The Marauder's heiress returns

Yule plans and little spy

As usual, Adelaide found herself packing her trunk at the last minute, hurrying to catch the train that was set to depart in half an hour. She made sure to include all her letters from Madam Bones in her trunk, as she needed to add them to a folder waiting for her back at Potter Manor. Together, they had secretly arranged for all those residing in Azkaban, who were allegedly Death Eaters, to have a trial during the Christmas holiday in front of the full Wizengamot. That included rescuing Barty Jr from his father while making sure Crouch Sr was put on trial for performing an unforgivable.

"Sister?" Adelaide's head snapped up towards her bedroom door where Neville stood with a small smile. Instantly, she could tell something was bothering him and felt a little uneasy as she hadn't felt such through their bond, meaning he most likely was able to somewhat mute it.

"Nev?" The young wizard slowly approached and slumped onto her bed with a stress-filled sigh. Adelaide frowned and sat beside him, running her fingers through his hair which eased some of the tension in his body. "Talk to me, brother"

"You know, I never knew my parents and yet, I miss them every fucking day, especially on the holidays. Why is life so unfair, Della? Why does everyone else get to have their parents but we don't?" Her heart broke as she watched the tears leave her big brother's clenched eyes, he biting onto his lip to stop it from quivering. She lightly guided his head onto her lap and bent to place a kiss on his forehead.

"I've asked those same questions a thousand times, Neville and I've never been satisfied with the answer. Death is a part of our lives now, quite literally but there is one rule that was given. We can never raise the dead. I know your parents aren't dead but I can see how much their condition affects you and Gran. I'm so sorry, Nev" She pressed her hand against her mouth, trying to muffle the sob that uncontrollably escaped her lips.

She hated seeing any of her pack upset, but Neville held a special place in her heart. He had been one of the few people in her past who supported her without hesitation, even when everyone else looked down on her and accused her of being a future dark lady. For years, she had yearned for her parents, wishing she could have been raised in an environment filled with their love, but that was something she couldn't change. Although she couldn't have her loved ones with her in person, she was fortunate to be able to communicate with them from the afterlife. In contrast, Neville had to endure the painful sight of his parents in the hospital, physically present but emotionally distant, completely unaware of who he was or the bond they shared. Overall, things for Neville were a lot worse and all she could wish for was to take that pain away.

"Remember, little love. Remember..." Death's soothing but cryptic words caused a deep frown to form on her face.

"Remember? Remember what exactly?" She received no reply but felt a jolt of amusement within herself, and knew it wasn't from her pack bond but the connection she held with death. Shaking off the odd conversation, Adelaide turned her attention back onto Neville who was lying with his head in her lap, fiddling with a loose string that connected to the duvet.

"Are you visiting your parents this Christmas Eve?" Her question brought a small sad smile onto his face as he nodded before his eyes suddenly lit up. He sat up abruptly, making Adelaide jolt back slightly to avoid getting hit by his head.

"You should come!"

Adelaide raised an eyebrow, considering his suggestion. On one hand, she would love to finally see her godmother and her husband, two individuals who were close friends of her parents. On the other hand, she wasn't sure if she could bear seeing them in such a vulnerable state. The Cruciatus Curse was often used during times of war, even with Voldemort towards his followers but it was rare for anyone to hold the curse on someone to the point of insanity. A sudden thought made her tense and lose herself in her thoughts, not noticing the concerned look from Neville who spent the next few minutes calling out her name.