The Other Potter

Chapter six

Harriet knew her father and Dumbledore met up; was aware of the headmaster's plans and desire to stop the Dark Lord and ban all of the branches of magic he deemed dark and dangerous, she knew her father supported him. Therefore when she felt his eyes on her during the welcoming feast she wasn't overly shocked, unhappy yes, as she didn't like the feeling of being watched, but not shocked.

Entering her first class of the year, which happened to be transfiguration that feeling of being watched continued, much to her displeasure.

"Welcome class, to your third year," McGonagall said, her eyes sweeping across them but lingering on Harriet.

Wanting to groan, Harriet saw both Regulus and Barty pick up on their teachers not so subtle staring, she couldn't help but wonder why Dumbledore and his lackeys were paying so much attention to her. Throughout the class McGonagall paid closer than normal attention to her, something out of character for the old lion, not that she wouldn't usually praise Harriet on her abilities. No, she would often compare Harry's transfiguration skills to her brothers, but now she seemed to be lingering and commenting on every motion Harriet made.

As soon as class let out, with Ravenclaw being 20 points up courtesy of Harriet, both Barty and Regulus turned to her with questions in their eyes.

"I have no idea, though I suspect Dumbles is trying to keep an eye on me," she said in answer to their unasked question.

Regulus hummed, "still having them watching you like a hag watches an abandoned toddler is going to get old fast."

Snorting at the analogy Barty agreed before asking, "Why?"

"I think he fears for me, the world is such a dark and dangerous place," she said innocently, swooning and batting her eyelashes at her friends.

Both boys shivered at the tone, they knew better than to ever believe Harriet to be innocent.

Laughing at their expressions Harriet linked her arm through Barty's, they had Arithmancy together now and she was genuinely looking forward to the class.

"With a bit of luck it won't last long," she said.

Regulus hummed, "one hopes."

With that they split, Regulus making his way to his next class while the two Ravenclaw's made their way to their own.

/

Harriet knew on a base level that she was pretty, how could she not be when she looked like her mother; who was in her mind, the most beautiful woman to have ever graced this world. Yet she was admittedly not used to receiving attention in regards to her looks, especially attention from males she hardly knew. Therefore she was confused; she and Barty had been walking towards the Great Hall for lunch one minute, now she was here.

"Excuse me?" she said.

"Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?" the Hufflepuff repeated looking rather terrified. Not that she blamed him; her reputation in the badger's house was fearsome due to Bia's continued attacks on them and her known close relationship with Bellatrix.

"Why?" she asked perplexed, she didn't know this 5th year in front of her well; she had a vague memory of meeting him as a child and thought he might be a member of the Bones family but that was it.

This time the Hufflepuff looked confused, "it would be fun? I think we could have a good time together."

Harriet was sure she heard Barty sniggering, "look..." she trailed off not knowing his name.

An indignant Hufflepuff was something she had never seen before, "Edgar. Edgar bones," the recently named Edgar filled in for her.

"Look Edgar, I'm flattered but I don't plan on dating anybody in the near future," she hoped her voice came across as considerate.

Edgar looked crestfallen, "okay Harriet, but if you change your mind..."

Harriet tried to maintain her smile, "I'll remember."

Watching his walk away into a waiting crowd of badgers, Harriet turned to Barty, whose eyes were almost glittering with suppressed mirth.

"Not a word," she hissed at her friend.

"A Hufflepuff," he said, choking on his laughter, "just wait until Bellatrix finds out."

Harriet stilled, horror filling her, "I will curse you," she promised darkly.

/

James had been having a great first day of classes; Old Sluggy had praised him on his potion and asked after his dad and he and the rest of the marauders had managed to prank a group of first year snakes without being caught. To top it off Lily had looked slightly impressed when he earned the 10 points in potions.

"Still need to get Snivellus back for the train," he remembered, muttering to Remus who standing closest to him.

"Maybe we should not target him specifically, it's kind of like bullying," the sandy haired werewolf commented.

The rest froze before snorting and brushing his concerns off, "it's not bullying. He deserves it, the little snake practically lives and breathes the Dark Arts," Sirius said harshly.

"Yeah," Peter agreed, practically vibrating with pride when Sirius smirked at him.

Sighing Remus reluctantly agreed as he followed his friends down the corridor towards the Great Hall for lunch.

"...Can't believe you had the guts to ask her out," came a whispered voice from up ahead.

"I know, but have you seen her?" anther voice said.

"She's pretty I'll give you that but she's like ice; Never seen the bird smile and that kneazle of hers is the devil."

