Everything Black

by BrooklynFazenbaker

Adeline Shafiq is proper and well behaved. She has a sharp wit and is a potions prodigy. She is everything that a pureblood princess is supposed to be. Except she's not a pureblood. Follow Adeline, who is willing to kill to protect her friends from the dark lord who is obsessed with her, as she navigates the wizarding world and a marriage contract with the Black family.

3. Chapter 3

I do not own Harry Potter

Anonymousvoice: this one is for you

Chapter Three: Four Years Later

Adeline sighed as she flopped onto her bed in Black manor. She had arrived just a few minutes ago, the only one in the manor at the time being Kreacher. Walburga had owled her the night before to let her know that Sirius was staying at the Potter's that night and Regulus would be with the Rosier's. Walburga and Orion themselves would not be home until late the next night, a last-minute business trip needing Orion's attention and deciding to take Walburga along to help distract the clients wife.

Adeline sighed as she sat up, annoyed with Miranda at having kept her busy all summer to the point that Adeline hadn't been able to go to Black manner until the end of the summer, just three days before she would be heading to Hogwarts for the first time. Miranda, being annoyed with how fond of Adeline the Black's had become, began keeping Adeline as far from the Blacks as she could. She didn't even know how Sirius' first year had gone yet in Hogwarts due to her blood adoptive mother's schedule for her.

Adeline stood, heading down the stairs and looking for Kreacher. She found him in the kitchen, about to start supper.

"Kreacher, can I help?" Adeline asked the elf that she was now taller than.

"The miss always wants to help," Kreacher smiled at the witch.

"What are we making?" she asked, grabbing the apron that Kreacher hid for her in his cabinet.

"Kreacher was just preparing young miss's favorite stew," Kreacher's ears flapped as he spoke.

Adeline and Kreacher worked in silence as they sliced vegetables and sautéed the spiced meat and vegetables once they were ready. Kreacher began pouring everything into the stock, bringing it to a simmer for the next hour. Adeline hid her apron again, thanking Kreacher before heading to the main drawing room and grabbing a book from the shelf.

She began reading, jumping when the floo lit up. She smiled brightly when Sirius stepped out. Sirius stared at her for a moment before a smile formed on his face. Adeline stood and Sirius ran forward, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her from the ground in a hug.

"I was told you were staying with a friend tonight," Adeline smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"I forgot something," Sirius laughed as he set her down. "When did you get here?"

"A few hours ago," Adeline smiled. "Are you in a hurry?"

"I can wait a few minutes," Sirius shrugged.

"How was your first year?"

"Well, it started with a howler," Sirius sighed.

"What, why?" Adeline asked, shocked.

"I was sorted to Gryffindor," Sirius said in a low voice.

Adeline stared at Sirius for a few moments before speaking.

"How bad was it?" she asked.

"I think that was the longest mother has ever held me under," Sirius admitted. "I couldn't really move for a few days."

"I'm so sorry," Adeline whispered, pulling Sirius close again.

"I'm okay now," he promised. "I made some really great friends. Do you want to meet one of them?"

Kreacher popped into the room then.

"Supper is ready for the young miss. Does the young master need anything?"

"No, Kreacher," Sirius rolled his eyes. "I just have to grab something from my room and wanted to catch up with Adeline for a moment."

"I'll be there in a few moments, Kreacher. Thank you," Adeline dismissed the elf who popped away immediately.

"He doesn't like me," Sirius sighed.

"Well, you are quite mean to him," Adeline smirked. "Remember all the pranks you've pulled on him?"

"Oh, yeah," Sirius smiled fondly. "Good memories."

"Tell me about your friends," Adeline rolled her eyes as she walked out of the room, Sirius following behind her as they headed towards his room.

"Well, there's Remus. He's quiet, likes his books. You'd like him," Sirius smirked. "Peter is very sweet. James is… Well, he's a lot like me."

"I swear to Merlin if the two of you get together and prank me, I'll have your head mounted next to Wretch on the wall," Adeline threatened.

"I solemnly swear to be good to you," Sirius promised, a smirk on his face at his and Adeline's inside joke.

"Anyone you don't like?" Adeline questioned as she waited at his door as he ran inside of it.

"Snivellus," Sirius sneered. "He's a Slytherin and he thinks he's better than everyone else. Great at potions, terrible with people. Somehow he's friends with Lily."

"Lily?" Adeline asked curiously, a spike of jealousy in her chest.

"A Gryffindor that James and I met on the train. They were friends before coming to Hogwarts. James is in love with her," Sirius explained, coming to stand in front of Adeline. "Was that jealousy?"

Adeline rolled her eyes at the smug smirk on Sirius' face. She turned on her heel and headed back towards the stairs.

"Hey, hey, hey," Sirius grabbed Adeline's hand and turned her to face him. "You know you're the only witch for me, right?"

"Right," Adeline sighed.

"Where's that smile?"

Adeline gave Sirius a small smile before frowning again.

"Will your mother disown you?"

"I doubt it," Sirius shrugged. "At least you'll get Regulus if she does."

"That's not funny," Adeline rolled her eyes.

"I thought it was a bit," Sirius smirked.

"What if I end up in Gryffindor with you?" Adeline asked.

"You'll be in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff," Sirius smirked. "Smart and loyal. I think the hat might hit a stale mate on that one."

"You're hilarious," Adeline said sarcastically.

"Am I?" Sirius asked.

"Definitely," Adeline nodded.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

Sirius grabbed Adeline's waist and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her down the stairs.

"Siri!" Adeline yelled. "Put me down!"

"Alright, alright," Sirius laughed, setting Adeline on the couch carefully in the main room. "Do you need anything before I leave?"

"Will you still love me if I go to Slytherin?"

"I would actually prefer it if you did," Sirius sighed. "Mother might have a heart attack if you ended up with me. Plus, this way you can keep an eye on Reggie."

"Who's going to keep an eye on you?" Adeline pouted.

"Like separate houses would keep you from me," Sirius smirked.

"Fair," Adeline smiled. "I'll trade you sweets for common room passwords?"

"What kind of sweets?" Sirius wagged his brows.

"Go away so I can get to my stew," Adeline rolled her eyes before standing.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Sirius promised, kissing Adeline's head before leaving through the floo.

Adeline watched him go, smiling until he was out of sight. Her smile dropped and she bit her lip in concern as she thought of Sirius. She made her way to the dining room, smiling as Kreacher pulled out her chair.

"I've got it, Kreacher. Thank you. Why don't you rest for the night? I can clean up after myself," Adeline offered.

"No, miss," Kreacher shook his head. "After Kreacher cleans, Kreacher will rest. Does young miss have all of her school supplies?"

"Yes, Kreacher," Adeline smiled gently. "I got my wand and everything."

"Is it a good fit for young miss?" Kreacher asked curiously.

"Nine inches. Made of Willow wood with a dragon heartstring core. Spiraled and unyielding with runes," Adeline smiled.

"Master Sirius has a runed wand as well," Kreacher said, his voice gravely. "Kreacher knows young miss will be in a respectable house, unlike her betrothed."

"Sirius can't help the house he's in," Adeline told Kreacher gently. "Would you like to sit with me for dinner, Kreacher? We can continue catching up?"

"No, young miss," Kreacher shook his head. "Kreacher must begin cleaning. Eat, young miss."

"Okay," Adeline nodded.

Kreacher popped away and Adeline sighed as she looked around the empty dining room. She spooned stew into a bowl and began eating, smiling at the flavors and spices as she ate. Once she finished her bowl, she ate another, washing it down with pumpkin juice before heading back to her room. She took a hot bath before getting ready for bed, going to sleep with her hair still slightly wet. When she woke, she got ready for the day and headed to the dining room, finding Kreacher setting out a bowl of fruit for her.

"Thank you, Kreacher," Adeline smiled. "How did you sleep?"

"Very well, young miss. Thank you. How did the young miss sleep?"

"I slept well," Adeline smiled before taking her seat and eating her fruit.

Once she was done, she headed to the library, her year one charms book in hand. She'd already read through all of her books multiple times, but she wanted to be sure that she understood all of the lessons thoroughly before classes started. If her house was going to win the house cup, she needed to make sure she had contributed. As Kreacher popped in to tell her that lunch was ready, she heard the floo light up. Adeline headed to the drawing room, Kreacher having popped away before she had even stood up.

Adeline pulled her wand from her hair and held it at the ready before lowering it when she saw Sirius smiling at her.

"What were you going to do? Shoot sparks at me?" he joked.

"I know how to defend myself," Adeline rolled her eyes. "Do you think father didn't teach me defensive spells like yours did?"

"I'm sure your father's version of defensive spells and my father's version of defensive spells were very different," Sirius smirked.

"I'm still sure I could hold my own against you," Adeline smirked.

"We'll have to test that theory after lunch," Sirius smirked.

"That we will."

After lunch, Adeline and Sirius headed to the dueling room, Kreacher standing by the door and watching the two in case of injury. Sirius bowed low to Adeline, causing her to giggle before she curtsied. They turned and walked away from each other before turning and standing at the ready.

