The Other Potter

Chapter ten

For once the monotony of a week at Hogwarts was broken up by the excitement of what was to come, and before long Harriet found herself hidden away with both Regulus and Barty in one of the many abandoned classrooms Hogwarts hosted on Saturday morning.

"And you're sure that this is properly brewed?" Barty asked again, eyeing the potion warily. He didn't sit with Regulus and Harriet in potions, instead he sat with Martin Davis, and although he knew Harriet had excellent grades, he was wary about drinking something not brewed by a professional.

"Yes, market standard. I triple checked."

All holding their vials, the trio sat down on their conjured pillows. When researching the potion, most said to take it when sitting down as the experience of meeting your inner animal in your mindscape can be overwhelming and lead to dizzy spells.

"Ready?" Harriet asked, receiving nods they all downed the potion. Forcing themselves to swallow the think chalky solution.

The effect was almost immediate…

Harriet found herself in her mindscape. A place she knew well from her occulmency lessons with Arcturus as a child. Harriet had based her mindscape off the gardens at Castle Black. She had always loved them and found comfort in them. Looking around she noted how it had grown, the space was twice the size it had been when she last immersed herself in her mind. Looking around Harriet felt a sense of disappointment grow, she knew there was a chance she wouldn't have an animal as not everybody did, but she had hoped. Though before she could full commit to her disappointment, she saw something from the corner of her eye. A gentle pair of wings fluttering towards her. The butterfly was primarily a brilliant green colour, the same as her eyes, with Black and white flakes and pale green slashes. She hadn't considered what animal she would have, and found herself pleased, the idea of being able to fly was one she loved. Allowing the creature to land on her, she felt her magic hum and a sense of peace enveloped her.

Regulus opened his eyes in his mindscape and blinked, his mindscape was the library from his home, Grimmauld place. It was the place he often found sanctuary growing up, and although it was open to all, it was often the place he escaped to, to be alone. Therefore, it was easy to say he knew the library well, so he was surprised when he opened his eyes and saw a new area, or rather a new aspect. Sitting in the corner where there was usually a dark purple wingback chair was a moderately sized brown bear with startlingly familiar silver eyes. Approaching the bear, Regulus felt his smile grow. He didn't know the symbolism for the animal, but it felt right. Running his hand through the bears fur, he felt whole.

One of the few things Barty's father had deemed essential to teach his son himself was occulmency, therefore his mindscape was something he had taken great pride in. His father had taken months drilling him in the delicate art, until he perfected it and then gone back to ignoring his existence. Yet Barty's mind scape was still something he was proud of, even if he no longer strove for his father's approval. It was based off his mother's cottage, a place where the two of them often escaped to over the holidays. Looking around the grounds of the place which he felt most at peace Barty almost startled when he saw something dart out. A flash of orange was what he first noticed; the fox, for he knew what It was, was small, with blue eyes and a small tuff of almost blonde fur on its head, was cute. Slowly lowering himself, he allowed it to crawl forward before he tentatively held his hand out, though once they touched, he felt a sense of contentment roll through him.

Opening her eyes, Harriet watched as the boys slowly blinked back to awareness.

"That was intense," Regulus said, standing with a stretch before offering Harriet a hand up.

"I agree, though it was worth it."

"Did you both see something?" Barty asked, still relishing in the feeling he got from his inner fox.

"I did," - "yes," they both replied simultaneously.

"I saw a butterfly," Harriet said smiling.

"A brown bear," Regulus replied.

Barty nodded, taking note to look them both up later in the library for symbolism, "I got a fox."

Harriet smiled, "I was worried for a minute, I didn't initially see anything, but I'm happy with what I got. Now it's just a matter of actually managing the transformation."

"I think it suits you Lyra," Regulus commented.

"I agree, I think they're all rather appropriate," Barty added, "and as for the transformation do you think we would actually manage it?"

Harriet hummed, "I don't see why not, though we need to take precautions and be patient. Maybe have two practice while one supervises initially?"

"Are we going to register?" Barty asked.

The cousins shared a look, "maybe when we actually get the transformation down?" Regulus suggested.

"We don't have to until we're seventeen, maybe we should reassess how we feel then?" Harriet replied.

