The Glimpse:
Adeline stared down at the eight children in the blanket fort, smirking as Fred and George were somehow wrapped around each other, much like Aster and Harry were. Draco was holding Hermione's hand, the two facing each other even in sleep. Ron was snoring softly, half hanging off of the mattress that he'd claimed early in the night, his leg having fully healed just hours ago. Ginny was sitting up, head lolled back as she slept in a position that Adeline knew would result in a neck cramp.
Adeline turned to Sirius, the two just staring at one another for a long moment before Sirius followed Adeline down the hall and to a spare room. They sat beside one another on the bed, both remaining silent.
"So," Adeline finally broke the silence. "I guess I need a new dog."
Sirius let out a small chuckle which turned into both of them laughing loudly. They laid back on the bed, tears escaping them as their laughs soon turned to crying. They turned to stare at one another, not knowing what to say. Sirius moved first, taking Adeline's hand, carefully intertwining their fingers. She let out a slow breath as Sirius moved forward, kissing Adeline slowly. She kissed him back before her kisses became more urgent, drinking him in. Sirius let her take control, moving them further up the bed and holding her close. Clothes were tossed aside and the two moved together silently, a few gasps and moans escaping them every so often, but mostly being swallowed by the other ones mouth in harsh kisses.
Adeline rushed through the ministry, following her wand as it pointed her in the right direction. She found Sirius dueling Lucius, Harry slightly behind him. She turned into a raven, flying to join them as fast as she could. Green light flew towards Sirius.
"I found this," Narcissa showed the potion to Adeline. "The Dark Lord was feeding it to Bella during the first war, which is why she was missing for so long. He's making her take it again. I don't know what it is."
Adeline took a few steps back, feeling herself becoming sick. Remus stared at her, recognizing the potion as well from when she had described it when they were younger.
"Do you know it?" Sissy asked and Adeline ran from the room, hearing Remus whispering to the room as she went.
"Adie. My sweet, sweet Adie," Voldemort's voice was soft and Adeline was going to be sick. "I've missed you."
"Hello, Tom," Adeline spat out, the image of Harry burned into her brain. "Goodbye, Tom."
I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter One
"Alright, boys," Adeline sighed. "I want you on your best behavior today."
"Yes, mum," Aster sighed as Harry smiled, "Yes, ma'am."
"Harry, I made more poultice for your scar so that people won't see it," she said, lifting the small jar.
"It smells funny," Harry frowned.
"I added a bit of lavender," Adeline smiled gently. "It shouldn't smell as weird anymore."
"Okay," Harry shrugged.
Adeline slowly moved her hand towards Harry's face and gently rubbed the poultice over his scar, trying not to be hurt by the slight flinch Harry gave when she'd reached for him initially. Instead, she gave him an encouraging smile and gently rubbed his head. Once the poultice worked its magic, she smiled brightly and pulled her hand away.
"There you are," she smiled. "Do you both have your lists?"
"Why do we both need to carry our list if we're getting the same stuff?" Aster complained.
"Is that your way of saying you lost yours?" Adeline smirked.
"Maybe," Aster fidgeted a bit.
"It's fine," Adeline smirked. "Do you have yours Harry?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry nodded.
"Good. Let's go."
The boys each took one of her hands and they walked through the neighborhood. Once they were in the alley, Adeline apparated them to Leaky Cauldron, landing in a hidden alcove by the street. The three walked through the Leaky and into the alley. The boys gasped, eyes wide as they looked around at the bustling street. Adeline led them straight to Gringotts, a few people stepping out of her way as she walked, whispering as she went by.
"Mum, why are people staring at you?" Aster whispered the question once they were in line at the bank.
"Because I'm very scary," Adeline smirked and both boys rolled their eyes.
"Miss Black, you got scared of the toaster going off yesterday," Harry smirked, green eyes shining with mirth.
"Shh," Adeline shushed him with an amused smiled. "Don't ruin my reputation. And you can call me Adie, Harry. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"At least once more, Miss Black," Harry fidgeted slightly.
