Hello, everyone. I hope all of you are having a great time. Here is the next chapter of this fanfiction.

The year of therapy has begun, and we are going to see some changes in Harriet from now on, perhaps for good or maybe for bad. Still, hopefully, this will set the third year, and let me add that while there is no Prisoner of Azkaban, there will be something along the lines of that!

Now, the next update is going to be as follows!

-Boku No Overlod (Finally)

I'll post the next updates soon, so please keep in tune with me on my Tumblr!

I'll see you all in a few days. Have fun.

Check my Tumblr for news and future updates! And you'll find how you can support me! And more news about my upcoming book!

( paulythide . tumblr . com )

Chapter 39

Harriet settled herself at her house table, mumbling softly. The morning was fresh and promising, devoid of any overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression. Not that Harriet would ever acknowledge such emotions. No, today was a good morning for her. However, there was an unsettling sensation in the air, causing her skin to tingle slightly. Dismissing it as a mere allergy, she paid it no mind.

But the scratch did not leave.

Harriet took bites of her breakfast and paid little attention to what was going on around her until she heard Hermione's voice next to her.

Hermione inquired, "Harriet, have you had the chance to meet this psychiatrist?" All of Harriet's friends, who had been strangely silent on the matter, suddenly became attentive, eager to gauge Harriet's reaction. It appeared that everyone was hesitant to pry into such a personal affair, including Harriet's guardians. However, they couldn't help but be intrigued, and perhaps even suspicious, about Harriet's psychiatrist, albeit for different reasons.

That man, the peculiar German man, had an air of oddness and strangeness about him, which caused the guardians to distrust him greatly. But their questions would wait for now.

Harriet looked at Hermione, a bit pensive, before taking a sip of her juice.

"Yes, I have. He is an odd fellow, no doubt," Harriet replied. "But there is something weird about him that I cannot put my finger on… it's like… well, I don't know."

Harriet mumbled softly, pondering over the peculiar sensation she experienced in his presence. It was an inexplicable feeling of serenity as if Lukas Muller had an uncanny understanding of her. Harriet dismissed it as a psychological trick, not something so odd to think about; after all, Lukas Muller was an actual psychiatrist. Nevertheless, she couldn't deny the impact it had on her. At the very least, she found solace and tranquillity when he was near.

"I mean, he makes me feel peaceful. That's a positive, right?" Harriet added with a gentle smile.

That smile made the rest concerned, but the reason eluded them. Still, for her part, Hermione could not help but smile brightly at her.

"That's great!" Hermione exclaimed with a wide smile. "I've read that it's really important for you to feel safe with your therapist!" Harriet couldn't help but chuckle at her bushy-haired friend's unusual enthusiasm.

"You read? Of course you did; that's what you always do," Harriet replied with a teasing tone, causing Hermione to huff playfully.

"Dork," Hermione said.

"Dork? You're calling me a dork?" Harriet asked her, amused.

"Yes, but don't worry, you're my friend still, even if you're a spoiled brat."

"You spoiled brat, remember that," Harriet replied with a smile as Hermione giggled.

While enjoying the morning, Harriet was still quite unsure of what to feel.

The whole therapy thing for Harriet was fairly new; it would take time for her to get used to the idea of opening herself up in such a manner. But it was something she needed a great deal, and that was something she could not deny or evade.

I haven't had any panic attacks in a while. Or truly horrible nightmares, so that's a good thing…

Harriet pondered for a moment, observing Fleur's troubled expression. Fleur seemed lost in her thoughts, as if she had something to say but couldn't find the words. On the other hand, Fleur longed to understand and support her beloved mate, even though, technically, she was the one who held that title. Yet, there was an invisible barrier preventing her from truly understanding. Perhaps it stemmed from Harriet's reluctance to open up and share her fears. It was possible that Harriet harboured something she was afraid to reveal to Fleur, and everyone around her.

But what it was? Maybe Harriet doesn't even know it herself. But it has brought a great deal of problems to her.

"Fleur, what is it?" Harriet asked as she took Veela's hand. "Is everything alright?"

Fleur was jolted out of her thoughts and turned her gaze towards Harriet. Instantly, all of her worries faded away. Deep down, Fleur couldn't bear to burden Harriet with her own problems, especially when it was evident that her beloved already had enough on her plate. Therefore, Fleur made the only choice she knew, the only choice she could make—to set aside her own concerns. After all, Harriet meant more to her than anything else. And that was a good thing and a bad one.

"Nothing, my love," Fleur replied as she kissed Harriet's cheeks. "Just thinking about you being in the same room as a man. It's… eerie."

Harriet tilted her head before smiling.

"It's because of his German accent? I have to admit, it is quite charming," Harriet teased Fleur, who looked mildly offended now.

"It's that so…? Harriet, mon amour, si tu le désires, je peux parler ainsi, après tout. Le français est bien plus beau que l'allemand, n'est-ce pas?" Fleur said, her voice carrying the lilting tones of her native accent, each word dripping with charm and elegance.

