Chapter 11
Harriet and Draco fidgeted in their spot, looking nervous at the thought of revealing their plans. They have not discussed it with anyone after two weeks of planning. Thanks to Draco's stupidity, they had to share it with the Dark Lord, risking a spy to hear it. "I'm waiting," He said, still glued to the paperwork.
"Well... you see, we were thinking of gathering all types of evidence that would lead to Dumble destruction," Draco explained. "Run it by the Daily Prophet, then later gain the alliance of the goblins to expose most of Dumbles treachery using their scans."
The Dark Lord's attention turns to Draco and Harri. "Is that true, Harriet?" She nods in response. "It's not a bad idea, but why not follow my orders, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Draco told me your orders, and while they get rid of a problem, it will give him more praise for fighting against you." She explained. "First, you need the people to see he's not as wholesome as he says he is. If you can get Gringott's help with this, it will strengthen our claim. Also, it will cause chaos and force Dumbledore to answer the accusations."
Voldemort stopped everything to contemplate what was said. He never thought destroying Dumbledore's image would be better than killing him. What made it worse was that they were right; killing Dumbledore now would make him a martyr. Destroying his reputation as the Greatest Wizard and opening the door for their cause.
"Is there more to this plan?"
"Um, we were working on it," Draco continued. "We've said all we have planned, my Lord."
The Dark Lord remained silent, thinking of all that had transpired, wondering of ways to add more fuel to the fire. The first thing that came to mind was his childhood and how Dumbledore encouraged him to remain in an abusive environment. Sadly, if he brought that story to hit, it would weaken his image as someone ruthless and to be feared. So many ideas ran through his mind, and none of them resulted in an advantage for the light. "I will allow this plan to continue; it will help our cause greatly and maybe gain more support for our agenda." The Dark Lord said, "If you can get Severus on board with this, you might get an advantage to show Dumbledore as a threat to all magical children, especially Muggleborns."
Both teens agreed to the terms and rushed out of the office. Draco rapidly told Harriet that he would get in touch with their team to follow up with their plans. On the other hand, Harriet rushed back to her room to check on SJ when she found him playing with Severus. It was surprising to see the strict professor so carefree and happy. "Mama!" The toddler yelled once his attention moved to the figure in the door frame.
"Hello, SJ," she said. "Was he awake when you came here?"
"He was awake when I arrived," He explained. "My talk with Lupin was not as I thought it would go."
"I guess I understand why," she smiled. "He always saw Dumbledore as a hero to be looked up to. Knowing what he knows now will come as a shock to him." Severus' attention drew back to his new grandchild.
"Harriet, I sincerely apologize for how I have treated you these two years. I've been blinded by what the headmaster has to me and my hatred towards Potter, and I've been too scared to see what you were going through."
Harriet smiled, "I wasn't a great student, but I can't be mad when you were there whenever I needed to save." She explained. "You saved SJ from Uncle Vernon and me from Dumbledore's manipulations. All of those things trump the treatment I received; in some sense, your treatment was the most consistent in my six years at Hogwarts."
Severus was somewhat shocked by her statement. He would have thought she would hate him for how he treated her. Still, this revelation actually eased their relationship with him. This made him understand why she eagerly agreed to the adoption. Besides being the best way to keep SJ safe, she would be with her savior.
Their talk was interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.
"Am I interrupting?" The person said.
"Remus, I thought you left," Harriet said.
"I- I was going to, but I have so many questions," he said. "Why did you tell someone about the abuse? Why didn't you tell me?"
The girl looked away, ashamed of the question, "I did tell someone, but Dumbledore stopped them, and if I told you, Dumbledore would have done something or obliviated you."
"You could have still told me about the pup; we could have protected him better."
"I know you would have done anything to protect me and SJ, but the fewer people that knew about my son, the better." She yelled. "The moment he came into the picture, he became my first priority."
Remus sat next to her, ignoring the flinch she did once he got closer. "I know Harri, I know he is your priority, but I could have taken you away from their lycanthropy be damned!" He said. "You are my pack. SJ is my pack and would have done anything to protect you, even if it meant facing Dumbledore."
The teen kept her focus on SJ's hair, and he remained oblivious to all the arguments. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Remus sighed. "But please talk to me. Knowing about the little tyke and waiting for the news killed me."
Harriet's eyes grew wide with shock, "You knew?" Remus nodded. "Why didn't you tell me? Sirius..."
"I knew because your scent changed." Remus chuckled.
"I'm a werewolf, Harriet."
"Ah-oo," SJ howled, giggling as he played with Harriet's hands. "That's right, SJ." Remus pinched his cheeks.
"That's what you call a werewolf."
Severus remained in the background, reviewing the interaction between the wolf and his daughter. He knew Lupin was loyal to a fault, but he didn't expect him to betray Dumbledore for the girl. He always thought he would be loyal to the leader of the light, knowing how he did everything for Lupin to te an education and a jail-free card after Black tricked him and the wolf almost killed him in the process. "I believe SJ would enjoy a stroll in the garden while I talk to Lupin." Severus interrupted.
Harriet frowned but agreed to leave the room. "I'll see you later, Remus."
Remus watched Harriet leave the room; he then stared at the floor, not knowing how to proceed. The two former classmates and coworkers didn't know how to clear the air for the sake of Harriet and SJ. "Severus, I -uh, I'm sorry for what Sirius did to you. I always tried to stop them for what it's worth, but I was ignored." Remus replied. "You didn't deserve it, and I'm pretty sure we were the reason Lily turned on you, and I'm really sorry."
