Author's Note: Hey guys! Thank you so much for following, favoriting (this isn't a real word but I really don't care) and reviewing my story. You guys rock. Anyway, here's chapter 2. Hope you guys enjoy.
Chapter 2: As Aestas Dies
Harriet
Harriet felt the bond solidify. The warmth it brought held her magic close, entrapping it in love, comfort and protection. The tears fell rapidly down her face as she buried her head into Profess- Minerva's shoulder. At the Dursleys', she learned not cry. They liked her tears. It did nothing to weaken whatever punishment she received. So, she didn't cry. But this, this amount of tears came out of nowhere. Maybe all of those years of smothering back tears decided to unleash themselves on her new guardian's shoulder. It was only after Madam Pomfrey suggested lunch that Harriet remembered how hungry she was. Madam Pomfrey had let her have some porridge after she scanned her but Harriet was still hungry. Sadly, it wasn't an uncommon feeling.
"Splendid idea, Poppy! Come, Harriet. Let's go to the Great Hall. Severus, will you come with us?" Pro-Minerva suggested. Damn, it was going to take a while for Harriet to remember to think Minerva's name, let alone say it. Professor Snape, thank God he's still the same, offered his arm to Minerva. She accepted it. Meanwhile Madam Pomfrey laid out Harriet's new clothes on the bed and placed the screen in front of her. She started to change.
The mint green dress was beautiful. It was capped sleeved with a high neck line. The skirt flared out and fell to her knees. The dress brought in her waist. Wait, I have a waist? Her hands landed on her waist, not believing the slight change from a willowy torso to a minor curvy one. Harriet moved her arms into the robes, thankfully for the cooling charm on them. Honestly, how on Earth did Muggles live through the summer without cooling charms? She'll never know.
She moved the screen away and tried really hard not to laugh at the sight of her professors. Minerva's free hand covered Professor Snape's eyes. Harriet let a tiny giggle escape when the Transfiguration Professor winked at her before dropping her hand. Harriet placed on her trainers and grimaced. They felt just as awful as they looked. Then, the shoes darkened in color as their shape changed. Thankfully, she had forgotten to put on socks because the trainers morphed in chic, black flats.
Snapping her head up, Harriet stared at him, his wand grasped lightly in his right hand. Her green eyes gazed into the stormy, cold black ones. Eyes that held in all of the emotions the stoic man restrained. You know, when he isn't glaring or sneering, his eyes are really pretty.
"Well, have fun. I have to stay here today. Miss Potter, at lunch you will start your potion regiment. Before breakfast, lunch and dinner until the beginning of term, you will drink the potions that appear in front of you." Poppy ordered. Harriet just nodded, her eyes still locked with his stormy ones. There was so much pain those eyes, restricted pain that has never been released. She stared at him, transfixed in his gaze. He broke away first.
"Come along, Miss Potter." His voice trembling but resolute. Professor Snape offered his other arm to her. Her arm wrapped around his in a tight grip so she wouldn't get dragged along. Her head reached about 10 centimeters below his shoulder. He was so tall. They left the wing.
It was nice seeing the ghosts again. However, Professor Snape wasn't in the mood for chattering ghosts.
"Miss Harriet! How do you-"
"Goodbye, Friar."
"Harriet, my princess, how my heart longs-"
"Nicholas, leave before I sew your head back on and your mouth shut."
"Oh, little Baby Potty is playing dress up- Oh, Professor Sir. Peeves is sorry, Sir. Please stop glaring at Peeves, Sir!" Harriet had never seen Peeves leave a scene so quickly. The fact that Professor Snape could terrify the dead scared Harriet. Yet she couldn't help but laugh. Professor Snape probably didn't know it, but he could be funny when he wanted to. When they arrived at the Great Hall, Minerva unwrapped her arm and motioned for the Potion Master and his student to remain.
"Wait here for a moment." Suddenly the grand, old doors flung back against the walls and Minerva started to glow. Harriet yelped and shifted her weight closer to the Potion Master, her grip of his arm tightening. Minerva's magic had formed an angry aura around her and it was bloody terrifying! Could everyone do that? Could Voldemort? Could she learn how to do that? As these questions swarmed through her head, Minerva marched straight up to the Headmaster.
"Albus Dumbledore! I warned you! I bloody warned you! Did I not say that those were worst Muggles I had ever observed! Did I not say that they wouldn't treat the girl right! You're a fool! A blasted, stubborn fool!" The lioness roared. The staff shrunk back, not wanting to get crossed in the woman's anger. Hell, Minerva looked angrier than Mrs. Weasely. Professor Dumbledore tried to calm down his deputy but his effort was futile.
"Now Minnie-"
"Don't you Minnie me, Albus. You are lucky that Harriet is still alive. Those damn Muggles would have killed here. And if they had, it would be on your head!"
"Minerva, the blood wards-"
"Are rendered useless if she isn't even protected from her blood family. They don't matter now anyway. She is my ward, Albus. And she isn't going back. Am. I. Clear?" Joy filled Harriet's heart. Someone cared, someone cared about her. Her, little Harriet Potter, the freak of Privet Drive, the orphan that killed Voldemort as a baby. Harriet started to smile and traced her gaze to the staff. Only to flinch back into Professor Snape as she caught the gaze of a rugged and shabby looking man. He stared at her in an almost canine like way. His eyes were hungry looking, as if her boney little body was a rare treat he couldn't wait to have. Quit looking at me like I'm a piece of meat. She shifted even closer to her professor's side. She smelled the herbs and potion ingredients on him, as well a little smoky scent that she couldn't place.