Barty nodded, ever since he had decided to live for himself and not for his father, he had been more willing to do what he wanted and break the rules, "having hidden forms would probably come in handy, though I doubt yours could be used for spying Regulus."

Regulus snorted, rolling his eyes, "unless it's in the woods I think I would stand out. Though you are right, having them as a secret would be handy especially in the next few years."

/

Even with something new to focus on, Harriet still ensured her grades remained the highest in her year, though she shared that title with Barty often. She couldn't afford to do anything else, especially with the eyes of the headmaster and his lackeys following her every move. Which is why she found herself sitting alone in the library near curfew. The boys had left earlier but promised to return to walk her back to the tower. Gathering her books, she made her way to the checkout desk, hoping Madame Harper was in a good mood as she was over the limit as she required an extra book. As she approached though, she noticed something, or rather heard something.

"-can just runaway," a familiar voice whispered.

Harriet had never been close to Andromeda, the second oldest Black sister had always ignored her growing up, and as soon as she entered Hogwarts had redoubled her effort to include their entire family. The last time she had seen her was at Bellatrix's wedding, where she had whined the entire time and attempted to stand apart from the family. However she would recognise her voice anywhere, therefore hearing her hushed conversation Harriet decided to stop and listen in.

"Are you sure that's what you want Andy? If you runaway your family will disown you. You said they'd disowned Sirius over the summer," a male voice said. Turning the corner Harry spotted the couple, Theodore and Andromeda were in their seventh year along with Lucius, and apparently their relationship was going strong.

"I just want to be with you. My family would never understand. They wouldn't let us be together, running away is the only option," Andromeda responded.

Harriet rolled her eyes from her hiding stop, admittedly the majority of the family wouldn't be happy but if Theodore made the effort to convert and embrace magical culture then he would be accepted.

"Still, we're only just 18, we have no money and if you get disowned, we'll have even less. I will have a hard time finding a good job as a muggle born but you'll find it impossible without a name."

"But we would be together, and I would have your name."

Harriet watched as the Hufflepuffs anxious face softened, she didn't judge them for being in love, love was blind after all, but she could judge them for being stupid, and they were being stupid.

"Lyra are you still here?" Regulus called out, causing Harriet to jump. Cursing under her breath she stepped out from where she was hidden just as Andromeda turned.

"You!" the older witch hissed, face switching between fear and annoyance.

"Hello cousin," she said, ignoring the wand now pointed at her.

"What?! spying on me for grandfather now?" the seventh year spat.

Tonks looked uncomfortable, "Andy, she's only a kid, put your wand away," he urged.

"No, you don't understand. She's grandfathers' favourite," Andromeda said, before she turned back to Harriet, "why were you spying on us?"

"I wasn't spying. I was going to get my books out," Harriet said, indicating to the books in her arms, "you just didn't notice me."

Andromeda looked at her warily, eyeing the books in her arms with suspicion, while Tonks looked embarrassed. Slowly the older witch started to lower her wand, just as Barty and Regulus appeared.

"Oh, there you are, why didn't you respond Lyra?" Regulus asked, before he saw the wand pointed at her, "ah..."

Barty eyed the wand as he drew his own, "okay there Black?" he asked, sneering Andy's name as he knew she detested the noble name that she didn't deserve.

"Put your wand away Andy they're just kids, and she probably didn't hear anything anyway," Tonks urged, putting his hand on Andromeda's arm to gently lower it.

The seventh-year witch however looked reluctant, still she eyed the two younger boys who both had their wands out now, "fine."

Harriet watched as her female cousin was led away, she wasn't even disappointed in her anymore. She had given up on that emotion when it came to certain family members a while ago.

"What was that about?" Regulus said, casting a privacy spell.

"It would seem out dear cousin is planning on running away with her mudblood in the summer."

Barty pulled a face that Regulus mirrored, "why?" the crouch heir asked.

"They're in love."

"But surely you wouldn't disown her for marrying him, if he converted."

"We wouldn't, but Andromeda doesn't want him to change for her, doesn't want to sully him with our outdated and bigoted ways," Regulus responded, having heard the arguments many times.

Harriet rolled her eyes, "uncle is not going to be happy."

"Will you write to him?" Regulus asked.

"No, I'll wait until yule. I will be better coming in person I think."

