"I guess I should stop hiding," Adhara sighed. It's been a few hours since they have been in the secret room listen to many records by muggles. Bob Dylan will always have a place in her heart but she easily became a fan favorite of the Jackson 5 and Sly & and the Family Stone. R&B was a different world of music than what she was use to with the Beatles and the Animals. Remus teased her saying that of course two different genres of music is different. It would not bode well if they are the same. Good thing his mum was not around. She would ramble on about how R&B helped shape the beginning of Rock and Roll (some think it's debatable).
"I apologize for ruining your Saturday," Adhara said. Shy to admit it to him but she is glad he did not just abandon her to her own devices. She liked spending time with him alone. With James and Sirius around, it was difficult to speak to him with such boisterous personalities taking over.
She finally pushed herself up from the comfortable loveseat. Adhara offered to trade places with Remus earlier since he was sitting on the floor (with the rug adding comfort a bit) but the Gryffindor knew how comfortable the sofa was so he denied her. May it be anyone else, he would jump at the offer. Sirius is right. Merlin, he is becoming a sap.
"You didn't. Music and good company is the perfect Saturday for me," Remus assured her. Nothing eventful would have happened during Hogsmeade. Zonko's and butterbeer and maybe buy some chocolate frogs. Yeah, he'll be a bit saddened with having no chocolate until the next Hogsmeade trip but it is worth it. He has spent two uninterrupted hours with Adhara Black. Yeah, there was rarely any talking unless Adhara gushed about how good the track was and ask about the artists but nothing else. He is content with that. He's felt even closer with Adhara now than ever before.
"But still. You didn't plan on spending your Saturday with me," she argued. She tapped her chin as she thought of how she can make it up to Remus. She did not know much about this Gryffindor even though they consider each other mates. It seemed as if he knew more about her than vice versa. But then again, she does confide in him about her own problems. Music. Remus loves music. Knew more about than herself so she couldn't really give him something back in that category. BOOKS. She'll enlist Lily for help in that department. But for now...
"Next week, do you want to be partners in Potions?" Adhara asked him. Remus raised an eyebrow. That was not what he was expecting.
"You don't have to repay me. It is what friends do," Remus shrugged trying to be nonchalant but inwardly was a completely giddy kid shouting yes.
"I don't know why I asked," she rolled her eyes. "You're struggling in Potions. I'm good at it. No buts about it. I'm your partner for the foreseeable future."
"I will only accept if you let me tutor you in the Defense of Dark Arts," Remus said as he made his way out the door and into the empty hall. Adhara's grey eyes widened at his negotiation tactics before she smiled at him.
"Maybe I've gotten better," she told him. It's clearly a lie since she's horrid at it. He wonders how she was capable of keeping her relationship with Prewitt a secret for so long. "Thomas is a great tutor."
Remus, not bothering to hold back his thoughts in the matter, scoffed. "While Sirius was too demanding, Thomas is too lenient on you. I think I can be the perfect amount of lenient and demanding of you as your teacher." James would be so proud of him right now. He watched with amusement as Adhara's jutted her lower lip into a pout.
"Fine, then. Sirius has to be there for it to not look suspicious," Adhara agreed. "Now, do you need me to walk you back?"
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" He chuckled.
"You might need the back up just in case Prewitt is out for revenge," Adhara reminded him. She then crosses her arms and glared at him, taking him by surprise. What did I do, he thought. "I might not be that good at offensive spells but my shield charm is top notch."
"That's not what I meant. I just did not want to cause too much trouble for you," Remus explained. "A betrothed Pureblood walking with a Gryffindor half-blood."
"Oh, right." Her concern still on her face.
"Don't worry. I think I'll be fine for now," Remus lied. He's not sure if there is a bounty on his head from Fabian. But he didn't need to worry Adhara about that. "I'll see you at dinner?"
"Yep, I'll be two tables away."
With luck on his side, Remus made it back with no problems. As he made his way through the halls, he had time to think of an excuse if James asked him where he's been. But that was quickly erased when he realized why would he need an excuse? If anything, he needed their help when Fabian comes back for retaliation. And of course, Sirius would want to know about what happened earlier. Adhara didn't ask him to keep quiet about it but he knows she would want to be. He only feels a tinge guilty about it but not guilty enough to keep quiet.
