The Other Potter

Chapter five

Harriet wasn't surprised that her father stepped up his protections for the summer. The very reason he had brought them home early via floo was so that he could update and improve the wards surrounding their manor. James however wasn't as understanding... leading to their current argument; Two days in and James was already acting like a brat.

"I don't understand why I can't go meet up with my friends in Diagon alley!" her brother whined.

"Because it's dangerous James, if you want to see them you can have them over anytime."

"But it's boring here, we've done everything."

Harriet didn't withhold her eye roll, her brother had an entire manor, Quidditch pitch and library at his disposal yet said there was nothing to do?

"James you know that it isn't safe, you've seen the papers and I can tell you it's getting worse, each day more people are disappearing."

"But they're only attacking muggles and muggleborns. We're all purebloods apart from Remus who's a half blood; we'll be fine if we go to the alley for a few hours."

Harriet was surprised James would say that, but then again if it helped him get his way she shouldn't have been.

"It doesn't matter who they've attacked so far James, they're escalating and soon it won't matter."

Tuning out of their argument Harriet wondered what would happen in the future.

/

Harriet had met aunt Cassiopeia a handful of times growing up. She knew the woman had a reputation; she was like all Blacks, rather infamous, her black book was the envy and terror of almost everyone.

"You look like a Black at least," were the first words the old witch said when Harriet stepped from the floo.

Harriet wondered about the relevance of such a comment but knew better than to question her elders, Arcturus had taught her that early on. So instead she nodded her head slightly and replied, "thank you, I am told I look like my mother."

The old witch smirked, "respectful to, yes I can work with this..."

If Harriet had ever believed her childhood lessons with her uncle were rough, such thoughts were quickly dispelled within a few short hours. She was in hell; it was the only explanation.

"Dodge girl," the demented old witch cackled, gleefully slinging a sickly yellow coloured spell at Harry.

Spinning, Harriet dodged the spell, throwing back an entail expelling curse. She surprised when she was only half disappointed that it didn't connect to her current duelling partner.

Harriet had naively thought that her lessons with Cassiopeia would be dull; the old lady had lured her into a false sense of security as the first half of their lesson had been her quizzing Harry on magic, history and politics.

Cassiopeia had been impressed with the girl, she was quick and didn't give away her hand to much; shocking for a Potter raised Ravenclaw, the girl answered and manipulated her answers like a veteran snake. Her potential was great, with a few lessons on the finer areas of politics and people management, Cassiopeia could see her going far.

It wasn't just Cassiopeia who was impressed; Harriet, though reluctant to admit it as she was currently exhausted, was in slight awe of the old witch. Cassiopeia's political savvy was immense, she could manipulate a room full of people and dig out their secrets faster than anybody Harriet had ever seen, and she could do it without them being any the wiser. Such skill shouldn't have shocked Harriet. Everybody knew not to mess with the Blacks; they were powerful not just magically but politically as well. Still, Harriet mused, as she dodged another spell blast, having an eighty four year old witch spinning and cursing at you, while still managing to question your knowledge of family histories was a shocking and awe-inspiring experience.

Cassiopeia had laughed at Harriet's shock, "Dear girl, I hold the most blackmail material in Europe. If I was any less than who and what I am I wouldn't have survived."

The black book was famous. Every family had one, where they kept their secrets, yet Cassiopeia Blacks was legendary. She had secrets and information on every major political and social figure in Europe; it was because of this that she was the Black family's official secret keeper.

"You need to keep focused Lyra," the old witch chastised as a spell caught her shoulder making her wince.

Narrowly avoiding being hit by another spell, Harriet sent back a stunner followed quickly by her living nightmare curse. Harriet was proud of her creation, she knew it would be classified as dark if she published it for mass market but she didn't care. She had created it after her uncle had issued her a challenge.

Spell creation wasn't an easy task; it required knowledge of runes, Arithmancy and magical theory. Harriet hadn't expected her spell to work but it had and it was a success. Her inspiration for the spell came from dementors, Harriet had never seen one in person but had read about the effects they had on people. Her spell brought for a person's fear and amplified it, only people with strong occulmency shields would be able to escape; it was a good spell for distracting and causing emotional upheaval, once somebody was trapped it made them easier targets, most would freeze.

