Author's Note: Hi! Sorry for late update even though I said I was going to upload it in the end of December. I was pretty much done by then but decided to make it twice (or three?) times longer than what the chapters are usually. I feel like this is a bit crappy so please be gentle with criticism. Sorry for the long chapters for other characters compared to Remus' and Addie's sections.
And thanks to the guest for the advice. Usually I am told that my sentences are too long but that's usually for school so I'll try to make the sentences less short.
Because of you, I laugh a little harder, cry a little less, and smile a lot more.
"I get high on intelligent conversations, delicious food, and incredible music."
Adhara figured that she should tell Thomas about what happened with Fabian because it was only fair since she told Jasper. Thomas kept his expression neutral through her whole explanation, but Adhara was no fool. She could see the flicker of anger through his hazel blue eyes.
"You seem to be faring well considering," Thomas noted with a small smirk. A question unasked but hanging between them. Thomas knew what it could be that made Adhara not bothered as she should be. "I wish you would have told me you planned on dumping that fool. I would have treated you to my mother's cauldron cakes." Only those closest to the Higgs knew that Thomas' mother is a talented baker. Everyone thinks that it's his personal chef that sends him sweets through owl but only a few of his closest friends know (including Adhara). She even came by his home over the summer and helped in the kitchen with his mother. It was weeks before it was officially announced that he would be betrothed to Adhara Black.
He knew of the engagement since his father spoke to him about it before summer break started. His mother did not agree easily, so she invited the young Hufflepuff to their home size her up. His mother effortlessly fell under Adhara's spell. She loved that Adhara was humble and did not turn her nose up at doing housework such as cooking. Unquestionably new at cooking but eager to learn, she made her first batch of cookies (even if they were not as good as his mum's) and enjoyed herself.
"You wouldn't have thought she was Walburga's child," his mother commented after Adhara left. A kind smile still on her face at the thought of the sweet child. Her warm brown eyes went to her son. "You should have told us that you were besotted. I would have easily been more forthcoming of this engagement."
His mother may appear as a sweet homebody, but Thomas knew her well. Under that warm smile is an observant and cunning woman. One had to be if they dealt with being housed in Slytherin for seven years. She had to learn a trick or two.
Knowing he cannot lie to his mother, Thomas conceded, "If I had, you would have not been as welcoming. You would have interrogated her instead of laughing and baking cookies." It was true. If his mother knew in the beginning that Thomas fancied the Hufflepuff, it would have been a different interaction once Adhara entered the Higgs manor. His mother was as protective as it comes to her children*.
"Of course, I would have. You're my wee wittle Tommy," his mother teased him as she pinched his cheek. "I have to know who stole my boy's heart. And I can see why. She's quite charming and adorable. That can be worrying. No wonder she's a Hufflepuff. She has big heart." The way his mother said it, you would have thought it was a negative trait to have. And it could be. With how events are occurring for the Purebloods, he hears the whispers of a powerful wizard promising the annihilation of muggles from his parents and their friends. Being a soft-hearted will not dwell well in the near future for Adhara.
"You can still offer me them, ya know," Adahara batted her eyelashes with a grin. They both were on their way to the entrance of Hufflepuffs'. Thomas insisted on walking his betrothed to her door and then insisted on asking her on the 'dirt' on what happened with Fabian.
"I guess," Thomas sighed. "Someone has to eat it. My mother has been on a bender with her baking. I'm worried my father is going to grow twice his size from all the treats he's been eating," That comment earned him a shove from the smaller girl.
"So, you want me to be fat, huh? I have you know that I have to keep my shape up to par for quidditch," she said as she wagged her finger at him. Then her expression tensed as a thought dawned on her. Thomas, knowing her so well, knew where her thoughts went, so he had to quickly squash it before she even thinks the word 'diet'.
"I think you look perfect the way you are," Thomas tells her. It was obviously the truth. While she may be not being as slim and she's shorter than majority of the girls her age, that is nothing to deem her 'fat'. Adhara is a healthy size and Thomas won't admit it out loud but her bum is delectable to look at once she's in her quidditch uniform.
"You look your happiest when eating my mum's pastries," he recalled earning him a pout.
"That's a compliment to the cook then," Adhara shrugged.
"So, you're not completely heartbroken over the fool?" asked Thomas.
"You don't need to call him a fool," she said. Adhara's expression was not exactly depressed…more like disappointed.
"He's a fool to cheat on a cute badger like yourself," Thomas retorted as he pinched her freckled cheek. They both finally made their way to the entrance. Adhara eyed the familiar barrels that she must tap to get in.
Not fazed by his over-touching, Adhara lightly swatted his hand away. "Don't worry, Higgs. I'm perfectly fine. I'll let you know if I decide to bawl my eyes out."
"Ah, Prewitt is not worth your tears, love," Thomas said. He grabs her hand lightly and pecks a soft kiss on her knuckles. "Sweet dreams."
After Dueling Club, the four boys made their way back to their rooms. The Gryffindor pulled a few points but the Slytherin's team became winners with their more offensive (and sinister) spells.
"You were right about Prewitt going to have a vendetta against you, Remus," Sirius snickered as he collapsed on his mate's bed.
"Uh, are you blind? That's my bed," Remus nudged him with his foot. Sirius didn't budge. Instead he rolled over and flashed the werewolf a smirk.
"Your bed is comfier," Sirius hummed as he stretched himself over the bed. "How ya' feelin'?"
Remus sighed. Not caring that his best mate is lying on his bed, Remus decided to lay next to him leaving a few inches between them. He's too knackered to try and drag Sirius off his bed and too lazy to take extra steps to lay on his mate's bed. "Sore but no regrets."
"Yeah, you're Addie's knight in shining armor. It's your Gryffindor duty to protect the damsel in distress," James declared as he jumped onto Sirius' bed that was across from Remus'. Peter rested on the floor. He crossed his legs and listened to his mates.
