DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: I'm still waiting for reviews.

CHAPTER 7

"All the man I am
You are the reason for me, you help me understand
I'll be your shelter from the rain that never ends
Girl, you've always got a friend in me

All the love we had
I should've known our love was older than the past
Throwing my life away on songs I never heard
Just the speaking of a special word
I made you die inside but you loved me

And don't believe the world
No, the world can't give us paradise
When you make your love to me
Til I just could not see the light

As long as I got you
As long as I got me
As long as we got you and I

I won't let you down
No better love will be there when you turn around

I'll be living for you till the ocean turns to sand
There will never be any man
Could love you just the way that I love you...

So don't believe the world
No the world can't give us paradise
In the eye within the storm
When I just could not make it through the night

As long as I got you
As long as I got me
As long as we got you and I."

-"You and I"
(Written by: Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb; Performed by Kenny Rogers)

.

October 31, 1971

(twenty-seven years ago)

"Hey, Adee. Aren't you hungry?" asked James while they were eating dinner in the Great Hall. It was All Hallows' Eve and the hall was decorated extravagantly, courtesy of Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys, and Professor Flitwick.

"I'm fine, Jamie," she replied. "Just... thinking of Remus," she said honestly.

James placed a hand on her shoulder and Sirius, who was sitting on her other side, smoothed her hair. "He's fine, Adee. And his mum will be all right, he said," James told her gently.

"Yeah, Adee," quipped Sirius. "It's sad to hear that his mum is sickly. She seems to be a nice woman, based on her letters to Remus. Too bad she's a Muggle. But, Muggles have God, right? Maybe they can pray for her..."

Adele leaned her head on Sirius' shoulder. "Oh, Siri! Who ever thought that you could be so sweet?"

"Oh, well..." said Sirius with a hint of arrogance. Adele smiled. Sirius could really be sweet to her and Remus. No wonder, a few witches in their year fancy him, not only because of his good looks but because he could be a gentleman as well. Gentleman, fun, friendly and caring. She somehow understood why James liked Sirius a lot (as a friend, of course).

She tried not to think of Remus and relaxed in Sirius's arms, but then, she caught the piercing glares from her wonderful roommates. Even Evans looked jealous. No. She was really jealous. She could tell, when she met those green eyes.

She smirked and instead of pulling away from Sirius, she held his arm. "Give me a treacle tart, Siri, please?" she asked with puppy eyes.

Sirius smiled genuinely. "Of course. Anything for my favourite Gryffindor," he said and held a treacle tart for her to bite.

"Oh. I love you, Siri!" she said, faking a squeal.

"I love you too, Adee," he said in a brotherly tone.

For a moment, Adele stopped worrying about Remus, who was currently in the Shrieking Shack, howling, in his werewolf form. She saw it in Hagrid's memories when she asked the friendly half-giant where Remus was. He was the one who helped Madam Pomfrey get Remus into the shack. Hagrid saw his transformation. And everything was clear to Adele, why it was safe for her to look into Remus' green eyes. He was a natural Occlumens because of what he is.

.

October 31, 1972

(twenty six years ago)

"Are those girls still annoying you?" asked Charity while she and Remus were studying with their Hufflepuff friend in the library and her fellow Gryffindor girls were giggling again in one corner, except for Evans. Evans was currently sharing a table with Severus Snape and was saying something that made the Slytherin blush.

She didn't look up from her book. "Yes, but I don't let them get into my nerves. I might hex them to oblivion and be expelled," she replied casually.

"So, where's your trunk? Where are you sleeping?" asked Charity.

"James' bed," she replied.

"Tsk."

She looked up to see Charity's look. Her lips were pressed together.

"It must be awful to sleep in a room with four boys snoring."

"Hey, I don't snore!" protested Remus; Adele giggled.

Charity smirked towards Remus. "You know, my house is always open to everyone. Even to Gryffindors."

She raised an eyebrow. "What does it mean?"

"It means that you can stay in my dormitory. Mary and I are the only second year girls in Hufflepuff. Just don't let them know that you'll be staying with me. Let them think that you're in the boys' room, so that they won't bother Mary. She's a nice girl, a Muggle-born."

