YaoiLovinKitsune: I am here for Harry having parents that are going to protect and love him. He deserves the world. Also, I couldn't NOT have Remus and Adeline together somehow. I had to rewrite the story so many times because I kept having to remind myself "Hey, it's Adie and Sirius" but I love Remus and Adie together and I said screw it and put them all together lol we win these!

I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter Three

Adeline and Remus stood with the Malfoys on one side of them and the Weasleys and Grangers on the other in the bookstore. Adeline rolled her eyes as Lockart spoke to the press about his new position at the school before spotting Harry. Adeline was in front of Harry immediately, blocking the man's path.

"Ms. Adeline Black," Lockart took a step back.

"Lockart," Adeline glared. "You weren't just about to lay your hands on a child, were you?"

"Oh, of course not," Lockart shook his head quickly. "I was simply going to ask Mister Potter if he would be willing to take a picture with me."

"Can't even go into a bookstore without making the front page, Potter," Draco joked.

"Shut it," Harry grumbled.

"Harry, do you want your picture taken?" Adeline asked.

"No, Miss Adie," Harry shook his head quickly.

"Well, there you go," Adeline smiled to Lockart. "That's settled. If you'll excuse us, we're trying to get the kid's books for school this year."

"Of course," Lockart stepped aside, letting the group by.

Adeline blocked Lockart, letting the kids pass by her to get to the schoolbooks. The adults watched on in amusement as Adeline glared Lockart down. She paid for all the books before leading the kids out of the store, the adults behind them. Once outside Adeline let out an annoyed breath as the rest of the group laughed. Remus pulled Adeline close, calming her with his presence.

They moved through the alley without any other incidents, people too afraid to stare at Harry long with Adeline and Draco glaring from either side of the boy. Remus thought it was rather adorable how much Draco tried to act like Adeline. Lucius was sure it meant that Draco would get into just as much trouble as Adeline used to, if not more with the influence of the twins and Aster.

They ate lunch at the Leaky, Lucius paying for everyone's lunch before the bill had even been placed down. Arthur seemed a bit uncomfortable but kept his mouth closed, not wanting to cause an argument. They all bid one another farewell and headed home. The next week rushed by and the strange group was standing in front of the Hogwarts Express, watching as the kids climbed onto the train, laughing and joking with one another as Ginny stared at Harry helplessly.

"Wonder how Ginny's crush is going to go," Sissy whispered to Adeline.

Adeline just smirked before waving goodbye as the train pulled away. Adeline and Remus sighed as they walked into their house, the silence almost deafening. They stood by the front door, just looking around and wishing the boys were home.

"How about home schooling?" Adeline asked as they walked through the halls of the school on the way to the hospital wing. "I'm sure we can convince the others to go along with it."

"What subject would Lucius teach?" Remus asked, voice shaking with worry and anger at one of his kids having been hurt again.

"Finances," Adeline shrugged as they walked through the doors to find Harry's bed surrounded by other quidditch players and students.

"Mum!" Aster yelled, rushing to her.

She hugged him gently as Remus approached the bed and spoke quietly with Poppy. Poppy sighed as she approached Adeline.

"What happened?" Adeline asked, voice soft.

"Bludger broke his arm and Lockart tried healing it. Made all his bones disappear instead. I've given him Skele-Gro and will keep him over night," Poppy explained.

"Thank you," Adeline told her before Aster pulled her towards the bed.

"Don't worry, Harry. Mum's here now. She'll yell at Lockart for you," Aster smiled, climbing into the bed beside Harry.

"Please, yell at him," Fred smirked.

"We love when you yell at people," George added.

"I'm not yelling at anyone," Adeline rolled her eyes with a smirk. "How are you feeling?"

"I have to regrow bones," Harry complained.

"Could be worst," she offered.

"How?" Harry asked, voice flat.

"I spent two weeks in a magical coma when Aster was born. At least you don't have that going on," she shrugged.

"Always the coma," Remus sighed, rolling his eyes.

"You go in a coma and then not use it as an example," Adeline countered.

"Are you going to put him in the coma?" Fred asked.

"Can we sell tickets to the show?" George asked.

"Only if I get twenty percent of the sales revenue," Adeline told them.

"Agreed," the twins held their hands out to shake and Adeline crossed her arms over to shake both their hands at the same time, causing everyone to laugh.

"Hello, Ms. Black, Remus," Dumbledore greeted. "Is there a reason you've shown up unexpectedly to my school?"

"Well, as Harry's magical guardians, we have a right to be here during quidditch matches or when he's in hospital," Adeline raised her brow and the twins took a large step back from her in case she decided to hex the headmaster.

"Both of which happened today," Remus added, going to Adeline's side without hesitation.

"Tell me, Albus, were you so short on favors that you couldn't find someone competent to teach defense this year?" Adeline questioned.

"Or, at the very least, someone who actually knows more than maybe three spells?" Remus added.

"I know more than three spells," Lockart scoffed as he went to Dumbledore's side, shrinking away when Remus and Adeline both turned their glare on him.

"Your parents are bloody terrifying," Wood whispered to Harry and Aster.

"Yeah," Aster nodded, arms crossed over his chest as he watched in amusement.

"Shall we discuss this in my office?" Dumbledore's question was more of a demand.

"Sorry, boys. No tickets today," Adeline sighed to the twins.