With James froze, while they could be talking about anybody James knew deep down they weren't. Shooting his friends a look which they interpreted as shut up and do recognisance, he was proud that they all stilled and appeared to be listening in.

"I'm sure those rumours are exaggerated. Harriet looks to nice to ever allow her pet to attack others."

"I once saw it play dead, only to attack and maul Tyler's face after he was brave enough to go over and check if it was okay."

That confirmed it, only one Harriet had a psychotic kneazle in this school, sharing a look with the others they all realised the same as him; somebody had dared to ask his baby sister out.

Soon the voices got closer and James saw red when he saw Edgar bones was the one who had dared to try and date his sister. He was too old for her. Stepping out from where he was standing, James looked the Hufflepuff up and down. He wasn't a bad sort, from a good family and genuinely a nice lad, but it was the principle of the matter.

"What's this I hear about you and my sister?" James asked his voice deceptively calm.

Bones paused then and looked at them, his fellow badger paling, yet Edgar seemed disturbingly unbothered at being surrounded by four Gryffindors.

"Before you get too worked up you should know she rejected me," Edgar said, his attitude unchanging as he stared James down.

James nodded pleased he wasn't going to have to confront his sister, "good, but back to the point. My baby sister is off limits. If you ever think about asking her out again I'll hex you," he promised darkly.

Edgar laughed at that, "I understand. I hate it when people ask Amy out, but you've got to realise she's going to be asked out, a lot."

James glared at the boy, "no she won't."

"Have you seen your sister?" the other badger piped up then, before quickly shrinking back at the glare James sent his way.

"Obviously," James snarled, "it doesn't matter. Spread the word, she is off limits."

Bones sent him a pitying look, "I'll spread it but I don't think it'll do much good." With that he walked away, unbothered that his back was to four of the most infamous pranksters in the history of Hogwarts.

James was left gaping, "what does he mean?"

Remus laughed, shaking his head at James, "Harriet is smart, rich and beautiful."

James and Sirius turned to their friend and glared, "care to repeat that?" James asked.

Remus held his hand up in mock surrender, "don't worry I won't be asking her out, I'm just saying it's easy to see why others would."

Sirius shook his head, "she's a harpy."

James nodded, pleased Sirius understood.

/

After a few weeks Harriet had gotten used to her new classes and after taking time to consider the options, had decided to drop Care of Magical Creatures but continue Divination. The workload was more than most but she was managing, maintain her grades from previous years, and actually enjoying classes more. Runes and Arithmancy were worth the wait even if what they were studying was below her level of ability. Regulus was in agreement with her that this year was better; he was enjoying both Care and Runes. Barty however, was one spin away from a breakdown, oh, he had tried to hide his Time Turner from them, but after a week they had found out and confronted him. Still he was adamant to continue with his current work load much to their concern and annoyance. Still on the whole, third year was going well, and it brought with it another bonus; Hogsmeade.

Having spent the day with Narcissa, catching up with her cousin and exploring the village Harriet found herself content. Stopping for lunch though, in The Three Broomsticks, Harriet looked around with ill concealed horror, the gathered students were so unruly.

"I couldn't help but expect more," she admitted, the rest of the village had lived up to the hype but this place didn't seem overly grand.

Narcissa nodded in understanding, "it's not the best but unless you want to be surrounded by vagabonds or doused it rose water and lace it's the only option."

Harriet conceded the point, "still, it's nice to actually get away from school."

Narcissa hummed, "is the headmaster still watching you?" she asked concerned.

Harriet scowled, "yes, him and McGonagall; I even caught the game keeper staring the other day."

"Have you informed grandfather?"

"Yes, he said to maintain what I'm doing; which is nothing."

"I'm sure he knows what he's doing," Narcissa comforted her youngest cousin.

"I know, still I dislike feeling their eyes on me."

"Hopefully as the Dark Lord increases his activities the headmaster will have other things to focus on and leave you alone."

Harriet sent her cousin a look, "do you know something?" she asked.

"No, but it's a logical theory."

Harriet agreed, "I hope you're right."

/

The rest of the term followed a similar pattern, classes fell into a sort of monotony as Harriet got used to the work load and expectations of her teachers so by the time Yule approached, she was ready for term to end. This year she had extra reason to be excited as she sat on the train taking them all back to London, Bellatrix and Rabastan had sent the invites to their bonding out and Harriet couldn't wait to see her cousin marry to the man she loved.

"You would think it was your bonding," Regulus said dryly.

Rolling her eyes, Harriet scowled playfully at him, "I'm allowed to be excited. It's the first bonding of our generation and Bella is our cousin."

Narcissa agreed, "It's going to be a beautiful ceremony."

