A/N: Hello, Sorry for the wait! Thanks for the comments! Much love to the one's who's been here since the beginning.

Note: There was a guest who commented that Teddy was a muggle. I'm 90 percent sure that he was muggleborn but whatever. I already got this far in the story not like I'm going to change it anytime soon, so if that's a deal breaker thank you for at least reading the first chapter. Not everything will be exactly like the books (or movies).

This chapter kind of went another direction. I ended up making this more focused on Jasper's and Adhara for a good chunk of it. I was hoping to save that part for a few more chapters but ended up using it now.

I love those

people you can

joke around with

and have so much

fun with and then

have a deep

conversation with

and it's not weird

at all

Progress. Remus was making progress. After Adhara vented to him about Fabian, they realized that it was almost passed curfew. Being the gentleman that he is, Remus walked her to the Hufflepuff entrance. She even hugged him before scurrying off. The secret room became their little secret. He would have said that he doesn't keep secrets from his mates, but when she looked at him with her puppy eyes he nodded.

"Whoa, something must have happened to get you smiling like that," James noted when Remus walked into their bedroom. Remus shrugged. He didn't bother hiding his grin. The greatest thing happened to him with Adhara tonight and nothing will ruin it. Not even the light-hearted teasing from his best mates. "At least some people are getting somewhere with the ladies."

"And Evans still won't give you the time of day," Sirius teased. "I like Halifax, by the way. He got me the chance to ask Zuri out this Saturday."

"You don't have to brag about it," James pouted. "So, what happened with Addie?"

Remus didn't answer until he got comfortable on the bed. His thoughts going to this upcoming Saturday. Adhara might be going on her 'date' with Higgs to save face. He wonders when she'll find time to break up with Fabian. Adhara seems like the type to back out of it to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

"She's planning on breaking up with Prewitt," he announced. A wide grin plastered on his face.

"She told you?"

"Yeah, she seems reluctant since she doesn't want to hurt his feelings but…I talked her into it," Remus didn't care if he sounded proud of it. Prewitt has been too much of a nuisance for someone who doesn't deserve Adhara's attention.

"Now you're going to have to wait at least a month," Sirius told him.

"What do you mean?" Remus furrowed his eyebrows. Why should he wait a month to make a move? But then again, it's not like he's been doing any 'moves' over the last two years with Adhara. Tonight was the only time he's been forward and that was just comforting her by holding her hands for a couple of seconds.

"Getting over someone takes time," Sirius explained. "Especially when it comes to my sis. She's not going to run into your arms as soon as she drops Prewitt. She's going to be free as a bird but still engaged to Higgs. Remember that, Remus."

"You just had to bring my mood down, didn't ya?"

"Sorry. The truth can hurt."

As soon as Adhara strolled into the Hufflepuff common room with a smile on her face, she was attacked by Jasper. He practically tackled her.

"Ads! I was worried! I thought I was gonna' have to sick the dogs out to find ya," he joked. Jasper wrapped one arm around her shoulder as he steered her to a small yellow sofa in the corner of the room. Adhara decided she might as well go with the flow. May it be anyone else, she would have shoved them off. It might have helped that Jasper reminded her too much of James and Sirius. Annoying yet still endearing. But let it be Remus…

Adhara shook her head. Why was she thinking about him? She tried to simmer down the blush from her cheeks before he notices. The last thing that Adhara needs is Jasper's constant teasing.

"So," Jasper nudges her with his knee. Adhara sighed. She always thought blokes hated gossiping but Jasper proved her wrong. He always questioned her about her day. Now that he knows about her relationship with Fabian, this will make this more unbearable. "What happened?"

Adhara shrugged. "Nothing happened. We just talked."

"Aw, you talked? About what," he leaned in as if Adhara was ready to spill the secrets of the world.

Not taking the bait, Adhara asked instead, "What happened with you and Marlene?" She wasn't doing this to be spiteful. She was actually interested in his progress with the Ravenclaw. They've became friends in such a short time and now the guy was already talking and flirting with his crush. At the mention of the blonde's name, a silly smile came across Jasper's face.

"She's my dream woman," he said with a sigh. "Sassy, smart, and gorgeous."

