Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Grace

We woke up to a new notice on the common room bulletin board. "Apparition lessons next month", Lee read as all the sixth-years looked on with interest. "Wicked!" That became the new favorite topic for our year. People fantasized about how much freedom they would be afforded once they weren't limited to floo powder or parents who may not be willing to apparate them places. "We could go to Diagon Alley every day", I heard a Hufflepuff say. "I'm going to schedule my apparition test for the day I turn seventeen", a Ravenclaw boy boasted.

It was a nice change of pace and I was grateful for it. Anything was better than listening to whispered comments about a murderer walking amongst us. But I couldn't participate. My mind was on other things. The YUP meeting where Adrian would stand in front of his peers for judgment was scheduled for this evening. Most I talked to were willing to see Adrian as they always had. Though the YUP members who avoided me… probably didn't agree. What if everyone had already made up their minds? Would Adrian answering their questions be able to sway them? And what would happen if Adrian was cast out?

I couldn't get these questions out of my head. They made me clumsy in potions, slow in defense, and distracted in charms. "Miss Weasley, will you be participating in the apparition lessons?" Professor Flitwick asked during his planning block.

The small work table I'd been provided when I shared Flitwick's office was stationed next to his desk. Looking up from the stack of first-year essays I was supposed to be marking, Flitwick's gaze was already focused and ready to make eye contact. "Yes", I answered; blushing a little when I realized I hadn't made any headway in my task at all. "Fred put all our names down as soon as he saw the posting".

"Good", Flitwick said; sounding satisfied as his mustache wiggled as he spoke. "And your birthday", he continued. "You'll be of age this summer?"

The direction this questioning was taking held my attention better than classes had. "We'll be seventeen in April". Why did Flitwick care about when I'd become a legal adult?

As he studied me, Flitwick laced his fingers together and placed his entwined hands flat against his chest. "Try to get your license to apparate as soon as possible. I'll have work for you this summer and it would be useful if you could travel under your own power".

I wrinkled my forehead; the essays stacked on my table were officially forgotten. "I'll be working for you this summer, sir?" This was news to me. Especially since I had never heard the like of it before. Summer homework was one thing. But seeing a teacher during the break… that sounded like madness.

"Yes, Weasley", Flitwick confirmed; bobbing his head in such a fashion that his beard appeared longer. "We haven't had the chance to talk about your progress or my plans for your future. This year you've made great gains in nonverbal casting. You mastered the Patronus charm and excelled at the sixth-year charms curriculum. All the while helping me with the first years". I found myself blushing and fidgeting under the weight of Flitwick's praise. "Your lesson plans still need work. And I have yet to take you to a staff meeting. However; given your proclivity for mischief, I felt it wise to wait. How are you getting on with your reading?"

Smiling nervously, I hoped my answer wouldn't make Flitwick take back his kind words. "Honestly, Professor. It'd taken longer than a year to make a dent in that list".

It was hard to see beneath his facial hair, but Flitwick's mouth twitched. "What was the last thing you read from my suggested readings?"

"An article", I answered. In fact, a copy of it was currently stashed in my bag. Already marked and annotated; just waiting to be used as research for the next charms essay I was assigned. "About the effects of spell damage on enchanted items".

Flitwick unlaced his hands to smooth some loose hairs on his beard. "So, you are about a quarter way in", he said; sounding pleased. But… Did Flitwick have all his suggestions memorized? How?! I feel like that should be impossible. "With everything going on, I consider that accomplishment to be a sign of dedication. I am very impressed, Weasley. Yes, yes. So impressed that I'm offering you an apprenticeship with me".

An apprenticeship? Flitwick had hinted at it before. But it was still difficult to wrap my head around. The glow of the afternoon sun shined through Flitwick's office window. It made this moment in time feel much more pleasant than most had felt outside these walls. "What would that mean? Being your apprentice?"

Flitwick leaped into an explanation right away. I wouldn't be surprised if he had one prepared. "It would be mostly informal next year. After all, your focus will rightfully be on your NEWT exams and graduating. But in the following years, you'll assist me with my own projects. I'll teach you the charms and spells not in my curriculum. With Professor McGonagall's permission and if the school's budget allows it, you'll remain at Hogwarts as a student teacher working under my discretion.

