“Honestly George,” Molly chastised him, “when are you two going to stop it with these pranks? I’m shocked you haven’t been thrown out of school with the trouble you two have gotten into. I get a least a letter a month from Mr. Filch, and none of them are very nice.”

George looked up, a completely serious look on his face. “Well Mum,…. you have to understand, Filch isn’t exactly a happy person, in fact, he’s quite miserable. If we didn’t keep him busy, I truly dread to think what he might do to some of the younger students. I’m only hoping Ron and Ginny can fill our placed when we graduate, or those poor first years just won’t stand a chance.”

Molly paused, not sure as to how seriously she should take George, but he always looked sincere, she was sure that was how he managed to get out of so much trouble at school. “Does Professor Dumbledore fall for your act?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest and tapping her foot.

“Act? Mother, really, I’m hurt. I mean I know I’m no Percy or anything, but Fred and I take our position seriously. ..”

“Come on Percy, now” Fred whispered as he and Percy ducked out the door, “Good old George, he’ll keep her going for hours if he’s not interrupted.” he laughed.

“Are you sure Mum won’t catch on?” Percy whispered, only to freeze as he heard a deep voice replying

“Catch on to what, exactly?”

Fred was the first to recover, and chirped up happily, “Hello Dad, back so soon?”

“Yes, Fred, a little earlier than you expected, obviously….so, what are you and your brother up to this…..Percy?!” Arthur gasped, fully expecting to see George.

“Hi, Dad” Percy whimpered, “Happy New Year?!”

Once again, Fred stepped in. “Well Dad, its like this… We want to see the girls, you know, Meg, Diana, any of the others. And we have all been invited, only Mum is having a cow about it. So, we figured if we can at least get Percy there, as Meg’s sister is fancy on him, it’s a step in the right direction, don’t you think?”

“Well yes, it would be nice for the families to meet, ..but your mother has made it very clear.”

“Yes, Dad, very clear that we should never be rude, and don’t you think it would be rude to not even show up when our very own teacher and her entire family are waiting for our family to show up? I mean, I know Percy isn’t much, ..sorry Percy, .. But at least he’s something, and if Charlie is ever going to have a chance with Meg, we can’t have her little sister all upset with our family, now can we?”

“No, no we can’t, but if your mother..”

“Dad, listen to yourself” Fred continued, “you’re the man of the house. Your sons are on the verge of finding wives, wives that may well bring you grandchildren. Or at the very least, get us out of the house on the odd night.”

Arthur paused and considered what Fred had said, “Good point young man,…Percy. Best behaviour, and bring back details, anything you can. And don’t be gone too long, I don’t know how long we can keep your mother busy.”

“Thanks Dad” Percy beamed as he and Fred quickly ran to the bare spot in the privet hedge along the west side of the yard. “This is where Meg said we should wait, are you sure you aren’t coming?” Percy asked nervously.

“I wish I could, but George is going to need me to run interference with Mum, but now that Dad is on our side, it should be heaps easier.” Fred nudged Percy as he saw a bright pinpoint of light in the hedge, one that appeared to be growing at an alarming rate. “Hey, lover boy, I think your ride is here, and remember what Dad said, we want details, especially on the pretty girls around my age.” he added, winking as the light enveloped Percy and brought him to rest in a bright, warm kitchen.

Percy gasped loudly as he saw a large creature with horns and massive leathery wings speaking quietly to a pretty woman who was busy pulling pies out of the oven. They must have heard him, because each of them instantly turned to him, the creature narrowing his eyes and snarling, but the woman placed her hand on the creatures shoulder and smiled sweetly at him.

“Hello? Are you lost young man?” Siobhan asked.

“I’m… I’m not honestly sure m’am. I was trying to find Meg MacLeod, she was supposed to meet me…” Percy began, only to stop when he saw the creature shake his head, sighing in what could only be described as exasperation.