"If you could try to keep the chatter about it down to the minimum I'd appreciate it. It's going to be bad enough with mother going on about it as soon as I get back," Regulus said.

Harriet sent him a look of understanding, aunt Wallburga was not somebody she would choose to spend copious amounts of time around.

"Still if she's talking about the bonding ceremony, she won't be complaining about Sirius," Barty said, trying to console the Slytherin.

Regulus snorted, "No, this is just another reminder of how he's a failure; you know him, he's bound to kick up a fuss about the ceremony and cause a scene."

They all shared looks of disgust at that, and Harriet hoped that Sirius would be respectful of the event, bonding was a sacred thing.

"Bella will kill him if he tries anything," Barty said with server certainty.

"I'll help," Narcissa agreed.

Seeing the dark look on his girlfriends face, Lucius gently lifted her hand and placed a kiss there, "I'm sure even your cousin understands the importance of bonding," he tried to reassure her.

Harriet hoped they were right.

/

Going to the bonding ceremony alone didn't surprise Harriet. She knew her father had been invited as a courtesy alongside her brother but she had little in the way of expectations when it came to them actually attending with her.

Flooing to Lestrange manor was odd; she had never been to the twin's ancestral home. After being directed by a house elf, she soon found her way into the garden where people where gathering.

"You look beautiful cousin," Regulus greeted her, as Cissa was no doubt busy with Bellatrix.

Smiling Harriet took his offered arm, "so how has Sirius been today?"

Regulus pulled a face, "mutinous but tolerable."

"Ah Lyra, I'm glad to see you've arrived, I do believe Bellatrix is asking for you."

Turning to the voice Harriet greeted the speaker, "Uncle, It's good to see you."

"Thank you little one, if you ask a house elf I'm sure one will lead you to Bellatrix."

Following the elf, Harriet entered after knocking and found herself speechless. Bellatrix was always beautiful, no Black could be anything but, yet now she looked ethereal.

"Little star!" she said, attempting to move but being held in place by Narcissa who was weaving what looked like diamonds into her hair. Aunt Druella and Cassiopeia where sitting watching the process with keen eyes. Andromeda, who Harriet was half surprised to see, was sitting drinking from a goblet of wine and looking mulish.

"Cousin, you look magical," Harriet greeted, taken away by the picture her cousin presented.

Bellatrix's face softened, "that you Lyra," she said.

Harriet was surprised, Bellatrix hardly ever called her by just her name.

"Now come and help Cissa finish my hair. I'm bored and I want to go."

Laughing at her cousins returned attitude, Harriet approached and joined Narcissa in threading the diamond clips; adding small amounts of her magic as a blessing. Hair weaving was an old and almost forgotten art, but it was something the Blacks honoured on bonding days. Every Black, even the males, would have a family member thread something into their hair using their magic on the day they got bonded. It was a sign of the families blessing on the union.

Once everything was in place they stepped back, allowing Bellatrix to stand. Harriet again found her breath taken away; the robes were gorgeous, white Acromantula silk with unicorn hair lace. They were soft and delicate looking but Harriet could feel the magic in them, looking at them with her sight fully engaged she could see the enchantments woven into the very stitching, blessings of fortune, luck, fertility and happiness.

The ceremony its self was beautiful, Harriet stood at the front with Narcissa and the rest of the Blacks. Andromeda, who hadn't said a word the whole time, had tried to stand near the back but one look from Arcturus had her by Harriet's side. She couldn't understand her cousin's attitude, her dismissal of their traditions and family. Even Sirius, who looked like somebody had kicked his crump, hadn't tried to stand apart from the family.

With her sight turned on, Harriet could see the ancient magics working, how they wove through Bellatrix and Rabastan mixing their magics together and binding them for eternity. It was awe inspiring; she had never witnessed a bonding before, their magic blending until they were indistinguishable before going back to their own bodies, taking with it a piece of the other.

With the ritual complete Harriet allowed her sight to fade, the smile on her face however she knew would remain for some time.

"I am envious," Narcissa said to Harriet, drawing her attention.

"It will be you up there with Lucius soon enough," Harriet replied.

Narcissa blushed, "no, not that, of you. What it must be like to see such magic, simply feeling it is immense."

It was Harriet's turn to blush, "I am blessed."

Narcissa smiled, "come, let us go and congratulate the new Mrs Lestrange."

Approaching the couple who had blissed out looks on their faces, Harriet smiled, "may we offer our blessing to you both. May magic give you strength, help you find happiness and bring you life," Harriet intoned softly but solemnly after Narcissa motioned her to be the one to speak.