"Ladies first," Sirius' arrogant smile was in place again.

"I guess you'll have to go first then," Adeline shot back.

"You wound me," Sirius joked.

"Not yet," Adeline shrugged. "Expelliarmus."

Sirius moved out of the way of the charm.

"Everte statum," Sirius spoke the spell clearly and Adeline stepped out of the way with grace.

"Anteoculatia."

Sirius sprouted antlers.

"Oh, we're doing joke spells, are we?" Sirius smirked. "Cauda incrementum."

Adeline gasped as she grew the tail of a dog suddenly.

"You're going to regret that," she growled out.

"Will I?" Sirius smirked. "Tarantallegra."

Adeline sidestepped the charm.

"Locomotor wibbly," Adeline called out before lowering her voice to a whisper. "Flipendo."

Sirius stepped away from her first spell, walking directly into her other one. He fell back and Adeline smiled before shooting one last spell.

"Melofors."

Sirius' head was incased in a pumpkin, causing Adeline to laugh as he tried to pull it off.

"Get it off," Sirius demanded.

"Sorry," Adeline sighed. "Don't know the counter for it yet. Guess you're stuck like this. I almost prefer it, actually! Maybe we can use you as a decoration come October!"

Kreacher snapped his fingers and the tail, antlers, and pumpkin head all disappeared.

"Again?" Sirius smirked.

"Again," Adeline nodded.

The two dueled until Regulus returned from Evan's home, rolling his eyes when he found Sirius with his third pumpkin head of the night.

"When will you learn, Siri?" Regulus laughed as Kreacher took the pumpkin from his head again.

"Why do you keep doing that?" Sirius asked, annoyed.

"It's my favorite," Adeline shrugged. "I need a break. Beating you in duel after duel really took it out of me."

"I let you win," Sirius pouted.

"Do you want another pumpkin head?" Adeline asked.

"Merlin, no."

The trio walked to the drawing room, Adeline using her wand to hold her hair in a bun for safe keeping. Kreacher left them to start supper as they sat on the couch together and caught up.

"How have you been?" Regulus asked Adeline.

"It was fine," Adeline sighed. "Busy, unfortunately."

"Mother was rather put out by your mother keeping you away for so long," Regulus frowned.

"As was I," Adeline admitted. "I prefer to spend my summers with the two of you."

"This summer was a bit tense," Regulus admitted.

"That's my fault," Sirius admitted. "Mother and father were both rather disappointed with my sorting and choice of friends."

"Who don't they like?" Adeline asked.

"The Potters," Regulus supplied. "Calls them blood traitors."

"They aren't blood traitors," Sirius defended. "They're quite lovely, actually."

"I'm sure they are," Adeline nodded, taking Sirius' hand. "I can't wait to meet your friends."

"Maybe not James," Regulus suggested. "He's worse than Sirius."

"Sirius promised not to prank me," Adeline told Regulus. "You are free game though."

"I'll tell you our passwords if you don't prank me," Regulus offered.

"Already getting them from Adeline," Sirius smirked. "We'll be trading sweets for passwords."

"No fair," Regulus groaned. "What do you want?"

"I don't think there's anything you have to offer, brother dear," Sirius smirked. "As Adeline said, you're free game."

"If he ends up in the hospital wing, I'll be very cross with you," Adeline pointed her finger at Sirius.

"I wouldn't hurt him," Sirius defended.

"Not on purpose, maybe," Adeline raised a brow. "How many times have you done it on accident though?"

"Fair point," Sirius sighed. "I'll just have to be more creative."

"I will give you a pumpkin head in the great hall if you hit me by accident."

"And I'll be careful," Sirius said, eyes wide at the thought.

"Good."

Sirius turned his head and gave Adeline a sweet smile.

"Will you be riding with us on the train?' Regulus asked his brother.

"I'll help you both find Rosier and Crouch. After that I'll go looking for my friends."

"He's already forgetting about us," Adeline sighed. "Becomes a Gryffindor and forgets about the little snakes he left behind."

"We don't know that you'll both be in Slytherin," Sirius defended. "You could both end up in Ravenclaw."

Regulus and Adeline exchanged looks before turning to Sirius together.

"Nah," they both shook their heads.

All three laughed as Kreacher came to gather them for supper. After all three finished eating, they sat in the drawing room again, stretching out across the couches. They continued talking and laughing until they all fell asleep. Adeline was the only one who woke when Orion and Walburga got home. She sat up, rubbing her eyes before standing to greet them both. Walburga pulled Adeline into a hug before passing her to Orion, who hugged her as well.

"Go on to your room," Walburga whispered as to not wake the boys.

"Yes, madam," Adeline nodded, blearily making her way up the stairs.

She fell into her bed, pulling her favorite blanket over her body before falling asleep again.

Adeline smiled as she stared at the Hogwarts express. Adrian stood beside Orion and Walburga, watching as Adeline got her first look at the train. Adrian and Orion helped the three children to a compartment before saying their goodbyes and leaving with Walburga.

"So, when we get to Hogwarts, you leave your things on the train. Hagrid will take you to the castle on the boats. If you have any problems, come find me," Sirius told the two.

"Why don't you just stay with us?" Regulus whined.

"Because he has to find his lion cubs," Adeline smirked, pulling Sirius into a hug. "Go. Have fun."

Sirius kissed her head and ruffled Regulus' hair before leaving the two. Regulus and Adeline opened their window, watching for Evan and Barty. They waved at the boys as they looked to the train before closing their window and waiting for the two to join them. Evan and Barty wrapped Adeline into a tight hug together once they were in the compartment.

"We missed you this summer," Barty told her once they'd released her.

"Why didn't we hear from you?" Evan asked, looking over Adeline as if searching for injuries.

"Mother kept me busy," Adeline sighed. "Said I needed to learn more proper etiquette before leaving for Hogwarts where I would surround myself with hooligans."

"What did you tell her?" Barty asked.

"I told her I didn't need Hogwarts for that. I already have the three of you," Adeline shrugged as she sat down by the door.

"Har-har," Regulus rolled his eyes as Barty and Evan sat on either side of him.

"How were your summers?" Adeline asked the two boys.

"Well, we all spent most of the summer together," Evan shrugged. "I'm sure Reggie filled you in already."

"He did but I figured I'd ask anyways," Adeline shrugged as their compartment door opened.

"May we sit with you?" a red head asked. "The others are all full now."

"Sure," Adeline smiled and the three boys groaned before closing their mouths as Adeline sent a glare their way. "Ignore them. Come in."

The red head was followed by a boy with black hair and old robes, a Slytherin tie around his neck.

"I'm Lily," the girl introduced herself as she sat beside Adeline.

"Adeline," Adeline smiled before looking to the other three. "This is Evan, Regulus, and Barty."

"Severus," the boy introduced himself quietly.

"Why do I know that name?" Regulus asked himself.

"Are you first years?" Lily asked, not having heard Regulus.

"Yes," Adeline smiled. "Second?"

"How'd you know?" Lily asked.

"Just a hunch," Adeline smirked.

"What houses do you think you'll be in?" Lily asked the others.

"Slytherin," all three boys answered immediately.

"Slytherin or Ravenclaw," Adeline answered her. "All of us have parents who were all in Slytherin. Tends to be a family trait."

"What are your surnames?" Severus asked.

The compartment door opened again.

"Lily," a smug voice spoke and Adeline turned to find a boy with tan skin, brown eyes, messy hair, and glasses standing there. "What are you doing in here with all these future snakes and Snivellus?"

"They're better company than you," Lily deadpanned. "Go away. Hello, Remus. You can stay."

A boy with scars on his otherwise handsome face gave Lily a small smile and Adeline glanced at Regulus. He glanced at Adeline at the same time and the two shared a silent conversation.

"Can snakes read minds?" James stage-whispered to the pudgy boy on his other side.

"Play nice, James," Sirius' voice spoke up suddenly, coming to stand next to the other boy. "My brother is in here somewhere."

"Little Reggie," James smirked, eyes locking on Regulus. "Are we going to get another Black in Gryffindor this year?"

"Not likely," Regulus shook his head.

"Snivellus," Sirius smirked, eyes not even seeing anyone else. "How nice to see you again."

"Can't say the same," Severus bit out.

"Leave him alone," Lily's voice was hard, challenging.

Adeline smirked at the sound, knowing she and Lily would be fast friends.

"Can't defend yourself, Snivellus?" James smirked, stepping into the compartment.

Adeline stood, blocking his path.

"Seems you got yourself a girlfriend, Snivellus!" James joked. "Congratulations are in order! What should we give her as a gift? I'm thinking locked legs. Sirius?"

"James let's go to our compartment," Sirius' voice wavered slightly.

Adeline raised a brow at Sirius before looking back to James. Regulus stood behind Adeline when he realized that Sirius wasn't going to defend Adeline, his wand already out. Adeline pulled her wand from her hair, her blond locks falling into soft curls that framed her face. James' wand came out and his smile grew as he stared Adeline down.