“I’ll get her Vonny” Bruid sighed deeply, “and then you and I need to continue our little talk, ….promise me.” he insisted, holding her hand until she nodded her head and smiled back at him. Shooting Percy a warning glance before he left the kitchen, Bruid quickly located Meg and informed her of her guest. He laughed in spite of himself as Meg dashed to the kitchen, leaving him behind and somewhat confused as to what was going on…..

“Percy?! Percy, is that you?” Meg shouted as she ran into the kitchen and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly as Siobhan laughed at them. “Hurry up, take off your coat and scarf, Diana has been absolutely dying to meet you, so has Lia and Tris.” she grinned, nearly choking him as she helped him remove his scarf.

“Meg, please” Siobhan laughed, “he won’t live long enough to meet anyone if you strangle him. Let me help”

“Thank you Mrs. …. Uhm?” Percy began

“Just call me Siobhan dear, we aren’t very formal here.” she explained as she gently pushed him towards the family room where the rest of the clan was celebrating. “Oh, and Meg, if Lia asks, please tell her I’m going to be busy for a little while and I’ll catch up with her later.” she called out to her niece, as Bruid smiled tenderly at her, an unmistakable look of love still shimmering in his eyes……

Sirius laughed as Wallace cooed over the baby, asking in no uncertain terms when he and Cat were going to ‘get down to business’ and have a few of their own. “Talk to the Lady, Wallace. I’m all for starting tonight.” he replied, grinning madly as Wallace laughed and slapped him good-naturedly on his back. Siri’s smile only got wider as he watched Cat dancing with Duncan now, as aggravating as her brother was, it made Sirius feel good to know he watched over her so closely. Actually her entire family was like that, they took care of each other, even the children would keep close eyes on the babies, picking up their dropped toys and getting their mother’s when they started to fuss.

“Wallace, what do you know of the crones? Do I have a chance with Cat? Will they allow us to wed?”

“I’m honestly not sure, but I can tell you right now, Orpha is your best hope. She has been a living buffer between Cat and the crones since she was a child.” Wallace confided, “And she seems quite content to allow you to see Kitty, in fact, I believe she’s gone out of her way to encourage you both.” he added, grinning widely.

“That would be an understatement” Paddy commented as he held out his arms for his daughter. He smirked as he saw Sirius instinctively tighten his hold on Edana. “Hey, remember who her father is?” he teased, grinning as he all but pried her from Sirius’s arms, “Have one of your own if you want one so badly.”

“Ya know, you are the second person who has told me that tonight.” Sirius countered, his eyes suddenly fixed on Cat. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think you were trying to tell me something.”

“Really? Do tell.” Paddy deadpanned, “Kiss Edana goodnight Uncle Sirius, it’s way past her bedtime. And then, go dance with Kitty, before they bring out the Haggis and she heads for the hills.”

“Haggis huh? Haven’t had that in years.” he kissed Edana gently, rubbing her tiny hands with his fingers. “Sleep well princess” he added, before turning to see what Cat was up to this time. He nearly fell flat on his bum as he saw what she and Duncan were doing.

They each had two broadswords in their hands, twirling them as they did a rather fast-paced dance. Sirius felt his heart in his throat as he saw how close the blades were to slicing both of them, but neither one seemed to even notice. He watched as the swords clashed, sending sparks flying into the air above their heads. It was right about then that Harry had rushed to his side, uncertainty in his eyes as he stared at his mother and uncle.

“Don’t worry Harry” Sirius soothed, “I know it looks scary, frightens me to no end actually. But its an old dance, I just had no idea Cat could do it.” he tried not to wince as the swords were crossed on the floor, he knew what was coming next and was more than a little concerned as to how Harry would handle it. Placing his hands on Harry’s shoulders, Siri leaned down and whispered in Harry’s ear, “Take a very deep breath and be quiet. They have to concentrate or someone will get hurt.”