She knew the words, aunt Cassiopeia had practically beaten them into her over the summer, alongside all of the tradition blessings a pureblood could ever need.

"We accept your blessings," Rodolphus said, his face soft in a way Harriet had never seen before, "may magic honour you both in return."

Bellatrix smiled and drew Harriet into the softest hug she had ever given, "such a fine little star," she murmured into Harriet's ear.

Smiling Harriet kissed her cousin cheek, "I am so happy for you."

Seeing people waiting to bestow their own and their families blessing Harriet stepped back, "I shall see you soon cousin."

As the celebration continued Harriet soon found herself with Regulus and Barty, standing on a balcony overlooking the gardens. Most people where gathered in the gardens, fairy lights and willo'whisps lighting up the sky made them look enchanted.

"It was a beautiful ceremony," Barty complimented.

"It was," Harriet agreed, thinking back to the way their magic's had danced together.

"It was stupid," came a snide voice

Turning Harriet saw Sirius standing there; he had discarded his outer robes and was now just in a silver silk shirt and black trousers.

"Brother," Regulus said in warning.

"It was. She's bound to that death eater forever now; she can't leave him and is forced to his will."

Harriet shook her head exasperated, "that's not true and you know it; yes they're bound but to each other but their bond is mutual."

The idea so being subservient to your spouse was ridiculous; witches were just as powerful as wizards. The idea of men being superior was muggle, something that had gained a footing in recent decades.

Sirius scoffed, Harriet genuinely didn't understand him. He had been taught the same lessons as her and should know the rituals and bonds, what they did. That he refused to learn or believe confused her. He was turning his back on their heritage and traditions and for what? Muggle;, their influence was slowly tearing away at their way of life.

"Didn't mother tell you to behave?" Regulus asked.

"Oh, going to go and tell mummy that I've been misbehaving are you Reggie?" Sirius taunted.

"You're being ridiculous cousin," Harriett said, "today is not about you so stop your foolishness and for once behave."

"Well said little one," came uncle Arcturus voice, the deceptively calm tone making her reflexively stand straighter. That tone never boded well for anybody.

Sirius stilled, "grandfather," he greeted.

"Sirius I do believe that you mother desires you," he said, steel coated in silk.

Sirius blanched slightly but nodded his head, face only betraying his dread to the trained eye.

"Of course grandfather, please excuse me," he replied, turning and walking away.

"Now Lyra, I was looking for you," he said, "if you gentlemen would excuse us."

"Of course grandfather," "of course Lord Black," Regulus and Barty replied together.

Taking her grandfathers offered arm Harriet walked with him for a moment.

"What did you think of the ceremony?" he asked.

"It was truly magical, the likes of which I have never seen."

Arcturus hummed, "their union will be a strong one."

"Magic seemed to favour them."

They returned to silence for a few more moments, Arcturus slowly leading them towards the gardens where people were gathered.

"And what of you; I have seen Narcissa with the Malfoy heir, even Andromeda has her mudblood, have you found anybody to whom you would bind yourself?"

Harriet hummed, "no, I refuse to settle for anything but the best and find myself unconcerned with romance yet."

Arcturus was pleased by this, "as it should be, Blacks only deserve the finest things."

"So you won't be pushing a contract onto me?" she asked, rather bluntly.

Arcturus chuckled, amused by her candid question, "no little one, you will be free to choose as long as you do so responsibly."

Harriet was relieved, she knew with how Arcturus was slowly grooming her to be his heir that he may try to force a marriage contract on her.

"I am relieved," she admitted.

"You are a Black, we don't do well to be constricted and marriage is binding. To force you into something you wouldn't want would just cause problems and magic doesn't bless the unions of the unwilling."

Harriet hummed, it was true, yes people could marry for obligation or political union and still be blessed by Magic but the truly unwilling wouldn't be blessed. It would work and bind them but not bless them. Such unions were frowned upon, as magic was all; how do people expect to have happy and healthy families if magic didn't bless them. The strongest blessings where bestowed on those who truly loved one another, like Bellatrix and Rodolphus.

/

Harriet was happy once she found herself alone. Arcturus had once again once again taken her around and introduced her to the people he deemed important, adding details on them, their histories and how best to bend them to their will. The information had been interesting and Harriet was happy that she was being trusted with it, but still there was only so much politicking she could take. Still his actions solidified her thoughts on his making her his heir, something she hadn't quite believed up until that moment.

