The Other Potter

Chapter twelve

Arcturus focused on the letter before him, rereading the words a second time just to ensure he hadn't imagined what they said. He gave no indication of what he felt, but Harriet thought that he wasn't pleased as his eyes seemed to tighten as they moved across the page.

"This is unheard of," he finally announced, tone giving nothing away, "though his favour is a great boon, I fear it would draw attention to you... Attention you're not yet ready for. You're a powerful young witch Lyra, but you're just that, young."

Harriet nodded, "should I reply?"

"To not reply could be seen as snubbing him, something you're in no position to do," Arcturus replied, lips pursed… he hated how she was caught between a rock and hard place, "no, I think a carefully worded reply is needed."

Harriet nodded, "I'll appreciate you going over my response, once I've had time to compile it."

Arcturus nodded again, eyes still lingering on the letter, "of course my darling."

Harriet left then, no doubt already planning her response. Finally, with the door closing behind her, Arcturus allowed his displeasure to show. He hadn't lied, but he had not given his whole opinion, as he didn't wish to frighten her. He had never heard of the Dark Lord favouring somebody like this, and he didn't like the implications. His interest… it could develop into many things. Arcturus was many things, but he wasn't a fool, he knew that Lyra was a beautiful, and more importantly powerful, young witch, and a part of him feared for her and what holding the Dark Lord's favour would mean.

/

Charlus stepped through the floo and frowned, everybody was already here and seemed to be mid conversation already, however knew that he had arrived early.

"Ah Charlie old boy, we were just discussing your Harry," Albus said as he turned, blue eyes twinkling.

Charlus felt his frown deepen, "I see."

"Alastor was saying she was caught up in that terrible business in Diagon the other day…" Albus said leadingly.

"She was, she was out shopping with Narcissa's boyfriend, Lucius."

"In Knockturn alley, that's a key fact you've not mentioned. One that I won't be quick to forget! Why was she there?" Moody interrupted, displeasure clear in tone and visible on his face.

"My daughter," he bit out, not impressed by being questioned by one of his subordinates, "was shopping. She needed gems for a project and was directed there by a shopkeeper."

Moody harrumphed, "suspicious timing. She should know better than to be out in such a dangerous place, and with a Malfoy no less. Not the best associate to have during these dark times."

"Lucius Malfoy helped protect my daughter," Charlus stated, he might not like the boy, or rather man, but he couldn't deny he was grateful for him. He would have rather Harry not been in such a dark and dangerous place, but at least she had somebody there with her, protecting her...

"Not very well it would seem, she got hurt, didn't she?"

"She did, and this will hopefully give her the wake up call she needs and make her realise how dangerous the Dark and their sympathisers are."

"Is she okay now, old boy?" Albus asked.

"She's fine, it was just a broken leg. Easily healed at St. Mungo's."

"I still think it's suspicious," Moody grumbled, but was ignored.

"That is good, and as you said, this might help draw her back to the light path," Albus said, "this recent attack is only the start of their plans, they will grow bolder."

"How do you know that?" Dodge asked.

"They're testing the waters, soon they'll start to escalate their attacks, the public is too scared to act, and forgive me for saying this Charlie, but the aurors are understaffed and overworked. They face no real opposition."

Charlus frowned, his department was doing the best it could, all his staff were hard working and doing their best to stop the dark forces that seemed to be growing daily.

"It would be better if we could just fight back, but the minister is refusing to see that these so-called Death Eaters pose a real threat," Alastor snarled.

"Jenkins is doing her best," Charlus replied in defence of his friend, "reworking a budget and attempting to rally support for increased measures isn't easy." Charlus saw Moody roll his eyes and scowl, the young man's radical attitude frustrating him, but before he could reprimand him Albus intervened.

"Your enthusiasm when it comes to facing this crisis is commendable Alastor, really it is, but you cannot judge our fair minister. These are dark and dangerous times. I'm sure she is doing her best, we will just have to step up and do our best as well to help assist her."

