Hello everyone! Sorry for taking such a long time. I was finishing up some of the One-Shots left on my schedule. If you haven't read them, please do! They are on my page.
Now, besides that, I'll hopefully return to the normal schedule as before!
Thank you!
Now, the next update is as follows.
-The White Wolf of Winterfell (One Chapter)
-The White Lion of the Red Keep (One Chapter)

So, see you all later!

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Chapter 32

In the face of incessant rainfall, mud became the most formidable adversary to confront. However, under the influence of desperation, fear, and an unwavering determination to endure, one was capable of anything. Still, for Peter Peter Pettigrew, surviving was all he could do since the alternative was much worse. Peter was a wanted man with an extensive list of crimes under his name. Still, one would believe that he would feel some sort of guilt for the things he had done. But that wasn't the case at all.

Peter didn't feel guilt. He only felt terrible that he couldn't get away with it. It wasn't his fault that no woman would ever date him. It wasn't his fault that young girls were always so attractive and flirty. No, Peter believed that he owned the privilege of enjoying life. After all, he wasn't like James of Sirius. Those two were always so popular in school. All the girls wanted them, and even if Peter was part of the group, part of the "popular boys" of Gryffindor. No girl wanted to even touch him. They even gave him dirty looks, as if he were nothing but a... rodent.

So in time, Peter grew jealous of his friends. Even Remus, the quieter and less wild of the bunch, could have any girl he wanted but didn't because of his low self-esteem. Still, Peter knew that James and Sirius had a little fun with some of the girls in the school. Peter heard about their little parties in the Gryffindor locker room. It was clear that those two shagged many of the Gryffindor girls.

It's not fair! Why them?! Why not me?! Peter wailed in his mind, remembering those nights he would sneak up and watch James and Sirius shagging the most beautiful girls in the school.

We were friends!

Of course, when he was offered a chance at power and pleasure. He took it. Only a fool would do otherwise. But whatever promise made to him was lost in one night. Peter did feel horrible for betraying them. They were his friends, regardless of how little that word meant to Peter. But, the Dark Lord's power terrified Peter and also allured him.

It wasn't my fault. Like a mantra, Peter repeated those words inside his head to deflect whatever guilt he may have left.

Peter remembered how James became madly in love with sweet Lily, the most beautiful girl in Gryffindor and started dating her in their seventh year and throwing away that sort of life. Now, he was married, a proud and happy father with a gorgeous wife at his side. Even Sirius and Remus settled down with attractive witches at their side. It wasn't fair. Peter was alone, in his roden form, surviving, eating scraps, and moving through the mud like a leech.

They left me alone! Peter thought as he crawled into the sewers of an old and rusty mansion. He has been on the run, avoiding any public space. Peter knew James, Sirius, and Remus would've recognised him immediately if they ever saw him. Then, perhaps even kill him at first sight.

Not a good prospect for Peter. He didn't want to die. But then again, what could he do? But to keep running and hope never to be found.

Peter sighed in his rotten rat form while travelling in the old house. Yet a pain on his arm began to itch. Peter knew what it was. Fear crawled up on his body. The horror of what could it be. But, even though Peter was terrified of the call, he couldn't ignore it. If he did, then the punishment would be so much worse. That's why he was there, in that forsaken place.

Soon, the rat made his way up, where the dim light of the room showcased that there was someone there.

"Wormtail... I know you're here. Show yourself," the hissing voice made Peter shiver in fear. But obeyed, and for the first time in such a long time, his human form came to light, looking just as weak, disgusting and feral as before.

"M-my lord! You're alive!" Peter stuttered in genuine awe and fear but couldn't quite see the Dark Lord's body. He was sitting on a couch, away from the light or warmth of the fire coming from the chimney. Peter then squealed when he saw a large snake slithering its way towards the Dark Lord, hissing something, speaking to Voldemort.

"I see," Voldemort whispered back before turning his eyes to the quivering man before him.

"M-my lord, if I could ask how di-!" Peter suddenly fell to the ground as a powerful pain sensation came to him. He knew what it was. It was the Crucio spell, just as powerful as he remembered it. But the fact that Voldemort was casting it without even a wand or speaking shows that his power wasn't as demise as one would think.

"Silence, Wormtail," Voldemort hissed, watching Peter moaning in pain on the ground. "You wish to know how am I still here? Among the living? I have crossed the line of mortality. I have become immortal. Yet, my current form isn't complete."

