Duncan laughed deeply, “She stole a kiss? What did Harry do?”

“Stood there stunned and amazed, I think it may have been his first kiss.” Sirius grinned, remembering the exact look on both of their faces. ‘It was kinda sweet actually, and very innocent if that makes his protective uncle happy.”

Duncan laughed even harder, “Yes, it does, but to be honest, I’m a lot more laxed with the boys. Lets face it, let the women say what they will, but if mistakes happen, its always the woman who pays for them. Its not right, but it seems to be the way nature works.” he sighed, “And if Kitty ever heard me say that, I can guarantee it would turn into a day long argument, it has in the past.”

“Yeah, she doesn’t like to lose, does she?” Siri grinned, “So any other questions regarding the Weasleys?”

“No, from what you’ve told me about them, and Cat’s comments about Fred’s reaction to the blood, I’m feeling confident they are somehow related to us.” Duncan explained. “She’ll either have to bring them here or have one of the crones go to them just to be sure.”

“I think Ginny has already been here. If I remember correctly Sara mentioned having met her and lent her a dress for the Yule ball.”

“Whoa, back up there…she’s been here, no problems afterwards, no nightmares, no aversion to Kitty or Harry?” Duncan asked, furrowing his brow.

“HEllooooooo” Sirius teased, “the kiss, remember, that was her.”

“They must be Kine Sirius, no reaction to Fernglennis, no addiction to the blood.”

“What addiction? Do Harry and I need to worry about anything?” Siri asked, suddenly becoming worried.

“Why? Were you given blood too?” Duncan asked, his eyes growing wide as he immediately studied the wizard’s face closely.

“Yes, Cash called it bonding.” Sirius replied, growing uncomfortable with the way Duncan was staring at him. “He exchanged blood with both Harry and I, to forge a closer bond, I think he said.”

“And you’ve had no problems, no aversion to light, no craving for more blood, no feeling of being constantly cold?” Duncan asked as he took Sirius’s face in his hand.

“No, nothing at all, I mean it was pretty intense, and Harry and I both slept for a while afterward, but outside of that.” Siri shrugged his shoulders, unsure as to why Duncan was so concerned about it.

Standing up, Duncan extended his hand to Sirius “Come on wizard, I have work to do. Then again, since your son abandoned me to go off with his mother, maybe I should put you to work….if you think you can handle it, that is.”

“Hey, I’m a lot stronger than I look” Sirius said, a lop sided grin on his face.

“Well you would pretty much have to be, wouldn’t you?” Duncan shot back, clapping Sirius on his back as they walked towards the stalls to feed the animals, the chats trotted along behind them. …..

Molly smiled sweetly as she watched Meg and the twins playing exploding snap, the petite blonde, giggling every time one of the cards exploded on her, which thrilled the twins to no end. “She seems very sweet.” Molly said as she turned back to Cat. “Did she really come here just to meet my Charlie?”

“After Harry got done talking him up? You bet, and add that to the fact that he works with dragons and as far as Meg concerned, he’s the perfect man. I just hope she isn’t setting herself up for a fall, she’s convinced herself they are going to fall in love and they haven’t even met yet.” Cat sighed.

“I’m sure I can owl Charlie and set up a visit, do you think she would mind going to see him?” Molly asked “Charlie can’t always just leave and come home.”

“As long as she has a chaperone, I’m sure that will be fine.” Cat said, smiling at Molly’s enthusiasm. “Do you think Charlie will mind though? I’m not sure he’s going to appreciate being set up like that.”

“Once he sees her he will” Molly winked, “in between those curls, bright eyes and curves, trust me, he’ll be very glad he listened to his Mum.” leaning close to Cat, Molly added, “Besides, he was just complaining how there are no decent girls where he’s at right now. He tells me either they are all rude to the point he would be afraid to bring them home to meet us, or just…well, I think beastly was the word he used.”