"First Sirius, now Andromeda. He's going to furious," Regulus said, not envying his cousin at all.

/

Regulus wasn't underselling the fury Arcturus felt at all. Harriet winced as she felt his magic raging even though his face didn't so much as twitch as she told him the news.

"That ungrateful cur," the man bit out.

"Maybe if Druella and Cygnus spoke to her again?" Harriet suggested.

"They have both spoken to her multiple times. She knows that if she continues on this path that she will be disowned."

Harriet winced, two disownments in one generation was unheard off and would be the talk of the gossip rags for years, "still maybe there is a chance. Tonks doesn't seem unreasonable…"

Arcturus sneered, dropping his mask in front of his heir, "maybe not but I refuse to pander to the whims of an ungrateful child. If Andromeda thinks she can survive with just her love, then let her try."

"Of course uncle," Harriet conceded.

Arcturus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "how have you been anyway my dear, how was the rest of your summer? I know your letters said you were fine but after the situation with Sirius I did wonder."

"I was okay, both Sirius and James avoided me for the rest of the summer, and at school we hardly see each other. I think my father's punishment worked for once."

"Oh?"

"They were grounded, no quidditch or flying and no friends over."

Arcturus couldn't contain the scoff, that wasn't a punishment fit for their crime, "I see. How tragic for them," he drawled, not hiding his sneer.

Harriet giggled, "at least they've kept up the avoidance. I have hardly seen them since we returned home. Though I doubt that will be the case when father is off, he likes for us all to eat together."

Arcturus nodded, "if it gets too much, know that Castle Black is always here, and as much your home as it is mine."

"Thank you uncle," Harriet said, smiling genuinely. She was pleased that somebody else was angry on her behalf, that he also saw that the punishment the boys had wasn't really fit, and that he offered no excuses for them.

"now I know you're eager to go to the library," the man said, dismissing her.

Smiling Harriet stood, "I am, I have ideas for my ward. I had a moment of inspiration when I was studying."

Arcturus allowed a proud smile to fill his face, "oh do share?" he asked, offering his arm as he stood to escort her to the library, where she would no doubt spend the majority of the holidays.

/

Charlus sighed as he listened to the elves report, he had initially felt guilty asking his house elves to watch the children but now he felt justified. Harriet it would seem had only spent a few hours at home, mainly sleeping, but the majority of her time at Castle Black, which while not surprising, was still not something he wanted to continue. The boys on the other hand had actually been spending time studying, as far as the house elves could tell, or at least practicing their magic in the library. Still that today was the first day he would actually be seeing his children, which in his heart included Sirius, was disheartening. He missed them, but he couldn't not work. The overtime was needed, with the rise of the dark forces, more and more of his workers were being forced into overtime, not just him. Although, the seemingly endless hours were catching up with him as he felt exhausted, not just mentally, but magically and emotionally, still he forced himself to smile, today was Christmas after all.

"Good morning children, breakfast is ready so be quick joining me," he shouted, charming his voice to enter their rooms, it was Christmas morning, the first they would be celebrating. While he knew Harriet had done a traditional Yule celebration with the Blacks and set up a small Yule log in their ritual room, he had decided this year to celebrate Christmas at Albus's urging. The muggle holiday was gaining popularity in recent years and he didn't see the harm in celebrating it.

A few moments later, a sleepy but excited James appeared, dragging an equally tired Sirius.

"Mornin' dad," James greeted, with a yawn.

"Yeah, 'appy Christmas," Sirius said. Both boys had been excited to celebrate the muggle holiday, having heard about it from people at school.

"Good morning boys, are you ready for presents?" he asked, usually presents were exchanged on the last day of Yule with family, or sent over with owls during the holidays for friends and the people you weren't celebrating in person with.

"Yeah," both boys exclaimed.

"Good morning," Harriet as she entered, not aiming the words at anybody as she took a seat at the table. As soon as she sat down, a cup of earl grey appeared, made exactly how she liked it, with a slice of lemon and a sugar cube, "thank you Mimsy," she said, knowing the elf would hear her.

Harriet didn't know if she was surprised or not to be celebrating the muggle holiday. She didn't understand her father's reasoning's, they weren't muggles. They were magical, they should celebrate and give thanks to magic, but instead they were giving gifts in thanks of some muggle man being born two thousand years ago.