"Likewise, you will have to write a thesis to obtain a charms mastery and put in sufficient hours for teaching training. I will provide the needed supervision, and guidance. Most charm masteries take apprentices four to five years to accomplish. However; since you started working with me as a NEWT student, I believe a mastery will be obtainable two or three years after your graduation. Especially if you're working with me during summers".

Stunned. I was absolutely stunned. Feeling like a dunce, I sat still and just stared at Flitwick; awkwardly not blinking. He thought I was good enough for a mastery? It was common to hear things about how smart Percy was. Or how talented Bill and Charlie were. Despite all the trouble they caused, Fred and George were always praised for their creativity. I was used to just being known as the third Weasley triplet. It never bothered me. I was quite happy with the title. But to have someone tell me I could do something great all on my own…

Flitwick misread my face. "Naturally, you'll have to think about it. I ask that you do not give me an answer before you do. There will be a lot of learning ahead of you if you choose this path. And success will only be possible if you commit yourself fully to the work".

"No", I spoke quickly; Flitwick's retreat breaking me from my stupor. "I mean, I think… I know I want to… Please take me on as your apprentice". I leaned forward in my chair; pressing my stomach against the edge of the table and knocking a few essays to the floor in the process. "I'll have to talk to Fred and George". Just because we talk about everything. "And Adrian, of course. He wants to get married. But it's not like we've set a date or anything. And Adrian won't stop me from doing this. If I want this, he'll wait".

I didn't realize I was rambling until Flitwick held up a hand. There was a certain sparkle in his eyes that felt more amused than annoyed. "That will do, Miss Weasley. If you are certain, I'll consider this the end of the matter and have a contract drawn up by the end of the month". Reaching for his celebratory mini-cupcake tin, Flitwick was all smiles. "Oh, this is exciting, Weasley. I haven't had an apprentice in an age".

Things were happening very fast and I didn't fully process Flitwick's words until he handed me a chocolate cupcake with white frosting. "Sir", I started; leaning back in my seat and playing with some frosting that got on my fingers. "Does this mean I have to start calling you Master Flitwick?"

Indulging in a cupcake himself, Flitwick had to chew and swallow before he could answer. The crumbs and bits of frosty stuck to his mustache were a bit distracting. "Only while in formal company, Weasley", Flitwick teased; his sense of humor shining through. "Now", he moved on; setting down half a cupcake on his desk. "Between master and apprentice, tell me, why have you been so absent-minded as of late?"

Slouching, I let out a sigh. Is that why Flitwick offered me the apprenticeship now instead of at the end of the year? "We have that YUP meeting tonight". Flitwick nodded to show he recalled. As club advisor, he'd be there after all. "Adrian's going to speak. And afterward the club will vote if he's welcomed or not". Agitated enough, I raised a hand and disturbed the hair on top of my head until the shorter hairs messily stuck out. "What if he's excluded? Some of YUP has been okay with Adrian since that article. Great even". I said as I thought of Cedric inviting Adrian to a quidditch match. Or Fred and George finally calling him by his first name. "But if they're outnumbered, Adrian will have to leave YUP. Everything we built will crumble if we force people to accept him so we have to give them a voice".

Flitwick listened patiently. First, he finished eating his cupcake and then he settled comfortably in his chair and on his stack of cushions; waiting for me to finish.

Exhaling through my nose, I tried to summarize my racing thoughts. "Most of the students are afraid of Adrian. Some of the teachers too. People whisper insults behind his back when they think he can't hear. And he's been attacked in the halls. Lord Flint was clear. He can't fight back. So, we've been trying to fight for him, but… If Adrian doesn't have YUP, I don't know what he'll do. School for him will be awful if that happens".

"We'll have to wait and see, Miss Weasley", said Flitwick once I was done. His tone wasn't as light as it had been before. But it didn't lack empathy. "But you can rest assured that things will not get out of hand at the meeting because I will be there to make sure it doesn't. Also, it is important to keep in mind that while the Youth of the United Party have ties to the United Party, it is not the same thing. If Mr. Pucey is not accepted here, he can move forward knowing he will not be denied forever".


