“Angus, please” Severus said as he placed his hand on the Gangrels forearm, just as Rick had taught him to. “Tell me why she won’t come back. Tell me why you don’t take Roel to her…” He regretted his words almost as soon as they left his lips, he had prepared himself for another angry outburst by Angus, but nothing prepared him for the heart-wrenching sobs and deep red tears of the vampyre. “Angus?!”

“We can’t call her, not until we know its safe. If Gustavas or the death eaters get a hold of her now…” Angus shook his head, causing his loose curls to shake “When Brutus came back, we knew it was trouble….he will die with his brother, we had planned to gather his body before dawn, but when he walked in…..” he closed his eyes tightly against the pain and grief. “Roel sacrificed himself for nothing, the monster still lives, and Roel is dying.”

“But he’s a vampyre, only beheading, destroying his heart or perhaps burning him to ashes should kill him.” Severus responded, trying to understand why the wounded Gangrel wasn’t recovering, why his clan was so worried about him.

Angus simply shook his head sadly, “Roel’s the youngest, he’s only a few centuries old, maybe four or so. I know that it sounds like a lot to a mortal, but to us its nothing, my clan, Clan MacLeod, we live that long without being embraced. I don’t want to lose him, but we can’t lose Angel either, she’s all we have left, without her the clan will wither and die, she holds the heart of the clan within her blood and soul.” He said softly as he turned to leave.

“No, Angus, ……please, sit down and explain this to me. I know your clan is not overly fond of me, but I care very much for Catri, and I also care about Rick. When I saw how he reacted this evening.” Sev shuddered visibly as the sound of Rick’s cries replayed in his mind. “I need to understand what is happening, ……I want to help if I can.”

Angus looked intently into Sev’s eyes, smiling wearily as he nodded and touched the wizard’s arm. “I know you do, but its all up to Cash and Roel now. Cash won’t force him to if he doesn’t want to, even knowing how much it will tear his heart out. Cash hasn’t lost a childe in over eight centuries, and I’ve heard all sorts of stories about him raging and destroying because of it.”

Severus nodded, “Yes, I have noticed that Cash tends to be extremely protective, particularly where his ’family’ is concerned. And to be honest, I can understand that, I was once a father Angus, and I would have done anything to protect my little girl.” Severus blinked away the tears he felt brimming in his eyes. Clearing his throat softly, he decided to change the topic somewhat. “What did you mean, Cash won’t force him……”

Angus stared numbly at Severus, shrugging his shoulders as he tried to find the right words to explain it. “Cash, he won’t force Roel to live if he doesn’t want to. It will hurt Cash, hurt all of us horribly, but we don’t want him to stay if ‘he’ doesn’t want to. He’s missed his sisters so much over the years, they had died before we could get to them, they had travelled to England, and right into the Black Plague. By the time they had realized what had happened, …..even with our speed, we didn’t arrive in time, we offered the blood to both Roel and Regina, the only two left with any life in them at all. Regina declined, she didn’t want to live without her sisters, but Roel was afraid of death then.” Angus turned to look at the rows upon rows of strange, almost alien, things in the bottles that lined a shelf in the corner of Sev’s room. “He’s not afraid anymore, in fact, I think he welcomes it.”

“But if Catri comes, she can heal him, I know she can.” Severus began.

“Of course she could, whether he wanted to be healed or not, she could do it.” Angus agreed, but didn’t seem at all uplifted by the thought.

“What aren’t you telling me Angus? Why hasn’t Cash brought her here, what is he waiting for. The Tremere can’t be that much of a threat, I saw Cash, I saw that oily black blood on him, he must have wounded the creature. And I can make sure no death eaters are at the school, you must know by now that I spy on Voldemort for Albus.”

