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✯❀𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐘❀✯
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"Post for you," Lyall Lupin said, handing Charlotte an envelope.
"Thanks!" She smiled, glancing down at the letter, she didn't recognise the writing, and so she placed it down on the table, turning back to her dinner.
It was saturday evening, and she and Kaycie still had plans to meet up, Charlotte just had to hope that her grandparents wouldn't notice.
"Hogwarts is still in the papers," Hope said, shaking her head, "good on the Diggory boy, I can imagine he's enjoying the attention."
"I was speaking with Amos this morning," Lyall nodded, placing his fork on his plate. "Say's they get bombarded with questions and congratulations each time they leave the house."
"He's lucky, I'll say," Hope smiled, "a once in a life time chance and he won it! I assume the tournament will return to it's usual every five years?"
"I think so," Lyall agreed, turning to Charlotte, "are you friends with the Cedric chap? It says he was a Hufflepuff."
"He was the quidditch captain," Charlotte said, "so yes, we're friends."
"Oh! He sounds quite successful!"
"Yup," she replied, finishing the last of her food.
The rest of their evening went by quickly, Hope and Lyall continued to discuss Cedric, and Lottie couldn't blame them, most of the British wizarding world was doing the same.
After dinner, Lottie sat on her bed an opened the letter, her eyes scanning the page and before she knew it, she was smiling.
Dear Charlie,
Hi! It's Harry, I hope you're having a brilliant summer so far!
On tuesday, we're having a little summer party...nothing too special, really. My nan and grandad used to always hold the Potter summer parties, but this year, dad has offered to hold it at our house!
Mostly, it'll just be my dad and grandads friends here with music and party food, but I'm allowed to invite some friends! The Weasley's will be here, and 'Mione, Kaycie too, anyway, I was wondering if you could come? You don't have to, if not then that's fine, but it would be lots of fun if you could!
Anyway, let me know if you'd like to come!
I hope to see you soon, f̶r̶o̶m̶ l̶o̶v̶e̶ b̶y̶ l̶o̶v̶e̶ f̶r̶o̶m̶ l̶o̶
-Harry x
Her cheeks burnt pink, the though of Harry always made her smile, and her feelings for him seemed to blossom more and more everyday (not that she would tell anyone that) and she found herself thinking about him often.
She folded the letter and put it back into the envelope.
Would she go?
She decided she would, maybe it would be fun.
The night drew in, and soon enough Lottie was the only one awake in Lupin cottage. She felt a little bad for sneaking out, then again, leaving late at night was just something she grew up with, it was normal to her. She pulled on one of her mothers jumpers and some black leggings, slipping her cigarettes and lighter into her pockets and padding down the stairs.
She felt the adrenaline rush of breaking the rules, the same feeling she always got when she and her friends would run around at night pranking the students of Hogwarts, it was fun, in a way.
The last time Charlotte had snuck out during the summer, Greyback had attacked her. As she pulled on her trainers, she couldn't help but laugh under her breath, so much had changed in just a year, it was strange really.
Grabbing the spare key that was kept on the Welsh dresser, she left the cottage in silence.
The night was a special kind of blackness, the kind that wants only to hold the stars and help them to shine all the brighter. It was a warm black that hugged you no matter what, and within it's safety she could feel her soul all the more clearly, that innocent inborn spark.
It was refreshing to be out. Summers in England were always undetectable, sometimes there were heat waves, sometimes it would just pour with rain. This year though, it was warm. There was a soft breeze and as she made her way down the road, Charlotte felt relaxed.
The walk to the park was only twenty minutes, and she managed to get there easily, despite how dark it was.
"I was worried you wouldn't show up," the familiar voice of Kaycie Lloyd said.
"It would be quite funny if you stayed waiting here all night," Charlotte grinned, "missed me?"
"Uh, no."
"Rude," Lottie laughed, "how's your summer going so far?"
"Actually pretty good now that I've gotten rid of you!"
Charlotte glared at her, although a grin was itching at her lips as she sat down on the floor, the grass was taller than she'd ever seen it; meadow-like but still green, unkept and yet, in a comforting way.
"How are things with the Lupins?" Kaycie asked curiously.
"They're amazing, really," Lottie smiled, she wasn't lying. Hope and Lyall tried their hardest to make sure she was comfortable, they understood Charlotte needed time to get used to her surroundings, and they managed to deal with the situation better then many others would have.
