A/N: This chapter will be mostly told from Harriet's POV.
More to come in the next installment.
Enjoy:)
Harriet couldn't help but notice the happiness in her friend's face. Watching Neville succeed for once filled her with immense pleasure. Her thoughts drifted to grey eyes glowing like finely polished swords and she knew that she had to thank him, again.
Cassius' recognition of Neville's problem was on point; his wand wasn't working for him as it should. It still amazed her how perceptive he was.
Lost to her thoughts, she moved her wand carelessly and heard Neville gasp.
Raising her head, she cringed; almost everyone in the class was looking at her dumbfounded. McGonagall cleared her throat and approached her table slowly trying and failing to hide her disbelief:"Miss Potter, I had no idea that you are able to do your spells wordlessly, that's a sixth year skill. Perhaps you can try again; I would like to make sure that it wasn't a fluke."
Harriet wanted to scoff but couldn't offend her head of house. A fluke, what a joke. It was the fruit of her hard labor, of the countless hours she spent with Cassius trying over and over again until she mastered wordless casting.
Squaring her shoulders and trying to look nonchalant, she concentrated on another snail but instead of switching it with the cup like she was supposed to, she thought 'Evanesco'.
McGonagall's eyes widened and her pursued lips softened:''It seems you inherited the Potters' skill in transfiguration. James was a natural but Charlus was a real prodigy in the subject. He was the only one who could get the spells before me in class."
Harriet felt conflicted, it warmed her heart to be linked to her family and to continue their legacy, but she didn't really want to draw much attention to herself.
She turned desperate eyes to the only person who could get her out of this situation. Blaise gave her a predatory smile, before directing his wand quietly towards Goyle's snail.
"Thank you professor." Harriet inclined her head.
A loud crash came from the other side of the room startling everyone; McGonagall hurried towards Crabbe and Goyle's and started reprimanding them for their inattention.
"You know it's scary how sneaky Blaise is." Neville said with a fake shudder.
Since she introduced her friend to the Slytherins, they got along splendidly. Neville's calm nature and thirst to prove himself pushed him to absorb their lessons like a sponge.
He was changing drastically, she saw it in the way he carried himself with more confidence. Buying another wand solved his poor studies' problem. It wasn't easy to talk to Dowager Longbottom but Cassius knew how by a secret miracle that he refused to divulge.
All in all they were happy.
The class finally ended and Harriet rose putting her things hastily in her bag and wanting to get away from the impressed looks that pierced her back.
Her book slipped but before she could do anything, Malfoy was holding it in his hand. Her eyes widened: what now?
Since her selection, the ferret was evading her like the plague. He didn't even look her way anymore.
She had her suspicions but hadn't confirmed them yet.
''You'd better take good care of your books Potter, knowledge is power as you certainly know."
Harriet sighed, always with the riddles; it seemed that there was a written rule that made all Slytherins behave so.
"Thank you Malfoy." She tried to be polite despite her distaste of the coward; she'd give him another chance if he stopped his snide comments.
He looked constipated for a moment before giving a huff:"It's alright, have a good day Potter."
Harriet shook her head at the strange boy before turning her head from the startled onlookers and heading for the door.
"Miss Potter, a word if you please." McGonagall's voice made her cringe.
"Of course professor."
She waited for the rest of her classmates to leave before closing the door and waiting.
"Miss Potter, first I'd like to congratulate on your immaculate wand work. It pleases me to see you finally concentrating on your studies. I've always known that you were slacking and not doing your best."
Harriet blushed and looked down.
She felt ashamed because what she heard was the ugly truth. How could she ignore her education for so long? Thankfully she had a waking call this year.
"Now, I asked you here for another reason." She said firmly making Harriet fear what was next,"Hogwarts will be hosting the Yule ball in the light of the tournament, and it's traditional for the champions to open the dance with their partners."
Her heart beat faster:''Excuse me professor, but what do you mean by partners?"