As soon as he walked thought the portrait entrance, Remus was hounded by James.
"Where the bloody hell where you?" He asked with hands on his hip as if he was his mum waiting after curfew for Remus to get back home. Remus looked past James to see Peter and Sirius there, too. The common room was a bit busy since everyone just came back from Hogsmeade so he knew now was not the time to explain.
"Mandatory meeting in five minutes in our room," Remus said before walking past them and heading up the stairs. He could hear Sirius say, "...the hell?"
His friends, being little shits that they are, decided to show up two minutes late.
"So, did Addie missing have anything to do with you?" Sirius said as soon as he walked in. His eyes trained on the werewolf. Remus could tell that he was in big brother mode.
"You should be happy since Thomas was out of the picture and you spent the whole day with Zuri," James said.
"Yeah, but my game was off since my sister was missing," Sirius growled. "Now spill."
"So, I may have made an enemy out of Prewitt," Remus admitted.
"He's always been the enemy."
"Well, now I'm his enemy so to speak," he said. "I may have defended Adhara's honor without thinking of the consequences."
Not liking how vague Remus is, Sirius asked, "What the hell did that bastard do?"
"I ran into Adhara in the hall since she was waiting outside of the portrait hole to catch Prewitt. She was planning on breaking up with him but never seem to catch him on time. We then began walking down the hall and turned a corner to see the bastard snogging that blonde girl he's always been hanging with," Remus explained. "Not really thinking, I threw a few hexes at him."
"So, that was you?" Sirius said with awe. He knew that Remus can be a threat when facing off in a duel but not to that extent.
Remus nodded. "So that's where I've been. I helped distract Adhara."
Sirius clenched his fists. "That bastard is so gonna' pay. Merlin, I bet she's...oh I can't even think about it." Sirius growled as he thought about his poor baby sister's broken heart. Prewitt is not going to know what hit him. Or maybe he will just to know not to mess with girls with protective older brothers.
James had to roll his eyes at his best friend. Sometimes, Sirius can be so dramatic—especially when it comes to his siblings. Didn't the bloke just hear what Remus said? Adhara was on her way to break up with the arsehole.
"Was Addie that broken up about it? I thought you said she was on her way to break up with him," Peter asked the magic question. Sirius was ready to snarl at the pudgy boy. Of course, Addie was broken up about it! Did he not see how smitten she was for the redheaded prat?
"She didn't cry at all," Remus answered. "She just felt betrayed that he would not be truthful with her if he fancied someone else."
"So, what are we gonna do about it?" James said with an evil grin.
Even though Adhara told Remus that she would return to her quarters, she was in no hurry. It's not as if anyone's waiting for her but then the teasing face of Jasper's popped into mind. Yeah, she would really like to avoid his invasive questions at least for another hour. Knowing him, he would possibly be waiting right at the entrance. The Hufflepuff made her way to the library knowing that it would be scarce of students on a weekend.
As she rounded the corner, she noticed a familiar face huddled over a large textbook. Overgrown inky black bangs falling over his silver-grey eyes as they scanned the text. Too engrossed in the book, Regulus didn't notice his sister now hovering over his shoulder as she snuck a look at his text.
"Boo," she whispered in his ear making him flinch so hard that his shoulder connected with her bottom lips. Even with the glare that Regulus was pointing at her didn't deter her. It has felt like it's been too long since she last spoken to her brother. So, the only thing for Adhara to was wrap the younger boy in her arms. Of course, Regulus struggled to get free but Adhara's hugs was just as bad as Sirius'. There was not letting go.
"Are you done?" He asked, clearly done with his face being pressed against his sister's torso.
"I guess that'll do for now," Adhara sighed as she released him. He eyed her wearily. "We should eat dinner together tonight."
Regulus easily inherited their father's temperament since he didn't show his emotions as he eyed Adhara skeptically. She couldn't blame him. It is not like she's gone out of her way to spend time with him like she did when he was a first year.
"Are you sure your Hufflepuff friends won't mind?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. Ahdara is no idiot. She knew where this was going and she always gave him the right answer. But then he hit her with a fast one. "Or the Lupin boy? You've been spending quite a lot of time with the half-blood."
