“Hi Cali” Cat smiled, “so, Harry tells me Mea and Sara are at it again. When did the O’Hara’s arrive?”

“Less than an hour ago” Callista replied. “but she and Sara have been at it ever since. Amber and Zach are off in a corner somewhere playing kissy face” she grimaced, “and Feargus is with Desiree discussing security at Hogwarts and some guys named Cobryn and Brutus.”

“Brutus?” Cat repeated, obviously knowing something the others didn’t. “I’ll have to chat with them then. Oh, and who is winning, Sara or Mea? I can’t believe they’re still trying to outdo one another, I think this has been going on since they were what….five years old?”

“Oh, isn’t that just grand” Harry sighed, “why didn’t anyone warn me about it. I’m the one they decided needed lessons.” he smirked, rolling his eyes as Sirius raised an eyebrow at Harry.

“Oh they did, did they? And I suppose you fought them off, right?” Sirius teased, squeezing Cat’s hand as they all walked back towards the family room. He felt his heart soar as he heard the sound of music and friendly voices coming from the room. “So Cat…..do I get a dance or two?” he asked hopefully,

“Or three,….or six….or twenty…” Paddy and Harry added……

Cash decided to check in on Rick and Sev before he tried to talk to Raul, as much as he respected the Primogen, the man had to learn that MacLeod’s stuck together, no matter what. It had nothing to do with lack of respect or ambition or anything like that, it was how they were raised, all of them. From the first day their mother’s nursed them to the first time they picked up a sword, to the birth of their own children. ‘Clan above all else’ was drilled into their heads.”

Silently opening the door to Angel’s room, Cash shook his head and smiled as he wished he had Remus’s camera with him. He leaned against the door jam as he surveyed the scene before him. Rick was sitting in a chair, legs propped up on the bed, fast asleep, while the wizard slept soundly, cocooned in Angel’s soft, warm quilts. “Why is it they all look so cute and innocent when they’re asleep?” Cash smirked as he crossed the length of the room and carefully sat down on the bed.

He stared at the wizard for a few moments, studying the lines and imperfections of his face, from the large nose to his jet black hair to his pale skin and ruddy lips. Cash could almost understand what Angel saw in the man, there was something tragic about him, romantically, perhaps even heroically so. He was a man who had suffered silently, preferring to take comfort in his own solitude and strength, rather than trusting in others. “You’ve chosen a long and lonely road wizard” Cash said softly as he brushed a few stray stands of hair off of Sev’s face. He was actually surprised at how soft and warm the man’s skin was, he always imagined him to be hard and cold, much like a piece of marble he so resembled.

Severus was dreaming again, he felt himself slipping deeper and deeper into the beautiful world he knew no longer existed. Catri was there, cradling Serenity in her arms as his mother, Serena, sat in the garden, painting a portrait of Catri and Serenity. He smiled as he heard Catri singing to Serenity, calming his fidgeting little girl almost immediately as his mother looked on with both approval and adoration in her eyes. Severus returned to reading his Daily Prophet, content in the knowledge that his little family was safe and content under his watchful eye. He glanced from article to article as he enjoyed the warm sun and cool breeze as the scent of honeysuckle filled the air. Everything was so peaceful, so perfect, until his eyes were caught by the headline of a particular article Ministry Members Found Murdered, Sidhe Suspected .

Severus felt his dream crumbling around him as the MoM apparated into his garden, tearing Serenity from Catri’s arms and thrusting the screaming child into his tearful mother’s arms. He immediately grabbed his wand, prepared to protect Catri at any costs, only to find her surrounded by vampires, her vampires. Rick and his friends were all there, protecting Catri with their lives as the MoM hurled curses at them. Sev had tried to stop the madness, only to find himself on the receiving end of a particularly painful crucio curse, which brought him to his knees. When he tried to stand up and go to Catri’s side, he realized he was too weak to move, it was then that he felt cool fingers gently brushing against his cheek. His eye fluttered open, expecting to see his Catri, but instead saw….”Cash?!”

“Relax Snape” Cash cooed, gently pushing the wizard back down onto the bed. The professor’s dark eyes were wide with confusion and momentary fear as he stared back into Cash’s bright blue eyes. “Are you alright?” he asked quietly, only to be taken aback by the sudden look of anger in the man’s eyes.