She snorted. "I know a Muggle-born and she's very nice."

"Lily just want to feel belong," quipped Remus. "Muggle-borns are usually being bullied, and she found Queenie, Marlene and Annie friendly. She wanted to be part of their group, so that no one would pity her; no one would look down to her."

Adele rolled her eyes. "There are other ways to feel belong and accepted."

"Yeah. She should be in my house. She's too much of a coward to be in Gryffindor," agreed Charity. "I don't even understand why your brother fancies her."

Adele scowled. "Jamie just wants to embarrass her. Evans is always annoyed with him; like all the time. Believe me, he's just challenged that Evans is not one of his fans."

"And teenage hormones are kicking in, too," added Remus. "Lily Evans is beautiful."

Adele felt a pang of hurt in her chest. Remus always complimented her - that she was brilliant, she was the brightest witch of their age; she's pretty and kind. But never did Remus say that she was beautiful (even if Sirius and James would tell her always).

"And someone is more beautiful than Evans!" snapped Charity. "Open your eyes, Lupin. Don't be fooled with those green eyes and long, auburn hair."

"I didn't say that she was the most beautiful student," replied Remus in defense.

"Hormones or not, if James ends up dating Evans, I swear, I'm going to disown him," she said solemnly.

Charity gave her a reproachful look and a pat on the shoulder. "Let me find Professor Sprout and tell her about my new roommate. You two stay here. Remember: those girls shouldn't know. You can tell the boys, but only them." She stood up and packed her things.

Before Charity could leave, she held her hand. "Thank you. What am I going to do without you?" she asked with a smile.

"Hey, I'm here," protested Remus.

Charity chuckled. "See? Don't let Remus ever hear you saying I'm your best best friend."

He's different, she wanted to say.

"I'm her best friend, too!" said Remus.

She felt hurt. Best friend.

.

October 1, 1973

(twenty-five years ago)

"Adeee!" shrieked Charity when she entered the Hufflepuff third year dormitory.

"What?" she asked.

"You wouldn't believe it! Gilderoy Lockhart asked me to go to Hogsmeade with him!" she exclaimed.

Adele's mouth formed a small 'o'. "Gilderoy Lockhart? That... that Ravenclaw fourth year? Isn't he a bit old for you?" Truth be told, she didn't like Lockhart because he was too confident for a Ravenclaw (and she heard that he wasn't that brilliant). He would prance in the corridors and Great Hall as if he was the most handsome wizard in the world. He was more arrogant and confident than Sirius and James combined.

Charity scowled. "He's fourteen and I'm thirteen. And he's nice, you know."

She shrugged, not wanting to argue with her only female friend. "If you say so. Shall I congratulate you?"

Charity threw a pillow on her. "Jealous!" she said with a smirk.

"I'm not. I'm going to Hogsmeade with four boys."

"You're going with four boys who act like your brothers," Charity remarked.

"Remus doesn't act like one," she countered.

Charity smirked even more. "Oh yeah. He's your best friend."

Adele couldn't stop the tears anymore. She slumped on the bed and hid under the covers.

"Oh, Merlin! I'm so sorry, Adee!" said Charity in a worried tone and lay beside her. Adele felt Charity's hand on her back, trying to comfort her.

She cried silently. She have always had special feelings for Remus since they met in first year. They were best friends, yes. But he was different from the others - from Charity, James, Sirius and Peter. Remus was always special.

Remus was someone she didn't want to disappoint. It was Remus whom she imagined going on a date with her, or whenever she was reading romance novels about young love.

Remus was the most important person in her life, next to her family. She was sure she was also important for him, but she wasn't his priority. She was just his best friend, and it hurt a lot.

"Don't lose hope, Adee," said Charity gently. "He'll realize how much you care for him. He will return your feelings. I can see the way he looks at you. You're special in his eyes, too."

She removed the covers and looked up to Charity. "I hope you're right."

.

