Chapter 1- Heartbreak, betrayals and the start of something new.
May 2nd 1998
She stood there, frozen, as Voldemort spoke to Severus. Her heart was in her throat, her stomach had that awful feeling that something was going to go wrong, yet she couldn't do anything about it. It was far too soon to fight Voldemort, as his Horcruxes weren't all destroyed.
For what felt like the millionth time, she cursed the Headmaster, and hoped he was rotting in hell for what he had done. To her, her parents, hell even Voldemort. But especially to her Severus.
"You truly were a loyal servant, Severus," Harriet was drawn back into the present by Voldemort's voice. "I wish it didn't have to come to this, but only I can master this wand. You do understand, of course?"
Severus didn't reply, not that he could have had the chance, as Voldemort set Nagini on him. Harriet watched in horrified disbelief, as her love was bitten repeatedly by Nagini. She prayed that this was just a terrifying dream, that it simply wasn't possible that after everything he had went through, he would end up killed by a snake. She wanted to wake up, and wake up now!
She heard Hermione's indrawn breath, could practically feel Ron's smugness. She wished the anger would come, as it usually did when it concerned Ron, but she simply didn't feel anything.
Move! Go to him! Do something! But nothing happened. She couldn't move. It wasn't until Hermione grabbed her arm and dragged her into the room, that Harriet finally felt her body responding to her brain. The first thing she did, was rip her arm out of Hermione's grasp, and fall on her knees at Severus's side.
"No. No, no, no, no, no! Severus! Please, open your eyes! This wasn't supposed to happen! You promised me that you would always be here! Severus!" Harriet screamed at him, begging him to still be alive. He was losing so much blood, her hands were covered in it as she tried to cover the wound. She cursed herself. She could have prevented this! She could have saved the one person in this world who she cared about above all others!
"Hush..my darling," Severus sluggishly spoke, attempting to open his eyes. "You know..how much..I hate..seeing you..cry."
"This wasn't how it was supposed to be," Harriet cried, the emotion in her voice surprising the two with her. "We were to finally be happy! I can't live without you!"
"Shh," Severus attempted to smile at her. "We knew..this.. was a..possibility. My dear..heart, you know..what you..must do." Severus grimaced, coughing up more blood.
Her heart broke, she knew this would be the last time she saw him, as she couldn't not do as he said. Tears streamed down her face unnoticed by her, "I love you, Severus Tobias Snape." She bent down and kissed his lips.
After sitting back up, Harriet cried as her bonded said his final words, "Do it.. Change..everything.. I will..never..stop loving..you, Harriet. Look..at..me."
Keeping her gaze locked on his, she saw the love, the heartbreak and the utter devastation in his eyes, knowing he was leaving her, and then his eyes were blank.
With a howl of rage, at Dumbledore, at Voldemort, at the Wizarding World as a whole, Harriet shoved by her 'friends' and set out to do exactly what Severus wanted.
I need the wand, I need the wand, I need the wand. Was what went through Harriet's mind. She clung to those words, as it was the only thing stopping her from completely breaking down. Ron and Hermione tried to follow her, but after leaving the Shrieking Shack, she had quickly lost them in the fighting.
Underneath the Invisibility Cloak, she blasted Death Eaters left, right and centre, making her way towards Voldemort. Everything was depending on her obtaining the Elder Wand. Ever since her and Severus got together, they shared everything that they knew concerning the two sides. Of course, it quickly became apparent that Dumbledore orchestrated the full thing. From Voldemort's creation, to her parent's dying, to Severus becoming a spy and finally, to her becoming the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, or not so sadly depending on the person, Dumbledore didn't factor in his death.
So, with that knowledge, Harriet had wanted to do some digging in the Headmaster's past. Severus had agreed. They spoke to everyone they could, concerning Dumbledore's past, and were led right to Gellert Grindelwald, who had such interesting things to say. Obviously nothing could be done to change the past, at least, not until Dumbledore let it slip what the Gaunt ring was.
And so, a plan had been born. The Deathly Hallows. A children's story, which was very much real. Harriet had went to Gringott's and had her Inheritance test done, and found that she was the Heir to the Noble House of Peverell. That's what finally got Severus to agree that perhaps it wasn't a myth. Of course, it helped that the Invisibility Cloak was obviously not normal. They then tried to figure out where the wand would be.