"Yeah and now I must deal with angry ex-boyfriends," Remus groaned. Fabian pretty much dragged Remus into a practice duel to make sure his younger teammates are up to par. It was a lousy excuse to get back at Remus for what happened last Saturday. Remus didn't blame the guy but that didn't mean he was not sour about getting his ass handed to him. Remus may be one of the best tin class in DADAs but he's only a year (and grease) younger than Prewitt. The arsehole has one year more of information than the werewolf.
"And just when you thought you had no competition, you have to deal with Higgs," Peter spoke up. He really did know how to bring the mood down.
Sirius growled at the mention of the fifth-year Slytherin. "Ugh, he was all over Addie! I thought Jasper was a leech but this one takes the cake. At least I know Jasper doesn't have a stonker for Addie since he's drooling over Marlene like a dog in heat."
"Then you're fine with our dear mate, Remus, having a hard-on for your twin?" James snickered. "And when do you call Jasper by his first name? I thought you hate the guy?"
Sirius was not going to let James get away with first comment he had. The Pureblood climbed over Remus (not careful enough to watch where his bloody knees went) and jumped on James. Remus was not surprised anymore that both Purebloods resort to muggle fighting instead of whipping out the wands when they say something to each other that goes too far. It was obvious who would win this wrestling match. James and Sirius may be the same height but James is slimmer than Sirius. Sirius is a bloody beater which means his arms are stronger than his bespectacled friend.
"Okay, I give. I give," James begged his friend. Sirius was on James' back with his leg bent awkwardly as he also pulled at his arm. Sirius, being the lenient guy that he is when it comes to his best mates, let's go. Sirius stood up and dusted the non-existent dust from his pants and straightened his shirt.
"Now, we're not going to talk about Remus having a hard-on for my sister. No matter how true it is," Sirius warned everyone in the room.
"Oh, but you can talk about Higgs having one for Addie?" James pouted. Did the guy really want to put Remus in the hot seat?
"That's bloody different," Sirius replied. "I don't want to think about my best mate thinking about my sister in that way."
Remus' neck suddenly felt hot. Are these two actually arguing about him being sexually attracted to Adhara? Yes, because his friends are barmy and has no tact when it comes to these types of subjects. Remus is bloody fourteen. He's had a couple of…um—dreams but nothing to the point of being lewd and R-rated. It's just from the muggle magazines Sirius borrowed from Frank Longbotttom a year ago showing older women in bikinis and lingerie. Nothing too risqué. Remus is only fourteen! There was something exhilarating in seeing so much revealed skin from a beautiful woman. In their group, Sirius is the only one thinking frequently in that way (or the one to at least be vocal about anything sexual) since their third year. Maybe it has to do with Sirius being the only one to even kiss a girl in their group of jokesters.
Sex is still this foreign enigma that Remus is no hurry to think about. His father gave him the talk when he was eleven and the werewolf was scarred for life. None of his friends ever talk about it unless Sirius brings it up. Sirius discusses it more often now since he noticed how girls 'blossomed' over the summer. Remus is not blind since he noticed it from Adhara. Longer hair and less baby fat.
It was as his father said, there will come a time when he's older where the same girls that he had not much thought of will change. Lyall Lupin told his son that the girls' bodies may change (or not) or Remus would become older and notice girls a bit differently. He didn't think much about that talk until he walked in on Adhara and Fabian kissing in the kitchens. She was wearing a shorter skirt than usual and a tighter shirt that showed her subtle curves. His heart race a bit more when he noticed her wearing lip balm that makes her lips pinker or how she blushes oh so prettily.
"Calm down," Remus tells Sirius as he sat up on his bed. "I'm not a randy bloke like yourself who has a stiff one at the sight of every pretty girl. I don't think of Adhara in that way. So, no worries." Judging by the expression on Sirius' face, that seemed to not be the right answer either.
Sirius crossed his arms. "So, Addie's not fit enough for you to rub one off on, huh?"
Remus literally choked on air when those words came out of Sirius' mouth. While Remus was just stunned by Sirius, James was laughing himself into a grave. Peter had to make sure his friend was getting enough air with how hard James was laughing.
"What?" Remus asked. "Now you're angry because I don't see Adhara that way? Wereyou not wanting me to?"
"You don't find Addie sexually attractive?"
Remus literally wanted to throw a hex at Sirius so he doesn't have to have this ludicrous conversation. He rubbed his face a couple of times with his hands before replying. He's also trying to figure out how this conversation got back to him and why he's now getting the stink eye from his best mate.
"Listen carefully, you wanker," Remus warned Sirius with a calm tone. He paused. He had to think of this carefully before Sirius misinterpret. "You're asking me if I find her sexually attractive, so I will answer with: I find your sister beautiful. The cutest girl I've ever seen. But your initial problem was me—as you said— thinking of me "rubbing one off" for Adhara which I don't do. Hell, I don't do that much at all because of lack of privacy. I don't even think about sex unless you bring it up—which is all the time now. All I'm saying is that I don't—I try not to—think of her that way. I just…feel ashamed to think of her that way when all she does is see me as a friend."
James, not liking how his mate got depressed, shoved Sirius out the way and made his way to Remus. He wrapped an arm around the werewolf's shoulder. "Aw, look what ya did, you arse. You made our poor St. Remus sad." James petted the taller male on the head.
Sirius sighed, realizing that he went too far. "Blimey, I'm sorry, Remus. I just go overboard when it comes to Addie."
"Yeah, we've noticed," Remus said. "Almost to the point where it's unhealthy since you bit my head off if I think about having sex with your sister or not. Which I would have to say we're too young to even be thinking about it or having this conversation."
"I wouldn't go that far," Sirius snickered. His father had the talk with him while his mother had the talk with Adhara. Thank Merlin that his mother did not talk to him. Sex would have been mortifying to think about coming from his wench of a mother. "But, for now on no more topics of sex and Addie in the same conversation."
