The Other Potter

Chapter eleven

Harriet didn't know if she was disappointed or not to find out her father wasn't home when they got back from the station; A part of her wanted him to be there, to be sorry and for him to try and do everything in his power to mend their relationship. Yet another part of he was glad he was at work, that she wouldn't see him, because what if he wasn't sorry? Or what if he didn't try? At least with him gone she didn't know.

"Wonder if dad left a note?" James muttered from next to her, he and Sirius had flooed in before her.

"Wonder if he will let Remus and Peter over this summer?" Sirius added, he was buried waist deep in his trunk, rummaging for something, although she didn't know what.

"Hopefully," James added, just as a house elf popped in.

"Little masters, little mistress, yous father be leaving a message. He bes sorry but he be working late tonight."

Harry nodded, "thank you, Pockie, could you please take my trunk to my room?"

The elf nodded, "of course miss Harry."

With her trunk gone she turned and started to walk out of the room.

"Wait Harry," James said, cutting himself off when she turned to him, "ermm, I was just...well... you and dad are gonna make up right? You're not gonna fight anymore?"

Harriet rolled her eyes internally, "I don't know, hopefully."

"Couldn't you just, like, try to get along... he's not wrong you know, Dark magic is evil, and he just wants to protect you."

"I know he does, but he's protecting me from things I don't been protection from."

Sirius scoffed, "you think that they will love you and look after you? They're just rotten snakes who care only about themselves. When you're no longer any use to them they'll throw you out, just like they did me!"

Harriet narrowed her eyes, "they are our family, or rather mine, and they didn't throw you out but let you go. You control your actions Sirius; you knew the consequences."

Sirius sneered, "just you watch, one day you're going to come back begging and I'm gonna remind you of this. Maybe if you're lucky, and your face is still pretty, I'll even give you the honour of a second chance, of being with me."

James looked uncomfortable, "Sirius..." he reprimanded weakly, sending the raven-haired Gryffindor a shocked look.

Harriet however internally snarled, "I would rather go down on my knees for a squib than ever willingly be with you."

James gasped, startled by the vulgarity coming from his sister, who was innocent and would remain so until marriage if he had any say, "HARRY!"

Sirius drew his wand, face flushed with anger, causing Harriet to draw hers, however before a curse could be caste a pop echoed.

"No magic's to be used against each other!" Pockie squeak shouted, eyes bulging in concern, "Master Charlie said we is to stop you if you tried."

Harriet nodded stiffly, "I'm sorry Pockie," she said as she walked out.

Sirius snorted, "yeah walk away," he muttered, before yelping as James thumped his arm, "what was that for?" he asked, bewildered.

James shook his head, "she's my sister man. You can't say stuff like that to her!"

Sirius rubbed his arm, "whatever."

/

Charlus sighed as he exited the floo, it was almost midnight and he was due back in the office tomorrow at eight. Rubbing his tired eyes, he walked up the stairs, carefully to remain silent.

As he got to the family floor her noticed a light coming from under Harriet's door. For a moment he stilled, internally at war before a loud angry yowl broke the silence. Bia had been living up to her namesake whenever he had the misfortune of seeing her since the incident at Christmas. The kneazle had stalked him, attacked him and taken to destroying his things almost daily in retribution for her mistress's poor treatment. Still, he couldn't let his fear of his daughters four-legged defender stop him. He wanted to see his daughter; he just didn't know if she would want to see him. However, before he made the decision the door opened.

Harriet stood there in a faded Slytherin quidditch jersey, whose he didn't know, but the thing dwarfed her.

"What are you doing up still sweetheart?" he asked.

Harriet blinked at the endearment, "I was working on some formulas, but I heard Bia and when I looked, I saw your magic pulsing through the door."

Charlus tilted his head, he often forgot about her gift, she didn't seem to use it much, or rather he could no longer tell when she used it as her eyes didn't glow unnaturally green, they just seemed to shine a bit more. It wasn't obvious, and she didn't brag about it, unlike how most would treat such a gift. How often at work he heard purebloods boasting about their rare talents and family magics- it was unbecoming.

"Are you okay father?" she asked at his silence.

Charlus chuckled tiredly, "sorry sweetheart, I'm fine, just tired."

"You should go to sleep then. You've got work tomorrow?" the second part said like a question.

Charlus winced, "I do, but I've got a few days off coming up. I... I wanted to spend some time together... I know I said it, but I truly am sorry... I don't like this distance between us. I'm hoping that by spending some time together we can fix this."

Harriet nodded cautiously, she wanted to believe the words but until she saw some actions, she would remain sceptical.

Charlus sighed when he saw she wouldn't reply, "you should get some sleep as well sweetheart."

"I will," she replied quietly.

"Goodnight darling, I love you."

"Love you too," Harriet said softly, bending down to pick up the kneazle that was now happily purring against her.

