Chapter 8
Disclaimer. I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's elements, its ownership remains with JK Rowling.
The staff room at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry buzzed with the usual pre-semester excitement. Professors were catching up with one another, discussing their summer holidays and preparing for the new school year. At the head of the room, Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster, stood ready to start the annual staff meeting.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, drawing the room to silence. He adjusted his half-moon spectacles and began, "Good afternoon, everyone. Before we delve into our usual agenda, I have something rather unusual to share with you all."
With a flourish, he pulled a letter from his robes and began to read it silently. The staff exchanged curious glances, wondering what could have possibly captivated Dumbledore's attention so completely. Minerva McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress, was the first to break the silence.
"Albus, who is that letter from?" she asked, her Scottish brogue tinged with curiosity.
Dumbledore looked up from the letter, his eyes twinkling. "This, Minerva, is a reply from Heather Potter. I had asked to meet with her before approving her request to see Harry."
The room erupted into murmurs of shock and disbelief. Minerva's eyes widened, and she looked around the room to gauge her colleagues' reactions. Severus Snape's face twisted into a scowl, while Remus Lupin appeared utterly astonished.
Minerva voiced the question on everyone's mind. "So, the rumors are true? There is another Potter?"
Severus, who had been silent up until this point, looked sharply at Dumbledore. "And why is this the first I’m hearing of it? I'm supposed to be one of the first to have known, yet I’ve heard nothing of this."
Dumbledore sighed, a hint of regret in his expression. "It appears, Severus, that I have been somewhat blind when it comes to the Potters. Heather's existence was unknown to me until very recently."
Minerva frowned, her concern shifting to Harry. "Albus, how do you think this will affect young Harry, he is just about to begin his third year?"
Severus, still simmering with anger, added, "And how does this align with the current situation involving Sirius Black and Lupin’s appointment as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?"
Remus, who had been quietly absorbing the information, finally spoke. "I have to admit, Albus, I never heard James mention a Heather Potter. This is all very surprising."
Dumbledore nodded, acknowledging their concerns. "This is precisely why I requested a meeting with Miss Potter before term starts. We need to understand who she is and what her intentions are. The fact that she used the Potter family crest as a stamp on her mail confirms her legitimacy."
Severus, his patience fraying, demanded, "I insist on being present for this meeting. We need to ensure she is who she says she is."
Dumbledore shook his head gently. "Severus, I fear your... history with the Potters may not make you the most diplomatic choice for this meeting. Instead, I would like Remus to accompany me. His werewolf senses and calm nature might prove useful."
Severus's face darkened, but he remained silent, his anger evident in the set of his jaw. He knew Dumbledore was right but was reluctant to admit it.
"Very well, Albus," Severus muttered, his voice tight with barely contained frustration.
Dumbledore smiled warmly at Remus. "Thank you, Remus. Your presence will be invaluable."
Remus nodded, still processing the revelation. "Of course, Albus. I'll do my best."
With the matter settled, Dumbledore shifted the focus back to the meeting. "Now, onto the rest of our agenda. We have much to discuss and prepare for the upcoming school year."
The staff settled back into their seats, the air still thick with the implications of the unexpected revelation. As Dumbledore continued with the meeting, discussing curriculum updates, staffing changes, and the new safety measures due to the presence of dementors, the weight of Heather Potter’s existence lingered in everyone’s minds.
Minerva, ever the pragmatist, raised her hand. "Albus, about the dementors. Have we secured the necessary potions to counteract their effects?"
Severus, snapping out of his brooding, answered curtly, "Yes, Minerva. I’ve brewed enough batches of the Calming Draught to last us through the term. It will be distributed to the staff and kept in the hospital wing for emergencies."
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore acknowledged, then turned to Remus. "Remus, as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, you will be instrumental in teaching the students how to defend themselves against these creatures. I trust you are prepared?"
Remus straightened, his resolve firm. "Absolutely, Albus. I plan to focus on Dark Creatures for my classes, given its effectiveness in preparing the students to confront this kinds of creatures."
Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Excellent. I have full confidence in your abilities."
Minerva leaned forward, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "And what of the security measures for Harry? With Sirius Black on the loose, we must ensure his safety above all."
Dumbledore's expression grew serious. "I have taken steps to enhance the security around Harry. The dementors, while a necessary precaution, will not be the only line of defense. Additional wards and protective spells have been placed around Gryffindor Tower and the grounds."
Severus, still agitated, couldn’t help but interject. "And what of Heather Potter? How do we know she isn’t a threat to Potter?"
Dumbledore looked at Severus with a mix of patience and understanding. "That is why we are meeting her, Severus. To assess her intentions and ensure she poses no danger."
The meeting continued with discussions about the new curriculum, staff duties, and the integration of new magical developments in teaching. Despite the pressing practicalities of the school year, the topic of Heather Potter hung over the room like a specter.
