Chapter 16
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ADHARA OBSERVED THE ELF. He hopped from one stool to another, bright and happy as he worked. He was the only one who looked so cheerful.

Probably because he was one who was being paid. Though, there was also Winky. Adhara found her solemn figure near the fireplace every time she visited the kitchen.

Unlike Dobby, who was glad to have left the Malfoys, Winky didn't see her newfound freedom the same way, instead moping over the Crouches still.

And for some reason, some of the other house-elves seemed to understand her.

Adhara chewed away, cutting her second slice of chocolate cake into pieces before she stuffed another piece into her mouth.

"Would Miss Adhara Black like another slice?"

Dobby stood beside her, round eyes looking at Adhara with hope. Her eyes shifted towards the elf near the fireplace for a second before landing back in Dobby.

She used a napkin to wipe her mouth. "I'm okay, thank you." Dobby's face fell, but Adhara wasn't finished. "But do you mind asking Winky? I don't think she's eaten."

Dobby blinked in surprise. He tilted around Adhara to get a better look at his coworker. "Winky refuses to eat, madam. But not to worry! We elves don't need to eat much anyway!"

Adhara frowned. Hermione and S.P.E.W. crossed her mind. She remembered how the elves didn't want to listen when her friend brought up the idea of freedom. And then Adhara thought perhaps that not everyone had spoken their mind that day.

She looked at all the elves at work, hustling and bustling to prepare dinner for those in the Great Hall who never spared a second thought about who even cooked the food.

"Dobby, you get paid, right?"

The noise of the pots stopped. Adhara glanced to see a few of the elves looking at her.

The elf's eyes brightened. "Oh, yes, Madam! A galleon per week! Professor Dumbledore, sir, is very generous. He wanted to pay more, but I talked him down!"

Adhara's mouth pursed. "And the others? They don't want a wage?"

Silence reigned. Dobby leaned close, whispering, "They don't like the idea, Adhara Black, ma'am. Think it's shameful."

The Slytherin sat up straight. "I don't believe that."

With the number of elves in the country, she found it hard to believe that not a single one of them even thought about the idea of freedom. It was unrealistic that Dobby would be the only one.

"I think not everyone is voicing their thoughts." She scanned the kitchen, meeting eyes with an elf at the very back before they looked away.

S.P.E.W was a great idea. But sometimes, people just need a little push in the right direction. Even if it was a bit, well, unconventional.

"Dobby? May I get that slice of cake, actually?"

"Oh, yes!"

"Thank you." Adhara got off her seat and brought the plate to the fireplace. She eyed the empty bottles of alcohol, wondering how the elf even snuck them in.

Ignoring the bottles, she placed the plate in front of the grievous elf.

Winky looked up, round eyes bright with tears.

Adhara extended a gloved hand. "Adhara Black."

Hesitantly, Winky reached out to shake it.

"The Black family and the Crouches are related, you know?"

Winky blinked, looking confused as to where Adhara was going with this. Adhara herself wasn't sure where she was going with this. It was more like a spur-of-the-moment sort of idea that popped into her head. In fact, Hermione might think that what she was about to do defeated the purpose of the whole movement. But Adhara liked to think of it as quite cunning, if not manipulative.

"I really do believe you'll be better off working for Hogwarts. Dumbledore is known to be a righteous man, I'm sure he'll pay you accordingly." And she was right. Despite all the flaws Adhara saw in the old coot, his heart was in the right place. "Even though I believe that a galleon per week is not nearly enough of a wage."

Winky still looked unhappy.

"Though, the Black family has your back," she promised the elf. "I am telling you this as the Heir of the House. You can come to us whenever you need help."

Winky jumped up, bottles forgotten. Her eyes were shining. "Oh, Miss Adhara Black! I'll be honoured to serve you —"

"No," Adhara cut off. "Not serve. You still work here. And you will accept whatever wage Dumbledore wants to give you. I am simply telling you that you can come to me or my," she coughed, "or my uncle if you need anything."

She knew that she would still be ordering the elf around to some degree, in fact, she was doing exactly that right now. But the elf obviously needed a push. And when she was done talking, Winky was smiling, so Adhara thought she had done her job.

"I'm sure you know how to find me."

