I do not own Harry Potter
Chapter Four
The summer was quiet, the boys writing to Draco and Hermione back and forth. They left the cottage to see the village, a few shop keepers recognizing Adeline from long ago. They pinched Aster's and Harry's cheeks, causing both boys to blush as Adeline tried not to laugh. The boys flew more than anything else, Adeline having popped into the alley and gotten them a quidditch set at some point to keep them entertained. While there, she'd seen the posters of Sirius everywhere, causing her to freeze for a moment in front of one before she'd been able to move again, leaving his crazed poster behind once she'd left the alley.
Remus hadn't contacted her the rest of the summer but Wobky promised Adeline that he'd been given his potions and that he was alright. She wrote Severus a bit, telling him how terrified she actually was, knowing he would understand better than Sissy would. He'd written her back, telling her that she and the boys were safe and would be safe at Hogwarts when term started. He also told her about the dementors being placed around the school and Adeline had to control herself from throwing something.
She began tutoring the boys the very next day. She taught them defensive spells that they wouldn't learn in school before teaching them counters to dark spells, not teaching them the dark spells themselves. She refused to teach them the things she had once taught Death Eaters, the memory of those lessons making her break out in cold sweats every time she thought of it.
She finally got around to the patronus charm, watching their wand movements and listening to the pronunciation. She had Aster try first.
"Happiness is getting one over on the twins. Happiness is your friends laughing at your pranks. Happiness is being on a broom and flying as high into the air as you can and the freefall on the way down. Happiness is you and Harry curled under a blanket, trying to stay quiet so your dad and I won't catch you in each other's rooms after being sent to bed."
"Expecto Patronum," Aster spoke clearly, a bright smile on his face and a wolf flying out of his wand.
Harry stepped up next.
"Happiness is catching the snitch. Happiness is exploring the school under your cloak. Happiness is flying so fast that you have to catch your breath afterwards. Happiness is running with Draco after pranking Aster."
"Expecto Patronum," Harry tried, looking a bit defeated when nothing happened.
"Happiness is watching it rain while sitting on the back porch. Happiness is curling into bed with Aster and Draco after a long day. Happiness is Snuffles chasing you around the yard."
"Expecto Patronum."
Nothing.
"Happiness is hugging me when you get off the train."
"Expecto Patronum."
A stag burst from Harry's wand, running alongside the wolf. Harry stared in awe at the silver creature, watching as it approached him. He reached out, feeling the warmth that the patronus brought. Adeline smiled brightly, refusing to cry as she stared at Harry. Harry turned to Adeline, smiling brightly.
"I did it," he whispered.
"You did it," Adeline laughed as Aster ran over, tackling Harry in excitement.
The two boys laughed, rolling on the ground as their patronuses disappeared. Adeline just watched, rolling her eyes as she watched them. For a moment she saw James and Regulus instead. She closed her eyes, almost able to hear Lily's laughter in the air. When she opened her eyes, Harry and Aster were staring up at the sky, both breathing heavily from having wrestled a bit. She headed inside, taking a few deep breathes as the memories flooded in. Snuffles sat beside her, whining a bit.
"I'm fine," she told him, petting his head and feeling annoyed as her voice gave her away.
Tears began flowing and she wished Remus was there. She wished that she could burn the cottage to the ground as she had Shafiq manor just to escape the memories. She let out an angry growl as she wiped at her face, pushing the tears away as she calmed down. She went to her lab, grabbing a dreamless sleep and taking it up to her room, setting it on the bedside table and knowing she would need it that night.
While the boys flew, Adeline laid on the grass with Snuffles. The dog was glued to her side most of the time, staring at her with wide eyes and whining any time her emotions began getting to her, as if he wanted to help her. As they watched the boys, she whispered to Snuffles, telling him how much pain she was in all the time.
She told Snuffles about how betrayed she felt by Sirius, how he'd promised to come back and had ended up killing people instead. She told him how she hated herself for wanting to believe in him so badly that it clouded her judgement at every turn in the road. She even told him about how she had hated herself for years for hurting him when they were younger.
She told Snuffles about Mattheo and the baby she'd lost. She told him about how Mattheo had loved her in a way she'd never felt deserving of, how he'd given her every bit of himself and how she'd been unable to do the same for him. She told him how she still cried over the baby that she'd miscarried after Lily and James had been killed.
She told Snuffles about how much she missed everyone and how badly she just wanted to disappear most of the time. She explained that, if it wasn't for the boys, she didn't think she would have made it through everything. She knew she needed to be strong for them though, that she needed to pull through and be there for them.
She told Snuffles how she hadn't even told Remus how she truly felt. She knew the pain Remus was in, had held him through multiple nights of crying, had stood back during fits of anger, and had picked up the pieces when he'd drunk himself into oblivion on multiple occasions. She told him how she'd never broken around him though, hadn't allowed herself to.
She told Snuffles about the nerve damage from Walburga Black torturing her so much. She told him about the potions she had to take or else her body would hurt so much that she couldn't get out of bed and how sometimes that didn't even help. She told him how she felt that she deserved the pain for not having turned Sirius in before he'd killed so many innocent people.
She told Snuffles that she'd killed Walburga.
Six years ago…
"It's time, miss," Kreacher told her, popping into the basement.
"It's time?" Adeline asked, confirming what Kreacher meant.
"Yes, miss," Kreacher nodded before popping away.
Adeline walked up the stairs, telling Remus that she needed to go to Grimmauld place and why. Remus simply nodded and watched as Adeline went to the back yard and apparated away. Adeline walked into Grimmauld Place and looked around at the dark manor before going to Walburga's room. Walburga reached for Adeline, her hand skeletal with how much weight she'd lost.
Adeline took her hand, sitting in the chair beside Walburga and staring down at her.
"Sweet Adie," Walburga croaked. "My sweet Adie."
Adeline just stared at her.
"Kreacher said it's almost time," Walburga told her, taking breaks between each word. "He says I won't make it a few more hours."
"I would hope not," Adeline spoke up.
"What?" Walburga asked, confused.
Adeline tossed Walburga's hand aside, sneering down at Walburga as she stood from her chair.
"I said, I would hope not. I would hope you would die very soon. It tells me the jewelry worked," Adeline told her. "Don't speak. I have a few things to say to you before you kick the bucket."
Walburga stared at Adeline in shock, reaching for the necklace but to weak to remove it. Adeline smirked.
"Turns out that 'sweet Adie' isn't sweet at all. In fact, I'm not even Adeline. I was adopted by the Shafiq's when the real Adeline was killed by squibs. They blood adopted me so that they could save their own skin. I am so excited to see the look on your face as I tell you the truth.
"Your precious, pure line has been sullied. I'm a mudblood. That makes Aster a half-blood. His last name isn't even Black. The last of the Black line will die out with Sirius in Azkaban. Your legacy has been dead since the moment I first stepped foot into your sorry lives.
"I told Orion your death would be slow and painful. I told him it would be years in the making. I fed him poison and watched him choke on his own blood and you felt every moment of it. I stared down at his dead body and I didn't feel an ounce of remorse.
"Reggie knew. He knew I was a mudblood and he didn't care. He was a traitor to your family values as well. He spied on Voldemort and fed information to Albus Dumbledore. He did it because of me. All I had to do was ask and he gave every bit of himself to the Order's fight.
"I was a spy first, of course. I used my position with Voldemort, used his affections for me to get personal information to make sure he wouldn't survive the war. I'm the reason so many people survived and the reason that Bella is in Azkaban until the day she dies.
"I'm the reason you have withered away to this sorry excuse for an existence. The bracelet and necklace have both slowly been sucking the life out of you. I did it for Sirius, for Reggie, for myself. I told people not to touch them, that they were mine. Did you think that didn't apply to you? Oh, no, no, no, Walburga. It was especially for you.
"I have been waiting for this day for so long. I might just make it a holiday to celebrate every year. The day Walburga Black realized just how much she'd trusted the wrong person. The best part is that Sissy is going to raise Draco around muggles as well now because of me. I mean, just how much can I sully your line before my time runs out? I bet it's a lot."
Adeline's laughter echoed in the room as Walburga stared at her in horror.
"I can't believe how easy you were to manipulate. You know, I thought it was going to be hard. It wasn't though. I convinced you not to hurt the boys on multiple occasions and tricked you into just locking me away rather than torturing me so many times. I ruined parties without you even looking in my direction. I played you so well that you wrote everything in your will to me.
