Hello everyone! Sorry for taking such a long time; I was rather busy with some work I had to finish. Also, I was a bit sick the entire week. Allergies and all that, not funny at all.

But I am feeling a lot better now! So, the following two updates are coming up with a new cycle!

Boku No Overlord (Two chapters!)

And, of course.

Overlord: The Demon Empress!

After that, I'll publish the new set of updates, so see you all in a few days! And I do hope all of you are having a wonderful time!

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Chapter 22

"What are we doing here?"

Tina asked, confused as to why she was with the strange set of people. Rolf, Luna, and Tina were dragged against their will to follow them. And they couldn't say much since Harriet brought them into the peculiar set of people that were Harriet's friends, and the group was looking at them with a smile on their faces.

"Hush now," Harriet said happily. "Aren't they cute, Fleur? They are our children now."

Fleur looked at them, highly amused. "They are indeed very adorable."

"I know, right?"

"Alright, they are our kids now. I better get ready for when I have babies," Fleur said, with a rather severe tone of voice, and Tina and Rolf only squealed, baffled by it.

"We are not babies!" They exclaimed.

"Hush, my dear. Ugh, won't you at least try to brush your hair? Such a pretty shade of blond, and you don't care for it," Fleur muttered as she pulled a brush out of nowhere and brushed Tina's hair. Tina blushed deeply, hating that she was enjoying the gorgeous woman's hand on her hair. Harriet just smirked widely and winked at Rolf who blushed deeply. "Want me to brush your hair too?" Harriet asked.

"Sister, what do I do?" Rolf asked urgently, as he was incredibly embarrassed about everything. Blaise was, teasing him with a gentle smile.

"Worry do not, my dear Rolf. You're as cute as your sister," Blaise said, and Rolf's face red.

Luna had a dreamy look on her face and stared at the others in the group. Nymphadora, Susan, Hannah, Daphne, and Tracey stared back at her. They knew Luna was CZ and were waiting for her to wake up. The Pleiades truly missed their dear sister. Yet, once again, Luna proved to be quite the strange girl.

"Hello everyone, Apple says hi," Luna said, and they just looked at each other confused.

"Apple?" Hannah asked, confused.

"Yes, she is here."

"Here...?"

"Mmhm, cute. You're all pretty. Stickers are a must. I shall buy some."

The Pleiades were confused by the girl, but at the same time, they were pleased to know that their sister was doing fine. All things considered.

"Ah! Here we are!" Harriet exclaimed while standing before a wall.

"A wall in the middle of the hallway? Uh, this is quite normal, Harriet," Hermione stuttered.

"Let me show you."

Harriet then looked around or moved near the wall as everyone watched her.

"Uh, what is she doing?" Hermione whispered.

"She is starting to believe," Luna replied.

"What...?" Hermione asked back.

Harriet hummed around as the rest of her friends wondered what was she attempting to do before the wall. Yet, it took not long before a sudden shift of cobblestone in the wall manifested in front of them. Harriet smiled triumphantly while looking at all of them and smirked.

"Amazing, eh?" Harriet said as she entered the mysterious room.

"Harriet, what is this place?" Hermione asked Harriet. The bushy girl looked around the empty room and wondered why it felt so out of place, like an endless maze of opportunities. Harriet stared at the bushy girl and held a particularly know-it-all smile.

"I believe you know about the Room of Requirement."

Hermione gasped, incredibly loud. "I thought it was just a myth!" Hermione exclaimed, surprised.

"Just like the Chamber of Secrets, but here we are," Daphne muttered, staring herself in the strange mirror.

"Unbelievable to find such a place! You're truly a brilliant witch, Harriet!" Blaise told Harriet, who looked awkwardly around her. Harriet was still getting used to being praised. Especially when it comes from her friends. It was as if whatever she did was worthy of the compliment. It does feel incredible good if Harriet could be honest. But there were times when it was embarrassing hearing all those compliments.

"My love is brilliant. That's a given," Fleur added, puffing her chest with pride, hearing her mate's achievements. Again, Harriet groaned.

"Alright, alright, enough prising," Harriet said. "You're making me nervous."

"But, Harriet, how did you find this place?" Neville asked.

Harriet thought for a moment about what to say to them. Honestly, she couldn't tell them much. Mostly, it was her not knowing what to say. Harriet has learned the hard way. Introducing too much into the world she was currently living could be problematic. The Lycanthrope cure was one of the instances where she was still trying hard to implement a Yggdrasil skill into this world. And Harriet has to yet succeed on it. Also, if she wanted to teach them Yggdrasil's magic, they'd ask questions, and Harriet didn't want to tell the truth.