"Is he the new professor?" She whispered up to him. The man nodded.
"Unfortunately. His name is Remus Lupin." She snorted. What an appropriate name for a man with wolf eyes.
"Wow, named after the brother of Romulus and his last name means wolf. His parents must of loved Italy." The professor didn't reply. She continued her study of the scruffy man. The rings under his eyes sunk deep into face. His scars reminded Harriet of Dudley's leg when the neighbor's German Shepard attacked him. That was a beautiful day. Mr. Lupin looked really tired and very, very sickly.
"He looks ill." Harriet commented.
"Indeed."
"Will he be able to teach us dueling? He looks ready to kill over."
"If only he would." Professor Snape mumbled under his breath and escorted her up to the staff table. I get to sit at the staff table? Awesome! Professor Snape, who acted surprisingly like a gentleman, pulled out Harriet's seat, then sat on her left side. Thankfully, he blocked Professor Lupin's view of her. Jesus, the stares were getting really creepy. Minerva sat on Harriet's right side. Poor Headmaster. His mood changing robes were now a dull gray. Harriet quite liked the shade of purple that he had on earlier. Oh well. Professor Flitwick smiled at Harriet while Professor Sprout and Madam Pince waved at her. Suddenly Madam Hooch shouted,
"Potter, you ready for next season?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Good lass." Finally, Hagrid, her big and lovable half-giant, smiled and spoke out,
"Harry, how's yer summer goin'?" It was hell. Thank you for asking. Well, that's what she wanted to say. But that was impolite so Harriet just smiled sadly and replied,
"Good. How about you?"
"Great! Did ya get me package yet?"
"Package?"
"For yer birthday." Right, my birthday.
"Oh, no. Not yet. I'm probably get it tomorrow."
"Good!" Then there was coughing. A lot of coughing. Jesus, first a stutterer, then a glory-hog, now a sick cougher. How are they going to be prepared for the real world if they couldn't get a decent defense professor? Honestly, this was getting old. Harriet turned her gaze back to her plate. Light chicken soup appeared with the nutrition potion. Cheers. She drank it down quickly. Harriet resisted the urge to spit it out. Did Professor Snape purposely make the potions taste so bad? She grabbed her water, toke a sip of it then jumped right into her soup. Ah, so good.
"And who might the young lady be, Severus?" Professor Snape looked up from his salad, the disgust obvious on his face. He glared back at the roughly dressed man and looked extremely pleased when Professor Lupin recoiled back.
"Remus, this is my new ward, Harriet Potter. I believe you already know her." Minerva replied. Harriet laughed at Professor Lupin. Hedwig would have applauded his impersonation of her. It was pretty spot on.
"But, but, she looks nothing like James." Of course I don't look like my father. I'm a girl! It's your father this and your mother that. My name is Harriet and I am my own person!
"No, I don't. Just because I have his coloring and poor eyesight doesn't mean I'm my father." Harriet stated, her voice clear and cutting.
"Of course not," Professor Lupin looked even paler than before. "But when you were a baby, you looked just like him." Really?
"You knew me as a baby?" Harriet raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, I was one of your father's best friends." His best friend. His best friend! If that's true, where were you these past twelve years? I can understand waiting for when I entered Hogwarts but what about my first year? Wait, if he knew my father, he knows about Sirius Black.
"If you were one of my father's best friends, why have I never met you before? And why come now, Professor Lupin? Why not my first year?" She decided to voice out her frustration. Professor Lupin shuttered.
"Harriet dear, Professor Lupin has a condition that didn't allow him to visit you as often as he wanted to. Perhaps Professor Lupin would be willing to tell you some stories about your father." Professor Dumbledore jumped in, rescuing Professor Lupin from further embarrassment.
"Yes, of course I would." Professor Lupin leaped in. So you want to make up for lost time now. Wow, that's great, Professor, really great. Wow, even her thoughts were growing more sarcastic.
"Well, you'll have to find a time, Remus. Harriet is starting her studies and her Defense training tomorrow. She'll be quite busy until term." Minerva stated. Harriet saw the frown on her face, as if the new professor was disappointing her.
"Perhaps tea tomorrow, Harriet?" Professor Lupin asked enthusiastically, disregarding Minerva's comment completely. What, and miss my first day of training and get on Professor Snape's bad side? I may have a mad man after me but I'm not suicidal. I certainly don't want to become a part of Professor Snape's hate list. Also, quit calling me by my first name. I don't know you nor did I give you permission to do so.
"I can't. Professor Snape is starting my Defense tutoring tomorrow. I refuse to miss a moment of it." Professor Lupin should really be a comedian. His fish impression was just as good as the owl one.
"Maybe Professor Lupin could assist Severus in Harriet's tutoring?" The Headmaster suggested. No. I need a teacher who's going to be here when I need him. Professor Snape is many things but he's a serious man who's actually been trying to protect me. Besides, Professor Snape looks ready to strangle Professor Lupin. Professor Snape did look angry at the suggestion. He was about to speak but Harriet interjected in a cold tone.