"I can't wait to blow your money on muggle charities and use it to pay tuition for muggleborn students at Hogwarts. Do you think I should name the foundation after you? No. That would make people think you were somehow better than an insipid, inbreed, psychotic bitch and that just won't do."
Adeline sat in the chair, sighing as she stared at Walburga.
"Go on. Die now. I'm waiting. Do you need some assistance? Merlin, can't even die correctly, can you?"
Adeline stood, grabbing the pillow from beside Walburga's head and covering Walburga's face. Adeline held the pillow down for twenty minutes. She watched as Walburga tried struggling for a few minutes before going limp. Adeline pressed harder, making sure that she was gone before moving the pillow.
Adeline sighed before pulling her wand out. She made the pillow disappear before checking for a pulse. When she found none, Adeline took a moment.
"Okay, Hathy," she hopped from foot to foot for a moment. "Get yourself together now."
Tears began rolling down Adeline's face, leaving makeup streaks. She wiped the tears away, smudging the makeup a bit before she sat down and took Walburga's hand in her own.
"Kreacher?" she called softly, looking to the elf when he appeared. "Send word to Sissy. She's gone."
"Yes, mistress," Kreacher bowed low before disappearing.
Adeline smirked as she stared at Walburga. The smirked remained on her face until she heard Sissy coming down the hall. With her mask back in place, Adeline played the sad daughter, planning the funeral arrangements and hosting. She accepted condolences and invitations to tea. She played the pureblood princess like she was supposed to, the one who had been taught by Walburga Black herself exactly how to hold herself and act in order to get as much pity as possible while still looking proud and put together.
Adeline sighed before looking to Snuffles, having left out the conversation and only having told him of the cursed jewelry followed by the pillow she'd used to smother her mother-in-law.
"I should feel ashamed and guilty for it," she told the dog that was staring at her, his body completely still. "I don't though. She hurt my Siri. She's probably the reason he went mad in the end. She hurt me and she probably hurt Reggie and he just never told me. I swore to never be like her after that. I swore that my kids would never be hurt by me. I swore that they would know that they were loved and cared for no matter what and that's what I've done and will continue to do. They'll never know what I went through."
Snuffles whined, moving closer to her before licking her cheek. Adeline smiled at the dog, petting his head gently before wiping her tears away and looking to the sky. They watched the boys for the next hour, Snuffles curled up against her as they laid on the grass, his head resting on her chest so that she could pet his head.
As the summer came to an end, Hogwarts letters arrived and the Weasley's returned home. They met the Grangers, Weasleys, and Malfoys at the Leaky, the boys rushing forward the hug their friends. Adeline hugged Sissy and Lucy before turning to Molly and hugging her as well.
They walked the kids through the alley, trying to keep them all together as they did so. Harry stayed by Adeline's side, holding her arm anytime they passed a group of people. Adeline ended up taking his hand, giving him a gentle smile as they walked through the store. Lucius groaned as they stepped out of the bookstore.
"What is it?" Arthur asked, looking around, his smile dropping.
"Hmm?" Adeline asked, turning to where they were looking.
"Lady Black," Rita Skeeter smirked. "Just the woman I was looking for."
"I wasn't looking for you," Adeline offered, glaring at the woman.
"What a large group you have here," she smiled, looking around at all of the kids.
Harry hid behind Adeline immediately, not letting Rita get a good look at him. Aster and the twins moved to Adeline's sides, hiding Harry further.
"Which ones are yours?" Rita asked.
"What do you want?" Adeline asked, voice flat.
"A quote. How are you feeling now that your ex-lover has escaped from Azkaban?" she asked, pitying smile on her face.
"No comment," Adeline rolled her eyes.
"Just between us girls!" Rita insisted, stepping in Adeline's path. "I mean, Sirius Black was such a catch back in the day and you had him wrapped around your finger until you married his brother. Or, as some sources have told me, even after the wedding took place?"
"Who are your sources?" Adeline asked curiously.
"Are the rumors true?" Rita questioned. "Are you terrified now that he has escaped or is it exciting? Every one likes a bad boy after all."
"You want a quote?" Adeline smiled sweetly and the twins smirked as Lucius groaned, knowing something terrible was coming. "I have one for you. Sirius Black is a coward who escaped Azkaban to try going after a child and if I see him, I'll kill him myself. How's that?"
"Beautiful," Rita smiled.
"No!" Lucius yelled, grabbing Rita's quill and notepad. "We have no comment and you will leave us alone or I will call our solicitor."
Rita pouted before taking her notebook and quill back, staring at the torn page hungrily before Lucius destroyed it. She let out a huff before turning and walking away.
"I thought it was a good quote," Aster shrugged.
"That's because you're a Black and we're all a little insane," Sissy sighed.
"What's my excuse?" Adeline smirked to Sissy.
"You're a Black," Sissy rolled her eyes. "Marriage or blood, it still counts. Let's move on. I think that's enough excitement for the day."
"Lucy, you ruined my fun," Adeline pouted as they began walking again, Harry moving back to her side.
"She was going to go around calling you a dark witch again," Lucius rolled his eyes.
"I know," Adeline smirked. "It's best to keep up that appearance. Gets people to leave me alone."
"You are a strange witch," Lucius sighed as they walked into the Leaky. "Alright. Lunch is on me."
After lunch, Adeline and the boys went back to the cottage. The boys started reading ahead in their books, Adeline helping them with any questions they had and giving them small quizzes to make sure they understood what they were reading.
Finally, the day to go to Hogwarts had finally arrived, the full moon having been the night before. Remus had sent a patronus telling Adeline that he would be riding on the train to help with security and she's sighed, feeling better knowing he would be there. The boys were excited to see Remus and basically dragged Adeline through the barrier. Remus smiled brightly when he saw them.
Aster almost knocked Remus over with how hard he ran into him, hugging him tightly. She saw Remus whisper something to Aster before kissing his head. Adeline smirked when Harry gave Remus a small hug, telling him that he'd missed him over the summer. Adeline remembered Harry calling Remus dad when she'd gotten him back from the Dursley's and wondered if Harry would say it to his face or not. Once Harry released Remus, Remus looked to Adeline.
Remus' shoulders slumped slightly at the sight of her, as if weight was released from his shoulders when he saw her. Adeline understood the feeling, a sigh of relief leaving her the moment she reached him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Remus held her tightly, breathing in her scent and letting it bring him comfort after having been separated for so long.
They pulled away just far enough to look into each other's eyes before Remus kissed Adeline's head. Adeline hummed quietly, eyes closing and not caring what anyone thought as they stood there, rocking back and forth slightly. Remus pulled back and Adeline's eyes fluttered open. Remus looked away from her, smiling at someone standing behind her.
Adeline turned, finding the Grangers, Weasleys, and Malfoys giving them soft smiles. Adeline smiled back, leaning into Remus' chest as he greeted everyone. He shook Dan's, Lucius' and Arthur's hands, smiling to the women and kids before looking down at Adie again.
"They're giving each other moon eyes again," Sissy sighed.
"Now, Sissy, they haven't seen each other all summer," Lucius smiled to his wife. "Give them a few minutes."
"Fine," Sissy sighed before looking to the kids. "Everyone get on. Don't want anyone getting left behind, do we?"
The kids hugged the parents goodbye before getting on the train, taking over compartments across from each other and leaving the doors open so they could talk across the aisles with each other. Remus chuckled before looking down at Adeline again.
"I'll see you at the castle," he promised, kissing her head again before separating from her and getting on the train.
Adeline pouted for a moment before smiling again as Harry stuck his head out the window and called for her.
"Yes, darling?" she smirked as she stared up at him from the platform.
"Ron forgot Scabbers on the trolley but doesn't want to get in trouble," Harry told her, eyes wide.
"I'll get him," Adeline laughed before turning and running to the trolley beside the Weasley's.
Adeline waited until Molly was distracted before reaching down and grabbing the rat, holding him to her chest before she rushed towards the train. Ron's look of relief made her laugh lightly before she handed Scabbers over to him. Harry's head popped out of the window again, smiling brightly.
"Thank you, Miss Adie," he smiled.
"No problem," Adeline smiled, trying to push down the disappointment at not being called mum. "I'll see you at school. Have a fun train ride. Don't eat all of the sweets on the way there."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry smiled, head going back inside the train as it began moving.
Adeline waved at the kids, taking a step back as she watched the train depart. Remus smiled from the train doorway, giving her a small wave. She gave him a wink, causing him to laugh before he went inside the train. She went back to the others, letting out a sigh.
