case he didn't; it wasn't her place to out him.
/
Watching James preen had become Harriet's new favourite hobby; it was hilarious to see him pout at his own reflection. Since turning thirteen he old had become obsessed with his looks, something Harriet didn't understand as he looked the same as he always had.
Sniggering delicately, Harriet sent a silent hair growth jinx at him; laughing when his eyes widened in horror as his hair grew past his ears and down to his shoulders.
hearing his sister laughing, James turned and pulled is wand, setting about to hex her back.
"James Charlus, you had better not be about to attack you sister," their mothers weak voice cut them off before they had even started.
Turning Harriet felt her heart break; their mother had deteriorated exponentially since Yule and looked terrible. She was still beautiful in Harriet's eyes but she didn't look like herself; it was as if their mother had faded.
Even James, the ignorant fool that he was, noticed their mother's poor health.
"No mother, I was simply going to remove her charm," he said, glaring at Harriet who was smirking.
Dorea laughed, "Darling, leave the lying to your sister."
Harriet gasped in mock horror, allowing all of her masks to fall in the face of the precious little time they had left with their mother.
"Lie? Me? Mother I would never, I merely misguide and mislead."
James looked at his sister in shock like he always did when she acted like a real person and not a stuffy pureblood racist.
Dorea laughed, "I'm sure a responsible parent would at this stage point out that you're not supposed to be using magic outside of Hogwarts?"
James scoffed, "who needs responsibilities?" he replied cheekily.
"I'm sure what the ministry doesn't know won't hurt them mother," Harry added sharing a rare smirk with her brother.
Dorea laughed again and cupped Harriet's cheek, "you're so like me my little star, but at the same time you're so much more."
James disagreed in his head, his mother wasn't an evil brat like Harry tended to be most of the time, but he couldn't say that.
Letting her cheek go, Dorea looked at her son, "and look at you, you've grown so handsome my baby boy."
Blushing under his mothers praise James allowed her to pull him into a hug, noticing how small and frail she felt in his arms.
Seeing his discomfort Dorea smiled but refused to let go. Allowing herself a moment, she ran her hands through his artificially lengthened hair, feeling the smooth texture she was impressed, turning to Harriet she asked, "Dottie's charm?"
Harriet smiled, "of course. I couldn't use a sub-par hair lengthening charm on James; he deserves only the best."
James grumbled about witches and beauty charms, this was the second time Harriet had used this charm on him and he still didn't know the counter. He refused to open Witch Weekly or Magical Beauty Tips to find the correct spell.
Smiling Dorea pulled her wand and did the counter on her son, watching as his hair returned to its former birds nest.
"Your spell work was flawless daughter, I wouldn't have known it wasn't natural had I not seen James this morning."
Harriet preened, "thank you mother."
James looked between them warily; he didn't like it when they started on beauty charms. He had been forced to model and guinea pig many of them growing up.
It was that scene Charlus walked into, his family together, happy and whole.
"What's this?" he asked, coming into the room and sitting besides Dorea, taking her small pale hand in hers.
"Nothing father, just admiring James hair," Harriet said sweetly, her tone make Charlus suspicious. He loved his daughter and had been trying more recently to develop their relationship, therefore he knew not to trust that tone.
James hearing the words was outraged and looked to his mother for support but found her giggling silently, knowing he had lost, he grumbled again about beauty charms.
James's mutterings alongside his wife's laughter gave him enough of a clue what he had missed. Shaking his head at his daughter, he spoke with mock authority, "as head auror you would think my children would obey the ministry but no, I'm stuck with two delinquents."
Hearing this James gaped, "two? What did I do?"
Harriet giggled again and without missing a beat said "Gringotts."
James groaned while their parents laughed, "one time," he muttered.
"She's got you there son," Charlus agreed, wishing he could take this moment and save it forever.
/
Harriet knew it was coming, she had seen the signs but still she felt lost; Broken, her mother, her best friend and confidant was gone.
