Chapter 2
3rd Person's Point of View
Date: August 31st, 1985
Time: 6:15 AM
Location: Private Room, University College Hospital, 235 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BU, United Kingdom
The room was bathed in the soft warmth of the morning sun, casting a gentle glow over everything it touched. Harriet lay in her hospital bed, propped up on soft pillows as she gazed around the room, her heart swelling with affection for those closest to her. Her bound mates…Hermione, Fleur, and Gabrielle…sat nearby, their faces filled with love and quiet understanding. Gabrielle, who was only a month younger than Harriet, smiled softly, her hand resting on Harriet's arm in a silent show of support.
Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite stood nearby, their divine presence a constant comfort to Harriet. Each of her mothers exuded a calm strength, their love for her evident in the way they had remained by her side since everything had happened. Now, it was time to explain…to fill her bound mates and her mothers in on the events that had unfolded over the last 20 minutes.
"It all happened so quickly," Harriet began, her voice still a little shaky from the lingering pain but steady with resolve. "After I woke up, I heard Marge's voice outside the door. She had found me... she always found me. But this time, it wasn't going to end like before."
Hermione, her brows furrowed in concern, leaned in closer. "And Ripper?" she asked softly, knowing how much the dog had terrorized Harriet in the past.
Harriet nodded, her gaze dropping to her leg, now wrapped in fresh bandages. "He attacked me, like he always did when Marge gave the command. But this time, my mother was there." She smiled briefly at Artemis, whose protective presence had been a constant in Harriet's life since her return. "She put him down before he could do more damage. But we needed that evidence to put Marge behind bars."
Fleur frowned, her blue eyes darkening with anger. "You shouldn't have had to go through that again, Harriet. It's wrong."
"I know," Harriet replied softly, "but it was necessary. We needed the evidence to make sure Marge couldn't hurt anyone else. The police needed something physical, something undeniable."
Gabrielle squeezed Harriet's arm gently. "You're so brave," she whispered. "We're all proud of you."
Harriet smiled at Gabrielle's words, feeling the warmth of her support wash over her. But before she could respond, the door to her room opened, and a group of familiar figures entered, filling the room with even more warmth and love.
Zeus, her father, entered first, dressed in a modern police officer's uniform, a slight smile on his lips as he looked at his daughter. Behind him was Hera, his wife, wearing a beautiful yet simple 1985 dress that seemed to flow with her every step. And lastly, Hestia, her mother of home and hearth, walked in wearing a red T-shirt, jeans, and sturdy boots…a practical outfit for a goddess, but fitting for the moment.
Hestia was the first to approach Harriet, her soft brown eyes filled with warmth. "My little flame," she said with a tender smile, using the affectionate nickname she had always called Harriet. "You did well. Using my name when you cursed Marge...that was clever." She chuckled softly, the sound like a gentle crackle of a hearth fire. "I will make sure that she never finds warmth, no matter where she goes. No home she makes will ever feel like home."
Harriet smiled, a soft warmth blooming in her chest. "Thank you, Mother," she whispered. "I just wanted her to feel what I felt all those years... cold and alone."
Hestia's smile faltered for a moment, sadness flickering in her eyes. "She will, Harriet. And she'll never forget it….and so will the other Dursley in time."
As Hestia stepped back, Hera approached, her regal presence filling the room. "You've done well, Harriet," she said, her voice strong and steady. "The Dursleys and those like them will pay for their actions. You've shown great courage."
Zeus, standing beside Hera, smiled down at his daughter. "You're a fighter, Harriet," he said proudly. "You've endured more than any child should, but you've come out stronger." His hand rested on her shoulder briefly, a quiet reassurance in the gesture.
As Harriet nodded in acknowledgment, the door opened once more, and Apollo entered, his usual brightness dimmed by a frown. The air in the room shifted slightly as he approached, a sense of tension following him.
"What's wrong?" Artemis asked, her keen gaze immediately picking up on her brother's change in demeanor.
Apollo sighed, running a hand through his golden hair. "Albus Dumbledore is here. He wants to see Harriet."
At the mention of Dumbledore's name, Harriet's heart clenched. Memories of the manipulations, the lies, and the betrayal flashed in her mind. She hadn't expected to see him so soon after everything that had happened.