Sirius scowled at her as he sat, he hated how she acted so high and mighty, how she thought she was so much better than them. He also hated how her skin seemed to glow in the light and how her smile made his heart skip a beat... bloody evil siren.

"Did you sleep well Harry?" Charlus asked.

"I did, thank you father."

After they had all eaten Charlus stood, "come, lets go through to the drawing room, the elves have arranged our presents," he said, smiling as the boys practically sprinted through the doors. Harriet following at a more sedate pace. He had been worried that his daughter would fuss over them celebrating Christmas instead of yule, but so far other than her initial frown she had kept silent.

The boys were already covered in torn up paper when they arrived, both of the ripping into their gifts with abandon.

Rolling her eyes when nobody was looking, Harriet sat by her pile of gifts, it was smaller than previous years but she knew that was due to the lack of Black family gifts. The Blacks would share their gifts on the last day of yule together at Castle Black. Still, she carefully opened each one, making note to remember who sent what, and to write them a thank you note.

/

Harriet watched as James, Sirius and her father all sat around playing a muggle game called Monopoly. She had declined their invite to join them, content watching as they played.

"This is nice, isn't it?" Charlus asked after the game finished.

"It beats homework at any rate," James joked.

"Oh? The elves said you've been spending a lot of time in the library recently."

The two Gryffindor's glanced at each other in panic, their obvious exchanged not missed by anybody.

"Ermm well, that's not actually homework but..." Sirius started but gave up in panic,

"-It's for an extracurricular..." James finished in a rush. Both teens sending each other pleased grins at their lie.

Charlus chuckled, "right an extracurricular," he joked, thinking they meant their pranks which had become infamous in recent years. Still, he wouldn't begrudge them if it meant they were studying.

"What about you Harry? Are you enjoying your day?"

Harriet looked at her father, "its been nice, different for normal at least."

"So, you wouldn't mind celebrating Christmas again?" he asked

Harriet felt the smile on her face freeze, she hadn't had a bad day but she didn't want to give up yule for Christmas. They were magicals not muggles, she didn't understand where this sudden desire to give up the traditions and culture came from.

"In theory no... but I prefer yule, I prefer the rituals and the sanctity of magic's blessings on those who worship and respect the old ways. We are magical, not muggles, we should thank magic and respect it and our holy days, not some muggle holiday which is a bastardisation from its own true origins."

Sirius rolled his eyes as James frowned, Charlus however pursed his lips, annoyed at how his daughter refused to see the point. Yule wasn't the issue, but what it stood for was. Yule rituals and worshipping magic was something done by the dark, who were evil. They were bigots who wanted to destroy the world and kill innocents.

"Darling, those ways are outdated and bigoted, they teach people to discriminate and to practice dark and dangerous magic."

"But there isn't such a thing as dark magic, there is just magic... how we use it determines if it's dark or not!"

Charlus didn't notice moving until he felt his hand tingle and the sound of flesh hitting flesh rebounded in the room.

Harriet felt her eyes fill with tears as the force of the slap sent her tumbling to the floor. She couldn't comprehend what had just happened, her father had never, ever used force with them. He didn't even raise his voice that much... that he had hit her... she wouldn't have believed it had it not just happened.

"wha?" Sirius squawked jumping to his feat, heat beating wildly as he was reminded of his own parents and their treatment of him

James however stood and practically ran to his sister, "DAD!" he shouted, as he went to his knees, unsure what to do.

The shout seemingly drawing Charlus out of his horrified stupor, with a gasp he to fell to the floor, wincing when Harriet flinched away from him.

Harriet blinked trying to comprehend what had happened, flinching when she felt her brother and father crowding her.

"Harry, sweetheart, I'm so, so sorry! I don't know what came over me!"

Harriet however just blinked, shaky hand raised to where he had slapped her, the pale hand contrasting sharply against the red skin.

"What the hell dad!" James shouted, turning confused and scared eyes to his father, the man he loved and respected the most in the world

Charlus flinched at the accusation in his eyes, "I'm so so sorry my darling, I have no excuse, I should never have hit you. No matter what you said."

