Hello everyone, sorry for taking such a long time, but like I said during my last update on my Tumblr, I was out of the city, doing some tests and going for some medicine to deal with the current Bronchitis and Asthma. I am fine, but just sick and tired.

Still, that won't stop me from writing and updating! So please enjoy!

Now, the next set of updates is as follows!

-Overlord: The Demon Empress. (One Chapter)

-One Piece: A Demon's Treasure (One Chapter)

-The White Lion of the Red Keep (Two Chapters)

-The White Wolf of Winterfell (One Chapter)

See you all later!

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Chapter 30

Lily was focused on understanding a complex equation containing a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols. The words she was trying to decipher were intricate, and only a few people with expertise could understand them. But it wasn't indeed a problem for her. Lily was, after all, a brilliant witch. Still, Lily couldn't help but smile brightly as she put the notes down. Then, Lily sipped her coffee and murmured to Harriet, "You're a genius, my dear."

Harriet chuckled. "I know," she replied smugly, making Lily roll her eyes.

"Severus is right. You're getting too cheeky," Lily said as Harriet scoffed at that statement.

"Cheeky? Me? Never, it's that Uncle Sev is just jealous of my brilliance," Harriet stated before Lily smacked her forehead with the book. "Auch! Mom!"

"Don't be cheeky. It's bad for you," Lily sighed. "I don't want you to develop an inflated ego like James. He was insufferable when he was younger."

"Dad calls it the Potter charm."

"A prat's charm," Lily muttered, making Harriet giggle.

"But in anycase, do you think is feasible?" Harriet pointed at the textbooks where her formula for the Lycanthropy cure was written.

"Yes, it is. We must gather and test the ingredients, but I strongly believe you did it, Harriet. You're going to create a potion that will cure Lycanthropy," Lily's voice was filled with pride, as she only stared at her daughter with her green eyes. Harriet couldn't help but blush at her mother's statement, but joy filled her heart, feeling the pride coming from her mother's voice.

"Yeah, thank you," Harriet chuckled nervously, blushing as Lily giggled, slowly caressing her child's hair.

"So, what are you going to do with this? Will you sell it? Or make it free? What's your plan?"

When her mother asked, Harriet pondered the idea of selling the potion. However, she realised it wouldn't make her much profit in the long run since it was a one-use potion. And those poor werewolves didn't have money to buy it sometimes. It was not a good business for a potion maker. Instead, the prestige and respect it would earn if Harriet simply "gave it for free" would be far better in the long run.

Well, I'm not giving it for free, but...

"I actually talked with Aunt Amelia about this. We can give it to the ICW for a small amount of gold. Mostly to pay the cost of the ingredients, and then they'll pay the cost to give it for free to those inflected by the curse. It should be enough since it's not like there are millions of cursed people."

"Would the ICW accept it? It's a lot of gold," Lily muttered, knowing the expensive ingredients. Still, Harriet wasn't apprehensive about it. "Are you sure?"

"Undoubtedly, but they must think of this. This potion will eradicate Lycanthropy once and for all and allow those suffering to lead an ordinary life again. This is an investment that holds immense value for the future."

Harriet spoke confidently, which helped to ease Lily's concerns. "Trust me; this will work."

"Alright, I trust you," Lily replied with a smile, soon hearing the bells of Hogwarts sounding. "Now, you must go back to classes. Remember, the school year is almost over. I want to see good grades!"

Harriet groaned but couldn't help but feel quite shocked that another year had gone by so suddenly. It was like a dream of sorts. A bit scary to think about, but it shouldn't be surprising. Harriet's mind was busy with many things that were hard to pay attention to as the days passed.

Galadriel has been trying to discover more about Voldemort, who he was, and why he could still be alive. It wasn't enough, but slowly, bit by bit. Tom's Riddle past was slowly being put together. Quite the feat for a bunch of kids. But they weren't ordinary kids. Also, Galadriel has been taking extra classes with no other than Salazar Slytherin to learn more about Soul Magic and the secrets of the Slytherin heritage. So, the time has flown by without her realising it.

"I didn't even notice it," Harriet sighed deeply.