Seeing Cassiopeia still and go pale, Harriet relaxed minutely and took a moment to breathe, she was exhausted. Raising her arm to send a stunner at the older witch Harriet was shocked to see one coming at her. Too tired to dodge she was hit and fell to the floor with a groan.

Hearing the older woman's mad giggling reminded Harriet of Bellatrix, and she wondered for a moment if it was genetic, lifting her head she saw the older woman twirling her wand.

"That last spell you used was good my dear," Cassiopeia praised, "not one I recognised, is it your own?"

Harriet struggled to sit up, body aching, "yes."

"Very good, the effects were strong, for most people it would incapacitate them completely."

Harriet nodded, pleased and not shocked that it hadn't rendered the older witch completely useless.

"Next time you use it, end your enemy quicker, if they have time they might overcome it. No hesitation." The older witch instructed.

Harriet nodded again, "yes aunt."

Cassiopeia looked at the girl on the floor; she had exceeded all of her expectations. Not just with the curse, which was honestly impressive given her age and current level of schooling, but also her attitude. She hadn't stopped to complain, even when Cassiopeia could see she was exhausted, no she had continued on and refused to give in.

"That's enough for today," she said; smirking at the flash of relief that showed in the girl's eyes, she would work with her to help hide that.

The girl was a diamond in the rough, she needed work but Cassiopeia was sure that by the time she was done with her she would be a star.

Letting her head fall back to the floor with a thud Harriet let out a relieved sigh as she heard her aunt leave. She knew the lessons where helping but Merlin she felt tired.

/

"You look like a troll stood on you. Twice," James commented as he sat down opposite her at breakfast a few weeks later.

Harriet didn't argue, aunt Cassiopeia didn't believe in taking it easy and had been working her to the bone.

"Thank you dear brother," she replied dryly.

James rolled his eyes at her, as the house elves popped in to give him a plate of food, "what's up? You sick or something?"

"Or something," Harriet replied, before adding, "I'm fine. I'm just tired because of all the duelling practice I've been doing at uncles Arcturus's."

James scrunched up his face as he was reminded where his sister spent most of her time, "well you should stop; you look like a hag."

Harriet hummed, she'd actually been given a few days off to recuperate as shed not only managed to impress Cassiopeia but Arcturus as well; Her living nightmare curse being perfected until it was good enough to add to the official Black family grimoire. Cassiopeia had even said that she was 'not completely hopeless' which coming from her was practically a glowing compliment.

"Don't worry I'm resting for the next few days, apparently my birthday is an adequate excuse for a break."

James scrunched his nose at that but didn't comment.

"What's it like?" he asked after a few moments of silence.

"What's what like?" asked a tired voice from the doorway.

Harriet didn't need to turn to know who was behind her; she wasn't sure if Sirius had even been home this summer, the boy seemed to be here every time she turned around.

"Harry's duelling lessons," James filled in his friend.

"You're getting duelling lessons?" Sirius asked, confused as he knew Charlus hadn't gotten James any lessons.

"Yes, uncle Arcturus was going to give them to me but instead aunt Cassiopeia requested the chance."

Sirius stilled at that; He wanted nothing to do with his family or their dark ways, had tried hard to ignore everything they had taught him yet such a thing was unattainable. He couldn't force himself to forget everything that had been instilled to him from birth, because of that he knew the implications of Harriet receiving lessons from Cassiopeia Black. He had suspected he might be disowned, was surprised he hadn't already been to be honest, but he had assumed Regulus would become the next heir to the family after him.

"Does Reggie know about these lessons, usurper?" he asked.

Harriet was confused; not by Sirius's snarling attitude, no, he had maintained his anti-Harry complain throughout the summer, no what confused her were his words.

"Does he know what?"

"That you're going to take my place as the Heir to the Black Family?"

"What?" her father's voice rang through the room.

Harriet however was confused and ignored her father, instead focusing back on the last few months, masking her reaction as realisation hit her. It explained a lot if she thought about it, especially Regulus's contemplative then relieved reaction to her telling him about the lessons; Regulus had no desire to be the next Lord Black. Still she was shocked; she hadn't considered she would be a contender for the role.

