I do not Harry Potter
Chapter Ten
Adeline woke the next morning in a silk nightie. She groaned as she rubbed her eyes, her muscles aching from the movement.
"Try to stay still," Mia's voice was soft.
Adeline opened her eyes, looking towards Mia.
"How long have I been out?" she asked.
"Your elf gave you enough potions so that you slept through the night," Mia explained. "I've healed your injuries. You bit through your lip and had two cracked ribs. Your throat was also damaged."
"I tried not to scream," Adeline explained. "Didn't want Siri to hear it. Throat was probably from the screaming. The ribs I'm not so sure about."
"I was told that you where thrashing quite a bit on the ground. It may have happened then. You were splinched when you were brought here, which didn't help."
"Tiffy was too upset to disapparate," Adeline nodded. "I should check on her. Make sure she didn't try to hurt herself."
"You can worry about that later," Mia stated. "Drink this for me."
"What is it?" Adeline asked.
"Just water."
Adeline sat up slowly, Mia helping as much as Adeline allowed. Adeline drank the water through a straw, sighing once she'd finished the glass and rubbing her throat. She sat still for a few moments, letting her body adjust to the new position. She opened her eyes when she heard the door open. Sirius stood in the doorway, staring at Adeline with wide eyes.
"I'll be back to check on you in a bit," Mia promised, kissing Adeline's head before leaving the room.
Sirius took the chair Mia had previously sat in, looking at his lap instead of speaking. Adeline stared at him, waiting for him to speak. When Sirius remained quiet, Adeline sighed.
"This wasn't your fault," Adeline told him, throat still a bit raw.
"You shouldn't speak," Sirius told her.
"Probably not," Adeline agreed.
"No. I mean, listen," Sirius said, looking to Adeline then. "We don't have to pretend anymore."
"What?"
"I've been blasted from the family tree and Regulus has been named the new Black heir. He came by this morning to check on you and told us what has happened. You're to marry him instead."
"What!"
"Adie, listen," Sirius rubbed his face before continuing. "We don't have to pretend anymore. We were being forced together by our parents and I said everything that I knew you would want to hear so that you would love me. I figured that at least one of us should be happy in our situation and I knew it wouldn't be me. You get to marry your best friend now. You don't love each other romantically, but the foundation is there. You will one day."
"You don't love me?" Adeline asked, voice small.
"No, Adie," Sirius shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's why we fought over Christmas. I've been trying to hold myself together, but I've been so unhappy that it's all slipped out. I should have just told you the truth. Even if you and Reggie don't develop feelings for each other, Remus is right. You can both take lovers and be happy that way. This is better, Adie."
"Siri," Adeline's voice broke.
"I gave your ring to Reggie to return to the family vault. He'll be back soon with a new one for you from him. I'll be leaving with James to go live with the Potters," Sirius stood and walked to the door, stopping in the doorway and looking back at Adeline's devastated face. "I truly am sorry, Adeline."
Sirius left and Adeline broke. Hot tears streamed down her face as she looked at her lap, noticing the missing ring. She pulled off the other jewelry that Sirius had given her roughly, throwing it all across the room and gasping in pain as she held her ribs. She let out a few hard breaths, not hearing it when the door opened. Peter climbed into the bed beside her, pressing his shoulder against hers.
"Pete," Adeline greeted, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Peter's head landed on hers, giving her comfort. They stayed there for a while until Adeline's body started aching. Peter helped her lay back down before speaking.
"I don't think we're supposed to be friends anymore," he said softly.
"Is that what Sirius said?" Adeline asked.
"No," Peter shook his head. "I just think that you should be with your own people. You're much too Slytherin for all of us."
"Oh," Adeline's heart broke again.
"Goodbye, Adie."
Remus entered the room next.
"What happened?" Remus asked.
"Sirius got drunk at a party, broke some crystal before calling me a whore in front of a crowd of purebloods. Walburga then tortured me for his mistake and sent me here, where Sirius admitted to never having loved me. If you plan to shatter the rest of my heart, just get it over with."
"I'm not leaving you," Remus shook his head before taking her hand. "The other three are idiots. You're my best friend and we stick with each other. It's kind of our thing at this point."
"The mudblood and the werewolf," Adeline smirked. "Sounds like a terrible book."
"I'd give it a read," Remus shrugged before passing her a potion vial. "Drink."
Adeline did as she was told, drinking down the pain relief as Regulus came into the room. She gave him a weak smile as he sat beside her on the bed. He passed her a ring box, unable to look in her eyes. Adeline opened the box, finding a simple, silver wedding band. She looked to Regulus, confused.
"We're to be wed at the end of the summer," Reggie explained. "I figured you could pick your own ring before then."
"The end of summer?" Adeline questioned, her breath catching.
"Why so soon?" Remus questioned.
"Mother is worried that she pushed you away and that you will choose to die rather than marry me over Sirius now that she's hurt you," Reggie explained, looking into Adeline's eyes. "Please, don't leave me, too, Adie."
"I'm not going anywhere," Adeline promised, taking Reggie's hand in her own.
"I think mother is willing to give a bit on the contract though," Reggie told her. "We can probably convince her to give us longer on children and I went through the family vault to find a spell that we can use for you to get pregnant rather than us having sex."
"I know one as well," Adeline told him. "How long do you think we could convince her to wait?"
"Well, we finish our basic schooling in three years, so maybe six?"
"I'm not sure if she would truly go for that," Adeline sighed. "She barely wanted Siri and I to wait until I finished Hogwarts. We'll try though."
"You can keep Shafiq Manor and the potions businesses that your father had," Reggie nodded. "I already insisted on both of those to her and father and they agreed. This way Remus can continue living here."