October 1, 1974

(twenty-four years ago)

"Hey, Remus! Are we going to Hogsmeade now?" she asked when she spotted him near the entrance of the castle, wearing his day clothes. Since last year, Adee would always go to Hogsmeade with James, Remus, Sirius and Peter. After having Butterbeer at Madam Rosmerta's, she and Remus would go to the bookstore and spend the rest of the day there while the other boys would go to the joke and Quidditch shops.

Adele was glad that James, Sirius and Peter would leave her with Remus. She enjoyed his company a lot.

He smiled timidly. "I'm going home."

She stopped walking towards him. It'll be full moon tonight, she remembered. Her heart sank, knowing that Remus would be alone again tonight, howling. And in the morning, he would have new scars.

"Oh. I... I see. O-okay," she managed to say before the tears fell from her eyes. She turned around and ran towards the lake.

"Adee!" Remus called after her.

She kept on running. She tried to ignore his voice. What should she tell him? How would she face him?

She ran and ran until she reached her favourite oak tree by the lake. She sat on the ground and faced the lake.

"Adee," he called gently.

Adele could feel him standing behind her. She couldn't stop crying, so she closed her eyes.

Why can't he be honest with me? I thought we're best friends? I thought I'm special. Charity said, the way he looks at me... it's like I'm the only person in the world. Why can't he tell me the truth?!

"Adee," he called more gently and she could feel him beside her. Then, she felt his hand on her shoulder. "What made you upset?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"Why do you have to go?" she asked, eyes still closed.

"Adee, you know why," he replied quietly. "It's because of my mum."

She inhaled deeply, wiped her tears and faced him. "No, you're not going home. Your mum isn't sick. I know what you are," she almost whispered.

Remus' green eyes never left hers, although it took him a few seconds to reply. "How?" he croaked.

"I... I saw it in Hagrid's memories," she admitted.

Remus frowned. "Through a Pensieve?" He sounded confused.

She shook her head. "I'm a natural Legilimens," she admitted again.

Remus gave her a calculating look.

"But I can't see or hear anything from you. Don't worry, your secret is safe. I won't tell anyone; not even Jamie," she assured him.

To her surprise, Remus smiled and moved closer to hug her. She relaxed in his arms and returned the hug. She was elated. Remus had never hugged her this tight. Then, she heard him cry silently. She wanted to pull away and face him, but his embrace tightened even more and she felt his lips peck the side of her neck.

"Thank you, Adee. I feel so... happy, knowing that I don't have to lie to you anymore."

She sighed and smiled. Her only reply was a pat on his back.

After a few minutes of silence and exchanging of smiles, Adee took Remus' hand and stood up. "Come with me."

Remus met her eyes and followed her lead. She lead him to the Forbidden Forest and when she was sure that they were far enough from the Hogwarts grounds, she faced him and took a few steps back.

"I've known since first year," she began. I was curious when I looked into your eyes but saw nothing. You're the only student who's safe from my eye contact, so I asked my mother. She didn't say it to me directly, but she told me do research. Until I saw it in Hagrid's eyes... I... want to be there with you, when you're alone, away from everyone. So, I..." She paused and sighed. "I'm not making sense. I'll just show you."

She looked into his eyes to seek his permission and he nodded. Adele turned around and shifted in her animagus form.

.

Later that night, during the Halloween feast, James Potter thought that Adee was already resting in Hufflepuff dormitory with Charity. The Hufflepuff girl was not spotted in the Great Hall, either.

In Hog's Head Inn, Rubeus Hagrid heard a familiar howling again from the Shrieking Shack. His drinking buddies (some of Hogsmeade residents) started talking about the haunted shack. Hagrid secretly thanked good old Dumbledore for the wizard's oath. He couldn't tell a single soul about the real reason of the howling.

Meanwhile, in the Shrieking Shack, two creatures were snuggling against each other: a sandy werewolf and a white female wolf with brown head.

.

October 31, 1975

(twenty three years ago)

"I don't want to study anymore," groaned Peter who buried his face on the book. He looked tired and sleepy.

"Oh, come on, Peter! You can do it! Let's all do this for Remus!" whispered Sirius.