"But that's not all," Apollo continued, his frown easing into a small smile. "Amelia Susan Bones is with him. She's brought her niece...Susan Bones...who, as it turns out, is one of Harriet's bound mates."
A ripple of surprise and joy ran through the room. Harriet's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. Susan? One of her bound mates...one of the seventeen...was here, coming to see her.
Hermione smiled brightly, excitement lighting up her features. "Susan? That's wonderful news!"
Fleur's eyes softened as she exchanged a glance with Harriet. "It seems the bonds are already beginning to strengthen."
Harriet couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. While the thought of facing Dumbledore unsettled her, knowing that Susan was coming brought a sense of calm. She was gathering her family, her soulmates, one by one. And with each one, her strength grew.
"Let them in," Harriet said quietly, her voice steady as she braced herself for what was to come. "Let's see what Dumbledore has to say... and welcome Susan."
The gods nodded in agreement, standing by their daughter's side as the next chapter of Harriet's journey began.
Time: 6:20 AM
The warm glow of the morning sun bathed the room in light, but the tension in the air was palpable. Harriet had just finished giving her family their roles, preparing them for the inevitable encounter with Albus Dumbledore. She had to be careful...Dumbledore knew her as Harry Potter, a male, and not Harriet, the true version of herself. For now, she would play the part.
Harriet looked at her divine parents, their powerful presence comforting but also dangerous in the current situation. "Hide your godly energy signatures," she instructed them, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. "Hera, Hestia, Aphrodite...stand on either side of the door. I don't want Dumbledore to see you until he's leaving. Keep quiet and stay hidden."
Hera gave her daughter a nod of reassurance. "He won't suspect a thing, my dear," she said with a knowing smile.
Next, Harriet turned to her father, Zeus, who was already dressed in a police uniform. "You're going to act as a police officer here to follow up on the attack by Marge and her dog. Play it cool, Dad. You've got this."
Zeus grinned, his usual thunderous energy subdued but still present. "Of course, Harry," he replied with a wink, leaning into the role. "I'll make sure Dumbledore buys every word."
Harriet then looked at Apollo, still dressed as Dr. Lester Papadopoulos. "Dad, you'll work with Zeus on this. The charges for both Marge and Vernon need to be presented as one case...both of them are responsible for what happened to me. The leg that Vernon broke and Ripper's attack are part of the same abuse."
Apollo nodded, his serious expression hiding his usual brightness. "I'll take care of it. Trust me."
Finally, Harriet turned to her mother, Artemis. She was dressed in business attire, ready to play her role. "You'll be here as a representative of the child care system...Children's Voice. Since the entire Dursley family is in jail, you'll be overseeing my placement and well-being."
Artemis's gaze softened as she regarded her daughter. "Understood. I'll make sure everything looks official."
"And Athena," Harriet said, turning to her mother, who was now wearing a sharp black tuxedo, "you're here as my legal guardian. Dumbledore doesn't know about my true identity, so we need to keep up appearances. For now, call me 'Harry' and refer to me as 'he.'"
Athena adjusted the collar of her tuxedo, her expression firm. "I'll make sure everything is handled."
Harriet then turned to her bound mates, Hermione, Fleur, and Gabrielle. The three of them were sitting together, nodding in agreement. "We'll act like long time friends…," Hermione said confidently. "…We've been with you since your second birthday, as friends after all with Fluer and Gabrielle meeting you for the first time as they are penpals with me visiting you from time to time at the park of private drive during the weekends."
Fleur smiled reassuringly. "Dumbledore won't suspect anything, me and Gabby will add French words to make him think we dont know how to speak English."
Gabrielle, though the youngest, added with a soft smile, "We'll play our parts. Don't worry, Harriet."
With everyone prepared, the air in the room grew tense once more as they waited. The door creaked open, and in stepped Albus Dumbledore, his usual calm demeanor masking whatever thoughts were running through his mind.
"Harry," Dumbledore greeted warmly, his old blue eyes twinkling as he looked at Harriet. "I heard you had a bit of trouble." He walked further into the room, completely unaware of the divine beings hidden in plain sight.
Harriet nodded, forcing a smile and keeping her voice neutral. "Yes, sir. It's been…a difficult time."
