A/N: A new chapter for you. Harriet will have some 'girls' time with old and new friends and finally we'll meet our beloved Snuffles.
See you soon!
Chapter 5 : Dragons & Dogs
Dragons. The moment Zabini pronounced the word, Cassius could feel nothing but the anger that boiled inside him like lava, threatening to spill over and destroy everything around him at any moment.
Like always, he shoved his fury to the back of his mind and focused on the now. The pressing matter was to keep Harriet safe and secure her survival.
The silence that settled in the room was absolute, he could certainly hear her heartbeat if he concentrated enough.
He wanted to hold her hand and assure her that it was going to be alright, but he couldn't. It was too soon and it wasn't definitely the right moment.
Harriet made great progress those last weeks. He was sure that she could best all her year mates and the majority of fifth and sixth years. She even grasped the essence of wordless magic. He was confident that she would be casting silently in no time.
Zabini being the practical one ended the prolonged silence: ''You don't need to worry Potter, I'm sure we will come up with something.''
Harriet looked startled for a moment: ''You will help me, too?''
Nott cleared his throat before adding: ''Of course, we're in this together that's the reason we're here. I know that we don't know each other well, but I think your experience with slytherins, bar Malfoy, wasn't that…..unpleasant.'' He smirked inclining his head towards Cassius.
Why….the little!
A small blush adorned Harriet's cheeks before she narrowed her eyes and stated: ''I'm really grateful for all the help that I got from Warrington and the guys, but wouldn't it seem a little strange if we started acting friendly all of a sudden. We weren't even in speaking terms till this morning.''
Greengrass cut the debate with her typical icy glare :''Potter, you are aware of the summer's events, I heard that you went to the world cup, the war is coming. Some of us are inherently neutrals, some choose to change their allegiance.'' She looked in Nott's way, but he kept his head high, '' the bottom line is we're in this together, maybe we won't fight for the same thing, but I'm sure every single one of us has a good cause to raise his wand and shield something or someone. We won't let the mad lord and his sycophants destroy everything our ancestors worked so hard to build. I'm not sure what you know about Neutrals, but our first duty is to maintain the stability, the Dark can't win and rule.''
Harriet took a moment to absorb Greengrass's words, then she inclined her head and gave a smug look: ''Well, it seems we have more in common than I thought. I will accept any help I can get. Oh, and I'd like to see some people's reaction to our 'budding friendship', that would certainly be a prank worthy of the Marauders.''
None, other than Harriet obviously, understood this thing about the marauders, but they were all looking forward to shaking Hogwarts' system that encouraged isolating the slytherins.
It seemed that the great Albus Dumbeldore had some nasty surprises in his future.
Harriet couldn't decide if she should thank Colin Creevey or strangle him.
The third year saved her from another torture session with the dungeon bat, even though having Zabini as a shield, made the class more bearable.
She couldn't keep the pleased smile from her face the moment Zabini sauntered into the room and took a sit beside her and Neville.
Everyone was staring with their mouths wide open.
Ron and Hermione finally deemed her worthy of their attention and looked wide eyed at the unlikely trio, she could see jealousy and anger in Ron's eyes. Hermione looked pensive and intrigued. Too bad Harriet wouldn't solve this puzzle for her; she had dragons to think about.
Malfoy and his horde forwent their haughty expressions. The little ferret looked so pale you might count how many veins he had under his eyes. Parkinson looked frightened.
The best reaction was Snape's. His face became Vernon purple and he seemed outraged.
Take that you coward.
It looked like stealing his snakes was an unforgivable in his book. So he made sure to put as much venom as possible in his bloody interjections and Colin's arrival was the last straw. Her eternal fan couldn't keep his giddiness in check; she barely made it to the corridor without being burnt by Snape's glare.
The moment she entered the room where the weighing ceremony would be held, she surveyed her surroundings.
Krum was standing in a corner scowling, Delacour did not deign her worthy of more than one single glance. Diggory gave her a tight, fake smile. She knew he didn't believe her. He made his opinion clear the night of the selection. She couldn't really blame him, it might look that she stole his only chance at glory.
The other headmasters were there along with Dumbeldore, Bagman and Ollivander.
There was also a paunchy man holding a camera standing next to a witch wearing bright robes and looking like a vulture waiting for the next prey. Better be cautious, Warrington warned her to stay away from the press as much as possible and to avoid any public confrontations. The public was easily swayed and she couldn't afford to create more enemies.