"You're the one that brought it up," Peter mumbled loud enough for the other three to hear.
"Oh? What was that Pete? Care to say that again," Sirius tackled the pudgy boy making him shriek.
"So what's the next attack for Prewitt?" James asked, changing the subject. If there was one thing to get Sirius excited it was pranking and pranking Prewitt. Sirius' head sprung up like a pup's when it hears a squeaky toy.
Remus smirked. It was his turn to attack. Jasper helped him out since the Hufflepuff is good at Charms and Potions. "I had the idea but Jasper implemented it. He made a device that every time Prewitt is two feet from a female he farts. And not just any kind but a rank one." Remus knew it was not one of his best works but it gets the job done. He knows how particular Fabian is when it comes to the ladies. This would be the ultimate humiliation. "And of course, we're charming him so every time he's in a three-foot radius of a Slytherin. He has to hug them."
Sirius cackled at his friend's genius plan. "Holy shite. I would be horrified if you did that to me. Note to self: don't mess with our boy Remus."
"If you do then make sure you have lots of chocolate to be forgiven," James added.
"So, when did Jasper and you become best friends?" was the first thing Lily asked Remus as they stepped into Slughorn's classroom. Adhara right behind the redhead waiting for his answer. Both girls saw Jasper have breakfast with the Four Musketeers for the last thirty minute of breakfast.
Remus shrugged. "He's a likable guy."
"Debatable," Lily chuckled. "He's…a character."
"But he's my character," Adhara sighed with a small smile. Her grey eyes now locking with Remus' hazel blue ones. "But you didn't answer the question."
"Didn't I?" he asked James and Sirius.
"Eh, the guy grows on ya," Sirius admits. He had to confess that Jasper is creative when it comes to pranks…and a bit funny.
"A bit silly for my taste but he's alright," James added. Lily gave him a look. A bit silly? It's basically the pot calling the kettle black.
"Did I just hear that the Four Amigos has accepted me?" Jasper cried out. A beaming wide smile morphed into a faux crying expression. "I would like to thank Addie. And Prewitt since if it was not for him being a wanker then this could have never happened. It took a lot of hard work, tears, and blood but now I know that I can die knowing that I'm one of them."
"Hey, don't got that far. We only said you're alright," Sirius corrected him.
"What do you mean by Prewitt being a wanker?" Lily asked.
"Isn't he always a wanker?" Peter shrugged, trying to throw off the red head even though it did not work.
"It has been you guys this whole time pranking him," Lily gasped.
"I'll take it. If 'alright' is the best I'm going to get then so be it," Jasper accepted.
"Aw, with Remus' brain and your tenacity and skills, that tosser isn't gonna know what hit him," James said, confirming that they are the ones who are pranking Fabian Prewitt.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind. Class is starting," Slughorn announced.
"Sorry, Professor," Jasper bowed dramatically before turning his attention to a certain Pureblood Hufflepuff. "Shall I walk you to our table, milady?"
"Sorry, milord," Adhara retorted as she linked her arm through Remus (much to his surpise)'. "But I promised a certain lion that I'll be his partner in Potions." She curtsied before leading Remus to the second to last row.
"Oh, get 'em, tiger." Jasper called out to them. Remus had an elated expression as he made his way to his table. He's so smitten.
"I think you mean 'badger'," James said.
"Or kitten. All cute on the outside but a ferocious lion on the inside," Sirius said with a distant look. "Ready to tackle you if angered."
"Are you still mad about her tackling you last month?" James snickered.
"Addie tackled you?" Jasper cackles as he walked with the three to their table.
"She took me by surprise," Sirius defends himself. "And why are you following us."
"Um, someone has to be my partner since Ads ditched me," Jasper pouts.
Sirius was ready to push him to Peter but James had other plans. He knew that it was sinister with the way James is grinning like an idiot.
"Jasper, I leave you to Sirius. I must warn you that he can be a handful," James said with a chipper tone.
Jasper gasped loudly. "Are we on a first name basis, now? All it took was for Prewitt to break a heart. Thank you, Sir James. I will take good care of him." The Hufflepuff wraps an arm around the Gryffindor's shoulder and lead him to the table next to Remus' and Adhara's. "Gotta keep an eye on them and make sure his game is good."
"What game?" Sirius snorted as he shrugs Jasper's arm from his shoulder.
"Remus has game but he's not assertive about it," Jasper defends. Remus is the dream guy every woman (or man, no judging) would ever want. Romantic. Tells the one likes how beautiful they are so they don't have to change themselves. Seducing those with his knowledge on books and music. Defending one's honor with wicked hexes. Ugh, how can Addie be so blind. "It doesn't help when Addie is oblivious."
"You can say that again."
"It doesn't help when Addie is oblivious," Japer repeated with a grin.
"Forget what I said. I hate you."
"So how long do you plan on punishing Prewitt?" Adhara asked once Slughorn signaled them it's time for them to make their Pepper-Up Potions. Remus grabbed all the ingredients as Adhara read over the steps in the recipe.
Remus hesitated before replying. He's already slightly wary on how Adhara would react to the news. So far, she hasn't shown any disdain but she also did not show humor over it. "We plan on ending it this weekend," he admitted. It was a miracle that no one has linked the pranks to him and his group of friends. The sooner they end this the better chances they will not have a week worth of detention.
Adhara nods. Remus noticed the small smile she had as she grabbed one of the ingredients. "Are you angry?" Usually Adhara would jump at the chance to berate the boys on the behavior. She loathes vindictive pranks (especially the ones they do for the Slytherins).
Adhara shakes her head quickly. "No, just…this is day four. Seems a bit excessive."
"I was fine with only a day, but you know how excited James and Sirius are to prank someone no matter the reason," Remus sighed. "Who knew that Jasper would be the one to actually come up with this idea."