"Did you leave another dead doxie in his bed?" she asked the creature quietly as she returned to her room, louder purring was the response she got which she took as a confirmation, sighing in both exasperation and pride she rubbed behind Bia ears, "clever girl."

/

As James and Sirius had both turned sixteen during the school year, Harriet wasn't surprised that her father had arranged a party for then, although it lacked the traditional rituals and fanfare that one would expect of a pureblood heirs' birthday party. Still both boys seemed to love it as it was a party full of Gryffindor's and light sympathisers.

Standing to the side and sipping the punch with had been pleasantly spiked, Harriet watched as lily Evans seemingly succumbed to her rothers charms. The red headed witch was one of the many Gryffindor's loitering around the manor, but her presence had surprised Harriet, as last she heard the witch still loathed her brother. Yet looking now as her cheeks blushed to match her hair, it would seem James's persistence had started to wear her down.

"Enjoying the party my dear girl?" asked an elderly voice.

Recognising it, Harriet ensured that her occlumency shields were tight before turning and gracing the headmaster with a polite smile, "it's certainly something headmaster."

"It's nice to see people surrounded by their loved ones having fun, especially in these Dark times," he commented.

"Indeed, being with family and friends is its own type of magic in my opinion."

Dumbledor laughed, "quite right my dear, quite right. Its nice to see you here with us, surrounded by those that love you."

Harriet fought not to roll her eyes, "I would never miss my brother's birthday, family is, like I said, important."

"It is, but I fear, sometimes family can lead us astray… if you ever feel like you're in danger, you should remember you can always come to me dear girl."

"I will remember that headmaster, though I doubt I will ever need to use your generous offer," Harriet said in reply, feeling relief go through her as she noticed her father approaching them.

"Harry darling, I trust your not giving the headmaster any grief," he teased.

"Of course, not my friend, she's been a model of propriety," Dumbledore joked.

Harriet smiled, "I'll leave you two to talk," she said, not waiting for a reply as she made a quick exit.

Charlus watched her go with a sigh, unsure is she was fleeing his presence or Dumbledores.

"So, what did you think?" he asked the headmaster.

"I can see why you're worried, but not all hope is lost. She clearly cares for her family, and you and James are her closest family."

"I know, but I'm starting to doubt that will be enough. I can feel her drifting farther away."

"Have hope, she will see the light."

/

Harriet stood in the doorway watching in fascination, she didn't even know James knew that they had a library at home, let alone where it was located. Yet here he and Sirius where, apparently deep in study if the look of constipation on their faces was anything to go by.

"I think I'm getting something," Sirius mumbled

Focusing on them, Harriet watched as Sirius's magic took on a now familiar pattern, indicating an animagus transformation was about to occur, but before he changed form. His magic flexed, indicating he put too much power into it.

Sirius let out a whine, "I almost had it that time prongs! I swear, I as so close!"

James opened his eyes, he had been further away from achieving his goal, but his magic was running smoother than Sirius's, so Harry guessed he would achieve his first.

"You need to not push so hard, you're overpowering the transformation" Harriet said, drawing their attention

"What? Wait- no, go away you slimy snake!" Sirius snarled.

Rolling her eyes, Harriet came and sat on a chair near them, "you're forcing your magic too much, it means you wont be able to transform, it needs to be a smooth gradual process."

"What would you know?" Sirius hissed.

"I've seem professor McGonagall transform many times," Harriet said, "also..."

Focusing on her magic she pictured her form, the delicate wings, before opening her eyes and giving them a flap. Gently flying around she returned to the chair and pictured her arms, her fingers and hands.

Both Gryffindor's sat with mouths agape, "but- what... how did you do that?" James muttered.

"Practice," Harriet said, "it's not perfected yet, I can't hold the form for long and have to concentrate but I managed it a few weeks ago."

Sirius looked fit to burst, "why would you even want to become an animagus?"

"because its useful?" Harriet replied.

"I bet its so you can spy! At least we want to help moony!"

"Sirius shut up!" James shouted.

Rolling her eyes, Harriet sent them both exasperated looks, "I know about Remus and his... monthly problem."

Sirius stood, drawing his wand, "how? I wont let you threaten him!"

"I've always known, I can see magic remember."

"But... you've always been nice to him," James pointed out.

"He's okay, other than his poor choice in friends."

"Does that mean you won't tell anybody?" James asked.

"I haven't so far, I think you would be better off worrying about Sirius letting it slip than me."

Sirius snarled, "I don't believe you, I bet everybody knows!"

"I know its unnatural for you, but do try to use your brain. If everybody knew then Remus would have been kicked out of school already. I haven't told anybody because I think he deserves the chance to get an education."

Sirius looked indignant, "whatever, you had better keep his secret."

"I honestly worry for you sometimes," Harriet muttered, before standing, deciding she would just go to Castle Black to use the library there.

