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.

20. Chapter 20

I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter Twenty

"No carrying heavy stuff," Reggie complained, taking the books from Adeline's arms.

"I will throw you through a window," Adeline threatened.

"She can carry some stuff," Remus defended, passing her one of the books back.

"Thank you," Adeline said to him, giving Reggie a pointed look. "Remus read the book."

"I've read it," Reggie argued.

"You skipped to the birth section and tossed the book in disgust," James smirked as he passed them with another handful of books.

"Adeline, I'm jealous of the amount of books you have," Lily sighed.

"This isn't even half of them," Adeline smirked. "I left almost all of the books at Shafiq manor and in my vaults. Speaking of, I moved more books to your vault."

"I was told," Remus smirked as he placed a few book on the shelves.

"Adie, where do you want this chair?" Severus asked.

"By the fireplace with the red pillow and quilt," Adeline said, glancing at the chair that Severus was carrying.

"You own red furniture?" James asked curiously.

"Yeah," Adeline shrugged. "It's a pretty color."

"She's not the most Slytherin person out there," Mattheo smirked as he walked in.

Adeline smiled widely, rushing over to him. Mattheo caught her, lifting her off her feet. She leaned her head back and kissed him gently, causing him to smile brightly.

"Hi," she said once she'd pulled away.

"Hi," he smiled back. "Clary made cookies to give you but, well."

"Eight kids," Adeline nodded. "Right."

Mattheo set her down gently before turning to the others in the room.

"Hi," he waved at them.

"Hey, Mattheo," Reggie smiled from James' side. "You remember Lily, Remus, James, and Severus?"

"Vividly," Mattheo said, eyeing James a bit.

"Yeah," James flinched. "Sorry about the fireworks. We hadn't tested it enough."

"You think?" Mattheo asked, brow raised in amusement.

"Well, at least I'm not the only one that had an untested prank pulled on them," Adeline offered.

"I was hit by that as well," Reggie reminded her.

"It was aimed at me. You threw yourself in its path," she reminded him.

"I forgot about that," James groaned.

"You were an absolute menace," Adeline nodded.

"So, perfect prefect," Severus smirked. "How exactly did you convince Adeline to give you a second date?"

"Well, you know Adeline. Had to drag her kicking and screaming just to pull her away from her responsibilities," Mattheo joked.

"So funny," Adeline rolled her eyes.

"Actually, I saved her from Reggie and a few of his friends on her birthday and she agreed after that," Mattheo's smile softened as he looked at her. "Took her on dates around the castle every Saturday after that."

"Helped keep me sane," Adeline smiled slightly.

"Oh, they're adorable," Lily smiled, leaning into James.

"Girls," James rolled his eyes to Reggie.

"There's always boys," Reggie offered.

"You know you're the only one for me Reggie," James smirked, causing Reggie to blush.

Adeline and Severus exchanged looks before looking back at Regulus' blush. Regulus turned away, putting books away as Mattheo leaned down in her ear.

"Potter is with Lily, right? Because that seemed like flirting," he whispered.

"I have no clue what's going on with them. They've always been like that," Adeline whispered back.

"Ah," Mattheo nodded, standing straight again. "Put me to work."

"I'm not sure why no one's using magic," Adeline shrugged.

All of the guys groaned suddenly, as if just remembering that they could have been using magic the entire time. Lily just laughed as wands came out. Everything put itself away and the boys all left the room, the four of them going through the house, Lily following behind laughing.

"Well, looks like they've got it under control," Mattheo laughed.

"They do," she smirked, pulling him into the library and closing the door.

"Adeline Black, your husband is in the other room," Mattheo joked before Adeline pulled him close, kissing him deeply.

The kiss deepened, becoming more heated. Mattheo backed Adeline up until they hit a bookcase, causing books to rain around them. Mattheo covered their heads, ducking slightly as the books slammed onto the floor. They began laughing loudly and Severus ran back into the room.

"What?" he asked in confusion. "I heard stuff falling."

"I decided the books needed rearranging," she said, biting her lip as she tried to keep from laughing.

"Uh huh," Severus nodded, staring at the two before rolling his eyes. "Silencing charms."

Adeline giggled as the door closed, waving her wand and placing silencing charms around the room. Mattheo smirked at her before bending down and grabbing one of the books to hand to her.

"Thanks," she smiled.

"How have you been feeling?" he asked, fingers brushing her stomach.

"Sick," she told him. "I get nauseous at random times and when I smell random foods. I used to eat Indian food all the time. Now, the smell of it makes me sick."

"I'm sorry," he frowned. "I'll look through my books and see if I can find anything useful."

"Thank you," she smiled before frowning. "It really doesn't bother you?"

"I know it should," he shrugged. "But, no, it doesn't. I'm actually kind of excited about it weirdly enough."

"It's all those siblings," Adeline smirked.

"Probably," he nodded.

"How's Thomas?" Adeline asked.

"Good," he nodded. "Thank you again. The healers at St. Mungo's got him fixed up. No more stutter."

"I'll have to come by soon and see him," she smiled.

"Agreed," Mattheo pulled Adeline close by her hips.

"Your parents probably won't appreciate me showing up with a swollen stomach so it'll need to be sooner than later," she sighed.

"Yeah, I haven't figured out how to tell them yet," he sighed.

"See, this is the part where I'm happy I don't have parents," Adeline smirked. "No disappointed faces asking me if I'm sure I'm making the right decisions or throwing away my life."

"They won't say that," Mattheo told her.

Adeline just sighed, mind going to the worse places.

"Hey. I'll even tell them the baby is mine if it'll help," Mattheo offered.

"We aren't lying to them," Adeline said firmly. "It's up to you if you want to tell them, though."

"Okay," Mattheo sighed.

"Okay," Adeline nodded, kissing Mattheo's cheek.

"Is it safe to come in?" Reggie asked, opening the door with his hand covering his eyes.

"Yes," Adeline laughed.

"Oh, thank Merlin. We just have your room and the nursery left," Reggie smirked.

"Well, let's go," Adeline smiled. "I'm looking forward to this."

"You won't be when you see what we have," Reggie sighed.

"Oh, please tell it isn't family heirlooms," Adeline stopped to watch Reggie's face.

"I won't not say it's family heirlooms," Reggie shrugged.

Adeline groaned as she walked into the room she'd chosen for the nursery. She stared at the black baby supplies and shook her head.

"Nope," she said. "That's not going to work."

"Are you burning this as well?" he smirked.

"Probably," she nodded. "Ever heard of a bonfire? It's an American thing."

"You'll have to show us," Reggie smirked.

"Hmm," Adeline hummed. "Tiffy?"

"Yes, mistress?" Tiffy smiled, ears flapping when she appeared beside Adeline.

"Where's the closest grocer?" she asked.

"A ten-minute walk into the muggle village headed west, mistress. It's not really a grocer, though. It's fresh food stands," Tiffy nodded.

"Thank you so much, Tiffy. I'll make dinner for all of us tonight. I'll call you and Wobky when it's ready so we can eat together," Adeline smiled, petting Tiffy's head.

"Yes, mistress. Does mistress need help with anything?"

"No, thank you, Tiffy. Go back to the manor, please. Finish everything there," Adeline smiled, removing her hand so that Tiffy could pop away.

"No wonder the Hogwarts elves let you get away with so much," Mattheo smirked.

"Because I treat them like human beings?" Adeline asked.

"More like children, but yes," Mattheo nodded.

"Do not," she frowned.

"You spoke to Sam and John the exact same way," Mattheo smirked.

"You, shush," Adeline waved her hand at him before turning to Reggie. "Stick all of this in the field out back?"

"Will do," he nodded.

"Who wants to go the farmer's market with me?" Adeline smirked.

"We'll go," Lily volunteered herself and Remus.

"You know I'm going with you," Mattheo smiled.

"Let's go then," Adeline smiled, heading towards the front door.

She grabbed a few reuseable grocer bags from the kitchen and her wallet from beside the front door before stepping outside. Adeline smiled as she looked at her front yard. There was a cobble pathway leading left to the garden gate and straight ahead to the cobble street. There was pink pompous grass lining both walkways, wildflowers in the surrounding wood sedge grass, including Scottish bluebells, lavender, clover, wild azalea, and multicolored lupine, which had caused Adeline to laugh the first time she'd seen it. Reggie had also made a point to plant aster flowers in front of the house and James had brought over lilies at some point. Adeline had a feeling she would end up with lily of the valley somewhere along the way as well.

Once they reached the road, Mattheo leaned down and Adeline jumped onto his back. He carried her on his back, Lily and Remus laughing as Adeline mused his hair. When they reached the farmer's market, Mattheo let her down and she pulled the bags from her pocket and began wondering around the market, Mattheo, Lily and Remus following behind her and pointing out different items. Adeline had a bag filled with potatoes and corn and another containing fresh langoustines and shrimp. She had another bag with lemons and herbs and spices.

Once Adeline decided she had everything she needed, plus some, the four headed back to the cottage. Mattheo and Remus took the bags and Adeline and Lily skipped up and down the road arm-in-arm. They jumped in a few puddles from the rainfall just the day before, splashing each other and laughing as they went. When they made it back to the house, Adeline shushed everyone before quietly walking into the house. She walked through the house until she heard James and Reggie laughing from Reggie's room, door open. Adeline smirked before covering her eyes and walking in.

"Is it safe? Is everyone clothed?" she asked dramatically before peeking out from behind her hand.

Reggie gave her an unamused look as James laughed. Adeline moved her hand and smirked before turning and walking away. She found the other three in the kitchen unpacking the bags while Severus came into the house from the backyard. She gave him a soft smile before moving to help the others. She cleaned the potatoes and corn in the sink, making sure no dirt remained before she grabbed a knife and cutting board. Mattheo began preparing the seafood, deveining and peeling off shells, setting the shells aside for Adeline to make broth with later. She chopped the corn cobs to smaller pieces before cutting the potatoes into bite size pieces.

Reggie and James came into the dining room to sit with everyone else, all watching from the dining room table they'd brought from Shafiq manor as Mattheo and Adeline worked together, somehow moving with complete ease around one another as they went. Remus watched on, a bit jealous as he remembered how easily he and Adeline used to move around each other compared to how they walked on eggshells around each other now. James saw the look on Remus' face and reached over, placing his hand on Remus' shoulder in comfort. Remus gave him a sad smile before standing and heading to his room to finish unpacking.

Adeline waved her wand and a large pot and burner flew outside. She followed after the pot, adding water into it before adding in the juice of the oranges and the seasonings. She turned on the fire and heated the water and pot, bringing it to a simmer before adding the potatoes in. She waved her wand again and the baby stuff that she didn't want flew into a pile a few yards away. She set a lid over the pot before going back inside, taking a seat at the dining room table before rubbing her eyes.

"Tired?" Mattheo smirked, kissing her head.

"Yeah," she sighed.

"How long does that need to simmer?"

"Until the potatoes are soft. About thirty minutes or so."

"Then add the vegetables and add the seafood five minutes before those are done?"

"Yeah."

