The Other Potter

Part 6

Harriet knew her father and Dumbledore met up; was aware of the headmaster's plans and desire to stop the Dark Lord and ban all of the branches of magic he deemed dark and dangerous, she knew her father supported him. Therefore when she felt his eyes on her during the welcoming feast she wasn't overly shocked, unhappy yes, as she didn't like the feeling of being watched, but not shocked.

Entering her first class of the year, which happened to be transfiguration that feeling of being watched continued, much to her displeasure.

"Welcome class, to your third year," McGonagall said, her eyes sweeping across them but lingering on Harriet.

Wanting to groan, Harriet saw both Regulus and Barty pick up on their teachers not so subtle staring, she couldn't help but wonder why Dumbledore and his lackeys were paying so much attention to her. Throughout the class McGonagall paid closer than normal attention to her, something out of character for the old lion, not that she wouldn't usually praise Harriet on her abilities. No, she would often compare Harry's transfiguration skills to her brothers, but now she seemed to be lingering and commenting on every motion Harriet made.

As soon as class let out, with Ravenclaw being 20 points up courtesy of Harriet, both Barty and Regulus turned to her with questions in their eyes.

"I have no idea, though I suspect Dumbles is trying to keep an eye on me," she said in answer to their unasked question.

Regulus hummed, "still having them watching you like a hag watches an abandoned toddler is going to get old fast."

Snorting at the analogy Barty agreed before asking, "Why?"

"I think he fears for me, the world is such a dark and dangerous place," she said innocently, swooning and batting her eyelashes at her friends.

Both boys shivered at the tone, they knew better than to ever believe Harriet to be innocent.

Laughing at their expressions Harriet linked her arm through Barty's, they had Arithmancy together now and she was genuinely looking forward to the class.

"With a bit of luck it won't last long," she said.

Regulus hummed, "one hopes."

With that they split, Regulus making his way to his next class while the two Ravenclaw's made their way to their own.

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Harriet knew on a base level that she was pretty, how could she not be when she looked like her mother; who was in her mind, the most beautiful woman to have ever graced this world. Yet she was admittedly not used to receiving attention in regards to her looks, especially attention from males she hardly knew. Therefore she was confused; she and Barty had been walking towards the Great Hall for lunch one minute, now she was here.

"Excuse me?" she said.

"Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?" the Hufflepuff repeated looking rather terrified. Not that she blamed him; her reputation in the badger's house was fearsome due to Bia's continued attacks on them and her known close relationship with Bellatrix.

"Why?" she asked perplexed, she didn't know this 5th year in front of her well; she had a vague memory of meeting him as a child and thought he might be a member of the Bones family but that was it.

This time the Hufflepuff looked confused, "it would be fun? I think we could have a good time together."

Harriet was sure she heard Barty sniggering, "look..." she trailed off not knowing his name.

An indignant Hufflepuff was something she had never seen before, "Edgar. Edgar bones," the recently named Edgar filled in for her.

"Look Edgar, I'm flattered but I don't plan on dating anybody in the near future," she hoped her voice came across as considerate.