The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 31: The French Letter

The warm afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of the villa as Harriett stood alone in the study, a room lined with bookshelves and paintings depicting the grandeur of the Black family’s history. She had always found comfort in the quiet, in the solitude of these moments when the world outside felt so far away. The distant sound of the ocean, the hum of nature, and the rustling of the leaves in the trees all contributed to the serenity that surrounded her.

And yet, despite the tranquility, there was a growing feeling inside her, something that seemed to pulse in time with her heartbeat. She had been here in France for months now, trying to adjust to the new life Sirius had built for her. But it felt as though something was missing—a piece of herself that was yet to be discovered.

It was in that moment, as Harriett gazed out over the landscape, that the flutter of wings reached her ears. A sudden screech pierced the stillness, followed by a thud on the windowsill. She turned just in time to see an owl—a sleek black bird with sharp, intelligent eyes—perch on the ledge, holding a letter in its talons. Her heart skipped a beat.

The owl's presence was unusual, for it didn’t belong to any of her cousins or their families. No, this was a letter that carried something far more significant.

The owl hooted softly and dropped the letter into her outstretched hand, its talons brushing against her skin with surprising gentleness. Harriett’s pulse quickened as she held the letter, her fingers instinctively brushing against the wax seal that marked it. It was unfamiliar to her, though the crest on the seal glimmered faintly in the light—a symbol she recognized.

Her breath caught as she turned the envelope over, reading the delicate script on the front. The letter was addressed to her, Harriett Black, in elegant silver ink.

“Harriett?” Narcissa’s voice interrupted her thoughts as she entered the study. Her calm presence filled the room, and Harriett could see the slight quiver in her hands as she noticed the letter in her grasp.

“It's from the school,” Harriett said, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice, but she was also nervous. The letter she held was no ordinary invitation. It was a defining moment in her life, the beginning of a journey she hadn’t even fully realized she was ready to take.

Sirius appeared in the doorway just as Harriett tore open the envelope. His eyes locked on the letter in her hands, and a small, proud smile tugged at his lips. He had known this day was coming—he’d known she was ready for the next step, even when she had doubts about herself.

Harriett unfolded the parchment slowly, letting the weight of each word settle in her chest. The words glimmered in the sunlight, as if they carried more magic than mere ink on paper.

---

École de Sorcellerie Beauxbâtons
Directrice: Madame Olympe Maxime

Dear Miss Harriett Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to École de Sorcellerie Beauxbâtons for the upcoming school year. Beauxbâtons is a prestigious institution known for its refinement and excellence in both magical education and culture. We believe you will be a valuable addition to our esteemed school.

Please find enclosed a list of required books and magical supplies for your first year, and be advised that you are to attend a Pre-Term Meeting on the 1st of September. We ask that you present yourself in Diagon Alley on 31st August to acquire your school supplies and travel arrangements to the school. Your uniform, robes, and other necessary items can be found there as well.

We look forward to welcoming you to Beauxbâtons, where you will undoubtedly thrive in both your magical studies and in the fine traditions of our institution.

Yours sincerely,
Madame Olympe Maxime
Directrice
École de Sorcellerie Beauxbâtons

---

The room seemed to hold its breath as Harriett read through the letter. Each word burned into her mind, creating a sense of reality that had not yet fully settled in. Beauxbâtons. The name alone sent a ripple of excitement through her. Her heart raced, and she couldn’t help but feel that she was standing on the precipice of something monumental. This was it—the start of a new chapter in her life.

Sirius walked over and placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his voice low and steady. "It’s real, Harriett. You’ve been accepted."

Narcissa gave a soft laugh, her eyes gleaming with pride. "I knew they’d see your potential. You’re perfect for Beauxbâtons."

But Harriett wasn’t sure she felt that way. She wasn’t sure she was perfect for anything. She had always struggled with her dual heritage, the weight of her bloodlines pressing down on her in ways she couldn’t always explain. Being the daughter of both an angel and a demon wasn’t something she had ever asked for. But now, it seemed, she would have to carry that weight into the world of Beauxbâtons.

"I don’t even know what to expect," she murmured, feeling the edge of uncertainty slip into her voice.

Sirius chuckled, his hand rubbing her back in gentle reassurance. "You’re going to find your place, Harriett. You’ve already got everything it takes. The school will challenge you, yes—but that’s what will make you stronger."

Harriett closed her eyes for a moment, taking in his words. She had always felt the pressure to live up to her family’s legacy. To make them proud. But now, she had the chance to carve her own path, to create something new for herself. And though she was terrified, there was also a sense of excitement building inside her.

Andromeda, who had been quietly observing the scene, now stood up and walked over to Harriett with a soft smile. "Beauxbâtons is not just a school," she said thoughtfully. "It’s a place of tradition, of culture. They emphasize grace, magical diplomacy, and creativity. But they’ll also help you harness your power—your true potential. Whatever that may be."

Harriett’s eyes flickered to the letter again. The words were so grand, so full of promise, but there was a voice inside her that wondered if she would truly belong.

"You will," Narcissa said, sensing her doubts. "You have the strength of the Black family in your blood, and the world is waiting for you to claim it."

Harriett smiled softly, feeling the support of her family wrap around her like a warm blanket. They believed in her, and for now, that was enough.

She looked down at the letter one last time, as though to commit every word to memory. It was official now. The life she had been preparing for was about to begin.

As she stood there, the distant hum of the sea seeming to echo in her ears, she could feel the weight of destiny pressing upon her. Beauxbâtons would be different. It would be challenging. But it was also her future, and it was time for her to face it.

"I’m ready," she said, her voice steady and filled with quiet determination. "I’m ready for Beauxbâtons."

And as she said the words, a sense of clarity washed over her. Whatever happened next, she would face it head-on. She was Harriett Black, and she had her own place to carve in the world.

---

The family gathered around her, each person offering a reassuring smile. For a moment, it was as though time stood still—just a family, united in pride, love, and a shared sense of purpose. And in that moment, Harriett knew that no matter what came next, she was not alone.

She had her family by her side, and the magical world awaited her.