Adeline ran her fingers through his hair carefully, causing him to stiffen before he calmed slightly. Adeline held in a sigh. Harry had been with her for a full year now and he still got nervous around her. She wondered if she could get away with planting a bit of devil's snare in the Dursley's garden once the boys were headed off to school.
Adeline remembered the day that Aster had ran home early from school with the small boy in tow.
"Mum! Mum! Hide us!" Aster had yelled before dragging Harry under the kitchen table.
"What in the world?" she'd asked before a banging sounded on her door.
She opened the door a crack and a boy two sizes bigger than the other children his age backed away with a look of fear. She raised her brow, waiting for him to speak.
"Wrong house," the boy said before running off.
Once he was out of sight, Adeline locked the front door and moved to the kitchen, finding Harry clinging to Aster for dear life.
"This is my friend, Harry, mum," Aster stated. "The one I told you about."
"The one with magic," Adeline smirked, moving a chair out of the way. "Are the two of you going to come out or do I need to come in?"
Aster just hid his face in Harry's hair, causing Adeline to sigh before she'd crawled under the table to join them.
"What happened?" she asked, voice soft.
"Dudley, that's Harry's cousin, pushed Harry down at recess. When I went to help Harry, he pushed me, too. Then he tripped backwards and came after us so I said we could hide here until recess is over," Aster explained.
"Dudley is the one who's been giving all of the smaller students problems, yes?" Adeline confirmed and, when Aster nodded, she continued. "Well, I need you both to come on out so I can take you back to school and speak to your teacher."
"No, miss, please!" Harry begged and Adeline finally got a look at him.
Adeline gasped when she saw him, her eyes going wide as she stared into the green that reminded her so much of Lily. Everything else about him screamed James though and she had to shake the memories in her head to concentrate.
"If you tell the teachers, I'll get in trouble!" he said.
"Why would you get in trouble?" Adeline asked before looking Harry over.
His glasses were cracked and tapped together. His clothes were too big and had holes in them from being worn so much. He had a scrape on his chin that had to be at least a week old and a small bruise on his cheekbone.
"Who did this to you?" she asked, pointing to his chin and cheek.
"No one," Harry shook his head, hiding his face in Aster's chest again.
Adeline and Aster exchanged looks and Adeline sighed.
"Fine. I still need to take you to school though."
The two boys walked hand-in-hand to the school in front of Adeline, reminding her of two other boys that she'd known in her youth, their looks so similar to the others. She watched them run into the school just as the bell rang. Once they were out of sight, she went straight to the office, demanding to speak to the principal.
Petunia Dursley had blond hair and a long neck, along with a face that reminded Adeline of a horse. Her lips were pinched while her nose was in the air, as if everyone else in the room was beneath her. Adeline wasted no time.
"Stupefy," Adeline cast on the councilor and Petunia shrieked. "Shut it."
"Who are you? What do you want? Take the boy if you want him!" she insisted, staring at Adeline's wand.
"I will be taking him now that you've offered," Adeline nodded before putting up privacy charms. "We need to discuss a few things first."
"Like what?" Petunia questioned.
"Like the injuries on his face," Adeline growled out.
"The boys fell," Petunia looked away.
"Look at me. Legilimens."
Adeline saw it all then. She saw Harry being tossed into the cupboard that was also his bedroom, followed by Dudley and Vernon abusing Harry. She saw Petunia worked the child like the worst treated house elf she'd ever seen. She even saw Harry making her a mother's day card just for Petunia to throw it in the trash and slap him for thinking of her in such a way and so much neglect and hate directed at the child.
Adeline pulled out of Petunia's memory and stood, anger coursing through her at how her godson had been treated. Dumbledore had said he would be safe, had said he would be watched and taken care of. Dumbledore had lied.
"We're leaving. Come," Adeline demanded before obliviating the counselor and dragged Petunia from the room.
They got to the justice building and Adeline had Petunia sign her rights over to her. Then, they went to the Dursley's house and Adeline emptied Harry's cupboard before turning to Petunia.
