Always Be You

Chapter 3

Disclaimer. I do not own Harry Potter or any of its elements, its ownership remains with JK Rowling.

Disbelief clouded Heather's mind as she stood amidst the ancient trees of the forbidden forest, the air thick with familiar yet different magic. How could she have returned to such a familiar place, and yet find herself truly adrift in a new world?

With a sense of urgency gnawing at her soul, Heather apparated to the bustling streets of London, seeking refuge in the anonymity of a Muggle hotel. She checked herself and her belongings, her fingers tracing the contours of the silver necklace with the hexagonal onyx pendant that hung around her neck.

A slight warmth emanated from the pendant, its heat suddenly encompassing her whole body. Heather furrowed her brow in confusion, the uncertainty of why it once again activates leaving her quite baffled and hurt.

The next day, Heather ventured out into the heart of the city, determined to find out more about her new world. She navigated the winding streets with ease, her eyes keen for any sign of magic that may exist in this familiar dimension.

Her first stop was the Leaky Cauldron, the entrance hidden in the Muggle street of Charing Cross Road. Relief washed over Heather as she confirmed the existence of the wizarding world in this reality, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

From there, Heather made her way to Flourish and Blotts, a quaint bookstore nestled amidst the bustling Diagon Alley. She perused the shelves lined with dusty tomes, her fingers trailing over leather-bound spines as she sought out books on history and politics.

To her surprise, Heather stumbled upon a section dedicated to Harry Potter adventure books. Her breath caught in her throat as she beheld the familiar titles, the colorful covers beckoning to her like old friends.

In disbelief, Heather purchased a couple of books, unable to resist the temptation of knowing more about how this world views her boy counterpart. She tucked them into her bag, her mind racing with questions and uncertainty.

Her next destination was the Daily Prophet headquarters, where she purchased newspapers spanning from 1938 to the present day. Heather poured over the pages, her eyes scanning for familiar names and events, her heart pounding with each revelation.

As Heather made her way back to the Muggle hotel, she unknowingly passed by a familiar face in the Leaky Cauldron. Harry Potter himself sat at a corner table, his head occupied by thoughts of accidental magic and Sirius Black while he nurses a pint of butterbeer.

That evening, Heather locked herself in her hotel room, her mind reeling from the information she had gathered. She spread out the newspapers and books before her, her fingers trembling as she traced the words that spoke of the history of this reality she had deliberately landed herself into.

In hysterical disbelief, Heather realized that she had landed in the Harry Potter canon universe, a world that existed only within the pages of books she had once cherished during her time in Joannes' world. The weight of the revelation bore down upon her like a crushing weight, leaving her gasping for breath.

Amidst the chaos of her emotions, Heather came to a sobering realization. Many of the people she had lost in her own reality were still alive and thriving in this universe. Tears welled in her eyes as she acknowledged the weight of this truth, the gravity of her failures crashing down upon her like a tidal wave.

So many that died during her childhood, from Cedric, Sirius, Fred, Remus, and Dumbledore. Will she have to face them again? Get to know this people who are her friends and family yet at the same time not? Would she be able to stand knowing that while these versions are alive, hers are already long gone? However, the most difficult question of all came barrelling into her mind. Would she be able to stand it if these people here also die?

Then suddenly, amidst the tumult of emotions that are coursing through her veins, a flicker of determination sparked within Heather's heart. If she couldn't save them in her own reality, she would save them here. She would keep them alive and ensure their safety, for failure was not an option.

But above all else, there was one person who haunted Heather's thoughts - Severus Snape. The realization that he was out there, a living, breathing soul in this world, brought a fresh wave of tears to Heather's eyes.

She cried for what could have been, for the words left unspoken and the love left unacknowledged. She cried for the loss and the pain that lingered like a shadow over her soul.

And as the tears flowed freely down her cheeks, Heather made a silent vow to herself. She would save Harry, she would keep her loved ones safe, and she would keep Severus Snape safe - no matter the cost. For if she couldn't do that, then what was the point of it all?

With a heavy heart and a determined spirit, Heather buried herself in the wealth of knowledge spread out before her, her mind racing with plans and strategies. The world may have changed, but her purpose remained clear - to rewrite the story and carve out a future that was worthy of the sacrifices made along the way.