Chapter Two
A few days before Holly was released from the infirmary, Aunt Cassiopeia had visited Dumbledore for another chat. That same evening Dumbledore came to visit Holly.
“Holly,” Dumbledore began, his voice gentle yet firm, “there are things about that Halloween night and your parents that you need to know.”
Holly listened intently as Dumbledore started speaking about her mother and her apparent genius. Lily Evans had been a Mistress of Charms and was on her way to receive her Mastery in Potions, and considered the brightest witch of her generation. But those who knew her well, knew that she liked experimenting with magic and delving deep into Olde Magick.
“Your mother,” Dumbledore continued, “performed a two-part blood ritual. She couldn’t give you the protections of an Ancient House, but she carved out her own blood to provide more protection for you.”
Holly’s eyes widened. “A blood ritual?”
“Yes,” Dumbledore nodded, “the first part of the ritual was tied to a sacrifice of life. Your mother gave her own life to fulfil that, protecting you. The second part is why you were placed with your aunt.”
Dumbledore paused, his expression growing sombre. “Petunia is Lily’s sister, and shares her blood. Even though Lily passed, you still have a blood relation with Petunia and Dudley. This strengthened the blood sacrifice and continued to protect you to this day.”
Holly felt a mix of emotions. She had known her mother loved her, but this was beyond what she had imagined. This was also the first time anyone had spoken to Holly about her mother on length.
“After the war ended,” Dumbledore explained gravely, “ we didn't know who to trust. The Death Eaters were attacking people left and right in search of you. The press wanted to make you a spectacle, and people were lining up to take advantage of you.”
Holly nodded, understanding the chaos but still feeling the sting of her past suffering.
“I knew you wouldn’t be happy at the Dursleys’, Holly,” Dumbledore continued, “but it was important to hide you away. The blood wards at Privet Drive were so strong that day, I had to leave you on your aunt’s doorstep. Your mother’s essence still lingered, making the wards volatile. None but her blood would have been allowed entrance to the house. And I couldn't find a more secure place for you.”
Holly’s eyes filled with tears. “You didn’t know about the betrothal,” she breathed, softly. “You didn’t know about another alternative.”
Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled with a hint of sadness. “I didn’t. I know you suffered greatly, more than I had envisioned, but your safety was paramount. You have to forgive this old man’s folly if you can, but I don’t expect you to.”
Holly took a deep breath, considering his words. “I think I understand why you did it,” she said slowly, “but I won’t ever go back.”
“Yes, about that,” Dumbledore replied, his eyes starting to twinkle a little more. “Cassiopeia Black came to me with an alternative. Since you’re over eleven and have had your second magical maturity, you can maintain the blood protection with a yearly sacrifice of blood on the grounds of 4 Privet Drive. Your aunt’s presence will be needed for the renewal, but it won’t require you to live there.”
Holly felt a wave of relief wash over her. “So, I can stay with the Blacks?”
“Yes,” Dumbledore confirmed. “Cassiopeia has already arranged everything.”
Holly couldn’t help but smile. It seemed she would be having an unexpected summer break with people who cared about her. One thing was for sure: she was going to find out everything she could about her parents and discover who they really were.
As Dumbledore left her, she felt a sense of determination set in. This summer was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one where she would uncover her parents’ legacy and find her own path in the wizarding world.
The day Holly was finally released, term had been over for a week and all the students had already left. Lupus had refused to leave Holly behind, and they were the only two students left in the school along with the teachers. When the time came for them to leave, they travelled to Hogsmeade Station, from where Pip popped them off to Black Hall.
Lord Black and Aunt Cassie were waiting for them in the drawing room, and Holly and Lupus offered their greetings. Aunt Cassie gently nudged Holly to stand in front of the Black Lord as Lupus slouched slightly near the fireplace, his eyes alert and tracking her path as she made her way to the seated Lord.
“Heiress Potter,” Lord Black started, his voice a deep rasp. “You have returned to us changed; I can see that, child.”
“You may not know but your grandmother was my sister, and your grandfather was someone I could count on to have my back in any battle.”
Holly swallowed and nodded, feeling the weight of his words. She hadn't known that, another family history she wasn't aware of.
