A/N: Thanks for the review! Quick question to anon. why do you think Zuri would be a good match for Higgs or Remus. Just curious.


"A friend is someone who can see the truth and pain in you even if you are fooling everyone else"


"Remus?"

Remus looked up from his old copy of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The werewolf was more stunned by the expression Lily Evans directed at him than her coming up to speak with him randomly. Remus sat there on the couch frozen, heart racing abnormally too fast. He recognized this face. It was the same one from several of months ago. Merlin, how that conversation turned for the worse.

"Remus, can I talk to you," Lily paused when she noticed James straightened at her presence. "Alone."

"Um…" Remus' instincts alerted him to bolt, but being the courteous Gryffindor that he is he nodded and followed her. "So…" his eyes darted around the empty classroom avoiding the sympathetic eyes of Lily's. "What do you want to talk about."

"Addie," Lily stated. That was enough for Remus to fluster at the scrutiny of Lily. She raised an eyebrow as he reddened. 'Merlin, just the sound and mention of Adhara made me blush like an idiot,' he thought.

"What about her?" his voice rose.

"Don't act daft, Remus," she reprimanded him. "Adhara's been avoiding you." Remus shouldn't have been surprised. It's not like Adhara made it subtle. She would be cordial with James and Sirius but outwardly not greet him or walk the other way.

Lily demanded answers from Remus since Adhara was being closed-lip about it.

Remus could feel the heat start up again when he remembered what his row with Adhara was about. The amused look of Lily's did not help.

"I may have called Fabian a prat," he admitted.

"That cannot be all," she rolled her eyes.

Remus shrugged. "Well…I may have humiliated her, too," he said. "I…told her—well yelled is the correct term—that she shouldn't change herself for a guy." That was in simpler terms.

"That couldn't have been all," Lily said with disbelief.

Remus nodded. "It's true. I said it with a more..."

"Scolding tone? Like a parent berating her child?" Lily guessed with a smirk. Remus how she guessed it easily. Remus nodded again. The male froze, not expecting her to grab him by the shoulders. He watched her curious to know what she was up to. "How are you doing?"

Remus shrugged again. It's not like he's crying into his pillow about it. He's sulking but not too much in front of his mates for them to ask questions about it.

"You couldn't have yelled at her without reason," she smirked. Remus' eyes narrowed, watching her closely.

"You know."

"Know what?"

"About the…kiss," Remus growled out. He tried not to think about it. But it would plague his thoughts, coming in unwanted like a nightmare. Lily seemed to be having a field day with his misery—his seething jealousy—over the matter.

"So is that why you took it out on her?"

"No," he cried out. "Maybe the reason why I said it in a harsher tone but all of that is true." Lily nodded as if she knew all along.

"Look, we're young," she said with a wave of her hand. Remus raised an eyebrow. "What? We are. You blokes look at a girl and all you see is how fit she is. And us girls, who know how you blokes are, change our appearance to please you prats. She'll realize soon enough what matters when fancying a boy like Fabian."

"Well, I could care less about how she looks," well that was a lie. Half-lie, at least. Remus, of course, fancied Adhara as soon as he saw her. He thought she was cute. So, what. But then he got to know her (through watching how she interacted with Sirius and James). She was more than just a shy and adorable girl. Adhara is lost so she would follow Sirius'. She's discovering her own path, though. It may take some time but she's getting there. So, make up and tighter and shorter clothes are the last on his mind. All he would need is her company and that would be enough for him. Remus said just that to Lily (well, the last part).

Lily, of course, cooed at that. "Don't worry, Remus. Like I told you, we're young. For all we know she can dump Fabian and see how much of a prince you are."

"Yes?" Remus knew what was coming. He dreaded it. He prayed to whatever deity to bring a distraction so he can avoid any more talk about his pathetic pining over his best mate's twin sister.

"I would like to talk to you in private."

"Lily…"

"Please," she pleaded. It's not like he could say no—he could but Lily had some influence over him to make him too much of a coward to deny her. Remus sighed and followed her to a private nook of the common room.

"I don't want to talk about it," he said before she can start.

"Do you know what's going on?" she asked him. "I thought she was with Fabian and now I hear that she's engaged to Thomas. I thought they were just friends!"

Remus assumed that Lily hasn't spoken to Adhara yet. So, he filled her in. "It's an arranged marriage. Sirius told me that she didn't have much of a choice."

Lily's face pinched as she listened. "Ugh, that means she's still with Prewitt." Remus loved how Lily loathes the redhead almost as much as himself. He figured it had to do with how similar Prewitt's personality is to James' and Sirius'.

Remus nodded. "He didn't know about it either. I think Adhara's in a row with—

"—what's going on here?" both fourth years jumped at the sudden yell of James Potter. His eyes narrowed in on the two. "What's so private that you both had to find your own nook to whisper in?"