“Yes, we know, Angel told us shortly after we arrived. She didn’t want us getting the wrong idea and killing you for betraying the school and her students.” Angus explained, “But he won’t let her return, not now, not ever. Not as long as the Tremere is unchecked. He may be badly injured, but his magic is still a threat. He could very easily lure the children into the forest, feeding from them, torturing their souls to add to his power.”

Severus cringed as he understood what Angus was telling him, after all, if she was not allowed back to help her own clan, she would never be allowed back for anything, certainly not for him. “I’ll never see her again, will I?”……

Harry watched with both excitement and nervousness as Cat and Sirius continued to disagree about their little trip, it was obvious Sirius didn’t want them to go, and it was just as obvious that Cat felt they needed to. “Don’t worry about it Harry, he doesn’t have the heart to deny her….or you” Duncan grinned as he led two firebrands towards him. “Come on, I’ll give you a hand up. You’ve met Viggo.” Duncan nodded his head towards the large, fiery stallion. “And this one is Shoshi, she’ll be your steed for the day, and don’t look so nervous, she’s very calm, nothing like that beast your Mum rides.”

Harry simply nodded as he stared at Shoshi, “If you say so Uncle Duncan, but she still seems awfully big.” Harry took the riding cloak from Duncan, fastening it tightly before getting onto the firebrand. “Say, is it true they can ride over water and everything?” he asked, remembering some of the things he had been told about the animals in the barn.

“Of course it is, they are Mac Lir’s steeds,” Duncan grinned, “they can ride over land and water without breaking their stride. But mind you hold on tight, they do enjoy a good run.” he explained as he handed Harry the reins and checked to make sure the saddle and tack were securely placed. “There are several lakes between here and Armagh, just keep a firm hand on the reins and let Shoshi lead you, she knows the way. And don’t get off of her for anything, not until your Mum tells you to, understand? The Sidhe are powerful Harry, that makes us protectors of weaker people, but it also makes us targets to powerful enemies. The only place that should even be an issue is crossing the bogs, and knowing my sister, she’ll stay clear of them as long as you’re with her.”

Harry stared to where Sirius and Cat were still arguing, “Are you sure we’re still going? I don’t think Sirius likes this idea at all, he’s really giving Mum a sticky time of it.”

Duncan turned and sighed deeply, “Don’t worry Harry, you’re going, Sirius has no choice in the matter. You stay here with Shoshi and Viggo, I’ll send Kitty over in just a few minutes.” he stated as he made his way to the couple. He listened to their conversation closely before placing a firm hand on Sirius’s shoulder. “You have to stop this now wizard. I know you love them and you are worried about them, but she has her duties to fulfil and promises to keep. Besides, the last thing you or any of us want is Mac Lir coming here with a full on attitude because she didn’t show up as she promised she would.” he added, raising one eyebrow as a signal of how important this really was.

Sirius shook his head, “You didn’t see her last night Duncan, you and the others were in that meeting. She was crying blood again, she was in so much pain, I was afraid to leave her side.”

“And I’m better now Sirius,” Cat insisted as she took his hand, “tired, but better. Besides you could use some rest yourself. Harry and I will be back either late tonight or sometime tomorrow morning, and Mac Lir would never allow anything to happen to us.”

“She’s right Sirius,” Duncan agreed, “come on with me, I’ll keep you company while they’re gone. And try to smile, you’re worrying your son with your behaviour.” He grinned as Sirius gave him a half-hearted smile. “You can do better than that I hope. Why don’t you help her on with her riding cloak and then come over and wish your son speed and safety on his journey.” Duncan prodded as he left to return to Harry and the firebrands.

“There is no way I’m going to convince you not to go today, is there?” Sirius asked softly as he lifted her face to his, kissing her tenderly as she tightened her grip on his hand.

“I have to go Siri, I promised Mac Lir. He wants to be properly introduced to Harry, he wants Harry to be presented to the court as my son, as a rightful heir to the clan.” she whispered softly as she pressed her cheek against his, sighing as the warmth of his body filled hers. “I wish you could come with us, but Mac Lir doesn’t care for outsiders, he’s almost as determined to keep our blood “pure” as that wretched Aunt of yours was.”