They weren't studying for their tests. James, Sirius and Peter were studying to become animagi just like her, Adele. The three boys discovered her and Remus' secret in June, just before the end of their fourth year; thanks to James' Invisibility Cloak. James was upset that she hadn't told her; Sirius and Peter were shocked, but still accepted their werewolf friend. In summer, James and Sirius decided to become animagi just like her, much to Remus' surprise.

Now, Saturday, instead of enjoying Hogsmeade weekend, they were in the library, still studying animal transformation, while Remus was already in the Shrieking Shack.

"Just give me a break," said Peter weakly.

"No," was James' reply. Among the three boys, her brother was the most diligent, partly because he knew that Remus was important to Adele.

She packed her things. "It's all right, Peter. We can study again tomorrow. I've got to go."

James looked up to her with a stern look in his face. "Where are you going?"

"To meet someone in Hogsmeade," she replied.

"A date?" asked Sirius suspiciously.

"But Remus is in the... his home," commented Peter in his weak voice.

"Who says Remus and I are dating?" she asked with sarcasm.

"Oh, yeah. Remus won't date anyone because of his 'furry little problem'," remembered Peter, earning a smack from James.

"Who are you going out with?" asked Sirius.

Adele gulped. She hated lying to them. "I... Someone else asked me to meet him in Hogsmeade," she lied. "And don't you dare follow me, James Potter! I've got Mum's approval!" she warned him.

James didn't look happy, but said nothing. He packed his things as well.

"Where are you going?" asked Sirius.

"I'll go and find Evans, see if she'd finally agree to go to Hogsmeade with me," he replied nonchalantly.

"Jamie," she called weakly.

But James ignored her and left them. Sirius gave her an apologetic look.

"He's really going to find Evans, isn't he?" she asked Sirius. She knew the answer. She saw it in James' eyes.

Sirius sighed. "Probably. But don't worry. He's pursuing Evans just because he's challenged. Evans is not one of his admirers. Even if he's the Quidditch Superstar, Evans isn't impressed. You know James, He likes challenges."

Adele nodded. "I'll see you at dinner."

The two boys bid her goodbye. "Enjoy your date," they chorused, earning an angry warning from Madam Pince.

Adele slowly walked out of the castle, thinking about James. For four years, he already had his eyes on Lily Evans. For the first two years, Adele knew that James only wanted to get the Muggle-born's attention; to embarrass her and make her stop bullying Adele as well. But everything changed in their third year. Adele noticed that James would blush every time Evans was near him. He hated Snape even more, and James started asking Evans out, in his arrogant tone. Evans called him an 'arrogant toe rag'.

Adele was deeply upset with her brother's choice. She couldn't stand Evans even if Adele always win every argument.

She finally reached Hog's Head Inn and found her mother. She was wearing her purple Ministry worker robe. She moved elegantly towards her and pulled her to a hug. Though Euphemia Potter looked beautiful and moved with finesse, Adele could tell that something was bothering her dear mother. Her eyes looked sad and tired.

"We're going to visit a very special person, honey," said Mrs. Potter when they made it at the back of the pub. "Take my hand."

She took her mother's hand and she felt an unpleasant sensation in her stomach. It was like squeezing her whole body in an invisible tube and wanting to vomit.

But before she could throw up, she landed on the ground. A pair of hands squeezed hers.

"How do you feel?" asked her mother.

"Dizzy, but fine," she replied.

Euphemia Potter smiled and led her to the only house she could see and it was on top of a hill. The house was big, but not as big as Potter Manor, but it was beautiful with its different design. Upon seeing the yard and mailbox, she could tell that she was visiting an American house.

"Mother, who are we going to pay a visit?" she inquired.

"A family friend who's very much like you."

"A natural Legilimens?" she asked.

Euphemia Potter nodded. They reached the doorstep and her mother turned to her to meet her eyes. "The people we're visiting... You can trust them. When I'm not around, they will be there for you."

She frowned and wanted to ask, but the old witch knocked on the door. It was opened by an old woman with short, silver curly hair. She was wearing a pink beautiful dress which reminded Adele of old American magazines she saw in a Muggle public library.

"Well, hello, Euphemia. This must be Adele," the old woman greeted them affectionately.

