Hello there!
I hope you guys enjoy this new work of mine! I wanted to say that I changed the age of Nymphadora because I had plans for her, and well, everyone loves Dora!
In other notes, I will update one more chapter of this fanfic, then I will jump right in, From Thedas to Westeros, and then Overlord: The Demon Empress!
Soo, see you guys in a few days! Stay safe!
Chapter 3
The smooth tones of a song going on repeat, the shifting of pages, and the delicate fingers caressing a book, were coming from a young and charming girl. Two big green eyes with a soft golden light around the pupils. Overlong black hair with a strand of white hair falling sophisticated over her face. Showed a gentle face with graceful qualities. Big red lips, a perfectly isometric face, long eyelashes, and perfect eyebrows. Everything about the girl was sublime.
Especially since the girl was still only eight-years-old. And in a few more years, she would become a stunning woman without a question.
"Mm, so in theory a wand is not truly indispensable. It just a conduct that facilitates the use of magic in wizards and witches. If that is the case, I wonder why aren't many of them trying to learn how to use magic without one?" The small girl muttered.
Truth be told, for what she understood, many could use simple levitation spells. And with enough practice, you could cast non-verbal spells without a wand. Like Lumos, Wingardium Leviosa, and many others of the same level. She has seen it many times. But it was the complicated stuff that needed concentration and knowledge.
"Father is superb, at Transfiguration. I have seen him cast many things non-verbal and even wandless. And mother can charm things without saying a word."
The girl kept on studying, as she reached a part where it explained how intention and control paid a big role in the caster power. A simple way to explain how much the mind has power over magic. The comments of her father, who explained to her how in Transfiguration one must keep in mind all time, the objected she wanted to transform. The mass, the specifications, the density all was important. However, there were rules to follow. You couldn't transfigure a rock to an apple and expect to eat it. Magic still followed the basic rules of matter and elements. Yet, there was still more for her to learn.
"Why the spells are often in Latin? Mm, what about the magic in other parts of the world? Like Japan or South Africa? Would the spells be in Latin? Or perhaps, the language itself doesn't matter? But the principle of the spell, and how does it work? I need to research more."
"I have to learn more about it. The surrounding dangers are too big to ignore. And I am not able to use any of my items for some odd reason. Only a few potions, scrolls, and summons. Maybe it's because of my human form? I can't even cure my curse or buff myself with my abilities! Neither use any powerful item of my inventory! There has to be a reason for it," The girl muttered.
The frustration was palpable in her, no matter how much she tried. Any item, armors, hats, rings, etc. Didn't work on her. She threw whatever possibility of using something that could protect her from any danger out the window. Even some abilities won't work for her. But oddly enough, it worked in other people.
"Shitty devs…"
So with a sigh, she continued her studies.
"My sweet girl, are you still studying? You need to take a break, my dear! Go outside and enjoy the sun!" The portrait of an old lady wearing an extravagant outfit spoke to the young girl who smiled at her.
"I know, great-aunt Merian," the girl replied smiling.
"For Merlin's beard! Let the girl study! You, driggle-draggle old woman! Allow our younger generation to learn something useful! So she wouldn't end up like you!" Another portrait yelled from the second floor of the library the girl was currently located.
"Ah?! What did you say to me?! It was you, Harwin?!"
"Yes, it was me! Be quiet and let our dear great-great-great-great-great-"
"We understand! Stop it!" A few portraits replied from the way back.
"Great-granddaughter study! Perhaps she would be smarter than all of you!"
"Oh, really?! Let me remind you how did you die, Harwin! You fell from your broom following a pigeon!" The portrait of an old man riding a horse said.
"I thought it was a phoenix!"
"Can all of you be bloody quiet?! There are people wanted to sleep!"
"Oh, be silence, Afton! You bespawler! You always want to sleep!"
"That's why your wife left you for me!" Some portrait said.