Voldemort whispered raspily. He didn't want to show his form to someone like Wormtail. He was pathetic but held some valuable for now, yet one not to be trusted with more information.

"My lord! I-I never doubted it!" Peter whispered in awe as he tried to get closer. But soon, the snake hissed loudly, stopping Peter before he got closer to see Voldemort's current form. Also, Barty Crouch Jr was currently doing something for him and needed to remain hidden for the time being. So his father's suspicions would not arise in such troublesome times.

"Shh, Nagini, he is useful," Voldemort whispered before glaring at Peter. "I got a job for you, Wormtail. A task that you must do."

"M-My lord, I am your humble servant!"

Voldemort chuckled raspily, in pain. But it would be short, and neither would his current form. He has yet to spend his time the last year doing anything. Voldemort has come to contemplate and plan how to return to his full strenght—a task he needed to be patient and careful.

Nevertheless, he has come to think back to his last meeting with the Girl Who Lived. The foreign power she held and how she took him down. A shameful memory of his. Undoubtedly, it was his mistake to let his emotions control his actions and let desperation triumph over him. Voldemort was understandably enraged to be looked down upon. However, amidst his anger, he couldn't help but feel a slight sense of relief, knowing that the girl he was facing was actually his equal. That the prophecy was accurate.

Yet, only I can live forever.

Voldemort would play it slow, take his time, and cast the girl down. Then, and only then, no one would ever doubt the power of the Dark Lord Voldemort.

Despite the fact that his schemes required a considerable amount of time to be fully realised, Voldemort stumbled upon an uncommon yet incredibly significant revelation: an action, a new way to make the Girl-Who-Lived suffer for daring to stand against him. Voldemort genuinely believes not even Harriet Potter knows. But he would use it in due time.

Harriet awoke abruptly from her slumber, a sudden chill running down her spine. For the past week, she had felt perpetually on edge, as if someone or something was constantly watching her. Her unease was so palpable that Harriet had trouble focusing on anything else, not even enjoying herself with her family. Even now, as she lay in bed, she couldn't shake the feeling away.

"Fleur, I-"

Harriet glanced next to her and saw that her dear mate wasn't there. But of course, she wasn't. Fleur was in France, getting some things sorted out with her family and getting ready for their upcoming vacations with the family. Fleur would arrive later in the day, but it's been so lonely in the last weeks, not having her by her side.

"Ah, I am truly attached to her. I miss her boobs on my face, soft pillows," Harriet sighed, deciding to simply wake up and stop letting her worries swallow her mind. She needed to learn how to relax sometimes.

"A good shower is going to wake me up!"

Harriet hummed happily, hoping that it would be the start of a good day.

So, after taking a shower and letting Hedwig out of her cage, Harriet decided to start the day with a good breakfast; hopefully, a good meal made by her mother would wipe away any anxiety or fear. Still, as she walked down to the kitchen, Harriet saw her dear mother, Lily and sweet Nymphadora cooking for her. And she was surprised to see Nymphadora there. But then, Harriet saw their current house guest, Narcissa Malfoy, or soon-to-be Black, talking with Nymphadora's father, Ted Tonks.

"Good morning, Auty Narcissa, Uncle Ted," Harriet stated, earning a big smile from the both of them, well sort of, since Narcissa was having quite the problem smiling at anyone these days. It's been quite hard for her.

"Good morning, Harriet," Ted replied, smiling.

"G-good morning, Harriet," Narcissa said, looking tired.

"Good morning, sweetie. Breakfast is going to be ready!" Lily called as she was cooking breakfast.

"Hello, you!" Nymphadora jumped at the opportunity to hug Harriet tight, kissing her cheeks, while affection always makes Harriet happy. She couldn't help but feel as if she had interrupted something important.

"Did I interrupt something?" Harriet called as she sat down at the table.

"Nothing, nothing at all," Narcissa sighed. "Just finishing the divorce papers."

"Lighten up, aunty!" Nymphadora exclaimed happily. "You are going to be free again! A single lady!"

"Dora," Ted sighed before he gathered the papers in his folders.

"Does this mean Uncle Lucius is going to Azkaban?" Harriet asked, earning a groan from Lily at the back of the kitchen. But oddly enough, Narcissa simply chuckled.

"No, not at all," she replied.

"This is a civil case," Ted added. "Not a criminal one. Lord Malfoy is singing everything out, and Lady Black will be compensated according to the law. As well as to get back some Black family trinkets."

