The Other Potter

Chapter Nine

Harriet awoke to chaos in the form of her cousins; Bellatrix and Narcissa were seemingly attempting to wandlessly hex each other with just their eyes as they hissed threats and taunts almost sub vocally towards each other.

"…Needs her rest Bella! Last night was a lot for her," Narcissa argued.

"But my little star is finally taking her rightful place!"

"I know you're excited but-

"I'm more than excited, I'm elated! I always knew this would happen; I told you, the moment aunt Dorea introduced her to me, my magic sang, I just knew that she would be special, that my little Lyra would one day be great."

"Yes, yes, how could I forget; you knew from the very moment she was born-"

Harriet couldn't help but laugh at the sisters who had progressively gotten louder, she knew Bellatrix had always doted on her, she had never known why though.

"It's okay Cissa, I'm awake," she said, shaking her head as both sisters turned to her, Bellatrix looking smug while Narcissa looked fondly exasperated.

"How are you feeling today little one?" the blonde witch asked, gently sitting down on the edge of her bed while Bellatrix launched herself across it.

"I'm okay," Harriet said, leaning into the almost violent hug Bellatrix was giving her, the grip reminding her of a devil's snare trap they had studied in herbology.

"How did it go last night with your father?" Bellatrix asked, not hiding her disregard for Charlus.

She hated the man, hated his politics, his stance on magic and mostly how he treated her precious star. Oh, she knew Harriet wasn't mistreated by him, she could see that he loved her even if he had been distant in the past, but she couldn't stand the sadness his presence invoked in her littlest cousin. She hated how Harriet seemed to shrink around the man, her cousin was fierce, her magical potential great and her future bright, yet whenever Charlus was around that potential seemed to dim. He didn't see the star that his daughter was, didn't understand her nor did he try to- he loved her because she was his daughter, but he didn't love her for herself, it was for that reason why Bellatrix hated him. Lyra deserved better than to be treated like a passing thought and second best to James Potter.

Harriet sighed, "for all that I am grateful and honoured by uncles decision, I'm..." Harriet paused, she was scared, not of the responsibility of being an heir, but of what it would do to her family; she loved her father, and even James, for all of his faults, he was her brother… she didn't want to fight against them nor did she want to be branded a traitor to them, which based on what she could see would be inevitable. Still, she didn't know how to voice these fears, "…I don't want to choose between you all. I know that one day I will have to, but if I could, I would push that day back as far as possible."

Narcissa nodded in understanding and empathy, "you will always have us darling; we are here for you no matter what."

Bellatrix signed and released her hug slightly, turning It into something softer "I don't understand your hesitation," she said, tightening her hold momentarily when she felt the younger girl stiffen, "but, like Cissy said, you will always have us. If you father cannot see you for what you are, cannot see your value, then he isn't worthy of being called your father."

Harriet was overwhelmed by their promises, feeling in their very magic the strength behind their words and their conviction.

"Always?" she whispered.

"Always."

/

Harriet couldn't help but smile as she looked around the gardens of Castle Black. Bellatrix had gone all out decorating the small private garden where they were having their lunch. There were small, enchanted butterflies bobbing about emitting soft light, and pale gauzy coverings draped over plush pillows, which added with the many blankets and low tables, created a soft and delicate scene.

"Do you like it?" the excitable witch asked.

"It's perfect."

"So, what's this year's cake?" Lucius asked, somehow managing not to look out of place even when sitting on a pale pink pillow and holding a delicate china teacup.

The boys, meaning, Lucius, Regulus, Rabastan and Rodolphus, had joined them once Harriet had gotten dressed, the only ones missing were Barty who had returned home last night after the ball had ended, and would most likely remain there for the summer if his father had any say, and Severus who didn't engage with wizarding society during the summer.

Harriet smiled, pleased he remembered her birthday quirk, "raspberry and coconut."

Bellatrix made a face, "I don't know if that sounds good or not," she muttered.

Harriet laughed, "I'm sure it will be amazing, the house elves would never present anything less than perfect."

Miranda and Jasmine had arrived together and seemed to be impatiently waiting to talk.

"What happened last night with Sirius?" Jasmine asked once sitting, "I wanted to ask last night but Evan stopped me, and once I saw how angry Lord Black looked… well let's just say I decided to wait."

The Blacks exchanged looks, without a word deciding to allow Harriet the choice in what to say.

"Sirius is no longer the Black heir," Harriet said.

