Still Waters Run Deep By Mnemea

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Pairings: (I loved the HP/SS pairing so this story is about their love. Enjoy!) HP/SS, HP/LM, HP/TN, NT/TN, HR/RW, DM/GW, NM/LM (and many others pairs later).

Summary:  Harry's lost more than just the battle when Voldemort springs a surprise attack on No. 4 Privet Drive. Will the wizarding war end there? Or perhaps the wizarding world will now be forever under Voldemort's brutal regime?

Thank you Suraiyah for beta my story.

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Chapter 4: Twist of Fate

"Seize her!" Nott commanded jotting Lucius awake from his thoughts.

The converging crowd either wanted to shield the young girl or capture her, showing that the people were divided. The wizarding world had yet to welcome the notion of Voldemort ruling over them, despite all the promotion strategies he had gone over to brighten Voldemort's image, proclaiming the Dark Lord as a misunderstood case and blaming the war on the others.

Lucius doubted the wizarding world had actually bought any of it, but they let it happen because they simply preferred not to deal with the reality. This allowed the Death Eaters to take over without having to constantly fight revolutions at every turn.

The new regime appeared peaceful, although a bit of a dictatorship on the outer surface. However, the tortures were still continuing but people had turned a blind eye to such horridness. Muggles, Mudbloods and Bloodtraitors, often found disappeared from day to day, were hushed over.

The regulations and decrees of Lord Voldemort heralded many changes to the wizarding world, but few dared to raise their protests and those that did mysteriously vanished over the next few days. Nevertheless, Voldemort and Lucius tried to keep things under wrap and not to alienate the wizarding population in to joining what was left of the Order of Phoenix.

Lucius remained, silently watching Harriet being taken away by the Aurors. Nott had quieted the crowd at the stadium by subtly threatening to arrest anyone who dared interfere with the Ministry of Magic. The Aurors were thereby able to levitate Harriet as they strode out the Stadium, leaving behind an angry mass and a stunned Griffin team still holding the trophy cup and prize money, but bereft of one of their teammates. 

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Town Hall

"You may go." Lucius' authoritative voice rang out through the silent room,

"What?" Harriet could not comprehend why she was being released, when the words finally penetrated her mind,

"It is a misunderstanding."

Lucius' answer only piqued Harriet's curiosity, she definitely did not intend on leaving until she was satisfied. Lucius was surprised that the girl still remained standing there, most would have been grateful to go and just leave it at that.

"Nott is paranoid in thinking that you are a threat to the Ministry of Magic." He said curtly.

"And you don't…" filled in what left unsaid,

"Do not misunderstand me girl…"

For some reason the word girl sounded offensive to her ears, so she supplied immediately,

"Harriet…uh, my friends call me Harriet."

Lucius' eyes clouded over for a second and he felt a stir of lust for the young girl before him, but he remembered who she was, Dumbledore's granddaughter.

"You're powerful; that much is indicated from your victory today. However, I'm good at assessing whether someone is a threat or not and my instincts have never failed me."

'Did I mention that I've an ability to sense others feeling when they first meet me? It is a rare gift that some Malfoys have and the gift has helped me to know whom I could use, whom I should befriend and of whom I should beware. It is a gift that has been exploited to the fullest.'

Harriet was not at all content with the reply, but she knew that was all she would get from this man. For some reason he looked familiar, but then so did many that she had met today, especially the owner of that Pegasus, although at the time she had not noticed, for other matters had dominated her mind. 

Harriet nodded curtly to the Minister of Magic,

"Goodbye sir."

"Lucius."

"Lucius?"

"Have dinner with me tonight Harriet?"

Lucius was shocked at his sudden invitation, even more so than Harriet, but she was too confused to take note of his expression.

"I can't, but how about at the Lantern Festival tomorrow night?" She proposed when she remembered she would be able to get to town for the festival. 

"Good, I shall see you at the festival." He escorted her out of the building, leaving the Aurors with their mouth agape as she walked out scot-free.

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Two Hours Later, Dumbledore's Estate

 "I can not believe my own granddaughter left me in the forest." Albus' cold voice grew even colder as time passed.

"Harriet is well known for her foolish schemes, but you, Neville, you should have known better. How could you've put her in danger? I expected you to be the sensible one. I can see now my trust is misplaced. "

"Grandpa, I was in no danger." Harriet said in an attempt to calm the livid Albus, but her words only made him burst,

"No danger! Jumping into the fire pit to get the cup…"

Harriet quietly reflected on her day and she knew that her grandfather was right. Luckily none of them had mentioned of her being captured by the Aurors. She was not sure if the estate would still be standing had they told Albus.