"A first year who hasn't been sorted against a second year?" James asked. "Doesn't seem fair."

"For you," Adeline smirked. "I've seen what second years can do. I'm not impressed."

"Really?" James stepped closer to her.

Sirius stood straighter as he glanced between his friend and betrothed. James cocked his head to the side, eyes roaming over Adeline. Adeline rolled her eyes at the action, wand held loosely at her side.

"Have a wonderful sorting," James smirked, stepping back.

James and Peter headed back to their compartment, Remus nodding to Lily before following them quickly. Sirius and Adeline locked eyes for a few moments before he turned on his heel and walked away, not saying anything as he went. Adeline slammed the compartment door closed before staying still for a few moments.

"What the hell was that?" Adeline asked as she slowly turned to Regulus.

"I didn't get the chance to talk to you alone the other day," Regulus sank into his seat. "He's changed ever since he started spending time with James."

"Is he like that with you all the time?" Adeline asked.

"Yeah."

"I'm giving him a pumpkin head."

Adeline opened the door and Evan grabbed her, dragging her back. Barty shut the compartment door and took Adeline's original seat as Barty pushed Adeline into the spot beside the window that Barty had been in before, furthest from the door. Adeline frowned, grumbling under her breath before crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'm confused," Lily stated as everyone settled.

"My surname is Black," Regulus explained. "Adeline has spent the past few summers with us. Sirius isn't typically like that."

"Could have fooled us," Severus scoffed.

"He isn't," Adeline defended. "He's typically rather sweet. A bit of a prankster but nothing terrible. He also doesn't let anyone threaten us."

"As I said," Regulus sighed. "Potter changed him."

"He isn't getting our password," Adeline insisted.

"Agreed," Regulus nodded. "At least I know why their names sounded familiar now."

"I was wondering how long it would take you to figure it out," Adeline smiled.

"You know our names?" Lily asked.

"Sirius mentioned both of you when I asked about school," Adeline shrugged before looking out the window and drowning out the rest of the compartment, watching as the countryside passed them by. When the sun was set, they pulled into Hogsmeade station. They exited the train, Adeline keeping an eye out for James as she and Regulus walked between Barty and Evan.

A half giant named Hagrid called the first years over, leading them to the boats. Adeline shared a boat with the three boys, all three smiling widely as the castle came into view. Adeline's eyes were wide as they approached the school, trying to take everything in at once. Evan took her hand in his, making sure she didn't get separated from the group as she stared around, a fond smile on his face. Hagrid led them to the doors of the great hall, where Professor McGonagall told them to make themselves presentable. The four shared smirks, knowing that they were all already dressed impeccably, their families not allowing anything other than perfection.

They lined up so that Adeline walked beside Evan with Regulus and Barty behind them and followed the professor into the hall. Adeline smiled brightly at the floating candles and charmed ceiling. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were to the left with the Gryffindors further away. The Ravenclaws and Slytherins were to the right, the Slytherins as far away from Gryffindor as possible. Adeline stared at the head table, looking over each of the teachers as the hat sang before Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, catching her attention.

"When I call your names, you will sit here and be sorted into your houses."

She began calling names, Regulus being the first to leave their group.

"Slytherin!" the hat called after a few moments and Adeline smiled to him.

"Bartimus Crouch, Jr.!" McGonagall called and Barty bumped Adeline's hip with his own before stepping up.

"Slytherin!" the hat called after another pause.

"Evan Rosier!"

Evan gave her hand a squeeze. The hat barely touched his head before yelling.

"Slytherin!"

"Adeline Shafiq!"

Adeline walked up the stair, practically floating before taking the seat on the stool. The hat was placed on her head and she adjusted it so she could see everyone.

"A great mind you have here," the hat spoke to her. "Ravenclaw would be a fair fit, but not the perfect one. Hufflepuff's are too nice for you. You have the Slytherin qualities, but I believe you would do best in-

"Gryf…"

"Don't you dare," Adeline growled in her head, cutting the hat off.

"Oh? Why not?"

"I need to protect Regulus," Adeline thought to the hat, sitting up straight.

She caught Sirius' wide eyes. He blinked and gave her a nod before she looked forward again.

"Very well, then," the hat sounded resigned.

"Slytherin!" it bellowed.

Adeline smirked as the hat was removed from her head, her mask in place. She lowered herself from the stool and walked gracefully to the Slytherin table where Regulus, Barty, and Evan were cheering. Narcissa and Lucius gave her approving looks from down the table, applauding with the rest of their house. Adeline took her spot between Regulus and Evan before watching the rest of the sorting. Once Professor Dumbledor said a few rules and strange words, dinner was served.

"You took the longest," Regulus told her.

"It almost yelled something and then stopped," Barty offered.

"What happened?" Evan sighed.

"Hat stall," Severus stated matter-of-factly from across the table. "Rarely happens. Where did it want to send you?"

"Ravenclaw," Adeline lied.

"Why didn't you let it?" Regulus asked.

"And miss out on all the fun with you three?" Adeline raised her brow. "Not happening. The three of you would be lost without me."

"Probably true," Evan nodded.

"Who else would give our enemies pumpkin heads?" Barty joked.

"Oh, that would happen no matter what house I ended up in," Adeline smirked.

"Definitely true," Evan smirked.

"Mother will be pleased," Regulus smirked. "Will you be staying with us full time now? You typically stay for the summers."

"Yes. That was another reason why I wasn't able to be at Black manor over the summer," Adeline admitted. "It was going to be a surprise."

"Well, we kind of expected it honestly."

"Also true," Evan spoke up again.

"Do you have anything else to contribute?" Adeline jokingly asked.

"Not really," Evan smirked before seeing James smirking at them from across the hall. "He's creepy."

"Who?" Adeline asked, looking around before seeing James.

She rolled her eyes and went back to her meal.

"Pumpkin heads for all," Adeline smirked, causing Evan to smile and look to her instead of James.

"Have I told you how amazing you are recently?" he asked.

"You could stand to say it more," Adeline sighed. "Wouldn't hurt my feelings."

"Are they always this flirty?" Severus asked Regulus.

"Merlin, no," Regulus gulped thinking of how Sirius would react if he could hear how Evan and Adeline were speaking at the moment.

"We've decided to try to make you as uncomfortable as possible," Evan announced.

"May even begin snogging in random places," Adeline joked.

"Promise?" Evan asked, eyes wide.

"No," Adeline slapped Evan's shoulder.

"If you ever decide that the Blacks aren't good enough, you know where to find me," Evan smirked.

"Tone it down," Barty warned Evan, his eyes locked on the Gryffindor table.

"What's the worst that could happen?" Evan asked.

"Sirius is watching," Barty whispered to his friend, loud enough that only Adeline and Evan could hear.

"He can suck on a toad," Adeline rolled her eyes as she whispered back. "I'm mad at him."

"Doesn't change anything," Barty told her.

"I'm allowed to be mad," Adeline defended.

"Of course, you are," Regulus sighed. "Just don't do anything that will cause the both of you to get in a huge row."

Adeline rolled her eyes before looking to Severus.

"They didn't give you any trouble on the way to the school, did they?' she asked him.

"The Gryffindors?" Severus clarified. "No. Lily and I avoided them."

"Good," Adeline nodded. "I've decided to take you into my care. If they bother you, let me know."

The other three groaned, but Severus was confused.

"Into your care? What does that mean?"

"It means that if someone messes with you, they're messing with me," Adeline explained. "Call me Adie. We're friends now."

"I'm not charity," Severus rolled his eyes.

"Did I say you were charity?" she questioned. "No. I said we were friends. Friends protect each other. I'm sure you know that from how Lily defended you on the train."

"She's fierce," Regulus nodded.

"She's muggleborn," Evan told them.

"So?" Adeline questioned. "Who cares?"

"We're supposed to," Regulus reminded her.

"Maybe so but we don't," Adeline reminded them in a hushed tone.

The three boys nodded their agreement and Severus watched them curiously. He had never met purebloods that hid behind masks so well. They were all bred to have masks of course, but it seemed their masks were for their families rather than the rest of the world. He wondered if it was solely because of the witch sitting amongst them before the pudding disappeared from the table and the prefects appeared to lead the first years to the dungeons.

"Basilisk," the male prefect announced to the painting, causing it to open and reveal the common room.

Adeline walked forward, staring into the dark waters as Barty, Evan, and Reggie stood beside her.

"We made it," Adeline smirked.

"Did you ever have any doubts?" Reggie asked.

"The hat stall did give me pause," Barty stated, causing them all to laugh.

"This is going to be great," Adeline nodded. "We're going to do our house proud."

"That we will," Reggie nodded.

"Hello, cousin. Adie," Narcissa greeted them, Lucius walking beside her.

"Hello, Sissy," Adeline smiled. "Lucius."

"Adeline," Lucius nodded with a small smile. "Welcome to Slytherin."