As Dumbledore moved closer, Amelia Bones followed him, her niece, Susan Bones, walking just behind. Amelia gave Harriet a quick, almost imperceptible nod of recognition, but her face remained stoic. Susan, however, caught Hermione's eye, and the two exchanged knowing smiles. Susan glanced briefly at Fleur and Gabrielle as well, her eyes sparkling with the knowledge that bound them all together, though she remained silent due to Dumbledore's presence.
Before Amelia entered, Susan had whispered to her, "Don't say 'Harriet' or 'she' while Dumbledore is in the room."
Amelia had nodded her face gravely. "I know, Susan," she replied. "I remember everything that happened after… Hades brought me back."
Harriet's heart tightened as Dumbledore approached her bed, his eyes scanning her, clearly trying to assess the situation. "I trust you're being well taken care of here," he said, glancing briefly at Apollo, still disguised as Dr. Papadopoulos.
"Yes, sir," Harriet responded, glancing between her father and Dumbledore. "The doctors and nurses have been very attentive."
Zeus, in his role as the police officer, stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Mr. Dumbledore, I'm here on behalf of the police force. We're filing charges against Marge and Vernon Dursley for the abuse Harry's endured."
Apollo stepped up beside him, clipboard in hand. "We're compiling everything we need. Both of them will face the same charges, given the extent of the injuries."
Dumbledore's eyes flicked between the two men, his face thoughtful. "That's… good to hear," he said, though his tone was cautious. Harriet could tell he wasn't pleased with the idea of the Dursleys being held accountable, but he couldn't argue against it.
Artemis stepped forward next, holding a folder with official-looking documents. "I'm from Children's Voice," she said smoothly. "Given that Harry's guardians are currently incarcerated, we're overseeing his welfare. Rest assured, he's in good hands."
Dumbledore's gaze lingered on her, but he didn't seem to suspect anything out of the ordinary. He simply nodded, accepting the situation.
Athena, playing her role as Harriet's legal guardian, stood at the back, her arms crossed confidently. "I'll be making sure everything goes smoothly from here," she added. "Harry's wellbeing is our priority."
Dumbledore, now somewhat uncomfortable with the number of people involved, gave Harriet one last glance. "I'll check in on you soon, Harry," he said, his voice a bit more strained than before. "Take care."
With that, he turned and made his way out of the room, clearly uneasy with how much control had been taken out of his hands.
The moment the door closed behind him, a ripple of energy filled the room as Hera, Hestia, and Aphrodite reappeared, their divine presence once again flooding the space.
Susan, now free from Dumbledore's watchful eyes, broke into a bright smile and rushed over to Harriet. "Harriet!" she cried, wrapping her arms around her in a loving hug. "I've missed you so much!"
Harriet smiled warmly, returning the embrace. "I've missed you too, Susan. It's so good to see you."
Hera, now visible, stood beside Harriet's bed, her regal presence bringing a sense of calm. "You did well, Harriet," she said softly, her voice filled with pride.
Hestia, still smiling, nodded in agreement. "Everything is falling into place."
Aphrodite chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling. "Your family is growing, Harriet."
Harriet's heart swelled as she looked around the room at her mothers, her fathers, and her bound mates. She wasn't alone. She was surrounded by love and strength...by her true family.
And no matter what came next, she knew they would face it together.
Time: 11:30 AM
The quiet in the room felt comforting, almost serene, as the morning gave way to late afternoon. Harriet sat up slightly in her bed, her bound mates...Hermione, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Susan...seated around her. It had been a whirlwind of emotions over the last few hours, with their divine family visiting and then leaving to attend to their duties. Zeus, Hera, Hestia, Aphrodite, and Athena had left at 10 AM to handle various responsibilities and check on the legal case against the Dursleys. Amelia Bones had also left, returning to the wizarding world to update the legal side of things.
Harriet had to ask her mother Artemis to return to her Hunters. Artemis had been away for too long, and Harriet knew her mother had duties to update her hunters on, especially regarding her daughter's well-being. So now, it was just Harriet, her bound mates, and Apollo, who occasionally checked in as her primary doctor during her stay at the hospital.