"…expose yourself to the wizard's world. How many time have I said that Voldemort would harm you because you're only what I've left in the world!"

Albus slumped down the chair in defeat, eyeing Harriet pitifully.

'I should have paid attention; if I had looked at the date carefully I would have known that the game was on today. There is no way Harry would have passed the opportunity to participate. The game is the most anticipated event in the surrounding regions, it is only open every twenty years.' 

"I'm very sorry, sir." said Neville, as he took the cup of tea from Ginny and gave her a small smile before offering the steaming cup to Albus.

He had not managed to call Albus grandpa even though he was legally adopted. He was brought here when no one would take him in, fearing Voldemort's wrath. Occasionally he called Harriet 'sis', but only when he forgot his shyness.

'Please sir, forgive me.'

He wanted to beg because he was frightened that Albus would forsake him, and then where would he go? He belonged here. When he had first arrived at Dumbledore's estate he was in deep depression, but talking with Ginny who was in similar circumstances had helped him to live again. Aside from Ginny, Tonks was always there, much like a big sister, continually encouraging him, while Harriet made him laugh. A happy family and they accepted him as part of it.

Albus waved his hand after accepting the teacup,

"I hope you learnt your lesson today Neville, Harriet."

They all gave out sighs of relief, but the subsequent words stopped Harriet,

"Both of you are grounded for three months, that means if you leave the estate you'll face the consequence and this is my last warning Harriet!"

'How did I become so harsh? I used to be calm, using persuasion to push others into obeying me without given ultimatums. Harry was a good boy, I think I've created a monster.'

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Outside Boudicca, Icedale Loch

"Harriet, I think we should turn back."

Ginny wrapped her hands around Harriet's body; she was shivering even though the breeze was only gently brushing against their skins. They had walked for half an hour, bringing them closer to town.

It was a starry night and the light of the full moon illuminated the trail, showing the path clearly to travellers. The deserted road encouraged Ginny to envision all sorts of dangers lurking behind the dark trees. She was wary and wondered how she had allowed herself to be persuaded to accompany Harriet. Their neighbours in the village had left earlier for the festival, but Harriet was only able get away when Albus retired for the night.

"Ginny, I need your support. I've told you, I promised to meet someone tonight and to break it would be considered rude. He is an angel…uh his looks anyway, but I want to know him better."

Harriet spoke dreamily, for she still could not believe that Lucius had actually asked her out. He was powerful and his presence drew attention, including her own. She immediately ceased her daydream when sounds of music floated towards her. Only one word penetrated her clouded mind,

'Entrancement!'

 They were both bewitched by the music, at least until the wind changed direction, leaving the girls to snap out of the hypnotic chant.

"Windpipe."

"Flute, it's definitely flute." Harriet corrected her friend and Ginny nodded in agreement.

"No mortal could play so beautiful." Ginny grimaced at the thought that come to her,

"I heard that only Faeries could play like that, but how? Aren't they supposed to have disappeared from our world hundreds of years ago?"

"It sounds so sad, aching."

"What?"

Harriet completely failed to hear Ginny's question and only seconds later her hands covered her chest as she struggled desperately to breathe,

"Harriet, Harriet… Are you alright?" Ginny cried out when the eyes of her friend moistened with tears and became foggy revealing her soul to be no longer present.

Harriet lost herself in the sound of the music as her mind resonated the eerily beautiful melody. She felt such pain and loneliness that she longed to comfort the player, as if it were the sole reason she was born in the world.

"Suscito."

Harriet's eyes cleared and taking a deep breath, she smiled wanly over at Ginny

"Thank you. I just feel, and it hurts so much that I don't care to live anymore."

"I'm so scared Harriet. I did not think the awakening spell would work. What do you mean that the music is sad?"

Harriet looked up in surprise at Ginny's question,

"Didn't you hear the undertone of the music?" she asked.  Ginny shook her head, not knowing what to do or say to Harriet.

"May be only you could hear it. To me it was just enchanting and of course, I would have lost myself in such beautiful music, but to stop breathing?"  

Ginny looked concerned and although Harriet brushed it off, she saddened at remembering the beguiling melody.

"Let us go."

She did not much care to see Lucius anymore, only to go on searching for the flute player, but that was too ridiculous to even suggest and she did promise him a date. Both girls continued on their journey but no longer as enthusiastically.