Standing next to the grave marker she couldn't help but look around at the sea of faces; people she didn't even know had come here to pay their respects and it infuriated Harry. Who were they to say they're sorry? What were they sorry for? Her mother hadn't been sorry; she had lived a great and full life; her last days had been full of joy and laughter. These strangers her father had allowed to come and say they're sorry diminished that.
"Come little star," the oddly subdued voice of Bella said, pulling Harry out of her turbulent thoughts, "Aunty Dorea would have hated this I know, but she wouldn't want you getting upset."
Harry nodded and allowed herself to be pulled back into her cousin's embrace. The whole of the Black family were here standing solemnly, they had given their prayers to magic and performed the rituals on the day Dorea had passed; now they stood in silent mourning.
With one last look at the marker, Harry turned and looked at her father; he looked as bad as she felt. His eyes were hollow and lost, making Harriet feel guilty for placing any blame on him. He had just lost his wife, the woman he loved more than his own life, but still her emotions didn't care, even if her anger was irrational.
James was standing with his friends; even Pettigrew had come out for the occasion. The rat like boy was Harriet's least favourite out of the little gang. His beady eyes stared at her constantly, filled with jealousy and lust, something that sickened Harry. She didn't care that he had a crush, though he honestly repulsed her, no, what disgusted her was the jealousy. He had latched onto James like a limpet, not out of friendship or even a desire to use James to improve himself; something underhanded but still understandable. No, he had latched on to James and the rest because he saw that James was better than him and he wanted to bask in her brother's glory.
Averting her eyes from the little rat, Harriet looked at her brother. James was as pale and drawn out as Harry, something unusual as he generally supported a golden tan in the summer. For once she felt connected to her brother, only they could understand each other's pain. They had, for the last few weeks, agreed to bury the hatchet, making their mothers last few days enjoyable and full of laughter.
Harry was relieved when the last of the guests left; returning home with all of her family was what she had wanted even if she didn't want to in their manor anymore. Being there was hard with her mother gone, but the presence of her entire made it easier. However she knew it wouldn't last, her father and her other family just didn't get along.
/
Returning to Hogwarts for her second year was both harder and easier than it had been the year previously for Harriet. Her mother's passing had made it so her home felt wrong, too big and empty, so returning to school was a blessing in a sense. Yet, at the same time she didn't want to return, going back to school and moving on with her life felt like she was forgetting her mother, as if her life and death were things Harry could disregard.
Settling down at the Ravenclaw table with Barty, Harriet kept her mask up as she heard whispers.
Mother died.
So sad.
Doesn't even look bothered.
Turning to look at the girl who had dared to mutter the last one, Harriet sneered, "I would take care how you speak mudblood," she hissed, having seen that it was Green who had spoken.
Barty who had been observing was shocked by Harriet's words but didn't let it show, she and Regulus had taken him in last year and his father had been so pleased that he had made such influential friends. He knew that the Blacks where blood purists, had listened to Bellatrix and the Lestranges go on last year about pureblood superiority but Harriet had always seemed wilfully ignorant to such things.
Happy that their muttering had stopped Harry turned back to the sorting, politely clapping whenever somebody joined Ravenclaw.
/
Returning for the Yule holidays to an empty house and being greeted by a house elf was wrong. Harriet couldn't stand the stillness of the house. Realising that their father wasn't home, the siblings shared a sad look. Harriet, not wanting to be surrounded by the memories, silently handed her trunk over to her house-elf and went to leave.
"Where are you going?" James asked.
"Uncle Arcturus's," Harriet replied, her uncle had said she was welcome whenever she liked and always had a room set up for her. "I just can't be here when she's not," Harriet admitted with a whisper, as if saying it any louder made it more real.