"Good good,"
"How's the orphanage?" Lottie asked, the word orphanage sent chills down her spine, however she shook away the feeling.
"Not too bad," Kaycie shrugged, "I met James' parents, Monty and Mia. They're amazing people, I think Ella has fallen in love with them!"
Charlotte let out a wholehearted laugh, "what're they like?"
"Amazing with kids," Kaycie sighed, a smile on her face. "Mia is really sweet, offered me help with anything I need, and Fleamont's pretty funny, always knows what to say to the kids. You can see where James got his genes, for sure."
"That's sweet, they sound lovely!"
"You'll probably meet them soon...I'm assuming you're going to the party at Potter Manor next week?"
"I've been invited, yup!"
"Yeah, I think James has asked Hope Lupin...your nan right? to work at the orphanage on the night."
"Ah, she hasn't mentioned it to me, although she probably said yes."
"Hm," Kaycie hummed, looking up at the sky, "Lily said it would be fancy, like a dress up and look pretty thing."
"I hate dressing up," Charlotte groaned.
"Oh shush, you spent most of your childhood playing fancy dress! Does Ariel the mermaid ring a bell?"
"Hey! Playing mermaids was a good game!"
"Course it was," Kaycie smirked.
"You look like mother Gothel, shut up."
"Its not a picture book, how would you know?"
"You fit the description; ugly with messy black hair."
"I'll have you know, my hair is always perfect!"
"Course it is," Lottie winked.
The pair spent the rest of the night laughing and simply catching up, it was nice to be out of Hogwarts and be able to talk, there were no rules, no hushed voices as it was past curfew, and no restrictions as to where they could go. Freedom was definitely a good feeling.
𓆉︎𓆉︎𓆉︎
Charlotte had gotten away with sneaking out that night, nobody suspected a thing.
Now however, she was sitting in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection.
She was wearing an emerald green dress with a crossover noodle strap at the back, sent as a gift by Euphemia Potter.
Lottie had never met the woman, although she seemed extremely kind. The dress had come with a letter of introductions, along with an I'm excited to meet you!
The idea of meeting a bunch of people she had never met made her nervous, although she certainly didn't show it. Her hair way curly, falling down her back perfectly, and Lottie was glad that her hair hadn't decided to be a nuisance. Her eyelashes had been layered with mascara, however that was the only makeup she had put on, not bothering to waste her time trying to apply any.
Standing up and walking over to her trunk, Charlotte grabbed her jewellery box.
There wasn't a lot to see. A few handmade bracelets and gifs from small businesses that had managed to scrape the money for over the years, however a silver necklace she had had for as long as she could remember laid waiting for her.
"When will you come back?"
"I-I don't know...I promise I'll see you one day though." Remus smiled softly, his eyes listened with tears. "I want you to always keep this necklace on you, it was mummy's, take good care of it for me."
The memory was a foggy one, but she had relived the day so many times that it had stuck with her.
Her mother's necklace.
She was so upset she couldn't wear it anymore.
"Ready to go- oh Lottie you look beautiful!" Hope clasped her hands together as she looked at her granddaughter in awe.
"Thank you," Charlotte smiled nervously.
"Lyall is going to apparate you there in a second, are you ready?"
"I think so..."
"You look wonderful! Come on, let's go downstairs."
Charlotte followed Hope out of the room, feeling overwhelmed, was she overdressed? Maybe they'd all be wearing casual clothes, or maybe they would look even better then her. Was she under dressed? Would they be able to see her scars?
Questions roamed her mind as she over thought the whole situation, however Lyall snapped her out of her daze.
"Oh Charlotte, you look like your mother!"
"Thank you!"
"Very nice, very nice. Now, are you ready to go?" He asked.
"Yeah..."
"Let's get going then!"
He took her arm, and with one last nod, the pair apparated to Potter Manor.
Charlotte felt queasy, whether it was of nerves or from apparating, she did not know.
Lyall knocked on the door, tugging the sleeves of his suit so that it didn't crease and fixing his tie.
"Lyall! Charlotte!" Lily Potter beamed, "come in, come in!"
"Hi Lily!"
"Lottie...oh gosh you look more and more like Addie each time I see you." There was a hint of sadness in her voice, however it quickly disappeared as she spoke again, "how are you both?"
"Quite well, and you?" Lyall replied.