“Why are you here?” Snape hissed, hating the feeling that he had left himself so exposed as to not even realize he was being touched by someone. “Have you come to harass me? Or have you simply chosen to make me remain here as a prisoner.”

“Well” Cash said, looking around “I’d say as prisoners go, you’re sitting pretty, I mean its dang comfy for a cell.” he smirked, realizing that Snape’s comments no longer held the biting edge of past confrontations. “You must still be pretty sore, normally I would have expected you to throw a curse or two at me by now. And Rick’s still looking fairly healthy, don’t tell me you’ve lost your touch?” he teased, trying to get a rise out of the professor.

“My ‘touch’ as you call it is fine, thank you” Sev retorted, despising the feeling of helplessness that threatened to overtake him. “I take it Catri is not here, not that anyone has bothered to tell her what happened, I’m sure.”

Cash clucked his tongue and grimaced as he fought the urge to verbally accost the wizard. “That’s right, we haven’t. She has enough going on at the moment, she doesn’t need this too, she didn’t exactly escape unscathed herself.”

“Nothing like giving her a choice, or the chance to make her own decisions” Sev spat, knowing that if she only knew, Catri would be there at his side, doing for him what she had done for Black.

Seeing the snarl on the professor’s face Cash decided to end the conversation before it spiralled any further downward. “Hey!” he said sharply, startling a sleeping Rick “before you go getting all nasty again, you might want to open these.” he said as he thrust several packages at the wizard.

Sev narrowed his eyes suspiciously “What are they?” he asked, suspecting the worse. Looking over at a sleepy eyed Rick, he found himself amazed when it dawned on him how glad he was to see the vampire awake and smiling back at him.

Cash rolls his eyes “Helloooooo…Holidays,…… presents…ringing any bells? Are you sure it wasn’t his head that took the damage?” Cash asked as he looked at Rick, who was trying desperately not to laugh out loud. Turning back to Sev, he added “They’re from Angel and Harry, Merry Christmas.”

“Angel?.. Catri? Is she here, has she come back?” Sev asked, a flicker of hope dancing in his eyes, perhaps she had realized something was wrong when he failed to contact her, surely she must be expecting him to owl her at the very least, considering what happened between them. It was then that it occurred to Sev that perhaps that was the problem, he hadn’t even attempted to contact her in the conventional sense of the word. She must think he was simply using her, he had to contact her, even if it were nothing more than a short letter, he had to let her know how he felt.

Cash felt his heart ache for the professor, it wasn’t his fault he had fallen in love with her, but the sooner he understood she was not free to be with him, the better. “No, I took a quick trip home last night. I went to check up on her and Harry, they are both well and recovering nicely. And she asked me to bring these to you, along with this.” he added, handing the professor a letter from Angel “And just so you know, the hunter has arrived, his name is Brutus, he may want to speak with you, seeing as how you were the last victim of the Tremere.” Cash added as all traces of anger left him the moment he saw the painful longing in the wizard’s dark eyes.

Severus passed his hands over the ornate paper covering the boxes, he could almost picture Catri sitting on the floor, laughing and smiling as she wrapped the packages, her heart full and soft with love and affection for the receivers of her gifts. He turned his head away from the vampires as he asked “When can I leave? I want to…. I need ….” he cleared his throat “I have work to do.” he said bruskly, knowing that neither Rick nor Cash believed a word of his excuse.

“When Poppy and Rick feel you are well enough,” Cash replied, his voice suddenly full of compassion and understanding. He was so much like Rick used to be, it made him wonder if one day the wizard would turn out as well as Rick did. “If you want, we can take you back to your own room, if you feel you’ll be more comfortable there. I thought you might like the warmth and light here more.” he explained as he reached out and touched Severus’s cheek, startling the man out of his deep thoughts.

Sev thought it over, Cash was right, he felt more at home in this room, Catri’s room, than he did his own. He sighed deeply as he ran his hand over the warm velvet quilt and soft, brushed cotton sheets. Every where he looked, he saw glimpses of Catri and her personality, the intricate lace runners on her dresser, the pictures of her friends and family, the books that lined the shelves. Looking up into Cash’s eyes, he knew he didn’t need to answer, Cash already understood.

“Oh, I almost forgot, Rick will be staying with you, until I know you are healed and Gustavas is safely away from here,” Cash said as he smiled gently, looking from Sev to Rick and back again. “you need someone to watch your back while you’re regaining your strength.”

