Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Inflicting Opinions

We had gone from the front of the potions lab to the back. "I don't want anyone sitting behind us", Adrian explained; keeping his eyes on his cauldron as we set up. Watching Adrian move tensely and hearing the unease in his voice, I had the feeling we'd be doing something similar in our ancient runes class.

"That's fine", I agreed as I started on my own cauldron. Though I questioned it. Wouldn't it be better to sit close to the teacher? Even if the teacher was Snape? Teacher proximity meant they were more likely to see and hear what our classmates did or said to Adrian. That felt safer to me. But Adrian had a long night and a difficult start to the day. As was evident by the darkness under his eyes and the comments and whispers we'd been ignoring all morning. "I don't think we've ever sat in the back before. Snape could probably use a break from us".

At the mention of our beloved potions master, both Adrian and I glanced up at the man scowling from the front of his classroom. Snape seemed as irate as he normally was as he magicked instructions onto the blackboard. Honestly, his indifference to current events feigned or otherwise, was such a comfort.

Our classmates started trickling in as we pulled out our potion kits. Miles Bletchley did his best not to look Adrian's way as he quickly scurried past us. Most of our classmates did the opposite; blatantly staring and muttering as they found their seats. But at least they weren't as obvious as Roger Davies chose to be. As soon as he caught sight of Adrian, Davies froze; a fixed glare on his face. His hands balled into fists; his stare becoming more abhorrent by the second.

Adrian pretended not to notice; avoiding eye contact as he reviewed the instructions Snape had posted. "Looks like we'll be brewing a memory potion today", Adrian said; doing what he could to keep his voice from carrying.

I did the opposite. "Memory potion?" I said at my normal volume as my hand found Adrian's knee under the table; giving it a comforting squeeze. "Do you think Snape will let us test them? I could use some help with the study guide for ancient runes". Despite talking to Adrian, my eyes were held steady on Davies. Narrowed and focused; I tried to resemble a guard dog. Davies could stare with that constipated look on his face all he wanted. But if he tried to do anything else, he'd have to get past me first.

Whatever emotional trance Davies caught himself under, it wasn't broken until the door to the lab opened and Cedric entered. "You wouldn't need help if you studied ancient runes as much as you study for charms", Adrian pointed out. Meanwhile, Davies stalked away; muttering something under his breath about how decent folk shouldn't have to take classes with killers.

"Charms is more important". I argued as Cedric came to stand and stare in the spot Davies had vacated. I cocked my head to the side as I made eye contact with Hufflepuff's golden boy; softening my expression but not by much. "It's also more interesting. Much more useful, and doesn't give me headaches". What are you going to do, Cedric?

The apprehension and wariness were clearly read on Cedric's face. I prayed Adrian didn't look up and see it as he promised to go over his ancient runes notes with me on a later date. Cedric wrapped a hand around the strap of his book bag and gripped it tightly. Tight enough that the skin around his knuckles lost color. Cedric took a deep breath before stepping forward. This, Adrian couldn't ignore and he looked up just in time to see Cedric drop his bag next to the table in front of us. "Good morning", Cedric greeted; a slight waver in his voice. But I wouldn't hold it against him… yet. That depended on what he did next.

"Morning", I returned the greeting; Adrian sitting stiffly at my side. The friendship between Cedric and Adrian was an unlikely one. But it was one I knew Adrian found a lot of value in. Both on their respective quidditch teams, both prefects in the same year, Adrian and Cedric had a lot in common. Besides, Cedric just made it easy to get along with him. He was easygoing, smart, and generous. Popular in three out of four of the houses, Cedric's opinion held a lot of sway.

"Holly, what time is the YUP officer meeting next Monday?" Cedric asked as he sat and leaned over to fish out the supplies he'd need from his bag.

"7:30", I replied; watching with more intensity than I probably should be. As if I could will Cedric's actions just by pinning him with the right look.