As they concluded, Dumbledore addressed the staff one last time. "Thank you all for your contributions today. Let us prepare for another challenging but rewarding year at Hogwarts. Remember, we are all here to guide and protect our students."
The professors began to file out, each lost in their thoughts about the coming term. Severus lingered, his mind racing with questions and doubts. He approached Dumbledore as the room emptied.
"Albus, I still don't understand how someone like Heather Potter could have gone unnoticed. There must be more to this."
Dumbledore placed a reassuring hand on Severus's shoulder. "Patience, Severus. All will be revealed in time. For now, we must focus on the tasks at hand and prepare for the challenges ahead."
Severus nodded reluctantly, his mind still buzzing with the implications of another Potter. He knew he would have to stay vigilant and keep a close eye on this new development.
As the staff dispersed, Remus caught up with Minerva. "Minerva, do you think this Heather Potter could be good for Harry? He's been through so much already." Said Remus, referring to Harry being orphaned at such a young age.
Minerva sighed, her eyes reflecting her concern. "It's hard to say, Remus. But if she is indeed a true Potter and has Harry's best interests at heart, she could be the family connection he's been missing."
Remus nodded thoughtfully. "Let's hope for Harry's sake that she is."
The two professors shared a moment of silent understanding before parting ways to prepare for the arrival of the students. Despite the uncertainties ahead, they knew they had to be ready to face whatever challenges the new term would bring.
As the staff room emptied, Dumbledore remained seated, deep in thought. He knew the meeting with Heather Potter would be crucial, not just for understanding her intentions but for the future of Harry and the Wizarding World itself. With a sigh, he popped his mouth with a lemon drop, preparing himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
The semester was about to begin, and with it, a new chapter in the ever-unfolding story of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
---
Heather Potter sat once again in her living room at Leeds, her mind whirling with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The day had finally arrived. It was August 27th, the day of her meeting with Albus Dumbledore. For the past week, her life had been a whirlwind of preparation, a meticulous dance of crafting a background that would hold up under the intense scrutiny of one of the most powerful wizards in the world.
Her gaze drifted to the stack of parchment on the desk beside her, filled with notes, credentials, and projects. Each document was a piece of the intricate puzzle she had assembled, designed to support her story and make her presence in this new dimension believable. She had spent countless hours in collaboration with the goblins at Gringotts, the Unspeakables at the Ministry of Magic, and her lawyer, Shaun Blackthorn, ensuring that every detail was perfect.
Heather had never imagined that she would have to use such extensive subterfuge. Memory charms, magical vows, and confundus charms had been applied with precision to the individuals she had incorporated into her fabricated history. Each one had been carefully selected and subtly influenced to believe the narrative she had woven. It was delicate work, and the goblins and Unspeakables had proven invaluable in their expertise.
She had also sat for various tests in both the magical and muggle worlds, acquiring the necessary credentials to support her background. It had been exhausting but necessary. Heather knew that Dumbledore would likely verify every aspect of her story, and she couldn't afford any discrepancies.
In the few moments of respite she had managed to carve out, Heather had focused on strengthening her Occlumency. Facing Dumbledore would be a test of her mental defenses. She had no doubt that his presence would prove a trial to her grieving mind, and she needed to be ready. Her experiences in her own world had honed her skills, but this was a different kind of challenge. She needed to protect not just her thoughts but the very essence of who she was and why she was here.
Her thoughts drifted to Harry, her younger self in this dimension. Their childhoods were eerily similar, both marked by a lack of a parental figure and the harsh realities of the Dursleys. She remembered her own desperation for someone to care, someone to guide her. For Heather, that person had eventually been Sirius. She felt a pang of urgency to reach Harry, to be the figure she had longed for in her own youth, and to ensure he didn't feel the same crushing loneliness she had endured.
The clock on the mantle chimed, pulling Heather from her reverie. It was two hours until her meeting with Dumbledore. She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Everything was in place. She had done all she could to prepare, and now it was time to see if her efforts would pay off.
Heather rose from her chair and began to gather her things. She carefully placed the stack of documents into her satchel, along with a few personal items she felt might help lend authenticity to her story. As she did, her mind wandered back to the projects she had rushed to complete and publish in this world. They were her ace in the hole, a way to prove her expertise and knowledge, even if the timeline of their creation was a bit accelerated.
She had always been a driven person, but the past week had tested her limits. Sleepless nights and relentless focus had become her norm. Yet, through it all, she had felt a sense of purpose. This wasn't just about survival; it was about making a difference. Heather knew the stakes were high, but she also knew that she was capable of rising to the challenge.
With her preparations complete, Heather took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. She was dressed in formal robes, her appearance neat and professional. Her reflection stared back at her, a blend of determination and trepidation in her eyes. She straightened her shoulders and gave herself a firm nod.
"You can do this," she whispered to herself. "For Harry. For everyone."