"What do you mean Sirius?" Charlus asked.

"Cassiopeia is the one who trains heirs. Grandfather and father both trained under her, I was supposed to but..."

Charlus couldn't believe it and looking at his daughter he was relieved to see she looked as shocked as him, oh she hide it well, but he knew she was as in the dark about the situation as he was. Still he had to check...

"Has Lord Black made any mention of this to you?" he asked.

Harriet frowned he hadn't, but then again he didn't need to, thinking back, his actions spoke of his intentions clearly. Still...

"He hasn't and to speculate on such matters is ridiculous."

Charlus didn't know what to say to that, it was at times like this he missed Dorea even more, she would have known what to do.

/

Cassiopeia watched as the girl she had spent the last few weeks training left for her week long break.

"So what do you think of her aunt?" Arcturus asked.

The elder witch turned to her lord nephew, "She is not what I expected," she admitted.

"She is the best candidate we have at securing a powerful family head."

"She is not a Black though."

"That is an easy enough problem to overcome, the girl is more of a Black than a Potter; the family magic's called to her like none I've ever seen before."

Cassiopeia knew this, had been informed of it and shown pensive memories of the girls ceremony, "I know, if I didn't think she had the potential to be the next Lady Black I wouldn't be here."

"Yes, I was surprised when I got your request."

"I heard whispers."

"Whispers?" Arcturus asked.

"The Dark Lord is gaining power; If and when we join him we put ourselves at risk. Therefore we need to secure our family and if you truly believe that the best chance we have to do that is through that girl then I will ensure that she is ready."

"Our Lord was impressed with her when they met over Yule."

"Yes your letter alluded to that, but what of her thoughts?"

"Lyra hid herself well for one so young," he said proud of his little star, "yet I could see she was taken aback by his magic, he fascinated her I believe."

Cassiopeia hummed, "I trust you know what you're doing nephew, aligning us with a Dark Lord."

Arcturus nodded, "the consequences of doing nothing are worse than if we try and fail."

The elder witch nodded, "very well."

/

Charlus stepped through the floo into Albus's office. He had just come off a fourteen hour shift and wanted nothing more than to rest, but knew such a thing wasn't as important as this meeting.

"Ah, Charlus we were just waiting for you to arrive," Albus said jovially.

"I apologise for keeping you waiting, with everything going on the whole department has been in chaos as I'm sure has Alastor told you."

Alastor was Alastor Moody, a young man who was currently making a name for himself in his department. He was one of the people Albus had drafted into this group, people who shared the belief that the rising darkness in their community needed to be stopped.

"It's quite all right. Now that we're all here, let's call this meeting to a start, has anybody got anything to share?"

Charlus listened to the reports of the people gathered; nobody had any real news to share. This Dark Lord Voldemort was being careful, oh they knew he was out there, but until he announced himself they were fighting a losing battle. Charlus was having a hard enough time trying to convince his boss that there was a real threat out there and that his budget needed to be extended. Charlus added what he could, he couldn't share everything gathered by his department for security reasons, but he shared what he could.

"I've heard nothing concrete, but there's growing whispers, he's looking to grow his followers," Aberforth said, he was Albus's younger brother and owned the Hog's Head Inn in Hogsmeade. The place was the sort to attract the dregs of society so he usually had something to share.

This statement led to another round of discussions; who were his followers? Names were thrown out and offered up but all were simply speculation. This made Charlus pause; the Black family had been mentioned. He wondered if he should mention Sirius's suspicions about the Black and his status as the heir.

"Do you have something to add Charlus?" Albus asked, having seen his warring expression.

"It's not about The Dark Lord as such, but it might still be important to know. Sirius believes that Arcturus Black is going to name Harriet his heir."

The words cause whispers and a few pointed glares; many had forgotten his family's ties to the Blacks.

"Has he come forward and said anything, approached you about this at all?" Albus asked leaving forward, a twinkle in his blue eyes.

"No," Charlus said, "it's just speculation. Harriet was just as shocked as I when Sirius announced it."

Albus stroked his beard, "I see. This could potentially be a great boon, if Harriet becomes the next Black heir she, like Sirius could have, could cut off that families dark influence."