/

Harriet sat at her desk in Castle Black staring at the sheet of paper in front of her, never had some parchment been so intimidating. After a few moments, she finally pulled out a fresh quill and started to write;

Lord Voldemort,

Thank you for your kind words and well wishes.

For the first time in my life, I find myself almost lost in how to appropriately respond. Although, I am beyond grateful for your regard, and do indeed recognize the honour you have bestowed on me, I find that I can't accept it; At least without being honest. My actions may have helped your cause, but in truth they were selfish of me. I acted to save my cousin, who I love dearly. That my actions benefited you and your cause, was more of an additional boon rather than the goal in which I was acting towards. Still, you honour me and for that I thank you.

Sincerely,

Harriet Lyra Potter-Black

Heiress to the ancient and nobel house of Black

Pulling her quill away, Harriet sent a drying charm at the page, she would get her uncle to check it first, but she was happy with her response.

Sitting back she looked around her room, which gave her pause. Over the years she had slowly started to think of the castle as home; what had started out as a spare room, had become a second bedroom and now, she truly felt as though she had a place here in these ancient halls. She had spare clothes, books and trinkets in her room here; The elves knew her hobbies, preferences and schedule; She even had access to the wards.

Looking around she saw her half packed school trunk. She only had a few days left before she would be returning to Hogwarts for her 5th year. She had finished her summer assignments early and honestly felt prepared for the workload, she also couldn't wait to be surrounded by her friends, though a part of her no longer felt excitement at returning to school.

The older she got, the less appeal school had for her. Perhaps it was because she now knew more about the world, how it worked and the players who pulled the strings, but each year it got harder and harder to return.

With the letter out of the way, Harriet turned her attention to where it really mattered, at least to her. The moonstone that had caused all of this… she had left the gem soaking in a bowl of her blood, having already engraved the surface. Being caught doing such magic would see her fined and more than likely inside a cell on azkaban as the new anti-blood magic laws that had just been passed had made any ritual using blood illegal, outside of gringotts heritage tests. Still, she didn't regret her actions or had hesitated, as looking at the gemstone she could see the magic taking effect and growing. Soon it would be ready and she would be able to add it to the ward matrix of Castle Black. It would, to anybody other than her and Arcturus, act as a Fidelius ward to those not invited in, and make those who were invited in forget the castle's location again once they left. It was the first in existence, or rather the first one she had ever created, and during her research she hadn't found anything similar. The Fidelius Charm was a complex piece of charm work which she respected, but the idea of a secret keeper made Harry nervous, it was a weakness that Harry didn't want in these times of growing darkness. Her ward eliminated that weakness.

The stone would be finished gathering power at midnight, which worked out well for her as tomorrow she would be returning to Potter manor; School would be starting soon, and her father wanted her home before she returned.

This year she would be sitting her OWL's. She would be one step closer to being done with school; done with the pretence of peace. She had seen the aftermath of Bellatrix, Lucius and Evan's attack; they had destroyed a printing press, one which was owned by a pro-light family and had recently been handing out anti-creature leaflets. A part of her agreed with their actions, the leaflets needed to stop as they spread wrong and harmful information, information that lead to anti-dark laws as many put creatures in with dark magic.

The attitudes instilled by such bias is what makes people fearful, ignorant and ultimately dangerous, they fear what they don't know, and in doing so condemn magic itself, as even dark magic is magic, and condemning one branch eventually kills the whole tree. It was this condemnation of magic that Harry couldn't allow to happen.

Yet, another radical part of her brain, the part not driven by fear for the future of magic, saw the destruction for what it was, terrorism and cruelty. She believed in their reasons, she knew why the Dark Lord was doing what he was, but it was how he was doing it that had Harriet torn.

The more rational part of her knew that what they had done was wrong, people died in the attack, people were hurt… still, for years people had tried peaceful ways, politics and peace talks had gotten them nowhere.