Chuckling softly, Cat shook her head, it seemed as if everything was falling nicely into place, maybe there was hope for the future yet. Looking out of the window, she smiled as she saw the sunlight sparkling on the frost covered ground, everything just seemed so peaceful suddenly, so right. Looking over at Molly and Arthur, she felt an unexplained surge of protectiveness and fondness for them and their children. “Molly, Arthur, where do your families come from? Are any of them from the North?”……

“Guys, you’ve got to help me, we can’t let Mum go back to the school, not yet. I heard her talking to your Mum and she was thinking of going back to see Snape.” Harry whispered as he huddled with Ron, the twins and Ginny. Peering over Ron’s shoulder, he made sure Meg was still keeping Percy busy before he continued. “I don’t want anything to ruin what’s happening between her and Sirius, and I just know if she talks to Snape, he’ll insist on coming back home with us.”

“That may be a good thing” Ron smirked “from what you’ve told us, your Mum’s brothers will beat him into the ground before he even steps foot in the door. And we all know how ‘nicely’ he treats Cash and the others, I’m sure your family would just love to see him in action.”

“Ron” Ginny sighed, “that’s not nice, and its not fair either. As I recall you didn’t exactly trust Miss MacLeod when you first met her. I’m sure Professor Snape just felt the same way about the Gangrels.” she said hopefully.

“You are NOT still siding with him?” Ron shot back, “Come on Ginny, how can you think anyone would be happy being with him? He’s a miserable git and you know it.”

“Not when he’s with her” Ginny replied softly, shifting uncomfortably as the boys stared at her.

“But Ginny, I don’t want Snape as my father.” Harry said softly, “I can’t stand him, and its obvious he doesn’t care much for me. I love Sirius, he’s been the only father I’ve ever really known, actually up until Mum showed up, he was the only person who treated me like a son. And you should see how happy they are together, didn’t you see the photos?” he asked as he looked imploringly at her. “Please Ginny, for my sake, do this, it means everything to me.”…….

“So Percy, I know this sounds very forward, but for the sake of my little sister, I feel the need to ask. Are you seeing anyone? Girlfriend? Fiancé? Anything like that?” Meg asked as Percy turned bright pink.

“N-n-no” he stuttered, “nothing like that. Actually I’m rather busy with work, I don’t have much time to socialize.” he added hesitantly.

Meg smiled widely, “You can’t tell me you haven’t had offers, not with your charming ways.” she winked, enjoying the way he would avert his eyes from her when she said things like that to him. “I just know Diana is going to fall head over heels for you. I take it you’re intelligent as well as handsome?”

Percy was absolutely speechless, he had never been spoken to in such a manner, and he wasn’t sure how to take her, although he had to admit, it wasn’t all bad. “I did very well in school, and I get excellent reviews from my superiors if that’s what you mean.” he replied as he loosened his collar. “Is it getting warm in here?”

Meg blinked her eyes, looking the picture of innocence. “Warm? No, I don’t think so. Maybe your coming down with a fever?” she suggested as she placed her hand against Percy’s forehead……

Fred and George elbowed each other as they directed the others to look at Meg and Percy. “Wow, she’s really laying it on.” George commented “I can’t remember the last time I saw Percy sweat that much.”

“I can” Fred replied, “he was sweating buckets when Penny caught him helping the Chinese Minister’s daughter with her zipper when it broke. What was her name again, wasn’t it some sort of gem stone or something, Jade, Pearl….”

“Agate,” Ginny interrupted, “and poor Percy. I can’t believe how angry Penny was with him, he didn’t do anything wrong. I can’t believe she broke up with him like that.”

“I don’t know” George laughed “I was there and he looked pretty guilty, and the fact that Agate was really pretty didn’t exactly help matters. And then when Dad insisted that Percy escort her to the dinner they were holding in her father’s honour… well I’d say that did him in completely.”

“Guys, come on, concentrate” Harry urged them, “we need to make sure Mum stays here, I need ideas.”……

“Dimitri, Dimitri!!!” Fallon yelled, “Wake up, we’re here, we’re finally here” she shook him roughly as she continued. “Look Hogwarts, we’ve made it. And someone is coming to meet us.”

Dimitri’s grey eyes opened quickly, but he was momentarily unsure of where he was, he had been dreaming again. Dreaming of his sister Luna, she was crying out for him, she was hurting and she needed him near her, just like when they were children. Opening his eyes, he heard Fallon, but saw Luna, mumbling something unintelligible, he quickly wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly as he stroked her hair, reassuring her everything would be fine, he would protect her, just as he always had.