Harriet truly hated the idea of telling anyone the reality of her existence.

What could I say? Harriet wondered. That I reborn into this world?! And I used to live like a pathetic woman in a world gone mad? That I was a broken human being? No... I can't tell the truth. I don't want them to know. I am afraid of them knowing.

Harriet's inner thoughts were problematic. She was terrified of them not believing her, but truthfully. Harriet was even more afraid of them, considering her history to be authentic. It was in the past. She was not the same as before. But those self-hating thoughts lingered in her mind and would forever be there with her. They were Harriet's worst enemy. Those whispers in the back of her mind made her second guess everything, and form thoughts of paranoia and depression.

I don't want to tell them the truth. But maybe... just for a bit. I could pretend it was all a dream. That the life I had before was but a nightmare.

Harriet sighed and forced a smile. She knew that sooner or later. Harriet would have to say something about it. But it would not be today. At least when it comes downs to the truth.

"Last year, I needed a place where I could... test new magic."

"New magic?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Yes, sometimes... I have dreams and nightmares. And in those fantasies, I see myself doing different types of magic," Harriet lied, mostly. She felt guilty for lying, but she hoped that they'll understand. Harriet simply didn't want to talk about her past life. There was nothing of the woman she used to be that made her proud. But, maybe, in the future, many years from now. Harriet would open herself about it. If that day ever arrives.

"Dreams? What type of dreams?" Blaise asked, intrigued, and everyone there had the same expected look. Harriet looked at them, confused about why they were staring at her in such a manner.

"Dreams, of a different world, I don't know, but that's not what matters," Harriet said, pushing the conversation to the side. "I wanted to find a place where I could practice this magic I've seen in my dreams. And I found this place."

"The troll, you used a weird... spell. I remember it," Hermione said, and Harriet nodded with a smile.

"Yes, I succeed in my experimentation," Harriet said, smiling brightly.

"Could you show us?" Blaise asked, and Harriet could see his eyes shining brightly, like diamonds.

"Alright, stand back."

Harriet wanted a target practice, and the Room of Requirement gave it to her.

"Well, this room is quite amazing," Nymphadora whispered, earning a hiss from Fleur.

Harriet pointed her wand at the target and whispered. "Tier Magic I... Arcane Bolt!"

And everyone saw a beam of light, hitting the target and exploding it. The reactions were not as Harriet expected them. There were silence, deep and quiet whispers. Before Neville approached her. The Gryffindor boy stared at her with gentle eyes. He wanted to say something, but he couldn't do so. His quest forced him to not say what he wanted to say. Yet, that didn't deter him from looking at the girl before him with a smile.

"Uh, what is it?" Harriet asked, a bit dazzled by their muted responses.

"That was... incredible!" Neville replied, wearing a gentle smile on his face. Blaise scoffed loudly, and his eyes glared at Fleur, who seemed to hold a somewhat mixed reaction to Harriet's abilities.

"It is, as Neville says. Harriet is true, a one in a million witch!" Blaise added, with pride on his face. "Isn't that right, Fleur?"

Fleur wanted to speak; she tried to ask Harriet a million questions but couldn't do so. Blaise stared at her, knowing they couldn't intervene in their lady's life. They couldn't show themselves to her or see if she does recognize Nazarick. And they truly wanted to ask Harriet questions about her dreams and what she remembers. And many great things. Yet, the limitations lay upon them and didn't allow it. They must remain silent. A highly convenient measure for Harriet. Since it was her who wished to not remember those days. Maybe, those strange quests that each of the kids had were linked to Harriet's own set limitations in her world. Perhaps, her broken mind set those guidelines for them. Rules to follow to make her feel less guilty, to heal her mind and soul from what she once endured for so long. Who could say? Regardless, the kids who were the guardians in disguise knew there was no way to break them.

They needed to slowly walk over those eggshells and wait until their lady was ready to accept who she was and what she had become.

But, they were on the right path.

"Yes, of course, Blaise. There's no other like Harriet," Fleur replied gently.

"Could you teach us?" Hermione asked excitedly.

Harriet took a deep breath, happy to see their positive reaction.

"Thank you, and this is why I also brought you in. I would like for you to keep quiet about this. No one can know," Harriet said. "No one."

Hermione wanted to ask, but one look from the rest let her know everyone would follow Harriet's instructions. So, she followed them through, just like them.