The girls had been sharing quiet conversations and moments of peace, letting the weight of the past few days ease from their shoulders. But that peace was quickly interrupted when the door to the room creaked open. A nurse stepped inside, but what truly caught their attention was the person walking behind her...Nymphadora "Dora" Tonks.
Harriet blinked in surprise, and so did Hermione, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Susan. Dora wasn't someone they expected to see here. The nurse, like most of the hospital staff, thought of Harriet as Harry Potter, a young male, so she naturally addressed her as such.
"Harry," the nurse said kindly, "you've got another visitor." She nodded toward Dora, who gave the nurse a polite smile.
Once the door closed and they were alone, Dora turned toward Harriet with a knowing smile. She stepped forward, her bright eyes gleaming with a secret that only she knew.
"Hades told me to say 'hi' to his daughter," Dora said softly, her voice filled with warmth and a touch of humor.
Harriet's breath caught in her throat, and her heart skipped a beat as the weight of those words hit her. Hades told her. Tears welled up in Harriet's eyes as the realization dawned on her. Dora was one of her soulmates.
Harriet's emotions overwhelmed her, and tears began to stream down her face. She hadn't expected this, not so soon. Seeing Dora here…a live…knowing that she was another of her bound mates, it was almost too much to bear...but in the best way possible.
Dora stepped forward, her usual playful demeanor softening as she knelt by Harriet's bed. "Don't cry, love," she whispered, gently wiping the tears from Harriet's cheeks. "I know about the soulmates...about all of us."
Harriet nodded, her throat tight with emotion. "You… you know?"
Dora smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. "I do. I met some of the others before you woke up. They wanted me to give you a message." She paused for a moment, then placed her arm around Harriet, pulling her into a gentle embrace.
As she held Harriet close, she whispered, "We're all finding our way back to you, Harriet. Some of us will take longer than others, but we remember. We'll find our way to you, no matter what. It might be tomorrow, it might be next month, or even on the train to Hogwarts...but we will be together in the end."
Hearing those words, Harriet's tears flowed even more freely, but this time they were tears of joy. The weight of the years of pain and loneliness she had carried felt lighter now. Her bound mates were remembering her, they were coming back to her. She wasn't alone anymore.
Dora pulled Harriet into a tighter hug, her presence comforting and filled with love. "We've got you now," Dora whispered, her voice steady and full of affection. "You don't have to carry this burden alone anymore."
Harriet clung to Dora, her heart filled with a mixture of relief and happiness she hadn't felt in so long. The other girls...Hermione, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Susan...watched with warm smiles, knowing how much this moment meant to Harriet.
"We're here for you, Harriet," Hermione said softly, her voice filled with love. "We always will be."
Fleur nodded, her blue eyes sparkling with emotion. "We're your family now."
Gabrielle added, her voice quiet but determined, "We'll never leave you."
Susan, sitting close by, smiled gently. "No matter what happens, we're all coming home to you."
As the warmth of their love and connection filled the room, Harriet knew, without a doubt, that she had found her true family. And nothing...not even the trials that lay ahead...could take that away from her now.
Time: 12:00 pm (Lunch Time)
Harriet sat up in the hospital bed, her Left leg propped up and covered by a thick cast. Her usual vibrancy was dulled by the aches that still resonated in her body, but there was a soft warmth radiating from her as she made small talk with her soul-mates, all of whom were gathered around her. Fleur sat on her left, her hand gently stroking Harriet's arm, while Gabrielle sat on her other side, munching quietly on a sandwich. Hermione, ever the caretaker, sat at the foot of the bed with a plate balanced on her lap, sneaking glances at Harriet as if making sure she was all right. Susan Bones and Nymphadora Tonks...Dora, as she insisted...sat nearby, laughing softly at something Harriet had said.
"I still can't believe it," Harriet said, trying to keep her tone light as she reached for her lunch. "The Queen. My grandmother. It's strange, really."
The conversation had drifted there, naturally, as it often did when her adoptive family was mentioned. Harriet's adoptive mother, Lily Potter, was Elizabeth II's daughter. And despite everything that had happened to Harriet in the last four and a half years...being trapped with the Dursleys, suffering at their hands...it was still hard for her to wrap her mind around her royal lineage.