A few month's later, Dumbledore had told Severus that she was to sacrifice herself when Voldemort was at his weakest. It didn't take long to understand that she was his unintentional Horcrux. They had long arguments about that. He didn't want her to sacrifice herself, she thought it was the only way, "Who knows? Maybe I'll cheat Death once again." She had grinned at him whilst he had glared.
Inevitably, everything had went downhill and they hadn't had the chance to speak about what they would do, considering Dumbledore had took her to find that blasted Horcrux, and then Severus had to kill him.
So, when Scrimgeour came to The Burrow, and read Dumbledore's Will. She had a good idea of what was in the Snitch. Especially when it said, 'I open at the close.' She had a plan for that, this just wasn't how she imagined doing it.
She stopped suddenly in the middle of the clearing, and took out the Snitch, put it in her mouth, then watched it open. One by one, her parent's, Remus and Sirius appeared before her.
"My darling daughter, I'm so very proud of you," her Mother smiled.
"As am I, little one," her Father added.
"You know I'm always proud of you, Prongslett," Sirius grinned.
"And of course, I too am proud," Remus smiled gently.
Harriet's tears had returned, "I love you all so so much."
"And we you, my love," Lily reached out to her. "Although we were very surprised that you Bonded with Severus."
"As am I! Really, Prongslett? Snivellus?" Sirius grin widened. "I'm kidding, I fully support you both, please tell him I'm sorry for what I did at school. I was young and so very stupid."
"I will, I promise," Harriet give him a hug. "Do you support what I plan to do?"
"Yes." They all replied.
"Just be careful, little one. If your plan succeeds, then you will be able to see us whenever you like. Although, you will have much more trouble in your hands," James warned her.
"I will be careful, I promise. I wish you all didn't have to die," Harriet looked at them sadly.
"Hush now. It was our time, Harriet. You have the power to change everything. Myself and Sirius will be right beside you, and your parent's will be there in spirit," Remus pulled her into a hug.
"Now go, my beautiful daughter, it is time for you to start your mission. We all love you so very much, no matter what choices you have to make," Lily come over to kiss her forehead.
James and Sirius joined them a moment later, and the five individuals enjoyed a hug, before gently pushing Harriet away. "Go," James told her.
After watching them disappear, Harriet hardened her heart, and kept the Resurrection Stone clutched in her hands. Then she made her way to Voldemort.
"My Lord, there is no sign of Potter," one of the Death Eater's told him. Harriet snorted inelegantly, just because you can't see me, doesn't mean I'm not here. She vaguely heard Voldemort's reply, something along the lines of 'I must have been mistaken.' Blah, blah, blah.
Whilst underneath the Cloak, and seeing Voldemort distracted, she quietly built the strongest shield she could, then quickly disarmed him. The wand flew right into her hands, and she felt an instant connection to her core, stronger than the one with her Phoenix wand. This wand knew she was already it's Master.
It was quite hilarious seeing Voldemort whip his head around, and the Death Eater's firing spells in all angles. Fortunately her shield held up. Harriet then took off the Cloak and smirked at Voldemort's stunned gaze.
"Looking for me?" Harriet said innocently. "Sorry about the underhanded trick, Tommy boy, but this wand's mine." She grinned viciously.
"Potter-!"
"Nope, no talking," she flicked her wand. "Now, this battle is over. I have all I need. You made a mistake in killing Severus. It was Draco Malfoy who became this wand's Master, he was the one who disarmed Dumbledore. Unfortunately for you, I disarmed Draco, now it is mine. I am Death's Master."
She felt a presence approach her from behind, but didn't turn round. She knew who he was. Once he was behind her, there was a slight tinkling in her mind, and she wordlessly lowered her shield's and let him inside, showing him exactly what she wanted.
Can you make this happen, Death?
Yes, My Lady.
And with that, Harriet smiled, then she was pulled into Death's embrace. With a sharp twist, she vanished, just as the explosion began.
You will be avenged, My Love, Bonded and Chosen.
Unspecified Date
Falling through time was a unique experience, it didn't hurt, but it wasn't pleasant either. She didn't feel in control of her body, yet was aware of everything. It certainly wasn't something she would want to do on a regular basis.
Death? What will happen when I go back?