"I'll watch it. Go lay down for a bit."

"Thank you," she smiled, standing from the table and kissing him lightly before going to her room.

"Did she just willingly accept help without arguing?" Severus questioned.

"Yeah, it's weird," Reggie groaned.

"I'm impressed," Lily nodded.

"I think it's sweet," James smiled.

"You're such a girl," Severus sighed.

"It is sweet!" James defended.

"Girl."

"I'm a girl," Lily raised her brow.

"Yes, and you cry more than anyone else that I know," Severus smirked before Lily hit him upside the head. "Ow! I'm not wrong!"

"Doesn't make you not rude," Lily defended, aiming to hit him again.

Severus ran from her reach just for Lily to end up chasing him through the living room. James and Reggie watched, laughing. Mattheo smirked, leaning against the kitchen counter with his arms crossed. He was grateful that Remus had finally apologized to Adie but was a bit upset about how long it had taken him to do it and how it had come to happen. Had it not been for Remus abandoning Adie, she would have had an easier time the past two years. At the same time, he wondered if he would have ever gotten a chance with her had it not been for her having been hurt by Remus, the person he was jealous of from his second year on in school due to how close he'd been with Adie.

Mattheo shook the thoughts from his head before smiling again at the noise in the house. Adie had said she wanted a loud home and now she had it. It would get louder with children as well. He debated asking Adie if he could invite his family over for lunch one of these days before Reggie cleared his throat, gaining his attention.

"You good?" Reggie asked, standing beside him. "Looked a bit lost there."

"I was just remembering that Adie said she wants a loud house and she has it now," Mattheo smiled.

"Yeah, quiet houses haven't given us the best experiences," Reggie nodded.

"I've heard," he nodded. "I'm sorry by the way for the things you've been through."

"I didn't have it that badly," Reggie shook his head as James listened on. "Siri and Adie always took the fall for anything I did when we were younger. They protected me."

"Adie told me," Mattheo nodded. "Said that one of the only things her and Sirius ever agreed on was protecting you."

"Yeah," Reggie laughed. "They used to fight all the time when we were younger over everything. Walburga hated it, would lock Adeline in her room with little to no food and torture Siri until she felt satisfied. I'm not sure how they thought I didn't know about it."

"Wait, you knew?" Mattheo asked.

"She still thinks I didn't know?" Reggie smirked. "Don't tell her. It'll just upset her."

"I won't," Mattheo promised.

"You're good for her," Reggie said suddenly, blushing slightly before continuing. "I've never seen anyone handle her as well as you do. You kept her sane last year."

"She had a mental breakdown," Mattheo reminded him.

"It would have been worse and more often had it not been for you," Reggie defended. "Trust me, had it not been for you, I'm not sure how well she'd be doing right now. You make her happy, give her something to look forward to. I haven't ever seen her as happy with someone as she is with you. It was close with Remus, but not the same. She loves you, even if she hasn't told you."

"She has," Mattheo smiled softly, looking down at his feet.

"Good," Reggie smiled, patting Mattheo's back. "Keep it up."

"I plan to," Mattheo smiled at him. "It's a bit strange talking to her husband about this."

"Adeline is my sister in everything but blood," Reggie explained. "Always has been and always will be. Neither of us were excited about marrying. You should have seen us when we realized we would have to kiss at our wedding. Remus and Severus still make fun of us for it."

"I bet," Mattheo laughed. "You were both probably panicking."

"We didn't realize it until the night before the wedding," Reggie said, eyes wide. "Neither of us had thought about it."

"Was she your first kiss?" James asked.

"No, Remus was," Reggie shook his head.

"What?!" James demanded. "Where is he? I'm gonna kill him!"

Reggie laughed before chasing after James, trying to calm him. Mattheo laughed as he watched them go. Lily and Severus landed in their chairs again, both out of breath as they smiled to each other. Mattheo excused himself, heading outside to check the potatoes. He added in the corn and stirred before placing the lid back onto the pot, knowing it wouldn't be long before the seafood needed to go in. He went inside, finding Adeline's room and stepping inside.

Mattheo sat at the end of the bed, watching Adeline sleep for a few moments before moving a curl from her face. He kissed her head before whispering in her ear.

"Time to wake up, angel."

"Five more minutes," she mumbled.

"Okay," he smirked. "If I mess up dinner, it's your fault though."

Adeline groaned before stretching. She smiled up at him, still looking tired.

"Did you take your medicine?"

"I did," she sighed. "Walburga tried sending me medicine as well but I tossed it. I can make my own potions."

"Yeah, I wouldn't trust anything she sends," Mattheo nodded.

"Mhmm," Adeline hummed before sitting up. "What'd I miss? I placed a silencing charm up when I heard all the yelling."

"I thought you wanted a noisy house," he smirked.

"Not when I'm trying to sleep," she rolled her eyes.

"I have bad news about babies," Mattheo laughed and she rolled her eyes.

"I know," she offered. "Babies sleep when they want to and no other time."

"Exactly," Mattheo nodded. "Come on. Up you get."

Adeline groaned before standing, smiling at Mattheo as he took her hand. He led her into the dining room, pulling a chair out for her. She reminded him when to add the seafood in and laid her head on the table, closing her eyes as if she was going to try and get more sleep. Severus smiled as he rubbed her back, Mattheo moving around the kitchen to gather the seafood to add to the pot outside. Ten minutes later, dinner was ready and Adeline was shooing every one outside, plates flying behind them as they made their way outside.

Adeline waved her wand and a few fallen logs came out of the forest, forming a square around the pile of baby items. She lit the cradle on fire, watching as everything else began to light up as well as the sun began to set and the weather became quite a bit cooler. She sat on a log and waved her wand again, corn, potatoes, and seafood serving onto the plates before flying to each person.

"So, we just eat it with our hands?" Reggie asked as he sat beside James and Lily.

"Yup," Adeline nodded. "It's a seafood boil. They didn't have any crab, which is disappointing, but it should still be good!"

"This has to be an American thing," Remus grumbled from beside Severus.

"Oh, it absolutely is," Severus agreed before popping a potato into his mouth and moaning. "But it's so good."

Adeline smirked, taking the plate Mattheo offered her as he took the spot to her left.

"Tiffy? Wobky?" The two elves appeared beside Adeline with smiles. "Dinner's ready. We left you seats together."

"Thank you, mistress," Wobky nodded.

"Mistress is kind," Tiffy nodded.

Adeline let out a sigh as the two elves made their plates.

"Still not understanding, are they?" Mattheo smirked.

"I'll keep trying," she sighed before eating a potato and making a face.

"Uh, oh," Mattheo frowned as Adeline set her plate aside.

"Well, that's disappointing," she grumbled before standing. "I'll be right back."

"You okay?" Reggie asked, voice full of concern.

"Yeah. I just need some toast," she sighed before walking through the back door.

She grabbed the loaf of bread she'd bought at the market earlier, slicing it and using her wand to toast it slightly. She sighed as she thought of having to set up wards around the house the next day before making sure everyone knew not to use magic in the house so that she could turn on the electricity. She needed to decide on an apparition point first in case of emergencies.

She stepped back outside, sitting beside Mattheo and leaning against him, the fire keeping everyone warm now that the sky had darkened considerably. Adeline looked up to the sky, staring at the stars, immediately finding Sirius like she always did. She looked to Reggie, finding him staring at the same star. She sighed and reached over, taking his hand in hers. They gave each other reassuring smiles before she released him, leaning back into Mattheo again. Everyone spent the next few hours outside around the fire, smiling as they told old stories and laughing as James told stories of pranks that didn't end in anyone getting injured.

Adeline wrote to Filch on Saturday like she had been doing every Saturday since the summer began, telling him about the move and describing her new house. She invited him over for tea anytime as well, Reggie groaning when she told him about it. She wrote to Andy as well, telling her that she missed her and hoped she could come by sometime soon now that Adeline was out of London. Reggie smiled at that one.

Reggie's and Severus' arms began to burn early in the morning one day as Adeline's journal glowed golden. She opened her journal finding Tom calling for her as well. She led the boys out of the house, Lily, James, and Remus watching them go with sad looks. At the apparition point, Adeline took Reggie's arm and they all disappeared with a pop, reappearing in Malfoy Manor. Reggie and Severus went to their knees as soon as they arrived, bowing low to Tom as Adeline moved to his side, giving him a nod as she did so.

"Hello, my Lord," she said to him, voice soft.

"Adie," Tom gave her a slight smile so the others wouldn't see before he looked to the crowd, watching as his followers continued to arrive.

Adeline noticed Sissy in a chair not far away. She gave her a questioning look and Sissy's hand covered her stomach, causing Adeline to have to bite her lip to keep from smiling. She moved her own hand, copying Sissy's movements and Sissy brighten considerably before remembering where they were. They both turned to the front, seeing that everyone had finally arrived. Adeline eyed Greyback towards the back, breathing heavily.

"Rise," Tom demanded and everyone stood. "We have a bit of news. There's a very important wedding coming up."

Adeline looked to Tom confused as he turned his head to her slightly.

"Sirius Black has chosen a bride. Now, she's nowhere near as brilliant as the witch he could have had," Tom paused and everyone laughed as Adeline and Reggie both kept blank faces. "I was asked as a personal favor to make sure that one of the happy couple becomes a widow on the day of. It does not matter which one is killed. It's a one-man job and I want a volunteer."

Several people spoke up at once as Adeline and Reggie locked eyes, both wondering why they hadn't been told ahead of time about the upcoming wedding. Tom raised his hand and everyone fell silent.

"I'll extend the offer to certain individuals in the room to choose who they would like to have complete the task," Tom announced, eyes turning to Reggie. "Who would you choose?"

Reggie looked to Adeline then and Tom turned as well.

"Well, I believe your husband would prefer for you to do it," Tom smirked. "Who would you choose?"

Adeline scanned the room with her eyes, faces of power-hungry purebloods staring back at her.

"Avery," she finally decided, eyes locked on the wizard who used to be her protector.

"Would you like to accompany him?" Tom asked.

"Might as well," she sighed before smirking. "I should be at one of his weddings, at least."

There was a quiet laughter through the room, Bella's laugh ringing the loudest. Adeline looked to Bella, seeing what she had slowly been declining into. Her once beautiful black hair was slowly becoming more frazzled as she smiled viciously. She nodded to Adeline, thinking Adeline had turned to her for approval of some kind.

"Will Avery be enough protection?" Tom asked.

"We can bring another," Adeline offered.

"Regulus. Would you like to join them?"

"I would," Reggie nodded. "Thank you for the generous offer, my lord."

"Of course," Tom nodded. "As for another matter, we have a traitor in our ranks."

Adeline kept herself from seeming panicked. Instead, she turned to Tom, a look of concern and confusion on her face. His eyes flicked to her for a moment.

"I must admit that I find myself lost here," he admitted to the crowd, still sitting in the armchair as if it were a throne. "I've confided in someone and the information seems to have leaked out and reached Albus Dumbledore and his rebels."