Charlus couldn't help but frown at the words; he knew his daughter and knew that it was more likely that she would remain neutral than turn against the Blacks and get involved in the coming war.

"I'll keep a closer watch over her this year," Albus said, "make sure she isn't influence by the dark."

Charlus sighed, "She's too young to be getting mixed up in all of this."

Albus sent his friend a look of compassion, "they won't see it like that."

Reluctantly Charlus agreed, if only because having extra eyes on her would keep his daughter safe.

/

"I can't believe that you're letting those snakes come into your home."

Harriet overheard Sirius whine as she approached the den where they received people.

"Dad said we can't complain; it's her birthday and if she wants them here then she's allowed. It's not safe for her to meet them in Diagon alley," she heard James reply.

"Still, you had better watch out. They'll probably leave a curse or two on the wards and leave you trapped or hex you with something deadly."

Entering the room Harriet snorted; both fourteen year olds were standing near the floo arms folded and looking mutinous.

"You don't have to be here," she reminded her brother.

"Dad said I had to make sure everybody gets through okay," James said, scowl in place.

Their father was working once again, something Harriet had come to expect. She could count on her hands the amount of times she had seen him this summer; between her lessons and his job they simply didn't have the chance. Still he promised to get a day off soon so they could spend it together celebrating as a family and as a concession made out of guilt, he had said Harriet could have whoever she liked over to the manor on her birthday to celebrate.

That was why James was so annoyed, Harriet had invited over her friends. Bellatrix was coming with Rodolphus; Rabastan unable to make it because of his apprentice, Narcissa was coming with Lucius, Barty and Regulus would be arriving together and Harriet had even taken the thought to invite Miranda and Jasmine.

Sitting in the chair as far from the two Gryffindors as possible, Harriet waited for her guests to arrive. She wasn't shocked when it was Bellatrix who appeared from the fireplace first.

"Little Star!" the recently graduated Slytherin said, skipping towards Harriet and completely ignoring the two young wizards.

"Cousin," Harriet said, standing to receive the enthusiastic witches hug.

"Bella you're going to turn her blue," said Rodolphus's dry voice, as he followed his fiancé out of the fire, nodding his head to the two younger wizards with a smirk on his face.

Letting her go, Bella turned and pouted at him.

"You're no fun," she said as she skipped over to him, attaching herself to his arm.

Harriet smiled as she saw them together, they were set to marry this Yule and Harriet knew her cousin was lucky to have such a match; they genuinely loved each other and it showed.

"Hello Rodo," Harriet said, smirking as his eyebrow twitched at the nickname.

"Little Bird," he greeted.

James watched their interaction with intrigue; he was used to Bella being her usual crazy psycho self who had not decorum, yet he had never seen Lestrange act like anything but an emotionless proper pureblood heir.

The flood flashing green again drew James attention as Narcissa stepped through, followed by Lucius.

"Potter," the blonde haired male Slytherin greeted, voice indifferent as he looked at him and Sirius before dismissing them.

"Malfoy," he replied in turn, not managing to hide the dislike in his voice.

"Little cousin," Narcissa greeted; like Bella she also drew Harry into a hug, though hers was by far less violent.

Soon everybody had come through and James was left looking at the gathered group. They were all picture perfect little purebloods, who now they had greeted one another, seemed to the fallen back into their emotionless roles.

Harriet was happy with the turn out, everybody except Rabastan had managed to come over.

"If you would all follow me the house elves have set some refreshment up for us in the sunroom."

James watched them go and felt torn; maybe they weren't as bad as he thought? Still he couldn't help but remember Bellatrix's insane giggle and the glee in her eyes as she had read about the attack that occurred before they broke up for the summer.

"We're going to spy on them right?" Sirius asked.

James looked at his best friend, not surprised by the question, "no," he said sourly.

"You can't really trust those future Death Eaters?"

James couldn't believe Sirius had the balls to call them that, "I don't trust them nor do I like them being near Harry but you can't just call people Death Eaters!" he hissed.

His father had come home from work last week exhausted once again and complaining about the growing number of people vanishing. He had told them with a grim look that a group known as 'death eaters', followers of the Dark Lord Voldemort, were most likely the ones responsible.