"Like you said, Potter. It's private," Lily emphasized. James, of course, then looked to Remus as if he just knows that he's going to tell him since they are best mates. But this secret is too embarrassing to share. And too close to home. If it wasn't for Lily's inquisitive personality, Remus wouldn't even bother sharing his feelings over Adhara.

"Well, Remus?" James waited.

"Like, uh, she said. It's a secret."

James pouted. "We don't have secrets. We're best mates," James whined. He then points an accusatory finger at the werewolf. "And you do remember our promise about secrets, right, Remus."

"This is a bit different," Remus said quickly.

"But you can share this secret with my Lily-flower," James frowned.

"James,-

"—Potter, it's none of your business," Lily chose to ignore the annoying nickname James gave her.

James' eyes darted between the two. Remus recognized the betrayed expression coming across James' face. He knew what this looked like to the bespectacled boy. Remus whispering to James' crush would cause questions to arise. Remus knew that he is a bit too indulgent when it comes to his best mates.

"You can't tell anyone," Remus warned him.

"Remus, of course, I won't betray your trust," he said in mock offense.

"That means not telling Peter or Sirius," Remus clarified. He noted how the boy faltered at that. He must think this is serious, he thought, watching at James waited in anticipation.

"Why can't I? I can't keep secrets—

"—James, this is my secret. I am trusting you not to tell anyone about this," Remus said. Remus knew that if James knew about his crush on Adhara, the first person he would run to would be Sirius. He won't do it out of indifference to how Remus' would react but more on how smug and how juicy this gossip was. It was two things that made this secret valuable.

Remus fancies someone (finally!).

Remus fancies Adhara!

"Ok," was all James could muster up. As if keeping a secret from Sirius would make up combust.

"I had no control over this," Remus starts because he had to introduce this secret carefully. "I'm not going to do anything about it. Don't worry."

"You're freaking me out, Remus," James said.

"He's being a drama queen," Lily teased Remus. "Remus fancies Adhara."

Silence. James didn't say anything for about four seconds before he tripped over his own words, struggling to find a coherent response. "Bullocks," he stated. But then James looked over at Remus to see how flustered the werewolf is. Never had he seen Remus so red and embarrassed. "Seriously?" he squeaked.

Remus nodded.

"Since when?"

"Second year," when he finally acknowledged his feelings for the Hufflepuff.

"Two years…" he hears James whisper to himself.

"I wasn't going to say anything since I know how Sirius would react and you would tease me ever chance you got," Remus made an excuse.

James groaned. "Why did this have to be the secret?" he asked rhetorically. "I think Sirius would rather have Addie date you than Fabian, to be honest."

"I would, too." Lily stated.

James stared at Lily skeptically. "How did you find out?"

"Because Remus is not as good as an actor as you think," she said smugly. "He's awfully smitten. It's pretty obvious."

Remus watched as James went into deep thought. "You're right," he snapped his fingers. "Now that I think about. I just chalked up to Remus being Remus." What does that mean? Remus thought trying to figure out how his name became an adjective. James smile ruefully at the werewolf. "Oh, this is going to be fun."

"You promised," Remus reminded him.

"Oh, I promised not to tell anyone. That doesn't mean I promise not to tease ya," James cackled.


"Amazing, we have four classes with Hufflepuff," Sirius said with a grin that quickly disappeared.

"Still in a row with Adhara?" Remus asked. The werewolf loathes how when Adhara has a row with his friends equals her avoiding them all as a whole.

"She's the one that came at me like a bludger," Sirius whined. Remus looked down at his schedule. Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, and Charms with Hufflepuff. It was as if someone read his mind.


"You made up with your boyfriend, yet?" Adhara flinched at the sudden voice over her shoulder. She looked up to see Zuri watching her with an amused expression. Unfortunately for the Pureblood, Zuri didn't ask that question quiet enough. Olivia and Emily turned to them.

"You know who her boyfriend is?" she asked, voice low. Olivia and Emily—being the clever Hufflepuff that they are—knew that Thomas couldn't have been her secret BF. Because why would she sneak around after dark to see Thomas? Both girls eyed the Ravenclaw curiously.

Zuri shrugged with a smirk. "You don't mind?" she asked Adhara as she sat her bag down on the desk.

"Um, no, go head," she said. Adhara didn't know why she was tense. The girl seemed easy to talk to after their conversation in the hall yesterday night. But her cool attitude made her seem unapproachable.

"Hello," she greeted the two Hufflepuffs. "Zuri," she held out her hand, giving them a practiced smile that she only shows her father's political allies.

The other girls introduced themselves. "So how did you find out who her boyfriend is?" Olivia asked.

"Caught them snogging in the hall," she joked. But of course, with her current neutral expression, the joke went over their heads thinking she was serious. "Joking, of course," she said before Professor Pomona Sprout came in.