"Harry will stay with you for two weeks every summer once Hogwarts begins in order for the blood wards to continue to protect him and your family. Outside of that, he will be with me. While he is with you, if I hear anything of him being abused or neglected or treated any way other than perfectly, I will come for you. Do I make myself clear?" Adeline hissed.
"Crystal," Petunia swallowed.
"Wonderful," Adeline smiled, personality completely changing and practically giving Petunia whiplash. "Have the life you deserve. Goodbye."
Adeline turned in the paperwork for Harry's guardianship to the justice building and then to the school, using a bit of magic and money to hurry the process along. She waited outside of their classroom as the bell rang. Aster gave Adeline a confused smile before she waved him and Harry over.
"Harry, I asked your aunt if you could stay with us for a while. Would that be alright with you?" she asked.
"She said yes?" Harry asked in shock.
"She did," Adeline nodded.
"That would be okay, miss," Harry nodded.
"Let's go then," Adeline smiled, holding her hands out for the boys to take.
She had fed Harry something light and bland when they returned home, worried about his stomach before going to her lab and brewing nutrient potions and stomach soothers. She stopped Remus before he'd walked into the house that night, explaining the situation. Remus had taken a few minutes to calm down before following Adeline inside. Harry had looked at Remus in fear for the first few weeks, always scared whenever Remus walked into the room. Over time Harry had warmed up to Remus but still stuck closer to Adeline.
"Mum?" Aster asked, shaking her arm slightly.
"Hmm?" Adeline asked, looking down to him.
"Can we get ice cream after this?" he asked.
"Sure, honey," Adeline smiled as they stepped forward in the line, approaching the bench. "I need to make a withdraw please."
After leaving the bank, Adeline led the boys through the alley, going from store to store and grabbing what they needed in order. They reached Ollivander's and Adeline smiled brightly, excited for the boys to finally get their wands. Ollivander gave Adeline a tight, forced smile until his eyes landed on Aster and Harry.
"Harry Potter," Ollivander whispered.
Harry froze for a second.
"Garrick," Adeline spoke up. "Harry and Aster here are in need of wands. I trust you can keep your wisdom to yourself and just help the boys without the usual flourish."
Ollivander stared at Adeline for a moment and she raised her brow challengingly.
"I could always take the boys to America for a small vacation and get their wands there?" she offered.
"No, no," Ollivander shook his head. "Let us begin."
Ollivander measured Harry and Aster before nodding and moving through the shelves. He pulled a few boxes down before hesitating in front of one and adding it to the pile. Adeline's eyes narrowed on the box and she moved forward.
"Why this one?" she asked, pointing at the box.
"Well, it's just a curiosity," Ollivander offered. "We'll try others first."
Adeline simply nodded and stepped aside again.
"Mum can be scary sometimes," Aster whispered to Harry, causing both boys to laugh as they thought of the toaster again.
"Mister Black," Ollivander waved to Aster.
"It's Boudreaux, actually," Aster told him before taking the offered wand.
A glass vase blew up in the corner and Adeline repaired it with a flick of her wrist.
"Nope," Ollivander shook his head.
After five other wands, Aster lifted an eleven inch English oak wood with dragon heart string wand and wind blew lightly through his hair as he stared at the wand in wonder.
"A wand for someone with a loyal and courageous heart," Ollivander smiled. "Much strength, too. Now, Mister Potter?"
Harry went through about fifteen wands before Ollivander reached for the wand he'd stared at for too long. Adeline put her hand on the box and gave Ollivander a hard stare.
"If I find that you have ulterior motives with this wand, we will be having words, Mister Ollivander," Adeline told him.
"Of course, Ms. Black," Ollivander nodded and Adeline removed her hand.
Ollivander passed the wand to Harry and Adeline could tell Harry felt the magic flowing through him. He smiled brightly before looking to Adeline, as if asking her permission to keep the wand.
"A wand for someone to lead others out of the darkness," Ollivander gave Harry a deep stare. "Rare wood and rare core. Helps with healing and anger as well. Curious indeed."
"Sorry sir but what's curious?" Harry asked, head tilted slightly.