"You can trust us, Harriet. We won't tell a soul," Fleur said.

Harriet smiled. She felt safer now. "Also, there's something else. You all saw the message about the Chamber of Secrets."

"And the petrified cat," Nymphadora added.

"Yes, the cat... but no one cares about the cat," Harriet said. "But, before the attack. I heard whispers during detention."

"Whispers?" Susan asked.

"Yes, like hissing sounds. The sounds a snake would make, but bigger, way bigger. And I think I know what type of snape it could be."

"Oh? A snake... big enough to sneak in Hogwarts?" Hermione muttered, unsure if she would like to be in the same place such a creature could travel freely. Yet, a part of her was rather curious about it.

"A snake capable of petrifying people," Blaise muttered.

"A Basilisk," Tina said, and everyone stared at her. "Only a Basilisk could do such a thing. Yet, it's weird. The cat should be dead."

"The water!" Hermione exclaimed. "There was water on the floor. Maybe the cat only saw the reflection."

"Oh, now that makes sense. Yet, here at Hogwarts, a Basilisk is... so interesting," Blaise whispered, smirking widely.

"Yeah, however, it's also dangerous." Hannah added, "everyone who stared at the thing into the eyes, well, dies. That's already dangerous, not only for us but for every student at Hogwarts."

"Perhaps, but a large snake can be easily tracked," Blaise added.

"But, why there's a Basilisk here?" Hermione asked, confused.

"One of the founders is a snake lover," Nymphadora said, waving Hermnio's concern.

"Perhaps, Slytherin has something to do with it?" Daphne hummed. "There's a lot of imagery in the dungeons about giant snakes. Maybe, he was capable of breeding such a beast?"

"Mm, he was in deep with many dark arts, that's true," Blaise added.

"While that's true, there's something more important that I would like to know," Harriet said. "Why is a Basilisk attacking people now. And who is the heir? But that's one of many points I wanted to speak with all of you."

"What is it, Harriet?" Fleur asked.

That question made Harriet sigh, as she wondered where it could all lead. She needed to finally move her piece, to gather allies, loyal to her. Harriet couldn't wait any longer. And that's why she stared at the group of kids who have been with her all this time.

"Besides me wanting to teach this new magic. I also would like to prepare us for any future problem it may arise," Harriet told them. She took a deep breath. "I don't want to lose any of you. You're all important to me, but I need trustworthy people. Voldemort is out there, waiting, and many people want me dead. And I need people I trust. People who will fight with me."

Harriet knew that in the upcoming years many things could happen. Voldemort was one of them, but another was her future, what she wanted to be, and what type of life she would lead. Harriet wanted a bright future, not for herself. But her family and the world. And while it was still a far away dream. Harriet would do whatever she must, whatever it takes, to save this world, her world, from the damnation that surely awaits it.

And Harriet needed people who she could trust and be loyal to her. And she believes they would do it.

"And... I will fight... I will also bring this world to the place it deserves."

"Harriet," Hermione softly. The bushy girl didn't know what to say. Those green eyes of Harriet were filled with determination. It made Hermione shiver.

"To the place it deserves?" Daphne whispered, also feeling a sense of wonder.

"I know how it sounds, but... I will shape this world and save it from itself. I will do it. The Wizarding World will hear me."

"Shape this world...?" Fleur whispered, hearing the voice of her beloved one. The shivers on her spine brought a sense of excitement to her like no other.

"I've been thinking about it. What will I do in the future, and what are my goals? I will not be a child forever. And I don't want to be just another witch... I'll do what I must to save what matters to me."

Harriet said, and while it could sound selfish, and it was, Harriet wanted to make a difference. The world she knew was still a nightmare to her. And Harriet would do whatever she could to avoid it. Wizarding World, the muggle world, it didn't matter to Harriet. She'll destroy anything that stands in her way, whatever it could hurt her family. Even if it was the world itself.

"Perhaps, it sounds suddenly, but... I believe all of you knew that I would never be just another dot in history. I will change this world, even if I had to drag it by the hair," Harriet told them with a rather hissing tone.

Harriet spoke with such a different voice. The sound was so firm, elegant, and powerful. Harriet's aura overwhelmed all of them. Before them, Harriet was showing up, bits of her Empress status. Her voice was law, and everyone disobeyed her was not worth the air they breathed. Her power emanated, and across the room, they all felt it. And it was glorious.

It was then when the guardians, and the Pleiades, knew that it didn't matter the world or the age. Their lady would always call for their loyalty. And while they couldn't outright tell Harriet who they were, and more because of their current quest and constraints on themselves. They could still swear undying devotion and unyielding commitment to her.