What ensued was a barrage of insults among the portraits in the library. Everyone there was her ancestor. Hearing some old British insults was refreshing and hilarious. And knowing how extensive her family was, brought a sense of pride to her. Yet many of them were idiots. Or well, not necessarily idiots, but with colorful personalities. Loud and unquestionably sincere with what they felt and believed. Each one of them had a strong sense of justice and love. But they were also incredibly ruthless when it was time to defend their families and loved ones.
Regardless, how crazy some of them were. They were her family.
"Harriet, my dear. Breakfast, it's coming soon. You don't want to anger your mother again by skipping it like last time?" The soft voice of one of Harriet's great-aunts brought shivers to the young girl. Her great-aunt was a stern woman for what her father told her.
"I understand, great-aunt Edda," Harriet said.
"Good, now run along before you get contaminated by your foolish ancestors. Remember what I have told you about being a lady, too."
Harriet nodded and waving her hand all the books she read in the morning. Returned to their rightful place. The smile on the Potter heiress was visible. She was getting used to using her wandless magic more. She easily did levitation charms and some more simple spells with no wand or vocalization. I need to get better at transfiguration and charming. She thought walking away from the library.
The magic here was interesting, it was clearly different from Yggdrasil. There was a lot of potential here. Yet, she noticed something, her magic ability was powerful. Simple spells were to overpower when she cast them. A memory of an incident that took place a year ago came to her mind. Harriet was curious to see how much of a difference wands make. The wands in her inventory weren't working as she expected them to be. They were only useful to replicate a spell of the ability of her arcane tree and nothing more.
So, one day Harriet sneaked into her parent's bedroom and borrowed an extra wand her father bought secretly. It was an experiment; she wanted to see what was the vital difference between this world magic and Yggdrasil. Also, she wanted to see if she could level up her wizard Job level and learn more about her power limits in this world. Harriet convinced her parents to take afternoon just for themselves, and since she was a good girl. They oblige. However, the experimentation didn't end well for her. Harriet's stupidity almost killed her.
How? Easy.
Using her father's extra wand, Harriet practiced simple spells, and what she discovered was how strong her magic was. Her MP and level powered simple spells. Lumos almost blinded her like a shining star on her hands. Wingardium Leviosa lifted boulders bigger than her house. Avis brought hundred of birds to the sky. So feeling more confident about her ability, she then used a dangerous spell, Harriet read about an exploding charm called Bombarda.
And the result was as she expected.
The explosion destroyed the beautiful greenhouse of her mother, their entire backyard, and half of their house. The only thing left was a crater of the size of an Olympic pool. Not at all what she intended. Harriet parent's who were enjoying an afternoon just for them arrived at the scene of a destroyed house. They called Aurors, the ministry officials, and more since, well, everyone thought it was a Death Eater attack. Only to find their daughter sitting on the ground with a broken wand on her hands, second-degree burns, and a dislocated shoulder.
To say they were furious about their daughter's irresponsibility would be a colossal understatement. They grounded her for life, or more accurately, three months. Not really a problem for Harriet, since she stayed one month in St Mungo's. Still, she felt horrible about worrying her parents. So she opted to be more careful in the future.
"My body is human, I can get seriously hurt. I could get even sick… I need to be careful."
Harriet sighed, and as she smelled the delicious food, her mother was preparing for her. The smile on her face represented the happiness she was feeling in those moments.
"Good morning, mom," Harriet said.
Lily green-eyes stared at her daughter, and with a smile she replied. "Good morning, sweetie."
"Good morning to you to, Minnie," Harriet said to the house-elf of the Potter family.
"Oh, great day to you to, missy Potter!" The house-elf replied with the biggest grin on her face.
"Minnie, can you please help with settling the breakfast?" Lily asked.
"Minnie will do so, lady potter!" The cute little house-elf said, to which Lily groaned.
The Potter house-elf truly kept on saying Lady Potter all the time, Lily asked her to do something. It unnerved the red-haired witch. But it was how things were now. The Potter family was back in their manor. A place where James grew up and Sirius lived for few years. Why didn't her parents move here before? It was better protected than a cottage in the middle of nowhere. So, why?