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Lucius had regretted his impulsive date invitation so he took Draco along. They had waited but as the hours passed by, Lucius's patience began to wane.

'No one has stood me up.'

However he did not know that this aggravation only caused him to want to meet Harriet even more. Lucius finally decided to walk out the town, heading in the direction of Iceni village with the hope of meeting Harriet halfway, as he went though all the excuses with which he could come up to explain why she was late.

Draco pacing slowly behind his father knew it irritated him to do so, but he wanted Lucius' attention. Lucius, however, was much too lost in his thoughts to remember Draco close by, giving his son a rare chance to see his expression. Lucius Malfoy was a good father but he seldom displayed his emotions to his son; there were times Draco thought a statue to be of more feeling.

'Who ever Father is seeing is important. I am curious at the one that has made my father so alive.'

Draco hurried after his father after making that observation. The younger Malfoy concluded that he wanted to meet this person, even if he was filled with jealousy right now. He knew both his parents lived separate lives. His father held no love for his wife; it was an arranged marriage. Besides the mutual obligation, they had both come to respect each other.

Both men came to a sudden halt when they heard the soft alluring tunes of a flute. The music disappeared as the wind drifted away, leaving both men sighing.

"Beautiful." Draco whispered at last when he came to his senses,

"I wish I could play such tune."

Lucius held in his hand a twig he had picked up and transfigured it into a flute.

"It has been long time since I've last played."

Pulling it up onto his lips, he got ready to blow when Harriet appeared a few meters away. Harriet was far enough to hear Lucius' last sentence.

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The Lantern Festival, Boudicca Square

'Lucius Malfoy! Malfoy the Death Eater! I still can not believe this is who Harriet is dating. What about his wife? But more importantly he is the enemy.' Ginny's internal voice screamed at the situation.

Lucius gazed at Ginny and knew that she was about to expose him, so he turned to Draco,

"Take Miss Wesley and show her a good time, Draco."

The voice was coldly instructing, showing that no argument should come from either Draco or Ginny. Ginny felt Lucius' icy gaze locking onto her own, the message was clear - if one word were let slip she would wish she had never been born. Draco pulled her out of Harriet's sight and into the mist of the crowd before she even had a chance to decide what to do. 

"I thought we were all staying together."

Harriet wondered why Ginny disappeared with the stranger even though he had introduced himself as Draco Malfoy.

"They knew each other at Hogwarts and wanted to catch up. We should not spoil their reunion."

"Oh!"

"Is he your relative?"

"What's so funny?" Harriet pulled a face at Lucius, causing him to laugh louder.

"You! Yes to your question, he is my only son."

Harriet stood there, confused.  She wanted to ask the next question about his wife but she was not sure how to politely do so.

Lucius quickly diverted her attention on getting their dinner,

"Since you live here, it is better that you recommend what is best."

Harriet found free reign to order all she wanted. She retold her escapades and adventures, making Lucius lose his formality. He found that he was enthralled into her skilful storytelling and her world becomes his. He had no doubt that the girl drove her grandfather insane and this was indeed a very happy thought, as he deeply disliked the old man.

After dinner they wandered around, taking part of festival. When they came upon the bridge from which people dropped down paper candles onto the lake, Harriet, thinking that Lucius was the flute player, wanted them to spend the rest of their life together. She began to flutter but managed to say,

"Lucius, I want to make a wish. It is traditional here at the Festival."

Her wand transformed the rose she had picked up on the bar of bridge, turning it into a paper candle and as she lighted it, she made her wish.

'Hear me, Mother of goddesses and Guardian of earth, water, wind and fire, on this special day I, Adrasteia Harriet Velius, come before you requesting through your mighty powers to grant my wish that I a..and…the flute player forever bond and love.'

The burning candle gently landed upon the rippling water.

 "What did you just wish?" Lucius questioned, curious at her intense concentration.

"It will not come true if I told you tonight but I'll do so one day."

Lucius only nodded at the promise, not many would make a wish on this auspicious night. Such wishes often came true, as it was said that a powerful being usually walked among them on festival nights so they had to be careful for what they wished because they might no longer want what they now wanted later.

Harriet, when making her wish, had almost uttered Lucius' name, but she felt it was more correct to call the flute player instead as that was with whom she fell in love. They continued walking silently, enjoying each other's company, until Draco and Ginny stumbled onto their path.

Harriet noticed that Ginny was flushed, but not from embarrassment. She seemed to be aflame and about to breathe fire upon Draco. Harriet swiftly took Ginny's hand into hers and quickly said goodbye. She wrapped her hand around Ginny as they both moved off towards the town gate to return home, when suddenly a gang of young wizards blocked their path, holding wands pointed at them.