"A triple threat, huh?" Japer nodded. Adhara frowned a bit. She was expected the boy to go into a tirade about how soft her blonde hair is and how gorgeous her green eyes are. But instead, he wore a solemn expression. It was lacking its usual vigor. His wide grin replaced with pursed lips as if he was afraid of blurting out his secrets.

"Jazz?" Adhara tried out a new nickname, testing him to see if he will take the bait. She knew something was wrong when he did not react. "You okay?"

With a dramatic groan, Jasper took refuge on Adhara's lap. He hid behind his arms as she looked down at the boy. His head rested on her lap and it reminded her of her of Regulus. When he has a row with Sirius or had nightmares, or just wants to be around his sister, he would lay his head on her lap as she played with his hair. Adhara's decided to indulge Jasper.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and welcoming. "I thought things were great with Marlene."

The groan came again. "No, everything's fine. We even have a date this Saturday."

"That's quick. You only met her earlier today," she noted. But then again, not everyone is as cautious as Adhara. "What's wrong? I thought you fancied Marlene."

The boy sighed. Jasper finally revealed his eyes behind his arms. "I haven't been entirely truthful with you."

"Is this the part where you tell me you actually have feelings for me and that Marlene was a cover up?" Adhara tried to joke but it came out more serious then she attended. Luckily, Jasper saw through her attempt and indulged her with a laugh. "If so, I'm flattered you would choose me instead of Marlene because have you seen her—

"—stop, Ads, you're killing me," he tried to calm himself. These were the sides that others did not see of Adhara. Jasper reveled in them when he gets the chance to witness her playful side. Some may view Adhara as 'the perfect Pureblood' who stays quiet when not spoken to and reserved. But people are in for a rude awakening when they befriend Adhara Black. He thought the same thing when he first laid eyes on a Black that got sorted into the wrong house. He paid her no mind in classes during their first two years at Hogwarts. But he saw a different side of her when she tried out for the quidditch team. Not many females play quidditch—hell, even try out to join the team! But when they do they don't make it very far in the try-out because of the strict training regimen. Being from a regal and ancient lineage, Jasper wondered what made Adhara unique than the others. But then again, he ponders the same toward her two brothers.

She handled the try-outs without complaint. It was her luck that she was only trying out for the Seeker position. Her petite frame was no weakness for the position and it helped that she's fearless on the broom. While she can be demure in the public eyes, Adhara turns into a different person when she's on the pitch. He always wanted to befriend her outside the field but he knew that she had to keep up with appearances so for the first-time Jasper followed the 'rules'.

But then something changed.

"Ah, my lovely Ads, you are a sight but not my type," he grinned. His type. He always thought his type would be someone like Marlene. Sassy and confident yet bloody brilliant. No one wants a complete dud for brains as a girlfriend. She smells like fruit—apples to be exact. Which is his favorite fruit and reminds him of his mum's famous (in the Halifax family) apple tarts. She's not too short. Both pretty tall for their age group. And he bets she's a pretty good snogger seeing her plump her pink lips are (and how many times he hears about her snogging Sirius). But they've only known each other for a day and Jasper could already tell that if he pursues a relationship with the girl then he might have to put on this act. It's not as if he's faking being the goofy fellow but he has his serious moments too. He just had to find the perfect person to open to.

And he chose Adhara Black.

Because she won't judge him. She'll be surprised but she'll listen with her full attention. She'll give him her best advice and push him to be his best.

Well, he hopes so. Jasper has a good sense of character and he hopes his gut is right since he's only really became friends with Adhara for just a week.

They've been classmates for about three years. Teammates for two. And now friends for about a week. In one week, Jasper easily became her best friend and vice versa yet they are still ignorant of each other's secrets and their life.

But Jasper had ulterior motives when befriending the young witch. Not for money or connections. He told her in the beginning when they partnered in Potions.

"Good because you're not mine's either," Adhara retorted. "Now tell me why you haven't been truthful with me." Jasper stared up at her. Her grey eyes filled with concern.

"Well…" he started out. How do one reveal their deepest darkest secret? Well, it's not really a dark secret more like a secret that can outcast him at school and the wizarding community. Yep, just a simple ole' secret that can ruin his school career and maybe life.

He's the heir, the first-born son, of the Halifax family. While his family are not as strict and uptight as the Blacks when it comes to heirs, they are still old-fashioned when it comes to reputation and legacy. And his secret can ruin it all for them.

