Hello every one; here is the next update! Hopefully, you guys are all seeing how fast the updates are coming up! I know they aren't 5k-long chapters, but they are still 4k words long. It's a good length of a weekly upload. Now, the next update is as follows!

-One Piece: A Demon's Treasure

-Two chapters of my original work

-Overlord: The Demon Who Lived? (Smut fanfiction)

Then I'll post what fanfiction follows next since there are a few who need love. Still, that would be all for now, see you guys in a few days!

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Chapter 36

After the sorting, the great hall hosted a warm New Year's dinner with a large banquet for everyone. However, the students couldn't shake their anxiety about the dementors patrolling the school outskirts, searching for Lucius Malfoy. Albus Dumbledore appeared angry about this, possibly furious to have such a creature near the school. Yet, he managed to hide his emotions behind a grandfatherly smile. The students took this as a sign that it would not be a normal school year again. Perhaps they should be getting used to this sort of thing.

However, out of all the students currently at Hogwarts, there was one person who always seemed to be at the centre of everything: a Hufflepuff girl who was currently behaving in such an uncommon manner that those familiar with her noticed right away that this was not normal. A distant and lifeless stare replaced Harriet's usual cheerful and cheeky demeanour.

Harriet Potter was sitting at the Hufflepuff's table, looking at her food, which remained untouched by her fork. She was not eating; she was just staring at it. Everyone on the Hufflepuff house table saw their housemate with worried faces.

"Fleur, what happened to Harriet?" Ever the gentleman, Cedric asked gently, his eyes fixed on Harriet's pale face. Fleur let out a sigh and merely glanced at him in response.

"Dementors boarded our waggon. It appears Harriet has an extreme reaction to them," Fleur replied, but her voice was tight, and the only thing she could do was to hold Harriet's hand and no more.

"Shouldn't we tell Professor Sprout?" Cedric suggested, but soon, his attention was drawn to a sudden set of cruel chuckles.

"Hey, Potter!" someone from Slytherin shouted as he threw a chicken bone that struck her head. "We hear you piss yourself! Is that true? Did you piss yourself because of the Dementors?"

Harriet did not move; in fact, she seemed to not even notice that piece of bone hitting her head. She simply remained silent. Yet, Fleur and the rest of Harriet's inner circle and the Hufflepuff house glared at the Slytherin table.

"What's your problem, Flint?!" Cedric hissed angrily.

"What is it, Cedric? Do you think she is going to kiss you back?" Flint and his gang of Slytherin students laughed. "Are you waiting for that half-breed slut to spread her legs for you?"

Fleur's eyes blazed with a fierce hatred, and she wasn't alone in her anger. The others were equally prepared to take him down, along with anyone who dared to mock their cherished lady.

"You despicable little...!" Fleur hissed, as her inner demon began to emerge, accompanied by her Veelas' characteristic. Her eyes sharpened, her nails elongated, and her face took on a more primal, animalistic appearance. If Fleur didn't restrain herself, she feared she might pounce on Flint and rip his tongue out with her bare hands. Thankfully, Snape and Sprout arrived quickly, as they saw how both houses were throwing insults at each other.

"What's going on here?" Professor Snape demanded as he glared at his snakes; at least half of the Slytherin house had become secluded from the rest. He knew why that was the reason.

Not many truly grasped Slytherin's inner workings. It revolved around tradition, bloodlines, house loyalty, and other trivial matters. However, there were Slytherin students who simply wished to be left alone, caring little for the whole pureblood ideology and inner house politics. The other half, on the other hand, could be described as more "progressive" in their thinking. They desired to move beyond their parents' outdated beliefs about blood superiority. While they still saw themselves as "superiors" due to their noble lineage, they refused to partake in the degradation or torment of those who were half-bloods or even muggle-born.

Then, there were the children of the Death Eaters—those who had suffered immense losses, including the loss of their parents, in the previous war. These youngsters not only inherited their parents' beliefs but also possessed unwavering loyalty to the Dark Lord, eagerly anticipating his return so they could return to their rightful place at the top of the food chain.

Snape was keeping an eye out for this group.

However, there was another group in the Slytherin house that Snape kept a close watch on. Despite being the smallest, they held significant influence not only in Slytherin but also throughout Hogwarts. This group consisted of Harriet and her friends. Snape recognised the exceptional cunning and magical prowess of Blaise Zabini, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, and now Pansy Parkinson. Those four were, without a doubt, responsible for influencing most of the house to join them and the large alliance the Potter family has now.

