The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 9: A Web of Allies

The days following the vow were marked by a renewed sense of purpose within the House of Black. A quiet but intense atmosphere filled Grimmauld Place as each family member took on responsibilities. They understood the seriousness of what they had pledged—to protect not just the House of Black, but also the innocent life of Harriett, the last of the Potters.

Sirius knew that keeping Harriett safe within the fortified estate could only work for so long. With Voldemort’s supporters still active and rumors of his eventual return growing louder, he realized they needed not only defenses but allies. They could no longer rely solely on family; the threats were far too widespread.

One morning, Arcturus called Sirius and Regulus into the study, where the fireplace cast dancing shadows on the walls. His expression was grave as he motioned for them to take a seat. Beside him stood a figure Sirius hadn’t seen in years: his father, Orion Black.

Orion’s appearance was as severe as ever, his features sharply defined, though time had softened him in subtle ways. His hair was now fully gray, and faint lines marked the edges of his eyes. But his stance was proud, and his gaze held a new depth, as though he too understood the critical moment the family was facing.

“It’s time we make our position clear,” Orion began without preamble, his voice steady but with a hint of urgency. “The Black family is no longer alone. We’ve forged alliances before, but now we must build something stronger—more dependable. With the right allies, we can protect Harriett and secure our family’s legacy.”

Arcturus nodded. “Orion has reached out to several families—old allies who once stood with us but distanced themselves in recent years. The Greengrasses, the Rosiers, the Selwyns. They’ve expressed a cautious willingness to meet, but their support will only be ours if we can prove our loyalty is genuine and if we can offer them assurances of safety.”

Regulus glanced at his father, a question in his eyes. “What assurances do they need?”

Orion leaned forward. “They’ll need to know that we’re not looking to draw them into conflict unnecessarily, but to unite in strength against shared threats. We want protection for Harriett, but we’ll also stand by our allies if Voldemort’s supporters turn on them.”

Sirius nodded slowly. “If we succeed, we’ll not only have family, but a network of trusted friends who can provide information and support. With so many on our side, we’ll become too powerful for any one faction to threaten.”

Orion gave him a small, approving nod. “Exactly. But know this: these families are cautious for a reason. If they sense any sign of betrayal, they’ll be quick to turn. We must be as careful as we are convincing.”

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A few days later, the Blacks hosted a private meeting in the manor’s grand hall, welcoming representatives from each of these allied families. The room felt charged with tension, as though history itself was being rewritten. Viridius and Helena Greengrass entered first, their faces dignified and unreadable. Behind them followed Horace Rosier and his cousin, Cassandra Selwyn, both observing their surroundings with guarded expressions.

Sirius felt the weight of their scrutiny as he addressed them. “Thank you all for coming. The House of Black has always valued its ties with families who share our ideals and strength. Today, we’re not here to impose, but to propose. We believe that our legacies, our values, are under threat from those who seek to control or destroy the magical world.”

Viridius Greengrass regarded him thoughtfully. “And what, precisely, do you seek from us, Sirius Black?”

“Unity,” Sirius replied. “A network of loyalty. In the coming days, Voldemort’s followers may grow bolder, and if we remain divided, each of us becomes vulnerable. Together, we’re strong enough to stand against any threat, to protect each other and our children.”