"I know, I ask too much... but would you follow me?" Harriet asked gently.

Fleur was the first one to approach her. "You had my love and loyalty since the day I met you. My soul, body, and heart are all yours... forever."

"Fleur," Harriet whispered at her beloved Veela mate. Not hiding her happiness at hearing those words.

Fleur knelt before her and smiled. "I'll follow you to the end of the world... my lady."

Fleur told Harriet, and the Girl-Who-Lived was incredibly surprised by their reaction. Harriet, at first, thought that maybe she had crossed the line, or perhaps she was rather dramatic. But seeing them starting to kneel before her. Truly made her wonder. Could they actually mean it? Would they genuinely follow me? Maybe... in the future, I could tell them the truth.

"Whatever world you wish, I know it would be one justice and gentleness," Neville whispered on his knees. "I'll always be by your side."

"No matter the reasoning, or your goal. You would always find a loyal servant in me," Blaise said, smirking widely, filled with excitement and joy.

Hannah, Susan, Nymphadora, Daphne, and Tracey knelt before her. It was as if they were waiting for such a moment.

"We will be by your side forever! Always," they said with the same voice of devotion.

Luna followed them as well. But a voice inside her head was telling her what to do. They didn't know that now, Luna and A certain Pleiades maid inside her, were united in a way, no one predicted.

"Apple, and I will follow you."

Luna said, and Harriet just nodded at the strange new friend of hers and whoever was Apple.

Rolf and Tina were stunned. But not only for Harriet's declarations but for the sudden surge of memories going through their minds. Rolf slowly had a panic attack, but thankfully, Tina held it together for both of them. Tina, remembered everything now, especially, their unique set of quests. Tina, or Aura, held her twin brother's hand. And helped him relax enough for him to not have a full breakdown.

"We... will also follow you!"

Rolf was on his knees and was clearly trying to speak. But was not capable. Thankfully, Tina was there for him. Blaise and Fleur noticed it and were glad they woke up. They only needed Harriet's presence and aura to manifest their true selves. They'll speak with them later.

Hermione was the only left standing, and while she looked somewhat troubled. There was a sense of duty in her eyes. Hermione, for the first time in her life, felt as if she could do something useful for someone. Hermione knew whatever future Harriet was talking about. It was worth giving her life for. The bushy girl just knew it. And who better than the first friend in Hermione's life?

"I'll help you reach that goal!" Hermione knelt awkwardly. "If you have me."

Harriet smiled at her. "Of course, Hermione."

Harriet looked at them, while at first, she felt slightly cringed. Now, she couldn't help but feel so empowered. Everything felt as if it belonged to her. And Harriet grinned.

"Well, there's something we must do, then."

After days of such a reunion, Harriet felt that things were only getting better for her. A heavy weight on her shoulder was slowly vanishing. Harriet, however, was still deeply concerned about her mind. Harriet knew she couldn't really try to live as if her past never existed. It creates a sort of gap in her mind. A strange sensation of loss. It also makes things harder unnecessarily. Harriet didn't know how people would react if she told them the truth, and the reason was within her. Harriet was scared of other's people attempts to help her. Harriet has problems that go beyond trust issues.

"I just don't want to speak about it... but I can't go on thinking like that," Harriet muttered slowly.

Harriet dreaded the talk about, we are here for you. We can help you! and many other things. Also, it would open something to the unknown. Something Harriet couldn't deal with properly. Her emotions would explode and the questions, or how she would explain things, and more. Terrified her a great deal.

"I need help."

Harriet muttered softly while getting ready for yet, another day at Hogwarts.

"Harriet, are you ready?" Fleur called as she approached Harriet, who seemed lost in her little world.

"Are you alright?" The French girl asked softly.

"Uh, yeah, just thinking," Harriet replied while trying to get her Hogwart tied on. She was failing at it. Fleur frowned and slowly took control of Harriet's hand, helping her beloved and her tie.

"It is your mother? Lady Potter?" Fleur asked carefully, not wanting to add more to Harriet's troubled mind.

"Well, it's a part of it. But... I came to realize something."

Fleur didn't say anything. She just stood there, hearing her muttering of Harriet. She looks so tiny, so fragile. Fleur thought somberly.

"What is it?" Fleur asked.

"I need... I need to see a Mind Healer," Harriet admitted slowly, feeling weak.

"A mind healer?" Fleur muttered, confused.

