Dimitri was smiling from ear to ear as Fallon came running up to him “Look Fallon, over there” he pointed out into the misty air “those cliffs, they are England. We will be on land soon, and then it is only a few days journey to Hogwarts”

Fallon smiled back at him as she peered into the haze of twilight "That’s what we thought when we started this journey. Our passage should have only taken four days, but mother seems to have delayed us quite a bit." she added tersely as she thought of the trials Magda had been throwing at them "If it weren’t for you and Erich, I honestly do not think we would have made it this far."

Dimitri smiled gratefully, they may only be words, but it meant a great deal to him to have people acknowledge his efforts. "Erich and I were just discussing that. We both believe Magda’s powers are weakening with distance. Her last few attacks were nothing compare to what we faced on the road to Lille. Elora seems to agree, none of us believe she’s given up."

"Magda never gives up" Fallon agreed as a haunted look passed over her face "she just waits until she thinks you’re not expecting her" She jumped as Dimitri placed a brotherly arm around her "Don’t worry about me Dimitri, I’m just impatient, I want to get to the safety of Hogwarts. Even mother will not dare to attack us in Bean Uasal de MacLeod . . I mean Cat’s presence. Do you think Sirius has convinced her we are arriving as her friends? I don’t know what I’ll do if she refuses us."

Dimitri smiled "Knowing Sirius. . .he probably has a party planned to welcome us back." Dimitri winked as Fallon shook her head "As for Cat? I am certain she will welcome you and your people with open arms Fallon. She must realize the chance you have taken to come to her. And if what Sirius tells me is true, the fact that we are bringing young children with us will only help." he paused as Fallon raised her eyebrow. "Apparently Cat MacLeod has a rather large soft spot for children. Sirius hopes to give her many of her own." he laughed as Fallon giggled.

Ginny and Hermione giggled loudly as they carried their gowns to Cat’s room. Hermione was a bit doubtful about the arrangement, but Ginny and Cat hadn’t seemed to think it was a problem. "Are you sure we won’t get in trouble for this?" Hermione asked again "I mean, she *is* a teacher."

Ginny shook her head "And she’s Harry’s mum." she reminded her friend again "If you would have been with me when she took me to her home to get the gown you would understand. She has a huge family, bigger than mine. I think she’s lonely to be honest."

"Tell me again how she disapparated from the school. I’m positive the Ministry put several counter spells to protect against people popping in and out like that." Hermione asked suspiciously.

"I don’t think she did disapparate" Ginny replied honestly "at least not like anyone I’ve ever seen. My mum and da do it all the time, and I’ve never seen any flames involved when they do it."

"I think we should go to the library first, I want to see it there’s any mention of. . ." Hermione began only to be cut off by Ginny

"Don’t you dare" Ginny said curtly "Cat is Harry’s mum, and she’s very nice to us, *all* of us. She goes out of her way to help us, I know for a fact she stopped Filch from getting you, Ron and Harry the other night when you snuck out" Ginny smiled triumphantly when she saw the look of shock on Hermione’s face.

"How do you know about that?" Hermione asked "Filch and Snape were the only other people there."

Ginny nodded "And I heard Professor Snape lecturing her about her *spoiling* us. He sounded very cross at the time, but she had him laughing and smiling by the time she left. She seems to have that effect on people. Did you ever notice how happy Sirius looks when she’s around?" Ginny smiled dreamily "Who do you think she’s going to marry? Professor Snape or Sirius? They both seem to love her."

Hermione rolled her eyes "Ginny, you know how upset Harry is about her and Sirius. Don’t you have anything better to think about than MacLeod’s love life?"

Hermione rolled her eyes "Ginny, you know how upset Harry is about her and Sirius. Don’t you have anything better to think about than MacLeod’s love life?"

"Sure I do. . ." Ginny grinned "all of her cute nephews. Harry must take after her side of the family." she blushed "They were gorgeous, especially the blonde one playing the guitar, he had the bluest eyes" she sighed

Hermione gave Ginny a look "you’re hopeless, you’re just as bad as Ron. . ."