Snape couldn't help but ponder if Harriet had any inkling of what those four were up to, of what all of her friends were doing. To him, it seemed as though Harriet was utterly oblivious to their actions. And perhaps that ignorance was a blessing in disguise.

Nevertheless, Snape needed to keep the peace for now.

"I don't remember the Slytherin house behaving like a band of unruly children before," Snape hissed at them, especially at Flint and his group.

"The same goes for my badgers," Sprout stated loudly. "You're lucky we are just starting the new year, or I'd put all of you in detention for the rest of the year!"

The Hufflepuff murmured softly, but the Badgers would have embraced that detention proudly. After all, one of their own was being ridiculed in front of everyone. How could they possibly stay silent? They adored their small badger, Harriet, and were ready to defend her against any other house that dared to insult her.

"Now, Harriet, my dear, are you feeling unwell?" Sprout whispered, noticing that Harriet had finally grasped the situation unfolding around her. However, her mind continued to wage a daunting battle within itself. The memories of her past life and the torment she endured became increasingly challenging to suppress, to the point she could almost feel it psychically.

"I am," Harriet wanted to say, but soon, an image came to her mind that revolted her.

Do you like it, my dear?

The sound of that voice reverberated in her mind, causing Harriet to uncontrollably vomit onto the ground. Both Sprout and Snape were taken aback by this unexpected reaction.

"Oh, my dear! Please take her to the hospital wing," Sprout said, and Fleur quickly took her mate and walked away.

Snape glanced at Dumbledore, who looked as troubled as he was.

I'll write to Lily, as something is happening to her daughter.

Snape thought, knowing that something must be done in order to help the Girl-Who-Lived. But what could they do? That was something Snape wasn't sure.

Harriet was lying in the hospital wing, having been administered a dreamless potion to aid her sleep. She was well aware that she desperately needed it. In fact, Harriet, more than anyone else, knew that she was teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown. It required a great deal of maturity for her to acknowledge that she could no longer handle the burden. Harriet had reached a point where she simply could not continue suppressing those memories.

However, Harriet wondered how she could possibly find a way to fix herself if it was even possible. She contemplated the idea of simply obliviating herself, thinking that it might help. Yet, Harriet was unwilling to entertain the thought of wielding her own wand to do the job. Additionally, she did not want to have someone going inside her mind again. Harriet wanted to keep everyone away from her mind.

What can I do...? Harriet whispered, feeling tired and ready to sleep.

"Fleur...?" Harriet whispered, feeling her mate's hand on her own.

"I am here, my love," Fleur replied softly.

"I'm drowning..." Harriet mumbled before sleep took her. But those words linger in Fleur's mind since she was faced with a problem she could not fix.

She, like many, did not know what was happening in Harriet's mind, nor why the dementors affected her that much, to the point of making her psychically ill. But whatever it was, Fleur knew that it had to be something horrible.

"I'll help you somehow," Fleur whispered, slowly caressing Harriet's cheek. "No matter what. I'll be here for you."

The morning arrived, and Harriet woke up feeling renewed, or at least close to it. The dreamless potion had provided her with a respite, allowing her to avoid confronting her nightmares until she was prepared to take action. However, Harriet couldn't help but ponder what exactly she could do now.

"Thank you, Hannah, for bringing me breakfast," Harriet said, smiling warmly at the blond-haired girl, who responded with a gentle smile.

"Always," Hannah said as she started serving Harriet her breakfast with great care on the small table. Oddly enough, Harriet was unaware that Hannah and the rest of the Pleiades were actually in charge of making Harriet's meal. It wasn't the house elves who cooked what Harriet ate. Hannah has asked permission to use the kitchen. There were reasons for asking that, not only to ensure no one put anything in their lady's meal but to keep up with their skill and duties as the Pleiades and their lady's maids.

Hannah prepared a delicious spread of French toast, bacon, and eggs. She topped it off with a delightful strawberry milkshake for dessert, which Harriet devoured happily.

"I needed this," Harriet moaned with a contented smile as she savoured every bite of her meal.

"If you wish, I can bring you more," Hannah replied dutifully.

"It's alright," Harriet replied as she looked around. "Where is the rest? Where is Fleur?"