/

Charlus sat down and twirled the amber liquid in his glass, once again the summer was coming to an end and once again he was left feeling as though he hadn't seen his children. He promised himself every year that he would spend more time with them, Harry in particular. Yet like always it was now too late; Tomorrow they would get on the express and return to hogwarts. Closing his eyes he shook his head, he hadn't lied when he told Harry she reminded him of Dorea; his children were growing up quickly, and soon they would be adults. That thought scared him, it seemed like only yesterday they were knee high toddlers who needed him to protect them, now he had a son who was almost of age, who would carry on their family name and title, and a daughter, who's future he feared, one who would end up on the wrong side of a war he couldn't not fight in. He also had the issue of Sirius, though calling the boy an issue wasn't correct, Sirius was just that, a boy; almost a man but still not quite there yet.

He had honestly tried to be home more this summer, to make up for his previous mistakes and try to rekindle his relationships with his children. Yet such a thing was near impossible, the growing unrest was just that, growing. Everyday there seemed to be something new, an attack, somebody missing, even muggle baiting was on the rise. There simply didn't seem to be an end in sight, and even with new recruits there simply were not enough aurors for the job. He had spent more nights sleeping at his desk this summer than he had in his own bed, and honestly he was starting to feel the effects. He wasn't a young man, he hadn't been for a while, and as much as it pained him to admit it, he was tired; emotionally, physically and magically.

Groaning as he realised that his mind had returned to work, Charlus threw back the rest of his fire whisky; The burn of the alcohol distracting him from his turbulent thoughts. He was going to sleep in his own bed and take his kids to London tomorrow; he swore to himself.

Looking up after the burn faded, Charlus smiled at the picture of Dorea. She was sitting together with a toddler Harry and slightly older James, playing on a beach years ago in italy. Looking at the innocent faces of his children in the photo strengthened his resolve, it reminded Charlus of just what he was fighting for. He might be tired, but he couldn't stop. Not yet.

/

Harriet sat curled up with Bia in an empty compartment, once again she was early getting to Kingscorss and therefore one of the first to get onto the express, as her father was called into work for an emergency. He had dropped them off quickly, with well wishes and hugs, before disappearing through the floo. Harry had watched him go with a bittersweet smile, her father looked tired and when she really looked at him, she saw that tiredness was deep, even his magic seemed slower. Still, he had smiled brightly and Harry had seen his love for them in his eyes before he had left.

This year neither James nor Sirius stayed with her once they reached the express. James had offered her a hesitant smile before pulling a scowling Sirius away towards the other end of the train. There had been a few other early drop offs but Harriet hadn't struggled to find an empty compartment to claim for herself and her friends as they arrived.

Complying with Bia's insistence that she be fussed in a certain spot, Harriet allowed her mind to wander… She hadn't had a reply from the Dark Lord, not that she had been expecting one, yet a part of her wanted to see his owl again. She had read about the attacks, heard from Bellatrix what they had been doing, and a part of her wanted to know more. Know why he thought this was the way to go about change. She knew what they fought for was right, but the violence and destruction… she worried it would do more harm than good.

Her time alone with her thoughts didn't last long as Regulus appeared around 10 minutes later, her cousin smiling softly as he joined her.

/

Seeing a human that she tolerated, Bia jumped from her human's arms and approached him. Allowing him to stroke her before returning to her person. Once back she expressed her desires for petting to continue.

/

Harriet rolled her eyes as Bia jumped back on her lap, the kneazle was spoiled.

Regulus laughed, "how was the end of your summer?" He asked as he took a seat opposite.

Harriet hummed, "it was as it always is, James and Sirius were not ready and rushed to finish their homework while I stayed in the library."

Regular shook his head, "I'm shocked," he deadpanned.

Harriet smirked, "how have you been anyway Reg? I feel like I hardly saw you this summer."

Regulus smiled, "I am well," he replied, and if Harriet hadn't known him so well, she would have missed the slight blush in his face. Though, before she could tease him about what put it there or rather who, the doors opened again. That's time allowing both Jasmine and Miranda to enter their compartment.

"Looking good baby Blacks," Jasmine commented as she floated her trunk onto the racks.

