Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Detention By Any Other Name

"Mum, I'm fine", I whined as I watched Mum pace in front of the fireplace in the kitchen.

"It's alright if you're not", Mum assured me, twisting a dish towel she was clutching in her hands. "No one expects you to be, given the circumstances".

I rolled my eyes. How many different ways can I express that everything is okay? "Mum", I tried to break in. Vaguely, from behind me, I could hear McGonagall setting her teacup down. Nice of her to let me use her fireplace for this floo call. Though, as my knees started to ache, I worried about what I must look like being on my hands and knees with my head engulfed in green flames. It probably wasn't a very complimentary view.

"You can come home if you like", Mum offered. "Professor McGonagall advised against it with it being your OWL year. But if you'd feel safer sleeping in your own bed, I'll-"

"Mum!" I said again. Only this time louder. Mum came to a halt and turned to face me. She was worrying her bottom lip and looked more tired than normal. A sense of guilt I was coming more and more familiar with as of late washed over me. Bit annoying, really. "I want to stay at Hogwarts. Fred and George are here. Adrian is here. Homeschooling is awful. And besides, if Lockhart is coming after me, I'll probably be safer here". After all, Hogwarts was a very secure castle. Completely safe… when the danger isn't already inside, that is. "Please, Mum", I said in a different attempt when she didn't seem like she would waver. "Things were just becoming normal again. Don't let one loon ruin that".

Tossing the dish towel to somewhere I couldn't see, Mum sighed. She shook her head as if fighting against her own judgment. "Alright", she caved.

Suddenly it was easier to ignore the ache in my knees. "Thanks, Mum", I said happily.

"But", Mum was quick to interject; holding up one finger with her other hand on her hip. "You will stay on Hogwarts' grounds. Do not go to Hogsmeade. I'll be informing Professor McGonagall I'm withdrawing permission for you and your brothers to go".

Of course, there had to be a catch. "Percy and Ron will blame me", I complained. No trips to Hogsmeade meant no romantic outings for Percy and Ms. Clearwater. It meant Ron was going to miss out on his year's first trip to Honeydukes. Though, given the circumstance, I could trust Percy wouldn't make his blame known. But Ron… Ron was going to gripe like an old lady until he was blue in the face.

Mum raised an eyebrow. "And you don't think Fred and George will?"

The true answer was that it didn't matter if us triplets had permission or not. If we truly felt an urge to go to Hogsmeade that badly, we knew where the secret tunnel was. But I couldn't tell Mum that, so I had to think quickly. "They won't if they don't want to wake up covered in honey".

"Holly, you will do no such thing", Mum half-scolded. Having been my mother for fifteen some years, she knew when my threats were serious and when their purpose was to just fill the silence.

"So…", I started slowly, not sure how to ask without being rude. "Are we done? Can I go now?"

Exhaling with her mouth open, Mum shook her head and gave me a fond smile. "Yes, Holly. You may go".

"Thanks". I started crawling backward from the fireplace. But a thought had me pausing. "Mum?"

"Yes".

"I love you", I admitted. Which is probably something I don't tell my parents enough.

Mum's posture became more relaxed as her arms rested loosely at her sides. "I love you too, sweet girl".

The call ended with me pulling out of the fire. As the smoke cleared from my vision, I sat on the floor of the headmistress' office. No longer could I see the kitchen of the burrow, but the redecorated office. McGonagall hadn't done much with the space. The color scheme was much the same and there were still many portraits of past heads snoozing on the walls. The biggest differences were the lack of clutter and the absence of Fawkes.

McGonagall sat behind her desk; working through a stack of parchment with a quill poised in her hand. Feeling my eyes on her, she looked up from her work. "Professor, what are the odds of you dismissing me from classes for the rest of the day?"

The corner of her lips quirked. "I run a school, Miss Weasley. I'm afraid classes are mandatory". My shoulders dropped. I figured that would be the case. It wasn't like I was opposed to going to class. I just didn't really want to spend more time pretending to listen to lectures as my peers stared at Lockhart's target. "You may, however", McGonagall continued before I could pull myself to my feet and make the trek down to rejoin the rest of the masses. "Remain here for the duration of the class period. I believe you have History of Magic at this time".

"Thanks, Professor", I said gratefully as I climbed to my feet. Finding it inappropriate to sit on the floor in front of McGonagall now that I wasn't in the middle of a floo call. Moving slowly, I slipped into one of the chairs facing her desk. "So, if I offered to spy on Sirius for you, how much leniency would that buy Fred, George, and me?"

Setting down her quill, McGonagall folded her hands in front of her. "Professor Black", she corrected. "And that, Weasley, is exactly why I hired Professor Lupin".

I smiled a little before I could help it. I'm sure that wasn't the only reason Lupin was hired. He was a truly talented teacher. I'm sure Dumbledore's input was involved somehow. But I appreciated the humor.