"Thank you," Adeline squeezed Reggie's hand as Mia came into the room.
"I think Adeline needs more rest," Mia announced. "That pain potion will have a mild sedative in it and you should be getting tired soon. You'll wake tomorrow morning and feel much better."
"Thank you," Adeline told her, releasing Reggie's hand.
Remus and Reggie both kissed her head before leaving. Mia sighed, staring at Adie sadly.
"Do you want me to do anything about Walburga?" Mia asked.
"No," Adeline shook her head. "There's nothing that can be done."
"I'm sure that isn't true," Mia shook her head.
"If it happens again, I'll send Remus for you," Adeline promised before yawning widely.
"Sleep, sweet Adie," Mia said, running her fingers through Adeline's hair. "You'll feel better in the morning.
Physically, Adeline was found. She would start shaking every so often and she felt sore all over as if she'd been running all day, but she was healed. Emotionally and mentally, she was a wreck. She sat in the clearing where Remus shifted every full moon and stared at the trees blankly, Remus sitting beside her and reading aloud, trying to distract Adeline from her thoughts. At lunch time, Wobky popped to them to let them know their meal was ready. Adeline and Remus walked to the manor, sitting at the dining room table that Sirius had chosen. Adeline stared at the wood for a while, not touching her food.
Remus saw it coming and grabbed his plate, moving away from the table quickly and blocking Wobky. Adeline's wand was out and the table blew into a million pieces, splinters flying all over the kitchen. Remus had a shield up around himself and Wobky, watching as Adeline destroyed the chairs as well, using her bare hands for the last one. She slammed the chair against the floor repeatedly, grunting angrily as each leg broke from the chair. She tossed the remainder of the chair across the room, screaming in the process. Remus caught her as she crumpled, holding her as she sobbed against his chest.
The rest of the week, Adeline remained in bed, refusing to speak to Remus or the elves. Reggie finally showed up at the end of the week, glaring down at her.
"He left both of us, you know," he pointed out. "Why do you get to be more upset than I am?"
"He didn't lie about loving you," Adeline grunted out.
"If you believe that, then you're the stupidest witch I've ever met," Reggie spat.
"What's the alternative?" Adeline questioned, sitting up. "It's safer to be angry that he lied about his feelings for me and never truly loved me than to be angry at your mother for making it so that he and I can't be together."
Reggie sighed, sinking onto the bed beside Adeline.
"I hate him, Reggie," Adeline choked out.
"No, you don't," Reggie sighed, pulling Adeline close and allowing her to cry into his shirt.
"No, I don't," she agreed, still crying.
The next day, Adeline bathed and dressed for the day. She wore jeans and a nice shirt before pulling a set of robes over her clothes. She applied makeup and did her hair by using her wand before going to the dining room. She sighed as she realized there was no table in the dining room and called for Wobky.
"Yes, mistress?" Wobky asked.
"Where is Tiffy?" Adeline asked softly.
"Tiffy is in potions room with young sir," Wobky explained.
"Thank you, Wobky. Will you send word to Regulus that I plan on going to Diagon Alley in a few hours and ask if he wishes to join me?"
"Yes, mistress."
Wobky disappeared and Adeline headed to the potions lab. She watched as Tiffy and Remus stood over the wolfsbane potion for a moment before moving forward, she tossed in a spider's eye and stirred the potion three times, bringing it back to the correct color before lowering the heat. Remus and Tiffy stared at Adeline both surprised that she was out of bed.
Adeline looked around the potions lab for a moment, thinking of different potions that she wanted to create before looking to Remus.
"I'm going to Diagon in a few hours. Would you care to join me? Reggie will probably come along as well," Adeline informed him.
"Sure," Remus nodded. "I'll go get ready."
"Brilliant. I needed to talk to Tiffy anyways."
"Okay," Remus kissed Adeline's head before leaving the lab.
"What is it mistress?" Tiffy asked, ears low as she thought she was in trouble.
"Thank you for getting me out of Black Manor," Adeline held Tiffy's small hand in her own gently.
"Tiffy hurt mistress," Tiffy shook her head.
"No, Tiffy," Adeline argued. "Walburga Black hurt me. You brought me to safety. Thank you, Tiffy."
"Tiffy will always protect mistress," Tiffy stood straight. "Even from Walburga Black. Miss will not return to Black Manor without Tiffy."
"I agree," Adeline nodded. "I don't plan on staying in Black Manor ever again if I can help it. I have my own home and I plan to live here."
"Tiffy is happy, miss," Tiffy's ears flapped.
"Good," Adeline smiled. "Do you want anything while I'm out and about today?"
"No, miss," Tiffy shook her head. "Tiffy needs to do some grocery shopping."
"Remus and I will grocery shop," Adeline shook her head. "How about you and Wobky take the rest of the day off once Remus and I leave for the alley? You both work so hard."
"Thank you, miss. Miss is generous," Tiffy's eyes filled with tears.
Adeline hugged Tiffy close, patting her back as Tiffy calmed down. Tiffy popped away a few minutes later and Adeline looked around the potions lab before making a list of items to buy. She added a dining room table and chairs to the list before moving to the kitchen. She wrote out her grocery list, making sure to list Remy's and Reggie's favorite snacks in the process. Reggie came through the floo at the same time that Remy came back downstairs, the two of them exchanging greetings as they found Adeline in the kitchen drinking a cup of tea as she double checked her list.
"Adie," Reggie smiled. "Good to see you moving around."
"Feels good," Adeline smiled to him. "I figured you might want a day away from your parents."