If I want to move on with my plans, my goals. I can't do it with this load on my shoulders. I need help.

"It's that a problem?" Harriet asked, feeling the anxiety rising. Not knowing what Fleur thinking was.

"No, no, not at all, my love, just surprised. I didn't know you needed one," Fleur replied; a sensation of shame came across her face. How couldn't I know such a thing?! I am a failure as a mate! Fleur thought, belittling her mind for not paying attention to Harriet's state of mind. But then again, Fleur just didn't know anything about Harriet's life, or in this case, her past. Or that she, in fact, remembered everything. All of that was a path, Harriet needed to walk alone.

However, Fleur thought that maybe, Harriet was just dealing with those strange dreams, about Yggdrasil, about Nazarick. Fleur wondered that maybe, Harriet was confused and didn't know what she was precisely seeing. Perhaps, a mind healer would help her see the picture clearly and help her remember who Harriet was. Yet, that wasn't the case, as Harriet had other problems she had to deal with.

Harriet saw the mixed reaction on Fleur and wondered if the French girl was concerned with her mind.

"I'll send a letter later to aunty Alice, once this entire business with the Chamber of Secret is over, and as well, I would like to speak with my parents about it."

Harriet told Fleur, who nodded gently.

"Also... please, don't tell anyone about this. I'll tell my parents, but... I just don't want more people to know, at least for now."

Fleur understood the secrecy. Harriet was ashamed.

"You don't have to feel ashame," Fleur whispered, gently kissing Harriet's forehead, hugging her tightly. Harriet sighed deeply in Fleur's embrace. She felt better than before. And while it was a long way to clear her mind from all those hurtful things in the past. It was a good start.

"Thank you, Fleur. It does feel nice to tell someone about it. But now, no more of this!" Harriet exclaimed happily. "We have a lot to do. Also, I need to meet an ancestor of mine."

"Uh, an ancestor?" Fleur asked, intrigued.

"Yeah, as you know... I may or may not be related to Salazar Slytherin. So, the only way to know it is to speak with a certain great-grandfather of mine."

"I see, but wouldn't you need to go to Potter manor for that?" Fleur asked.

"Uh, not really. There are a few portraits here that could help me. Especially a certain annoying Black relative of mine."

Harriet said with a smirk on her face.

"Who could it be?" Fleur asked, amused by the sudden mischievous smile on Harriet's face.

"You'll see."

The echoes were getting louder, and a sense of life was slowly returning to her mind. And the woman tried her best to crawl her way back to life, even though she didn't know how long she had been dead. It was blurry, like swimming in the dark, until a light was visible. But she was able to reach it, and once she did. The woman gasped, waking up from what felt like an extended coma.

Lily Potter felt confused, muddled, and lost. She wanted to move but couldn't do it. Her body was numb, and it barely seemed to recognize her commands. However, the softness, and the warm bed she was in, clearly made her question where she was or what had happened.

Lily's head started to hurt, a horrible thunder headache like no other. She groaned, wondering what had just transpired to her.

"Just breath, deep breaths, Lily, just deep breaths," Lily muttered to herself, trying to tranquilize her heart and mind. She needed it desperately.

"Alright, alright, I was in Albania... after meeting the circle," Lily muttered slowly. Slowly whispering the words so maybe she could put the piece together.

"Then... then, I was... attacked?" Lily whispered, remembering the strange wolf-live creature. However, another memory came rushing in, her on the ground, slipt in half. Lily's hand went directly to her stomach, terrified of memory, and slowly made sure everything was in order, which it was. Yet, it didn't stop Lily from dreading the sensation of being cut down in such a manner. However, now the question remains. What happened to her, and where she was right now?

Lily checked her flat stomach and couldn't even see a scar. Nothing that would show she was cut in half. It baffled her and scared her.

Lily then looked around and tried to keep her awareness high, as far as she knew. The enemy could be holding her against her will. Yet, Lily didn't know who the enemy was.

"A room," Lily muttered, noticing how refined the enclosure was. Lily could even say that the place looked rather fetching. If she could say such a word. But it was really dark, only a few candles. Nevertheless, Lily felt that she needed to leave or something.

"I need to escape," Lily muttered while trying to stand up but failing miserably. Her body couldn't do so.

And as Lily desperately tried to move, a voice made her stop.

"You shouldn't move if your body isn't prepared for it."

Lily turned around, trying to see who spoke. But the dim lights made it impossible for her to see. She saw a person sitting on a chair in the room's darkest corner.

