The Other Potter
Chapter four
Tom Riddle sat and admired the splendour around him; Black had gone out of his way to make the castle festive it would seem. Making his way through the ballroom, he turned straight towards the parlour; he didn't wish to partake in the festivities, no he was here simply because his followers would be in attendance. Finding a spot in the corner, he noted the house elves brought him his favourite fire whiskey straight away without any prompting. The notion make him smirk, his servants were trained well, even the formidable Lord of The Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Soon after his arrival he saw a rotating assortment of his followers all of them coming and going before him; some to give reports and updates whilst others simply wished to bask in his presence. Currently Nott and Dolohov were speaking to him, the former letting in know about the current education reforms that were being drafted.
"This is the man I wished for you to meet."
The words pulled his attention away from their latest update; he had been listening Theodore Nott, the man was one of his oldest and closest allies, somebody he would willingly take advice from if necessary. However, the words that had drawn his attention came from Arcturus who was approaching them. Unlike Theodore, Arcturus wasn't marked. The man supported him and his goals but he wasn't a true follower. The Black lord had been older than Tom in school, a Slytherin who left before Tom took his place as their rightful leader; yet the man listened to him and acknowledged him as the Dark Lord. His support had made Toms life easier; his influence over the dark families was formidable, therefore he knew not to ignore him.
Following behind the Lord Black was a small girl; who from the quick glace he sent at her, he assumed she was one of Arcturus's many grandchildren, which one however he didn't know. Still that he wanted to introduce the girl was surprising; he had thought the Black heir was Orion's son. Dismissing Dolohov and Nott with a look and a wave of his hand, he bid Arcturus to join him.
Looking as they approached Tom was shocked to see the subtle glow around the girl's eyes, such a gift was a rare treasure. The reason why Arcturus wanted them to meet was becoming clearer, such a witch would surely one day be a great ally to have, especially if she was being groomed as the next Lady Black. He noticed when the girl saw him, her breath caught, something that made him smug; her mask had been impressive for one so young up until that point.
/
Harriet followed her uncle as he joined the man, taking the seat indicated for her.
"Arcturus," the man greeted; his voice was like warm honey.
"My lord," Arcturus returned the greeting.
"May I introduce my niece, Harriet Lyra Potter, daughter of Lord Charlus Potter and the late Dorea Potter nee Black."
Tom was both confused and intrigued; a Potter was going to take over the Black family? Arcturus hadn't said anything but his actions spoke for themselves. Tom knew both Charlus and Dorea; they had gone to school together. He hadn't liked Charlus much; the man was arrogant and loud, he took for granted his life and his magic. Dorea however had been a tentative ally; the witch wasn't one of his followers but she had been smart, cunning and powerful, things he appreciated. He had been shocked when they announced their relationship, they were opposites in manner and beliefs yet they had seemed happy. He hadn't thought about them until recent years and that was only due to Charlus being one of his greatest opponents. Not only was the wizard the head of the UK auror force and unlikely to be bribed to look the other way, but he had allied himself with Dumbledore. So that Arcturus would pick his daughter to be his new heir was surprising.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Potter," he said, taking the smalls girls hand and kissing it.
Harriet noted how he didn't give his name but ignored that unusual turn of events. Allowing her eyes to smile, she like her uncle had before, inclined her head, "the pleasure is mine, My Lord."
Harriet's thoughts were in turmoil, could he really be who she suspected?
Tom noted the girls poise; her control was impressive for one so young, even without speaking it out loud, she must have at least suspect who he was, yet she didn't show any fear or apprehension. No the girl looked perfectly content and attentive.
"I'm surprised Arcturus, that you would want to introduce me to Miss Potter," he said.
Arcturus was pleased his Lord wasn't upset; "Lyra has spent the evening meeting many of people I deemed necessary. I thought to save the best till last before allowing her to escape."
Tom smirked, "what a cruel man you are," he joked before turning to the young Potter, "forgive me my impertinence but you eyes, you possess magical sight?" he asked.
Harriet had allowed her sight to fade as she sat, focusing on it once more she blinked, this time she was more prepared for what she would see, "yes My Lord. It manifested on my fifth birthday."
"A rare and powerful gift."
"It is, magic has blessed me."
"I have always wondered, what does magic look like?" Tom asked.