"With all due respect, Headmaster, I would rather have Professor Snape tutor me. Professor Lupin is entering his first year of teaching with a group of students who will have very low expectations for him." She turned her head towards Lupin. This was going to sound harsh but the truth hurt. "Believe me, Professor, your time will be much better spent trying to prepare for your classes. Besides, Professor Snape has been here for the last 12 years. It would be miracle if you survive your first. Surely you know about the curse on your position?" Professor Lupin deflated at her words.
"Don't worry, Harriet. I plan on staying." She didn't even try to cover her snort.
"I see. Then I suggest you hire a Curse Breaker. I heard Bill Weasely is a fantastic one. The two previous DADA professors disintegrated or lost their mind. I would tread very carefully. The odds aren't in your favor, Professor." She finished her speech. Harriet turned to Head of Gryffindor.
"May I go to the library?" Harriet asked, the soft lightness having returned to her voice.
"Of course, lass. Be back in time for dinner." Minerva replied. She set her silverware next to her empty bowl. Madam Pince rose with her and led the Girl-Who-Lived out of the Great Hall.
There was something very off about Professor Lupin. She may not have prefect aura sight like Luna Lovegood, but she knew when something was off. Professor Lupin's magic didn't feel human. Truthfully, it reminded Harriet of Fang's magic if anything. And the way he was staring at her. God, it creeped Harriet out. That hungry look. She shivered. No, if there was one thing Harriet learned at Privet Drive, it was to never fully trust anyone and certainly don't let yourself be alone with them.
"You alright, Miss Potter?" Madam Pince asked. Harriet quickly nodded.
"Yes Ma'am." Then an idea struck her. "Madam Pince, are there any old newspapers cataloged in the library?" The trip to the library was originally a plan to escape Professor Lupin. Now that she was there, she was going to find out about Sirius Black.
"Hogwarts' has a book that saves all magical British newspapers. As long as you have a date, say a day, month, year, etc. you can find the article. If you want to find an article about a specific person, place your wand on the spine of the book and say their name. All articles printed about that person should appear." Madam Pince loved her books and loved to talk about them.
"May I use that book?"
"You may. I'll get it for you and bring it to your usual spot."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Harriet adored the library. She always had, actually. They were her escape areas when she went to primary school with Dudley. Dudley hated books with a burning passion and the librarian hated Dudley just as much. So as long as Harriet stayed in the library, she was safe from her bully of a cousin. Since coming to Hogwarts, however, Harriet wasn't as happy as she used to be. Hermione, in her goal to be the best, roamed through the stacks like a mad woman. If Harriet was reading something that wasn't Quidditch related (And honestly, she preferred to play the game, not read about it), Hermione had to get her hands on it. If Harriet wanted to read something that wasn't school related or had a minor connection to a subject, Hermione would nag on about how Harriet shouldn't read that and should study the course books more. If Harriet found a dark corner to silently read in, Hermione would drag her out to the desks where other students were chattering. Harriet loved Hermione. Really, she did. But Hermione was very over bearing and very bossy. Just like Ron annoyed the hell out of her, so did Hermione.
"Here you go. Just leave it on my desk when you're done." Madam Pince said as she presented the large tome to her. God, this is heavy. Harriet struggled but she maneuvered the tome into her corner. Her corner was hidden next to the stained glass window and blocked from view by the potion bookcases. A little desk sat under the window but it was perfect for Harriet. She placed her wand on the spine of the book and whispered,
"Sirius Black." The tome fell open onto the desk and the pages flipped rapidly. Finally, they stopped and Harriet stared at the murder's picture.
He laughed. He laughed. The moving picture showed a man laughing. Laughing so much that tears streamed down his eyes. The Aurors held him down in the picture but his laughing face was more than enough proof of his guilt. She felt sick, very sick.
Calm down, Harriet. Breathe. Minerva won't let him get you. Professor Snape is going to train you. And he's going to protect you, just like he always had. It's going to be ok.
But what if it isn't ok? What if he gets into Hogwarts? Voldemort's been able to, so why not his right-hand man? Dear God, what if… what if-
"You shouldn't be reading that." That baritone voice rang out. Harriet didn't respond, her hands shaking. Hell, her entire body trembled.
"He laughed." She whispered, looking up at the Potion Master. He pocketed his potion novel and quietly closed the book for her.
"He did."
"I hate him. I hate him. I… I…" Why couldn't she stop shaking?
"In time we hate that which we often fear." Shakespeare. Anthony and Cleopatra. "He won't get to you. I won't let him get to you. Look at me, child. He'll have to kill me first before he'll even touch you." Harriet pitched her head forward, her black hair shielding her face. Her forehead landed lightly on the man's chest. His hand rested on her head. He made no move to draw her in or push her away. He let her stay.
"Thank you, Sir."
"Think nothing of it."
"I'm scared." Harriet hated being weak. When she faced Voldemort both times, the adrenaline in her blood stopped the fear from consuming her. Now that she had time to think, time to know that a threat to her life loomed over her, she was scared. She was terrified.
"I know."
You broke the promise, and I made me realize, it was all just a lie.
Severus
After the show Miss Potter put on at lunch, Albus insisted that Minerva and Severus come to his office. As if Severus had all the time in the world. As if Severus didn't have to restock the Hospital Wing's potion supply. As if Severus didn't have to finish his NEWT level plans.