"I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. It just so happens that the phoenix whose tail resides in your wand gave another feather. Just one other. It is curious that you should be destined for this wand when its brother gave you the scar that Ms. Black has so well hidden for you today," Ollivander explained.
"I thought I told you no ulterior motives," Adeline practically growled out.
"The wand chooses the wizard, Ms. Black," Ollivander reminded her. "Will that be all today?"
"Two wand kits as well," Adeline told him.
"Can I have a book on wand lore?" Aster asked Adeline, voice soft.
"Of course," Adeline smiled to him. "Do you want one Harry?"
"No, thank you," Harry shook his head.
"Okay," she nodded before looking to Ollivander, the softness leaving her voice. "A book on wand lore as well."
Adeline gave Ollivander a generous tip ("For discretion.") and they headed towards Madam Malkin's. Adeline noticed Draco inside and smiled. Draco turned when he heard the bell and smiled widely.
"Hi, Aunt Adie," Draco greeted her before looking to Harry and Aster. "Cousins."
"Hi, Draco," Harry said, fidgeting a bit as Aster smirked, "Hi, cousin."
"Ms. Black," Madam Malkin greeted her. "School robes for the boys?"
"Yes, madam," Adeline smiled to her. "May I have a look around while you get them squared away?"
"Of course," Madam Malkin nodded.
Adeline looked through the fabrics, smiling as she ran her hands over the softer materials. She could hear the three boys laughing, reminding her of just a month before.
"You adopted a child?" Sissy asked, eyes bright. "What orphanage did you use?"
"Well, that's the thing," Adeline started. "I didn't."
"Adie, don't tell us you kidnapped the poor child," Lucy joked before his eyes widened. "Adie, don't tell us you kidnapped the poor child."
"Technically, no," Adeline shrugged. "Listen, the two of you are probably going to hate me for this. Just let me explain before you pass judgement."
"Fine," Sissy sighed, leaning back in her seat, ready to listen.
"When I was spying during the war, I became close to a few people on the side of the light. I became godmother to a child but, when his parents died, he was placed in the care of a blood relative rather than being given to me as he should have been."
"Do we need to take legal action?' Lucy asked, sitting forward.
"I already took care of that," Adeline shook her head and Lucy nodded for her to continue. "Well, it turns out that Aster made friends with him at school and I discovered that the child was being neglected and abused by his muggle relatives."
"So, you think we'll hate you because the child isn't pureblood?" Sissy asked.
"No, I think you'll hate me because the child is Harry Potter," Adeline rushed out, watching as the news sunk in with the Malfoys.
They all sat in silence for a long moment.
"Oh, dear," Sissy said, eyes widening.
"What?!" Lucius yelled out, rising to his feet.
"Lily and James Potter named me godmother of their child when Lily was still pregnant," Adeline tried.
"Why?" Lucius questioned.
"Because we were close when we were younger in school and when I approached Dumbledore he put Lily and I on missions together. We formed a bond again. She named me godmother and James named the godfather."
"What great choices," Sissy joked. "Both of you would have sold them out at the first chance you were given. In fact, one of you did!"
Adeline's hands tightened in her lap at the thought. Lucius began pacing as Sissy studied Adeline. The two women's eyes locked and Sissy gasped.
"Oh, Merlin. You actually cared for her," Sissy whispered out and Lucius froze, head turning to Adeline in shock.
"I did," Adeline nodded. "Harry and Aster were very close as babies."
"How were the two of them near one another?" Lucius questioned.
"Remus Lupin never had a child," Adeline offered, letting the other two piece the puzzle together.
"You stayed friends in secret," Lucius nodded. "The child that the Dark Lord thought was Lupin's was actually Aster."
"I knew he would protect Aster no matter what," Adeline explained. "He lives with me now."
"Lupin or Potter?" Sissy asked with an eye roll.
"Both."
"Adie, you can't be serious," Lucius stated.
"It's insane," Sissy sighed.
"I cared for Harry as a baby. When Dumbledore refused to give me custody of Harry, I about went insane with worry."
"You always did collect the sad ones," Sissy rubbed her eyes.