He was almost envious of this child's ability to do something he couldn't, something so powerful would no doubt he a great boon to him and his plans. Even though he was blessed which his ancestor's powerful bloodline gift and magic, the idea of actually seeing magic was tantalising. The way her green eyes light up was captivating, the power tangible for all to see.
Harriet paused, people had asked her that before but she always struggled to explain it, magic just was. Each spell and enchantment was different, every ward and potion. To describe it would be to describe colour to somebody who was blind. However she didn't think this man would appreciate her not trying...
"It's hard to say My Lord. Each spell, ward and enchantment is different, all magic is unique... like tapestries, made up of lines of magic woven together to create a bigger picture. People are different as well. Everybody's magic is exclusive, there are similarities; families tend to be alike as they share magic and blood. But I think it's also influenced by a person's personality?"
Tom was genuinely intrigued, it wasn't often somebody had insight that he didn't, "fascinating."
Harriet smiled, "it is, magic is beautiful and I'm blessed to be able to see and understand it in a way may can't. It's also very useful."
"How so?"
"Well it's like with wards, I can manipulate them easily because I can see the spell work that goes into them. I just have to apply the right rune sequence and I can get them to do what I want. It's like unwinding a ball of yarn."
Tom smirked at that; to be able to do such complex branch of magic with ease was fascinating. Yes, he could see why Arcturus wanted her as his heir, "I look forward to seeing what you one day accomplish Miss Potter."
Harriet sent the man she suspected was the rising Dark Lord a small smile, "thank you My Lord."
Arcturus who had been watching on in silence was pleased, "we shall take our leave My Lord, I'm sure you have others you wish to speak to."
Giving them leave with a wave of his hand, Tom sat back and watched Nott reappear, the man eager to continue where he left off.
/
Returning to the ballroom Harriet waited for her uncle to dismiss her.
"You have made me very proud tonight Lyra," he said, making her fight not to flush.
"Thank you uncle," Harriet replied.
"However I must ask one more thing of you."
Harriet stilled, she would admit meeting the Dark Lord wasn't boring but still she wanted t go and socialise with people her own age. However she couldn't say that so instead she masked her emotions and nodded her head.
"Yes uncle?" she asked.
"I know you're a bright girl and the implications of who you've just met won't be lost on you. So I ask this, take care of who you speak to about it."
Harriet wasn't surprised, "I understand uncle."
She did understand; the whispers that had been growing were getting louder. She knew the Dark Lord was getting ready to make his move, it was obvious. She had overheard her father, she knew that people were going missing, turning up dead and tortured. She had heard about the muggle slayings and how the auror department was struggling to stay on top of it. Salazar, she had seen how exhausted her father was trying to maintain control of the situation.
Still, she was torn by this turn of events; she was, as Barty liked to say, wilfully blind to her family and their involvement in the coming war. She knew they would side with the Dark Lord, whilst her father and no doubt James would oppose him. Therefore how she could be anything but torn, when both sides of her family would no doubt stand against one another?
/
Considering the shock which had occurred at the Yule ball, the rest of Harry's holiday was in comparison rather mundane. She escaped the manor multiple times, usually whenever James and his merry gang of Gryffindors decided to make an appearance, instead choosing to spend time with her uncle. This was made all the more necessary as Sirius had apparently decided he hated her as much as he hated the rest of those he considered family, and taken to trying to prank her without censor and calling her demon spawn. Uncle Arcturus when hearing this hadn't been pleased, though he did appreciate the extra time she spent with him. He had promised, that starting in the summer he would be giving her some hands on lessons, something which Harry was simultaneously looking forward to and dreading. Bella had cackled when she had heard; the witch had been taught by Arcturus at her request last year and said Harry was going to be in for a treat. Her words didn't offer comfort.
/
"How is that beast still allowed back?" James asked; he was for once sitting with Harriet on the train taking them back to school.
They had arrived at the station earlier than almost everybody as their father had been called into work early once again, leaving them little choice but to sit together or sit alone and wait for company.
Seeing that Bia had gotten out of her container, Harriet picked up her kneazle; Fully grown now, Bia was a decent size, but still small for her breed.
"She's not a beast," She said, stroking the fluffy head and getting contented purrs from her familiar.
"I'm pretty sure Macmillan is going to carry scars for life," James shot back.
Harriet paused at that, Bia did have an unhealthy hatred for all things Hufflepuff and Macmillan had been at the end of her claws more than once. Still the boy deserved it; she had caught him trying to hex Regulus and staring at her ass on more than one occasion.