Adeline and Remus followed Dumbledore out of the hospital and towards his office, Lockart walking beside him and glancing over his shoulder at Adeline and Remus every so often as they went. Once the gargoyle had jumped aside, the four stood on the stairs as they were carried up to the office where Severus and Minerva were already waiting. Lockart moved to Minerva's side immediately, as if she was somehow going to protect him from Remus and Adeline's wrath. The moment the door closed, Dumbledore sighed and turned to face the two parents.

"I think you have the right idea, Adie," Remus spoke, voice clear. "Maybe homeschooling is the best option if this is the best defense teacher they can come up with."

"Professor Lockart has many great accomplishments," Dumbledore began.

"Yes, I'm sure his best smile award is the envy of the whole school," Adeline scoffed, calming slightly when Remus placed his hand on her arm.

Adeline smirked when she caught the look in Remus' eye. She took a small step back, deciding to just watch the show instead. Severus was also smirking, arms crossed over his chest with the same amusement in his eyes that Adeline had.

"Tell me, Gilderoy, how did you cure werewolves with just a spell?" Remus questioned and Adeline and Severus exchanged large smiles that they hid when Minerva raised her brow at them as if they were in school again.

"Well, you see I used the homorphus charm," Lockart smiled.

"Adie, is there a cure for lycanthropy?" Remus asked.

"No," Adeline spoke up.

"And who did you cure with the homorphus charm?" Remus asked.

"The wagga wagga werewolf," Lockart answered.

"Did it cure him or did it just temporarily turn him back into a man?"

"It cured him, I tell you!"

"Where did this happen?"

"New South Wales, Australia."

"What year?"

"1982."

"Who actually fought the werewolf?"

"Alexander Durian."

"Thank you," Remus smirked.

"Wait, no! I mean, I did the charm! I fought the wolf!" Lockart spoke up.

"Who is Alexander Durian?" Remus asked, brow raised.

"Well, I… he…" Lockart sputtered before his wand was in his hand and pointed at Remus.

Adeline's shield made Lockart's spell backfire though. Lockart flew backwards, ramming into the staircase before he stayed still, knocked out. Adeline moved to Remus' side, checking him over just in case. He simply winked at her, a smirk on his face before he looked to Dumbledore.

"Seems like you need a new defense teacher," Remus shrugged.

Dumbledore simply sighed, staring at Lockart before turning his eyes to Adeline.

"Would you mind?" he asked.

"Probably but I'm not sure what you're asking me," Adeline shrugged.

"I think he wants you to check over Lockart," Remus said sarcastically.

"Well, I'm not doing that," Adeline scoffed.

"I believe Albus was asking you to take over defense classes for the year," Severus smirked at the pair.

Adeline simply sighed before nodding. Lockart sat up suddenly and Adeline moved in front of Remus without thought, wand raised. Remus rolled his eyes and pulled Adeline back, his own wand raised. The two exchanged looks before looking back to Lockart as Dumbledore approached him.

"Who are you?" Lockart asked. "And who am I?"

"Memory charm," Severus spoke up. "Of course."

"I hope the wizards he attacked are alright," Adeline pouted.

"I'll find them," Remus sighed. "Can't be too hard to track them down."

"Have Kreacher help you. He's good with tracking," Adeline told Remus.

"I know," Remus rolled his eyes and Adeline flinched slightly.

Remus pulled her close, kissing her head in reassurance, knowing Adeline rambled a bit when she was worried. Seeing someone shoot a spell at him couldn't have been easy for her. She leaned into his touch as Dumbledore sent a patronus to the ministry, telling them what had happened. Dumbledore turned to Adeline then.

"When can you start?" he asked.

Adeline stood at the front of the defense room, the classroom having been changed around a bit. Chairs and desks were leaning against the wall while mats and fighting dummies were in random places. Overall it reminded her of the old defense club she'd been in charge of while at school. If she closed her eyes and cleared her mind, she was sure she would be able to hear Mattheo helping a group of third years with the amplifying charm.

She opened her eyes as the bell rang, shaking herself slightly before waving her hand and opening the classroom door. She sat on top of the desk at the front of the room, legs crossed as she watched students walk into the room and stare at her curiously. Harry, Ron, Aster, Draco and Hermione entered the room, their faces brightening when they saw her. She smirked as the bell rang and the last of the students rushed in.

"My name is Professor Black," Adeline announced. "Professor Lockart had a bit of an accident so I will be teaching you for the remainder of the year. As you can see, you will not be needing your textbooks today. Set your bags by the door and I'll pair you off."

The students stayed with their houses and Adeline sighed.

"This won't do," she stated, hoping off the desk and moving around the room.

Adeline divided the class into groups of four, two Slytherins and two Gryffindors in each group. She put Hermione and Aster together and Draco and Harry together, the four teens looking at her in confusion at being separated from the person who's magical core matched their own.

"I put you in fours for group projects. In your groups, a Slytherin and a Gryffindor will do classwork together. As a fellow Slytherin, I do not care about any issues you have with the Gryffindors in your group. As someone who's best friend is a Gryffindor, I will tell you that you can find the person you rely on most in an opposing house. Put the prejudices you have against each other aside and think for yourselves. There will be no switching groups or partners. If I find that you are refusing to work with the people that I have paired you with, you will fail this class. Do I make myself clear?" Adeline asked the class at large and, once everyone agreed, she smirked. "Brilliant. Let's begin."