Everyone remained quiet, Reggie, Severus, and Adeline being sure to not look at one another as Tom spoke. Adeline kept her eyes locked on Tom as he spoke, wondering if she was going to end up dying that night either from being found out somehow or from having to protect one of her boys.

"John Bulstrode! Step forward!" Tom yelled and everyone turned to the man in question.

John's eyes grew wide, panic clear on his face.

"My Lord?" he asked in confusion.

"I believe I gave you a command," Voldemort's voice was dripping venom.

John stepped forward, shaking as he moved to the center of the room.

"Did you or did you not meet with Alastor Moody in the White Wyvern two weeks ago?" Voldemort demanded.

"No, my lord!" John denied.

"So my sources lied to me? What would they stand to gain from this?"

"Perhaps your favor, my Lord?" John offered, voice shaky.

"Legilimens!" Voldemort yelled.

Adeline watched as John squirmed on the floor, trying to fight Voldemort off. He was no match though as Voldemort riffled through his memories. John screamed as Voldemort's smile grew, causing his features to go from handsome and charming to menacing and dangerous. Voldemort sat back in his seat as John began to weep.

"My Lord, please, forgive me," he begged.

"And why should I be merciful to a traitor?" he spat.

"I have a child on the way, my lord. Please, please," John begged.

Tom turned his head to Adeline, locking eyes with her for a moment. He looked down to her stomach for a moment and Adeline felt fear creep in her as she realized that he knew. He looked back to her eyes again, raising a brow and tilting his head towards John Bulstrode.

Adeline looked to John as he began begging her for mercy now. Her eyes flicked to Reggie and Severus, both giving her small nods, letting her know that they understood what she was about to do. Adeline turned to Voldemort.

"Nagini looks rather hungry, my Lord," she said to him, a smirk playing on her face.

Voldemort's smile grew, eyes shining at her words. Bella's loud laugh could be heard throughout the room, almost drowning out the sounds of Bulstrode screaming. Almost.

Adeline threw up in the middle of the woods when they returned to the cottage, Reggie holding her hair as Severus leaned against a tree. When Adeline had stopped dry-heaving, she leaned against a tree, breathing heavily. Reggie continued rubbing her back as she got herself under control.

"I need to write to Dumbledore," she finally whispered out.

"It can wait a few more minutes," Reggie told her.

"We don't know what he found in Bulstrode's head," Adeline shook her head.

"Adeline, it can wait a few more minutes," Reggie said, voice firm. "You're shaking and still out of breath. Give it a few minutes."

"He knows," Adeline whispered out, hand going to her stomach. "When Bulstrode said that he had a child on the way, he looked at me and then looked to my stomach, Reg. He knows."

"How? Did mother or father tell him?"

"I've no clue," she shook her head and stood up straight. "We need to check the wards daily though."

"Let's get inside them and I'll check them now," Severus nodded.

Adeline walked shakily to the cottage, Reggie's arm around her as they went. The majority of the lights were off in the house, Lily and James' bedroom light on and the lamp Adeline had left lit in her bedroom. She sat at the dining room table once they were inside, Reggie leaving the room to head to the lab and grab Adeline a nausea potion as she watched Severus just inside the tree line checking all of the wards Adeline, Reggie, and Remus had put up.

Reggie returned a few moments later, passing Adeline the potion before joining Severus. Adeline drank the potion, putting the vial in the sink to clean later, and wrote to Dumbledore, sending the letter away with Tiffy. She walked up to her room and changed into her comfiest pajamas before laying down. She tossed and turned a bit, feeling uncomfortable and growling slightly before sitting up.

Typically, if she was uncomfortable, she would go into Remus' room, pull on one of his sweaters, and sleep in his bed. She wasn't sure she was ready to admit how much she'd missed him to herself, and she knew she wasn't ready to admit it to him. She walked over to her dresser and opened the top drawer, pulling out one of the sweaters she'd stolen and slipping it on before lying back in bed again. She sighed, pulling the sweater over her nose and breathing deeply. She frowned when she realized that the scent had worn off.

Adeline tossed and turned for a while longer before letting out a frustrated growl and standing. She had to stop herself from stomping as she walked, reminding herself of a child throwing a fit. She knocked on Remus' door and waited a few moments until she saw a light come on from under the door and heard his footsteps moving closer. Remus opened the door, rubbing his eyes before he looked to her.

"You're back," he stated before looking at what she was wearing. "Is that mine?"

"You can have it back," she grumbled, pulling it over her head and passing it to him. "I'm stealing a different one."

"Why?" he asked as Adeline walked into his room and walked over to his dresser.

"That one doesn't smell like you anymore," she said as she opened the second drawer, finding his sweaters exactly where he always kept them.

She felt around the sweaters a bit before finding the softest one and pulling it out, fixing the other sweaters before closing the drawer. After pulling the sweater over her head, she brought it over her nose, smelling sandalwood, cocoa, and ginger giving her comfort. She turned to find Remus watching her with wide eyes.

"What?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself as she felt self-conscious.

"Open the top drawer," he told her.

Adeline stared at him in confusion for a moment before turning and opening the drawer. She let out a soft laugh before pulling her old cloak out.

"I don't think it's your style," she smirked to him.

"It smelt like you for a while," Remus shrugged. "I used to wrap it around my pillow at night or use it as a blanket."

"I used to go into your room, pull on a sweater and sleep in your bed," she admitted.

"I still leave my window open, hoping you'll ignore my stupid decision and fly threw it to tell me I'm an idiot and to move over."

"Well, you are an idiot," she sighed before smirking at him.

"I am," he nodded, looking down.

Adeline sighed before rubbing her face.

"I should get to my room," she whispered.

"Yeah," Remus said quickly, stepping away from the door so he wasn't blocking her path.

Adeline chewed her lip for a moment before leaving the room. She walked back to her room, listening as Remus closed his door. She stared at her bed, hating how big it was for just her, Mattheo only staying over once a week and Reggie and Severus giving her some space now that she had a serious boyfriend. She rolled her eyes before turning back around and knocking on Remus' door again. He opened it immediately, not seeming to have moved from behind the door.

"You're an idiot. Don't hog the covers."

She brushed pass him, climbing under the covers on her side of the bed. Remus smiled before closing his door and following after her. He turned off the lamp before pulling Adeline close, holding her back against his chest. They both sighed before closing their eyes, getting the best sleep they'd gotten in ages.

Adeline and Reggie let Walburga put an announcement in the paper the next week declaring Adeline three and a half months pregnant. After Reggie had told everyone in the house about Voldemort's plan to kill either Sirius or his bride at their wedding, James, Lily, and Remus had looked away guiltily as Mattheo just watched Adeline to make sure she was alright.

"Is it Dorcas?" Adeline questioned.

"Yes," Remus answered immediately.

"Alright," Adeline sighed. "I chose Avery because he owes me a life debt since I spared him."

"Wait, what?" Reggie asked.

"What?" Adeline was confused by his question.

"Please tell me that you plan on doing something terribly stupid?" Reggie asked.

"Well…" Adeline drug the word out a bit and Reggie groaned.

"What's the plan?" he asked, already knowing there was no point in arguing with her.

"I'm so happy you asked," Adeline smiled brightly.

"This isn't going to work," Reggie whispered as they went to the meeting spot two months later.

"Have I ever lead you astray?" she questioned.

"Well, no," Reggie offered.

"Then shut the hell up and trust your wife," Adeline whispered out as they reached their destination. "Avery!"

"Mrs. Black," Avery bowed his head. "Thank you for offering me this opportunity. I will follow your lead and do as instructed."

"Brilliant," she smiled. "Follow me."

Adeline, Reggie and Avery watched as Andy and Ted Tonks walked into a small church with a bouncing young child with green hair. James and Lily followed after them, both whispering quietly as Remus followed behind. Alastor Moody stood by the front door, eyes sweeping from side to side before he also entered the building.

"How many?" Adeline asked, wand at the ready.

"Twenty-seven in total and at least half of them are probably aurors," Reggie answered.

"That checks out," she sighed before turning to Avery. "Obliviate."

Avery stood stock still as Adeline worked, caught by surprise. She cast several charms before placing the false memory that she and Reggie had come up with together of a battle against multiple Order members and aurors. When she finished, she knocked Avery out before casting several spells that would damage him enough to make it seem as if he'd been in a duel and lost terribly. Reggie levitated him to the front of the church and Adeline debated putting a bow on his head as a wedding gift.

"Should we stay for cake?" Reggie asked.

Adeline remained quiet as she watched Dorcas walk down the aisle to where Sirius stood, looking more handsome than ever and smiling brightly with tears in his eyes. She felt a hot tear run down her face before wiping it away roughly, sniffling slightly.

"We should get to work," she told him. "Make it look believable."

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she said, voice rough. "Let's wait a bit and then get this over with."

"Okay," Reggie nodded, watching Adeline as she stared at her hands rather than look at the church, a deep frown on her face.

Reggie knew that Adeline's feelings for Sirius had always been real. To see just how deep those feelings were and how long she'd held onto them for though caused him to feel a bit of envy at never having felt something so powerful himself. He wondered if he ever would, either, before James and Lily came to his mind. He shook the thoughts away before watching as his brother said his vows to the wrong witch, kissing her as fireworks went off around them, knowing that he had helped James perfect the spell just last week. It almost felt as if he'd actually been invited at the sight of them.

Sirius and Dorcas laughed at the fireworks before heading down the aisle, heading towards the doors.

"It's time to go," Reggie whispered and Adeline looked up.

The two stood, hand-in-hand as the doors opened. Sirius' wand was out, immediately trained on Avery's unconscious form. Avery slowly began to wake as Moody moved forward, wand also out. Avery looked panicked and in pain as he came to. Adeline and Reggie watched for a few more moments before Regulus shot fireworks from his wand and then Adeline popped them away, back to the cottage and away from what she was sure were many panicked wedding guest, three very much in the know.

"Well, this is going to suck," she sighed as she looked to Reggie.

"Me first," he sighed.

"Can't we just say we watched as Avery screwed everything up?" she begged.

"No," he rolled his eyes. "Come on now."

"Fine," she groaned before pointing her wand at Reggie.

She shot a few spells at him, causing him to double over in pain at the force of her spells hitting him in places that would cause minimal damage. She ran over to him, leaning him against a tree and letting him catch his breath. Once he was good enough, Adeline backed away. Reggie hit Adeline's arm with a cutting hex, causing her to gasp in pain as she began bleeding. Reggie sent a blasting spell at a tree, causing it to explode, splinters hitting her right side.

Next, Adeline used the same spell and charms on Reggie as she had Avery, giving him the false memory. She grabbed Reggie's arm then, apparating them to Malfoy manor and landing outside the gate.

She pulled Reggie's arm over her shoulder and dragged him through the gate, both panting as they approached the front door. Sissy and Lucy met them outside, both running forward.

"What happened?" Lucy asked, taking Reggie from Adeline.

"Bloody aurors," Reggie breathed as Sissy led Adeline inside. "They got Avery."

"Idiot," Adeline groaned out, feeling a bit woozy from the blood loss. "Didn't listen to a damn thing I said. Told him we needed to keep our distance with so many people."