"You just expect us to accept this?" Lucius questioned.
"I just want you to meet him," Adeline said. "Please. He's been through so much already."
"You said they abused him?" Sissy asked, looking upset by the news.
"His room was a tiny cupboard under the stairs and they were starving him and working him to death," Adeline explained.
"A child?" Lucius asked in shock. "How could someone do that to a child?"
"I don't know," Adeline shook her head, thinking of her own childhood.
Sissy must have had the same thought as she stared at Adeline in pity. Sissy grabbed Adeline's hand and Adeline took an unsteady breath before looking up again.
"We'll meet him," Lucius agreed.
"You won't be mean to him or try to use him?" Adeline asked.
"And face your wrath? I think not," Lucius smirked. "You're the scariest person I know."
"Damn right," Adeline nodded.
"Besides, Draco could use more cousins," Sissy shrugged, smirking.
"Well, let's introduce you," Adeline smiled.
"Would you like to bring him here?" Sissy asked.
"I can have Tiffy bring him," Adeline nodded.
"Call for him," Sissy nodded.
Sissy and Lucius fell in love with the small, skittish boy when they met him. He was so polite and frail looking that it was impossible to look into his big, bright eyes and not want to protect him. After a long talk with Draco about being careful with Harry, Draco had taken Harry under his wing, teaching him everything he needed to know about manipulating the adults around him. Between Draco and Aster, Harry was coming more and more out of his shell, the shy child laughing loudly with the two boys when they were all together.
Adeline rejoined the small crowd that had formed in the shop, Lucius and Sissy having joined them now.
"Adie," Sissy smiled, pulling Adeline into a hug.
"Hello, Sissy. Lucy," Adeline smiled, hugging Lucius as well.
"I see the boys found each other once more," Lucius smirked.
"Well we were bound to see one another at some point while shopping," Adeline shrugged.
"Ms. Black and Mrs. Malfoy. I have the orders for the boys ready," Madam Malkin stated and Adeline and Sissy paid.
"We were going to the pet emporium next," Adeline told Sissy.
"Oh, that's a wonderful plan," Sissy nodded. "We need to get Draco an owl."
"Let's go together then," Adeline smiled. "Remus will be at the Leaky in about twenty minutes to meet us for lunch. Would you care to join us?"
"That sounds lovely," Lucius nodded.
The three boys wondered around the store and Adeline watched as Harry stared at a snowy owl for a long moment before his head snapped towards the back of the store. She followed Harry as he approached the snake enclosures, smiling to the creatures as he passed them. He stopped in front of an adder and Adeline had to stop herself from gasping as the two began hissing back and forth.
Harry turned to Adie with bright eyes and hissed to her.
"English, darling," Adeline told him.
Harry stared at her in confusion for a moment before speaking.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, you were speaking Parseltongue," Adeline explained. "It's a special ability that some people have where they can speak with snakes. Very rare. You were just hissing at me."
"Wait, really?" Harry asked. "That's so cool!"
"It is," Adeline let out a small laugh. "What were you asking?"
"Can I have a snake instead?" Harry asked. "I know you said an owl, but I like her."
"What's her name?" Adeline asked, kneeling down to see the pure black snake. "Oh, she's beautiful."
"She doesn't have one but she said thank you for the compliment," Harry smiled.
"You can have her," Adeline nodded, standing and heading to the front, seeing Aster smiling at a barn owl.
"Yes, miss?" the shopkeeper asked.
"I need the barn owl that he's looking at, that snowy owl over there, the Eagle owl that the blond boy is talking to, and a snake," Adeline explained.
"A snake?" the keeper asked. "You don't plan on feeding it to all those owls, do you?"
"No," Adeline shook her head. "My other son likes snakes but he seemed to be connecting with that owl as well when he came in. I figured one can be a birthday present. I'll need food, cages, and any other care items for each of the animals as well."
"Yes, madam," the keeper nodded before he began moving around.
Adeline went back to Harry, helping him reach into the cage to collect the adder. The snake went to Harry's neck, hanging over his shoulders comfortably.