Cat smiled happily when she saw Hermione and Ginny at her door "I’m so glad you two made it" she said excitedly "Ginny, I can’t wait to get started, I have everything all planned. Just wait until you see what I have planned for you" she winked. "Hermione, what are we doing with you? Trendy, romantic, chic?"

"I’m fine thanks" Hermione said politely "I’m just going to use some gel and pile it up on top." she added hastily as Ginny glared at her.

Cat looked slightly wounded "All right Hermione. But let me know if you change your mind, I have all sorts of clips and hairpins. If you need anything just ask."

"Yippeee!" Ginny said happily as she grabbed Cat’s hand and pulled her towards the bedroom. "That means you get to do me first. I can hardly wait to see what you have in mind for me. I can’t wait" she bushed excitedly "Sara told me all about the way you dressed her and her cousins for some of their dances. Can you do the same for me? Do you have everything with you?"

Cat laughed softly as her eyes shined "Yes Ginny, I have everything I could possible need. Now let me see, the gown. . .it was the watercolor one, right? The one that reminded me of butterflies." she asked as she draped her arm around Ginny’s shoulder and walked with her to the bedroom "Hermione? Would you like to join us in here? If you’re not comfortable you can always use the bath." Cat offered. She could tell by Hermione’s actions she really didn’t want to be here, she was probably doing it for Ginny, or maybe Harry had asked her to come and keep an eye on things.

"Something on your mind Cat?" Ginny asked as Cat began brushing her hair out. "you look kind of upset."

"Very perceptive little girl" Cat admitted "and yes, I’m thinking about Harry. I know he’s not happy about me going with Severus tonight, but I can’t sit around and wait for my family to arrange a marriage for me." Cat shuddered visibly "I can’t even imagine having to marry a stranger like my sister did. She hates her life now,. . .actually, she pretty much hates everything."

Hermione had walked into the bedroom to have one of them help her with her zipper and heard what Cat had said "An Arranged Marriage?!" Hermione said loudly from behind them, a look of complete shock on her face "You *must* be joking. No one believes in those anymore" she insisted as she held the top of her gown against her chest.

Cat sighed as she walked towards Hermione to zip her up "Unfortunately mine does, they are getting impatient. They want me to start having children and quickly. I understand the importance of continuing the blood line, but I don’t want to end up like Wanda." Cat said softly "I know Harry isn’t thrill with Severus, but. . .well, after last night Sirius is out of the question. And Remus has told me time after time he will never marry anyone. My clan will insist I have children with someone strong and intelligent. They want to make sure the blood stays powerful." Cat finished zipping Hermione and straightened out her dress "Severus does fit both of those requirements. . . Hermione, are you sure you don’t want me to do something with your hair?"

Hermione waved her off "No, really, its alright." she insisted "I just can’t believe your family would do that to you. I mean. . .what about love? Isn’t it important that you love your husband?"

"It is to me" Cat answered "that’s why I have to make a decision quickly. I know the topic will be brought up several time over the holidays. It always is" she was obviously dreading having to listen to it again. "I know you girls are young, but you are both close to Harry. I want you to answer me honestly. Do you think Harry could *ever* accept Severus as my husband? I know he will never accept him as a father, but I would think he would be a better choice than a complete stranger."

Hermione and Ginny looked at each other and shrugged "I don’t know Cat" Hermione began "Harry and Snape have never really gotten along, Professor Snape always seemed to pick on Harry, especially during our first two years here."

Cat nodded it wasn’t anything Remus hadn’t already told her "But what about lately? Since I’ve been at the school? Have you noticed a change in Sev?"

"Sev?" Ginny laughed "I still can’t get used to hearing anyone call him that. And yes, a *huge* change in him from last year. He can actually be very sweet when you’re around, and I’ve seen him smile this year, No one has EVER seen that before, my brother’s didn’t believe me when I told them. They asked Fred and George if I fell and hit my head." she said as she rolled her eyes.

Cat sighed and slumped her shoulders "Is he really that bad?" she looked at the blank stares of the girls "That’s not the Severus Snape I remember. Sev was always very kind and sweet to me, he was forever going out of his way to help me. He used to wait for me outside the potions classroom, he knew Morano hated me, so he made it a point to be my potions partner whenever he could. I can’t tell you how many nights he spent tutoring me, and I know his house made him suffer for that." She said sadly "I remember the bruises, he always tried to hide them, but some of them were so bad" she closed her eyes and shook her head slowly "I still don’t understand why he wouldn’t let me take care of those smegging bullies. I could have torn them apart when I saw what they did to him."