Harriet smiled and Regulus nodded his head, "ladies," they greeted in sync.

"Looking forward to your OWL year?" Miranda asked.

Regulus tilted his head as Harriet hummed, "I'm not too worried," Harriet replied, each year their work got harder yet she didn't struggle to keep up with the jump, therefore she truly didn't think the increase in difficulty would cause her too much of a problem for her OWLs.

"Same, though how Barty will cope I don't know. He's doing 12 OWLs," Regulus commented.

Harriet hummed, she did worry about her fellow raven, especially when he was home with his father.

"Talking about Barty, did you see his father in the paper?" Miranda asked, leaning forward.

"His proposal is radical, I can't see it going ahead- at least not yet." Harriet replied.

Barty Crouch Sr, had proposed a new bill, or rather an update of an existing one; which would give the aurors the power to respond to threats with deadly force, and allow them to use the unforgivables while on duty. Harriet had been shocked when she read the papers, Crouch's proposal being an escalation move she hadn't expected to come about yet. She knew her father wasn't a big supporter of it, as the chance of innocent bystanders being harmed was great, and he didn't want his men dropping down to such a level.

"Really? My father says it's becoming more popular," Jasmine said, though before she could continue Barty walked in.

His usually immaculate uniform looked slightly ruffled, his eyes were bloodshot and his hair looked as though he had been running his fingers through it.

Looking at him Harriet noted the glamour almost immediately, standing she gently took his arm and led him so he would be sitting by her. The others fell silent, noting the pained look on Harriet's face.

Pulling her wand she cancelled the glamour, causing gasps to break free from the others sitting there.

"What did he do?" Regulus asked, his voice rough.

Barty chuckled, making his split lip reopen. The hit looked fresh; The bruising had not yet fully emerged.

"He didn't appreciate my comments about his new proposal."

Miranda hissed like a scorned kneazle, "he struck you because you made a comment?"

Harriet felt her blood turn to ice as she carefully started to heal the damage to her friend's face, she was by no means an expert but she could at least take away some of his pain and reduce the swelling.

Barty sent her a grateful look, "his campaign isn't going well, and his hatred of the dark is growing with each attack."

Sitting back after she had done all she could, Harriet tilted her head, Barty would still need some bruise balm but for now hopefully his lip would stay closed and the swelling shouldn't get any worse, "what did your mother do? She can't possibly be okay with him doing this to you?"

Barty winced, "she wasn't home, she's been spending more and more time with my aunt this summer."

"You need to tell somebody," Harriet said gently.

"Like you did?" Barty spat back.

"I have somewhere else to go, and my father wouldn't dare to do it again."

Barty deflated then, "it's only for another 18 months then I'll be an adult. I have money, my inheritance from my grandfather and even if I avoid him, my father wouldn't cut me off. It would bring too much shame."

"That may be, but you shouldn't have to put up with this," Harriet insisted.

Barty smiled, though it held no joy, "maybe not, but it is what it is."

The door opened and Narcissa entered, a shiny head girl pinned on her chest. Feeling the tension, the blonde's eyes narrowed in anger as she saw the healing bruises.

"Your father," she asked?

Barty smiled sardonically, "is there seer blood in you Blacks?"

Narcissa tutted and picked up where Harry had left off, healing the damage more precisely as her skill in healing was beyond Harry's. Harry believed that Narcissa would most likely go on to train as a healer after she finished school this year. She had a natural talent that she had nurtured over the years.

Once Barty was back to full health, with only a slight discoloration to indicate he had even been hurt in the first place, the train had started to fill with others and was nearly ready to depart.

"Will Severus be joining us?" Harriet asked, aiming the question at Regulus, who feigned surprise.

"He usually sits with his mudblood," Jasmine said dismissively.

"Speaking of blood," Miranda cut in, "Evan has been speaking about spilling yours all summer."

Harriet lifted an eyebrow, "oh?"

"I think he's developed a crush," the younger Rosier teased, "he was Very impressed."

Harriet rolled her eyes, "I'm sure," She replied dryly.