"That I do," Reggie sighed. "Mother was happy to hear that I would be seeing you today. She wants you to know that she wishes to speak with you about what happened."
"I'll speak to her next week," Adeline nodded.
"What do you need from the alley?" Remus asked curiously.
"Potions ingredients, a new table and chairs. We need food as well but we can go to the muggle shop for that once we finish at the alley," Adeline explained.
"We need to get you a ring as well," Reggie nodded.
"We'll look in the alley and in muggle London for a ring," Adeline nodded. "We won't get stared at as much in the alley though while looking at rings."
"I wouldn't count on that," Remus scratched the back of his neck.
"Have you seen the prophet lately?" Reggie asked.
"No," Adeline breathed out. "Why do I feel like I'll just be angry if I do?"
"You will be," Remus told her.
"I'll look at it after we're done," Adeline sighed. "I'm sure it'll be riveting."
"That's one word for it," Reggie nodded. "Are we all ready?"
"I am," Adeline nodded before looking to Remy.
"All set," Remy nodded.
"Do you both have muggle clothes under your robes?" Adeline asked as they walked to the floo.
"Yes," they answered together before they all flooed away, landing in the Leaky Cauldron.
Adeline took Reggie's arm before Remus moved Adeline to Reggie's other side.
"This feels weird," Reggie noted as Adeline stood on his left.
"I don't like it," Adeline shook her head.
"You'll get used to it," Remy told them before leading them out of the leaky and to the alley.
The three walked through the alley, ignoring the stares that they received as they walked, entering the potions store quickly. The owner stared at them for a moment before Adeline cleared her throat and caused him to look away. Adeline rolled her eyes and released Reggie's arm. She grabbed a basket and hand-picked ingredients she needed for more wolfsbane potion and for potions that she had started formulating in her mind. She also had a list of potions from Tom that she wanted to make as well. Once she had two baskets full of fresh ingredients, she had Remus carry two cauldrons and Regulus carry a crate of unbreakable vials. After Adeline paid for all of her items, she paid an extra fee to send the items through the floo to her manor.
The three walked to the furniture store next, Adeline ordering a simple table with mismatched chairs to be delivered to her home later that night. The three entered the bookstore, all sighing in relief as they stared around at all of the books, breathing in the smell of fresh books. Remus moved to the runes section of the store as Reggie went to the arithmancy section, Adeline going to the potions aisle on the other side of Reggie. Once the three of them had found books in their sections, Adeline travelling over to the runes section with Remus at one point, Regulus paid for all of their books, calling for Kreacher and having him deliver the books to Shafiq manor and removed Adeline's order from the floo.
"Are either of you hungry?" Adeline questioned.
They went to the French bistro, sitting outside of the café and enjoying the sunlight. They ate pastas and bread, sipping tea and laughing amongst themselves. Adeline paid and they moved to the jewelry shop beside the café. Remus watched as Adeline and Reggie moved around the store, Adeline making unhappy faces whenever Reggie would point out the worst rings he could find, causing them both to laugh. Adeline found a ring with a silver band and an emerald, runes wrapping around the band signifying protection and love.
Reggie paid for the ring before slipping it onto Adeline's finger, both of them sighing deeply. Reggie offered his arm and Adeline took it, allowing Reggie to lead her out of the store, Remy following behind them as they headed into the Leaky Cauldron, flooing back to Shafiq Manor. They dropped their robes onto the couch before heading into muggle London, walking to the muggle grocery store and rolling a buggy through the store. After paying for the groceries and snacks, the three carried the groceries to Shafiq Manor where Adeline put everything away, finishing just as the new dining room table and chairs were delivered.
Remus and Reggie brought the table in and set the chairs around it. Reggie stared at the strangeness of the set before looking to Adeline with a raised brow. Adeline simply shrugged, smiling as she noted how absolutely atrocious it looked. The three burst out laughing a moment later, not sure what to say about the set.
"Well, it certainly doesn't look like it belongs to the Shafiq's," Reggie offered, causing them all to laugh a bit more before calming down.
"Are you staying for dinner?" Adeline asked Reggie.
"No," Reggie shook his head. "Mother is expecting me back soon. She'll want to know how you are."
"Tell her I'll be there to speak with her in a few days. I'll send Tiffy with an exact date tomorrow," Adeline sighed, hugging Reggie.
"I will," Reggie promised, kissing the top of her head before leaving through the floo.
"Severus sent word yesterday that he wants to speak with you," Remus told Adeline as they moved around the kitchen later that day preparing dinner together.
"I wonder what it is," Adeline sighed before summoning her journal that connected to Severus', telling him that she was free anytime and that the wards would recognize him if he came by.
Severus wrote back almost immediately, asking Adeline if he could come by for dinner. After telling him yes, she pushed the journal away, leaving it open in case he wrote back. Remy and Adie continued cooking, finishing up just as a knock sounded on the front door. Adeline wiped her hands on a towel before answering the door, smiling to Severus. He gave her a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes and Adeline stepped aside, allowing him inside.
"What's wrong?" Adeline asked as she led Severus through the manor.
"My mother passed a few weeks ago," he told her. "My father didn't tell me until I returned home from school."
"I'm so sorry, Sev," Adeline sighed, sitting him at the ugly table.
"My father isn't the kindest person," Severus explained, looking anxious. "I know that Lupin is staying with you and I was hoping that I could stay, too. Not all the time. Just when it gets really bad."
"Severus, you can stay as long as you want," Adeline told him. "If you never want to go back there, you won't have to."
"I need to go back for my stuff," Severus said, face red as he stared at his lap.
"We'll go tomorrow," Adeline said, causing Severus to look up quickly, panic on his face.