Sev was not sure how to respond, he was sure he was wearing a look of mild shock on his face, judging from the reaction from the two. But with the exception of his mother and Catri, he had never really had anyone care about what happened to him before, certainly not a pair of vampires, …

Sirius still found himself holding Cat’s hand as they entered the room, the hum of the pipes filling his heart with pride as he remembered his father and grandfather teaching him how to play, he never really caught on, but they had always been favourite memories of his childhood. He turned to look at Cat who had her free hand on Harry’s shoulder, laughing and chatting with him as Callista pestered Harry for the chance to dance with him too. Sirius squeezed Cat’s hand, gaining a bright smile from her and from Harry.

“As much as I’m enjoying your attention Sirius, I really think you should let go of my hand now. Unless of course you want more trouble than you can handle.” she baited, smiling knowingly as she awaited his response.

“More trouble than “I” can handle?” Sirius repeated, mocking indignation as Cat and Harry laughed at him. “My dear Catrianna, I am more than willing to take you on any day of the week, and twice on Sunday, may I add.”

“Reeeaaalllyy” a gravely voice spoke from behind Sirius, “Well that sounds promising, don’t you think so Kitty?” Mammy Oma commented as she reached up to pinch Sirius’s cheeks, causing the wizard to turn bright red. “Oh and look, he still blushes, just like a school boy. Heaven alive Kitty, you do know how to pick them don’t you.” she added, delighted by the wizard’s reaction. “Just fatten him up a little and no one would ever know he wasn’t one of us, ….or at least, not yet one of us.”

“I’m trying Mammy” Cat replied as she kissed the old woman on the cheek. “but I have to agree with you on the blushing, isn’t it just adorable when he does that?” she teased, staring intently at Sirius the entire time. Her heart fluttered when she saw the tender look in his eyes as he silently blew her a kiss. He had always been such a romantic, regardless of his prankster image, she couldn’t even count how many mornings she and Lily would wake up in their dorm only to find small notes and flowers waiting for them on their nightstands.

“I notice he hasn’t let go of your hand either” Mammy Oma remarked, startling Cat out of her memories, “or has someone glued you two together?” she asked, staring intently at Paddy and Harry.

“Not that it hasn’t crossed my mind” Harry quipped, drawing looks from both Cat and Sirius, “but I’m pretty sure it’s just them happy to be back together……right?” he added, looking at them hopefully.

“Well then, if that’s the case” Mammy commented, not giving either of them a chance to disagree with Harry. “I’d say it’s time to get you two onto the dance floor and see exactly how well you move together. Go on now, both of you.” she insisted, quickly walking behind Sirius and giving him a gentle shove to encourage him. “Just don’t let go of her dearie…..and Kitty” Mammy remarked as she looked over the top of her glasses “don’t let this one get away again, hmmmm.”

“Oh yeah, my clan” Cat sighed “subtle as a bludger to the head, and almost as much fun.”

“Now come on Cat, you love every minute of it” Sirius teased, “and at least she wasn’t pinching you. That old lady’s got quite the grip, but I do have to agree with her observation about not letting go.” he stated as he cupped Cat’s face in his free hand. “I know what you told me Cat, and I know we both have a lot to tell and explain to one another, but I honestly believe we can make it if we try.”

“Less talking, more dancing” Duncan yelled as he grabbed Cat and Sirius, dragging them into the circle “and don’t make me warn you about keeping your hands above her waist,” he added, giving Sirius a foreboding look, “you’re not her husband yet, so make sure you treat her like a lady.”

Sirius grinned and saluted Duncan as he finally let go of Cat’s hand, only to wrap it around her waist as he reached over her head to take her other hand, making a full circle as the fiddlers joined the pipers for the next tune.

Sirius gazed down into Cat’s deep emerald eyes as he felt the heat of her body invigorate his flesh and mind. He smiled as the memories came flooding back on him, she herself had taught him this dance, it had been during the spring equinox, her family had celebrated it and he, James and Lily had been invited to join them. It had been the first ‘real’ meeting with her family, he had embarrassed himself horribly with his lack of dancing abilities, but he caught on quickly, and no one really seemed to mind his fumbling over his own feet. When they got back to school, he had insisted that Cat give him lessons, so the next time he wouldn’t be so awkward, and she willingly agreed. Reflecting back, he wondered how they ever got any dancing accomplished, considering all the other things they had ended up doing during those ‘lessons’.