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Millicent hasn't been to Hagrid's Hut very often. The half-giant was close to the Gryffindors, especially Harry, who grew quite attached to the man.

After all, he was the one who practically rescued Harry from the Dursleys back in their first year. He even got him his very first birthday cake.

So yes, suffice it to say that Harry was attached to him. Very fond of him, actually. Perhaps that was why they visited him so often. Though, Adhara and Millicent very rarely joined. In fact, Millicent has never been here.

Apparently, however, that didn't stop the girl from starting a conversation.

"Muggle dye is actually better, you know? The instructions are actually better than the nonsense written in our potions textbooks. And there's no incantation to say! Though, it does make your hair quite dry. But I find conditioner helps with that."

Harry was playing with Fang, rubbing the animal's tummy and avoiding the slobber. He smiled to himself, finding Hagrid and Millie's interaction very amusing. The Slytherin could go on about muggle products for days, similar to how Hagrid acted with creatures and animals.

"It did wonders for my hair. Oh, it works on beards too! I could bring you one if you'd like?"

Normally, Millie tended to keep to herself around strangers. She blabbered on with her friends, and she didn't hesitate to defend them. She wasn't shy or antisocial in the slightest, in fact, she loved a good party. Though, when it came to her interests, she preferred to only talk about them to her friends.

Harry was surprised to see her be so enthusiastic with Hagrid. But then again, the man just had one of those personalities that made people trust him easily. Harry would know. For a kid who grew up with adults who constantly lied to him, it took him approximately five seconds to believe Hagrid.

Funnily enough, however, Hagrid, who was plating some snacks for the kids, looked a bit awkward. Though, overall, he seemed happy to indulge in the girl's conversation, he wasn't sure what conditioner was.

"That's alright, Millie. I think I'll stick ter me oils."

"Oh, it's no trouble. I've got extras."

Seeing Hagrid perplexed, Harry snickered. He should've brought Millie here sooner.

Nodding slowly, Hagrid placed the plate in front of Ron, who sat at the far corner of the room, looking glum.

"What's gotten inter yeh?"

Ron didn't answer. He took one of the biscuits off the plate, inspecting it properly for any rocks, before taking a bite.

At Hagrid's question, Harry's face also fell.

Millie rolled her eyes. "Leave them. They're just upset they haven't got any dates for the Yule Ball."

Ron glared. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one who's got to do the asking!"

"Not interested in boys, sorry."

Harry sighed. "Cho said no. Apparently, she's already going with Cedric."

Harry has had a crush on the girl since that match they played in his third year. It's a pity she's already going out with someone.

"What do girls even see in that guy, anyway? Just because he's a Champion?"

Well, there were plenty of other things too, thought Harry. For instance, Cedric was pretty good at Quidditch too. But seeing his friend's frustration, he opted to stay quiet.

Hagrid hummed, taking off his oven mitts. "Yeh know, yeh don't need dates. Could jus go on your own. It'll be fun either way."

Harry groaned, planting his face in Fang's fur. "That'll only work for those two." Raising a hand, he pointed an accusatory finger at his friends. "Apparently, Champions are required to bring a partner!"

"Hmm? Do they? Strange, tha' is."

Suddenly, Ron gasped. "The Patil twins! I haven't asked them yet!"

"You two don't even talk to them. Why would you ask them?"

Harry lifted his head, looking at the exchange. Millie had joined Ron, though she looked oddly annoyed.

"Does it matter? We're desperate here!"

"Umm, no. Absolutely, not. You two aren't going to ruin their night because you're desperate."

Hagrid picked up one of his biscuits, biting down and cringing at how hard it was.

"Then what do you suggest?!"

Millie rolled her eyes. Slytherins tended to do that a lot. "Isn't it obvious? Just go with each other."

Ron froze, blinking slowly. Harry, too, froze in his spot. He groaned, annoyed at himself because why the hell didn't he think of that?

Ron seemed to be considering. The redhead glanced at Harry, who shrugged in response.

Hagrid picked up another biscuit. "Sounds like a good idea ter me."

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If there was anything Hufflepuff was known for, it was for their openness towards all the other houses, including the Slytherin. And for their parties. Which explained why the Slytherin Common Room was so empty tonight. And obviously, Adhara was going to take advantage of it.