"Sit, Adie," Sissy demanded.

Adelien sat in the armchair, sinking into it quite a bit as Sissy began working on her. Adeline's arm was wrapped and a blood replenisher was forced down her throat. Adeline almost threw up from the taste of it, but a nausea potion was forced down her throat next.

"Stay still," Sissy's voice was soft but Adeline's head was still spinning.

Sissy waved her wand over Adeline's stomach and a strong heartbeat filled the room.

"Is that the baby?" Reggie asked, voice soft.

"Yes," Sissy smiled to him before looking to Adeline, who had passed out in the chair. "She needs to be moved to a bed. She lost a lot of blood."

"What happened?" Voldemort's voice hissed as he entered the room, Lucius having called for him the moment Reggie and Adie had walked through the gate.

"Aurors," Reggie answered, hissing as Lucius reset his broken rib. "They were crawling all over the place. Moody was there. He got Avery."

"Adeline called him an idiot," Lucius provided.

"What did he do?"

"I can show you," Reggie offered, looking into Voldemort's eyes.

Voldemort went into Reggie's mind, finding the false memory instantly. After watching it twice he pulled out of Reggie's head with a curse.

"She wanted to give him a second chance and he wasted it," Voldemort hissed, looking to Adeline. "Is she alright?"

"She needs rest, my lord," Sissy explained. "A nasty cutting hex on her arm and she lost a lot of blood. It's not good in her condition."

Voldemort leaned down then, scooping Adeline into his arms as if she weighted nothing. He nodded to Sissy and Sissy led him to a spare room. She left them alone, leaving the door cracked as she returned to her husband and cousin. Tom placed her in the bed gently, pulling a quilt over her. He looked down at her wrapped arm, removing the bandages and closing the wounds properly before wrapping them again, knowing the hex would scar her otherwise fair skin. He let out a shaky breath as he took her hand, watching over her as she rested.

Adeline woke a few hours later, groaning as she pulled her arm to her chest. Voldemort watched as her blue eyes slowly opened, looking around the room in confusion before landing on him.

"This feels familiar," she smiled softly.

"I believe this is the second time I've had to carry you to a bed after an ordeal now," Tom smiled.

"I'll have to return the favor sometime," she joked.

"I'm not sure you'll get the chance," he smirked before his face fell. "Who did this to you?"

"I'm not sure. It happened so fast and I knew I needed to get Reggie out of there," she explained. "It could have been any one of the aurors."

"Avery is an idiot," Tom sighed. "I'm sorry that he was such a disappointment."

"Don't be," she sighed. "I should have known better than to give him a second-chance. I won't make the mistake again."

"Good girl," Tom smiled slightly.

Adeline smiled back, eyes closing sleepily.

"You need more rest," Tom sighed. "Sleep now. I'm sure your husband will be along shortly."

"Don't wanna sleep," Adeline pouted, eyes still closed. "Talking to you."

Tom let out a low chuckle before leaning forward, kissing her cheek gently before backing away again.

"We'll have plenty of time to write to one another after you're feeling better," he promised. "I need you well rested, though."

"Won't be very useful soon," she sighed.

"I saw the papers. Congratulations," he nodded, not looking even the slightest bit pleased.

"Don't lie, you already knew," she smirked. "Far too smart for your own good."

"I thought it was very impressive how you fed that father-to-be to Nagini. She appreciated it, as well."

"I will admit that I did not expect her to be able to fit a full-grown wizard in her mouth. Bit unnerving, to be honest. Cool, though," Adeline's voice trailed off as she fell asleep.

Tom smirked before kissing her head and just breathing her in. He stood abruptly and left the room, needing space from what he was feeling. Adeline's eyes opened once he left the room. She felt as if she needed to bathe now that he was gone, feeling disgusting. She sat up slowly, the room spinning slightly. Reggie ran into the room, rushing to her side.

"Hey," he said, helping her stay upright.

"Wanna go home," she mumbled.

"Okay," he nodded. "Tiffy? Wobky?"

The two elves appeared, staring at Adeline and Reggie.

"Home, please. Straight to bed for Adie," he said to Wobky.

Wobky nodded and Reggie stepped away from her, letting Wobky take her away. Adeline landed in her bed and felt bile rise in her throat. A bucket appeared in front of her and she threw up harshly into it, tears rolling down her cheeks as she did so. Once she'd finished, the bucket disappeared and Wobky forced her to lie down. She fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

Remus was sitting beside Adeline's bed, watching over her when Mattheo ran into the room, Reggie following behind slowly. Remus moved aside and Mattheo waved his wand over her, golden light appearing over her body. He watched as a small list of injuries appeared and he nodded before cancelling the spell.

"Wobky?" he asked, lights flickering when the elf appeared. "I need the blood replenisher, nausea potion and pain poultice, please."

Wobky snapped his fingers and the lights shut off completely.

"Muggle methods," Mattheo reminded the room at large as Remus went to reset the breaker.

Mattheo used the rising sun as his light, pushing open the curtains. He spelled the two potions into Adeline before unwrapping her arm. He flinched slightly at the long scratches that marred her skin before rubbing the poultice between his hands to warm it before rubbing it on her arm. She sighed in relief in her sleep, eyes still closed but face relaxing more now. The lights came back on as Mattheo finished, Wobky watching the two with interest.

"Thank you, Wobky," Mattheo sighed, passing the elf the vials and the jar.

Wobky nodded and walked out of the room, not wanting to cause a blackout again. Mattheo put loose wraps on Adeline's arm, knowing anything tighter would simply rub against the wound and irritate it. He went to the loo attached to Adeline's room and washed his hands before returning and sitting in the chair Remus had previously occupied. Remus leant against the doorframe, hands in his pockets as Reggie sat on the edge of the bed.

"Did it work?" Mattheo asked.

"Aurors announced Avery's arrest this morning," Reggie nodded. "The wedding was announced as well."

"She'll want to keep the announcement. She has a scrapbook with all of you in it," Mattheo nodded.

"Does she really?" Remus asked curiously.

Mattheo nodded, reaching into the bedside table and passing the book over to Remus. Remus opened the book to find pictures from when they were all younger staring back up at him. He smirked at the mattress surfing photos before finding all of them in a tent. There was a photo from the Prophet of Adeline and Sirius dancing beside the one of them in the park. The next page held a photo of Reggie's and Adeline's wedding announcement and a few pictures from the wedding.

Pictures Andy had sent along followed, along with pictures of Narcissa and Lucius and of Bellatrix. No photos of Walburga, Orion, or Miranda. There was a single picture of Adrian standing over Adeline, helping her with a potion. Remus wondered how that photo had even been taken before he recognized the Black library.

Pictures from balls and parties were included. Remus even found a photo of himself dancing with Adeline at one of the balls, both smiling brightly as they spun in disastrous circles. He smiled at that one, turning the page to find Lily and James' wedding photos, the two smiling as they danced. Mattheo took over the next page, photos of him and a young Hufflepuff girl smiling at the camera, the photo still. In the photo beneath it, Mattheo was making silly faces at the person holding the camera, which Remus assumed was Adie. He closed the book, passing it back to Mattheo to be put away.

"I didn't know she had all of those," Reggie whispered, having looked at the photos over Remus' shoulder.

"She said it helps to look at it on the more difficult days. Reminds her of what we're all fighting for," Mattheo answered as he placed the book in the drawer and closed it.

"So, you and Clarissa are close as well?" Reggie asked.

"All of us Hufflepuffs are," Mattheo shrugged, keeping his family a secret as Adeline asked in case one of the boys ended up being caught. "Clarissa and I just happen to be Adeline's favorites."

"I noticed," Reggie smirked.

Adeline groaned, waking up slowly. Mattheo had her hand in his the moment she moved.

"Hey," she whispered out.

"Hi," he smiled. "How do you feel?"

"Tired and I have to pee," she groaned, sitting up slowly.

Mattheo chuckled before helping her sit up. She went to the loo, unable to hear the three boys whispering behind the door. Lily and James came in then, looking concerned but also excited about something. Adeline came out of the bathroom and gave Lily a once over before smiling.

"Yeah," Lily nodded to her.

"Yeah, what?" Remus asked as Severus entered the room.

"You're kidding?" Adeline smiled brightly.

"Nope," Lily shook her head.

"How far?"

"Three."

"What are they on about?" Severus asked James.

James just smiled, watching the blond and redhead giggle excitedly, Reggie smirking as well.

"We're having a baby," James finally whispered out, eyes shining slightly.

Remus almost tackled James in a hug. James hugged him back fiercely, smiling wide. Severus gave Reggie a pat on the back as Mattheo gave Lily a gentle hug in congratulations. Severus approached James and Adeline watched closely. Severus offered his hand to James and the two shook hands, causing Adeline and Reggie to smile brightly. James and Severus gave each other a nod, both smiling now as they released hands. Lily launched herself at Severus and he lifted her from the ground, spinning her as he laughed.

Lily and James went home then, the house feeling a bit more cold with their room unoccupied. Clarissa wrote Adeline from school almost every day, asking her about the baby all the time. Mattheo left for his internship at St. Mungo's, staying in a small apartment in London. Severus, Reggie and Remus saw Adeline grow a bit depressed with how quiet the house had become, brightening when Filch came by every Saturday for tea, Misses Norris wondering through the house and sniffing everything. The three were still a bit weary of the man and his cat, but they accepted their presence since it made Adeline feel better.

Mattheo came by to visit when Adeline was six and a half months along, her stomach having grown much since he'd been there last. He went behind her after they'd kissed a greeting, moving his hands under her stomach. He lifted her belly and Adeline leaned back against him with a soft groan.

"Better?" he laughed.

"You're a saint," she breathed out.

Mattheo let out a low chuckle, causing Adeline to shiver slightly. He noticed her response and slowly released her stomach. He took her hand and the two went up the stairs, spending some along time together with silencing spells on the room. Mattheo had to leave the next morning, frowning slightly as he did so. Adeline kissed him gently before sending him out the door, waiting until he was gone to let a few tears slip out.

Severus was called away, his mark burning his skin as Adeline went to her lab in the basement, making more poultice for him and Reggie, who was almost never home now due to Voldemort. When she came back up the stairs, it was to find Severus writing a letter to Dumbledore and passing it to Tiffy. Tiffy walked out the back door and disappeared with a pop once she was deep enough in the woods.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I've been ordered to spy on Dumbledore," Severus sighed. "I'm to follow him around and report back to the Dark Lord anything that I find."

Adeline sighed, a small smirk on her face.

"I thought it was a bit ironic," Severus smirked. "Reggie sends his love. He doesn't think he'll be able to make it back for the next month. The Dark Lord is keeping him close."

"Probably trying to make sure he isn't here when the baby comes so that Greyback's pack can break into Shafiq manor," she sighed. "I have something to ask you, actually."

"Oh?" Severus asked.

"Reggie and I were talking about who we wanted to be the godparents of our child. We were hoping that you and Remus would accept?"

"Me?" Severus' brows raised.