The rest of the class period was spent with the students reviewing spells they'd learned the previous year to be sure they had a handle on them. Adeline then told the students what spells they would be learning that year, along with the dangerous creatures list they would go over. She passed out new textbooks for all of the students, telling them to read three chapters before their next lesson. The bell rang and she dismissed the students, sending them on their way.

Adeline sighed as she grabbed her notebook, writing to Remus as she waited for her next class to arrive. Fred and George beamed when they saw her and she sent them a wink before passing out new textbooks to their class as well. She paired the students off with opposing houses again, giving the same speech from the second year class before telling the students to show her their favorite spells. Fred and George both performed a prank spell that she knew was from the book she'd given them and she smirked before calling up the next students.

Her last class of the day arrived and Adeline waved her hand, pulling a wardrobe to the front of the class. She let out a slow breath, annoyed that the year had been changed for this creature.

"Who can tell me what a boggart is?" she asked the third years.

Adeline walked the third years through how to defeat a boggart, taking her time as she herself hated the thing. She lined the students up and a Hufflepuff stepped forward first, glaring at the wardrobe before Adeline opened it. A large snake slithered out of the wardrobe before turning into a balloon animal. Adeline smiled.

"Brilliant! Next!"

The students looked excited now and Adeline knew it had become a game of sorts. Each student was successful in defeating the boggart and Adeline pulled her wand from her hair, her blond curls falling pass her shoulders as she forced the braggart back into the wardrobe. She turned to the class, beaming proudly and noticing Dumbledore standing by the door, watching with a twinkle in his eye.

"You all did wonderfully," Adeline told the class as the bell rang. "I want three paragraphs by next class period telling me more about boggarts. Dismissed."

The class left the classroom excitedly, a few smiling to Dumbledore as they went. Dumbledore walked forward, giving Adeline a small smile.

"I've heard great things in the halls today," he told her.

"I'm sure you also heard a few complaints," Adeline smirked.

"The Slytherin and Gryffindor students aren't exactly thrilled but I heard your speech was rather inspiring."

"It was honest," she shrugged. "If I had stuck to the Slytherins, I wouldn't have Remy."

"The two of you would have found each other no matter what," Dumbledore offered.

"I'm not so sure about that," Adeline smirked. "I am happy for it though."

"Well, I came to speak to you about next year actually," Dumbledore told her. "This position is jinxed and I'm sure you realized that you'll be in this position longer than Lockart was. I would like for you to take over magical theory next year if you'd like?"

"I would," Adeline nodded.

"Wonderful," Dumbledore nodded. "I'll send you the class information so that you can review it ahead of time."

"Thank you," Adeline nodded.

Dumbledore left then and Adeline opened her notebook, smiling as she saw a response from Remus waiting for her. She cleaned the classroom before heading to do a patrol of the school. Once done, Remus flooed into her living quarters, falling beside her on the couch.

"So, good first day back?" Remus asked.

"There may have been a boggart thrown in at the end of the day but everything else was good," she shrugged.

"I wonder why they changed it to third years."

"Maybe because their fears aren't as terrifying yet?" Adeline suggested. "It's easier to defeat a snake than it is to defeat a cyclops."

"Fair," Remus nodded. "Did you already finish your rounds?"

"I did. I visited the boys as well. They're going to come around for tea every Saturday. Care to join us?" Adeline asked.

"Of course," Remus smiled before standing. "Come on. You look exhausted."

Adeline took Remus' hand with a smile, allowing him to lead her to the bedroom.

The rest of the year went off without a hitch. Gryffindor won the quidditch and house cups. Adeline hugged Harry and Aster before they climbed onto the train, wanting to visit with their friends for a bit longer before having to head home for the year. She said goodbye to the students as she passed them, heading back towards the school to floo to the cottage.

She walked through the woods, stopping in the clearing for a moment before continuing. She sat in front of Reggie's grave and began telling him everything about the schoolyear. It felt as if she were closer to him when she spoke to his grave, as if he could actually hear her. She put fresh flowers on each of the graves before kissing her fingertips and placing them on Mattheo's gave stone. She apparated to the backyard, walking in to find Remus had already left for the train station.

Adeline ordered dinner while she waited, picking up the Indian food before heading back. She'd set the table and had the food boxes in the center of the table when Remus returned home with the boys. She smiled as the boys ran upstairs to put their trunks away. Remus kissed her head and helped her finish before the boys returned.

"The Weasley's are going to Egypt for the summer," Remus told her. "Arthur won a drawing at work. They'll return two weeks before the school year starts."

"Why don't we take family vacations?" Adeline asked as she sat down, Remus taking the seat beside her.

"I mean, we could," Remus nodded. "Where would you want to go?"

"I mean, I always wanted to go to America without the Shafiq's around," Adeline shrugged.

Remus placed his arm around the back of her chair and scooted closer to her, making sure his body was angled toward her as well.

"You want to see if you have any other family," Remus said softly, knowing Adeline's real reasoning. "We can do that."

"I want that, yes," Adeline nodded, afraid to make eye contact with Remus out of fear of him seeing the emotions she was hiding in her eyes.

Remus, knowing Adeline better than anyone else, lifted her chin with his finger so he could look into her eyes. The two stared at each other for a moment and a tear escaped, rolling down her cheek. Remus caught it with his fingers, his hand moving to cup her face. A moment later, Remus pulled her close, kissing her forehead before pulling her to his chest so that he could hold her. The boys stampeded down the stairs, finding the two parents in the kitchen.

"Is everything okay?" Harry asked, voice soft.