Hearing their door open Harriet watched as Barty entered and froze, looking between the siblings with masked confusion.
"Crouch," James greeted.
He didn't know what to think about Harriet's best friend. He had seemed an alright sort, his father was a good man and not one of the stuck up purebloods, but the boy was always with his sister. Always. Since his epiphany regarding his sister and her appeal to the other sex, James was suddenly suspicious of all things male near Harriet.
"Potter," Barty said back, sitting next to Harriet only after Bia had given her permission. He knew better than to upset that kneazle.
"How was the rest of your Yule Barty?" Harriet asked; she had spent the remainer of the ball with him and Regulus, the three of them avoiding Sirius who had been forced to come along by his parents.
"Good, my mother and I spent it together in Devon; Father had to work."
Harriet nodded but didn't comment, knowing her friend wouldn't want to talk about his father in front of James. Their relationship was strained, the elder Crouch had high expectations for his son and never seemed satisfied by anything her friend did or achieved. She disliked him man the few times they had met; he had looked at her like she was a prize and had made a comment about good political ties through marriage. Barty's mother however had been a delight and clearly loved her son.
"When did you see each other over Yule?" James asked confused and suspicious.
"At uncle's ball," Harriet answered.
James nodded, he should have guessed that.
"I'm surprised I didn't see you there," Barty said, he had never understood the other potters dislike for his own family.
James scowled, "why would I want to go? they're all dark arts using bigots," he said petulantly.
Seeing Barty was insulted not just for himself, but for her and her family, Harriet placed a hand on his arm, "you've made your opinion very clear James. If we are to spend the next few hours together lets agree to disagree."
James scowled again, hating that she made him feel like a child, acting like she was so mature. It was times like this he wanted to hex her, why did she have to be like this? It was infuriating especially as they had gotten along okay recently. Still her uppity attitude was grating, he didn't understand how she could think like she did.
Harriet saw her brother's irritable look and fought not to roll her eyes. However before she could attempt to appease him, she refused to sit with him if he was going to sulk the entire way, their compartment door opened and Sirius walked in reluctantly followed by an annoyed looking Regulus.
"Jamie, old boy, why are you sitting with the demon spawn?" the Black heir asked, sending Harry a dark look.
James sighed, ever since the ball Sirius had been going on about how Harriet was evil. His grandfather had apparently spent the whole night doting on her, which is cleanly a sign she was the next coming of Morgana.
Rolling her eyes Harriet looked at Sirius, "you're more than free to sit elsewhere cousin."
Scowling, Sirius threw himself down next to James, "we're not cousins."
"Perhaps not but our proper relationship title is rather longwinded so I find it fits best."
"You would, but I find mortal enemies fits best", the last words where hair in a high pitch, Sirius attempt at mimicking her she assumed.
Regulus who had sat down next to Barty without word rolled his eyes at that, "brother you're ridiculous, cousin Lyra is family."
Sirius pulled a face, "her name is not Lyra. I don't know why you insist on calling her that, she's not a Black, she's Harry Potter ."
"I don't mind, as far as nicknames go being called my second name is preferred over being called Harry."
"Little star!" the excited shout cut off anything Sirius was about to say and made Harriet look up as their door once again opened and Bellatrix appeared.
"God were going to be surrounded by slimy snakes," Sirius muttered to James, who now looked constipated as he saw Narcissa and Lucius walking in. Bella who had now entered the compartment was sitting close to Harriet, having pushed Barty out of her way and picked Bia up without fear.
Hearing the words Bella turned and froze as she noted the two others in the compartment.
"Are you little kittens lost?" she practically purred, her smile taking a sadistic edge.
Sirius pulled a face, "I'm not afraid of you."
Bellatrix giggled then and pulled her wand with a flourish, "are you sure little lion?"
Harriet sighed, "Bella, be nice to them."
Bellatrix pouted but lost some of her fire, "but the little lions think they can roar."
James and Sirius shared a wordless conversation, they were confident in themselves but Bellatrix was mental.
"Whatever," Sirius muttered standing up, "like we want to sit you a bunch of evil worshiping freaks."
The words weren't unexpected nor did they hurt, but the fact James left with him without even looking back, surprisingly did cause Harriet pain.
/
The second half of her second year was moderately more interesting than the first; if only because they got to pick their classes for next year. Harriet had always known she would be taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, however she was torn about the possibility of adding another; she felt no desire towards Muggle Studies so that was out, yet both Divination and Care of Magical Creatures both had pros and cons.