What probably would've been a pleasant exchange of words with McGonagall, was interrupted. The door to her office flung open as a panicked third year charged in. "Professor McGonagall", the student cried.

McGonagall pushed herself to a standing position with her palms flat on her desk. "What is it?" She asked. A good question, but I would've asked how the student got past the gargoyle.

Out of breath, the student wasted precious seconds panting. "One of Professor Hagrid's hippogriffs attacked a student".

McGonagall was moving at once; rather spry considering her age. "Who?" She demanded to know.

I was halfway out of my chair when the student answered, "Draco Malfoy". Of course.

McGonagall was almost out the door before remembering I was there. "Weasley", she said, turning around. "You'll have to return to class". And then she hurried away. I guess some things don't change.

In a way, I was kind of grateful to Malfoy for being an attention-seeking arse. Now, everyone and their gossip were focused on the blond, his broken arm, and everything he had to say about it. Malfoy was making such a fuss about his ordeal, that I could walk the halls without whispers following me around. "So, is Malfoy as insufferable in the Slytherin Common Room as he is in public?" I asked Adrian as we sat in the back of the library with our textbooks spread out between us.

We were revising for the impending and far-off OWLS. Adrian's idea; not mine. My study style involves cramming at the last minute. What was that popular saying from Jessie's college days? C's get degrees. As such, Adrian met my offered distraction with a frown. He had no problem reminding me that the only reason he kept suggesting these study dates was to get me ready for the exams. Since he had already taken them as Regulus and remembered everything he needed to know because of course his memory was just perfect. I also wasn't sure why Adrian cared so much about my performance on the OWLs. It wasn't like he would be affected if I failed a test.

Turning the page of my Herbology text, Adrian answered without looking up. "Not by half. Flint doesn't have the tolerance for Malfoy's antics".

I scrunched up my nose. "Flint has that much power in Slytherin house?" From the books, I had kind of gotten the impression that the Malfoy family was a household name and held more sway in Slytherin circles than any other. Of course, the books also hadn't made any mention of Flint's father being a lord and a lawyer.

With his index finger, Adrian traced a sentence in the book he was looking at. Only half listening, he gave his answer as if this was not an interesting topic in the slightest. "The Malfoys have more connections in political circles than most. But the Flints have had more success garnering loyalty and securing their leadership". What? Adrian said all that like it was common knowledge, but…. What!? The Flints were more liked than the Malfoys? Phrasing it that way didn't make it sound like a difficult feat. Still, I couldn't get over the thought of Flint being the top dog in Slytherin house. Sure, he was older than Malfoy, but he was also one of the least liked students in school. Though that was going off Gryffindor standards. "Holly", Adrian started before I could interrogate him further. "Why does your book have text underlined in three different colors of ink?" He asked in reference to the herbology text he was still studying.

I had to give my head a little shake so I could focus. "Oh, um…", I brought myself time as I tried to think how I wanted to explain this. "Fred's color is red, I'm green, and George's color is blue. Since we're all in the same year, we try to use different quotes for papers so no one can accuse us of copying". Like Snape had done our first year. But, honestly, what did the man expect when grading a first-year essay about the infusion of wormwood? I bet all those essays had been similar.

Adrian nodded once as he tapped one of our notes with his finger. "And why did Fred write, 'must try- antidote- skiving snack boxes', next to the section about herbal remedies for fever".

Oh? I hadn't been aware Fred and George had started thinking about other sweets they could invent to go with the nosebleed nougat. "Trade secret", I answered with a shrug. Though, I guess that means I should start being wary whenever Fred or George offers me something to eat. Just in case they decide I'd make a good guinea pig. "So-" I was going to direct the conversation back to Flint, because how was he better received than Malfoy? They seemed equally despicable from my viewpoint.

But I was talked over, "By the way", Adrian said as he closed my Herbology book. "You have detention after dinner".

"Uh-huh", I vocalized as I squinted my eyes and reminded myself not to get excited. "Am I going to enjoy this detention?"

Adrian was casual in his answer, which was making it difficult for me to interpret his motive. "I'd imagine so".

That sounded favorable, but just to be sure… "Will Fred and George be in detention as well?"

Adrian started to clean up the books as he shook his head. "I think we'll be able to handle ourselves".

Well…. That sounded promising. Leaning forward, I laced my fingers together, put my elbows on the table, and rested my chin on top of my hands. "Then I'll see you after dinner", I said, trying to make my voice sound sultry.

And evidently failing when Adrian picked up his books and left with a "See you then", thrown over his shoulder. Men. Maybe I'd get him to pick up on these things quicker if I left the top buttons of my blouse undone.

In the potions lab, I took in the sight that was waiting for me. My shoulders sagged with the acknowledgment that my plans for the evening had taken a 180-degree turn. "Alright, the next time you give me a detention, I'm planning what we're doing".