"What's wrong with mum?" Aster questioned.

"I'm fine," Adeline smiled, sitting up but still touching Remus as much as possible. "Just having a moment."

"Mum, will you be teaching us defense this coming year?" Aster asked, changing the subject so that his mom wouldn't feel so awkward anymore.

"I will be taking over magical theory," Adeline smirked, eyes glancing to Remus.

"I will be teaching defense," Remus smirked, sipping his drink.

"Really?" Harry asked, looking excited. "That's going to be so cool!"

"Alright. We can celebrate later. Eat your dinner," Adeline said with a small laugh.

After rushing through their dinner, the boys began asking for ice cream to celebrate the start of Summer and Remus being their new teacher. Adeline took one look at Aster and Harry's pleading eyes and gave in.

"Softy," Remus mumbled as the boys ran upstairs to get their shoes.

"Shut it," Adeline bumped his shoulder with her own.

"When do you take him to the Dursley's?" Remus questioned.

"Two days," Adeline sighed, face falling.

"He'll be alright," Remus told her, arms going around her waist as he pulled her close.

"You know what would make me feel better?" Adie said, voice small as she looked up at Remus.

"Hmm?" he hummed.

"One more," she smirked.

Remus rolled his eyes. Two days later, Adeline gave Harry a gentle hug, noting how tall he'd been getting before releasing him to the Dursley's "care". Harry ran to his room two days before he was supposed to return to Adeline, Marge still screaming as she floated through the air. He pressed the bracelet three times before throwing his things into his bag, tossing it over his shoulder before heading down the stairs.

Adeline heard the yelling as she rushed to the front door, forcing it open as she ran inside. Vernon tried grabbing Harry's throat before he was thrown back, hitting the wall behind him hard enough to leave a crack in it. Adeline's glare was full of so much hatred as Petunia screamed in fright. Harry ran to Adeline, arms wrapping around her and hiding behind her.

"Go home, Harry," Adeline said, voice soft but firm.

"I don't wanna leave you," he whispered out.

Adeline turned, looking him over for a moment before nodding. Adeline turned, staring Petunia down as her screaming finally quieted.

"Did you get all of your stuff?" Adeline asked Harry.

"Yes."

"Good. I'll figure something out and you will never return here again."

"Good," Petunia spat. "Take him and go."

"I hope you understand, Petunia, that the blood wards weren't just for Harry's protection. With him gone, your home will be open for attack as well. Just food for thought."

Adeline swept out of the house, Harry gripping her hand like a life line as they walked down the street. Adeline could hear popping as they went, ministry workers probably coming in to obliviate the Dursley's. Adeline kept moving though, keeping herself and Harry out of view as they went. When they reached the house, Adeline turned to face Harry, looking him over and seeing a bruise on his cheekbone. A growl was heard in the bushes and Adeline's wand was in her hand, pointing as a large black dog came into view.

The dog whined before going on its belly, crawling towards them. Harry reached his hand out slowly and the dog sniffed his hand before licking it. Adeline bent down next, letting the dog sniff her before she scratched behind its ears. Adeline let out a sigh before looking to Harry.

"Where all are you hurt?" she asked him, voice soft as she watched him pet the dog.

Harry just shrugged and Adeline sighed, waving her wand over him. A few spots on his body glowed and Adeline held in a growl of anger. She stood, giving him a soft smile.

"Let's get inside," she whispered to him, holding her hand out for him to take.

Harry took her hand, following her inside. Adeline glanced back at the dog and chewed her lip for a moment.

"Come," she said, patting her leg.

The dog laid on the floor between Adeline and Harry as she sat on the coffee table, Harry on the couch. She waved her wand a few times before giving Harry a few potions. He took them without question, hand in the dogs fur.

"Where's dad?" Harry asked, voice soft.

"He has some stuff to take care of," Adeline told him. "We won't see him until the start of term. Are you okay?"

Harry just nodded and Adeline chewed her lip, thinking different options over in her head. She thought to her own childhood, how she'd been treated by the people who were supposed to take care of her. She then thought of the blood adoption before shaking her head. Harry deserved better than what she'd had. If she could think of no other options, she would tell him about blood adoptions.

After Harry was healed, Adeline sent him to bed. Once she was alone with the dog, she sighed.

"You need a bath puppy-dog," Adeline smiled, petting him.

The dog huffed at her and she let out a quiet laugh.

"Come. Let's get it over with," she told him, patting her leg so the dog would follow.

After a bath that ended up with water and bubbles all over the floor and Adeline laughing so much that she had to put a silencing charm up as to not wake Harry, the dog was clean. Adeline sighed before using her wand to dry the dog, the lights flashing as she did so. She rolled her eyes before opening the door and breaking the silencing charm, allowing the dog to run into her bedroom and climb onto the bed. She changed into pajamas, giving the dog a confused smirk as it covered its eyes with its paw.

"What should we name you?" she sighed, laying down on the bed and petting the dog gently.

The dog simply wagged its tail, crawling further up the bed so that it was lying beside Adeline. Adeline smiled before pulling her quilt over herself, smelling the sandalwood and sighing before she fell asleep. Adeline woke the next morning to an empty bed and a bad feeling in her stomach. She got dressed before starting breakfast, wondering where the dog had disappeared to. Harry walked through the front door with the dog, answering Adeline's question.

"Hello, darling," Adeline smiled to him. "What would you like for breakfast?"

