Chapter 14
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ADHARA DIDN'T SIGN THE ARTICLE WITH HER FULL NAME, AS SHE NORMALLY DID. She signed it like her father signed his letters to her.

A. I. B.

Adhara Iola Black.

It wasn't really to maintain anonymity. She had written for the Quibbler before, signing with her full name. She hadn't even planned it. When she got to the bottom of the article, she wrote down A. I. B. without even thinking and then decided to keep it as is.

But Adhara did keep the names of her witnesses anonymous. Simply stating their years — not even their houses, as Adhara felt that would somewhat divide opinions even more — and their statement.

In total, Adhara gathered nine testimonies — Roisin, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley had come forth after Adhara confronted Greengrass — and she was glad to see it cause the ruckus that she had hoped.

People talked, as people did. Adhara hated gossip but why not take advantage of it when possible? When the owls delivered the mail this morning, Adhara expected the loud exclamations and shouts of outrage. She purposely sat at the Slytherin table that day, away from the Gryffindors. She was in no mood to face Harry's anger — yes, the boy was definitely going to be angry despite the fact that his name wasn't even mentioned.

Which was proved by Ron, who came running to them (taking the empty spot on the other side of Adhara) the minute the mail arrived.

"Adhara, I could bloody kiss you!" he declared.

Adhara wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"Not literally! It's an expression, for fuck's sake," the redhead explained. "Harry is not happy, by the way. Hermione is staying with him."

Adhara didn't even roll her eyes. She was already expecting this.

There were students shouting directly at the teachers' table, others murmured among themselves. Adhara didn't bother glancing toward the teachers, it didn't matter to her.

She poured herself a cup of tea — half of it was milk, with three spoons of sugar — placing it right on top of her copy of the Quibbler.

ACADEMIC AUTHORITY OR TYRANT? MINISTRY'S PICK FACES ABUSES CLAIMS

Ministry-Endorsed Professor, Dolores Umbridge, demands respect for the Minister, one engraved lesson at a time.

More on Page One.

Millie's eyes scanned the paper. "When did you even—"

"A while now." She blew on her tea to cool it down, but the cold milk had already done the trick.

"Nine statements? How did you find nine—"

"People talk. You just need to listen." And then threaten them.

Just as she was about to take a sip, someone slammed a copy of the Quibbler on the table in front of her. Adhara took notice of the pink-painted nails and went back to her tea.

"What. Is. The. Meaning. Of. This?"

It took all of her effort to smother the urge to laugh. The woman was fuming, smoke was practically coming out her ears. Nostrils flaring, teeth gritting together, Umbridge looked like the meaning of irritated itself.

Calmly, Adhara settled her cup down, glancing at the paper.

"Is there something in particular you wanted to show me, Professor?"

If possible, that enraged Umbridge even more.

The Hall had gotten quiet. Adhara could feel hundreds of eyes on her yet she had never felt so calm.

"How dare you! Slander me as such! Writing sick lies about me!"

"Me?" Adhara feigned shock. "Why, I never did such things."

"It's true," interjected Ron. "You see, Adhara never writes anything that's a lie!"

Millie didn't want to be left out. "And look! It's signed A. I. B. Not Adhara Black!"

"Those are her initials." Umbridge said, through her teeth.

"So?"

"And she's written in this ruddy newspaper before!"

"So?" said Ron.

Adhara ran her index finger over the woman's pink nails. "You painted your nails pink. Does that mean all the pink nail polishes in this castle belong to you?"

Umbridge snatched her hand away. "Listen, here Miss Black," she spat. "I will get to the bottom of this. I will find who these anonymous witnesses are. And then, you will be punished accordingly!"

The woman's eyes danced with rage. She was practically climbing onto the table trying to get her hands on Adhara. But none of that made the girl budge.

"Is that so? And what exactly will you do? Give me detention?"

Umbridge was seething. And finally, Adhara allowed herself a small smile of victory.

━━━━

After breakfast, Harry followed Adhara, forgoing any lessons. His sister must've known he wanted a talk because she led him all the way to the owlery. Harry didn't bother with pleasantries once they reached the place.

"I told you not to meddle!"

"Actually, you didn't tell me anything, at all."

"It was implied!"