“Dimitri?” Fallon gasped, unsure as to whether or not he was really awake. “Dimitri, its me, Fallon. Let go of me, please,…” she insisted, beating against his chest as she tried to pull away from him, only to find herself trapped helplessly in his strong arms. “Dimitri, please” she whispered as she laid her head against his chest, “please, wake up, your having another nightmare. I’m not Luna, your sister is still lost, please wake up.”

“Fallon?” Dimitri replied uncertainly as he finally became aware of his surroundings. “Fallon! I’m sorry, I…I didn’t mean…” he sighed as he kissed the crown of her head “Forgive me, I thought you were…..did I hurt you?” he asked as he gently helped her back to her feet. He cringed as he thought of the harm he may have done to her, as a vampyre his strength had increased many fold over the past few weeks, he felt himself becoming harder and faster with each passing day, even when starving himself he could feel the blood reaching deep inside his veins and muscles, infusing them over and over with the gift of the blood.

“No, I’m fine, you didn’t hurt me at all, just frightened me a little” Fallon explained as she sat next to Dimitri. “I take it the nightmares have started up again.” she sighed as she pushed the raven curls off of Dimitri’s face, “I promise you Dimitri, once we are settled here, I will contact everyone I know, we will find Luna.”

Dimitri nodded, a sad smile on his face. “I only hope we find her alive and safe, I don’t know what I’ll do if anything has happened to her because of me. I know what our father did to us growing up, I don’t want her to have to endure that sort of treatment ever again.” Shaking the shadows of his past from his mind, he squeezed Fallon’s hand “Did you say someone was coming?”

“Yes, we’re at Hogwarts and someone is coming down from the castle to meet us.” Fallon repeated, smiling happily as she saw the light shining in Dimitri’s eyes once more. “Hurry up or we’ll both miss everything.” she admonished him as she stood up and made her way out of the caravan, Dimitri close on her heels…..

Arthur took advantage of Molly’s distraction to pull Cat aside, “Cat, I do need to speak with you in private. It has to do with what happened at the school before you left.” looking a bit nervous, he added “Some of the men who attacked Harry, well, they were Ministry members, and we need to know exactly what happened. I’m afraid this is going to get very messy very fast.”

Cat nodded. “Can we talk here? Or would it be better to go to Albus and just go over this once?”

“I think going to Albus would be the most prudent choice, but I don’t want Molly or the children knowing. Molly has some idea what has happened, but not all of it, I’d rather spare her the gory details if possible.” Arthur sighed, he knew this had to be done, but he was not looking forward to it in the slightest.

“I agree, but how are we going to slip out of here without anyone noticing? In case you hadn’t noticed, Harry’s been watching me like a hawk.”

“Leave that to me, you go talk to Molly about Meg, keep her occupied.” Arthur grinned, “I know my boys, and the only thing that makes them move faster than food is Quidditch.” he winked as he walked towards the living room, intent on clearing the house.

“So Harry, I heard your mother got you quite a few Quidditch things for Christmas, care to show them off?” Arthur asked, grinning widely as every eye in the room lit up at the mention of the game. “We have that field behind the house you know. Of course their really aren’t enough of you for a proper game…”

“Never mind that Mr. Weasley” Harry interrupted, “we’ll figure something out, won’t we.” he asked, turning to look at his friends.

“Sure, Fred and I can split up, one beater a team, we can do without a seeker for today, Ginny’s a great little chaser…”

“Come on then, I’ve been dieing to play, none of my cousins have ever even heard of the game.” Harry said excitedly.

“Hold on there young man, you make sure to ask your mother before running off. She and Molly seem a bit too much alike and I’ll be a dragon’s dinner before I get either of them upset with me.” Arthur insisted, pointing the children towards the kitchen to get clearance from the women. “Percy, why don’t you take Meg along, show her the game, maybe teach her a bit.” ……

“So, explain to me again how Meg knows about my boys.” Molly asked as she and Cat put away the dishes, “And how serious is she about meeting Charlie?”