Luckily, he has a ten-year-old and five-year-old brother to take his position if he's kicked out of the family.

He looked around the common room to make sure no one was close enough to hear them. Adhara, catching on, casted a bubble spell around them can do well to help muffle whatever they to anyone outside of their shield.

"So, you know how I told you in the beginning how I just wanted you to be my wing woman and somehow we became besties instead?" he reminded her.

"Well, I wouldn't say besties—,"

"—we're besties. Platonic soulmates, if you'd like it or not," he cut her off. "But anyways, yeah, that was the reason I befriended you to get closer to Marlene."

"And Zuri, right?"

"Okay, I just added Zuri to mess with you," he admitted. "But I kind of lied. I mean, it was more like Marlene was a backup plan. I know I'm a git but it's not like I don't like Marlene. She's bloody gorgeous and I want to snog the daylight out of her but I don't want—

"—a relationship?" she guessed, her tone now annoyed.

"Okay, don't get mad. Listen to my whole spiel then judge me, okay?" Adhara nodded, a frown still evident on her adorable face. "I may seem simple-minded but I am a bit complex." Jasper paused as he tried to gather his thoughts. This conversation came unplanned and he was not ready to reveal the wonders of Jasper Halifax. Adhara may be kind and understanding but she was also raised in a prejudice and old fashioned household.

Adhara flinched when Jasper slapped himself.

Can't talk myself out of this, he thought, ignoring the concerned look Adhara gave him.

"I've been dealing with some…identity issues for the last couple of months," he admitted. "And by identity, I mean…my romantic tastes have screwed me over. Like what you said before, I never really cared about girls since they would have been a distraction for quidditch and yeah, they're pretty but so what? But then Marlene gotten more gorgeous over the summer and she makes my skin hot—."

"—okay, if this is going to be me listening to you having other types of feeling for girls besides heart racing and hand holding, I'm leaving," Adhara warned him.

"Addie, you gotta let me finish!" Jasper whined. "Anyways, I thought whatever identity crisis I was going through over the summer would be over as soon as I laid eyes on Marlene but then I saw him and how cute he gotten over the summer—."

"Him?" Adhara was not going to let Jasper ramble on over that small detail like it was not of importance. He just said him! And this so called him was cute according to Jasper. May it be any other time, she would have thought of as a joke but now this is a serious conversation they were having. Her mind reeled into a frenzy trying to pick up if he gave her any clues over the past week. Jasper did compliment Remus last night during their study session about his eyes but she only thought he was joking. Sometimes he made offhanded remarks on her brother's looks. And earlier today! He commented how pretty Regulus and Sirius are (and her but she'll ignore that). She knew exactly what he's trying to confess.

"I'm the first one you told about this, huh?" Adhara asked calmly. She's shocked how composed she is now. She heard the stories of men being with men and the same with women but she thought of it as simply jokes from her brother. She knew what a secret like this could do to someone—especially one from such a well-known family as the Halifaxes. "Is that why you befriended me? Because you knew I won't judge you?" Adhara hates to admit it but may it be someone else she may judge them but this is Jasper. The annoying bloke who's made his way into her heart as her 'bestie'.

Jasper peered up at her with narrowed eyes. "You're not judging me?"

"More like…curious? I don't know much about this, um, topic?" she confessed sheepishly. "So, you're saying you like boys the same way you like girls? I didn't know…that's possible."

Jasper nodded rapidly as he rose from her lap. "Yeah! I mean, it's not like I have a hard-on for every bloke but yeah, I think I like both."

"You think?"

"This is the part where you are going to hate me," he mumbled. "I'll explain my confusing dilemma first. I'm still confused about it. It's not like I don't like Marlene and don't want to be a relationship with her but it's more like I just want to snog her and maybe some light groping if we get that far."

"Okay, you're turning into a git, again," Adhara warned him.

"But then with this guy, I just want to…ugh, this sounds so cheesy but I want to hold hands and watch him read and take him on dates," Jasper mumbled. His whole face turning red. Adhara couldn't help but smile seeing him turn into a lovesick puppy.

"How is this the part where I am going to hate you?"

His eyes went to his fidgeting fingers. "Because I thought I could use you to get close to him."