"Wait, can you help with our transformations?" James asked

"You need to gradually push for more, you've got the right technique, and like I told Sirius, he needs to draw back."

James nodded, looking thoughtful whereas Sirius rolled his eyes, "whatever prongs, like we need her help."

"I mean she can transform..."

"So what, And what's with your transformation anyway? A butterfly? What use is that?" Sirius sneered.

"We don't pick our animals cousin, they're representations of who we are at the time we attempt to transform."

"Well, yours is wimpy and weak."

"Your lack of brain cells is astounding, but I suppose if I must, I will stoop to your level, mutt."

"What you know our animals?" James asked.

"Neither of you have ever been very subtle."

James bit his lip in concentration, "why don't we make a vow... to not tell anybody about each other's transformations, and each other's forms?"

Sirius looked incredulous, "you want to make a magical vow with her?"

Harriet however looked intrigued, "I suppose, I wasn't planning on telling anybody anyway."

"Why though?" Sirius whined.

"Well… it's illegal not to register, and I wasn't planning on doing that yet, so its protection... and like you said, if we all make a vow then we can't tell anybody else, and not a proper magical vow but a binding vow…" James reasoned.

Sirius looked constipated as he nodded, "fine, but I think this is a bad idea."

Harriet rolled her eyes, but agreed. However, unlike the two Gryffindor's she was careful with her wording, although restricted she was sure she had ways around the vow if she had to.

/

Harriet arrived at Castle Black with a trunk holding enough clothing for the remainder of the summer, as well as her homework, she hadn't realised until she had packed what she was doing but couldn't find it within herself to be bothered. Bia was also with her, though the kneazle was now prowling down the hall, upset at having gone through the floo.

"Miss Lyra," a squeaky voice called, as a house elf appeared.

"Hello Crux," Harriet said smiling at the now tittering elf, "did you need me?"

The elf visibly shook itself, "Lord Black be asking us to tell you to go see him in the solarium."

"Thank you, could you take my things to my room for me please? And make sure Bia has some treats?"

The elf nodded excitedly before popping away with her trunk.

Waving her wand across her clothes in order to get rid of any stray soot or wrinkles, Harriet made her way through the halls. Wondering idly why her uncle wanted to see her, Harriet soon found her way to where he was waiting.

"Hello, my dear," he greeted standing from the chair he had been waiting in. Harriet noted how his eyes scanned her and felt her heart warm, since the incident Arcturus had been even more protective of her.

"Good morning uncle."

"How are you dear?" he asked, indicating for her to join him and take a seat.

"I'm okay thank you."

"The elves said you came with a trunk?"

"Father is working and with both James and Sirius at the manor I decided to come stay for a while, I might go home but…"

Arcturus nodded in understanding, "and how are things with your father?"

"I've not really seen him; he's been busier than ever since we returned."

"That doesn't surprise me and has to do with why I called you to me."

"Oh?"

"As you know the Dark Lord is rising in power and has started to recruit. Bellatrix came to me a few weeks ago asking for my permission to be marked as one of his followers, Rodolphus and Rabastan have already taken the mark, and she wishes to join them."

Harriet stilled, pondering the ramifications of such an act, "does she need the mark?"

"She does not, but she wishes to fight. As you well know she doesn't do well sitting idle, and rightly feels her assistance would benefit the Dark Lords cause."

"Did you approve?"

"Not yet, I wanted to hear your thoughts, Orion is indifferent, his focus on the Wizengamot more important to him, rightfully so."

"I think, that if it is what she wants then say yes," she said hesitantly.

"you're reluctant," Arcturus pointed out.

"Yes, I fear that she will be hurt, or caught and thrown into Azkaban. I know she's a powerful witch, but she's more than that, she's family."

"She knows the risks."

"Then let her be marked," Harriet said, hoping she wouldn't come to regret her choice.

Arcturus nodded, "I believe Lucius is also considering being marked, they will be together and watch over one another."

Harriet nodded, pleased that they would at least have each other, "was that all you needed uncle?" she asked.

Arcturus nodded, "it is, but tell me dear, how was the end of your year? Do you feel prepared to return and start preparing for your OWL's?"

Harriet relaxed as they moved onto safer topics, filling in her uncle on her studies and how Dumbledore seemed to be taking more of an interest in her again, how had sought her out at the boy's birthday celebration.

"The old man isn't a fool, he knows the power of the Black name, and probably hopes to sway you to his side."

Harriet nodded, "he's a fool and his end of year speeches are becoming increasingly desperate."

Arcturus smirked, "that he recruits children is telling of his hypocrisy, don't you agree my dear?"

/

The summer passed quicker at Castle Black, and soon Harriet found herself once again celebrating her birthday.

"Only two years until you're an adult," Regulus said as he sat with Harriet waiting for the rest of their friends to come over.

