Chapter 13: "Houses United"

The Potter mansion's guest room had transformed into a vibrant celebration of friendship. Heather, propped up against silk cushions, found herself surrounded by an unlikely group of allies from across Hogwarts' houses.

Charlus and Dorea Potter stood near the doorway, watching with a mixture of pride and amusement. James, still very much grounded and looking uncomfortable, shuffled awkwardly beside them.

"I can't believe all these people are here for her," James muttered.

Dorea raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps if you'd been a supportive brother, you might have similar friends."

The sting of her comment made James wince.

From Gryffindor, the Prewett twins - Molly and her brother - arrived first. Molly, already showing the maternal instincts she'd become famous for, had baked a massive chocolate cake enchanted to change colors with each slice.

"Absolute rubbish, what happened to you," Molly declared, hugging Heather tightly. "Your brother's an absolute prat."

James turned bright red as his parents nodded in agreement.

Arthur Weasley, standing nearby, fidgeted with a magical device. "I brought you something," he said, presenting a peculiar magical contraption that looked like a cross between a compass and a muggle calculator. "It tracks magical energy signatures. Thought you might find it interesting."

Charlus leaned over, genuinely impressed. "Fascinating bit of magic, that."

A commotion at the door announced the arrival of Frank and Alice Longbottom. Frank, tall and confident, carried a remarkable magical artifact, while Alice had a soft, determined smile that spoke of her Auror training.

"We heard about what happened," Frank said, his Auror's precision evident in every word.

Alice stepped forward, presenting Heather with an extraordinary gift - a magical defensive amulet that could not only shield against dark spells but also track and identify their origin.

"This was developed in the Auror research division," she explained. "It'll help protect you from any future... unexpected magical attacks."

James watched, increasingly uncomfortable as yet another group of powerful wizards showed support for his sister.

Charlus examined the amulet with professional interest. "Impressive magical engineering," he murmured to Frank.

Frank grinned. "We look out for our own."

Heather's Ravenclaw friends arrived next. They brought scholarly gifts - advanced magical theory books, research papers, and an enchanted notebook that could translate complex magical equations in real-time.

"Merlin's beard," Dorea whispered to Charlus. "Our daughter's friends are bringing her research materials as get-well gifts?"

Charlus chuckled. "She is a Potter, after all."

The Slytherin contingent - led by Narcissa Black and surprisingly, Lucius Malfoy - brought more sophisticated presents. Narcissa presented a set of healing potions brewed personally, while Lucius offered a rare magical artifact that could detect and neutralize dark spells.

"Consider this a gesture of... future alliance," Lucius said cryptically.

James looked horrified. "You're friends with MALFOY?"

Dorea silenced him with a look that could freeze dragon's breath.

Surprisingly, a group of Hufflepuff students arrived with a massive, magically knitted blanket that changed temperatures to always keep the wearer perfectly comfortable.

"We heard what happened," their leader said. "No one messes with our friend."

Severus and Regulus stood slightly to the side, watching protectively. They'd been instrumental in breaking the forced marriage spell, and their presence was both a comfort and a statement.

James looked like he might be sick seeing them so close to Heather.

"Don't even start," Charlus warned, putting a restraining hand on his son's shoulder.

The Longbottoms integrated seamlessly into the gathering - Frank discussing magical defense techniques with the Slytherin students, Alice sharing a knowing look with Molly Weasley about protective magic.

Heather looked around the room. Gryffindor's bravery, Ravenclaw's intellect, Slytherin's cunning, Hufflepuff's loyalty, and the Aurors' precision - all united for her.

"I'm going to be just fine," she whispered.

The room erupted in cheers.

Dorea wiped away a proud tear. "That's our girl."

James, still grounded and thoroughly humiliated, mumbled something about needing therapy.

Charlus just laughed. "Welcome to the Potter family, son. Nothing's ever simple with us."

Severus and Regulus exchanged a knowing look. They knew exactly what that meant.