Sitting alone now, on a bench near the Lestranges pond, Harriet looked out at the party still going on around her. Focusing on seeing everything around her, she let out a sigh as the world light up with magic. Looking around Harriet was taken away by the beauty of the world; the spells keeping the decorations were flawless, frigid in movement but intricate in detail compared to the fluidity of each person's own magical core, their magics all moved around, under their skins and escaping in bursts of colour and action all completely unique to them.

Harriet sat and observed for a few moments lost in the world of magic, therefore she wasn't that surprised when she didn't notice somebody approaching her, what did shock her though was the strength of the persons magic.

"My Lord," she greeted, momentarily stumped on how she should address the man. He once again took her breath away, his magic escaping from him in flashes and drawing out the natural magic around them.

"Miss Potter," he greeted, taking a seat next to her.

Harriet stilled all movement as he sat, unsure what to do or say. Arcturus's lessons didn't extend to how to deal with Dark Lords, nor did Cassiopeia's, an oversight she would be sure to mention.

"Tell me, what is it you're seeing that has such a look of wonder on your face."

Harriet looked at the man momentarily and then, with almost reluctance drew her eyes away, "I'm seeing magic my lord," she said simply. She almost fell when she saw the man roll is eyes slightly and smirk at her response.

"Cheeky," he commented before continuing, "No girl, I could deduce that myself, tell me what you see that others cannot."

Harriet was at a loss, she had accidently joked with the dark lord yet he hadn't punished her, he had seemed almost amused by her.

Looking around Harriet's eyes drew her to a tall, portly man who she knew her father did business with, "Lord Ogden is ill, his magic is fighting it but he won't survive. I think he already knows this as he's been taking his son around with him more and more recently; passing off his knowledge and contacts, giving him more responsibility."

Marvolo followed her eyes and took notice of the lord in question. He too had observed the man's shift in family recently, his eldest son was 20 and rather young to be taking over the family completely yet Lord Ogden had been giving him more and more responsibility of late. He hadn't paid him too much mind, the Ogden family wasn't of much importance, their finances were good but not astronomical and they tended to stay out of politics. Still knowing the boy was about to gain control was interesting, h would be easy to manipulate and guide.

"How can you tell?"

"Like I said, his magic is fighting whatever it is, it's..." Harriet paused trying to work out how to describe what she was seeing, "...it's like the colours don't match him anymore. His magic is weak now, stretched too thin and fading, it's hard to explain..." she trailed off.

Marvolo hummed, Ogden looked different from when he had last observed him; still larger than most but somehow gaunt in the face, pale and tired. Yes he believed Harriet was correct in her assessment of his health.

"Such a gift you've been blessed with," he murmured. Half of his mind now making plans on how to manipulate this new knowledge and bend it to his advantage, the Ogden's didn't have much sway but every little helps, "the boy, he would have been in his final year when you started school," he stated.

Harriet nodded, "the prices in their stocks will surely drop when Lord Ogden passes," she mused, "but I expect that Darius will quickly prove himself. He was a rather exceptional Ravenclaw from what I remember; he got top mark in his NEWTS. I would recommend caution with him, unlike his Hufflepuffs father, Darius I'm sure could have gone to the snake pit."

Marvolo smirked, "you don't believe I could charm a snake?"

Harriet was shocked at the response but hid it, "I'm sure you could my Lord. However it would be remise of me not to give you my honest opinion. Unlike his father, Darius actually has sense; his mother I believe was from an Old Russian family, he takes after her much more than his father."

"I thank you for your honesty then, Miss Potter."

Harriet nodded, still wary, "if that is all My Lord, it is getting late and I have to say my goodbyes before I can return home,"

Marvolo hummed, vowing to think more on the girls words and investigate before taking action, "then shall bid you goodnight miss Potter," He said standing and offering his arm to the girl, "but first let me return you to your uncle, I'm sure he would rather you not walk alone."

Harriet hesitated for a beat before taking the offered arm, "thank you my lord."

/

Arcturus wasn't sure what to think when he saw his lord leading Lyra towards him, "My Lord," he greeted, "Lyra."

Harriet allowed the arm she had been holding to drop and took a step towards her uncle, "uncle," she greeted before turning and facing the dark lord, "I thank you for your escort my lord," she said.

Marvolo nodded his head once, "and I thank you for the conversation, it was once again enthralling to have your insight."

Harriet fought off the blush threatening to rise on her cheeks as she watched the man glide away, taking note how everybody even those who didn't know who he was seemed to automatically defer to him, his power warning them on a subconscious level to be respectful.

"I see you've had an interesting night my dear," Arcturus said, drawing her attention.

Harriet turned to him, "you could say that."

Looking around Arcturus noted that almost everybody who knew who their Lord truly was was now looking at his little star with looks ranging from wonder, lust to envy. Knowing that now wasn't the time, he offered his arm, "all me to escort you to the floo."