His feet moved instinctively as soon as the music began again, he felt as if he would weep with joy every time he caught her in his arms and spun her around. His spine tingling when he felt her long, soft hair brush against his arms or the gentle swish of her long skirts as they fell against his legs whenever he pulled her close. His favourite part of the dance, however, was when he got to take her by her hand, ducking down together as he led her through the arched hands of her family. It reminded him so much of the dances his own family did at weddings and births…

Cat couldn’t help but smile as she danced with Sirius, his arms were so strong and his steps seemed sure and certain. She had almost forgotten what it was like to dance like this, true both Remus and Severus had danced with her many times, but never like this. Sirius had that strange and intoxicating mixture of grace and passion that positively brought her to her knees. Her mind reeled as she wondered how Siri and Sev could be so much alike and yet so different, for Severus too brought a fountainhead of emotions within her, although with him it was more an intense seduction than playful passion. Her mind began wandering as she thought of her dilemma, she loved them both, differently to be sure, but love none the less.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Sirius grasped her hand once more, leading her under the arches formed by the raised hands of her clan. When they came through the far side of the ‘tunnel’ Sirius quickly wrapped his arms around her waist, circling around the room so quickly her hair flowed out behind her as her stomach did a few turns of its own. She wasn’t sure how long she would be able to continue dancing like this, but for the moment, all she could do was smile and giggle as she looked into Sirius’s eyes.

After several songs, Cat insisted that she needed a rest. “Please Siri, just a little sit down and something to drink. If you want to go on dancing, believe me, you have your pick, look around you.” she explained, waving her hand at all of her cousins.

“But I only want to dance with you” Sirius responded, his arm immediately moving to her waist as he escorted her to a couch, “besides, I think they’re all waiting to dance with Remus. Remind me to harass him for this later” he added, winking playfully as Cat giggled. He sat next to her, nuzzling against her neck as he gave her a large hug, “I’ve missed this. I remember when we used to dance almost every night.”

“We were supposed to dance, remember you asked me to give you lessons. I seem to recall doing anything but dancing.” Cat replied, blushing slightly at the memories.

“Well, we always had the ‘intention’ of dancing” Siri grinned, giving Cat a quick kiss as he rose “I’ll be right back with something to drink”

Cat nodded, smiling softly as she watched him make his way through her clan. Turning her attention back to the dance, she quickly honed in on Harry and Remus, both of whom seemed to be the favourite dance partners of many of the women. She watched as Sara and Mea continued to try and outdo each other, while Callista, Einy and Clara attempted to teach Harry the basics of Sidhe dancing. But poor Harry seemed to be stumbling over himself at the way everything moved in circles within circles. If she had felt more energetic, she would have gone over and taught him herself, but as it was, she felt as if she were going to fall asleep on her feet.

“Deep in thought?” Sirius asked as he handed her a tall, cool glass of Sangria.

“Just tired” Cat replied, smiling sweetly as Sirius sat down next to her and pulled her tightly against himself, kissing her cheek as he gave her a squeeze. “Hmmm, somehow this still doesn’t feel quite right” he stated as he took the glass from her and lifted her up. He chuckled as she gasped and giggled throwing her arms around his neck as he placed his left leg against the back of the sofa before placing Cat back down. “There, much better” he said as he pulled her up against him, pressing her back tightly against his chest as he handed her drink back to her.

Cat shook her head and sighed as she leaned against him, “You are bound and determined to get my clan talking, aren’t you?” she asked, shimmying herself against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Have you been watching Harry and the girls? They are going to teach him to dance or kill him trying.”

“So I noticed, poor kid” Sirius teased as he nuzzled against her cheek, “but he does seem to be holding his own.” he sighed contentedly as he held Cat, his eyes watching Harry as the clan continued to play and dance. This was better than even his most hopeful dreams had been, he grinned when Duncan walked by and ‘accidentally’ hit him across the back of the head while sporting a playful grin and shaking a warning finger at him. It was the family he had always hoped for, one Harry deserved, one they all needed. “You feeling any better Cat?” he whispered softly.

“I’m fine, just tired is all, its been a rough few days, you know.” She replied quietly, enjoying the warmth and strength of his body against hers.