Neither of them bothered to retrieve their outer-cloaks. It was a snowy November morning, Harry could practically see his breaths with how rapidly he was breathing. It was fogging up his glasses.

"They're going to investigate her now! And they'll...they'll..."

"They'll what?" challenged Adhara. "They'll find out that the Boy-Who-Lived was abused? You aren't her only victim, Harry."

The wind blew harder inside the owlery. It practically made him have to catch his breath. Harry could feel his blood rush to his ears and face with how cold it was. His fingertips felt frozen, making the boy fold them into his shirt, pulling and stretching the hem, to warm them.

The owls in their cubicle wrapped their wings around their body, huddling in for warmth. Harry had the strangest desire to do the same.

"I haven't even told Sirius or Remus. And now everyone's going to know."

"Would that really be so bad?"

"You wouldn't understand!"

Adhara scoffed. "I wouldn't understand what it feels to have everyone know I was abused?"

"It isn't the same!"

"Oh, of course not. I'm not the Boy-Who-Lived! I thought you wanted to fight, Harry? Why are you being so quiet, now?"

Harry's mouth closed shut. Because it's not the same, he wanted to say. Because it doesn't matter, not more than Voldemort.

"Well, why are you fighting?" questioned Harry. "You've been telling me to keep quiet, but then you go and make more noise than I had? You did the same with Matron! First, you refuse to get involved, then you go ahead and reveal her secret in front of the Wizangamot like it was nothing. You keep changing your mind!"

Harry watched Adhara purse her mouth and look away. She crossed her arms, scrunching her brows as she focused her gaze on one singular owl.

"Because I've realised there was someone worth protecting." She peaked back at Harry. "And you? Why do you keep talking back at Umbridge knowing what she's going to do to you? Why insist on fighting Voldemort if you know he might just kill you?"

Harry didn't even have to think of an answer. It was pretty obvious. "Because it's the right thing to do."

He could see that Adhara didn't like his answer. And that was fine, because her answer wasn't enough of a reason for him. But that didn't matter, did it? Because their answers made sense to themselves, and that was enough.

"Then, you've got your answer."

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The Quibbler had barely reached Number Twelve Grimmauld Place when Sirius Black was already out of his seat and inside the fireplace. Remus followed him without a word, grabbing the newspaper as he went, reading it in the way.

Dolores Umbridge. Detentions. Bloodquills. Harry's letters complaining about him getting detention.

By the time they had reached Dumbledore's office, Remus saw red.

They hadn't alerted anyone of their visit — pros of being a Lord and all. When they walked into the room, several heads turned their way: Dumbledore, Dolores Umbridge, Snape, the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Adhara.

Why the fuck was she—

"Adz?" exclaimed Sirius the second his eyes landed on the girl. "What are you doing here?" He turned to Dumbledore right away, "What is she doing here?"

The Headmaster looked grave. When the man turned to them, Remus could see the storm of anger brewing in his eyes, though his voice remained poised.

"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin. I'm happy to see you two arrive."

Albus Dumbledore didn't easily get angry. In fact, Remus didn't remember that last time he had seen him properly angry, not even when Sirius demanded Harry's custody against the man's recommendation. Supposedly, an abusive professor hired under his surveillance would do the trick.

Sirius was next to Adhara, a comforting hand on her head, which startled the poor girl, but she recovered quickly.

"And yet, I was not called? My niece was called into the Headmaster's office, in the presence of the Minister and the Head of Auror, no one thought it necessary to notify her guardian?"

The girl in question turned an accusatory eye to the Minister, prompting the Headmaster to do the same.

Minister Fudge cleared his throat, his usual jovial attitude that he directed at Lord Black replaced with a more serious tone. Nonetheless, he remained polite.

"Lord Black—"

"Minister," Sirius barely acknowledged the man, getting an appalled gasp from the woman in pink. Instead, Sirius looked expectantly at Dumbledore, making it obvious that he only trusted the answers that would come from him.

Generally speaking, Sirius had no trust left in Dumbledore, not after suffering twelve years in Azkaban, not after James. And Remus didn't think he had any, either. But life needed to be dealt with in a case to case scenario, and Dumbledore, as disbelieving as it may sound, was still on their side.