"I never thought he'll agree with this," Narcissa muttered, giving small glances to Ted. "He used to tell me he would take everything from me. But now, seeing him sign all feels weird."

"I believe he has bigger problems to care for," Ted smiled at her. "Now that Amelia is head of the Auror Department, she has free reign to get anything she wants, and she truly wants to bring him down. Soon enough, Lucius' allies will see it and will realise how much of a danger he is to all of them."

"Do you think they are going to try to do something to him?" Lily asked as she served Harriet some pancakes.

"He knows a lot," Narcissa whispered. "A lot of secrets. I'd be not surprised if they tried to do something to him."

Those words hang on the air for a few seconds, truly, while Lucius may not be the strongest Death Eater or perhaps the most cruel and brutal of Voldemort's followers. Lucius was still one of the biggest bakers of the Dark Lord. The Malfoy family had a long history with the Dark Lord and a great many things to hide. Only a fool would not see how much of a precarious situation Lucius currently was in, and that's why he was under arrest, well guarded in one of the Ministry cells block, until the day of his trials.

"Well, we can only hope for the best," Ted stood up and waved at them. "I'll be heading over to Gringotts to wrap up the divorce proceedings. I'll also report to the Minister NIA Department. So they will know that you're no longer affiliated with the Malfoy Noble House. This means that you're now officially free, Narcissa."

After enduring weeks of stress and tension, Narcissa was finally able to release a long-awaited sigh of relief. The terms of the agreement between her parents and the Malfoy Family, which had been established before her marriage to Lucius, were suffocatingly restrictive. In fact, Narcissa often felt as if she were nothing more than an object rather than a human being in Lucius's eyes.

And now that she finally saw the contract signed without her consent by her parents and the previous Lord Malfoy. Narcissa couldn't help but let cry out of anger. She was nothing but a broodmare to the Malfoy family, at best, or less than a house elf at worse. Thankfully, Ted and Andromeda found ways to get her out, which she was thankful for. Still, she couldn't believe how naive she was—the lies Narcissa was fed and how she quickly ate them.

Narcissa was ashamed of ever believing in the whole idea of pureblood supremacy. And the fact it was a Muggleborn who helped her was the cherry on top.

Yet, Narcissa knew it was no longer about her views or shame. It was a slap on the face, sure. But one she was glad to get.

"Ted... thank you for everything," Narcissa whispered gently. "And please forgive me for all the things I said before."

Ted chuckled. "You don't have to apologise for anything, Narcissa. We are family."

It was quite a beautiful sight to behold, but one easily ruined by Nymphadora's words.

"Dad, don't you dare cheat on Mom with Aunt Narcissa!"

Nymphadora Tonk was indeed something special. Everyone just groaned heavily, and Ted just sighed before leaving the place

Harriet simply shook her head, incredibly amused by Nymphadora's comment. Still, soon enough, an owl entered the kitchen, carrying with it a letter to Harriet.

"Oh, it is from Hermione," Harriet muttered while reading the letter. She read it and smiled brightly. "Mom, Hermione is inviting me to a slumber party. Can I go?"

With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, Hermione gazed at her house, ensuring that everything was in order for the upcoming night. This would mark the first time in all her life that she would be hosting a slumber party with her closest friends. She went over the preparations in her mind, double-checking that nothing had been forgotten and that the ambience was just right for a fun and memorable evening.

"Movies? Check! Pillows? Check!" Hermione nodded. "Food? Lots and lots of food? Check!"

Hermione looked quite pleased with everything she had gathered. She'll be alone for an entire weekend because her parents will travel to a wedding and spend two days with boring adults. So, not wanting to go there, she decided to bring her friends instead and experience what having friends was like.

"But maybe, I am overdoing it?" Hermione muttered nervously, watching all around her. "Harriet easts a lot... but would this be enough?"

The food around her was surely enough to feed the entire Gryffindor house, but with Harriet, one was never sure. The Girl Who Lived does eat a lot.

"Maybe, I should order five more pizzas," Hermione muttered before hearing a ring door sound. Soon, faster than any Golden Snitch, she flew towards the door, preparing herself mentally for the group that would soon arrive.

When Hermione opened the door, she saw a large group of girls all waving at her. In fact, she was taken by surprise by how many were there. Harriet, Fleur, Nymphadora, Susan, Hannah, Tina, Luna, Daphne, Tracey, Pansy and even Ginny, Grabille and Astoria were there. All waving at her, with big bags and looking quite amused.