"Are you alright?" Emma asked Adeline. "I can't imagine being away from Dan for so long."
Adeline was used to people assuming she and Remus were together. At some point, the two had stopped telling people that they weren't together and just rolled with it. It was surprisingly easy.
"It wasn't easy," Adeline admitted, being completely honest. "I always feel a bit empty when he isn't around."
"I can imagine," Molly nodded, giving Adeline a sympathetic look.
Sissy took Adeline's arm in her own, leading everyone off of the platform now that the crowd had thinned a bit.
"Would everyone like to come around mine for a bit of tea?" Sissy asked.
"That would be lovely," Emma smiled.
"You'll have to come around more often, Emma," Adeline insisted.
"You will," Sissy nodded. "You as well, Molly. We should have a girl day every month."
"I'm all for it," Adeline smiled.
"Last time you and Sissy were left alone, you both ended up getting arrested by muggle law enforcement," Lucius spoke up.
"No. That was the time before last," Adeline defended.
"Last time was when we almost broke our arms because we thought we could still mattress surf like we used to," Sissy stated.
"What am I going to do with the two of you," Lucius sighed, the smile on his face giving away how he truly felt.
"Join us," Adeline shrugged.
"One of us needs to look responsible," Lucius insisted.
"Says who?" Adeline asked with a pout.
"Says etiquette," Lucius sighed.
"I don't remember that class," Sissy looked as if she were deep in thought. "Wife on the left, bow of the head, salad forks. Nope. No responsible looking adult."
"You must have skipped that one," Lucius smirked.
"Must have," Sissy sighed. "Dobby?"
"Kreacher, Wobky, Tiffy?" Adeline spoke up.
The elves appeared in the apparition point, bowing to their owners.
"We're all going to Malfoy manor," Lucius explained to the elves. "I'll go now to change the wards to allow everyone in and I'll tell you when you can bring people through."
"Yes, master," Dobby nodded.
"Emma, Dan, I don't think anyone had ever told you about apparition before," Adeline said as Lucius disappeared, causing them to gasp.
After explaining the concept and the feeling of apparition, it was time to head to the manor. Emma and Dan handled apparition rather well. Adeline remembered feeling sick the first few times when she was younger, but the two adults only seemed a little dizzy afterwards. The adults drank tea and discussed the children for a bit before Adeline had to head to the school for the staff meeting.
Adeline apparated to Hogsmeade with Snuffles, leading him up to the school and showing him around the grounds a bit before taking him inside and to hers and Remus' quarters. He jumped onto the couch where a quilt was and laid down, getting comfortable as Adeline called for Tiffy.
"Hello, miss," Tiffy smiled brightly and Adeline kneeled in front of her.
"Hi, Tiffy," Adeline gave her a gentle smile. "Will you bring Snuffles' food and water bowl, please, along with his food?"
"Tiffy put Snuffles' things in the kitchen, miss. Tiffy added a dog door to misses door as well that only the dog can use," Tiffy nodded, large ears flapping.
"Thank you, Tiffy," Adeline smiled brightly before waving her wand and cleaning Tiffy's dress for her. "Do you need anything before I head to the meeting?"
"No, miss," Tiffy shook her head before popping away.
Adeline pet Snuffles ears before leaving, heading to the meeting. Misses Norris sniffed at Adeline's robes during the meeting, not seeming to like the scent of dog on her. Adeline simply rolled her eyes and listened from between Argus and Severus as Dumbledore gave his normal back-to-classes speech that Adeline could have repeated verbatim after having heard it only twice before then.
Adeline went to her classroom, smiling as she walked through it, making sure everything was set up the way she wanted it to be. Snuffles came out of her office, the castle making Remus' and Adeline's offices connect to their quarters and classrooms somehow. Snuffles laid by Adeline's desk, watching as she wrote on the board for a moment before wiping her hands on a towel and turning her book to the correct page and setting it on the podium at the front of the room.
She looked down at Snuffles, giving him a soft smile before patting her leg so he'd follow her. The wandered through the halls for a bit before heading the Great Hall. Snuffles went out the front door and Adeline smiled as she went to Minerva, staring into the empty Great Hall.
"Still don't like the quiet?" Minerva asked with a smirk.
"Not even a little," Adeline sighed. "I had a bit too much of it this summer."
"I heard you went into hiding with the boys," Minerva nodded.
"Yeah," Adeline nodded. "Took them to the cottage. Gave them new brooms though so they weren't too upset."
"Boys and brooms," Minerva smirked. "Plan on having any more?"
Adeline's smile brightened slightly and Minerva grabbed her arm.
"I'm not pregnant," Adeline shook her head. "Remus and I had talked about having one before the summer started but then he got called away. We said we'd talk about it again at the end of the school year."
"Will you wait until…" Minerva trailed off a bit.
"Yeah," Adeline nodded, understanding. "I don't think the stress would be good. I had a bit of a breakdown when I found out."
"I'm sorry," Minerva's voice was soft as she took Adeline's hand.
"Don't be," Adeline shook her head. "They'll catch him or I will."
"Don't go looking for him," Minerva gave Adeline a pointed look and Adeline smirked.
"Yes, mum," Adeline rolled her eyes before ducking away from Minerva as she went to slap Adeline over her head.
"Minerva, no hitting your fellow professors," Poppy laughed as she joined them with Filius and Pomona.
"What about previous students who sass me?" Minerva asked, eyes narrowed on Adeline.
"We'll discuss it at the next staff meeting. I'm sure she won't be the only one," Poppy smirked.
"Is Adeline causing a fuss again?" Severus asked, appearing at her side.
"Always," Adeline smirked. "I would be no fun if I wasn't."
"My life would be much more quiet," Severus sighed.
"Quiet is overrated," Adeline shrugged, smile dropping as Albus rushed over to them.
"There was an incident on the train," he announced, eyes on Adeline.
"Which one?" she sighed.
"A dementor boarded the train and Harry passed out before Aster used a patronus charm to deflect it," Albus explained. "Remus is with him though."
"He's okay?" Adeline asked as Severus grabbed her hand, grounding her.
"He is," Albus nodded.
Adeline let out a relieved sigh, rubbing her eyes for a moment before nodding. Severus waved his wand, fixing Adeline's makeup for her before she raised her head again. Albus gave her a small nod before walking into the hall.
"You okay?" Severus whispered the question to her.
"I'll be better when they're inside," Adeline told him before taking his arm as he led her into the hall, Argus and Minerva behind them.
"I will as well," Severus nodded.
They all took their seats and Adeline could hear students outside the castle. She smiled as she saw Aster and Harry run in, chasing after the twins with fanged frisbees. Adeline let out a small laugh as Remus disappeared the frisbees, shaking his head with a fond smile on his face. The boys grumbled a bit before going to the table, Harry eating a bit of chocolate as he sat down. He looked up at the staff table, finding Adeline quickly and smiling up at her. She gave him a little wave and tilted her head. He nodded that he was alright before going to a conversation with Ron and Hermione.
Remus sat beside Adeline, kissing her cheek in the process. She gave him a bright smile before leaning into him for a moment. He took her hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze as remaining students piled into the Great Hall, all talking excitedly as Minerva stepped out of the hall, waiting for the first years.
After the sorting, Dumbledore told the students about the dementors and the dangers they presented. He warned the students about Sirius Black and to not try fighting him if they saw him. He reminded students to stay out of the forest, now especially as the dementors were in it. He clapped and food appeared in front of everyone, the students digging in the moment that they were allowed.
"How is he?" Adeline asked Remus.
"He's a bit shaken up but the twins set a few fireworks off and cheered everyone up."
"He had a rough time at the Dursley's," Adeline said, lowering her voice so only Remus and Severus could hear her.
"Hard time how?" Severus asked, gripping his fork so hard that his knuckles turned white.
"I mean, Vernon Dursley's sister became a balloon due to some accidental magic and his uncle tried attacking him. I got there in time to stop it. He was rather quiet until I took him out for a day. Aurors showed up just as I was getting him smiling again and threw all of my progress out a window," Adeline explained.
"I hope his uncle isn't in one piece anymore," Severus growled out as Remus smirked.
"I threw him into a wall hard enough to crack it before telling Harry he was never returning there again. Petunia was more than happy about that until I reminded her that the wards protected her family as well. She seemed rather panicked as I left with Harry," Adeline smirked.
"Surprised you didn't do more," Remus stated.
"Didn't want to scare Harry," Adeline shrugged. "I told him to go home but he refused to leave me. Had to calm myself rather quickly."