"Under that sweet smile is a sinister boy ready to prank someone," Adhara said. She peered up at the taller boy with an amused expression. "I can say the same thing about you, Remus."
Face warm, Remus chuckled at that. "Just to those who deserve it…and maybe a few unaware Slytherins."
"Have to balance it out somehow," Adhara nudged him a bit with her elbow with a teasing smirk.
"I agree," Remus with a dopey smile nudged her back. Feeling an unusually courageous, Remus asked, "Are you busy tonight?"
Remus glanced around, hoping that his friends are not listening in. It's not like it's a secret but having prying eyes and teasing grins is not going to help is irritability. "I was thinking we could go into our secret room and listen to more music." His ears warmed at saying 'our secret room'. Hopefully she does not read too much into it.
Adhara furrowed her eyebrows as she went into thought. She bit her bottom lip as she glanced at Jasper who was annoying Sirius. "I have quidditch practice before dinner but…would you like to go after?"
"Y-yeah, that would be perfect."
Zuri's eyes glazed over as she read the notes from the History of Magic class. She loathes the class almost as much as Astronomy. Both class that will not help her with her future career goals and should not be a requirement to learn. Knowing where the Lyra star is and the downfalls of the Goblin Wars is not going to help her become a better auror like Uncle Percy. The class is a bore and her mind instantly shuts down once Professor Binns opens his mouth. It is the only class that she receives only Acceptable instead of her usual Outstanding. She could care less about the smug expressions that her Ravenclaw classmates give her once they see her grade but to become an auror you must have the best grades.
Oh, and her father requires only the best for his children. But that is not her priority now.
"Well, lovely seeing you here, love." Zuri snapped out of her thoughts and lifted her amber brown eyes up. Her eyes met icy blue ones.
"Well, it is a library where most of us Ravenclaws spend majority of our time," Zuri shrugged, a bit irked with the stranger calling her 'love'. Next to the Slytherin was a familiar face.
Thomas Higgs.
"Hello, again," he gave Zuri a polite smile.
"Hello." Zuri eyes went back to the notes that she borrowed from Severus (her trusted ally in History of Magic class). She did not notice the pointed look that the mystery boy gave Thomas.
"Picquery, this is my housemate, Richard Nott," Thomas finally introduced the boy the Ravenclaw. "Richard Nott, this is Zuri Picquery." Not even waiting for an invitation to sit (which he would not have gotten from Zuri), Richard sat next to the Ravenclaw. His seat a bit too close to the fourth year's. Thomas sighed. Richard is at it again. They were supposed to be studying for their Transfiguration quiz that is tomorrow.
"He's so cold. Housemates, Tom? I thought we were friends," Richard feint offence.
"You will be without a studying partner if you call me Tom again," Thomas warned Richard as he sat across from them. He watched the pair with pleasure. Richard is a notorious flirt with any female with a pretty face and as Nott said, "a fit arse". Yes, such a classy friend that Thomas has. But Richard does not know that Zuri is immune to insincere charm. If she has not fallen for Sirius' flirting, then Richard's is a lost cause.
"I bet Zuri here will be quite the tutor," Richard said.
"I doubt you want a fourth year to tutor you," Zuri said.
"But aren't all Ravenclaws more advanced than us mere mortals?" Thomas teased her.
"Aw, do someone has an inferior complex to us Ravenclaws?" Zuri chuckled.
"I wouldn't go that far," Thomas said. He pulled out his scroll of notes from his leather bag. It seems that they will be staying here keeping her company. "Do you mind if we keep you company while I tutor this fool in Transfiguration?" he asked her politely.
She leaned back in her seat. "I can't stop you. I am waiting to study with Severus."
That caught both Slytherins' attention. It is not like the fourth year is popular among their house but he is a bit well-known by the company that he keeps. And that company is two children of a prominent and wealthy family: Adhara and Regulus Black. His status improved with befriending the siblings and now here they are learning that the half-blood has also befriended the American Pureblood with status and wealth?
"Snape?" Richard repeated. He looked at the American with skepticism.
"Yes, we both have History of Magic together, so he's devoting his free time with helping with our quiz tomorrow," Zuri explained.
Okay, that makes more sense. "Oh? So he's just a tutor and not your friend," did Thomas mention how untactful Richard can be/ He could have ask this question in a less obvious way but that would be asking for a miracle. Zuri caught on easily to what Richard was implying and saying in between the lines. Thomas has no problem with the half-blood. Severus could be a bit pessimistic at times but he also has a unique outlook. He's even a wicked duelist with unique spells under his sleeve.
Zuri looked right into Richard's blue eyes. "He's a friend helping me with school work," she then turned back to Thomas, "I met him through our mutual friend, Adhara. Who would have thought such a soft-hearted girl is friends with a cynic like Severus?"
"Yep, that's our Addie. She can even melt the icy heart of Snape's," Thomas gushed. A small smile forming at the thought of the small spitfire who could not harm a bowtruckle. Richard rolled his eyes.
"There he goes again. Mention his beloved and he turns into a sap," Richard snickered.
"Cute," Zuri chuckled. "I think she has that effect on boys." Her mind goes back to Remus. Once the Hufflepuff is in the room, the tall Gryffindor does not see anyone else. It reminded the American of her brother, Amir, when his boyfriend is in the same room (or when he even thinks about him).
Zuri thanked Merlin when she sees Severus walking towards her table. A familiar face, Adhara's younger brother, followed behind the fourth year. She chuckled when Snape scowl deepened when seeing who was keeping Zuri company. "Ah, better late than never, huh?" she raised an eyebrow at the pale boy. Severus ignored her comment and sat next to Thomas. Regulus sat next his friend and did not bother greeting the older students.
Zuri felt it was only polite to introduce herself to her friend's brother. "Hello, I'm Zuri."
"Regulus Black," the boy said. His grey eyes then went to Thomas.