"It's not only me cousin. We're both growing up fast."

"Did you hear about Bella?" he asked, placing a hand over his left arm where the Dark Lord marked his followers.

Harriet hummed, "I did."

"Do you think he would want somebody like me in his ranks?" Regulus asked hesitantly

Harriet frowned, "what do you mean, 'somebody like you'?"

"I'm not like you, or Bella, I'm average. Do you think the Dark Lord would want somebody like me?"

"You're not average Reggie, you're one of the top students in our year, you became an animagus at fourteen, and you're one of the best charms users I know. The Dark Lord would be lucky to have you, as long as that's what you want."

Regulus frowned, "I'm not sure, I want to be useful, to make people proud of me."

"I'm proud of you Regulus, so is uncle, so are your parents even if they don't show it plainly. You don't have to join the Dark lord for that."

Regulus smiled, "thank you Lyra. I don't know if I want to join him like Bella, but knowing you're proud of me, well it makes it easier for me to decide."

"Have your parents said anything?" she asked, concerned that her cousin felt pressured.

"Not really, but I think they're disappointed I'm not the Black heir- not that they don't love you and understand why you're the better option, logically they do, but a part of them… well..."

"You would have been a great heir Regulus."

"But you'll be a greater Lady."

Harriet blushed, "maybe, but that doesn't make you any less. You're an amazing wizard Regulus Black. Never let anybody make you feel less than you are or forget that."

/

After spending the day with her family, Harriet got ready to go to Potter manor. Standing by the floo she gave Bella one last hug.

"You know that if he does anything I'll curse him right?" the older witch promised.

"I know, but don't worry. I don't think he would hurt me again," Harriet replied.

"He better not," Rodolphus sad, dark eyes glinting with intent as he collected his wife.

Harriet smiled, "thank you, for always looking out for me," she told the couple.

Rodolphus smirked, "Bella would have my wand if I let anything happen to you little Black."

"To right," Bellatrix agreed.

Smiling, Harriet took a handful of powder and returned to her childhood home. Green filled her vision as she stepped through the fire and into the foyer of Potter manor.

"Happy birthdays, miss Harry!" a squeaky voice cried.

Smiling gently at the elf Harriet replied, "thank you Pockie."

"Yes, happy birthday sweetheart."

Turing to her father Harriet smiled, "thank you father."

"How does it feel to be fifteen?" he asked

"Not much different for fourteen I'm afraid," Harriet responded.

"You say that now, but I think I can see a difference."

"Oh?"

"You look more like your mother," he said gently.

"I do?"

"You do, and I can guarantee that she would say the same thing. You're growing into a beautiful young witch Harry."

"Would she be proud of me?" she asked.

Charlus stilled, a part of him wanted to use this opportunity to draw Harry back to him, back on to the light path but, he knew that if he lied his wife would ensure he spent eternity suffering, "I think that your mother would be proud of you no matter what, you were the light to her Lumos."

Harriet smiled, "I miss her."

"I know you do, so do I sweetheart, every day. She had a way of making everything right."

"Are you proud of me?" she asked.

Charlus smiled sadly, "I am. I just wish that you would see things from my perspective, realise the danger you're in sympathising with the Dark. I worry for you… for your future, but I am proud of you Harry. And I love you, I love you so much sweetheart."

"I love you too dad," Harriet replied, and she meant it, yet a part of her couldn't help but feeling sad as she said them, life would be much easier if she lied.

Still smiling she followed her father into the dining room, refusing to dwell on the guilt building up inside of her. She would spend the evening of her birthday with her father, and she would enjoy herself, even if it meant spending time with James and Sirius.

/

After her birthday Harriet seemed to have a breakthrough with her ward, as she had spent every day in the library testing theories and experimenting.

"I think I've got it," she murmured as her latest experiment passed the final test.

Enchanting the small moonstone had taken a long time, the process made more difficult by the inclusion of her blood.

"Crux," she called, waiting for the elf to appear.

The small pop alerted her to the elf, "you be calling for me, miss Lyra."

"Hello Cruz, could you please bring me the largest unenchanted moonstone we have please." The one she was working on was small, it would work for a personal ward but not a property, more than two people would be a stretch.

The elf twitched and nervously pulled at its ears, "Crux is sorry miss, but we be having no bigger moonstones not already magicked."

Harriet sighed, it had been a long shot, still she would have to go to Diagon to get a stone, at least that way she could ensure it would be perfect.

"Thank you for letting me know Crux," she told the elf, who still looked upset.

Standing she waved her wand over the mess she had made, sending the books back to their shelves and neatly stacking her papers.

"If he asks, tell my uncle I've popped to Diagon alley."

