Disclaimer: I am not J. K. Rowling and do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make any profit off of my fanfcition.
Author's Note: Hey all! I've had this written for a while but was debating if I should ever actually do anything with it. The other day I decided I should just go for it, so review if you want! I'll make no promises for when or if this will be updated, but I enjoy writing so we'll see what happens. Thanks for reading!
-Karla Kwick
Adeline strode across the train station, trying her very best not to appear elegant; Her scowl in place, hair dyed black, not a stitch of makeup to be found. Despite this, the curse of beauty negated her efforts, confidence carrying her across the platform. Few other patrons paid her much mind, the rest preoccupied with giving each other teary goodbyes. Those who noticed her, however, basked in the change. The summer had given her a darker beauty, heart sun-dyed to a bleach. Although she retained her striking appearance, it was adorned with marks and scars.
Ignoring the entire ventricle in her heart that screamed in protest, she marched to the train door and leaped on, dragging her luggage behind her. The leap ended with the rest of her heart bursting onto her ribs, her eyes meeting the one thing she wished for the most this summer.
Sirius Black.
Although Adeline was frozen, Sirius appeared to be lit on fire, launching himself and grasping her in a constricting hug. His lips smashed against hers. It was different than any previous kiss they had shared as it was frantic, like it was the only thing Sirius could think to do. Adeline molded herself to him, trying desperately to cross into his word.
Other passengers stopped to gawk, never before seeing a so heavily embraced duet. The kiss was so all-consuming that you couldn't help but steal glances; it seemed so private but had sunrays of energy exploding in every direction. Only after the train's whistle blew did the couple untangle, allowing the rest of the feeble first years to rush onto the train.
"Damn Adde. Why the bloody hell didn't you write?" Sirius's voice came out gruff and desperate sounding, his usual laughter gone. He, like the patrons of the train station, noticed the new darkness in Adeline. His eyes probed her body, lingering on cuts and scrapes and the exposed tattoo that peaked out from her hip.
Adeline, caught off guard, blurted out the truth: "I didn't think to." Her heavy French accent came out breathy, too caught up in the boy in front of her. Sirius stared, disbelief bristling, hands tightening around her.
"Didn't think to? Didn't think to send a message to your friends saying 'hey, not dead'?" His words hit her like well-aimed darts. Adeline didn't get the chance to defend herself as another friend turned the corner and broke the enchantment around the pair. The sandy-haired boy extended his arms towards Adeline, beckoning her forward noiselessly, although not daring to step in front of Sirius. Adeline dove into his arms, wrapping herself in them.
"Hey Addie. Padfoot, mate, don't you think we should all go back to our compartment?" A newly polished prefect badge shone on his robes, seen just barely through Eve's embrace. He hugged her back carefully, making sure neither of them broke.
"Sure thing Moony. You grab her suitcase, I'll take Adde." The gruffness still lingered in Sirius's voice, but some humor had slid in. Adeline scowled in indignation at being spoken of as if she had no choice, instead choosing to tighten her arms around Remus. Remus sighed and placed a kiss on her forehead before separating himself, walking over to her abandoned luggage. After a tense few seconds, Sirius allowed Adeline to take the lead walking down the train, pausing at times to look in compartments for her friends.
"I know where they are doll." Sirius's voice now had it's laughter back, although slightly forced.
"How special." Adeline's tone did nothing to hide her sarcasm.
"If you'd let me lead..." Her companion tried to start, but was hurriedly cut off.
"I don't need you to." Adeline's tone was final. She continued parading down the train, the boys trailing behind in comforting silence.
At last, they reached a compartment full of friendly faces. Although already packed to the brim with people, Adeline yanked the door open and made her way in.