"Thank you," Barty smiled to the two.

"We couldn't be prouder to be here," Evan smirked, causing Adeline to bump his hip with her own.

"I'm sorry that Sirius couldn't be here to welcome you," Lucius spoke to Regulus and Adeline. "Such a shame."

"I think we'll make do," Adeline joked.

"Did I just hear Adie say something negative about Siri?" Sissy gasped.

"Our ears must be ringing," Lucius joked.

Adeline simply shrugged.

"We'll see you in the morning," Sissy smirked. "Head to bed you four."

"Yes, Sissy," all four said together, turning and heading towards their dorms.

Adeline stopped at the entrance to the female dorms, turning to see Regulus having stopped as well, Barty and Evan having gone through already. Regulus approached her and took her hand.

"He's still Siri," Reggie promised. "He's just a bit pig-headed right now."

"A bit?"

"A lot," Reggie corrected. "If you need me, just come find me."

"I will," Adeline promised. "I'll see you in the morning, Reg."

Reggie and Adeline hugged tightly before heading to their dorms. Adeline changed into her night robes before being joined in her room by a girl with black hair and brown eyes.

"I'm Emma Vanity," the girl introduced herself.

"Adeline Shafiq," Adeline smiled as another girl came into the room, this one with brown hair and blue eyes.

"Kathleen Rowle," the girl smirked. "Pleasure to meet the betrothed of the disgraced Black."

Adeline sighed at the comment before sitting on her bed. Kathleen went to the bathroom to get ready for bed and Emma gave her a sympathetic look.

"She seems fun," Emma joked.

"I'm sure she will be," Adeline rolled her eyes. "Goodnight, Emma."

"Goodnight, Adeline."

"Call me Adie," Adeline smiled before closing the curtain around her bed.

She stared up at the lantern above her bed. It rocked slightly, lulling Adeline to sleep quickly. She woke the next morning, dismissing the alarm on her wand before getting dressed for the day. She pulled on her Slytherin robes with a small smile, tying the tie easily before leaving her dorm and finding Regulus, Barty, and Evan in the common room, waiting for her. Sissy and Lucius appeared beside them, escorting the four first years to breakfast where they received their schedules for the year.

Breakfast: 7:30-8:50

Lunch: 11:45-12:45

Dinner: 5-7:30

Mondays

First period (9AM-10AM): Potions with Gryffindor

Free time

Second period (1PM-2PM): History of Magic with Ravenclaw

Free time

Tuesday

First Period (9AM-10AM): Charms with Ravenclaw

Free time

Second period (1PM-2PM): Defense Against the Dark Arts with Gryffindor

Third Period (3PM-4PM): Flying with Gryffindor

Wednesday

First Period (9AM-10AM): Transfiguration with Hufflepuff

Second Period (10:30AM-11:30AM): Magical Theory with Hufflepuff

Third Period (1PM-3PM): Herbology with Hufflepuff

Thursday

First period (9AM-10AM): Potions with Gryffindor

Free time

Second Period (1PM-2PM): History of Magic with Ravenclaw

Free time

Friday

First Period (9AM-10AM): Charms with Ravenclaw

Second Period (10:30- 11:30): Magical Theory with Hufflepuff

Third Period (1PM-2PM): Transfiguration with Hufflepuff

Free time

Fourth Period (12AM-1AM): Astronomy with Gryffindor

"Well, this looks fun," Reggie breathed out.

"I already hate Fridays," Adeline nodded.

"We get to fly on Tuesdays," Barty offered.

"With Gryffindor," Evan groaned.

"Don't judge them already," Adeline sighed. "We don't know what they're going to be like."

"No, but we know what the other Slytherins are like," Reggie groaned. "We have two roommates that were going on about blood purity for an hour last night."

"Well, one of my roommates said that it was, and I quote, 'a pleasure to meet the betrothed of the disgraced Black.' So, at least I have that going for me," Adeline sighed.

"Wanna trade?" Barty asked hopefully.

"How about we send the two boys to my dorm and I stay with you three?" Adeline offered as she ate her breakfast.

"Deal," Barty, Evan, and Reggie spoke together.

"He's staring again," Evan said under his breath.

"It's Reggie's fault," Adeline sighed. "He's upset he didn't get a set."

"You're hilarious," Reggie rolled his eyes. "I feel like he's trying to plan an attack against you."

"He'll end up on the floor," Adeline said confidently.

"Who will end up on the floor?" Severus asked as he sat across from them.

"Potter," Barty offered. "He keeps staring at Adeline. It's quite unnerving."

"I wonder if Sirius will say anything about it," Evan wondered out loud.

"If he was going to, he would have done it by now," Reggie threw out.

"And I'm angry again," Adeline rolled her eyes. "I'm going to gather my books for our first class. See you later."

The boys watched her leave the table, heading towards the doors. Once out the doors, the boys began eating again, all keeping an eye on the Gryffindor table. Adeline ran into Sirius on the way out though.

"Watch where you're going, snake," Sirius spoke.

"Excuse you?" Adeline asked, eyebrow raised.

"Oh, it's you," Sirius smirked.

"I could have been Reggie," Adeline stated. "You just talk to all Slytherins that way? It would break his heart."

"I thought it was a different one of you," Sirius defended.

"Maybe watch where you're going before assuming such in the future," Adeline suggested. "Mind telling me what the hell that was yesterday on the train?"

"What what was?" Sirius asked, confused.

"You just let your friend speak to me that way?" she offered. "He keeps staring at me as well."

"Do you always flirt with Evan when I'm not around?" Sirius shot back.

"Oh, please," Adeline rolled her eyes. "Nothing would ever happen with Evan and I and you know it. Don't change the subject."

Sirius rolled his eyes.

"I don't have time for this, Adeline."

"You don't have time for what?"

"For you," Sirius sighed. "I have more important things to do."

Sirius walked around Adeline, leaving her in shock as he entered the great hall. Adeline shook her head before standing straight and walking to the dungeons. She grabbed her potion book and starter kit before walking to the classroom. There were still twenty minutes before class started, so Adeline sat on the floor, legs stretched out in front of her as she opened her book. She had already begun making notes on the sides of the pages, corrections to the potions to make them better that she'd already tested before.

She studied her changes for a while, letting herself get lost in her own notes. Reggie, Barty, and Evan sat around her five minutes before class, all opening their books and copying her changes. The other four Slytherins and the six Gryffindors joined them, staring at the four as they sat together on the floor before the classroom door finally opened.

"Come in! Come in!" Professor Slughorn called out. "Time to start the day! New minds with much to learn!"

"Doubt it," Adeline and Reggie mumbled to each other, smirking as they stood and headed into the classroom.

"Everyone pick a seat! Two to a table!"

Barty sat beside Adeline at the front of the room, Reggie and Evan behind them. Slughorn waved his wand and a potion appeared on the board, Adeline immediately turning to the correct page before Slughorn could speak again.

"Today, we will be starting with a simple potion, just to see what level everyone is at," Slughorn announced. "It is a cure for boils and can be found on page fifteen. Go ahead! Work in pairs! Get started!"

Adeline grabbed 5 snake fangs from her kit and ground them in her mortar as Barty set up their cauldron, both silent as they already knew how to work together. Reggie and Evan were silent as well behind them, not needing to speak to know what to do.

"Communication!" Slughorn called, noticing the silence at the two tables.

Barty added the fangs to the cauldron as Adeline sliced a pungous onion into thin slices, sliding them over to him before adding an extra dried nettle. After Adeline adding a small dash of flobberworm mucus and extra powdered ginger, Barty added shrake spines. Adeline then turned the heat up and stirred the mixture gently for twenty seconds, turning the heat down again. Adeline waved her wand over the mixture and sat back in her chair beside Barty, letting the potion sit for twenty minutes.

Slughorn checked the potions on the two tables, giving them strange looks before going to check on the other students. Adeline rolled her eyes before turning to Reggie and Evan's table, noting that their potion was the same color as hers and Barty's. She gave them a small nod before turning forward again.

At the twenty-minute mark, Barty added three horned slugs before cutting the heat off. Adeline added the porcupine quills and waved her wand again, finishing the potion and sliding her wand up her sleeve, into the holster that Orion had given her. It turned the correct color immediately and Adeline raised her hand. Slughorn came over and looked into the cauldron, his eyebrows raising in surprise.

"How did you get the correct results?" he asked the pair.

"We've studied a lot," Adeline shrugged. "I can share my notes with you if you like?"

"We're done as well, Professor," Reggie spoke up.

"Adeline is a bit of a potions prodigy," Barty smirked. "She let us copy her notes before class."

"Ten points to Slytherin for each of you," Slughorn smiled. "Miss Shafiq, would you like to join my club?"

"Club?" Adeline asked.

"Yes!" Slughorn beamed. "I have a club for students who are exceptional at potions!"

"I'll think about it," Adeline nodded to him thoughtfully. "Who else is in it?"