Harriet heard the words as though they came from far away, she was feeling strangely float, though she still remained silent.

"Harry are you okay?" James asked hesitantly.

Harriet turned to her brother and looked at him, eyes regaining some focus as she seemingly came out of her stupor.

"Harry, you are okay right sweetheart?" Charlus repeated, heart beating wildly.

Standing, Harry ignored them for a moment, "why?" she finally asked, slightly ashamed at how watery her voice was

Charlus flinched, "I'm sorry," he repeated, "I just... if you only knew what dark magic could do, if you saw the horrors..."

Harriet let out a cold, watery laugh, "it's not magic that does that, but people. I could hurt somebody with a simple leviosa," she said, "I could hurt somebody without even using magic," she added, a small part of her pleased when he flinched, hand clenching.

"Sweetheart that's no- "

"No, don't sweetheart me. I'm not a naive child, I don't need to be fed lies and I don't care to hear your reasoning's. Magic isn't inherently good or evil, it just is."

James winced, "Harry, come on, its okay. Can we maybe talk about this later? Maybe after we ice your cheek or put some bruise paste on it..."

"Is it?" she asked

"What?"

"Okay? Is this okay? Because it doesn't feel okay to me."

Charlus felt a wave of despair hit him, "sweetheart, I know you're upset. What I did was wrong, so wrong. But I promise you it was an accident. It wont happen again."

"Why? What about next time we argue? Because we will, I'm not like you... I like our traditions, I like the old ways, I like worshipping magic, I'm proud of our heritage."

"Then we can talk about it, calmly. You're my daughter, I love you and I should have never hurt you."

"Do you?" she asked.

"What?"

"Love me? Or do you love the idea of me?"

Charlus felt like the he couldn't breathe; how could she think that? He loved her, she was his daughter, the mirror of his love, and he was so proud of her.

James let out a wounded sound and Sirius seemed to recoil.

"of course, I love you, that you even question it though proves that I need to prove it. I love you, Harry."

Harriet winced, which caused the pain in her face, that she had been steadfast in ignoring, to double, "I love you too..." she whispered.

Taking a step forward, Charlus felt disgust wash through him when he saw the swelling already coming out, "I know I've done wrong by you, not just this, but by not being around, but please, never ever doubt I love you. I love you both," he said, adding the last bit to James who was now standing awkwardly.

"We know that dad," James said.

"Will you let me help you with that Harry?" Charlus asked, guilt eating away at him

Harry stilled, warring between wanting to let him, she could see how much guilt he felt, it was practically radiation off him, and wanting to run away and hide from this moment. She wanted to lick her wounds in private.

"its okay, I think I want to go to my room," she said.

"But-" James was cut off but Charlus,

"If that's what you think is best."

Harriet turned and fled, for once abandoning all decorum as she ran to her room. She wanted to be alone. She wanted Bella, Reggie and Barty. She wanted Arcturus.

James sent his dad a confused look, he was still in disbelief about what had happened.

"How could you do that?" he asked

Charlus sent his son a look, eyes filled with shame, I didn't mean to," he replied, voice sounded defeated.

"You accidently hit her?" James asked anger marring his voice, clearly still shook.

"I... I didn't think, it was reaction. Work as been awful, you children don't know what its like out there... such violence, and horror... its unending, I see it in my dreams, that is when I get the chance to sleep..."

James felt bad then, he didn't want to question is father, but he just couldn't believe what had happened, "I get that, but..." he trailed off.

"She'll be fine," Sirius said speaking up and reminding the two Potters they weren't alone, seeing their eyes on him he continued, "she'll be sad but she'll get over it."

James and Charlus shared a look, not quite believing the words, but hoping they were true.

/

Charlus wasn't surprised when the elves told him Harriet had left the wards and gone to castle Black, no instead he felt self disgust rise in him, he knew if Dorea was alive shew would have cursed him to Avalon and back for daring to hurt their daughter.

/

Harriet stepped out of the green flames and immediately made her way to her bedroom here in the castle. She knew she couldn't hide what had happened from her uncle or the rest of her family, but she wasn't in a rush for them to find out just yet.

