Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Controlling the Narrative

Sitting at Gryffindor table the next evening for dinner, I covered my face with my hands and groaned as soon as I finished reading the evening edition of the Daily Prophet. Thusly causing the paper to drop into my plate of herring and boiled potatoes. Oh, Adrian. It was as bad as I feared. It may have been my imagination, but I could already hear the mutterings of others as they read the same thing I did. I could feel the stares being blatantly sent in my direction and probably everyone else who had a close connection to Adrian. As we planned, Adrian skipped dinner. So, at least he was spared… for now.

"I thought the pictures were nice", Angelina said as she folded her paper before setting it down next to her plate. Picking my head out of my hands, I read Angelina's face. She was trying and I loved her for it. But the unease and displeasure in her carefully stoney expression and pursed lips weren't easy to ignore.

With a huff, I turned back to my paper. Which was now greasy due to being in my food. The pictures Angelina was referring to weren't anything scandalous or something that would garner a second look in most contexts. Somehow Skeeter had scrounged up an old school photo of Regulus and printed it side by side with one of Adrian's current ones. In black and white, the two didn't look similar at all which was a nice contrast. One was a portrait of Adrian and Sirius posed together. Neither was smiling but they both looked comfortable. If I had to guess, it was probably taken on the same day as the interview.

All the others spattered throughout the article were candid and featured a student enjoying school life. Adrian studying in the library. Adrian walking the grounds. Adrian talking with friends. I made the cut too. There was one of us at the Yule Ball and, of course, the picture taken at the docks was also included. What was scary about them is that, except for one, we weren't aware of them being taken. So how were they? I found it unlikely Skeeter had a beetle-sized camera she was able to use in her animagus form.

"So…" Alicia leaned around Angelina to make eye contact. "You knew?"

This time I managed to keep the paper out of my food as I set it aside. "Yeah", I answered; picking up my fork. But suddenly I didn't have an appetite. Adrian had taken a risk at Lord Flint's request. A calculated risk, he assured me. Though that didn't make it any easier to swallow.

Ever since the start of YUP, Adrian worked hard; being approachable and sociable with every club member. He now had friends in all four houses. Would he still be able to call them as such once they all got the chance to read and process what exactly Adrian's hand was in life… and death?

"You knew about Adrian's past life?" Alicia pressed.

"Yeah". Despite having nothing in my mouth, I felt like I was eating peanut butter.

Angelina busied herself with cutting her herring into bite-sized pieces; her hands tightly clutched her knife and fork. Meanwhile, Alicia hadn't broken eye contact. "The bit about being a Death Eater…"

"Yeah", I spoke quickly before Alicia could finish that part. "Adrian told me everything. But that's not him anymore". I tried to make my eyes as pleading and earnest as possible. For me, it was easy to take Adrian as he is. After the initial shock, that is. We were both trying to use our previous memories to be better this time around. "He is literally a different person". Well… mostly. Personalities were the same and some of our interests and preferences stuck around. But that wasn't something easy to understand unless you experienced it.

Exhaling audibly through her nose, Angelina shook her head. "I don't know, Holly". Even though she'd taken the time to cut up her food, Angelina hadn't taken one bite. "He killed someone. A muggle just for being a muggle. Adrian admitted it himself. How much could a person like that really change?"

I didn't have an answer. As someone who had been murdered, could I say I believed my killer could redeem himself if given the chance?

Angelina was able to read the conflict on my face. Sighing, she frowned with a small shake of her head; feeling sad for me. All around us the muttering and staring continued. Or so it felt. Those who didn't have a paper were probably now taking copies from their friends who did. "I'm here if you want to talk about it. Alicia too". From Angelina's other side, Alicia nodded her agreement. "And I really think you should. You're dating a… a bigot. That can't be healthy".