Her eyes widen in shock but eyebrows furrowed at the way her brother said his blood status as if it was an insult. And knowing how her brother thinks equally the way their parents do, it certainly is one.
"He's my friend. It's normal to spend time with one," Adhara said through gritted teeth. She didn't need to go 'Sirius' since he has the habit to go full mental when defending his friends (not saying it's a bad thing).
"But didn't Mother and Father warned you about these so-called friends," Regulus reminded her. Adhara knew that she was being sloppy when she spent time with her roommates, with Jasper, or with Sirius' friends. But she thought it would better since she is betrothed to Thomas and he's understanding about it. But that does not mean that Regulus and other like-minded Slytherins would understand.
"It's not like I'm spending time with muggleborns. Jasper and his cousin are Purebloods."
Regulus rolled his eyes as he scoffed. "Don't play stupid. If Mother is angry with Sirius being friendly with Potter why should it be fine with you and Halifax?" Adhara shrugged. She knew that her younger brother has a point but not wanting to admit that he is right. Jasper may had come off as a clingy child that couldn't catch a hint, but now he's easily her best friend (not like he gave her much choice).
"Thomas doesn't have a problem with it, so mother shouldn't have to worry about it," Adhara said.
Regulus rolled his eyes again. "Yes, Thomas. That is quite strange that he has no problem with you befriending a blood-traitor. A male one at that."
Adhara chuckled at his statement. "You do know just because I am betrothed to Thomas does not mean that I have romantic feelings for him? He's still my best mate. And the same goes with Jasper—he's pretty obvious on who he has a crush on."
Now that caught a reaction. "Yes, McKinnon." Regulus scoffed. But he realized soon enough that he just admitted that he kept more than just a watchful eye on Jasper.
I should tread carefully, Adhara thought.
"You should be careful," Regulus warned her yet again. Adhara was close to rolling her eyes since she is just so done after what happened earlier. "I'm just looking after you. I have to since you are starting to have a blatant disregard of your reputation."
It was like a broken record. Adhara has heard it all before for the past four years. But as time went by, she did not want to be friends with the Slytherin. At least the ones who are deemed 'acceptable' by her family's standards. Merlin, even Thomas trie to warn her that her time spent with a few lions and one loud badger is not sitting well with the snakes.
And thinking of Thomas…
Ugh, I'm the worst friend, she thought as she recalled her standing up Thomas hours ago without explanation. She'll apologize during dinner.
"Do you warn Siri, too?" Regulus frowned at the use of their older brother's nick name from their earlier childhood. The one that Regulus called Sirius constantly. Even though it has been a few years since Sirius and Adhara were first years, it still struck the young Hufflepuff with sadness at the tension between her brothers. It was no secret that while Reg prefers Adhara for comfort and cuddles, Sirius was his favorite. Regulus has obviously always been an introverted child but has pushed aside any of his timid characteristics to become just like Sirius. Of course, Sirius is oblivious to how much Regulus looks up to him.
"Sirius has obviously picked a side with no care that he's heir to be the head of our family," Regulus sneered. His silver eyes now narrowing at Adhara. "Apparently, you have done the same since you've been quite friendly with Lupin." If there was one thing that the siblings have in common, it was their stubbornness. Regulus was not going to let Adhara slide by on this. Not after what he witnessed earlier.
"What do you have against Remus?"
"Remus? I warn you that being familiar with boys like Lupin will not do well for your reputation," Regulus sighed as he pinched his nose. Adhara couldn't help but pout a little since he's treating her like he's the older brother. "I saw you two together earlier."
Adhara blessed merlin that she did not react like the usual as if she got caught snogging Fabian. She only raised an eyebrow in question.
"You both went into a room together. I figure you both were in there for hours since you did not show up for Hogsmeade with Thomas," Regulus continued. Regulus didn't bother finishing; Adhara knew where his conclusions led to. A boy and a girl going into a room together? It did not take a genius to know what guess they could have been doing in that room. "Thomas and Sirius was in quite the fret. I would have said something but…I was not aware if it was a secret or not."