Adrian rolled his eyes. "We have everything we need", He said; waving a hand over the items he had placed on our usual table in the lab. "There's no point in delaying what could only help us".

Walking closer to join him, I studied the items on the table; the goblin-made steak knife made stronger with basilisk venom and the locket. It was my first time seeing it in person. It looked even more opulent up close than it had in the movies. Hanging on a thick silver chain, was the emerald S encased in amber. The locket itself was big enough that when worn it would stand out prominently against someone's chest. "How did you get it back from Kreacher?" I asked as my hand muscles twitched in an unidentified urge to pick the cursed object up. It was… it was almost like someone was whispering in my ear. But, that'll be one whim I will not indulge.

Adrian was slow to answer; staring at the goblin-made steak knife like it was a scripture he needed to read from. "Sirius fetched it for me". He said when the silence between question and answer started to draw on long enough to be considered rude.

Catching on to what Sirius' involvement could mean, I asked, "What did you tell him?"

"Just about Regulus' actions the last couple days of his life". Adrian was quick to assure; running a hand through his short hair as he did so. "And about what the diary was last year. I didn't tell him anything about your past life. He thinks you and your brothers just got tangled up in all this mess".

There are times thoughts and talking run together so closely that they occur at the same time. This was one of those times. "How long?" At Adrian's blank look, I elaborated. "How long has Sirius known?"

"Since he was hired as a substitute". And before I could ask why Adrian took the initiative to explain. "When you were pulled out of school, I wasn't idle. As you're aware, I knew the diary contained dark magic without you having to tell me everything you knew. Sirius becoming a member of staff was an opportunity to gain access to resources I couldn't ignore". Adrian paused as he gave his head a rueful shake. "And when you did share your memories, I realized I needed to finish what Regulus started".

I feel like I should feel some sort of responsibility for not including Adrian in my madness earlier. But I don't. I mean, this is uncharted territory. It's not like there's a code of ethics for how reincarnated people should live.

"Sirius returned the locket to me at the start of term. It took him a while to find it. Kreacher had hidden it well and Sirius couldn't figure out how to word an order that could force Kreacher to give it up". My lips twitched as I thought about the summer Sirius must have had turning Grimmauld Place upside down and bickering with Kreacher to find Slytherin's Locket. "He helped me obtain the basilisk venom, and he knows we were successful in destroying the diary. However, I haven't told him about the other Horcruxes. That is a decision I want us to make together".

Letting air out through my nose, I tried to take in the bulk of that information. Though most likely I'd be playing this conversation over and over again in my head this night as I tried to go to sleep. "Fred, George, and I have been trying to get ahead of all this for years, and you managed it in months". What I said was both a compliment and admitting frustration.

Adrian shrugged as if his contributions weren't that big of a deal. "I was a Black", he replied as he picked up the steak knife. "Accomplishment is expected". This git. But before I could call him out on what he probably didn't realize was an insulting comment, Adrian held out the knife to me. "Do the honors?" He asked.

I eyed the knife and locket in turn. The sensation of something whispering in my ear became louder the longer I thought about impaling the locket. "You do it", I said. "You lost your life because of that locket. I think you should finish what Regulus started".

Adrian's grey eyes became determined as he withdrew the offered knife; holding it close to his person as he accepted the task. Adjusting the steak knife in his hand, Adrian held it with his hand wrapped around the handle and the blade pointing downward. With his free hand, he moved the locket to the center of the table. As Adrian steeled himself by taking some extra breaths, I held mine out of anticipation.

Then Adrian moved; plunging the knife into the center of the locket like one might do if they were mutilating a pumpkin. It wasn't like the diary. Instead of an immediate effect, the knife merely nicked the locket. Harry had used Parseltongue to open the locket, hadn't he? Does that mean our basilisk-infused steak knife wouldn't be enough on its own? "Try again", I prompted.

But Adrian didn't need to be told. He was already making a second attempt before I had even spoken. He stabbed again; targeting the same spot from before. The nick became a bit bigger and a loud pitched whistling started to emit from the locket. Almost like a kettle filled with boiling water. If kettles were objects of extreme terror. Adrian's third attempt ended with black smoke leaking out of the crack in the locket. "Regulus Black", a raspy voice started, echoing throughout the potions lab as the black smoke reached the ceiling. Hearing the voice, made Adrian pause in his fourth attempt, but only momentarily. "Traitor!", the raspy voice roared as Adrian stabbed the locket a fourth time, causing more smoke to leave the locket. "You are not good. You've turned away from your own kind. Who would accept you?"

"Don't listen!" I tried to yell over the voice as Adrian made a fifth attempt. The Locket started to rattle as it vibrated on the tabletop; more and more smoke filled the room to the point that our vision was blurred. "Adrian, don't listen to it! It's like a boggart; using your fear against you!"