Come evening, Flitwick's classroom was packed to the brim. "Right", Cedric called over the crowd as we tried to get everyone organized. "Years one, two, and three will have to sit on the floor". There was more attending than usual as some of the students from the other schools decided to take us up on our offer to join in. In hindsight, this meeting probably wasn't the best choice given that Adrian would be on display. But, as I watched Hermione usher Krum and his friends to a back row of desks, I knew there was no getting out of this. On the other side of the room, Zabini with polite and controlled dignity was seeing Fleur and her entourage to the remaining back row.

For this occasion, Flitwick chose to stand by the blackboard rather than sit. Just in case he was needed. Adrian stood next to them; looking ill and having a hard time turning his attention away from the window. People were openly staring as they found their seats. It wasn't anything terribly new. Adrian had been dealing with worse for weeks. But it had to feel different when the people staring were ones whose opinions actually mattered.

I stood behind the podium; our agenda for the meeting lay out in front of me which was nice since it gave me something to focus on. In the back of my head, I wished all this silliness happened last year. Then Percy would still be YUP's president and he would have handled this a lot better.

As vice president, Neville was at my elbow. He didn't really have any jobs at the moment. And YUP usually wasn't this formal. Most of the time, he sat between Bulstrode and Davis and piped up when he was needed. But today just felt different. Maybe it was because we had visitors. Though more likely it was because Adrian was on… I don't know, some messed up version of teen court.

Once everyone had a seat, Cedric and Zabini stood by the doors; facing the podium. When Zabini stood ready with a clipboard and a quill and Cedric gave me a singular nod, I knew it was time to call the meeting to order.

YUP was never a hard group to gain their attention. Since we usually planned fun things, our members were willing and eager to listen and participate in meetings. Today was no different. Though I suspect the reason varies a bit. All I had to do was raise my hand and side conversations faded away. "Welcome to the first YUP meeting for the new term". There were a few less friendly looks on people's faces as I talked. I tried to not let it bother me. "I know we're a bit late. But with Yule and the second task there was a lot of going". I made sure to take pauses and glance around the room; just like Flitwick told me I needed to do when giving instruction to a whole class.

"To our new friends from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons", I made sure to look at someone from each school as I talked; which ended up with me making random eye contact with a boy from Durmstrang and giving Fleur a weak smile. "Thank you for joining us. We're excited to have you. For those of you who don't know, this is the Youth of the United Party. We are a school club that is trying to get people to connect despite their school house or blood status or whatever is keeping them separate from someone else. My name is Holly Weasley. I am the club's president. To my right is Neville Longbottom".

As I gestured to him, Neville gave a little wave; looking a bit pale. "He is our vice president. Standing by the doors", I moved on; making sure I pointed to the correct person as I introduced them. "Is Cedric Diggory, our treasury, and Blaise Zabini, our secretary. We're here if you have any questions about the club".

Having been sent to the floor; Dennis, Baddock, Collin, Ginny, and her friends fidgeted uncomfortably. Though only Hestia and Flora seemed put out by the arrangement. But in a strange way, I was thankful they were so close to the podium. Because that meant they would be closest to Adrian when it was his turn to talk. Maybe that would provide some comfort.

"Today, we will be discussing what events YUP will be hosting this term, and Adrian is here to share with us what he feels we need to know and answer some questions you may have. I know that article confused many and scared some. So, after we hear Adrian's side of things, the club will be voting on whether the majority feels comfortable with Adrian…" My voice shook and I had to take a moment before I could continue. "Remaining in the club. But first, Cedric, would you mind sharing the treasury report".

People kept shifting and coughing impatiently as Cedric did his piece. The same occurred when Zabini reviewed the minutes from the last meeting. Attention kept wavering from them; eyes darting to steal glances as to who they really wanted to hear from. And that's saying something. Considering Zabini is the sort of usually commands a room when he speaks.