The girls, who were the only ones who hadn't known let out shocked gasps, both of them knowing just how serious being passed over as heir was. It was almost never done, and the implications were not lost on them.

"What does this mean for you?" Miranda asked, noting the way the older Black witches had subtly differed to her.

"Nothing officially," Harriet replied, the 'but' unspoken.

In the silence that followed Bellatrix stood and enveloped Harriet in her arms again, a common practice for the day it would seem.

"My little star will once day since the brightest amongst us."

The two older Ravenclaw's exchanged a look, their faces showing understanding that they didn't voice, knowing better.

"Well, it couldn't happen to a better person," Miranda said, pleased for her fellow raven and friend.

/

After their lunch was over and the gifts exchanged, Harriet returned to her room to pack up her things. She doubted she would be back at the castle anytime soon as no doubt once she returned home her father would have her under lock and key. She knew he wouldn't force her to remain at Potter manor, he would never do such a thing, but she wouldn't put it past him to make it difficult for her to leave. A knock at the door drew her attention. Looking up Harriet saw Arcturus standing in the doorway waiting permission to enter.

"Come in uncle," she said, turning so she could greet him.

"Did you enjoy yourself today little one?" he asked.

Harriet smiled, Bellatrix had outdone herself along with the rest of her family and friends.

"I did, thank you for allowing it to take place."

Arcturus waved away the thanks, "think nothing of it, this is your home as much as it is mine."

Harriet smiled at the words, she had thought of the castle as a second home ever since her mother had passed, that Arcturus offered it so easily to her now was freeing.

"Is there something you needed uncle?" Harriet asked after a moment of silence.

Arcturus hummed, "I wished to inform you of what transpired last night after your departure. Sit with me?" he asked, indicating to the chairs placed by the windows overlooking the gardens.

Harriet nodded and took a seat,

"After you left, mine and your fathers conversation derailed," Arcturus said without preamble, owning up to the situation "I will admit the fault is not his alone, without you there it would seem our patience for one another declined."

Harriet frowned internally at the words, "I see."

Arcturus summarised the previous nights conversation, ensuring that he gave an accurate account without bias.

"Do you think he will forbid me from seeing you?" Harriet asked once she digested what she had been told.

"He cannot," Arcturus reassured, "your mother made him swear on his magic before she passed."

Harriet frowned in thought, "wouldn't such a vow have vanished when her magic did?"

"She wasn't the binder," Arcturus revealed.

Harriet felt her eyes widen, surprised her father would make a vow with Arcturus yet it made sense as to why he didn't, or rather couldn't, stop her interactions with him. She knew then that if he could, he would forbid her.

"Still… there are ways around vows."

"Which I'm sure your father will exploit thoroughly."

"I'm worried about returning," Harriet admitted after a brief moment of silence, at the look of inquiry she continued "I don't want to have to give them up. If I'm forced to choose between you all… I know I'm being selfish, that its naïve and childish, but it's how I feel. I don't want to pick between you yet."

Arcturus nodded in understanding and sympathy, "I believe that we are, each and every one of us at heart, selfish beings. The fact that you don't want to pick between those that you love isn't something to be ashamed of nor do I think it is childish, that you can admit such a thing is brave."

Harriet smiled at the words, "thank you uncle," she said gratefully.

/

Charlus resisted the urge to sigh as he took in the petulant faces before him. Both James and Sirius wore expressions of discontent after having been forced out of bed by him this morning, James however had the sense of mind to look slightly remorseful.

"It would seem you forgot to mention some key facts last night when giving me your explanation," he stated.

Both boys twitched, "I know we shouldn't have said what we did," James said, "we're sorry."

Sirius paused, adding his own slightly insincere, "yeah, sorry."

Charlus did sigh then, "the attitudes you expressed were not only abhorrent but shameful. Harriet is your sister James; how could you say such things? And Sirius, I know you've had a rough time but thinking such things is wrong!" he said, progressively getting louder.

Both boys flinched, "we know okay," James said, "we were just goofing off and let the joke go too far."

"Yeah. We didn't mean it as a bad thing," Sirius added.

"Do you even understand why Arcturus was so angry? Why I'm angry?"

"Because we were rude?" James answered, voicing the words as a question.