Harriet just stared at Fleur before her face blushed deeply. "Fleur, just talk to me like that in private, yes?" Harriet replied as she practically jumped on Fleur's lap.

Fleur smiled triumphantly, holding her mate on her lap with a proud look on her face. "Oui," the French witch said.

"So, Harriet, when are you planning to take your first session?" Hermione asked, wearing an amused expression as she observed how Harriet seemed to be completely enchanted by Fleur's French words. Even Hermione had to acknowledge that listening to a Veela speak in her native language was quite a captivating sound.

Harriet hummed as she made herself comfortable on Fleur's lap. "Today, at the end of classes."

"Are you afraid?" Hermione asked.

"Mm, not really... I'm not exactly sure what a therapy session entails, so... I'm stepping into the unknown. But I'm also staying optimistic and hoping for the best," Harriet responded, giving herself permission to figure out how to navigate it all. After all, it couldn't be too difficult.

After the day's classes concluded, Harriet bid farewell to her friends and made her way towards the classroom that the therapist now occupied. With each step she took towards that place, a slight sense of anxiety crept over her. Standing in front of the door, she knew that behind it awaited a lengthy session of exposing herself and allowing someone else to see through her facade, which truly brought about a feeling of panic.

However, Harriet was determined not to back down at this point. It felt like it was already too late; she had made a promise to both her parents and herself.

"Stop it, don't be a… coward!" Harriet whispered to herself, observing her trembling hand with growing unease.

Without hesitation, she mustered her bravery and entered the room, only to be confronted by a scene that utterly shattered her preconceptions. The room deviated drastically from any space within Hogwarts; in truth, it resembled a cosy cottage with wooden tables, inviting chairs, and plush cushions begging for her repose. Yet, what truly captivated her attention was the abundance of delectable treats, chocolates, and nourishment laid out specifically for her indulgence.

"Wow," Harriet mumbled, astonished by what her eyes saw. "Amazing."

A small, gentle chuckle was soon heard, and it came from Lukas Muller, who dashed a bright smile at her.

"I do hope that this place is comfortable enough for you, Miss Potter," Lukas said, his eyes glued to his dear lady, who looked so different yet familiar to what he remembered of her.

"It's that... oreo cheesecake!" Harriet squealed with excitement, not bothering to wait for his permission. Of course, she didn't need it, anyway. She quickly took a seat and began devouring the dessert, much to Lukas' amusement, as he chuckled once again.

"Brought to you by your humble servant from one of the finest bakeries in all Germany," Lukas said as he bowed deeply, causing Harriet to snort at his shenanigans; of course, she didn't think too much of it. But Lukas's words meant more than she realised.

"It's delicious! You have to tell me where it is. I need to tell my friends, especially Blaise. He'll get more for me!" Harriet stated, causing Lukas to look at her amusingly.

"I will do it after today's sessions," he mentioned. Soon, those words triggered Harriet's realisation of her location and purpose, causing her to quickly lose her appetite.

"Oh, yes... after today's... of course," Harriet mumbled, placing the forks on the table. "So, how is this going to play out? Will you compel me to reveal my fears? Are you going to make me confess things that terrify me? How exactly will this all unfold?"

Harriet's voice carried an anxious weight and fear.

Lukas's expression softened, radiating gentleness, as he took a seat across the table, making sure to keep a safe distance. His utmost priority was to make Harriet feel secure and at ease in his presence. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel threatened, especially considering he was an adult male, which could potentially trigger painful memories for her. Lukas was fully aware of Harriet's past, even if she herself didn't remember it, and he was determined to shield her from any harm or discomfort.

"No, Miss Potter. I will not compel you to divulge anything or make you feel obligated to discuss matters you prefer to keep private," Lukas responded, causing Harriet to involuntarily furrow her brow.

"Then why all of this?" Harriet asked as she pointed at the room around her.

"I like comfy things," Lukas replied with a shrug.

"Uh, sure," Harriet mumbled.

"But again, your situation differs from that of any other case I encountered before."

"Because of this thing on my forehead that has a piece of Voldemort?" Harriet asked as she pointed at her scar.

"Yes, in part, a Horcrux is something not many therapists face every day. So, you're a special case, Miss Potter," Lukas said, causing Harriet to mumble something under her breath.

"Great, that's me," Harriet muttered.

Lukas couldn't help but smile despite the fact that the situation didn't really call for it. He found himself slightly amused by the way Harriet dealt with things. It seemed that she had grown so accustomed to facing problems and experiencing pain that she viewed them as mere annoyances. This insight allowed Lukas to gain a deeper understanding of her. In truth, the therapy session had begun the moment Harriet stepped through the door.

But he won't tell Harriet that.

"However, my purpose is to examine you and the profound impact your experiences and memories have on you. In this space, Miss Potter serves as your sanctuary. I will not force you to share any information you are not comfortable sharing with me. Nor make feel as if your duty to say something."

Harriet appeared slightly taken aback, but she felt a wave of relief, knowing that she wouldn't be compelled to engage in anything of that nature, at least for now. If she were being honest, she simply wasn't prepared. And Lukas appeared to know it as well.