“I know, I know.” he agreed, “I just worry about you. It’s not like you to be this quiet, especially when there’s dancing to be done.” He heard her laugh as she grabbed one of his hands, entwining her fingers in his.

“You worry too much” she insisted, “although I’m enjoying this almost as much as I enjoy dancing.” she admitted, blushing softly as Sirius tilted her head back towards his, kissing her tenderly as he whispered “I love you too”…..

Fang shook his head as he watched Rick and Poppy tending to the irate teacher, it was obvious the man wasn’t used to being fussed over. “Need help, Rick?” Fang asked as he stood in the doorway, waiting for Poppy to finish. Cash had asked he and his fellow Garou to help protect the inhabitants of the school on a more ‘personal‘ basis now. They seemed to think the worst problem now was no longer the death eaters, but a spy amongst them, a spy who knew far too much to simply be a casual observer. “He’s even more of a handful than Angel it seems.”

“You have no idea” Rick responded, grinning widely as Sev glared at him, “it’s true Severus, at least Angel can be reasoned with, and that failing, I can hold her down until she stops fighting.” he added, winking playfully as he saw the look of shock on the potion master’s face.

“You would not ,dare ” Severus whispered menacingly. “I wouldn’t dare?” Rick repeated, “do you mean with her or with you?” he asked, trying desperately not to lose his poker face, only to break into laughter as Poppy snorted at the idea of anyone speaking to Snape like that.

“No wonder Cash told me I can trust you to handle him” Poppy commented, “Cat MacLeod is the only other person I have ‘ever’ heard address him like that. Or at least the only one who didn’t get her head bitten off.” she added, gazing down at the scowling professor.

“Professor Snape, please.” Poppy said, her voice even but stern. “Do NOT make me call the Headmaster over this. As it is I am uncomfortable with you being in Kitty’s room, but he and Cash insist this is not an issue. However, I must insist that you follow my instructions to the letter, or I will demand that you be brought to the hospital until you are completely healed.” Turning to Rick she added, “And I am counting on you to make sure he listens. Cash has told me that you will be his…what did he call you?”

“Fear-cobhair?” Rick suggested.

“Yes, that’s it.” Poppy agreed, “I’m honestly not sure what it means, but I trust you will be the one staying with him.” Poppy seemed satisfied when Rick nodded and assured her he would see to it that Severus did exactly as she recommended. “Good luck to you dear, I have the distinct feeling you are going to need it. He tends to be less than pleasant, especially when Kitty’s not around.” she whispered slyly as she waited for Fang to escort her back to the hospital.

Rick shook his head as he walked Fang and Poppy to the door, “You underestimate him Poppy.” Rick insisted, “He’s got a lot of heart, the fact that he managed to survive the Tremere’s attack at all, much less do some damage to the beast speaks volumes for him.” he added. Then turning to Fang, Rick grinned widely, “And you, wait until Angel comes back and sees you. You must be the youngest Alpha ever.” he said as he hugged Fang tightly, clapping the Garou on his back and smiling proudly at him.

“Thank you” Fang replied, “I never would have had the courage to do this if you and the others didn’t have so much faith in me.”

“You had faith in yourself Fang, that’s what matters most” Rick correctly him, “but we are awfully proud of you.” he added, winking at the young Garou……

“So, what exactly does that mean ‘alpha’, I assume you’re not talking of the latin alphabet.” Poppy asked as she and Fang walked to the hospital.

“In my clan, the alpha is the leader, and it seems, that’s me now.” Fang replied, almost shyly, a rather strange departure from his normal bravado.

“I take it this is not merely a choice?” she asked as she looked the Garou up and down. “You seem to be changing physically as well.”

“Yeah, I’ve kinda noticed that myself.” Fang admitted, running his hand through his quickly growing mane. “I’m a bit at a loss at that one. I mean, I’ve always been the quick, slender one, all muscle and sinew. Now look at me, I’m getting muscles in places I didn’t even know I had.”

“Poor boy” Poppy cooed, “It must be like going through puberty twice. But the girls seem to appreciate the changes” she added, a knowing smile on her lips.

Fang blushed noticeably under his platinum fur “Yeah,….yeah they do.”…….

Mea jostled Sara, Harry and Callista as they stood at the table snacking, “Hey cousin, isn’ tha yur mum an da? Is she ill or is she expectin‘?” she asked.