"No. I can do it alone," he tried arguing.
"Severus, I know you didn't fall and gain a black eye and busted lip. You aren't going there on your own," she said firmly. "We'll have an adult come with us if need be."
"What adult?" Severus asked curiously.
"Well, both of my parents are dead and Remus doesn't speak to his mother much. I can ask Mia to come with us. Is your father a wizard?"
"Muggle," Severus shook his head.
"Makes it easier," Adeline smiled. "He can't hex us on the way out the door."
"We can go while he's at work," Severus offered. "That way we don't have to ask your friend to come with us."
"Would it be alright if I had Remus come with us to help gather your things?" Adeline asked. "It'll take less time if there's more of us and I can have my elves bring everything back here before coming back for us."
"Okay," he nodded. "Thank you, Adie."
"No need to thank me," Adeline shook her head. "We're friends."
"I know it was you who sent me the clothes," Severus admitted suddenly. "Your first year."
"Sissy helped," Adeline shrugged. "I noticed your robes didn't really fit you and I had decided that we would be friends before then. I like helping my friends. Besides, if you're staying with me, you deserve nice things."
"I don't think that's how it works," Severus gave her a smirk before Remus walked in.
"Remy, Severus is going to live with us. Is that alright with you?"
"Sure," Remus nodded, giving Adeline a look.
She responded with a brow raise, answering his unasked question. Remus smiled gently before nodding and turning to Severus and noticing his face.
"What happened?" Remus asked, moving forward and summoning healing potions. "Take these."
"What are they?' Severus asked nervously.
"Healing potions," Adeline explained. "I keep them around."
"Oh," Severus nodded before taking both of the offered potions, setting the empty vials on the table, which he stared at in confusion. "What is this table? Why do the chairs not match?"
"Our other table blew up," Remus shrugged and Adeline laughed loudly.
Remus explained what happened as Adeline collected herself.
"Wait, so you have to marry Reggie?" Severus asked in shock.
"Well, I guess everyone was right about me being sold to the next Black in line if Sirius was disowned," Adeline sighed. "That'll be fun to deal with at school."
"I'll hex anyone who says something about it," Severus said, expression hard.
"You'll have help," Remus told him, looking just as serious as Severus.
Adeline smiled at the two before Tiffy appeared with Adeline's journal with Lily, which was glowing. Adeline opened it, finding Lily's panicked writing about being unable to find Severus. Adeline assured Lily that Severus was safe and in her home. Remus served dinner as Adeline went back and forth with Lily, deciding to make a journal for Lily and Severus so that they could speak whenever they wished. She summoned all of her journals as she ate, using multiple spells and charms to combine the journals, the pages having different colors based on who the pages connected to. She smiled before summoning a new notebook, duplicating and spelling it for Severus and Lily to share.
After dinner, Adeline led Severus up the stairs and to the room on the other side of hers. She told him the room was his to decorate however he pleased and promised to show him the dueling room and potions lab after they collected all of his belongings the next day. After shutting his door behind her, Adeline went to her own room, changing into pajamas before going to Remus' room and collapsing next to him on his bed. Remus chuckled before pulling Adeline close. She cuddled into his chest and the two fell asleep a few minutes later, content as they slept beside each other.
Adeline woke early the next morning, her sleep being filled with nightmares of Walburga hurting Sirius. She got out of Remus' bed, careful not to wake him. She stood in her on-suite, staring at her reflection and noting the dark circles under her eyes, eyeliner and mascara smudged on her face. She noted the tears running down her cheeks and acted without thinking, punching the mirror and shattering it. She looked down at her bleeding hand before pulling at her wand out a wrapping it in bandages.
She cleaned her face, reapplying her makeup with magic and fixing her hair into a French braid the same way. She changed into muggle clothes before heading to the kitchen, finding Wobky and Tiffy working on breakfast already. Tiffy passed Adeline a cup of tea, frowning at Adeline's wrapped hand. She tsked slightly before snapping her fingers. Adeline felt the skin knit back together and removed the bandages, finding scars on her otherwise healed hand.
After patting Tiffy's head, Adeline moved to the dining room, sipping her tea and chewing on a piece of toast, her stomach not agreeing with any of the other options on the table. She stood and refilled her tea as Remus and Severus joined her, both seeming a bit awkward next to each other.
"Have you eaten?" Remus asked curiously as he watched Adeline.
"Just finished," Adeline told him. "I can sit with you both though."
"Okay," Remus smiled, happy that Adeline would be there to help with any awkwardness.
"We're going to go to Severus' house and get his things," Adeline told Remus. "Tiffy and Wobky are going to take us to and from. We just have to wait until his father is at work."
"Sounds good," Remus nodded. "Have you heard from Lily this morning?"
"She'll be there as well," Adeline nodded.
"She will?" Severus asked excitedly.
"She will," Adeline smiled. "Said she was happy to see you getting away from your father like she'd told you to years ago."
"She's rather stubborn," Severus allowed.
Adeline nodded back before calling her elves and telling them what they would be doing that day. She had Wobky get another order form for furniture, her and the two boys going over the catalog as they continued eating. Severus marked everything he wanted for his room, Adeline marking a few extra things when she realized he hadn't ordered much.
"I can't pay for that," Severus shook his head.
"It's my house, I'll buy what goes in it," Adeline shrugged.
"I don't want charity," Severus argued. "You're already letting me stay here. This is too much."
"What if I had you help me with a few potions that I'm working on as payment?" Adeline offered. "My family owns a potions company and in order to keep that business ahead of others, I need to come up with new potions. I have a few ideas, but I need to brew and test the potions to submit them."