I will have identification made for you, My Lady. You will still be called Harriet Lillian Potter, but you will be the cousin of James Potter.
So I will be a Pureblood then?
Yes, My Lady.
Okay. I also want you to know that I won't take much advantage of your powers. You can still do whatever it is that you do. I will only call on you if needed. Of course, you can still speak to me, or see me, any time you want.
I know, My Lady. It was your destiny to become my Mistress. You are the Heir to the Peverell line, and my last Master was Ignotus Peverell. I have been waiting a long time for you.
Harriet took a moment to think, why didn't my father become your Master?
Because, as much as your father was a good man, he was blinded by Dumbledore. I couldn't allow my powers to land in the wrong hands. With you, I know they will be safe.
I understand. And she did. She didn't fault her father for being blind to the truth. It took her a long time to come to terms with it herself. If not for Severus-
No, not going there.
How far back are we going, Death?
1989 My Lady. I also advise that you do not go to Severus straight away. You will be an unknown person, so you must gain influence as soon as possible.
1989.. I would be 8 years old. Will I still be in this timeline?
Yes, but you will be a boy. You know the rules of time, you must not see yourself. Of course, that rule doesn't apply when you have changed gender. Plus the fact that your original timeline has been destroyed.
Good. That means I can take myself away from the Dursleys. I shouldn't have much trouble gaining the guardianship of him?
No, not by the goblins. Dumbledore will put up a fight.
Let him! I'm related to the boy by blood, add the fact I'm magical, he shouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
We shall see, My Lady.
When would I be able to see Severus?
After Hadrian's first year, if what you have planned works.
It will work, Death. It has too. I want to tell Severus everything, he deserves that. Same as Remus and Sirius.
Then you must have them make an Unbreakable Vow not to speak of your status. It would be best for you, My Lady, to have the eliminate of surprise.
Of course. I trust them with my life, they would not betray me.
You must remember that you are in a different time now. The people you knew before will be different. Do not blindly trust.
I always go with my gut, Death. They will not betray me.
Monday, March 6th 1989.
They landed just outside of Gringotts and Harriet took her first look at Death. He wasn't what she would have imagined. He was tall, almost the same height as Severus. He had long, dark brown hair, strong jawline, high cheekbones and a nose witches would kill for. His eyes were the most striking colour of grey, and you could see how much power he had. All in all, he was a very fine specimen.
Thank you, My Lady. Death smirked. You are very beautiful as well.
Harriet blushed, then changed the topic. Do you think the goblins will realise who I really am?
I have aged you, young Mistress. You are now twenty-five years old. They may be able to sense my power, but they will not comment. You know how goblins are.
And with that, Death disappeared, but she could still feel his presence in her mind, which comforted her a lot. She then made her way into Gringotts. It was very weird seeing the place looking normal, the last time she was in here, the place was silent, and she then had to escape on a dragon, which caused a lot of destruction. She was very glad that she wasn't in her own time anymore, who knows what the goblins would have demanded in repayment.
"I wish to speak to the Potter accountant," Harriet spoke to the goblin in the high chair.
"And, you are?" The goblin asked, peering down at her.
"I am Harriet Lillian Potter," she answered.
"I will inform Bogrard of your appearance. We have been waiting for young Hadrian James Potter to get in contact with us, but you will have to do," the goblin sneered.
"He does not know of this world, Goblin," Harriet replied calmly. "Dumbledore made sure of that."
The goblin's eyebrow raised at that. Then he spoke in Gobbledegook to another goblin, who disappeared behind the door. She presumed he was going to get the Potter accountant. A short while later, the two goblin's returned. With a small curtsey towards the goblin she had been speaking to, she made her way with Bogrard to the offices in the back rooms.
"Take a seat, Miss. Potter," Bogrard gestured.
"Thank you, Bogrard."
"I will need a few drops of your blood as proof of identification," he mentioned towards the dagger and parchment on the desk. "I assume you know what to do?"
Harriet nodded, then took the dagger. Once she had cut her palm, she let a few drops touch the parchment, then cast a wandless, nonverbal cleaning spell. At Bogrard's raised brow, she murmured, "One cannot be too careful when it concerns blood."