McGonagall gave her a knowing smile:''Your dance partner of course.''
"A dance partner? But I've never danced before."Harriet stammered, feeling heat infuse her cheeks thinking about a tall dark haired guy that she wanted very much to dance with.
The professor's lips twitched and her smile became wider:"I'm sure that a certain gentleman will be happy to be your partner. For your dance problem, you still have time till Christmas Eve, I suggest you start practicing.'' She'd swear that the stoic professor gave her a wink but she couldn't prove it.
#####
Harriet spent the day in a daze. Everyone was talking about the ball.
"A ball….I'd rather face the dragon again." She moaned helplessly.
Neville patted her shoulder:"Oh come in sister, once in a lifetime is more than enough, I highly recommend you don't try it again". He snickered trying to lighten the mood.
"But I don't know how to dance, and I hate crowds.'' She knew she was whining but she couldn't help it.
Deep down she was afraid; afraid that she won't be asked by the only guy she wanted as a date, afraid that she'd do something embarrassing and became the laughing stock of Hogwarts, afraid that…..she wasn't enough.
"Harriet you're over thinking, everything is going to turn out just fine, come now it won't be the hardest thing you've ever done."
She murmured:''Might be as well. What about you Nev, do you have someone in mind?"
Neville blushed and ducked his head:''Ginny, do you think she'll accept?''
Harriet smiled:''If you ask her before it's too late I'm sure she'll go with you."
"Thank you, I'll ask her tonight. What about you? I've seen the way guys are looking at you since the first task. You've always been beautiful but now you're even more attractive; the changes you made on your looks and the power exhibition you gave the three schools are more than enough to attract any guy and let's not forget who you are: the last Potter and the bloody Girl Who Lived. I'd better take my role as your godbrother seriously and stave off the attention seekers before they start annoying us." Neville' lip curled upward in a smirk:''Although I think you may welcome some advances."
Harriet hit his shoulder trying to hide her embarrassment:''Shut up!'' She looked down before whispering in a small voice:"Do you think he'll ask me?''
When Neville stayed silent, she raised her eyes slowly dreading his answer, an exasperated smile was plastered on his face:''You don't see the way he looks at you when you're unaware. If I didn't come to trust him I'd have smashed his pretty face or at least tried. There's something very possessive in his gaze it frightens me sometimes. You don't have to worry sis, it's just a matter of time before he claims you. I'm just not sure you'd be able to run away if you ever wanted to."
Harriet lowered her gaze again before murmuring:''I don't think I'd ever want to stay away from him, I can't really explain it because I don't understand myself but something in him calls to me in a visceral way. Staying away becomes harder every day."
Neville held her hand sympathetically:''Then I wish you luck, and I'll have your back if something unwanted comes up."
Harriet sighed:"Let's go to DADA, I can't wait for Moody's brilliant company." Neville looked a little green and she couldn't blame him, Mad Eye was following her like a hawk since day one and it got worse after the first task.
It seemed her luck with DADA professors hadn't changed after all.
Cassius folded the letter he wrote for Lord Black and headed toward the Owlery. His father contacted Amelia Bones and they were looking for his file. Doing things stealthily without attracting Fudge's notice might take longer but it was their safest bet.
His Father asked Black to be extra cautious until the right moment. It wouldn't do to be caught before they prepared meticulously for the trial of the century.
Arkeus Warrington couldn't wait for the show, it was years since the British Wizengamot witnessed something so scandalous.
What truly amused Cassius was the other matter. As per their customs, he couldn't ask Harriet for the ball without her guardian's permission. Black was rather straightforward, he wanted to be a solid part of his goddaughter's life.
Too bad, Cassius was merely informing him that he was taking her; he didn't really care about his answer.
He attached the letter to Valens' extended leg and caressed his eagle's soft black feathers:"Take care my friend and try to remain undetected. I'll be waiting for you. Safe flight."
Valens nipped his fingers then flew away disappearing into darkness.