"Look who's here," James snickered as he nudged Remus. Remus sighed, knowing what he was referring to. He turned toward the entrance to see Adhara walking in. Her expression pensive. Silver eyes darting around the classroom before it landed in their direction. Her eyes locked on Remus' before smiling at him and walking their way.

"Sirius," she dropped her bag on their table before turning to her brother.

"Adhara," he said in the same tone as her.

"I'm sorry. I was being a prat and was angry and took it out on you," she said in one big breath.

"Hmmm, I don't know," Sirius leaned back in his chair. A smirk on his face. "You did tackle me into a wall."

Remus watched in amusement as Adhara jutted her lower lip and batted her eyes. She gave him her best 'puppy eyes'. "What do you want?"

Sirius tapped his chin. "Rigel."

She stared at him with disbelief. "Rigel?"

"Yeah," he rolled his eyes.

"Who's Rigel again? It sounds familiar," Peter asked.

"It's her kneazle," Remus answered. He recalled the black feline that hates when anyone other than Sirius approaches Adhara.

"It was supposed to be ours but she's been hogging him," Sirius told them.

She then turned to Remus. "He wants Rigel so he can lure the girls in."

Sirius scoffed. "I don't need help from a bloody cat."

"It's okay to ask for help," James pat him on the shoulder.

Adhara rolled her eyes and acquiesced. "Fine, you can borrow him on weekends," she said. "Now do you forgive me?"

"Fine, I suppose so," Sirius said before opening his arms wide. "Now we will commemorate with a hug." Sirius ignored the teasing from James. He pouted when he noticed how reluctant Adhara was. Her eyes surveying the room, making sure that no one would witness this. "Aw, you don't want to hug your big brother."

"You're only a few minutes older than me," she scoffed before heading towards the table next to Lily.

"She's right," Sirius said with a shrug and smirk. "I'm more of a dog person but the rules only allow cats."


"Do you want any more tea, Miss Black?" Aggy, the house-elf, asked her. She's been keeping Adhara company in the kitchens for the last thirty minutes. Aggy is the only one out of the rest of the elves to know about Fabian and Adhara. She would serve them leftovers and sometimes make them fresh desserts. Adhara thought it had more to do with how charming Fabian can be but then she started to realize how much the elf actually dislikes the bloke and is only kind when Adhara is involved.

"No," she said. "I guess I'll be going."

"I'm sure Mr. Prewitt will arrive soon." And just like that he was. Both females lifted their head at the sound of the door opening to see the redhead entering. He didn't look apologetic. If anything, Fabian still appeared to look angry.

"Mister Prewitt, you shouldn't leave a young lady waiting," the elf said in the most reprimanding voice she can muster up without sounding rude.

"It's not like I said I was going to meet her," he said to the elf. "I'm here, aren't I?" He was clearly annoyed.

"Um, thanks for meeting with me," Adhara said. She had this all planned. She made sure to get her thoughts organized so she didn't have to be too nervous. But there he was in front of her, tall, handsome, and angry toward her. Where were the charismatic smile and playful winks?

"So…you asked me here. So, talk," he requested.

Adhara licked her lips nervously before explaining. "It's an arranged marriage, Fabian," she said. There was no need for an introduction. She might as well start with the basics. "I had no choice," she said, her voice trembling.

"No choice," Fabian repeated. "We all have choices, Addie."

Choices. That word again. She heard it from many.

"We all have choices. I picked the one that made me happy," Andromeda said. "I choose Teddy."

"You have either Carrow or Higgs. Those are you're on choices," Father clarified to her.

"I know I may have been the last choice for you to marry," Thomas said.

"We're betrothed," she clarified. "This doesn't mean I'll marry him in the next year, Fabe. I'm fourteen. There is plenty of time for this engagement to be terminated. I'm just going along with it for now."

It was partially a lie. Did she have the courage to be like Andromeda and follow her own path? It's not like she'll marry someone as horrid as Carrow or Lestrange. Higgs is her best option when it came to her parents' top picks of eligible bachelors.

"Thomas knows about us," she confessed. He frowned at that. She walked slowly toward the fifth year. He didn't move when she placed her hand on his arm. "He figured it out. I mean, are you okay with me…putting on a front with Thomas and we can still—

"—date in secret?" she nodded. Adhara waited with anticipation. She knew how much he hated their relationship being secret. It started out fun and thrilling but Fabian is the type of guy to want to stake claim on his girl.

She brought both of her hands to his shoulders. She squeezed them before bringing them around his neck. Her fingers playing with hair over the nape of his neck. Adhara beamed when she felt his large hands wrap around her waist.

He sighed dramatically. "I guess I can be your dirty little secret for a bit longer," Fabian said. He leaned down as Adhara stood on her toes to reach her lips.


Author's Note: Sorry about this being more of a filler.

Next Chapter:

New members of 'slug club'

James tries to help out Remus with Adhara

Adhara is oblivious...

and so is Zuri...