Harriet caught sight of Theodore Nott among them and knew that this was his attempt to attain revenge for the previous day.

"Just as I thought Nott, you're a coward. Stop hiding behind your bodyguards and attack one on one. Of course that is too much to expect from you."

Theodore with his hand gestured his gang to back down,

"Why not? I'll show you not to underestimate me."

They circled each other, hexing and disarming curses for what seemed like forever, though only mere minutes had passed. While Harriet was powerful and good at erecting barriers, Theodore's knowledge of dark curses balanced out their ability. Harriet decided then that her education would expand to the dark arts when she returned home. 

'I need to prepare for all situations.'

'That's it, I've got to get home. May as well finish the duelling with a fist fight, the best strategy is after all to surprise your foe.'

Harriet moved forward so suddenly that Theodore only took in the situation when a punch had landed onto his stomach, causing him to fall down.

"You can't do that." Theodore groaned from the floor,

"You did not say there were any rules about no punching and it is a fight between us so that mean anything is alright as long the other is down." 

"You're worse than a Slytherin." Theodore moaned the words out as his friends helped him up.

"Is that a compliment Nott?" Harriet grinned and continued when no sound emerged from Theodore,

"See you around Nott." 

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Nott's Manor

"I absolutely forbid my only son to wed that girl." The elder cried in outrage when his son proposed the insane idea to him a few minutes ago.

"If not her, then I'll marry none other, and the Nott family line can rot for all I care."

Theodore would not back down once his mind was made up. His encounter with Harriet last night only served to confirm his decision. Unlike the other young ladies, who always flocked around him because of his father's position, Harriet saw him as he was and even though it was not a good image, she forced him to stand on his own and he liked it. Losing again to Harriet last night was not welcome, but the revelation was an experience for him. Another reason that he wished to wed her was because he wanted some power over her, even if it were only bound by laws. 

"I forbid you…"

"Give me one reason why I should not."

"She is Albus' granddaughter." 

"Albus Dumbledore is no longer in power if you're afraid of him, and his is a pureblood wizard family, so there is nothing wrong with the family connection."

"Ah yes but that is the girl's mother side of the family."

A tiny woman sitting there silently through the argument finally spoke,

"Velius is pureblood as well, though it is uncommon a squib is born in the family. It was quite a scandal when Cassandra Dumbledore ran off with Anthony Velius to the Muggle world." She sighed,

"Ah yes, Cassandra was your friend wasn't she?" The elder Nott looked at his wife gently; she was the only one he had learned to care for through years of living together.

"Yes, I'll be happy if you bless this union as well. I'd like to think that Cassandra's daughter will be my daughter in-law."

Nott only grunted since he was outvoted.

'It will not be easy. Dumbledore definitely will not accept this but I will use force. After all I do have power over the old fool.'

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Dragon Keeper's Inn

"Professor Dumbledore, to what do I owe this pleasure of meeting you?"

His voice indicated it was anything but a pleasure.

Severus hid his shock when Albus knocked on his door, but then nothing ever did escape that old man. He was only here for two days and had decided to return home this afternoon. He should have left immediately after getting his Pegasus from Town Hall, but the vengeance of his soul did not allow him to go, but the infuriating girl had disappeared without a trace and no matter how much he searched the entire damn town, he could not find her.  

"Severus, please listen. Your agreement to what I'm about to ask of you will forever place me in debt to you."

'Whatever I expected, it was not this.' Severus' heart raced, 'What could be so important that Albus lowered himself to plead to me?'

Albus briefly retold Harriet's story dealing with Theodore Nott, and how Harriet was now on her way to Nott's Manor unwillingly.

"What do you think I can do about the situation? I'm no longer part of the Ministry and in any position to command Nott." Severus sneered.

"Yes, but if you agreed to announce that Harriet is your fiancé whom you had acquired when you worked at Hogwarts, explaining that as she was too young you decided not to publicly announce your arranged marriage at the time, the marriage can be prevented"

Severus was, for once, left speechless as he stared aghast at what Albus Dumbledore was suggesting. He would have loved better to do nothing but slam the door in the old man's face.

"It would just be an announcement Severus, you need not to marry Harriet, just buy time for my granddaughter. She does not deserve to wed Mister Nott." 