The soft footsteps coming closer made him sigh:''Do you really have to follow me? I'm not a powerless firstie, you know."
"Of course you aren't, you're what we should protect firsties from." Adrian's voice was filled with mirth, "I just wanted to know how it went for the ball. Have you asked her yet?"
By Merlin his friend was more excited than him:"Have you asked your girl yet?" He retorted.
"Wh…what are you talking about?" Adrian stammered and Cassius smiled viciously.
"Since you're hellbent on helping me, the least I can do is return the favor. Do you want me to send a letter to my uncle? Or better yet to my aunt? I'm sure they will be thrilled."
"Don't!" Adrian screamed helplessly, "She'll kill me if I sent a word before consulting with her first. Your cousin is crazy as you know, do you really hate me this much." He pouted pitiably but he couldn't fool his childhood friend.
Cassius sighed:"I'll ask her tomorrow. Even if she's new to our customs I can't disrespect her; I have to do everything according to the Olde Ways." He spent a great deal of time debating how he should proceed. Finally he found the best way; he wanted to make everything about their first date memorable.
"What's occupying your thoughts?" Adrian's voice was serious for once.
"Too much, I have a bad feeling about this tournament. The school is so crowded and we can't control what may happen, then there's Moody I feel something dark and twisted every time I get in his class. I'm worried about our housemates, if what I fear in coming, we'll be divided for sure and that's the last thing we need."
Adrian squeezed his shoulder:''Most of the Slytherins are loyal to you, if we lose three or four dolts it won't matter, the best are on our side. Try to enjoy this ball and forget about your troubles even for a night, you owe it to yourself my friend.''
Cassius inhaled deep and smiled faintly, it was in times like these that he was thankful for the friends he has.''Let's go back, it's past curfew.''
Adrian snorted:''As if anyone would dare catch you."
#####
Cassius straightened his robes and headed towards his quarry.
He felt her aura a while ago and he didn't want to lose any more time waiting. It entertained him to no end that some dimwits like Boot, Corner, Goldstein or Finnigan thought they had a chance with her.
He was even getting tired of the way most of the Durmstrang boys eyed her, the Northerns valued power above everything else and his lioness' show attracted them like a fly to the honey, pity they won't be getting any.
She was absolutely his and it was time to let everyone concerned know.
He found her talking with Longbottom and Davis.
The later became one of Harriet's friends recently alongside the younger Greengrass. She gave him a subtle bow and whispered to Longbottom.
The duo trailed behind while Harriet's eyes widened then a soft blush colored her cheeks. She started marching toward him taking slow, graceful steps.
Her face was set and her eyes were fixed on him like two blazing gems.
"Can I have a word with you?" He said with the tiniest trace of a smile curling one corner of his mouth.
He let his gaze drift slowly to her tall figure and then upward to the hair he loved so much, it was kept in an intricate set of braids.
His wait was over and he was looking forward to the beginning of their forever. He relaxed his shoulders for once and met her waiting gaze with a possessive one of his own.
It seemed Cassius stared at her for a long while without saying a word because she began to squirm under his scrutiny.
He caught Longbottom's gaze, he was shaking his head and looking pleased.
Returning his gaze to Harriet he whispered softly giving her his arm:''Come, I know somewhere where we can talk comfortably without being bothered by bystanders."
She hesitated for a second before looking at Longbottom, the later nodded once and she linked her arm with his.
Cassius smiled faintly feeling overwhelmed by the flow of her magic. It was enveloping him warmly mingling with his and making it gleeful.
He knew that she wanted him to ask her and make their relationship official but she had no idea of the power she possessed over him, or the effect her raw beauty had on guys.
Her strong will and stubborn nature kept most from approaching her, but he wasn't everyone.
Finally, they reached their destination. He took her to the greenhouses. He asked Urquhart to make sure that no one disturbed them, so it was empty as expected.
Harriet looked bewildered by the sight of the fairies flying around. He cleared his throat making her turn her gaze to his.