Remus squeezed Adeline's hand and she looked to Severus as he took a few deep breathes. He looked to her once he'd calmed a bit, giving her a nod to tell her he was alright.
"Going to force the Slytherins and Gryffindors to sit together in classes?" Remus asked, changing the subject.
"Yup," Adeline smirked.
"They are going to hate you," Severus sighed.
"I think a few of them may find friends in opposing houses," Adeline countered. "I know I did."
"You and Remus are the exception to house rivalry," Severus rolled his eyes. "Matching magical cores and all that."
"Technicalities," Adeline waved him off.
"I'm told you got a new pet," Remus smirked.
"A dog," Adeline nodded. "We found a stray at the start of summer."
"What's it look like?" Remus asked curiously.
"Black, thin, shaggy," Adeline offered. "You'll see him later. I brought him with. I reset the wards at the cottage. Anyone wanting to cause harm to us can't get through and us and the kids are automatically accepted in. Anyone else will need assistance."
"Orion teach you that one?" Severus smirked.
"Mia Potter, actually," Adeline stated. "One of the books she left me. Put the extra wards on Grimmauld as well."
"Should we stay there?" Remus asked curiously.
"I will never step foot into that house again if I can help it," Adeline stated and Remus and Severus nodded sympathetically. "Anyways, it isn't safe. Anyone with Black blood can go there. It was left to me, but I still don't trust it."
"I hear the aurors had a fun time searching the premises," Severus smirked.
"Oh, Lucius told you about that?" Adeline smirked.
"What happened?" Remus asked, already smiling.
"Apparently…" Severus went into depth as he explained the aurors fighting doxies and boggarts.
"I did warn them about the boggart," Adeline shrugged as the two men laughed. "Did not know about the doxies. I could have used their venom for potions."
"You are so put out about it," Remus laughed as Adeline pouted.
"Doxy venom is expensive!" Adeline defended. "Had I know it was just lying around at Grimmauld, I would have had it collected!"
"You wouldn't have done it yourself?" Severus smirked, trying to hold in a life.
"Merlin, no. I would have made the two of you do it," Adeline smirked, causing the two to laugh again.
Adeline gave in, letting out a laugh as well. She caught Minerva's eye and bit her lip. The three quieted down a bit, feeling a bit chastised by the professor. They traded looks, holding in laughs as they knew they were being too loud and being told to quiet down. Once the students were dismissed, Adeline, Remus, and Severus exited the Great Hall, laughing as they split off to do rounds.
Adeline was reminded of their days spent in Shafiq Manor, just laughing between studying and dueling together. Back when the world felt too heavy and all she had was the two of them and Lily to keep her from being crushed by it.
She checked secret passages and hidden alcoves along with empty rooms, being sure to recheck with magic after physically checking in case she'd missed something. She sent a patronus to Albus, letting him know that the third floor was clear before heading to her quarters. Remus met her at the door, having reached the room at the same time as her.
He pulled her into a hug immediately, burying his face in her hair and inhaling deeply. She held him just as tightly, breathing him in, the sandalwood, ginger and cocoa bringing her comfort. He pulled away slowly, staring down at her with warm eyes. Adeline held his waist, resting her chin on his chest and staring up at him.
"How is he really?" she asked.
"He seemed quiet on the train. The twins came and asked me what was wrong as I was making rounds and I let them know that I hadn't been home this summer. They might show up in your classroom at some point," Remus smirked at the last bit.
"Probably," Adeline smirked.
"How was the cottage?"
"Painful," Adeline admitted. "It was fine for a bit but the longer I was there, the worse I felt."
"I'm sorry," Remus whispered.
"It's fine," Adeline sighed, shaking her head. "How was your summer?"
"Boring and quiet," he sighed.
"Hated it, didn't you?" Adeline smirked.
"So much," he admitted. "I feel much better being with you and the kids again."
"Can we make a promise to never go that long without each other again?" Adeline pouted.
"Yeah," Remus nodded, voice soft. "No pouting. I'm here now."
Adeline smiled, going on her toes and giving Remus a small kiss before they hugged again. They headed to bed not long after that, not noticing when Snuffles returned to the room and slept on the couch, disappearing into Adeline's classroom before either of them woke up.
Adeline stretched as she sat up, Remus already moving around in the kitchen and making breakfast. She smiled as she pulled a robe on, joining him and taking the offered tea. She hummed happily as she drank her tea, leaning against Remus' back as he flipped a pancake. After breakfast, they headed to the hall hand-in-hand before helping pass out schedules. Adeline smiled as Harry ran over to her, Ron behind him.
"I left my Hogsmeade permission slip at the Dursley's," Harry explained, looking put out.
"Oh," Adeline said, smiling dropping as she chewed her lip. "Are you coming around at lunch?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry nodded.
"Okay," Adeline gave him a soft smile. "We'll deal with it then. Bring your brother with you. What do you have first?"
"Transfiguration," Harry nodded.
"Hop to," Adeline smirked. "I'll see you later."
Adeline was surprised by the hug but reacted quickly, hugging Harry back and giving him a smile before he and Ron ran off with the other third years, Draco and Aster waving to her before leaving with him. She waved back as Remus went to her.
"A hug?" Remus asked, eyes wide.
"He called you dad while you were gone," she admitted.
"Did he really?" Remus asked, looking shocked yet thrilled.
"I don't know if he'll call you that to your face but he did say it," Adeline nodded.
"So, you get hugs at random and I get called dad," Remus nodded, smiling as he watched the kids run off.
"I don't know if we should be jealous of one another or not," Adeline smirked.
"Hmm," Remus nodded. "We should get going."
"I have first year Gryffindors and Slytherins first," Adeline sighed.
"Good luck with that," Remus smirked.
"Yeah, yeah," Adeline waved her hand at him. "I'll see you later."
Remus kissed Adeline's head before leaving her. Adeline watched him go for a minute before heading to her own class. She watched as the first years trickled in, a few getting distracted as Snuffles barked and jumped around them, playing with them a bit. Adeline smiled as she watched before seeing the students trying to find their names on their desks. Once the bell rang and they were all seated, Snuffles went to the front of the room, sitting up and wagging his tail as Adeline started her lecture.
"Welcome to Magical Theory. This course is required for your first year and an elective when you get to your fifth year. This will be your assigned seating for the rest of the year and the person beside you will be your partner for group projects. Yes, I understand that you have been warned that Gryffindors and Slytherins are rivaling houses. I do not care. If you have an issue with it, take it to your head of house. Minerva, Severus and I happen to be rather close and I'm sure they will tell you that they don't care either."
Adeline heard a Gryffindor snicker and mumble 'Hufflepuff' under his breath.
"Slytherin, actually," Adeline smirked. "My name is Professor Adeline Black. I assume at least a few of you have heard of me?"
The Slytherins and a couple of Gryffindors sat up straighter suddenly, showing Adeline exactly which students were pureblood right off the bat. Four of the Gryffindors and one of the Slytherins seemed confused but sat up more as well, wanting to copy their classmates. Adeline nodded before continuing her speech.
"You may be rivaling classes outside of these walls, but in my room you are not. You are simply students trying to learn magic. In magical studies, we will discuss the nature of magic, what makes spells work, and magical laws. If you take this course when you're older, you will learn how to make spells, which is why the class is only offered to the older students. Does everyone have their textbooks?"
One student twitched in their seat and Adeline discreetly sent a book to their desk, Snuffles following the book with his head as the rest of the students pulled their books out, along with a bit of parchment and a quill. Adeline began walking the students through the first three chapters of 'Magical Theory' by Adalbert Waffling, listening as the students scratched away taking notes. At the end of the hour, Adeline told the class to read chapters four and five before class on Thursday.
The students left the room as the bell rang and the twins came in. She smiled as they rushed to her.
"I don't have you until after lunch," she smirked, crossing her arms over her chest and leaning against her desk.
"We wanted to ask if Harry was alright," Fred spoke up, no filter on the boy.
"He had a rough start to his summer but I took care of it and it won't happen again. If he isn't telling the two of you what happened, then neither am I," Adeline smirked. "I believe you have defense right now?"
"We wanted to see you first," George shrugged. "We didn't get to see you during the summer."
"More like I didn't give you anything to use against your brothers over the summer and you were hoping I had something to make up for lost time," Adeline offered and both boys scratched the back of their necks.
"Well…" they said together and Adeline let out a quiet laugh.
"What do you know about dungbombs?" she asked them.
"They smell?" George offered.