The answer, as far as Harriet knows, led to two major reasons. One, it was because of her grandparent's portrait. For some odd reason, her father was not ready to meet them. Their death was hard on him. The second one was because Dumbledore coerced them to leave the mansion behind. Since it was too much of an obvious place for them to be. Even though the wards around the ancient palace were powerful, they could fall. So, both Lily and James took their mentor and old friend's advice. Well, that was before.
Today, the Potters didn't trust Dumbledore one bit.
"So, Harriet, are you ready for Neville's birthday?" Lily asked with a smile, but she groaned at the look of confusion of her dear daughter.
"What? Neville's birthday, is today? Ah... it's July 30. It's his birthday," Harriet said.
"You forgot about, again…" Lily sighed.
"Sorry, mom," Harriet muttered.
"And tomorrow is your birthday, too. Did you forget about it too?" Lily asked.
"Well… No really! I just didn't pay attention to it!" Harriet said, trying to defend her poor memory.
Harriet was still having problems celebrating birthdays and all. It was strange to do so for her. Even though she has been living here for eight years now. The thought of having a party didn't sit well with the young girl. Although she enjoyed it deeply.
"That's an incredible way to say, you forgot!" Lily said exasperated.
"Sorry!" Harriet exclaimed, nervous at angering, her red-haired mother.
"Don't worry, sweetheart, we just have to get ready after breakfast," Lily said with a sigh.
"The other children want to see you! Neville, Susan, Hannah and even Nymphadora, it's going to be there! You will have lots of fun there!" Lily said excitedly.
"You know she hates when people call her like that."
"Well, it's her name, and it's a pretty one!"
"I doubt it," Harriet muttered.
"Did you say something, my dear?" Lily asked.
"Nothing!"
"I thought so, now, don't you want to see them?" Lily asked.
"I don't know… Maybe? Well, I do a bit," Harriet said.
What could she say? That she was happy to be around children? They were wonderful kids, and some of them were fun to be around. Harriet would not lie about that. However, the age gap was there and if Harriet could do anything about it, was to pretend she was a kid like the rest of them.
"Harriet, dear? Are you alright?" Lily asked, worried.
"It's nothing, mom! I was just thinking," Harriet replied.
Lily looked at her daughter with mixed feelings.
Their daughter's lack of friends worried both James and Lily. One of many things they hoped to fix. Harriet was a bright kid, incredibly smart, and they knew it. But there was loneliness around her that was hard to pinpoint. They tried to find friends of her age, but with no success. And they tried a lot. Longbottom, Bones, Abbot, and even a few of the neutral families like the Greengrass and Davis. Nothing worked, Harriet seemed incapable to socialize with them.
Harriet would move from one side and the other, trying to find some joy in the game of the children, but often she would isolate herself behind a book. Harriet was a kind girl and well-behaved around others. She would always try to help in something to anyone. There was no doubt in Lily's mind that Harriet had a big heart and kind soul. But there was something there, a pain Lily couldn't see with her eyes. Why her daughter could be so happy some days, and others so full of melancholy? Lily didn't know, she would do whatever she could to find out.
"What do you want to give to Neville for his birthday?" Lily asked, trying to defuse the tension in the air.
Harriet thought for a second. "Ah, I don't know what to give a child! Please mom, I'm an old woman!"
"Oh! I know!" Harriet said, remembering how good with plants the chubby kid was.
"A book of Herbology!" Harriet said.
"A book?" Lily replied.
"Yes, Neville, it's incredible good with plants. He has a green thumb, so with practice, he could be a great at it. A simple book would push him to that path."
"You think so? I didn't know Neville was so good at it," Lily said, curious about her daughter's observation skills.