"You'd think we'd be used to surprises by now," Hermione smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood as she looked at Harriet's cast. "I mean, how many times have we been shocked by the magical world? Or by...well, everything about you?"
Fleur gave a nod, her silver-blue eyes glinting with affection. "We are all lucky to be part of your life, Harriet. Even if your situation right now is...complicated."
Harriet chuckled, though it was more out of habit than true amusement. "Complicated is an understatement, Fleur."
Hestia, Harriet's mother, stood by the door, watching them with a loving smile. She had insisted on bringing lunch herself, preparing it with care, especially for Harriet. There was a subtle sweetness to the food that came from more than just Hestia's skill; Ambrosia, the food of the gods, was mixed into Harriet's meal to heal her from the inside out. Harriet's godly heritage as Hestia's daughter and that of the other gods meant that Ambrosia would work wonders for the damage inflicted on her by the Dursleys. Her sweet little flame needed all the strength she could get after the years of abuse.
"How's your leg, sweetie?" Hestia asked softly, walking over to the bed.
Harriet took a deep breath. "It's getting better, thanks to you," she said, looking at her mother with deep gratitude. The pain was still there, but it was fading...slowly but surely.
Just as the conversation turned back to lighter topics, the door to the private hospital room swung open, and a regal figure stepped in. Elizabeth II, the Queen of England, was as elegant as ever. She moved with the grace of someone who had ruled for decades, but there was a softness in her eyes as she looked at Harriet.
"Grandmother?" Harriet's voice was filled with surprise.
Elizabeth paused for a moment, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her...a male figure lying in the bed where her adoptive granddaughter should have been. It took her a moment to recall what had been explained to her earlier: Harriet was currently stuck in her male form, a temporary but unfortunate consequence of the severe damage to her leg. Her face softened after the initial shock.
"My dear," the Queen said warmly, walking towards the bed, "I'm sorry I arrived earlier than expected. I was informed about an incident this morning. Marge Dursley's attack...meaing that the reunion couldn't wait."
Harriet winced at the mention of Marge. The woman had attacked her earlier that day, just like her brother Vernon. However, Marge had taken it a step too far, and her actions were now under the scrutiny of the Royal Court.
"She's finally going to face justice, then?" Harriet asked, her voice quiet, but laced with hope.
Elizabeth nodded, her expression firm. "Yes. Her actions...along with Vernon's and Petunia's...will not go unpunished. The Crown will see to it personally."
Harriet felt a wave of relief wash over her. Finally, after so many years, there would be justice for what she had endured.
But before anyone could say anything else, the door opened again. This time, it wasn't a member of the British royal family who entered, but Apollo, the god of the sun, with a look of utter shock on his face. He stopped in his tracks, eyes scanning the room as though searching for answers to a question that hadn't yet been asked.
"Apollo…dad?" Hestia's voice was tinged with concern as she stepped forward.
Apollo's eyes landed on Harriet, and he shook his head in disbelief. "It's true," he murmured, almost to himself. "Albus managed it...he meddled with things he should have never touched."
The room fell into an uneasy silence as everyone looked at Apollo. Harriet felt a knot of tension form in her stomach. She had no idea what he was talking about, but it was clear from the god's expression that it wasn't good news.
"Dad what...what do you mean?" Harriet asked cautiously.
Apollo exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "A blood test. We were trying to find out more about your lineage, and...it appears that Lily, your adoptive mother, became one of your 'real' mothers. Which means…." He trailed off, his gaze drifting to Elizabeth. "....Which means you are truly of royal blood of the United Kingdom, Harriet. Elizabeth is your real grandmother."
The room fell silent again as everyone tried to process what Apollo had just said. Harriet's heart pounded in her chest as she looked from Apollo to Elizabeth, unsure of how to feel about this revelation.
Elizabeth herself seemed taken aback, her regal composure slipping for just a moment. "This...this is unexpected," she said softly, her eyes flicking back to Harriet. "But no matter the circumstances, Harriet, you are my granddaughter. And I will always stand by you."
Harriet blinked, emotions swirling in her chest. She didn't know what to say, but the warmth in her grandmother's voice, coupled with the strength of her soul-mates sitting beside her, made her feel...safe. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't alone. And for now, that was enough.