"When did you meet Evan Rosier?" Barty asked.

Harriet waved her wand and set up a silencing ward, before explaining what had happened in the summer with Bellatrix, Lucius and Evan; though she left off the part about her letter from the dark Lord.

Barry listened with fascination, his eyes lit up in awe and fascination.

"I'm going to join him," he declared.

Everybody paused, not so much as in disbelief but rather concern.

"You don't have to join him to prove anything," Regulus said, remembering what Harriet had told him.

Barty narrowed his eyes, "I know that, but I want to. I want to make a difference, and to fight for what we know Is right… that it goes against my bastard father just makes it better."

Harriet nodded her head, she could see by the stubborn set of his jaw that Barty wasn't going to appreciate them questioning him at this time.

"Do you think he'll win?" Miranda asked after a moment of silence.

Harriet paused, thinking about what she knew; "I don't know, but I hope he does as if not, then the restrictions on us will just get harsher. We will lose so many different branches of our Magic, our histories will be forgotten, and Magic itself will diminish."

They all shared grim looks at the thought of what was on the line.

/

Harriet clapped absent mindedly as another tiny first year joined Ravenclaw. Her attention was focused on the spectacle across the hall, as that was the only way she could describe what was happening between her brother and Evans. The mudblood had apparently had an epiphany over the summer, as instead of ignoring her brother like usual, the redhead seemed to not only be responding to his flirtations, but even reciprocating them.

"Her face is as bright as her hair," Miranda said in horrified fascination

"I mean, I get it. She could never do better. He's rich, pure blooded and the heir to a nobel family, honestly if it wasn't for the fact he's dimmer than a first years lumos, and a blood traitor, I would be all over him as well," Jasmine added, much to Harriet's horror.

"Please like your father would let you near such a gryffindor," Barty commented, earning a chuckle from the older girls.

"Not even that, I'm pretty sure my brother is scared of you. Too dark for his delicate sensibilities," Harriet said.

"Boy doesnt know what he's missing," Jasmine purred, "after all, it was dark witches who wrote the book on sex magic, rites and rituals."

"Ah sex magic, such an evil dark art," Miranda added, "at least that's what the pro light would tell you, vanilla bastards."

Barty coughed, face suspiciously red as the girls whispered to him, the words too quiet for Harriet to make out, but judging by how far his blush had spread, Harriet wasn't too worried about not hearing.

Laughing, Harriet turned back to look at the spectacle that her brother was making, only to lock eyes with Sirius. Raising a brow, Harriet watched as the raven hair gryffindor scowled, before looking away. This wasn't the first time that Harriet had caught Sirius staring at her. She had felt his eyes on her more and more, though he hadn't said anything to her about it.

"I wonder how Severus is taking it," Harriet heard Miranda ask, drawing Harriet's attention away from the Gryffindor table.

Looking over to the snake pit, Harriet saw the answer for herself. Severus looked like somebody had kicked his krump. The usually dour teen was practically oozing darkness, so much so that the only person who seemed able to even be near him was Regulus, though her cousin seemed to be suffering for his choice.

/

Harriet sat in a small partially hidden alcove twirling a random curl waiting for the others to arrive, though it was limited in options, going to Hogsmeade was better than spending hours in the castle. Though at what time they would actually get there was the question; Barty had disappeared this morning, trailing after Miranda who had to return some books to the library, Regulus had said he and Severus would be late as the older boy had to speak to professor Slughorn about an idea he had, while Jasmine had left early to go and meet her brother. All bar Jasmine had said they would be with her as soon as they could, but the minutes were ticking by.

Evan Rosier had said she was more than welcome to join them in his letter, something jasmine hasn't shut up about since. Apparently the older girl hadn't been joking about his fascination with her. Which while flattering wasn't something she was sure she could or should encourage… The age gap wasn't too bad, she knew people who had it worse, and she knew from Jasmine that her brother was at heart a good man, though he had a fearsome reputation. Still… something held her back.