Harry just shrugged and Adeline frowned. She started on his favorite breakfast; treacle tarts. Harry smiled once Adeline placed the plate in front of him before looking up at her.

"Where's Aster?" he asked.

"He went to Draco's for a couple of days," Adeline explained. "It's just us until the weekend. Is that alright or do you want to go as well?"

"No," Harry shook his head. "I think a quiet few days sound nice."

"Okay," Adeline nodded. "Did you get your homework finished?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded.

"Do you want me to look over it?"

Harry shook his head no.

"Want me to pick a book for you?"

Harry smiled and nodded before taking a bite of his breakfast. Adeline ate her own breakfast, eyes on Harry as she did so. An hour later, Harry joined Adeline in the sitting room. She smiled as she passed him a book, the dog hoping onto the couch between them, lying so that he was touching the both of them. Adeline smirked, petting the dogs head before going back to her book.

After dinner of take out, Harry disappeared to his room. Adeline sighed, tilting her head back and rubbing her face. She looked to the dog then.

"What are we going to do about him?" she asked the dog, receiving no answer in return. "That's your great idea? Silence? I don't think it'll work."

She stood, letting the dog out back to use the loo, sitting on the back porch and staring up at the sky. She found Sirius in the sky, eyes locked on. The dog came back and Adeline gave it a small smile. A paw ended up on her leg and the dog sniffled a bit.

"How about Snuffles?" Adeline asked and the dog let out a bark causing her to laugh. "Inside we go, Snuffles."

The next day was the same, Harry simply sitting beside her and reading quietly. She enjoyed Harry's quiet presence but knew it was only because he was upset. On the third day, Adeline smirked, deciding they were getting out of the house. She walked into Harry's room, bright smile on her face.

"Up!" she yelled, causing him to jump awake. "Up, up, up! Get dressed! We're going out today!"

"Where are we going?" Harry asked, sitting up with a smirk that was rather Slytherin of him.

"Get dressed and then you'll see," Adeline smirked before leaving the room.

Adeline was already dressed, sipping her tea when Harry joined her a few minutes later. She smiled, passing him his tea to help him wake up more. Once he'd finished he grabbed Adeline's empty cup and set it in the sink with his own. Adeline ran her fingers through his hair, deciding a haircut was in order before anything else, along with some new glasses.

The barber trimmed Harry's hair, Harry tense the entire time until he caught sight of Adeline's watchful eyes behind him. He smirked, calming with her presence behind him. Harry explained what he wanted his hair to look like and the barber got to work. At the end, they stood at the front, Adeline running her fingers through Harry's hair and trying to get it to stay down and failing.

"You have your father's hair," Adeline smirked.

"How's it look, mum?" the woman at the front desk asked. "Good?"

"It's great," Harry smiled, having never even been to a barber before. "Thank you."

"If he's happy, it's good," Adeline smiled, handing over the money with a tip. "Thank you."

They went to the eye doctor next, getting Harry's vision checked before ordering new glasses and contacts. Harry left with one of the new pairs; thin, gold wire frames. Adeline had simply smirked when he'd pointed out the gold color, reminding her of when he'd tried asking for a golden cauldron before first year.

They went to the grocery store, finding a dog food that didn't smell like, well, dog food, before grabbing a bit of junk food and the makings for dinner. They got a collar, leash and dog bowls as well. After dropping the groceries off at the house, Adeline let the dog into the backyard with food and water before she and Harry headed to Diagon Alley. They went into Zonko's first, grabbing a few things that Harry definitely would not use on any of his school mates. Then they went into Broomstix and Adeline bought new brooms for Harry and Aster, Nimbus 2000s that Wobky popped in to take home so that Harry wouldn't see as he looked through quidditch magazines. Sugarplum's Sweet Shop was their next stop, grabbing random candies to try, along with sugar quills and Bertie Botts Beans. They finally stopped for ice cream, sitting outside to eat the cones as they enjoyed the nice weather.

Once the spoiling had completed and Harry was smiling again, Adeline started leading him towards the Leaky so that they could apparate home when they were stopped by aurors.

"Lady Black. We need you to come with us," a skinny man with glasses stated, voice polite.

"What's this about?" Adeline questioned, arm going around Harry's shoulder.

"You can come with us willingly or I can drag ya," the other auror stated, voice gruff.

"I'll go with you," Adeline rolled her eyes. "I was just asking why you needed me to go with you first. May I send my son to his cousins?"

"Yes," the polite one nodded before sending a glare at the other auror.

"Wobky? Take Harry to Sissy and tell Lucius that I'm heading to the ministry with a few aurors for questioning. They didn't tell me why."

"Wait," Harry seemed like he was starting to panic as he clung to Adeline.

"It's okay, Harry," Adeline promised him. "Here. Take the candy. I'll be back before you know it."

Wobky disappeared with Harry and Adeline turned to the polite auror. He went to offer his arm but the other auror grabbed Adeline, apparating her directly to the ministry. She glared at the man before ripping her arm from his grasp.

"Rude," she said to him as the other auror appeared.

"Turn in your wand," he grumbled.

Adeline rolled her eyes before turning to the counter, smiling to Lorna.

"Adie?" Lorna asked, confused. "What's happened?"

"Haven't the foggiest," Adeline sighed, pulling her wand from her hair. "Hold this for me, will you?"

"Of course," Lorna nodded.

"Adeline!" Amelia Bones yelled, rushing to her.

"Hi, Amelia," Adeline gave her a smile as well. "Want to tell me what's going on?"