I don't get paid enough for this, Severus thought as he finished his coffee and rose. Minerva stood with him and being the gentleman that he was, he escorted her up to the Headmaster's office. The Headmaster had left a few minutes earlier, Lupin following with his tail between his legs.
"Do you think Harriet is alright? She was rather short with Remus." Asked Minerva.
"Anyone would be short with a man who stared at them like a piece of steak."
"Severus, Remus wasn't staring that badly."
"Minerva, the girl moved closer to me so that she would be out of his line of sight." The silence was palpable.
"Maybe he was staring too hard."
"You think." The rest of their walk was quiet. Minerva gave the password and they entered Albus' office. Dammit, the wolf's here too. Severus knew that Lupin followed the Headmaster out of the Great Hall but he had a very small piece of hope that the wolf would just go away.
"Minerva, Severus. Please, have a seat." Minerva sat in the offered chair but Severus stood next to and slightly behind it. There was no way in hell Severus was going to sit and have tea with a wolf. Call him paranoid but he wasn't going to let his guard down around that beast. Never again.
"Now Minerva, are you sure that you can-"
"Albus, you very well know that my children are dead. You know I have no heirs. And you also know that I loved James and Lily as if they were my own. I will raise their daughter. I will love her as my own. You can't change my mind. Nor can you change the ward bond. Magic has accepted it. She is legally and magically my child." Minerva finished her speech. Albus, resigned to Miss Potter's fate, nodded.
"Alright Minerva. Protect her with your life."
"Of course. We all will."
"But why is she your ward in the first place?" Was this man really the smartest Gryffindor of his year? That's just pathetic.
"Use your two brain cells, Lupin. You lived through the war. What are the two circumstances required to be eligible for a new guardian?" Severus sneered out.
"Well, the only one I remember is that you have to be an orphan with no other family members." Whop-di-fucking-do. He got one right. Good to know your brain isn't completely rotting away, Lupin.
"Wait, does that mean Petunia's dead?" I spoke too soon.
"You incompetent, fool…" Minerva placed her hand on his arm to stop his rant. Albus sighed and started to say gently,
"No, Remus. Petunia isn't dead. We have recently learned that Harriet has been living in a household that was less than satisfactory." That's putting it mildly, Albus.
"Less than satisfactory?"
"She was abused." Severus figured he should just bulldoze through the bush that Albus was beating around. They were getting nowhere with this conversation and he had things to do.
"What?!" Lupin yelled. "How? Who did it? Why wasn't she taken out of there sooner?" Lupin actually looked angry. Severus removed his wand, ready to restrain the werewolf if need be.
"We didn't know about it till Severus noticed when she arrived yesterday. Though if I had known sooner…" Minerva trailed off, shaking her head sadly. Subtlety, Severus squeezed her shoulder, his gaze never leaving the wolf. Minerva smiled slightly back at him. The anger left Lupin as quickly as it came. Sadness and guilt replaced the anger. Seeing this, Severus decided to take his leave.
"Here Lupin, since you care about the girl so much." The sarcasm dripped off his words as he threw Miss Potter's health report into the wolf's lap. "Minerva, Albus, if you need me, I'll be in my office."
The Potion Master exited the office. But he didn't head for his dungeons. No, he went to the library. There was a slight pull to his magic, so small that Severus didn't consciously recognize it. Later, he would tell Minerva that he needed to look up a difficult potion recipe. Because he didn't know the real reason for why he found Miss Potter in the library.
It was a good thing that he found her there. The first thing he noticed were her trembling shoulders. Then her pastel face. Her hands twitched rapidly and he heard her erratic breathing.
"You shouldn't be reading that." Severus spoke in a low voice. Miss Potter didn't respond. They stayed in silence until,
"He laughed." She whispered, looking up at the Potion Master. Severus pocketed the random potion novel he had grabbed. He slid over to the girl and looked down at the page that sent her into shock. Sirius Black stared back at him. That horrible, guilty, disgusting, laughing face of his childhood tormentor that helped end the life of the woman Severus loved beyond life and death. Stop thinking about him. The girl needs you. Lily's daughter needs you. Severus shut the tome and turned to the girl.
"He did." He replied, because he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"I hate him. I hate him. I… I…" Tears formed in her eyes but refused to fall. Her shaking continued.
"In time we hate that which we often fear." Severus said, because the quote fit the situation better than anything he could think of. "He won't get to you. I won't let him get to you. Look at me, child. He'll have to kill me first before he'll even touch you." Severus vowed to the Girl-Who-Lived. She looked so scared, so broken, so hopeless. Was this what Lily looked like before the Dark Lord killed her?
Miss Potter shifted her head forward until her forehead landed lightly on his chest. Why she sought him out for comfort, he'll never know. Maybe it was because he was there. Maybe it was because he promised to protect her. Maybe it was because he was one of the few, constant adults in her life and she was nothing but a child. A child whose life would be forever plagued by a multitude murders. Her shaking had lessened at his words but still continued. The Head of Slytherin, thinking of no way to comfort the child, rested his hand on her head. He made no move to draw the child in or to push her away. She stayed there, the minutes passing before she whispered out,
"Thank you, Sir."
"Think nothing of it."
"I'm scared."
"I know."