"Last week, Neville spent an entire hour explaining the different plants and their use in potion making. So, yeah. He undoubtedly has what it takes to become an excellent potion master and herbology's master. However, I think he is really shy now. And his grandmother actually pushes him down. Aunt Alice and uncle Frank should do something about it."
Lily nodded at Harriet. It was not surprising to hear her say that. Truly, Augusta Longbottom could be incredibly stern and unfair to poor Neville. The expectation Augusta has on him to become the next Lord Longbottom only pushed Neville into a shell that was hard for him to get out of. All of that resulted in Alice kicking her mother-in-law out of the house, after a heated argument between the current lady Longbottom and the old woman.
How things were now? Lily didn't know exactly, but from what Alice told her last time, they spend an afternoon together. Augusta has stepped back from her relentless teachings. Frank must have told her mother to stop before he truly cutties with her. Yet Neville lacked some confidence, especially under pressure.
"Alright, I belive you know where to find one?" Lily asked as she saw the face of pure concentration from her daughter.
"Mm, I do. The library has an extensive collection about herbology. I will ask dad if I could give one to Neville."
"Also ask you grandfather about it, don't forget it," Lily said.
"I will."
"Well, you better eat your breakfast fast, we need to make you sure look nice and pretty!" Lily cooed.
Harriet groaned. "Where is dad and the rest?" Harriet said.
"They will join us later, they are in quite a hassle at the Ministry."
Harriet looked at her mother with an intriguing face. "How so?" She asked.
"Wizengamot problems, don't worry about it."
"Mom!" Harriet whined as she wanted to know more about the government problems.
"No mom me, it's adult stuff," Lily said.
Harriet muttered below her breath. "I'm an adult! I payed taxes you know!" She thought while drinking orange juice from her Conan: The Barbarian limited edition cup. Lily only stared with an amused face at how her daughter kept on doing those faces while eating.
"Now, dear, let's not waste more time. We have a long day ahead of us!"
Coming from the Floo Network, three tired men arrived at the manor living room. One of them wasted no time and sat on the sofa, enjoying the soft texture and peace of the house.
"Bloody hell, that was a nightmare!" Sirius said.
"I couldn't agree more with you, Padfoot," James added.
"You thought taking seats at the Wizengamot would be easy? They base the whole political system on the Noble Houses reputations and seats. You two are now part of the biggest alliance there is, and that would be a lot of work," Remus said.
"We know, Moony, I just never thought how long those meetings would be!" Sirius whined.
"And the paperwork, Merlin's saggy balls, the paperwork is insane," James joined Sirius as both adults whined.
"Still, what do you think of Gareth's proposal?" James asked.
"Truly, it's a good one. With the Greengrass and Davis in our side, we have a strong link to protect ourselves. Now we have, the Bones, Longbottom, Abbott, Davis and Greengrass as a united front. The dark families will think twice before pulling shit like last time."
"They will still see us as Dumbledore's pawns," Remus pointed.
"It doesn't matter, as long we could advert many of the reforms they want to pass. Besides, we could use his name to our advantage, and Andi told me there is a lot to do," Sirius said.
"Merlin's bear, Padfoot, you are using your head!" James joked.
"I take offense to that!"
"We should be wary, Prongs, he is lord Black now!" Remus said smirking.
"Apologize, milord!" James said, bowing deeply to his friend who glared at him.
"Stop that!"
"Still, I can't believe you weren't disinherited by them. Walburga portrait wanted to kill you, when we arrived at Grimmauld Place."
"I'm more surprise Kreacher is still alive," Sirius muttered.
"Still, Padfoot, are you sure about making Harriet your heir?" James asked carefully.
"I told you, James. I have no intention of having children or anything like that. If anything happens to me, Harriet will become the sole heir of the Black family."
"If anything happens to you?" Remus asked.
"You know Malfoy wants to get his dirty little hands on the Black fortune. He believes his son can become Lord Black, no doubt Narcissa is convincing him to push a claim soon."