Sirius scoffed, "they are future ones. I bet Lestrange is one already."

James was conflicted, he agreed with Sirius to a point. Lestrange did seem like the ideal candidate, from what he had gathered from his father the Death Eaters were the Dark Lords followers, usually pureblood traditionalists who hated muggles and muggleborns. Lestrange fit the mould and James knew that his views matched up.

"We can't. If Harry finds out she'll hex us," James said, it was true. Their relationship had been strained all summer and he didn't want to know what she would do if she caught him spying on her or her guests, even if he didn't trust them.

"Pppft, we're the marauders. We won't get caught!" Sirius boasted arrogantly.

James was conflicted, he didn't want them with his sister but he didn't want to anger her even more.

"We can't. You know that with her gift she can catch us, she can even see through the cloak."

"But..."

"It's her birthday. If we ruin it dad will be furious," James pointed out

Sirius looked annoyed but reluctantly agreed, "fine, I think it's a mistake but whatever."

/

"So my Little Star, are you excited for turning thirteen?" Bellatrix asked as they absconded to the sunroom.

Harriet smiled, "I suppose," Harriet mused, "but it's not an important birthday."

"That's not a good enough answer Lyra, all of your birthdays are important," Narcissa said.

Laughing Harriet smiled, "shall I remind you of that when we reach our 50's and start to go grey?"

Bellatrix cackled while Narcissa smirked, "perhaps not, but your birthday is still important little one," Narcissa insisted.

"Will you still love me when I'm old and grey?" Bella asked a suddenly terrified looking Rodolphus.

Harriet smirked; he would have to answer this question very carefully.

"I would, even old and grey I would still find you enchanting. Nothing would stop me from loving you."

Bellatrix looked stunned and actually blushed while the rest of the males looked appalled at Rodolphus's response; Lucius in particular. as Narcissa suddenly turned to him. Harriet however was pleased; Bellatrix deserved only the best.

Lucius sighed as he received a pointed look from Narcissa and pulled her to him, gently kissing her hand.

Harriet smiled and caught Barty's eye, "Not going to try to flatter me Crouch?" she asked jokingly.

Barty looked panicked; seeing this Harriet laughed, "Its okay Barty. I would be genuinely terrified if you tried. You're my best friend."

"Are you lot usually so loved up or is it our presence?" asked Miranda as she sat watching them all with mirth in her eyes.

Bellatrix pulled from her moment, giggled and started to skip towards Harriet, "the little Avery is right, you distracted me Lyra."

Laughing at her cousin's enthusiasm, Harriet allowed herself to be seated in the middle of the room.

"Now birthday girl, it is time for presents," Bellatrix practically squealed.

With a resigned sigh Harriet took the gift from her hands, "you haven't gone overboard have you?" she asked.

Rodolphus snorted and sent Harriet a look, "do you think she knows the meaning of the word sensible?"

Opening the present which was wrapped in silver Harriet found herself holding a black velvet box, already dreading what was inside she sent Bellatrix an exasperated look before opening the box the box; inside was a gorgeous diamond hair clip shaped like a shooting star. Picking it up Harriet was taken away by how the light reflected from the gems and covered the walls in sparkling colour.

"It's beautiful," she said, "thank you both."

Bellatrix beamed while Rodolphus nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"You can wear it during our bonding ceremony," Bellatrix said.

"Have you settled on a date then?"

"We have," Rodolphus said, "the 21st of December."

Harriet smiled, "a Yule ceremony, how lovely."

Regulus appeared then, "open this next," he said, "Before you get distracted by talk of bonding ceremonies and forget all about your other gifts."

Hiding a blush, as she was about to let herself get distracted, Harriet took the present from Regulus.

"It's from my parents as well," he added.

Smiling Harriet opened the box and was surprised at the gift, inside the box was a beautiful silver brush with a matching mirror and comb. Picking the brush out Harriet was shocked at the beauty of it; the silver was engraved with roses so intricate they looked real.

"They're lovely," she said, placing it back in the box.

Soon Harriet had opened all of her gifts and found herself with a delicate rune working set with a selection of crystals, a beautiful new set of formal robes, books on warding, curses and blood magic's and an assortment of different candies.