"Adrian's not like that", I kept trying. It was all I could do. Being confrontational wouldn't work. Heated tempers and hurt feelings would have the opposite effect of what they represented. No one could be forced to forgive Adrian for his past life. Or to trust him in the future. They had to make that decision on their own. My job in this affair was to lead by example. "Regulus was. Adrian's taking ownership of that. But he doesn't hold those opinions anymore". Nothing I said seemed to sway Angelina. She held herself like a tree. Patient as the wind rustled her leaves but unyielding. "I love him". I admitted when I couldn't think to say anything else; voice strained. Everything Adrian strived for could crumble away if this plan wasn't successful. Lord Flint believed this was the next course of action to take. A necessary next step to stay ahead, he claimed. But it felt cruel that Adrian had to be the one to bare this burden.

While Alicia started looking uncertain, Angelina leaned forward half an inch. I could feel the sympathy as much as I could see it in her eyes. Reaching out, she placed a hand on my shoulder, as if the contact would free me from whatever fog I was being trapped under. "And that's scary".

I excused myself without saying a word. I just got up and started walking away; not caring about the whispers and stares that tracked my steps. "Holly!" Alicia called after me; her concern was apparent. But I pretended I hadn't heard.

Adrian needed dinner. I promised to bring something to his hiding spot in the room of requirement. And I knew I wouldn't manage calming down until I got to check in with him. But I was stopped before I could make it out of the hall.

A hand wrapped around my wrist and I was pulled sideways onto a bench located at the end of Gryffindor table. Instinctually knowing who it was, I buried my head in Fred's shoulder as he hugged me and George put a comforting hand on my back. "You okay, Holls?" Fred checked in.

"I will be", I promised; voice muffled. His robes smelled like grass and smoke and it made me wonder what project he and George were working on now.

"You knew this was going to be hard", George reminded me; talking lowly enough that no one else would have been able to make out what he said. With my face still pressed against the fabric of Fred's robe, I nodded. As soon as Adrian explained about the interview to me and why it was being asked of him, I told Fred and George. We'd spent most of last night discussing and theorizing.

"We keep telling you, Jolly Holly", Fred said at a normal volume. "You have horrible taste in men".

Not able to help myself, a loud desperate laugh escaped me. Though thanks to my current position, any sound I could make was muffled. These two could always be counted on.

"Lee's fine with Pucey, by the way", George continued. "He just told us. Said if he was man enough to admit what his past self did was wrong and deal with all the backlash, he must really mean it".

George kept his hand where it rested until I was ready to pull away from Fred. When I did, I sniffed in some sort of half-hearted effort to compose myself and twisted around to look across the table. Lee was on the other side; most of his food was gone as he did his best to stare down anyone who was a little too interested in the ongoings of us triplets. "Thanks, Lee".

Lee beamed at me. "Don't mention it. I trust Fred and George. And if they're willing to let you go off with Pucey, he can't be all that bad. Anyone who knows you three will realize that eventually".


Adrian was pacing when I joined him. I'm not sure what he thought to get into the room of requirement. But whatever he proposed as his need resulted in a scarcely furnished room that only contained a fireplace, a couch, a coffee table, and the vanishing cabinet.

As soon as the door closed behind me, Adrian paused to face me. "Well?" He asked impatiently. His face was a terse sculpture of someone standing on the edge of a cliff with nowhere else to go. I could see a muscle in cheek throb from how harshly he was clenching his jaw.

"It's as bad as we expected", I answered honestly. There was no point in trying to water down anything. Adrian would see through such an attempt. Besides, he'd feel the effects firsthand tomorrow when we were stuck in classes. "By morning, if not sooner, the whole castle is going to know about it".

Adrian ran a hand over his short hair. "The whole castle", he scoffed. "Anyone in Wizarding UK can get their hands on a copy of the Daily Prophet". Showing me his back, Adrian stalked over to the couch and dropped heavily upon it. Hunched over, he rested his elbows on his knees and held his head in his hands. The faint glow of the fireplace cast shadows over his face.

Watching Adrian panic had me fidgeting with the basket I was given. Though at least that reminded me I had it. My footsteps were softer as I approached. Choosing to be directly in front of him, I perched myself on top of the coffee table and set the basket next to me. "Lord Flint said he'd handle the brunt of it", I reminded Adrian; telling him exactly what he told me when he first told me of this plan. "No one can take legal action against Adrian Pucey for Regulus Black's crimes. Legally, no one can do anything to you other than state their grievances". Adrian ruefully shook his head. "And if I know Lord Flint, he probably has already penned dozens of cease-and-desist letters for any possible defamation suits this may lead to".