"And since you reinstate Andromeda and her daughter back into the family. You have the Black family council in your hand. Narcissa knows the rule of the family, and she would see how futile would be to act against you, since you're now the head of the house," James said, surprised by his best mate's mind.
"Yep! With Bellatrix rotting in Azkaban, and most of the Black family dead, only leaves Andi, Nymphadora and I as part of the family council. And if she dare to do something, well, I could kick her out of the family, and her son! So, she has no allies! I'm telling you, there is no one as smart as me!" Sirius said.
"Sure you are, Padfoot."
"Don't tell him that James, his head is already big!" They all looked at the portrait of James' parents. Hanging from the living room wall.
"Aw, Effie, don't say that! My head is the perfect side!" Sirius joked.
"Hello mom, were where you?" James asked.
"I was visiting, your great-aunt Selia. She wanted me to tell you, that gnomes are creating a mess in the garden again."
"She never changes," James muttered.
"Of course not. She was always a stubborn woman. The only reason she wanted her portrait looking at the garden was to annoy people! I'm telling you, she had nothing better to do than judge other people about their gardening skills," Euphemia Potter said, with a huff.
"Where is dad?"
The moment James asked the whereabouts of his father. The image of Fleamont Potter emerged. "I apologize, an incident in the library required my attention. Harwin was on it again. The entire Potter family wanted him gone, again." Euphemia scowled at the name of her husband's ancestor. "He never learns. That man has been dead for more than a century and he is still insufferable."
"Now, now, dear, don't talk about him like that. He is just… Well, let's change topic, shall we?" Fleamont said.
"Tell me son, how did the Ministry business went?" Fleamont asked smiling, at the sight of his son there.
"As expected, dad. We form an alliance with some Gray faction houses. That would give us some power against some legislations the Dark faction wanted to implement. Yet there is the fact how many see us as Dumbledore lackeys, and that is not something we want."
"I understand, but truly at the end of it all. Whatever they wanted to call the alliance, is an excellent answer to what some dark families want to do. However, someone would think that after the defeat of the dark lord they would lose power. Yet there ended up holding a lot of seats in the Wizengamot and the House of Representatives of the Nobles and Most Ancient Houses."
"Well, with the dead of so many nobles' houses, the balance of power shifted a great deal," Remus said.
"And let's not forget how many of those criminals are roaming free now. How many of the inner circle of Voldemort are there?" Euphemia asked.
"Lucius Malfoy gave away a lot of gold to the now minister of Magic to remain free. Something about claiming he was under the Imperious Curse, a defense many others used. I don't doubt Fudge is under the pay role of many of those Death Eaters," Sirius said.
"Disgusting," Euphemia replied.
"Be careful out there, son. Those people won't hesitate to use anyway to gain more power."
"Don't worry, dad, that's why this alliance is all about. To protect ourselves."
"James, you're back," everyone saw Lily entering the large living with a smile, but what they saw next to her was the thing it shocked them. Just beside Lily, a small living doll stood there. Harriet's dress was of a soft blue. Her dark hair was immaculate. Those long eye-lashes brought the beauty of Harriet's eyes to another level. The soft big red lips and everything about her screamed how gorgeous the girl was.
Lily smiled proudly at the scene before her. "Isn't our daughter the cutest girl ever?!"
"It's that my granddaughter?! My lovely and wonderful, granddaughter? Oh my dear, you look absolutely stunning! And that blue ribbon on your braid! So cute!" Euphemia squealed with joy at the sight of the child's cuteness.
"Truly, my daughter is the cutest girl in the entire world!" James added.
Harriet blushed deeply as she stared at the ground, feeling embarrassed at how they were gawking at her. "Thank you," she whispered, just adding more to the cuteness of her being.
Lily couldn't resist her daughter's overwhelming cuteness as she kissed Harriet's big puffy cheeks. "So adorable! So cute! I want to eat you with kisses!" Harriet whined at the feeling of her mother's lovely kisses. Yet she couldn't stop smiling. Her heartfelt so loved that it brought a sense of self-worth to Harriet.
