The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 36: Unpacking Futures

The first night at Beauxbatons was a whirlwind of elegance and tradition. Harriett found herself swept up in the school's welcoming ceremony, where the great hall shimmered with enchanted crystal chandeliers, their light refracted into mesmerizing patterns on the marble floor. The food was as exquisite as everyone had promised, and Harriett couldn’t help but marvel at the magical orchestras playing soft, enchanting tunes in the background.

By the time the ceremony ended and Harriett was escorted to her dormitory, exhaustion had set in. She barely had the energy to notice the opulent details of her new room—the silk-draped four-poster bed, the enchanted windows overlooking the moonlit gardens, and the wardrobe that promised to sort and press her robes each morning.

Thalie, her dormmate, was still full of energy, unpacking her trunk with practiced ease. Harriett, on the other hand, let out a deep sigh and collapsed onto her bed.

"Long day?" Thalie asked, raising an eyebrow as she levitated her books onto a shelf.

"You could say that," Harriett replied, kicking off her shoes and pulling her knees up to her chest. "I’m still trying to take it all in."

"You’ll get used to it," Thalie said with a grin. "Beauxbatons has a way of making everything feel like magic—even the boring bits."

---

The following morning, Harriett woke to the soft chime of the dormitory clock. Sunlight streamed through the enchanted windows, casting a golden glow over the room. She stretched lazily, savoring the quiet moment before the day began.

Orientation for first-years started promptly after breakfast. Madame Maxime addressed the students again, her commanding presence captivating everyone in the room.

"You are here because you possess great potential," she said, her voice resonating with warmth and authority. "At Beauxbatons, we will nurture your talents and guide you to excellence. But remember, magic is as much about discipline as it is about wonder. Work hard, and you will flourish."

After the address, students were split into groups for tours of the château. Harriett found herself paired with Thalie, Louis, and Sophie once more, along with a few other first-years she didn’t yet know.

Their guide, a tall seventh-year with an easygoing smile, led them through the winding corridors and vast halls, pointing out key locations—the library, the potion labs, the enchanted greenhouse, and the dueling arena, among others.

Harriett couldn’t help but be awestruck by the sheer beauty of the château. Every detail, from the intricate carvings on the walls to the spell-lit sconces, seemed designed to inspire awe.

"Impressive, isn’t it?" Thalie whispered as they passed through the grand staircase, its railings adorned with delicate silver filigree.

Harriett nodded, unable to find the words to express how she felt.

---

Later in the day, Harriett’s schedule was finalized. As she scanned the parchment listing her classes, she felt a thrill of excitement. Charms, Potions, Transfiguration—each subject promised to unlock a new aspect of the magical world.

She also noticed a few unfamiliar classes: Magical Etiquette and Conduct, Herbology of Southern France, and Artisan Wandwork. The latter caught her attention immediately.

"Artisan Wandwork?" she asked Thalie, holding up her schedule.

"Oh, that’s a Beauxbatons specialty," Thalie explained. "It’s all about understanding the craftsmanship behind wands—wood types, cores, enchantments. It’s fascinating, really."

Harriett smiled. After the experience of choosing her own wand, she was eager to learn more about the magic that went into creating such powerful tools.

---

By the time classes ended for the day, Harriett was thoroughly exhausted but equally exhilarated. She had already made a good impression in her Charms class, successfully levitating a feather on her first try. In Potions, she had paired with Sophie, who turned out to be an incredibly meticulous partner.

As she made her way back to her dormitory, she caught sight of an owl perched on one of the windowsills in the common room. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized the sleek black feathers—it was from Sirius.

Harriett hurried over, taking the letter from the owl’s leg and offering it a small treat from her pocket. The owl hooted softly before taking off, disappearing into the evening sky.

She unfolded the parchment, a smile spreading across her face as she read Sirius’s familiar scrawl:

> Dear Harriett,
I hope your first day was everything you dreamed it would be. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. Knowing you, I’m sure you’ve already made a few friends and shown your professors just how brilliant you are.
Things are quiet here at the villa. Andromeda keeps asking how you’re settling in, and Narcissa—well, you know how she is. I think she misses you already, though she’d never admit it.
Write to me when you can. I want to hear all about your classes, your friends, and anything else you feel like sharing. Remember, you’re never alone. I’m just a letter away.
Love,
Sirius

Harriett clutched the letter to her chest, a warmth spreading through her. Even miles away, Sirius had a way of making her feel safe and loved.

---

As the days turned into weeks, Harriett began to find her rhythm at Beauxbatons. She excelled in her classes, quickly earning the respect of her peers and professors alike. Her bond with Thalie, Louis, and Sophie grew stronger, and she found herself looking forward to their lively discussions in the common room each evening.

Yet, despite the excitement of her new life, Harriett often found herself thinking about the family she had left behind in the villa. She missed Sirius’s jokes, Andromeda’s wisdom, and even Narcissa’s pointed remarks.

But more than anything, she missed the way they made her feel—like she belonged.

Beauxbatons was a new beginning, but it was also a reminder of the journey she had taken to get here. And as Harriett lay in bed that night, staring up at the enchanted ceiling that reflected the starry sky, she realized something important:

She wasn’t just a Black by name. She was a Black by heart, and that would never change.