“You will join Lupus' duelling lessons, and you’ll learn. And I expect you to be perfect.”
“Yes, Lord Black,” Holly replied, her voice steady despite the pressure she felt.
“You can address me as grandfather from now on,” Arcturus said, a touch of warmth breaking through his stern demeanour.
“Thank you, Grandfather,” Holly said, her heart swelling with an unexpected feeling.
Arcturus then turned his attention to Lupus. “You’re to share your books with Holly and help her train in any way she needs.”
“Of course, Grandfather,” Lupus murmured back, giving a respectful nod.
Arcturus stood up to leave, but Lupus spoke up. “I would also like to teach her physical defence.”
Arcturus gazed at Lupus thoughtfully, while Lupus simply looked back, his grey eyes steely with determination. After a few moments, Arcturus gave Lupus a hard nod. “Very well,” he said before sweeping out of the room.
Holly had rarely seen Lupus so serious and glanced at Aunt Cassie to find her watching the interaction attentively as well.
Aunt Cassie then turned to Holly, “Your politics and society lessons will continue from next week. And I’m happy to have both of you home.” She said, smiling at the two pre-teens.
“Thank you, Aunt Cassie,” Holly said, still contemplating Lupus and his peculiar behaviour. Her best friend was acting differently, and she didn’t know why.
As they made their way to their rooms, Holly turned to Lupus. “Lupus,” when he looked at her in askance, she continued. “Is everything okay with you? Why are you… it feels like you're acting differently.”
Lupus paused, looking at her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. “Because, Holly, the world we live in is dangerous. And no matter how much I try to shield or protect you, something unexpected can always happen. You need to be prepared for anything. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Holly felt her heart squeeze as a warm feeling spread through her chest. “Thank you, Lupus. I appreciate it, really. However, I don't want to be worried about that. I know we'll be able to overcome anything coming our way if we are there for each other.”
Lupus gave a small smile gently tugging at her braid, his usual aloof demeanour slipping for a moment. “We’re in this together, Holly. Always.”
As they continued down the hallway, Holly couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. Lupus was her best friend, but there was a new depth to their bond, a silent promise of protection and unwavering loyalty. And as they faced the challenges ahead, Holly knew she could rely on Lupus, just as he could rely on her.
The first half of the summer holidays for Holly passed in a whirlwind of lessons and adventures. Duelling with Grandfather Arcturus was intense, his stern instructions drilling discipline and precision into her every move. Politics and etiquette lessons with Aunt Cassiopeia were equally demanding, but she found herself adapting to the strict protocols of pureblood society. Martial arts training with Lupus was physically exhausting yet oddly exhilarating.
And then, there were the serene moments of picnics around the grounds of Black Hall, where Lupus would read his books in peace while Holly sketched him.
During these picnics, Lupus would sit still, a quiet sentinel, as Holly captured his likeness in her sketchbook. She marvelled at his patience and willingness to indulge her whims, whether it was exploring the sprawling estate or playing in the rain whenever the skies opened up. On sunny days, she often captured his contemplative expression as he read, the sunlight filtering through the trees casting playful shadows on his face.
One afternoon, while they sat under a sprawling oak tree, Holly put down her sketchbook and looked at Lupus. "Do you ever get bored of sitting still for so long?"
Lupus glanced up from his book, eyes crinkling with a half smile. "Not really, I know how much you enjoy sketching. It's a small price to pay."
Holly smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thanks, Lupus. You're a great model."
Another time on a particularly rainy afternoon, Holly had tugged at Lupus's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Come on, Lupus! Let’s go play in the rain!”
Lupus looked up from his book, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You know we’ll get drenched, right?”
“That’s the point!” Holly laughed, pulling him up.
They dashed outside, the rain soaking them almost instantly. Holly twirled and laughed, her hair plastered to her face, while Lupus stood back, watching her with fond grey eyes. Eventually, he joined in, splashing through puddles and laughing with her, a rare carefree moment for them both.
On other occasions, both could be found in the library, poring over old newspaper clippings of the last war that mentioned their parents. The library at Black Hall was vast, with high ceilings and shelves crammed with ancient tomes and yellowing scrolls.