---
Heather Potter emerged from the emerald flames of the Floo network and into the cozy interior of the Three Broomsticks. She dusted herself off and adjusted her high-quality robes, the silky emerald green fabric shimmering in the light and perfectly matching her eyes. Her beloved onyx necklace, a constant companion, rested comfortably around her neck.
"Good afternoon, Madame Rosmerta," Heather greeted the proprietor with a warm smile. "I have a meeting scheduled with the Headmaster."
Madame Rosmerta returned the smile. "Of course, dear. Right this way." She led Heather through the bustling pub, weaving between tables and patrons until they reached a door at the back. "Here you are. The Headmaster should be along shortly."
"Thank you," Heather said as she stepped into the private room.
Once inside, Heather immediately began casting a series of privacy and secrecy charms, layering them with wards to ensure their conversation would remain confidential. She knew her precautions bordered on paranoid, but in her experience from the second war with Voldemort, such caution was a necessary habit.
Satisfied with her work, Heather took a seat and waited, her mind running through the story she had crafted and the numerous details she had memorized. She didn't have to wait long. The door opened, and Albus Dumbledore entered, followed closely by Remus Lupin.
Heather felt a surge of emotion at the sight of them, a mixture of relief and longing that threatened to overwhelm her. She had fortified her Occlumency shields precisely for this reason. Without them, she knew she would have thrown herself into their arms and wept. Instead, she maintained her composure, offering them a sweet, charming smile.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, Mister Lupin," she greeted them warmly. "Thank you for meeting with me."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he returned her greeting. "Miss Potter, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you for coming."
Remus gave her a nod, his expression kind but curious about how she knows him. "Miss Potter, it's good to meet you as well, and it is now Professor Lupin."
They all took their seats, and Dumbledore wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter. "Miss Potter, if you don't mind, could you please explain where you have been all these years and how you come to be Harry Potter's aunt?"
Heather took a deep breath, steeling herself before she began. "Of course. As you know, my parents, Fleamont and Euphemia Potter, had difficulty conceiving children. They were overjoyed when they had my brother, James. Four years later, they were surprised to learn they were expecting again, though they did not realize it until my mother went into labor. I was born two months premature, and my health was extremely fragile. I had virtually no immune system, and my magic acted as a substitute, barely keeping me alive."
She paused, gauging their reactions. Both men listened intently, Dumbledore's expression thoughtful, while Remus's eyes held a mix of sympathy and curiosity.
"Due to the complications of my birth and the involvement of Muggle medical staff because as I was told, that they were in the Muggle world for business as it was, it became impossible to Obliviate everyone who knew of my existence. My parents entrusted my care to a Muggle guardian who was better equipped to handle my health issues. I spent my childhood in a Muggle hospital, receiving education in Muggle subjects. I even earned a degree in chemistry."
Dumbledore nodded, his interest piqued. "And how did you transition back into the magical world?"
"The Unspeakables found me," Heather explained. "They detected my magic and saw the potential for study. When my Muggle guardian passed away, they offered me a deal: they would help me recover and learn magic if I allowed them to study my condition. With my added help, they were successful in finding ways to support premature magical infants and cure my immune deficiency. That's why I am here now, healthy and ready to connect with my nephew."
Remus leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "If that is the case, why have we never heard of you before?"
Heather adopted a sad look, using her Occlumency skills to project her emotions. "My parents chose not to tell James about me. They feared it would hurt him deeply if he knew he had a sibling who might die at any moment. I was always on the brink of death until the Unspeakables intervened. After my parents' deaths, I lost all contact with the magical world. I didn't even know about Harry until the Unspeakables informed me. Now that I am free from my health issues and any obligations, I want to be there for him."
Dumbledore gave a sage nod, his mind clearly working through the implications of her story. "I see. Thank you for sharing this with us, Miss Potter. I am happy to facilitate your meeting with Harry and glad to hear of your improved health."
Heather felt a surge of relief. Dumbledore's acceptance of her story was a significant victory. "Thank you, Headmaster. I look forward to meeting Harry."
The conversation concluded with Dumbledore's reassurance, and Heather felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She had achieved what she came for: permission to meet Harry and a semblance of trust from one of the most influential figures in the magical world.
As Dumbledore and Remus stood to leave, Heather remained seated for a moment, allowing herself to relax. She had faced the first major challenge in her new life and succeeded. There would be more obstacles, more questions, and more scrutiny, but she was prepared. She had come to this world not just to survive but to make a difference, to help those she cared about, and to create a better future.
Once Dumbledore and Remus had left, Heather took a moment to collect her thoughts before dispelling the privacy wards and charms she had set. She exited the private room and made her way back through the Three Broomsticks, nodding politely to Madame Rosmerta as she passed.
Stepping outside into the warm August afternoon, Heather felt a renewed sense of purpose. She had taken the first step in her plan, and now it was time to see it through. For Harry, for the memory of her own struggles, and for the chance to build a new life in this dimension, she would face whatever came next with courage and determination.