"Just fine, thank you." She smiled warmly, "now everybody is in the garden, but Harry is-"
"Mum! Dad asked if you've seen the-" Harry Potter froze as he stared at the girl in front of him. It was as if the whole world had stopped right in front of his eyes, Charlotte looked absolutely stunning. Beautiful would be an understatement of how she looked in his eyes, he was in complete awe of her.
Lily smirked at her son, "what were you saying Harry?"
"I- er- well....I can't remember?" He didn't once take his eyes off of Charlotte. "Oh! Dad wanted more champagne outside..."
Lottie was in a similar state. Harry looked amazing, his long hair had been cut and looked more tame, his suit fit like a glove, making him look older and more fancy, and yet he looked exceptionally perfect standing in front of her.
"Right, I'll show Lyall the way in...care to guide Charlotte the right way?"
"Me? Yeah. Course. Come on Charlie!" He took her hand, pulling her through the house, and once the adults were out of earshot, he turned to her. "You look....you look beautiful!"
"You don't look half bad yourself," Lottie grinned, "and thank you."
"Thanks," he smiled, still holding her hand as he looked into those mesmerising honey brown eyes.
The pair held eye contact, admiring the other for a few moments as they attempted to think of something to say.
The sound of a glass smashing and a squeal from James grabber their attention, and they laughed lightly, heading towards the sound of voices.
"James! Goodness me!" A womans voice cried.
"Sorry mum," the full grown man said nervously, sounding like an 8 year old boy.
"Not to worry, let's clear this up before someone steps on it."
"Smashing the place up already?" Harry asked his dad, and Charlotte laughed.
The woman looked up, "oh you must be Charlotte! I've heard so much about you!" She came rushing over, abandoning James, "I'm Euphemia Potter, it's such a pleasure to meet you!"
"Lovely to meet you," Lottie said sheepishly, still nervous and still holding Harry's hand.
James looked between his son and Charlotte, an impressed look on his face as he winked at Harry.
"Oh you're so grown up! The last time I saw you you were...five?"
"Five," Charlotte confirmed.
"Well you can call me Mia, I assume these two boys have been kind?" She gestured to Harry and James.
"Very," Lottie laughed.
"I hope you don't doubt me," James said to his mum, "I'll have you know, I'm the best!"
"I'm sure," Euphemia raised an eyebrow, however a large smile was on her face. She pulled out her wand, quickly clearing up the smashed glass.
"How's your summer been, Lottie?" James asked.
"Good thanks, yours?"
"All good," he nodded, "the rest of the kids are outside, just look for the sea of gingers...hey! You'll fit right in!"
"The gingers are the elite," Lottie told him matter-of-factly.
"Hm...I believe us Potter's have the better hair."
"I have you know, I'm the one with the good hair!" Sirius Black announced, making his way into view. "Smashing things already, Prongs? How much have you drunk!?"
"None!" James gasped, "this is my party, I wouldn't get drunk!"
"Ah, but it's my party!" Mia laughed.
"In my house!"
"With my friends, James."
"Well...Sirius is my friend?"
"Come on, Charlie." Harry whispered, dragging her outside. "How are you?"
"I'm good, how's your summer going so far?"
"Better now that you're here," he said, and a light blush made it's way across her cheeks.
They walked into the brightly decorated garden, where many people were standing and talking, drinking wine as they caught up with their friends.
"Ello Lottie!"
"Hey Marlene," she smiled up at the blonde, who was now standing in front of her with her girlfriend, "Dorcas."
"Hey Charlotte, nice outfit!"
"Thank you," Lottie beamed.
Harry stood patiently as she spoke the couple, admiring her as he did so. He had always known she was beautiful but today...he wanted to get up and kiss her in front of everyone.
He didn't, of course. His granddads friends would probably be a tad confused.
After speaking to Marlene and Dorcas, many others came to say hello to both Charlotte and Harry. They spoke to Peter Pettigrew, Regulus Black, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Sirius even came to say hello.
Charlotte had noticed her father, he was sat talking to a man with light grey hair, smiling away.
"He's talking to my granddad." Harry informed her, noticing the direction she was looking in. "Did you want to say hello?"
"No," she shook her head.
"Ron, Mione and Kaycie are over there, lets go over."
She followed him over to the trio, who seemed to be having a heated conversation.
"I'm telling you, waffles don't go with lemon and sugar! Only pancakes can do that!" Ron was saying.
"No, you're tastebuds are just rubbish - hey Lottie!"
"Hey!"
"Charlotte I love your dress!" Hermione beamed, "it looks wonderful!"