"Hello," Thomas nods at Regulus with a grin before turning his attention back to Zuri. To be honest, out of the three children of the Black Family, Zuri could see the different and similar features that they all share. Wild curly hair shared between Regulus and Adhara (no matter how much Regulus tried to tame it). High cheekbones shared between the two brothers. Adhara and Regulus both have freckles yet the sister has more prominent ones that scattered all over her face. Regulus was the fairest of the siblings yet he did not look as sickly as Severus.
"So you will both will be joining us?" Severus asked, clearly hoping that it was a temporary visit.
"Can't get rid of me that easily, Snape," Richard jeered at Snape. "Can't have a Picquery all to yourself."
Thomas knew that Zuri is no fool. Ravenclaws do not accept fools. She was picking up on the hints of Richard's. She also could tell that he was also interested in the status of her family. Because if there was one true trait about the Slytherins, is how ambitious they are and they'll use anyone to get what they want. And here is one of the highest-statured families at the same table as them. While Thomas can be subtle, Richard was as subtle as a punch in the face.
"At least you have some decent company," Richard noted as he glanced at Regulus and Severus. Thomas decided not to save Richard from putting his foot in his mouth. The Notts were not known for their friendliness to muggleborns. "But then again Snape and you both have poor taste in mates. What's the mudblood's name again? Lilian? Lilian Evans?"
"Look, I'm not here to make conversation," she snarled. Thomas was impressed. How Zuri kept her expression neutral but her eyes blazed with anger. It was obvious what kind of Pureblood that she is. Blood-traitor. "I'm here to study for a quiz, so if you do not mind stop talking to me."
Thomas was the only one brave enough at their table to outright laugh in Richard's face. Regulus and Severus only smirked before getting back to their studies.
Face red with embarrassment (and anger?), Richard stood up quickly causing his chair to fall back. "You didn't have to be a git about it."
Having little patience for the boy, Zuri sighed. "Well, it was either that or fuck off—no, it's piss off, right?"
"Bitch," Richard mutters before turning back to his friend. "You coming?"
"I rather stay," Thomas said. "You should calm down. You're too angry to study with anyways."
Richard huffs and storms out the library.
"Such a drama queen," Thomas mutters with amusement. "I apologize for my housemate. He can be quite the idiot."
Zuri shrugs. "My fault for entertaining his idiocy for too long," she replies. Too long, Thomas thought with a smirk. She only spoken to him for a few minutes.
"Aren't you supposed to be studying?" Severus finally spoke to the boy. His voice flat but Thomas could easily hear the exasperation under it.
"Ah, yes. Thank you for reminding me, Snape." Thomas reminds himself to pick at Zuri's brain when company is not around. He sighed as he pulls his Transfiguration textbook out of his leather bag.
It was only half an hour later when Zuri called it a day. Severus gave up on the Ravenclaw when he realized that she was only half-listening while also zoning out. For a Ravenclaw, she does have her head in the clouds often. He only befriended the girl two weeks ago, but he realized how she differs from her other classmates based on how she acts in their shared classes. Anything that she deems useless, she dismisses. Zuri is barely alert in History of Magic and Divination. Severus did have to agree with the Pureblood. Divination is a joke.
"You must be joking?" Thomas asked her when he sees Zuri packing up her scrolls into her bag.
"I studied enough," Zuri shrugged. It was no big deal. She'll look over the notes a bit more before curfew. As of now, she is starving (even though dinner was an hour ago) and she only has an apple calling her name saved in her basket full of snacks under her bed.
"Thirty minutes is enough?" Severus questioned her. How is this girl a Ravenclaw?
"Don't worry, Severus. Your notes are good enough to at least get me an 'E' on this quiz," Zuri winks at the Slytherin.
"Only an 'E'?" Severus humored her. "I would have sworn that I take only Outstanding notes."
Thomas watched with disbelief. Snape appears as a dreary young boy, but here is the half-blood bantering with the Ravenclaw. He's not deterred at all by her allure.
"Is that Severus making a jo—
-Zuri, lovely seeing you here," if it was not the familiar voice then one could tell who it was then it had to be how Severus's and Regulus' expression darkened as the Gryffindor sauntered over to them. Sirius paused when he noticed who Zuri was with. Three Slytherins with his lovely little bird will not bode well with the cocky lion.
"Well, I am a student and this is a library."
"Nice company you keep," Sirius lied.
"Hello to you, too, brother," Regulus drawled. "If you came here to flirt then I must ask you to do that somewhere else. We're trying to study."
"But it can be entertaining to see him fail at it," Thomas chimes in with a grin. His hazel eyes went to Zuri. "Shall I walk you to your door, Zuri?"
Zuri raised an eyebrow at the fifth year. It's not like they are friends. They can count on one hand on the separate occasions they talked to each other. Thomas could care less if she declined him. Witnessing the arrogant Sirius Black become alarmed that Thomas was 'flirting' with his future conquest is enjoyable.
"Sorry Higgs, but we have a future engagement," Sirius beamed with a smug grin as he stepped closer to the American.
"We do?" Zuri questioned.
"Yes, love, I promised you I would make it up to since our last date was lousy," Sirius reminds her.
"I wouldn't say lousy," Zuri said. "And that was a date? And when did I agree to this?"
Use to her blasé attitude, Sirius decided not to comment. He silently takes her messenger bag from her and carries it for her. He holds out his arm for her to link hers through.
Remus chuckles when he sees Adhara rushes toward him with her carrying her messenger bag. Judging by her appearance, she threw on some clothes haphazardly and didn't bother checking if she looked decent. Just when she made it within ten feet of him—she tripped over her shoelaces. Remus quickly reached for her and caught her easily.
"Thank you," Adhara sighed. She looks up at him with a wide smile and flushed cheeks. Remus noticed that her hair was sopping wet.