"Hey, you're Harry right?" a girl's voice said, drawing her attention from her wandering thoughts.

Turning, Harry met a shock of red hair and green eyes, "Evan's," she greeted.

The older girl rolled her eyes and huffed, "no need for the formality Harry, call me Lily."

Harriet fought the urge to sneer, she had really started to dislike being called Harry, and the audacity of this girl… It was overwhelming.

"Can I help you?" Harriet asked instead, hoping her voice sounded warmer than she felt.

It apparently did as the redhead didn't lose her eager smile, "I saw you sitting alone and thought you could do with some company. Are you waiting for your friends?".

Harriet felt torn, while honestly Lily Evans rubbed her the wrong way, she had to give her credit, she did seem genuine.

"I am, they should be here soon… you don't have to wait with me, I'm sure you and your friends want to get going," she said, indicating to the duo of Gryffindor girls, Marlene Mckinnon and Dorcas Meadows, who were milling by the doors shooting them both looks of confusion.

"They won't mind," she said, brushing off any concern, "and it would be nice to get to know you. James hardly speaks about you, and Sirius… well, I'm not sure if he likes you or hates you half of the time," she joked.

Harriet wasn't surprised, "I'm sure he doesn't know himself."

"You could join me and my friends if you want. Saves you waiting?" Lily offered, "i'm sure that your friends would understand."

Harriet took a moment to consider the girl in front of her, "thank you, but I should wait. Morgana knows what the boys would do if they thought something was wrong with me if they came looking and I wasn't here."

Lily frowned, "they don't control you."

Harriet paused, confused by the sudden tone change and narrowed eyes now looking at her, "I'm aware of that, but I said I'd wait for them. If I disappear they would be worried."

Lilly seemed to relax slightly, "sorry, it's just with how backwards everything is here. I thought for a moment you had to get their permission or something. Honestly it's so behind the muggle world, I don't know how you cope, even things like celebrating yule, nobody does that anymore," she said, laughing.

Harriet again felt herself freeze at the insult to herself and her culture. The comment cemented just why Lily Evans would never be somebody she could ever truly like, for all that she was a sweet girl, she was rather ignorant. She liked to think herself smart, but she was ignorant to the importance of magic, the importance of yule. Why it seemed like in some areas they had not progressed, yet in others they had surpassed muggles.

"She doesn't need our permission to do anything, it's laughable to think of any of us telling my cousin how to act," a clipped voice said, drawing Harriets attention to where a pissed looking Regulus stood near an uncomfortable looking Severus. They had undoubtedly heard Evans' latest comment.

Lily turned and sent Severus a strained smile, "hi Sev," she said, though she lacked the easy confidence she had moments ago.

"Lily," Severus greeted, "I thought you were staying in the castle today with your doormates?" he questioned. He had asked if she had plans out of interest during their last potions lesson, the two of them sharing a desk this term.

Lily flushed, the red standing out on her pale skin, "yes, well… we were going to but changed our minds at the last minute… fresh air yano?" she said, though it sounded more like a question.

Harriet fought not to roll her eyes and instead shared a look with Regulus, they had been able to lie better when they had been toddlers.

"I think your friends are getting anxious waiting for you," Harriet said, offering the girl an easy out in consideration of her approaching her. It was the last thing she would do for the girl though as her attitude made Harriet want to scream.

Lily sent her a smile, "you're right, i should get back to them, thanks HArry," she said, relief clear. Turning, she made it a few steps before pausing and looking back, "maybe we could go together next time, or you could join me and my friends?" she said, looking at Harriet.

Harriet felt an eye twitch coming on at the thought, "maybe," she replied, knowing there would be no way she would ever willingly subject herself to that torture.

Once she was gone she let out a breath, "sweet Circe, how have you managed to not curse her Severus?"

The older slytherin who was still sending hurt and confused looks to the door that the redhead had just left out of turned to her, "pardon?"

"For all that she does seem sweet the girl is a menace, within a two minute conversation she managed to insult not only me, but our friends and our culture."