"They beat him up for helping you?" Ginny asked meekly "But why? Just because you were a Gryffindor and he’s Slytherin"

"It goes much deeper than that Ginny. Malfoy got it into his head very early that since I wasn’t human, I should be treated as *less than human*, or basically like a piece of trash. Unfortunately this point of view was shared by a few members of the staff." she explained as she began brushing Ginny’s hair again.

"Luckily that sentiment was not shared by the majority of the students, or by Albus Dumbledore, in fact, he went out of his way to shield me from people like Morano and Trelawney." she explained as she began parting and twisting Ginny’s hair. "Remus and Severus were the first two students I met here. They were both very kind to me, Sev had shown me around the school, pointing out those stupid false steps and moving stairs. He even showed me how to get around Filch and Mrs. Norris" she laughed as Hermione’s eyes grew wide. "Don’t let him fool you Hermione dear, he was just as much a trouble maker as any of us. He just didn’t like to draw attention to himself." she winked as she pinned up another section of Ginny’s hair. Suddenly a long string of what appeared to be dew drops materialized in Cat’s hands. She began to expertly weave the shimmering strands into Ginny’s hair as she made intricate patterns with the twisted locks of her bright red hair.

"Wow" Hermione said "I’ve never seen anything like that before. Where did you get them?" she asked as she approached the bed and tentatively touched the dew drops. Hermione gasped as she felt a shudder of energy pass through her making her skin tingle. "What are those? And are they supposed to do that?" she asked as she touched them once more, noticing the same sensation as last time. "And I personally cannot picture Professor Snape acting like a marauder, it just isn’t possible."

Cat giggled as she watched Hermione reaching out to touch the dew drops for a third time "I can put some in your hair as well Hermione." Cat reminded her "And I’m not surprised you’ve never seen them before. They come from *my* kind of magic, I’m sure the Ministry has outlawed anything having to do with my people, including simple, harmless things like this." Cat twisted her now empty hand in the air and suddenly a handful of small iridescent flowers appeared. Cat noticed Hermione’s eyes growing larger by the minute. "And since you like to understand everything. . .the dewdrops are nothing more than oscillating balls of energy, that’s why you felt that tingle when you touched them. And these little beauties" she said motioning to the flowers she was placing in Ginny’s hair "are also a form of energy, here, take a look" she held out on it her palm for Hermione to study.

Picking it up gingerly, Hermione felt a similar sensation, only instead of a tingling this one felt like something was wrapping itself around her. Studying the petals of the flowers carefully, she noted that they weren’t petals at all, but thousands of strands of sparkling threads. "Are these threads some sort of energy? They look almost like spider webs."

"Very good Hermione" Cat responded as she finished Ginny’s hair "That is very close, only no spiders are involved." Cat giggled as she heard Ginny breath a loud sigh of relief, apparently she shared her brother‘s distaste for spiders. "Okay sweetie, take a look in the mirror."

Ginny practically bounded off the bed as she ran to the mirror on Cat’s dresser "Is that really me?" Ginny asked breathlessly "I look like a princess" she said as she gently shook her head, watching with glee as the dew drops shimmered with every movement she made. "Oh, how big is that wardrobe?" Ginny asked as Cat all but disappeared into the cabinet.

"Much bigger than you would think" Cat yelled back at them, by this point only her feet could be seen "I took the liberty of adding a dimension or two to it. Remus has done the same with the storage closet in DADA" she explained "ahhh, found it" she cried as she poked her head out of the wardrobe. "I knew it was in here somewhere." Smiling widely, she took out a small stone chest and opened it, a dozen multi colored shimmering butterflies flitted out of the chest and began hovering around Ginny’s head, perching from time to time on the flowers. "There, *now* you’re done"

Hermione walked up to Ginny and stared at her with amazement. "I’ve never seen anything like this before. How did you learn to do this? And can you teach me?"