James for once felt sorry for his little sister, losing their mother had been awful but it had seemingly affected Harry more than him. He missed his mother, missed her like crazy but he was able to move on. He didn't dwell on it like she seemed to. He had seen her at school, even with her stupid mask on her eyes had always seemed sad, and her friends, not that she had many; just Reggie and the Crouch kid, seemed to treat her differently now. Harriet was brat, stuck up and too obsessed with tradition but she was still his baby sister and for all that she was a little monster, he loved her and hated seeing her so sad. Even if he didn't like her most of the time, he preferred her usual stuck up pureblood self who was usually happy to this sad broken shell. Still he didn't think their dad would want her to go to Arcturus Blacks manor straight away, if at all, so he was torn.
"I know its hard Harry, but I think mom would want us to be here together."
Pausing for a moment Harriet reluctantly agreed, "So..." she said, lost at what to do, "...fancy a game of catch the snitch?"
James gaped, his sister who he had never even seen near a broom wanted to play catch the snitch.
"Sure," he agreed, his voice coming out strange as he looked at her with wide eyes.
Harriet smiled with her eyes, flying was something she had found out she enjoyed last year. Growing up she had been offered the chance to play on brooms multiple times but she had never felt the desire, so she had been surprised to discover that during her flying lessons she had not only been a natural, but that she loved the freedom and serenity flying offered.
James was sure he was being pranked. Sirius must have slipped him something on the train, it was the only explanation. His sister who as far as he knew had only ever flown during her first year lessons was winning, and not by a small margin. He had initially decided to go easy on her, seeing as he would obviously be the superior player, however after just minutes of playing he had realised his mistake. Harriet was amazing. He was not at all impressed. At all. No really.
Hearing somebody approach, James was surprised to see his father watching them from the ground. He must have finished work early, flying down, he landed and demanded, "Did you know?"
Charlus laughed at his son's seemingly random question and turned to face him "know what?"
"That she could do that," James said, indicating towards his sister who had just pulled off a professional level Quidditch manoeuvre seemingly effortlessly.
Charlus looked and was left gaping, he had never seen his daughter fly and as far as he knew she didn't know how, "no."
Seeing his father's shock James felt vindicated. He also made a note that his sister was never allowed to play Quidditch at Hogwarts. Ever. Ravenclaw couldn't beat Gryffindor, he wouldn't allow it.
Noticing she was alone, Harriet looked around and saw both her brother and father staring at her with shocked expressions.
"Father," she greeted once she was back on the ground.
"Harriet, you fly like you were born to be in the air," her father praised.
Smiling slightly Harriet handed the golden snitch to her brother, noting with satisfaction it was the only time he had touched it whilst they had been playing.
"Thank you," she replied.
"Will you be trying out for Quidditch?" he asked.
Ignoring James' look of horror and how his son was mouthing traitor at him behind his sisters back, as his dreams of Gryffindor winning seemingly shattered.
Harriet pondered the question, "maybe one day but I'm not too sure, I like flying for fun. I think playing would ruin that for me."
James left out a relieved breath, "quite right sister," he agreed enthusiastically, his dreams for the house cup rebuilding.
"Come," Charlus said leading them back into the house that Harriet was coming to loathe, "let's get you two washed up and then we can see what the elves have made, no doubt all of your favourites."
Entering the house Harriet was once again hit by a feeling of melancholy, how could this be home without her mother? The thought also filled her with guilt as she saw how hard their father was trying; no doubt their mother had forced him into promising to be strong and happy for her, something Harriet didn't think she could do.
/
Harriet listened as their father gave James a speech on responsibility and rules. It was only the third day of the holidays but he couldn't stay at home with them forever, his job was important.
"This is it James, one chance. If you do anything and I mean anything that I've forbidden or that puts you or somebody else in danger that will be it. If you do anything that you know I'll disapprove of, even if I've not explicitly mentioned it, that will be it; no second chances, you won't be trusted to be left alone with just the house elves."
James nodded; annoyed that he alone was being lectured and Harriet was getting off without.
"I know dad. I promise me and my friend's won't do anything. I swear it."
Charlus sighed, "I'm trusting you here James, please show me that it's not in vain."