Time: 12:05 pm
Harriet stared down at her plate, her mind racing with everything that had just been revealed. The discovery about her lineage was more than she could process at once. Her adoptive grandmother, Elizabeth II, was not just her adoptive family anymore...she was her real grandmother, tied to her by blood. Apollo's words still echoed in her ears.
As the shock of the revelation began to settle, Harriet turned her gaze toward Elizabeth, who stood near the foot of the bed, her expression calm yet attentive. Harriet felt a surge of emotion...confusion, hope, and an overwhelming need for safety. After everything she had been through, the thought of returning to the Dursleys, or being anywhere near Albus Dumbledore's influence, sent a shiver down her spine.
"Grandmother?" Harriet's voice was soft, but there was an undeniable strength behind it. She lifted her head, meeting Elizabeth's eyes. "Would it...would it be all right if I stayed with you? At least until I go to Hogwarts. It's the only safe place right now, with Albus out there. And I think it might be the best place for me to...change back into my true form."
Elizabeth studied her granddaughter for a moment, her face unreadable, through her eyes held nothing but warmth. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the Queen's response.
Then, a gentle smile spread across Elizabeth's face, and she stepped forward, placing a hand on Harriet's. "Oh, my dear Harriet," she said, her voice filled with kindness. "I was hoping you would ask that. I've already made arrangements for you to be transferred to Buckingham Palace for your recovery. It is not only a place of safety but a place where you belong. You will live with me until you are ready to return to school, and beyond that, for as long as you need."
Harriet exhaled, a weight lifting off her chest. The relief was overwhelming, and for the first time in what felt like years, she felt secure. The Dursleys were behind her, Albus Dumbledore's manipulations would not touch her here, and she would have the chance to heal, both physically and emotionally, in the safety of her mortal grandmother's care.
"Thank you," Harriet whispered, emotion swelling in her throat as she gripped her grandmother's hand.
Elizabeth leaned down slightly, brushing a kiss against Harriet's forehead. "You are my family, Harriet. It is my honor to have you with me."
The Queen's presence radiated reassurance, and Harriet felt a tear slip down her cheek, quickly wiped away by Hermione, who sat beside her. The rest of her soul-mates shared the same expression of relief, knowing that Harriet would finally be somewhere she could heal without fear.
"Then it's settled," Elizabeth continued, straightening up, her voice once again regal and commanding. "Once you're strong enough, we'll move you to the palace. There, you'll have everything you need, including the privacy to transform back into your true form. You are safe now, Harriet."
As those words settled over the room, the warmth of family and safety wrapped around Harriet like a comforting blanket. No longer would she be the scared child, trapped in the house of her abusers. She was royalty, a daughter of gods, and above all, she was free.
Time: 12:15 pm
Harriet leaned back against her pillows, watching in silent awe as her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, took command of the situation with the practiced ease of a monarch who had ruled for decades. There was an undeniable presence in the way Elizabeth moved, her regal demeanor exuding authority without a hint of arrogance. It was no wonder she had led the country through so many trials.
Elizabeth wasted no time as she stepped out of the room briefly, leaving Harriet and her soul-mates to exchange looks of quiet anticipation. Fleur, Gabrielle, Hermione, Susan, and Dora each glanced at Harriet, reassured by the knowledge that they would be with her every step of the way. Harriet, in turn, felt a warmth in her chest at their unwavering support.
When Elizabeth returned, her voice was clear and commanding as she began speaking to the various personnel gathered just outside the room. Harriet could just hear the conversation through the open door as her grandmother addressed the members of Specialist Protection Command (SO1), Royalty Protection Command (SO14), Specialist Firearms Command (MO19), and the Special Air Service (SAS), as well as the hospital staff involved in her care.
"I want the move initiated immediately," Elizabeth began, her tone brooking no argument. "My granddaughter is to be transferred to Buckingham Palace as soon as possible. I expect the utmost discretion. Specialist Protection Command and Royalty Protection will oversee the transportation and security, and Specialist Firearms and SAS are to ensure no potential threat is overlooked."
The officers nodded in response, their faces serious and focused as they took in the Queen's instructions. The hospital staff listened attentively, already making notes and preparing for the sudden shift in Harriet's care.