"You were here all this time?" Lily asked, worried and baffled that she didn't see that person before.

"Of course, I had to make sure you were alright."

The voice sounded gentle and pleasant. A rather strange accent, calm and showing no hostility so far. Lily still was worried, and since she couldn't see the man who was speaking to her. She decided to play along. Her wand was nowhere to be found. And while Lily was proficient in wandless magic. It was too risky to fight an unknown man, in an unknown place.

"Did you save me? Did you know who my attacker was?" Lily asked carefully. Yet, the only thing she heard was a chuckle.

"You could say that," the man said, although Lily couldn't see the person before her. She knew the man was smirking.

"If only you knew my surprise to find Lily Potter in such a place. I should have expected. You're, after all, the Girl-Who-Lived mother."

Lily frowned deeply, hearing her daughter's title. Yet, her training as Unspeakable allowed her to not show a reaction. She kept a calm face, stoic even.

"Then you should know about my status as Lady Potter and who is my husband. If you helped me before, I would thank you. But, I would like to know where I am or who are you first."

Lily asked firmly but with no hostility.

"A bit on the offensive, eh?" The man said with amusement.

"If you were in my situation, you'll do the same. I was attacked by a strange dark creature... and I know... I know. I died."

Lily said, and she heard a rather annoying giggle.

"Yes, you die. And I had to say that it would have been quite problematic for us if your death reached the wrong person."

The man said with a strange, nervous laugh. He sounded scared even, and Lily wondered why it could be the reason for such a reaction.

"It's too soon for it and risky," the mysterious man rumored. "I can't yet show anything. It's too soon. I must make sure the quest is completed first."

Lily frowned and wondered what the person was talking about. However, Lily's mind scheme about an escape, even though she didn't know where she currently was. The red-haired woman looked around, and she saw no window nearby. Only a door, next to the strange man. She cursed internally, realizing she would have to be smart about it. Perhaps, he wants something from me? If that is the case, maybe I could... I'll do whatever it takes to get out of here. Lily thought grimly.

"You save me, right? How?" Lily asked, trying to establish a sort of connection with the person. And also, she was incredibly curious about how was she still alive. As far as Lily knows, the dead should have stayed dead. But then again, Voldemort seemed to be the exception.

"It doesn't matter, my dear Lady Potter. What matters is that you're an essential person in someone's life."

Lily looked at the dark figure, confused.

"Your daughter would have been devastated if you were dead. You're important to her."

"And why you care? You don't know her. And I, for one, do not want to hear you speaking about my child," Lily replied hissingly. Not liking how that person was talking about her child in such a friendly manner. The man chuckled.

"I guess you're right. But, the truth is that your daughter is special. Do you know why?"

"I don't know," Lily lied.

"Oh, you know why," the man said. "Do you?"

Lily didn't say anything. She just remained silent.

"You're the mother of a powerful witch, of a special girl, and the weight of the Wizarding World, of the muggle world even, rests on her shoulders."

"What are you talking about?"

The man again chuckled loudly. Then, he walked towards the door. Lily wondered what was he doing and if he was going to do something that would force her to defend herself. Lily was already thinking about the many spells she would have to use, even the darkest ones, to survive. The red-haired woman's mind was preparing itself for the worst, but the moment the strange dark figure opened the door, a snowy-white owl entered the room.

"Hedwig?!" Lily exclaimed as the white owl rested on her lap. The proud look on the owl's face was amusing. Yet, Lily wondered how did the owl find her.

"An incredible owl, if I could say so myself. It flew over... this place for hours. Very smart and witty."

Hedwig scoffed but landed the letter in Lily's hand. "Your daughter is worried about you. A long time has passed since you replied to her letters. You should be careful. A child's mind is no place for unwanted thoughts of loneliness and pain."

The man said, sounding angry at Lily for some odd reason. It felt as if he was chastising Lily for not answering her child.

"Who are you...? What are you saying all of this?" Lily asked, now baffled. Not knowing what to make of the strange person before her.

"Who am I is not something I can answer, honestly. Or even where you're currently at. But let me tell you, you're in no danger from me, or your daughter for that matter."

Lily frowned. "How so?"

"Let's say... I've been waiting for dear Miss Harriet Potter for a long time."

The man said, slowly walking towards Lily, so the candle's light could show who he was and when it did. Lily stared dumbfounded, not knowing how to react. The revelation of the person standing before her was something that shocked the red-haired woman.

"What...? You... You are..."

"Hello, Lady Potter... I think we are going to become fast allies."

Things were going to change soon, for all.