"I love you to mom," Harriet said.
"Prongs, we need to be careful! Harriet, it's only going to grow more beautiful! The boys are going to be all over her! We need to to do something!" Sirius exclaimed.
"You're speaking the truth, Padfoot!"
"We need to protect her from those boys," even the calmest of the Marauders said.
"What should we do, my dear friends? I will not allow any boy in this house until she is 45 years-old!" James asked with the deadly tone ever.
"We have time before Hogwarts begins, we can think of something."
"If I may add to the conversation. I have a few ideas," Fleamont said, bringing the attention of the Marauders.
"Please tell me father, this is of vital importance! My daughter's innocence is at stake!"
"Well, we should get some goats first!"
"Why do we need goats?" Sirius asked.
"Shh, silence! Listen to my indications!"
Harriet could only smile at her family. Bunch of fools, but she loved them. That's why she would do whatever it takes to protect them. Whatever it takes.
At Longbottom manor, a party to celebrate Neville's ninth birthday was taking place. The large venue had an elegant arrangement of flowers, with many types and colors. Definitely something Neville loved. Frank and Alice wasted no time to make their son's day special. They owned to him. Their incompetence to stand up to Augusta has led Neville into a shell, and it would take time before he could have the confidence of a normal person.
Yet, hope was there, Neville Longbottom smiled at the other kids, as everyone wished him a happy birthday.
"Happy birthday, Neville!" A girl with dirty blond hair, pigtails, and big shiny blue eyes said.
"Thank you, Hannah, thanks for coming," Neville replied blushing.
"Happy birthday, Neville, I hope you like my present," a girl with bright red hair, freckles, and gentler hazel eyes said.
"Susan, you came! Thank you!" Neville said happily.
"We wouldn't miss your birthday, you dummy! Besides, Hannah wanted to see you so badly, isn't that right, Hannah?" Susa said teasingly, to which the blond hair blushed. "Susan!" Hannah hissed, embarrassed.
"Don't worry, I haven't told him you like him!" Susan said, enjoying the face of both Neville and Hannah. The joke ended when they noticed two more girls standing there. One with long brown hair, in a ponytail, brown eyes, and a smirking face, and the other who had a more serious face, short golden hair, two sets of deep blue eyes, and icy demeanor around her.
"Daphne, Tracey, please two see both of you. Hope you enjoy the reception," Neville said politely.
"It's really pretty! I like the flowers a lot!" Tracey exclaimed happily. Daphne only nodded, not truly saying anything. Neville smiled nervously. Since he knew that the only reason those two were there was because of the new alliance between their houses. He could see far away, how his parents and, well, the rest of the parents were in a deep discussion about something ministry-related.
"How was your… Week?" Neville asked.
"Dull, without the need to talk about it," Daphne said.
Everyone stared at her awkwardly but with one exception, that being Tracey, who smirked at her childhood friend with the biggest grin on her face. Since the brunette knew how much of that was a lie. Daphne has been all over the place trying to look her best. The reason for such relentless pursuit to achieve beauty was to impress a certain person. A girl who has captured the heiress Greengrass's heart.
"I won't say dull, my dear Daphne. How many days did your mother spent trying to find the dress you are now wearing? If I remember correctly, she took a week trip to France, right?" Tracey said smiling.
"Tracey!" Daphne hissed.
"Ho ho ho! Why aren't you more modest about your feelings? You like Harriet!" Tracey said, and the blushing cheeks of Daphne increased, Susan who was watching the scene unfold joined Tracey's side. Messing with Daphne was always fun.
"Fu fu! So our ice lady has a crush in our dear friend? What should we do now?" Susan said, and as she saw a certain pink-haired girl approaching them. Susan had an idea, with just a gesture of her hands stopped the pink-haired girl from greeting them. The said girl stared confused by her actions, that was until she saw the smirking faces of all the kids there.