Adhara thought her hands looked more interesting (and less intimidating—yes her younger brother can be intimidating) than staring into Regulus' judgmental eyes. "He was comforting me…nothing happened. We were just listening to music. You can decide to believe me or not."
Regulus sighed. "I trust you. Luckily no one else was around," he said, trying to make her feel better. "I'll meet you for dinner later."
Not liking how their conversation ended, Adhara decided the best way to ease the tension was how they did so in the past. The look of surprise was amusing when Adhara wrapped her arms around her younger—now taller brother. He is practically two inches taller than herself.
"What are you doing?" Regulus has yet to hug back but that did not deter the Hufflepuff.
"Hugging you. That is what friends and family do," Adhara explained. Her face pressed against his shoulder. After four long seconds, Adhara finally felt Regulus' lanky arms wrap around her.
"Found you, Addie," both Purebloods jumped at the sudden voice behind them. Adhara turned to see the grinning face of Jasper Halifax. His grin quickly fell when he noticed who her company was. His back instantly straightened as his eyes glued onto her brother. It was amusing to see how different Jasper's reaction defers from how he is with Marlene. Jasper was as quiet as a mouse as a flush of pink rose from his cheeks.
"Did you need anything, Jasper?" she asked him with a small smirk. It's rare to see her friend flustered easily like this. Jasper nodded.
"I-I was looking for you," he said. That's obvious.
"I think we established that," she laughed. Not wanting her brother to leave, Adhara wrapped her arm around him to keep him in place.
"You disappeared," his lower lip jutted as he crossed his arms. "I was worried sick. What happened?"
Adhara glanced at her brother before answering. "Yeah, something came up."
Jasper interest piqued at her vagueness. Not taking the hint that she did not want to speak on it in front her brother he asked, "And what was this something that caused James, Sirius, and Thomas to go—," he paused as if a thought just occurred to him. Adhara knew it was time to bold judging by the glint in Jasper's eyes. "But James and Sirius was also looking for their fellow mate who's gone missing. You don't happen to know anything about that, do you?"
Both boys stared at her with knowing looks.
"She was with the Lupin boy," Regulus, the traitor, revealed.
"Reggie," Adhara pouted. They are siblings! They are supposed to have each other's backs.
"Reggie?" Jasper repeated with a smile. His eyes now on the third year who refused to look at the Hufflepuff boy.
"Call me that and I'll hex you," he told Jasper. "Both of you."
"But Reggie," repeated Jasper, since he loves pushing buttons. "It's such a cute nickname. You can call me Jazz if you want. It's what our lovely Addie calls me."
Much to Adhara's surprise, Reggie did not whip out his wand. Instead, the young Slytherin sighed with a roll of his eyes. "I'll see you at dinner?"
"Of course," she nodded before letting her brother go.
"Wow, you have it bad," said Adhara as she watched her friend stare after her brother who didn't bother looking at Jasper as he left.
"I just can't help that your brother is so beautiful and mysterious with his—everything," Jasper groaned as he hid his reddening face behind his hands. "At least he talked to me," he added with a whisper.
"Wow, you have it bad, huh?" she bumped shoulders with the taller boy.
"You have no idea," he groaned. "I could write poems of magnificent sharp cheekbones and disapproving stare."
"Yeah, yeah. I'll help you," Adhara said as she linked arms with Jasper and led him out of the library. "But first, let's go before we're kicked out because of your loud mouth."
So, it was not a great idea to explain what happened with Fabian to Jasper in the halls. It took ten minutes to calm the boy down and ten more minutes to beg him not to cause mayhem in the infirmary where the redhead is resting. Adhara felt flattered that Jasper felt so protective over her. She expects the same reaction out of James and Sirius. With Remus, she thought he was the calm one out of the group, but it showed earlier today that if someone pushes the right buttons he will show his wrath. Who knew that Adhara is one of those buttons.
"So, did Remus kiss you better? Make you forget about that carrot-head," Jasper teased. Just when Adhara was feeling grateful to have him for a friend, he teases her like this and makes her regret it.
"We just listened to music," Adhara said. "And talked."
"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"
"Why do you keep teasing me about Remus?" she said, clearly frustrated. Remus is a friend. Why can't males and females be friends without someone making a skeptical out of it?