Keeping a straight back and not making any eye contact, she waited in a corner for her name to be called.
She didn't know much about wand lore but she perceived from Ollivander's reaction that her wand was special.
''Miss Potter, can I have a look please?''. Ollivander smiled gently at her, extending his hand.
She reluctantly handed her wand over for inspection. Lately, she became more attached to it, she kept it under her pillow at night, sometimes she held it close to her heart while sleeping.
''mmm very interesting, it seems you took great care of your wand Miss Potter, good, good, I feel like your connection with the core is getting stronger, the phoenix feather feels happier I can almost hear its song.'' After a little twirl, small golden and silver stars came out of the wand.
Harriet snatched her wand back, feeling relieved when she held it again. She tried to get out, but her escape was interrupted by the viper like journalist.
''Miss Potter, I am Rita Skeeter from The Daily Prophet'', she smiled too sweetly, adjusting her cat eye glasses, ''can I have a few words with you for our readers? I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to hear from the Girl Who Lived for the first time.''
Harriet tried to not to snap at the disgusting woman, she remembered Pucey's advice: 'Kill them with your smile', time to test his theory.
''Miss Skeeter, pleasure to meet you. I mean no offence, but wouldn't it be better if you interviewed the real champions. I hope you are aware that I didn't want to be a part of this tournament, so I don't consider myself a competent. I just have to survive three tasks then carry on with my life. Again, it was nice to meet you and have a nice day.''
Harriet made a dive for the door ignoring Dumbeldore's inquiring eyes. She didn't have time for him anymore; he should've protected her before trying to stick his nose in every single detail of her miserable life.
During dinner, Hedwig came into the great hall carrying a letter. Harriet took it while stroking her faithful friend's soft, snowy feathers. She could feel eyes on her. Turning her head to the side, she found Neville looking pensive but hesitant.
Hiding her snicker, she started: ''So, I wager you want to know what was Zabini doing in the potions' class, right?''
Neville stammered before giving her an apologetic smile: ''I don't want to pry but you can't deny it did look weird. I knew Zabini since we were toddlers and he never gave me a second glance. You? I know you don't talk to snakes period. And now, you are exchanging glances with Warrington, Pucey winks at you every time you look his way. Malfoy avoids you, Parkinson and the two gorillas look frightened of you. Greengrass, Nott, Urquhart, Fawley and Selwyn give you silent nods when we cross paths. Harriet something huge is brewing and you should be aware that I was not the only one noticing.''
Turning her head slowly toward the professors' table, she found Dumbeldore trying to pierce her head with his blue gaze, Snape glaring at her and McGonagall looking conflicted.
Merlin, couldn't they leave her alone? She wasn't harming anyone with her new friendships.
She was part thrilled, part vexed by Neville's Perception. The boy wasn't as oblivious as others thought.
Casting a silent 'Muffiliato' around them, she started: ''As you know, after the champions' selection, my ex friends didn't stand by me. Ron called me a liar and an attention seeker and Hermione held her silence and didn't defend me, which was worse in my book. One night while I was wandering late, I stumbled upon Warrington. He told me that he believed me and that he's ready to help me in any way he can. Since that night, I had meetings with him and his friends frequently. We train, we exchange information and slowly but surely, we became good acquaintances. We weren't exactly hiding our new friendship but I couldn't pass the opportunity to make the revelation as shocking as possible. I mean didn't you see Snape's face today? ''
Neville's eyes were widening with every world coming of her mouth: ''You mean to tell me that all this time you were fraternizing with the slytherins without anyone noticing? Wow, you became as sly as them.''
Harriet chuckled, her friend's observation was on point: ''Well, the hat wanted to put me in Slytherin but I refused. Maybe it saw something in me that belonged there. Anyway I'm sorry if I kept this from you, I just…..felt like keeping something for myself for a while."
