Meet me in the library in 20

Adara blinked her eyes in confusion. It was the next morning and red, smoky letters were hovering in front of her. Realization dawned on her face as she remembered her and Remus's message system. Last year they'd challenged each other to read an entire section of the library. It was a daunting yet enjoyable task- she grew up without much access to wizarding content.

As a result of all that reading, they came across the Smoke 'o Letter incantation. It was a series of charms used a while back to send messages. Upon discovery, the two had gleefully experimented with it and it remained their secret ever since.

"It's so early," she groaned, collapsing back onto her blanket. The sun streamed through her windows and she shielded her eyes in dismay. It was probably around six o'clock. Sighing, she reluctantly pulled on her clothes. Although she hated getting up early, Remus wouldn't disturb her unless it was important. He valued his sleep more than she did.

Swiping a hairbrush from Marissa's side table, she quickly brushed her long, tangled hair in a desperate attempt to tame it. If Adara had to wander around the castle at this time of day, she would at least do it with dignity.

"See you later Mari," she whispered, looking fondly upon her sleeping friend.

Rushing down the stairs with her book bag in hand, she swiped a coffee from Amos's hand. He was still studying for NEWTS and was tiredly making a drink.

"Wha-," he started, looking at her in disbelief.

"Sorry!"

She ran out of the common room and into the corridor. Taking a sip, she grimaced. Light roast. Only wimps drank that.

"Sorry Remus," she muttered wryly. "I'll be there in ten,"

—

Remus John Lupin was nervously pacing in the empty library. His hands were stiffly clasped behind his back, his face growing paler by the minute. His chest felt so tight he could hardly breathe.

"What have you done, you idiot," he muttered in despair. Adara would be here in twenty minutes and he was about to lose his mind. If only he hadn't asked her to come.

Shut up, he told his brain. It is scientifically proven that this will work.

Exhaling, he fell into the armchair. Arithmancy wouldn't be able to predict the outcome of this.

Raising his arm, he checked his watch. Ten minutes.

Yet fate seemed to hate him today because there she was, stumbling into the library balancing various books and a cup of coffee. His brilliant, frazzled, loving friend. Despite his looming predicament, he smiled at the sight of her. She was always there for him. But who knew if she will be after this.

"What's going on, Patil? I thought I said 20 minutes?"

"Twenty?" she scoffed, sitting down across from him. "Remus Lupin, the man who will scream bloody murder if you attemp to wake him up before eight o'clock sharp is awake at 6 in the morning. Without coffee, I may add. So this is either very important to you or a prank,"

Satisfied with her explanation, she raised her eyebrow expectantly. He grimaced. She looked so much like McGonagall when she did that.

"Regardless, thanks for being here. I know it's no easy feat for you to get up early after your patrols with Luca" he said tiredly. Yet a faint color was spreading across her cheeks. Was she blushing? Yet soon her face was so flushed that it was impossible to say so otherwise.

But why would she blush about that? Unless...

"You like him!" he accused with delight. He practically jumped forward in his seat, a scandalized expression written across his face.

"No, I-," she began, horrified, but her face gave it away. Remus smirked. She was not getting out of this. James and Sirius would stop here but he had no qualms.

"Spill," he demanded, ignoring her protests.

"I thought we were supposed to discuss your life issues," she retorted, her face practically a tomato. Remus shook his head slowly. Life issues would have to wait for a moment- this was too good of an opportunity to pass by.

This time he cocked an eyebrow, impatiently tapping his foot. Arms crossed, the unruly, exhausted Hufflepuff sighed.

"Why are you so good at this?"

"Possibly because you're my best friend and I can read you like a book,"

She crossed her arms begrudgingly.

"I don't even know if I like him. I mean, I think I do?" she confessed, confusion seeping through. Remus bit back a smile.

"Here's a foolproof method. Do you ever think about f-,"

"NO," she yelled, half standing. Her eyes were wide but once again, her face betrayed her.

He began to laugh, to which she furiously smacked him.

"Remus John Lupin how dare you suggest such vulgar things,"

"Did that help?" he asked, his grin fading. In exchange, her small, sweet smile appeared.

"Yes it did- not the second question," she added quickly. "But I do believe it's your turn. Otherwise you'd be getting your beauty sleep,"

He tensed, his mood shifting to serious. Sirius. Sighing, he dropped his face into his palms. Ugh, he was hopeless.

"Remus? Everything alright?"

He jolted upwards, his face reddening. Adara's eyebrows rose- she was practically identical to McGonagall now. That is until a knowing, despicable smile crept across her face.