With her magical sight, Divination could prove valuable; the techniques used by true seers could be helpful in developing her own gift. However, as she had no inclination towards Prophecy or Divine Arts what little she would gain would have to make up for the time wasted learning skills she would have no use for.
Care on the other hand, had would prove useful in developing her understanding of different creatures magic and therefore magic on the whole; it also helped in Herbology and potions. However excluding Bia and Nike, Harriet had no interest in animals, muggle or magical and whatever practical skills the class would give her would be wasted on her.
Regulus wasn't as torn as her, because of his not so secret love of animals he had opted to take Care of Magical Creatures alongside, Runes and Arithmancy.
Barty similarly wasn't struggling simply because he had opted to take all of the classes, something Harriet didn't understand as the work load would be immense and he was, by his own admission, not interested in Muggles or Divination.
"Why don't you take them both and drop whichever class you find least useful?" Narcissa offered her opinion.
Harriet was sitting with her, Bellatrix and a few of their female friends, something Narcissa insisted on, saying Harriet was always surrounded by boys'; which wasn't untrue as she tended to spend the majority of her time with Barty and Regulus but that hardly counted as surrounded.
Harriet hummed, "I supposed that could work, I imagine Flitwick would be used to Ravenclaw's testing classes out."
"I changed mine last year," a soft voice said; Jasmine Rosier was a Ravenclaw in the year above Harriet. They didn't really interact much as the girl tended to stick with her best friend Miranda Avery who was also in Ravenclaw but a 4th year or her brother Evan who a 5th year Slytherin.
Harriet sent the girl a small nod, unable to move her head properly as it was currently being braided.
"You've got such lovely hair," Alecto Carrow commented from behind her as she sat and finished styling her hair. Carrow was a Slytherin in Bellatrix's year, alongside her twin brother Amycus.
"It's just like aunty Dorea's," Cissa commented, she had often felt odd growing up with her blonde whilst being surrounded by her families black curls.
"All you Blacks are lucky," Miranda said, "even Sirius, the blood traitor that he is, is gorgeous."
Bellatrix cackled at that, she was the only one not doing anything and was only there as Narcissa had forced her to come, "the only thing good about that little stain, he's a useless excuse of a wizard."
"I don't know, I'm sure I could think up some uses for him," Miranda said, raising a delicate auburn eyebrow suggestively making Bella's cackles grow.
The comment made Harriet gag inside; even if he was attractive, which objectively she knew he was, Sirius would still be vile. His attitude and manner made him ugly. He hadn't let up his tormenting of her since they'd returned to Hogwarts, and if anything it seemed to have grown worse. James hadn't done anything to curb him, not that she needed him to, which Sirius seemed to take as a free pass to target her.
"Please, a muggle would be better than that blood traitor," she said.
Alecto snorted in apparent repulsion, "a muggle, really?"
"At least their ignorance is innocent; Sirius is just a lemming following the rest of the light lead fools."
Bella giggled, shaking her head manically, "No. No. No. There will be no Muggles or Blood Traitors for my Little Star."
Harriet shook her head at Bella's panic, "I would hope not."
/
For Harriet the end of year was bitter sweet; this was Bella's final year. She would miss seeing her cousin every day, still she was ready for classes to be over and summer to start.
Sitting and waiting to see who had won the house cup, Harriet couldn't help but look towards her eldest cousin. Bella looked bored, and a bored Bella was never good.
The sound of wings drew Harriet's attention from her breakfast; it wasn't often that such a number of birds were seen at once. Seeing Nike amongst them Harriet wondered what was going on. As her owl landed, Harriet carefully took some of the treats that had appeared and took her the letter and the newspaper, giving the bird some treat that had appeared on the table via the house elves.
Opening the letter, she saw her uncle's writing didn't get the chance to read it beyond recognising the writer as horrified gasps coming from the students around her caught her attention, looking up she saw them all crowding around their copies of The Daily Prophet. Curious Harriet placed her letter down, using a quick secrecy spell to hide its content and instead opened her copy of The Prophet.
Attack leaves 20 muggles dead: a sign of things to come?
The village of Muntton was attacked last night by a yet unnamed group of witches and wizards. The brutal attack on the muggle village took place at half 10 and is the 4th attack of its nature to take place in recent years, bringing the total number of muggles killed by this unknown group to a suspected 143.