Sirius smirked, “I never could stand her you know” he sighed as he pulled Cat into a tight hug, nuzzling against her neck as he did so. “I’ll walk you over to Harry, just please, please promise me you’ll be careful. You and Harry are my world, the two of you mean everything to me…”

“Shhhh, Siri, we’ll be fine, its just a short trip, and the firebrands know it by heart. Besides, look at Harry’s face, he’s so excited, you would think he’s never ridden before.” Seeing the look on Sirius’s face, Cat rolled her eyes, “He hasn’t huh? Well it’s a good thing he’s on Shoshi then, she’s calm and gentle, and he’s wearing the torque so she can talk him through anything.”

“The ‘horse’ can talk him through it?” Sirius dead-panned “That’s it, the trips off, YOU need some sleep.”

“Stop it, Siri.” Cat warned, “I told you before, the torque King Organon gave to Harry enables him to speak with a whole host of animals, firebrands included. That’s one of the reasons I keep insisting he wear it all the time, that and if any of Organon’s people see him without it he’ll be horribly offended.” Cat added, a withered look on her face. “Some people just take offence so easily.”

“Great, something else for me to worry about, don’t be surprised if I’m bald by the time you two get back.” Siri teased, gaining a small laugh from Cat as she leaned against him, kissing his cheek. “Alright, alright, you win, I’ll stop. Come on, lets get this over with before I change my mind.” he smirked as they walked hand in hand across the yard. He felt his heart twinge as he saw Harry sitting on top of the impossibly large horse, it reminded him of a photo he had once seen of an elf riding a Clydesdale, but for Harry’s part, he seemed to have gotten use to it rather quickly as he was holding the reins with one hand and petting Shoshi’s neck with the other. “You sure you want to do this Harry?” he asked, only to get a jab in his ribs and a warning look from Cat. “Never mind, your mother seems to have answered that one for you.”

“Honestly Sirius, I’ll be fine, I’ll stay next to Mum the whole time. And look at Viggo and Shoshi, who in their right minds would try to do anything while we’re riding them, they’re huge.”

“Huge,…..that’s one word for them,” Sirius stated as he stood next to Harry, looking up at Shoshi’s large, shining eyes and the rippling of her muscles underneath the sleek, black hair. “Cat, are you positive….”

“For the love of heaven Sirius, knock it off or so help me I’ll stupefy you myself.” Cat insisted as she mounted an inpatient Viggo. The moment she took the reins in her hands the firebrand stamped its hoof on the ground, sending up a shower of sparks “Easy boy, we’ll be leaving in a few moments.” she cooed as she stroked his neck. “Sirius, look at us, we are riding two of the fastest and fiercest beasts this side of the veil, we are going to visit the most powerful man under the sea, and possible above it as well. What are you so worried about?”

“What am I so worried about? Cat, did you just listen to what you said? Why wouldn’t I be worried?” It was at that point that both Luke and Duncan came up along side Sirius, each of them draping an arm over his shoulders.

“Say good bye Sirius.” Luke encouraged.

“Wish them a safe journey” Duncan added, sounding like a father speaking to a three year old. ……….

“So there is no chance of her or Potter returning as long as the Tremere Gustavas lives, this is what you are telling me….even if it means the death of one of her own Gangrels.” Severus stated disbelievingly.

Angus nodded his head, “She must remain safe, she must live to have daughters.” seeing the questioning look in Severus’s eyes, Angus explained. “The lines of power are matriarchal, the blood and the power flow from mother to daughter. Her sons will be powerful, but they cannot pass that power onto their children, not the same way the women can.”