Minerva wasn't happy when Severus brought Miss Potter to her quarters. Miss Potter insisted that she was fine but her face remained blotchy and her eyes sad. However, when Severus explained to Minerva why the girl was in the state that she was, Minerva immediately surrounded the young lion in a hug. Severus tuned out the whispered promises of protection and the tearful replies of thanks. It was far too emotional for him, especially with the day he had.
"Harriet, there's something I'd like to show you." Minerva said as she gently wiped a stray tear from the girl's cheek.
"What is it?" Miss Potter asked. Minerva smiled and said,
"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. Severus, wait a moment. I'd like a word with you." As the Gryffindors left Minerva's sitting room, Severus glanced around. Minerva had many pictures in her parlor. Of her children, who all died in the war. Of her brothers and sisters, who lived in the Highlands of Scotland. Of him, when he first started teaching and Minerva took him under her wing. God, that first year was fucking miserable.
There was a picture of a little family. Behind the glass stood the arrogant James Potter, who during that moment looked almost humble. Next to him stood Lily. Beautiful, beautiful Lily. In her arms was a little bundle that had the couple staring down in pure joy and happiness. Even in the picture, Miss Potter still had Lily's lovely emerald eyes.
The sound of laughter broke his thought process. Minerva entered back into the room and faced her colleague.
"Well, she really likes her new room. She told me that she never had a room of her own. You were right about her cupboard. That was her bedroom for the first ten years of her life. Apparently they moved her into her cousin's second bedroom after her Hogwarts' letter arrived." Minerva spoke sadly. Anger coursed through his body. They had treated her like a house elf. No, they treated her worse than a house elf. House elves preferred to live in tiny spaces and don't require as much food as wizards do.
"She's here now." He forced the words out, trying very hard not to allow his anger to consume him.
"She is. Thank you for everything, Severus. You've been a fantastic help." Then she whispered out,
"Lily would be very proud of you. So very proud of you." Severus remained hushed. Lily wouldn't be proud of him. His hatred for her husband had caused him to completely overlook the clear signs of abuse on her daughter. His ignorance had caused pain on her daughter. Lily would be very ashamed of him, just like she always was.
Tonight I'm so alone, this sorrow takes ahold. Don't leave me, it's so cold.
Harriet
The next day was significantly better for Harriet. Waking up in a new room really brightened her day. The room was tastefully done. The walls were a nice gray, green. Attached to them were very large bookcases. A red oak desk stood under the window, which had an amazing view over the castle courtyard and beyond. The four-poster bed held an extremely comfy mattress. The comforter was a creamy white with tiny, little, white Snitchs sewn in. Harriet even had a walk in closet. Granted, Harriet didn't have that many clothes yet but Minerva promised that after her defense training today, they were going to go shopping. Harriet washed and dressed quickly. She decided that a white button down and a simple black skirt would do. She threw her robes over the outfit.
It should be noted that Harriet preferred to wear skirts over pants. She liked the freedom and flowy feeling of the skirts. As a little girl, when Dudley would only watch Disney movies, all Harriet wanted was to wear big, puffy skirts and dresses just like the princesses. Because at Privet Drive, freaks like Harriet didn't get to wear pretty little dresses like other little girls. Aunt Petunia made it very clear when she had asked for a dress that she should be grateful that she had any clothes at all. So until she received her Hogwarts uniform, all she could wear were Dudley's old, long and ugly pants.
Harriet grabbed her school supplies, placed them into her knapsack and left her room. Minerva was already there, reading the Daily Prophet while she sat on the sofa.
"Good morning, Prof- um, Minerva." Dammit, still not used to that.
"Good morning, Harriet. Don't worry. You should have seen Professor Snape when he first started working here. It took him a good month before he could remember to call any of us by our first names. You'll get used to it." Minerva smiled warmly at her.
A package laid on the table.
"Your gift from Hagrid." Minerva explained, rolling her eyes. Harriet was confused by her guardian's reaction until she opened the bloody package. It was a man eating book! Harriet jumped back and Minerva sent a spell to freeze it.
"What is that?" Harriet asked, very lucky that she didn't lose her hand.
"That is your new book for your Care of Magical Creatures class. Hagrid believed it was a good idea to use the man-eating textbooks this year. To stop it from harming you, stroke the spine. Also Harriet, I believe that you shouldn't take Divination. To be frank, unless you are a seer yourself, the class is useless. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy will serve you much better in the future." Harriet sighed but agreed with her teacher. Honestly, Harriet only chose that class because Ron was taking it. But if Minerva believed it was a worthless class, it was probably a worthless class. Minerva rose from her seat and said,
"Come along, we'll eat in my office. Then I want you to start your Transfiguration essay. I'll read it over when you're done."
The Transfiguration essay became significantly easier to complete when you could ask your professor for help. You finish it in half the time and you know everything was correct. Once she tucked the essay away into a safe spot, Harriet remembered an extremely important member of her little family.
"Minerva, is there any way we could bring Hedwig here? I sent her to Ron's and I think she would really like the owl post you gave me."
"I'll Floo Molly and ask her to send Hedwig here. She'll be here by tomorrow."
"Thank you, Professor. Oh God, sorry Minerva."
"Don't worry about it. Now, I believe it's almost 11. You should head down to the dungeons. I'll see you at lunch." With that, Harriet headed to the Professor Snape's office. When she arrived, she knocked on the door and waited.
