𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀, harry potter

one hundred and seven

107 || the git and the gift

Adelaide and Blaise sat on the sofa in silence. She had told him everything that had happened at the Burrow, and he was yet to reply.

"Dumbledore is working with the woman who killed you?"

"Yeah."

"Your biological mother?"

"Yeah."

"And your dad and Regulus said nothing?"

"Nope."

"That's fucked, man," Blaise stated, "Really."

"Every Christmas, something always goes wrong," Adelaide said, "I swear I'm cursed, I'm never celebrating Christmas again."

He frowned, "What about presents?"

"They suck."

"What about my present to you?" Blaise asked with a grin.

Adelaide sat up, "You got me a present?"

"Of course. My favourite blonde needs her present," He said and disappeared into another room before making his return, holding a book, "It's something I put together. You've had a hard year, and I thought it would make you smile."

She took the book from him and opened it, her face dropping as she stared at a picture of her and Theo. There were so many of the friends throughout the years, from their first Quidditch matches to parties where they got black-out drunk. And it felt like she was reliving them all over again. Adelaide looked to Blaise and smiled, "I love it."

"Really?"

"Absolutely." Adelaide put her head on his shoulder, "Hey, do you remember the last time I was here?"

"You said you wouldn't bring that up again."

Adelaide spent the night at Blaise's, and when the sun began to rise, she said her goodbyes to Blaise and Mrs Zabini and took the floo system back home, where she was sure a bollocking would be waiting for her. And she was right.

Sirius was waiting for Adelaide the very second she stepped out of the fireplace. Hands on his hips with a mug of coffee in his hand. His eyes were dark, and the bags underneath were prevalent, it was obvious he hadn't slept the night before.

"Why didn't you come back last night?"

"Thought you might've invited a murderer around for tea," Adelaide shrugged, "Bellatrix? Or maybe Greyback? Seems I'm not quite up to date with your list of friends as of recently."

He sighed and put the mug on the table, "I'm not friends with your mother."

"She's not my mother."

"I'm not friends with Alexis," Sirius corrected himself, "You have to understand, there's a war, Adelaide. She came to us and wanted to he-"

"No, I do understand. I understand that Dumbledore is careless with the people he trusts. I understand that no one cares about what happened that night at the ministry. I understand that once someone says sorry with a smile, everything is all dandy again, even though they put a knife through your daughter. So, no, I do understand. In case you forgot, I'm the one who died. I'm the one who saw their best friend get killed. And I'm the one who now has to watch people I thought were on my side be buddies with the woman who killed me."

Regulus now entered silently, standing by the door frame with his hands in his pockets, "You didn't even defend me." Adelaide said, her voice breaking, "Do you know how that feels? It was embarrassing. You're my dad, and you're my uncle. You're supposed to be there for me."

"We are." Sirius tried to say.

"No, you aren't. You let Dumbledore walk all over me like a dirty carpet. He constantly throws me aside; he throws everyone aside. Somehow, I'm the only person who can see that he's just another man in power, he doesn't care about you, or me, or Harry. We're collateral damage, another body lost in his fight. Mum, Theo, James, Lily, Dorcas, and you know what, I'm done." Adelaide paused, "If you two want to die for a coward, that's fine. But don't expect me to charge into battle for that man."

Regulus tried to grab her arm, but Adelaide moved away and went straight for the stairs and to her room. And to think, it was only Boxing Day.

For the rest of the day, Adelaide was left alone. Even when she did venture out of her room the men didn't approach her. Adelaide's best guess was that they were formulating an apology letter.

When dinner came around, the smell of pizza filled the air. Were they trying to coax Adelaide into going downstairs? Absolutely. Would she be going downstairs? Without a doubt.

"You ready to talk?" Sirius asked.

"I'm ready to eat."

With a smile from the man, they all sat at the table and dived into the pizza, munching away in silence until Regulus decided to speak up.

"We don't agree with Alexis joining the Order." He stated.

"You seemed to last night."

"No, we don't." Regulus looked at Sirius, "Dumbledore sprung it on us last night, completely out of nowhere. He gave us no choice, given she was in the room with us. It's hard being in a war; you never know what's truly going through people's minds. Less than a year ago, she was willing to kill you to get back at the Order, and now she wants to help. It really is confusing. And what Dumbledore said about you not having a say was wrong. She caused you pain and suffering, and there should be consequences to that. She shouldn't be allowed to roam scot-free. And you're the one who has to deal with the fact that this woman, who hurt you, is now working with us. Dumbledore should have spoken to you."

Adelaide nodded, "That's true. He should have. But he didn't. And I don't blame you guys, I know that you're trying to fight to save us. But I can't be happy or excited to welcome her with open arms."

Sirius put a hand on hers, "We know. And you're not part of the Order. So, from now on, anything Order related won't be happening here or anywhere near you." She smiled at this, "But by the way, Dumbledore wants to train you."

Adelaide's smile dropped, "What?"

"He knows about the Lore family gift or whatnot, and he wants to use it."

"I'm not doing that." Adelaide stated, "I'm not Harry, I won't be a lab rat or a tool."

Regulus looked to Sirius, "We think it would be best if someone trains you. Not Dumbledore, not Alexis. As much as this pains Sirius, we think Snape could be a choice."

"Done."

"That quickly?"

"Snape's better than the other two."

Sirius frowned, "Is he though?"

"Yes."

Adelaide took the last bit of pizza, "I mean, I could train myself."

"No, you couldn't," Regulus said quickly.

"What? I'm smart you know, I read books. Snape will get me books from the restricted section and some from his collection, I can do it."

The brothers looked at each other, discussing it silently, "If you think it's the best option. Then fine. After all, it's your gift."

"Precisely."