Holly and Lupus often spent hours there, searching through the archives. Holly learned that Lupus had been following the same trail for years now and had traced his father's proverbial footsteps from back when he graduated Hogwarts. Lupus also had a binder that outlined his father's shenanigans during his schooling and included a list of his girlfriends, which turned out to be pretty long.
One day, as they sifted through a pile of old newspapers, Holly glanced at Lupus’s binder. “Your dad had a lot of girlfriends, didn’t he?”
Lupus gave a wry chuckle, shaking his head. “He did. He was quite the charmer, apparently. But grandfather once told me, nothing had mattered more to Sirius than his friends.”
Holly smiled, feeling a kinship with the parents she never knew. “It’s nice to learn these things about them, even if it’s from old clippings.”
Lupus nodded. “We’ll find out more. There’s always more to learn.”
Holly found that her father had been an only child born to Fleamont and Euphemia Potter when they were in their fifties, from a newspaper announcement from 1960. He had been the youngest Master of Transfiguration after Dumbledore, and both he and Sirius had been U17 International Duelling champions. Holly also found many mentions of him and her mother during Voldemort’s raids, which described both as fierce duellers who had faced off Voldemort himself thrice and lived to tell the tale.
One evening, as they sat on the library floor surrounded by clippings, Holly sighed. “There’s so much about my dad, but hardly anything about my mom. It’s like she’s a mystery.”
Lupus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “She was a powerful witch, Holly. But she had been a muggleborn while out fathers had been Pureblood Heirs, so she wasn't mentioned as much, but we'll find out more, I promise.”
Apart from the raids and an announcement of being the youngest Charms Mistress, Holly found little about her mother. Though Lupus consoled her that they could ask Neville’s grandmother about their parents’ friends circle, as she had been one of the people who had given Hagrid photographs for Holly’s photo album.
“I guess we’ll have to visit Neville soon,” Holly mused, looking at a photo of her parents smiling at their wedding.
Lupus nodded. “We are visiting next week anyways, we'll ask Lady Longbottom then. And we’ll piece together their story, even if we have to do it bit by bit.”
Holly nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I’d like that."
Their days were a mix of learning and discovery, punctuated by moments of companionship and quiet understanding. As they delved deeper into their parents' pasts, Holly found solace in Lupus' unwavering support. He wasn’t just her betrothed; he was her best friend and her confidant.
Holly in the library
One evening, after a particularly gruelling duelling lesson, sat under their favourite willow tree, watching the sunset. Holly turned to Lupus, her eyes reflecting the fiery colours of the sky. "Thank you, Lupus. For everything."
Lupus looked at her, his expression serious yet gentle and simply tugged at her loose braid. And Holly knew he understood.
Holly and Neville had decided to have their birthday party on a single day and had chosen August 1st for a combined celebration. The garden of Black Hall was vibrant with small decorations and a huge brunch was set out courtesy of the Black elfs. After cutting their cakes, everyone started to mingle, enjoying the pleasant summer afternoon.
Hermione, who was visiting Black Hall for the first time, had initially been a bit intimidated by Grandfather Arcturus. However, Hermione’s insatiable curiosity soon won out, and she found herself deep in conversation with the Black Lord. Lupus and Holly shared an amused grin as they watched the interaction. After a few minutes, it was clear that Grandfather Arcturus had become genuinely interested in Hermione’s questions and insights on various topics.
Lupus himself was engaged in a conversation with Aunt Cassiopeia and Lady Augusta Longbottom. They discussed everything from estate management to the current political climate in the wizarding world. Neville, ever the herbologist, was examining a patch of herbs a few feet away, his attention fully captured by the variety of plants.
Holly sat in the shade of an umbrella, observing the scene with a serene smile. She sometimes wondered what life would have been like without magic. She tried to imagine a world where she wasn’t a witch and didn’t have these extraordinary abilities. Would she have made such endearing friends like her three best friends?
Hermione, ingenious Hermione, who was one of the best people Holly knew, would one day change the world. Despite her love for authority and books, Hermione would break laws for her friends. And Neville, her shy friend who she regarded as a brother, was the sweetest boy Holly had ever met. He had a spine of steel and an innate courage, always offering his unwavering support whenever her parents were mentioned.