"Now that you've thoroughly spoilt me, I supposed it time to let the elves serve us some refreshments."

Bellatrix nodded with excitement, "and what have you decided on for this year's cake?"

For the last few years, Harriet would ask for a different type of cake on her birthday, "this year I asked the elves to me a caramel and pecan cake," she said.

With the refreshments gone the group soon settled into comfortable conversation.

"Have you decided yet what you wish to pursue Bella?" Harriet asked her cousin.

"I'm still unsure, I don't want to be bored all day sitting around but nothing really appeals to me," the older witch complained

"Have you considered doing a mastery in a subject?"

Bellatrix went silent in consideration, "Maybe defence..."

"You would do well with that," Barty said, having seen the older witch curse the people who annoyed her on more than one occasion.

Rodolphus patted his pouting fiancés hand, "just think darling, you could get you mastery in time to teach Lyra's seventh year."

Bellatrix's eyes widened and she cackled, "professor Lestrange," she tested, "I like it."

Harriet laughed, "I doubt Dumbles would allow you to teach Bella, didn't he threaten you more than once with suspension for cursing the poor defenceless Hufflepuffs?"

Bella pouted at the reminded, "it's not my fault badgers cry so easily."

"And let's not mention who taught Bia her hunting habits," Narcissa said, sending Bellatrix a pointed look as the older witch giggled again.

At the name of her familiar, suspicious looks were sent around the room, making Harriet laugh. Bia was, at last check, in the kitchen asleep. Her kneazle was fascinated by the house elves as they tended to spoil her rotten.

Once reassured that speaking her name hadn't made the kneazle appear, Regulus cleared his throat, "even without the possibility of teaching, perusing a mastery would be good for you cousin."

Bellatrix hummed, "I suppose I could ask father and grandfather to ask around, see if there are any appropriate masters willing to take me on."

"Speaking of cousins, where is Andromeda?" Harriet asked.

Both Black sisters scowled, Bellatrix most notably.

"She's spending the summer with aunt Lucretia, mothers hoping that spending time away will help her to remember her priorities," Narcissa explained.

"She's still dating that Hufflepuff, Tonks isn't it?"

Bella snarled, muttering about hexes and Hufflepuffs; ignoring her, Narcissa showed a pained expression, "yes, Theodore Tonks."

Harriet hummed; she had hardly seen or spoken to Andy in years, the middle Black sister having pulled away from the family almost completely.

"It's a shame," Jasmine said, "my brother used to have a ridiculous crush on her,"

Narcissa turned at that, shock and mirth showing on her face "really, Even Rosier had a crush?"

"Oh that's not even the funny part..."

The males all shared resigned looks as the conversation descended into topics of crushes and relationships. Regulus and Barty looked particularly horrified as they heard the inner workings of the female mind; both of the younger wizards had never been exposed to girls when they got together like this.

/

Harriet was happy as she place away her gifts, gently running her new brush through her lose hair.

"Knock knock," a voice said, turning towards her door, Harriet place the brush down on her vanity.

"Come in father," she said, smiling when Charlus appeared.

He looked tired and once again she was hit with guilt as she took in his pale skin, drawn face and slumped shoulders.

"How is my birthday girl?" he asked happily.

Harriet smiled, "I'm good thank you," she said, picking her brush back up to continue combing her hair.

Watching his daughter, Charlus was hit with a sudden sense of melancholy, she looked more and more like Dorea with each passing day. Standing behind her, he gently took the brush admiring it before he took over combing her hair.

"This is nice, is it new?" he asked.

Harriet hummed, her mother used to do her hair, the memory had her smile with bittersweet happiness.

"Yes, Regulus and his parent got it for me."

Running the brush through her long black curls Charlus nodded, "that was good of them," he said, before asking, "Now I may not be an expert but I can manage a few basic things, so my lady, how would you like your hair?"

Laughing Harriet sent her father a shocked look.

"Oh you laugh but I assure you, if I wasn't an auror I could easily be a stylist," he boasted with faux arrogance.

Laughing Harriet smiled, "a simple braid will do."

Running his finger through her curls once more, Charlus gently partitioned sections of her hair, "I used to do this for your mother when we were younger, she insisted that it was a necessary life skill."