"Would you look at that? I highly doubt I'm wrong. Is our lovely, single Lupin having girl troubles?" she said wickedly, a glint appearing. He didn't return her smile, instead lowering his head even further .

"Merlins beard, I'm actually right?" she said, her eyes widening. "I was bluffing,"

He looked at her drily. Should I tell her now?

But what if she hates you. What if she thinks your disgusting?

That small voice would never leave him alone. It was always there, sleeping, waiting to spring awake. What if they hate you for being a werewolf? It had said two years ago. It fueled his fears, his doubts, causing him to run from everyone, run away from the truth. Until a group of boys and two ferocious girls walked up to him and stayed by his side ever since. Especially one.

Taking in a shaky breath, he tried to calm.

The voice had been wrong then. So what if it was now?

"Damnit," he said, frustrated. Adara gave him a concerned look but he brushed it away.

She was the first to know about him becoming a werewolf. On that day he'd barely worked up the courage to tell her in the library, she didn't laugh or scream or call him a monster. Instead she simply stood up and left. At first he'd thought she hated him, which almost caused him to cry, to scream, to give that small voice but she returned carrying a big, musty book in her arms.

"This ought to help," she'd said knowingly, smiling. That day was the first day he felt like he could freely breath.

Yet he had no idea as to how he would feel about this. His knuckles went white, his body tensed.

"Not a girl," he said quietly. She looked at him, confused.

"What do yo…," she started, her voice trailing off in realization. Here it comes, he thought, bracing himself.

Would she call him disgusting?

Or tell the whole school?

He drew himself in tighter, waiting for her verdict.

Yet once again, she surprised him.

"Why didn't you say that before? So who's the luc-,"

"You're not disgusted?" he interrupted, confused.

"Are you stupid? I'm just mad you didn't correct anything earlier. Why the hell would I be disgusted? You're my best friend," she said firmly.

At that moment, Remus Lupin allowed a smile to creep across his face. She doesn't hate you.

"You don't hate me," he said to himself, bewildered.

"Were you expecting me to act like an old, conservative prick? It's the 20th century for god's sake. You're not going to be burned at the stake. You love who you love," she said fiercely. Her coffee lay forgotten on the floor.

"I don't deserve you,"

"Damn right. Now are you going to tell me the guy? My foot's falling asleep and my coffee's gone cold,"

He inhaled, reclining slowly. He felt like he could breathe again. Meeting her eyes, he grinned unapologetically.

"So I may have forgotten to tell you I've been dating Sirius for a year….,"

—

The pair talked for the next two hours. Transfiguration started at ten today so they had plenty of time.

Twice Adara has Accioed cups of steaming coffee over, sipping as she listened to Remus's woes.

However, Adara was mad. Very mad.

For she was too stupid to realize two of her closest friends had been together for an entire year. Remus had claimed that Sirius would be dead if his family found out but she suspected that there was more to it.

Yet she was more upset when he confessed his issue about the Yule Ball. The Sirius she knew would never ditch someone like that but if he was, then Adara would have to take action.

"How about I beat up his date so you can take him?" she offered hopefully. Remus groaned to which she laughed. "Seriously though. I highly suggest you talk to him- miscommunication will otherwise be your downfall,"

He smiled sadly.

"But what if he says n-,"

"Listen to me Remus. You don't know until you try," she said tiredly. He'd always been like this- afraid of rejection. She didn't blame him. Being a werewolf only contributed to this fear. However, there was a certain point that shouldn't be crossed. If he lives like this for the rest of his life, he's going to get nowhere.

Remus looked at her resignedly.

"As much as I don't want to, I suppose that is the best course of action,"

"You bet it is,"

He smiled, shaking his head. She was glad to see him looking a bit more like his usual self. "Mission accomplished," she whispered to herself.

"Oh no," Remus said with delight. "Your mission is far from over. We are now going to figure out how to get Luca to go to the ball with you,"

Appalled, Adara downed the last of her coffee.

"Are you insane? That Is never going to happen in a million years,"

"You don't know until you try," he quoted triumphantly. Adara rolled her eyes. "Besides, you're clearly in love with him and if he doesn't go with you I'll hex his underpants to turn see-through,"

She looked at him with outrage.

"No more hexing Inno-,"

"Innocent? Remember what the last Malfoy did to you. If he doesn't treat you properly his underpants will be the least of his concerns," he said grimly. Adara bowed her head, clasping her wrist. There was no way to deny what he said. However, as hard as he was to figure out, she knew one thing for sure.