"That's not good, dear. You can't overwork yourself that much."

"I know, I know, but a lot has happened that... it's hard to pay attention at the time."

Lily couldn't deny Harriet's words. She has also felt the course of time going by great fast.

"Yeah, I guess I get it," Lily chuckled.

"Mm, Mom, what about dad? About the lover's trial?" Harriet asked, intrigued to know more about it, which Lily understood, almost amusingly.

"Well, from what your father has told me. It will be in a few months, mainly because of Lucius' influence, and gold is making it go slower. However, he's not getting away. Not even Fudge can help him now."

"Brilliant," Harriet whispered almost excitedly. "Have you seen Draco's face...?! I finally saw him a few days ago! It was glorious!"

Lily rolled her eyes at her daughter's strange satisfaction and joy. But, a part of her understood it, albeit a small one. However, another part of the entire trial thing was Narcissa's change of heart and that she was currently living in their manor, for now, until the trial and her divorce were finalised. Lily did approve of that decision. It would have been different in the past since Lily recalled those hurtful comments and how Narcissa spoke when around her. But Lily wasn't one to hold a grudge, and she thought marrying Lucius Malfoy was enough punishment for any woman. Also, from what she had heard, Potter's manor was empty now. And they had plenty of rooms. Although, James told her that Narcissa spent a lot of time with Andromeda, her sister. Maybe they were trying to fix their relationship, which makes Lily happy.

I do hope Narcissa can take this and change for the better. Lily thought before hearing Harriet's voice.

"Mom?" Harriet tilted her head as Lily coughed.

"Nothing, just lost in thought.

"Ah, see, that's a family trait," Harriet pointed out, which made Lily laugh.

"I won't deny it. Now, it's time to go to classes."

"Alright," Harriet said as she walked towards the door. "See you later, Mom. I love you."

"And I love you too, dear."

Harriet then saw Severus opening the door. The Girl-Who-lived smirked as the Potion Teacher groaned.

"Oh, hello, Uncle Sev. I love you too!" Harriet exclaimed before leaving.

Lily couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle as she observed the irritated expression on Severus' face. However, upon closer inspection, she noticed a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his gaze, indicating that perhaps he wasn't as bothered as he initially seemed.

"Your daughter is a problem," Severus huffed, but Lily could see he thought otherwise.

"Oh, you like her!" Lily teased, making him scoff, but she didn't reply. "You truly like my daughter! Isn't she great?!"

"Yes... truly," Severus drawled before giving her a few notes.

"Um, this is...?"

"The Mandrakes will be ready soon, and soon the petrified students will finally be taken care of."

"I see," Lily whispered. "Are you asking for help?"

"Assistance," Severus stated, making Lily smile.

"I'll gladly help you," Lily replied, sipping her coffee. Yet, she saw that Severus wanted to know something more. "Sev?"

Severus sighed deeply. "Lily, I haven't asked but... did you find what you wanted? During your trip?"

Lily put the cup down and stared at the black liquid inside it. There was so much she could say about it and nothing simultaneously. Lily sighed, wondering where to start. She couldn't believe it herself.

"The circle didn't help... but I did find something more. Perhaps, way too much," Lily muttered slowly. Severus glanced at her and saw worry written all over her face.

"What did you find?" He asked.

Lily then looked at Severus. "That things are bigger than we thought."

Hannah stared at Susan, who was taking care of the young Mandrakes. The red-haired girl seemed to have a talent for Herbology, just like Neville, who was next to her. Both have been doing their utmost best to make it faster for those screaming little plants to grow. Pomona's reaction was amazement as she squealed with joy.

"Amazing!" Pomona exclaimed happily. "I have never seen Mandrakes so healthy!"

The head of Hufflepuff stared at the sentient plant with incredible curiosity. "With this. We can begin the potions to help those poor students! Great job, both of you. Five points to Hufflepuff and Gryffindor!"

Neville's gentle smile perfectly complemented Susan's confident grin, creating a harmonious balance of warmth and confidence. Although, from Hannah's perspective, Susan had more of an arrogant smirk. Still, both Neville and Susan honestly did a fantastic job.