Harriet smiled again, "well it's certainly coming in handy now."

Once the braid was finished Charlus stepped back and smiled, "there a braid fit for a princess," he announced.

Shaking her head fondly at his antics Harriet asked, "Is there something you needed father?"

"No, I just wanted to see you. It's your birthday and I've practically missed it all."

"It's okay; I understand that you're busy."

"I will never be too busy for you or James. I love you both"

Harriet smiled slightly sadly at that, "I love you to father."

Looking up at him, she couldn't shift the guilt she felt, she did love him; He was her father, even if she didn't agree with everything he believed in or fought for, that would never change.

"Now I've got tomorrow morning off, so how about I take you and James for breakfast?"

Harriet nodded, "I would like that."

Smiling Charlus leaned and gave his daughter a kiss on the forehead, "excellent."

/

Harriet sat opposite Cassiopeia and sipped from her tea cup. Since returning to her lessons she hadn't brought up Sirius's accusation or her own suspicions, but she had noted how everything she was being taught would be helpful for a family head.

"So you're going into your third year come September?"

"Yes aunt."

"As a Ravenclaw," Cassiopeia stated.

"Yes."

"You'll be underestimated as a Ravenclaw I suppose, still make sure to foster relationships with the Slytherins. Most people of influence hail from the snake pit."

Harriet sipped her tea, "I shall. I have many friends as well as family residing in Slytherin."

Cassiopeia smirked, pleased with her reply. "What lessons have you opted for?" she asked.

"I'm taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, as well as Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. The latter two however are only on a provisional basis for now, I will most likely decide to drop one or both within a few weeks."

Cassiopeia nodded, pleased with the selection, "a good choice. Have you made any headway on developing your latest project?"

Harriet placed her cup down, "not as much as I had hoped. When I created my spell it was, in comparison, easy. Trying to develop a ward is much more complex."

Arcturus had issued her another challenge, to create a blood based ward. Harriet was excited by the task yet I was providing to be difficult, creating a simple ward was beyond her current abilities let alone a blood ward.

Cassiopeia smirked, "you have time dear. I was shocked you managed a spell at your age let alone one of such magnificence."

"Thank you."

"Arcturus is aware this task will take time, even years. Him giving you such a task is a show of faith on his part, he is confident you will be able to achieve and exceed this challenge. I dare say he will be practically giddy when you do so."

Harriet smiled at the thought, pleased at their confidence in her, "I shall see to it that his faith is not misplaced then."

Cassiopeia looked at the girl sitting opposite her and allowed a smile to show. It was a small thing that Harriet had never seen before, "it isn't."

Harriet felt warmth fill her at the words; their confidence in her and her abilities would never grow old.

/

Unlike the previous journey to Hogwarts, this time Harriet and her brother were running late. James had managed to put off packing until the last minute and by doing so couldn't find most of what he needed, even with help from the elves.

"I don't know how you managed to lose half of your books," Harriet chastised as they walked through the train, "it's not like you read them in advance."

James grumbled, he'd had to leave without them, the elves promising to send them over once they were found.

"Well I'm sorry, we can't all be perfect like you," he said snootily.

Refraining from rolling her eyes Harriet turned to her brother, "I'm not perfect-"

Harriet was cut off as she collided with somebody, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Seeing this James smirked, it served her right.

Harriet took a moment to gather her bearings and wanted to groan; this was James's fault. Realising her position she carefully got off the person bellow her; Looking she saw pale skin, long rather lank hair and rather worn robes.

"I'm so sorry," she said, offering the boy a hand up. Seeing him from this angle she saw he had a Slytherin tie on.

The boy glared at the hand and didn't take it, instead standing with a wince.

"Serves you right-" James started to say, but cut himself off when he saw the boy, "Snivellus!" he said his voice turning into something Harriet didn't recognise.

The boys glare intensified "Potter," he snarled, "I should have known you'd be involved in this."

Harriet, hearing the name knew who this boy was; she had put up with her brothers rants about Severus Snape for years, this however was her first time interaction with the boy in person.

"James," she said drawing his attention.

Looking away from his mortal enemy James was surprised by the look on his sister's face.

"What?" he asked.

"Get lost." She said, the sweet tone contrasting to the dark look on her face.