"They're loud," Fred added.
"Here," Adeline waved her hand and a dungbomb flew out of her office. "I charmed a bunch of these when I was a student. Remus' friends in Gryffindors were pranksters and I wanted to get back at them. Set forty of these modified ones off under the Gryffindor table to get back at them. I'll give you this one to study so you can make your own. They're silent and stronger and can be set off in sync with other ones if done correctly."
"Wicked," the boys said together, George holding the item carefully.
"Same rules apply," Adeline raised her brow at the boys.
"No getting you with it or sending anyone to the hospital wing," Fred nodded.
"We've got it," George agreed.
"Bye, Adie!" both boys called before running from the room.
Adeline smiled as she watched them go before looking down to Snuffles.
"Watch them. They're brilliant and full of tricks," she told him as her next class began filing in.
Adeline watched as the few sixth years walked in, the elective not having been offered until Adeline had agreed to teach at the school that year. There were students from every house and they moved around the desks, finding their assigned seating. The Slytherins and Gryffindors glared at one another, the Slytherins sitting as far away from the Gryffindors as possible as the Gryffindors decided to take as much room as possible. Adeline let out a sigh, looking to Snuffles with wide eyes before the bell rang.
"Alright," Adeline sighed before raising her voice. "Welcome to Magical Theory!"
Adeline fell into her chair at the end of the class, letting out a soft groan as Snuffles left the room, deciding to explore the castle a bit. Harry and Aster pet Snuffles as they passed him in the hall before walking into Adeline's classroom.
"Hi, mum," Aster smiled when he saw her.
"Hi, Miss Adie," Harry smiled.
"Hey, boys," Adeline smiled. "Ready for lunch?"
The boys followed her into her quarters, Remus already in the kitchen waiting for them. He knocked on the table twice and food appeared. The boys sat down, telling the adults about their first two classes of the day. After eating, Harry turned to Adeline.
"My permission slip?" he asked hopefully.
"Permission slip?" Remus asked.
"Hogsmeade," Adeline said and Remus' eyes widened.
"Mine isn't signed, either," Aster frowned, looking to his parents.
"I honestly forgot until Harry said something this morning. I want to talk to both of you first," Adeline said and Remus just stared at her.
"Adie, you can't be serious. He's on the loose," Remus stated.
Adeline gave Remus a look and he sighed. They stared at each other, speaking without speaking and causing Aster to groan.
"They're doing it again," he complained to Harry, causing the younger boy to laugh.
"We need to set a few ground rules before signing your permission slip," Remus sighed, looking to the boys.
"Firstly, no going off on your own. I want you to stick in groups together at all times. Is that understood?" Adeline asked.
"Is it because of Sirius Black?" Harry asked.
"Him and the dementors," Adeline offered. "Remus and I will be chaperoning Hogsmeade weekends, so we'll be close by if something happens. Harry, you know how to contact me if something happens. Don't be afraid to do so."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry nodded.
"Second, if something seems off, come to us immediately. Even if you just get a weird feeling or someone is acting strangely. We don't care if you come to us a hundred times in an hour," Remus told them and both boys nodded.
"Remember the spells I taught you over the summer," Adeline stated. "I don't want you to get into a wand fight, but if you do, protect yourselves."
"What spells did you teach them?" Remus questioned.
"Just a few defensive spells and shields," Adeline told him.
"As long as you didn't continue the Shafiq tradition while I was gone," Remus joked.
"Shafiq tradition?" Aster asked, sitting up a bit.
"The Shafiq's made a dark curse and it's the first spell that children are taught when they receive their wand," Adeline explained.
"What curse?" Harry asked curiously.
"Doesn't matter," Adeline shook her head. "Neither of you are learning it if I can help it."
Aster pouted as Adeline spoke, wanting to learn more about the family traditions but hearing the finality in his mum's voice. Adeline sighed at the pout that she knew he'd gotten from her. She reached out, taking his hand.
"I've taught you about the traditions that aren't dark," she told him. "You got your heir ring as well. I know you want to learn more but there are certain things that I want to protect you from for as long as possible. Let me do that?"
"Okay," Aster sighed, giving Adeline a weak smile.
"Okay," Adeline nodded as the bell rang. "Go on. I'll see you both in Defense."
"What?" Aster asked, confused.
"Mum is helping with class today. It's a bit of a rough one," Remus explained. "Either of you know what a boggart is?"
"It takes the shape of what you fear most," Aster nodded.
"We read about it in our defense book for this year," Harry added when Remus looked impressed.
"Broomsticks are only entertaining for so long," Aster smirked.
"Same with exploring the woods," Harry nodded.
"Ah," Remus smirked.
"How did you stay entertained there?" Aster asked curiously.
"Well, there were more of us," Adeline offered. "Made it easier. We were also able to leave the wards."
"We were in hiding. There was nothing entertaining about it," Remus rolled his eyes as they all stood to leave the quarters.
"The spying was a little fun," Adeline shrugged, giving Aster and Harry a wink as Remus sputtered a bit.
"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Remus questioned when the boys laughed.
"Call it payback for being gone all summer," Adeline shrugged. "Let's go boys."
Adeline and the boys ran into Adeline's classroom, Adeline closing the door quickly as Remus debated running after her. Adeline could hear the boys laughing as they made their way down the hall and the twins entered the classroom.
"Hello, Professor," they smirked together, grabbing random seats directly in front of her.
"There's assigned seating," she told them, her smirk matching theirs as Snuffles trotted into the room.
"We're assigning ourselves," Fred shrugged.
"To right here," George nodded.
"Well, I'm the professor and I assigned you to seats not next to one another so that I don't have a mess to clear up by the end of class," Adeline rolled her eyes. "Move it."
The twins found their actual seats and the rest of the class joined them, also students from every house. Adeline smirked as the Slytherins sat with the Gryffindors, looking more unhappy than the sixth years had been. Adeline sighed again, feeling a headache already coming on as she stared at the class. Once the bell had rung and everyone had taken their seats, Adeline stared out at the students, the Slytherins sitting up with the shoulders back and heads high as they stared at Adeline, wanting to make a good impression as they had last year in defense. The Gryffindors saw Fred and George actually behaving and narrowed their eyes, wondering what the two were up to. The Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were already getting along, talking back and forth a bit before Adeline gained their attention.
"Welcome to Magical Theory," she announced, everyone turning their attention to her. "You all took the basic course for this in your first year. We're just going to review and see what you remember today before going over the syllabus. Now, who can tell me about Gamp's Law?"
And so the class went on, Adeline asking questions and awarding points to anyone with an answer. With five minutes remaining, Adeline smiled.
"In this class, we'll be discussing different branches of magic and how to create spells. Next year, we'll go into more detail of creating spells and then in seventh year, you'll be able to apply that to creating a spell on your own."
The students sat up a little straighter and Adeline smirked.
"Read chapter eight of your book for homework," Adeline told them, the bell ringing just as she finished speaking.
The fifth years left, talking excitedly back and forth at the idea of creating a spell. Adeline looked down to Snuffles, scratching behind his ears a bit before standing and going into her living quarters before going through Remus' office to get to his classroom. She smirked as she stood behind him, slowly walking towards him.
"Hello, Adie," Remus said, voice flat.
"Stupid werewolf hearing," Adeline grumbled before moving forward and wrapping her arms around Remus' waist, resting her head on his back.
Remus smirked, looking back at her with a fond look. Adeline looked up, giving him a smile before releasing him. She hoped onto the counter by the window, crossing her legs and watching as students started arriving. Remus stood beside her, both smiling when Aster and Harry walked in, Ron and Draco with them. The bell rang and Adeline watched as Remus began his lecture.
"Who can tell me what a boggart is?" he asked.
Harry, Aster, Draco and Hermione all raised their hands, Hermione seeming to have appeared out of thin air.
"Miss Granger," Remus nodded.
"It's a creature that takes the appearance of your biggest fear," she explained.
"Correct."
The wardrobe at the front of the class shook violently. Adeline glared at it, scooting further down the counter before turning to see Remus giving her a pointed look. She stuck her tongue out before smirking and looking to the class.
"Loony, loopy Lupin!" Peeves sang, flying through the wall. "Loony, loopy Lupin! Loony, loopy Lupin!"
"Hello Peeves," Remus smirked at the poltergeist. "Stick any gun in keyholes lately?"
Peeves blew a raspberry at Remus before looking to Adeline.
"Sneaky, slithery Shafiq!"
"This is a useful little spell," Remus told the class. "Please watch closely."
