The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 26: A New Beginning

The train to France seemed to glide through the night, its rhythmic clattering offering little comfort to Remus Lupin as he stared out the window. The world outside blurred, a patchwork of darkened fields and silent towns, all so distant from the chaos of the past. His mind, however, remained anchored in the past—the memories of his dear friends, the pain of betrayal, and the bitter weight of years spent in solitude. But now, there was something ahead, something brighter. A new beginning.

The letter from Sirius had come at just the right moment, a lifeline in the storm. "Come to us," Sirius had written. "We’re rebuilding. We need you." Those words had ignited something inside Remus, something he hadn’t felt in years: hope.

He had spent enough time hiding, brooding over things he couldn’t change. Now, it was time to take the first step toward something better. He had always thought the Black family was lost forever, but perhaps that wasn’t true. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was still a chance for them to heal. And if the Black family was starting anew in France, then maybe it was time for him to join them.

---

The Black estate in France was a place of quiet grandeur, nestled among the rolling hills of the French countryside. It was a mansion that had once been dark and imposing, but now, it seemed to embrace the light. The stone walls, once cold and indifferent, had been softened by ivy and age, and the gardens surrounding the house flourished with vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the grim manor of his memories. It was as if the house itself was trying to start anew—just as they all were.

As Remus walked through the gates, he felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. The grounds were familiar, though transformed. His mind conjured memories of the past—of laughter and camaraderie, of days spent with his closest friends, and nights spent in the company of a family that had once been his. He had missed this place, despite everything.

When Sirius saw him approach, he couldn’t contain his smile. There was a warmth in his expression that made the years of hardship feel just a little bit lighter.

"Remus!" Sirius called out, striding forward to greet his friend. "You made it."

Remus offered a weary but genuine smile. "I didn’t know if I would." He paused, letting his gaze sweep across the estate once again. "This place... it’s different. In a good way."

Sirius nodded, his eyes softening with pride. "We’re rebuilding. Starting fresh. The past is what it is, but we can’t let it define us any longer."

As they walked toward the house, Remus couldn’t help but feel the weight lifting from his shoulders. Sirius had been right—this was a fresh start for them all. There was still much to do, but for the first time in a long time, the burden of the past seemed bearable.

---

Inside, the atmosphere was calm, yet alive with the hum of life. Narcissa and Andromeda were seated by the fire, engaged in quiet conversation, while Draco, now in his late teens, sat nearby, flipping through a book. His blonde hair was a little longer than Remus remembered, and his features were sharper, more mature, but his eyes still held that same mix of arrogance and uncertainty.

"Ah, Remus," Narcissa greeted, standing as they entered the room. "It’s good to see you again."

Andromeda offered him a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with a knowing kindness. "You’re home, Remus. Welcome."

The family had changed. There was no denying that. Yet, in this room, Remus saw not only the remnants of the past but also the possibility of something new—a chance for reconciliation, for healing.

"Thank you for having me," Remus said quietly, feeling a bit out of place but grateful nonetheless.

Sirius clapped him on the back and gestured to the far corner. "Come, sit. Harriett’s just around here somewhere."

And as if on cue, Harriett appeared from the hallway, her dark hair tied back in a messy bun, a look of excitement and curiosity in her eyes. The moment their gazes met, her face broke into a wide grin.

"Uncle Remus!" she exclaimed, rushing toward him with her usual energy.

Remus couldn’t help but smile as she threw her arms around him. She had grown so much since he had last seen her, but the warmth of her embrace, the youthful exuberance she exuded—it was a reminder of the love and joy that could still exist, even in the wake of everything they had lost.

"Harriett," Remus murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "It’s been too long."

Harriett stepped back, her eyes sparkling. "I know, right? I can’t believe you’re finally here. I’ve heard so much about your adventures. It's so good to have you here. We're all family again."

Sirius stood at the door, watching the reunion with quiet satisfaction. His eyes softened as he looked at his daughter and his oldest friend. There was so much healing left to do, so many wounds still raw, but in moments like this, it felt like they might just have a chance.

As dinner was prepared, the family settled around the long dining table. The atmosphere was different than it had been years ago. There was no tension, no bitterness, just the gentle hum of family life—a kind of normalcy they hadn’t known in ages. Draco, to his credit, had shed some of his old arrogance and was speaking more openly with the others. He had grown, just as Harriett had, into someone with a deeper understanding of the world and his place in it.

The conversation ebbed and flowed, from family matters to the latest developments in the wizarding world. It was a far cry from the dark days of the war, when each word felt like it carried the weight of a world in peril. Now, it seemed like they could talk about anything. Anything but the past.

As the meal finished and the family moved to the sitting room, Sirius turned to Remus.

"I’ve been thinking," Sirius said, his voice contemplative. "You need to find something to do. A job, maybe. You don’t have to live in the shadows anymore. You could help with the rebuilding of the family. You’ve always been part of this family, Remus. You should take your place here."

Remus paused, considering the offer. For so long, he had felt like an outsider, drifting between the remnants of his former life. But in this moment, as he looked around the room at his old friends and his goddaughter, he realized something important: he wasn’t alone anymore. There was a place for him here—among the Black family, among those who still cared for him.

"You really think so?" Remus asked, his voice soft.

Sirius nodded firmly. "Of course. You have skills, Remus. You’ve always had them. You could help with whatever we need—whether it’s with the estate, with planning, or even with some of the new ventures we’re considering. We could use someone like you."

Remus felt the weight of the offer settle in his chest. This wasn’t just a job—it was an opportunity to rebuild, to be part of something bigger than himself.

"Alright," he said, his voice steady. "I’ll help. I’ll do whatever I can."

Sirius smiled, clapping him on the back once more. "I knew you’d say that. Welcome home, Remus."

As Remus looked around at the family he had come to know and love, he realized that, for the first time in years, he had found a place where he truly belonged. The future was still uncertain, but with his friends and family by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

The past had shaped them, yes, but it was the future that would define them. And for the first time in a long time, Remus Lupin felt hope.