Date: August 31st, 1985
Time: 12:40 pm
Location: University College Hospital to Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
Harriet lay still in her hospital bed as the final preparations were made for her transfer. Her mother, Hestia, stayed close by, watching over her with a protective gaze. Harriet's body still tingled with the lingering effects of her transformation, and though the immense power had subsided, the balance of her godly and magical energies remained delicate. She felt the warm presence of her bond mates around her, reassuring her with their quiet support.
Outside the room, the energy was far different. The hospital staff and security personnel moved with a sense of urgency, orchestrating every detail of the transfer to ensure it went smoothly. Members of the Specialist Protection Command (SO1), the 21st SAS Regiment (Artists Rifles), MI5, Territorial Support Group (TSG), and the Royalty and Diplomatic Protection (SO14) were gathered, ready to provide an impenetrable shield for Harriet's journey to Buckingham Palace. There was no doubt in their minds...Harriet was now a member of the royal family, and they would treat her as such.
As the door to the hospital room opened, Harriet glanced up. Several soldiers entered, their eyes scanning the room as they coordinated with the hospital staff. The lead officer, a man from the SAS with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, nodded respectfully toward Harriet and Hestia.
"Everything is in place, Your Highness," the officer said, addressing Harriet with the title she had now inherited. "We're ready to begin the transfer."
Harriet blinked at the title, still unused to being addressed in such a way, but before she could respond, Hestia placed a gentle hand on her arm. "Let them do their job, sweetie," Hestia whispered softly. "They're here to protect you."
Harriet nodded, feeling a strange mix of nerves and gratitude. This was her reality now...part of her was still adjusting to the sudden shift in her life, but another part of her, the part that had endured so much pain and struggle, welcomed the protection.
With careful movements, the medical staff began to transfer Harriet from her hospital bed onto a secure stretcher. The bed linens and surroundings disappeared as Harriet was lifted, but Hestia's presence never wavered, her mother standing by her side, offering silent strength.
As Harriet was wheeled out of the room, she caught a glimpse of the protective detail surrounding her. Twenty-four Special Air Service (SAS) soldiers, heavily armed and vigilant, stood at the ready. Some carried MP5A3 submachine guns, others held L85A1 bullpup assault rifles. A pair of soldiers hefted Remington 870 pump-action shotguns, while the sharp-eyed snipers watched over the scene, their L42A1 bolt-action rifles ready for any potential threats. Their vehicles...a pair of Saxon LHD armored personnel carriers...waited outside, engines rumbling softly, ready to escort her to the palace.
As Harriet was loaded into the waiting 1985 Bedford CF ambulance, she saw the London Metropolitan Police units in position, adding another layer of security. Four sleek BMW R80RT Police motorcycles idled near the entrance, along with four Ford Granada police cars. Overhead, the sound of helicopter blades cut through the air as an Aerospatiale AS355 Écureuil 2 (Twin Squirrel) helicopter hovered above, providing aerial surveillance for the convoy.
As the ambulance doors closed, Harriet caught a glimpse of the growing crowd outside the hospital. Word had already spread...somehow, the media had caught wind of the fact that a long-lost member of the royal family had been found, and now reporters and photographers were gathering at the entrance, eager for a glimpse of the member. Cameras flashed, and microphones were thrust forward as reporters shouted questions, their voices muffled by the glass and the security barriers.
Hestia remained calm beside Harriet, her presence a calming force in the midst of the chaos. "Don't worry about them," Hestia said softly. "Focus on getting better."
Harriet nodded, her eyes drifting away from the flashing cameras. The media frenzy was another thing she would have to get used to, but for now, she was too exhausted to care.
As the ambulance began its journey, escorted by the police vehicles and SAS units, Harriet allowed herself to relax. The gentle sway of the vehicle, combined with the hum of the engines, lulled her into a peaceful state. Her mind drifted to the idea of Buckingham Palace...her new home. It was surreal. She had spent so long feeling trapped, first by the Dursleys and then by Dumbledore's manipulations. Now, she was free, surrounded by people who truly cared for her.
By the time the convoy reached Buckingham Palace, the crowd had grown even larger. Reporters lined the streets, their cameras snapping as the ambulance approached the grand gates. The royal guards stood at attention as the gates opened, allowing the convoy inside.
As the ambulance came to a stop, Harriet felt a sense of awe as she looked out at the palace grounds. This was her home now. A place where she could finally be safe.
The ambulance doors opened, and the medical staff moved efficiently to transfer Harriet to her personal room within the palace. Her bond mates followed closely behind, their eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and protectiveness.
Once inside, Harriet was gently settled into her new bed...a luxurious, comfortable haven that seemed like a world away from the cold, sterile hospital room she had just left. Hestia stayed by her side, her eyes warm as she watched Harriet relax.