Bowing politely, he swept his eyes over her a moment before he reached for her dainty hand and held it to his lips:''Heiress Potter, would you honour me by accepting to be my date for the Yule ball?"
Harriet blinked and bit her lower lip, beneath the sweep of her sooty lashes her emerald eyes glowed with happiness. When she spoke, her voice was a husky caress:''I gladly accept your invitation, Heir Warrington.''
Caught up in the tender trap of the intoxicating smile she offered, Cassius shook his head once then took out the box in his pocket.
His eyes flicked to her as he opened his gift:''I had this custom made for you; It would please me to no end if you wear it and never take it off. It's infused with my magic, so it will always bring you to me no matter how far we are."
He took the necklace delicately and held Harriet's gaze, she seemed flabbergasted. Her reaction to gifts was rather strange; he had to look into it later.
''Cassius, it's so much. You don't have to shower me with gifts; you did more than enough for me already." She stammered looking on the verge of tears.
Cassius faced her fully, the fierceness in his gaze softened only by his satin voice:''You deserve everything Harriet, please turn around."
Harriet sighed and faced away from him. Cassius removed her braid gently and noticed that she shivered from the small gesture.
Feeling naughty, he leaned closer to her ear and whispered:''I've been teaching you our customs for months, do you understand the meaning of accepting jewelry from another heir?''
His eyes racked over her then closed at the feeling of her magic, it sent scorching waves over him igniting tiny fires within his core.
The feeling was amazing and familiar even if a bit stronger than usual.''Do you accept Heiress Potter?"
Harriet was quivering and Cassius took pity on her. Holding her shoulders delicately, he leaned closer until their faces were almost touching:''Tell me."
"Yes." She looked downward but he captured the smile uplifting her lips.
Cassius closed the clasp and turned her around to face him again. Harriet was holding the pendant in her hand looking perplexed.
"The eagle is my family's emblem and the emerald eyes are self explanatory." he said in a low voice as he came closer toward her. Drawing in a deep breath, he slipped his hand through her hair, closing his eyes in delight when her raven tresses wound around his fingers as if they were alive, answering the call of his magic.
He had never been a guy to chase a girl because she had a pretty face. He always needed something more to snare his interest, his queen was all what he wanted and more.
His face turned to a pensive expression when he realized that he'd be able to kiss her without bending over much and the sides of his mouth twitched up when he thought about Lord Black's reaction.
Harriet was looking at him with an unblinking stare and his self control, always so solid, almost evaporated.
Not able to refuse her silent invitation, he bent slowly and kissed her cheek, just a touch away from the corner of her lips.
''I promise you won't regret accepting, I'll make it worth your while, I swear on my honor."
He said with conviction then gathered her closer to his chest. Harriet buried her face in his neck and murmured:''I know, I trust you."
The next morning, Hedwig brought another letter from Padfoot but this time, there was a small black box attached to her other leg.
Harriet put both in her pocket; she would read it later in the safety of her room. She debated telling Neville about Sirius' situation but she chose to wait after the second task which reminded her, she hadn't solved the riddle yet. Cassius would kill her.
Neville was in high spirits and she knew without asking that he secured the date he wanted.
''I like eagles you know, I think they are mighty and graceful, the kings of the skies. Some even say they represent new beginnings, perseverance, and endurance for individuals who have been through difficult times." Jena's sweet voice startled her and suddenly she was surrounded by three Slytherin girls eying her new necklace with awe and curiosity, or smugness in Jena's case.
''Nothing ever escapes your notice?'' She huffed trying to mask her discomfort.
''No, certainly not when it concerns my family.'' The brunette answered earnestly.''And now, I think you're a member of that family Harriet."
Family, yes she was slowly building her own family; her friends, her godbrother, her godfather and Cassius.
Voldemort might have taken her biological parents but she would be damned if he tried to take her new family away.
''Would you leave the poor girl in peace?" Daphne's irritated voice cut through the awkward moment.