"You didn't have to rush," Remus tells her as he whipped out his wand. He cited the hot-air charm causing her to squeal at the sudden hot air blown in her face.
"Remus," she giggles as she covered her face with both hands.
Remus stopped when he was satisfied with how dry her hair became. Her hair now bushy instead of the usual glossy curls. "Love this new look," he teased her.
"Wh—Remus, my hair," Adhara groaned as she touches her hair.
"You still look lovely as ever," Remus assured her. With Adhara, compliments come easily. Am I turning into a Sirius, he thought.
Adhara stepped back with a timid expression. "You're a smooth talker, aren't you?"
Remus snorts, "Me?"
"Yes, you," Adhara said. Her grey eyes then went to the blank wall in front of them. "Do you mind if we…go back to your attic instead of my room? It feels comfier."
"I don't mind." Remus was nervous last time the secret room showed his own rustic attic. He loved that Adhara didn't turn her nose up at it, but actually loved how warm and inviting it is compared to her own.
The door materialized and Adhara linked her arm through his and led him in. "I know that you wanted to listen to music, but I thought we could do something else," Adhara began, "We could just…talk—we can still listen to music but we don't have to just do that."
Talking. Remus can do that. Sirius complains that most of the time when he's been trying to swoon the ladies all they want to do is talk. What else is there to do, but snog? Remus does not mind, especially with Adhara. It's not as if he does not talk to Adhara much, but it is nothing compared to with his other friends. So, now he has Adhara all to himself and this can finally be his chance.
"What do you have in mind to talk about?"
Adhara shrugged as she leads him to the forest green loveseat. "What are you getting Sirius for his birthday?" she asked.
"It is difficult to find something for a guy who is in the wealthiest families in England," Remus comments with a wry smile. To be honest, Remus had not put much thought in it. Last year, Remus gave Sirius his mum's chocolate wands (which are pretzels dipped in chocolate but Sirius loves them). The year before that the gang pranked Severus epically and Sirius never felt prouder than that moment at seeing Snape at his worst. Remus did not how he would ever top their second year gift for Sirius. "Any suggestions?"
"He loves anything muggle," Adhara proposed. "Maybe a new record or one of those band tees that I see Zuri wear. Maybe something from Led Zeppelin?"
"Blimey, why didn't I think of that?" Little did Adhara know that she also helped Remus come up with a gift idea for her. He just has to narrow down all the ideas that is bombarding him.
"Well, I'd like to think I know my brother pretty well since, ya know, we shared a womb and all," she winked at him.
"So, I guess I should ask him what I should give you then, huh?"
She avoided his eyes. "You don't have to get me anything," she said shyly.
He leaned in a bit closer so that he can get a good look at her. "I know that I don't have to, but I want to."
Adhara made a mental note to ask Sirius when Remus' birthday—or maybe think of what to get him for Christmas.
"You're just as stubborn as Sirius, huh?"
"You know me so well," he agrees.
Adhara leaned back to get more comfortable in the sofa. "I guess I'm going to know you more better, huh? Since we're getting closer now. You helped me with my relationship woes and defending my honor," she lists off. Over the few years that she knew Remus, this past month and maybe the last few months of her third year gave her more of a perspective on Remus. He was always in the background with Peter in the beginning since James is such a loud character. They had a few conversations but nothing as intimate as this past year. He's been more of a best friend then Lily and Sirius. Two people who Adhara usually shares her deep worries about.
There's no qualms about it. Remus is her best friend.
"Knut for your thoughts?"
She must have been in her thoughts too long since Remus was wearing a concerned expression. She gave him a reassuring smile. "Just thinking what a wicked friend you are," Adhara attempted to say nonchalantly but she could feel her cheeks reddened as soon as she said it. "You're easily one of my best friends."
Yep, Remus heard right. He's just been friend-zoned, but he didn't care. Remus is not afraid to be a sap. If anything, he would like his future girlfriend to be his best friend. He sees it easily with his parents even though they have completely different personalities.
It is just something about a best friend that is so special to Remus since he never had any before Hogwarts. Being homeschooled and recluse after being bitten, it was hard to befriend anyone his age. So, Remus holds his three best mates at a high ground since he can also joke around with them, yet also get personal (mostly when it is either about Remus' disease or about Sirius' home life). Hell, he didn't think he could talk to them about his love life until James found out from Lily told him and now he's annoyingly helpful (along with Sirius).
So, Remus is fine with being one of Adhara's best friends. He wants her to be one of his. To be someone to talk about nonsense or deep personal topics.
"I guess it's worth it for hexing Prewitt," Remus joked.
"He tried to apologize a few days ago," Adhara mentioned. "Luckily, Jasper saved me."
"Do you want to hear what he has to say?" he asked her. Adhara sighed but didn't answer right away.
"Not really," Adhara finally answered after a few long seconds. "I don't need to hear an excuse."
"Will you forgive him?"
Adhara shrugged. "I'm not one to hold a grudge."
'How 'bout telling Sirius that," Remus teased. She was right. She can barely hold a grudge for a few days and even if she holds hot, Sirius wouldn't let her.
"Yeah, he's an exception to the rule," she smiles at the thought of her annoying older brother. "Do you ever wish that you had a brother or sister?"
Plenty of times, he thought. He was fine with it when he was a child before he got bitten. It was a lonely childhood being home schooled since he didn't want anyone to be suspicious in the muggle schools on why he is sick about 2-3 days every month. His father was always working and his mother was nice all the times, but Remus needed a friend. Remus was bloody nervous when he was a first year. He's not as outgoing as he wished to be sometimes so it was a blessing that James and Sirius was not bothered by it. It helped plenty that they don't care for boundaries and forced Remus to be their friend.