Remus raised his wand at Peeves.
"Waddiwasi!"
The gum that had been stuck in the wardrobe shot like a bullet straight into Peeve's left nostril. He whirled upright and zoomed away, cursing.
"Cool, sir!" Dean Thomas yelled.
"Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Where was I?"
"Nasty creature in the wardrobe," Adeline offered.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Professor Black," Lupin nodded before looking back to the class. "Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces. Wardrobes, the gap between beds, cupboards under sinks, creepy attics."
Adeline bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"The boggart in this wardrobe has not yet assumed a form. He does not know what will frighten the person on the other side of the door. Nobody knows what a boggart looks like when he is alone, but when I let him out, he will immediately become whatever each of us most fears," Remus took a moment before continuing. "The charm that repels a boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that finishes a boggart off is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. Let's practice. Repeat after me, please… Riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" the class called.
"Do I have a volunteer to start?"
No one stepped forward. Not even Hermione who Adeline knew was always the first one to accept a challenge.
"Maybe Professor Black?" Remus turned to her.
"Do I have to?" Adeline groaned.
A few students laughed and Aster stepped forward.
"I'll do it," he shrugged.
"Excellent," Remus nodded, smirking at Adeline. "Gryffindor bravery."
"Well, I'm a Slytherin, so…"
Harry and Aster shared a look before facing forward again as a few students whispered at the blatant flirting between two professors.
"Aster, step forward."
Remus walked over to Aster, the two whispering back and forth a bit before Remus nodded. He stood behind Aster, raising his wand and counting down from three. The wardrobe opened and Aster himself stepped out, dark bags under his eyes and a smile a bit too large on his face, hair all over the place and eyes black. Adeline's eyes widened as she stared at her son having gone dark, a true combination of the Black and Shafiq blood.
"Riddikulus!" Aster yelled and he turned into a clown.
The clown looked around confused.
"Excellent! Next!"
Adeline snapped her fingers and playful music started up. The boggart faced Blaise Zabini before it turned into a bat with sharp teeth before it became a squeaky toy. Parvati faced a mummy, laughing as it's head fell off. Seamus darter forward, a banshee appeared before clutching her throat. The banshee turned into a rat chasing its own tail, then a rattlesnake that writhed, then a single eyeball.
"It's confused! We're getting there!" Remus cried. "Next!"
The eyeball became a severed hand before becoming caught in a mouse trap. A large spider who's legs came off and rolled on the ground, landing in front of Harry.
"Here!" Remus yelled, standing in front of the boggart. Adeline rushed forward, blocking Harry's and Aster's view before they could see. "Riddikulus. Aster finish him off."
Aster's darker self was back and Adeline stood back. The clown reappeared and Aster let out a loud laugh. The boggart exploded, burst into a thousand wisps of smoke, and was gone.
"Excellent!" Remus called.
"Let's see. Five points to each student who faced the boggart, ten for Aster for facing it twice. Five points to Hermione for answering the question correctly. Excellent lesson. Homework, kindly read the chapter on boggarts and summarize it for me… to be handed in on Monday. That will be all."
The class talked excitedly as they left, Harry seeming a bit put out as he hung back, Aster staying with him. Adeline and Remus waited until the other students left before turning to the boys.
"Why did you stop me?" Harry asked.
"And why did you not let us see dad's boggart?" Aster asked.
"Because I was worried your boggart would turn into something a bit too similar to mine," Remus explained and Adeline turned to Aster.
"Because you don't need to see mine and your dad's worst fears. Speaking of, do we need to go somewhere and talk for a bit?"
"Maybe this weekend?" Aster offered, chewing his lip a bit, a habit he'd gotten from her.
"Okay," she nodded. "We'll make a day out of it."
"Okay," Aster nodded before looking to Harry. "Ready?"
"Yeah," Harry nodded.
The two boys left and Adeline looked to Remus. He reached for her without thought, pulling her close as she forced herself not to cry.
"Did I do this?" she whispered the question out.
"No," Remus whispered back.
"Should I have not told him the family history?" she asked.
"Adie, this isn't your fault," Remus stepped back, making Adeline look into his eyes. "He would have found out about the Shafiq and Black family history no matter what you did. He's a curious child and he wants to know everything he can about where and who he came from."
"Should I have told him the truth?" Adeline asked, voice soft. "That way he would know that the Shafiqs have nothing to do with him?"
"No," Remus shook his head. "He would tell Harry and the twins and Harry would tell Ron and Hermione and then everyone would know."
"It felt like everyone knew when we were in school," Adeline grumbled, leaning into Remus again.
"Far too many people knew," Remus agreed with a sigh, arms wrapping around her.
"I missed you," Adeline whispered.
"I missed you, too," he whispered back and Adeline could hear his smile.
"Are you making fun of me in your head?" she asked, looking up and glaring a bit.
"Never," he shook his head, still smiling.
"Good," she nodded. "We should do our rounds before going to dinner."
"Okay," Remus nodded, taking Adeline's hand and leading her out of the classroom.
Students stared at the two as they walked through the halls together, not used to seeing professors holding hands.
"We'll be the talk of the school," Adeline sighed as they finally walked into the Great Hall that night.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Remus smirked.
He pulled her chair out for her before sitting himself. Severus sighed, rubbing his eyes before looking to the two of them.
"Do we need to discuss boundaries?" he asked them.
"What do you mean?" Adeline asked, confused.
"Apparently you were flirting," Severus told them.
"When?" Remus asked, confused.
"In your class," Severus offered.
"We didn't flirt," Adeline shook her head.
"Did you speak to each other?" Severus asked.
"Yes," Remus answered, confused.
"Then you flirted."
Adeline rolled her eyes as Remus let out a small laugh. The rest of the week was uneventful. Adeline signed Harry's and Aster's Hogsmeade permission slips, passing them to Minerva on Saturday.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Minerva asked.
"Not even a little," Adeline sighed. "We gave them rules for while they're there though. They understand that it's a risk and I am more than willing to keep them here instead of letting them go if circumstances change."
Minerva just nodded, knowing Adeline knew what she was doing. On Sunday, Aster crawled into bed with Remus and Adeline, curling against Adeline's side as she held him. Remus kissed both of their heads before getting dressed and going to Harry, leading him out of their living quarters to spend some one-on-one time with him.
"Tell me what's going on in your mind sweetheart," Adeline said, holding Aster close.
"I'm afraid," he whispered out. "I'm afraid that I'll become like them, like people on both sides of the family."
"You won't," Adeline shook her head.
"How do you know?" he asked, looking into her eyes.
"Because you're afraid of it happening," Adeline told him. "Bad people aren't afraid of doing bad things and becoming worse people."
"What if I do something terrible one day?"
"Like what?"
"Like, what if I kill someone?"
"Have you killed someone?"
"Of course not!"
Adeline let out a small laugh at Aster's distraught face.
"Sweetheart, if you ever do something and think that it's too far, come find me. I'll tell you if you've gone too far. I solemnly swear."
"Okay," Aster sighed, leaning into Adeline again.
"I know you're still scared. It's alright to be afraid. As long as you keep trying to be better, you'll always be good. I work at it every day. Do you think I'm a bad person?"
"No," Aster shook his head.
"I was raised by bad people. They willingly hurt people, hurt children."
"Did they hurt you?"
"Yes."
"What did they do?"
"Well, Miranda Shafiq hit me a lot. Walburga Black used an unforgivable on me."
"What's an unforgivable?"
"There are three unforgivable curses. One controls somebody, one tortures somebody, and one kills somebody."
"Is that what Voldemort used on Harry?"
"It is."
"And Walburga used one of them on you?"
"The torture curse," Adeline admitted. "She used it on me after Sirius Black had been blown off the Black family tapestry. She did it to prove a point and then continued to do it any time that I disagreed with her. She did it to Sirius Black as well."
"Is that why he went mad?" Aster questioned.
"I don't know," Adeline sighed. "I trusted Sirius Black until the very end honestly. Until the moment that I heard that he'd killed Pete, I was telling everyone, your dad included, that they were going after the wrong man."
"So dad was right and you were wrong? That doesn't feel right," Aster joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"It is rather strange," Adeline smirked. "Only time it's ever happened."
"Are you and dad ever going to get married?"
Adeline laughed loudly, having already answered that question a few hundred times in the past.
"Tell you what. If your dad and I ever decide to get married, you can officiate," Adeline offered.
"No. I'll be walking you down the aisle. Harry can officiate," Aster nodded.