"But-"

"Now."

James stared at her, then a Snivellus who was also looking at her in confusion.

"Whatever, I'm going to find Sirius," he said pushing past her, "I'll see you soon Snivelly," he added.

Harriet sighed at her brothers parting comment, shaking her head.

"I apologise once again," she said to the pale boy who had yet to say anything to her.

Severus Snape was confused, not only had he been knocked over and then offered help but James Potter had walked away without doing anything other than call him a stupid name.

"It's fine," he said to the girl, who now that he actually looked at her seemed familiar.

"I'm Harriet Potter," Harry said offering him a smile.

Severus felt his face scrunch up at the name but reluctantly introduced himself, "Severus Snape."

"Oh I know; I've had the absolute pleasure of having to listen to James whine about you for years."

Severus felt slightly smug about that but before he could ask more, a voice interrupted them.

"Sev, where'd you- Oh, hello Harry," Lily said, cutting herself off when she found them standing together.

Both Harriet and Severus hid their wince at the nickname; such familiarity was for family and friends. Severus had tried to teach Lily that but she had laughed him off, saying such rules were ancient and not important. She didn't understand that she was insulting the person she addressed each time she used such familiarity, that her refusal made her seem ignorant especially as she knew and chose to ignore magical etiquette and culture.

Seeing the girl her brother was obsessed with Harriet allowed a small and hopefully not too fake smile to appear, "Evans," she greeted.

Rolling her eyes, Lily looked at the younger Potter; the girl was just a beautiful as she remembered and just a stuffy.

"I didn't know you knew Sev."

"A recent acquaintance," Harriet said, sending the pale boy a smirk.

Confused that Severus smirked back, Lily turned to the Ravenclaw and asked, "Would you like to sit with us? We have a compartment."

Harriet stepped back, "thank you for the offer, but I should go and find my friends. No doubt if I don't show soon they will come looking for me."

Lily didn't know if she was disappointed by that or not, "okay then. If you can't fine them you're more than welcome to join us. Isn't she Sev?"

Severus looked at the younger Potter, he had never met Harriet Potter before now but he knew of her, it was the reason he hadn't automatically recognised her. She looked nothing like her brother; she looked more like that cur Sirius Black than James Potter. Still he had seen her around school, she often sat with one of her fellow Ravenclaw's and Regulus Black, a Slytherin in her year, who he admittedly went out of his way to avoid because of his relationship with Sirius Black.

Nodding his head once, Severus agreed with Lily "yes."

Harriet nodded her head at the two, "I should be going."

As she walked away she heard lily whisper at Severus.

"What were you doing talking to her? Did you talk to her?"

Smirking at the groan the Slytherin let out Harriet made her way to the compartment she and her friends usually occupied.

"Did you get lost on the way?" Barty asked as she walked in.

"Hardly, James struggled to get packed in time and delayed us," she said, "I was also waylaid by Snape."

Regulus turned to her at that, "Severus Snape?"

"Is there another?" she asked

Regulus rolled his eyes at her, "how did he waylay you?"

"James distracted me and we bumped into one another. I don't understand James fascination with the boy."

"He's friends with James's mudblood," Lucius said, knowing who they were talking about. He was quite fond of the quiet Slytherin, his mind was a dark and devious place, if only he would ditch the mudblood then Lucius would see about bringing him into their social circle.

"Lily Evans, I spoke to her briefly as well," Harriet said.

"I don't see what you brother is so captivated by with that girl," Narcissa said her dislike clear.

"Morgana knows. She has them both enthralled, though I did notice Snape withholding a wince when she called me Harry."

They all cringed at that, they were familiar enough for nicknames but they all knew that Harriet didn't really like to be called Harry; only accepting it from her father without complaint.

"He's tried teaching her our ways, the girl simply refuses to listen," Lucius said.

"You seem to know a lot about him," Barty questioned.

Lucius hummed, "he has potential and his mind is a rare prize."

"I've seen him doing his potions homework in the common room. He's a genius," Regulus agreed.

Harriet listened with curiosity; she'd never bothered to find out more out Snape, as her brothers self-declared rival, he hadn't registered to her but she was finding herself rather interested by him now.