"Right now, they're... um, occupied," Hannah hurriedly explained. She was aware that Demiurge was plotting retribution for the person audacious enough to toss a piece of chicken at their lady's head. However, they were also devising a plan to deal with the dementors. They could not have them near their lady if they posed a threat.

"Oh," Harriet nodded before hearing someone entering the medical wing.

"Harriet!" Hermione and Ginny quickly arrived. "Are you sick still? Are you feeling like puking again? I read something about puking in such a grey colour. You may have an infection! What about diarrhoea? Are you experiencing stomach ache?" The bushy girl asked worriedly.

Ginny, Hannah, and Harriet exchanged disgusted glances as they stared at the bushy-haired girl. While they understood her good intentions, it was definitely not the right time to discuss it, especially since Harriet was in the middle of her meal.

"If you make her remember what she pukes, of course she would," Ginny muttered, as Harriet could not help but agree with the red-haired girl's words.

"Oh, sorry," Hermione replied sheepishly.

"Yes, I feel better, but please don't remind me about last night," Harriet muttered as she finished her milkshake. "I have a lot in mind, but I am trying to find peace with myself."

Harriet's words made the group of girls look at each other, wondering what she could mean by that. Yet they remained quiet.

"Ah, Miss Potter, you're awake," Pomfrey said as she arrived with a set of potions. "Now, take this one. It's only for today, and it should keep you from puking again."

"And the rest...?"

"They are the usual options for your headaches, and, well, you know," Pomfrey pointed at Harriet's scar, making the girl groan.

Harriet scratched her nose but sighed. "Alright," she sip the potions.

"Harriet, are you going to write to your parents?" Ginny asked, and Harriet nodded, although a part of her felt that her parents had already been contacted.

"Yeah, I wish to know why dementors are here; I truly doubt, really doubt, it is because of Lucius Malfoy."

"It does seem a bit far-fetched," Hannah commented, having a hunch that Blaise was also considering the possibility of something strange occurring within the Ministry. It crossed their mind that someone might have harboured a desire to see Lucius Malfoy eliminated, and using a Dementor to administer the kiss would be a clever way to carry out the deed without leaving any evidence behind.

"Hopefully, they'll succeed. I don't want to see another dementor ever again," Harriet muttered, and from the way Hannah stared at her, those words were like orders given to them.

I need to inform Fleur about this. Hannah thought, realising that the upcoming meeting was going to be lengthy.

Upon learning about the Dementor's assault on the Hogwarts Express, it took Lily and James Potter no time at all to make their way to Hogwarts. By now, they should have expected some sort of incident to take place each year.

"Welcome, Lily and James," Dumbledore said, observing as the couple glanced around his office. Lily and James let out a sigh before taking a seat in front of the old headmaster. "I assume you have informed Amelia about what transpired," he stated.

"Yes, and right now, Amelia is ripping a new one into Fudge. But the fat gazer is not backing down. So far, the dementors will remain here," James spat angrily. Now, even Dumbledore appeared irritated, to the point that Fawkes had to calm his master by singing softly.

"I see," Dumbledore replied.

"Have been other students affected by the dementor attack?" Lily asked, and Dumbledore shook his head.

"Besides the normal reaction? No. None of them had the same reaction as young Miss Potter," Dumbledore replied, and Lily sighed in relief. Yet, her mind then focused on her child.

"What about Harriet? Is she right?"

"Yes, she is currently having breakfast. She seemed fine, but I'll let you decide for yourself," Dumbledore's words seemed to calm the Potter parents. However, there was a lingering concern they needed to address—Harriet's intense reaction to the Dementor. It was abnormal and impossible to overlook. "I believe Harriet's well-being is our main concern. I have never seen someone react to a dementor in such a way before. To be physically ill is new for me to see."

"As we are," James replied.

"Maybe it has to be Harriet's Horcrux?" Lily added with a nervous look on her face.

"It's possible," Dumbledore said. "However, I also believe that Harriet's heightened sensitivity to Dementors might be due to some undisclosed lingering trauma within her." This statement caused Lily and James to exchange glances, as it was something they had both pondered before. "After all, that's what dementors do. They dig into our memories, feed on them."

"Harriet is one brave girl, wise beyond her years. But despite her strength, she is still a child and has gone through so much. Sometimes, trauma can creep up on us and hide in the most unexpected places. It's like a silent predator lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. And those dementors seem to be drawn to it like moths to a flame," Dumbledore's words were enough to make Lily and James agree with him. Even if they still didn't fully trust him, he spoke the truth here.