Charlus sighed, "No. well yes, but the reason we are angry is because you were not just speaking badly about Harriet but witches in general. I know that it stemmed from a desire to keep her safe and away from the growing darkness in our world, but you objectified her. You reduced her to less than yourself solely based on her gender. Which is something not done in our world. Witches have just as much right and power as wizards, to view them as less is a muggle attitude which is sadly taking root in our society. I know we've adopted a lot of muggle stances recently as a way to move our society forward, to help ease tensions in muggleborns and progress beyond our ancestors, but not every attitude needs to be emulated."

James nodded, "I know."

"Yeah, we didn't mean it like that, we just want Harry to be away from them, and if she was with me she would be," Sirius whined, not noticing the subtle frown on both Potters faces.

Rubbing the back of his neck Charlus sighed. He had flooed his office this morning as said he had a family emergency so that he could stay off with he kids for the next few days. His secretary hadn't been impressed but he was the boss. He knew it would cause problems for himself later, the work build up would be awful, but he wanted, no, needed, to try and sort this out. If he could, he would have stayed off longer, but they had over a month until they returned to school.

"Harriet will be home later. You will both apologise to her and then you will leave her be. You will not force your presence on her beyond what she wants," he said strictly, using his professional voice, happy to see both teenagers straighten in response.

"But-

"No. James she is your baby sister, your only sibling. You betrayed her by not defending her even if Sirius is your best friend. And You Sirius, you should be especially thankful. It is due to her that you still have your name."

James nodded, looking ashamed. Sirius however scoffed, "I don't want it."

"Then you're a fool. Even if everybody knows that I have taken you in, it would have no true effect. To be nameless is to be disgraced. Nowhere will take you on, no jobs or masters, at least no reputable ones."

Sirius flushed, he hadn't truly realised the extent of what being disowned meant, "oh," he said… just now realising how screwed he was.

"Now I don't want to hear any complaints. I've written to Albus, you're banned from the next Hogsmeade trip, and until you return to school there will be no leaving the manors grounds, no flying, no quidditch, and no friends over."

James gaped, he never got punished this badly, "but-"

"No. you're old enough to learn that your actions have consequences."

Both boys looked like they were fit to burst, but neither wanted to try their luck, so they kept quiet.

/

Flooing home Harriet wasn't surprised that her father was waiting for her, but she had hoped he wouldn't be, she didn't want to see him just yet. She wanted time to process everything.

"Darling," he greeted, standing to embrace her.

In his arms Harriet allowed herself a moment to enjoy herself, before she felt torn between her guilt and her anger. Guilt over knowing if forced to pick she would choose the Blacks and anger as she knew her father would one day make her. He had never hidden his favouritism, his light prejudice nor his disregard from Magic. She knew he loved her, but she wasn't sure if it wasn't an idea of her that he loved, more than the reality of who she was as a person.

"Hello father," she whispered as she pulled away.

Charlus looked over his only daughter and felt a measure of guilt and not for the first time wished Dorea was here, his wife would know what to do and say to make everything better, "did you have fun?"

Harriet allowed a small smile, "I did. Bellatrix always knows exactly what to do to make me smile,"

Hiding the hurt those words caused, Charlus chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair, "that's good princess," he said.

Silence entered the room then.

"The boys know to leave you alone. They've been punished for what they did," he said.

Harriet fought not to sneer, she doubted any punishment would change them, "I see. Thank you," she responded.

Grimacing as he saw her face close off, Charlus struggled not to let his own emotions free, "I know you're hurt Harry. But they made a mistake. They will apologise and then you will all move on, okay?"

Knowing better than to argue, as the words never seemed to penetrate Harriet nodded, "okay father."

Smiling Charlus ruffled her hair again, chuckling at the annoyed flush his actions resulted in, "that's a good girl. I know what they said was wrong, but you have to see they only have your best interests at heart, they just didn't express it very well."

Thoroughly annoyed now, Harriet could feel herself growing cold, "of course."

Quickly making her excuses Harriet mad her way to her room, walking as fast as she could without running.

Turning she collided with something, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Looking up Harriet saw James sitting on the ground, holding his head.

"Watc- oh, it's you…" James said, is voice trailing off and his face transforming from irritation to something softer, "…er, Harry. I just wanted to say-"

Cutting him off before he had a chance to speak, Harriet interrupted him, "I know father said you had to apologise, but James, I don't want to hear it."

For once allowing her own hurt to come across. The emotions from their betrayal and her fathers brushing aside of her feelings once again finally overflowing.

"No, listen," James said.