The potions prodigy winced, "She's always been smart, therefore I had hoped that she would embrace magic after she learnt about it… but she just brushes it off, and well, every year we drift apart…"

"I say good riddance," Regulus all but snarled.

Severus looked pained but nodded, hurt that she had lied to him. He had already made plans to go to hogsmeade, she didn't have to lie.

The three of them quickly fell into a conversation about what they needed from Hogsmeade while waiting for Barty and miranda.

"You should be glad JAsmine wasn;t there, I honestly think her grudge has only grown," Miranda said as they sat in the carriage.

Harriet laughed knowing it was true, out of all of them Jasmine was the most outspoken, or rather, the most obvious with her thoughts and feelings, and to say that she still disliked Lily Evans would be an understatement.

Once in the village Harriet left the boys together and joined Miranda to go into Gladrags Wizardwear. As the older girl wanted some new gloves.

"So am I pretending I don't see the glamour on your neck that wasn't there earlier or not?" she asked coyly.

Miranda paused before huffing, "I should have known you would see past it."

"Was it Barty?" she asked, hoping it was.

The older girl blushed, biting her lip before nodding.

Harriet smiled, she had seen the two of them circling each other more and more recently, "I'm happy for you, is it serious?"

"I don't know, I think I want it to be, but It's still new so it could change, but when I'm with him I feel like I'm the most beautiful girl in the world."

"You are beautiful Mir."

"There's also his father…"

Harriet nodded in understanding, Bartemius Crouch Sr would bever allow his only son and heir to be with a daughter from a dark aligned house, even a nobel one which the Averys were.

"What does Barty say?"

"That he doesn't care, that he wants to be with me regardless of what his father will say about it."

Harreit hummed, "Well I suppose what the old hypocrite doesn't know can't harm him."

Miranda smiled, "Thank you Lyra, I was going to tell you and Jasmine today, she's been hinting for weeks and I knew keeping it from her any longer would be impossible."

"It seems that we're all pairing off, first you and BArty, next will be REgulus and Severus…"

Miranda paused, "Regulus and Severus? What when? How do you know?"

Harriet laughed, "I don't think they've realised it yet, or rather Severus hasn't… but I would bet those two end up together."

Miranda seemed to mull it over, "I hadn't ever thought about it, I always thought Sev would be hung up on the mudblood. But now you've said it, I can see it. I'm also extraordinarily glad to see his taste has improved"

Harreit laughed, but cautioned the older girl, "Regulus hasn't said anything to me yet, so don't say anything."

Mirand nodded, "I won't, I swear it."

Entering the shop once they arrived Miranda quickly paid for her order, she had owled in the week as she did not want to have to wait around while they were being made. Package secured the two girls decided to head to Tomes and Scrolls, as the boys should be about done now, then they could all go to Honeydukes before going to the Three Broomsticks.

They walked in silence for a moment before Miranda broke it by asking something that had been on her mind since their earlier conversation, "what about you?"

"Me?" Harriet replied.

"Is there anybody you're interested in? I know you danced with Greengrass at Yule but I've ever seen you with anybody."

Harriet tilted her head in consideration, "I've never really liked anybody like that, don't get me wrong, I think some people are handsome, and have felt attracted to them, but there's been nobody that's really stood out to me. At least not enough to want to date them."

"What about Evan? I know Jasmine has been joking about it since we returned from summer but I do think he is quite infatuated."

"I'm not opposed to the idea..," Harriet replied.

"But…"

"I don't know, there's just something holding me back."

Mirand nodded, "maybe talk to him today, if anything it could be some harmless fun which goes nowhere."

"I suppose, and the worst he could do is ask me on a date."

"Who's asking you on a date?" a voice Harriet could have done without hearing today asked.

"Nobody is asking me on a date Sirius."

Sirius stood with Remus a few steps behind him looking torn between anger and shock, "that's not what I heard, right moony?" he asked his now uncomfortable looking friend.

"Well… we could have misheard?" the tawny haired boy replied, looking like he would rather be anywhere else.