"Harry, I need you to not tell people that you can talk to snakes," she told him.
"Why not?" he asked, confused.
"Well, many witches and wizards think the ability means something bad. It's just superstitions, but I don't want people being mean to you because of it," Adeline explained. "I can try to find you a book on it but I'm not sure if I have any."
"Okay," Harry nodded.
The group of six found Remus waiting for them at the Leaky a bit later. Remus smiled at the boys, giving all three of them hugs before kneeling down to see their owls. He stared at Harry's neck after a moment before giving Adeline an amused look.
"Really, Adie?" he smirked. "Using Harry to get yourself a pet snake? Have you no shame?"
"I found Onyx all on my own," Harry defended Adeline, causing her to smirk slightly.
"Tell you later," Adeline promised Remus as he stood.
"Alright," he smiled back, taking her hand and leading her inside, the others following after them.
Remus pulled out Adeline's chair and Aster claimed the seat to her left, Harry taking the seat beside him and Draco on Harry's other side. Remus sat on Adeline's right, Lucius sitting beside him and Sissy between Lucius and Draco at the large, round table. They ordered their lunches, Adeline passing Harry a nutrient potion before he began drinking his pumpkin juice as they waited for their food.
After lunch, the two groups separated, Draco promising to find the boys on the train the next week. Once home, Harry and Aster headed to Harry's room to set up Onyx's cage and Adeline flopped onto the couch. Remus sat at the end of the couch and pulled Adeline's feet into his lap. He pulled her heels off of her feet and began rubbing gently.
"Forgot the cushioning charms?" he asked.
"Yeah," she sighed.
"The snake?" he questioned.
"Damn your magic hands," Adeline glared before letting her head fall back. "Harry was staring at his owl for a minute before he just turned and headed towards the snakes. I got back there and he was hissing back and forth to the adder. Apparently he can speak Parseltongue."
"What?" Remus asked, hands freezing.
Adeline whined and Remus continued, rolling his eyes fondly.
"I told him not to tell people because it's rare and people are superstitious. I also told him I'd try to find him a book on it," she stated.
"Good," Remus nodded. "He doesn't need more for people to pick on him for. He's going to get enough attention just by being Harry Potter."
"I wish there was a way to protect him from the attention he's going to receive," Adeline sighed.
"I do, too," Remus nodded. "It'll be alright though. He's a tough kid."
"He is," Adeline nodded, smirking. "Why, just today he was ready to fight a werewolf for assuming things about me."
"I swear he hates me sometimes," Remus sighed, moving to Adeline's other foot.
"He doesn't hate you," Adeline shook her head. "He's still learning to trust us."
"He trusts you," Remus offered.
"He trusts me to protect him. That doesn't mean he trusts me completely," Adeline argued.
"He does not trust me that much," Remus sighed.
Adeline sat up, moving so that she was closer to Remus.
"Hey," she said, turning his head to her. "He'll get there. Patience."
"I know," Remus sighed. "I spoke to Severus a bit. He explained how he still despises most men he meets before actually getting to know them because of how his father treated him."
"Speaking of, I warned the boys that Sev may have to treat them differently at school," she sighed, falling backwards on the couch.
Remus maneuvered the two of them so that they were both laying on the couch, arms around Adeline's waist.
"How did they react?" he asked once they were settled.
"Well, Harry was confused, obviously. I had to explain more about the war to him. Aster already knew in a way," she said, head tilted to the side slightly as Remus buried his face in her neck.
Remus simply nodded, remaining quiet. Adeline decided it was time for a nap and closed her eyes, reveling in the warmth and protection Remus provided.
The next week, Adeline and Remus watched as Harry and Aster boarded the train. She had to keep herself from crying as they went. Remus, not being fooled by her brave face, pulled her close by her waist, offering comfort. She leaned into him, watching as the train pulled away, carrying her children away from her and towards the school.
Adeline threw herself into her two jobs; a potioneer and a year seven English and literature teach. Remus himself was teaching year seven sciences at the same school as Adeline. Hedwig flew through the open window at the end of the week, offering a letter to Adeline.