Adhara furrowed her eyebrows as she tried to think what guy she is close to. She barely speaks to boys unless it's Sirius' group of friends. He wants to watch a guy read and hold his hands, she recalled. There is only one boy she knows who's like that!

"You fancy Remus?"

Jasper's fearful expression quickly altered as he gave a few laughs. "What? You think I like Remus? I'm sorry to dismiss your boy but it's not him." Adhara was ready to deny Remus being her boy but decided not to when witnessing Jasper back to normal.

"Severus?" she guessed knowing it wouldn't be true. Jasper almost chocked on his own spit at that guess. He tried to send a glare at her but failed. "Sirius?" she guessed, afraid of the answer. Not afraid for herself but for Jasper.

"Warmer…" Jasper muttered.

Warmer? It couldn't be Peter or James. But then her thoughts went back to earlier when Jasper complemented Regulus, calling him pretty.

"You fancy Regulus? How?"

Adhara prepared herself for a rant on her brother's beauty like how he does with Marlene but instead he gave her a soft smile and a shrug.

It was a startling smile. Not goofy and sneaky but an affectionately sweet one with a touch of bashfulness and warmth. For a second, Adhara disregarded the topic they were speaking of. Instead, she was happy for Jasper to have someone making him smile like that at the very thought of them.

"You must really like him," Adhara whispered. The bloom of pink rose from his freckled cheeks causing her to giggle at his embarrassment. "Aw, don't be shy. It's cute," she teased.

Japer jutted his lower lip into a pout not used to this type of treatment from his sweet Adhara. But at least she's not shoving him away and calling him a poof but then again, she wouldn't do that even if she was disgusted by him.

"We met during my second year," he explained. His eyes still focused on his trembling hands. He's nervous. She could understand. May it be anyone else, this conversation could go another way. Her thoughts went back to Remus and how he dealt with her nervousness as she confided in him. Ignoring how warm her face is, Adhara reached for Jasper's hands and held them.

"He was lost in the halls during the first week after spending too much time in the library," Jasper continued. Adhara tried to imagine her quiet younger brother lost in the halls. It was difficult to imagine why Jasper fancied Regulus. She knew that her thirteen-year-old brother was. People would mistake him as a shy boy but he's actually reserved to strangers or allies (what he calls his Slytherin friends). The only company he enjoys is Severus and that's because as he said, "We loath unnecessary conversations." Knowledge and textbooks are his friends. Because he has something to gain from them. So Adhara wondered what Jasper saw that he usually does not show to others.

"He thanked me. I tried to talk to him the next day but he completely ignored me. So, nothing really happened with him all year." Jasper decided to omit the part that he watched the guy like a hawk the whole year. That sounded too stalker-ish for him. It wasn't as if he was searching him out. Well, he didn't go out of his way to find him. May it be in the great hall or during a quidditch game, Jasper became enthralled. Someone completely opposite as his older brother, who keeps company with gits.

"We didn't talk again until May," Jasper said. "We got detention together in the library. He got caught in the restricted area after hours. I damaged a book. So we had to clean and stack books together." Jasper explained how a few hours on a Saturday afternoon let him see another side of her brother. He knew that if he was a half-blood or muggle-born, the Slytherin would have turned his nose up at him as he called him a slur. But luckily, he is only a 'blood-traitor' and not Gryffindor, so he was acceptable. It took about an hour into their detention for the boy to reply after realizing that Jasper would not shut up.

Jasper knew after bringing up spells from his DADAs class, that Regulus is fascinated with the defense and offense of dark spells. The blonde could imagine many Gryffindor gits rolling their eyes as if they expected a snake to be intrigued by the dark arts. But after hearing Regulus' theory of why the killing spell can break a resilient shield spell, Japer knew that this guy didn't love the spell because it's dark. He loved the concept of these difficult curses and the creation of them. Anything that is an enigma, Regulus needs to know why and how.

Jasper did not realize that he was voicing his hypothesis of Regulus Black out loud until he finally locked eyes with Adhara to see her staring at him as if he said he will quit school and live life as a muggle. Stunned yet curious.

"Wow," Adhara said.

"Do you not want to be friends anymore because I'll unders—."

"no, I'm just processing this," Adhara said. "Do you think…does Reg like boys?"