They both then watched her family tree appear. Death had outdone himself, as next to Fleamont Potter, her 'father' appeared. Niall Charles Potter, along with her mother, Josephine Avery-Potter. She then saw her name appear below them, and James appear below Fleamont and Euphemia. There was then Lily Evans-Potter next to James, which connected to Hadrian.
Huh, my birthday is the same as Voldemort's, she swallowed a chuckle.
Once the family tree was done, Bogrard picked it up and cast a few spells on it, which would then show what Houses she was the Lady of.
"It would seem, Miss. Potter, that you are the Lady of House Potter, House Peverell, House Gryffindor and House Avery. The Heir to House Potter and Gryffindor is Hadrian James Potter. Do you wish to review what you hold?"
"I would like to know how much money I have, and what places belong to me. I would also like to have you as my accountant for all my Houses, as it would be easier. You may continue doing what you have done with House Potter and Gryffindor, and do the same with Peverell and Avery," Harriet replied.
Bogrard nodded his agreement. "Of course. Is there anything else you would like to do?"
"Yes. I want full custody of my nephew, and a copy of Lily and James' Will."
Bogrard pushed a few papers towards her, "If you sign this, then it will make you legal guardian of young Potter, and I will get their Will for you."
Harriet signed the papers, happy that the goblin wasn't making things difficult for her.
"Albus Dumbledore is the magical guardian of Mr. Potter. He will be notified that you have taken full custody," Bogrard warned.
"There isn't much he can do about it, Bogrard. I am blood related to Hadrian. I have the right to gain custody of him. Mr. Dumbledore is only a Headmaster," Harriet coolly replied.
Bogrard looked at her, "You do not seem fond of him."
Harriet stared back, "I do not know the man. I didn't go to Hogwarts. I neither like, nor dislike him."
Bogrard stared a moment longer, and Harriet held his gaze. "Well then. This is where Hadrian is at.."
Inside No.4 Privet Drive, young Harry was in his cupboard. A few days ago, he had somehow managed to appear on his school roof, so his Uncle had beaten him violently when he had got home. He didn't understand why his relatives hated him. He did everything he was supposed to do, or at least tried. Sometimes his chores were way to much, plus he didn't get fed or watered as much as he should. He understood on some level that the way he was being treated, wasn't normal, but he still blamed himself.
He tried to make them love him, tried to be a good boy, but every time he did well in school, or did anything better than his cousin, he would get beaten, so eventually he gave up. He still wished he had someone who would love him. Someone who could explain why he had those odd experiences.
He was drawn out his musings by a sharp scream of rage by what sounded like his Uncle, followed by a beautiful feminine voice. A short time later, his cupboard was blasted open, and he had to shield his eyes because of the light. He had been stuck here for what felt like months.
As soon as his eyesight cleared, he looked into eyes that were identical to his. The mystery lady was beautiful to him. Long, bright red hair, emerald eyes, high cheekbones, pouty lips and a heart shaped face. He wondered why she was here.
"Hello, Hadrian. My name is Harriet. I'm here to take you home with me," the lad-Harriet smiled at him.
"Oh no you aren't!" His Uncle bellowed. "He was sent here, and we need him!"
"Need him? Really, Dursley? You're so very lucky it was me who found out where he was. If anyone else, apart from Dumbledore, had come and found him like this, you wouldn't have survived," Harriet coldly replied.
Harry sneaked a quick glance to his Uncle, and saw that he looked terrified of Harriet. He wondered what they were talking about, obviously it involved him, but that couldn't be right, he was just plain old freak.
"Now see here-!"
Harriet brushed her hand over his head, and gave him a kind smile. Then she turned round to his Uncle and pulled out what looked like a stick. He saw his Uncle's face pale when he caught sight of it.
"You will not speak," Harriet hissed. "You are very lucky that Hadrian is young, Dursley, or I would enjoy making you pay. For now though, I'm going to make you suffer what he went through, double the time." And then she began chanting in an odd language. He saw his Uncle's face grimace and contort, but he didn't understand what was going on. He hoped she would explain later.
Just as she was finishing what she was doing, his Aunt and cousin came rushing down the stairs, and after seeing his Uncle on the floor, his Aunt screamed and shouted at Harriet, who then made a motion with her hand that completely silenced her. After she was done with his Uncle, she began the same chant, but it was directed to his Aunt and cousin.