"You and Remus have known the plan almost the entire time. We trust the two of you more than anyone else."

"I'm not sure how your boyfriend will feel about that," Severus smirked.

"Mattheo already knows," Adeline smirked back. "He thought it was a good idea. He's becoming a healer for Dumbledore's order and will be a target. The two of you are under the radar, so to speak."

"Safer," Severus nodded.

"My boys," she smiled.

"We're grown men," Severus rolled his eyes.

"Still my boys," she shrugged.

"I accept."

Adeline pulled Severus as close as she could with her stomach in the way. She went to visit Sissy the next day, smiling at the small bump she was sporting.

"Look at you," Adeline beamed.

"Me? Look at you," Sissy smiled, taking in Adeline's stomach. "You're glowing."

"I'm waddling," Adeline corrected. "My feet have been swollen for a month."

"I'm happy that I'm not there yet," Sissy admitted.

"Be thankful," Adeline joked as she slowly sat down, holding her stomach up slightly as she did so.

"So, I asked you here because I have a question to ask you," Sissy smiled.

"What's that?" Adeline asked.

"Well, Lucius is asking Severus later today. The two of them have grown so close since Severus finished at Hogwarts."

"I heard," Adeline nodded, smiling.

"Well, Lucius is asking Severus and I wanted to ask you. Will you be our child's godmother?" Sissy asked, shifting nervously.

"Really?" Adeline asked.

"Yes," Sissy nodded. "I know that you'll raise the child correctly if something were to happen to Lucy or myself. We trust you."

Adeline felt her stomach turn slightly at the words but kept a straight face.

"I would love to," she smiled. "Severus is going to be godfather?"

"We assumed you'd probably asked him as well," Sissy smirked.

"Well, let's hope at least one of us makes it out of this," Adeline joked. "Poor man wouldn't know how to handle two children on his own."

"Well, our Dark Lord will persist no matter what," Sissy smiled. "I don't think we have anything to worry about."

Adeline nodded before flinching slightly.

"Are you alright?"

"He likes kicking my ribs," Adeline sighed, pressing her hand against her side. "Want to feel?"

Sissy moved forward, hands going to Adeline's stomach. Adeline moved her hand so that she could feel the kicking.

"What in Merlin's name?" Bella's cracked voice asked.

"Bella! Come!" Sissy demanded, smiling brightly.

Bella rolled her eyes as she walked over. Sissy grabbed Bella's hand, making her press to Adeline's side. Bella's eyes widened as she felt the kicking and Adeline almost recognized her again. Bella's smile grew soft and her eyes filled with tears as she looked to Adeline.

"A new little cousin," she smiled. "What are you naming him, pet?"

"We don't know if it's a boy or girl," Adeline told her.

"It's a boy," Bella smiled. "Same as Sissy. What's his name?"

"Aster," Adeline smiled.

"That's perfect," Bella smiled. "Sissy has chosen Draco."

"I love it," Adeline smiled to Sissy before hearing a click and turning to see Lucius holding up a camera.

She rolled her eyes and turned back to Bella, watching as she turned back into the dark witch she'd become. Bella stood straight, looking down at the two women.

"I should be going," she said, voice cracking again. "Good day."

"Goodbye," Sissy whispered, watching her sister go.

Once Bella was gone, Sissy sighed.

"I miss my sister," she whispered and Adeline had to take a moment to figure out if Sissy meant Andy or Bella before she'd lost her mind.

"What happened to her?" Adeline asked, voice soft. "I remember she was sick for a while. When she returned she was different."

"I don't know," Sissy sighed and Adeline flinched again. "Do you need to go home and lay down?"

"I think so," Adie sighed and Lucy rushed forward, helping her stand.

He smiled down at her stomach before looking into her eyes.

"It's good to see both of you creating the next followers of our Dark Lord," he smiled brightly.

Sissy smiled brightly from beside him and Adeline forced a small smile onto her face. She kissed Lucy's cheek before leaving through the floo, calling for Tiffy the moment she landed in Shafiq manor. Tiffy popped Adeline away, helping her make her way through the woods. Adeline fell onto the couch in the living room the moment she reached it, laying down and pulling a blanket over herself.

Adeline was miserable at just over nine months pregnant, overdue to give birth by a week now. She was alone in the house, a book propped up on her stomach as she read. Her journal glowed gold and she summoned it over, glaring at the lights as they flickered slightly. She opened the journal to find Tom requesting her presence. She groaned as she stood, heading to the loo before calling for Tiffy and Wobky. The two elves walked over and Adeline sighed.

"Wobky, can you make the house magic powered or however it's worded. Tiffy, I need to get to the manor, please."

Wobky smiled brightly, ears flapping and happy to be able to use his magic again. Tiffy smiled as well, taking Adeline's hand and the popped away, lightbulbs exploding as they went. She landed in the manor and had to use the loo again, groaning in the process. After that, she flooed to Lestrange manor, finding the others already there. Reggie rushed to Adeline's side and helped her to a chair beside Voldemort, hand on her stomach as he did so, not having seen her in months at this point.

Voldemort watched the two as Adeline slowly sat, flinching slightly as she did so. She nodded to Narcissa, who was also seated before giving Reggie a smile before he returned to where he'd been kneeling. Voldemort looked over his followers kneeling in front of him and smiled.

"Tonight, we celebrate!" he told them. "My favor has been fulfilled."

Adeline felt fear trickle down her spine, keeping her face straight as she looked to Voldemort.

"I have personally made Sirius Black a widow," Voldemort smirked and a body appeared in the center of the room.

Adeline stared down at Dorcas' body, noting the baby bump she was sporting. She looked to Sissy, seeing a smug smirk on her face as she stared at the dead pregnant woman in front of them. Greyback seemed to be foaming at the mouth as Reggie and Severus refused to look directly at the body. Adeline watched as Voldemort stood, walking towards the body and smirking.

"Greyback? Would you like a snack?"

"My Lord?" Adeline spoke up and everyone looked to her. "May I have her?"

"Whatever for?" Voldemort questioned, eyes narrowing.

"I've had an idea for a potion, but I need a few… let's say illegal ingredients. Ingredients that are lying on the floor behind you," she explained with a smirk.

Voldemort approached her with an evil grin.

"Greyback? Do you object?" he asked.

"Please, Fenrir? You got the last few. I want to play as well," she pouted.

Fenrir glanced at Voldemort before giving Adeline a smile. Adeline smiled brightly before calling for Wobky. Wobky appeared at Adeline's side, staring up at her.

"Take the body to my lab," she demanded and Wobky nodded.

He appeared beside the body and was gone the next moment, taking Dorcas and her unborn child with him.

"A feast! Drinks all around!" Tom called out and Reggie joined Adeline's side as Voldemort's voice dropped. "What kind of potion are you making?"

"I'll tell you if it works," she promised, knowing for a fact she had no potions in mind. "However, I'll have to skip the festivities. It's getting harder and harder to stay awake these days. Baby tends to suck all the energy out of me."

"May I be excused, my Lord?" Reggie asked. "Spend a bit of time with Adie."

"I have been rather lonely," she frowned. "Manor is far too quiet considering I'm the only one there anymore."

"I'll see you in two days," Voldemort told Reggie. "Take Severus with you. I'm sure he could use a break as well."

"You are very generous, my Lord," Reggie bowed before going to find Severus.

"Thank you, Tom," Adeline whispered quietly.

"I'm sorry that you won't be able to stay, Adie," he sighed. "I was looking forward to time with you."

"Well, once this baby comes, I'll make Reggie babysit for a bit and we'll catch up," she promised.

"I look forward to it," Voldemort smirked as the two wizards joined them.

"Ready?" Reggie asked Adeline, hand going to her stomach again.

"Yes," she smiled and they headed to the floo, Adeline nodding to Greyback as they went.

They flooed to the manor and Adeline called for both of her elves. They landed in the dining room and Adeline summoned her journal and a pen. She paused with the pen over the paper though, letting out a deep breath. She set the pen back down, closing the book.

"You aren't going to tell them?" Reggie asked.

"If we tell them, they tell Sirius," she stated.

"Rightfully so," Reggie argued.

"At least one of our covers would be blown, if not all of them," Severus spoke up, following Adeline's train of thought.

"We can tell Sirius," Reggie insisted.

"You want Sirius to know that I've been a spy since my fourth year? You want to bring him here and let him see his dead wife on my lab table?" Adeline asked. "Are you prepared to stand between the two of us when he goes off the handles because that's what will happen."

"What do you suggest? Let him continue searching for his pregnant wife with no clue what the hell happened to her?" Reggie questioned.

"Tiffy, bring Dumbledore here. Now," Adeline called out. "Wobky, cut the electricity and make it so I can apparate inside, please."

"Finally," Severus grumbled.

"Did we ever find out who the favor was from?" Adeline asked Reggie.

"Yes, but you aren't going to like it," Reggie answered, refusing to make eye contact with her.

"Who?" she demanded.

"My father."

"That complicates it a bit," she sighed. "I need to take care of something. Tell Albus exactly what happened when he gets here. Can I apparate, Wobky?"

"Yes, mistress," Wobky answered, appearing beside her, lit lanterns flying around the room.

Adeline went down to her lab, riffling through her potions quickly, refusing to look at Dorcas on the table behind her. When she found what she was looking for, she turned on the spot, appearing on a side street by Grimmauld Place.

"Point me," she demanded of her wand.

Her wand pointed to the manor and she put it in her hair, moving forward. She opened the door quietly, moving through the house and avoiding the squeakiest boards as if she were a child sneaking around with Reggie and Siri all over again. She made her way up the stairs slowly, annoyed at having to rest halfway before finishing her trip. She stood in front of Orion's office, listening for the sounds of anyone else in the room.

When all she heard was a quill scratching paper, she opened the door, finding only Orion inside. His face was crestfallen and he looked much older than he ever had. She shut the door behind herself, staring at him with dead eyes.

"How long have you been a traitor?" he asked.

"Who else knows?" she asked in return.

"I just figured it out myself," he explained. "I know that everyone else is celebrating, but you took the body and now you're here. You should know that he can't have a public funeral or a gravestone if you're to keep your cover."

"James and Remus will talk him through it," she shrugged.

"What do we do now?" he asked.

Adeline walked forward, pulling the vial from her pocket and placing it on the desk in front of him.

"Oh," Orion nodded. "Will it be painful?"

"A bit," she admitted. "I remembered your kindness when I was younger, which is why it isn't something worse. However, you've turned into a cruel man who lets his wife torture children for fun."

"So, nothing quick or painless," he nodded. "We taught you well."

"Also untraceable. Maybe you taught me too well," she offered.

"Perhaps," he nodded. "What will become of Walburga?"

"She'll go slowly. Her body will age faster than it should. In the end, I'll tell her the truth just before she goes," Adeline informed him.