"Minister Fudge and Auror Shaklebolt appeared with no prior notice, on, apparently, Professor Umbridge's demand. My apologies for not informing you of their sudden presence, but I have only just sent an owl."

Sirius took the answer for what it was, though Umbridge looked irked.

"They demanded Adhara's presence, in the matter of an article. I had Professor Snape retrieve her for us."

Snape stood in the back of the office, looking sufficiently displeased about the whole matter. 

"I must say," started Fudge, gaze flickering between Adhara and Sirius, "this is quite disappointing behaviour. Especially from a member of House Black."

Sirius crossed his arms. "Disappointing behaviour? My apologies, but what about her behaviour was so disappointing?"

"Well — well. Pu — publicly embarrassing a teacher—" spluttered Fudge, only for Sirius to cut him off.

"Embarrassing? From what I see, my niece had the courage to expose your employee's abusive methods! Minister Fudge, I must say, I'm quite disappointed in you! For defending Dolores Umbridge's sadistic punishments!"

Eyes blazing, though her tone was still sweet, Umbridge joined the conversation. "Lord Black, surely you understand the importance of proper order and discipline. The article in mere fabrication. I did no such thing."

"Are you calling my niece a liar?"

Umbridge's smile twitched.

Adhara spoke up. "I've said before that I'm more than willing to take veritaserum." She turned to Umbridge, smirking. "But, only if Professor Umbridge joins me."

The woman glared at Adhara, only making her more amused.

Fudge stood up, apparently reaching the end of his patience with feigned civility. "This is all outrageous! Professor Umbridge was appointed by me. How dare you accuse her of such lies!"

"But that was it, wasn't it?" finally interjected Remus. He has stayed silent this whole time, not wanting to cross a line. He had been so worried about maintaining boundaries with the kids, but this whole ordeal was testing his patience.

"The problem here isn't so much that a professor was accused of abuse, but that it was one picked by you, Minister Fudge. You seem to be quite worried about what the public might think."

Sirius was looking at him, surprised, yet proud.

The Minister's face was red with anger.

Umbridge turned to him, voice condescending. "And who are you to speak on this matter? Someone with your condition could hardly be the voice of reason."

All of a sudden, Adhara stood up, glaring angrily at the woman.

"What does that have anything—"

"Miss Black," called Dumbledore, to stop her. He didn't bother, however, to tell her to stop, probably knowing well enough that she wasn't going to listen.

"This conversation is leading to a place where children shouldn't be part of, don't you agree? Severus, please escort your student back to her next lesson."

Snape, who has been quiet so far, gestured to Adhara to follow. "Certainly, Headmaster."

Adhara didn't look too happy. She glanced at Remus, who nodded at her, and only then did she leave to follow Snape.

"Albus, you can't—"

"Professor Snape!" Umbridge talked over Fudge, "I suggest you don't follow through, we are still to discuss the Miss Black's punishment—"

"With all due respect, Dolores," said Snape, surprising them all, "but I highly doubt that is going to happen." He threw a firm look towards the woman, then turned and gestured to Adhara with his chin to leave, while following behind her.

Umbridge was seething. "This is preposterous! You're all siding with these delinquents against me? This is why I wanted to create an Inquisitorial—"

"We are simply siding with the truth," cut off Remus. "You need to be held accountable for your actions."

"Abuse claims have been made against you, Dolores," reminded Dumbledore, gravely. "It is proper protocol to investigate."

Fudge was flustered, raising his hands and glancing between them all. "Let's not get hasty, shall we? I'm sure we can resolve the matter, without causing a scene."

"I'm afraid a scene has already been caused," said Sirius. "Your pick has been accused of using bloodquills during her detention. And if I recollect, Harry was complaining to me about his detentions, not too long ago."

Fudge's eyes went wide. He looked at Umbridge.

"I'm not going to turn a blind eye to this, Cornelius. I suggest you follow proper protocol."

Minister Fudge's mouth disappeared into a thin line. Realising that he wasn't going to win this argument, he relented.

"Fine. We shall investigate the matter further. But, I will be keeping an eye on you all. This...unity of yours is quite concerning," he announced, narrowing his eyes.

Sirius didn't look worried. He held the man's gaze firmly. "As will we, Minister."