They were in their sleeping clothes, Adhara and Millicent. Millie brought out her chest of nail products, decorating the common room floor with colourful polishes.

Normally one to join a party, the pink-haired girl decided to reserve her excitement for the ball.

Adhara watched as Millicent unscrewed a bottle of emerald green nail polish.

"You know," started Millie, "the Minister normally holds a party around New Year's. Ancient Families and ministry officials usually attend. You think your uncle will go?"

"Perhaps. What's that got to do with me?"

Millie shrugged. "Maybe he'll take you and Harry with him."

"We aren't going home for Yule this year, idiot."

She rolled her eyes. "The ball's on the Solstice. They can always pick us up later."

Adhara didn't reply. She took one of the books from the shelves in the room, settling herself on the couch near her friend.

Millie, for her part, wasn't bothered by the lack of response, already used to Adhara's aloof ways.

Though, Adhara wasn't as bothered by the mention of her uncle as she expected to be. She did send Remus and Sirius a copy of the Quibbler when her article was published. And just recently, she even wrote to Sirius. Although, it was very standoffish and was only meant to inform him about Winky.

Millie finished off with one of her hands, flapping it in the air to dry her nails. She grabbed a silver bottle next.

"I thought you wanted to paint them pink?" remembered Adhara.

"Yeah, but I thought it'd be too much with the hair. Besides, my dress is mostly green. It's just the butterflies that are pink."

From behind both girls, a new voice broke in. "That's a preposterous shade of green, Bulstrode."

Adhara turned to see Malfoy leaning with his arm on the back of the couch.

Millicent quirked a brow. "It's the same colour as the rest of this room."

"Precisely," Malfoy approached her, getting a better look at the nails. "It hurts my eyes whenever I spot your head in here. Such a ludicrous hair colour would do it."

Millie seemed too taken aback by the blond's appearance to even retort back.

Malfoy scanned to bottles, picking up a different shade and handing it to Millie. He then spotted the silver bottle in her hand and looked utterly disgusted.

Adhara watched from her spot, still not quite sure what was happening.

"Emerald green and silver? Didn't you just say that your dress had a pink accent?"

Slowly, Millie bobbed her head in affirmation, peaking at Adhara to check if she was still there.

Malfoy grumbled under his breath. He plopped down in front of Millie, grabbing her hand and the bottle of acetone.

"Emerald green and silver do not go with your shade of pink. Honestly, Bulstrode. Learn to be more creative."

Still flabbergasted, Millie and Adhara exchanged another glance.

"Salazar Slytherin wore green and silver," reminded Adhara.

"Salazar Slytherin did not have pink hair!"

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"There. Fixed."

Millie looked at her nails. Light pink and a different shade of green adorned them.

("Now, Bulstrode. Which shade of green is the closest to your gown? And don't you dare say emerald, otherwise you'll need a whole new gown.)

Millicent was impressed with his work. "Gotta hand it to you, Malfoy. You did pretty well."

Malfoy scoffed, nose held high. "Of course. What do you take me for?" He turned to Adhara next. "Come on, Black. I'll do yours too, since I'm feeling so generous."

Millie turned to her, smirking, and Adhara scowled.

"I'm fine, thanks."

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Don't be so haughty," he said, making Adhara's eyes go wide because who was he to call her so —

"It's the Yule Ball," he cut off. "Do try to look presentable, cousin. In fact, it shall be my duty that night to stop you from humiliating the family's name."

Adhara glared at the boy's mocking tone, remembering her words from first year.

"That won't be a problem. I have no dress, I'm not going."

"Yes, you do. I bought you one."

"Excuse me?"

Millie ignored her, describing the dress to Malfoy instead. "It's a purple and gold takchita. And I even bought her matching jewelry and gloves."

"Excuse me?"

"Well, that settles it." Malfoy smiled (he actually smiled) and patted the spot on the carpet next to him. "Come on, let me do your nails."

Adhara's eye twitched.

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Adhara was not going to remove her gloves in front of Malfoy. But she was okay with getting her toes done, and surprisingly, Malfoy didn't mind.

He was painting her toenails a shade of lavender purple that apparently 'matched her skin tone perfectly'.