"Harry did not deserve to die either." Severus interjected, causing Albus to pale,

"If that is your last word, then I'll take my leave. I would have thought that Harry would not have wished others to suffer because of him, either consciously or unconsciously."

Albus moved through the door, hoping his ploy would be successful.

'You'll not regret it son, you'll see I'm right.'

"Wait!"

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Outside of Boudicca

"Hands off my fiancé Mister Nott."

A cold, stern voice disrupted the struggling couple, both so acutely in the heat of their discussion that they did not notice when they were no longer alone.

"Y..your f.fi..a.ancé?"

Theodore could not help but stutter at the sight of his former Head House. He was afraid of Severus and somehow seeing his professor again brought back memories of Hogwarts. If Theodore had not been so worried he would have seen a similar disbelieving expression also upon Harriet's face on the sudden news of her engagement to this stranger. Harriet only closed her mouth in time when she saw Albus was not very far away. His presence reassured her that it must be a ploy to keep her safe, because there was no way she could be engaged without knowing it herself.

"Yes, Mister Nott. We have been engaged since the day I accepted to teach at Hogwarts and that is my business not yours, Mister Nott. However your intention of sequestering my bride has brought me here. You're dismissed to return to your father and do inform him that he should find you another bride."

Theodore scurried off as if he were being hunted, while Harriet was bewildered at the situation and the distressed Nott. She could not remember where she had seen this man lately, because he reminded her of someone. 

'It must have been a passing glance at the festival,' she concluded.

"I need to leave you two, everyone must be worried at home."

Albus waved goodbye as he apparated out the forest.

 "Our engagement is a farce right?"

The question irritated the Potion Master, as the tone contained hope. His mouth twisted and he sneered. He did not like being reminded of the fact that few cared to look beyond his face. However, he had recognised the girl when he arrived at the scene. The thief was found and now he would get the revenge that he had promised to himself.

'No one makes a fool out of me.'

Severus tugged a smile and said,

"Why do you believe so? Didn't Albus mention our engagement to you? Perhaps it has been such a long time since I came to claim my bride that you believe that you're free to wed another."

Harriet paled at his words,

'The man is a malice-walking corpse. Greasy git!' Harriet stopped at that thought, 'What the heck? I remember that expression, almost as if it is my favourite insult for him!'

Severus Snape could not help but taunt the girl further, moving closer to her. He held her chin up, inspecting her as if he were purchasing a slave.

"Let me go, bastard!"

Harriet closed her mouth, she was surprised at her own words but she knew she would not take it back for her pride would not allow her to do so. For some reason this man brought out the worse in her. She felt hot and irrational at their close proximity. She began to nauseate and her body weakened as he held her closer. She was sure she would have fallen flat on her face if he were to let her go.

"Oh my! What language Miss Velius? I thought Professor Dumbledore taught you better."

  "Don't you dare bring my grandpa into this. He must not have been in his right mind when he arranged this marriage. Let me go, I find your touches appalling."

"Then I fail to comprehend why exactly you're trembling under my hands."

"That doesn't mean all that much."

"As it happens, it might, only I don't desire to have a young girl at my mercy."

"Then you've got the wrong impression. To begin with, I don't like you."

"Your body tells me different." He patronized with her.

Harriet glanced over at him and she spoke fast in denial,

"You're at liberty to doubt it. I don't know why or how, but my opinion is formed!"

"You're not careful with your insults, Adrasteia. Especially as my status of being your fiancé has a great deal of power over you."

Harriet fumed and through her mind rang an unexpected thought,

'Why do I bother? I could never win against him when we duel with words.'

Once again Harriet wondered why she thought so,

'Have we argued before? Why can I not remember?'

"Goodbye Miss Velius."

Severus was gone. His abrupt departure leaving a very angry Harriet, who simply stood there wondering if she were in the throes of some horrible nightmare and if now were not a good time to wake up.

"Insufferable man!" she swore aloud.

T.B.C.

Thank you everyone that have been reviewed. I so glad that you enjoyed it, like every writer it is a greatest compliment.

I know the chapter is sappy but it is a romantic story after all.

Kateri1 Thanks for continue to reviews, it is encouraging and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Xikum the explanation above was not really inept about why Nott wanted to capture Harry but in this story no one really know if Albus have great-great granddaughter that still alive there are rumor circulate since Harriet often went to town. However, Dumbledore is a powerful wizard family, that reason alone should surely made Nott to be afraid of her potential, which is proven when she got the golden cup. And yes, Harriet has falsely information fed to her so she believes she is younger.

Taligator I've liked all your stories and your review is really nice.