"Are you going to rope your brother into this now, too?" Adeline rolled her eyes.
"Of course. Why do you think he went with dad today?"
Adeline laughed loudly, Aster laughing with her. She looked to Aster, his blue eyes shining back at her as his curly black hair flopped into his face a bit. Adeline brushed his hair back, smiling at him.
"You look so much like your father," Adeline sighed.
"Tell me about them?" Aster asked.
"Reggie, you father, was brilliant. He was smart and witty. He was good at anything he tried which was so unfair. James was a laugh. He was also a bit of a mother hen though. He took care of everyone and when he put his attention on you, it was like no one else in the room mattered. Lily was amazing. She was fiery and challenging. She always stood up for people. Mattheo was an angel. He was the kindest, sweetest man I had ever met and he was willing to fight for the ones he loved no matter what. Peter was so shy and jumpy. Half the time he would be hiding away in a corner and trying to make himself smaller one second, but then the moment he saw his friends, he would crack a joke so unexpected and funny that you'd doubled over in laughter."
Adeline took a deep breath.
"I miss them every day."
"I'm sorry that you've been through so much, mum," Aster whispered.
"Don't be," she shook her head. "Everything I went through led me to you. If even one thing was different, you would be a different person and I adore who you are. You're my everything and I am so grateful for you. I wish we'd gotten Harry much sooner than we did. I think that's the only thing I'd change."
"Me, too," Aster nodded.
"The point is to not lose yourself in the past and what could have been if you'd made a different choice. You need to thank the ones who helped you become who you are and gave you what you have and look to the future. That's where your happiness will be."
Aster just nodded before cuddling into Adeline again. They stayed there for a while, whispering back and forth a bit before Harry and Remus returned. Remus smiled as Harry ran to the bed, kicking his shoes off before joining Adeline and Aster, his arm going around Adeline as he pressed himself into her back. Adeline just held his hand, the other tangled in Aster's hand.
Adeline glared at Hagrid as he tried defending the Hippogriff. She was trying to not be mad, she truly was, but seeing Aster's back after he'd pushed Draco out of the way was sending her a bit over the edge. Bruise balm had been used, but he was still flinching a bit where he sat, his back sore from the hooves that had stampeded across him. Remus had his hand on Adeline's shoulder, holding her in place so she wouldn't attack Hagrid herself. She was imagining different ways to cook a hippogriff in her head.
Harry and Aster walked with their friends through Hogsmeade, Adeline smiling a distance away as she watched them laugh. She looked around, making sure she didn't see anyone acting strangely. All she saw were jack-o-lanterns singing in windows. That night, Adeline ran into the Great Hall, Harry and Aster rushing to her the moment they saw her.
"You're okay," she whispered to them, holding them tightly. "It's alright."
"He was in the castle," Harry whispered, voice shaking.
"I know. You're okay, though. You're okay."
She was telling herself more than anything else, reaffirming in her mind that Sirius hadn't gotten to her boys. After a few minutes, Adeline led the boys back to their friends, leaving them there as she went to the rest of the staff. She stayed in the hall, watching over the kids as they all seemed terrified. She made a decision then, finding the twins and giving them a small nod.
The twins smiled brightly before putting their heads together, talking excitedly in hushed voices. A few minutes later, fireworks were going off above everyone's heads, making every one smile and laugh. Adeline nodded to the twins before trading with Severus and going to search the school.
Adeline checked secret passageways, classrooms and alcoves, even looking in a suit of armor when she was feeling paranoid. All she found was Snuffles, sniffing around the castle. She smiled, scratching his head as she went by and telling him to keep looking for the bad man.
A week later, Adeline had Remus' arm in a death grip as Harry flew through the sky at speeds that she felt should be illegal. Remus simply patted her hand in understanding, smiling as he watched the match. Aster hit a bludger before turning to see Harry flying into the clouds, losing sight of him in the process. Aster turned back to the game in time to barrel roll out of the way of a bludger sent his way. Adeline let out a groan.
"Why do you even watch?" Remus laughed.
"I hate quidditch," she groaned, eyes searching for Harry. "Where is he?"
"Harry!" Hermione's scream cut through the crowd and Adeline gasped as she saw Harry free falling towards the field, his broom no where in sight. Adeline, Remus and Severus were on their feet with the wands out in the blink of an eye.
"Arresto momentum!" Adeline yelled and Harry slowed in the air.
"Spongify!" Remus and Severus yelled, pointing to the ground.
Harry landed and the three started pushing through the crowd to get to Harry.
"Oh, screw this!" Adeline yelled, closing her eyes for a second before opening them again.
Adeline flew above the crowd, causing gasps to break out. She flew to the field, reaching Harry before Poppy could. She looked up, finding dementors flying lower and lower, students screaming.
"Expecto Patronum!" Adeline yelled, other voices mixing with hers in the process.
An ox ran beside Adeline's and Aster's wolves, Remus' raven, and Severus' doe. She looked back to Harry, not noticing as she conjuring a stretcher beneath him and running a diagnostic spell. Poppy reached her, pulling her back gently. Adeline stepped aside, giving Poppy room to work as she checked over Adeline's spell. Adeline kept her eyes on Harry as he began floating towards the castle on the stretcher, following behind him.
Once in the hospital wing, Poppy placed Harry on a bed and someone brushed pass Adeline, gaining her attention. She got a strange sense of déjà vu from the back of the man's head, the mused curls reminding her of someone but she couldn't remember who. Remus and Severus ran to her sides, staring at Harry. Poppy and the man worked together well, summoning a potion quickly as Poppy explained that Harry was being given a pepper up potion to him. The man just nodded, listening intently.
The Gryffindor team ran in, along with Ron and Hermione. Adeline looked at the blanket on Ron's arm and sighed, thankful that she'd paid extra in case something happened to Harry and Aster's brooms. Ron showed Remus the pieces and he let out a low whistle at the damage before turning back. Remus' gasp was what caused Adeline to look back to the man who had been helping Poppy.
"Oh, my God," she whispered, staring at the man who could only be eighteen or so.
He had dark, curly hair and soft features. A small scar above his lip from years ago was the only blemish on his face. His dark eyes stared at Remus and Severus in confusion before he caught sight of Adeline. He pointed at her, a look of recognition on his face.
"I know you," he said simply.
"Thomas," Adeline breathed. "What are you doing here?"
Remus and Severus stared back and forth between the two.
"Studying to be a healer," he shrugged. "How do I know you?"
"Your brother, Mattheo," Adeline explained and Aster's eyes widened as he stared at Adeline.
"Oh, you were friends?" he asked. "Sorry for not remembering you. I was a kid at the time."
"You were young when you moved away," Adeline smiled, giving him a sad smile and she held the ring on her necklace.
"Yeah," Thomas nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't catch your name."
"Adeline," Adeline answered and Thomas stared at her for a moment before nodding, causing Adeline to flinch. "Guessing you've heard of me."
"My sister isn't your biggest fan," he offered. "Sorry."
"Don't be," Adeline shook her head. "I understand."
Groaning from Harry's bed caused Adeline to tear her eyes away from Thomas. She went to Harry's side, grabbing his hand and passing him his glasses.
"What happened?" he asked, sitting up slowly.
"Dementors," Remus sighed. "You feinted, fell off your broom. We caught you."
Harry smiled at the last part, as if it was already obvious.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Potter?" Thomas asked.
"I'm fine," Harry shrugged.
"Just fine? Is anything hurting? Do you feel cold at all?" Thomas questioned, voice softening.
"No," Harry shook his head. "I feel fine."
"Good," Poppy smiled, patting Harry's shoulder. "No injuries. You're clear to go."
"My broom," Harry said, staring at the bundle in Ron's arms.
"I'll get you another," Adeline assured him. "Don't worry about that."
Harry sank in the bed a bit, feeling bad.
"It wasn't your fault," Adeline told him.
"I didn't even get to try the spell," Harry grumbled. "It happened so fast."
"It's okay," Adeline told him, making him look in her eyes. "As long as you aren't hurt, it's okay. Stop beating yourself up over it darling."
Harry nodded before going to stand. Adeline moved out of the way, offering her hand to help. Harry smiled before taking it, releasing her once he was up. He stretched and looked to the rest of the team.
"Who won?" he asked and everyone flinched. "How bad was it?"
"No one blames you, Harry," Hermione assured him. "Professor Dumbledore was furious when he saw the dementors."
"How many points?" Harry asked.
"A hundred points," Wood grumbled.