Time: 01:00 pm
Location: Harriet's Personal Bedroom, Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
Harriet lay comfortably in her new bed, the luxury and warmth of Buckingham Palace already beginning to ease the lingering ache in her muscles. Her bond mates surrounded her, each one offering their quiet support and presence, while her mother, Hestia, sat nearby in a plush chair, watching over her with a protective gaze.
The room was lavish, as expected for a personal suite in the palace. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow on the soft cream-colored walls. The grand four-poster bed was large enough for Harriet and her soul-mates to comfortably share, its silken sheets and ornate canopy giving it an almost dreamlike quality. Yet despite the grandeur, Harriet's thoughts were elsewhere, a sense of anticipation growing as she waited to meet the family she had been separated from for so long.
The door opened quietly, and Harriet's heart skipped a beat as several members of the royal family entered the room, led by none other than Diana, Princess of Wales. Harriet's breath caught in her throat at the sight of her...a woman she had remembered from a moment far in the future, a day that still haunted her dreams.
Diana smiled as she approached, her expression warm and genuine. Harriet stared at her, unable to look away. The memories of that fateful day...September 1st, 2017...flashed through her mind. Diana had been there when Harriet had lain on her deathbed, weak and fading, but it hadn't been this Diana. It had been an angelic version of her, appearing at her bedside in the final moments of Harriet's life.
For a moment, Harriet wondered if Diana remembered that day too. She had died 20 years before it happened, on August 31st, 1997, but there had been no mistaking her presence as an angel on that distant future date.
Diana's smile softened as she noticed Harriet's lingering stare, and without hesitation, she stepped forward and wrapped Harriet in a gentle, heartfelt hug. "I remember," Diana whispered, her voice filled with quiet certainty. "I remember being there with you."
Harriet's heart swelled with emotion. She had thought the memory of that day belonged only to her, but now, with Diana's arms around her, it felt like a piece of the puzzle had fallen into place. This connection between them wasn't bound by time...it transcended it.
As Diana pulled back, her gaze held a kind of motherly warmth that Harriet had always longed for. "You've come a long way, Harriet," Diana said softly. "You're home now."
Harriet nodded, unable to find the right words to express the depth of her gratitude, but Diana seemed to understand.
After a long, comforting moment, Diana released Harriet from the hug and stepped aside, allowing the other members of the royal family to come forward. Harriet's biological mother's siblings approached one by one, each offering warm greetings and gentle words of welcome. Some of them, Harriet recognized from that future moment when they had visited her as she lay dying, each one there to offer their support and love. The experience was surreal...meeting them now, so much younger, so full of life, while she still held the memories of their future selves in her mind.
But there was one who stood out: Prince Andrew, Duke of York. He approached with a dignified air, dressed in his Royal Navy uniform. His medals and rank of Lieutenant were clearly visible, and Harriet couldn't help but admire the sharpness of his uniform and the confidence he carried with him.
As Prince Andrew greeted her, Harriet's mind began to work. Seeing him in his military uniform sparked an idea...one that had been growing at the back of her mind ever since she had started to regain her strength. The war that was to come was inevitable, and Harriet knew that she would need to be ready for it. She would need protection, and not just from her bond mates and family. She needed to prepare for the coming battles in every way she could.
The idea began to take shape as she looked at Andrew, her thoughts drifting to the Army Reserve. It would offer her the training and discipline she needed, while also providing an additional layer of protection for her and her loved ones. Harriet was already strong, but becoming a soldier, especially in a royal capacity, would allow her to hone her skills in preparation for the fight that loomed on the horizon.
She glanced at her bond mates, her mother, and her grandmother. "I've been thinking," she began, her voice steady but thoughtful. "About the war that's coming. I can't just sit back and do nothing. I want to be ready, and I think the best way to do that is to join the Army Reserve."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, but she could already see the understanding in their eyes.
Fleur, who sat closest to Harriet, nodded in agreement. "It makes sense," she said, her French accent soft but firm. "You've already proven yourself as a fighter, 'arriet. But with proper training, you'll be even stronger."
Hermione, ever the voice of reason, added, "You've already shown that you're capable of handling incredible power. Being part of the Army Reserve will give you structure and strategy. And it will offer you the kind of protection that we'll need when things get difficult."
Harriet looked to her grandmother, Elizabeth, who had been quietly observing the conversation. The Queen nodded, her expression proud. "If that is what you wish, Harriet, then I fully support your decision. You are of royal blood, and you will be treated with the respect and honor you deserve, both as my granddaughter and as a future soldier."
Hestia, who had been sitting beside Harriet the entire time, smiled gently. "I agree. Your path has always been one of strength and courage. If this is the step you wish to take, then you have my blessing as well."