"Thank you, professor," Neville appeared proud of his job, but the true motive behind Susan and him using magic to speed up the growth of Mandrakes was to bring back a specific girl. This was the main reason for their actions. A bit cold, not that Neville was against helping people. But he knew the actual reason behind their actions.

Since we have woken up from our slumber and remembered who we are... I wonder if they feel different.

"Please kindly pass along a message to Professor Snape that the Mandrakes are fully grown and ready for harvesting. Thank you," Professor Sprout told Susan and Neville, who nodded at her.

"Yes, professor," Both replied soon, walking away. Hannah waved at them while waiting for them outside the greenhouse.

"Good job, both of you," Hannah called as she approached them. "Hopefully, this will be enough for her to finally wake up."

"She will, however, remembering she's a guardian, has yet to be seen," Susan replied, walking next to Neville and Hannah. The group began their walk all the way up.

Like many other reincarnated Nazarick individuals, Susan hummed deeply, wondering if that would be the case. So far, Shallear, or as her current name was, Pansy Parkinson, showed no sign of "waking up" from the slumber she was in, which was strange in itself. Everyone else woke up when specific acts happened. But after Shalltear woke up the first time and knocked herself out by hitting her head on the edge of a table when she was overexcited to meet her lady, which caused amnesia.

A truly, sad and amusing incident, no doubt. But one that requires some sort of self-reflection. Since it could happen to any one of them, they were on human skin now. Fragile and weak.

Still, whatever fragility the inhabitants of Nazarick may have. It didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. Their mission. Their sole purpose was still the same.

And soon, walking into the hallway next to a small red-haired girl who seemed incredibly shy and exasperated Hermione. The group saw the only reason they mattered. The purpose of living was standing and eating a piece of bread while talking to Ginny.

"And then I told him... I'll credit you in one of my memoirs," Harriet said happily as Hermione groaned loudly and Ginny giggled softly.

"Harriet, you can't speak like that to Professor Snape!" Hermione stated while Harriet scoffed.

"He likes me. He won't do anything," Harriet declared proudly.

"Ugh!" Hermione only replied.

"You're amazing, H-Harriet. I have never seen a student a-acting so confidently around Professor Snape," Ginny said, stuttering. Still nervous about being around Harriet. Clearly, the small red-haired girl was still having many problems dealing with the aftermath of the Chamber of Secrets. It was kept on the hush, and only the teachers, Ginny's parents, Harriet, and company knew about Ginny's actions in the diary. It was better that way. It allowed some healing.

"Yes, I know, I am amazing," Harriet smiled smugly as she glanced at them. "Oh, hello, guys; where were you?"

"On the greenhouses, helping Professor Pomona with the Mandrakes," Neville replied. "They are ready for harvest."

"We were told to tell Professor Snape that," Susan added.

Harriet nodded, already interested. "Mm, I think he already knows. I did hear him speak with Mom about it. But telling him won't hurt."

"Wanna come with us?" Hannah asked as soon Harriet's smug vanished. The Girl-Who-lived coughed nervously. They all saw it and couldn't help but wonder why the sudden change.

"Harriet?" Hermione asked, tilting her head at her.

"I think I shouldn't be there. I already annoyed Uncle Sev enough for today," Harriet stated finally, and now the other chuckled at that statement.

"Didn't you say he liked you?" Neville teased.

"Don't poke the bear too many times. It may bite back," Harriet hummed contentedly, enjoying the words she had spoken. The rest, however, glanced at each other.

"You're calling Professor Snape a bear?" Susan asked, amused.

"And he bites," Harriet only replied. "Have you seen him today? A Ravenclaw tried to improvise his potion and ended up burning his cauldron and almost took the entire class with him. He is on edge. I don't want to get detention by teasing him more."

"A great statement, Miss Potter," Harriet froze when she heard Severus' words coming from behind her. It made her squeal slightly as she turned quickly, wondering why she hadn't felt his presence before. "It seems that you're smarter than you appear."