Astoria, Daphne's younger sister who started to join their outings recently giggled:''Is it always like this?"
Harriet sighed:''You have no idea." Then taking a leaf from Cassius book, she smirked:''What about you Jena? I heard many girls are planning to ask Adrian to the ball, you know how popular he's with the ladies."
If she thought she could have a small win against the sixth year, she was sadly let down.
Jena's blue eyes twinkled mischievously:''Oh, I'll handle him alright. He had enough time to play around, I'm taking care of him from now on.''
Harriet shivered, poor Adrian. Even if he was a pain most of the time and liked to taunt everyone, she knew that his playtime was over, for good.
Jena might seem playful and sarcastic but she had a will of steel, after all she was Cassius' cousin.
#####
After making sure that her roommates were sleeping, Harriet opened her letter; Sirius asked about the second task and encouraged her to start preparing early to avoid any unwanted surprises.
The second part of the letter made her cry, he was already aware that she was going with Cassius and in order to make her first ball more special he sent her two gifts in the black box.
Harriet closed the letter carefully and added it to the stash she was keeping in her trunk. She cherished everything Sirius sent her.
She cast an 'Egorgio' on the small box, opening it slowly, she gasped.
Taking the note inside first, she cleared her tears then started reading:"Prongslet, as your godfather it's my duty to insure that you get the best. You are now Heiress Black Potter, representing two old families from the sacred twenty eight. You're also a Triwizard champion and a national heroine, even if I know you hate the attention it brings you. To make your first official ball more special, I sent you what I believe you need. In the box you'll find a very important Black family heirloom: great grandmother Lysandra Black's tiara, it was a wedding gift from my great grandfather Arcuturus Black I and every pureblood worth his name knows the 'Wandering Star Tiara'. You'll find also an evening dress I bought when I was travelling this summer. The moment I saw it, I know it will suit you so well. At first, I thought it will be your fifteenth birthday's gift but I know you need it now and honestly, I don't trust Molly's taste for something of this scale. Anyway, few possess my refined taste.
Enjoy your special night and shine like the star you were always meant to be.
PS: If Warrington does something improper let me know immediately, I'll wipe the haughty smile from his face!
Love you forever.
Your godfather SB."
Harriet giggled at the last sentence, Sirius told her in his previous letter that he met Cassius without explaining the details. She wished that the two important guys in her life would get along well in the future.
Taking the tiara carefully she admired it. It was a delicate piece of art made of diamond encrusted stars in various shapes and sizes and attached to a wire both made of polished white gold. 'Blacks really liked their stars' she reflected sarcastically.
The second gift literally took her breath away. The gown was fashioned of red silk so fine it looked as if it was spun by faeries. The bodice was decorated with intricate embroidery fashioned by silver thread. Diamonds adorned the exquisite flowers making them shine in the length of the red silk.
She hugged the dress to her chest feeling the love and care of her godfather.
She wasn't alone anymore.
#####
The days leading to the ball went quickly. Harriet spent her time between classes, lesson dances from Jena and Daphne and spending an hour or two each night learning new curses and jinxes.
She was having hard time thinking about Christmas gifts.
Even though she had a good idea of her new friends' characters and preferences, what could she give people who had almost everything?
She asked Dobby, her newly bonded elf, to bring some coins from Gringotts and planned with Neville to make a quick trip to Hogsmeade.
She bought jewelry for the girls and books for the boys.
For Neville, She chose a wand holster made of Peruvian Vipertooth's hide.
Her biggest problem was Cassius' gift. She wanted something meaningful that would convey the myriad of feelings she had for him.
She wanted to stake her claim too.
When she was taking a stroll with Neville in a deserted Hogsmeade's street, she noticed a small antique shop.
She dragged her friend inside and started looking at the displayed items; there was necklaces, daggers, expensive looking quills…
She gasped when she spotted a silver ring. It was a square Griffin signet ring; both the figure and the body of the mythical creature were perfect and very detailed, the eyes were made of dark grey stones.