Jasper stared at her as if she asked why Slytherins and Gryffindors hate each other. "Isn't it obvious?" he asked her. "Because you two would make the cutest couple. Like relationship goals. I mean, hold hands while listening to Bob Dylan or George Harrison while you ramble on about magical creatures and quidditch and he'll listen with a grin on his face because he loves seeing you so passionate."
Adhara's face grew redder as he explained it and she had to admit to herself that it did sound nice but…with Remus? Can't a girl and boy be friends without someone making something out of nothing?
"But…Remus is my friend," she repeated. "Who knew that Jasper Halifax, resident joker of house of Hufflepuff, is a romantic?"
"Everyone knows! You should have seen how I treated Marlene," he whined. "Like a princess!"
Adhara rolled her eyes. "I don't know I feel about you gushing about my brother's cheekbones and then talking about your date with my friend."
"Ah, don't worry. Marlene and myself had come to an understanding," Jasper explained as he wrapped an arm around her. "She just wants some fun with a snog. Nothing serious. And who knows if Reggie even likes me."
"Well, at least I know he tolerates you," Adhara said, trying to comfort him. It is the truth. Regulus has little patience for personalities such as Jasper's.
Jasper may act like it, but he is no fool. Since Remus knows about Fabian cheating on Adhara, it would be pretty obvious that the boy told the rest of his overprotective friends. Jasper may not know much about the group of boys, but he knows enough that they will not let this slide. They are like a pack of older overprotective brothers when it comes to Adhara.
"So, how are we gonna' show Fabian that Addie's heart is not to mess with," Jasper said as soon as he squeezed between Remus and Peter.
"What do you mean "we"," Sirius asked with narrowed eyes on the dirty blonde. Jasper shrugged.
"I want in."
"And how do you know there is something to be 'in'?"
"Because I know you guys are not gonna' let this slide so easily," Jasper rolled his eyes. Sirius could be so annoying at times. "I'm Ads best friend. I'll do it with or without you but I prefer comrades as I sometimes can be rash when I want revenge."
Sirius was just about to tell him to piss off back to his table but James cut him off. "What can you offer to our group of misfits?"
"Well, besides the obvious, I think we should do a step-by-step plan."
"Step-by-step plan?" Peter repeated with furrowed eyerbows.
"Yes, Petey. Because we're not letting this wanker off easy," Jasper said. "We'll start off small and by the end of the week he's gonna wish he never crossed paths with Addie. I think we should commence one prank a day starting Monday and end it on Saturday."
Sirius hates to admit it but Jasper is a genius. Sirius and James thought about setting off dungbombs in the redhead's bag and leave it that but Jasper proved that wouldn't be enough.
"I like the way you think, Halifax," James grinned at the Hufflepuff before returning back to his mash potatoes.
"So are you going to tell me why you refuse to look at your secret lover and why he's looking at you like a sick puppy…with spots?" Thomas asked Adhara with a playful smile. It became quite obvious that someone has a vendetta against Fabian Prewitt. Thomas could care less since he's rather indifferent to the boy. But he is more surprised that Adhara has not caused a ruckus over it. Prewitt has been sporting purple spots for the past two days with vibrant blue hair. The boy was putting on a show as if it didn't bother him that he looks like an utter fool, but Thomas could tell that it was bothering him. Thomas would bet half of his vault full of gold that Gryffindor's misfits has something to do with it.
And the reason was because of the stubborn Hufflepuff in front of him.
"He's not my lover," Adhara corrected him. Fabian has been trying to speak to her for the past two days but the 'Adhara Defense Squad' (James, Jasper, and Sirius) were always two steps ahead of the redhead (or purplehead?).
Thomas raised an eyebrow? "Oh? How about paramour then?" That earned him a eye roll. "Ah, don't be like that, love," Thomas pouts. He slings his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close. "You can make it up to me for standing me up Saturday by telling me your woes."
It concerned the Slytherin how comfortable she seemed with a male so close to her. Adhara didn't redden or become fluster at how close his body is against her own. It was the same with how she is with James, Sirius, and Jasper. And Thomas does not want to be on the same level as those buffoons. Not wanting to be on the same level as her rambunctious friends, Thomas decided to take this a step forward. Adhara did not even flinch when Thomas combed his fingers through her soft curly hair that he always craved to touch.