"Gryffindors!" Adeline announced, running into the living room. "Harry, Aster and Draco!"
"Oh, Sissy and Lucius are going to come for your head," Remus laughed. "It'll be all your fault."
"I'm fine with that," Adeline shrugged, looking down at the letter. "Harry says that Draco and Ronald Weasley aren't getting along well."
"That'll be Molly and Authur's youngest boy," Remus sighed, standing and walking over to read the letter. "And looks like Severus picked on Harry a bit."
"Harry knew the answers to all of his questions of course. Severus and I did tutor them in potions early," Adeline nodded.
"I'm sure Severus was secretly proud," Remus smirked. "I'll have to write him tonight. I'm surprised Harry wrote you and not Aster."
"Well, Harry promised to write every week. Aster seemed as if he wanted to be left alone," Adeline rolled her eyes with a soft smile.
"Of course," Remus laughed.
"Here," Adeline pointed at the bottom of the page. "He said to tell you hi."
"Well, he remembered me," Remus nodded.
"Of course he did," Adeline slapped Remus' arm gently. "He doesn't hate you."
"Feels like it," Remus grumbled. "Takeout for dinner? We have too much to grade to cook something."
"Sounds good," Adeline nodded and Remus moved to the house phone to call in their order at the Indian place down the street.
Harry continued writing to Adeline every week, excitedly telling her everything he was learning and about his new friends. He said hello to Remus at the bottom of every letter. Aster wrote once a month, his letters rather short compared to the ones Harry wrote, but Aster always preferred to speak in person with exaggerated hand movements rather than writing things down.
Halloween morning, Adeline and Remus headed to the cottage, greeting Tiffy and Wobky with bright smiles. The two went to visit the graves of Dorcas, Reggie, Mattheo, James, Lily, Peter, and the two babies before anything else. Adeline placed fresh flowers on each grave before they moved through the forest. Remus shifted once the moon came out and Adeline changed into a raven. The two raced around the forest until Remus grew tired. Adeline turned human again, smiling before a patronus appeared in front of her.
"Your children will be the death of me. I'm on my way to the cottage. I'll meet you inside," Severus voice spoke from the gentle doe.
"Oh, Merlin," Adeline sighed. "Let's go."
Remus' wolf and Adeline reached the cottage and found Severus waiting on the back porch. He passed Adeline a glass of firewhiskey before nodding to Remus.
"What have they done?" Adelien sighed the question out.
"A mountain troll got into the school," Severus began.
"What?!" Adeline asked. "How?!"
"I'm not sure," Severus sighed. "Not the end of my story though."
"Sorry," Adeline sighed, motioning for Severus to continue.
"Well, apparently Weasley made the Granger girl cry and the troll ended up in the bathroom she was hiding in. Aster, Harry, Draco and Weasley decided to try saving the day rather than going to an adult," Severus stated.
"Are they alright?" Adeline asked, hands shaking.
"Minerva was right to call it sheer, dumb luck. They're all fine. Only the troll was injured. Harry distracted the troll and Weasley made its club levitate before dropping it on the trolls head."
Adeline took a deep breath.
"Albus, I hear that a troll got into the school?" Lucius asked, Adeline and Sissy standing on either side of him. "And my son was attacked?"
"He wasn't attacked, Lucius," Dumbledore shook his head. "On the contrary, your son helped attack the troll."
"How did a troll get into a school full of children?" Sissy demanded.
"We are trying to determine just that," Dumbledore nodded. "I assure you we are doing everything in our power to protect the students."
"I'm sure your protection is all encompassing but these are our children," Adeline said, trying to keep the anger from her voice as she thought of her boys having been in danger. "I'm sure you understand our worry."
"I do," Dumbledore stated, nodding to Adeline.
"Have you notified the aurors so that they may investigate the occurrence?" Lucius asked.
"I was drafting a letter to them now," Dumbledore nodded and Adeline wondered if he was lying.
"See that you finish it and send it to the correct people," Lucius stated, thinking along the same lines as Adeline. "I will be checking in to be sure that it has."
