The Other Potter

Part 4

Tom Riddle sat and admired the splendour around him; Black had gone out of his way to make the castle festive it would seem. Making his way through the ballroom, he turned straight towards the parlour; he didn't wish to partake in the festivities, no he was here simply because his followers would be in attendance. Finding a spot in the corner, he noted the house elves brought him his favourite fire whiskey straight away without any prompting. The notion make him smirk, his servants were trained well, even the formidable Lord of The Ancient and Noble House of Black.

Soon after his arrival he saw a rotating assortment of his followers all of them coming and going before him; some to give reports and updates whilst others simply wished to bask in his presence. Currently Nott and Dolohov were speaking to him, the former letting in know about the current education reforms that were being drafted.

"This is the man I wished for you to meet."

The words pulled his attention away from their latest update; he had been listening Theodore Nott, the man was one of his oldest and closest allies, somebody he would willingly take advice from if necessary. However, the words that had drawn his attention came from Arcturus who was approaching them. Unlike Theodore, Arcturus wasn't marked. The man supported him and his goals but he wasn't a true follower. The Black lord had been older than Tom in school, a Slytherin who left before Tom took his place as their rightful leader; yet the man listened to him and acknowledged him as the Dark Lord. His support had made Toms life easier; his influence over the dark families was formidable, therefore he knew not to ignore him.

Following behind the Lord Black was a small girl; who from the quick glace he sent at her, he assumed she was one of Arcturus's many grandchildren, which one however he didn't know. Still that he wanted to introduce the girl was surprising; he had thought the Black heir was Orion's son. Dismissing Dolohov and Nott with a look and a wave of his hand, he bid Arcturus to join him.

Looking as they approached Tom was shocked to see the subtle glow around the girl's eyes, such a gift was a rare treasure. The reason why Arcturus wanted them to meet was becoming clearer, such a witch would surely one day be a great ally to have, especially if she was being groomed as the next Lady Black. He noticed when the girl saw him, her breath caught, something that made him smug; her mask had been impressive for one so young up until that point.

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Harriet followed her uncle as he joined the man, taking the seat indicated for her.

"Arcturus," the man greeted; his voice was like warm honey.

"My lord," Arcturus returned the greeting.

"May I introduce my niece, Harriet Lyra Potter, daughter of Lord Charlus Potter and the late Dorea Potter nee Black."

Tom was both confused and intrigued; a Potter was going to take over the Black family? Arcturus hadn't said anything but his actions spoke for themselves. Tom knew both Charlus and Dorea; they had gone to school together. He hadn't liked Charlus much; the man was arrogant and loud, he took for granted his life and his magic. Dorea however had been a tentative ally; the witch wasn't one of his followers but she had been smart, cunning and powerful, things he appreciated. He had been shocked when they announced their relationship, they were opposites in manner and beliefs yet they had seemed happy. He hadn't thought about them until recent years and that was only due to Charlus being one of his greatest opponents. Not only was the wizard the head of the UK auror force and unlikely to be bribed to look the other way, but he had allied himself with Dumbledore. So that Arcturus would pick his daughter to be his new heir was surprising.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Potter," he said, taking the smalls girls hand and kissing it.

Harriet noted how he didn't give his name but ignored that unusual turn of events. Allowing her eyes to smile, she like her uncle had before, inclined her head, "the pleasure is mine, My Lord."