The Other Potter

Part 12

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."