Cedric nodded as he pulled out his potions text and straightened his back. "I'll be there", he promised. Sitting sideways in his chair, it was easy for Cedric to look at us. For a few seconds, he kept his eyes firmly on my face; ignoring the ball of nervous energy sitting on my right. But after a long uncomfortable second, Cedric turned his head. "Adrian, did you see the list of new players Puddlemere United picked up? It was printed in the sports section this morning".

The hand I had on Adrian's knee was suddenly covered by one of Adrian's. I winced as I feared he'd crush my bones, he held it so tightly. But it was understandable. Adrian wasn't the sort to overtly show most of his feelings. Especially when he felt exposed. Releasing his emotions through his grip was how he managed to muster a normal tone when answering Cedric. "No, I haven't had the chance".

"Oliver Wood's name was listed. He must have made it off their reserve team. I don't think a new player has ever risen in rank so quickly. I knew Wood was good but…" Cedric trailed off to give an impressed shake of his head. That or he felt the eyes watching us very closely like Adrian and I did. At least this was happening in the small NEWT-level potions class. It had been much much worse at breakfast this morning. "I'm thinking about trying to go to one of his games this summer. If I can get tickets, would you want to join me?"

I thought Adrian forgot to breathe; he was so still. It was awkward sitting there, waiting for Adrian to respond. But none of that seemed to bother Cedric. While still unsure, he patiently waited; a nervous friendly little smile on his face.

"Yes", Adrian responded; the word coming out rushed. "Sounds enjoyable".

Cedric's smile grew bigger and more meaningful in response. "Silence", Snape called when it was time to start class. Forcing Cedric to face the front before he could say anything else. "Today, I'll be grading you on your execution of a memory potion. I expect you've all done the reading. Anyone who hasn't can see themselves out".

The only classes Adrian and I shared were potions and ancient runes. While Snape remained as steady as always, the same could not be said about Professor Babbling. The frizzy-haired witched, usually so structured in her lessons, was suddenly frazzled. While lecturing, she kept forgetting what had previously been stated or what point she was trying to get at. Her voice would quiver whenever her eyes would wander to the back corner that Adrian and I now occupied. There were spelling mistakes in the notes she wrote on the blackboard.

It was a shame. Ancient runes was an elective Regulus hadn't taken. Therefore, it was one of Adrian's favorite subjects because he actually got to learn something new. Usually, he was an active participant; raising his hand, answering questions, and sharing his interpretations of the readings. But today, he sat quietly in the back; head bowed as he tried to not make anyone more uncomfortable than they already were. Not that Professor Babbling was helping. Every time she floundered; our classmates would turn in their seats to stare. Or they'd put their heads together and whisper; Death Eater, murderer, criminal, traitor.

We heard the same things over and over; in the halls, during meals. Only louder. Most didn't say anything to Adrian's face. Too afraid they'd catch the ire of a born killer. Though the ones that did were spurred by anger and fear they probably didn't understand. Some of them went as far as bumping shoulders with Adrian as they crossed paths. All of it, Adrian bore in unprovoked silence. Just as Lord Flint had instructed. "It's for the best", Adrian would remind me and himself during particularly difficult moments. "The press is focused on me along with everyone else. Their attention isn't on Potter. That's what we wanted".

A big part of this crazy scheme was to limit the media's opportunity to discredit Harry or paint him in a bad light. Because Adrian participated in that interview, Skeeter hadn't been able to write any articles about a two-timing, fame-seeking Hermione Granger. And she was less likely to write any pieces about Harry being deranged in the future because the focus wasn't on Harry… Sirius making legal threats to anyone who printed something about his Godson without his consent also helped, but I'm going to let Adrian take all the credit for this one.

Since the article came out, more and more pieces about reincarnation followed. Experts on the subject were sharing their research as they talked about what Adrian and I had already learned; the only difference between people who remember a past life and those who didn't was the memories we held. Physically, emotionally, and mentally; we were our present age. The how or why someone is born remembering a past life is still unknown. And while rare, it is something that can happen to anyone.