"I don't know," Jasper sighed. "That's what I plan on finding out. We only spoke a few times after detention and I written him a few letters over the summer and he only replied once to tell me to stop. So, I did. Then I saw him on the train and he's even cuter and I had to slap myself for thinking a bloke is cute. I tried to speak to him again but he ignores me. So he can't ignore me if I'm your friend. I'm sorry. You were just a pawn but now I actually love being your annoying but loveable friend—," he stopped himself as a thought popped up. "—I realized, too, that you don't speak much to Regulus anyways so maybe it was a lost cause. At least I got a new mate out of it."

Adhara decided to save his last comment for another time. She's still processing Jasper having a crush on her brother and also wondering if she's okay with her brother attracting a male. Her thoughts then going to would she be okay with him fancying males. Okay, she need to think alone on this without Jasper's puppy eyes influencing her.

She raised an eyebrow at the silly bloke. "So, Reg is the only boy you liked?" he nodded. Surprised with herself, Adhara's opinion of Jasper didn't change. If anything, she sees him more than a friend and now a close companion. "So, it's not his looks because he looks like Sirius. Do you think Sirius is cute?"

Jasper knew that the tension in the air between them was gone. The awkwardness disappeared. Adhara is now teasing him.

"Why not me? Reg and I are similar."

"Aw, Sirius is a cocky git and you're an adorable badger that I must protect from the lions," he said simply with a shrug. "Don't worry. You're plenty cute. You'll snatch up Remus soon. And speaking of an adorable lion with lovely blue eyes, what happened with him after practice?"

His grin widened when he noticed her cheeks became pink, again.

"I'm breaking up with Fabian," she said. "I realized I don't like him like I did in the beginning."

Jasper snapped his fingers. "Oh yeah. I forgot you have a secret beau," he said. "It's a pity. I just found out this morning and now it's ending. You're leaving him for Remus, right?"

Adhara shook her head so quick he thought it could snap off. "No, I've been thinking about it and Remus agreed."

I bet he did.

"Okay, now that you're dumping Prewitt, let's talk about boys," he teased. Jasper may be only gay for Regulus, but that does not mean he's blind to those pleasing to the eyes.

"And that's my cue to leave."

It's been three days. Three days since her talk with Remus and she has yet to break it off with Fabian. It has not been for lack of trying. She sent him letters asking to meet in the kitchens in the evening but always came up with an excuse. Adhara might have been planning on ending things but that did not stop the ache in her chest when thinking the redhead is avoiding her. He completely disregarded her. Her thoughts wondering if they could split up without discussing it and it seemed more likely with the way Fabian is behaving. No. I must speak about this. Adhara may appear to be one who rather avoid conflict but she's also one to eventually want to talk things out no matter how uncomfortable she feels. So that was when the Hufflepuff decided that she refuses to let Fabian avoid her. Who cares if she appears pathetic. She'll call him a git and dump him.

"Whoa, did the floor anger you so much?" Adhara lifted her head to see Remus grinning down at her. "Are you waiting on Sirius?" he asked. Adhara has been waiting outside of the Gryffindor entrance for the past fifteen minutes. She knew eventually Fabian would have to show his smug face sooner or later.

Adhara shook her head. "I'm waiting on Fabian."

"Wait…have you not broken things off yet?" he asked. His tone surprised by the news. She nodded, clearly ashamed that she has been letting this stretch for so long. Adhara watched with curiosity as Remus' expression changed from shock to confused.

"You okay, Remus?"

"Um, yeah," he lied. Remus glanced back at the Fat Lady entrance before turning back to Adhara. "Prewitt left already. I think he's going to Hogsmeade with his brother."

Defeated, Adhara nodded. I'll settle with a letter then. A letter seemed more impersonal but since she hasn't spoken to Fabian in days, it might be her best shot.

"Did you have plans for Hogsmeade?" she asked, changing the topic.

"Since Sirius was fortunate enough to get a date with Zuri, it only leaves us at a trio," he explained. "So, we'll go to Zonko's and then afterwards go get some butterbeer."

"Maybe I'll run into you," she said with a smile. Remus watched with amusement as her eyes widen as if a she just remembered something. Adhara slapped her hand to her forehead and said, "I forgot I'm supposed to meet Thomas at the front to leave."