Neville squeezed he shoulder:'' It's all right Harriet, I can understand how you feel; having your every move scrutinized can't be good. I can see how everyone bugs you all the time. They think that they have the right to stick their noses in your personal affairs; it must make privacy a lost cause for you. The slytherins you choose as friends are good ones. They never bothered me or any other Gryff, they keep to themselves mostly. But I can't help but notice that they are Neutrals, bar some, do you understand what you are doing Harriet? You are hanging out with the Neutrals, the Greys. Are you considering changing alliance in the future? ''
Harriet took a moment to articulate her answer: ''I know that my father and grandfather were Lights but the Potters are essentially Greys. Warrington and the others didn't teach me defense only, we talk politics and history too. The Potters were always fighters; you can't be a warrior if you are Light. In a fight for your life, for you dear ones' lives, for the innocent you have to win no matter what. Failure is not an option.''
Neville was looking at her with something akin to admiration in his eyes:'' You know, I thought that you had so much already, that this tournament was the last straw for you, but I was wrong. I think it was a blessing in a weird way. So, let me tell you something I kept from you since our first meeting because I thought it didn't matter, that you wouldn't care: You are my godsister; Lily Potter was my godmother and my mother Alice Longbottom was yours. We were supposed to grow up together but Voldemort and his horde made it impossible. I just want to tell you that I'll follow behind your guidance because I believe in you. The Longbottoms always follow the Potters. We are one in all that matters.''
Harriet fought tooth and nail her tears; it wouldn't do to attract more attention. Extending her right hand under the table, she squeezed Neville's and gave him a sure nod. Returning the gesture with one of his own, the godsiblings grinned at each other. Finally they were united.
Making sure that the common room was empty, Harriet crouched in front of the fireplace waiting for her godfather. She was a little anxious; they hadn't exchanged letters since summer. How would he react to the news of her selection?
Finally, Sirius' head appeared in the fire. Taking a look around one last time, Harriet greeted him:'' Hello Sirius, how are you doing?''
Sirius gave her his customary smirk:''I'm all right, but tell me about you. I found out from the Daily Prophet that you were selected to compete in this deadly tournament. What was Dumbeldore thinking by allowing this blasphemy? Even a fool can discern Voldemort's hand in this. It's a trap.''
Harriet took a deep breath before explaining:'' Sirius, I'm not sure about your stance towards Dumbeldore, but his intentions were never clear. Sometimes he feels like the grandfather I never had, and sometimes he feels like a general ordering his prized soldier around. After this October 31st, I don't trust him anymore. I don't mean that he's totally evil or something but he's very manipulative and cunning. I don't trust him with my survival."
Sirius looked straight into her eyes:'' I'm glad you came to this conclusion by yourself, Prongslet. I respect Dumbeldore but I don't trust him blindly anymore. I spent thirteen years reflecting in all my past's aspects. Anyway, did you gather any information about the first task? It's so close.''
Harriet gulped, before answering in a small voice:''Dragons.''
Sirius took a moment to shout some very colorful expletives, after cooling a bit he said: ''Well, they are trying really hard to off you this time. But don't give up I know some curses that may came in handy. Do you have a Hogsmeade trip soon?''
''Yes, it will be the day after tomorrow.''
''Good, Snuffles will meet you in the village and we'll talk.''
Harriet tried to object to this crazy idea, but was interrupted by hearing someone's steps coming.
Sirius gave her an apologetic, sad smile before disappearing.
"Who were you talking to?''
Hearing Hermione's voice, Harriet's temper started to ignite:''No one, I was just thinking aloud.''
''Harriet, you were talking to someone, was it Snuffles?''
Well, Hermione Granger could never understand the meaning of the word no. She always had to put her nose in matters that didn't concern her. She just couldn't stand the fact she didn't know everything.
''Hermione, is me talking to someone this late really the big elephant in the room right now? You didn't talk to me for almost a month and this is how we start again? By demanding things from me? You lost that right when you ignored me and left the moment I needed you the most."
Hermione looked in the verge of tears: ''Harriet, I was shocked like everyone else; I know how reckless you can be. And then, there was Ron and you know how he felt…..''
Hearing that, Harriet almost pulled her hair out in frustration: ''So this is about Ron? Is your little infatuation more important than your best friend? I considered you my sister but you stomped on my feeling to accommodate your crush. I hope that he returns your feelings and that you'll get your happily ever after.''
Hermione was crying now: ''Harriet please, you know that I could never turn my back to you. I was stupid and afraid but…..let me make it up to you, I'll help anyway I can. Please forgive me!"