And then there was Lupus, her betrothed, the Heir of House Black and son of the person accused of betraying her parents. Lupus, with his continuous support and rare smiles, who would kill for Holly. And wasn’t that supposed to be a scary thought? But then, why did it comfort her so much?
As she looked around the garden at her friends, Holly knew she could forsake the world for them if they were in danger, and she would kill to keep her friends safe and happy.
“Are you okay, Hols?” Neville asked softly, coming to sit beside her.
Holly turned to see her godbrother’s concerned face. “I’m just thinking how lucky I am to have you all as friends,” she admitted, smiling as he gave her a heartfelt grin.
“Happy Birthday again, Nev,” she said.
“Happy birthday to you as well, Hols,” he replied, settling into the chair next to her.
Holly glanced at the garden, where the party continued in full swing. “You know, Nev, sometimes I wonder what my life would have been like if I weren’t a witch. But then I look at all of you, and I can’t imagine not having you in my life.”
Neville chuckled softly. “Aren’t you glad I lost Trevor and Hermione and I walked into your compartment?” he teased, alluding the quartets first meeting on the Hogwarts Express.
Holly laughed, the memory warming her heart. “I am, Nev. That was the start of everything, wasn’t it?”
“It was,” he agreed. “And now, here we are, celebrating our birthdays together. It’s kind of amazing how things turn out.”
Holly nodded, her eyes drifting to where Lupus was still in deep conversation with Aunt Cassiopeia and Lady Augusta. “I feel the same way about Lupus and Hermione. I never expected to find such a close-knit group of friends.”
Neville followed her gaze, then looked back at Holly. “We’re all lucky to have each other, Hols. And we’ll always have your back, no matter what.”
“Thanks, Nev. That means a lot,” Holly said, squeezing his hand.
Soon, the elder Blacks and Neville’s grandmother took their leave, leaving the four friends to explore the grounds of Black Hall. Holly, eager to show her friends her favourite spot, led them to the willow tree where she often sat with Lupus.
“This is my favourite place,” Holly said as they reached the tree. “Lupus and I come here all the time.”
The four quickly settled under the shade of the willow tree, falling into their usual routines. Hermione pulled out a book and began reading, while Lupus and Neville started debating how plants could be used in different situations.
Holly, leaning against Hermione, listened to their discussion with a contented smile. The peacefulness of the moment, the warmth of the sun filtering through the leaves, and the sound of her friends' voices filled her with a sense of belonging.
This, Holly knew, was where she belonged.
A week later, Holly, Lupus, and Neville visited Hermione's house. Her parents, the Grangers, had planned a special outing to the cinema, a treat that was quite novel for Neville and Lupus, who were born and brought up in the magical world. As they settled into their seats with popcorn and fizzy drinks, Hermione excitedly explained the movie's plot to them.
"It's about a group of kids who go on an adventure to find hidden treasure," Hermione said, her eyes shining with excitement. "It's one of my favourite films!"
Lupus leaned back in his seat, looking around the theatre. "This should be interesting," he remarked, giving Neville a reassuring smile.
Holly, who had been to the cinema once before with the Dursleys, leaned in and whispered to them, "You’re going to love it."
As the movie began, the magical children were mesmerised by the moving pictures and sound. Neville, who had been the most sceptical, was soon engrossed in the plot, his eyes wide with wonder.
Holly too, was captivated by the screen, her worries and the weight of her past fading away in the darkened theatre. For a few hours, she was just a normal girl, enjoying an adventure with her friends.
After the movie, they walked out into the warm evening air, chattering excitedly about their favourite scenes. "I never thought Muggles could create something so magical without actual magic," Lupus mused.
Hermione laughed. "Muggles can be quite ingenious. There’s a lot we can learn from each other.”
The rest of the summer passed quickly. Between shopping for the new school year and trying to learn from Lady Augusta, who had taken it upon herself to teach Holly about the Potter family's political decisions, they were kept busy. Lady Augusta explained the long-standing alliance between House Longbottom and House Potter, emphasising the importance of maintaining those ties.