"Now. You no longer have guardianship of Hadrian. You no longer have anything to do with him, and if Dumbledore comes here, you will not tell him of the spells I cast, or I promise you, you'll wish for death," Harriet spoke, while gazing at them.
When she turned round to him, he was quite scared, but then she smiled, and her face softened. Somehow, he knew he could trust this woman, that she meant him no harm, and would defend him against anything.
"I know you are confused, Hadrian. All I can tell you now, is that I'm related to you. Your father was my cousin, which makes you my second cousin. Of course, you can either call me Auntie, or mother, it's up to you," she crouched down in front of him. "I will never hurt you like they did. I will treat you as if you were my own."
Harry had tears in his eyes, he could see it in her eyes that she was being truthful. Maybe he would finally get his wish, maybe this time he will have someone who loves him.
She then stood up, and held her hand out for him, which he took. He winced when he stood up, his back and ribs still smarting from the beating. He knew she caught sight of that, and he saw the anger in her eyes, which made him flinch a bit out of reflex, but when he took another peek at her eyes, he saw concern and sadness fill them, so he took another step closer to her.
When he did that, she smiled widely, and he was glad. She then pointed her stick thing at his ribs, and mumbled something under her breath, and he felt a cool breeze settle over them, which dulled the pain. She than linked arms with him, and led him to the door.
"This is going to feel uncomfortable, Hadrian, but it's the only way I can take you to your new home and get you cleaned up."
"It's fine, I'm used to a little pain," he smiled up at her to show he would be okay, and he wasn't prepared for the amount of sadness in her expression.
"You may be used to it, little one, but that doesn't mean you should have to suffer more. I can't and won't promise you that you'll never feel pain again, but I will promise that none of that pain will come from me. Unless it's training," she laughed a little.
"Training?" Harry asked confused.
"Don't worry. I will explain more when we get home."
Home, he thought to himself. He'd never had a home before.
After she had settled Hadrian in, Harriet slumped on her couch, and finally let all her grief out. Tears poured down her face, as she looked around her. Severus was supposed to be here. We had planned this together.
They had made this plan whilst she was hunting the Horcruxes with Weasley and Granger. They wanted to change everything, give Voldemort a chance and completely destroy Dumbledore. Both of them were supposed to look after Hadrian, and train him to the best of their abilities. She knew the Severus of this world was still hung up on her mother, and hadn't realised that he never loved Lily, he was just infatuated by her, as she was the only person who had ever shown him kindness.
It was going to be difficult getting her Severus back, but she would do it. He was her everything. She couldn't fail.
She spared a thought to Sirius and Remus. It would be easy getting in contact with Remus, invite him here so that he could see Harry. Sirius would be harder, she would have to take Hadrian to Gringotts so that he could be recognized as Heir of House Black. Plus, he had to obtain a lawyer so that Sirius could get a trail. She would give it a month before that happened, and give her time to properly instruct him on what his responsibilities were.
She stood up, wiped her face, and shoved all of her emotions to the back of her mind, then made her way to her little office so she could write the letter to Remus. She hoped in this world, they could be close like they were before. Of course, he would probably be closer to Hadrian.
Dear, Mr. Lupin.
My name is Harriet Lillian Potter, and I have managed to gain custody of Hadrian James Potter. I have written to you so that you may gain the chance to see him and so that Hadrian can get information on his parents.
I do not know if my cousin has ever mentioned me to you, but I will do all that I can to make sure that Hadrian is well taken care of.
If you would like to see him, please visit in one week, so that Hadrian has the chance to settle in properly, and I have the chance to explain everything to him. I have included a Portkey, which will transport you to my home at six o'clock on Monday the 13th of March.
Also, I have information concerning one Sirius Orion Black, that you will find interesting. I won't speak of it here, in case it lands in the wrong hands.
Hoping to meet you in one week,
Harriet Lillian Potter.
Lady of House Potter, House Gryffindor, House Peverell and House Avery.
Once the ink had dried, she then rolled it up, and sealed it with her House banners. Her new familiar, Gratia, came up to her and stuck her leg out. After attaching the letter, Harriet then made her way to bed. She had a lot to do tomorrow.
A.N- I got Harry's grand parents names from HarryPotterWikia. And Gratia, the new owls name, means Grace. I do hope you all enjoyed the first chapter.