Cat smiled warmly at Hermione "Of course I can teach you, you’re very bright, you would pick it up in no time at all" Cat noticed the smile widening on Hermione’s face "As for how I learned" Cat shrugged her shoulders "just seeing my sisters, cousins and aunt do it I guess, we tend to have long hair." she smirked "You should see what I’m planning to do to mine tonight. Although the spells involved will be a bit trickier than those I used for Ginny’s. I still have time to do yours if you like."

Hermione looked at Ginny and sighed, she hated to fuss over things like hair and make-up, as it was she felt Ron paid far too much attention to the way people looked. But she had to admit, it was fun dressing up like this, and Ginny looked absolutely beautiful in the dress and hair style that Cat had picked for her. "Well. . .as long as its nothing *too* fancy, just simple and sophisticated please."

Before long the three of them were laughing and talking about boys, school, food, and anything else that came to mind. By the time Cat was finished, Ginny looked like an elven princess and Hermione looked every bit the young sophisticate, her hair had been pulled back into a loose knot at the base of her neck, with soft wispy curls surrounding her face. Cat had even put some make up on the girls, although not much. Just some lipstick and mascara was really all that was needed, although she did use some iridescent powder on Ginny‘s cheeks and collar bone. . . .

Severus turned away from his reflection, he knew the real problem behind his nervousness. He was terrified he would not be able to measure up to her expectations, that she would compare him to Black or to whomever else she may have been with. The thought was tormenting him to distraction, he had to think of something else, he had to believe that Catri would return his love and his affection. After all, she had been very receptive to his touch and kisses over the past several weeks. Why would that change now? . . .

Cat dressed herself quickly as Hermione and Ginny waited for her in the sitting room. They had decided to walk to the tower together, she couldn’t wait to see what Ron and Harry looked like, and she was anxious to meet this Cho girl. Cat looked into her mirror as she adjusted the bodice of her dress, making sure everything would stay in its proper place. "Maybe Lupy was right" she sighed "for some reason it seems a lot more revealing now than it did in the shoppe. Either that or I‘ve put on some weight in the past few weeks" she said as she studied herself in the mirror. Sticking out her tongue at her reflection, she quickly went to the wardrobe to find a shawl to cover her rather ample assets.

"Well if I’m going trawling for a husband I guess this is as good a look as any" she mused as she placed the shawl on her dresser and started on her hair.

As Cat pinned up her hair she steeled her mind, she had to make a choice, she had to see this through. As much as her heart may long for Sirius, he was simply out of the running, he had betrayed her once and seemed to be otherwise entangled. She felt her stomach lurch as the vivid memory of her beloved Sirius and that tramp Esmeralda half naked and entwined sprang into her head. "Nearly twenty years and I still can’t stand it" she sighed sadly. "This is it girly, you have to make a choice or the clannad will" she said to her reflection. "we both know the real reason poppa allowed you back here was to buy you some time, this is our last chance."

Cat grimaced as she replayed the conversation she had over-heard between her poppa and her aunts. They were calling him to the floor about her lack of children. Bless her poppa, he refused to give into them, he knew how frightened she was of suffering through the sort of marriage her elder sister had. But in the end, it had been Maharet that silenced them all, *allow her this time among the wizards, a few months will not matter one way or the other. And she may yet meet her true husband among them* Cat wondered what Maharet knew that the rest didn’t.

Cat walked out of her bedroom and smiled at Ginny and Hermione, "So, how do I look?" she asked as she adjusted her shawl. Judging by the smiles and wide-eyed stares, she must have passed the teen test at least. "Ready to meet the boys?"

Ginny stood there with her mouth agape "Wow! What is Professor Snape going to say when he sees you in that? I hope Mr. Black doesn’t get upset, I really think he wanted to go with you." She smiled brightly as she studied Cat’s gown and hair, Ginny loved the way Cat could pull her hair up in an elegant swoop and still have long curling tendrils dangle over her shoulders. It looked so romantic, she was positive whoever she ended up with tonight would approved.

Cat looked directly into Ginny’s eyes "Sirius? . . . But he can’t go, can he? I thought he wasn’t allowed to be seen. And besides if he went I’m sure it would be with Esmeralda anyway." she added hastily as she pushed a curl out of her eyes.