Harry closed his eyes, disappointment clear on his face. Adeline debated pulling him into a hug for a moment before his eyes opened again.
"We'll make up for it in the next game," he nodded to Wood.
The students left the hospital wing, all talking excitedly, the pieces of the broom getting left behind. Adeline called for Wobky, having him go to get the broom replaced for her. She turned to Thomas seeing him staring at her with a curious expression. She chewed her lip for a moment before turning and leaving, knowing if she stared at him any longer she would end up having a breakdown.
She flopped onto the couch in hers and Remus' quarters, letting out a hard breath as she did so. Remus and Severus just watched her, unsure of how she was handling it. She finally looked back at them.
"I'm fine," she promised. "Stop staring at me as if I'm about to explode."
Remus let out a sigh of relief as Severus rolled his eyes.
"Always so dramatic," Severus sighed. "I'll see you both later."
"Bye, Sev," Adeline smiled as Remus sat beside Adeline, pulling her on to his lap so he could hold her. "Are you okay? You've been very touchy lately."
"The wolf was unhappy that you weren't there during the moon," Remus sighed, holding onto her. "He wanted me to go find you."
"I'm flattered?"
"Can we spend Christmas in the castle?" Aster asked as the small family ate breakfast together on a different day.
"Sure," Remus shrugged.
"Less decorating for me to do," Adeline shrugged.
"Draco said that the Blacks used to have Christmas Eve balls when you were kids," Harry said slowly, as if testing the waters.
"They did," Adeline nodded.
"Why don't we have balls?" Aster asked.
"Do we need to take you to Madam Pomfrey?" Adeline asked and Remus couldn't hold his laugh in anymore, Harry joining in as Aster blushed.
"You know what I meant," Aster glared at Adeline once everyone had calmed.
"It was Walburga's thing," Adeline shrugged. "It was fun the first couple of times before I realized that it was actually her way of showing me off. Maybe one day, when you're out of school, I'll throw one so you can see how boring it is."
"Technically it was only boring because you had to behave," Remus offered.
"I didn't behave. I poured befuddlement potion into the punch," Adeline defended.
"Befuddlement potion?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"Don't even think about it," Adeline warned him.
"There was also the time you got the bowl to tip over on multiple people," Remus offered.
"I really didn't want to be there," Adeline sighed.
"Didn't Reggie try putting laughing potion in one time?"
"He did," Adeline smirked. "I took the fall for that one. The others I got away with. Reggie was never good with pranks."
"He was rather terrible at it," Remus nodded. "He always needed your help."
"Barty and Evan were rather useless, too, in that regard," Adeline offered.
"Who?" Aster asked, never having heard those names before.
"Two boys in Slytherin with Reggie and I," Adeline shook her head. "Purebloods. One died during the war and the other died in Azkaban afterwards."
"Oh," Aster nodded.
Harry made a mental note to look up Adeline in history books later, wondering who else she'd known. Adeline was not prepared when Harry slammed a large book in front of her. She stared at him, waiting for him to tell her what was wrong as he breathed heavily as Remus and Aster sat in shock.
"You killed people," Harry said simply, waiting for an excuse.
"I did," Adeline nodded and Aster gasped. "It was a war. People die during wars."
"They didn't die. You killed them," Harry defended.
Adeline sighed before looking down at the book, taking note of how many people she'd been credited for the deaths of. She stared at Evan's name for a moment before her eyes landed on Dorcas Black. She stared in confusion before closing the book and rolling her eyes.
"Rita Skeeter," she sighed. "I have a better book. This one isn't accurate."
Adeline waved her hand and a book flew to her. She passed it to Harry, watching as he took it with shaking hands.
"I did kill people," Adeline admitted. "I poisoned Orion Black for putting a hit out on Dorcas Black and her unborn child. That won't be in that book. No one knows about it. I killed Evan Rosier the same day that Voldemort killed Lily and James as he was going after Remus and Aster when they were trick or treating. I killed Death Eaters that were trying to kill James, Lily, Remus, Aster and you. I also saved a lot of people by spying on Voldemort for Dumbledore starting from my fourth year and made sure a lot of people went to Azkaban for killing innocent people. There is more to a war than what you will ever read in a book, things that you won't understand unless you are ever in one."
Harry stared at Adeline, indecision in his eyes before he turned and left. Aster ran after him and Adeline sighed, rubbing her face. Remus reached out, placing his hand on her shoulder. She turned to him, giving him a weak smile before standing.
"I'm going to go find Snuffles," she explained.
"It's almost Christmas and I still haven't met him," Remus smirked.
Harry received a Firebolt for Christmas and glared as Adeline took it, passing it to Flitwick to look over in case it was cursed. He slammed the door on his way out of their quarters. Adeline sank into her seat, watching as Aster chased after him. Remus held her all night as she'd cried, feeling like she was doing everything wrong. He didn't even thank her when she handed it back to him when it had been cleared of curses, just glared at the floor before snatching it away and running off. His replacement broom came in the next day and she placed it in the closet in the hall.
Adeline hid her face in Remus' shoulder, unable to watch as Harry flew at breakneck speeds during the match. Remus just wrapped his arm around her, promising to tell her when the game was won. She cheered loudly when Harry caught the snitch, smiling brightly.
That night, she was livid. She searched the castle, tearing tapestries down so that they wouldn't hide the cracks in the halls anymore in case he ran into one. She spelled every secret passage shut before putting alarms on every empty classroom, debating charming the doorknobs to bite before shaking her head, thinking of a student could get bit by accident. The alarms would have to do.
Adeline walked into the Great Hall, stopping to stare at Harry and Aster as they spoke quietly to Remus, Harry hugging him. Adeline approached slowly, not wanting to interrupt the moment but wanting to be close to it.
"I'm scared, dad," Harry whispered and Adeline forced the tears back.
"We'll find him," Remus promised.
Adeline stepped away, deciding to leave the boys in peace. Harry looked up in time to see Adeline turn and walk away, on her way to search the castle again. He released Remus a few moments later, Aster dragging him over to the twins, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and Ginny. Adeline stayed awake all night, drinking an energy potion so that she could keep an eye out on everything. She fell asleep late the next day, sleeping until Remus woke her for Monday classes.
Adeline stared at Lucius with a blank expression.
"Did you hear me?" he asked.
"The big bird has been sentenced to death. I heard," Adeline's voice was flat.
"Why aren't you happy?" Lucius asked, sitting beside her. "Sissy says you've been off. What's going on?"
"Aster will be heart broken that the beast is being put down, even if it hurt him," Adeline explained.
"That isn't why you're truly upset."
"Harry is angry with me because of my part in the war," Adeline sighed.
"You were a spy for Dumbledore. What's so upsetting for him about that?"
"I killed people," Adeline sighed. "I think he thought that no one killed anyone in the war, or at least that I hadn't. Aster and Remus are trying to calm him."
"He's still speaking to Remus?"
"Yes."
"But Remus killed Mulciber," Lucius said, confused.
"Which Remus told him," Adeline nodded.
"And he's still upset with you?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Haven't the foggiest."
Harry was held in the air by the Quidditch team, everyone cheering as Harry was handed the Quidditch cup. Adeline stood at the entrance of the pitch with Snuffles, staring forward. Her face was blank and a tear ran down her cheek. Snuffles whined, pushing his head against her hand. Adeline pet him gently before leaving the pitch, Snuffles trotting along behind her.
Adeline sent Harry a note, telling him congratulations, along with a new broom servicing kit. Harry read the note and stared at the kit for a long moment before looking to the head table, finding Adeline missing. He sighed before looking to Aster. Aster just stared at him, not saying anything.
"Miss Adie?" Harry asked, walking into the quarters.
"In here!" Adeline called from her brewing room.
Harry walked into the room, finding Adeline bent over a cauldron, slowly adding in a shiny liquid, her hair in a messy bun with a few strands of hair escaping. She stirred the potion a few times before lowering the heat and turning to Harry. She gave him a gentle smile, waiting for him to speak.
"I'm sorry," he whispered out before rushing forward and wrapping his arms around her.
Adeline held him just as tightly, letting out a breath of relief.
"The twins gave Harry the map," Remus smirked.
"You've got to be kidding me," Adeline sighed.
"Nope."
"How'd they get it?"
"Probably nicked it from Argus' office at some point. They figured it out though. Got it working."
"And now Harry has it," Adeline nodded before looking to Remus.
"I'm going to have to take it from him," Remus sighed.
"You could always just ask instead of taking it," Adeline offered.
Remus just nodded.