Both Sirius and Harry winced as Cat and Duncan placed the swords on the floor, crossing the blades to form two “X‘s”. They each extended their right hands, clasping them as their feet moved like lightning between the razor sharp blades of the swords. Harry felt his stomach tightening as Hamish’s playing became faster and faster, motivating Duncan and Cat to increase their speed accordingly.

“Sirius” Harry gasped, “please make them stop. She’s going to be hurt, I can feel it.”

“Calm down boy,” Wallace said gently, “your Mum’s been doing this since she was your age, or maybe younger.” he insisted, “Besides, she’s a healer, surrounded by healers, so even if she would slip or miss-step, there is nothing to worry about.” Wallace then nudged Sirius “And then there is the added bonus of making your father carry her upstairs and tend to her every want and need.” he added, smiling from ear to ear……

“Cash! What is she doing?” Severus gasped as he took what he thought was to be his last look at Fernglennis. The tone in his voice caused Cash to dash to his side, peering over his shoulder and into the silver bowl as the wizard grabbed his shirt, twisting the fabric in his long, strong fingers.

“Gheez Louise!” Cash yelled, “What are you trying to do? Scare me out of my skin? It’s just a dance, get a grip.”

“A [u]dance[/u]” Severus repeated, his voice incredulous. “Do you mean to tell me that your family, your ‘clan’, routinely uses deadly weapons for amusement?”

Cash just couldn’t resist, “Sure, doesn’t everyone’s?” he asked, sounding innocent, but smirking all the same. He immediately regretted his words when he saw the look of worry bordering on terror in the professor’s eyes. “Severus, you must know I’m only teasing you” Cash said softly, “she’s in no real danger, I promise, she’s surrounded by clan, we protect and nurture one another.” he explained as he motioned Rick to take the wizard away.

Cash waved his hand over the bowl, making its contents evaporate almost instantly, leaving only the quartz crystal. “Listen to me Severus, what you saw was nothing to worry about. It’s a traditional dance, all the warriors know it and can perform it to varying degrees. Now I know she’s a healer, but she was taught and raised alongside her brothers, most of whom are warriors like me. Granted, it can look frightening if you don’t understand what they are doing, but she’s done this several times a year since she was a child, and until she becomes a mother, she will continue to do it.”

Severus took a deep breath as he weighed his options, he didn’t want to ask Cash this, but he had to protect Catri. Looking up at Cash, his deep brown eyes moist with shimmering tears and worry, Severus whispered, “But what if she is carrying my child?”……….

“Father” Leumadair called as he entered Mac Lir’ throne room. “Sorry to disturb you, I can see you’re busy” he grinned as he watched his father playing with his great-grand children, the twins Seoladair and Neoinean. “But mother was wondering if Catrianna and her son were still coming, she says she hasn’t heard anything since earlier in the month.”

Mac Lir nodded “Of course she is, she promised she would present her son to me.” trying to hide his smile, Mac Lir added, “Although I have met him once, and I am suitably impressed, he does his mothers proud. He seems to be every bit as brave and powerful as they are.”

“That is high praise from you, Father” Leumadair admitted, hoping that meant his father was in a good mood, one good enough to perhaps allow Leonora and her sons the chance to venture into the public square today, instead of being confined to the gardens and the suite of rooms. “You seem to be very sure of her son, does he carry the clan mark? Is he of his mothers’ blood or of his father’s?”

“I can sense both of them woven within the boy, which is why I and Orpha are very hopeful that she has many more. And we intend to discuss this with Magnus, he will be passing through when he returns from Samhla..”

“What?! Father! Magnus has gone to the land of the shadows? For what possible reason?” Leumadair half yelled.

Mac Lir raised one silvery-white eyebrow, warning his son to mind his tone. “To speak with Diedre, his daughter is in mortal danger and he knows it, we all do. It is both his duty and his wish to keep his youngest child safe from the forces that conspire against her. That is why she and her son MAY not be leaving here.” Mac Lir sighed, “I am simply awaiting word from him.”…….