"Oh, Harriet is that you?! Did you hear everything we said~? About Daphne liking you~?" Daphne's body went stiff as her face looked like a tomato. It was then the pink-haired girl understood what was all that about. So deciding to join in the party, she approached Daphne from behind, and using her Meramorphmagus ability changed her voice to one of a certain girl.
"Ah, Daphne~ I didn't know what you felt for me~!" Daphne turned back fully embarrassed at the voice of her beloved crush and the only thing she looked at was the smirking face of Nymphadora Tonks, the soon-to-be first-year student of Hogwarts.
The rest of the children laughed about the face of the full disappointment of Daphne.
"You-! You pink haired devil!" Daphne exclaimed.
"Good to see you, heiress Greengrass," Nymphadora don't call me like that, said.
"How dare you! You will pay for that!" Daphne said with red cheeks.
"You had this look of a sick-puppy when you saw her!" Susan said, almost rolling in the ground with laughter.
Daphne turned around and was about to make a shameful retreat when she saw, before her, the girl the golden-haired heiress of the Greengrass family was deeply in love with.
"Eeek!" Daphne yelped.
"Hello everyone," Harriet said politely, although her expression showed amusement at the reaction of Daphne, who stared at her with her mouth open.
"Happy birthday, Neville, and if I may ask. Why is everyone looking at Daphne like that?" Harriet asked.
"Oh, it's nothing!" Susan said smiling, hiding her blush at the sight of Harriet, who the red-haired girl also had a crush on.
"Alright…" Harriet said. "Ah, Nymphadora, you're here too! Good to see you!"
"Don't call me like that!"
"But it's such a cute name. Mom said so!" Harriet teased.
"Dora! It's Dora!" She whined.
"Alright, I will call you, Mitochodria then!"
"What?! What does that bloody mean?! You know what, call me whatever you want!"
"Harriet, stop torturing, Mitochodria, I mean, Dora," Neville smiled.
"Yeah, Mitodora, will get angry if you continue annoying her like that," Susan said.
"Indeed, Nymchodria, will be angry, remember she has a wand now," Tracey joined in.
"I'm getting bullied by a bunch of 9-year-old kids," Dora muttered.
"Alright, let's stop with the bullying. I'm kidding, Dora, I know you don't like that name."
"Thank you!"
Dora's hair changed color and texture. Harriet paid attention to the girl's impressive ability. It reminded Harriet of Doppelgänger race, and although as far as she knows. There were few limitations around such ability. Yet she won't deny how useful could Dora become once she grows and learned to control that ability better. Harriet understood better than anyone how much in danger her life would be soon. She was The-Girl-Who-Lived, a title she often hated more than not. Who came with that name, anyway? It's so stupid! She thought, irritated. But it made her a target from any attack and everyone around her.
The so-called Dark Lord Voldemort was still lurking somewhere, hiding his pathetic existence away. She knows he was still alive, licking his wounds somewhere.
Something was telling her that, that's why she would take any measure to defeat him for good. But among all of that, what worries her more than anything was her family's safety. Oddly enough, the children were still a part of her whole childhood enjoyment. Yet they were all part of the future generations of lords and ladies of the Noble Houses and Wizengamot.
"Friends? New friends? Maybe. I kind of like them a bit. Once they grow up, we could mabe be friends. Nevertheless, they could help me too!" Harriet smiled at them.
"Children, come here! Let's take a picture before we cut the cake!" The voice of Neville's mother brought the kids to the living room, where every other adult seemed to have stopped talking about whatever they were discussing. Harriet saw something odd too. Among the adults, her godfather, Sirius was smirking brightly and next to him, Amelia Bones, Susan's aunt, was blushing deeply.
Harriet smiled too, at the obvious sight of both adults.
"Now gather around for the picture!" Alice said, smiling.
Neville blushed deeply until Harriet took his hand. "Cheer up, it's your day!" She whispered at him.
"Thank you," Neville whispered back, smiling.