Orion simply nodded. He unstoppered the vial and drank the poison in one gulp. He handed the vial back to her and she tossed it into the fire. Orion stared at her for a moment before he began coughing. Blood sprayed Adeline's face as the coughing fit got worse and worse. He fell from his chair, choking in a pile of his own blood, Adeline watching the entire twenty-minute process with a feeling of satisfaction and pride inside of her chest. Once Orion had laid still for ten minutes without breath or blinking, Adeline called for Wobky, having him return her home.

When she appeared in her living room covered in blood, Reggie and Remus moved to her immediately.

"I'm fine," she waved them off, going to Dumbledore.

"Who's blood is that?" Remus demanded.

"Orion Black's," she answered over her shoulder before looking into Dumbledore's eyes. "What do we do?"

"We can't return the body without blowing your cover to multiple parties," he sighed.

"Do we just bury her here?" Adeline asked. "Her husband deserves to know what happened to her and their child."

"I understand," Dumbledore nodded. "I will tell him that my sources have confirmed her death."

"Take Remus with you," Adeline stated. "He needs a friend there when you tell him."

"Understood," Albus nodded. "If it is alright with you, I would like to connect your fireplace to mine, make it into a floo. I was told it was a muggle household until today?"

"Yes, sir," she nodded.

"What shall the name be?"

"Hathor Cottage."

Dumbledore stared at her for a moment before nodding. He and Remus headed to the fireplace and Dumbledore waved his wand, speaking a spell Adeline didn't know before expanding the fireplace a bit, making it so people could stand inside of it comfortably. He sent Remus through first, turning to Adeline before he went in.

"What was your surname?" he asked.

"Boudreaux," she told him. "Why?"

"Just curious," he shrugged. "Thank you, Adeline. For everything."

Adeline nodded and Albus went through the fire.

"Wobky?" Adeline asked.

"Yes, mistress?"

"Thank you."

"Anything for mistress."

"I need one more thing for today," she sighed. "Can you find the most beautiful spot on our land in the forest? Make sure it's big enough for a grave."

"Yes, mistress. Wobky will find the perfect place for Madam Black and her unborn to rest, mistress."

"Thank you, Wobky," Adeline nodded and Wobky popped away.

Adeline ignored Severus and Reggie as she headed to her potions lab in the basement for the second time that day. It took her longer going down the stairs this time but she made it, locking the lab door behind herself. She stared at Dorcas for a few minutes, not sure what she was planning to do in the first place. She began speaking softly then.

"You don't know this, but us Black women are supposed to stick together," she moved to Dorcas' side. "We look out for each other, make sure we look acceptable and fierce. We stand up for one another and defend each other to anyone who dares cross us. Orion paid with his life for what he demanded happen to you. I made sure it was slow and painful."

Adeline paused for a moment before continuing.

"I know it probably doesn't mean anything to you, but we're family. You deserved far better than any of this, as did your child, and I am so sorry that I wasn't able to save you. I wish I could have done something, figured out before now who was after you. My money would have been on Walburga had I bet on it," Adeline closed Dorcas' eyes. "Albus and Remus will tell Sirius. One day, when this is all over, I'll bring him to you. I'll show him where the two of you were put to rest. I'm so sorry that your child didn't get the chance it deserved. I'm sorry that you didn't get more time together."

Adeline had tears running down her cheeks, mixing with the blood that was splattered there. She took a few minutes to calm herself before waving her wand over herself, fixing her appearance and removing all of the blood, the evidence of what she had done. She looked down at Dorcas. Adeline waved her wand and Dorcas's clothes changed to funeral robes, flowers appearing in her hair. Adeline moved Dorcas' cold hands to her stomach, hands resting over her swollen stomach.

"As I said, we make sure that we look acceptable," Adeline whispered, kissing Dorcas' head before leaving the lab.

She made her way back up the stairs, ignoring the sharp pains that came from her abdomen. A phoenix patronus appeared in front of her and she listened as Albus told her that Sirius had been told about Dorcas. Adeline sighed before continuing up the stairs and moving to the backyard, Reggie and Severus watching her move around. She stood out back, Wobky appearing beside her a few minutes away.

"Wobky has found a place," he told her, holding his hand out.

Adeline took his hand and they appeared in a small clearing filled with wildflowers. Adeline nodded and Wobky snapped his fingers, a hole appearing in the ground.

"We need a blank gravestone," Adeline told him. "I can write on it if you can order it discreetly."

"Yes, mistress," Wobky nodded, taking her hand again.

Adeline was taken to her room where she sighed, rubbing her back before flicking her wand and changing into a silk nightgown before laying in her bed, the sun setting over the trees. She decided she would deal with everything else the next day, falling asleep. Adeline woke in the middle of the night to a cat patronus speaking to her in Reggie's voice.

Tiffy and Adeline appeared in the sitting room where Reggie was waiting. He tossed powder into the floo and they both stepped inside, reappearing in the Black family home. Lucius was holding Sissy as she cried, Bella and Rudolphus standing in the corner whispering. Walburga's eyes went to Adeline, standing and going to her. Walburga hugged Adeline carefully.

"I haven't told her yet," Reggie told Walburga.

"Told me what?" Adeline asked as Walburga stepped back.

"It's Orion," she said, voice soft. "He's passed."

"What happened?" Adeline asked as she sank onto the couch beside Sissy.

"Seems he had accelerated Dragon Pox. The house has been checked though, so everyone is safe."

"When?"

"I felt it around midday but I only found him just a few hours ago," she explained, sitting beside Adeline and taking her hand.

"I'm so sorry," Adeline shook her head to Walburga. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she nodded. "I'll be fine. I just needed to tell you in person. He loved you so much, as I know you loved him."

"Thank you," Adeline nodded, letting a fake tear escape her eye.

Walburga wiped the tear away before placing a hand on Adeline's stomach.

"He was so excited to meet his first grandchild," Walburga whispered.

"I know," Adeline nodded.

"I'm sorry for waking you for this," she sighed. "I know how difficult sleep was to find when I was so far along."

"It's fine," Adeline shook her head. "I would have been upset had you not woken me."

Walburga gave her a gentle smile before hugging her again. They all sat together for a few hours before Adeline and Reggie flooed back to Shafiq manor.

"I don't think I can apparate again tonight," she admitted.

"I'll take you to the downstairs bedroom," Reggie nodded before grabbing his arm, hissing through his teeth.

Adeline grabbed her stomach then, gasping.

"What?" he asked.

"I think the baby is ready," she told him.

"Right now?" he asked, sounding a bit annoyed.

"I don't exactly choose when this happens," she glared at him.

"I'll call for Remus and I'll be back as soon as possible," he told her.

Adeline nodded, sitting on the couch as Reggie sent a patronus off before apparating away. The moment she was alone, she let out an actual shout of pain. She began breathing how the books had instructed, groaning as another contraction hit her. Remus popped into the room, moving to Adeline's side the moment his eyes found her. He helped her off the couch and Adeline felt something wet between her legs.

She looked down, finding that her water had just broken. She groaned as she leaned against Remus, letting him lead her to the bedroom as carefully as possible. Once there, Remus tried to lay her on the bed but Adeline shook her head, grabbing the bed post instead. She stayed standing, breathing heavily as he body told her to push to relieve some of the pressure she was feeling. She let out a scream of pain as she did so, stopping when the pain did. Remus rubbed her back gently.

"Do I need to call for Mattheo?" he asked.

"The wards won't recognize him," she shook her head, tears rolling down her face as another contraction hit.

She pushed again, legs spread apart as she did so.

"Adie, I don't know how to do this," Remus told her.

"Blankets and water," she told him.

Remus ran from the room and Adeling rolled her eyes.

"Use your wand!" she screamed after him, pushing again.

Remus reappeared in the room, wand waving as blankets appeared.

"What does the water go in?"

"Conjure a bucket and fill it," she said before screaming.

Remus conjured a small bucket, filling it with water. Adeline waved her hand and the bucket moved underneath her. She made the bucket bigger and added more water, without even waving her hand. The lights above them flared as Adeline screamed, pushing harder than before. The pressure stopped and she heard a loud splash. Remus moved then, dragging the bucket away and pulling the baby out. Adeline let out a few sobs before feeling pressure again. Remus cleaned the baby as she pushed the afterbirth out, yelling out as she did so. She rocked back and forth on her feet, breathing heavily. She felt the wards go down and let out an angry shout.

"Go," she told Remus. "Get the baby out of here."

"Adie," Remus tried.

"There isn't time," she told him, pulling her wand out of her hair. "Take the baby to Lily. Now."

Remus apparated away and Adeline turned, facing the door with her wand raised. The door burst open and Adeline put her strongest shield up. Four men entered the room, eyes bloodshot and teeth yellow and decaying. Two of them kept their eyes on her as the other two looked around the room, searching for the baby.

"Where is it?" one of them demanded.

"You'll never find her," Adeline smirked.

One of them yelled before running forward, bouncing off her shield. She stood up straight, ready for the fight. Three wands were up attacking her shield. She saw a crack forming in her shield, her hand moving behind her back as shadows formed under the bed. The moment her shield was gone, she raised her hand and the shadows shot forward. Three of the four went down, the shadows moving through them and causing holes in their bodies. She stood her ground as she dueled the final werewolf. They went on for a while before the werewolf was thrown into the wall, black ropes forming around his body.

Adeline snapped her fingers and a bottle with clear potion appeared in her hand. She walked forward slowly, still bleeding from giving birth. She poured the potion down his throat, before stepping back again.

"Who sent you?" she demanded.

"Fenrir Greyback," he sit out.

"Who commanded him?" she asked.

"The Dark Lord," he stated.

"Where are they now?" she demanded. "Where?!"

"Lestrange Manor," he answered.

Adeline waved her wand and his mouth disappeared. She made him float behind her as she walked through the manor, throwing powder into the floo and sending the wolf through first, followed by the dead bodies before she stepped through herself.

"Adie?" Reggie asked when he saw her. "What?"

"Everyone out!" she bellowed.

Death eaters apparated away at her order.

"Not you," she spat, and thick, black ropes formed around Greyback.

Voldemort walked forward, watching the show. She turned to him then before she made the werewolf's mouth reappear.

"I'm sorry," he cried. "I'm sorry."

"You will be," she hissed.

"It's a girl!" he yelled before cuts formed all over his body, blood oozing out as Adeline lowered her wand.

She turned to Voldemort then and Reggie went to her side.

"Adeline, here me out?" Voldemort asked.

"Goodbye, Tom," she answered, disappearing with Reggie.

They appeared outside Shafiq manor and Adeline cast fiendfyre, lighting the whole place up. She watched as it burned, two large skulls forming in the sky that made Adeline tilt her head. She grabbed Reggie again and the two appeared in the cottage. Adeline fainted the moment they landed, Reggie barely having time to catch her.

Adeline groaned as she woke, looking around and realizing she was in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. Pomfrey was fretting over her.

"I'm not a student," she pointed out.

"You're a teacher," Pomfrey told her. "That means you're my charge as well."

"I don't remember any interview process," she said, voice soft as she felt like she was falling back to sleep.

"Rest, Adie. We'll explain later," Pomfrey promised.