Sometimes it's obvious who's a single child and who grew up in a home full of siblings. James is the obvious example when it comes to being an only child. He's used to having the attention and getting what he wants. It added to his spoiled behavior (sometimes) since he's from a wealthy family, unlike Peter who's also an only child but is quiet and rather stay in the shadows at times. Jasper has younger brothers and plenty of cousins around his age, so maybe ignoring boundaries and being annoyingly charming is his thing. He's only seen a few examples of close siblings. Fabian and Gideon. Adhara and Regulus. And Sirius with Adhara.
"Yeah," Remus said after much thought. Both set of twins being good examples of what he wants in a sibling relationship. "Maybe a brother around my age."
Adhara scoffs. "No sister?"
"I guess. But I doubt we'll be as close, ya know?"
"Sirius and I are close."
"Not as close as I heard before you both came to Hogwarts. I guess being in different houses changes things."
"You're right," Adhara sighs. She relaxes a bit. When her shoulder touches his, Remus then realizes how close they are sitting. Remus tried to play it cool and not sit so stiff.
"But I do talk to him more than Regulus which I realize is a problem since Jasper pointed that out to me a few days ago," she admitted. She then turned with an excited grin on her face. "But that's enough about my love life and family life. I heard from Lily that there is a costume party going on for Hallowe'en. I heard that Gryffindors are infamous for their parties. You're going, right?"
"I doubt it. I mean, fourth years and up are invited but Fabian is well liked among the older kids," Remus said. He sees Adhara frown at the mention of his name. She then looked guilty. Remus could care less if he's invited to the party or not. Only James and Sirius are Sirius about it since they've been coming up with group costumes over lunch and arguing about it like their planning their wedding.
"Well, it's Sirius's fault for pranking him," she said but her expression still showing guilt.
"I was also part of it, too," Remus reminded her.
"Yeah, I know, but I choose to ignore that part," Adhara retorted. "How 'bout I talk to Fabian for you guys? Guilt him into inviting you four instead of banning you."
"I don't want you to force yourself to talk to him sooner than you're ready to," Remus tells her.
"It's not just because of you guys," she assured him. "Maybe I want to go to the party, too? I might have a costume lined up."
"Oh? You'll risk your reputation and go to the lion's den for a party?"
"I don't think they'll pay much attention to some fourth year nobody, Remus," she said even though she sounded unsure.
Remus nudged her with his shoulder playfully. "Adhara, the greatest seeker, is not a nobody. Do you have a costume lined up?"
Adhara shook her head. She did not plan on going to the party since Remus was correct with assumption that it would ruin her reputation. It would only take one person to open their mouth and then it would get back to her parents.
"We could just follow the muggle tradition of pigging out on sweets," he suggested. Remus knew that he would not be able to go to the costume party since it is also on the same night of the full moon. James whined like a child when he told him that he would not be able to go. James thought it would be a brilliant idea for them to go as the Beatles and James suggested that Remus go as Paul McCartney (Remus rather have been George Harrison). Remus suggested to his friend that jasper could replace him instead. Sirius nearly bit his head off when the words left the werewolf's mouth.
"You'd like that, huh?" Adhara grinned. "I realized that you have a sweet tooth."
"Just for chocolate," he shrugged.
"I'll remember that," she said more to herself. Adhara made note to ask Mrs. Higgs for any recipes with chocolate. That could be a great birthday or Christmas present for him.
"If you want to get on my good side then you are going to have to nice to my friends," Zuri said as they stepped into the kitchens. Ziggy, the house-elf, waiting on them with delight. Ziggy didn't know who this mysterious Ravenclaw was coming in with the wonderful Sirius Black, but he will treat her all the same since Sirius must have good taste, right?
"Who said I wanted to be on your good side, huh?" he smirked at her causing her to scoff. He had to make sure to reel back his thoughts on her so-called friends. It took a lot of will-power but he can refrain from ruining the mood by bringing up Snape.
But Higgs…
"Seems like it since your trying to make up for our date last Saturday," Zuri pointed out.
Sirius then turns to Ziggy with his most charming smile. "Dessert for the lady."
"Anything with fruit will suffice, please," Zuri tells Ziggy with a small smile. She didn't want to intimidate the house-elf. She's heard that she could look intimidating if not smiling. She could care less what others think about her but house-elves has always held a soft spot in her heart.
"Will Miss be happy with apple tarts?" Zuri nodded.
"You do know that Higgs is betrothed to my sister, right?" he asked her as soon as they sat at the island in the middle of the kitchen. She raised an eyebrow at him. A wry smile on her lips as she lifted the cup of hot chocolate to her lips. "What? It's true."
She swallowed the hot liquid. "Yes, everyone in school knows that the charming Thomas Higgs is taken," she finally said with amusement. Sirius may think he's being nonchalant but Zuri could easily get the read on him. After knowing the boy for only a month, he was easy to figure out times. But like Thomas who wears this veil of goody-two shoes, she sees it at times with Sirius putting on an act of flirting prankster. He knew that he was handsome and used it to his advantage. Zuri could not blame him. It's safe for boys to use these tricks to manipulate and get what they want. For girls, especially those like her mother and cousins, it is dangerous.
"Just didn't want…rumors to spread," he lied horribly.
"Gossips can fuck off," Zuri shrugged before Ziggy popped back in. The American thanked the house-elf. "He's coming to me but it's always the female who has to worry about rumors. Maybe you should be talking to him since you think I'm throwing myself at him."
Sirius nearly chokes on his tart. "I don't think that. I'm just saying you should be wary. These birds pounce on a good story," he warned her. "And why are you with me? A Slytherin."
Zuri rolls her eyes at his dramatics. Gryffindors. Slytherins and Gryffindors are basically the only ones who are such drama queens.
"I do not judge one by their house," Zuri said as if she rehearsed the answer. You might as well said she has since she said the same thing to Severus, Regulus, and Thomas over their study session. Regulus questioned Zuri why someone from such a profound lineage is keeping company with McKinnon, Evans, and Prewitt. Her brother and father did warn her when she enrolled into Hogwarts that the British are far more concerned with blood 'status'.