"No! you listen. You have never acted like a brother to me, have always pushed me aside and ignored me, judged me, vilified me. I'm done. Okay!? well done, you've finally got what you wanted. I'm done defending you, trying to be who you want me to be, trying to keep us together. So well done. I hope you're happy!" Harry shouted, again interrupting him.

James gaped, Harriet was shouting, she never shouted.

Spinning Harriet stormed passed her stunned brother, who was staring at her like a lost kneazle kitten. Her loss of composure forcing her to almost run as she felt tears gathering and starting to stream down her face. Entering her room, she all but threw herself on her bed as she allowed herself to lose all composure.

/

James was still standing there when Sirius tumbled around her corner.

"You okay Jamie?" he asked.

James however was struck, there had been tears running down her face as she ran off. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen Harry cry.

Shaking his head as Sirius literally shook him free from his stupor, James bit his lip. He hadn't meant to make her cry.

"What's up with you?" Sirius asked, confused by his friends' actions.

"Harry's home," he muttered.

"Oh…"

"Yeah."

"Did you apologise?" Sirius asked.

"I tried, but she shouted at me," James replied.

Sirius scoffed then, "well you tried."

James shook his head, "no, you don't understand. Harry never shouts."

Not understanding the big deal Sirius shrugged, "whatever. You've apologised or at least tried to."

James was annoyed that Sirius didn't seem too care but couldn't be bothered to fight with his best friend, "still we should try again later."

Frowning, Sirius nodded, although it was clear to see he didn't like the idea, "fine."

/

The remainder of the summer was awkward for Harriet, although not restricted like the boys, she felt she couldn't leave the house. After they had apologised, over dinner when her father was present, they had struck true to their word and avoided her, but she could feel their presence. Her father had stayed around for a few days before he returned to work, his absence meaning he was home even less as he caught up on the work that had built up. Therefore, seeing the platform on the 1st of September felt like a blessing to her.

Quickly getting a compartment Harriet all but threw herself into a seat, knowing her friend would find her. She had written to them yesterday verifying the fact.

"Lyra!" a voice practically shouted, before an almost Bellatrix-esque hug enveloped her, opening her eyes she saw blonde hair and knew just who was hugging her. It was rare that Narcissa let her composure go, she was the more practical sister, but at times like this the resemblance between the oldest and youngest Black sister was undeniable. Andromeda may look the most like Bella, but it was cissa who was the most like her oldest sister.

"Cissa," Harriet said, cuddling into her cousins' arms.

"Oh darling, we've been so worried, your letters seemed so sad," the blonde fretted, hands patting over her as though to reassure her that she was real.

"I'm okay cousin," she reassured, warmed at the genuine concern she saw in those eyes.

A soft noise drew her attention to where Lucius stood, the blonde looking both concerned and awfully out of place, "hello Lucius."

Nodding the blonde took a seat, "Lyra, I trust you're well." The blonde said, eyes searching her face as though to assess for himself.

"I am," she replied, smiling.

Soon their compartment was filled, Regulus appearing not long after Narcissa, tugging an almost reluctant looking Severus behind him, Miranda and jasmine turning up together, both girls' inseparable as always. It was as the train started to move that Barty finally appeared, the boy looking more ruffled than usual; Hair in disarray as though he had ran his hands through it, and shirt crumpled and untucked under his robe.

"Everything okay Crouch?" Severus asked, in a rare show of compassion.

Blue eyes darted around before he nodded his head once, "fine, just a rough summer," the boy responded, picking up a massive tome on occulmency to read, ultimately ending the conversation before it could start. Shocking those around him as he would usually talk for a while and catch up with them.

Harriet narrowed her eyes, something was off. Looking at his face she saw a flicker, knowing what this meant she allowed her sight to expand, not showing her shock when she realised Barty was wearing a glamor over his face. Realising the implications, she felt her fury rise; Her father might not be the best, but he never hit her. She wouldn't let Crouch get away with this if it was what she feared.

Seeing blue eyes suddenly lock onto her, Harriet saw the moment Barty realised she knew.

The boy stood abruptly, "Harriet, would you mind coming with me to find the trolley lady, I'm parched."

Standing Harriet waved away Bia, who yowled her displeasure at being moved, "of course, would anybody like anything?" she asked, receiving negative replies.

Regulus who had been silently watching them however stood, "no but I could do with a stroll," the young Slytherin said.

Barty narrowed his eyes but relented. As soon as they came across an empty compartment Harriet all but dragged the two boys in.

"Was it your father?" she asked without preamble.

"What?" Regulus asked confused.