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"Miss Black."

Adhara stopped in her tracks, looking back at her Head of House. The man stood with his hands clasped behind his back, all prim and proper. He surveyed her with his chin held high but the usual disdain of his was absent, something she had noticed since September but thought was simply a figment of her imagination.

"Those students. It would bode well with you to make their names known."

A crease cut across Adhara forehead. "To let Umbridge perform even worst—"

"Not to that...distasteful woman. To me."

Adhara turned around fully, her suspicion growing. "And why is that?"

"So that I could take care of it."

"You mean, so that you could punish them further?"

Professor Snape's mouth pursed. "You seem to believe me to be in the same league as your Defence Professor, but rest assured that I do not share her beliefs in...discipline."

Adhara wanted to laugh in his face. Rest assured? After years of watching this man bully her brother, herself and many others, she was supposed to be reassured?

"Forgive me, Professor, but seeing your usual treatment of students, you cannot blame me for assuming so."

This made the man furrow his brows together, as though truly confused at what Adhara was implying.

"I do not abuse—"

"Not physically."

Snape stared her down, but Adhara withheld the gaze.

"I see."

A moment of silence. Adhara broke eye contact, intending to walk away. Snape followed her, still walking a few steps behind.

"Nonetheless, I am not giving you those names."

"You do not seek to help them, anymore?"

"I promised them that I wouldn't reveal their names. I don't intend to break it."

It had occurred to Adhara that this was the first time she had a proper conversation with her Head of House. For the first time, he was speaking to her without reprimanding or condescending her. It showed what kind of man he truly was.

"Even if it means that woman will be permanently removed from Hogwarts, perhaps even facing imprisonment."

Adhara stopped again, turning. "My goal was never to get her sacked. I wanted to publicly humiliate her. Expose the Ministry's hypocrisy, and I achieved that. What happens afterwards doesn't really matter, does it?"

Snape watched silently, Adhara's words settling in. Because she was right. Even if Umbridge left, it wouldn't change much. The Ministry will continue to meddle with the school's affairs. They will find another excuse to discredit Dumbledore, to hone down on him. It didn't matter.

"And besides. With these allegations on her back, she won't dare to even utter the words 'bloodquills' anymore."

Snape watched. His expression didn't falter, Adhara couldn't tell what he was thinking.

"Your...brother," he started, "mentioned something about a cupboard last year—"

"Not to be impolite, Professor, but I don't see how that is any of your business."

Snape glared. Adhara didn't care. For the umpteenth time, she moved to walk away, but this time, the man's words froze her entirely.

"Is it true he lived with Petunia Dursley?"

Adhara blinked. "You...know Petunia Dursley?"

Snape looked away, jutting his chin out slightly. "We were neighbours. Petunia...and Lil — Potter's mother and I..."

He didn't elaborate further. Adhara didn't understand why he bothered to mention it. She could guess what the man was implying — they were probably friends — but she didn't see how it mattered. Not after so long, not after how he has treated Harry.

Adhara didn't bother with a reply, she walked away. Snape didn't follow her this time.

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On their way out, Sirius looked at Remus with a smirk.

"Still believe you shouldn't get involved with the kids?"

Remus avoided looking his way. "What are you talking about?"

"Didn't you see how Adhara tried to defend you?"

Remus froze. "How did you know that—"

"Please." Sirius rolled his eyes. "I've known you since we were eleven. Could practically read you like a book, love."

Sirius watched Remus fiddle with his wand. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths.

"I don't know, Padfoot. I — I don't..."

Sirius took hold of both of the man's hands, helping him calm down.

"Do you remember when we were at school? When you used to hesitate calling us all your friends, or me your boyfriend when we got together?"

Remus didn't respond. He knew his insecurities had always stopped him from taking the first step towards those he loved. Years of discrimination because of his lycanthropy has made him hesitant to allow people into his life. Hell, he didn't think he deserved people in his life.

"Didn't you see yourself, back there? You looked like a ticking time bomb. You got angry for their sake. Obviously, you're protective of them. You defended them and spoke up for them because you weren't overthinking! You let your true feelings show."

Remus inhaled deeply, squeezing his eyes even more.