"Enter." His voice called through. Harriet entered the office. His walls held the most famous and important potions in the Wizarding World. And there were books, so many books. Professor Snape sat behind his desk, reading a book while copying something down with a quill.
"Good morning, Professor."
"Miss Potter. Today you will have an hour to make a burn-healing potion. Through that door," He threw his arm up and pointed at a door to the left of her. "is the lab that you will be working in. The instructions are on the board."
"Yes, sir." Harriet moved into the lab and was shocked at the shire size of the room. And the amount of live cauldrons. There were at least ten tables with two filled cauldrons each, all stirring at the same time. Suddenly, an ingredient zoomed into the room. It landed next to what Harriet believed to be a calming draught. A knife raised itself from the cutting board, chopped up the ingredient nicely and the pieces levitated themselves into the cauldron. Then the cauldron stirred itself. Amazing. How much control over his magic did Professor Snape have to be in a completely different room and still be able to make prefect potions?
Harriet quickly started her potion. The instructions on the board were in the same format as they were during class. And yet, Harriet no longer had trouble understanding the steps. Perhaps it was the fact she longer had to worry about someone beating her if her grades were too high. Perhaps it was the fact that she realized that Minerva would always love her, no matter what her grades were. Perhaps it was the fact that Professor Snape was teaching her defense and he would probably appreciate it if she could brew properly.
"Hm. I must say, Miss Potter, this is significantly superior than your previous potions. Care to explain?" The Potion Master looked down at her after he inspected her potion. He had entered the lab multiple times while she was making her potion. Some potions were finished, so he took them off the burner. Some required a specific ingredient that need to be chopped a specific way. None the less, when she finished, he was still in the room. And she had impressed him.
"Well, Aunt Petunia never liked it if I got better grades than Dudley. She got my report card and I didn't want to be punished for having good grades again. So I may have butchered some potions in the past. But it was only the harmless potions. I was very carefully when I made the dangerous potions." Harriet didn't want to tell him all of it. But as she spoke, she felt lighter. As if a weight was lifted off her shoulder.
"See to it that you keep to this level of potion making. I detest students who don't perform at their full potential."
"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry, Sir." Her professor sighed.
"Child, you don't have to be sorry for suffering abuse. But don't let it consume you and who you are. Don't let it affect how you perform or the person you may become." Professor Snape spoke firmly, almost as if he spoke from experience. But that was just plain silly. No one would ever hurt Professor Snape. How wrong she was.
They had eaten in the Great Hall. Professor Snape spoke to Minerva briefly before they left again. This time, the Professor escorted her to an old classroom. A quill and parchment was already there when they arrived.
"To start your training, I need to know what level you are at. That nincompoop last year caused you and every other student at Hogwarts to fall back a year. Once I gain a sense of your level, we will begin with standard theory. After that, mock dueling." Said Professor Snape. She headed to the desk and asked,
"What would you like me to write down?"
"List all of the dark creatures that you are aware of. Then list the spells that you can perform." Well, let's get started.
Harriet Potter's Knowledge of Defense Against the Dark Arts to Date
Creatures
Gnomes
Doxies
Snails
Imps
Bowtruckles
Ghosts
Gargoyles
Hags
Fire Crabs
Gytrashes
Boggarts
Kappas
Dementors
Spells
Knockback Jinx
Vermillious
Verdimillious
Smokescreen Spell
Green Sparks
Red Sparks
Periculum
Wingardium Leviosa
Wand-Lighting Charm
Lumos Solem
Fire-Making Spell
Softening Charm
Severing Charm
Unlocking Charm
Locking Spell
Mending Charm
Disarming Charm
Tongue-Tying Curse
Skurge Charm
Disarming Charm
Arresto Momentum
Dancing Feet Spell
Engorgement Charm
Freezing Charm
Homorphus Charm
Verdimillious Duo
Vermillious Duo
Tickling Charm
Banishing Charm
Petrificus Totalus
Cushioning Charm
Melofors Jinx
Freezing Spell
"I've finished, Professor." Harriet stated. The man glanced up from his novel, which appeared to be a text book of some sort.
"Any particular reason why you added charms to this list?"
"Well, Sir, Professor Flitwick once told us that charms and defense spells are extremely similar. He said that a charm could be used in a duel just as easily as a defense spell. I know that it is wrong to assume but when you asked for my knowledge of spells, I figured that it would be okay to add in some charms too."
"Indeed. Charms and defense are sister courses. One doesn't exist without the other. You have a very solid understanding of defense Miss Potter, even with that fool of a liar."
"Thank you, Sir."
"However, due to that setback, we must prepare. Here, this," He held up the textbook he was reading. "is the current defense book that Lupin chose for this year. Surprisingly, it will serve as a good reading book. For you though, Miss Potter, your time is much better spent learning dueling spells. Dueling was once a subject taught at Hogwarts. As you recall, Professor Flitwick is a dueling champion himself. How fast do you run, Miss Potter?"
"Quite fast. I hold the Gryffindor Quidditch team record for the fastest meter. Oliver likes to train us with a Muggle regiment."
"Well, that is better than nothing at all." Suddenly the desks of the room all moved to the side. Harriet slid to the left, dodging the stinging hex Professor Snape threw at her.
"Hey!"