"We have been thinking of taking her to a muggle psychiatrist. But knowing the nature of the trauma, we were hoping to find someone who was also a wizard or witch," James said.

"Mm, that's a valid point; it would grant young Miss Potter the freedom to express herself without worrying about violating the Statue of Secrecy," Dumbledore hummed contemplatively.

Lily, wearing a grim expression, expressed her opinion, "Wizarding Folk rely excessively on magic, even in situations like this. Even Mind Healers tend to resort to Obliviation as their initial approach when confronted with traumatic memories."

"And I doubt Harriet wished someone would erase her memories," James said as he leaned on the chair with a tired sigh. "We know we don't want that."

"Perhaps I can be of assistance," Dumbledore offered, extending his hand towards the Daily Prophet. However, as he did so, an eerie sense of bewilderment washed over him. Why do I find myself in possession of a copy of the Daily Prophet? Dumbledore pondered, feeling dazed. Yet, even for a formidable wizard such as himself, the compulsion emanating from the newspaper proved to be overwhelming, causing the confusion to quickly dissipate.

"Professor?" Lily asked, her worry evident as she observed Dumbledore's face, which seemed momentarily disoriented. "Is there something wrong?"

"Oh, no, my dear, it's just old age," Dumbledore replied. Lily and James exchanged a quick glance before turning their attention to the Daily Prophet announcement page.

"Lukas Muller, first Psychiatrist, therapist and Mind Healer wizard," Lily read out loud before frowning. "What?"

"I have never heard of this Lukas Muller before," James stated, frowning.

"Me neither," Dumbledore said as he watched Lily taking her time reading the article written about this particular person.

"He seems to have gained quite a following in Germany over the past years," Lily responded as she delved into Lukas Muller's extensive years of service. "He possesses approximately eight years of experience in assisting young witches and wizards who have experienced various forms of trauma. This includes muggleborns who have suffered abuse at the hands of their own families."

"Do you think he can help Harriet?" James asked softly.

"I don't know, but we can at least try to talk to him," Lily replied before looking at Dumbledore. "Professor, could you perhaps arrange a meeting with him at Hogwarts?"

"Of course, Lily," Dumbledore responded gently. "But also, there is something I wish to ask of you; we currently have an available position that may interest you. Considering your expertise in this area is the same as Severus, would you be willing to take on the role of the potion teacher for this year?"

"Potion teacher? What about Severus?" Lily asked.

"To be honest, I'm asking you because I couldn't find a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher for this year. I thought about approaching Remus with this offer, but he's currently the new delegate for magical species at the ICW. And many of my friends and colleagues weren't capable of taking the role. So, Severus convinced me that he could teach both classes. But I think it would be too much for him."

Lily chuckled. "He always wanted to be a DADA teacher," she replied with an amused face.

"And I think it would be good for Harriet to have one of you here, especially if we can get this Lukas Muller to help her."

Lily contemplated her choices, realising that she wasn't truly occupied. Her inquiries had halted, particularly after her recent involvement with Grindelwald, which she preferred to keep hidden from Dumbledore, at least for now. She was uncertain of Dumbledore's reaction if she were to disclose that the former Dark Lord was assisting her in finding a solution to eliminate Harriet's Horcrux.

Still, the idea of being near Harriet would surely bring comfort not only to them but also to her daughter, especially with the Dementors around still.

"James," Lily whispered, glancing at James, who appeared to share her thoughts.

"It's a great idea," James responded, gently grasping Lily's hand. "I'll do my best to exert pressure on Fudge and ensure the removal of those dementors. I'm certain Amelia will also lend her support."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am, Lily. Besides, I think our daughter needs her parent's support."

Lily leaned back and sighed. "Alright. I accept professor."

"Thank you, Lily. Severus would be disappointed in not being able to teach both classes. He was rather excited about it."

Lily snorted. "No doubt. But I'll keep potion's position."

"I'll notify Severus."

Lily nodded and soon glanced at James. "I'll keep an eye out for Harriet."

"I know you will, but still, I want to speak with this, Lukas Muller. I want to trust him with our child."

Lily nodded before kissing his cheeks. "We have to tell Narcissa about this."

"She is going to feel lonely, no doubt," James replied.

"Narcissa is a strong woman, not a little girl. She will not die of loneliness," Lily replied before smiling brightly. "Although, I think we can come up with something."