Sirius looked at his friend in betrayal before dramatically turning to face them again, "if you're looking for a date, I suppose I could take you out," he offered.

Harriet sent him a look which if it could kill would have had him in the ground right there and then, "please don't trouble yourself. EVER."

Sirius scowled, "you're still on this, i said i was sorry alright? It's not like you even heard what I said, if it wasn't for Bellatrix and her big mouth you would have never even known, she ruined everything. But i'm willing to forgive you if you could just get over it already."

Harriet felt her magic building, and ook a step forward without notice, "get over it?! Forgive you?! Sweet morgana you make me sick!"

Sirius took a step forward, leaving only a small gap between them, "you're such an uppity little-"

"I think it's best you take a step back Black…" a cold voice said, drawing the two from their heated argument which they now saw had drawn quite the crowd.

Evan Rosier was standing to the side of them, eyes full of ice and wand drawn but not pointed at them, "...it wouldn't do to call the lady something you would come to regret."

Sirius took a step back and turned to face evan, who spared him only a glance before disregarding him.

"Are you okay Baby Black?" he asked, smirking at the nickname at the twitters it caused in the crowd.

"Shouldn't that be Potter-Black" Harriet replied instantly.

"I supposed, but funny thing about names they can change," Evan said, causing the whispers to double and Sirius to let out a disgusted scoff.

"He's who you're going to date? Him? He's old! And a skimpy snake!"

Evan lifted an eyebrow, "if that's what the lady wants, who am i to deny her?"

Harriet thanked Circe for her occlumency shields, "you haven't even asked me yet, Rosier."

Evan smirked as he walked over to her, seemingly not hearing the whispers which got louder as he approached, "let me fix such a grievous oversight," he said, knocking into Sirius as he passed his, "would you do me the honour of a date?" he asked once he was just a foot away.

Harriet cursed herself, she had encouraged this even knowing she had doubts, "I suppose, it's only fair to reward you for coming to my rescue."

"Not that you needed rescuing, I'm sure you would have handled him just fine."

Harriet let out a soft laugh, "and don't forget it."

"I would never forget a thing about you," he whispered, so only she would hear it… Or so she thought.

"When did you even meet him harry? He's probably a disgusting bloody death eater!" Sirius screamed, embarrassed and feeling rather humiliated.

Evan stilled at the words, wanting nothing more than to curse the little shit who not only had the audacity to talk to the woman in front of him like she was nothing, but to also speak of being a Death Eater like it wasnt an honour.

Seeing the change in Evans' eyes Harriet took a step forward, "he's the older brother to one of my best friend's, is it that shocking that we've met? And as to everything else that just spewed from your mouth, how dare you! You're such a closed minded bigot that looking at you honestly repulses me. Anybody and anything you don't like you call evil and wrong, and it makes me sick. I will never go out with you sirius! I can't stand to look at you!" she said, voice cold.

Sirius looked like he was about to explode, when another voice Harriet could have done without hearing interrupted.

"What the hell harriet!" James shouted, rushing through the crowd.

Shaking her head at him, Harriet turned to walk away, "I'm done with this, come on," she said to her friends who had come to stand around her.

She made it a few feet when she felt a hand on her shoulder spinning her around so violently that she almost lost her footing.

"Don't just walk away from me dammit," James said, ignoring the wands now pointed at him.

"Let her go potter," Evan hissed, his wand pointed directly at James' heart.

James gulped and released her, taking a step back.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jasmine hissed, stepping in front of Harriet slightly.

James shook his head, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have grabbed you. But what the hell? Why did you say all of that to Sirius?"

"Because it's the truth?" Harriet bit out sarcastically. "I'm fed up with him treating me like a mindless doll who should be grateful for his attention."

James took a step back at the pure venom in his sister's voice, "but…"

"Did you even ask him what he said? Did you consider that maybe he was at fault before coming after me?" she asked, scoffing at his guilty face, "of course not."

James sighed deeply, knowing he had messed up once again, "I'm sorry Harry."

"You're always sorry James, that's the problem."