Hermione screwed up her face "Esmeralda . . Who is Esmeralda?" she asked "I don’t ever remember hearing anyone by that name." she looked to Ginny "Do you?" Ginny shook her head no as well.

Cat gave them a sad smile "I’m not surprised, I can’t imagine he’s exactly proud of her, especially considering the condition he’s in." she shook her head as she winced "He’s just so thin, and he looks far too old for his years. I remember him when he was younger, when we were students here." she wiped away a tear from her eye as the girls hugged her.

"Cat don’t cry" Ginny pleaded "I’m sure he’s alright."

"Of course he is" Hermione agreed "He has us to take care of him, and the way you and Harry worry about him. . ." Hermione became silent as she saw the pain in Cat’s eyes.

Cat blinked her eyes quickly and smiled as brightly as she could "Let’s not ruin our night by talking about this. I personally cannot wait to see what the boys say when they see you." turning to Ginny she added "Maybe I can get that son of mine to dance with you at least once tonight" she winked as Ginny blushed pink.

"When are they ever going to get here?" Ron whined impatiently as he leaned against the wall, "How long can it possibly take them to put on dresses and stuff?"

Harry shook his head and laughed "Sirius said to *never* ask about that. Its some kind of unwritten rule between men and women" he rolled his eyes as Ron snorted. "Just passing on the information" Harry insisted as he threw his arms in the air. It really wasn’t like Cat to keep him waiting like this, he was beginning to get a bit impatient himself, not to mention nervous.

"Hey Ron?" Harry asked as he stood next to his friend "What do you think is going to happen when I introduce Cho? I mean, what if mum doesn’t like her? What if Cho doesn’t like mum?"

Ron gave Harry a huge grin "Welcome to the family" he joked "You should have asked my brother Bill, mum never likes any of his girlfriends."

"Yeah" Harry agreed "or his haircut or the earrings" the boys continued to talk back and forth, until Harry looked down the hall to see the girls walking their way. "Ron. . . Ron. . " Harry gasped "Turn around, . . .look at them. . . w-o-w" Harry found it hard to believe these were the same girls he had been talking to this afternoon.

Hermione was the picture of elegance with her cream colored, sheath gown and all the lovely wispy curls framing her face. Harry chuckled when he saw Ron’s mouth hanging open, trying desperately to get any words at all to come out. He turned back to the girls and suddenly understood how Ron felt when he saw Ginny. She looked like she had just walked out of a storybook, her long full gown looked as if someone had painted a watercolor of the pretty butterflies that were circling around her hair onto her gown. Her necklace and earrings seemed to be made of the same dewdrops that were braided into her hair, they shimmered with an almost magical essence every time she moved. Cat stood behind the girls, her hands resting daintily on each of their shoulders. It wasn’t until Hermione had walked up to Ron to close his jaw that they got a good look at her.

Harry felt his heart ache the moment he saw her and realized Sirius wasn’t going to be there with them. She looked absolutely stunning, the full skirt of her gown just grazed the floor as she walked toward them., he could hear the rustle of the silk with each step she took. Harry watched as the embroidered hem seam to shimmer with the same essence as Ginny’s jewelry. He smiled up at her, noticing the way several long curls cascaded over her bare shoulders, contrasting with her milky skin. He was relieved to see she had put a shawl on, he could tell the top was a bit bare, and remembered Remus’s teasing her about it. But the thing he noticed most was her eyes, they were so full of pride as she looked at him. His heart was practically bursting with love and confidence just seeing how she looked at him. Harry was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of Ron’s low whistle.

Looking at Ron he could tell he was thinking the same thing - wow!. Harry reached out to hug Cat as soon as he got over the initial shock of seeing them. "I can’t believe how amazing you all look" he gushed as he looked at Ginny and Hermione again. Harry’s insides felt a little funny when Ginny smiled back at him, "So Ginny . . . Are you meeting Neville here? Or are you going to walk with us to the ball?"

"Both" Ginny said as Neville came walking out of the portrait "Neville this is Miss MacLeod, Harry’s mum, oh. . .and she also teaches Divination." Ginny added as she introduced Neville to Cat.