Snape drawled, earning an insulted look on Harriet's face. "I am smart, like brilliant. Just tell him, Hermione! Tell him!" she replied, making Snape scoff.

"Uh, she is smart?" Hermione replied anxiously. "I think..."

"You think?" Harriet now asked her so-called friend, who looked embarrassed. Neville coughed awkwardly, trying to dissipate the attention away from them.

"Professor Snape," Neville called. "Professor Pomona asked us to tell you that the Mandrakes are ready to harvest."

"I know, but still, thank you, Mister Longbottom. Thankfully, you'll keep your friend here out of harm's way," Severus directed an intense and ominous gaze towards Harriet, conveying a clear message that any attempt at communication would not be received favourably. He then proceeded to depart from the scene in a measured and deliberate manner, almost as if he was challenging her to say something.

Harriet remained quiet but could swear that Severus was messing with her, annoying her as she did to him.

"He is messing with me, right?" Harriet asked them. "Like... he is truly messing with me."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Hermione replied, humming a song. The rest, funnily enough, followed the bushy girl's lead and nodded.

"True, it's just a coincidence," Susan nodded.

"Indeed, now, Harriet, do you want to eat something?" Hannah said, smiling softly at Harriet, who frowned at them.

"I know what all of you are doing!" Harriet declared. "But yes, I am hungry. Let's go to eat."

Hermione rolled her eyes, and Ginny snorted, but the group followed Harriet. The days were calm and peaceful for now.

James was feeling quite exhausted and irritable after spending a long day dealing with a particularly challenging case. However, despite his weariness, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and vindication for having the issue in his hand. The joy of watching Lucius Malfoy's face as he saw Minister Fudge ignoring all of his demands was hysterical.

Fudge may be a corrupt baboon, but he was not that idiot to put himself in the fire for someone like Malfoy. Currently, Lucius was undesirable number one. Still, Lucius had people in his debt and knowledge about illegal activities. So, they needed to get all the evidence they could before the trial.

"But I'll get you, prick," James muttered, scoffing as he sipped his coffee.

James then looked at this fireplace and noticed someone entering his office. Only a few people could use it, and James knew who it was. A red-haired woman made her way in and smiled at him.

"Hello there, handsome," Lily smiled at her husband as James grinned at her. "Are you alone this evening?"

"Begone woman, don't you see I am a working and respectable man!" Lily erupted into laughter as a result of James' comical tone.

"Sure, James, sure you are," Lily replied, kissing her husband's lips. "My lovely husband, I did miss you."

"And I did miss you too, dear wife," James replied, kissing and hugging her tightly. James hid it well when Lily was missing without responding during her mission. The dread and overwhelming anxiousness were like he had never felt before.

Despite his initial worries, James felt relieved when he saw Lily again. However, he remained curious and intrigued about what she had discovered during her travels. The letter she wrote to him didn't say much, so he was still in limbo regarding her discoveries.

"Working on Lucius' case?" Lily asked as she sat down on the edge of James' desk, sipping her husband's coffee. James, of course, didn't mind.

"Yes, and it's going slow, all because of Lucius throwing gold left and right to get people to support him. He must be quite relieved we can't use Veritaserum on him for now."

"Because of His Lordship?" Lily asked as James added.

"And because Lucius wants to keep it on a Civil court instead of a Criminal Tribunal. We can't force Truth Serum in that case. That's why we want to get more evidence against him in order to take it all the way up."

Lily hummed deeply, hating the state of how someone like Lucius could still have some control over the Wizengamot.

"Mm, aren't we worried he will escape the country?" Lily asked as James grinned at her.

"We're aware that Lucius will likely attempt to flee if things go wrong. To prevent this, we have Gringotts to help us freeze his accounts if he tries to move his assets," Lily raised an eyebrow as James spoke. Still, she understood why the Goblins were eager to assist them, unlike some dark families who looked down on Goblins but still kept some cordial attitude around them. Lucius Malfoy had a history of animosity towards them. He would make sure to speak ill of even his own account manager. So, this made the situation a perfect opportunity for the Goblins to make Lucius regret everything. The Goblins have good memories and always remember an insult when it comes down to payback. They could be very vicious.