Most of these pieces came out as some sort of fact-checking, and read mostly as impartial. Lord Flint's doing, I suspected. The laws surrounding reincarnated souls were also often cited. We could not be held accountable for the crimes of a past life. We were not obligated to talk about our actions committed in different bodies. If underage, we were entitled to the same rights and protections afforded to any minor.

But some opinions still made their way into the papers. Was it fair to have a fully trained wizard competing with 'actual' students in the Triwizard Tournament? Was it safe for a once-adult, and a murderer, to attend school with 'real' children? And those were examples of the milder ones.

Adrian received mail; letters and one howler from people he didn't know. As instructed, we left them all unopened and forwarded them to Lord Flint's law firm for handling. Except for the howler, that is. Since those are ticking time bombs. It occurred during the evening post, where an irate middle-aged witch felt it her civic duty to screech at a seventeen-year-old boy she'd never met; telling him was everything wrong with the world. That Adrian didn't deserve to have a second life. That he needed to beg forgiveness from every muggleborn Adrian dared to cross paths with. She went as far as informing Adrian she'd sent a similar howler to his father's business; demanding Marcellus take responsibility for Adrian's rebirth and send him back to the grave.

I didn't know any charms for silencing howlers. But I decided that wouldn't be something I'd mind researching for the thesis Flitwick wanted me to write as I wrapped my arms around Adrian and tried to shield him. Sirius and Lupin joined us at Gryffindor table before the Howler finished. Adrian and the Slytherins still on his side had been joining us for every meal since the article. Something most of Gryffindor house didn't appreciate. But if they had a problem with it, they could go jump in the lake.

"Merlin", Sirius said as he squeezed himself between Adrian and Harry; placing an arm around each boy's shoulders. "I didn't realize banshees knew how to write", he said as the howler tore itself up and disintegrated over Adrian's food. "What if she looks as she sounds?" Sirius kept going as Lupin placed himself at a different part of the table for the sole purpose of redirecting students' attention as much as he could. "Probably just as smart as a banshee. They're terribly dim, you know. Nothing in their heads worth paying any mind to. Anyone who'd say such things to my little brother would have to be thick".

The claim fell easily from Sirius' lips. Despite the appalled and scandalized looks he gained for his easy acceptance of Adrian. Sirius had been making such comments since the beginning of the week, or so I'm told. Apparently, transfiguration class was the most comfortable place for Adrian to be. The room of requirement and Potions class took second and third place. Sirius kept Adrian close; seated in front of his teacher's desk as the class studied and practice spells. All cruel commenters were shot down by becoming a punch line in one of Sirius' jokes. And he made sure to take advantage of every opportunity to remind those listening that Regulus Black was his little brother, and he accepted and loved him now as Adrian Pucey; a redeemed soul.

"I'm fine, Siri", Adrian muttered as he tried to keep himself blank as Hestia and Flora stared at him from across the table. Except he was far from fine. Adrian wouldn't have reverted to using nicknames so publicly if he was.

"Shame we didn't see who sent it", Flora said, nodding in approval as I vanished the ruined food on Adrian's plate and replaced it with a serving of shepherd's pie. I was determined he'd eat at least half of it before leaving the table. "Then we could have sent a reply".

While tucked under Sirius' arm, Adrian still managed a frightening glare as he stared at his cousins. "You will never do anything of the sort", he spoke sternly. "We do not lower ourselves to their level. It is beneath us".

"Oh, we wouldn't have to put our names on it", Hestia assured him; as if that was what Adrian was worried about. "It could even be untraceable. Ginevra's brothers", she paused to nod in the direction of Fred and George, "Have been teaching her some very useful spells".

From her spot next to Flora, Ginny nodded. "That witch would deserve a howler herself. But maybe it'd be better to send some hippogriff dung instead".

Fred laughed and placed a very proud hand on top of Ginny's head. "You know, George and I are inventing a new type of dung bomb. The stench is supposed to last for weeks and is impossible to clear away with magic. We would love to have someone to test it out on". All of this was said in seriousness as Ginny tried and failed to keep him from ruffling her hair. "Just say the word". But no retaliation was ever dealt out. At least not by us. Lord Flint was left to handle things and Adrian needed to keep his nose clean. To react or fight back would just give others more reasons to attack.

