The Second Star
5
Black as Night

It had been two weeks since Harry learned that Adhara's mother's maiden name was either Black or her married name was Black. He hadn't mentioned anything to the others but he could tell that Hermione had.

Harry wondered if Adhara really was related to Sirius, he couldn't see how though. Sirius would have told him if he had a daughter, Dumbledor would have told him if Sirius had a daughter, and Lupin or Hagrid would have told him. He ruled out that possibility.

"Potter, five points from Griffindor for not even starting on the assignment," Snape said. Harry glanced down the table at Adhara.

'I haven't even talked to her since Hermione told me. She does have that natural grace and beauty that all the Blacks seemed to possess.'

"That's the second zero you got this week Harry," Hermione said as they left the room.

"Yeah, I can't stop thinking about how Adhara could possibly be related to Sirius," Harry mumbled.

"You really are a stupid one Potter," Malfoy sneered. "I know the reason Regulas Black was murder nearly seventeen years ago. You know who he-."

"Is there a problem Draco," Adhara said coolly. She took her wand out and stepped toward Malfoy. Harry jumped in front of her.

"He's not worth it Adhara," Harry said.

"Then why do you always fight him," Adhara shot.

"Black that will do. Now I think that will be a detention for Black and a detention for Potter for attack on Malfoy," Snape said. He sneered at them. "Black and Potter, well if it isn't de je vu." Adhara threw Snape a dirty look and ran off. Harry didn't see her the rest of the day.

Harry waited in the Common Room for Adhara that night under his cloak.

'I forgot Regulas Black was Sirius's brother and a Death Eater. She must be Sirius's niece! It explains why Fudge kept talking about her family. Regulas was probably killed for marrying a Muggle.'

Something near the portrait hole stirred. A massive Siberian tiger, with black stripes so think over it's white coat so that it looked like a large black panther that was graying, stepped from the shadows.

Harry wanted to scream but his heart was going so fast he could barely breath. The tiger stalked out of the portrait hole. Harry's breath came easier and he ran upstairs to get Ron.

"Ron get up," Harry said shaking him. Ron opened his eyes.

"What's happened," Ron said groggily.

"I just saw a massive tiger. Quickly let's follow it," Harry said. Ron instantly woke up.

"We can't follow a tiger in the cloak," Ron said. Harry grabbed the Marauders' Map and shoved the cloak under his sheets.

Five minutes later they hurtled down a set of stairs.

"What's the map say," Ron asked.

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good," Harry chanted. "No tiger look though! Adhara's in the library." They raced to the library.

Books were thrown everywhere. Pages fluttered with out binding and even as they stood there or books from the Restricted Section flew by them.

"There must be something in here that'll tell me how to get to the House of Black," they heard Adhara mumble.

'God, she's talking about headquarters!'

"A family portrait," Adhara said sadly. Harry heard the click of her locket being opened. Then it snapped shut. "I hate you." The book came hurtling passed Harry's head. Horrible shredding noises followed.

"Lucky Hermione's not here. She'd go ballistic," Ron said with out thinking. The noise stopped and Adhara stepped out in front of them.

"What are you two doing here," she said coldly. Harry picked up the book that almost took his head off.

"We wanted to know what was up with you," Harry said.

"You sure you're in the right house? A temper like that ought to land you in Slytherin," Ron said.

"Slytherin wanted me but they couldn't have me. I'm only a half-breed. I'm better off in Griffindor. The Slytherins can't shut up about my father," she said.

"Slytherin wanted me too but I refused to go," Harry told her. Harry realized he hadn't told Ron that once his eyes grew huge.

"Harry-."

"Don't tell anyone Ron."

"Why can't they shut up about you dad," Ron switched his thoughts to Adhara.

"They're afraid of him."

"But he's dead. He was killed on Voldemort's orders ages ago," Ron said. Adhara stared at him. "I'm sorry."

