Kneeling next to the death eater once more, Rick smiled hungrily as he ran his fingers across her lips before turning her face away from his. He nuzzled against her neck, pushing her dark hair out of his way, and groaning with pleasure as he inhaled the scent of feminine fear, it was an intoxicating mixture of soft musk with a slightly acidic edge to it. He bared his fangs, dragging them across her neck as her heart pounded against her chest, causing the artery under his lips to throb as the blood raced through it. Unable to contain himself any longer, Rick pierced her flesh, biting deeply into the artery and sighing contentedly as the blood flowed into his mouth, renewing and reinvigorating him with both life and warmth. This is why nothing was like feeding from a living being, it wasn’t just the blood, it was the experience. The warmth, the scents, the pounding of the heart, the struggle of the chase, or even better, when the blood was willingly surrendered out of love. Nothing compared to that, nothing in this world or the next…….

Severus shook his head and smiled as he held the book in his hand, “How could you have known?” he whispered as he ran his slender fingers over the raised, gold-leafed letters. He had been searching for this particular book of potions for the last four years, ever since he had read of its existence. He carefully opened the book and turned the brittle papyrus pages, writing in Egyptian, Latin, and Italian came to life before his eyes, revealing secrets to him that only a man of his intelligence and education would understand. He paused as he came to a page were the lettering looked all too familiar, and there, written in green ink, was an inscription from Catri. “My dearest Severus, I hope you find this book useful and enlightening, I found it a few weeks ago in Edinburgh-sa’ mheadhon and immediately thought of you. May this be the first of many joyous holidays together.”

“If only we were together Catri” Sev sighed as he closed his eyes, remembering every detail of her face and wishing he had his sketching pad with him. He felt the need to create something for her, and pictured himself sketching a portrait of Catri and their children one day in the future.

“Well, someone is in a much better mood.” Rick commented as he stood in the doorway, “Mind if I come in?” he asked as Poppy snorted something unintelligible as she left Catri’s chambers.

“Rick?!” Sev replied, being snapped out of his daydream by the sound of the Gangrel’s voice. “Where have you been? I woke up and you were no where to be found.” realizing how foolish he sounded, Sev immediately cleared his throat and added “I mean to say….”

“Don’t worry about it professor” Rick winked as he grinned widely and sat on the bed, amused by the blush flaring on the wizard’s cheeks. “And don’t ever think that I’m far away from you. I just had to feed, I’m not as old as Cash, I can’t go for days or weeks on end without blood and remain safe around the living.”

“What exactly do you mean ‘remain safe around the living’?” Severus asked, feeling an uneasy tightening within his stomach.

“I mean my will to survive is very strong, and so is the hunger. While I normally have no problem controlling my urges, if I should become starved I may inadvertently harm a teacher or student.” he replied, his face turned away in shame. “I’m not always the gentleman I would like to be, but that’s why Angel keeps us near, we go to her if we feel the struggle overwhelming us.”

Severus cringed as his mind raced with ideas of ‘why’ they went to Catri. “Should I even ask what you use her for,” he growled coldly, “or may I safely assume that is how you’ve convinced her that she is safe amongst you.”

Rick turned his face and stared into Severus’s dark eyes, a stern and challenging look on his otherwise sweet face . “What is ‘that’ supposed to mean?” he asked as his temper flared. He could endure many things, but like the rest of his clan, he would bear no impingement upon Angel’s character. “Well Professor? I am waiting for you to explain that last comment.”

Clenching his jaw, Severus took a deep breath and explained his fears to Rick. “I am concerned for Catri’s well-being. She seems convinced that you and your fellow vampires are above reproach, that you would never harm her or any of the students. She trusts all of you implicitly and I believe that trust is gravely misplaced, as you yourself have just admitted.”

Rick knit his brow in confusion “What did I just admit to? Going to her when we are in need? Why wouldn’t we, she comes to us, we go to her. We’re clan, this is what we do, we rely upon and aid each other.”

“You feed off of her, don’t you?” Sev spat, narrowing his eyes into cold, glittering orbs of black ice. “That is why she is so pale and tired, you and the others hold her in thrall, stealing her blood and gods only know what else. After all, you are a vampire, you feed on the living without remorse or care. I still wonder if you are not in some way controlling Catri.”

“I have NEVER stolen anything from her, and I never will.” Rick snapped back, indignant at being accused of such a wretched thing. “And as for controlling her?” Rick repeated, outrage in his voice, “What in the name of Maeb make you think any of us would, or even could, control her?” he stated, the ring of anger in his voice, but an unmistakable look of hurt in his eyes. “Do you think we’ve brainwashed her, or wait, that’s right, you think we’ve made her a slave to the blood?” shaking his head, Rick sighed “Maybe Hamish ‘was’ right about this, he told me you would never be able to learn or to accept…..never mind, obviously this is pointless.” he got up and walked towards the door, prepared to leave until he heard Severus’s voice calling him.