''Very good choice my dear, this ring is very special.'' A soft voice joined her.
Harriet turned and faced an old woman looking at her with a gentle smile on her lips.
She studied her face meticulously then continued:''I see now, this ring belonged to Isadora Potter, She gave it as a wedding gift to her husband Cantankerus Nott. When the war with Gindelwald broke and the sacred twenty eight were divided, her link with her family was fractured, she stayed by her husband's side till death. The couple sadly had no children and the family's lordship went to the younger brother; Tiberus. No one ever claimed this ring but I think it's time it returns to the rightful owner.''
Harriet looked at the ring spellbound, another connection with her family was just before her eyes, she knew who this ring would belong to.
''Can you please wrap it in green paper, I want it."
The woman inclined her head and took the ring from the glass cabinet.
#####
Finally the much awaited day arrived. The school was in an uproar, students were running everywhere discussing dates, robes and dances or panicking when they remembered something they forgot to acquire in time.
Harriet spent the morning with her housemates. Jena, Astoria and Tracy joined them for a snowball game.
Adrian materialized of thin air when he heard that there was a chance to smash the twins without fearing retaliation.
Everyone thanked her for the gifts she sent with Dobby last night. She hugged each one of her friends for their gifts too, it exceeded what she had all her life.
Jena sent her red satin heels that matched her gown so wel,l making her wonder how did she know her dress' color since she was keeping it a surprise.
When she asked, the bloody snake just snickered:''You are so predictable little lioness.''
She was choosing them over the silver shoes she bought from Hogsmeade for sure.
Daphne, Astoria and Tracy gave her defense books.
Katie, Alicia and Angelina gave her an expensive make up set. From Ginny and the twins, she received her customary jumper with some sweets.
The slytherin guys gave her mostly books or a very expensive crystal perfume bottle from his family's flower farm in Sicily in Blaise's case.
Even though they barely greeted each other, Hermione sent an old book about water creatures and how to subdue them as a Christmas present.
She was thankful for all the love she received but she cherished two gifts the most.
Neville sent an album containing many photos of both of them at different moments of the past months. She knew who she shall thank too.
And Cassius gave her a glass box in which she found a piece of lavish parchment and a silver quill adorned with Griffin engravings, her family emblem.
When she opened the small letter attached, she couldn't suppress her tears. It was her family tree; the quill was specially made for her as the last Potter so she could add names when the time is right.
When it was almost five, she excused herself and followed the girls to start preparing for the night.
#####
The great hall overflowed with people. Harriet had never seen so many students gathered in one place. They were loud and boisterous.
She waited with a bated breath for Cassius to appear trying and failing to ignore the awed gazes and murmurs that followed her.
She heard a Ravenclaw girl gasp loudly, when she turned she was looking at the Slytherin court in all its glory.
The slytherins was making a statement coming all together in an organized group.
Daphne was holding Theo's arm glowing in her emerald green dress. Astoria was in Blaise's arm grinning happily and looking so much like her sister despite the fact that her hair was much darker.
Graham was looking as stoic as ever even if he was taking the beautiful Flora Carrow as his date. Her twin Hestia was with Urquhart.
In the center of the group, Cassius Warrignton was walking unaccompanied.
The Cassius she got to know was gone, and in his place was a statue of a king carved from ice. And still, his beauty silenced her heart.
''Blimey Harriet, way to steal the show. I don't know if I'm envying or pitying you." Ginny murmured from her side shaking her head at the vultures eying the gorgeous slytherin sixth year like a prize to win.
His silk black tuxedo and robes were adorned with silver embroidery in the collar and in the sleeves matching the silver thread on her dress and making his eyes seem lighter and more starting. His jet black hair was pushed back giving blue highlights under the torches and making his high cheekbones and straight nose more prominent.
When he waved at something Adrian, who was accompanying a smug Jena, said she noticed that he was wearing her ring. It filled her with an inconceivable amount of happiness.
