The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 4: The French Countryside

The train rattled gently along the tracks, the rhythmic clack of wheels a calming backdrop as Sirius watched the French countryside roll by. Green fields and patches of woodland stretched out beneath a soft blue sky, the landscape peaceful and untouched. It was a sharp contrast to the shadows of Grimmauld Place, and though he felt a twinge of homesickness, he also felt something else he hadn’t felt in years: hope.

Harriett sat beside him, her tiny hand clutching the edge of the seat as she gazed wide-eyed out the window. The world outside was a vast unknown to her, and her curiosity brought a smile to Sirius’s face. The little girl he’d carried through darkness was now starting her journey into a brighter world, and he was determined to make sure it stayed that way.

The trip had been long and exhausting, with careful detours and subtle disguises at every turn. Sirius wore a charm to give himself a full, grizzled beard and a pair of thick glasses that distorted his striking features, and Harriett’s eyes were charmed to a hazel brown. He’d done everything possible to ensure they were untraceable.

Finally, the train pulled into a quaint station in a small French village named Ciel-sur-Lac. Its name, Sky Over the Lake, was an accurate description: the village lay nestled beside a beautiful lake with water so clear it mirrored the sky above. Sirius breathed in deeply as he stepped off the train with Harriett in his arms. The fresh scent of pine and water filled the air, and he felt his shoulders relax.

A man was waiting for them on the platform, tall and sturdy, with kind eyes and a welcoming smile. His presence felt reassuring, and as he approached, he held out his hand.

“You must be Monsieur Black,” he said in lightly accented English. “My name is Christophe Lemaitre. Dumbledore sent me to escort you to the house. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Sirius shook Christophe’s hand, giving him a nod of gratitude. “Thank you, Christophe. It’s been… quite a journey.”

Christophe smiled, glancing at Harriett, who blinked up at him with wide eyes. “I’m sure it has. But we have everything ready for you. The cottage is in a secluded area, far from prying eyes.”

Sirius followed Christophe along a winding path that led out of the village, the comforting weight of Harriett against his chest. He kept her close, her small hands gripping his jacket as she looked around with a mixture of awe and wonder.

As they walked, Christophe filled him in on their new home. “The cottage sits on a small hill overlooking the lake. It’s simple but comfortable—one of the few houses around for miles. The locals rarely venture near it. It’s very quiet.”

They continued along the path until they reached a clearing, and there, nestled among the trees, stood the cottage. It was a modest stone building with ivy creeping up the walls and a red-tiled roof that gave it a cozy, lived-in feel. Wildflowers grew around the door, and a small, winding path led to a gate that opened onto a view of the lake.

Sirius took in the sight, a sense of peace washing over him. This was a place where they could be safe, a place where Harriett could grow up without fear.

“Thank you, Christophe,” Sirius said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. “This… this is more than I could have hoped for.”

Christophe nodded, smiling warmly. “You’re very welcome, Monsieur Black. If you need anything, I live nearby. Just send word, and I’ll come. And I’ll visit from time to time, if that’s alright.”

Sirius appreciated the offer. “That would be wonderful. It would be good to have some contact with the outside world.”

With a final nod, Christophe gave a slight bow and headed back down the path, leaving Sirius and Harriett alone in the stillness of their new home. Sirius walked up the steps, unlocked the door, and stepped inside.

The interior of the cottage was simple and cozy. A small kitchen was tucked in one corner, a fireplace dominated one wall, and a narrow staircase led up to a loft. The furniture was comfortable and rustic, clearly well-loved, with shelves full of books and a worn armchair beside the fire.

Sirius set Harriett down, watching as she toddled around the room, exploring her new surroundings with wide eyes. She picked up a soft blanket from a chair, giggling as she wrapped it around herself like a cape. Sirius couldn’t help but laugh, the sound echoing in the stillness of the cottage. He hadn’t laughed like that in months, maybe even years.

“Welcome home, little one,” he murmured, his voice filled with warmth.

Over the next few days, they settled into a routine. Sirius explored the nearby woods with Harriett, teaching her about the different plants and animals they encountered. They spent lazy afternoons by the lake, where he would skip stones across the water and Harriett would clap and cheer as if it were magic.

The cottage became a haven. Sirius cooked simple meals, read to Harriett by the fire, and watched her grow stronger and more confident every day. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was living, not just surviving.

But despite the peace of their new life, Sirius couldn’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t last forever. He knew he was being watched. Dumbledore and the Order were undoubtedly keeping tabs on him, and he suspected that Remus would find a way to check in as well. And of course, there was the ever-present threat of Peter Pettigrew lurking somewhere out there, a dark shadow on the edge of his thoughts.

One evening, as the sun was setting and the air was filled with the sounds of crickets and rustling leaves, Sirius sat on the front steps of the cottage with Harriett in his lap. She was watching the fireflies with wide, fascinated eyes, reaching out as if to catch one.

“Someday, Harriett,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, “someday, we’ll go back to England. But for now, we’re safe here. And that’s all that matters.”

Harriett leaned back against him, her small body warm against his. He wrapped his arms around her, feeling the weight of his promise settle over him like a blanket. He would keep her safe, no matter the cost.

As they sat in the quiet, Sirius felt a shift in the air. There was a sense of peace here, a sense of hope that he hadn’t felt in so long. Perhaps, in this little corner of the world, they could finally find a new beginning.