"I doubt Lucius like this," Lily said humorously, and James chuckled.

"He's currently being held in a cell suitable for someone with the title of a Lord, and we're confident he won't be able to escape from there. Also, Amelia has two Aurors guarding his cell at all times. Sirius has been one of them and spent hours singing to annoy him."

"Oh, my god, Sirius' singing is worst than a Dementor's kiss," Lily cringed slightly, almost feeling pity for Lucius. "What song is he singing?"

"I don't know, is a Muggle song," James replied, humming deeply, trying to remember the song. "Mm, it's something about... Raining men?"

Upon hearing the song's name, Lily burst out laughing so hard that it seemed like she might almost faint from the intensity of her laughter.

"Poor Lucius," Lily replied, cleaning the tears out of her eyes.

"Yes, no one should be tortured by Sirius' horrendous voice," James added, agreeing with Lily.

James and Lily sighed deeply, calming themselves a bit. James then glanced at Lily and asked her. "How is Harriet doing?"

"She's doing great. It seems she is quite bored now."

"Bored...?"

"It seems the last months were quite entertaining for her," Lily sighed.

"It seems our daughter has quite the adventurous spirit," James drawled at her, making her snort.

"From where she gets that?" Lily asked him, and James simply raised his hands.

"Hey, don't look at me. I'm innocent."

Lily rolled her eyes but wondered if Harriet's need for entertainment was something she inhered from them. She was, after all, a person who felt the same. Maybe she got that from me? I am, after all, someone who wanted to know all. Lily thought, looking at the similarities between her and her daughter.

"Still, I just can't help but like that. The year is almost over."

"Yes, me too," Lilly added.

James then stared at Lily again. "Lily, what happened? You went completely silent for weeks. I feared the worst."

Lily's mind suddenly flooded with memories, leaving her wondering if it had all been a dream. But she knew deep down that it was all real, and the mysteries she had yet to unravel were calling out to her. But one thing was clear: Harriet's role in the future was incredibly disheartening for Lily to know, especially since she felt that she couldn't stop it, no matter how much she tried.

"I went to the circle, and they always didn't help us. They just left me with more questions than answers. However, one thing is clear. They believe Harriet is... a sort of chosen one," Lily said, making James frown at that statement, not liking what he heard.

"There is more, right?"

Lily nodded slowly. "They spoke about Avalon, about how the island that Morgan Le Fay was supposedly a queen of was not her. She discovered it."

"Avalon...? Morgan Le Fay?" James stuttered, dumbfounded. "Those myths?"

"Well, the circle doesn't think they are just tales of old. But that island was here long before Morgan; she only discovered it and didn't rule over it."

James put his hand over his face, trying to understand what Lily was saying. "Wait, this is quite... a lot. What all of this has to do with Harriet?"

"They think she is the one who will claim the Source of Magic. A prophecy calls her the one to bring a sort of... new magic? I truly don't understand, James. The circle refused to tell me everything."

"Pricks," James muttered, as Lily only nodded, agreeing with that statement.

"I'll use another word to describe them. However, they have their own agenda, James. One that includes Harriet," Lily expressed her concern in a low voice. At the same time, James also seemed upset and frustrated, questioning why their daughter had to be the one everyone aimed at.

"We won't let them," James stated. "We won't let them use Harriet for their own amusement."

Despite her agreement with James, Lily felt compelled to share additional information with him. "There's something else. I was in Albania, trying to find someone to help us... and I think... I was attacked?"

James looked worried at that as he stood quickly and inspected his wife. However, Lily stopped him.

"I'm fine, James."

"How do you know? They could've used something in you...!"

"James, that's not the worrying part," Lily stared at him. "I found someone who could help us... perhaps."

"Perhaps...?" James raised an eyebrow, looking at Lily looked anxious. "Lily, who...?"

"The Circle told me about someone who has been helping them from the shadows for years. Someone who can help us..."

"Who...?"

"Gellert Grindelwald."

Harriet stared at the silver-haired blond girl sitting in front of her as she ate her breakfast. It was all bizarre, but she couldn't help but find her quite cute.