"Well, there's Lily Evans and Severus Snape. They're only a year older than you. Lucius Malfoy is in your house, along with Richard Nott. Mister Black, you are of course invited as well."

"Thank you, Professor," Regulus smirked. "I'll think about it as well."

Slughorn walked away to check on the other students.

"Why didn't he invite us?" Barty asked.

"Because your last name isn't, and will never be, Black," Adeline grumbled. "I doubt Lucius and Nott are in the club due to their potion skills. I know for a fact Lucius isn't, actually."

"We should talk to Lucius about it," Reggie stated.

"I feel like Lily and Severus will give us more honest opinions," Adeline stated. "Lucius will tell us about how it'll help the family image. If we're going to be bored, what's the point?"

"Okay," Reggie nodded. "We can ask at lunch. What are we doing during our free period?"

"I want to find the library," Adeline smirked as the three boys groaned.

"Of course, you do," Reggie sighed.

"You don't have to come with me," Adeline smiled. "Go see the Quidditch pitch."

"And leave you to cause trouble on your own?" Barty asked.

"I promise not to cause trouble without the three of you," Adeline smirked.

"Your homework tonight is to write an essay on ways to improve the brewing of the potion! Due on Thursday!" Slughorn announced.

Adeline smirked, already having enough knowledge to write the essay during her free period. Barty looked at her with wide eyes.

"You can copy mine," she mumbled to him.

"Thank you," Barty sighed.

"And you wonder why you aren't in the potions club," Adeline rolled her eyes as the bell rang.

The three left the classroom, the boys waving goodbye to Adeline as she headed up the stairs and out of the dungeon behind the Gryffindors. They kept glancing back at her and she gave them a small smile and a wave. Once she was at the grand staircase, the Gryffindors turned to face her.

"Why are you following us?" one of the girls asked.

"I'm not?" Adeline said confused.

"Then where are you going?" another one asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"The library," Adeline stated. "It's on the fourth floor which requires going up the steps that are behind you."

"No need for the attitude," cross armed girl rolled her eyes.

"You're the ones who accused me of following you," Adeline shook her head before walking past the group and heading up the stairs.

She ignored the Gryffindors as they called after her, calling her a slimy snake. She passed Sirius and his friends in the process, the Gryffindors still calling after her and laughing. Adeline rolled her eyes and kept walking until she reached the main staircases that she knew liked to move at random. She got to the fourth floor without having to deal with any random movements, but the Gryffindors were still behind her, probably heading towards their common room.

Adeline began walking through the hall on the fourth floor and heard footsteps following her. She held in a groan of frustration and turned to face the other first years. Instead, she found Sirius and his friends, James wearing a smirk. She sighed and turned back around, continuing her trek to the library.

"Where are you going?" James' voice called tauntingly.

"Library!" Adeline called back without turning. "You know, where people go for quiet and to study?"

"She's only had one class," Peter laughed. "How does she already need to study?"

Adeline walked into the library without looking back, moving amongst the books until she found a table by a window with a squishy-looking chair. She fell into it with a sigh, dropping her bag down beside herself before rubbing her face with her hands. She heard snickers and looked up with a glare, finding the four boys all staring at her, Sirius' expression unreadable.

"Shh," Adeline complained before pulling out her potions book and parchment.

She set the two materials on the table before pulling out a muggle pen and began writing the changes she had made to the potion without even opening the book. She didn't actually need the book, but she felt better knowing it was there just in case she'd forgotten something. The boys sat at the table next to hers and she felt a balled piece of parchment hit the side of her head. She turned her head slowly, a glare in place as her eyes landed on James Potter as he looked around as if he was wondering where the paper had come from. She pushed the parchment away with her pen before going back to her essay, keeping her eyes on the boys out of her peripheral.

James balled up another piece of paper and held it at the ready. Adeline put up a silent shield charm with her wand that was hidden in her sleeve. The parchment ball bounced off her shield and hit Peter in the face instead.

"What?" Peter asked and he and James stared at Adeline in shock.

Remus looked impressed and Sirius looked anywhere but at her.

'So much for Gryffindor bravery,' Adeline scoffed in her head.

James grabbed the ball from beside Peter and tossed it again. He smirked when it bounced of her shield before slipping his own wand from his pocket.

"James," Remus warned. "Put your wand away."

"I just want to see how strong the shield is," James whispered back.

Adeline instantly strengthened the shield before continuing her essay. She only had a few more lines to go and she would be able to head to the great hall for lunch with Reggie and the others. She saw James whisper a spell and it bounced off her shield easily. He tried two more spells before Adeline began repacking her bag, potions essay complete.

"I think you scared her off," Peter whispered.

"I think she finished her essay," Remus corrected him.

Adeline stood and tossed her bag over her shoulder, leaving the library with her head held high. She head the boys following her and held in a groan of annoyance. She put a shield charm to her back just in case and felt a spell bounce off a moment later. She stopped at that before turning to face James.

"Heading back to the dungeons with the other snakes?" James asked.

"Yes, actually," Adeline nodded. "Do you need something? A pumpkin for a head perhaps?"

Sirius smirked for a moment before hiding his expression again.

"I was actually heading to meet up with Reggie and Evan, so if you'll excuse me," Adeline turned on her heel, walking away from the boys.

"Oh, she likes Reggie, Siri. Did you hear that? I'm sure all the Slytherin girls are trying to get his attention. Anything to get their hands on the Black vaults and name, am I right?" James said, still following her.

Adeline held in a growl and continued down the hall, but James continued.

"I mean, seriously? How desperate is your family? They sent in an eleven-year-old to try and seduce another child. Disgusting, really, the way your parents are willing to whore you out."

Adeline froze, eyebrows raised as she waited to hear if Sirius would say anything to that. When she was met with nothing but laughter from James and Peter, she turned to face them, her wand coming out of her sleeve. James' smile grew as Peter's and Remus' wands appeared as well. Sirius had wide eyes but his mouth was closed, refusing to say anything.

"Four against one," James smirked. "Think you can really win this one?"

"Oh, I know I can," Adeline said, anger clear in her voice before she dropped her bag and put up a silent shield.

James, thinking she was sending a spell his way, stepped to the side and threw one of his own. Sirius' wand came out of his pocket but he looked unsure of what to do. Peter shot put a stinging hex that bounced off her shield and Adeline hit Peter with a tickling charm that had him falling over in laughter. Remus sent a strong spell that cracked her shield. She strengthened it before making him grow a tail and begin to dance uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry? Did you say four against one?" Adeline smiled as Bella had taught here, causing James to look uneasy. "You'll need more than that."

James shot two hexes back-to-back and Adeline strengthened her shield again, smirking as James continued throwing spells that did nothing. Finally, she turned the floor beneath him to ice, causing him to start to slip. She hit him with a knockback jinx just as one broke her shield and hit her, causing her to see stars when her head hit the stone floor.

"Nice one, Sirius!" James said.

Adeline looked up through hazy eyes and saw Sirius standing over her with a blank expression, wand pointed at her chest. She stared at him in shock for a moment before anger filled her.

"I solemnly swear," she said just loud enough for him to hear.

His eyes went wide for a moment before he glared down at her as James came to his side.

"Let's try this again," James smirked, wand pointed at her.

Adeline swung her leg out, kicking James in the knee and causing him to fall backwards. She smirked as he groaned in pain before being hit with a stinging hex by Sirius. She yelped in pain, rolling to her stomach and crawling away from him.

"Do it again, Sirius!" Peter yelled, finally over his laughing fit but still holding his ribs.

Remus leaned against the wall, huffing out a few harsh breaths now that he wasn't dancing anymore. Sirius followed her as she crawled, wand still on her. He shot her with another stinging hex and Adeline gasped in pain as it hit the center of her spine.

"Adie!" Regulus' voice yelled and spells began flying above her.

She stayed down, covering her head with her hands as Regulus and Evan began dueling Sirius, Barty going after Remus as Severus and Lily began fighting James. Peter fell to the ground before glaring at Adeline a few feet away from him. He shot a stronger stinging hex than Sirius had hit her with and she bit her lip to keep from screaming as he cast it over and over.

"What is going on down here!" a voice bellowed.

Peter hit her with one more stinging hex for good measure before his wand flew from his hands. Adeline glanced up and found Dumbledore, McGonagall and Slughorn standing around them, glaring at all of the children. McGonagall caught Adeline's eye and gasped before rushing forward. She kneeled down and ran a diagnostic spell.

"Albus, she needs the infirmary," McGonagall announced. "She has two cracked ribs and a concussion."

"I'm going to kill him," she heard Reggie growl before she heard a struggle from behind her and knew Evan was holding Reggie back from attacking Sirius with his bare hands.

"She started it," James immediately defended. "Shot a spell at me as we were leaving the library."

"Liar," Adeline whispered to McGonagall.

"Adeline wouldn't throw a spell at anyone unless they threw one at her first," Barty said firmly.

"Stay still," McGonagall demanded as Adeline got onto her knees.

