The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 5: Old Ties Rekindled

The cottage had become a haven, but Sirius’s days were haunted by the lingering shadows of the Black family name. For years, he’d tried to distance himself from his family’s legacy. But the reality of his heritage loomed ever larger, especially now that he’d heard rumors through the Order: the Ministry was intensifying its surveillance, and even his cousins, once neutral, were coming under scrutiny.

Then came the letter that changed everything. It was an unmarked envelope, left on the doorstep one misty morning. Sirius opened it carefully, his eyes scanning the handwriting that was unmistakably Narcissa Malfoy’s.

---

My dear cousin,

I’m writing to you with news I had hoped I’d never have to share. The Ministry is reaching deeper than ever into our lives, tracing even the faintest threads of connection to the Dark Lord. Despite my husband’s… precautions, even Lucius and I are being watched more closely than ever.

The family has decided that for now, we must retreat—to protect ourselves and, most importantly, to protect Draco. As your family, we wish to extend this opportunity to you and Harriett. I believe we could all benefit from a fresh start, far from prying eyes and the scrutiny of those who would judge us for who we are, not who we choose to be.

If you are willing to meet, please respond in any way you see fit.

Yours,
Narcissa

---

Sirius read the letter three times, his heart conflicted. He had never been close to Narcissa, nor had he ever fully trusted the Malfoys. But family ties had a strange way of pulling at him now. He looked over at Harriett, asleep in her cot, her small hand curled around the edge of her blanket. If he wanted to keep her safe, perhaps this new alliance with his estranged family could be his best option.

Later that night, he composed a brief reply, agreeing to meet Narcissa at a remote location she specified in the letter.

---

Two days later, Sirius found himself in the shadow of a stone archway, in a secluded part of the French countryside not far from the village. The air was cool, and the late afternoon light cast long shadows across the ground. As he waited, he noticed two figures approaching, their faces partially obscured by hooded cloaks.

“Sirius,” Narcissa greeted, her voice cool but polite as she lowered her hood. Her face was calm, but her expression betrayed a hint of tension. Beside her stood Lucius, who gave a curt nod, his eyes scrutinizing Sirius with the sharp gaze of a man accustomed to power.

“Narcissa. Lucius,” Sirius replied evenly. “I wasn’t expecting you to reach out.”

“Desperate times, cousin,” Narcissa said softly, her gaze drifting past him toward the horizon. “We’ve never been close, but our family ties mean more to me now than ever.”

Sirius nodded. “I didn’t think you’d be willing to turn against the Ministry. You’ve been rather loyal to their cause, haven’t you?”

Lucius’s jaw tightened, and he spoke for the first time, his voice low and controlled. “The Ministry’s loyalty is as fickle as the wind. They’ve proven time and again that they’ll sacrifice anyone who doesn’t serve their interests. And with our connections to the Dark Lord… we’ve become convenient scapegoats.”

Sirius studied Lucius’s face, searching for any sign of deception. But all he saw was a father’s determination. Despite their differences, Lucius’s devotion to his son was undeniable, and for that, Sirius found a measure of respect.

“So you plan to flee,” Sirius said finally, looking between them. “All of you?”

Narcissa nodded, her expression grim. “We’ve come to realize that we can’t protect Draco while remaining in England. We can’t afford to be divided anymore.”

Sirius crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing. “And what do you expect from me? A family reunion? You know as well as I do that we’re hardly… allies.”

“We may not agree on many things,” Lucius said, his tone steady, “but we both care for our children. That common ground is enough for now.”

The sincerity in Lucius’s voice surprised Sirius. He’d known Lucius as a man who rarely showed vulnerability, who viewed life as a game of power and influence. But here he stood, prepared to abandon everything he’d worked for to protect his son. It was a perspective Sirius could understand.

Narcissa spoke again, her voice softer. “This isn’t just for Draco, Sirius. You have Harriett to think of. If we stay together, we can protect each other. Perhaps… perhaps we can start again.”

The silence stretched between them, the weight of old grudges and shared blood hovering in the cool air. Finally, Sirius nodded. “Very well. If this is truly about keeping our children safe, I’ll join you. But I want you to understand something: my loyalty is to Harriett first and foremost.”

“Of course,” Narcissa replied, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Family comes first, as it should.”

---

In the weeks that followed, the unlikely group formed an uneasy alliance. Sirius agreed to relocate with the Malfoys to a larger, more secluded estate in southern France, one that Narcissa had discreetly arranged through old family connections. The estate was surrounded by forests and set high on a hill, with enough enchantments and protections to keep even the most determined wizard from finding it.

Despite the tension that hung between them, they settled into a semblance of normalcy. Harriett and Draco, only toddlers, quickly formed a bond, spending hours exploring the estate together. Sirius often watched them from a distance, feeling a strange mixture of relief and nostalgia. He could see traces of James in Harriett’s bright laughter, and he imagined that she and Draco might grow up as close friends—if not siblings in spirit.

Lucius, ever the proud patriarch, kept to himself, maintaining his rigid sense of dignity. But on occasion, Sirius caught him watching Draco and Harriett with a softened expression, a glimpse of the father behind the mask. Narcissa, meanwhile, seemed to embrace her new role as caretaker of their makeshift family, ensuring that both children were well-cared for and that Sirius was included in their quiet, shared meals.

One evening, as Sirius sat by the fire with a glass of wine, Narcissa joined him, her face illuminated by the warm glow.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” she mused, her voice almost wistful. “After all these years, I never imagined we’d end up like this.”

“Neither did I,” Sirius replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. “But life has a way of surprising us.”

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the flames dance in the hearth. Finally, Narcissa spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, Sirius… for trusting us, despite everything. I know our family has caused you pain, and I… I’m sorry for that.”

Sirius looked at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. He nodded, offering a small smile. “We’re all just trying to do what’s best for them. Maybe that’s enough to start with.”

From that night on, an unspoken understanding formed between them. They didn’t have to like each other or agree on everything, but they would protect each other’s children with every ounce of strength they had.

---

As the days turned into weeks, the strange new family they’d built began to settle. Harriett and Draco’s laughter filled the once-empty halls, and Sirius found a semblance of peace he hadn’t known in years. Though the shadows of the past still loomed, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Whatever the future held, they would face it together.

And as Sirius watched the children play in the garden one warm afternoon, he realized that maybe, just maybe, this alliance of old blood and new loyalties could offer them the sanctuary they all needed.