Severus nodded, it was like the Egyptian pharaohs, the right of the throne followed the mother’s line, although it was the men that held and used the power. He looked at Angus, feeling his heart twinge as he saw the grief and sorrow on the usually smiling face of the vampyre. He knew this wasn’t the right time, but he needed to know, “Angus, if she is carrying my child, and it turns out to be a daughter, then what? Will I at least be allowed to see my own offspring? Or will that me kept from me like her mother?”

“Don’t know, not my choice to make.” Angus replied softly, “Not Cash’s either to be honest, the crones will decide her fate, her husband, the men typically have no say in these matters. Although Cash will fight Maharet every step of the way if he thinks it will harm Angel in anyway at all, she reminds him too much of his own sister.” Angus continued, happy to have something to keep his thoughts off of his friend and clan mate who refused to allow them to help him. “Cash was a twin, his sister’s name was Cathane*, or Cat for short, that’s why you will hardly ever hear him call her that, its either Angel or Kitty. I sometimes wonder if he forgets she’s not his sister, I mean, Cash has always been protective of the clan, but he goes to extremes where she is concerned, including risking his immortal life by challenging Maharet.” *(Cat-ayn)

Severus raised an eyebrow as he heard Angus’s last comment. “But Catri has told me time and time again that ….how did she phrase it, “blood cannot harm blood” that you are unable to harm each other. Is this not true?” he asked, suddenly very worried for her.

“To a point, yes, but it only goes in one direction. The descendants cannot hurt their ancestors, when the protection spell was cast ten thousand or so years ago, the sorceress didn’t feel it was necessary to protect a child from their parents, after all, most parents would lay down their lives to protect their sons and daughters from harm. And it has served us well for generations, it has protected the clan from the rash mistakes made in ones youth, the anger that comes with growing from a child to an adult, the confusion the uncertainly….all the things that may cause someone to lash out at their own family, but the sorceress never thought to protect us from someone like Maharet and the crones. She always expected them to protect and preserve us…..”

Severus waited for Angus to continue, but the Gangrel simply sat there, silent and unmoving “Who is this sorceress you mention, is she one of Catri’s ancestors?”

“Yes, she was the ancestor of us all, our eldest mother, she arose from the sea pausing in Kemet to rest but finding it too hot, too barren to sustain the life she wished to bring to it. She crossed the ocean there, settling in Greece for some time, but grew weary of the constant attacks of the pitiful creatures that were trying to eek out a life there. She kept travelling North, stopping here and there but never finding anywhere that felt like home, not until she reached the northern islands of our home. There she found a climate both temperate enough to sustain life, and brutal enough to create strong children. She also found a husband there, she found Lir, father of Mac Lir whom I believe you have already met.” Angus added, smiling slightly as Severus smirked. “They had many children, strong and comely, talented and resourceful, it was what she always wanted. But she never forgot what she had seen on her journeys to our land, brother against brother, angry, starving children attacking their parents…..she never wanted our clan to be like that, so she cast powerful spells to protect us from one another should tempers ever flare.”

“Even to this day it serves to protect us, especially in the case of Angel, she was born powerful you know. Her mother and grandmother had to cast spells on her as a baby to stop her from causing harm and havoc, not that she had any idea she was doing anything mind you. After all, how much can a six month old understand, it seemed only her twin was immune to her..”

“Her twin?! Catri has a twin? Where is she now, was her name Lily?” Severus gasped.

Angus gave him a strange look, “No, she has a twin brother, and be careful if you ever meet him, Shane is even more protective of her than Cash is.. Although if you want to know something scary, I think Shane could pass as Cash’s son. Same blonde hair, same bright blue eyes, same cocky attitude.” he laughed, forgetting his pain and sorrow for a few blissful seconds as he and Severus continued talking………

Harry waved goodbye to Sirius as he and Cat turned their steeds towards the thick forest that surrounded Fernglennis. “He still looks worried” he mentioned as he rode next to her, turning his head he saw Sirius still watching them, Harry waved back at him, feeling a twinge of remorse as he saw his godfather waving back at him. “Mum, why couldn’t he come along with us? Wouldn’t it be a good idea to introduce him to the rest of the clan?”