Ignoring the professor, Adeline stood. She put her hand against her aching ribs before letting out a harsh breath. She stood straight, head high and shoulders back, hand dropping to her side before she turned to face the Gryffindors. McGonagall looked ready to jump in or catch Adeline depending on what Adeline did next. Instead, she looked at the three boys with no emotions before her eyes landed on Sirius. He stared right back, eyes just as emotionless as hers before she looked to McGonagall.

"What floor is the hospital wing?" she asked, her voice clear as if she wasn't in excruciating pain in that moment.

"First floor," McGonagall told her. "I'll escort you."

"I'll find it," Adeline turned on her heel and walked away, biting her lip as the turn pulled at her injured ribs.

Dumbledore noticed but said nothing, eyes roaming over her appearance.

"Mister Snape," Dumbledore spoke. "Go with her."

"Yes, Professor," Severus ran to catch up to Adeline, offering his arm.

Adeline took his arm and allowed him to lead the way. They went down the stairs and Severus kept glancing at Adeline as she held in her gasps of pain. Once they reached the first floor and turned down a hall with no students, Adeline let out a gasp and leaned against the wall. She felt nauseous from the movement.

"Stay here," Severus instructed before running down the hall.

Adeline slid down the wall, a few tears escaping once she landed on the floor. Severus returned a moment later with a woman wearing white robes and a pointed hat. She waved her wand over Adeline before a stretcher appeared under her. The stretcher carried Adeline the rest of the way to the hospital wing. Once there, she was placed in a bed and forced to take a potion. Adeline passed out after that, the pain finally getting to her.

When she woke, it was dark. She sighed and noticed her ribs didn't hurt anymore. She sat up slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the light before looking beside her to find Regulus asleep in the chair beside her. Adeline smiled at him before laying back down and going back to sleep. She woke to Madam Pomfrey giving her another potion and sending her on her way. Regulus gave her a change of clothes and she changed behind a curtain before looking in a mirror and using her wand to brush her hair, pulling it into a bun and using her wand to hold her hair in place.

Regulus escorted her out of the hospital wing, finding Evan and Barty in the main hall, waiting for them along with the rest of their Slytherin classmates. They surrounded her and walked into the Great Hall together for breakfast, a united front to any outsiders. Severus, Lucius, and Narcissa saw them coming and waved them over, allowing the first years to sit around them, Adeline between Regulus and Severus. They began eating when owls began to arrive. Adeline cringed as two howlers headed to the Slytherin table and one landed in front of Sirius.

Sirius grabbed the letter and ran from the hall, hiding somewhere so that no one would hear it. Adeline sighed and opened the howler at the same time that Regulus opened his. The sounds of Walburga screaming at them jumbled together a bit, but Adeline was able to pick up that she was disgusted with the both of them at the moment and would face punishment during Christmas break.

"That was lovely," Adeline sighed before another letter was dropped in front of her.

Adeline recognized Orion's handwriting and opened it quickly, finding a note asking if she was okay. Adeline wrote a short response saying that she would write after classes today with a full explanation but was alright after spending the night in the hospital wing. She sent the note off with her owl, watching as it flew off. Sirius came back into the hall a few moments later, going back to his seat and sitting beside James. James patted him on the back with a concerned expression and Adeline glared at the gesture.

"Can I hex him?" Adeline questioned.

"Not in public," Severus immediately answered.

"Miss Shafiq," Slughorn's voice spoke from behind her and she turned to face him. "You will have detention today after your classes with the rest of the students involved in the fight. My classroom, six o'clock."

"Yes, Professor," Adeline nodded.

Slughorn nodded before walking away to get to his first class. Adeline sighed before looking to Sissy.

"Do I look terrible?" she asked.

"I can fix it," Sissy smiled, pointing her wand at Adeline and causing the shadows under Adeline's eyes to be hidden under a touch of foundation.

Adeline felt mascara being added to her face and smirked. Never trust a Black to do the minimum amount. Once Adeline was dolled up, Sissy looked over her clothes. Sissy stood and came around to her side of the table, telling Adeline to stand. She pointed her wand at Adeline, ironing out Adeline's clothes and lifting the hem of her skirt slightly. She took Adeline's wand from her hair, giving her a pointed look before tapping Adeline's head and fixing the blond waves.

Adeline sat back down once Sissy gave an approving nod and went back to her spot beside Lucius. Adeline slipped her wand into her holster and turned to Severus, who stared at her in awe for a moment before shaking his head.

"Sissy?" Adeline asked, looking forward again.

"Yes?" Sissy asked.

Adeline tilted her head to Severus and Sissy looked him over before nodding to Adeline. Adeline smirked at their silent communication before turning to Reggie.

"What are you going to tell mother and father?" Reggie asked, his face serious.

"The truth, I hope," Sissy said, her voice serious.

"Most of it," Adeline shrugged.

"I swear, if you protect Sirius, I will throw all of your ties out," Sissy told her.

Adeline sighed and pulled her tie off, handing it to Sissy. Sissy rolled her eyes and threw the tie into the air before pointing her wand and making it disappear.

"Are you serious?" Lucius asked.

"No, I'm Adeline," Adeline responded without thought before going back to Reggie. "I'll figure it out and let you know. You can pass the message along to him."

"Do you honestly think I'm speaking to him ever again?" Reggie questioned.

"We live with him," Adeline defended.

"I don't care," Reggie shook his head. "He was barely home all summer, anyway. I doubt he'll be around this one."

"Probably for the best," Sissy deadpanned. "I'll be around for wedding preparations and I don't want to see him."

"We will all pretend to get along," Adeline said, her voice hard as she spoke to the two Blacks at the table. "Merlin, we'll act like Hufflepuffs if we have to. We will not let Walburga or Orion find out what happened. Deal?"

"Fine," Reggie sighed.

"Deal," Sissy rolled her eyes.

The three looked to Lucius, causing his eyes to go wide in surprise.

"Why are you all looking at me?" he questioned.

"You're family," Adeline shrugged. "Why wouldn't we include you?"

Lucius looked pleased before nodding to Adeline, telling her he wouldn't say anything.

"We'll say that a few Gryffindors followed me to the library, threw paper at me, and then followed me out. I put up a shield charm when they threatened me and spells started flying. Everyone showed up afterwards."

"And what do we say when they ask who the Gryffindors were?" Reggie asked, brow raised.

"Say we don't know them and were too busy throwing spells to get a look," Adeline shrugged. "I haven't gotten that far yet."

"You thought that up pretty quickly," Sissy smirked.

"Yes, well, I'm a Slytherin. We're known for our cunning," Adeline smiled as the bell rang for their first class of the day. "Did anyone get the notes from History of Magic for me?"

"We all fell asleep," Reggie shrugged. "Figured we'd grab them off of a Ravenclaw."

"Can you at least tell me if we had any homework?" Adeline sighed.

"An essay," Evan offered. "I've got it written down in my book. I'll get it to you during free period, where we will be accompanying you to the library."

"I have babysitters now?" Adeline asked.

"Apparently you need a few," Barty grumbled.

"I was doing fine until Sirius decided to sneak attack me," Adeline defended as they walked into the Charms room with a group of Ravenclaws.

"How did he get one over on you?" Reggie asked as they sat together, Barty and Evan behind them and still listening in. "You always beat him."

"He was just standing to the side at first," Adeline explained. "Didn't say anything when Potter called me a whore and didn't point his wand at me until I'd knocked James down."

"He called you what?" Barty asked, his voice low, dangerous.

"We'll talk during free period and I'll tell you everything," she promised as Flitwick came into the room.

He instructed them on how to hold their wands and why proper pronunciation and wand movements were so important. Then, he passed out feathers and told them all to make them float. Adeline, Reggie, and Evan got it immediately, Barty getting it on his second try.

"Ten points to Slytherin for Miss Shafiq, Mr. Black, and Mr. Rosier, each," Flitwick announced.

Flitwick came over and asked them to try the next charms, which were 'lumos' and 'nox'. Barty got it immediately that time, causing Adeline to smile before she did the charm as well. Regulus and Evan both got it as well and Flitwick asked them to stay after class. When the bell rang, he made them go through all of the first-year syllabus before trying a few charms from the second-year syllabus.

"I think the four of you should be mixed in with the second years," Flitwick told them honestly. "Would it be okay with all of you if I spoke to your head of house about rearranging your schedules?"

"I'd be fine with that," Adeline shrugged.

"We're probably advanced in potions, as well," Regulus provided.

"I believe I could make that work. We'll have to have a meeting about it. Until then, an essay! I want a paragraph on each of the charms we went over today detailing wand movements, pronunciation, and what could go wrong if done incorrectly."

"Yes, professor," the four coursed together as a knock sounded on the door.

Reggie and Adeline stared at Sirius standing in the doorway.

"Sorry to interrupt, professor, but I'm to gather Regulus and Adeline. Headmaster Dumbledore asked to see the three of us."

"Very well," Flitwick nodded. "Off you all go. I expect those essays come Friday."