"So… what are we going to do now?" Harriet asked, unsure of what would be placed next.

"You could finish your cake," Lukas smiled. "And we can talk about your friends; what do you think?"

Harriet looked at him for a few minutes, wondering why he made her feel so nostalgic.

"Mm, I think we can do that," Harriet replied, causing Lukas to smile brightly.

"I would love to hear it," Lukas stated, and both sat at that table for an hour, simply talking.

Harriet struggled to put into words the indescribable feeling, the overwhelming sensation that came with conversing with Lukas Muller. It was as if she had an innate familiarity with him, a deep sense of ease that made time slip away unnoticed. Despite eating very little, Harriet found herself engaged in endless conversations; perhaps that was the most accurate way to depict their connection.

"I really can't comprehend it... they're constantly following me... they behave as if I were their boss," Harriet sighed heavily, leaning back in her chair.

"Does it bother you?" Lukas asked her.

"Not necessarily; I actually enjoy being spoiled," Harriet replied, her smug smile fading as a tinge of sadness crept in. "But... occasionally, I do wish they would treat me more like a friend, you know?"

Lukas silently nodded, jotting down notes in his small notebook. Harriet seemed oblivious to the fact that she was being diagnosed, but he could sense her true emotions beneath the facade. Though she tried to appear unaffected, the truth was that it was genuinely heartbreaking.

Lukas couldn't help but wonder how Harriet would react once she remembered her true identity and discovered that her so-called friends were actually the Guardians of Nazarick, bound by loyalty to her. They were always meant to be by her side. It was a question that left Lukas at a loss for an answer, and he dreaded the approaching day when Harriet would have to confront this truth.

"What about your other friends? Do you have another group of people who you can refer to as such?" Lukas asked, and Harriet found herself pondering deeply in response to that question.

"I mean, there's Hermione. I actually really like her. She's different, the only one who engages in banter with me and teases me about being spoiled. She even jokes that one day I'll become fat," Harriet said, a smile lighting up her face. "Well, then there's Ginny... but we don't really hang out much. And there are a few other Hufflepuffs, but not many."

Lukas hummed deeply. "What about spending more time with people outside your group? Expanding your group of friends may allow you to experience more."

"Expanding my group of friends?" Harriet tilted her head.

"Yes, it may also prompt your current circle of friends to explore those connections. Since they all revolve around you, they will be compelled to spend time with the same people you do. Additionally, this will help reduce the co-dependency you have found yourself in."

Harriet had not considered it in such a way before. True, to be told, she has thought about talking to more people. She considered herself charming enough to do it. So, it wouldn't be that hard. Still, the thought of making her friends hang out with other people was quite hilarious as well.

"I think that's a good idea," Harriet replied while absentmindedly scratching her arm once again. Lukas frowned at her action but chose to remain silent for the time being.

"I'll speak with my minions," Harriet said.

"Your minions?" Lukas looked at her, amusingly.

"Yes."

Lukas couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief at how upfront Harriet could be. However, he understood that it was just her way of demonstrating her love for them. It was an unusual kind of love, but it was genuine nonetheless.

"Goodness, look at the hour; it is getting late," Lukas said. "You should go to your common room now. The next session would be tomorrow at the same hour."

Harriet nodded a bit happily. "Can I take this cheesecake?"

"Of course, it's all yours," Lukas replied, smiling.

Harriet giggled as she took the last cheesecake. But as she was walking away, she turned back to Lukas.

"You're not going to tell anyone about… what we spoke today, right?" Harriet asked him, with a hint of nervousness in her voice.

In a serious tone of voice, Lukas replied, "Miss Potter, everything we spoke about and will continue to speak about shall remain confidential. I am obligated to keep this a secret, even from your parents."

"Oh, even my parents?"

"Unless you say otherwise."

Harriet nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Goodnight, Miss Potter," Lukas replied, waving goodbye, as he saw Harriet leaving the room. After a while, Lukas sighed as he looked at the notes he had written.

"Nothing much has changed."

Lukas stood up and walked towards a desk where he had many things, including a set of letters. It had been a long time since he had taken part in the games of this world, since the last great human war, when he had to forcefully move things faster. Yet, it was all for the good of Nazarick, for her lady, and for the world that it may come.

"The world you frequently mentioned during our private moments in Nazarick... the world of devastation, the utopia of solitude and insanity. I won't let such a world come into existence here. Not as long as I have the power to prevent it," Lukas muttered, his body gradually shifting and transforming until Lukas Muller disappeared completely.

Soon, another person stood there, one that many considered dead or gone.

"It's regrettable that I cannot reveal my identity just yet, Albedo, Demiurge... it's all part of my mission. But if you're clever, you will uncover the truth. However, I won't make it a simple task for either of you. After all... that's when the excitement truly starts," he whispered, his eyes revealing the iris of a wizard whose name once carried immense power and authority.

"Let's see, where are the other Horcruxes? My, my, dear Voldemort, you truly are a nuisance."

Author's note.

Let me apologize to any French speaking person! I'm sorry, if I butcher your language!