When Adeline woke again, she had no clue what day it was, but knowing it was late based off of the night sky. She sat up slowly, not wanting to lay down any longer. She threw her covers off and stood, needing the loo before she fell to her knees with a gasp.

"No. No, no, no, no. No!" she screamed and Pomfrey ran out to her.

"Adie!" she yelled moving to her side.

"No!" Adie yelled again, hand digging at her chest where her heart was.

"What's happening?" Albus' voice demanded, joining them on the floor.

"I don't know! Adie! The baby is okay!"

"No," she shook her head. "Reggie. Reggie. My Reggie."

"Where is he?" Pomfrey asked.

"He left hours ago. Said he had to retrieve something."

"Reggie!" Adeline yelled, feeling the charm that told her if he was dying.

She coughed up water then, some of it getting lodged in her throat.

"Oh, my Gods," Pomfrey gasped in surprise.

She waved her wand and Adeline's lungs cleared, water being expelled from her body. Pomfrey performed a spell and Adeline was asleep again, the pain in her chest slowly dying out as Reggie did.

When she woke again, she looked around the hospital wing, finding it empty. She rubbed at her chest, feeling empty. She sat up and Pomfrey ran out of her office.

"Lay down," Pomfrey demanded and Adeline shook her head.

"Loo," she explained.

Pomfrey sighed before helping Adeline to the loo. After, Adeline allowed Pomfrey to lead her to a bed, forcing her into it.

"You should lay down," Pomfrey sighed.

"No," she shook her head. "I need Remus."

"Albus already called for him. He'll be here as soon as he can be. There was much to be done after Regulus called for help. Can you tell me why you were screaming for him?"

"He's dead," Adeline said, voice flat. "I felt it happen."

Pomfrey stared at her for a long moment, horror on her face. She regained her composure slowly, giving Adeline a nod just as Tiffy appeared.

"Mistress?" Tiffy asked.

"Hello, Tiffy," Adeline sighed.

"Mistress. Kreacher was told to deliver this to you," Tiffy held up the ugliest necklace Adeline had ever seen. "It's from master Regulus."

"Thank you, Tiffy," Adeline nodded, taking the necklace carefully and feeling dark magic surrounding it.

She remembered the two skulls over Shafiq manor and turned to Tiffy.

"Take it to Dumbledore. Tell him to use my book."

Tiffy disappeared and Adeline threw the covers off.

"Adeline," Pomfrey practically growled but was ignored.

Adeline waved her hand and her clothes changed from a hospital gown to muggle clothing. She raised her hand and her wand flew to her hand. After correcting her hair and makeup, she brushed passed Pomfrey, heading out of the hospital wing. The gargoyle jumped aside the moment Adeline approached it. She stood on the top step as it turned into a spiral staircase, carrying her to the top.

"I don't care, Albus! I want to see her!" Mattheo's voice was raised and angry as Adeline opened the door.

"No need to yell. I'm right here," she sighed.

Mattheo pulled her into his arms the moment he set eyes on her. She sank into his touch, sighing deeply. She leaned up and kissed him gently before pulling away and looking to Albus.

"What did I miss?"

Adeline sat in the chair across from Albus, Mattheo standing behind her with his hand on her shoulder. Albus sighed before sitting as well, eyes set on Adeline.

"You've been in a magical coma for over three months. Lord Voldemort has been searching for you. We aren't sure if he means to kill you or try to bring you back into the fold. Narcissa Malfoy has reached out to Sirius multiple times, looking for you. He has no clue where you are though so hasn't told her anything. Severus remains in his position as a spy, helping to look for you. He doesn't know where you are either."

"And Remus? My child?"

"Remus and your son are at a safe house."

"Son?" Adeline's eyes brightened. "I have a son?"

"You didn't know?" Mattheo asked, looking down at her.

"No. I had to send Remus away with the baby the moment he was born. Greyback's pack was coming for me and I needed the baby somewhere safe. I didn't even get to look at him," she explained, a few tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Well, along with all of that, there's a prophecy about a child with the power to defeat Lord Voldemort," Albus sighed.

"Please tell me he hasn't heard it?" Adeline groaned and rubbed her face when Albus gave her a look. "Of course, he has. Who's the child?"

"It can be two children," Albus explained. "Alice and Frank Longbottom had a child a few weeks ago, as well as Lily and James."

"Lily had the baby?" Adeline asked. "I missed everything!"

Mattheo and Albus chuckled as Adeline pouted, arms crossing over her chest as she sank into the chair.

"Why did Pomfrey say I was a teacher?" Adeline asked.

"Professor Vector has decided to retire from the arithmancy position here. I was going to offer you the position before everything but then Regulus brought you here."

"Reggie," Adeline felt her heart break. "He's dead."

"How do you know?" Albus asked.

"There's a charm that purebloods do when they marry. It tells you the blood status of the one you're marrying and it connects you so that the other spouse can tell when and how the other dies," she explained.

"The water?"

"He drowned," she whispered before speaking up. "Tiffy? I need you to be discrete. Don't get caught. Find out where Reggie went from Kreacher, where he got the necklace from."

"Yes, mistress," Tiffy nodded before disappearing.

"There may be another one there. If all else fails, I can at least get Reggie's body back. Bury him next to Dorcas," she rubbed her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Adie," Mattheo kneeled beside her.

"No," she shook her head. "I don't need any sympathy right now. I need to get him back and lay him to rest. What of Walburga?"

"She's been searching for you as well. She's very worried," Albus explained. "She hasn't reached out to any of us, though."

"She won't," Adeline shook her head.

"I figured as much," Albus nodded. "She held a funeral for Regulus two weeks ago."

"Two weeks?" Adeline asked, confused.

"It was three weeks ago that you woke up. Knowing about the charm now, I think it woke you so it could activate," Albus explained.

"Makes sense," she nodded. "She has a family tapestry that updates itself whenever a family member dies. That's probably how she knows he's gone. It'll be how she knows that the baby is alive as well. When can I see him?"

"We'll go now," Albus nodded. "Remus and your child reside in Hathor Cottage on the outskirts of Glenbrittle."

"So, my home?" Adeline asked.

"Fidelius charm," Mattheo explained.

"Oh," Adeline blinked. "Brilliant. Tell Argus for me? He comes around for tea every week."

"We can floo," Albus smirked.

Adeline went through the floo first, finding an empty house. Albus and Mattheo followed behind.

"Homenum revelio," Adeline cast, finding no one home. "Well then."

"He should be here," Mattheo whispered.

"Maybe he went to visit James and Lily?" Adeline offered.

"I had not informed him of you waking yet," Albus nodded. "I'll leave you here. If you need me, you know where to find me. I look forward to seeing you for classes in September. We have a staff meeting on August fifteenth. You'll need to have lesson plans ready by then and I'll send over anything that you need."

"Thank you, Albus," Adeline nodded and Albus disappeared into the flames. "Well, we're home alone. What to do, what to do?"

"I could do you," he offered.

"Come here," Adeline laughed, pulling Mattheo close.

The next day, Remus still hadn't returned home and Adeline began to worry. She found her journal in her lab, glowing gold. She found multiple messages from Tom, apologizing and begging her to come back. She decided she would take a bit more time to decide what to do about him as she turned to Remus' pages. She wrote to him, asking where he was and making sure his journal would glow before writing to James and Lily as well.

It was three hours later that a doe patronus appeared in front of her, speaking in Lily's voice. Adeline and Mattheo listened as they heard spell fire in the background of the message.

"Trafalgar Square! Hurry!"

Adeline and Mattheo apparated without thought, appearing in the square with wands drawn. They ran towards the fray, Adeline just barely seeing James running around a corner to get away from the spells. Adeline shot a dark spell at two of the Death Eaters, gaining all of their attention as two of their own choked on their own blood. Mattheo and Adeline dueled beside each other, protecting one another as Adeline had taught everyone in her dueling club to do. The death eaters went down easily, the last one being blasted into a wall, neck snapping on impact.

Adeline and Mattheo ran towards the alley, finding James with his wand raised, Lily and Remus behind him with babies in their arms. Adeline stopped when she saw Remus, staring for a moment before running forward again. Remus smiled and stepped around James as he lowered his wand. She looked down at the child is his arms before looking to Remus.

"Your son," he confirmed before handing him over.

Adeline let out a watery laugh before taking him. She smiled down at the baby as he cried, the loud noises and panic that had surrounded him just moments ago probably having spooked him.

"Hello, Aster," she whispered to him, bouncing him a bit. "Shh. It's okay. I'm here. Your mum is here. You're safe now."

Lily came over, bouncing her child as well.

"Who is this?" Adeline smiled.

"Harry James Potter," Lily smiled.

"Little Harry," Adeline smiled.

"We should get out of here," James said, still watching the alley entryway.

"To the cottage," Mattheo nodded.

They all disappeared, reappearing in the living room. Adeline bounced Aster more, the apparition causing him to fuss again. Remus disappeared through the floo returning with Albus a few minutes later. Adeline just stood bouncing her son, tears rolling down her cheeks as she spoke softly to him. Albus, Remus, and Mattheo spoke quietly in a corner as James watched over Lily, Adeline, and their boys, smiling at the sight of Adeline being reunited with her child after three and a half months of separation.

"Lord Voldemort has reached out to you?" Albus asked Adeline, voice soft.

"He was begging me to return just three days ago," she confirmed, still not looking up.

"Adeline."

Adeline looked up then, eyes meeting Albus'.

"Don't," she told him, new tears forming in her eyes. "Please, Albus. Don't make me go back."

"Adie, I'm so sorry."

"No," Adeline felt as if she were sinking. "Please."

"I told you long ago that this path would cost you much. You came to me."

"Albus, she's holding her son for the first time right now," Lily argued.

"He will be here when she returns," Albus stated, eyes still on Adeline.

Adeline let out a shaky breath, looking back down to the child in her arms. She kissed his head before passing her son back to Remus, trusting him always. She summoned her journal and a pen, finding a new message from Tom waiting for her, two words in his neat handwriting glaring up at her.

'I'm sorry.'

'I've been in a magical coma. Just woke up yesterday. Where are you?'

'Malfoy Manor.'

'I'm on my way.'

Adeline snapped the journal closed and tossed it onto the table. With a flick of her wand, her clothes changed to something more acceptable and her hair and makeup were fixed, tears no longer falling. She turned on the spot without a word, appearing in front of Malfoy manor.

She made her way through the gates and up to the house. She knocked three times before an elf opened the door. The elf led Adeline through the manor and to the large room that death eater meetings were always held, a chandelier hanging from the ceiling of what Adeline was sure was meant to be a drawing room. Tom stood by the fire, turning as she entered, eyes widening at the sight of her.

"Adie," he whispered.

"Leave us," Adeline ordered to the others in the room.

Lucious, Rudolphus, Evan, Barty, and Severus left immediately, knowing better than to question Adeline's orders. The others looked to Tom for a moment before following the others. Severus' hand brushed hers lightly as he went, both refusing to look to the other as they passed each other. When it was just Adeline and Tom remaining, Tom began to speak.

"I'm so sorry, Adeline. I should never have gone after your child. I was worried that a child would distract you from our mission."