“Boy, you are really pushing this, aren’t you? And please stay closer to me, and don’t leave the path for any reason, especially when we go through the veil, it’s a very dangerous thing if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Cat insisted as they rode further into the thick forest of Fernglennis.

“You know, Sirius is right, you are really good at changing the subject.” Harry smirked, delighted to see the look of shock on her face as she halted Viggo long enough for he and Shoshi to ride up next to her. “So, are you going to answer me Mum? Or do I have to badger you the whole trip.”

“You know Harry, its not a good idea to harass me, I tend to get stubborn about things when I’m needled about them.” Cat stated, “And as for me changing the subject, please listen to me when I do. This forest is ancient, it helps to protect Fernglennis from the outside world, but there are many creatures here that would attack us just as quickly as they would attack mortals. Make sure you stay close to me and NEVER leave the path for ANY reason.” Just as the words left her mouth, Harry heard the anguished cries of a woman from just off to his left, he looked to his Mum as he turned Shoshi towards that direction, only to feel Cat’s hands quickly grab the reins out of his hands and pull Shoshi up short. “Harry, weren’t you listening to a word I said? Don’t leave the path!”

“But Mum, that woman, she needs our help, she’s….”

“She - is a creature that lives off of the flesh of the heroic and foolish. She, or it… is about three feet high, covered in scaly, brownish green skin, with two rows of pointy, serrated teeth that can slice through your leg bone in mere seconds.” she explained harshly. “Harry, I love you dearly, you know that, but I must insist that you listen to me, your life could well depend on it, do you understand?”

“Yes Ma’am,” Harry replied softly, hurt by Cat’s tone and embarrassed for not listening to her, he wanted her to be proud of him, not disappointed. They rode on in silence for several minutes, until Harry saw what appeared to be a shimmering midnight blue curtain hanging in front of the open plains before them. He wasn’t sure, but he could almost swear he saw the thing flutter as the fierce winter winds whipped around them. “Mum, what is that? Is it dangerous like the forest?”

“Yes and no Harry,” Cat replied softly, her voice once again smooth and gentle. “This is part of the veil, it looks different depending on where you come across it. In Edinburgh-sa’ mheadhon it looks like a shimmering bank of fog, or maybe a hazy film covering the mortal world, but its very thin there. Here, near our home, it is much thicker, much harder for mortals to penetrate, much more dangerous.” She explained, only to laugh lightly as she saw the look on his face. “Don’t worry Harry, as long as I’m with you nothing can harm you, not here, not inside the veil. In fact I’m one of the very few people living who can survive inside the veil, supposedly most people become lost, then think they are dead. I’ve seen them roaming around in there, I used to try and direct them out, but then I realized they couldn’t hear me, they had convinced themselves they were ghosts, ….it’s sad really.” She sighed as she pulled up the reins, keeping Viggo in tight check as she brought him around to look at Harry. “So, your choice, do you want to run through it quick, or take your time and get to see what’s inside of there?”

“Honestly? I think I’d rather get to Mac Lir’s as soon as possible, that veil place sounds creepy.” he admitted, “And I’d rather get this whole, meet Mac Lir thing over as soon as possible.” he added, sighing deeply as his shoulders drooped.

“Why the long face, Harry? Mac Lir can’t wait to meet you properly, especially after Hogsmeade.”

“That’s what worries me, I can’t imagine he’ll be overly thrilled to see me. I mean…I tried to fight him, remember? I can see it now, it will be just like one of Uncle Vernon’s tempers, only worse, at least Vernon doesn’t have any magic.”

“Harrison James Potter,” Cat admonished, “I’ve told you before, Mac Lir was ANYTHING but upset. He was thrilled that you would stand up to him, ….with a stick…” she added, smirking playfully as Harry rolled his eyes at her. “Fine, don’t believe me, you’ll see, he’ll probably give you a great big hug and a sloppy smooch or something.”

