The Other Potter

Part 2

Harriet would be lying if she said she didn't at times pity Sirius Black, which was not an emotion she wanted to have in regards to him. However aunt Wallburga was truly a dreadful woman. If they were not so meticulous in keeping track of their family history she would think that she has some harpy blood in her veins with how she screeched.

"If I hear you've done anything to bring more shame on our family boy I swear you'll wish you hadn't been born," the screeching woman bellowed.

Harriet and James had come through the floo with Arcturus, he would be taking them shopping for the last of their school things and Harriet's wand as Charlus was busy at work once again and Dorea had developed a nasty cold. However upon their arrival he had left to speak with Uncle Orion who had appeared and said it was urgent, promising to be back soon he had left the two siblings alone to overhear Wallburgas rant at the Black heir.

"She's been like this ever since he was sorted into Gryffindor," Regulus whispered, he had appeared shortly after Arcturus had left.

James scowled, "why? It's the best house."

Regulus pulled a face, "Blacks are predominantly in Slytherin with a few exceptions going into Ravenclaw"

James frowned still, "so, Potters are all lions but Harry is going to be a snake."

Fighting not to roll her eyes, Harriet turned to her brother, "I'll be wherever the hat puts me."

James gaped in shock and demanded "how do you know about the hat, it's tradition for firsties to be surprised?!"

"Cousin Bella told me when I asked."

James scowled, he and Sirius had been planning on telling them both some outrageous stories about the sorting the night before they left.

Hearing a door slam Harry noted how Sirius walked out of the parlour with no emotion on his face yet his eyes blazing. Seeing them the boy looked embarrassed before he quickly masked it with false cheer. It was times like this, when Sirius pulled out pureblood tricks that she was reminded that all the training Arcturus forced her through, Sirius had also been forced to endure.

"Look what we've got here James, fresh meat."

"Brother for once could you try and act like a responsible pureblood heir?" Regulus asked his voice dry.

Harriet couldn't help but agree, James had been better around her since she got her letter but she knew when they were together they were worse; their energies feeding off each other.

"Pppft, like this family deserves respect," He muttered making Harry frown.

Family was the most important thing, however before she could respond Arcturus appeared, his silver eyes flashing briefly, making Harry think she wasn't the only one who had heard Sirius' comment.

///

"Why do we have to go with you to Ollivanders? Can't we go to Quality Quidditch Supplies, Please uncle Arcturus?" James whined, something Harriet couldn't believe.

Arcturus Black wasn't somebody you just whined at, ever, just thinking about doing so made her flinch, Uncle Arcturus hadn't been afraid to use curses during her lessons as a child. Just thinking about talking back or whining at the man sent phantom pains through her, but she didn't regret her decision to have lessons with him as she knew her education had prepared her for all aspects of life.

"Yes please grandfather. We won't go anywhere else," Sirius added, pausing in the street to stop and pout up at his grandfather. Honestly, if James wasn't here he probably wouldn't have gone so far but he knew his grandfather wouldn't curse him in public; probably.