"What are you doing?" she asked him, voice calm. She didn't slap his hand away so she doesn't hate it.
"Oh…I always wanted to touch your hair," he shrugged. "So are you going to tell me what happened?"
"I'm not a dog to pet," she finally swatted his hand away. "And if you must know, Prewett and I are no longer involved."
"Involved? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" he tugged on her curl.
"Oi! Hands off, Higgs!" Sirius warned from thirty feet away. All the dueling teams were finally doing a practice duel this evening. Adhara ignored her twin brother. For the past few days he's been a bit unbearable. After dinner, he asked why she decided to eat dinner with their younger brother and then he tried to comfort her about Prewett like he's her own mother.
"Seems like your guard dog of a brother won't even let your betrothed touch you," a voice beside them said. Thomas looked up to see Zuri smirking at the two. The Slytherin had the pleasure of spending time with the mysterious American as a fifth wheel during their Hogsmeade trip. Halifax being the annoying puppy that he is dragged along Thomas on his date with Marlene. Sirius didn't say much about it since he was too distracted by his sister disappearance. "He seems like the type that vows to marry his sister when he was a child."
Thomas loathes mystery when he cannot figure it out for too long. And he has yet to figure out this Ravenclaw since he met her. Thomas has his connections and they have yet to find anything on her. Thomas may tease Sirius about his overprotectiveness over Adhara but he understands it since Adhara can be too trusting over people.
Thomas know pretty much everything when it comes to Jasper Halifax (it helps when they are such a prominent family of the European Wizarding community). Yes, he knows that Zuri's grandmother was the president of the American Wizarding Community. Her father is going the same path his mother in politics but has become a controversial man over his policies of prejudices against half-breeds. Her older brother, Amir, is following in his father's footsteps in politics, as well. And Thomas was not the only Slytherin to realize the benefits of befriending someone like Zuri Picquery. Once Thomas was seen with her during Hogsmeade, his housemates had to find out about her. It helped that she is a Pureblood. But with the connections that her father and brother have? They now knew she has beauty, blood-status, power, and wealth.
While it seems like Thomas has found everything that he can over the Ravenclaw, but it felt like there was something hidden.
And Thomas will find out.
"Can't tell you if he did," Adhara joked. "Don't want to ruin his image and all."
"Image? Pretty boy jokester?"
"Don't let him hear you call him pretty. He will never let you live it down," Thomas tells her earning him a look from the American. Her amber eyes causing a shiver in his spine.
"Oh, he has plenty of ladies to call him that and other things," she said.
"You are correct but are you sure you're not one of his fans?"
"Hex me if I ever become as—what do you Brits call it—barmy as his fans for him," Zuri shuddered at the thought.
"That's a promise then," Thomas winked at the American before returning his attention back to Adhara. His eyebrows knit together when he realized her eyes were on the 'Gryffindor' team (other house members in it but majority Gryffindors). Thomas assumed that she was staring at Sirius or Prewitt but then he sees the Lupin boy give her a small smile and wave.
Just when he thought there was no one else to worry about.
Thomas is no idiot. He predicted the ridiculous relationship between Adhara and Prewitt would not last. It was not just because their personalities was too different because he has seen those with polar opposite personalities marry and have a happy life together. But it was more of Prewitt being too immature and impatient to be dating someone as hesitant and soft as Adhara.
So that's why Lupin is more of an adversary than Prewitt.
It's the quiet ones you should watch out for.
A/N: Sorry for the hiatus. School's been kickin my ass! I'll try to have another update by the end of this month. Please tell me your thoughts! Sorry about the progress between Remus and Adhara being so slow. I didn't plan on it being this SLOW of a slow burn so seeing how long this fic is i may make a part 2 of this.
So, I thought of who could 'play' who if this was a movie of the Marauder's Era because I have nothing better to do but think about who could be casted as the characters…
Remus: young Andrew Garfield
Sirius: Ben Barnes
Marlene: J-Law? (younger of course)
Regulus: Finn Wolfhard
Jasper: Evan Peters (younger, of course)
Thomas: Harry Styles or Shawn Mendes?
Peter:?
James: ?