In events which match the earlier attacks, as soon as our ministry aurors appeared at the scene, the unknown terrorists fled after shooting their symbol into the air.
More on the other attacks on pg 3.
Interview with Head Auror Potter on pg 6.
Scanning the article Harriet saw the picture of the Dark Lords mark flashing in the sky above the destroyed muggle village and felt unsure. She didn't particularly like muggles; she didn't know any and didn't desire to. They had their world and she had hers, therefore she couldn't quite understand the Dark Lords actions, surely attacking them would lead to a greater chance The Statue would be broken?
Folding the paper she placed it in her bag and picked up the letter, reading it she was both relieved and annoyed by the lack of information in the note. It didn't tell her anything about the attack, instead it was like the standard letters uncle usually sent, giving Harriet hope her uncle hadn't known about the attack.
Looking around Harriet noticed how quiet people had become when reading, their whispers dying down as they absorbed the situation; Green who ignored her like the plague, looked stricken whist a small number of people looked amused- oh they hid it well, but Harriet had become an expert at reading micro-expressions.
James couldn't believe it. The dark lord was growing bolder and looking around nobody else could either. Around him the Gryffindors didn't bother to hide their fear and disgust. Evan's looked ready to cry, her green eyes bright with tears, reminding James that his crush was muggleborn.
"I knew it," Sirius hissed.
Turing to his best friend, James quirked an eyebrow in silent question, asking what he knew.
"Over Yule everybody was so smug; I knew something like this would happen."
James was taken back, "you can't really think your family had something to do with this?"
Sirius laughed darkly, "I bet they were the first in line."
James shook his head, he knew the Blacks were dark but he didn't want to believe they would do something like this, not when Harriet spent so much time with them. Thinking of his sister James looked over to the Ravenclaw table and noticed her putting the paper down, no expression on her face, and picking up a letter. Around her the Ravenclaw's were whispering and seemed frightened yet she acted like she had no care in the world.
Seeing where he was looking, Sirius snorted, "I bet the demon spawn knew it was coming to, you should have seen her with grandfather; Showing her off like a prize phoenix."
Feeling eyes on her, Harriet looked up and caught James staring at her with a frown, he looked angry, a pale flush on his cheekbones. Sending him a questioning look Harriet was surprised when he stood up and walked towards her with quick steps. He wasn't the only person moving in the great hall, many people had gone to sit with friends and family, still his expression was different from theirs.
"Who's that letter from?" he whispered harshly, making sure only she would hear the question.
"Why?" she asked, taken back, putting the letter into her bag,
"I saw you got a letter, suspicious timing, so who was it from?"
Harriet was shocked, "what?" she repeated.
James knew he was being irrational but he couldn't help it, he had seen his sister reading the article and she wasn't even bothered, her stupid mask didn't slip even once.
"Let me see it," he demanded, reaching into her bag to get the letter out.
Harriet was stunned; thankfully nobody had noticed what was going on yet apart from Barty, who looked but as surprised as her. Without realising Harriet pulled her wand and had it jabbed it into James ribs within seconds. How dare he?
Feeling the press on a wand against him, James stilled, shocked.
"Get lost brother before I hex you," Harriet threatened, green eyes darkening in anger.
Barty noticed other people looking at them and tried to get Harriet's attention, but both Potters were locked in a standoff.
"You wouldn't," James whispered back.
Pressing her wand further, Harriet narrowed her eyes, "want to test me?"
Harriet didn't care why he wanted to see the letter and had he asked nicely she would have let him read it; but to come over and make demands from her? To try and take it from her via force? No, she wouldn't let that go.
Sirius seeing the wand against James stood but didn't make it far; painful fingers dug into his shoulder as black hair filled his peripheral vision.
"Now, now, cousin, it's rude in get involved in sibling arguments," Bella whispered leaning in and digging her fingers in deeper, no doubt causing bruises.
"Get off me you bitch," he snarled, trying to pull away from her.
James was taken back, "how can you sit there and be so calm when you knew," he bit out
"Knew what?"
"About the attack."
Harriet was confused and let it show, "what in Morgana's name are you talking about?"
"Sirius said-"
Harriet chuckled darkly, cutting James off, she should have known Sirius would have something to do with this, "if Sirius said the air was suddenly toxic to Gryffindors alone I bet you'd walk around with a bubblehead on all day."