She had stayed in her room for an hour before the feeling of suffocation had overwhelmed her. She didn't hate her father for what he had done, but she was shocked and angry, and didn't want to be around him. She knew his actions had scared him, had seen the fear and guilt in his brown eyes, but she didn't want this to be brushed under the rug, for it to be ignored like all of their other problems.

Looking at her reflection her eyes traced the red outline that was swelling and already purpling in places. She would need to apply bruise paste soon or else she would need more tomorrow.

"would you like to tell me why you've arrived home hurt?" a cool voice asked startling her and drawing her eyes away from her reflection.

Arcturus stood in the doorway, and even without her sight engaged she could feel the magic around him was humming in anger, however his eyes held only concern.

Harriet went to speak, yet instead of words a sob tore itself from her. Without thinking she threw herself into the arms of the now startled older wizard.

Arcturus had been furious when the portraits had told him Lyra was here and appeared to be hurt, that anger had only intensified when he had seen her, the outline of a hand clear on her face. Whoever had dared to mar her would rue the day they were born when he was through with them. However that fury dispelled, when he found himself with an armful of tearful teenage witch. He had never considered himself an overly approachable man, yet that Lyra sought him for comfort softened his heart slightly. Gently rocking the girl, he vowed silently that he would do everything in his power to ensure her happiness and success.

Clicking his fingers to summon an elf, he quickly asked for bruise paste. Gently leading her back to the vanity he applied a thick layer of the paste, eyes quickly scanning over her in an effort to see if she had anymore injuries.

Once applied, the numbing effects of the paste quickly drew a sigh of relief from Harriet, "thank you."

"What happened little star?"

Harriet bit her lip, she knew Arcturus would be apocalyptic if he knew, but she also knew lying wouldn't help her here, "father and I got in to a disagreement on the classifications of magic," she said.

Arcturus stilled, "you mean to tell me your father did this to you?" she asked, his magic humming with fury and visibly, at least to Harriet, fighting to lash out.

"He did, though I don't think he meant it."

"Do not give him any excuses."

Harriet sighed, I know your angry but don't let this cloud your judgement or do anything too rash."

Arcturus tutted, "who do you think I am child? No, I wont do anything rash, but do not think for one second I will forget about this.. father or not, he struck the Black heir, that is unforgivable."

Harriet nodded, "can I stay here until I go back to school?"

"Of course, my dear," he agreed.

/

Charlus had been expecting a confrontation ever since he received the note Harriet had sent via house elf, informing him she would be spending the rest of the holidays at Castle Black, therefore then the floo pinged saying Arcturus Black was requesting admittance he stood with a weary sigh and prepared himself. Still that it was coming now wasn't great, he was expecting Albus any minute, alongside the other people Albus trusted to stand up against the rising darkness.

The boys were luckily outside today playing on their new brooms. They had finally lost the awkward air around him, but still they seemed shaken by the events that had taken place a few days ago, much to his shame.

Allowing Arcturus through the floo, a flash of red was all he saw before he was thrown back a few steps, the wards thankfully taking the majority of the spell.

"hello to you to, Lord Black," he said, wincing as he stood. The other Lord was holding his wand out but no longer looked ready to cast at him, which he knew was deceiving, Arcturus Black was always ready to throw curses.

"Tell me why I shouldn't apply to take guardianship of Lyra tight now, Potter?"

Charlus winced again, I know what I did was wrong, but you have no room to judge me."

"no room? I have never, nor would I ever, hurt Lyra."

"my daughter? No, perhaps not, but you cant deny Sirius was treated worse at the hands of your family."

"Sirius was never struck for speaking his thoughts."

Charlus again though to keep his face passive, "my daughter knows what I did was an accident. It wont happen again."

"it wont, because if you do I wont hesitate to take her from you."

Charlus clenched his wand, fighting the urge to hex the man before him, "she is, and always will be my daughter, Arcturus. She will one day see you for what you are and realise where she should be."

"will she? Because all I see is you driving her towards me, your actions are pushing her away faster than she was going on her own."

However before the argument could develop more the floo flashed green again and Dumbledore appeared, standing in robes of bright purple with a matching hat.

The headmaster blinked before sending the clearly angered Lord Black a smile, "ah Arcturus, a pleasure to see you as always."

Arcturus sneered, "headmaster."

I hadn't realised you had company Charlie," the old wizard said to the lord of the house.