Cat smiled as Neville nodded politely and mumble his hello shyly, never looking up at her. <hmmm, not an unpleasant child> Cat thought <but Ginny needs someone a bit more outgoing, and certainly more fun than this fellow> "I don’t recall seeing you in any of my classes Neville, what are you majoring in?" she asked, trying to get a conversation started.

Neville looked up at her and quickly replied "Arithromancy" before turning quite red and looking down again.

Cat raised an eyebrow and looked at Harry, mouthing the words ‘is it me’ and motioning to her dress. She was relieved when Harry shook his head and laughed silently, mouthing the words ‘no, its him’ and winking at her. "Well mum, I guess that means I get to escort you to the ball" Harry said as he grinned widely.

Cat seemed surprised "I thought you were going with that Ravenclaw girl." Cat narrowed her eyes "She didn’t back out at the last minute did she?" she asked almost dangerously as Ginny and Ron laughed.

"Told ya Harry" Ron teased as he took Hermione’s hand and began to walk with her.

"Told him *what*?" Cat asked as she turned around to look at the two of them "What exactly are you telling my son, Mr. Weasley?"

"Oiy, Mr. Weasley" Ron quipped "Now I’m in for it." he added as he rolled his eyes "I was just warning Harry about mums and girlfriends, that’s all."

"Ah hah. . .and you are the voice of experience, having so many girlfriends yourself. Is that it?" Cat teased, as Ron’s ears grew quite red.

"Yes Ron" Hermione added "how much experience with girls *have* you had?" she looked pointedly at Ron as everyone else giggled at them.

"Alright Hermione, he’s had enough" Cat said as she saw the uncomfortable look on Ron’s face "give the guy a break. I’m sure he was simply explaining to Harry how protective mother’s can be when it comes to their children’s hearts. . . Right Ron?"

"You betcha" Ron said quickly as he pulled Hermione ahead of the group and walked towards the great hall, trying to avoid any further conversation on the issue.

"So. . ." Cat purred "what *did* Ron tell you anyway?" she asked as Harry laughed all the way to the great hall.

Severus paced nervously as the students began to enter the great hall, he had planned to wait in his room, but found himself unable to sit still. He was beside himself with both joy and anxiety over tonight. He pulled his pocket watch out and checked the time, he had made reservations for them for a late dinner tonight, he wanted everything to go well. After all his future happiness may well rest on the outcome of tonight.

"It is only three minutes since the last time you looked" Albus said softly from behind Severus, chuckling softly as the professor jumped at his voice "Forgive me Severus, but you seem a bit distracted tonight. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, thank you Albus." Severus replied "I am afraid it is merely a case of nervous energy" he sighed.

"Hmmm, nervous energy you say? I don’t suppose that has anything to do with our Miss MacLeod, does it?" he asked as he peered at Severus over his half moon glasses, only to see the potion master blush and stammer "I see" Albus said as he nodded "Well then, good luck to you Severus" he added as his eyes twinkled mischievously "I hope tonight goes smoothly for you."

"Thank you head master. I hope so as well" Severus replied distractedly as he looked at the doorway again, hoping that Catri would arrive soon, the wait alone was nearly driving him mad.

"Oh look" Ginny said loudly "There’s Cho, she’s waiting for you by the stairs" Ginny turned around to see Harry escorting Cat , his arm looped through hers as their matching green ensembles shimmered with an unearthly glow. "I wish I had a camera" sighed Ginny, "You two look amazing together."

"My thoughts exactly Miss Weasley" a cheery voice said as the sound of a camera’s shutter was heard clicking away. Remus grinned widely as Cat and Harry rolled their eyes "Come on you two. . .did you honestly think I could pass up this opportunity?"

"As if" Cat said dryly trying not to grin back at him "and don’t be so pleasant, I’m still angry with you." she added as Remus walked up and kissed her cheek.

"Now Kitty, when have you ever been able to stay angry with a marauder?" he asked knowingly as he winked at her. "You’re a big softly and I know it." pulling her away from Harry for a few moments he whispered softly "I am truly sorry I didn’t tell you myself Kitty. I thought it would be best to let Sirius explain. I knew you would have too many questions that I just couldn’t answer. . .forgive me?" he asked as he squeezed her hand.