"So, Luna, how is your morning...?" Harriet asked slowly before Luna put a sticker on Harriet's cheek.

"Cute," Luna stated only, happily smiling, putting stickers on Hannah's cheek, who was sitting next to her. Harriet simply stared at the small girl and shrugged. She was used to witness strangeness in people. She was surrounded by weird people, including her. So Luna wasn't just that unusual. Besides, there was something about the small girl that made Harriet feel relaxed, even content. Luna had that aura around her, a peaceful and cheerful presence, which made Harriet happy.

"Thank you, Luna, you're cute too," Harriet replied, smiling. Luna tilted her head and nodded.

"You're shining now," Luna said. "Like, a moon. Apple told me it is normal, but does it hurt?"

"Hurt? Well, no..."

"Good, it's bad if it hurts," Luna said seriously. "That's why I no longer sleepwalk without shoes. I sometimes end up in the Forbidden Forest and end up stepping on rocks."

"You sleepwalk?" Harriet asked, confused and worried. "Isn't that dangerous?"

"Well, yes, but Apple takes care of me," Luna replied happily. At the same time, she started to eat her breakfast, getting herself dirty by eating too fast. Hannah sighed as she took a napkin and cleaned Luna's lips like a small child.

"Don't eat too fast, Luna," Hannah said as Luna hummed.

"Thank you, Hannah, you're so nice," Luna smiled. "Apple likes you a lot. She missed you."

Harriet was confused about who this Apple was, but Hannah simply chuckled, knowing what Luna was talking about.

"And I do miss her as well," Hannah only replied.

Harriet was struck by the depth and intensity of Luna's gaze, sensing that there was more to her than met the eye. Luna was a truly unique individual, and Harriet believed that there was a hidden aspect to her personality that even Luna herself might not be aware of. Despite not knowing her well, Harriet trusted that Luna was not a deceitful or attention-seeking person. She recognized that Luna was someone worth having by her side and that she would be a loyal friend. And if there's something everyone knows, was that Harriet takes care of her friends.

"Well, do be careful, Luna. Walking around barefoot is not dangerous. You could step in something," Harriet said firmly but gently. Luna tilted her head but nodded. "Also, try to tell people that you sleepwalk. You can hurt yourself."

"I'll try. I don't want to worry you, Harriet," Luna replied, smiling with such a pure and innocent smile that made Harriet beam with joy. "But I don't have friends."

"Well, that's a lie. We are your friends, Luna, and we are going to take care of you," Hannah stated firmly, making Luna look at both of them with stunned expressions that became softer.

"That's nice."

"And no more walking barefoot too."

"I know, but sometimes, I can't do anything about it. Wrackspurts take my shoes and hide them. Annoying little things," Luna said in a wistful like-voice. However, Harriet frowned.

"They hide your shoes?"

"Yes, sometimes they tide them on trees, and I had to climb, and other times they take my stuff and throw them all over the place."

Harriet glanced at Hannah, whose face darkened deeply. It was clear that those Wrackspurts weren't the ones doing this.

"Well, that can be happening anymore. Shall we search for the Wrackspurts and kindly ask them to stop, Hannah?" Harriet spoke with frustration while Hannah tried to control her anger by biting her lips and forcing a smile.

"Yes, we will," Hannah only stated.

Thankfully the topic changed once Harriet saw Professor Snape walking towards her.

"Miss Potter, Professor Dumbledore wants to speak with you," he drawled, making Harriet frown.

"Alright," Harriet said, standing up and following Snape towards the headmaster's office.

"He wants to speak privately with you," Snape muttered softly, staring at Harriet, who hummed deeply.

"I doubt you want me to meet him alone," Harriet asked, making him scoff.

"Your mother will kill me if I leave you alone with him," Severus stated, and it did make sense to Harriet.

"And that would be bad," Harriet replied.

"That's putting it mildly."

Harriet walked into the room with Professor Snape following closely behind. Upon entering, they saw Dumbledore feeding Fawkes, who glanced at them briefly. It was clear that Severus would not leave Harriet alone with Dumbledore, but the old wizard didn't seem to mind.