Cat gasped and laughed as Duncan pushed her off the small, makeshift stage they had been using to dance on. She stopped laughing quickly, however, when she realized Duncan had pushed her right into Sirius’s waiting arms.

Before she could argue or express her outrage, she felt Sirius’s lips pressing against her own as her family cheered loudly. It was becoming more and more obvious that they adored him, and why not? He embodied many of the traits her clan so treasured in its own members; Strength of body and mind; a tender and determined spirit; love of family; the willingness to sacrifice yourself to save those you loved, not to mention his boldness in the romance department.

She couldn’t stop herself from smiling as he ended the kiss and smiled tenderly down at her. “You do realize our son is beside himself with worry” he whispered as he set her down, “Harry was sure you were going to be hurt.” he explained as he nuzzled against her neck while giving her a quick kiss that sent delightful shivers up and down her spine.

Before Cat could reply, Harry, Sara and Moira had surrounded her, chattering like magpies. At first she had just laughed them off, at least until she saw the look in Harry’s eyes, Siri was right, he had been terrified for her. “Harry? Sweetie? Are you alright?”

“Mum, please, don’t do that again.” Harry whispered softly, “I thought for sure you would be hurt.”

“Don’t worry about me so much sweetie” Cat whispered back as she kissed his forehead, “the clan would never allow anything to happen to either of us, I swear.”

“I don’t know Miss MacLeod, it looked pretty dangerous to me as well.” Percy chimed in, agreeing completely with Harry.

“Percy?” Harry, Cat and Sirius replied in unison. “Is Ron here with you?” Harry added, looking around the room in search of his best friend.

“ahhh, no… He and the twins stayed at the burrow to distract Mum.” Percy admitted softly.

“Distract Mum?” Cat repeated, narrowing her eyes at the young man as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Does this mean she doesn’t know you are here? Or that she didn’t want you to come?”

Percy shifted nervously, trying to think of an answer that wouldn’t offend anyone or get him in trouble. “Well, it was more that she was concerned over the idea of how to get here. Apparating can be quite tricky, even within the wizarding world, much less from one world to another.” One look at Miss MacLeod’s face told him she didn’t believe a word of his explanation. “But Dad was a bit more relaxed about the idea and …uhm…. Well….”

“Do you always go this red when you’re making up stories, Percy?” Cat questioned.

“Now Aunt Kitty” Meg admonished, “he’s not red because of anything like that. He just saw me coming over with Diane like I promised.” Meg smiled sweetly as she pulled her sister alongside of her, “See Percy, isn’t she pretty? Just like I promised she was.”

Even Cat giggled as Percy’s face turned every bit as red as his curly hair, it was very hard to stay angry with the young man, especially when it was so obvious how much he wanted to be here. A fact that became even more evident as Diane shyly kissed his cheeks, welcoming him to Fernglennis…..

Severus shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs as he watched Cash walk out of his office, Angus at his side. “Rick, ….I’ve ruined everything, haven’t I?” he asked, looking up into his friend’s blue eyes. “I should never have asked him about Catri being with child.”

“No, you shouldn’t,” Rick agreed, “but what is done is done. Just give him some time to cool off. Angus has always been very good at soothing him, I’m sure it will all be fine in a few hours.”

“I know what I saw, I know she still cares about Black, but she loves me, she would never have come home with me if she hadn’t.” Sev insisted, “she’s just not ‘that’ kind of woman. And then, when we….she could ‘not’ have been pretending, she just …”

“Shhhhh, that’s enough Severus” Rick cooed softly, “not one of us here doubts her feelings for you. We simply question if you are best suited to be her husband, especially since you don’t seem to understand exactly what that entails.”

Severus shot Rick a look that pretty much told the Gangrel that the wizard thought he was a complete idiot. “I think I have a fairly good idea, thank you. I was married once before.”