"Oh, I am all ears," James said, smirking widely before a loud, awkward cough was heard, and it was from Dumbledore, who stared at both of them.

"I think this sort of conversation is not for my ears," Dumbledore replied with an amused look on his face.

"Oh, yes, that's true."

Lily and James said sheepishly before focusing on the most critical matters.

Harriet walked towards the great hall, ready to start a new year after such a sick first night. She stopped and took a deep breath. I just want a peaceful year and nothing more. Harriet thought before a set of arms hugged her from behind.

"I've got you!" Nymphadora exclaimed with a joyful tone, snuggling up to Harriet.

"Hey, you," Harriet replied. "Where is everyone?"

"They are getting ready for the year and also getting your timetable."

Harriet nodded before walking towards the great hall, where she could see her friends whispering to each other, seemingly in a deep conversation. But when they saw her, they quickly smiled at her.

"Mm? What is it? Are you guys plotting something?" Harriet asked suspiciously.

Demiurge smiled but shrugged the question off. "Don't worry, Harriet, just talking about our new teachers."

"Oh, new teacher? Who is it?"

"Well, supposedly, Professor Snape was going to teach both DADA and potions, but we have heard that a new teacher arrived not too long ago," Fleur replied enthusiastically.

"Professor Snape teaching two classes? Bloody hell, just dress me up and gently spank me. That sounds absolutely dreadful," Tracey muttered from the back as Hannah smacked her in the head.

"That doesn't make sense," Hannah hissed.

"So, who is the new teacher?" Harriet asked before hearing a set of steps behind her.

"That would be me!"

Harriet recognised the voice and was shocked to see her mother and father there.

"Mom?! Are you the new potion teacher? Why didn't you tell me?!" Harriet exclaimed loudly.

"Well, dear, it was not planned. But after what happened, we needed to be here," Lily said, slowly caressing her daughter's strange multicolour hair. "How are you feeling, dear?"

"Great, I've had a satisfying meal, thanks to dear Hannah here. And I feel much better now," Harriet responded with a smile. However, her golden pupil briefly fluctuated in size, and not only that, but her other eye became cloudy. Harriet appeared lightheaded before returning to normal, catching the attention of Lily and James, who exchanged concerned glances.

"Are you sure, dear?" James asked nervously before Harriet frowned.

"Yes, and I already have the potions Madam Pomfrey gave me for my headaches."

"Alright," both parents replied. "Also, Harriet, there's something we wanted to talk about, but in private."

Harriet arched an eyebrow and nodded. Glancing behind her, she noticed her friends' expressions, which strangely conveyed their awareness of what her parents wished to discuss with her. Harriet followed her parents into an empty room, and they guided Harriet to sit in the chair.

"What is it?" Harriet asked.

"Harriet, we have talked and wanted to ask you what you think about taking therapy," Lily asked softly. The first thing she wanted to make sure was that they weren't pushing Harriet to do something like this without her input. Honestly, both James and Lily had no idea how to start the conversation. But one thing they knew, without a doubt, was that they loved Harriet with all their hearts and wanted the best for her and help.

"Therapy?" Harriet muttered.

"We wanted to ask you if you would be willing to go to therapy," James asked carefully as Harriet's face became serene yet quite emotional. It was as if Harriet wanted to say a lot but could not find the words.

"Do you want me to?" Harriet asked softly.

"We want you, but we won't pressure you nor force you to," James responded, his emotions in turmoil. However, he refused to deny his child the opportunity to express herself and share her true feelings. This assurance made Harriet feel more secure despite her awareness of the necessity of the situation. The thought of exposing herself and feeling vulnerable was something she despised and feared.

"I've been thinking it, actually," Harriet whispered back at them. "Just, I didn't want to admit it. And I don't want a mind healer in my head, poking, looking. I refuse that."

"We understand," Lily quickly replied. That's why we wanted to bring this person. She then gave the newspaper to Harriet, who tilted her head and frowned as she read.

"Lukas... Muller?" Harriet muttered, sensing a déjà vu in that name. "Quite the stereotypical German name."

"That's true," Lily chuckled.

"Can I meet him first?" Harriet asked nervously. "Before anything else."

"Of course, dear," James replied. "Whatever you need."

Harriet let out a sigh, her gaze falling to her shoes. Well, there's no turning back now. I have to go through with it; I can't continue hiding. She thought, her eyes then shifting towards her parents. It's for my sake and theirs. I have to do this.