But Adhara paid that no mind. She eyed the boy instead, still suspicious of him. And she didn't bother being subtle about it.

"What is it?" he questioned. He didn't look up, but he could obviously feel Adhara's inquisitive glare.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you being nice to us, all of a sudden?"

Malfoy simply continued his work. So, Millie joined in with Adhi.

"Everyone else is at the party. Why aren't you with your friends, then?"

"Mother wants me to be nice to you. And," he looked at Millie, "we don't mingle with blood traitors."

Millie and Adhara exchanged looks.

"And we aren't?"

Malfoy sighed, finally looking up. "I have told you this before. Mother thinks it would be better if both of us got along."

Adhara blinked. Her nose wrinkled in disgust when she remembered both of them were Black. "You better not mean what I think you mean."

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Course not. You're half-blood. Father would throw a fit. And besides, I'm already betrothed to Astoria Greengrass."

Adhara pulled her feet back. "Well, if we're so unfit, then why bother talking to us at all?"

"Yeah," chimed Millie, "where's the rest of this 'we' you were talking about?"

Brows drawing close, Malfoy seemed to grow angry. He turned to Millie, throwing a quick "they saw me read a book they didn't like" before turning back at Adhara.

"You and your uncle, I don't understand the both of you. Mother has been trying to get him to ally with the Malfoys so that we could have more seats at the Wizengamot, but he refuses to listen. And you're exactly the same!"

Adhara glared. She wasn't happy about being compared to Sirius.

"I am trying to make you understand your situation. You need to start making connections with the rest of your House if you want to be competent at the Wizengamot in the future."

"I don't care for politics. And besides, I get along with Slytherins just fine."

Malfoy sneered. "Not the ones that matter."

"You mean the bloodpurists?" asked Adhara, her tone becoming more vicious. "I apologize for not wanting to mingle with people who consider my blood tainted."

"Perhaps, you should suck it up and bear with it!"

From beside her, she saw Millie flinch.

Malfoy was panting, eyes wild as he glared at Adhara. If she ever had any doubts about the boy being part of the Black Family, it was all gone now. She could practically see madness poking through his usual composed nature.

"You said something about a book," said Millicent quietly. "What do you mean?"

Malfoy blinked, breaking out of his trance. He registered Millie's words slowly. "I uh. Yes. A book. Umm. Brontë. I was reading Brontë.

Adhara would have been taken aback if it weren't for the fact that she had caught him reading a Muggles Study textbook before. Millie, on the other hand, had no idea.

"Really?"

Malfoy nodded.

"And? How did you find it?"

"Well-written. All three of them. They wrote about emotions very intricately."

Millicent looked shocked, yet impressed. But Adhara was not. She crossed her arms. It wasn't that she didn't believe him, but it was going to take more for her to trust him in any way.

"And? So, you don't think that muggles are brainless freaks anymore. Great. You still believe you're superior to them because of your magical abilities."

"That's because we are."

Adhara scoffed, not surprised in the slightest. "Then you have learned nothing. You can read as many books as you want, but that apparently won't change your nature. Not as long as you keep kissing up to your mother and father—"

"I am not kissing up to them. They're my family, of course, I will be loyal to them."

"You can talk about family and connections as much as you want. But it's obvious that all you care about is blood purity. Don't think I don't remember you calling me a mudblood."

At that, Malfoy had the decency to look ashamed.

"I would never align myself with someone who uses such a heinous word. Family be damned." Adhara's gaze was unapologetic, but she didn't care.

"Leave."

Malfoy didn't need to be told twice.

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"That was a bit harsh," Millie pointed out.

Adhara shrugged. "It's the truth. Realising that muggles aren't unintelligent beings doesn't make him special. It's honestly the bare minimum. And either way, he still thinks magic folks are better."

"Yes, but it's the first step. He was raised to believe that they are, and it's going to take him a long time to unlearn all that. I'm glad he's taking the first step in the right direction."

Adhara wasn't completely convinced. "He still needs to stop calling muggleborns 'mudblood'."

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A/N hehehe the chapter count changed again hehehe

(I'm so sorry)

Also, kaftan is a type of morrocan dress. Please correct me if I'm wrong, or if I'm not using the word correctly! I will correct any mistake.