"I need you to follow me," Amelia said, panic in her eyes.

"Of course," Adeline nodded before turning to the polite auror. "Thank you."

"Of course, madam," the man bowed his head slightly, telling Adeline that he was a pureblood without actually saying it.

Adeline followed Amelia through the ministry, reaching the elevators in a matter of moments with how quickly they walked. Once they reached level two, they stepped out and Amelia led Adeline to Rufus Scrimgeour's office, leading her inside and shutting the door so no one would overhear the conversation.

"Lady Black," Rufus bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for coming."

"Didn't really have a choice," Adeline sighed as she sat down across from him, Amelia standing behind her. "May I know why I was brought here now? I was spoiling my son when I was picked up. Your men may have given him a bit of a panic attack."

"I apologize, Lady Black. It seems something has happened and we need your full cooperation during an investigation that we are performing," Rufus explained.

"Well, you have it," Adeline nodded. "What are you investigating?"

"A prisoner has escaped Azkaban," Rufus said and Adeline's eyes widened.

Adeline looked away from the auror, breath coming out unevenly as she thought of the Death Eaters that were put away and probably wanting hers and Harry's heads on a spike. She cleared her throat, shaking her head to clear it before looking to Rufus again.

"Which one? I may know where they're hiding out."

Adeline held her breath, thinking of where Avery, Bella, and Rudolphus could be if it were them. She was not prepared when Rufus spoke.

"Sirius Black."

Adeline knew she was having a panic attack. She had no way of stopping it though without Remus around. Amelia was yelling at her to breath as Rufus called for a healer. The healer spelled a minor calming draught into Adeline and she took a deep breath, able to calm herself now. She looked around the room, embarrassment clear on her face.

"Sorry," she said, voice cracking slightly before she cleared her throat. "Sorry."

"Not the answer you were expecting?" Amelia asked, helping Adeline back to the chair.

"No, it was not," Adeline shook her head. "He has a cottage that was left to him by his uncle. The wards on Grimmauld have not alerted me to anyone entering the manor but he had Black blood so it might not tell me anyhow. I can write down both addresses for you."

"We have the cottage address," Rufus nodded. "I'll take the manors address along with your own."

"Mine?" Adeline asked, confused. "What do you need my address for?"

"We need to make sure you aren't hiding him," Rufus explained.

"You can't be serious?" Adeline questioned, anger rising in her. "Sirius Black killed my best friends and wants my son dead. Why in the hell would I be hiding him?"

"Why would he want your son dead?" Amelia questioned.

"I adopted Harry Potter when he was ten," Adeline announced. "Surely the ministry has copies of the paperwork?"

"We do," Rufus nodded. "We just need to be sure."

"Fine," Adeline rolled her eyes, reaching for the parchment and quill on Rufus' desk. "My home is muggle though. I ask that be respected. My potions lab is in the basement and I have potions that are not to be disturbed. Also, I have a dog. I can call the house elf of Grimmauld here now so that he won't be in your way. The manor is quite large. You'll need multiple people to explore it. There is a boggart in the attic."

Adeline handed the addresses over to Rufus who passed the paper to Amelia, dismissing her. Adeline called for Kreacher, asking if he knew where Sirius was before commanding him to sit in the chair beside hers. She heard yelling outside of the office door and smirked, recognizing Lucius' voice. The door opened and Adeline stood, turning to face him.

"Adie," Lucius breathed out, moving to her immediately as Cornelius Fudge followed him.

"What is the meaning of this?" Fudge demanded.

"He's escaped," Adeline whispered to Lucius. "Sirius has escaped."

"What?" Lucius questioned in a whisper, looking down at Adeline. "Are you alright?"

"Not even a little. Is Harry at your house?"

"He's safe," Lucius nodded. "He, Aster and Draco are flying in the backyard. He was rather upset when he arrived."

"Well when an auror threatens to drag me to the ministry, it causes a bit of a panic," Adeline growled out.

"What?" Lucius questioned, his voice rising as he turned to Rufus. "You had aurors threaten to drag my cousin here? Was she not cooperating?"

"He was rather rude," Adeline faced Rufus. "Pretty sure I have bruises on my arm from where he grabbed me before apparating me with no warning."

Lucius began yelling then, demanding the auror in question be brought in. Rufus tried to calm Lucius but there was no calming Lucius Malfoy when you touched Narcissa Malfoy or Adeline Black. He was very protective of both women.

An hour later, Adeline and Lucius flooed back to Malfoy manor. Adeline sighed before sinking onto one of the couches, her face going into her hands. They hadn't found Sirius in his cottage, at her home, or in Grimmauld. Adeline had no clue where he could be. She had sent a patronus to Albus, telling him about the escape as they had left the ministry.

Sissy walked into the sitting room, sitting beside Adeline and asking what had happened.

"Sirius escaped Azkaban," Lucius explained as he sat in the chair across from them. "They took Adeline in to question if she'd seen him."

"Why would she go anywhere near Sirius when he sold Harry out to the Dark Lord?" Sissy questioned.

"That's what I asked them," Lucius nodded.

"Are you alright, Adie?" Sissy asked, voice soft as she took one of Adeline's hands from her face.

"He really escaped," Adeline whispered, turning to look at Sissy. "He's escaped and he's going to come for my Harry. Sissy, what do I do?"

"Your cottage," Sissy suggested. "It's warded to the high heavens. You can go and make sure the wards are set up to allow you and the boys in and no one else. Disconnect the floo so no one can get in."