With their support, Harriet felt a wave of determination wash over her. She was no longer the frightened child trapped in a male body, manipulated by those who sought to control her. She was Harriet Jane Potter, daughter of gods, a member of the royal family, and now, she would become a soldier.
As she looked around the room at her family and bond mates, Harriet smiled. The road ahead was long and filled with challenges, but for the first time in her life, she knew she was ready to face it.
Time: 01:15 pm
Location: Harriet's Personal Bedroom, Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
Harriet sat up slightly in her luxurious bed, her eyes drifting to her bond mates...Hermione, Susan, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Dora. They were all gathered around her, their expressions filled with warmth and love. The comfort of their presence was like a soothing balm to Harriet's heart. She had been through so much in such a short time, but having them with her made everything feel more bearable.
Dora, always full of energy and cheeky humor, was the first to break the silence. "Harriet, I won't be able to see you off to the Army Training Regiment Grantham, what with Hogwarts starting tomorrow," she said with a grin, though there was a hint of sadness behind her eyes. "But when you graduate, you'd better believe I'll be there!"
Before Harriet could respond, a soft shimmer of golden light appeared in the room. The air seemed to thrum with an otherworldly energy, and the room was filled with the scent of roses. Harriet, her bond mates, and the royal family turned toward the source of the light, and there, standing in the center of the room, was none other than Aphrodite, Harriet's mother and the goddess of love.
The members of the royal family, aside from Elizabeth and Diana, gasped in shock. They had been adjusting to the knowledge of Harriet's godly lineage, but seeing a goddess appear in front of them was another matter entirely.
Aphrodite, with her radiant beauty and flowing golden hair, smiled warmly at her daughter before turning her gaze to Dora. "You won't have to worry about missing Harriet's graduation, my dear," she said, her voice as smooth as silk. "I'll make sure you and the others are there when the time comes. We have our ways." She winked, causing Dora's eyes to widen in amazement.
Harriet smiled at her mother's presence. There was always a calming effect when Aphrodite was near, and knowing that her mother would ensure Dora's presence at her graduation eased some of the tension in the room.
"Thank you, Mother," Harriet said softly, grateful for the goddess's intervention.
Aphrodite gave Harriet a loving smile before vanishing in the same shimmer of light she had arrived in. The room returned to its usual atmosphere, though the awe of the royal family members lingered.
Harriet turned her attention back to Elizabeth and Andrew, feeling the need to explain her plans in greater detail. "I'll be doing both Basic Training (BCT) and Officer Training (OCS/ARCC) at the Army Training Regiment Grantham," Harriet explained, her voice calm and composed. "That means I'll be there for 12 weeks...three months of continuous training. If I'm right, I'll be a Second Lieutenant when I graduate."
Prince Andrew, still dressed in his Royal Navy uniform, nodded, his expression one of respect. "You're absolutely correct, Harriet. The training duration and rank are accurate," he confirmed, his voice steady but filled with pride. His confirmation surprised Harriet's bond mates, especially Susan, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Dora, who hadn't realized the full extent of Harriet's commitment.
Harriet smiled at Andrew's support, but then turned back to Dora, who was still processing everything. "Dora," Harriet began gently, "I'll be seeing you off to Hogwarts tomorrow, but after that, I'll be heading to boot camp. That means I won't be able to see you or the others in person until my training is finished, which will be on December 1st, 1985. But," she added with a soft smile, "the next time you see me, I'll be wearing a British Army No. 4 Dress uniform. That will be on December 22nd when you step off the Hogwarts Express for the holiday break."
Dora's eyes went wide at the mention of Harriet in a British Army No. 4 Dress uniform. Her mind immediately wandered, daydreaming about what Harriet would look like in the formal military attire. The thought of Harriet, tall, muscular, and powerful, dressed in the smart, polished uniform sent Dora's imagination spiraling. She seemed to lose focus on the present, her eyes glazing over as her thoughts took her somewhere far more distracting.
Harriet chuckled, noticing Dora's reaction, and shared a knowing look with her other bond mates. Fleur, with her usual playful spirit, leaned closer to Dora and waved a hand in front of her face. "Dora? Are you still with us?" she teased, her French accent laced with humor.
Dora blinked a few times, snapping out of her daydream. "Huh? What? Oh... uh, yeah!" she stammered, her face flushing a deep shade of red as she realized she had been caught. The others laughed softly, the lighthearted moment easing the tension that had built up earlier.
"Looks like someone's a little distracted," Gabrielle said with a giggle, her younger voice adding to the teasing.
Dora tried to play it off with a sheepish grin. "Can you blame me? Harriet's going to look absolutely stunning in that uniform."
Harriet, despite the seriousness of her upcoming training, couldn't help but smile at Dora's flustered reaction. The love and affection she felt for her bond mates was overwhelming, and even in moments like this, where the future seemed daunting, she knew she wasn't alone. They would all be there for her...just as they always had been.