"No problem."
Neville was a good kid in her eyes, but not only that, he was something more. Both of their parents were good friends and hence why Harriet practically grew up with him. Among all the things Harriet expected from growing up again in this strange world, she never thought she would find a baby brother. She helped him to read and loved to hear him speak about plants every time. It was an endearing feeling to have someone who looked up to her.
And he did, Neville opens himself more when he was around Harriet, and tried to become more confident about his magic abilities. Harriet smiled at him, feeling happy about her current life. Yet something was missing. A question, an intriguing thought.
Where was The Great Tomb of Nazarick?
Harriet was not sure, but she hoped maybe one day she would see it again.
"Alright, everyone smile!"
The birthday party went as normal, but it was then when Harriet started to once again segregate herself from the rest. She liked them, but the age-gap made things harder for her. They were all playing in the large backyard of the Longbottom manor, while the adults were inside talking adult stuff. Harriet huffed, she wanted to hear more about it. But she kind of knows what could they be talking about. The house alliance her parents were now part of would surely make things more interesting for everyone in a few years. Especially her.
"Hello," Daphne said, as she sat next to Harriet.
"Oh, Daphne, did Dora's amazing magic trick bored you? She is still showing up her wand to everyone," Harriet asked, smiling.
"I don't find Dora's stick interesting, and playing Exploding Snap get's boring too," the golden-haired girl said.
"You always seem to lose, that's true."
"Shut up," Daphne muttered.
"Alright," Harriet said with a gentle smile.
Daphne glanced at Harriet, who seemed in thought. There was that look on her face again. The expression of sadness Daphne did not know where it came from. Why does she look like that? Why do I feel there is nothing I can do for her? Like there is an enormous distance between us, between every one of us. Daphne thought.
Everyone knew how sometimes Harriet would detach herself from everyone. The rest knew about it, Neville, who was the only person who knew her the most, said how Harriet would feel so old. Like she knew much more, as if she was carrying something heavy wherever she went. Daphne hated not being able to be more mature. She wanted to help Harriet in something, whatever it was.
"Hey, Harriet… Why are you so alone, sometimes?" Daphne asked.
Harriet stared at her with a surprised face. The girl was very mature sometimes, of that Harriet was sure of, yet it was not something someone like her could talk about. Or so Harriet thought.
"I didn't know I looked like that."
"But you do, why don't you play with everyone?" Daphne asked.
"I play with everyone, sometimes…"
"You know what I mean," Daphne said.
"Well-"
Before Harriet could finish her sentences, a scream of pain and horror brought the attention of Daphne and Harriet. They saw how Susan was crying, holding her hand, and how everyone was running away from an enormous snake, or well, what they thought was a gigantic snake. It was in Harriet's humble opinion a tiny one. But dangerous nonetheless.
Harriet and Daphne approached Susan, as Neville yelled for help.
Harriet saw an Adder Snake hissing threatening. She knew Susan would be fine since Adder Snakes weren't a threat to humans now on days. Still, the bite would hurt the poor red-hair girl for a while. Yet there was something strange going on, and it was the snake itself.
"Ssssstupid two-legsss! Woke me up from my nap!" Harriet stared at the snake, bewildered by it.
"I ssshould bite you again! Yessss, I ssshould!"
"Stop it, now!" Harriet yelled at the snake before it strikes again. She didn't notice the people watching her.
"You will not bite her, understand?" Harriet commanded.
"Sssspeaker, I have never sssseen a ssspeaker!"
Harriet was not sure what it was all about, but she thought it would be like a summon or something.
"Leave in peace, and no one will hurt you."
"Of coursssee, I will obey the ssspeaker!"
The snake went away, hissingly happily for some odd reason, Harriet smiled at the new piece of knowledge she had now, however not everyone thought the same as her. Harriet turned around and saw everyone looking at her in fear and worry. Especially her parents.
"Ah… The snake went away."
Harriet said, smiling awkwardly.