Hiding his disdain that she's going on another date, he offered, "I can walk you with you." Sirius was still making sure his hair looked 'just right' while Peter and James teased the Pureblood. Remus not bothering to wait and watch his arrogant best mate style his hair left them to their own devices. Luckily fate was on his side when he noticed Adhara waiting across the hall.

"So, do you have any more album suggestions for me?" she asked with hopeful eyes as she followed alongside Remus. She's been looking forward to anymore recommendations Remus would give. Bob Dylan became a big fave but she needed variety. Remus tapped his chin with a smirk as he tried to think of anything she would enjoy. It would be a possibility that she would dislike her brother's favorite bands: The Who, Black Sabbath, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin (maybe not Led Zeppelin). Adhara already enjoyed The Beatles, The Animals, and Bob Dylan. It was obvious where his next choices for her would be.

"I think you would really love The Beatles' solo albums—especially John Lennon's," Remus said after much thought.

"You don't think I would especially like George Harrison's?" she teased.

The werewolf shrugged. "I thought that was too obvious to say out loud," he admitted. He's confident that she would gush over the quiet Beatle's album. He had a certain Bob Dylan-esque sound to his music. "After you finish with their albums then we can move onto to wonders of Elton John."

"Oh, I heard about him. Sirius has plenty say about him," Adhara said as they both turned a corner.

"Well, he's barmy. He already doesn't care for Bob Dylan, so-," Remus cut himself off when he noticed Adhara's face went ashen. Her lips quickly changed from a smile to frown in horror. Eyes widened, Remus whipped his head to the direction that caused this distress.

Prewitt.

But it was not just the sight of the redhead that caused her distress, it was fact that he had Amora Flaxley pressed against the wall and himself as kissed up her neck.

Zuri checked her watch again. Usually Adhara would be here by now.

"Seems that your betrothed is late," Marlene voiced Zuri's thoughts. Both Ravenclaws waited with Thomas who seemed a bit put off by extra people joining his date. He may hold an easy-going smile when he realized there will be more company besides Zuri and Severus. Luckily Snape joined Regulus instead of being a third wheel.

Thomas' mind reeled at Adhara not mentioning that their 'date' would be not only a double date but triple with Jasper Halifax (a blood-traitor) and Marlene McKinnon (a half-blood). He has no qualms about their status but more about what others would say. He really needs to talk to Adhara about communication and keeping up with appearances. Thomas' mind already finding excuses just in case his lovely housemates asked why he spent his Saturday with blood-traitors and half-bloods.

"Seems like she didn't tell you about inviting company," Zuri guessed. Her amber colored eyes watching him.

"I wonder when I will finally get a date alone with Adhara—not that I'm complaining about getting to know her mates," he said effortlessly. Zuri seemed as if she didn't buy his bullshit. The fifth year sighed. He only known the Ravenclaw for a short time but she's proven herself to be quite the perceptive one. But she may be no different than any other female if she's going on a date with Sirius Black.

Yet she didn't seem dressed for a date. While she was not wearing a tee and sneakers anymore, she was dressed casual for a date. Marlene, on the other hand, put more effort in her date with the Halifax kid. A thin long sleeve turtleneck shirt tucked into a brown and red checkered skirt. The high waist skirt left nothing to the imagination with the hem stopping mid-thigh giving a perfect view of her long tan legs.

Intrigued already by the Halifax bloke, Thomas noted how the boy didn't ogle the blonde's legs as like the other hormonal teens done. Of course, Jasper complimented her as soon as he saw her but stayed cordial with not staring at her curves or legs. Thomas made note to keep a watch on Adhara's new friend.

"Seems like the diva arrived finally," Jasper said. Thomas turned to see Sirius sauntering over to them trying to appear nonchalant. Black's eyes narrowed at Zuri, checking out the American's outfit. Zuri may have not noticed the frown but Marlene certainly did.

"Don't like the outfit I picked out for her, Black," Marlene pouted. "I picked it out just for her—after her declining all my other choices. She refused to wear a dress."

"I think she looks stunning," Thomas said. He was not one to hand out compliments without an agenda. He can admit that. And it was worth it to see Sirius frown deepen. Not like it was false. Zuri is already an attractive girl but the choice of outfit helped. He knew what Sirius was expecting: Zuri dolled up in a dress with make up and hair curled. Instead he was gifted with Zuri in a floral blouse and dark washed jeans that accentuated her curves.