"Hide?" Adeline asked, sitting up. "I should hide?"

"Yes," Sissy nodded. "Adie, we have no clue what Sirius is capable of. He blew up all of those people, including that boy that you used to worry about so much."

"Pete," Adeline whispered the name. "Poor Pete."

"Him," Sissy nodded. "No one has ever escaped Azkaban before. He's more dangerous than we thought. You need to protect yourself and your boys. Lucius will go with you and the boys to your home in Surrey so you can pack. I'll go get the boys."

Adeline watched as Sissy left, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. She turned to Lucius finding him staring at her with pity in his eyes.

"I thought it was over," she whispered. "I thought everything was over and that we were safe."

"I know," Lucius nodded, reaching out and taking her hand. "It's going to be okay. They'll find him and they'll catch him. He'll get the kiss for this."

Adeline nodded, looking down at her lap. She heard the boys running in and took a deep breath before putting a smile on her face, hiding behind a mask she hadn't worn in years. Lucius gave her an approving nod as he stood with her. Harry ran straight to her, arms wrapping around her tighter than he ever had before. Adeline felt shock for a moment before she responded, holding him back and whispering in his ear that everything was fine.

"How would you both like to go to the countryside for the rest of the summer?" Adeline asked them once Harry released her.

"Is this because of the aurors?" Harry asked, voice soft.

"It is," she nodded. "I have a cottage with a big yard where you can both fly around. There are some woods you can explore a bit as well."

"Okay," Harry shrugged as Aster nodded.

"Can I come visit?" Draco asked.

"We're going on vacation," Sissy told Draco. "We're going to France for a bit."

"Oh," Draco frowned.

"When you get back, we'll all meet up for lunch and to get school supplies," Adeline promised Draco.

"Okay," Draco smiled.

"Come on boys," Adeline smiled. "We need to go pack. Wobky? Tiffy?"

Wobky took Lucius and Adeline to the house first, the two adults checking the house before calling for Tiffy to apparate directly into the house. The lights flickered and Adeline rolled her eyes before sending the boys to pack their stuff. Lucius stayed in the living room as Adeline went to her room, packing away hers and Remus' main belongings, deciding to send Tiffy and Wobky to pack everything else away that night.

She shrunk her bags, sticking them in her pocket before finding the boys with a bag each. She shrunk those bags as well and the boys stuffed the bags in their pockets before telling Adeline that they were ready. Adeline landed in Hathor Cottage first, performing spells to check if Sirius was on the premises before apparating back to the house.

"Are we taking Snuffles?" Harry asked.

"We are," Adeline smiled. "The owls have already been sent to the cottage. Do you have Onyx?"

Harry moved his collar with a smirk, showing the black beauty around his neck.

"Tell her that we'll be apparating and explain what it feels like so she doesn't get scared," Adeline told him before going to the backyard.

She picked Snuffles up, telling him he needed to gain some weight as she did so. She apparated with the dog in her arms, Wobky bringing Aster and Tiffy bringing Harry along. Adeline sent a patronus to Lucius, telling him they'd made it. He sent one back, telling her to stay safe as Adeline sent Wobky and Kreacher to the house to pack everything else with magic.

"This way," Adeline smiled to the two boys. "You have your own rooms this time around. I know at Christmas you all shared with the Weasley's. You get your old rooms this time around."

"Our old rooms?" Aster questioned.

"We lived here when you were both just babies. Harry, your parents lived here before you were born and came around all the time afterwards. You had a room but we tended to keep the both of you in the same room," Adeline explained.

"Why?" Harry asked curiously as they headed up the stairs.

"You both liked to cry when we separated you," Adeline shrugged as they reached the landing. "Aster, you're here. Harry, your next door. Wobky and Kreacher will bring all of your stuff throughout the day. Set your bags down and I'll put them back to normal."

After their bags were back to their original size, Adeline heard pops from downstairs. She walked down the stairs, wand in hand to find Wobky and Kreacher popping in and out to deliver furniture. Adeline sighed before going to the backyard and making a doggy door, Snuffles following her outside as she went to set up the wards.

"Stay back," she told Snuffles once they were deep in the woods. "Stay in the wards."

Adeline began the ward line, setting runes into the wards to make them stronger. She added the boys, Remus, the elves, the pets, and herself to the wards before she moved to the next ward point. Once she had four points set up, she leaned against a tree, sweating a bit as her back twinged. She looked to Snuffles, who had followed her the entire time.

"I feel older than I am, Snuffles," she smirked. "Let's get back to the boys. I got them new brooms and want to see their faces when they find them."

Snuffles stayed by Adeline's side as she walked back to the cottage, taking breaks as her back began hurting worse. Once at the cottage, she went down to the lab, finding her potions had already been delivered. She took her potions quickly, waiting for her back to stop hurting before she went back up the stairs. Once there, she found the boys in Aster's room.

"Wobky? Where are the presents I got for the boys earlier today?" she asked and Wobky appeared with the brooms floating beside him.

The boys gasped before running forward, staring down at the brooms in wonder.

"Go on," Adeline smirked. "You both know how to tell where ward lines end. Stay in the wards or I'll return the brooms."