"I can do that," Severus nodded.
"Then we're good," Adeline smiled, finishing her third cup of tea. "Remus, a word before we go?"
Remus followed Adeline to the potions lab where the wolfsbane potion was finishing up.
"Shafiq Potions is brewing Wolfsbane for the ministry to distribute," she explained. "I've gotten the ministry to lower the price now that I've experimented with the potion a bit. It's cheaper and easier to make and, since I set the prices, the cost has gone from ninety galleons to sixty."
"Adeline, that's a major price cut," Remus gasped.
"It's still too much," she sighed before continuing. "I figure that can be the excuse as to why I have the potion down here when Severus sees it. It's up to you if you ever want to tell him."
"Thank you," Remus sighed, pulling Adeline into a hug.
"I also figured out a way to ease the shift more without using sugar in a pain potion," Adeline said into his chest.
Remus pulled away, staring at Adeline fondly.
"You are my best friend," he smiled to her.
"I better be," Adeline smirked. "Let's get back to Sev."
"Maybe we should get him a potion for his hair," Remus joked.
"Don't be rude," Adeline told him. "If you're going to live with all the Slytherins, you'll need to behave."
"Fine," Remus sighed. "If he starts anything though I'll finish it."
"Deal," Adeline smirked before they entered the dining room, finding Severus polishing off his tea. "Is it time?"
"It is," Severus nodded and Adeline wrote to Lily, letting her know that they were heading over.
"Lily says she's already waiting," Adeline explained.
"Of course, she is," Severus smirked before taking Wobky's offered hand.
After Severus had given his address at Spinner's end, they appeared in the living room, Severus moving to the back door and unlocking it for Lily. Adeline looked around the unkept home, the peeling wallpaper and torn furniture to the empty liquor bottles. She caught Remus' eyes and the two nodded to each other, agreeing that Severus would never be returning to this place. They followed Severus and Lily to his room, helping him pile all of his things into his trunk, Adeline noting how few things he truly had. After that, Severus moved to his parents room, stealing a picture of his mother and a few of her books and Gobstones sets before nodding to Adeline to let her know that he was ready. Lily and Remus left with Wobky and Adeline and Severus left with Tiffy, appearing in the sitting room of Shafiq manor.
Severus and Lily moved to Severus' new room, Adeline being informed by Wobky that the furniture had already been delivered and set up in the correct rooms. Adeline and Remus sat on the couches, Adeline laying across Remus' lap as the both of them each opened a book and began reading as they waited for Severus and Lily to join them.
Lily left after Severus was set up, kissing his cheek and waving to Adeline and Remus as Tiffy popped away with the pretty redhead.
"A kiss on the cheek?" Adeline asked with a smirk.
"Shut it," Severus rolled his eyes. "I was promised a tour."
"Come along," Adeline laughed.
She showed him the dueling room and library before showing him the potions lab. He stared around the room in wonder. There was enough room in the lab for thirty people to work comfortably, cauldrons in each station. There were multiple closed cases that contained rare ingredients and five different potions bubbling away. Dried herbs and flowers were tied in bundles, hanging from the walls.
"It's amazing," Severus smiled to Adeline. "What are you working on? How can I help?"
"I'm making a healing and a pain relief potion of my own creation over here, Wolfsbane potion across from it, Veritaserum over there and this one here is an energy potion that I've been working on," Adeline smiled.
"Why these potions?" Severus asked curiously.
"Shafiq Potions provides all of these potions to St. Mungo's and to the ministry. I'm trying to make them better and cheaper," Adeline shrugged. "I've done everything I can to Veritaserum, but it keeps rather well so I decided to brew one more batch for safe keeping."
"Oh," Severus nodded, looking at each potion before looking to the energy potion that Adeline seemed most proud of. "Did you create this one?"
"Yes," Adeline smiled. "I'm still working out a few of the kinks, but it's almost right. Should be better than any of the other energy potions that are floating around. Keeps you from crashing at the end of it."
"That would come in handy," Severus smirked.
"Especially once OWLs come around," Adeline nodded. "Feel free to look around and make anything that interest you. Write down any notes for ways to make things better if you think of any. The book I've been keeping my notes in is on the podium if you want to look at it."
"Adeline?" Severus asked once Adeline got to the door, causing her to turn. "Thank you."
Adeline gave him a small smile before heading to the library, curling up by the fire and grabbing a runes book to look through. Adeline was dressed in black robes a week later, emerald green lining with a black A-line dress underneath. She walked to the front door of Grimmauld place and knocked three times, waiting patiently for the door to be answered.
Kreacher greeted Adeline and Tiffy once he opened the door, bowing slightly at the sight of them. Adeline pat his head before allowing him to lead her and Tiffy through the house and to the sunroom as if Adeline didn't know these halls like the back of her own hand. Walburga stood when Adeline entered, offering her the seat across from her. Adeline saw the marriage contract on the table and knew the reason she was truly here was to discuss the wedding preparations.
"How are you?" Walburga asked, voice unsteady as Adeline sat ramrod straight across from her.
"Better. Thank you, Lady Black," Adeline told her formally, causing Walburga to deflate slightly.
"Adeline, I wish to apologize for my actions. I was trying to teach him a lesson. I got carried away and it will never happen again," Walburga pleaded.
"I understand," Adeline told her, knowing why Walburga had done it, but not caring. "Sometimes you have to do things you do not wish to in order to prove a point."
"Yes," Walburga told her, smiling slightly.
"It will never happen again," Adeline stated, voice hard. "We need to discuss the contract."