"Thank you," Zuri said flatly.

"Yeah, you look fit," Sirius said but inwardly cringed. Fit? Judging by the look Zuri sent him, it only confirmed that was not the right word to use.

"Do you know where Addie is? She's gonna' be left," Jasper asked. He recalled her leaving early to meet with Fabian. He thought maybe they're together since the redhead was missing, too.

Sirius shook his head. And thinking of Adhara…

"Merlin, you're not gonna believe this," he grinned at them. His thoughts instantly went to the awe-worthy hex he witnessed in the halls. "Someone just gave Prewitt a wicked hex. It may had been a snake but some girl said it was a kid from our house that did it. Merlin, I wish I was there to see that."

"You and your hatred for Prewitt," Marlene shook her head. Zuri rolled her eyes. Jasper smirked.

James would have totally loved this, Sirius thought.

Seeing the forlorn expression on him, Zuri thought it would be best to indulge the pouting boy. "Must be quite the duelist if he caught Fabian off guard."

"Ha, Like Prewitt is that good. He's only a year older than us and maybe he deserved it…"

There's few things that angers Remus Lupin. But when he's angry, Remus is not one to act on the spot about it. He's patient when it comes to planning revenge unlike James and Sirius. Many are clueless that Remus is the brains behind ninety percent of their clever pranks. But seeing Adhara hurt—devastated and betrayed—created something out of him. A burning anger to see Fabian Prewitt hurt. Of course, he did not cast a killing curse or any torture ones at the redhead. Just a complex hex that created golf-ball sized boils and discolored skin. Remus gave Madam Pomfrey a run for her money. Remus knew that the fifth year will be gunning for revenge. He's too similar to James and Sirius. But the werewolf could care less.

Adhara has yet to say a word. She let herself be led by Remus. His hand wrapped tightly around her wrist as he led her through the halls. He was going to walk her back to the Hufflepuff entrance but decided that her being alone might not be the best idea. More like Remus refused to leave her alone. So the next option was the mysterious room from a few days ago. Luckily the hall was empty.

He recalled Adhara's explaining how her room appeared. Remus closed his eyes and thought (prayed, wished or summoned?) for Adhara's room but nothing appeared. He tried again but nothing.

Maybe the room must belong to the person or something, Remus thought. He released Adhara from his grip and thought of a relaxing place. Somewhere for someone to collect their thoughts. Nothing appeared. Remus growled with frustration. Determined and stubborn, Remus kept thinking about the room. Impatient he began to pace. After the third-time walking pass Adhara, a rustic door appeared.

"Finally," he sighed. Not bothering to ask permission, Remus grabbed her carefully by the wrist and guided her inside the room.

"Merlin," he groaned to himself. Remus was hoping for a more spacious and modern room. His thoughts must have gone to the only place he felt comfortable besides his own bedroom he shares with his mates.

The unreadable expression that Adhara wore for the past five minutes was replaced with curiosity. Her gray eyes surveyed the cramped room. The room was about a quarter size of Amhara's grand bedroom (possibly smaller). Floors creaked as they both stepped inside. On one side of the wall was a bookshelf filled with new and old novels. From genres of mystery to fantasy to educational textbooks about magical creatures. The other side was wooden bins filled with varieties of records that belong to himself and his father. A small window lit up the room with artificial sunlight. Adhere ran her fingers over the small desk that is beside a used forest green chair.

Remus watched Adhara make herself comfortable on the large sofa chair. She eyed the gramophone with a smile.

"Sorry it's a bit cramped," Remus apologized. "I tried to think of a place that would be comfortable but I ended up thinking of my place of solitude."

"What is this place?" she asked.

"My attic," he replied, a faint blush on his cheeks.

It was a long few seconds before she said, "I can picture it."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How so?"

"A plethora of books and records," she shrugged. Remus sat on the wooden chair across from her. "Thank you for bringing me here…and thank you for...before"

Remus didn't need to ask. "Sirius or James would do the same-,"

"Possibly worse," Adhara cuts him off. "Wouldn't stop. I bet Sirius would resort to muggle fighting." Remus snorted. He could imagine Sirius being so enraged that he would drop his wand and start punching the redhead's smug face.