"The Dark Lord will give you no warning. You must be prepared for an attack at any time. For now, I will throw harmless hexes and jinxes at you. You will dodge. As you improve, Miss Potter, you will be able to dodge far deadlier spells while sending off your own. Prepare yourself."
Harriet was sore after her first day of training. Lord, her muscles haven't worked that hard in ages. Professor Snape would make a great drill sergeant, she decided after the first hour of just dodging hexes. When she was finally allowed to fire back, her spells were too predictable. Her tutor somehow pulled off looking graceful while evading every one of her spells. By the time Minerva arrived to take her shopping, Harriet was covered in sweat and cursing the Potion Master silently. He had smirked at her when she left, as if he knew what she was think about. That bastard.
Shopping with Minerva was probably the best experience Harriet had ever had with a guardian. Minerva had a very good eye for fashion and picked out practical but stylish outfits for Harriet after they had arrived Diagon Alley. Harriet loved her new clothes and wanted to pay for them herself. Yet Minerva stopped her and said softly,
"Harriet, I am your guardian. That means I protect you. That means I buy what you need. That means that I love you unconditionally. You don't have to pay for this. I'll gladly buy this and whatever else you need. You'll never have to fend for yourself again. I promise." Don't cry. Don't cry. Dammit Harriet, why can't you stop crying so God damn much? Harriet wiped the tears away after her mini meltdown.
Next, they headed to the eye healer. Professor Snape insisted that Harriet get her eyes checked. He felt that it was better for people to think that she was as blind as a bat without her glasses, instead of actually having to depend on them.
"The girl needs her eyes fixed, Minerva. Have the healer fix them then buy Miss Potter new glasses with clear lenses." For the first time in a long time, Harriet could see clearly. And her new glasses were really pretty. They were more oval in shape and the frames, while still black, were much skinner than before.
They finished their day with a little ice cream. Harriet couldn't believe how much her world changed within two days. She was happy, so very, very happy.
About a week and a half later, Harriet ate breakfast in the Great Hall. Her tutor sat to her left and her guardian to her right. Then a snowy owl led the way for the Daily Prophet owls to follow. Two letters were wrapped around Hedwig's leg.
"Hey girl. Got some messages for me?" Harriet asked her familiar. Hedwig just hooted, stole a piece of bacon and held out her leg. The first letter was from Ron.
Dear Harry,
Glad to know that you're out of your Aunt's house. Mum was really worried when Hedwig arrived at the Burrow last week. Guess what! We all got to visit Bill in Egypt at the end of July. The twins tried to leave Percy in a tomb because he wouldn't shut up about becoming this year's Head Boy. Anyway, Hermione is going to be at Diagon Alley today around noon. We're all going to get our school supplies. Do you think McGonagall would let you come with us? You could meet us at the Leaky Cauldron. Floo call us when you find out.
-Ron
Hm, there's an interesting idea. Harriet didn't really want to miss training with Professor Snape but she really wanted to see the Weaselys and Hermione again before term started. She ripped open Hermione's letter.
Dear Harry,
How are you? Are you enjoying living at Hogwarts over the summer? How's Professor McGonagall? Did you finish all of your homework? Have you met the new Defense teacher? Did you get your school supplies yet? Are you going to go with the Weaselys to Diagon Alley today? Please try to. It would be good to see you again.
-Love, Hermione
"Something the matter, dear?" Minerva asked. Harriet sighed but showed Ron's letter to her guardian.
"I suggest you eat, Miss Potter. This morning, we will research the affect vampire venom has on humans before we train." Professor Snape stated suddenly.
"This morning, Sir?" She asked, the surprise painted on her face.
"Indeed. I have a prior rearrangement this afternoon. As you have finished your summer assignments, we shall skip the potions lesson today and focus solely on defense." Harriet felt like hugging the man, which was very strange seeing how much animosity the two had before she arrived to stay for the summer.
"Thank you, Sir!"
"Eat, Miss Potter. We leave in five minutes." As Harriet shifted her focus back to her meal, she didn't notice the smile of thanks her guardian sent to the strict man. Nor did she realize that he had lied when he said that he had prior arrangement.
It took Mrs. Weasely fifteen minutes to convince Minerva to stay at Hogwarts. Seeing as it's been a good three weeks since Sirius Black escaped and the Aurors still hadn't found him, Minerva was very worried about letting Harriet go shopping with just the Weaselys. However, term was next week and Minerva needed to finish her preparation. Thus Harriet Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, where Mr. Weasely waited for.
"Harriet, how are you?" The Weasely patriarch asked.
"Very good. Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Weasely. How are you and Mrs. Weasely?"
"Molly and I are great. Thank you for asking. Come along. Molly and the others are at the bookstore."
It wasn't hard to find the rest of the Weasely clan. Just look for a sea of red hair and you found them. Mrs. Weasely swooped Harriet into a very big hug the moment she saw her. Unfortunately for Harriet, Mrs. Weasely had a rather large… assets and was a very strong woman.
"Geeze, Mum." Fred spoke up.
"Let her breathe." George finished. Oh thank God. When Harriet returned to her normal rosy paleness, Ron and Hermione went up to her. Of course, this led to Hermione trying to hug the soul out of her too. Well, if Sirius Black doesn't kill her, hugs will.
"Hermione, you're going to choke her to death." Ron said. Mercifully, Hermione let her go. It felt good to breathe again.