"Lord Black was just leaving," he replied.

Arcturus raised a brow, "don't think this is over Potter," he warned as he moved towards the floo, keeping an eye on the other occupants of the room, not trusting them.

Once he was gone, Dumbledore turned to Charlus.

"what has happened my boy?"

Charlus sighed, "when are the others due?" he asked in lew of answering.

"In a few moments," Albus responded.

Charlus ran a hand across his weary face, "I hit Harry."

Albus blinked, surprised, "how did this come about?"

"We were arguing, no- wait that's not quite right, we were talking, and- she just... she doesn't think there should be classifications for dark magic, she thinks all magic is fine and... she just doesn't understand. I'm loosing her to them Albus, and the thought terrifies me. I hit her without thinking."

Albus hummed, "I'm sure she knows it was an accident. When passions run high, we sometimes act without thought. She's a smart girl, she'll see that."

Charlus sighed, "I hope so."

"Is that why Arcturus was here?"

"Yes. Threatening me to never do it again, not that I would."

"I see. This is troubling news, but we can fix it. She is your family, and family is the most important thing in the world. Your bond wont be so easily broken."

Soon after that the floo light up again, and members of Dumbledore's trusted appeared, all sharing news they had gathered on the rising dark Lord and his followers.

/

The return to Hogwarts was tinged with tension this time, Narcissa and Regulus were both fretting over her, while the rest of her friends were angry at what had happened.

"Bella was ready to go to Azkaban when she heard, I think Rodolphus had to lock down his wards to keep her from storming to Potter manor," Narcissa said from where she was sitting with Harry in her arms.

"I'm surprised he wasn't there with her," Barty said, knowing just how much Harriet meant to her family, which included the Lestranges now.

"it's not as bad as you're making it," Harriet replied.

"He hit you!" Regulus argued, clearly upset, "because you stood up for what you believe in!"

"I know but..." Harriet railed off.

"don't make excuses for him, you should be hit. Ever," Severus said, he had been looking uncomfortable for the entire conversation.

"Well said Severus," Lucius said, he had been beyond shocked when Narcissa had told him why Harriet was spending the rest of her holidays with the Blacks.

After a while they dropped the subject, instead speaking of their plans and catching up on gossip and news from the holidays.

Standing Harriet smiled and waved of the girls, 'I'll be fine," she assured them, as she went to find the bathroom.

Walking back however she regretted that decision, as she was roughly shoved into and empty compartment inside the train. Turning to face whoever had pushed her, she withdrew her wand and sneered.

"You little snake!" Andromeda hissed in her face; wand held high.

"Really cousin, attacking me from behind?"

"Like you deserve better! You told grandfather!"

Harriet rolled her eyes, "he deserves to know! He's our lord and the head of our family!"

"he's a prejudiced old bigot who has no power over me!"

"Then go off, run away but don't come crying back when you realise what you've given up for your love!"

"What would you know of love. You're a heartless little snake!"

"I know that I wouldn't betray my family for it, give up my culture and traditions for it!"

"Because you're such a good little pureblood, next you'll be joining this dark lord and killing muggles for sport!"

Harriet recoiled, "traditional doesn't mean evil Andromeda, you should know that!"

However, before Andy could respond the door opened and a hesitant looking Remus Lupin stepped in, wand out but not up.

"Everything okay Harriet?" he asked the younger witch.

Andy sneered, "even got little lions following you around? What would grandfather think if he knew?"

Harriet sent the older witch a dark look, "you're pathetic," she said, "were done here."

Andy's wand arm twitched, but she didn't cast anything.

Stepping out of the compartment Harriet walked away, aware that the young werewolf was following her.

"Are you okay?" he asked as they made their way down the corridor.

Sending him a small smile Harriet internally chuckled when he blushed, "I'm fine thank you, Lupin."

"You can call me Remus," he offered.

"Remus then," she said smiling, "still thank you for coming to help me."

"It's okay, I heard you arguing and well, I wanted to help."

"You're a kind soul Remus," Harriet said, smirking

Remus looked unsure for a moment, "you know don't you, about my... err... problem."

"I do," Harriett confirmed.

"Then how can you say that?"

"What you are doesn't define who you are Remus."