Cassius cut through the crowd like a wolf stalking its prey, slowly, carefully, and with a single purpose. He watched, with an intensity that deepened his eyes to a stormy grey, every little movement she made.
Stepping around others, who were neither seen nor heard by him, he finally stood only inches away from her.
Her godbrother noticed their approaching company as well and turned just as Cassius stepped around him to stand at Harriet's side.
"Warrington." Neville greeted him cheerfully and then gave Harriet a mischievous smile. "Harriet and I were waiting for you."
Harriet almost staggered backward when Cassius turned his radiant smile on her.
It was not his startling face that made her heart falter, but the unrelenting possessiveness in his eyes that no smile, no matter how luminous, could conceal.
''You look stunning Harriet.'' He bowed his head slightly. His voice dripped like hot honey and caressed her.
So close to him, she felt the warmth of his big, powerful body and shook from it.
She was finally safe.
"Miss Potter, Mister Warrington, over here, please." McGonagall's rang loudly across the hall and Cassius laced her hand through his arm and led her toward the other champions.
Cederic waved at her when she stood at the end of the line, he was taking Cho Chang as his date.
Delacour was shaking a spellbound Roger Davies, Harriet felt sorry for the proud witch. It seemed her aura was too strong for the Ravenclaw chaser.
She did a double take when she saw Hermione in Krum's arm. The other gryffindor gave her a small smile and looked uncomfortable. Harriet nodded at her.
She wished that her old friend got away from Ronald's bad influence before it was too late. He wasn't definitely the right guy for her.
The doors to the great hall opened and the four couples strode in, Harriet taking particular care as she held tighter on Cassius' arm.
The enchanted roof was looking like a starry night. The four house tables were replaced with small round tables for six people.
At the end, the teachers, school headmasters and some ministry workers were sitting chatting together.
Harriet noticed Percy Weasley puffing his chest and smiling cheerfully.
Dumbledore noticed her straight away and nodded their way when they got closer. She discerned the remorse and sadness filling his usually twinkling eyes, but it wasn't enough.
The closer she got to her seat, the louder the gasps and murmurs following them became.
''Ignore them. They are nothing, whatever they say is unimportant." Cassius whispered as he scanned the great hall giving anyone who stared for too long a cold smirk.
When all the seats were occupied, Dumbledore stood in his flashy magenta robes and greeted the guests:''Welcome my friends and Merry Christmas to all. Before we start enjoying this night, let's appreciate this feast made by Hogwarts faithful elves. Enjoy.''
Harriet looked down at her plate and noticed the menu laying close, she picked it up and looked confused at Cassius. Her date shook his head:''Always with the flashy, flamboyant shows." He held her gaze as he murmured:''Beef cutlets."
Harriet chose the same.
Percy tried to catch her gaze, but one look from Cassius stopped him. She was really thankful as she didn't fancy a long lecture about cauldrons for the night.
Hermione was teaching Krum how to pronounce her name right, when their eyes locked, she gave her a tentative, small smile.
The message was clear:'Maybe one day.'
Soon after a hearty meal, Dumbledore asked the champions and their dates to rise. With a flick of his distinguished wand, most of the tables disappeared, clearing a big space in the middle.
A wizarding band she knew nothing about started playing a soft waltz and Cassius squeezed her hand a bit tighter making her face him again.
She felt nervous all of a sudden as he bowed slightly asking:''Harriet Potter, will you give me the honour of your first dance?"
Her heart fluttered as she whispered:''Yes.''
Cassius took the lead, holding her gently and she was thankful because she was overwhelmed by the shock of their intimate contact.
Soon after, many couples came up to the dance floor as the bland played another song.
She watched amused as Malfoy was dragged by a pissed looking Parkinson to a forced dance. His eyes were glued to Astoria Greegrass.
''Do you want to rest for a bit?" Cassius whispered in her ear causing goosebumps to cover her neck.