James knew that he couldn't mess this chance up; his father was reluctantly letting Sirius, Remus and Peter come over to the manor today whilst he was at work. Something he hadn't allowed before as he hadn't trusted them to be responsible.
"I won't let you down," he promised.
Harriet withheld her desire to snort, perhaps the problem of her being unable to be within the manor without feeling both grief and guilt would resolve itself by tonight as the chances of their home withstanding James and his friends was slim.
Nodding Charlus pulled James into a hug and sent him on his way. Hoping he would have a home to come back to, he had ordered the elves to intervene at their own discretion and trusted them to hopefully stop anything too dangerous from happening. With that done, Charlus turned to his youngest, he wouldn't be afraid to leave her alone but she had opted to go out.
"You're sure the Arcturus said it was okay for you to go over for the day?" he questioned again, he knew the answer would be the same but still a man could hope. He couldn't forbid her from seeing the Blacks, Dorea had made him promise, a vow on his very magic, but still he hated the influence that man had on his daughter. He refused to allow her to become like them.
"Yes father."
With a sigh of defeat he gave his daughter a kiss on the head and wished her a good day, making her go through the floo first to ensure she ended up in the right place.
/
Arriving in the main receiving parlour of Castle Black, Harry quickly summoned an elf and sent word to her uncle that she was here before making her way to the library. If he wanted or needed her he would know where to find her or would simply send an elf.
Entering the library Harriet allowed herself a moment to bask; the library in Castle Black was easily the most extensive in the UK, holding books of every conceivable topic and genre. Walking along one of the many isles, she studied the titles before picking up a book which caught her eye. Settling into the corned that held her favourite chair, Harriet allowed herself to get lost in the text; blood magic was considered a dark practice in the UK but Harriet found it fascinating, especially in regards to warding and spell crafting.
It was here that Arcturus found her, curled up with a dark arts book in her lap. Seeing the book on blood magic, he couldn't help but feel satisfaction; he was pleased that she wasn't afraid to explore all branches of magic or restricting herself to the ministry approved programme. Limiting yourself to strictly light or dark magic was foolish. Clearing his throat, Arcturus was also pleased to note that she didn't react other than to raise her eyes from the page after marking her place with a wordless spell. She had clearly been aware of her surroundings.
"Good morning child," he greeted, allowing some softness to show on his face.
"Hello uncle," she greeted in return smiling at him slightly. She had gotten quite far into her book and was utterly enthralled.
"That is an interesting book," he commented, "I enjoyed it when I read it as a younger man. What are your thoughts on it so far?" he asked, although he wanted her to explore all classifications of magic he wouldn't force her study beyond giving her his suggestions, nor push if certain branches didn't appeal to her. To do so would create contempt and drive her interest away, something he had seen in the case of Sirius and Wallburga. Now the heir to their family was practically a blood traitor.
Harriet smiled, "it's fascinating," she agreed, "the concept of binding a spell or curse through blood is intriguing, it's given me an idea for a new ward..."
Arcturus allowed himself a small smile as his great niece shared her ideas with him, proud of the young witch's talents and mind. She gave him hope for their family, he hadn't said anything yet but the idea had been bouncing around his mind for awhile, if Sirius was disowned, which was looking more than likely if he continued on his current path, then the next heir to the Black family didn't necessarily have to be Regulus, not if there was another more suitable candidate.
"It pleases me that you don't shy away from your power or magic," he said as she rounded off her idea for a blood based illusion ward. Something she was nowhere near completing but still, to have an idea and even the start of a foundation about how to go about creating such a thing at the age of 12 was remarkable.
Harriet was thrilled by this and fought not to blush, "thank you, I know it's still a work in progress but one day I'm going to make it a reality."
"It will be hard work," he commented
"The rewards will be worth it."
The rest of the day was spent like this, Harriet happily sharing her ideas as Arcturus suggested different books and magic's for her to explore.
/
Returning home at evening Harriet was surprised to see no obvious damage; Focusing so she could see the magic in the air around her, she was even more shocked that James and his friends hadn't left and pranks for her. They had tried numerous times to prank her but pranking somebody who could see magic was hard, and they had eventually given up. Heading out of the den Harriet heard voices and decided to follow them.