/

Harriet felt her patience running thin as she left the fourth shop of the day, the gem store had been her first point of call, but they didn't have what she needed, and said it could be weeks before they would have any moonstones of a suitable size. She had told then to reserve one for her but still hoped to be able to acquire one before then. The rune and arithmancy supply store had been her next attempt as stones were often used in runes, but they to were empty, so was the ritual shop and even the jewellery store, which had been a long shot, but she was getting desperate.

"If you're looking for one today dear you should try, The Cove, it's just around the corner from Borgin and Burkes, in Knockturn alley," the old shop owner advised her.

Harriet titled her head, she hadn't had much experience in Knockturn alley, but she doubted she would come to much harm. She knew how to handle herself and it was daylight. Added to the fact she was a known member of the Black family, so most new better than to try and harm her, least thew draw the ire of the Black family down on themselves.

"Thank you, I will."

Turning, she drew her hood up as she approached one of the many entrances to Knockturn, she didn't want it getting back to her father that she was skulking around the infamous Dark shopping district.

Walking with purpose through the Darker streets of Knockturn, Harriet felt lightly disappointed in how mundane the area appeared. Still after a few minutes walking she quickly found the small shop where the old woman had described. Entering she felt a shiver run through her, indicating a no malice ward.

"Welcome to The Cove," an accented voice greeted from a dark corner.

Turning to face it, Harriet nodded her head, "hello, I was told you might have some moonstones?"

"Moonstones, not often asked for them," the voice said as a surprisingly young man stepped out into the light, "you're in luck though, I think I have something you would like."

Harriet felt a wave of relief go through her as the man disappeared into the back for a moment before returning.

"Come and have a look," he instructed, waving her over.

Stepping forwards, Harriet inspected the stone now sitting on the counter. It was roughly the size of her fist and held a slight pink hue.

"Do you mind," she asked indicating to her wand.

"Not at all," the man replied, smiling toothily in a way that wouldn't be out of place on a shark.

Waving her wand Harriet checked for enchantments and impurities, but found the stone clean, she also double checked with her sight but could see nothing. Satisfied she asked, "how much?"

"Oh, for a first-time customer like you, and such a pretty one, I can sell it for 800 galleons."

Harriet didn't wince although it was a near thing, "it's a beautiful stone, but it's worth not more than 500."

The grin grew wider, "ah so the little witch has some spine, such a nice thing to see in the new generation. For you I will say 700."

"650, and you have a deal, Mr…"

"Adler, Josef Adler, and you have yourself a deal, Miss…"

"Black," Harriet said, thinking that name would serve her better here.

"Ah I should have known, such a prestigious family the Blacks," Adler said as he placed the stone in a soft velvet bag.

"Do you take wand transfer?" she asked.

"I do, place your wand here," he said indicating to slot by the till.

Placing her wand in the spot, Harriet focused on her trust vault from the Blacks, she didn't think her father monitored her spending but better be safe than sorry.

The golden glow surrounded the spot indicating the transfer was successful

"A pleasure Miss Black. Do remember to come back if you're ever in need again."

"Thank you, Mr Adler."

Placing the bag in her inner robe pocket, she stepped out of the shop, happy she had what she needed. However, as she took a few steps she felt magic flare around her just as an explosion a short distance away rocked the earth.

"What in morganas name," she whispered as her eyes automatically started scanning her surroundings. People were screaming in the distance, and she could hear footsteps, just before another explosion echoed, this one sounding closer.

"Oh fuck," she whispered as she felt anti-appiration and portkey wards go up. She knew with time she would be able to disable them, but she doubted she would have time.

Drawing her wand, Harriet spun as she felt people approaching, however there was something familiar about their magic.

Ducking the spell that flew at her, Harriet threw back a cutting curse of her own, "what the hell Bella!" she hissed, ignoring Lucius she was just now noticing. She was only able to recognise them from their magical auras, as both were dressed in black robes and white masks hiding their identities.

"Careful Rosier!" Bella hissed, "you almost hexed my precious little star!"

The now identified Rosier, Evan, if she wasn't wrong, stilled, "we're not supposed to be using names Black! And how was I supposed to know who she was? we were told to attack the alley and then flee."

Harriet rolled her eyes, "you need to go," she warned, she could sense others coming and didn't doubt they were the aurors who had put the wards up.

"The wards, they went up before we could flee," Lucius admitted, this was their first 'raid' and although they had succeeded in destroying their target, that they were now trapped within the aurors anti-apperation wards was not ideal.

Harriet winced, "I have an idea," she said, drawing out her prototype moonstone, "but first, is my father one of the ones following you?"

"I don't think so," Lucius replied just as Bella said, "no."

Harriet nodded, "good. Bella you and Evan take this," she said giving the stone over to her cousin, "Lucius take off the robes and mask and give them to Bella."

"What?"

The voices of the aurors were growing closer.

"Trust me!"

"Fine," the blonde said, pulling at the robes.

"Bella, you need to hex me-"

"What?"

"-and Lucius. It needs to look like we fought you off."