"How's living at the school? Do you actually live with Professor McGonagall in her quarters? How is she? Have you learned anything while you're there? Did you finish your assignments? Have you met the new Defense professor? Is it a he or a she? Are they smart? Are they nice?" How could Hermione say all of that in one breath, Harriet will never know.
"Um, it's great living in the castle. Min- Err, Professor McGonagall is really nice. I finished my assignments. We have another guy for a teacher. He seems nice." Actually, since she started living at Hogwarts, Professor Lupin lessened his staring. However, Harriet was determined to make her final opinion of him during his first class. Only then would she decide if she wanted to trust him.
"Really? What's his name?"
"Hermione, stop talking about school. We have only one week left. I don't need to be remind about it any sooner than I have to." Ron whined. "Besides, Harry, they got a new broom out."
"Really?" Harriet was only mildly curious. She still had her Nimbus 2000 and she really didn't need or want a new broom.
"Yeah, it's a Firebolt. It's said to be the fastest broom on the market." Ron said longingly. Harriet pitied Ron during moments like these. Ron was the youngest of six older brothers, so everything he ever had was a hand-me-down. Then Harriet thought of her own childhood. In comparison, Ron has a great life. While her was downright shitty.
"Hey Harry, are you going to be riding the train into Hogwarts?" Ron asked suddenly after they left the Quidditch store.
"Well, that would be counter-productive. Harry's already staying there. Why would she go to London for a train ride to bring her back to Scotland?" Hermione questioned rather bossily. Ron blushed in embarrassment. To avoid another Ron vs Hermione argument, Harriet hopped in,
"I would have to ask Professor McGonagall about that. Let's see what she says."
Thankfully, that stopped World War III from occurring. Hermione expressed her interest in getting an owl so they headed to the pet store. Harriet really wished that they hadn't. Hermione didn't get an owl. Oh no, she got a cat. And not just any cat, she got one that was half-knealze.
"Hermione, you do remember that Parvarti hates cats?" Harriet asked as her best female friend marched up to the register.
"That bloody cat better not go after Scabbers!" Ron glared at Hermione's new cat.
"Of course not, Crookshanks wouldn't hurt a fly. Would you, Crookshanks?" Hermione purred to her new cat. Ron looked over to Harriet and mouthed,
"She's bloody crazy." He was right.
When Harriet arrived back at Hogwarts, it was close to dinner time. Seeing as Minerva wasn't in her quarters or office, Harriet decided to head to the Great Hall. Her stomach was grumbling. Over the past few weeks, the nutrition potions helped repair the damage caused by the Dursleys. She had grown an extra 7.62 cm (3 in) since her arrival and Madam Pomfrey was certain that she would have gained back the stone she had lost by Halloween.
"Harriet, how are you?" Harriet's wand was in her hand the second the voice spoke. Training with Professor Snape improved her reflexes greatly. At the end of her wand stood Professor Lupin, his arms up in the surrender position.
"Oh, sorry Professor. I don't really like surprises." Harriet said as she lowered her wand. It remained in her hand.
"No harm done. How have you been?" The professor asked again. They started to walk towards the eating hall.
"Fine. You?" Harriet asked politely. Professor Lupin wasn't that bad. He actually seemed like a nice man when he wasn't staring. But the weird aura to his magic put Harriet on the edge. Perhaps she was over thinking it. She should ask Professor Snape.
"Great. I have the perfect idea for you first Defense class. I believe you will enjoy it." There was an air of mischief in his eyes that made Harriet uneasy. Again it was probably just her.
"I look forward to it." Harriet said softly.
"Harriet, you're back." Minerva's voice rang down the halls. Once again, she was being escorted by Professor Snape and it seems that they had come from the Headmaster's office. Harriet rushed forward to them.
"Yes, Ma'am. I had a lot of fun. It was really nice to see everyone. Hello Professor. How was the harvest?" Harriet asked her professor innocently. There was no harvest for potion ingredients.
"Adequate." He replied as he glared at the other male professor in the hall.
"Minerva, Ron and Hermione were wondering if I would be taking the train into school? Will I be or should I just stay here?" Harriet asked. Minerva was about to answer when Professor Lupin jumped in,
"If you want, Minerva, I could bring Harriet onto the train with me."
"Really? You plan on riding the train?" Harriet questioned.
"Yes, I think it would bring back good memories."
"It's a foolish idea. Black is after the girl. He knows that she should be on the train. It would be better to keep Miss Potter here." Professor Snape said, his sneer deepening.
"Now Severus, surely you trust Remus to watch over Harriet on the train ride?" Minerva asked. Harriet waited for him to say something but the Head of Slytherin said nothing.
"Well, if you really want to, Harriet, you may ride the train."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Harriet didn't see the death glare Professor Snape sent the DADA professor. If one hair on Harriet's head was out of place, death would be in Professor Lupin's near future.
Author's Note: My friends, chapter 2 is over. This chapter was really hard to write because I was trying to squeeze a good month of summer into 8,000 words. I still think I rushed it but I'm happy with how it turned out. Also, I know I posted this chapter rather quickly. I'm going to try and update regularly but there is a very good chance that it may delayed. Still, let's shot for once or twice a week, shall we. Anyway, I hoped that you guys liked this chapter. See you next chapter.
-V.I. Winthrop
P.S. Do you guys know what Aestas means? If you do, review.