One of the lead officers, a tall man dressed in a sharply pressed suit and carrying the authoritative air of someone well-versed in handling high-profile security, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we will have the transport ready within the hour. A medical transport vehicle will be prepared, and Buckingham Palace's medical wing will be alerted to receive her immediately."
Elizabeth nodded approvingly, her expression firm. "Very good. I want no delay. We must ensure her safety at all times, especially given the recent...events."
The officer didn't need to be told twice. The attack by Marge Dursley earlier that morning had raised alarms in both the magical and royal worlds. Harriet's safety was now a matter of the highest priority.
Elizabeth turned back into the room, her face softening as she looked at her granddaughter. Harriet watched her with quiet admiration, marveling at how easily Elizabeth seemed to balance the roles of monarch and grandmother.
"All is being arranged, my dear," Elizabeth said gently as she walked back to Harriet's bedside. "It will only be a short while before you are moved to Buckingham Palace, where you will have everything you need."
Harriet nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and trepidation. The idea of moving to Buckingham Palace, living within its grand walls, was something she had never imagined, even with her connection to the royal family. But now, with her leg still in a cast and the lingering ache from the abuse she had endured at the Dursleys, it was comforting to know she would be in a place where she could heal...both physically and emotionally.
"Thank you, Grandmother," Harriet said softly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
Elizabeth reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Harriet's face. "You need not thank me, Harriet. You are my granddaughter, and I will always protect you."
Harriet smiled, a small but genuine expression of relief. The bond between them, once something distant and formal, now felt personal and profound.
Meanwhile, outside the room, the preparations continued at a rapid pace. The hospital staff made adjustments to Harriet's medical records, preparing for her transfer, while the security personnel began mapping out the safest route from the hospital to Buckingham Palace. There would be no room for mistakes.
As the minutes ticked by, Harriet's soul-mates gathered closer around her. Hermione reached for Harriet's hand, squeezing it gently, while Fleur and Gabrielle offered her quiet smiles of encouragement. Dora, ever the optimist, leaned over and whispered, "Looks like we're moving up in the world, eh?"
Harriet chuckled softly at Dora's attempt to lighten the mood, appreciating the warmth and humor that always seemed to radiate from her.
The room was filled with a sense of calm readiness as the final preparations were made. Harriet looked up at her grandmother, who remained by her side, her regal presence a source of strength and reassurance.
In just a short while, Harriet would be leaving the hospital behind, moving to a place of true safety...a place where she could finally start to recover, free from the shadows of her past.
Time: 12:20 pm
Harriet sat quietly, her mind at ease as her grandmother Elizabeth continued speaking with the officers. The preparations to move her to Buckingham Palace were nearly complete. But the momentary calm in the room was shattered when the door suddenly swung open.
Albus Dumbledore, with his usual commanding presence, entered the room. He was flanked by two police officers, their eyes vacant and their movements too mechanical to be natural. Harriet recognized the telltale signs of a mind spell immediately, and the sight of it sent a spark of anger through her. He was still trying to control her, still trying to impose his will.
"Harry, my boy," Albus said, his voice annoyingly jovial, as if nothing had changed. He glanced at the others in the room, ignoring the way the Queen and Harriet's soul-mates stiffened. "I'm here to take you back, where you belong."
The name grated against Harriet's ears, making her flinch. He was still calling her Harry. Still pretending that she didn't know the truth. Still treating her like a tool he could manipulate.
The two officers beside him were clearly not acting of their own accord, and Harriet had had enough of Albus' manipulations. With a simple let light wave of her hand, and without uttering a word, she cast Finite Incantatem, releasing the officers from the mind control spell. Their eyes cleared instantly, and they staggered back, disoriented.
"What...?" one of the officers mumbled, blinking as though waking from a bad dream.
Harriet's gaze remained fixed on Albus. His eyes widened slightly as he realized what had just happened. She had used wandless and wordless magic…effortlessly. Like a master. His expression faltered, but only for a moment.
"Impressive, my boy," Albus said, his voice tight as he tried to regain control of the situation. "But you must come with me."
That was the last straw. Harriet's patience snapped, her fury rising like a storm inside her. She felt the heat of her godly energy pulsing beneath her skin, and she could no longer hold back.