Coming to the back doors she stood back and watched James and his friends. James and Sirius were having a one-on-one game of Quidditch whilst Remus and Peter seemingly kept score.
It was Peter who noticed her first, his squeak alerting Remus to her presence. James and Sirius oblivious as they flew around.
"Hello Remus," she greeted politely, her smile not even that forced as she did honestly like him best out of James friends; he at least had a brain.
"Peter," she added onto the end after seeing the desperate look in the chubby boys eyes.
The werewolf looked weary for a moment before smiling back, "hello Harry."
"Have you had a good day?" she asked, deciding to have a conversation with the boy for the first time as for once it seemed like he wouldn't run away from her.
"It's been fun," the wolf said, "and it's nice to explore somewhere new."
Harriet nodded at that, she doubted he got to go out to many places, "well you're always welcome here," she said, although she would prefer to say the opposite she knew her words were true. James and their father would always welcome him if he was a friend.
Remus was taken aback by that but he couldn't sense any deception, Harriet Potter honestly confused him, both James and Sirius insisted she was evil as she believed in pureblood traditions but she didn't seem that bad to Remus. The only thing he was wary about was the fact she knew his secret, James had told them of his sister's gift in their first year and hearing about it had caused him worry. He hadn't been sure what it would mean for him if she could see him for what he was and when they had met last year he knew she could see the monster he turned into. He had spent days panicking, waiting to be kicked out and lynched but nothing had happened; she hadn't told anybody nor had she treated him any differently. Her easy acceptance of him made it hard for him to believe that she was evil.
"Thank you," he said with a smile.
"I'm honestly a little surprise I still have a home," she joked, "I had thought the four of you would have destroyed it with a prank gone wrong."
Remus flushed, if Sirius had had his way that would have probably been true, "James was rather insistent that if we wanted to be able to do this again we had to behave," he admitted.
Harriet allowed herself a moment of shock, James doing something responsible and reining Sirius in was unheard of.
"That's good," she settled on saying.
"So did you have a good day?" the wolf asked.
"Yes, I spent it in the library at Castle Black with uncle Arcturus."
Remus snorted, "You're such a Ravenclaw."
Settling into silence Harriet was about to stand and leave when Remus started to speak again.
"It's weird you know," he said out of the blue.
"What?" she asked, curious to what the wolf could mean.
"That you happily claim Lord Black as family. I've never heard James call him uncle or any of the other Blacks by any family relation. Hell, James and Sirius simply call each other best friends."
Harriet hummed, she had noted that over the years both James and their father had tried to ignore their family bonds, for Charlus such a thing wasn't so bad, his ties to the Blacks were through marriage not blood, but for James to do so was ridiculous. He was a blood traitor.
"Uncle Arcturus may not be my actual uncle, our proper relationship is more complicated than that but he is still my blood, as are Bellatrix, Andromeda, Narcissa, Sirius and Regulus. To deny them is silly as we are family, we share blood and magic."
Remus nodded at this, understanding what she was saying and not seeing anything wrong in it.
Standing as she noticed James and Sirius approaching, she smiled at the wolf, "goodbye Remus."
James saw his sister sitting next to Remus and Peter and wondered what she was doing. Watching her walk away he looked at Remus with accusation written plainly on his face.
"What did she say to you?" he demanded.
Remus sighed, "Nothing, she was nice. I think she was lonely coming home and just wanted somebody to talk to."
James hummed, he had been getting on with Harriet better recently so hoped this was a sign she wasn't as bad as he feared.
/
Harriet stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had never gotten ready for a ball or party on her own before, her mother had always been there to help her, so this time staring at the results she felt different. She looked like she usually did; her hair cascading down in Black curls, a charm to make them more even and controlled and only the lightest of beauty charms. Her mother didn't like to let her use many as she said they were tacky and that her natural beauty was enough. She had simply made her lips slightly rosier and her skin blemish free and smooth.