"No one ever truly dies and they never leave this world. They merely become ghosts that don't make themselves known, for this earth is heaven for this earth is hell." She turned away from them. "As you where the day of arrival!" Everything returned to, as it was that morning. Harry and Ron gaped, stunned, at the room. Adhara ran off and it was nearly a minute before they realized they were supposed to be in bed.

"Let's just see the portrait she was talking about," Ron said. Harry looked at the map. Everyone, including Adhara, was now asleep in there beds.

"Right, mischief managed." Ron found the book and pulled it out.

"Look, that's him Regulas Black," Ron said pointing to a fourteen year old boy standing with his mother, father, and...brother. "Blimey, he looks an awful lot like Sirius." Sirius's picture smiled at them as his parents and brother scowled. Harry felt a tug on his heart. Ron went to put the book back but Harry grabbed it.

"We might find more stuff about Regulas in here," Harry said. Ron nodded knowingly and they went back to their beds.

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Another week passed with out Harry talking to Adhara. The weather was getting colder with September coming to a close.

"Harry, I need you to meet me here tomorrow," Adhara said. Harry looked at the one-eyed witch statue.

"Okay, I think I can remember that," Harry grinned.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow's trails?"

"A little," Harry agreed. He felt panic rise in his stomach, he forgot about the trails.

"Poor Potter is feeling all nervous," Malfoy's voice came. Crabbe and Goyle laughed stupidly.

"If only he'd stop following me then life would be good," Adhara mumbled.

"You chanting something Black," Malfoy sneered although he took half a step back.

"I only need a flick for what I'm going to do to you Draco," Adhara said sweetly. She flicked her wand and there was a puff of pink smoke. When it dissolved Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle were wearing frilly pink dresses.

"HEY LOOK AT MALFOY," Harry bellowed. Kids crowded around and started laughing.

"You'll pay Black! You and Potter both, I'll get you Adhara," Malfoy spat and he retreated to the dungeons.

"That was brilliant," Neville said joining Harry and Adhara.

"Well done," Ginny agreed.

"Nice trick," Luna said dreamily.

"Better then the books," Ron complemented.

"What books? Oh never mind. Adhara you can't do things like that. Malfoy's a prefect and he could dock points from you," Hermione said.

"I don't think Miss Malfoy has the guts to take points from me. I'd like to see him try actually," Adhara said. "A quick Memory Charm before he got the words out would do the trick."

"Oh you are just like-."

"My father? I get that a lot from those who know who he is."

Harry's bag slipped. He caught it before it hit the ground but the book with the Black history in it fell out. Adhara picked it up and went pale.

"What are you doing with this?"

"A bit of reading never hurt," Harry said. His tone was a little cool. Adhara thrust the book into his chest.

"My name has no meaning to you," she snarled. The others stared quietly. Adhara started walking away.

"More then you'll ever know! Your uncle was my godfather," Harry shouted after her. Adhara walked back over.

"My uncle died years ago," Adhara said, "My mom told me he died years ago."

"He died in June, your mum was mistaken. I was there, all of us, were there when he died."

"I really am alone now," Adhara said crestfallen. She walked away with a proud posture but a sad face.

"She really isn't too bad. Reckless and a bit dangerous but she's all right," Hermione said sadly. "Harry, where are you going?" Harry sprinted after Adhara and they quietly left the castle together.

"I know how you feel Adhara," Harry said quietly. They sat under the beech tree by the lake.

"I watched my dad and your uncle torture Snape under here last year trough a Pensive. That memory bugged me for awhile until I talked to your uncle and Lupin." Adhara looked at him.

"Remus?" Harry nodded. "Remus is my godfather."

"He never mentioned you to me?"

"I'm guessing you knew him well? Why should he mention me? My father never came for us and my uncle must have loathed me for being a half blood."

"That's not true," Harry said angrily. "He was friends with my mum and she's Muggle born. He probably didn't know about you seeing that he was disowned."

"Do you know where Remus is? I really want to talk to him," Adhara begged. Harry scratched his head.

"I'll send him an owl and tell him to visit if he has the chance," Harry said.

"A day visit would be best. Then I can meet him in Hogsmede," Adhara said.