"Yes, professor," the four coursed again before heading out the door.

All four followed Sirius to Dumbledore's office where James was sitting on the floor, waiting for Sirius. Reggie took Adeline's hand immediately, but Sirius gave the password to the gargoyle and James stayed in his spot. Evan and Barty sat on the floor opposite James, both sending him glares before pulling out their course books.

Adeline and Regulus followed Sirius onto the moving staircase, standing a distance away from him before they reached the door. Sirius knocked three times before being told to enter. Adeline and Regulus released hands the moment they saw Walburga and Orion in the office, Walburga sitting up in a chair while Orion stood behind her, hand on his chin.

Adeline took her place beside Sirius without hesitation, giving her future in-laws a confused look. Orion looked her over before Dumbledore began to speak.

"Miss Shafiq, Lord and Madam Black came to the school not too long ago after receiving your owl about having been in the hospital wing. I had actually just finished drafting my own letter to them but, seeing as I still needed to speak with you about the duel between students, I figured we should just call the three of you up to talk."

"Thank you, Headmaster," Adeline stated. "I was going to go write my own letter during my free period this hour."

Dumbledore nodded to Adeline, giving her permission to speak.

"I was heading to the library after potions yesterday morning when a few Gryffindors began following me. I didn't think anything of it, as I assumed they were on their way to grab a few books like I was. I wrote my potions essay and they threw a few pieces of parchment at me, so I put up a shield charm and ignored them.

"When I left, they followed me again. I put up a shield charm and one of them must have thought I had tried shooting a spell off. Spells starting flying and I ended up getting hit. Regulus and Sirius showed up and defended me, along with a few friends. They ran off before the professors got there."

"Miss Shafiq," Dumbledore began but Regulus cut him off.

"It's true," Regulus said. "Well, the part I was there for at the very least."

"Did any of you get a good look at these students?" Orion questioned. "They're in your house, Sirius. Any ideas?"

"There were so many spells that none of us saw them," Regulus spoke before Sirius could. "Adeline was on the floor when we got there and we were so worried about her that she was our main concern."

"I haven't heard anything in my house," Sirius lied. "I've been listening out. I think they're too scared to say anything."

"So much for that Gryffindor bravery," Walburga scoffed.

"That's what I was thinking as well," Adeline said, completely honest in that regard.

"Well, your headmaster told us that you were all given detention. Seeing as you were protecting yourself and the rest of you were protecting Adeline, I guess the punishment is well suited. Lead us down the stairs?"

"Of course," Sirius nodded, offering his arm to Adeline.

Adeline took his arm and they turned, heading out of the office first. Regulus followed Adeline, Walburga and Orion behind him. Once at the bottom of the stairs, Sirius and Adeline shook their heads to James as he had stood and started rushing towards them. He froze when he saw Walburga and Orion, standing straighter and looking as pure-blooded as he actually was in their presence.

"Mr. Potter," Orion said, facing the boy. "Thank you for helping to protect our dear Adeline."

James' eyes went wide, gaze flicking to Sirius and Adeline before seeing them arm-in-arm. He looked back to Orion.

"Of course, sir," James nodded. "Sirius is my friend. Anyone under his protection is under mine as well."

"Good lad," Orion nodded. "We should be going dear."

"We should," Walburga nodded, patting Sirius' and Regulus' shoulders before wrapping Adeline in a hug and whispering to her. "I'm happy that you're alright."

"Thank you for coming to check on me," Adeline whispered back.

Walburga pulled back and gave Adeline a smile. She and Orion left them then. All of the children watched with bated breath. After Walburga and Orion had turned the corner, they still waited. After a minute, Adeline finally deflated, letting out a harsh breath before hitting Sirius' arm.

"You owe me," she hissed at him.

"What the hell is going on?" James asked, coming to Sirius' side.

Barty and Evan moved forward then, pulling Adeline and Reggie behind them. Adeline rolled her eyes.

"Let's go boys," Adeline stated. "Evan, you promised me the assignment for History. We also have an essay to write. Come on."

The boys followed Adeline obediently, not waiting to listen to James' and Sirius' conversation. They headed to the common room together, giving the password and heading inside. They sat near the fire and opened their bags, all getting started on their Charms essays and sharing notes. They worked through lunch until they heard the bell ring for Defense. They grabbed the materials they needed for Defense and headed out, the rest of their year joining them.

They learned about the importance of defense training for an hour before the bell rang and they all headed to flying practice. Adeline and Reggie took spots next to each other, smiling at the memory of Reggie teaching her how to fly when they were younger.

Adeline's broom came to her hand when she demanded it to, Regulus and Barty having no issues either. Barty had to ask a few times before the broom lifted to his hand.

"You have to be bossier," Adeline told him.

"You're bossy enough for all of us," Evan grumbled, causing everyone to laugh.

After flying for an hour, they all landed and were sent on their way. Adeline sighed as they left the pitch.

"I miss flying at home," she said to Regulus.

"We have to go slow for all the others," Regulus told her.

"But I want to fly," Adeline complained, leaning into him.

"You'll get to," Regulus promised her. "You need to be patient."

"I'm not patient," Adeline frowned. "You know this."

"We all do," Barty promised. "Let's go work on our essays before dinner."

The four headed to the common room, going back to their essays and the warmth of the fire. Reggie finished first, followed by Barty. Adeline and Evan finished at the same time and the three boys set their essays aside to dry as Adeline smirked, rolling her essay up after having used her pen.

"What is that?" Evan asked, taking her pen.

"A pen," Adeline told him. "Instead of dipping a quill in ink, it holds ink inside of it. Dries almost instantly."

"Where did you get it?" Barty asked, taking the pen from Evan to examine.

"It's muggle," Adeline smirked, taking the pen back. "I'll get you one so you can try it."

"How do you always have muggle things?" Barty asked.

"I go to muggle London when mother and father are busy," Adeline shrugged. "I find all sorts of interesting things."

"Like what?" Barty asked curiously.

"Well, instead of parchment, they use paper. It's made from trees and water. They have telephones so you can call and talk to your friends without waiting for owls to deliver letters. There's also a thing called a television. It's like a moving picture but longer and it tells a story."

"Can we see a television?" Barty asked curiously.

"Maybe we'll sneak out sometime this summer and go to a theatre," Adeline smiled. "We'll figure something out. We will have to get you in something other than robes though. We'll stand out too much."

"What do muggles wear?" Barty asked.

"Do they wear those trousers you got me?" Regulus asked curiously.

"Jeans," Adeline smirked. "Yes."

"Let's head to dinner," Evan sighed. "If we don't hurry, Pettigrew might steal all the pudding from our table."

Adeline rolled her eyes and followed the boys out of the dorm. The next week went by without incident. They served detention with Slughorn, cleaning cauldrons by hand for a few hours before being dismissed. They did well in their classes, turning in their essays together. They relaxed on the weekend, the boys accompanying Adeline to the library whenever she asked. At breakfast on Monday, Slughorn came over to them and gave them new schedules. Their potions and charms classes had been switched and they were with the second year Gryffindors and Slytherins in both classes.

Slughorn told them that their parents had all sent the books and supplies they would need for their new classes and that they would be given said supplies in their first classes. They thanked their head of house before heading towards charms, getting there before the second years. Flitwick let them in and gave them their new books, having them find seats before letting the other students in.

Adeline and the boys smiled when Sirius and his friends froze in the doorway, eyes finding the first years instantly.

"Professor?" Peter asked, staring at them. "Why are they here?"

"Well, these four students showed extensive knowledge in the first-year courses for potions and charms and will now be joining your class in both lessons for the remainder of their school careers. Welcome them, class."

Severus and Lily sat behind the four, greeting them with friendly smiles. Sirius stared at Regulus and Adeline for a moment before following his friends to the section of seats that had the rest of the Gryffindors. It seemed that Lily was the only Gryffindor that dared to sit in the snake pits.

"Today we will go in pairs and work on the tickling charm. I would like for each of the first years to be paired with a second year. Go!"

Flitwick clapped his small hands and Adeline let out a sigh.

"I'll take Miss Shafiq," a second year Slytherin spoke up.

"No. I'll work with her," another offered.

"I'll take Mister Black," a female voice spoke up.

"And all three are drooling," Barty whispered to them.

"Right," Adeline sighed. "Regulus, go with Lily. Evan with Severus."

The two immediately went where they were told.

"What about us?" Barty asked.

"I have a fun plan," Adeline smiled standing and going to the Gryffindor side of the room. "Sirius, would you mind working with Barty? He's never done the tickling charm before."

Sirius stared at Adeline for a moment before noticing Flitwick staring at them.

"Sure," Sirius gave her an arrogant smirk. "You'll have to work with Remus though."

"I can do that," Adeline smiled to the scarred boy.

Remus nodded and followed Adeline a few steps away.

"Well, I already know you can do this one. Peter's ribs were hurting for a few hours afterwards," Remus stated, sizing her up a bit.

