Rebirth of a Potter

Chapter 6: Establishing the Network

Harriet's success in freeing Sirius and exposing Dumbledore's negligence had set the wizarding world alight. Newspapers continued to publish articles questioning the headmaster's past actions, and the public was slowly beginning to see the cracks in his carefully constructed image. The alliance she had formed with the Malfoys, Greengrasses, and the newly reinstated Black family was steadily growing, but she knew she had to fortify her position further. Dumbledore was still a formidable adversary with many loyal supporters, and she had only begun to dismantle his influence.

Her next move was to solidify her alliances by meeting with other influential families, expanding her network and gathering more support.

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Harriet arranged for a gathering of the old pureblood families, an informal meeting disguised as a social event at the Black family manor. She knew that establishing relationships was key; it wasn't just about politics but also about trust. The wizarding world was still very much rooted in tradition and etiquette, and she needed to show that she understood and respected those customs if she wanted to gain favor.

Sirius had initially been skeptical about hosting such a gathering, but Harriet convinced him of its necessity. "We need to show that we stand together, Sirius. If the other families see that the Malfoys, Greengrasses, and the Potters are united, they will want to join us."

Sirius nodded, a gleam of pride in his eyes. "You've grown into quite the strategist, Harriet. Very well, the Black Manor is yours to use."

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The event was held on a crisp evening in mid-August. Harriet wore a new set of robes she had ordered specifically for the occasion—deep emerald green, embroidered with silver and gold threads to represent both the Potter and Black crests. Her hair was pulled back elegantly, and she wore a small diadem, a nod to her status as an heiress.

As the guests arrived, she greeted them one by one, introducing herself with grace and confidence. "Welcome, Lord and Lady Nott," she said, bowing her head slightly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Lord Nott, an older wizard with a sharp gaze, nodded. "Heiress Potter, you've made quite a name for yourself in recent months. We've been eager to meet the young witch who has stirred up the Wizengamot."

Harriet smiled graciously. "I am simply doing what I consider necessary to restore justice and balance to our world, Lord Nott. The Potters have always valued integrity."

She moved on to other families, greeting the Selwyns, the Zabinis, and the Parkinsons. The Greengrasses arrived with Daphne, who gave Harriet a nod of approval. The Malfoys came next, Lucius and Narcissa leading Draco, all of them dressed in their finest robes. "Heiress Potter," Lucius said, bowing. "We are honored to be part of this evening."

Harriet inclined her head. "Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, Heir Malfoy, it is a pleasure to have you here. Tonight, we build alliances."

Draco smirked slightly, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you do it well, Heiress Potter."

The evening proceeded smoothly, with Sirius playing the role of host with his characteristic charm. Harriet moved through the crowd, engaging in conversations and forming connections. She spoke of the importance of uniting against corruption, the need to secure the future of the wizarding world, and the value of protecting ancient traditions.

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Near the end of the evening, Harriet found herself speaking to a quiet, reserved girl with silver-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes—Astoria Greengrass, Daphne's younger sister. Astoria was a couple of years younger than Harriet, but she had a quiet confidence that intrigued her.

"It's quite brave of you to stand against Dumbledore," Astoria remarked. "Not many would dare to question him."

Harriet smiled. "Sometimes, bravery means asking the difficult questions. We've all been taught to trust him, but we've also seen the consequences of blind loyalty."

Astoria nodded thoughtfully. "You speak like someone who understands the bigger picture. That's rare."

Harriet felt a spark of recognition—Astoria, though young, had the mind of a strategist. "I believe we need to be prepared for every possibility, and that means building strong alliances. Your family's support means a lot to me."

Astoria's lips curled into a small smile. "And we're glad to have an ally like you, Heiress Potter."

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As the evening wound down, Harriet gathered the heads of the various families into one of the grand parlors of Black Manor. She stood at the head of the room, the fireplace casting a warm glow over her features as she addressed them.

"Lord and Lady Malfoy, Lord and Lady Greengrass, Lord and Lady Nott, and all our distinguished guests—thank you for joining us this evening. We are at a turning point in our world's history. For too long, we've allowed others to dictate the future of our families, but no longer."

Her gaze was piercing as she met each of their eyes. "I am not here to ask for support out of desperation or fear. I am here to offer a future where our traditions, our families, and our legacies are respected. Together, we have the power to reshape our society, to expose the manipulations that have plagued us, and to build a new era—one based on truth and honor."

Lord Greengrass stood, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You speak with conviction, Heiress Potter. Many of us have had our doubts about the way things have been handled, especially regarding Dumbledore's unchecked authority. If we were to stand with you, what is your plan?"

Harriet gave a firm nod. "My plan is simple. We reveal the truth while exposing the corruption and build alliances that cannot be easily dismantled. Together, we will bring transparency to the Wizengamot and reclaim the power that was taken from our families."

Lucius Malfoy spoke next. "The Malfoys stand with you, Heiress Potter. You have proven yourself, and we will support you in your efforts."

One by one, the other families echoed their support. Harriet felt a swell of determination as she saw the unity forming before her eyes. This was the beginning of something powerful—something that could rival Dumbledore's influence.

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The next morning, Harriet met with Sirius in his study. He looked more alive than she had ever seen him, his eyes bright with hope. "You did it, Harriet. You've created a coalition."

Harriet smiled, though she felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. "This is only the beginning. Dumbledore still has his loyal followers, and the war with Voldemort is still on the horizon. We need to be prepared."

Sirius's expression grew serious. "You're right. We need to start training, building our knowledge, and finding ways to protect ourselves and our allies."

Harriet nodded. "I've already started gathering books on ancient magic, battle tactics, and defense strategies. We'll train the children of our allied families as well. If Hogwarts isn't safe, we'll have a contingency plan."

"Smart," Sirius said, nodding approvingly. "You're becoming a leader, Harriet. Your parents would be proud."

Harriet felt a pang of emotion at the mention of her parents, but she pushed it aside. "I will honor their sacrifice and their legacy by making sure the world they fought for is one worth living in."

Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder. "And I'll be there every step of the way, goddaughter."

Harriet smiled, feeling stronger with every passing day. She was no longer just Harriet Potter, the Girl Who Lived. She was the leader of a growing alliance, and she was ready for the battles that lay ahead.

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New chapter cause I just couldn't wait! Hope you like it as much as I do.
Ella