“And for some strange reason you think being married to her is going to be the same?” Rick questioned, a knowing look in his eyes. “You don’t seem to get the ‘big picture’ Severus. She won’t be ‘your wife’, you will be ‘her husband’. She has high status in both Clan MacLeod and in the Sidhe in general. Other kingdoms pay homage to our clan, it is her duty to make sure it continues to remain that way. She forges new alliances, reinforces the old, she makes life and death decisions everyday.”

“If you want to know the honest truth Severus, I think you are too proud to be her husband. You are used to things being about ‘you’. Your wife, your family, your world; but it won’t, she can’t even promise to make you a close second. The man she weds must be able to put others above himself, and even above her.”

Severus narrowed his eyes, “What do you mean, above her?”

Sighing deeply, Rick sat down next to the wizard. “I mean her life is second to the Clan’s as are all of ours. If it comes down to her life or that of her children, she must, and will sacrifice her own.” Rick’s hand immediately went to Severus’s lips as the wizard began to argue. “Listen to me Severus Snape, we have our reasons for this, and we have lived by the codes of Maeb for millennia, with VERY few changes. Her mother sacrificed herself so that Angel would be able to carry onward into the future. If the same is asked of her, she will do it. I can only hope one of us is there to embrace her” Rick added softly as tears brimmed in his eyes. “I don’t ever want to lose her, none of us do.”……

Cat shook her head as she watched Sirius and Remus, shoulder to shoulder with her clansmen, competing to see who could consume the most Haggis. “Is he still going?” she asked Lia and Siobhan, seeing them nod, she shook her head. “And how much whiskey has been consumed? Or shouldn’t I even bother to ask?”

“Now Kitty” Siobhan teased, “you know the only reason Orpha invented whiskey was to trick our men into eating this.” she winked, stifling a chuckle as yet another man had had his fill and bowed out of the contest. “I swear though, its more than just a friendly competition between Duncan and Sirius, isn’t it?”

“I’m sure it is,” Cat sighed, “they seem to have a few, ‘issues’ between them.”

That was something of an understatement and they all knew it. Duncan and Sirius certainly got on well enough, but for the first time in Duncan’s life, he seemed realized how close he was to losing his baby sister to another man. And he obviously was not ready to have his place in his sister’s heart pushed aside for anyone.

Pulling Lia aside, Cat whispered in her ear, “Any word from the crones?”

“How did you know about that?” Lia gasped, “Please tell me Orpha hasn’t been leaking secrets from the chamber.”

“As if she ever would” Cat chastised, “but Maharet sent Tris to have a few ‘words’ with me, and to be brutally honest, I’ve taken a few liberties with peoples minds over the past twenty minutes or so. And before you start yelling at me Lia, tell me why no one has informed me that Maharet is choosing my husband as we speak?” she added disdainfully.

“What?!” Lia gasped, “she can’t, Orpha won’t let her, she brought Merlin and threatened to bring your father as well.” Lia watched as Cat froze in her spot, obviously she had been exaggerating when she told her she had been gleaning their clan’s minds, either that or she was picking the wrong members.

“She brought men to the crones’ chambers?” Cat whispered, a look of dread on her face. “She isn’t just challenging Maharet, is she? She’s attempting a coup.”

Lia nodded as her fiery amber eyes darted about the room to make sure no one was listening to their conversation. “Listen closely to me Catrianna” Lia hissed as she grabbed Cat by her arm and pulled her into a nearby corner, “you must not speak of this, not to anyone save Orpha herself, and even then be careful. Maharet is powerful, she is angry, and she may be growing desperate, those are NOT a good combination.” she warned. “Keep your son and husband near to you, watch over them, we are afraid she may try to use them to force your cooperation.”

“She what” Cat replied, her eyes and voice cold and flat, “she would think to harm my son, the child she denied me. The child that was stolen from my womb?” Lia took several steps back as she saw the fire burning within Kitty’s eyes. “I will kill her myself if she tries, and everyone here knows I am capable of ending her existence.”