The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 19: Bonds and Burdens

Morning light streamed through the tall windows of Château Black, spilling over the elegant furnishings and casting a warm glow on the family gathered for breakfast. Harriett had always loved these moments of quiet normalcy, even when she knew they wouldn’t last. The Black family had made great strides in building alliances and securing their safety in France, but Harriett could feel the tension brewing just below the surface, like a storm waiting to break.

Across the table, Sirius was poring over several letters, his brow furrowed. Andromeda sat beside him, sipping her tea while occasionally commenting on the correspondence. Draco, as usual, was focused on his plate, devouring a slice of brioche with an air of practiced indifference.

Harriett stared down at her untouched cup of tea, her mind elsewhere.

“Thinking too much again?” Draco asked, breaking the silence.

Harriett blinked and glanced up. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve got that look,” he said, smirking. “Like you’re trying to solve all the world’s problems at once.”

“I’m just... considering everything,” she admitted. “The alliances, the responsibilities, the expectations...”

Draco snorted. “Sounds exhausting.”

“It is,” she replied, shooting him a glare.

“You’re doing brilliantly,” Sirius interjected, looking up from the letter he was reading. “But don’t let it overwhelm you. No one expects you to carry the entire weight of the Black family on your shoulders.”

“Even if it sometimes feels that way,” Andromeda added gently.

Harriett sighed, pushing her cup aside. “I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing.”

“You are,” Sirius said firmly. “And today’s another opportunity to prove it.”

---

That afternoon, Sirius called for Harriett and Draco to join him in the study. The room, with its dark wood paneling and shelves filled with ancient tomes, exuded an air of authority and history.

“We’ve received another invitation from the Greengrasses,” Sirius began, handing a parchment to Harriett.

She read it quickly, her brows furrowing. “Another meeting? Didn’t we just see them?”

“This one is different,” Sirius said. “It’s a gathering for younger witches and wizards—heirs to influential families. They want you and Draco to attend as representatives of the Blacks.”

Draco groaned. “More politics. Wonderful.”

“It’s important,” Sirius said sharply. “These gatherings are about building trust among the next generation. They’re testing you, Harriett, to see how you handle yourself in a room full of people who might one day be allies—or rivals.”

Harriett nodded, though her stomach twisted with nerves. “I’ll do it.”

“Good,” Sirius said, his expression softening. “And remember, you’re not alone. Draco will be there, and you can always rely on him.”

Draco smirked. “Don’t worry, Harriett. I’ll keep the vultures off your back.”

---

The Greengrass estate was an impressive sight, its modern design a stark contrast to the traditional elegance of Château Black. Harriett and Draco entered the grand hall together, their presence commanding attention. She could feel the weight of countless eyes on her, assessing and judging.