“If she cared so little for her clan, if she truly abandoned them to serve you and our clan, why does she weep for them. After all, are they not the ones who killed her?” Mac Lir asked, staring pointedly at the woman.

“The same reason you would weep if something were to happen to Maharet” Leuma replied as he felt the children wrap their arms around him, they were becoming more and more frightened as this dragged on. Turning his eyes back towards Cat, Leuma pleaded silently for the lives of Leonora and her two sons. “I thought the highest calling of our clan was in protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. The children had no say in what happened to them, either in birth or rebirth, they are alone and they are frightened. This is not right.” Gently he pushed the two boys further front so that Cat could see them, Leuma watched with relief as Cat’s eyes softened with compassion for the children.

“And what of her tribe?” Mac Lir questioned, “Did she not aid them in their attacks against us? Against Fallon’s tribe, the ones who were under our protection. And what of those children? I know for a fact that Fallon’s tribe had several children amongst them. Did they deserve their fate? Did they deserve to suffer?” Mac Lir fell silent as Leonora let out a heart rending sob as she fell to the floor.

“No, no no…..they can’t be….my poor sister, my dear nieces and nephews. Leumadair, please tell me this isn’t true” Leonora wailed, “Magda swore she only wanted Fallon stopped, she promised the others would be safe.”

Leumadair knelt at her side, hushing her as he stared into Cat’s eyes, pleading silently with her, hoping his cousin realized how sincere and frightened the woman was.

“I’ve heard enough” Cat said firmly as she rose to her feet. Turning to look at Mac Lir, she saw her uncle wink ever so slightly at her, he already knew her decision, he had know what it would be from the beginning. “Leumadair, take this woman, Leonora of the Roma, from my sight, I never want to hear that name mentioned again.”

“All of Magda’s tribe shall be destroyed, a blood hunt will be called for any that escape the hag. They have betrayed us as well as their own. I hold you responsible for them Leumadair, for their lives and their deaths.” she walked to where Leuma was still supporting the sobbing woman and tilted her chin so that Leonora was forced to look into her eyes. “You no longer have a name amongst the living woman, your children are no longer yours, they are nothing more than memories now.” Then, without another word, Cat turn and left the room, followed shortly by Mac Lir as Leumadair tried to calm down the hysterical woman.

“Hush, it’s alright, stop your weeping woman.” Leuma cooed softly as he attempted to soothe Leonora’s pain.

“How can I? I had expected her to want me dead, but why my children? They had nothing to do with this, they have no idea……”

“Dead?! Woman, what are you talking about? She didn’t condemn you to death?” Leumadair insisted, a look of shock upon his face. “Didn’t you hear what she said?”

“Yes, she said she never wanted to hear of me again, that I was no longer among the living and that my children are nothing more than memories.”

Leumadair shook his head, “You no longer have a name among the living because Leonora of the Roma no longer exists, therefore neither do her children. She has absolved you” he explained as he hugged her tightly. “You will be given a new name and welcomed among my people, you and your children will become one of us. Your children are protected by us below, and her above, Magda can no longer harm you. And, if we are very, very fortunate, Father will allow me to open the pathway back to Albus’s school, so you can visit your brother and sister there.”

“Erich and Elora….. But the children, how can I face them knowing I didn’t stop Magda from killing Elora’s children.”

“My father is a bit overly dramatic” Leuma sighed as he rolled his eyes. “They did suffer yes, but mostly from cold and hunger, they are all alive and at the school. I’m certain they will not only be back to their own selves soon, but healthier than they have ever been in their short lives. But we do need to find new names for you and the children…. I wonder if Kitty would care to suggest any?” he added as a mischievous smile crossed his face…….

“So what exactly was the point of all that?” Cat asked as Mac Lir escorted her to the courtyard where Harry and the others were playing. “I take it you were trying to teach someone a lesson. I sincerely hope it wasn’t me, because I’m more confused than when we started. You know very well there was no reason at all to put them through that, Leuma was well within his rights, especially where the children were concerned.”

“Yes, I know.” Mac Lir replied “But I sometimes think Leumadair takes far too much for granted. He is my favourite son and is given many liberties, too many I think.”

Cat shook her head, “He’s a good man, one any father would be proud of. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and a kind heart as well. You should give him more credit Uncle……….and you should keep me out of your squabbles, I have enough of my own to deal with.” she added with a sigh.

“Who do you think did it, Catrianna? Who would risk your life and the life of your son?” Mac Lir asked as he pulled her into an alcove in an attempt for some privacy.

Cat shook her head, “If I was sure they wanted both of us the only person I can think of is Maharet, but that wouldn’t make any sense. If I die, so does the clan, she knows that….unless of course my mother has another daughter somewhere?”