"Like you said Remus, I never could stay angry with a marauder" she sighed "especially you. But when I get back from the holidays, *you* will talk to me. I still want to know things, details, no matter how much it’s going to hurt me." she added softly as she rested her head on his shoulder "I need to know the whole truth Lupy, I’m tired of being hurt by people trying to protect me from the ugly truth. I know you all mean well, but I think I deserve at least that much."

"Of course you do Kitty" Remus agreed as he kissed her forehead, "and all you have to do is name the time and place, and I promise you, I will be there. With all the ugly truth you can handle and then some" he sighed sadly as he gave her a gentle hug. "But for tonight, lets try to forget it all and have some fun, agreed?"

Cat smiled at Remus as Harry came over with Cho "Agreed, Lupy. Pinky promise" she said as she linked her pinky with his while he laughed at her. He remembered the way she and Lily would come up with the strangest things, he assumed it must have been a muggle thing.

"Mum" Harry said excitedly "this is Miss Cho Chang. She’s a sixth year in Ravenclaw, she plays on their house team as seeker, just like I do." Harry waited anxiously as Cat turned from Remus to meet Cho. At first Cat was all smiles, but Harry noticed a strange look ghost across her face for just a moment before her smile returned. "Uhhmm, Cho, this is Catri MacLeod, she teaches Divination. . ." Harry felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he watched Cho nod curtly at Cat.

"Good evening Miss MacLeod" Cho said evenly "I’ve heard a lot about you. I understand you’re not from around here."

Cat paused for a moment, regarding Cho as Remus placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently "Yes, that’s quite right.. I come from the North. But please, call me Cat" she smiled and offered Cho her hand "My son thinks very highly of you, I hope I get the chance to know you better."

Cho hesitated before shaking Cat’s hand "Actually Harry and I had made plans to sit with some of our friends, I hope you don’t mind?"

"Of course not" Cat replied "I expect Harry will want to spend a great deal of time with his friends" turning to Harry "but he did promise me at least one dance." she winked as she noticed the nervous expression on his face.

Sirius leaned against the cold wall and shook his head, he had seen this happen far too often when they were students. He recognized the *look* immediately "Oh Harry, why did Cho have to do that" he asked softly, to no one in particular. It was obvious to him, and apparently to Remus, that Cho had already made up her mind about the Sidhe teacher. Sirius simply hoped Harry would be able to make the right decision, he knew how much he cared for Cho, after all, Harry had had a crush on her since the beginning of his fourth year. Sirius chuckled softly as he remembered Harry telling him Cho had agreed to go to the ball with him, the kid was practically doing cartwheels from sheer excitement and joy.

Sirius shifted out of the way as more students flocked towards the great hall, he had almost forgotten that no one else could see him under Harry’s cloak. He hoped Harry wouldn’t mind his borrowing it, but he just had to see them tonight. Harry looked so handsome in the robes Cat had bought him, and Cat. . ..

What could he ever say to describe her. She was, and always had been, breath-taking to him. Sirius closed his eyes, trying not to think of the long, lonely nights ahead of him. It was bad enough he had lost Cat, but to have Harry gone for almost a whole month, it was almost impossible for him to fathom. But at least Harry would be safe and loved, and for once, he would be with family, real family, his clannad.

Sirius fought off the urge to walk up to Cat and wrap his arms around her, he had to find a way to make her understand. He could have kicked himself when Remus told him what Cat had said to him at breakfast. Why couldn’t he have just taken the chance and told her about Azkaban? It certainly couldn’t have gone any worse than this had, she had stumbled onto the truth with no warning, no one to tell her the whole truth. With any luck, he may at least be able to talk to her for a few minutes tonight. He just had to explain what had happened, why he was still a wanted man, she had to understand, she just had to. . . .

Ginny and Hermione stared at each other, as much as Ron had teased Cat and Harry, they were honestly surprised at the coolness between Cho and Cat. They had been expecting one of Cat’s typically warm greetings, she almost always hugged people when she met them. And suddenly her smile seemed a bit strained, as if she were smiling simply for Harry’s sake. And why did Remus suddenly have such a pained look in his eyes? Hermione nudged Ron and nodded her head at him, trying to break the awkwardness of the situation. .