Harriet took the arm with a small smile, "thank you uncle," she said, "you'll pass my goodbye on to the others?"

"I shall," he agreed, "and we shall talk about what happened when we next meet up."

Harriet hummed, "whatever you think is best uncle."

/

Exiting the floo, Harriet was surprised when she saw her father asleep in one of the arm chairs. Approaching with near silent steps she gently woke him up.

"Nnrg... pink trolls..." the man murmured under his breath still half asleep.

Harriet smiled at her father's nonsense, "father," she said, drawing his attention.

Charlus blinked and realised he had fallen to sleep, looking at the clock he saw it was near midnight, "have you just returned?" he asked.

Harriet nodded, "yes, uncle saw me through the floo."

Charlus nodded, standing with a groan, "that's good, I didn't realise I'd fallen asleep, thank you for waking me up my dear. I fear a night in one of these chair would murder my old bones."

"You didn't have to wait up for me," she said, "you've been working so much lately, you should take the time you need to get some proper sleep."

She worried more and more about him recently. He never seemed to be home, and when he was he looked tired. She feared for his health as although he joked he wasn't as young as he once was, yes he was only past middle aged in wizarding terms but he had lead a hard life as an auror.

Charlus smiled, "even tired I still want to make sure you get home okay."

Harriet shook her head, "you're ridiculous, but still thank you."

Charlus winced as he stretched, following his daughter from the room, "did you have a nice time?" he asked.

Harriet smiled, "yes, it was a beautiful ceremony; truly magical."

"I'm glad you had fun but now it's off to bed for the both of us."

Harriet turned and kissed her father's cheek, "goodnight," she said.

Charlus smiled, "goodnight little one," he replied.

/

The day before returning to Hogwarts Harriet finally found herself at Castle Black with her uncle.

"Lyra," he greeted, remaining sitting but extending his hand in invitation and indicating that she should take a seat.

"Good morning uncle," she replied, sitting and taking the cup of tea that the elves made appear for her.

"I must say little one, you have exceeded all of my expectations."

Harriet fought not to blush, "you honour me."

Arcturus chuckled, "you deserve it. It is rare for a female to be picked as an heir, rarer still for them to be from an indirect branch of family, yet you have succeeded and shown your worth. I am proud of you little one."

Harriet stilled, this was the first time he had ever said she would be his heir, yes he had hinted through his action, but to actually say the words was shocking, "I am thankful uncle, but Sirius..." she trailed off.

"A mere technicality; Orion and Wallburga are aware of his faults but have agreed to allow him to keep the title until either I tell them to name you as his replacement or he does something inexcusable, this way we can continue your lessons without too much interference."

"They agree with me?" she asked, shocked, she didn't interact with Orion or Wallburga much but she couldn't imagine them being pleased that neither of their sons would one day lead their family. Although Arcturus was the lord Black and ruled their family, Orion as his son was also Lord Black, he sat on the Wizengamot and was the political head of the family. Yes, he had to defer to Arcturus as the head of their family and but he was the current and technical lord Black.

"They were initially reluctant but easily persuaded."

Harriet picked her cup back up, "who else knows?" she asked.

"Officially nobody outside of myself, Cassiopeia, Orion and Wallburga, yet I imagine Cygnus and Druella know as well Bellatrix, Narcissa and Regulus, I doubt Andromeda knows or cares. Sirius is also unaware; A disgrace, to have two members of the Black family turn blood traitor."

"So my father hasn't been told?"

"No. I will inform him when it becomes official."

This wasn't surprising but still rather unorthodox, yet she understood where Arcturus was coming from. Charlus wouldn't want this, he couldn't do much to stop it, but he would try if he knew. Still Harriet founder herself overwhelmed, even suspecting it was coming she was still caught unprepared, "what will it mean for me?"

"You understand the responsibilities of an heir," Arcturus said, "you will one day be responsible for our family, our blood and magic will be yours to lead."

"I know," Harriet said, "I was referring to my life, would I be required to change my name or living arrangements?"

Arcturus hummed, "that depends on when we choose to make it official, ideally you will be 17 or over, naming you my heir before then would make things more difficult. As for your name, Lyra, I do believe it is up to you; however the name Black will have to replace Potter and whoever you marry will either have to take you name or understand that you will be keeping yours. The same goes for children; you will be expected to produce the next Black heir."

Harriet nodded, "I am grateful that you think me worth of this honour."

"You understand the stance our family is taking in this coming war?"

Harriet nodded, "I do."