"Yes," Walburga nodded, sitting forward a bit. "Regulus already added that Shafiq Manor and Shafiq Potions will remain with you, along with any money that you've gained since coming into ownership of the company."
"We need to discuss heirs," Adeline told her. "If Regulus and are to wed by summer's end, I will not be having a child before even leaving Hogwarts. It would be a scandal."
"Agreed," Walburga nodded. "I changed it to three and a half years instead of three already so that you may finish school."
"Seven."
"Pardon?"
"Seven years," Adeline clarified. "Regulus and I want seven years, that way we may both finish at Hogwarts and have time for an independent study."
"Four."
"Nine."
"Adeline, you're being unreasonable," Walburga sighed.
"No," Adeline shook her head. "You tortured me for twenty minutes in the library to prove a point to a teenager. I am trying to make sure I get to live my life before having to retire to take care of children and house."
"Four and a half," Walburga stated and Adeline knew that would be the most she would receive.
"Deal," she nodded and Walburga scratched the year out to correct it.
"Is there anything else that you wish to discuss about the contract?" Walburga asked.
"I would like to reside at Shafiq Manor," Adeline told her. "I wish for Regulus and myself to come for dinner once a week. We will have tea once a week as well."
"You still wish to have tea with me?" Walburga asked in surprise.
"You are Lady Black and I am Lady Shafiq and the future Lady Black," Adeline told her. "There is still much to learn from you and you are to be my mother-in-law. It would be shameful not to spend time with you."
"I don't think that needs to go into the contract," Walburga said with a sad smile.
Adeline gave her a nod before taking a deep breath.
"When do we begin wedding preparations?" Adeline asked.
"We can go over a list of things now," Walburga offered.
"Yes," Adeline nodded.
"Who do you want in your wedding party?"
"Who has Regulus chosen?" Adeline asked.
"He hasn't," Walburga sighed. "He hasn't spoken to me much. He's rather upset."
"Tiffy, can you ask Reggie to join us, please?" Adeline asked her elf softly.
Tiffy popped away and returned a minute later. The two women sat patiently as they waited for Regulus to join them. Once he entered the room, he sat in the chair beside Adeline, his posture matching hers perfectly. Walburga smiled at the pair of them.
"You really do make a handsome couple," she told them before her smile faltered. "I'm sorry that it had to be this way. I know it isn't what either of you wanted."
"Then don't do it," Regulus said, voice hard.
"Reggie," Adeline whispered, reaching over and taking his hand.
"If we don't do this, Adeline's magical core will shatter. I've never met a witch or wizard who's survived that," Walburga explained.
Regulus took a deep breath, turning to Adeline for confirmation. When Adeline nodded, he looked to Walburga.
"So, what do you need with me?" Regulus asked, trying to sound polite.
"We need to discuss wedding preparations," Walburga told him, voice soft.
"Who do you want standing beside you?" Adeline asked him.
"Evan and Barty," Remus nodded.
"I was going to ask Sissy but I wasn't sure who else," Adeline told him.
"I'm sure Remus would look lovely in a dress," Regulus joked, causing himself and Adeline to smile.
Walburga watched on as the two continued speaking back and forth, almost forgetting she was there. Adeline turned to Walburga.
"Who all needs to attend?" she asked.
"All of the pureblood families that are aligned with us," Walburga stated.
"So, everyone that we normally see at a ball," Regulus nodded. "I would like to invite Severus Snape and I'm sure Adeline wants Remus Lupin there."
"Is that wise?" Walburga asked Adeline. "Lupin is close to him and I'm sure we don't want to cause waves."
"Remus has stayed by my side through everything that has been thrown my way and I have done the same for him," Adeline told her. "He is my friend first. He told me as much when the other three told me that they wanted nothing more to do with me."
"Oh," Walburga seemed shocked and Regulus gave Adeline's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Remus will be invited," Adeline said, voice firm.
"Okay," Walburga nodded. "Kreacher has a few menus drawn up for you to go over. Kreacher!"
Kreacher appeared with the menus in hand. Adeline took the menus gently, leaning towards Regulus to show him. Once they had agreed on a menu, Regulus being sure to add a few things that Adeline preferred to it, they passed the menu over to Walburga.
"I have spoken with the seamstress and she has agreed to make your dress. She wishes to speak with you in the next week to discuss options," Walburga explained. "I have had workers cleaning the garden if you wish to marry there. I know how much you love it."
"That would be lovely. Thank you for your generosity," Adeline told her.
"Is there anything else that needs to be discussed today?" Regulus asked.
"You'll both need to ask your wedding party if they will stand with you before weeks end, that way we can discuss dress robes," Walburga told Regulus.
"Already done," Regulus told her. "Barty and Evan agreed last night."
"Wonderful," Walburga gave him a small smile.
"I'll ask Sissy tonight," Adeline nodded. "I'll also see if Remus minds standing for me, as well."
"Alright," Walburga breathed out, still not excited about the idea of Remus being there. "We need to set a date as well. Weddings that happen on full moons tend to last longer."
"How about August twenty-third," Adeline offered. "It's a few days after the full moon, as the moon is in the middle of the week?"
"Perfect," Walburga smiled. "We have two months to get everything right. I'll send out invitations tomorrow."
"Thank you," Adeline nodded. "I'll head to the seamstress now."
"Would you like my company?" Walburga asked hopefully as Adeline stood.
"When she finishes it, you may come with me when I try it on," Adeline offered. "Now is just the time for a discussion."
Walburga simply nodded. Regulus walked Adeline to the door, both trying to remain calm as they left Walburga.
"We have four and a half years," Adeline told Reggie when they reached the door.