"I sent her away the moment I gave birth," Adeline told him. "The plan had been for Reggie to care for the child while I stood at your side. I believe I'd told you that multiple times."

"You did," Tom nodded. "As I said, I was just worried you would change your mind."

"So you sent werewolves to kill my child in front of me as if I wouldn't figure out who had put out the hit?" she questioned, anger in her voice. "We're supposed to trust each other, Tom. How can I trust you after this? How can I follow you and stand beside you, knowing what you tried to do?!"

"Adie," Tom tried, rushing over to her.

"No!" she yelled. "No excuses!"

Tom grabbed Adeline's face and kissed her roughly. Adeline froze for a moment before kissing him back, eyes open the entire time, remembering Albus telling her to use Tom's feelings for her, to use his fascination against him. Tom pulled away and Adeline closed her eyes, not wanting him to realize that her heart hadn't been in it.

"Adie, I don't know what these feelings are, but it's you. It's always been you. The idea of you with another man's child sent me over the edge," he said and Adeline opened her eyes, thinking of Sirius now.

"My husband is dead," she whispered. "There's a mourning process."

"I can wait," he nodded.

"Can you?" she asked. "It'll be years."

"I've waited this long," he smiled. "I can wait longer."

Adeline let out a breath before pulling away.

"What have I missed?"

"There was an attack earlier. Five of ours are dead. James Potter killed them."

"I didn't think he had it in him," Adeline's brows raised.

"Well, his children were present," Tom smirked. "Caused him to act drastically."

"Children?" Adeline asked, confused.

"Well, one of them is his. The other belongs to your old friend, Remus Lupin. He's been seen with a child a few times now."

"He had a girlfriend in school," Adeline nodded. "I believe she's dead now."

"Must have been hers then," Tom nodded.

"I'll see what I can find out. I also have some news," Adeline smirked.

"You have a mischievous look on your face," Tom smiled. "What have you done?"

"So, the arithmancy professor at Hogwarts has decided to retire," she smiled. "Horace Slughorn gave me a glowing review and I got a near perfect score on my OWL and NEWT for the subject. Albus Dumbledore, the old coot, has offered me the position."

"Really?" Tom's smile brightened.

"Really. Starts this year."

"You can continue your work at the school," Tom nodded.

"That was the plan. We get someone into the school to shape the future minds of the wizarding community and send the best ones along to you once they're out of school."

"You are brilliant," Tom smiled, pulling her close, arms going around her waist.

"I try," she smirked, backing away slightly when he went to kiss her. "Patience. I have much to do today, including going to see Walburga Black. I came straight to you once I was able."

"I like that," he whispered, releasing Adeline.

"I'll write you soon," she promised.

Tom watched her go with a smile, appreciating the way her hips swayed as she went. Once Adeline was out of the drawing room, she followed the sound of a baby crying until she found Sissy trying to calm a child. She walked forward, smirking when Sissy finally saw her, a gasp escaping her lips. Adeline reached for the child, pulling him to her chest and bouncing him, causing him to calm quickly.

"Where have you been?" Sissy asked, voice soft.

"I was in a magical coma until last night," Adeline explained. "Made my way here as soon as I was able. Who is this?"

"Draco," Sissy smiled before her face fell. "Adie, Reggie..."

"I know," she nodded. "I woke long enough to feel it."

"Where's your child?" Sissy asked and Adeline didn't have to fake the tears that fell down her face.

"I sent it away," she admitted. "Sent it somewhere safe after the Dark Lord tried to have it killed. I didn't even get to hold it or find out if it was a boy or girl."

"I'm so sorry, Adie," Sissy's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sure the Dark Lord has learned from his mistake."

"He apologized but I don't trust him to not remove distractions from me, so the child will remain where it is, safe."

Sissy pulled Adeline to her side, hugging her as Adie bounced baby Draco. Draco fell asleep in Adeline's arms and Adeline carefully placed the child in his crib. She made sure he was comfortable before standing straight again, finding Lucius to have entered the room. He walked forward, pulling Adeline into a tight hug.

"I need to go," she whispered, hugging him back. "I need to go to Walburga."

"I understand," he nodded, releasing her slowly. "We're here for you no matter what."

"I know," she gave him a weak smile. "I'll come by soon. I need plenty of cuddling time from little Draco. Helps my sore heart."

"Of course," Lucius nodded. "Come by anytime. Our door is always open for you."

Adeline kissed Lucius cheek before heading out. She walked through the gate and apparated away, landing outside Grimmauld Place. She knocked on the door three times and Kreacher opened it. Tiffy appeared then, smiling up at Adie. She pat both of their heads before moving into the house, finding Walburga in the sitting room, staring at the family tapestry. Adeline went to her side and Walburga gasped at the sight of her.

"Where have you been?" she demanded, anger in her voice.

"I was in a magical coma," Adeline admitted. "I'm not sure what all you've been told."

"No one has told me anything," she said, tears in her eyes and anger on her face. "I woke up one morning and found Regulus' death date on the tapestry and still no word from you. How did you end up in a magical coma?"

"The Dark Lord sent werewolves to kill my child. I gave birth and then sent the child away with a secret source, no I will not tell you more on that subject, before I fought the werewolves. I killed three of them and tied up the fourth, giving him truth serum and interrogating him. Went through the floo to Lestrange Manor and delivered the dead beasts and the living one, told the Dark Lord that I knew what he'd done, and apparated away with Reggie.

"Magical exhaustion and blood loss from the birth would be my best guess. I woke long enough to feel Reggie… I was out again after that. I woke last night but was still weak. This morning, I went to Malfoy Manor and spoke with the Dark Lord, accepted his apologies before seeing little Draco. Then I came here."

"My poor, sweet Adie," Walburga pulled her close, hugging Adeline tightly. "I'm here. Mother has you. We'll figure everything out together. I'm just so happy that you're here and that you're alright. I'll speak to the Dark Lord. I'll convince him to let the babe come home."

Adeline sniffled and pulled away. She pulled herself back together before wiping the tears from Walburga's eyes. She gave her a weak smile and sighed.

"I'm still in need of rest. I'll write to you soon though."

"I'll write you and tell you my discussion with the Dark Lord," Walburga nodded.

"Thank you," Adeline nodded.

"Where are you staying? Shafiq manor burned."

"A family home," Adeline smiled. "I actually have a gift for you. I meant to give it to you at Orion's funeral, but I didn't quite make it."

"Well, what is it?" Walburga smiled brightly. "You always give me the best gifts."

"It's a necklace to go with your bracelet," Adeline smiled, pulling the chain from her pocket. "Helps with sadness and loneliness."

Walburga gave her a grateful look before turning and letting Adeline put the necklace around her neck. Walburga stared down at the stone lovingly before pulling Adeline into a final hug. Tiffy took Adeline's hand and they appeared in the cottage.

"What happened?" Albus asked.

"I hate you," she hissed at him before walking away.

Everyone stared at her in shock before Mattheo was moving, following Adeline up the stairs.

"Adie?" he asked.

Adeline grabbed Mattheo's hand and dragged him into her room. She threw every privacy and silencing charm she had up before tossing her cloak aside and grabbing Mattheo, kissing him roughly. Mattheo immediately responded, kissing her back just as hungrily, deciding not the ask her questions as he laid her on her bed.

An hour later, Adeline made her way back down the stairs. She took Aster from James, holding him close and letting out a sigh of relief.

"What happened?" Remus' voice was soft.

"Tiffy? Did Kreacher tell you?"

"Late master Regulus is in a cave. There were dead bodies that dragged him under the water. Kreacher was ordered to return so he did," Tiffy had tears in her eyes. "Kreacher should have saved his master. Tiffy would have save hers."

"You're a great elf," Adeline told Tiffy, kneeling in front of her. "I need you to do a few more things today before you rest."

"Anything for mistress," Tiffy agreed.

"Lily, can you stay here with the children?"

"James will stay," Lily shook her head. "I'm better with fire."

Adeline passed Aster back to James before turning to Remus.

"I'll need you. You know the spell."

"You couldn't leave me behind if you tried," Remus smirked.

"And me?" Mattheo asked.

"Stay here. We may be injured when we return," Adeline breathed. "Tiffy, will Kreacher come to me if called?"

"Yes, mistress."

"Will he tell Walburga where he came?"

"No, mistress."

"Kreacher, Wobky."

All three elves were there.

"Kreacher I need you to take Wobky and Tiffy to the cave and then all three of you come right back."

The three elves disappeared and Adeline waved her wand, changing into muggle clothes. She used magic to tie her hair up, Lily copying her lead. Adeline, Lily and Remus had their wands ready when the elves returned.

"Kreacher, you'll take me. Wobky to Lily. Tiffy to Remus. All of us to the cave."

Adeline stared around the dark cave, lighting her wand so she could see. The water around the small island was still and dark. The basin beside her had a clear potion that Adeline recognized immediately, having been the one to create it. She closed her eyes, letting out a few deep breaths at the thought of what Reggie had gone through in his last moments. The others stared at her, waiting for instructions.

"I'm going to summon Reggie's body," Adeline explained. "I need everyone to be ready with fire."

"Is this smart, Adie?" Remus asked, voice soft.

"I'm not leaving my husband down here to rot," Adeline said, voice cracking slightly. "Get ready."

Three elves, a muggleborn, and a werewolf stood around a spy as she called for Reggie's body. Waves appeared in the water and suddenly a body flew through the air, landing at Adeline's feet.

"Tiffy, take him to my lab!" Adeline yelled as inferi started crawling out of the water.

Once Tiffy was gone, Adeline turned to Kreacher.

"Take Lily back now!"

Adeline took Wobky's hand, Remus taking the other. The three disappeared right after Lily and Kreacher, all landing in the living room and breathing heavily.

"That went better than expected," Remus sighed.

"Anyone hurt?" Mattheo questioned, looking over Adie.

"No," she shook her head.

"Did you get him?" James asked, voice small as he stared at Adeline.

She simply nodded and moved towards the basement, everyone following her. She opened the door slowly, gasping as she saw Reggie laying where Dorcas had been just a few months ago. She felt hot tears running down her cheeks and felt James take her hand. The two walked forward, staring down at Reggie's body.

"Wobky, make a grave beside Dorcas', please," she begged, taking hold of Reggie's lifeless hand. "Kreacher, you were never here. You never saw any of us. We never went to that cave. Go home."

Kreacher and Wobky left with loud cracks. Lily moved to James' side, pulling him into a tight hug. He released Adeline to turn to his wife, Mattheo taking Adeline into his arms. She cried for a few minutes before shaking herself out of her grief. She closed Reggie's eyes and waved her wand, making him presentable.

"We should hold a small funeral," Adeline breathed.

"It'll only be us," James shrugged.

"And Severus. He should be here. I'll contact him."

Two days later, Adeline stared down at the two gravestones that sat beside each other.

'Here lies Dorcas Black and Baby Black'

'Here lies Regulus Black'

No one spoke as they stood around the two graves. They all wondered though if they would be the next ones in the ground.