What I found interesting was very few claimed Adrian was lying. After all, Regulus Black's body was never found. There wasn't a whole lot Adrian had shared that proved he used to be someone else. Perhaps it just hadn't happened yet. Or maybe Sirius claiming Adrian as his little brother reincarnated was a convincing enough argument. But it was still curious…

"Okay", I said as I occupied the charms classroom with Cedric, Neville, and Zabini. We had conjured a table and four chairs so we didn't have to awkwardly look at each other from the desks as we talked. "The next YUP meeting, what do we need to discuss?"

Zabini scowled at me as he looked up from the agenda I'd handed him at the start of our meeting. I usually didn't have agendas when holding officer meetings. Therefore, asking what we needed to talk about was needed in most meetings. However, clearly, I knew what was on the agenda and my asking was completely unnecessary. "We need to come up with ideas for club events for the term; ready to propose them to the club at the next meeting", he read dryly from the list as Cedric and Neville looked on. "Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang may be joining us, so we need to be prepared to seat them all and include them in the meeting". When he got to the last item on the list, Zabini's scowl deepened. "And we need to talk about the hippogriff in the room".

"Right", I moved on. "So, events for the spring. I'm thinking since we have guests from other countries we should try to set up some sort of pen pal program. We also haven't spent a lot of the club's funds this year, so perhaps we should-"

"Using an idiom wasn't necessary", Zabini interrupted. Seeming to be personally offended that I had taken creative liberties with the agenda. "We all know what you're referring to".

Leaning forward, anxious energy had me drumming my fingers on the tabletop. "If you know what I'm referring to, why can't I use idioms?"

The hard stare Zabini gave me in response told me exactly what he thought. Cedric cleared his throat. "Maybe we should talk about Adrian first", he proposed in his best diplomatic manner.

Zabini nodded in agreement as he folded his arms across his chest; looking more like a grumpy old man than a teenager. Only Neville didn't give any sort of response. He sat ramrod in his chair; arms stretched down as he clutched the bottom of his seat. There was a slight shiver in his locked muscles that made me uneasy. While Adrian wasn't Bellatrix Lestrange or Barty Crouch Jr., Neville still had more reason to be scared than most.

"Alright", I agreed; keeping my sight on my vice president. "Before we discuss it as a team, are there any questions or concerns I can address?"

"No", Zabini assured me. Speaking faster than anyone else. "Pucey is one of us and he's given no cause for anyone to suspect differently".

"He only did that interview because Lord Flint asked him to, right?" Cedric asked as he played with the corner of his treasury report.

"Right", I confirmed. As we all had parents or guardians in UP, there was more information we could consider than the general public. Though the topic of You-Know-Who was still off-limits for now. I think Lord Flint told Madam Zabini and Neville's grandmother that he suspected You-Know-Who could return. But there was no way of knowing how much was shared and if the information had been passed on to Blaise and Neville. Besides, Cedric's parents, while valued members of UP, were not yet inner circle.

"Adrian told Lord Flint about Regulus before UP was even founded". It didn't need to be stated that Adrian's past self was probably a reason Flint Senior felt able to make lofty changes. "I think… Adrian told him after all that Lockhart nonsense". Though I wasn't certain when exactly this had occurred. Was it after Lockhart was sentenced to St. Mungos? Or after he escaped? Maybe he made the decision after I came clean about Horcruxes? But that last one wasn't something I could talk about.

"So, he did this for you", Zabini guessed; sounding terribly unimpressed.

"No", I refuted; knowing I had to tread carefully. "Adrian did this for all of us. I'm not sure how exposing Adrian is supposed to help but Lord Flint seems to believe his coming forward will make UP's mission more appealing to all sides".

Zabini's nostrils flared. "Seems more like a baseless gamble", he complained.

"My gran wrote", Neville blurted out; a slight stutter present. "She said I had to stand by Adrian and make the rest of YUP do the same".