Arcturus knew he didn't need to explain that they would side with him; he saw it in her face and her eyes that she understood their stance. He knew a part of her was still torn by her family loyalties but he also held the belief that she would do what was right, what magic needed. Magic was dying; the light and their pro-muggle ways were seeing to it that magic was fading. He knew that Harriet even more so than most could see the damage the light was doing and that she knew that if they didn't act their way of life, their very power would be lost.

"The Dark Lord seems fond of you," he said, he had been surprised when he saw them together but knew that his lord often coveted the powerful and gifted. He was unsure if he approved of his apparent interest, but nothing about it yet suggested that it was in anyway inappropriate.

Harriet paused, "I'm unsure if fond is the right word, more fascinated. My gift I think intrigues him."

"You do not have to join him."

Harriet nodded, she knew that her uncle wasn't a death eater just a high ranked supporter, "thank you. I support him and his goals if not all of his actions," she said, "but it is true that I can't see myself as a death eater." She could be like him she thought, a supporter and ally.

Arcturus nodded, "you can support him and the cause in many ways without taking his mark."

Harriet smiled in relief, "I shall aim to make you proud."

Arcturus nodded, "I am sure you will succeed."

They sat in silence for a few moment, basking in it comfortably before Arcturus spoke again, "soon the world we know will change, it is about to become a very dangerous place, if you ever need me know that I am always here for you."

Harriet smiled, "thank you uncle," she said with sincerity.

/

Returning to Hogwarts was always something Harriet greeted with mixed emotions, she enjoyed school but part of her missed her family and the freedom of being home. Still sitting with her friends in their compartment she was content.

"Did you manage to get all of homework done?" Barty inquired, he had his runes essay out and was making adjustment to it.

"Yes, though I'm unhappy with my potions essay," Lyra admitted.

"Would you like me to have a look over it?" Regulus offered

"If you wouldn't mind," Harriet said, handing over her paper.

Barty looked over what Regulus was writing and pulled an intrigued face, "since when are you a potions expert?"

"I wrote to Severus over the holidays. We have been speaking more frequently and he offered me some assistance."

Harriet smirked, "Severus is it?"

Regulus blushed, "we agreed to use our given names."

Harriet laughed, "Well if you like him enough to allow him to call you Regulus then I'm sure he is a perfectly fine person. You should invite him to study with us sometime."

Regulus looked relieved and smiled, "I'm sure he would be agreeable to that."

"Who?" asked Miranda, her and jasmine having just arrived in the compartment.

"Severus Snape. He and Regulus have started to get to know one another."

Jasmine pulled a face but didn't say anything; Miranda however sent Regulus a calculated look.

"He is friends with that Evans mudblood but I suppose he's not so bad. He gets good marks when he's not being targeted by your brothers."

Harriet frowned; she wasn't oblivious to James and his friends. You would have to be blind, death and dumb not to notice the marauders with their pranks yet she hadn't ever seen them against Snape; yes she had heard whispers and rumours but never witnessed it herself. Still if Regulus wanted to befriend the boy then she would have to start taking note of him and put a stop to James and his merry band of miscreants.

"He's a good sort," Lucius added, he and Narcissa has been deep in conversation but apparently had been paying attention.

Harriet hummed, "then it's settled," she decided, if both Lucius and Regulus like him then surely he was somebody she should get to know.

/

"Why did I decide divination was a worthwhile class?" Harriet asked, as she and Barty walked outside towards the lake. They had just finished their end of year exam in the subject and it had been less than inspiring.

"Because you like to suffer clearly cousin," Regulus said, he and Severus where sitting with jasmine and Miranda outside in the shade of a tree, surrounded by books and clearly revising.

"You could at least pretend to sympathise with me Regulus," Harriet said, taking a seat and putting her bag down with a sigh of pleasure.

"I could," he said smirking, "but I won't."

"This is why Bella is my favourite."

"I thought she was your favourite as she trains your demon to prey on Hufflepuffs." Severus said his voice droll and deadpan.

It had taken the pale Slytherin a while to become comfortable with them but he had slowly come out of his shell and would happily join them in conversation and study. Though he did tend to split his time between them and the mudblood equally, something Harriet wasn't impressed by. No, she had been forced to interact with lily Evans a few times now because of Severus's friendship with her and James obsession and her original observation still stood; she wasn't impressed.

Barty snorted at that while Harriet rolled her eyes, Bia really did get a lot of attention.

"Bia isn't a demon; the Hufflepuffs exaggerate."

Everybody paused at that and sent her looks of bewilderment. Choosing to ignore them Harriet looked over their books, all but Regulus had Ancient Runes book out. Seeing what they were studying Harriet quickly moved over and offered her assistance.