The robes she was wearing were new, something her mother must have picked out before the summer as they were perfect; not that she doubted her father's taste but he wouldn't have picked these out. They weren't inappropriate but they were different from any she had worn before, they were more mature yet still tasteful and age appropriate. Staring at her reflection she felt as if her mother was there with her, as for once she could see what people meant when they said they looked alike, she looked beautiful.
Lost in her thoughts she didn't hear James' thundering footsteps as he came towards her door, so she was surprised when he barged into her room.
"Dad said you need to hurry up, just because you don't have a timed portkey doesn't mean you should be late..." he started before trailing off, "you can't wear that!"
Harriet was confused; her brother had looked gobsmacked followed quickly by worry and disgust.
James was shocked. He knew people thought his sister was pretty, they had told him, but he hadn't really thought about it until now. Therefore he didn't know how to react seeing her like this; he hated to admit it but she looked beautiful, just like their mother. The realisation hit; he wouldn't be the only one to think she was beautiful. With this in mind he knew that he couldn't let her go; she would be mobbed. What if somebody tried to talk to her or dance with her or Merlin save him, kiss her? She couldn't have her first kiss. Ever. She was his baby sister and no boys could go near her. With that decided he looked up and was shocked to see her gone.
Harriet watched her brothers face contort and wondered, not for the first time, if the elves hadn't dropped him as a baby. Giving herself one last check, she made sure she had everything she would need, before stepping around James and making her way towards the den where she would be flooing to Castle Black for their annual Yule ball. Her father had declined the invite and James had joined him so she would be going alone, something that surprised her as she hadn't thought her father would allow her to go. Just as she approached the den she heard James following her.
"Wait!"
Turning Harriet looked at her brother and didn't mask her confusion.
"Yes?" she asked dryly.
"You can't go," James said in a decisive voice.
Harriet was aptly confused and allowed herself a moment of daydreaming in which she could curse her brother.
"And why is that? Father said I was allowed."
James paused for a moment; he didn't want to say it was because she looked beautiful, he didn't want her to know that. Who knows what such a compliment would do to her evil little head.
Charlus hearing his children's voices stood, he had been sitting by the floo so he could make sure Harriet got off to the ball safely. He would have gone with her to ensure such a thing, but the thought of spending an evening with those people sickened him. At least his daughter was still too innocent and naive, she wasn't aware of the monsters around her. He had hope that when she found out she would do the right thing. However, much he wished it, he was powerless to stop his daughter going.
Charlus sighed as he walked, he was exhausted. Work had been busier recently. People had been going missing and attacks on muggles had increased. The department was stretched thin and people had to pull double and triple shifts just to keep things afloat. There had been whispers of a name, Voldemort, the Dark Lord who promised to make their world great again. Who condemned muggles and muggleborns and championed pureblood superiority and tradition. It sickened Charlus, how people could rally behind a madman and a murderer.
Stepping out Charlus caught sight of his daughter for what felt like the first time. His breath caught in his throat as he saw his baby girl. She looked just like Dorea, something that broke his heart. He missed his wife so much, she was his soul mate, his best friend and now that she was gone he found himself lost. How was he supposed to raise their children without her? James was easy, but Harriet; he didn't have a clue about Harriet.
Seeing his sons face Charlus laughed, he could guess what was going on.
"You look beautiful dear," he said drawing their attention.
James stared in horror and wanted to hex his father, he just had to go and tell her. He had been counting on his dads support. Surely as her dad he didn't want her going out dressed like that?
Harriet smiled at her father, "thank you."
"Come on then my lady, let's get you to the ball," he said gallantly, offering his daughter his arm and causing her to smile and eyes to glitter in humour.
Harriet managed to catch her laughter before it spilled out and hooked her arm through her fathers.
James followed grumbling under his breath about perverts and kisses.
Realisation hit Harriet and she stopped, making her father look at her in confusion but she didn't notice as she turned to her brother.
