Coming back to school was like any other day for Adena. She was happy to meet up with her fellow Ravenclaws for once. The girl really thought this fifth year was making her grow, since she now considered some people important in her life - people that are not family of course. The others also seemed happy to see her. Her presence wasn't indispensable, yet she seemed important enough for them.

That night would end once again with Adena patrolling in the corridors in the company of Regulus Black. She had grown to appreciate these moments as it was a moment to talk and think peacefully with someone who seemed to enjoy the calm as much as she did. That night was rather quiet though, not that she minded, the train ride and the feast had been pretty noisy so she enjoyed this moment of calm. 

But after a while she couldn't help speaking up, "Did we say everything we had to say in the train?" her voice was quiet, but audible enough.

"Perhaps yes, but I don't remember talking that much with you."

"Right, but what could we possibly tell each other after two weeks apart," Adena said, visibly being ironical which made the boy laugh.

"From what I understood you didn't have the most exciting weeks and neither did I, so yeah what could we possibly tell each other."

Adena wanted to answer but a noise was suddenly heard, making the two teenagers stop in their tracks to look at each other. The girl seemed very frightened all of the sudden. Regulus put a finger on his lips, signaling her to keep quiet before waving her towards him with the same hand after she nodded. The boy placed his comforting palm on top of her shoulder before starting to walk, the brunette following behind. They were both lightening the path with their wands and walking quietly. When arriving where the sound was heard, there was nothing. For a moment they just stared straight ahead, trying to observe anything in the corners that weren't lit. Regulus' hand was still holding onto Adena and she was glad he didn't remove it, probably sensing she was still tense. They had stopped and as they were about to continue, something -more like someone - appeared in front of them.

Sharp jawline, rebel brown locks falling on top of his shoulders and his dark eyes glaring at Adena and Regulus; Sirius Black was standing there, in front of them, making them confused.

"What are you two doing here?" hissed the Gryffindor coldly, almost sounding angry.

"I could ask you the same thing Sirius. And why is your little friend hiding?" answered the raven-haired male, his voice sounding calmer but colder. Adena just remained quiet at his side. Just as he said the words, James Potter suddenly appeared in front of them as well, confusing the girl even more.

"Padfoot, what is your brother doing here with Candace's little sister?" James whispered, his eyes meeting Adena before gliding towards where Regulus still had his hand on her shoulder, making her back away slightly as she glared at him.

"I was waiting for their answer."

"The real question is what are you two doing here past curfew? Two Gryffindor gits outside of their beds at such a late hour, you could both get detention." Regulus' voice didn't sound too serious or too smug, it was his monotonous tone.

"Mind your own business Reg, why are you two together here anyway?"

"Patrolling."

"I didn't know you could choose to be paired up with someone from another house," replied Sirius, acting interested with an arched eyebrow. Adena just glared harder at him, disliking the topic of this argument very much.

"We should ask Moony when these two annoying prats will let us go." That sentence made both fifth-years pointed their wands at him.

"I wonder what Candace will think about that," muttered Sirius before going back under the cloak with James, leaving Adena with wide eyes.

They stayed there for a while after the two had left, not saying anything, unmoving, not even their breathing could be heard.

"You really can't get along with your brother..." whispered the brunette after a moment.

"It's complicated."

"Is that why you would be so cold with me before, as well as glaring at me? Because I hanged out with him once?" she whispered out of nowhere, the memories suddenly coming back.

"Yeah... I can't stand any of his stupid friends and for some reasons I didn't like very much that sight of you and him together. I thought you weren't the type to befriend these people."

"I'm not. I would just completely ignore them if it wasn't for my sister."

"I understand now."

"I think we should go back."

He nodded at her words, starting to walk back to the Ravenclaw common room, quietly, until arriving.

"Have a good night," whispered the girl before entering her common room.

That night, the girl had a hard time falling asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about that strange encounter. They should have given them some punishment so they would have understood not to mess with them. Adena was lucky the next day was Sunday meaning she could have some more sleep instead of going to class.

When the girl woke up the next morning, she was alone in her room. She must have slept longer than usual and her roommates must have gone to eat breakfast while it was still served. She got up slowly and went to the bathroom, taking her time. Breakfast was served longer on Sundays; she still had some time so no need to rush. After a while, she left her bedroom. Some people were in the common room and she met some other students outside, in the hallways. And when she was about reach the entrance of the Great Hall, a group of Gryffindors was exiting the room. Her sister was there with her friends and the usual pricks. They didn't say anything and both sisters looked at each other. Adena knew something was off about Candace, as she stayed mute, not showing any emotion on her face. Sirius and James had told her about their encounter last night, she was sure of this.

"Hello, Adena. Did you have fun last night?" the blonde said, her voice cold.

Adena was surprised she was already mentioning this.

"Just prefect duties," she replied in the same tone.

"With Black? A Slytherin git?" she scoffed, an ironical smile on her face.

"So what? I don't care."

"Adena, what's going on with you and Black?"

"Nothing." Adena's voice grew colder with each word. Her response made the eldest scoff again. All of her friends were observing them. She hated drawing attention on her, she wished she could disappear.

"You think I'll believe that, seriously?"

"There's no point in lying."

"Then admit it! Tell me what's going on between Black and you!" Candace started raising her voice, visibly angry.

"I told you, nothing!" the brunette raised her voice as well.

"What's with that study date in the library? Or your friendly chats? Or your meetings at night?" Her arms were crossed by now and she was glaring at the youngest.

"I don't even know what you're talking about!"

"Don't you remember your study date with him? Or the conversations you had with him in the train or at Slughorn's dinners? Lily and Remus told me."

Adena just raised a brow, not comprehending anything.

"You're totally wrong. It wasn't even a stupid date and am I not allowed to speak to whoever the fuck I want?"

"You know you should stay away from that guy! Sirius told you! Repeat it."

"Adena, he's not someone you should frequent. He's not good-"

"I don't care! Don't tell me what to do."

"What's going on between you and him? Are you two dating?" Candace spoke again.

"No! You know I'm not interested in dating! It's only a friendly relationship!"

"Friendly? You two are friends? Don't lie to me, you consider nobody as your friend. And if you do, how could you consider that guy your friend. Haven't you heard Sirius talk about his family? You must stay away from him."

It hurt. Candace remained calm but Adena couldn't stay calm anymore. Their shouts had drawn more attention from other students but Adena didn't care anymore.

"Adena listen. I only do that for you. That guy is bad for you, it's a warning. Now tell me what the hell is going on between Regulus Black and you!" Candace raised her voice even more once again and Adena, now completely fed up, instantly replied.

"Nothing's going on between Regulus Black and me!" yelled the brunette, tears of anger beginning to gather in her hazel orbs. She was even shaking slightly. Everything went quiet and she sensed a pair of eyes staring at her from the side. The girl turned her head and noticed Regulus Black was there, standing a few feet away, immobile in the middle of the staircase, and from afar she could still his usual emotionless façade. He looked into her angered eyes before turning away and leaving.

Adena did the same, except that she turned in the opposite direction, deciding to go for a stroll in the courtyard, not caring if it was cold and she wasn't wearing a coat. She just needed some fresh air. She took a deep breath, the cold wincing air coming into her lungs. The girl was walking slowly, her feet growing cold in the snow, but she didn't care. She just continued walking, not caring if it was for minutes or hours. Her whole body felt completely cold, but she didn't want to go back inside and meet anyone. So, she stayed there, trying to clear her mind and find back her calm. The icy weather was at least cooling the burning anger inside her.

author's note: thank you for the 500 reads! anyway this is getting better now i swear!