Harriet: From Solitude to Slayers

Chapter 15: The Platform of Trust

The soft hum of magic vibrated through the air as Harriet finished constructing the platform. It was simple yet powerful, a creation designed not just for speeches but for connection. Hovering over the center of the village square, the platform shimmered, catching the attention of everyone around. The villagers, some still tending to their daily tasks, others chatting by the houses, stopped and looked up at Harriet's creation in awe.

At the front, sitting in a semi-circle of wooden benches crafted with care by the villagers, were the most important figures in Harriet's life now: Kagaya and the Hashiras, flanked by the Kamado squad. Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Kanao, and Genya were present, their eyes glued to Harriet as she prepared herself. Teddy stood beside her, his bright blue hair shifting in the wind, the protective bracelet on his wrist glimmering faintly.

Harriet raised her wand and muttered a soft Sonorus, amplifying her voice so that it could reach everyone in the village. She took a breath, the weight of what was to come pressing on her shoulders. This moment was not just for her—it was for the village. It was a chance for everyone to share, to trust one another. To create an unbreakable bond.

"People of the Refuge," Harriet began, her voice steady, though the emotion behind it was unmistakable. "We've all come to this village because, at some point, we were lost. Abandoned. Forgotten by the world. And yet, we have found each other. Today, I wish to propose something." She took a step forward on the platform, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Let us trust one another. Let us share our stories, our pasts, so that we may grow closer and stronger. Together."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in, before continuing. "I will begin by telling you the story of my godson, Teddy Lupin. Teddy, like many of us, did not have an easy start in life. He lost his parents before he was even a year old. His father, Remus Lupin, and his mother, Nymphadora Tonks, fought bravely in a war—a war of magic in a land far from here. They sacrificed their lives to ensure that their son would grow up in a world free of darkness." Harriet's voice trembled slightly as she recalled the memories, but she pressed on.

Teddy stood beside her, his small hand reaching out to grip her sleeve gently. "You're doing great," he whispered, his voice low but filled with affection. Harriet smiled at him, her heart swelling with love for this boy she had raised as her own.

"After they died," Harriet continued, her voice growing firmer, "I took Teddy in. He was my responsibility, my family. I promised them, both of his parents, that I would protect him. And so, I did. But it wasn't easy. Raising a child alone—especially one as special as Teddy—came with its own challenges. He is a Metamorphmagus, able to change his appearance at will. His emotions often affected his abilities, and there were many times when I wasn't sure I could guide him." She paused, looking down at Teddy, who was smiling softly at her.

"But he's strong. He's brave. And he never gave up, even when the world around him felt overwhelming. Teddy," Harriet turned fully to him now, her voice softer, "you are the reason I've been able to continue this fight. You're my light."

Teddy blushed slightly, his hair changing color to a soft pink, as he mumbled, "Mum... you're embarrassing me." The crowd chuckled warmly at the sight, and Harriet felt a deep sense of pride as she ruffled his hair.

"I wanted to start with this story because, in many ways, Teddy's journey is a reflection of all of ours," Harriet said, turning back to the crowd. "We've all been through hardships. We've all had to fight to survive. But we're still here. And we're still fighting."

She stepped aside slightly, opening the platform to the others. "Now, I ask anyone who wishes to share their story to come forward. Let's build this trust together, brick by brick, heart by heart." She gestured to the Kamado squad, inviting them to step forward. "Tanjiro, would you like to begin?"

Tanjiro stood slowly, his face thoughtful as he made his way onto the platform. The gentle rustle of his haori moved with him, the weight of his journey evident in the tired but determined look in his eyes. He glanced back at Nezuko, who gave him a small nod of encouragement.

"I'll start," he said, his voice filled with that same calm kindness that had endeared him to everyone he met. "My name is Tanjiro Kamado. I come from a small mountain village. My family was everything to me. We were poor, but we were happy. I had my mother, my younger brothers and sisters, and my sister Nezuko." He glanced down at Nezuko, who looked up at him with her large, expressive eyes.

"But one day, everything changed. I had gone to town to sell charcoal, and when I came back, I found them... murdered. All of them, except for Nezuko. But she... she wasn't the same. A demon had attacked our home, and Nezuko had become one of them." His voice wavered slightly, but he pressed on, determined. "I swore that day that I would find a way to turn her back into a human. That I would avenge my family and protect Nezuko no matter what."

Nezuko, sitting in the front row, bowed her head, her hands gripping the edges of her wooden box tightly. The others remained silent, listening intently to Tanjiro's tale.

"I met the Hashira, and they gave me the chance to fight. I've fought many demons since then, and I've seen a lot of suffering. But I also know that demons weren't always evil. Many were humans once, just like Nezuko. They were victims of Muzan's cruelty. So I fight not only for my family but for the hope that we can break this cycle of hatred and fear."

There was a long silence after Tanjiro finished, the weight of his story settling over the crowd. Harriet watched as the villagers took in his words, their faces full of understanding and sympathy. Tanjiro had lost everything, but he had not lost hope.

Next, Zenitsu approached the platform, though with a little more hesitation. His legs trembled as he faced the crowd, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his haori.

"U-um, okay," he stammered, his voice shaky. "My name is Zenitsu Agatsuma. And, uh, well, I guess you could say I'm... a coward." He scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. "I'm not brave like Tanjiro or Inosuke. Most of the time, I'm terrified. But... but I'm still here. I've fought demons, even though I was scared out of my mind. And I guess that means something, right?" He glanced down, his face reddening.

Harriet smiled warmly at him. "It means everything, Zenitsu. Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's standing up and fighting in spite of it."

Zenitsu's eyes brightened a little at her words, and he nodded. "Yeah, that's what I'm trying to do. To be brave, for the people I care about."

As the night went on, more stories were shared. Inosuke's tale was wild, filled with his upbringing in the mountains and his fierce independence. Kanao's was quieter, more introspective, as she spoke about the abuse she had suffered and how she had learned to trust her own instincts again. Genya's story was full of sibling rivalry, his complicated relationship with his brother Sanemi coming to the forefront.

Finally, the Hashiras stepped forward one by one, each of their stories highlighting the unique paths that had led them to this moment. There was pain and loss, but also a burning desire to protect humanity from the darkness. Each Hashira, from Rengoku to Giyu, shared their journeys, their words strengthening the bond that had already begun to form between them and the village.

By the time Kagaya himself took the platform, the air was thick with emotion. He spoke gently, his frail voice carrying the wisdom of a leader who had seen far too much suffering but continued to believe in the good of people.

"Harriet," Kagaya said, turning to face her directly. "You've brought us together, as one. I see now why you are the Protector of the Forgotten. Your village, this Refuge... it is not just a place. It is a symbol of hope. And I believe, with all my heart, that we can change the world together."

Harriet nodded, her heart full as she looked out over the sea of faces. The Refuge had grown stronger tonight, not just in numbers but in spirit. They were no longer just a group of individuals fighting their own battles. They were united.

And together, they would face whatever darkness came next.