The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 18: Foundations of Trust

The morning light spilled into the Black family’s French estate, glinting off the crystal chandeliers and warming the polished wood floors. Harriett was already at the breakfast table, a steaming cup of tea in her hands. She hadn’t slept much the night before—thoughts of the family’s growing resistance to the Ministry’s machinations kept her tossing and turning.

Across from her, Draco lounged in his chair, stirring his tea with a languid grace. He seemed far less concerned about the storm brewing on the horizon.

“You’ve got that look again,” he said, breaking the silence.

“What look?” Harriett asked, arching an eyebrow.

“The one that says, ‘I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders,’” Draco replied, his grey eyes sharp with amusement.

“I can’t help it,” she admitted, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “There’s so much going on, and it feels like I’m at the center of it all.”

Draco leaned forward, his expression turning serious. “You are at the center of it, Harriett. But that doesn’t mean you have to handle everything alone. That’s what the rest of us are here for.”

His words were strangely comforting, and Harriett found herself relaxing slightly.

Before she could respond, the door swung open, and Sirius strode in, his energy filling the room. “Good, you’re both here,” he said, grabbing a piece of toast from the table. “We’ve got plans to finalize.”

---

The family gathered later that morning in the grand salon, a space filled with the echoes of generations past. The room was alive with purpose as Sirius took his place at the head of the room, flanked by Narcissa and Andromeda. Lucius stood off to the side, his polished demeanor as impenetrable as ever. Harriett sat next to Draco, trying not to fidget under the weight of everyone’s attention.

Sirius began, his tone authoritative yet calm. “Our position is stronger than it was a month ago. The letters we sent have borne fruit—the Rosiers, Greengrasses, and even some of the neutral families are open to dialogue. But we all know words can only take us so far.”

“They need to see action,” Narcissa said, her voice smooth and confident. “A show of unity and strength.”

Lucius nodded, his aristocratic features unreadable. “We must demonstrate that the House of Black is not a fractured relic of the past but a force to be reckoned with.”

Andromeda added, “To that end, we’ve arranged a gathering of our allies. It will take place at the old Black family estate near the Swiss border. Secluded, secure, and far enough from the Ministry’s reach to ensure privacy.”

Harriett’s chest tightened at the mention of a gathering. It sounded like an enormous responsibility—and a potential disaster if things didn’t go as planned.

“What can I do to help?” she asked, her voice steady despite her nerves.

Sirius smiled at her, pride evident in his expression. “You’ll be by my side, Harriett. This is as much your fight as it is ours.”

Draco leaned closer, his tone teasing. “No pressure, of course.”

Harriett shot him a glare, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

---

The days leading up to the gathering were a blur of preparation. Narcissa and Andromeda coordinated with the older families, ensuring every detail was perfect. Lucius handled the logistics, arranging for transportation and security. Sirius focused on crafting the messaging—how they would present themselves to their allies.

Harriett was tasked with reaching out to the younger generation—the heirs and heiresses who would shape the future. She wrote dozens of letters, each carefully worded to convey both strength and an openness to alliance.

Draco, of course, found every opportunity to distract her.

“You’re overthinking it,” he said one afternoon, leaning over her shoulder as she agonized over a draft.

“I just want to get it right,” Harriett replied, her frustration evident.

Draco rolled his eyes and plucked the quill from her hand. “Here, let me show you.” He added a line in his elegant script: ‘The strength of our bonds will withstand any storm.’

Harriett read it over and sighed. “Not bad.”

“Not bad?” Draco repeated, feigning outrage. “It’s perfect.”

She laughed, the tension easing. “Fine. It’s perfect. Happy?”

“Ecstatic.”

---

The day of the gathering dawned bright and clear, a crisp breeze carrying the faint scent of lavender from the estate’s gardens. The journey to the Swiss property was uneventful, though Harriett’s nerves grew with each passing mile.

The estate itself was breathtaking—a sprawling manor set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Guests had already begun to arrive, their voices carrying through the crisp air as they mingled on the front lawn.

As Harriett stepped out of the carriage, Sirius placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ll do great,” he said. “Remember, this isn’t just about politics. It’s about family.”

Inside, the manor’s grand ballroom was alive with conversation. The Rosiers, Greengrasses, and even the enigmatic Lestrange cousins were in attendance, their faces a mix of curiosity and calculation.

Harriett moved through the crowd with Sirius at her side, introducing herself and engaging in careful conversation. Her nerves soon gave way to a quiet confidence as she realized that most of the attendees were as uncertain as she was.

Draco joined her at one point, his usual smugness replaced by a calm seriousness. “You’re doing well,” he said quietly.

“Thanks,” Harriett replied, her green eyes meeting his grey ones.

They worked as a team, Draco’s charm complementing Harriett’s sincerity. Together, they left a strong impression on the gathered families, solidifying the Black family’s position as a united force.

---

As the evening wound down, Harriett found herself standing on a balcony overlooking the estate’s grounds. The stars above were brilliant, their light casting a soft glow over the scene below.

“You handled yourself well today,” Sirius said, joining her.

“I hope so,” Harriett said, leaning on the balcony’s edge. “It still feels overwhelming sometimes.”

Sirius chuckled. “That’s normal. But you’ve proven yourself more than capable, Harriett. The House of Black is lucky to have you.”

She smiled, the weight of his words sinking in. For the first time, she felt not just like an heir to a legacy but an active participant in shaping it.

As the night deepened, Harriett knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy. But with her family by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges came their way. Together, they would rebuild the House of Black, stronger than ever.