The Last Protection: Harriett Potter's Legacy

Chapter 46: The Summer of Secrets

The end of the school year at Beauxbatons was always a bittersweet affair. The grand dining hall had been adorned with garlands of enchanted flowers, their petals shifting through soft pastel hues. Harriett had spent the farewell feast surrounded by her closest friends, laughing and reminiscing about the year’s adventures. Yet beneath her cheerful demeanor, she couldn’t shake the growing anticipation of going home—not just to Paris, but to her family.

The train ride back to Gare de Lyon felt interminable, even though she spent much of it writing letters to her friends who wouldn’t be visiting during the summer. By the time the train pulled into the station, Harriett was nearly bouncing on her heels with excitement.

On the platform, Sirius stood out like a beacon, his unmistakable grin splitting his face as he caught sight of her. He waved enthusiastically, drawing a few curious looks from the other parents. Harriett barely managed to maneuver her trunk through the crowd before Sirius swept her into a hug, lifting her off the ground.

“Welcome back, pup!” he exclaimed, setting her down but keeping his hands on her shoulders as if to reassure himself she was really there.

“Sirius!” Harriett laughed, her cheeks flushing. “You’re embarrassing me!”

“Good,” he teased, ruffling her hair. “I’ve missed you. The house has been far too quiet without you around.”

Behind him, Andromeda and Narcissa approached with warm smiles. Narcissa kissed Harriett’s cheek delicately. “Welcome home, darling. Paris hasn’t felt quite the same without you.”

Andromeda pulled her into a hug, her voice soft. “You’ve grown, Harriett. Beauxbatons suits you.”

Harriett beamed at their affection, her heart swelling with gratitude. As they made their way to the waiting carriage, Harriett regaled them with tales from her school year—her friends, her professors, and her favorite lessons. Sirius listened intently, chiming in with occasional jokes, while Narcissa and Andromeda asked thoughtful questions.

---

The Black estate was as grand as ever, its stately architecture softened by the warm glow of the setting sun. The gardens were in full bloom, filling the air with the scent of lavender and jasmine. Inside, Orion waited in the drawing room, his stoic demeanor softening at the sight of his granddaughter.

“Welcome home,” he said simply, his deep voice resonating in the quiet room.

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Harriett replied, stepping forward to embrace him. Though he rarely showed emotion, she had come to understand the depth of his care.

---

The days that followed were a mix of relaxation and quiet anticipation. Harriett slipped easily back into the rhythm of life at home, though she couldn’t ignore the subtle tension that seemed to linger in Sirius’s and Regulus’s interactions. It wasn’t until one evening, after dinner, that the reason became clear.

“Harriett,” Sirius called from the study doorway, his tone serious.

Curiosity piqued, she followed him inside, where Regulus was already seated. The room was dimly lit, the scent of parchment and ink heavy in the air. Sirius gestured for her to sit, his expression unusually somber.

“We need to talk,” he began. “Over the past year, Regulus and I have been working on something important—dangerous, but necessary. We’ve been hunting and destroying Voldemort’s Horcruxes.”

Harriett’s breath hitched. She had read about Horcruxes in one of Beauxbatons’ restricted texts—objects imbued with fragments of a dark wizard’s soul to achieve a twisted form of immortality.

“There’s only one left,” Regulus added, his voice calm but firm. “We’ve destroyed the others, but the final one is the most dangerous. We believe it’s something deeply tied to his heritage.”

“And you want my help,” Harriett guessed, her pulse quickening.

“Yes,” Sirius said, his gaze steady. “But only if you’re ready. This isn’t just a mission, Harriett. It’s a war, and the risks are enormous.”

Harriett straightened her back, her determination shining through. “I’m ready. Just tell me what I need to do.”

---

Preparations began immediately. Regulus shared everything he knew about Horcruxes, their protections, and the dark magic that bound them. Sirius took charge of Harriett’s training, drilling her in advanced spells, dueling techniques, and defensive strategies. Even Orion offered his insights, drawing on his extensive knowledge of magical history and lore.

“It’s vile magic,” Orion said one evening as they pored over old texts in his study. “But it can be undone. You’ll need to be vigilant—the final Horcrux will be more fiercely protected than any of the others.”

Harriett absorbed every word, her determination only growing. The thought of helping to dismantle Voldemort’s twisted legacy filled her with a fierce sense of purpose.

---

On the eve of their departure, Harriett sat in her room, staring at the small portrait of her parents she had painted months earlier. Their likenesses moved and smiled at her, their eyes filled with love and pride.

“We’re so proud of you, sweetheart,” Lily said softly, her voice carrying the warmth of a summer breeze.

“Your mother’s right,” James added, his grin as mischievous as ever. “But don’t forget to be careful. Sirius is a great protector, but trust your instincts.”

“I will,” Harriett promised, her voice steady.

A knock at the door drew her attention. Sirius leaned against the frame, his usual grin replaced by a look of quiet resolve. “Ready, pup?”

Harriett nodded, slipping the portrait into her enchanted satchel. “Ready.”

---

The hunt for the final Horcrux began at dawn. Their destination was a remote manor said to have once belonged to a pureblood family loyal to Voldemort. The journey was fraught with danger, from concealed wards to lingering curses, but Harriett felt a sense of purpose unlike anything she had ever known.

By the time they reached the manor, the sun was setting, casting long shadows over the ancient stone walls.

“This is it,” Regulus said, his voice low.

“Stay close,” Sirius instructed, his wand at the ready.

Harriett gripped her own wand tightly, the oppressive magic radiating from the manor making her skin crawl. Yet she forced herself to stay calm. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that this battle would bring them one step closer to ending Voldemort’s reign of terror.

Together, they stepped into the darkness, their resolve unshakable.