"What?!" Lucius exclaimed, his robe and mask now gone.

"As long as my father isn't there then the stone will hide Bella and Rosier, but it's not strong enough to mask three people. We need to make it look like we were attacked, that we, Lucius and I, defended ourselves, and the attackers, you lot, fled when they heard the aurors coming. Lucius, if asked you were escorting me to The Cove, as you couldn't let me shop in Knockturn alley alone. You're dating my cousin and think of me as a sister," Harriet explained quickly, sending random spells at the sky in case her wand was checked.

Seeing what she was doing the blonde nodded and did the same.

"I don't want to hurt you Lyra," Bella admitted.

"I know, just don't know anything permanent," she said with a grimace.

Rosier however just tutted, "we don't have time for this, move out of the way if you can't do it Black. Your cousin at least has some brains, and I for one won't let them go to waste."

With that he sent a cutting curse at Lucius, who partially blocked it but allowed it to shallowly cut his chest and arm. Wincing he sent the offending wizard a dark glare.

"Your turn mini-Black," Evan said, ignoring the glares now being sent at him from both Lucius and Bella.

With a grin he sent a bone breaker at her leg, and although he didn't put much power behind it, it still flew from his wand quickly. Harriet allowed it to hit, biting her tongue to stop her scream as she felt the bone crack. She had blocked it partially, but it still felt at least fractured.

"Mother f…" she bit off as the aurors sounded like they were around the corner.

"Get as close together as you can and stand in the corner," Harriet instructed as she sent magic at the stone.

She watched as an invisible to the normal eye, barrier rose from the gem and grew surrounding Bella and Evan who was huddled close together. It only just about covered them, and although Bella was her family, their blood relation was thin, so the power it took to take, and hold was draining.

Lucius let out a gasp as Bellatrix and Rosier disappeared.

"What is that?" he asked.

"A prototype blood ward," Harriet said, voice slightly horse from pain.

Lucius seeing this went closer and helped take some of her weight, "I'll curse Rosier for this," he promised darkly.

Letting out a pained laugh, Harriet shook her head, "don't, he just did as I told him to."

"With too much enthusiasm."

However, before Harriet could respond a stunner headed for them.

Waving her wand, she threw up a shield. What was it with people sending spells first and asking questions later today?

"Watch it," she snapped at the aurors, who now looked sheepish when they finally looked at them.

"Who are you?" one demanded wand still pointed at them

"My name is Harriet Potter."

"Potter? As I Charlus Potter?

"Yes, he's, my father."

"What about you, blondie?"

Lucius sneered, "I am heir Lucius Malfoy."

Whispers broke out, "why are you both in Knockturn alley today? It's not a place children should be playing about in."

"I needed some gems for a rune project, and I couldn't find them in Diagon, an old lady at the jewellers suggested I try The Cove. I bumped into Lucius, and he agreed to escort me and keep me safe as we know Knockturn can be dangerous."

The red headed auror who Harriet now recognised as Alastor Moody sneered, "a likely story. Doesn't look like he did a good job," he said, eyes tracing Harriet, lingering on how she was pressed against Lucius, holding weight from her leg, and the blood seeping through Lucius' shirt.

"We were attacked just before you arrived," Harriet said.

"Some hooligans in masks," Lucius added, voice dripping with distain.

"Mmmm… And where are they now?" Moody asked

Harriet allowed her face to show confusion, "I don't know, they ran as you approached…"

"Now listen here girlie," he snapped however before he could get going the eldest auror stepped forward with a frown.

Harriet bit her lip and willed tears to her eyes.

"Enough Alastor, they're kids, and do you really think Charlie's daughter would be involved in something like his?" he asked, before looking over Harriet and adding, "she's clearly hurt. It looks like she's about to cry for Merlin's sake! we need to keep moving. The wards wont hold for much longer and we don't want them getting away."

"But… but they're here, only Dark witches shop here… Its suspicious."

"It's not illegal to shop in Knockturn alley. I think it's clearly a case of wrong place, wrong time. Just look at the girl…"

Harriet felt her magic waver on the stone and willed it steady, she was however grateful as the magical drain was surely making her look pitiful, "please, you know my father. I promise. I just needed some school supplies. I don't even know what happened, it all occurred so fast. We heard the explosions and then that was it, we were attacked. It didn't seem real, those people, they didn't seem to care..."

Moody narrowed his eyes before nodding, "what way did they go?"

Lucius sneered, "what? Expecting us to do your jobs for you after you questioned us like common criminals? Harriet is clearly hurt and thanks to you she's had to endure it for longer than necessary."

The auror in charge took a step forward, clearly frowning and looking concerned, "are you okay miss Potter?"

"My leg, one of them sent a bone breaker. I tried to stop it but, I'm only fifteen sir, I'm not supposed to use magic outside of school and panicked when it came at me."