Sighing, Harriet smiled sadly before whispering: ''Hermione, you know almost everything about my life with the Dursleys, opening up to others was never easy for me. You were the first person that I trusted with my secrets. I can respect your choice, I can understand your feelings and I wish you all the best. But don't ever dream about things going back to the way they were before that night. Trust is everything to me, and it was broken. I don't need Pettigrows in my life. You know what's coming in the near future. We may become acquaintances that respect each other, but we'll never have the kind of friendship we had before. I'm sorry.''
Hermione was sobbing, tears coming uncontrollably down her cheeks. Harriet felt like crying too, for the sister she lost, for the friends she'd never have back. But, she didn't have tears anymore; there were more pressing matters at the moment.
Reining his emotions with supreme effort, Cassius folded the newspaper. Could this week turn any more frustrating? First dragons and now Skeeter.
Adrian cleared his throat: "So, how are we going to deal with the bitch?''
''All in good time my friend, I'll make her curse the day she wrote about Harriet Potter. I have some good intel on her, I just have to make sure about the accuracy of my information, you know we can't afford to take any wrong step.''
''I just hope that we'll act fast. I came to bear the little lion's companionship, of course not as much as you, so, I don't want to see her sad.''
Cassius glared at his right hand and best friend: ''Adrian.''
''Ok, sorry'' the little bastard didn't look sorry at all.'' Anyway you know we have a Hogsmeade visit today, why didn't you invite her to join us?''
All during breakfast, Cassius noticed that Harriet kept pausing in eating her food and casting furtive glances his way.
He looked down with a frown. He'd honestly never thought to ask her out so soon, but Adrian's idea had merit. She could join him and his friends so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. He can even ask Jena and Greengrass to come so she would have some female company.
''Since it's your brilliant idea, I think it's only fair that you do it yourself.''
When Adrian's brows shot up, Cassius smirked. He knew his friend too well.
''Wait, you want to throw your best mate into the lions' den? You wound me Cassius. I know that you are heartless but this is a new low even for you.''
Graham interjected with his usual cool expression: ''Cassius is right, you are always acting like a cocky bastard, it's time to second your words with actions.''
''But I wasn't suggesting this for myself, I wanted Cassius to…..''. Adrian stopped suddenly and his eyes widened at his near slip. Cassius gave him a look that said 'you would regret it later'. He knew his friend meant well, but sometimes he didn't know when to stop.
"I've never seen such girl in my life, dealing with Potter is very…..interesting." Urquhart frowned at the rest of the present court members. Adrian elbowed him and shot him a reprimanding look.
Cassius fought his own battle to hide his surprise, or horror, as it was. Never in his life had he thought that he would be so obvious. Time to take back the reins.
Cassius waited calmly for Harriet to finish her breakfast; the moment she stood up he pounced. He could feel eyes following him, but like usual, he didn't care. His world was full of power and lavish compliments, but none of it had touched him. He knew others sought his attention, but it was always for the wrong reason. They were attracted to his looks, his family, his brains and his power. He didn't care for them. They were meaningless. So, he chased her slowly, ignoring the longing, the lust and the jealousy that shadowed him everywhere.
He found her heading towards the stairs with Longbottom in tow. He cleared his throat: ''Potter, would like to join us to Hogsmeade? Heir Longbottom you may come if you wish.''
Harriet froze, her gaze sought his; excitement was swirling in the emerald depths and a pleased expression touched her face.
Longbottom looked awkward for a moment before making his decision: ''Go on Harriet, I promised Dean and Seamus that I'd hang out with them.''
Cassius raised one dark eyebrow mockingly before his lips curved slightly. It seemed that the little pudgy lion wasn't as oblivious as they made him look. There was still hope for the Longbottoms. He had to explore this idea later.
Harriet gaze returned to his. ''So, who will accompany us? I'll join you for a bit then I have an appointment with an old….friend.''
Cassius looked over her shoulder, sighing inwardly: ''Adrian and Graham will come. Jena Fawley and Greengrass will meet us later.''
Harriet spun around in spite of knowing who was behind her:''Oh Pucey, I knew you'd miss me.''
Adrian flashed a grin:'' My dear, I know you'd be bored without my charming company, so here I am saving you, again."
Cassius was suspended between the need to roll his eyes and the urge to strangle his best friend. ''Let's go, we're gathering so much attention.''
The day went surprisingly well if you ignored the awed and intrigued looks they were getting.