"I heard you got the good stuff, Hermione," Nymphadora teased before earning a groan from the rest of the girls.

"Sorry, but we found her on the streets. She was homeless," Hannah replied with a smirk of her own. Hermione giggled before giving Harriet a big hug.

"Thank you for coming!" Hermione squealed happily as Harriet chuckled.

"And miss this? Never," Harriet replied before using her power to sniff the air. "Do I smell... pizza?"

Harriet's mouth began to drip as she could smell even more than just pizza.

"Yes! And also, I have cheesecake recently bought from Warburtons, among other things!"

Harriet didn't seem to think twice before rushing into Hermione's house. Everyone then heard Harriet squeals inside.

"Food! So much food!" From the confines of the house, Harriet let out a series of joyful squeals that made the group of girls grin from ear to ear. It was delightful to hear her so full of excitement and happiness. "Cakes! Pizza! Chips! Fleur! Hey! Come and see this!"

"Well, it seems you did have the good stuff," Nymphadora muttered with a huff.

The group of friends burst into laughter, unable to contain their excitement, as they eagerly trailed behind their cherished Harriet. The prospect of a delightful evening ahead of them filled them with joy, especially since Harriet would be the one who enjoyed it the most. And for them, nothing else mattered.

Later that same evening, within the confines of the Potter estate, Narcissa let out a deep sigh as she brought her goblet of wine to her lips. It was at that moment that she realised the full extent of what she had lost, so many years of her life had been squandered in a marriage that brought nothing but misery. At first, the sensation of relief she felt at finally divorcing Lucius was overwhelming, but then it gave way to a wave of burning anger at herself for not seeing the truth sooner. And now, as she sat there, her heart heavy with sorrow, she couldn't help but wonder how different her life would have been if she had only had the courage to leave him sooner.

But none of that matters. Instead, Narcissa was there, drinking wine.

"So many years wasted," Narcissa muttered in a mournful tone. "I guess I deserve it... I truly do."

"Don't speak like that, Narcissa!" Lily and James were there, with Narcissa, just watching the witch weep, lament and rage about her life. The couple were worried about Narcissa's well-being, even though she was now single and free of Lucius. Narcissa didn't seem happy at all. "You deserve to be happy! I am sure you'll find your happiness!"

Narcissa smiled, but it didn't genuinely feel like it. She honestly felt that happiness would never be part of her life.

"I've lost my life following an idea that pushed people away from me," Narcissa spoke, remembering how Ted helped her, even though she would have scoffed at his presence a few years ago.

"Times change, Narcissa," James replied gently. "You're not the same person anymore."

As Narcissa gazed upon the glass of wine, she couldn't help but reflect on the extent of her personal transformation. It was too early to say; maybe, she had time to think through what she could do now.

"I can only hope that's true," Narcissa sighed. "But still... I am old... a divorced witch whose husband was a Death Eater. I don't think I have a good opportunity before me."

"O-Old?" Lily exclaimed, watching Narcissa with a shocked look on her face. "You're not old!"

"That's true!" James added quickly. "You're... what, a few years older than us? You're not old at all! You don't look like McGonagall!"

"James! Don't talk about Professor McGonagall like that! But yes! Exactly! You're still in the prime of your life!" Lily stated, exasperated. "You're a gorgeous witch! With a killer body! I am sure you can get any man you want!"

Narcissa didn't look so sure about it. "I-I don't know, Lily. I have never dated in my life. I don't know what... that sort of life is..."

"Is not really that hard! Right?" Lily muttered, glancing at James. "Dating isn't that complicated, right, James?"

"Hey, don't look at me! I spent an entire year trying to woe you!"

"That's true," Lily muttered before scratching her chin. "Our relationship was... weird."

"Weird?" Narcissa frowned. "What do you mean with... weird?"

James and Lily didn't know how to express it. But they figured out after a few months of dating that both were quite odd.

"I, well," Lily coughed awkwardly. "Sort of dated a girl during my fourth year of Hogwarts. It wasn't anything serious! But... yeah."

"I didn't know you had such... inclinations," Narcissa replied with honest surprise in her voice. "I don't mean offence! I am just surprised!"

"Don't worry, Narcissa," Lily chuckled, remembering her youth.