"My name….," Harriet shouted, her voice shaking with righteous anger, "...is Harriet Jane Potter Mary Windsor! Not Harry. Not Henry. I am not your pawn, Albus Dumbledore!"
As she spoke, something inside her broke free. It was as if a lock that had held her true self captive was completely shattered. The magic, the godly power that had been bound inside her for so long, burst forth. Her body began to change, morphing from the male form she had been trapped in into her true self.
Her frame grew taller, stretching until she was a towering 6 feet 6 inches. Her muscles expanded, becoming large and powerful, but perfectly balanced with her feminine shape. Her once spiky, jet-black hair smoothed out into long, shiny, straight silver locks that cascaded down to her mid-back. Her eyes, once a bright green, now glowed with an electric blue intensity. Her skin tightened, her muscles rippling beneath it, giving her an athletic, strong, and utterly feminine top-hourglass body shape.
The cast that had encased her left leg shattered into dust from the force of her transformation, revealing the large scar that ran from her knee to her ankle…a brutal reminder of Vernon Dursley's cruelty. The sight of the scar caused her grandmother, Elizabeth, and her soul-mates to gasp in shock at the size and length of it. But what shocked them more was the raw, divine energy radiating from Harriet as symbols of the gods appeared above her head, glowing with power.
Albus stumbled back, his mouth agape. He had never expected this. The girl he thought he could control was now standing before him, a goddess in her own right.
As the 12 symbols of the gods hovered above her, a powerful female voice echoed through the hospital room, as if coming from the very heavens.
"All Hail! Harriet Jane Potter! The Daughter of the Gods!," the voice declared.
In that instant, Harriet's true parents appeared before her. Artemis, Hera, and Hestia and the other 8 gods materialized, their ethereal forms glowing with divine light. Behind them, Apollo stepped forward, still dressed as Dr. Lester Papadopoulos, a name tag pinned to his chest. The room felt as though it was filled with the weight of the cosmos, and yet, to Harriet, it felt like home.
Before anyone could react, Harriet took a step forward, her new body brimming with strength and grace. Her hospital gown shimmered and shifted, transforming into a white t-shirt, sports bra, sports underwear, blue jeans, calf-length socks, and military black boots. She looked every bit the warrior and goddess she was meant to be.
"I've got this," Harriet said confidently to her mothers and fathers, her voice filled with calm determination.
With a flick of her wrist, Harriet summoned the Elder Wand to her hand. Albus' eyes widened in horror as the wand, once thought to be his, obeyed Harriet's call. She looked at him coldly, her glowing electric blue eyes locking onto his.
"You will forget what you have seen here today, Albus," Harriet said, her voice low but filled with power. "Forget that I was here. Forget everything that happened in this room."
With a smooth motion, she handed the Elder Wand back to him, watching as he gripped it in disbelief. "You will return to Hogwarts now," she added, her voice commanding. "And you will not remember any of this ever and when you try to you will be in will be in the same pain I had to deal with at the hands of the Dersly's."
Albus blinked, as though trying to fight against the command, but Harriet's magic was too strong for him. She had given him back the wand to maintain the illusion that he still controlled it. But in truth, the Elder Wand no longer obeyed him. It was hers, and only hers.
With a final wave of her hand, Harriet sent Albus back to Hogwarts, his memory wiped clean of the encounter. He vanished from the room, leaving behind an empty space where his presence had been.
The moment Albus was gone, Harriet felt the surge of power that had fueled her transformation begin to fade. Her muscles trembled as the godly and magical energies inside her tried to find balance. Her vision blurred, and before she could stop herself, she collapsed forward.
But she didn't hit the ground. Hestia, one of her mothers, was there in an instant, catching her and holding her close.
"I've got you, my little flame," Hestia whispered, her voice full of love and warmth. "It will take time for your energies to balance. Rest, and by tomorrow morning, you will be whole again and your energies will be balance."
Harriet, cradled in her mother's arms, looked at the faces of her family...her mothers, her fathers, her grandmother, and her soul-mates. She smiled weakly, grateful for their love and support.
"I'm glad I did that," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
And with that, Harriet closed her eyes, letting the exhaustion of the transformation overtake her. She had finally broken free from the chains that had bound her, and now, surrounded by those who loved her, she could rest.