"Stupid question but…how are you feeling?" Remus was relieved that Adhara shed no tears. Prewitt didn't deserve them.

"I feel like a fool," she finally answered. "Stupid. Betrayed." Remus was prepared to give some comforting words. "My Uncle—Alphard—once told me that things are never a waste of time unless you learn from it."

"Smart words."

"Yeah, he always had clever advice to give," she admits. "Sirius ignored most of it. Here's another: The wrong people can teach you the right lesson."

"What does that mean?" Remus asked, recalling that her family are mostly dark wizards and blood purists.

Adhara expression turned solemn. "Well, for him, I guess it means just because someone's different doesn't mean it's bad. I guess that's why he was disowned from the family."

"So what does those previous wise words mean to you," he asked her.

Adhara locked eyes with him. "Even though I was going to end things with Prewitt-," Remus loved that she's went to calling him by his surname—, "I'm glad I saw how he truly is. We're young and I'll forgive him soon but I learned a lot with this so-called relationship. Now I know what I want for the future one."

"Already thinking about a new boyfriend?" Remus teased.

"Give me a few months and you can ask me again," she retorted. Few months? I can work with that, he thought.

"You seem quite fine. And here I thought I would be comforting a grieving heart," Remus joked. Her eyes widened along with her smile at his words.

"More like ego but there's still time," she said. Her eyes going to the gramophone. "I see a wall of albums calling out to me—wanting to comfort me with their stories."

Remus stood up and read through the walls of albums. "Would Bob Dylan help?"

Adhara sighed. "How about something a bit more…cheerful? His message can be depressing at times."

Remus grinned. He knew the perfect album to start out with. He placed the record on the gramophone but didn't play it yet. "You've already listened to rock, pop, and folk. Now I'm introducing you to one of my favorite genres that helped shaped my favorite bands of today. This is rhythm and blues."

Adhara instantly perked at the first few seconds of the song. A glissando started off the track before the bass and guitar joined in. Remus watched as Adhara nodded along.

When I had you to myself, I didn't want you around

Those pretty faces always make you stand out in a crowd

But someone picked you from the bunch, one glance is all it took

Now it's much too late for me to take a second look

A/N: So yep, Prewitt's a douche who cheated on Adhara. Addie's not too upset about it. Remus is kind of a music aficionado or enthusiast. And Jasper's having a sexuality crisis.

I tried to make this as realistic as I could—hopefully. I tried to imagine the wizarding community not having much gay right movements or liberation. It's more of a hush-hush thing that no one really talks about. And Jasper's a bit confused about his attraction to Reg. Hopefully you think Adhara's reaction was realistic. I don't see her spouting off homophobic slurs (maybe Sirius would).

If you haven't realized it yet, Jasper's bisexual but a different spectrum of it. He's more sexually attracted to Marlene and emotionally (and romantically) attracted to Reg. Yep, that's a thing. Sorry, if this is confusing. If it is I'll try to clarify it a bit. And for those who don't like this new piece of information on Jasper then thanks for being a trooper for the last 24 chapters but nothing is changing.

Also, when writing a story, I try to imagine it like a movie. Meaning: casting. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine the younger version of the Harry Potter characters. I noticed on the web that people like to think of Andrew Garfield as teenage Remus. Does anyone agree with that? I did too but then I saw the film Baby Driver and thought Ansel Elgort would be a good Remus even though Ansel is kind of a 'pretty boy'.

Who should play Sirius? As of now I was imagining a younger Ezra Miller. Just forget that he played Credence in Fantastic Beasts. Yara Shahidi as Zuri because why not? Jennifer Lawerence as Marlene (maybe?). Cole Sprouse (jughead version, obviously) as Regulus (maybe someone else?)

Who would be a good candidate for the other half of the Marauders and as Lily? The Prewitt Twins? Harry Styles as Thomas (I like that one!)

One thing for sure, though.

Alia Shawkat as Adhara Black.

Next on Flawed and Perfect:

Jasper teams up with Sirius and James for Operation: Humiliate Fabian

Adahara spends more time with Regulus…

And Remus.

Mary's not giving up on pursuing Remus.

Oh, and Zuri is confused why Slytherins are approaching her at every turn.