"Have you ever done it before?" she asked him.

"No," Remus admitted.

"The wand movement is supposed to resemble a feather," Adeline told him, grabbing a quill from a desk. "The issue is that people make the movement too pointed. Feathers are soft so the movement needs to be as well."

Remus nodded, taking the quill and touching the feather for a moment before setting it back on the desk.

"Make sure you put emphasis on 'SEM' when you speak. You should be making the final curve during it before pointing you wand on the 'pra' part."

"I think I've got it," Remus nodded.

Adeline gave him a soft smile before stepping away from him and waiting. She left her wand holstered and her hands behind her back as Remus concentrated. He spoke roughly, his wand movements following what she had said, but he put too much emphasis on the beginning of the spell. Adeline ducked out of the way and the chair behind her flew into the wall. Remus stared in shock before rushing to Adeline.

"Emphasis on 'SEM', Remus," she reminded him. "I'm fine. Try again."

Remus just nodded, stepping away and concentrating again.

"Don't concentrate so hard," she told him. "Feathers are soft."

Remus gave her a curious look before giving her a smile and nodding. He lifted his wand, executing the spell correctly and causing Adeline's laughter to ring through the room. Sirius, Evan, and Regulus stopped to watch as she bent over laughing, hands on her sides. Remus removed the spell and Adeline caught her breath again, giving Remus a smile.

"Good job," she told him.

"Twenty points to Slytherin and Gryffindor," Flitwick announced, having been watching the two. "Very well done! Miss Shafiq?"

Adeline preformed the spell and Remus began laughing. Adeline decided then that she liked his laugh. She remembered what Lily had said about Remus on the train and thought about how powerful his magic had been during the duel. His spell hadn't been to harm her, just to brush her aside in a way. She cancelled the spell, giving Remus a curious look.

"Oh, no," Regulus groaned.

"What?" Lily asked.

"She's going to adopt him, too," Regulus sighed.

"What?" Remus asked confused.

"It's an Adeline thing," Evan explained before hitting Severus with the spell, causing the boy to begin laughing.

Lily smiled at the scene before getting Regulus. Adeline stopped to watch him laugh for a moment before turning back to Remus.

"Again?" she asked and he nodded.

They practiced back and forth a few times before Flitwick told them they would be learning the disarming spell next week and to begin researching it. Adeline smiled at the news and Remus caught it. He told them the homework was an essay on the tickling charm and pronunciation.

"You know the disarming spell already, don't you?" he asked.

"I do," she admitted.

"What's the movement?" he asked as the bell rang.

Reggie walked over to her, her bag over his shoulder as she explained the spell to Remus. They headed out of the class together, still going over the disarming spell in depth as they headed towards the library.

"There's two of them," Reggie stated, eyes wide.

"Lily makes three," Severus stated as the redhead joined the conversation.

The three talked all the way to the library, the rest of the group following with different degrees of enthusiasm. Lily, Adeline and Remus sat at a table together, leaving the others to fend for themselves. Regulus set Adeline's bag beside her before joining Severus, Evan and Barty at another table, James, Sirius and Peter sitting nearby as well. Adeline pulled out her charms book and opened it to the tickling charm so they could start their essays, Adeline writing down how she had explained how to do the spell to Remus in class. When the bell rang, they all broke off into their own groups and headed to lunch separately.

The next morning, the four waited in front of the potions classroom with the second years, feeling a bit smaller than they had the day before in the dark dungeons. Slughorn finally opened the classroom door, allowing the students entry to the room. Slughorn smiled when he saw the first years, telling them where they could find their books and supplies. Adeline took her seat beside Barty as they looked through their potions ingredients.

"Today we will be working on the fire protection potion!" Slughorn announced in his jovial voice. "Who knows the other name for this potion?"

Adeline's hand hit the air and Slughorn nodded to her.

"The ice potion," she answered.

"Named because?"

"It makes the drinker feel like ice is flooding their body."

"Ten points to Slytherin, Miss Shafiq! Who knows the main ingredients for this potion? Mister Black?"

"What?" Sirius asked before realizing Regulus had raised his hand.

"Bursting mushrooms, salamander blood, and wartcap powder," Regulus answered.

"Ten points! Why must you be careful while using salamander blood? Miss Evans."

"It's used to strengthen potions, so adding too much could end in disaster and adding too little can leave a potion too weak."

"Ten points to Gryffindor! Please open your books to page twenty-five. You may ask your neighbor for help, but you need to brew your own potion. Begin!"

Adeline opened her book and smirked at the instructions. She grabbed her bursting mushrooms and sliced them carefully before crushing wartcap powder in her pestle and measuring out her salamander blood in a separate bowl. She got her cauldron ready and added her mushrooms and standard powder to the water. She stirred the potion clockwise, adding a counterclockwise turn every seventh turn until her potion turned blue. Next she added the salamander blood and turned the heat on and stirred counterclockwise until in turned green. Finally, she added her wartcap powder, stirring clockwise until the potion turned light pink before cutting the heat and adding a nettle, stirring until it turned red.

She waved her wand over the potion and raised her hand. Slughorn made his way over, smiling when he saw the perfect potion that was complete ten minutes before anyone else's.

"What did you do this time?" Slughorn asked curiously.

"I added a counterclockwise turn initially. I also turned the heat to high after adding the blood and turned it off completely and added a nettle right as it turned pink," she explained.

"Perfect," Slughorn smiled, waving his wand and bottling the potion to grade.

Adeline smiled and carried her empty cauldron to the sink, cleaning it by hand before going back to her station. She wrote down the changes she had made before looking to Barty's potion just as it turned red. She gave him a nod before looking at the next potion in their book. She read through it, adding notes to the side before Slughorn spoke up.

"Homework for those who did not finish their potion or had their potion come out incorrectly. Write me an essay explaining where you went wrong. It'll be due next class."

The bell rang then and Adeline packed away her things. She rolled her eyes as the boys started arguing back and forth about quidditch teams and didn't notice as she snuck away. She let out a breath of relief at the moment alone before heading to the library. Once there, she found the most comfortable chair she could and pulled out her potion book and pen. She began making notes in the margins of ways to improve the potions, not even hearing the bell ring for lunch an hour later.

She kept writing, getting lost in her work completely as time flew by her. She didn't realize that so much time had passed until she fought off a yawn. The sky outside was dark and Adeline's eyes went wide. She threw her book and pen in her bag and ran out of the library, rushing towards the main hall to find it deserted. Adeline groaned before rushing to the common room, calling out the password once she was close enough and rushing inside just as the curfew bell rang.

"Where have you been?" Sissy asked angrily.

"Library," Adeline said, completely out of breath from running. "Lost track of time while writing in my new potions book."

"Why are you out of breath?" Regulus asked as he joined them.

"It's a long run," Adeline defended herself.

"You missed Defense and Flying," Regulus said. "We were worried."

"Did you check the library?" Adeline deadpanned.

"Well, no," Reggie twitched a bit.

"Then not too worried," she said. "I'm heading to bed. Goodnight."

Adeline walked pass Sissy and Regulus and headed to her dorm. Once there, she tossed her bag down and got changed for bed. The next morning, she took a shower and got dressed, heading down to breakfast. She was almost to the main hall when a hand reached out and dragged her into an alcove.

"Whoa!" Adeline yelled as she was jerked to the side by Sirius.

"Where were you yesterday?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" she asked confused.

"You missed lunch and dinner," Sirius stated. "Where were you?"

"The library," she said as if it was the most obvious answer. "I needed time to myself. Ever since the hospital wing, the boys have been glued to me."

"For good reason," Sirius defended. "Do you realize how dangerous it is for you to go off on your own?"

"Have you ever heard of the term 'whiplash'? Because that's what you're giving me," Adeline rolled her eyes.

"What?" Sirius was confused.

"Where do you get off dragging me back here? You literally sent me to the hospital wing on the first day of classes."

"Why didn't you tell mother and father?"

"Because I know what your mother would have done!" Adeline yelled before taking a deep breath. "You may not care about the rest of us anymore, but I still care about you and I refuse to see you hurt because of her."

"Of course, I care about you," Sirius whispered.

"Sure fooled me," Adeline stated, her voice hard. "Must have gotten my wires crossed when you gave me a concussion."

Sirius flinched at the memory.

"I'm sorry," he told her. "In Gryffindor, I have to keep up an appearance."

"Really? I thought the masks were just for the parents. That's what we always said," Adeline reminded him, continuing before he could argue. "You're in Gryffindor, not a snake pit with secrets that could ruin you. I don't want to hear your excuses for becoming a bully. If that's how you always plan to act, then stay away from me."

"What secrets?" Sirius asked and Adeline froze for a moment before rolling her eyes.

"None of your business now," Adeline told him. "You've made it very clear that I don't mean anything to you outside of the image that you present to your parents. Goodbye, Siri."

Adeline left the alcove briskly, heading towards the great hall. She sat at the end of the table, back to the rest of the hall and refusing to speak for the rest of the week.