The three left Dumbledore's office through the floo, Adeline sighing as she appeared in the cottage. She apparated to the backyard of her Surrey home and walked inside, telling Remus about the meeting as she laid her head in his lap.
Harry's first quidditch game had Adeline and Remus sneaking onto the school grounds and hiding amongst the students to watch Harry fly. Draco saw them and bit back his smile, moving further amongst their friends so that he was closer to them. When Harry's broom started shaking uncontrollably, Adeline grabbed Remus' hand in fear before the two of them began whispering protection spells, eyes not leaving Harry in the process.
Harry climbed back onto his broom and shot off like a bullet after the Slytherin seeker. He pulled up from the ground at the last second and stood on his broom. He tipped forward and fell to the ground, rolling a few times before spitting up the snitch. Adeline let out a relieved breath and she and Remus snuck out while everyone was distracted, going under the whomping willow like old times before apparating to the back yard of their home.
Adeline waited impatiently at the train station, Remus' fond smile beside her as he watched her waiting for the kids. The Weasley's were coming along for Christmas, so they were spending the break at the cottage in order to fit everyone. It helped that they would be able to use magic around the house to prepare everything.
Remus saw the brood of red hair before seeing Aster's black curly hair beside Harry's messy black hair. The group ran over to Adeline and Remus, Aster wrapping his arms around Adeline in a tight hug before moving over to Remus. Harry gave a shy smile and Adeline held her hand out. Harry took it without thought, just holding her hand as the Weasley's were introduced.
Tiffy and Wobky helped take some of the children to the cottage as Adeline and Remus took the rest. Once in the cottage, Adeline showed Harry and Aster the spell to create Christmas decorations, giving them permission to help decorate the cottage. Once there was far too much garland and tinsel around the house, they moved over to the tree, decorating it by hand with the Weasley's. Remus put the star on the top of the tree and Adeline took a step back, holding in a laugh at how messy the whole thing looked but loving it either way.
Adeline decided that Fred and George were her favorite Weasley's as she handed them a book full of prank spells. Remus groaned, rubbing his face at the sight.
"Shush you. As if you never used this book," Adeline smirked.
"Really?" the twins asked.
"Really," Adeline smirked. "Remy here was quite the prankster in school."
"He and his friends used to pull pranks all the time," Aster smiled to the twins.
"I believe your mum was far worse than I was," Remus smirked.
"I highly doubt that. I was much better," Adeline smirked back, causing Remus to let out a laugh.
Christmas day came and Adeline rose early to go see the graveyard. She placed new flowers on the snow covered ground for everyone before taking a few minutes. After that, she headed back inside and began making breakfast for everyone, Remus joining her looking rather sleepy.
"You alright, love?" she asked with a smirk, placing a cup of tea in front of him.
"I will be after this," he said into the teacup. "Where did you go this morning?"
"Had to put fresh flowers outside," she sighed. "Protected these ones from the cold."
"You could have woken me for that," Remus frowned.
Adeline simply shrugged before placing a plate in front of him. She walked up the stairs and went to each room, waking the kids as she went and having them come down for breakfast before opening gifts. Adeline was rather touched that Molly Weasley had knitted sweaters for both of her boys. She wondered if Draco had received one as well before Harry handed her a small box.
"What's this?" Adeline asked him.
"It's a present," Harry smirked.
"Cheeky," Adeline rolled her eyes with a fond smile, opening the box to find a gold bracelet. "Oh. It's beautiful, Harry."
"I wanted to thank you," Harry whispered, being sure the other kids wouldn't hear him. "For everything."
"You don't need to thank me, darling. I'm your godmother. I'm supposed to protect you and take care of you and I always will now that I've found you," Adeline promised. "I solemnly swear it."
Harry smiled, a few tears in his eyes that he wiped away quickly before helping to put the bracelet on Adeline's wrist. She smiled down at the simple bracelet before looking to Harry.
"Thank you," she told him.
"Merry Christmas," Harry whispered before walking away.
"Blessed Yule," Adeline whispered back, watching him rejoin his friends.