As the laughter died down, Harriet leaned back against the pillows, her mind already shifting to the challenges ahead. The war was coming, and the training she would undergo was essential. But with her family, both godly and royal, as well as her bond mates by her side, she knew she was ready for whatever came next.
Date: September 1st, 1985
Time: 10:55 am
Location: Platform 9 3/4, King's Cross Station, London
The train whistle blew in the distance, signaling the departure was imminent. Harriet stood tall, her 6-foot-5 frame towering over most of the crowd at Platform 9 ¾. She could feel the curious stares around her...some were filled with awe, others tinged with envy, a few with apprehension. Her white t-shirt clung slightly to her athletic build, the black boots and casual jeans giving her an air of strength. Her hair, tied back into a small ponytail, barely touched the collar of her shirt, as she stood, looking down at Dora with a soft smile.
Dora, all 5 feet of her, appeared much younger than her mind, her body at twelve years old despite possessing the maturity and knowledge of someone well into her twenties. She looked up at Harriet with wide, sad eyes, her usual playful demeanor slightly dimmed by the fact she was boarding the train for Hogwarts once more.
"I wish we had more time," Dora admitted, her voice carrying a wistful tone. "It feels like I only just got back, and now I'm heading off again."
Harriet smiled softly, bending down a little so she could meet Dora at eye level. "I know, but you had the time of your life, didn't you? One day was all we had, but it's not the end. You'll still have me with you." Harriet's voice held a deep reassurance, despite her own sadness at their brief reunion.
Dora grinned. "Yeah, that's true. I had the best day. I missed you so much, Harriet. You, and the others."
"I missed you too." Harriet reached out, gently ruffling Dora's short hair. "But you'll see everything I do, remember? Hestia told you how it works…you'll see me at boot camp. You'll know exactly what my life will be like, even while you're at Hogwarts. And we can talk, whenever you need me. Or Hermione, Fleur, Gabby, or Susan."
At the mention of their soul-bonded mates, Dora's smile grew wider, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "You really mean it? Will I be able to talk to them, too? Anytime?"
Hestia, standing a few paces away in the station's garden, watched her daughters with a warm, protective gaze. Her voice was smooth as she stepped closer. "Yes, Dora. The soul-bond awakens fully once you meet, and no matter the distance, you'll always be able to speak with each other. You, Harriet, Hermione, Fleur, Gabrielle, and Susan are connected in ways far beyond simple magic."
Dora looked over at Hestia, her excitement momentarily pushing away the sadness. "That's amazing! I'll never be alone, even at Hogwarts."
Harriet nodded. "You've got us, no matter what. And you'll have plenty of time to enjoy Hogwarts again. It's nine hours to get to the station….so you'll have time to rest before arriving. Plus, knowing you, you'll probably nap."
Dora laughed. "You know me too well. Nine hours on a train, that's more than enough time for a nap!"
Harriet chuckled. "See? It'll be fine. Just remember…Hogwarts is only part of the journey now. This time, you've got a family waiting on the other side of it."
Dora's expression softened, and for a brief moment, she looked like a young 12 year-old girl again…nervous but eager. "It's a little strange, though. Going back to Hogwarts, knowing I've already lived through it once. But this time... I'm not alone."
"No, you're not," Harriet confirmed, placing a gentle hand on Dora's shoulder. "And I'll be there when you need me."
The train whistle sounded again, louder this time. It was almost time to go.
Dora sighed, looking at the train and then back at Harriet. "You'll be okay, right? At boot camp?"
Harriet's lips curved into a confident smile. "I'll be fine. I've got a lot to learn, but I'll be ready. Officer Training at Sandhurst is waiting for me after that."
Dora smiled, her eyes now filled with admiration. "You're amazing, you know that? I can't wait to see you go through all of it."
"I'll make sure you do," Harriet promised.
As the final call for the train came, Dora hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, hugging Harriet tightly. Despite her smaller stature, she clung to her bound mate with all the strength she could muster.
"Don't be a stranger," Dora whispered.
"Never," Harriet whispered back, hugging her just as tightly. "Go on. I'll see you soon."
With a final smile, Dora stepped back and boarded the train, finding her compartment as the doors closed behind her. She waved from the window, and Harriet waved back, her heart full, knowing this was only the beginning of the next chapter in both their lives.
As the train pulled away, Harriet stood tall, watching it disappear into the distance. Hestia approached her, her voice soft. "She'll be okay. And so will you."
Harriet nodded, her eyes still on the train's distant form. "I know. But I'll miss her all the same."
Hestia smiled. "You have work ahead of you, my daughter. Let's make sure you're ready for what comes next."
With one last glance toward where the train had gone, Harriet turned, ready to face her next challenge…knowing that, no matter where they were, she and Dora…and their bound mates…would always be together.