It looked that having a Gryffindor hanging out with Slytherins was unheard of. Or maybe because it was Warrington and his retinue.
Harriet might not know exactly what was happening in the snakes' dungeons, but she was sure that Warrington and his best friends held a position of power. She couldn't ignore the way everyone heeded his words and hurried to do his bidding.
She remembered their first encounter and the talk about slytherin politics and court. Warrington's personality made him suitable for a single role: a leader.
From what she learned about him, he was not the type to bow to anyone or anything. He wasn't the type to follow blindly. He was confident, extremely smart and very knowledgeable.
The way he knew almost everything about everyone was frightening. Good thing they were friends or at least she wished he considered her one.
Her feelings towards him were …..complicated.
Jena's voice cut through her thoughts: ''We're friends aren't we Harriet?''. She fluttered her eyelashes in an attempt to cajole her into doing what she wanted.
Harriet shook her head: ''It may be something that I'll regret later Fawley.''
Jena narrowed her eyes: ''Careful little lioness, I spent so much time investing in you, I won't let go until I get back something in return.''
Harriet sighed, those snakes would never change. ''What do you want?''
Jena lifted a brown eyebrow: ''Cassius"
Harriet stiffened immediately and looked around. "Don't worry, he went with the guys to buy some parchment and other necessities.'' Jena smirked evilly.
"Would you leave the poor girl alone, is it really that important to know everything about everyone?''. Daphne sounded bored but Harriet knew better. She was the most dangerous girl in the dungeons. Her icy eyes were glowing with anticipation.
''Yes, I must know. It's Cassius we're talking about.''
Harriet rolled her eyes: ''There's nothing going on between us. He's helping me overcome this hurdle so we can concentrate on the more urgent matter, the war.''
"So nothing is causing you to blush like a summer sunset every time he concentrates on you, shows you the right stances for dueling and spends hours explaining politics and families' trees to you? You don't find, like every girl in Hogwarts, the great, devastatingly handsome Cassius Warrington irresistible?"
Harriet stuttered, a faint flicker of victory lit her new friend's blue eyes, but it was too charming to really become annoyed with. "I don't understand what you want me to say.''
Mischief glittered in Jena's eyes. She leaned close, so that their words wouldn't carry. There was so many eavesdroppers in the three Broomsticks.
"I want to you to tell me why you blush so much around him. Don't make me beg or you'll regret it the next time we duel.''
Harriet sighed and slumped on her chair, she came to trust those girls, not as much as she trusted Hermione before, but she was heading that way: "I don't really know what to say. I like his company and respect his input in everything he taught me. I'm grateful to his help. I admire his knowledge and his cool head and I plan to be by his side during the coming war. He extended his hand to me in my darkest hour, I won't let go of it until he tells me so."
Harriet had never spoken such a truth. Her inability to control herself in relationship to the Warrington heir was unnerving.
Jena looked into Harriet's eyes. There was a hint of pleading there that had nothing to do with idle curiosity. She actually sought something by asking, as though she was trying to to understand something important. "I'm sure that by the end of this year you'll come in terms with your feelings. You are still young after all. You know that I care so much about Cassius, not only he's my favorite cousin but he's the hope of our family and almost every Neutral heir in Hogwarts. We suffered so much, we were pushed into the shadows for decades, it's time for us to rise again. I hope you know how lucky you are. It's not easy to attract Cassius' attention. Since we were young, he was always so calm, so…..distant. He never gave free reins to his feelings. He's like a brain walking around, always calculating the odds and analyzing the situation. Good luck little Potty.'' Jena smiled in triumph but there was a flicker of compassion in her eyes. "I'm not toying with you, truly. It is just that there are so many who pretend friendship to sit near the king. You seem different. I am hoping that you are. Being the queen can be very lonely."
Harriet nodded her head. "You do understand what I'm going through now? What I'll have to do in the future? I'm not sure that I'll have time for feelings and happy endings but…" Her voice trailed off as though she was afraid to allow her emotions to be exposed. There was camaraderie in the moment, one that Harriet was hungry for. Jena and Daphne filled an empty space in her soul and she was grateful.
After enjoying a light lunch with her friends, Harried excused herself and went to find her favorite black dog.
It was good to be surrounded by slytherins in times like this; they didn't pry on your private business and gave you your personal space anytime you asked.
