Chapter 7
Disclaimer. I do not own Harry Potter or any of its elements, its ownership remains with JK Rowling.
'Heather Potter
The Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter
Dear Ms. Potter,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I was pleased to receive your correspondence and wish to thank you for reaching out. It is always heartening to hear from members of the extended Potter family, particularly under such unique and promising circumstances.
Your desire to connect with your nephew, Harry, is both understandable and commendable. Family bonds are incredibly important, and Harry, as you may well know, has few familial connections left in the world. However, due to the significant and sensitive nature of this development, I believe it would be prudent for us to meet in person before arranging a meeting between you and Harry.
There are a few matters I would like to discuss and questions I need to address to ensure that we proceed in the best interests of Harry. This preliminary meeting would also provide an opportunity for us to become acquainted and for me to understand better the circumstances surrounding your recent re-entry into the magical world.
Please let me know at your earliest convenience when you would be available for such a meeting. I am willing to accommodate your schedule to the best of my ability, and we can arrange to meet at a place and time that suits you.
I look forward to your response and to the possibility of welcoming you back into the fold of the magical community.
Yours sincerely,
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Headmaster
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'
Heather Potter sat quietly in her cozy sitting room, her fingers brushing over the parchment of Dumbledore’s letter. The words were polite, considerate, and precisely what she had expected from the wise old wizard. Yet, the letter carried a weight of its own—a reminder of the delicate path she had chosen to walk in order to influence the happenings in this new dimension.
“I need to meet with him first,” she thought, a mixture of determination and careful planning filling her mind. “Dumbledore holds the key to so many things in this world. His trust will be crucial if I am to help Harry and the others.”
Heather reflected on her own childhood, so starkly similar to Harry's. The lonely nights in the cupboard under the stairs, the longing for someone to care, to understand her, and to protect her from the harshness of her world. Her heart ached with the memories, but it also steeled her resolve. She had always yearned for a parental figure, someone to guide her and offer the love she had been denied. In her world, it was Sirius who had first become that figure, bringing light into her darkest days.
“Sirius was my hope,” she mused, a small smile touching her lips. “He was the first to show me that I could have a family that's truly my own. Harry deserves that too, especially now, before things get more complicated.”
She knew the importance of being there for Harry, to offer him the guidance and support she had so desperately needed and had found in her own world. This was the year Sirius would reenter Harry’s life, but she had to be the first to establish that connection. If she could position herself as a reliable and caring presence, she might have a fighting chance at becoming the parental figure Harry needed and relied on.
“But Dumbledore…” Heather’s thoughts turned back to the headmaster. Meeting with him wasn’t just about gaining permission to see Harry; it was about securing her place in this world. His trust would open doors, both figuratively and literally. It would give her access to Hogwarts, a place she needed to navigate carefully. Her knowledge of the future, of events yet to unfold, could be instrumental in saving lives, but she needed to be discreet, to integrate herself seamlessly into this world’s fabric.
“This meeting is my first step,” she acknowledged. “If Dumbledore believes in me, others will follow. I can’t afford to make mistakes.”
Heather knew the road ahead was fraught with challenges. The war she had left behind still haunted her, and the faces of those she had lost were never far from her thoughts. She was given the chance here to make a difference, to prevent the tragedies that had marred her life. But to do that, she needed allies, and Dumbledore was the most significant one she could have.
“This is my chance to save them,” she thought with an ache in her heart. “To give Harry the family and protection he needs, to steer this world away from the darkness that engulfed mine. I have to do this right.”
Heather carefully folded Dumbledore’s letter and placed it back on the table. She picked up the quill and parchment and wrote her reply, with a flourish of her wrist she finished the letter and tied it to an owl. A sigh escaped her lips, she now has a deadline. August 29, she has to complete her whole back story before 3 pm that Saturday.
'And also get a lawyer on retainer,' Heather thought. It always pays to be ready.
---
Heather makes her way to Horizont Alley, an offshoot of Diagon Alley which caters to hiring services of many kinds. From construction to enchanting, gardening to legal services, everything can be found there. This was why she was heading there to hire a lawyer.
Heather Potter walked down the bustling streets of Horizont Alley, her senses overwhelmed with nostalgia by the myriad of magical services on offer. She had a singular purpose today, but the memories of her first visit here, back in her fifth year, surged to the forefront of her mind. She glanced at the many shops and services around her, a fond smile crept onto her lips.
---
Easter Holidays, Fifth Year
Heather and Severus strolled through Horizont Alley, their appearances altered by glamours. Heather’s unruly black hair had been transformed into sleek, dark brown locks, and her green eyes now appeared as a dull hazel. Severus’s usually greasy hair was clean and styled, and his sallow complexion was healthy and vibrant. They moved easily through the crowd, their disguises allowing them a rare moment of anonymity.
Heather smirked, glancing at Severus. “You know, Severus, I think I might keep this look. It’s rather freeing not being recognized.”