"That's okay dear. Once the wards drop, go to St. Mungos. And don't worry about having used magic, I think in this case extenuating circumstances can be made, you won't get into trouble for defending yourself."

"Really?" she asked making sure to bite her lip as she made her eyes appear larger.

"You were brave, that you got hurt is awful, but still you fought back and survived. You should be proud. I know your father would be. But next time, try to avoid areas like Knockturn yeah?"

"of course."

"And Malfoy, make sure she gets that leg checked."

Lucius nodded, "I will."

"Come on," the auror said to his team, ignoring Moody who was still staring at the pair with suspicion, "we have some terrorists to find."

"Wait, what's your name?" Harriet asked.

"Frank, Frank Goldstein."

"Thank you, auror Goldstein."

/

Harriet waited until she felt the anti-appiration wards fall before dropping the ward around Bella and Evan, the magical drain leaving her feeling lightheaded.

As soon as she released it Bella was there wrapping her arms around her.

"Oh, my little star, such a good actress."

Wincing as it jostled her leg, "It's not all fake, my leg is killing."

"Sorry about that Baby Black," Evan said sounding like he meant it. He was now eyeing her with appreciation,

"I'll take her to St. Mungos, you two should return to our lord and let him know what happened," Lucius said, carefully wrapping an arm around her to help he walk.

"She had better be fine," Bella warned, although if it was aimed at Evan or Lucius wasn't clear.

"I'll be fine, some pain relief and skele-grow and it will be like nothing happened. Lucius is the one bleeding."

Lucius winced at the reminder, "I will never get the blood out of this shirt."

/

After an hour waiting, and another two under observation, Harriet was ready to hex Rosier the next time she saw him. Lucius was already patched up and was now sitting by her bed, idly flicking through a book he had conjured from Circe knows where.

"Harriet!" a harried looking Charlus Potter practically shouted as he entered her room in a flurry of auror robes.

"Father," she greeted, she had hoped the healers wouldn't contact him but knew it was in vain.

"sweetheart are you okay? What happened? Goldstein said you got hurt in the raid in Knockturn!"

"I'm fine, I fractured my leg but its already healed. I'm just waiting for heaker Abbot to come and sign me off so I can leave."

"What where you even doing down there? You know I said you can't go to Diagon without me, let alone Knockturn!"

"I needed some supplies for school."

Charlus visibly shook with both fear and frustration, "you can't do things like this Harry. You could have been seriously hurt; you could have died!"

"I know that but-

"No! No buts. This is why I want you away from the Blacks, if you had been home with James this wouldn't have happened... I can't believe Arcturus would just let you wander off alone! He should know better."

"Father, it wasn't uncles' fault. I doubt he even knew I was gone."

"That doesn't make this better Harry. Do you at least now see why I'm so against the Dark? Those people that attacked you, they were Death Eaters, followers of the Dark Lord."

"I see that, but I refuse to judge all those that identify as Dark, as evil, just because a few start to act up."

"This is more than acting up Harry, don't you see, people died today."

"And that's awful. But I won't denounce my family because of that."

Charlus sucked in a breath, "I see..." shaking his head he visibly gritted his teeth, before adding, "I'm glad you're okay."

"I am sorry for worrying you," she said.

Charlus let out a sigh, "I know you are. Will you be home tonight, or are you staying at Castle Black?"

"I was going to see uncle; I doubt he's happy with me either."

"Hopefully he will get through to you how dangerous it is going out without an adult."

Turning Charlus noticed the young wizard sitting in the chair and looking rather out of place, "I take it that you're the wizard who was with her?"

"I was, lord Potter."

"Thank you, can you make sure she gets back okay as well, heir Malfoy?"

Lucius nodded, "of course, Narcissa would have my wand if I let anything happen to Lyra."

Charlus nodded, "we can put this conversation on hold, until you're home, but we're not done with it," he warned his daughter.

/

Tom Riddle, now known by most as Lord Voldemort was not what people would consider a patient man, nor was he a particularly generous one, therefore that half of the team that he sent out to Diagon Alley hadn't returned was not something he appreciated. The fact the one was a Black, or rather a Lestrange now, and another the Malfoy heir, just added to his ire.

A pop of apparition sounded drawing his attention; Evan Rosier and Bellatrix Lestrange, two out of his three missing followers were now standing in before him, neither looking particularly worse for wear.

"You're late Mr Rosier, Mrs. Lestrange."

The young heir bowed, "forgive us, our lord."

"Yes, forgive us," Bellatrix added.

"Where is Lucius?" he asked.

"Well, you see, we ran into problems after we completed our mission…"

"Oh?"

"My lord, allow me to show you," Bellatrix offered, pressing her wand to her head and drawing her memory. With a flick she projected it so they could view it. The spell was an obscure one, he was impressed the young witch knew it.