James narrowed his eyes, "but the letter-"
Pulling the letter out Harriet thrust it into James's hands, cutting him off once again.
Shocked James looked at the letter and felt his confusion grow, alongside a small amount of guilt.
Lyra,
I know that it is unusual for me to write so late in the term but I wished to inform you of a change in our summer plans.
As you know I have promised you practical lessons this summer, however it would seem that we will have to delay them for a few weeks as your aunt Cassiopeia has decided to vacation at Castle Black this summer and demands I allow her the opportunity to educate you. As this opportunity is a rare one I have deemed it acceptable and granter her request. I trust you will agree with my decision.
I shall see you once school breaks up for the summer.
Your uncle,
Arcturus black
Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black
James reread it twice, feeling awkward.
"Happy I'm not conspiring to kill muggles now?" Harriet hissed quietly.
Flinching James felt guilty, "look I'm sorry, okay. I just thought-"
Harriet cut him off with a harsh look, "no that's the problem. You didn't think. You waltzed over here full of righteous Gryffindor indignation and made a fool out yourself and me. Now get lost before I really do hex you."
James was torn; he felt bad, but he hadn't done anything wrong. If she had just shown him the letter when he asked it wouldn't have been such a big deal. He hadn't really thought Harry would know anything, but hearing Sirius words and seeing Evans nearly crying had made him feel useless and weak and he had wanted to do something. Still he could see Harriet wasn't joking and took another step away; only then noticing people were watching them, wincing, he hoped they hadn't heard his accusations.
Opening his mouth to apologise again James quickly thought better of it, seeing Harriet's eyes narrowing at his action. Walking back to his seat James saw Sirius was red faced and being held by Bellatrix who looked giddy.
Approaching warily, James stopped when he was close enough to speak without anybody overhearing, "get lost." He said to the elder witch.
Bella let go of Sirius causing him to wince, "now, now, little lion. You should be respectful to your betters."
"You're not better than me you psycho."
"Oh but I am."
Before James could retaliate Bella moved and was suddenly in his face, her lips close enough to his ear he could feel her breath.
Feeling him go still Bella giggled, "Relax kitten, I'm hardly going to hurt you in the middle of the Great Hall, No, your precious headmaster wouldn't let me. Instead I'm going to give you some advice; leave my little star alone," Bella hissed the last bit.
James was taken back, "my sister-"
"Your sister is the only good thing about you, you worthless excuse of a wizard."
Insulted, James was about to pull his wand when another voice cut him off.
"I understand that this morning's paper has caused a great many of us distress however I must as that we all calm down and return to our seats," Dumbledore's voice rolled around the room.
Shooting the giggling Slytherin a dark look, James shoved passed her and back over to Sirius, who was rubbing his shoulder in pain.
/
Harriet saw Bella near James and felt oddly satisfied, her cousin always seemed to be there when she needed her.
"Are you okay?" the whispered question pulled Harriet's attention back to her surroundings.
"I'm fine," she assured Barty who sent her a sceptical look.
Focusing around her Harriet heard whisperings
Wonder what that was about...
He looked pissed...
Their father maybe?
Making sure her face was impassive Harriet tuned them out; relieved they hadn't heard her own brother making such accusations.
"He's a fool," Barty commented, he couldn't believe what Potter had just done.
Harriet smirked, "he's a Gryffindor."
Barky snorted before looking pensive, "my father is going to be awful this summer now."
Sending her friend a look, Barty continued, "he's making a move for minister; Not yet obviously, but in a few years. With all of this going on he's going to launch his anti-dark campaign, start to build a support."
Harriet tilted her head, Barty was a conundrum; she knew he didn't care about light or dark, she had seem more than one questionable book in his hands so she knew he wasn't limited in his view of magic, yet he always tried so hard to please his father.
"Then it seems we'll both have pleasant summers," she said dryly, not looking forward to spending time avoiding James and his minions.
Barty smirked, but before he could reply with what would have been no doubt an equally dry remark another voice rang through the room.
"I understand that this morning's paper has caused a great many of us distress however I must as that we all calm down and return to our seats."
Looking up Harriet saw the headmaster looked grave. After a few moments he started to speak again, "...as you now all know our world is becoming a dark and dangerous place. I can make no promises about that will come but I can promise you all this; here at Hogwarts you will be safe. I will not lie, dark times are ahead. We will be tempted and swayed but if we stand firm then we will overcome this shadow. There is always hope, a light even in the darkest of nights."