"Yes, this is my daughter, Adele. Adele, meet Queenie Goldstein."

.

Adele and Mrs. Potter arrived in Hogsmeade. The older witch booked a room in Hog's Head Inn where they could speak privately.

"Mum, why didn't you want me to tell James?" she asked the moment they sat in their private room and sipped their tea.

"Why do you think so?" she asked kindly.

Adele was quiet for a moment. She looked down on her cup of tea. "Because he's involved." It wasn't a question.

Her mother nodded. "And?"

She looked up and met her mother's eyes. "And the person involved is the last to know."

Euphemia Potter nodded again. "Do you know what Unspeakables like myself do at the Ministry?"

She nodded. She was already in fifth year, therefore, preparing for her future career. One of the best jobs at the ministry was Unspeakable. Books didn't specify what they do, but their work involves solving mysteries and they work closely with Seers.

"You don't have to say it verbally. I can hear your thoughts," she told her. Then, she sighed. "Yesterday, I traveled and saw something unexpected. No, I cannot tell you what, because first and foremost, I made a Vow that I won't disclose to anyone matters like this - what we saw in our... travels. Secondly, we - you and I - might be tempted to change the future. We cannot do that. Do you understand? Even if you're a natural Legilimens, you cannot see it in my thoughts." Her mother sounded so calm, but her eyes told Adele that she wasn't all right deep inside.

Adele nodded seriously in response.

Mrs. Potter took her hand. "I want you to promise me something."

"Anything," she replied promptly. This was her second mother - the woman who raised her like she was her own blood.

Mrs. Potter smiled sadly. "Please, keep Jamie safe. Watch over my boy... and his future family."

Adele frowned a little. So, James is in danger in the time she traveled to," she concluded.

Mrs. Potter's grip on her hand tightened. "And please, let him be with that Muggle-born, Evans, even if you don't like her. She was horrible to you, but she would make my Jamie very, very happy... and a noble man."

She wanted to say 'no' where Evans was concerned, but she couldn't break her mother's heart, so she gave her an assuring look and nodded. "I will let him be with Evans, Mum. I will protect him and his future family, no matter what happens."

Mrs. Potter touched her cheek affectionately. "Good girl."

.

October 31, 1976

(twenty-two years ago)

Adele stared at James, Sirius and Peter who were flying around the Quidditch pitch from her seat by the library window. She had been watching them for an hour now and she badly wanted to call them; to tease them; to let them tease her.

But she couldn't. Things were never the same anymore, after that night of the fourth of June. She never spoke with Jamie again. When they arrived home for summer, they only spoke a few words towards each other and she packed her things again because their parents sent her to dear Aunt Queenie. Mrs. Kowalski, known to wizarding world as Queenie Goldstein, trained her even more, not just with Occlumency and how to control natural Legilimency, but how to manage her emotions while seeing someone's memories. She was trained how to be objective and stay in character - to pretend that she didn't know anything about the arts of Occlumency and Legilimency.

When she saw James again, it was the first of September and they joined their fellow prefects in the Head's compartment for a meeting.

James was still pursuing Evans and she didn't want to meddle, that's why she decided to stop talking to her own brother. She wouldn't stay in the boys' dormitory anymore. She didn't borrow his cloak anymore whenever she would go to Charity's room. She started using Disillusionment.

"I know you miss them," she heard Charity's whisper beside her.

She turned her head to her best friend. "But he wouldn't stop pursuing Evans," was her only reply.

Charity sighed. "I don't understand why your brother would chose Evans over you..." She looked pissed.

"He didn't. I made the choice. I... ended up our... Well, let's just say that we're still family, but we're more like Sirius and Regulus now," she replied.

"I don't understand," said Charity with a shake of her head.

She shook her head, too. "You don't have to understand me. I'm a complicated person," she said, half kidding.

"So, are you going out with Snape on Saturday?" inquired Charity.

She shrugged. "He seems adamant, now that he isn't friends with Evans anymore and James and I aren't in good terms. He seems nice, too. But... I don't know."

"Because the person you fancies won't date anyone. I'm wondering if Remus likes men..."

Adele laughed and playfully slapped her best friend.