"No," Barty denied, at the same time the lie clear, even to Regulus who didn't know what was happening, only that something was happening.

"You don't just get a bruised face Barty, not once that bad," she hissed.

Regulus felt his eyes widen, realising what was happening.

"I fell," the blonde replied, stiffly.

"Into his fist?" Regulus asked.

"No." he denied again.

Harriet shook her head, "please Barty, don't lie to us. We're your friends."

"I can't tell you," he said, "if I do then it will be worse. If he finds out I told it will be worse. He's never done it before. He's just stressed. With everything going on, as the head of the DMLE and his campaign for minister he's under a lot of pressure."

Harriet hissed, "do not make excuses for him."

"Please," Barty replied, "its fine."

"It is not fine," she insisted.

"Yeah, he should never hit you because he's stressed," Regulus added looking furious.

Barty shook his head, "you don't understand, your family is dark."

Raising a brow Harriet scoffed, "my father is the head of the Auror Department, a firm Dumbledore supporter and light wizard, so try me."

Barty twitched, it was easy to forget that when Harriet spent most of her time with the Blacks, "there's talk of a Dark Lord. He's rising and he's going to kill us all. The stress of it all is making my father irrational. The light families are all starting to panic."

Harriet and Regulus shared a look, they could see the fear in their friends eyes, "Barty…" Regulus said, tilting his head at his cousin in question.

Pursing her lips Harriet made a decision, "Barty. What I am about to tell you, you must swear to never reveal, not unless I allow it."

The boy jolted, "You want me to make a magical vow?" he demanded shocked.

"No, a secrecy oath."

Barty considered, a secrecy oath wouldn't kill him if broken or strip him of his magic, but it would be dangerous to break, still he saw the faces of his friends and trusted them, he knew they would ask if they didn't think it was important, "Okay."

After the oath was taken Harriet thought for a moment, "There is a Dark Lord," she said, causing Barty to gasp.

"…But I don't believe he is evil. Nor will he kill us all. He wants to help us," she continued.

Barty gaped, he knew everybody said the Blacks were dark and evil, but he hadn't believed them, shrugging it off as prejudice, especially as they had accepted him into their fold so easily.

"I've met him. So have you, briefly, he is not a monster."

"What does he want to do?" he asked.

"He wants to help us. To return our world to its former glory. Make is so we can practice our magic and culture without fear of persecution, judgement, or fear. To introduce stricter rules for interacting with muggles and to tighten the statute of secrecy. He also wants muggleborns introduced to our world earlier, and for them to be taught about our culture, so they won't be ignorant, reducing the number of mudbloods. He wants equality."

Barty looked torn, everything Harriet said was what he wanted, he was a dark wizard, he hated mudbloods, but he was scared. All his life he had tried to be the perfect son and heir, tried to prove himself and yet his father simply brushed him aside, ignored him unless he needed him, and most recently hit him. His father was a bigot, who stood by Dumbledore and supported the man as he destroyed their way of life. If he supported the Dark Lord, he would be going against his father, he had never imagined going against his father, but what Harriet said was his dream.

"You don't have to join him Barty, but I thought you should know."

"But I want to," Barty whispered, shocked at himself for being so honest.

"What was that?" Regulus asked, not sure if he heard correctly.

"I want to join him. I don't want to stand aside and watch as our world is destroyed by people like my father and Dumbledore."

Harriet wasn't surprised, she had watched Barty over the years and suspected he would end up with the dark side, but still… "you don't have to join him Barty. We are just kids; you don't have to make any decisions yet. I just wanted to you know, so you wouldn't be so afraid. He doesn't want to kill us all, only those who risk exposing us, those who hurt us and disregard magic."

"But you have," Barty said.

Harriet pursed her lips, "I won't join him, I will support him, but I don't think I can be a Death Eater," she admitted.

"Death Eater?"

"One of his marked followers."

Barty looked enraptured by the idea of this, "what is he like?" he asked.

Harriet paused as she thought of an appropriate response, "he's powerful, like nobody I've even seen. He is also passionate about what he wants, his goals for our world and magic. He listens…" Harriet trailed off, "he asks about my girt a lot, he seems fascinated by it. He truly loves magic."

Barty looked captivated while Regulus looked intrigued, seeing this Harriet finished, "I think he is our best bet at equality."

"I will join him one day," Barty declared.

Regulus nodded, "you're not just doing this because your father is a tosser?" he asked, to verify.