"The kids want you to stay. Stop overthinking about non-existant boundaries."

That made the man chuckle. He opened his eyes, looking fondly at Sirius. "You truly do read me very well."

Sirius shrugged. "It's a talent."

The smile waned into something doubtful again. "I trust you. But you should know that it'll take a while for the belief to actually settle in."

"That's fine. Take all the time you need. Just don't leave."

"Never."

━━━━

Harry wanted to hide. Adhara found him earlier, warning him about Sirius and Remus' presence at the castle. Harry was there when Snape fetched her to bring her to Dumbledore's office — of course they weren't going to let the whole thing with the Quibbler go unnoticed — and then when she returned from the meeting. Harry hadn't accounted for Sirius and Remus to be there.

Thinking about it though, perhaps he should have.

And now, Sirius, who knew that Harry was serving detention with Umbridge, definitely was not going to let the matter go without a talk.

He could obviously avoid it, but it's only a matter of time until they confront him. And Millie had let him know that it was better to get it done sooner rather than later.

It was fine, it was all fine. Hermione helped with a glamour — albeit reluctantly— so his godfather shouldn't notice the scar on the back of his hand. So, it should all be fine.

He quickened his steps to McGonagall's office, where Sirius was waiting for him.

Sooner, rather than later.

━━━

The first thing Sirius did when Harry entered the classroom was run up to him and hold his face between his hands.

He looked worried, beyond worried. Forehead scrunched up and bottom lip between his teeth. He sighed, though the wrinkle between his brows remained.

"I heard about the bloodquills."

Harry coughed, mustering up a worried expression. "Yea — yeah. I read Adz' article this morning. Bloody sadistic, isn't she?"

The worried face morphed into a confused one. "You didn't know?"

Harry shook his head, hopeful that he would be able to keep up the facade. "Adz didn't tell me. Only found out through the Quibbler."

Sirius released him, taking a step back. Remus joined beside him. McGonagall had left, letting the family have a moment of privacy.

"Harry," said Remus. "We were worried when we found out. You told us about having detention with her, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but she didn't use bloodquills with me." He raised his hand, showing the unmarred skin. "Look. No scars."

"Oh, well that's a relief," breathed Remus, smiling in ease. "Right, Sirius?"

Harry turned his gaze on his godfather, holding his breath. The man still looked at him with furrowed brows, but slowly he eased in. He sighed rather loudly.

"Yes. Yes, it is. I'm glad she didn't do anything to you. I was very worried for a second."

Harry forced a smile, avoiding eye contact.

"It's rather appalling what she's doing to the other students, though."

Suddenly, Harry's shoes looked very interesting to him. Fidgeting in his spot, he nodded, feeling very nauseous.

"Though," started Remus, "just in case she does decide to retaliate, perhaps it would be best to steer clear of Umbridge—"

Harry almost cringed. Of course, they were going to tell him stay quiet, of course they —

Sirius waved the man off. "She wouldn't dare. Not anymore. Besides, Harry, I'm very proud of you for standing up to her."

Harry's head shot up. "You are?"

"Of course. Standing up like that...it's something James would have done. Though, he would have made much more noise!"

Subtly, Harry's body froze. He stopped moving his feet, jaw going right. "Is that so? Perhaps, it does sound like him."

Sirius nodded, not noticing Harry's discomfort. "Uhhmm. Your father stood up for what was right, and for making people see it too. Just like you're doing with Umbridge. You have the same fire in you."

"Thank you, Sirius."

Remus coughed, bringing attention to himself. "What your godfather is trying to say is that, we're proud of you both, you and Adz. For standing up for what you believe in. Even though, I wish you didn't put yourselves in danger for it."

Harry smiled tightly, thanking the man.

"And remember," said Sirius, "if there's anything you wanted to talk about, anything at all, we're here for you. You know that, right?"

"Of course," confirmed Harry, breathing out. Perhaps his smile turned a bit more genuine, then. Because he did trust them. It was just a bit difficult to actually show it.

━━━

"You saw how he showed his hand without prompting?"

"Yup."

"And that his hand was covered in glamour?"

"Yup."

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A/N Hi! Sorry for the late update, I had some assignments I wanted to finish off first. Hope you enjoyed!