Severus chuckled softly. “Careful, Potter. You might just start getting ideas to sneak out. Though I must admit, it’s nice not to draw unwanted attention for once.”
They shared a soft smile, their camaraderie evident in the way they walked closely together, shoulders occasionally brushing. Their journey was driven by a shared mission: to hire a lawyer who could help them bring Dolores Umbridge to justice.
Heather sighed as she looked around. “I still can't believe that it has come to this, Severus. If I'd just come to you sooner… if I'd just trusted the fact that you’ll always help me, then maybe Umbridge wouldn’t have been able to do this much damage. I’m such a coward for not admitting that I needed help.”
Severus placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We all have our faults, Heather. But that doesn't mean that you're a coward, you’re stronger than you know. And we’re here to make sure Umbridge pays for what she did.”
Heather remembered the fury in Severus’s eyes when he discovered the extent of Umbridge’s cruelty. The detention scars on her hand, the stories from other students—Severus had been livid but constrained by his position and the Ministry’s influence. He had channeled his rage into a plan, instructing Heather to gather evidence meticulously throughout the year.
“We’ve collected enough evidence to sink her, Heather. It’s time to put it to use,” Severus said with determination.
“And we will. Blackthorn & Ashford are the best. They’ll know how to handle this,” Heather responded, equally determined.
They continued down the alley, their conversation punctuated by casual touches and easy smiles. Their friendship had grown strong over the past year, built on mutual respect and their shared sense of justice.
As they turned a corner, they spotted the imposing sign: Blackthorn & Ashford Solicitors. The building was elegant and understated, exuding an air of authority and professionalism.
Severus nodded towards the building. “There it is. Shaun Blackthorn is reputed to be ruthless in court. The Malfoys despise him, which is a good sign.”
Heather grinned. “Perfect. Let’s go.”
They entered the law firm, greeted by a sleek, efficient-looking receptionist who directed them to Shaun Blackthorn’s office. Shaun was a middle-aged wizard with a sharp gaze and an air of confidence that filled the room. He rose from behind his desk as they entered, his eyes assessing them quickly.
“Good afternoon. How can I assist you?” Shaun Blackthorn greeted them.
Heather stepped forward. “Mr. Blackthorn, my name is Heather Potter, and this is Severus Snape. We’re here to discuss a case against Dolores Umbridge.”
Blackthorn’s eyes flicked to Severus, a glint of recognition and approval in his gaze. “I’ve heard of you, Professor Snape. Your reputation precedes you. And Miss Potter, it’s a pleasure. Please, have a seat.”
Heather and Severus sat down, and Heather began to recount the horrors that Umbridge had inflicted on the students of Hogwarts, providing the evidence they had painstakingly collected. Shaun listened intently, his expression growing more serious by the minute.
“This is quite a dossier you’ve compiled. Umbridge’s actions are reprehensible. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to see that justice is served,” Shaun said.
Severus allowed a smirk to tug at his lips. “We knew you were the right man for the job.”
“Rest assured, I have a strong track record of winning cases that bring justice to Muggleborns and others who have been wronged. I’ll ensure Umbridge faces the consequences of her actions,” Shaun promised.
Heather felt a surge of relief and gratitude. This was the first step towards holding Umbridge accountable, and with Blackthorn’s help, they had a real chance at success.
“Thank you, Mr. Blackthorn. We’ll leave the details in your capable hands,” Heather said.
As they left the office, Heather and Severus shared a look of mutual determination and satisfaction. They had taken the first step towards justice, and together, they would see it through.
---
Back in the present, Heather’s resolve hardened. She was here to protect Harry and the people of this world. With allies like Shaun Blackthorn, she had a fighting chance.
Heather took a deep breath and continued her journey, once again at the front of the familiar building. Heather gathers herself as she steps inside to meet the counterpart of her close colleague, looking at the receptionist, she presents her most charming smile.
"I'm here to see Attorney Shaun Blackthorn. May I please be directed to his office?" Pointed to a familiar door, Heather knocks firmly before letting herself in. In front of her sits Shaun with his ever assessing gaze focused on her face, a grin broke out of her face and she held out her hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Attorney Blackthorn. My name is Heather Potter, and I'm hoping that you'll agree to be the retainer for the Potter family." At this, Shaun's eyes widened, his usual firm countenance broke so suddenly that Heather knew that at the end of the day she'll get one of her friends back once again.
Shaun Blackthorn, always one to hide any sign of unprofessional behaviour, stood up from his desk and shook her hand firmly. "Ms. Potter," he said, his voice carrying a note of intrigue, "it's not every day that a Potter walks into my office. Please, have a seat. Let's discuss how I can be of service to your esteemed family."
Heather took her seat, feeling a sense of accomplishment. She was making progress, one step at a time. With Dumbledore's meeting on the horizon and Blackthorn's legal prowess at her side, she was beginning to carve out a place for herself in this world.