"Okay", I said once Zabini was finished. "We're going to start with Adrian". So many people perked up all at once that the effect was kind of scary to see from the podium. "But we have a few rules. First, Adrian is choosing to speak with us. He is not required to. So, if he doesn't want to answer a specific question, we're not going to force him. Second, everyone is entailed to an opinion. But only those who are able to state theirs respectfully will be permitted to do so".

There were some grumbling and sneering faces at the mention of rules but I wouldn't let Adrian speak at all if they weren't abided by. Maybe there wasn't a whole lot I could do to protect Adrian. Especially when the playing field we were occupying went beyond the walls of Hogwarts. But anyone who thought they could get away with being openly ugly to Adrian's face would be very sorry by the time I was done with them.

Flitwick, with his squeaky little voice, managed to make himself seem stern as he spoke over everyone protesting. "I will be enforcing these rules". The grumbling died off as Flitwick spoke. "Furthermore, I want every student to remember they are in school. Whatever is decided today will have no meaning outside of the club. Every student is still expected to full school rules and treat each other with respect".

Pausing to let that nicely worded warning sink in, Flitwick's seasoned eyes scanned the room. He did so with such intensity that no one managed a peep. Satisfied by what he saw, Flitwick nodded once before gesturing to Adrian. "Mr. Pucey", he prompted.

Stiff kneed, Adrian approached the podium. I waited for the last moment before moving. Just so I brush arms with him as Neville and I retreated to the window. The silence was heavy and uncomfortable in the classroom as Adrian spent the first few moments staring down at the podium; collecting himself. Not a single eye strayed from him. We had talked about this meeting since Neville proposed that Adrian should speak to the club.

At first, Adrian didn't want to do this. Still doesn't, actually. However; the more he thought about it, the more Adrian came to realize others wouldn't be able to accept Adrian if Adrian didn't accept Regulus. Maybe it would have been possible if no one had learned about his past life. But that ship sailed a long time ago and here we are. If Adrian wanted any semblance of the life he had before the article, he needed to fight for it.

"I do not want to restate everything said in the article". Adrian started as he raised his head to stare out at YUP. Though I'm not sure he saw much of anything. "It is accurate enough about what happened and my feelings surrounding it". His voice felt like gravel. Not at all like the smooth confident tones I was used to. "Though I would like to apologize for its timing. The Youth of the United Party is tied to the United Party. And its leader, our benefactor, Lord Flint, asked me to do the interview with Rita Skeeter after the second task. He believed it was important to apply the three pillars of the united party to one of our own in order to lead by example. My past life gave the greatest opportunity. However, the interview overshadowed what I and the other champions accomplished together in the second task. So, to my teammates, I apologize".

My eyes wandered to the other champions as Adrian made his opening statement. Krum sat shadowed in the back; his fingers laced together and covering his mouth. It was impossible to read him. Fleur's posture was excellent as she listened. Though she seemed rather bored. I couldn't decide if that was a good thing. While Harry sat close to Ron and Hermione and tried to appear encouraging whenever Adrian's gaze would land on him. It was nice… even if it wouldn't help.

Adrian took a deep breath and I tried to ignore Neville who still stood too tensely next to me. "Remembering a past life is a strange and awkward thing. Especially since I can run into people as Adrian whom Regulus used to know. It made moving on difficult. All I want out of this life is to live peacefully and quietly with my family. However, Regulus' family isn't completely gone". Adrian's eyes lingered on Harry. Probably as a substitute for Sirius. "And those who I want to call family made hiding impossible". Here, Adrian glanced over his shoulder to frown at me. As if I had some fault in all this. "It occurred to me, through the United Party and standing by those important to me, that if I want to experience the peaceful and quiet life I crave, I need to confront Regulus' past.

"It was a journey that started before the United Party was formed. Though I did not realize it at the time. I told my parents about Regulus when I was three. They remained kind and loving parents, and I stopped waiting for the day when they'd start to ignore me or disown me. As Regulus' parents had done to him and Professor Black.

"I told Holly during our third year of school. She immediately told the rest of the Weasley triplets. They were scared and distrusting of me. I had to prove myself to them. But when I did, Holly's friendship and Fred and George's tolerance taught me that friendship was more than being used by someone else for their own gain in return for some level of security. Regulus' fears about being trampled on or seen as lesser vanished.