"He's not like Lucius," she said quietly. He looked at her solemnly, silently summoning another cup of dark roast. She accepted it gratefully as he began to speak.

"I know. And that's why I'm giving him a chance. So I highly recommend you take this chance to go with him to the ball. Because it's not me you need to prove his worth to,"

"But James," she finished softly. "He's going to flip out, isn't he?"

"Exactly. Which is why we need to give this our all- otherwise you have no possibility of a future relationship,"

To that Adara promptly threw a pillow at him.

—

A pair of black shoes clicked against the cold marble.

It was shining and all of the portraits in the hall had been wrapped with ribbons and such. Rare artifacts were displayed on the walls, glimmering in the moonlight.

To this Kylo Valina smirked. All this decadence for me.

For him indeed.

He leisurely made his way into the ballroom, examining the crowd of royalty. Today was a Red Court meeting and so none of the Silver's or the Nobles were here. He knew that everyone here despised him, hated him for his age but he didn't mind. If this was what was necessary to keep control of his power, it wouldn't matter.

Royalty was classified by the age of the family and the purity of the blood. The Malfoy's, the Black's and the Thorn's were the most powerful families in Britain. In fact, Kylo Valina represented the entire branch of Great Britain. The disappearance of Adaralyn was unprecedented but it worked splendidly for him.

As her fiancé, he would be the next in line for the throne since the Thorn's have held the chair position for centuries.

Yet the other families disrespected him, looked down on him when he assumed power.

He's not one of them.

But that was resolved after crippling the most powerful wizard in the Court in a duel.

Now there were no more complaints.

However, he could feel the whispers from the purebloods decked in jewels and their finest robes. His fist tightened and he abruptly strode up to the throne, reclining lazily.

The attendant dutifully placed the circlet of thorns on his head.

This was his throne and no one would tell him otherwise.

Not even the purple-faced Abraxos Malfoy who was furiously striding towards him.

—

"Argus Filch," purred the man. "Have you found the culprit?"

He shuddered, trying to look away from his twisting blue eyes with no avail.

"Not yet sir," Filch squeaked. This is dangerous. He looked over to Ms. Norris who sat on his lap, sleeping. Traitorous beast.

But Argus Filch had said the wrong thing.

"What do you mean 'not yet'? I told you to do this weeks ago?" he roared, his eyes cloudy and wild. He flicked his wand and suddenly Argus was thrown backwards, banging into the bookcase.

"Sir, please, I promise to try harder," pleaded Filch desperately as a sharp pain shot up his torso. To his horror, a snake had appeared under his shirt and bit him. He screamed, trying to get it off.

"That is not g-," started the man. However, an odd change came over him. He blinked his eyes, examining his wand and then looking at Filch who seemed to be hitting the snake with a table while gasping in pain.

"Apologies," he said calmly. "I'm afraid I let Naga run wild,"

Argus Filch writhed on the floor in pain, oblivious to his speech.

"Help…..Please," he croaked. The man merely smiled, tossing him a bottle of Dittany.

"This is your punishment. Help yourself. If you do not tell me the culprit in the next twenty-four hours I will kill you,"

[EXTRA: HEADCANON]—-

James, Sirius, Remus and Lily were in Hogsmeade. Remus had gone to the bathroom, promising to meet them in the square. He was returning, carrying several candies and finally spotted the familiar shock of red hair.

"Lily! Have you heard from Sirius," he asked, running over.

"I left him with James to get a butterbeer," she said nonchalantly. Yet she must have realized the enormity of the situation as the two met each other's eyes.

"Everything in that sentence does not work," he said in horror. Without any words needed, the pair immediately ran towards the Three Broomsticks.

Why may you ask?

Because there were red and gold fireworks exploding off of the roof.

Sirius was at home for the break and was writing a letter to James.

Regulus, that git, had been breathing over his shoulder for over an hour in case he ran off again.

Deer James, he began. Suddenly his brother leaned down.

"I don't know what you've been learning but I'm sure it's 'dear'," he said coolly.

"No it isn't," Sirius snapped.

Deer James,

My brother's being a pompous arse…

"I'm going to kill you," muttered Regulaus.

Deer James,

My brother's being a pompous arse who apparently plans to murder me. If I don't see you again, please release the images of him drooling I sent you to his beloved girlfriend...

Regulus turned white and began to sputter to which Sirius mischievously flicked his wand and caused his darling brother to shut up.