“Very serious,” Cat smiled, “as for how my girls know about your boys, thank Harry for that one. He’s been talking up your family so much the girls can’t wait to meet them, as I’m sure you’ve realized.” she smirked, looking towards Meg. “And as I’m sure you also realized, my clan is anything but subtle.”

“Yes, I did notice that” Molly grinned, “but in romance, subtle tends not to be a good thing. Best to put it out there and let them know, I say.”

“Here, here” Cat agreed, giggling as Molly winked naughtily at her.

“Judging from what Cash has told me, your clan is fond of children. I don’t want to go years on end with no grandchildren.” Molly stated, “Although judging by the looks of that one, I doubt that will be an issue. I think I’ll owl Charlie and see if we can take a short trip to see him at the sanctuary. Do you think Meg would mind going to meet him instead of him coming to meet her?”

“Meg? The girl who ‘happened’ to show up at your doorstep with no decent reason as to why?” Cat teased, “I’m willing to bet she’ll jump at the chance, besides, she adores animals. You’ll have chain her down ‘til we get there.” she added, sighing deeply as she realized how bad Meg must have it.

“Mum! Mum! Mr. Weasley said we can go out and play Quidditch if its alright with you, …is it? Pleeeaaaasssee.” Harry begged as Ron and the others ran up behind him, an expectant look on their faces.

“I don’t know Harry.” turning towards Mrs. Weasley, “Is it safe Molly? I have no idea what or who is around here.”

“Don’t worry dear, mine play it all the time, nothing around for miles, save the Lovegoods, but they are a wizarding family as well, in fact, their daughter Luna plays with Ginny from time to time, but she‘s home schooled, so they don‘t get to see each other quite so much anymore.” Molly assure her, “Go on you lot, go outside and play, but mind you be careful…”

Molly never got to finish her sentence, as soon as the children realized they were allowed to play, they quickly gathered their things and ran out the door, intent on enjoying themselves and the bright winter afternoon. Cat and Molly laughed as they watched the children grab their brooms and run towards the make shift pitch. “Well that should keep them busy for at least a little while. Now, how many other nieces of yours do I need to worry about?” Molly asked as she raised an eyebrow at Cat.

“Do you want names or photos?” Cat laughed, “And don’t think for one moment you won’t have to worry about my nephews. Ginny’s already gotten a look at them, and them at her..” she added, sighing deeply. “Tell me Molly, does this get any easier as they get older?”

“I’m afraid not dear, they never get ‘that’ old that you stop worrying about them.”…..

Thereza stretched as she heard the Osprey land on the veranda of her coastal home, another message from her clan sister Areanna no doubt. Before Thereza could get to the bird, her childer Kandace was standing next to the bird, stroking its feathers lovingly as she untied the letter. “Mistress Thereza, it is from Mistress Aeranna, shall I read it to you?”

“No Kandace, thank you. I would prefer if you went back to writing more of your lovely poetry.” Thereza responded, holding out her slender, well-manicured hands for the letter. She stood in the milky twilight, allowing the wind to whip her long red hair about her body, enjoying the sensation of the fine sea mist settling on her bare arms as her floor length silk dress caressed her legs. “Hmmm, this is interesting” she commented as she tucked her auburn tresses behind her ears. “It seems Lady Emma and Aeranna are planning to send the Damia along to this wizard’s school to protect Lady Tara’s daughter. I suppose that’s my clue to get involved as well, although I must wonder what my cousins are up to. Its not at all like them to trust clan children to anyone but themselves.”

Walking back to her rooms, Thereza smiled as she ran her fingers over the photographs her mortal descendants had sent her as part of her Solstice gifts. She paused as she caught sight of Callista with Angel’s dark haired son. “My poor child, I miss your mother almost as much as you do, she was my favorite. So talented, so intelligent, but I’m sure you will do well with Angel and her family, you and her son share a great deal in common.” she sighed, “I wish I could bring you to live with me, but Orpha is right, this is no place for a child.” Looking across her room, she smiled at the young man who was to be her model for tonight, and most likely, her prey. She smiled at him as he stretched his muscular body, preparing to pose for her as she worked on her statue of Adonis, he was a glorious specimen of the male species without a doubt, but nothing compared to ‘her’ Adonis……..