''Yes, please."
They joined Jena, Adrian, the Carrow twins, Graham and Urquhart. After a while, Neville and Ginny came over.
Jena tugged her closer and whispered:''Enjoying ourselves, are we Harriet?"
She rolled her eyes at her nosy friend:''Only if you leave us in peace.''
She faked a gasp, holding a hand to her chest:''Oh my, already very territorial. I like this, in fact I like it very much. Can't wait to see how my innocent, angelic disciple will protect my dear cousin when the vultures eying you pounce.''
Harriet turned slightly eying the crowd and groaned, jealous, greedy eyes followed their group like hawks.
''Do you want to go outside for a bit?'' Cassius asked lowly, glaring at his smirking cousin.
''Alright.'' He took her away from the hall toward the gardens.
When she shivered from the cold, he took off his robes and put them around her shoulders.
They reached a small fountain where glowing fairies were playing with droplets of water. Cassius took a seat first then held his hand invitingly for her.
She took it feeling shy all of a sudden and almost fainted when he dragged her to his lap. Her legs dangled from one side and she dropped her eyes feeling hot and bothered from their close proximity.
His soft voice made her raise her head tentatively to meet his amused eyes:''I've waited so long for this moment, I watched you since you entered the great hall for the first time, you were a small frightened firstie but I knew that something was special about the feel of your magic."
When she kept staring perplexed, he continued in an even voice, caressing her back soothingly and making her tingle all over:''My family members can sense magical signatures, it's our gift. The Warringons descend from the Wyllt family, the most renowned magical wielders of the Middle ages. We lost many gifts through the years, and our standing isn't as strong as it used to be. Even the descendants of the Order of Merlin's original knights are almost extinct, but we still carry our ancestor's mission and try to fulfill the equilibrium our world so much needs."
Harriet was speechless for a moment before she stammered:''The Wyllt family? When we studied the British family trees I didn't hear this name."
Cassius gave her a sad smile.''That's because my ancestors wiped everything relating us to our forefather, almost like yours did, hiding everything pertaining the Peverells. They feared being hunted down. My first ancestor was Merlin Wyllt, commonly known as Merlin."
When her eyes became as huge as saucers, Cassius laughed heartedly:''Oh Harriet, it can't be the weirdest thing you heard since the start of this year. Anyway, we inherited this talent from him and so, the moment we see our compatible other, we recognize them straight away. You're mine Harriet, I will never let you go. The moment you accepted my courting gift, you gave yourself to me; heart, body and soul."
Harriet's heart was beating wildly; she finally got the answer she wanted for months. It explained everything: Cassius' sudden appearance, the ease she felt in his company, his protectiveness.
They were a match blessed by Mother Magic, and if she learnt something from her lessons, it was to always bow to her wishes.
His promise charged through her like a sword but instead of killing her, it filled her with happiness and hope.
She wasn't an abandoned, poor pitiful orphan anymore, she was Heiress Black Potter, her godfather was Lord Sirius Orion Black, and her soon to be betrothed was Heir Cassius Nicodemus Warrington.
She had almost everything she wanted at the moment, the only thing besmirching her happiness was Voldemort's presence.
Cassius held her face gently, caressing her lower lip with his deft fingers.
Slowly, thoughtfully, he bent his head forward, parting his full lips. Merlin help her, she was about to get her first kiss, and she was ready for it.
Unable to resist, Harriet watched him until she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face. His tongue slid across her lips just before he captured her gasp with his mouth.
Her spine melted. He pulled her closer and her legs grew weak as his kiss became more passionate. In the space of each new breath, his tongue searched more longingly, drank her in more deeply, while his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer still until she felt completely and utterly consumed by him.
He flooded her senses. She could hear him breathing, smell the earthy scent that clung to him and taste the butterbeer that sweetened his breath.
She was being swept away, drowning in the endless waves that were Cassius' passions until she ceased to know herself, and knew only him.
But she didn't mind, not at all.