Padfoot was waiting for her near the Shrieking Shack. He led her to the foot of the mountain; the ground was covered with rocks and boulders. She followed him higher, up onto the mountain itself. For nearly an hour they climbed a stony path. Then, at last, Sirius disappeared from sight and reappeared wearing ragged grey robes. He looked starved and ill.
It took all of Harriet's strong will not to cry at her godfather's state.
"Prongslet, I missed you!" His voice was hoarse.
Harriet threw caution to wind and threw her arms around her last kin."I missed you too, but what are you doing here? You know how risky it's to be in the open. They are still looking for you.''
"I'm fulfilling my duty as your godfather; I can't leave you alone in a time like this. Don't worry about me; I'm almost always in my dog form. It's a good thing that we never registered. Anyway, is it food I'm smelling in your bag?''
Harriet pulled open her bag and handed over the bundle of chicken legs, bread and desserts that Dobby made for her.
"Thanks". Sirius said before sitting down on the cave floor and inhaling his food."I've been living off rats mostly; if you could manage to send me some food occasionally I'll be very grateful."
"Don't worry; I'll come up with something. But do you really have to stay here? Surely you have a better place to take refuge in."
Sirius was looking amused, but seeing the anxiety in Harriet's eyes he said more seriously:'' I want to be on the post, your last letter made me worried. There is something fishy going on."
He handed her the morning newspaper, there was news about Crouch getting sick. She tried very hard to ignore the interview with Skeeter but what she managed to read made her blood boil.
''The man has never taken a day off. The bastard likes to ruin lives so much for that.'' Sirius' face darkened. He looked very menacing. ''I know him so well, after all he's the one who ruined my life and sent me to Azkaban without trial."
"What?" Harriet almost screamed forgetting about bloody Skeeter.
"Crouch is a power hungry bastard. He was aiming to become the next Minister of Magic. He had good intentions in the beginning, but the power went to his head. He became as ruthless and cruel as many on the dark side. He sent many witches and wizards to Azkaban without trials. It looked only a matter of time before he became the Minister but something fortunate happened.'' Sirius' smile was all teeth. "His beloved son was caught with the Death Eaters. It was a nasty shock for good old Crouch. He should have spent more time teaching his son principles before preaching to others.''
"His son was a Death Eater? Did he try to get him off?"
Sirius let out a laugh that was almost a bark: "Ha! He's a heartless bastard; anything that threatened his snowy white reputation had to go. His fatherly affection stretched only enough to give Barty a trial. Then, he sent him straight to Azkaban. He died a few years ago.''
There was a long pause. Everything Padfout said went well with Crouch's character. That might explain why he overreacted to Winky being found in the forest. It would have brought bad memories about his dark past.
"Enough talking about the old coot, I'll try and find a way to regain my freedom. I can't live like this forever so don't worry. I may have a way to coerce some old allies to help me have a trial. Or maybe I'll get really lucky and catch the stinky rat sooner than later. Talking about stinky rats, I'm not sure what I'll do if I meet the bitch called Skeeter, how dare she blemish your reputation with her stupid rag? Doesn't she know who she's dealing with? You are Harriet Lily Potter heiress of Houses Potter and Black and no one messes with my Prongslet."
Harriet's eyes widened: "But …..why?"
Sirius' smile was full of love and longing, it made her heart squeeze in her chest: "I take my duty as your godfather very seriously, I would've raised you like the princess you were meant to be if it wasn't for our circumstances. Walburga tried to take the Black heirship from me but she couldn't. My grandfather Arcturus loved me the most, even when I ran away. He left everything for me with the Black lord ring. How do you think I paid for your Firebolt?". Sirius winked, "You were always my daughter, even when your father was around. Everything that I have is yours."
Not being able to control herself anymore, Harriet squeezed her godfather in a tight hug, sobbing on his bony shoulder.
Suddenly Sirius stiffened: "I think you should go, it's already late. We don't want to raise any suspicions."
Harriet wanted to spend more time with him but his expression left no room for argument. "Alright, but please take care of yourself and leave this place as soon as possible. It's not right to live this way Sirius, I'm fine. I made many new friends, they are helping me. I'll survive don't worry.''
Sirius gave her a tight smile:''Tell me about them in your next letter, and be cautious. Don't trust blindly. Mind your surroundings in school, it's not safe anymore."
Harriet nodded :''Don't worry, nothing will separate us again."