Leaning back in my chair, I tried to keep my posture open and noncombative. Neville had grown leaps and bounds since becoming friends with Bulstrode and Davis. He spoke more readily and didn't seem as flustered during social situations. But he still wasn't all that comfortable in his own skin. "How do you feel about all this?" I asked.

Neville held his breath; his face almost turning purple. It took Cedric shaking his shoulder to get him responsive again. "My gran said-" He started.

"Forget your gran", I interrupted. Though I tried to do it nicely. "This is our club. Not hers or… Adrian's. We've talked about it; Adrian and I. He wants people, YUP specifically, to see him only as Adrian. He's scared of losing his friends. But he understands if you can't. This is asking a lot. Adrian will distance himself from YUP if we ask. Even if that's not what Lord Flint has planned. But I'm hoping we can convince everyone to give him a chance to be forgiven. And for that to be possible, we have to be honest, so please", I prompted with a gesture in Neville's direction. That had mostly been rehearsed. Lord Flint knew forcing kind opinions and solidarity onto a group would never work. So, I was expected to lead by example and hope others followed.

Neville needed another moment. Given his history, Cedric and Zabini were willing to wait. When he was ready, Neville's voice was quieter. Though the stuttering had stopped. "He wasn't there when my parents were tortured".

"No", I said; even though Neville already knew.

"But he knows the people who did".

Cedric shifted uncomfortably in his chair while Zabini resembled a statue. "Regulus did, yes", I said. Because how could he not know them? The Lestranges would have been family to him. And I know Adrian had mentioned seeing Crouch Jr. before.

"Adrian knows the forbidden curses?" Neville couldn't bring himself to look at me. Most of the color had left his face as he hugged himself.

"Yes". I wished I could lie. "All of them. He was forced to learn them as Regulus".

"Has he used them since… dying?"

I had everyone on edge as they waited for an answer. It would be so simple to lie. One quick reassuring 'no' and we could move on. But I couldn't eat my own words. This would only work long-term if we were as honest as we possibly could be. "Yes", I spoke quickly; trying to limit the amount of time Neville had to react. "But just one and only one time". It was my turn to stare down at the table. "It was the night Lockhart was arrested. Adrian found Lockhart… hurting me and he just reacted".

Neville was taking many breaths so quickly that they weren't helping him to stay calm. Cedric kept his hand on Neville's shoulder; as if afraid the boy would fall out of his chair if he didn't. There was no need to ask which of the unforgivables Adrian had used. Lockhart/Riddle wasn't dead and in that context, only one of the unforgivables would make sense. It was just unfortunate that the spell Adrian used would be the one that would be most upsetting for Neville.

But Neville preserved through his fearful and uncomfortable feelings. I could tell he found his resolve when his breathing slowed and color returned to his normally pinkish face. "I think", he spoke carefully. "Adrian should have the chance to defend himself and then YUP should get to vote".

Zabini scoffed as he unfolded his arms. "No", he disagreed. "We should continue as normal to show everyone there is nothing to be concerned about. If YUP can't forgive one reincarnated Death Eater, how would the children of Ex-Death Eaters be safe to join us?"

"I agree with Neville", Cedric said as he gave the younger boy one last pat on his shoulder before retracting his hand. "I think Adrian's a different person. He doesn't act like a Death Eater at all and he stood up for Baddock a lot this year from Slytherins who do dislike muggleborns. Adrian's my friend. I want him to be in the club. But I don't think we have the right to make that decision for everyone else".

Three pairs of eyes turn toward me. As president, I guess the final say rested with me. Drumming my fingers on the table, I tried to make the choice. But it was hard. Not because I didn't know what my decision was. It was difficult because I didn't like the outcome. "I'll talk to Adrian", I said. "If he wants to tell his story to YUP before we discuss the situation as a whole, we'll let him. But there will be rules. And if Adrian doesn't want to talk, we won't force him. He can skip the club meeting. And I'll tell him the verdict afterward". We had to be honest… As honest as possible.