"That's why you said I can't go!" she laughed, not hiding her amusement.
James paused and flushed.
"James, I'm twelve nobody is going to do or try anything inappropriate. Morgana save them if they tried, uncle Arcturus would skin them," she wasn't even exaggerating; she shuddered to think what her uncle would do to anybody who tried anything with her at this age.
For once Charlus was happy about something in regards to Arcturus Black, he may not like the man or the influence he had on his daughter but he did trust him to keep people away from Harriet.
"They better not," James finally bit out.
Harriet was both flattered and exasperated; her brother confused her.
"Thank you brother," she said.
It was James turn to be confused, "for what?"
"For thinking me beautiful."
James flushed again and wanted to hex her smug face, "whatever," he said, making their father laugh loudly.
Charlus had watched their interaction with interest, fighting the urge to laugh as his son was caught out.
"Now that it's been confirmed that you will be the prettiest belle at the ball should you not get going?" he asked.
Harriet turned and went to grab a hand full of floo powder.
"Before you go, let me go over everything once more," Charlus instructed.
Harriet fought the urge to roll her eyes, he had gone over everything at least five times already, but still she indulged him.
"You have you emergency portkey don't you?" he asked
"Yes father."
Charlus smiled, he had gotten both of his children emergency portkeys for Yule, the charms added to Potter crest's which he had turned into necklaces. With the growing danger he wanted his children safe.
"You will be staying the night and coming back in the morning, after breakfast?"
"Yes father."
"And if at any time you want to come home early you'll call an elf or simply return."
"Yes father."
With that done Charlus fought the urge to forbid her, he couldn't.
"Then you best be off my dear, have fun."
/
Harriet took care as she stepped from the floo; she had never been the most elegant floo travellers and refused to land flat on her face this time. Looking around she noticed that the house elves had been busy; the castle was decked out with decorations and looked amazing. Opening her sight she watched as the enchanted fairy lights seemed to grow brighter; the intricate spell work joining them together was dancing around just adding to the effect.
"Little star," came an excited squeal.
Turing towards the voice Harry looked at her cousin, with her sight still open she could see Bellatrix in a way most could only dream. Bella's magic was fierce and easy to excite, it jumped from her and curled around her like a mini storm, just waiting to explode. Narcissa was just behind her eldest sister, her magic was similar to Bella's but held a more refined air, it was still free but hers was more like a mist curling around her and lazily reaching out.
"You look beautiful Lyra," Narcissa complimented once she was closer.
Harriet smiled, "as do you."
Narcissa was the only member of the Black family that had blonde hair something she had inherited from her blonde mother who was originally from the Rosier Family. Still, she pulled it off beautifully, her fine Black features and the trademark silver Black eyes made her look like a glass statue, delicate and beautiful. A deceptive shell if there ever was one as Harry knew that Narcissa could be just as deadly as Bellatrix.
"Where is Andy?" Harriet asked, usually the three sisters would be together at such things.
"She's sulking," Narcissa replied, "mother and father found out about her mudblood and forbade her from seeing him."
Harriet winced internally, "has she tried to show him magic, to introduce him to our ways?" she asked, she didn't want her cousin to lose out on love. Marrying a muggle born wasn't ideal but surely if he converted then Cygnus and Druella couldn't complain too much? If Andy was happy then that would make up for it.
Bella snarled, her beautiful face turning harsh for a moment, "the little blood traitor hasn't even tried."
Narcissa sighed and shared a look with Harry, "Andromeda doesn't want to change him apparently. She's happy to give up our beliefs and turn her back on us if it means she gets to have him."
Harriet couldn't contain her shock, "but..." she trailed off; she couldn't imagine not worshiping magic. Andy knew magic was all, yes she couldn't see it to the extent that Harriet could but surly she felt it?
"Enough about that blood traitor, if we don't hurry uncle will send an elf after us," Bella's over enthusiastic voice rang through the room.
"Everybody is almost here and grandfather wants to introduce you to some people," she told Harry, turning and indicating for Harry to hurry up.