The boys both yelled their thanks before they ran for the backdoor. Snuffles ran after them, barking excitedly. Adeline wondered when Aster would actually notice that they'd gained a new pet. She sighed before going to hers and Remus' room, looking around as the room was already set up as it had once been. Adeline shook her head before rearranging the room, sighing before she looked into the room that she'd rarely slept in when she'd lived there before, noticing it was set up as a spare room now. Adeline slammed the door shut, memories of Mattheo racing through her mind.

Adeline took a deep breath before heading to the backyard, smiling up at the boys for a moment before she moved into the forest. She found the clearing easily, knowing the way by heart. She sat down in front of the graves, not knowing what to say. She looked to Lily and James' headstones.

"Harry's here," she glanced at Reggie's grave. "Aster, too."

She looked at the ground, pulling a piece of grass out of the ground before looking to Mattheo's grave.

"I hate it here. I hate how much it reminds me of all of you. I hate that I feel like I can't breath when I step inside and how I see you all everywhere I look. I see us all sitting around that ugly table, having drinks on Lily's birthday. I see Reggie almost setting the kitchen on fire when he was trying to learn how to cook. I see James almost electrocuting himself when he tried plugging in multiple appliances in one spot. I see us reading in the library. I hate it."

Adeline was crying, not hearing as Snuffles came up behind her. The dog whined before laying down beside her, his head going to her lap. Adeline looked to the last two graves. One grave held the remains of the child she'd lost and the other held Peter's finger. She looked in the opposite direction, seeing Sirius' wife and baby's grave.

"He escaped," she whispered to her. "Sirius escaped Azkaban. He's going to come for Harry and I'm going to have to dig another grave. If he comes for Harry, I'll kill him."

Snuffles whimpered and Adeline looked down, seeing the dog staring up at her with wide eyes. Adeline sniffled before wiping her face. She took a deep breath before standing. She waved her wand and flowers appeared on each grave before she turned and walked away, Snuffles trotting along behind her.

Adeline went to the kitchen, starting dinner now that everything had been delivered to the house. The floo had been disconnected for twelve years, but Adeline rechecked it once dinner was in the gas stove just in case. She sent a patronus to Remus, telling him that she and the boys were taking a vacation and she'd put everything in storage since no one would be home until next summer.

He responded quickly, telling her to have fun and to let him know if she needed him. Adeline wondered if he knew about Sirius yet before letting out a sigh. She turned to Snuffles, giving him a soft smile before she pet behind his ears. Snuffles gave her a soft bark, leaning into her touch and causing her to smile. Adeline called the boys in for supper. After they'd eaten, she sat them on the couch before sitting on the table in front of them. She took a few deep breathes before she began speaking.

"A man named Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban," she told them and Aster immediately spoke up as Adeline had expected.

"Sirius Black? Like, the man I was named after?" Aster asked and Snuffles cocked his head slightly, one ear going up as the other stayed flopped down.

"Your middle name, yes," Adeline nodded. "He's your father's brother. We named you before he went to Azkaban."

"Why'd he go to Azkaban?" Aster questioned and Adeline gave him a pointed look.

"Sorry," Aster deflated slightly and Adeline gave him a small smile.

She took both boys hands, her smile falling as she tried to figure out how to explain everything. She decided to start at the beginning.

"When I was a little girl, I was taken to Grimmauld Place. There was a contract between the Shafiq family and the Black family centuries ago saying that a daughter of the Shafiq's would marry the son of the Black's. I was the first daughter in a very long time. Sirius and Regulus Black were both options for me to marry. I was intended for Sirius at one point but Sirius was disowned and I married Reggie. You both already know that Reggie, Severus and I were spies during the war. Sirius was in the Order of the Pheonix and didn't know we were spies until towards the end of the war. It turned out that Sirius was a spy for Voldemort. He gave Voldemort information about the order and got a lot of people killed."

"My parents?" Harry whispered the question.

"Yes," Adeline nodded. "I didn't believe it at first. James and Sirius were brothers in a way that he and Reggie never were. When Sirius was disowned, he stayed with the Potters. They took him in and loved him as if he were theirs. When we got the news about your parents and were told that aurors were hunting Sirius, I went to Sirius and told him to run. I told him that they thought he was the traitor and that they were coming for him."

"What?!" Harry asked, standing with a fire in his eyes. "You helped him?!"

"I didn't know, Harry. I will always carry the guilt of what happened next and I will never forgive myself," Adeline said, her voice breaking slightly.

Harry sat back down when he saw the tears in Adeline's eyes, feeling guilty for yelling at her.

"You have every right to be angry at me, Harry. They would have caught him immediately had I told the aurors where to look," Adeline told him. "A man named Peter Pettigrew went looking for Sirius. He had been a friend of theirs in school and he was such a sweet boy. Sirius blew up a street and killed thirteen muggles and Peter before the aurors got him."

Harry and Aster stared at her in horror, mouths open at the thought of so many dead. Adeline held their hands, waiting for them to get over their shock as she calmed herself down. She forced the tears back and cleared her throat so it wouldn't crack again. After a few deep breathes, she looked up to see them both staring at her with sadness in their eyes.

"Is he going to try to kill me?" Harry asked, voice small.

"I won't let him anywhere near you," Adeline promised. "I set the wards for the cottage. The only ones who can get in the wards are us and Remus. You're safe here."

"What about school?" Aster asked.

"Hogwarts is the safest place in Britian," Adeline smiled. "He won't be able to get to you there. Especially with Remus, Severus and I all there to protect you. Even if he did get into the castle, there's no way he'd be able to get pass us."

"Do you promise?" Harry asked, voice small.

"I solemnly swear."