“No, wait……please.” Severus called out, “please, don’t leave. I did not mean it like that, its just…..” he closed his eyes as he gathered his thoughts. “I have only met a handful of vampires in my life, and none of them could be trusted. They have all been brutal and heartless beast, chosen by Voldemort for the terror they instilled upon others.” Severus explained, feeling an unexplainable need to justify his accusation to Rick. He wasn‘t sure what was bothering him more, the thought of having this discussion with a vampire, or the thought of hurting Rick‘s feelings with his words. Although the later made no sense to him, after all, what was this man to him? “The only time anyone was safe was during the light of day, something that obviously does ‘not’ apply to you or the others.” he added, shuddering visibly.

“You keep saying vampires….you do realize that we are vampyres, there is a difference.” Rick replied, his voice still cold and distant. “We are not cursed, and my clan does not relish inflicting pain or terror on our victims, although we are certainly not above it given the right circumstances.” Opening the door, Rick replied without turning around, “I will check in on you later. I gave Cash my word, and regardless of what you may think of us, we honour our vows” Rick closed the door loudly behind him and walked to the sofa in Angel’s sitting room and sat down heavily upon it. Pulling out a locket, he opened it and stared at the portrait inside, “Why won’t he listen to me Fiona, why must he fight me?” he asked softly, “Was I this bad to you, this cruel?”….

Severus sighed as he fell against the soft pillows, tears threatening to spill from his eyes as he recalled the wounded look on Rick’s face. The man had been nothing but kind and patient with him, and how did he respond? The same as always, with mistrust and coldness, a trait that was taught to him early in life. “Catri, please, you have to come back to me, I cannot exist like this, I want to be with you. I want to have a family” he looked towards the closed door of her bedroom “even if it means relearning everything I ‘thought’ I knew. I will gladly do it if it will bring you to me.”’

Looking aimlessly around Catri’s room, Severus was surprised to see his wand on her nightstand, in perfect repair nonetheless. He winced as he stretched his arm to pick it up, obviously Poppy’s work was far from complete, but at least today he could breath without wanting to scream. Fingering the wand gingerly, he smiled as he realized Albus must have restored it after last night’s festivities. Pointing the wand at Catri’s bookshelf, he accio’d one of her many photo albums to himself. He had seen her paging through these books several times, she had told him they were a reminder of what she was fighting for, but always closed them before he could see what was inside.

Opening the book, he was pleasantly surprised to see a picture of a young Catri and several boys, all dressed in matching school uniforms, although he did not recognize the insignia on their jackets. His brow knit as he took a closer look at the boy standing next to Catri, it was obviously her brother, although he bore an uncanny resemblance to Cash, even down to his bright blue eyes. Looking closely at the others, he realized quickly they were all related to her, but they certainly could not all be her brothers, she had said she had a large family, but he had always assumed it was one of her strange turns of phrase. After all, to listen to her speak, one would think her family consisted of hundreds of people.

Turning the page he saw an older man with shoulder length, wavy white hair and those same bright blue eyes smiling proudly, standing between Catri and that same boy, his arms draped around their shoulders as they each held a plaque in their hands. On and on the pictures went, those same boys scattered throughout the album, some with wives and children now, others with friends and comrades. Sending that album back, he accio’d the next one, tears silently slipping down his cheeks as he saw the first picture, it was Catri and Lily waving and smiling up at him from the photo.

He felt his heart catch in his throat as page after page , the girls could be seen playing, giggling, singing, and then in one, he saw himself. Catri was standing in front of him, looking out over the grounds as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, crossing his forearms across her to try and keep her warm. Lily must have taken it, she was the only other one who had ever joined them during those few precious times he had been able to steal away from his house and simply relax with Catri. He delicately ran his finger over the picture as he remembered how warm she had been in the chilly air that night and how surprised he had been that she thought nothing of allowing him to hold her like that…….

Remus couldn’t help but smile as he watched Sirius and Kitty dancing and laughing with each other, it was as if all the years had melted away and they were all kids again. His arm instinctively wrapped around Tris as she cuddled against him, perfectly content to sit out a few dances and simply chat with him. “They seem very happy” he commented as he watched Sirius dip Kitty, grinning widely as he pulled her up again, holding her tightly against his chest as they continued the dance. Kitty was giggling and blushing like a school girl, much to the amusement of her clan, and seemed perfectly content to allow Sirius to embrace her as much as he liked. “and Harry seems to approve as well.”