Severus was gobsmacked, "F-for what is worth, you were the only Marauder that I least hated." He muttered as his cheeks turned pink.
Remus looked at the potion master and smiled. "I'm glad," he said. "What has he been protecting Harriet and the baby." Severus and Remus sat down near the coffee table and discussed everything the Dark Lord was doing to protect his cubs.
In the garden, Harriet enjoyed how SJ ran around trying to catch the butterflies and flowers. She smiled every time she heard him giggle. It was amazing how her torture and pain turned into something wonderful. She loved how beautiful her little boy looked. She loved his black hair that he got after the blood adoption, his green eyes with silver flecks, the little dimples that formed each time he smiled, and what she loved the most was his chubby cheeks, especially when he stuffed his food with bananas. "He's really enjoying the Malfoy garden," A man said.
Harriet turned around to see Voldemort overshadowing her where she sat. "Tom, I didn't think you'd visit the garden in the manor." She said.
"I come here whenever I need to relax. I would go to this place this past year," he explained. "Harriet, there are a few things I want to discuss with you."
"Discuss what?"
"I would like to apologize for what I've done all of your life. If I hadn't been impatient and thought through everything rationally, you'd still have your parents." He explained.
"And you, no, we wouldn't be manipulated into hating each other by Dumbledore."
"I guess you're right, but I couldn't hate you. You saved me from Dumbledore when we were still considered enemies, you saved me from SJ's father and made sure I wouldn't return to the Dursleys. To be honest, I was afraid I would lose SJ to your insanity, but I never wanted to fight, but I will for him. I'll do anything for him." She said
"Mama!" SJ ran to her carrying a small bouquet of daisies.
"They are beautiful," she smiled. "Thank you, baby."
"Papa, up," he raised his chubby arms to Tom. "UP!"
Both Tom and Harriet were confused. The child has kept calling his papa since that incident two weeks ago. "SJ, he's mama's friend. Your dad isn't here."
SJ shook his head. "No, Papa."
"I believe he is as stubborn as his mom, but I don't mind him sling me what he wants," Tom said. "The child can choose to have a father figure."
"Tom, I can't let him keep calling you something you're not," She explained. "You might be here now, but you don't know what the future holds. You might not be in our lives in the future, and I don't want to disappoint him; I have done enough already."
"Your child deserves the world, and I will do everything in my power to be there for him. He has suffered, thanks to my followers. I will do everything to make sure he is happy." Tom said. "Now, follow me. I'm taking you two for a treat." He extended his arm. Surprised, Harriet took it and felt the sensation of apparition. They appeared in an alley in Muggle London.
"Tom, what are we doing here?" Harriet said.
"We are here, so SJ has his first ice cream." He said. "Don't you agree, SJ?"
"Yeh," he yelled, giving Tom a toothy smile. Harriet smiled at the invitation and agreed. After that, Harriet and Tom spent every day together. They were either planning Dumbledore's downfall or playing with little SJ. To Harriet, it was one of the best moments of her life. She has never felt as happy as she felt now whenever she got to spend time with Tom and her little joy. Everything was great until September 1 arrived.
Today was the first day Harriet had to take SJ on the train. Harriet refused to pack; her uneasiness grew every hour that passed, and she had to take the train. When the time to leave the manor arrived, Harri was having a panic attack. Severus and Remus weren't there to help her since they had to be at Hogwarts. SJ tried to call out for his mom, but she couldn't hear him. The girl crawled to a corner and put her head between her legs, trying to catch her breath, but nothing worked. The Malfoys tried to get her better but only made it worse. They were all terrified. The train would leave in an hour, and they couldn't get Harriet to calm down.
"What is taking so long?" Tom said as he saw the scene unfold.
"Harriet is having a panic attack, my Lord," Lucius replied.
Tom sighed as he dismissed everyone and turned to Harriet. He gently placed his hand on her face to grab her attention. "Harriet, look at me." The Avada Kedabra eyes stared into the crimson eyes. "Follow my voice, breathe in, breathe out."
She followed his voice as she slowly calmed down. "Everything will be fine, SJ will be fine, and we will take down Dumbledore." He said. "Your father will protect you, and so will the wolf."
"I don't want to hurt SJ. I don't want him to take SJ away from me." She cried.
"He won't take your son away. The Daily Prophet will ruin him before he can even try." He promises. "I won't let him hurt you."
"I don't want to go. Please don't make me." She cried. Harriet pressed her face against his chest. "Please, Tom."
He sighed once and hugged her. "Everything will be fine, SJ will be fine." He affirmed. "I have tricked the headmaster to let me be the new D.A.D.A. professor. I will protect you, Harriet, I promised."
Harriet stared at him with eyes wide open and surprised. "How did-"
"I might have glamoured myself as a light wizard." He interrupted with a smile. "Now, get ready. You have a few minutes to catch the train."
Harriet hugged him really tight and kissed him. It took Tom by surprise, but they returned the kiss eagerly. The moment lasted for a while till they caught their breath. "I-I am so so-"
He interrupted with another kiss, "Don't be; I quite enjoyed this and your company, but we have to catch a train." Tom shrunk her trunk and sent Hedwig to Hogwarts. "Come on, wrap SJ in the invisibility cloak, and we'll be on our way." Harriet gave him a shy smile, wrapped her son in the cloak, and left for the train station, hoping their plans would work.