"I was curious and did an experiment before I dated James. I was popular with boys and girls. But never truly dated anyone until James came along. I always liked him but found him incredibly annoying. A prick truly," Lily then smiled as she watched James' annoying smirk. "Besides, the girls I spend time with also spend time with James. Which annoyed me a lot! He was a man whore!"

"Hey! I take insult to that!" James defended himself. "It wasn't my fault; you were shagging the same girls I did! Besides, if I remember correctly, wasn't a group of girls on Ravenclaw very... fond of you?"

"Shut up, James," Lily muttered, hiding her smirk, before drinking her wine. "At least I was never caught. I do still remember McGonagall's punishment she gave you and Sirius."

James paled as he shivered. "Eugh! I don't even want to remember that!"

Narcissa simply leaned on her chair. "I... never expected both of you to be so open... in that regard."

"What... did this sort of thing didn't happen on Slytherin?" James asked, with a surprised look on his face. "You know... relationships, perhaps... a few hookups?"

"I don't doubt they were, but my generation was more... conservative in that regard. Purity before marriage was wanted for strong alliances. Also, now that I think about it. Some of those who were open about their sexual life were frowned upon."

"Uh, why is that?" Lily and James asked, confused.

"I don't know... but like I say, they were very conservative in that aspect. But maybe it was just the people I surrounded myself with," Narcissa muttered back, thinking that maybe, it was her all alone. "But it seems that the Gryffindor house was clearly the most... lively of all houses."

"Well, we were young, horny, and with problems looming on the horizon," Lily muttered softly. "I guess, at the time, many students were on edge. The war was brewing outside our homes. We just wanted to live as much as we could. But when the war happened... I lost so many friends... so many dear friends of mine."

Lily whispered, watching the portrait of some of her closest friends, people she cherished and loved deeply. All dead.

James nodded, too, remembering all the faces of his generation. People who graduated with him but didn't live their lives. "Many of my generation joined the Auror corp... of 35 who joined in 79, only 12 were left by 81."

Narcissa looked down, sensing guilt at the fact that she was part of the faction they fought against. "I did lose friends too... not all of Slytherin wanted to take the mark. Many didn't. But some were tortured and forced. Those who resisted... died."

"The Wizarding World lost an entire generation of young, powerful and brilliant wizards and witches," James muttered, feeling a sense of anger boiling inside him.

"And we are that's left," Lily added, bringing the mood down even more.

Soon, Narcissa and James saw Lily stand up, slapping both her cheeks, looking decided not to spend an entire night weeping and crying about what they lost.

"Alright! Enough with this self-deprecating environment!" Lily exclaimed before going to the kitchen and bringing a unique beverage. "Here! To the lost generation!"

"Uh, Lily, is that... Tequila?" James muttered nervously. "Oh no, is that what I think it is?"

"Yep! Special combination with Firewhisky and Vodka!" Lily grinned widely as James paled.

"Uh, are you sure? You get quiet... You know!"

"Nonsense!" Lily smiled before pouring a cup for the three of them. "Here, drink up!"

Narcissa stared at the cup with quite a confused look on her face. "I... uh, sure..."

"Lily... we should," James whispered frantically. "You know how we both get!"

"Shh, James!" Lily scoffed. "Drink!"

Soon the three of them drank it, and Narcissa, who wasn't used to such a type of drink, felt her throat burning and her head spinning around.

"W-What is this?!" Narcissa coughed loudly before Lily's blush cheeks reflected a sort of woman who was just starting the night.

"A special drink, here another!" Lily exclaimed happily.

"I don't think I want another one," Narcissa muttered before Lily teased her with a smirk.

"What? Is the Pureblood witch too weak for this... muggle-born drink? And here I thought you were made of something stronger," Lily smirked. "I guess I was wrong."

Now, Narcissa may be sad a while ago and maybe still regret a lot in her life. But she was still a Pureblood witch. A Slytherin. A witch of the Proud Black Noble Family. She would not quiver in fear at all, especially against a Muggleborn drink.

"Pour another one," Narcissa hissed angrily.

"Atta girl!"

The bottle would not last the night and neither of them. But maybe, this night would help Narcissa figure out what she wanted out of life. It was her time to live and enjoy herself, just like James and Lily told her. She was young and beautiful. She would take this next stage of her life, head one, without fear or guilt.

Narcissa Black would survive this new age and thrive. But would she survive the night with Lily and James Potter?

Well, that was yet to see.