The Gryffindor blinked at that, shocked, "than you," he said finally.

Seeing her compartment up ahead she turned to him, "see you later, Remus,"

"Wait Harry, ermm I mean Harriet, I just wanted to say... James he's, he's sorry, you know, and he loves you."

Harriet winced internally, "thank you, but I think I'll believe that when he acts like it."

Before he could reply, the compartment opened and a worried looking Barty was there

"What took so long?" he asked, however when he saw Remus he drew his wand "Are you okay, is he bothering you?" he sneered at the other boy.

"No, he walked me back, I ran into Andy."

Barty looked reluctant but put his wand away, "I see, come on Lyra," he said, leading her back into the compartment.

/

The remainder of the year went by without any further surprises, other than Harriet noticed James and to a lesser extend Sirius watching her with eyes filled with what she can only guess was pity. Yet either of they dynamic duo approached her. She also noticed Dumbledore had once again picked up his habit of following her with his eyes, which made her want to her him. The old man would watch her in the great hall, eyes narrow whenever she sat with the Slytherins. How he made others believe he was a dithering old man baffled her, he was the ultimate puppet master, and a key pusher for the Slytherin Gryffindor divide and anti-Slytherin propaganda.

The trio consisting of Harriet, Barty and Regulus did have one break through though, their animagus training was starting to pay off.

Barty panted as he transformed back, he had come the farthest in his transformation, though this wasn't a surprise as he had a knack for human transfiguration, or rather transfiguration in general.

"You okay Barty?" Regulus asked as the blonde shook his head.

"Yes, it's just odd. The instincts that come along with the transformation are stronger than I thought they would be."

Harriet hummed; she hadn't managed a full transformation yet but she understood where Barty was coming from. She had found herself more drawn to sweet foods and drinks and, brighter colours since starting the process, the animagus instincts rearing their head.

Regulus nodded, "occulmency is supposed to help with that, but I think they always remain. Do you want to go now Lyra?" he offered.

Harriet nodded, closing her eyes and focusing her magic. She might not have Barty's natural flare for transfiguration but she didn't have her own advantage; she had watched McGonagall transform multiple times with her sight engaged, therefore she knew what her magic should be doing. Focusing she transformed, relishing in the flow of her magic throughout her body.

Being a butterfly was a strange feeling, one she hadn't yet gotten used to. Flapping her green wings, she gently flew towards Regulus, the bright grey of his eyes enticing her. However, before she could land on him, large hand gently surrounded her, cupping her gently.

"Probably best not to land on him, just in case you turn back," Barty said, voice full of mirth as he recalled how Harriet had transformed back unexpectedly before and landed on Regulus quite painfully.

Gently flapping her wings, she instead sent and investigated the room, the pull on holding the form was dramatically reduced compared to the last time she had managed it. Still eventually she felt her magic shifting, flying back to her sport she allowed herself to picture of human body, her magic shifting until she felt the world around her shift. Blinking she shook her head as she gathered her bearings.

"You okay there Lyra?" Regulus asked.

Humming she smiled, "yes, though I do agree with Barty, I'm craving something sweet rather fiercely now."

Regulus stood, offering his hand to his cousin, "come, we can go to the kitchens."

/

The end of year feast was once again filled with mixed emotions for Harriet, this year Lucius would be leaving, and while they were not as close as she was with some of her friends, she would miss the older Slytherin.

As the feast came to an end, Dumbledore stood up, drawing attention to himself as the voices of the crowd died off...

"Once again our year has come to an end and we find ourselves going back out into the world. To our seventh years leaving us we must say farewell, as they go out to start their journeys into the wider world. A world which is growing darker by he day, but never fear, for if we stand together, one untied family against the darkness we will prevail. Light will always find a way. And to out younger years, returning home, always know, if you're even in doubt, Hogwarts will be here for you."

The words brought about clapping form the majority of the students, some though like Harriet remained unmoved by the speech.

"think by our last year he'll give up with the hints and just straight up start recruiting students for the war?" Barty whispered, drawing a smirk from her and Miranda and jasmine who where sitting opposite them.

"Probably, senile of fool," Miranda said, looking at the Gryffindor's with distain as they stamped their feet in apparently adoration of the headmaster.