Entering the ballroom with Bella and Cissa, Harry looked around with concealed wonder.
"I see you managed to find our littlest star."
Turing Harry looked at her uncle. Arcturus Black looked like he had stepped from one of her childhood story books; the though made her want to laugh.
"Hello uncle," she greeted, curtsying as was proper.
Both Bella and Narcissa mimicked her, "grandfather."
"You are all visions of beauty," he praised, he wasn't foolish enough to think their beauty was their best feature but he was proud that they managed to hide their power behind such lovely facades.
The three young witches fought not to flush at the compliment, coming from him it was something to be cherished.
"Bellatrix, I do believe that heir Lestrange is waiting for you," he informed his eldest granddaughter; pleased with her match, before turning to his youngest granddaughter, "and Narcissa, I've heard rumour that the young Malfoy heir wishes for a dance."
Harriet watched them go, trying not to fidget as she became the sole focus of her uncle's silver eyes. She could happily spend time with him alone for hours, debating books and theories, however standing before him now and feeling the eyes of so many people on her she felt awkward.
"Come little one, there are people who I would like for you to meet," Arcturus said, offering her his arm.
Harriet couldn't help but compare the people he introduced her to, to the ones her father did on the odd occasion her brought her and James along to ministry parties and gatherings. These people were the ones her father tended to avoid, a pity as they all seemed quite agreeable to Harriet. Even with their pureblood masks up Harriet found reading them was getting easier, noticing subtle twitches and micro-expressions, she found it amusing that people thought purebloods didn't some anything. Still there was only so much she could take and soon found herself wishing to be set free from the task of meeting future allies.
"There is one other person I would like for you to meet tonight," Arcturus told his niece.
He had been impressed with her. Her attitude and decorum hadn't faltered at any point even when meeting people he would admit were bores. He had noticed how some people were surprised by his actions; by introducing Harriet he was subtly showing his support of the girl, something usually reserved for the heir of families. He hadn't made any decisions yet, this was more of a test but so far she was outstripping his expectations.
Harriet rallied herself, she was bored beyond belief and wanted to go socialise with her friends. She had noticed Barty and Regulus earlier and would rather be off with them than having to smile and act interested towards another old politician.
Arcturus lead Harriet from the main room and into one of the side parlours, it was quieter in here and less busy. He hadn't been sure about introducing Harriet to his Lord yet but seeing how far the girl had come since the summer he and decided to risk it. She wouldn't know who he was of course; still he wanted to see her reaction to him.
Harriet was intrigued, she usually got told to not go into the side parlours during gatherings; that's were business deals and other things not suitable for children take place. The place where deals and alliances were made.
Noticing his Lord sitting with Avery, Nott and Dolohov, Arcturus walked towards them. Knowing his Lord still wanted secrecy, he didn't bow but he did incline his head, something he saw Harriet note with interest.
"This is the man I wished for you to meet," he said, indicating to the man sitting in a wingback chair and seemingly holding court.
Harriet didn't know who he was, his features although aristocratic didn't hold any tell tale signs that indicated towards his ancestry, such as the Potters hair, the silver eyes of the Blacks or the famous Weasley red hair. No this man was a mystery to her; he had dark hair that fell just above his eyes, eyes which were an odd burgundy colour and pale skin which held no blemishes. Still, even without knowing who he was Harriet could admit he was handsome and seemingly important if her uncle respected him enough to bow his head.
Allowing her sight to bleed through Harriet felt her breath catch, magic like she had never seen rolled of this man like in a way she had never experienced, like a hurricane or lightening storm. The power of it was immense; it filled him and his surroundings, seemingly unable to be contained into a single person. Yet the most interesting thing was how his magic was connected to the two men sitting with him, as if they held a small portion of it within them. The lines connecting them were confusing, they easily got mixed up in the magic that was him, but as she concentrated she made out the links. Going from this wizard to the two in from of him was a connection, one which centred on their left arms.