“Yes, Harry hasn’t stopped smiling since he came home.” Tris agreed, “although I still have severe reservations about Sirius Black.” she added. “He broke her heart once, I won’t stand by and watch him hurt her again. And now Harry‘s little ‘question‘ has me worried that he‘ll just dump her and run if she is with child.”

“He won’t Tris, I swear he won’t” Remus promised as he squeezed Tris, “he’s learned his lesson. You wouldn’t believe the change in him after she left, he was just a shell of himself. He loves her with every fibre of his being, he’ll die before he loses her again.” he insisted, hoping Tris would believe him and not interfere with Kitty and Sirius. “But what about you Miss MacLeod, or is it Mrs., I can’t imagine you’re unspoken for.” he added, hoping she would understand the implication behind his question.

Tris smiled softly as she looked into Remus’s hazel eyes, it was no wonder Angel still held such fondness for this wizard, he literally got under your skin and into your heart the moment you met him. “Both actually, I’m currently ‘unspoken for’ as you so nicely put it, my husband passed away nearly twenty years ago.”

“I’m sorry” Remus replied softly “I had no idea.”

Shaking her head as she placed her hand on Remus’s chest, “No, its fine, really. I’ve made peace with his passing, although I’ll admit it took me a while. I loved him very much, and oddly enough, you remind me very much of him.” she added, winking playfully as Remus smiled brightly at her words. …….

Rick sighed deeply as he rubbed his eyes, he should go back and talk to the wizard, try to make him understand that his past was just that, past. He had to stop letting it colour every thing he did in the present, or he would end up dying a lonely old man with no family, no friends, nothing but a big old house that would rot along with its owner. “I must be getting tired and cranky myself” Rick whispered as he stretched and prepared to face Severus once again. “but I asked Cash for the chance to teach him, I can’t just give up now, he and Fiona never did.”

Very quietly, Rick opened the door to Angel’s bedroom, only to see the wizard crying silently as he looked through Angel’s photo albums. “Severus?” he whispered softly, startling the professor, who quickly turned his face away, wiping at his eyes and clearing his throat. “Are you alright professor?” he asked as he quickly crossed the distance between the door and the bed.

“Of course I am alright” Severus snapped, “why wouldn’t I be.”

Shaking his head at the tone in Sev’s voice, Rick looked over the wizard’s shoulder, catching a glimpse of the photo of he and Angel. “I’m sorry you miss her so much, but she’s not well enough to come back yet. And her first concern is her son, she has to keep him safe, and right now the only place he is truly safe is in Fernglennis, ……with his mother and his clan.”

“I am fully aware of that, thank you.” Sev replied flatly, after a long uncomfortable pause Sev asked. “Explain to me why she insists that Potter is her son, she knows very well that Lily Evans was his mother. I understand her fondness for Lily and Harry, but I cannot comprehend her insistence that ’she’ is his mother.”

Sitting beside Severus, Rick picked up the album from the wizard’s lap and turned the pages, finding the photos he needed to help the man understand. Placing the book on his lap once more, Rick pointed to a picture of Angel and Lily. “Look at them, do you think it was just a coincidence that Albus asked Magnus to allow his youngest and favourite daughter to attend this school?” he asked softly “They share more than their looks, they shared their hearts and their souls. What was Angel’s was Lily’s and what was Lily’s was Angel’s. There was ‘nothing’ that they held from one another. Harry is as much Angel‘s flesh and blood as Lily was, and we keep our vows, I told you that earlier.”

Turning the page, Rick directed Severus’s attention to a picture of James and Sirius, smiling as they held Lily and Angel in their arms. “And these men, brothers in everything but blood. Does Sirius Black not consider Harry to be his ‘son’ as well, stepping in to take his brother’s place, both as father and husband.” Rick saw the wizard’s jaw clench the moment he mentioned the word husband.

“He is NOT her husband, he betrayed and abandoned her” Sev spat, feeling the heat of anger rise within him. “He never loved her the way I did, he didn’t deserve her then, and he certainly doesn’t deserve her now.”

Rick was taken aback by the venom in the professor’s words, deciding to let the subject drop, he turned the discussion toward the other question the wizard had asked him earlier that evening. “Fine, perhaps you would like me to explain the difference between vampires and vampyres to you.” Rick felt his heart melting for the man as Sev turned to look up at him, a dull painful look in the wizard’s soft brown eyes.

“Is there a difference? I always thought it was simply her accent.” Severus replied softly, his thoughts still on Catri.

“Yes, many differences.” Rick replied, taking the photo album away from the wizard and replacing it on the shelf. “One of the main differences you have already pointed out. We can survive in sunlight, at least after we’ve reached a certain point in our maturity. Ancient ones like Cash can withstand the full light of the sun with little more than a slight redness to contend with, I would not be quite so fortunate. Although the fact that Cash embraced me makes me far more stronger than other Gangrels my age.”