"So does yours!"
Ron certainly seemed to agree, his eyes trailing along Hermione's light pink dress, his ears a light pink.
They all started talking, catching up as they discussed their week as if they were best friends. Lottie quite liked Hermione and Ron, they seemed like kind people who she wouldn't mind being close friends with.
The rest of the party went on for hours, and Charlotte eventually ended up in a conversation with Fleamont Potter.
"You've grown up looking just like your mum, although I suppose you get that a lot!" The man laughed.
"Quite a lot," Lottie nodded. She had relaxed into the setting, everyone around her was kind, chatting about all sort of subjects, and she no longer felt as though anybody was judging her.
Her eyes kept wandering to Harry's, she had caught him looking at her a few times, and vice versa. He had stuck with her most of the evening, even when she was talking to Sophia, he stayed at her side sipping his drink, or when she talked to Lily he was nearby having a conversation with Molly Weasley. Charlotte was glad he stayed by her, it made her feel safer, if any conversations got boring or oddly personal, he managed to whisk her off so that she wasn't uncomfortable talking to anybody.
Her feelings for him seemed to be growing by the minute.
"I was talking to your father earlier, lovely chap!" Fleamont was saying.
"Oh Monty," Euphemia Potter, who had just come over signed. "Don't bore her over her father! How are you finding the party, you two?"
"Not bad," Harry shrugged, "when can we have desert? Those cupcakes look really good!"
"Paws off, mister." Mia said in a mock-warning voice, "we'll get them out soon, don't worry, Harry."
"Brilliant!"
"Charlotte, it's lovely to meet you!" A woman with dark hair smiled as she came face to face with Lottie. "I'm Emelia."
"Sirius' wife?" Lottie asked.
"Unfortunately," the woman chuckled, looking over at her husband who was shoving food into his mouth with Lucas. "How are you doing?"
"I'm good, thank you," she replied politely. She was unsure on where she stood with Emelia, they had never interacted before, though she seemed kind. "And you?"
"Oh I'm good, it's nice to see everyone all together."
"It is."
"Well, I need to go and stop my husband and son from consuming every piece of food on that table, but have a nice time and enjoy yourself!"
"See you later!"
♫︎♫︎♫︎
The party went late into the night, and soon enough, Harry, Charlotte, Lucas, Sophia and Kaycie were in the living room playing monopoly.
A bold choice when it comes to Charlotte's competitiveness.
"Hah! You owe me money!"
"Damn you!"
The game went on for far too long, but soon enough, Sophia had won. "Right, I'm off to bed." She announced, glancing up at the clock that read 12am.
"As am I," Lucas nodded. "This game makes me angry."
Kaycie - who had grown bored and angry at the game - stood up. She was sleeping in one of the many spare rooms that James and Lily had. "Me too."
Charlotte, who was unsure on when she would be leaving, stayed downstairs with Harry, the two of them tired and sitting on the sofas.
"Do you want to borrow some clothes?" Harry asked as he noticed her tugging at her dress uncomfortably.
"Yes please,"
"Here, come with me."
He led her upstairs and into his room, rummaging through his draws to find some clothes whilst she looked around his room.
There was only one way to describe the room; Gryffindor pride.
"Here you go," he handed her some grey tracksuit bottoms and a tshirt. "It's a little chilly downstairs, let me know if the tracksuit bottoms are too hot though..."
"They'll be fine, thanks!" Lottie grinned, ignoring the butterflies in her stomach. She was going to be wearing Harry's clothes, and that really had her blushing.
"I'll give you a few minutes to get changed," he said, respectfully stepping out the room and closing the door.
Charlotte came back out a few minutes later, and the two went back down to the living room, curling up together on the sofa. They had grown a close bond lately, it was strange, really, however neither of them were complaining.
Somehow, the two ended up falling asleep, Harry's arm wrapped around her body, tucking her in close to him, their chests raising up and down, the only sound to be heard was their soft snores.
"10 galleons they're dating." Sirius said quietly.
"Nah, they're not." James shook his head, "yet."
"I'll put ten galleons on that they'll be dating by sixth year." Marlene said proudly.
"I disagree," Lily shook her head, "before new years."
A/N
Sorry for the wait!
What hogwarts house do you think Kaycie should be in?
Tysm for 630k!!!
It's like half 1am and I haven't re read this, so excuse any mistakes lmao
Qotd: do you have any siblings?
Word count: 3258