“Great, now I’m REALLY wishing Sirius would have convinced you to wait a few days.” he teased back, laughing as Cat stuck out her tongue. Taking a deep breath, Harry stared intently at the veil “I’m ready when you are, just say the word.” he stated, grabbing Shoshi’s reins tightly.

Cat nodded, “First of all sweetie, don’t hold her back like that, she knows the way. Hold the reins firmly, but leave some slack so she can turn her head if she needs to. Keep your eyes on me and Viggo, you’ll be able to see our trail easily, though I have no intention of allowing you to get so far behind that will be an issue. Stay on Shoshi, keep your eyes in front of you, and don’t worry about anything you see in there, most of it is simply illusions that the people trapped in there have created for themselves, and any real magic in there can’t harm you, not as long as you’re with me, understand?” Seeing Harry nod his head, Cat turned Viggo towards the veil, clicking her tongue loudly as she dug her heels into the firebrands sides.

Harry watched in awe as Viggo took off, leaving a smouldering trail behind him, it was a few moments before he realized that Shoshi was running almost as fast as he was. It reminded him of his first time on a broom, although Shoshi was no where near as fast as his firebolt was, but she certainly took his breath away. Looking up the path at his Mum, Harry gasped as he saw her, she look ghostly, the hood of her riding cloak was pulled up, hiding her face and her hair, it flared over Viggo’s back, making her seem as if she were part of the firebrand herself. Add that to the sparks and small burst of flames rising from Viggo’s hooves and it was no wonder the MoM had such misconceptions about the Sidhe, she looked as if she were a messenger of death instead of his mother. Looking down at Shoshi’s shining black coat and flowing mane, Harry found himself wondering if he looked the same, just as ethereal and mysterious as she did.

He grinned widely as he thought of riding up on Draco Malfoy, dressed in his riding cloak, hood up just like Cat’s. He wondered if Draco would grace him with a repeat performance of the trouser wetting he gave Fang at Remus and Cat’s first lecture. Becoming less and less frightened of his surroundings, Harry began to look around him, he easily saw the pale, ghostly figures Cat had mentioned as they stumbled through the landscape, most of them oblivious to his presence. Looking up, he saw the same glimmering fabric covering the rising sun, casting an eerie glow over the path as they rode on.

“Don’t dawdle, Harry. We have to get through the veil and to Armagh before it gets too late.” Cat called back as she urged Viggo forward.

“Mum? Isn’t Armagh in Ireland?” Harry called back as he carefully dug his heels into Shoshi’s side to hurry her along. The firebrand put on a sudden burst of speed that almost caused Harry to go toppling over her rump, luckily, his Mum must have realized what would happen, as she was at his side, holding onto his arm until he got his balance again.

“Be careful, Harry, these aren’t brooms, they are living creatures and they have minds of their own. And Shoshi doesn’t like to have her sides squeezed, just flick the reins a little, she’ll do the rest.” Cat advised as she brought both horses to a halt. “Don’t look so nervous, Harry, this does happen from time to time, just let me get my bearings so we come out in Ireland and not in the middle of Greenland or something.”

“You’re LOST!!” Harry asked, his eyes wide as he stared at Cat in disbelief.

“No, don’t be silly, but you have to understand, the landscape is always changing, and the more people who become trapped here, the more it will continue to change. It morphs to fit their view of what they think reality is.” Cat explained as she closed her eyes, ‘feeling’ the way she wanted to go. “Come on, its over this way, maybe another dozen yards or so, not far at all.” She smiled at Harry as she saw the relieved grin on his face. “Oh ye of little faith” she teased as she urged Viggo and Shoshi onward. “This is the hardest part Harry, breaking free. Get up a good head of speed, duck down close to Shoshi and let her go, close your eyes if you’re nervous.”………