"Accidently, Harry and Professor Black found out about Regulus. Professor Black was furious. There was a lot of bad blood between him and Regulus. But this gave me the opportunity to tell him Regulus' side of things. And with Harry's acceptance of Adrian, Professor Black forgave Regulus. I have a better relationship with my brother now than I ever did as Regulus. Because I have family and friends who care for my own sake, I was able to do the same for others.

"Watching Professor Quirrell and then Professor Lockhart, two teachers who were mad enough to believe they were the Dark Lord returned, terrorize students made me reflect on the harm Regulus caused. Determined not to be the same person, I pushed myself beyond the circles I was comfortable with. When Hermione Granger asked me to be a part of a club that wants to liberate house elves, I joined. When I became a prefect, I gave myself rules and challenges to treat everyone the same; no matter their house or blood status. In the end, I learned everything Regulus had been taught was wrong. That never would have happened if people hadn't given me safe opportunities to challenge and question myself. The Youth of the United Party helped to facilitate a few of these opportunities which I will always be grateful for.

"So, when Lord Flint asked me to come forward about Regulus Black, I agreed. Because I want people like Regulus to have the chance to question what they're told. I want people to choose their paths instead of being forced down them. Regulus needed the Youth of the United Party. And I'm hoping if the club is able to forgive Regulus and accept Adrian, we'll be able to offer a choice to those who are born with their lives already planned out".

Adrian's voice remained steady throughout his whole explanation. Other than a few exceptions, he kept his eyes fixed on the back of the room. Holding himself in such a way, it took the room a moment to realize he was done speaking. Neville took a long inhale from his spot next to me. "Okay", I called out; my voice felt foreign having to follow all that. "We'll move on to questions", I said as I stepped forward to join Adrian at the podium. "Raise your hand and I'll call on you one at a time". With the podium blocking it from view, my hand sought Adrian's and I held on tightly; ignoring the nervous sweat on his skin.

"Remember", Flitwick added as the first hand rose. "Mr. Pucey is not required to answer every question and only civil inquiries will be tolerated".

"Flinch-Fletcherly", I called on the fourth-year Hufflepuff.

The boy in question let his skepticism show without restraint. "How were you forced into being a Death Eater? How can anyone be forced to commit murder?"

Adrian gave my hands a squeeze as several people stared at him; some were curious how he would answer while others looked like they wanted to see him stumped. "I wasn't under the imperious curse. I wasn't being controlled by magic". Adrian kept his voice even. Though a bob in his Adam's apple told me it was difficult. "The Dark Lord and those who follow him rule by fear. Fear controlled Regulus. It was either do as was expected of him or be the next one scorned or killed. As Adrian, I know that was false and I could have found a way forward without harming others or being destroyed. Regulus, however; was never shown anything different. After a while, harming others took its toll and I choose death instead of continuing".

"Collin Creevey", I called on the next hand.

"What's it like to die?" The very curious third-year asked.

"Pass", I said quickly. Knowing it was too sensitive a question. I'd have refused if someone asked me that question. "Next quest-"

But Adrian gave my hand a squeeze and answered anyway. "There are multiple ways to die. I doubt they all feel the same. Regulus' death was painful. Try not to drown. I don't recommend it".

More hands were slowly rising above heads. "Angelina", I picked the next person.

The questions went on and on. Some were repeated. Most just wanted to assure that Adrian held no hatred for muggleborns or muggle-kind in his new life. And they seemed to get stuck when Adrian would consistently reply that he accepted muggleborns having a right to be a part of the wizarding world but was still questioning himself when it came to muggles. "They scare me", Adrian admitted. "How do they survive in a world without magic and keep growing in numbers? It is something I don't understand". I had to applaud Adrian for his honesty. Even if I worried it might cost him his acceptance.

Baddock wanted to know if Adrian was referring to him in that article. Cho Chang asked if there were many still in Slytherin who lived as Regulus had. Most of the questions were serious in nature. The students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang witnessed it all in silence; never asking anything themselves. The tension in the room wasn't broken until Lee raised his hand and asked, "What's it like having to go through Hogwarts twice?"