"Four and a half?" Reggie asked in shock. "That's barely any time at all."
"Agreed," Adeline sighed. "It's fine. I can finish my independent study from home."
"That isn't fair," Reggie sighed.
"It's fine, Reg," Adeline promised before kissing his cheek. "I'll see you later."
"Be careful," Reggie told her as she walked out the door.
Tiffy and Adeline popped back to Shafiq Manor, Adeline sighing and landing on the couch beside Remus.
"That bad?" Remus asked.
"I'm keeping Shafiq Potions, Shafiq Manor, and any money accumulated from the potions business since mother and father passed," Adeline told him.
"And the children?" Remus asked.
"One heir within four and a half years," Adeline sighed.
"Four and a half years?" Remus asked in shock.
"Yes," Adeline sighed. "I tried for more but I knew that was all that I would get."
"I'm sorry," Remus' voice was soft.
"Would you like to know how to make it up to me?" Adeline smirked.
"How?" Remus asked, seeming suspicious.
"Will you be a brides person?" Adeline asked.
"I'm not wearing a dress," he stated.
"Of course, not!" Adeline exclaimed. "You don't have the legs for what I'm picturing."
"Excuse you, but I have wonderful legs," Remus argued.
"Sure you do," Adeline rolled her eyes before sitting up. "I have to write Sissy and go to the seamstress. Want to come along?"
"Sure," Remus nodded, standing and heading to change into wizard robes.
Adeline wrote Sissy while she waited, asking her if she was up to being in a wedding and how she was doing. She sent along the gift of a book and pain-relieving potion before sending her owl away. Remus met her at the front door and Tiffy popped them to the alley.
Catherine was more than excited to see Adeline walk into the store. The two sat down in her office, Remus watching the two discuss Adeline's dress for half an hour before Catherine looked to Remus.
"Remus will be in my wedding party," Adeline explained to Catherine. "He's my best friend and will need to wear colors to match Sissy's dress."
"What colors are you thinking?" Catherine asked.
"Traditional Slytherin colors, but make them Summer," Adeline told her.
"Do you have flowers chosen yet?"
"No, but Reggie is coming over tonight so we can discuss everything."
"Wonderful," Catherine smiled. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Adeline said politely. "We should be going though. Let me know if you need my assistance with anything."
"I will," Catherine smiled.
The next two months flew by quickly, Adeline, Sissy, and Walburga planning the wedding hastily. In her free time, Adeline, Remus and Severus would be in the dueling room, practicing spells that Tom had sent along in place of private lessons. Outside of wedding planning and dueling, Adeline brewed anything she could think of or come up with, Severus helping her with anything she needed. The night of the full moon, Adeline laid in the clearing beside Remus, Severus not really knowing where they had truly gone for the night. The two laid under the stars, Remus shifting with almost no pain now thanks to Adeline's new potion. They slept under the stars and Adeline felt fear creeping into her soul as Saturday morning approached.
Friday night, Adeline and Remus were lying in his bed, reading quietly when Adeline sat up in a panic.
"What?" Remus asked, worry clear on his face.
"Tiffy?" Adeline asked and the elf appear. "Bring me Reggie."
"Adeline, what's wrong?" Remus asked, Severus coming into the room upon hearing Remus sounding panicked.
Tiffy appeared with Reggie then.
"What's wrong?" Reggie questioned, joining Remy and Adeline on the bed, Severus still standing to the side looking a bit awkward.
"We're going to have to kiss," Adeline told Reggie.
Remus began laughing uncontrollably as Reggie's face turned a bit green. Severus rolled his eyes before exiting the room.
"You keep laughing and I will put you in a dress," Adeline threatened.
Remus tried to calm down before getting a look at Reggie's expression and losing it again. Adeline smacked Remy's arm with her book a few times until he surrendered.
"What are we going to do?" Reggie asked, looking panicked.
"I don't know!" Adeline covered her face with her hands.
"Quick peck?" Remus offered.
"Walburga won't go for that," Adeline fell back against the pillows.
"Do you two sleep together often?" Reggie asked curiously.
"We both get nightmares," Remus shrugged. "Maybe you two should go practice. Make it look believable."
"It's going to be so awkward," Adeline groaned.
"Go on," Remus laughed, pushing Adeline closer to Regulus. "Get it over with."
"I don't like you right now," Adeline announced to the room at large.
"Which one of us do you think that was meant for?" Reggie asked.
"Oh, definitely both," Adeline could hear Remus' smirk as he answered.
She shot a spell over her shoulder, turning Remus' pajamas into a frilly dress. He laughed loudly, the sound echoing as Adeline went into her own room. Reggie followed behind her and they both sat on the bed, looking anywhere but at each other.
"Can I tell you something?" Reggie asked.
"You can tell me anything," Adeline promised, finally looking at him.
"I've never kissed anyone before," he said, face red.
"Probably because you've been crushing on James Potter for years now," Adeline offered.
"I have not!" Reggie yelled and Adeline laughed
"Have so," Adeline smirked. "It's fine. He's handsome, I guess."
"You guess?" Reggie smirked back. "Seems like you've been paying too much attention to someone else to notice him."
"He's a prat," Adeline stated.
"So is Sirius."
"That's who I was talking about."
"How do we do this?"
"Well," Adeline sighed, turning towards him. "I'll walk you through it a bit before we try. Kissing is a bit awkward to be honest with you. You press your lips against someone else's and move around each other. Noses get in the way as well."
"Was your first kiss with Sirius awkward?" Reggie asked.
"I would love to lie to you and say yes to make you feel better, but it wasn't."
"No offense, but I really don't want my first kiss to be a girl," Reggie sighed.