"Your grandfather was a brilliant strategist," Lady Augusta said one afternoon, as they sat in the Longbottom library. “Fleamont was a brilliant Potions Master and one of the best minds in the Wizengamot. Harfang and him took the Potter-Longbottom alliance to new heights. His alliances and decisions helped to shape the wizarding world as we know it. You have a great legacy to uphold, Holly."
Holly nodded, eager to learn more about the ones who came before her. "I want to make them proud," she said softly.
Lady Augusta smiled slightly. "I have no doubt you will, my dear. You have a good heart and a sharp mind. Just remember to trust in yourself."
"Did my parents work closely with the Longbottoms during the war?"
Lady Augusta nodded. "Yes, very closely. Your father and Neville's parents were in the Order of the Phoenix together. Both your fathers were Aurors and worked together many time while Alice and Lily were best friends since their first year."
Holly smiled at Neville, who was sitting across from her listening intently to his grandmother. Both eager to hear more about their parents.
On the last day of summer break, Aunt Cassiopeia held a formal dinner, reminding Holly of the little graduation dinner held the previous year before Hogwarts started, the only difference being Hermione and Neville, who were here as well. The tradition seemed to be a continuing one, and Holly appreciated the sentiment, even if Aunt Cassie would never admit to missing her and Lupus when they went away.
During the dinner, Aunt Cassiopeia made a rare toast. "To another year at Hogwarts," she said, raising her glass. "May you all continue to learn, grow, and make us proud."
As the dinner progressed, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter. Holly found herself reflecting on the journey she had taken over the past year. Despite the challenges and dangers, she had found a family that cared for her deeply.
As the dinner concluded, the dining room was cleared for dancing. Lupus approached Holly with a formal bow. "May I have this dance, Heiress Potter?" he asked, his grey eyes twinkling with mischief.
Holly curtsied in response, a playful smile on her lips. “ For you, Heir Black? Always."
As Lupus led Holly in a waltz, the elegant strains of music filled the room. Holly realised how much she had grown to care for Lupus over the past year. Despite the formalities and the weight of their responsibilities, they had formed a deep bond. They moved gracefully, their steps perfectly in sync. Neville too asked Hermione for a dance and soon the four teens were dancing to the waltz.
"You've become quite the dancer," Lupus remarked, guiding her through a particularly intricate turn.
Holly laughed softly. "You've been a good teacher. And it must be a relief that I don't step on your toes anymore."
Lupus chuckled. "Progress, yes. I'm glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
As the music swelled, Holly looked around the room at the people who had become her family, taking in the sight of Aunt Cassiopeia and Grandfather Arcturus watching them with fond smiles, and Neville laughing with Hermione. It struck her that she had indeed found a family. It may have been an unconventional one, but it was hers.
After another dance, Holly and Lupus joined their friends at the table. Hermione leaned in, a curious glint in her eyes. "So, what was that book you were reading earlier, Lupus? The one you wouldn't let me see?"
Lupus grinned, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small, leather-bound volume. "It's a journal I found in the Black family library. It belonged to my great-great-grandfather. It's full of old spells and potions."
Hermione's eyes lit up. "Can I see it?"
Lupus handed her the book. "Be my guest. Just be careful; some of those spells are quite dangerous."
As Hermione eagerly flipped through the pages, Neville turned to Holly. "Do you think we'll ever be as good at magic as our parents were?"
Holly considered this for a moment before replying. "I think we can be even better. We have their legacy to build on, and we have each other."
Neville smiled, reassured by her words. "You're right. We'll make them proud."
As the evening drew to a close, the friends made their way outside to the garden. The sky was clear, and the stars were bright above them. Holly leaned against the willow tree, looking up at the constellations.
"It's been a good summer," she said quietly.
Lupus stood beside her, following her gaze. "It has. And it's going to be an even better year at Hogwarts.”
And for now, at this moment, Holly had never been happier. Tomorrow, she would return to Hogwarts, where challenges and uncertainties awaited. Voldemort was still out there, biding his time. But Holly knew that with her friends and family by her side, she could face whatever came her way.
Holly Potter at Twelve