In fact, Lord Flint had a whole laundry list of rules for us to follow that were supposed to protect Adrian and make it easier for Lord Flint if he did have to sue someone in Adrian's defense. I hadn't heard them from Lord Flint directly. But Adrian and I had discussed them at length after he confessed about the interview to me. "That can't prevent clients from canceling their business with Father's company. Nor will it stop Mother's friends from isolating her from their social circles. I can just imagine them sneering at her and gossiping when her back is turned". Adrian spat out bitterly. "Merlin, what did they do to end up cursed with me as a son?"

"Ask your mum that question, I dare you", I said; voice coming out too softly for it to be a joke. I wanted to touch Adrian. As if that would be enough to pull him back from whatever inner turmoil he was currently facing. We were apart by an inch at most. It would've been easy. But I remained as I was; fearing touch would be unwelcomed. "You said they knew you'd have to do this interview".

Adrian nodded; his eyes downcast.

"You said they wished you wouldn't but understood why you agreed".

Another nod. The fire crackled softly in the background.

Sighing, I rubbed the right side of my nose; already feeling tired and knowing this was just the beginning. "Are you hungry?" I asked; gesturing to the basket sitting beside me even though Adrian wasn't looking up to see it. "They served herring and potatoes for dinner tonight. But I felt you've suffered enough, so I went to the kitchens and asked them to make spaghetti instead".

Barely raising his head, I was pinned with a questioning look containing a mild amount of disbelief. "What?" I defended myself. "Pasta is a good comfort food".

Letting go of his head, Adrian adjusted until he was leaning against the backrest instead of hunching over his knees. "Mother sent dinner", he told me; waving a hand in the direction of the vanishing cabinet.

"So, you've already been in contact with your parents", I said as I eyed the cursed thing. Though I guess in this order of things, the vanishing cabinet was an asset instead of a problem. "Was this before or after they saw the article?"

"After", Adrian answered. He sounded a tad steadier now. As if he only needed to let out some of his fears in order to feel better. He was a lot stronger than me in that aspect.

I stared at him; waiting expectantly. But Adrian said nothing. Did nothing. He just sat there. "Well?" I prompted. "What did she say? Or think?"

Sighing, Adrian arched his head back and stared up at the stone ceiling. "I didn't see her, Holly". Nonetheless, he fished around in his robe pocket until pulling a piece of folded-up parchment. Which he just about tossed in my face.

Once I had it unfolded and smoothed out, I began to read;

My dearest Son,

Your father and I may not approve of this decision to reveal your past life. However, we are moved by your courage and willingness to undergo this ordeal. Even more, we are filled with pride that you would choose this path not for your own gain but to safeguard a future that is best for everyone. It is a selfless and ambitious endeavor that your father and I could never claim of having.

I know you, my son. Better than you know yourself. It is my right as your mother. Therefore, I know you'll worry about how making Regulus public knowledge will affect our family. I write to assure you we have prepared. Your father and I have planned and prepped since learning dark times may be upon us and you at the front line. As parents, it's our duty to protect you. Not the other way around, though I know you'll wish it to be so. We only regret we cannot shield you from every evil because that is the cost of growing up. Instead, I'll have to console myself by offering you these words:

Adrian, I have never once regretted giving birth to you. Even when you first told us about Regulus. And I will have harsh words for anyone who dares to suggest otherwise. In truth, you were a gift your father and I once feared would never happen. Watching a fearful, stubborn, and precocious little boy grow into a determined, still stubborn, and intelligent young man has been my life's greatest pleasure. A pleasure I am certain I'll continue to enjoy for many years to come.

Your sacrifice so that the United Party might control the narrative as things progress will not be forgotten. Because I will not let it. Rest assured that no matter what you do, say, or don't do, your father and I will always stand by your side. As Adrian. As Regulus. Or whoever you end up becoming. There is nothing you could ever do to get us to stop loving you.