"Really?" Adeline smirked.
"Why are you looking at me like that."
"No reason," Adeline shrug. "Remy!"
"No!" Reggie yelled, trying to tackle Adeline as she ran from the room.
"Remy! We need some assistance!"
"I do not feel as if I'm needed for this," Remus said, eyes wide from where he was still sitting on his bed, pajamas back to normal.
"Reggie doesn't want his first kiss to be with a girl," Adeline jumped onto the bed as she spoke. "We require assistance."
"I'm not kissing Remus," Reggie stated, eyes wide and face red.
"I can get Severus for you if you'd prefer," Adeline offered sweetly.
"Remus it is," Reggie sighed.
"Oy!" Remus yelled. "I have not agreed to this."
"Remy, please?" Adeline begged, lips pouting.
Remus stared at Adeline for a few moments, fighting with himself before groaning.
"Fine," he sat up straighter, waving Reggie to him.
Reggie sat awkwardly on the bed beside Remus, not sure what to do with himself.
"Relax for two seconds," Adeline huffed, moving Reggie around so that he was facing Remus.
"What do I do with my hands?" Reggie asked Adeline.
"You can hold his waist or his face," Adeline shrugged.
"Do not do that," Remus rolled his eyes. "This is just your first kiss so you don't have to kiss your sister before anyone else."
Reggie and Adeline both made sour faces, causing Remus to chuckle.
"I'll lead this one and then you can go practice with Adeline," Remus told him. "Just breath."
"Easy for you to say," Reggie grunted. "You've probably kissed loads of people."
"I haven't kissed anyone," Remus admitted.
"What?" Adeline asked, shocked.
"Why is that so surprising?" Remus asked.
"Have you seen you?" Reggie asked him with wide eyes.
"What do you mean?" Remus asked, confused.
"You've got the whole cute, bookworm thing going for you," Adeline stated. "You look comfy, too."
"Comfy?" Remus questioned.
"The sweaters and warm smile," Adeline shrugged. "You look comfortable in your own skin and you make other feel comfortable to be around you."
"Plus, the scars are kind of hot," Reggie offered. "Makes you seem a bit dangerous as well."
"Girls love that," Adeline nodded.
"Blokes, too," Reggie nodded.
Remus sighed, rubbing his face.
"How about you kiss Adeline first," Reggie stated. "I'm sure you'd prefer a girl and if she's making us do this we might as well torture her as well."
"I've literally only ever kissed one other person and it was your brother," Adeline defended.
"No, no. This seems fair," Remus smirked.
"How?" Adeline asked, annoyed.
The two boys just shrugged, smirking at her.
"You should have been a Slytherin," Adeline mumbled, moving closer to Remus.
"The hat did debate putting me there," Remus nodded.
"Are you telling me that we both argued with that dingy old hat?" Adeline questioned.
"No wonder Sirius was always so jealous of the two of you," Reggie smirked. "You act like you've been married for years."
"Shut it," Remus and Adeline said together.
Adeline moved forward, holding Remus' face in her hands. She brought her lips to his and kissed him gently. Remus was careful as his hands went to her hips, almost as if he was afraid he would hurt her. A few moments later, the two pulled away from each other, staring at one another in confusion.
"Huh," Adeline said, leaning away from him.
"What?" Reggie asked.
"Not bad," Adeline told him.
"You either," Remus smiled gently.
"Did the two of you just fall madly in love?" Regulus questioned.
"No," they said together and Adeline pushed Regulus towards Remus.
"Pushy," Reggie complained.
"I've got you," Remus promised him, reaching forward and pulling Reggie's face close by his chin.
Adeline watched with a tilted head as the two kissed for a few moments, Remus gentle with Reggie as well. When they pulled away, Adeline smirked.
"Such a gentle lover," Adeline joked.
"Shut it," Remus hit Adeline with a pillow as she laughed.
"What is happening in here?" Severus asked, walking into the room.
"Sev, have you had your first kiss yet?" Adeline asked him.
Severus turned red, eyes growing wide.
"That's a no," Reggie stated.
Adeline jumped up, running over to Severus.
"Ready?" she asked him.
"For what?" Severus questioned, backing away from her slightly.
"I'm a decent kisser," Adeline shrugged. "Or would you rather kiss one of the boys?"
"I'm not kissing Reg or Lupin," Severus said immediately.
"Would you like for me to be your first kiss?" Adeline asked. "You can say no."
Severus stared at her for a moment, wondering if she was trying to trick him. The sincerity in her eyes made him nod though. Adeline went on her tiptoes and Severus leaned down, capturing her lips with his own. He pulled her closer by her waist, much more sure of himself than Remus had been. When they pulled apart, they smirked at each other.
"Lily will be a lucky girl if she ever gets her head on straight," Adeline smiled before pulling away. "Come on Reggie."
Reggie groaned before following Adeline out of the room. They sat on her bed again, both a bit more confident than they were before. Adeline pulled Reggie's face close instantly, kissing him gently as his hands went to her waist. The two pulled apart rather quickly, feeling awkward.
"I don't want to do this!" Reggie cried out and Adeline heard Severus and Remus laugh from their rooms.
"Do you think I want to?" Adeline asked. "I'd much rather make out with one of them two again."
"No!" Remus and Severus yelled.
"Let's try again," Adeline sighed.
After a few more tries, the two were through for the night, refusing to kiss anymore. Adeline went back to Remus' room once Tiffy had popped away with Reggie, crawling under the covers and cuddling into his side for warmth. Remus pulled her close and the two fell asleep, Adeline with an alarm on her wand for when she needed to start moving around the next day.