Harriet wanted to roll her eyes, it sounded like a subtle pro-light propaganda and recruitment speech to her. Looking around however, she saw that not many people realised this, most people were all looking grim yet determined. Unsurprised by the easily swayed minds of the masses, Harriet wondered not for the first time how it was that Dumbledore maintained his image of sweet grandfather when it was clear he was anything but.
The end of year feast was oddly subdued in comparison to previous ones. Even with Dumbledore's rallying speech the students didn't seem to recover their previous excitement for the coming summer. As soon as the plates cleared Harriet went to stand, she had finished packing but still wanted to return to Ravenclaw tower and wait for the train.
"Excuse me Miss Potter,"
Turning Harriet saw her Head of House; Filius Flitwick was part goblin, his magic which was mainly human, showed his mixed heritage. It was intriguing to Harriet, different from anybody else's she had ever seen before.
"Sir?" she said, phrasing it as a question.
"The headmaster has requested that you and your brother meet him in his office."
Harriet wondered what it was about, "I see," she replied.
"Do you know the way?"
Harriet smiled lightly at her teacher, "I do, thank you."
As he left Barty leaned in, "what was that about Lyra?"
"I'm not too sure; it would see the headmaster needs me and James."
Harriet felt a slither of worry worm its way through her, could Charlus be hurt?
/
Entering the headmaster's office after being called in, Harriet was displeased to see James hadn't arrived yet.
"Ah, Harry my dear girl," the headmaster said jovially, blue eyes twinkling.
"Have a seat, lemon drop?" he offered.
Forcing a pleasant smile on her face Harriet took the offered seat, "no thank you sir," she said, refusing one of the sour muggle candies.
Sitting in silence for a moment Harriet looked around the office, taking in all of the knickknacks and artefacts scattered around, she had never been in here as a student; having only visited once before as a child with her father. The headmaster's phoenix is what truly caught her attention though; the bird was magnificent, sitting on a perch in the corner.
"Ah I see you've spotted Fawkes."
Harriet hummed, "I've never seen a phoenix before," she admitted.
"Many haven't, they're reclusive creatures phoenixes."
Before she could say anything else, the door opened and James walked in, looking very at ease to be in the headmaster's office. Then again, from what she had heard he had been here many times because of his behaviour alongside his friends.
"Ah James, I was just wondering where you had gotten to," the headmaster greeted, raising the lemon drops in offering.
"Headmaster," James said, taking a sweet from the offered bowl.
"If I may headmaster, why are we here?" she asked.
Albus smiled, "it's nothing to worry about my dear, your father simply asked that I allow you to floo home for the summer."
Harriet was surprised at this, people didn't often floo home, it was usually reserved for emergencies.
"Is dad okay?" James asked, voicing Harriet's own fears.
"He's fine my dear boy, I spoke with him just this morning," the headmaster reassured.
Feeling better, Harry allowed some of the tension she hadn't realised was building, to leave her shoulders.
"I trust you're all packed?" the headmaster asked.
James fidgeted, "ermmm, no, not quite."
Harriet withheld her desire to snort, "I am."
The headmaster laughed happily, "well James, pop on back to your dorm and pack, once you're finished well get you both off home."
Seeing James about to leave, Harriet had a moment of displeasure, not wanting to be left with the headmaster.
"If I may headmaster, can I go and inform my friends I won't be joining them on the train?"
Albus nodded, "go on then dear, pop back once you're done,"
Relieved Harriet stood and followed after her brother, who had waited for her once hearing her request. As they walked, Harriet resolutely ignored her brother, still angry about his earlier behaviour.
"Look Harry, I'm sorry okay? I was an ass and I wasn't thinking."
Harriet didn't falter in her steps, "I don't want to hear it James."
James was getting annoyed at his sister's stubbornness, "you can't be angry at me forever Harry. We've got an entire summer together."
Still walking away Harriet replied, "Tragically. Now if you don't mind I've got to find Barty and Regulus and let them know I'm missing the train."
Watching her go James shook his head, he'd get through to her.
Albus allowed his jovial mask to drop once his office door closed; that Tom was becoming bolder wasn't a good thing and he worried for the future. He had seen the Potter siblings having what looked like an argument after the papers were delivered and hoped that James was able to pull his sister away from the darkness into the light.