Voldemort watched as his three newest followers completed their mission, however before they could flee aurors appeared… their fast response was suspicious, he didn't believe in luck, bad or good... perhaps he had a leak?

He watched them flee into Knockturn, saw as they rounded a corner only for Evan to throw a curse at an unknown witch, who Voldemort quickly recognised as the Black heir. He noticed it at the same time as Lestrange, judging by the witch's actions in her memories.

Voldemort felt his interest rise as Harriet Potter, or was it Lyra Black now? Quickly took hold of the situation, especially as she drew out a ward stone. One which he got to study, as Bellatrix was clearly fascinated by the stone. It was deceptive in its complexity, truly a work of art. Though it clearly wasn't a finished project. Still for it to have ben made by a fifteen-year-old… it showed great promise.

He was impressed with her dedication, allowing them to harm her. Yet watching as her face scrunched up in discomfort as Rosier's curse hit, he felt a measure of unease. He didn't like the look of pain on her face. Still, the girl played the aurors like a fine-tuned conductor, manipulating them easily. It was truly masterful.

"Lucius is with her?" he asked, hand lazily stroking his wand in a way he knew others feared.

"He had better be," Bellatrix muttered, at the same time as Rosier said, "yes."

"You were fortunate that Miss Potter was there to aid you, that her ingenuity saved you."

"My little star is truly amazing my lord," Bellatrix said, nodding her head.

"Indeed," he agreed, straightening up, "yet you shouldn't have to depend on underage witches to save you, you, all three of you failed me."

Both death eaters stilled, "I'm sorry my lord," Bellatrix said fearfully.

Stilling his wand, which both were now watching carefully, he trained it on Rosier.

"Crucio," he muttered watching as the young heir fell to his knees with a cry, he only held the curse for a few heartbeats.

Looking at Bellatrix he saw her fear, "you're lucky that it was your cousin who saved you, Mrs Lestrange, as that is the only reason that you're not feeling my rage as well."

"Thank you, my lord."

"Now both of you will no doubt do better next time I call on you?"

"Yes, my lord," they both replied, Evans's voice cracking from strain.

"Go, leave me. And send word to Lucius that he need not report back until I call him next," he instructed.

/

Harriet was relieved to be in her room, for once her uncle and father were almost in agreement, although for different reasons. Her uncle wasn't bothered about where she had been shopping, just that she had been caught up in the raid while alone. She couldn't have known it was going to happen, not really, but that she could have potentially been hurt wasn't something her uncle liked to consider. Though that she had defended not only herself, but her cousin did impress him. She had had to promise not to go out alone again, in order to et him to drop the issue.

Lying on her bed, she eyed the potion that healer Abbot had given her, dreamless sleep. The healer had feared she would have nightmares after her 'traumatic' experience, and she didn't really have an excuse not to take it, so she had accepted the vial with a smile.

Rolling, she pulled out the moonstone, observing it, "you had better have been worth all of this," she muttered.

A low hoot drew her attention to the window. Walking towards it, she looked at the large black owl, not recognising them. Opening the window, she chuckled at how the owl swooped in regally before perching on Nikes stand as though he owned it.

"Hello," she greeted, offering the bird one of Nikes treats.

The bird looked at the offering with dismissal, as it offered its leg, the letter clearly for her.

"Thank you," she replied as she took the parchment.

As soon as it had lost its load, the owl flared its wings and took off without a second look.

"Owls…" she muttered as she studied the letter in her hand.

Her name was penned on the front in elegant calligraphy; however, she didn't recognise the handwriting. Looking closer she allowed her sight to stretch, checking the letter for any enchantments. Seeing none she opened it and almost dropped it in shock…

Miss Potter,

Please feel free to correct me if you prefer to go by Black. I find myself in a rare position, in that I owe you thanks. Today you not only aided my cause beyond what is expected from you, but also took injury doing so. Rest assured that heir Rosier has been made to see the error in his ways.

As I mentioned, your actions in Knockturn Alley intrigued me, the power and control you showed was magnificent, and you have grown to be a credit to not only your family, but yourself. It was these actions that have indebted me to you. Without your intervention my forces would have been revealed sooner than I wanted, and I would have lost followers. Therefore, I offer you my word, if you are ever in need of a favour from the dark, just ask, and if it is within my power, I will see it done. My thanks are not something I give often, I trust you to recognise that, and to recognise the honour I am bestowing on you.

May magic bless you,

Lord Voldemort

Lord of The Ancient and Noble House of Slytherin.

Harriet reread the letter, before putting it down… Did she reply? How did one reply to a letter from the Dark Lord.

Standing she called an elf, "crux,"

"Miss Lyra called?"

"Is my uncle available?"

"Lord Black be in his office," the elf said after a moment, having closed his eyes to sense where his lord was.

"Thank you," she replied, tucking the letter into her pocket. She would seek his counsel before doing anything.