Barty looked insulted, "no. I want a world where we can all live in peace, where magic is free and equal."

Harriet smiled, "a world where we can be free sounds nice."

/

Charlus almost stumbled as he stepped out of the floo, he had been awake for almost 40 hours and the effects were starting to show.

"Ah good, Charlus you're here," Albus said jovially, smiling in greeting.

Nodding he took a seat and allowed himself to drift as the rest all offered their reports.

"A few of my regulars have been getting twitch recently, said greybacks been sniffing around," Aberforth said, the words making Charlus want to cry. That was the last thing he needed on top of everything else.

"Charlus, have you had any reports to match this?" Albus asked.

Sighing Charlus straightened, "not recently, but there are always sightings of him, many of which turn out to be false. Hopefully, this is just another one of them. were stretched thin enough as it is," he replied.

The meeting continued, again Charlus noted that nobody had much to say and wondered if him being here was worth the lack of sleep. Still the meeting continued until…

"I noted a change in the schools books over the summer, that I'm hoping you can shed some light on, my friend," Albus said to him.

Charlus tilted his head, "oh?"

"You're now down as Sirius Blacks guardian. I know that both Orion and Wallburga are alive and well, so I wonder what caused this change."

"Sirius was disowned and disinherited during the summer," he announced shocking all of those present, "he's allowed his name until he turns 17 but other than that he now has no connection to the Blacks."

Albus hummed, eyes taking on a thoughtful gleam, "a tragic turn of events I'm sure, but still… it is good that he has you during this trying time. Although, that we now don't have an in with the Blacks is a misfortune."

Charlus sighed, the man wasn't being subtle, "Harriet is the unofficial heir I fear."

Albus's blue eyes gleamed again, "ah, I know you worry but rest assured my boy, we will steer her back to the light path."

The rest muttered, confused as to why his daughter was the heir to another family, though none were brave enough to ask directly.

"My daughter is not on a dark path," he insisted. She may be the heir to the Blacks, but she was still a Potter, she wasn't like them, she was a nice and gentle girl, she wasn't evil.

"Of course not my boy, still, if you agree I will have a closer eye kept on her this year. She is sure to be feeling a lot of pressure, and it wouldn't do to let her suffer needlessly."

Charlus considered this and agreed, "very well Albus."

/

Like previous years at Hogwarts, Harriet soon fell into a pattern with her classes, and slipped into the monotony of everyday life. It wasn't that she didn't like Hogwarts, she did. She loved seeing her friends and family, being in the common room and even some of the classes. But on the whole she felt that the majesty of the place had been oversold. Although that could be because she had once again acquired magical stalkers. Wherever she seemed to go eyes would follow her, hell she was sure she had spotted McGonagall the other day in her animagus form tailing Bia.

Slipping into her chair in potions, she let out a sigh. Old Sluggy was another who watched her, though she doubted it was for the same reason as McGonagall. Now Slughorn watched her like he watched all those with a measure of talent, money or family fame.

"Right then class," the oily ma said, "today we are starting on a potion I think we call all agree is one of the most exciting in our world: Animagus Revilus. Now who can tell me what the potion does?" he asked.

Immediately Barty's hand was in the air.

"Ah Mr. crouch."

"It reveals to you your animagus shape, that is if you have one. Though I am told in rare cases multiple shapes can be seen."

"Excellent, take 2 points for Ravenclaw," the professor said, happily, moving on with the rest of the class.

Once it was finished and Harriet bottled up a perfectly brewed potion, she couldn't help but wonder. Looking around, she made sure nobody was paying attention before she siphoned some of the remainder into her spare vials. Handing it in, she accepted the praise from her professor.

"This is near market standard my dear. Though I should expect that, what with your uncle Flea inventing SleekEazy, now that is a remarkable potion. Your parents were always dab hands at potions as well, your mother, Circe bless her, even managed an O in her NEWTS. Take 5 points for Ravenclaw."

Harriet smiled, she had met Fleamont Potter briefly, he and his wife Euphemia however chose to live a reclusive life in Hong Kong, where his potions company was based. Neither had in interest in Britain or its politics. The information about her mother was new, her mother had never seemed overly invested in potions, preferring to spend her days weaving.

"Thank you professor, I try," she demurred as she returned to her seat.

Regulus who had been watching smothered his desire to laugh and handed in his own rather well brewed potion.

"I saw that," he whispered as he took his seat.

Harriet sent him a smirk eyes twinkling. She knew what they would be doing over the weekend.

/