Tomorrow and the days that will follow will be hard. I know I don't have to tell you this. So, please build your strength and accept the help your friends and family will offer. I've asked Topaz to prepare your favorites; lamb, brussels sprouts, and a baked apple. I expected to receive a clean plate when you send it back through the cabinet. Write soon.

Love,

Mother

Once finished, I folded the letter more carefully than I had opened it. Adrian had moved. He sat, still staring up at the ceiling, all about frozen. The rise and fall of his chest were his only movement. "So, were you a member of the clean plate club?" I asked; abandoning the letter on top of my basket as I moved to join Adrian on the couch.

I was rewarded with a humorless stare as I curled against his side. Though the arm that wrapped around me and pulled me closer told me he wasn't upset by the comment. "We know Hestia and Flora love you and that won't change", I tried to soothe.

"Which means they'll be targeted and mocked for being related to me", Adrian muttered.

Ignoring him, I kept talking; hoping something would take root. "Which means Ginny will stand by you too. Fred and George knew long before this article, so they don't care. And because their opinion hasn't changed, Lee's willing to not hold Regulus against you. He told me himself before I left the great hall".

Adrian shifted and rested his head on top of mine. "Six people". He counted. "Six against a whole country".

"Not just six people", I refuted as I played with a button on his school jumper. "Don't forget Harry and Sirius. They accept you. Even said so in that bloody article. That'll help convince some people. And we can't forget your parents. They'll never abandon you. And… let's think. Madame Zabini. She's close to your Mum. Given her own reputation, I can't see her being too bothered after she learns about Regulus. Blaise will probably follow her example. So, there are two more people you can count on".

Adrian held me closely; as if afraid I'd slip through his fingers like sand if he didn't. "What about your parents?" He asked.

Good question. What would Mum and Dad think? They already knew about Adrian's past life. But I'm not sure if they ever sat down and thought about what Adrian's time as Regulus had looked like. "I'll write them tonight", I promised. Just so there wouldn't be too long of a pause to make Adrian nervous…. More nervous. "But it's not like they didn't already know. Besides, I wouldn't be surprised if Lord Flint has already had a UP meeting to discuss all this".

Breathing into my hair, Adrian allowed himself a moment to just feel. "There's no going back", he said once ready. "Publishing that article means I've severed all ties with the Death Eaters of Regulus' past". As if that was a hardship. "If things are as you said, the Dark Lord might see the article too".

Leaving his robe button alone, I stretched my arm around him to the best of my ability. It was an awkward hold the two of us had on each other, but we persevered. "You-Know-Who already knows who you are. Remember? That detention in the forbidden forest?"

"I know", he mumbled mournfully. The only sounds in the room of requirement were the ones we made and that of the fire. I felt Adrian sigh more than heard it. "Why aren't you angry with me? I used your knowledge, went behind your back, and formed the whole plan with Lord Flint".

I gave Adrian a squeeze. This boy, he really likes to take on everything at once, doesn't he? "Oh, I'm furious", I assured him; trying not to feel vindicated when Adrian flinched under my arm. "But you did a good job explaining why you wanted to do this and I'll have plenty of time to yell at you later". At the end of my sentence, I looked up and glared. As if daring Adrian to argue differently. We'd have time. There would always be more time for us. I wasn't ready or willing to consider anything else. "So that can wait until after you survive this".

Adrian forced himself to relax; his muscles loosening during one long exhale. "I wouldn't do this if I thought there was a better way", he said. Though it sounded like he said it more for himself than me. "Lord Flint is right. If the Dark Lord returns, our best chance is to wrestle away control before he starts to act".

"We need to control the narrative", I said; parroting what I've been told since Adrian first introduced me to Lord Flint's mad plan. "Before the ministry has control of the media and before You-Know-Who has control of the ministry". Though fingers crossed we avoided that all together. Seriously, all we needed was to keep Harry's blood away from You-Know-Who. That should be doable, right? Then Adrian coming forward like this could be used as a diplomatic ploy instead of a pre-emptive defensive measure.