"You're basically the next dark wizard if you're in that house," he informed her.
"I would like to see these statistics and sources of yours," she retorted. Zuri knew that the house of Slytherin produced more dark wizards than any other house but that did not mean one should collectively think that all the students will be one. One bad egg didn't mean they are all rotten ones.
Sirius narrowed his grey eyes at her. Just when he thought he figured her out she says something like this.
"How's your wizarding school in the states?" he asked her, changing the subject. "You all have houses there? Like Gryffindor or Hufflepuff?"
"Thunderbird, Wampus, Horner Serpent, and Pukwudgie," she listed with a grin. Her smile widened with the confused expression of Sirius'.
"Uh, what?"
"Those are our houses," she explained. "I was sorted into the Horned Serpent," she added.
Sirius's expression soured at the mention of serpent. Feeling a bit playful, she poked the boy on his forehead, right on his frown lines. "Don't worry your pretty little head. Horned Serpents is practically the equivalent to Ravenclaws. Like Pukwudgie might be considered one for Hufflepuff." His expression softened a bit.
"What's with those names?"
Zuri grinned. While Hogwarts' are not named after their mascots overtly, her former school is. "If Adhara was here she would have been very disappointed at your knowledge—er lack of, I mean."
His eyebrows furrowed again before he shows a look of understanding. "Magical creatures," he said with a soft smile.
"Yep, it's pretty obvious," she shrugged before taking a bit of the delicious tart.
"Um..you miss it? Your old school, I mean."
Zuri admitted that she did but not like he would have thought. Yes, she had acquaintances that made school an entertaining experience. To be honest, she had only one good friend that she could tolerate.
She always thought before entering school that her childhood was not as magical as one thinks (metaphorically she means). She felt like she learned everything that she could at ten years old. But then she enrolled into Ilvermorny. Where she met her first maj who was born from non-maj's, she nearly attacked the witch with a multitude of questions. This was a person from the outside world. A world she was not allowed to learn or assimilate into. Aimee Smith from Southern California. She introduced Zuri to a plethora of musical bands and gifted her with non-maj magazines. There on the cover was a colored photo of 'Rolling Stone' magazine. So, yeah, Zuri misses Aimee but at least across the pond she can talk to non-maj's and enjoy the culture instead of hiding it from her father.
"It was a culture shock," she finally admitted. "How you guys treat non-maj's and their environment is contradicting considering how you all treat blood purity."
"Hey! Don't lump us up all together," Sirius said. "We don't all think that way."
Zuri apologized. "We avoid them like the plague in America. Don't talk to them and don't be around them. But over here, if you don't expose yourself to them then you're fine with befriending them. I'm quite jealous of that but not of the 'Pureblood' Supremacy."
"America's not a bunch of bigots over blood over there?"
She chuckled. "Only over skin color and that's just the non-maj's. That's one bad thing I can say about them. If they can't handle something as simple as skin color than what happened when they see a bit magic?"
"Yeah, but you can say the same thing about blood."
"Yeah, you Brits are—how you say again? Barmy?"
Sirius snorts at her horrid fake accent of a British person. "So how'd the bloody hell do you know so much about muggle music?"
"A friend introduced them to me. Wizard music is shit compared to non-majs. The Boytruckles are my guilty pleasure, though. Please don't judge—,"
"—how couldn't I?" he cackled. Here is enigmatic, smart, and fit Zuri Picquery who listens to The Animals, The Who, The Doors, and Led Zeppelin but then listens to shite music from talentless pretty-boys who only right cheesy love songs? She listens to the same bloody pop-band music as his twin sister? Sirius liked to tell himself that she likes it because it's similar to her favorite creature: Bowtruckles. He refuses to believe his sister could listen to that type of music.
"says the boy who's laughing his ass off but listens to Simon and Garfunkel," Zuri shuddered at the mention of the band. Who knew that she could be so dramatic?
"That's our secret and you can't throw that in my face," he gasped, hand to his chest as if he's ready to have a heart attack. "And they are not as bad as Boytruckles. What kind of name is that? And Simon and Garfunkel are classics."
"If they are such 'classics' then why are they a secret?" she asked with a giggle. Giggle? Sirius made sure to lean in a bit closer. She didn't seem to tense up if she noticed their proximity.
"I won't judge you much on the Boytruckles if you agree to not judge me on my taste," he promised.
Zuri sighed in defeat. She'll promise but that doesn't mean she intended on keeping it. "Promise."
Feeling confident—because when is Sirius not? —he leaned in closer. Their faces inches apart. "Seal it with a kiss?"
And now we're back to the old Sirius, she thought with a sigh. Not bothering to move but also willing to indulge, Zuri leaned in so that her forehead rested against his.
"Nice try."
Sirius was raised by his father to be a gentleman. And that's what he'll be. He walked Zuri through the halls leading her back to the dorms. They were talking about a band he just found out about, Aerosmith, when he realized that Zuri stopped walking. She tugged him back.
"Do you see what I see?" she asked him. She points down the hall. He followed her gaze to see a door that he never seen before. Okay? Another room added to the school. But then he sees Remus and Addie walk out together. Smiling and giggling. And what happens next shocks the bloody hell out Sirius. The door disappears!
"You have a secret room?" he yells instead of the alarms ringing in his mind.
They were alone in a room together!
A/N: SO, I promise there will be more remus/addie. Seeing how slow this is taking I figured that I will be second book. The first book is more fluff but we'll get into the gritty Voldemort and recruiting death eaters, and Sirius and Adhara having more problems with her family in the second book. I didn't think of making it but seeing how big the book is currently is making me want to write another.
I see myself finishing this in probably no more than 6-8 chapters.
Next:
Marauder's know about the Room of Requirement
Halloween
Regulus and Jasper talk
A birthday celebration: Sirius and Adhara receives amazing birthday presents.