“Cash ‘embraced’ you? Explain that..” Sev interrupted, his brow knit in confusion.

“Cash created me, I was dying and he offered me a choice, to either die as a mortal, or join with he and the others in the blood.” Rick explained softly.

“So he gave you no real choice, it was chose him or die”

“No, absolutely not!” Rick insisted, “It was an offering of love, he didn’t want to lose me. I died protecting the clan, defending the children from invaders, it was a great honor to even be asked.” he explained as he sat next to Sev, grabbing the man’s hand as his eyes flashed with emotions. “I loved Cash in ways I am at a loss to explain. He has been a father, brother, teacher, comrade and friend all at once. He saved me from the horror that had been my world, he saved my life and then my soul. He brought me into his mortal family, they showered me with love and affection, taught me to read and write, to know the meaning of honor and trust…..I owe him everything.”

“So you ‘chose’ to become a vampir….vampyre, then, it was not forced upon you? He did not attack or defile you?” Severus asked, astounded at the passion in Rick’s eyes and voice.

“Force me? Defile me?” Rick repeated incredulously “Cash is a man of honor, a man who would sooner die than see a member of his clan harmed. He came to me with his offer out of love and compassion, and since you seem to be wondering.” Rick added, turning his eyes from the wizard’s and seeming suddenly shy. “Yes, it is a very enjoyable experience, just the sharing of blood is an amazing thing. One day, perhaps you’ll understand what that means.” he added quietly, squeezing the potion master’s hand firmly as he rose from the bed, closing the curtains as the moon began to rise.

“Rick, why are you really being so kind to me? Is this truly because you feel sympathy for me?” Sev asked, “Or is it nothing more than pity, or perhaps someone has insisted you do this?”

Rick shook his head. “I’ve told you before, you remind me far too much of myself before I was fostered by the MacLeods. I took their kindness and gentleness to be either signs of weakness, or in turn, convinced myself that it was ……’romantic’ love, as opposed to affection.” Sitting down once more on the bed, Rick placed his fingers under Sev’s chin, tilting it up so he could see the wizard’s red-rimmed eyes. “Tell me the truth Severus Snape, when I touch you like this, do you considered it ‘brotherly’, or do you think it something else entirely?” ………

Cat couldn’t stop laughing as she made her way to her room, “Sirius Black, so help me, if you don’t stop it right now.” she managed to get out as she struck at him playfully, trying to keep him far enough away so he couldn’t tickle her anymore.

“You’ll do what? Come on gra, tell me, what will you do?” Sirius teased, as he continued to dart around her, tickling her ribs at every opportunity. “Your far too tired to chase me, and I’m fairly certain I can still take you on in a fair fight.”

“Maybe, but when did I ever play fair.” Cat commented as she quickly pushed Sirius against the wall and ran down the hall, giggling as she heard him chasing her. It was so wonderful to feel this way again, all the happiness and joy of their previous relationship seemed like nothing compared to this moment. Siri was back with her, his life of torment was over and she was sure his healing had begun in earnest now.

“MacLeod, I’m gonna get you” Sirius growled good-naturedly as he grabbed for her, missing by a fraction of an inch when she suddenly changed direction, darting down another hallway, “Oh no you don’t” he yelled as he turned on his heels to catch up with her.

She was nearly at the end of the hall when he finally slowed down, “Looks like you’re cornered gra…..now what are you going to do?” he grinned as he watched her lean against the wall, panting deeply as she tried to call a truce. “Not a chance Cat, you started this, now take your defeat like a man.” he countered as he stood in front of her, arms on either side of her to prevent her from running away. It was at that moment he realized how truly lovely she was, the soft curling hair, her face moist with the exertion of their little game, her cheeks flushed and lips softly parted as her breathing slowed. Tenderly brushing a few wispy curls from her face, Siri tilted his head towards hers, hoping she wouldn’t turn away from him or try to stop this from happening.

He felt his heart jump with joy and relief as she tilted her head towards his, her eyes half closed and lips eager for his. His arms wrapped tightly around her as their lips met, pressing her against his chest so forcefully that he could feel the pounding of her heart against his own. His head spun as all the old emotions and memories of their life together flooded into him urging him to press her further, to see if she would allow him to re-explore any of their once familiar territory.

Cat’s body relaxed almost the moment Siri’s lips touched hers, she had been wanting to do this all night long. She missed the softness and the passion that they had shared, he was always her playful, loving hero, always ready to romance or prank at a moments notice. She sighed silently as his tongue touched hers, twisting and tasting as they deepened the kiss, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as she played with his hair. She gasped as she felt his hips pressing against her and his hands working their way down her back, as much as she wanted him to continue, she knew she could not allow it.