Severus had been shocked when Regulus Black had first approached him in the common room. He had expected him to be arrogant like his brother, but instead the boy was polite and respectful. He had asked for assistance in Potions in exchange for giving his own in Charms and Astronomy. Severus had been wary yet with each interaction Regulus proved himself to be wholly unlike Sirius, therefore when asked if he would like to study with his friend Severus had accepted with only slight hesitation. He knew Jasmine and Miranda from classes, but he had never interacted with them. The two girls were pleasant company and in the classes he didn't share with Lily such as Ancient Runes he would sit with them. Barty crouch was not somebody he had interacted with nor would he have, yet once he got to know the blonde he was shocked; Barty was brilliant in a way few could ever hope to be. Driven and focused, Barty crouch was a true Ravenclaw. However the person who Severus was most surprised by was Harriet Potter. He loathed James Potter. The boy was the bane of his existence, always targeting him and making a nuisance of himself yet Harriet was different. Where James was brash and loud, she was calm and quiet; a snake in the grass waiting to strike. She was also extremely gifted in Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Magical Theory. The girl was well beyond her age group perhaps even Hogwarts all together, yet she didn't boast or show off; Harriet Potter was somebody Severus had come to genuinely like.

"I wouldn't be surprised if blessed water burnt her," Severus deadpanned.

/

The last day of term was once again filled with tension. Rumours filled the halls as students and staff speculated about the likelihood of another attack coming. There had been an increase in reports of muggle violence and missing people when suddenly they had stopped, some speculated that it was all over but Harriet was one of the few who suspected that this was done as a build up to something major.

Seeing the number of owls swooping down Harriet knew she had been right. Passing Nike some bacon bits Harriet took the paper from her, spreading it out so both, jasmine, Miranda and Barty could see it.

/

Muggle-Rights Activist found tortured: Dark Mark hanging above the scene.

Aubrey Moore, 32, a Muggleborn Ministry employee in the Muggle Relations Office, who had slowly been working her way up the Ministry ladder, has been found tortured and her body displayed outside the Leaky Cauldron this morning. Moore who was reported missing last week by her co-workers had recently been campaigning for Muggle Rights, her aim to bring our two worlds closer together...

The body was found at 04:30 by local business owner Garrick Ollivander who was going into work early. He reported it directly to the auror department as he realised immediately the poor woman was deceased. Above the brutal scene stood a green mark, depicting a snake coming from the mouth of a skull. This sign, reportedly the mark of the rising Dark Lord, could still be seen flying above the scene even hours after the body of Miss Moore was taken...

This act of horrible brutality is just one in a long list of vicious crimes having recently taken place and it begs the question, who is behind this rising violence plaguing our world, Is it really a Dark Lord?...

/

Harriet read the article twice before sitting back and digesting what it said. She knew that the use of the mark was the starting point, they were officially at war even if the majority of the world didn't realise it.

"I heard about her," Jasmine said, pitching her voice low so only they would hear her, "she wanted to break the statue of secrecy, muggle medicine is barbaric and she wanted to save her dirty muggle mother she went before the Wizengamot to plead her case and when she was rejected she started campaigning."

Harriet wasn't surprised that Jasmine knew about Moore, Lord Rosier worked in the ministry and she knew Jasmine was close to her father.

"It's not shocking she was killed, her ideas would have gotten us all killed and magic destroyed," Miranda agreed, a look of disgust showing on her face.

Harriet couldn't help but have the same opinion. She wasn't fond of the violence of the act, but she knew in the long run Moore's ideals would have gotten them all killed.

"Still do you really think there is a Dark Lord?" Barty said reminding Harriet that her friend unlike them didn't know for sure that the Dark Lord was real. He didn't have family in the Dark Lords ranks, nor had he met him personally. No Barty was the son light and neutral supporting individuals who just so happened to be dark.

Sending the two girls a discreet look, Harriet saw they had both paused, "I think that if there is a Dark Lord then he is doing what is best for us," Harriet whispered, ignoring the knowing looks the girls sent her behind Barty's back.

Barty looked torn but nodded.

"Mudbloods and Blood Traitors deserve what's coming to them Barty," Jasmine said quietly.

"I know," the boy agreed, a dark look crossing his face before he masked it.

The rest of the day was clouded by the newspaper article; everybody was speaking about it, like last time Dumbledore gave a rousing recruitment speech promising the light side was the best and only way and like last time numerous students brought into it. Harriet was glad to get on the train back to kings cross station, just to get away from everybody's repeated whispers.