"It's a tremendous bore", Adrian answered. "Imagine having to sit through lectures about first-year spells and pretending you don't know them. Or having to take your OWLs twice. If I didn't share so many classes with the triplets, who always found ways to surprise their teachers, I'm not sure I would have made it to NEWT level".

Adrian's answer awarded him a chuckle and some more friendly expressions. For a while, the questions veered to a more harmless nature. Why do you call Professor Black so formally when he's your brother? Do you prefer to be called Adrian or Regulus? Has Hogwarts changed much since you were here as Regulus? I thought we might be passed the worse of it.

But then Susan Bones raised her hand and asked, "What was the object you tried to steal from You-Know-Who? The one you mentioned in the article."

Adrian gulped and I held my breath. Here's a part where it wasn't time to be honest. "It was a locket", Adrian chose his word carefully. "Something personal to him. I thought if I destroyed it, I'd hurt him. Even if by just a little. It was the only way I thought Regulus could redeem himself". Listening to Adrian, I was reminded that the best liars told the truth.

Questions about what You-Know-Who had been like were ignored. Likewise, comments that tried to provoke a negative reaction from Adrian were quickly shot down. There was probably a lot more to say. Many hands remained in the air, but as we passed the hour mark, Flitwick decided it was time to move on. "Let's move to a vote. I believe Mr. Pucey has told us more than enough".

It was decided before this meeting that I wouldn't vote. Clearly, I was biased and as president, my job was to respect the majority's wishes. So, I stood still; clasping hands with Adrian as Neville took over. Given the sensitive nature of the question and the things people were considering, the vote was anonymous. So, more time was spent passing out parchment and quills, collecting the parchment, and counting all the votes. Luckily, it was a yes or no question we were answering; should Adrian remain in YUP?

Throughout the process, our guests remained silent witnesses. Only occasionally would they whisper something amongst themselves. And it was always in their native tongue. It made me wonder what they were thinking. I caught Fleur's eye a couple of times. Each time ended with a friendly quirk of her lips and I was left with the impression that she understood more than I did.

When Neville announced he was ready to share the results, I turned my head and pressed my forehead against Adrian's shoulder. It would have been nice if I could have offered Adrian more. But he was stubbornly refusing to break his composed posture and disciplined expression. "The majority wants Adrian to remain in the club", Neville said; his voice soft. But everyone managed to hear him just fine.

Despite a murmur of protest, I suddenly felt like it was easier to breathe. Adrian squeezed my hand tightly, and great relief shimmered behind his grey pupils. Having run out the clock with everyone's questions; there was no time to discuss future club events as originally planned. So, Flitwick sent everyone to their dorms. But not everyone left right away.

Drowning out those who were unhappy with the outcome, our friends surrounded Adrian with claps on the back and words of solidarity. "I think you make a better YUP member than a Death Eater", said Montague as Baddock clung to his side.

"I guess now we know why you have high marks", Lee teased and Hestia and Flora hugged their cousin. "No because your smart, but because you've passed these classes before".

Fred and George choose to wrap their arms around me instead of Adrian as they told him, "Well, Reggie. Welcome to the good side. The food tastes better over here, trust us. It's why everyone on here is better looking than Moldypant's sycophants".

And when most of YUP finally moved away from offering their support and trust, Krum, Fleur, and Harry stood in front of us. Adrian stilled when he felt their eyes on him while I eyed Harry curiously. I expected something from Fleur. She didn't strike me as the type to be quiet with her opinions. Krum was a surprise though. And Harry… how were you involved, boy wonder?

"We've 'ave talked with 'arry" Fleur jumped right in and skipped over what we thought she'd want to bring up. "And We would like to discuss 'ow we will approach ze last task".

I gapped. Adrian forgot to breathe. Harry grinning at us only made us feel foolish for doing so. "Yes", Adrian agreed once he regained himself. He jetted out his hand; the sharp movement was the only thing that still expressed his surprise. Adrian shook hands with Krum first. "We can meet during lunch tomorrow". He shook Fleur's hand. "Or whatever suits your schedule best".