"Ah, Miss Potter, welcome, you too, Severus."

"Headmaster," Harriet called, walking towards him. "You call for me?"

"I did, yes," Dumbledore said, glancing briefly at Severus behind Harriet. "It seems that trust is still hard to come by."

"I'm a Slytherin, professor," Severus replied. "If I were to leave Miss Potter alone, Lily would have killed me."

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Yes, that does seem like something Lady Potter would do. Yet, don't worry. It won't take long. I just wanted to give Miss Potter something."

Harriet raised an eyebrow as she watched Dumbledore fumble under his desk before picking a book. A large thick book. "Ah, there it is... here, take it."

Harriet frowned as she took the book and looked at the cover. "Mysteries of Magic... and their structure?" As she murmured the book's title and flipped through its pages, Harriet discovered a fascinating collection of magical theories, spells, and experimental branches of magic. She also noticed that someone had added or modified spells between the paragraphs, which made her realise the true significance of the book.

"Professor, these letters, these words, are yours?" Harriet exclaimed, surprised as Dumbledore chuckled.

"Yes, they are mine," Dumbledore replied, smiling. "It's an old book made by a group of very ambitious wizards and witches, and each one added something as time passed. You see, this book creates more pages. A never-endless book of sorts. But one filled with many wonders from before my time."

As Harriet delved into the text, she found herself pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of information contained within its pages. However, she couldn't help but feel confused about why Dumbledore had entrusted her with this particular tome.

"Why are you giving me this, Professor?" Harriet asked as Dumbledore sighed deeply.

"Miss Potter, Harriet. I know that currently, you don't trust me, or your parents for that matter. A very well-earned suspicion from all of you. I have taken my time to reflect on my past actions. I regretted them, honestly. I spent too much time being put as the leader of a crusade from Grindelwald to Voldemort that I became blind and didn't truly know all."

It was hard not to believe Dumbledore's words as he spoke with such sincerity. The way he carried himself seemed to reveal a vulnerability that was uncommon for the powerful wizard. Yet, Harriet was still unsure if that was the case.

"Mm, I guess I understand," Harriet replied carefully. "Because everyone held you in high esteem, it was difficult to accept that you could make mistakes... and you began to believe that."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "I did think that for years. That my duty was to guide people to what I believed to be the right path. I became what I once hated the most."

As Harriet locked eyes with Dumbledore, she searched for any hint of deceit but found none. It was clear that Dumbledore was genuinely remorseful for what he had done. However, Harriet wouldn't jump and hug Dumbledore and become good friends with him. Still, if she could at least make Dumbledore stop trying to manipulate her, that would be good.

"I apologise, Miss Potter, for everything."

Harriet hummed deeply. "It's alright, Professor. People make mistakes," Harriet said, trying to play it cool and not show much. But Dumbledore liked that response.

"I want you to have that book."

"Wait, really?" Harriet looked at Dumbledore, who chuckled.

"Yes, I think you will find it useful, and you could add more in time."

"Are you trying to bride me? What's next? An all-you-can-eat buffet just for me?" Harriet spoke suspiciously, making Dumbledore laugh.

"Perhaps a bit," Dumbledore chuckled. "A token of good faith. This book is dangerous in the wrong hands. But I trust you'll put it to good use."

Harriet couldn't help but smile. "And I will... thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

"You're welcome, now, while the end of the year is coming. You should still focus on classes. I'll see you during dinner."

Harriet nodded as she waved her goodbyes. "Goodbye, Professor. Goodbye, Fawkes."

Dumbledore saw the girl leave with Severus behind her, who was clearly trying to find out if something was suspicious in the book. Which wasn't the case. The book was clean. Still, it was proof of how much work he had to do.

"Did I do good, Fawkes?" Dumbledore asked his loyal friend. "Do I still have the chance to change?"

Fawkes hummed a soft song, making Dumbledore smile. "Thank you, my friend."

Dumbledore wondered just how much things would change and if Harriet would be prepared to face them. He was still unsure. But he wanted to hope that things would be just fine for now.