"Regulus Black", the voice continued. Sweat had appeared on Adrian's brow as he prepared to strike again. "You couldn't even die properly. Forced to relive your past mistakes again and again". Adrian let out a small growl. "You'll never have the family you so desire". Adrian's growl grew louder as he stabbed it for the sixth and final time. The raspy voice turned into a high-pitched scream; a kettle boiling over. The last bit of smoke left the locket before it was followed by a beam of white light. It was impossible to look. Covering my eyes with the sleeve of my robe, I didn't get to see how it ended. All I know is that at one moment the screaming was so loud I thought my ears would bleed. And the next; silence.

An ashy aftertaste was embedded in the air as I hesitantly lowered my arm. Adrian stood next to me; the knife still in his hand as he stared at the blackened and crumbling locket. His shoulders rose and fell as he took stock of the room. At least there weren't ink stains all over the place and in need of cleaning. But there would be a smell that would be hard to disperse. Hopefully, Snape didn't know Adrian held detention here this night.

"You okay?" I asked slowly after a moment passed.

As if my voice had shocked Adrian out of whatever thought he was having, he dropped the steak knife. Both of us watched as it clattered on the tabletop next to the shattered locket. When it was lying still and flat, Adrian turned towards me. His pupils were larger than normal as he answered, "Where ever the dark lord is, I hope he felt that".

I'm sure he did. I thought about saying, but I was also thinking it was unfortunate that You-Know-Who would know what we had accomplished tonight. Whether he was in Albania in some rudimentary body or still hitching a ride with Quirrell, he would know. If Merlin was with us, You-Know-Who would still be too weak to retaliate. Pulling out my wand, I pointed it at the remains of the locket. "Evanesco", I whispered; keeping my focus and not blinking until every spec of the evil locket had vanished. It was easier to breathe without its reminder in the room. Even if the ashy smell still lingered. "I suppose we'll have to hunt down the diadem next".

"Yes", Adrian agreed as he pocketed the goblin-made steak knife. "And then the others". He spoke like a man on a mission.

Too bad I had to disappoint. "I don't know where the others are". By the time the Deathly Hallows occurred, Hufflepuff's was in the Lestrange's vault. But I didn't know if it had always been there or if it was relocated there after Bellatrix escaped by You-Know-Who's order. The ring was something Dumbledore discovered. I knew it was somewhere in Little Hangleton, but that was the extent of my knowledge. Nagini hadn't been made into a Horcrux yet. And there was nothing we could do, based on my knowledge, about the piece of You-Know-Who's soul residing inside Harry. At least, not without hurting Harry.

Using the back of his sleeve, Adrian wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Diadem first", he decided. "We can worry about the others once there are no more Horcruxes in Hogwarts".

Solid plan, but… "Except Harry", I reminded him.

Adrian sighed. "Yes, with the exception of Potter".

We left the potions lab after that. Adrian walked with me to the staircase that would take me out of the dungeons. Where we lingered for several minutes; holding hands for the mere sake of touching. "You're amazing", I whispered as I took a step forward so we were too close to hold hands. Forcing Adrian to rest his hands on my hips and allowing me to wrap my arms around his neck. Our differences in height were just enough that Adrian had to bend his neck to maintain eye contact. But that was just as well, seeing as it made this moment more intimate. "You know that right? In a span of days you destroyed two Horcruxes".

"We destroyed two Horcruxes", Adrian corrected in a low murmur.

And I could have argued with him on that point. Me and my fellow triplets had been at a standstill until Adrian managed to obtain the venom. But I didn't. Arguing wasn't my end goal when I started a conversation with, 'you're amazing'. "What that voice said in there, it wasn't true. Your parents accept you. I accept you. You're mistakes-"

Adrian cut off my attempt at being sensitive and attentive to his emotions. "Holly, I know it wasn't true. You don't need to offer me assurances". Alright, fine by me. "I've told you before. This time around, I'm going to get everything I want".

"Everything?" I asked, my voice becoming a bit deeper.

"Everything", Adrian confirmed.

"Including snogging your girlfriend?"

Adrian required no verbal response to give his answer. When there was no audience, he had no problem covering my lips with his. Just like his personality, his lips were firm, but I enjoyed the feeling of his confidence. For a man who had died a virgin, he sure knew how to kiss. Arching my back, I stepped further into his hold and tightened the grip I had around his neck. Obliging, Adrian lengthened his attention for several seconds.

When the call for air broke us apart, we took a step back. But my arms remained wrapped around his neck and his hands stayed on my hips. "And that's exactly what we should be doing when you give me detention". Because surely this was a teachable moment if there ever was one.

Adrian's expression was fond and forgiving as he expressed, and not for the first time, "You're incorrigible".