“No, you are her last daughter, we know what happened with the other three.” Mac Lir replied glumly. “And if it wasn’t you they were after?”

“Then that opens up a whole cast of characters, first and foremost being that mad man Voldemort, or any number of his death eaters. I don’t know which of them would have access to the boglachs, but I understand they have inroads with all sorts of undesirables.” ……….

Voldemort narrowed his eyes as he listened to the detailed report of the happenings at Hogwarts. “So, you say the Sidhe will not be returning and neither will Potter?” he repeated, a cold, hard edge to his voice.

“According to Cash, as long as Gustavas is still a threat, her clan will insist on keeping her and Potter in Fernglennis for their own safety. And it has been hinted that Black and Lupin will remain with them there as well.” the spy responded, bowing nervously as Voldemort’s harsh red eyes glared at him.

“That simply will not do, I don’t care if Lupin and Black never make it back, it only serves to relieve Dumbledore of two more loyal supporters, but the Sidhe MUST return, we need her power and Potter’s blood to finish this.” Voldemort growled as he turned sharply, pacing the floor as he thought of his options. “What about Snape, can he convince her to return? Has he actually managed to win her ‘heart’? Or better yet, can he convince her to carry his child?” he watched with interest as the spy smiled widely.

“It is ‘his’ opinion that she is already carrying his child, and her clan seems to concur. But according to the conversations I have heard, it is too early to be sure. I believe they will notify Cash first, allow him to get used to the idea, then tell the rest of the Gangrels.”

Voldemort smiled, an act that seemed to cause him great pain. “It must be a daughter, you understand this. If it is a son, it must be destroyed, just as Potter shall be. Only her daughter can gain us our prize. Now, what is to be done with the Tremere, is there a way to destroy him and lure the Sidhe and Potter back to the school?”

“Two of the professors are working on a plan, Minerva McGonagall and Snape seem to think they have a way to ‘take care’ of Gustavas. But my Lord, if Malfoy interferes again and Gustavas escapes, Cash will personally see to it that the his clan returns home and all portals between the worlds ’will’ be closed again. I’ve heard him swear a blood oath to this effect. And he does tend to be a man of his word, a horribly determined man of his word at that.”

“Well then,” Voldemort hissed as he snapped his fingers, causing several death eaters to scurry to his side. “Lucius Malfoy will have to be occupied to ensure he doesn’t interfere, won’t he“ ……….

Cat smiled from ear to ear as she brushed the hair from Harry’s face, his cheeks were flushed pink with excitement and exhilaration from the Mystrix game he had just finished playing with his cousins. “Mum, did you see that? We won! And did you see what Leuma did with that undine? It was bloody amazing, I’ve never seen anything like that before, not even in Quidditch.”

“Looks like we’ve got the makings of another champion in the clan” Leumadair added as he smiled at Harry and Krystal. “So it seems my team has won once again, Puneet, ready to admit I’m the better leader?”

“No,” Puneet replied dryly, walking passed Leuma as he went to Cat and kissed her on each cheek. “So rion, I see your son learns as quickly as you do.” he added, smiling at Harry he stood between Cat and Leumadair. Harry quickly got the impression that there was some sort of friendly competition between Puneet and Leumadair as the two of them continued to trade barbs and attempt to monopolize his mother’s attention.

“When are the two of you going to grow up and stop this?” Mac Lir asked as he pulled Cat away from Puneet and Leumadair. “Honestly, is this the impression you want to give her son? Two buffoons without so much as one brain between them.” he said snarkily as he escorted Cat to back to Harry, who was doing his best to keep a straight face.

“Oiy, Mum, I can’t take you anywhere, can I?” Harry teased as she swatted playfully at him. “I think next time we should bring Sirius along, he keeps you out of trouble”

“Sirius? The boys father?” Mac Lir questioned, “Tell me, why didn’t you bring him with you? I would have liked to meet him, Harry has told me many wonderful things about this man.”

“I’ll just bet he has” Cat sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Harry, what did I tell you about….”

“All I said was that Aunt Orpha and Cash really liked him and I thought Uncle Duncan was warming up to him too, honest, Mum, I didn’t mention a thing about you two needed to get married or anything like that. And I didn’t say anything about wishing I could be a big brother either” he stated, grinning madly as Cat turned a stunning shade of pink while Puneet and Leuma laughed behind her.

“Don’t encourage him” Cat pleaded as she went to Harry, steering him towards his younger cousins as they walked away…….

“He is quite the character, reminds me very much of Duncan at his age.” Leuma grinned. “And what was that comment about her ‘husband’ you made earlier? Since when has she been married, last I heard, Maharet was still trying to have me fill that position.”

“Heaven forbid” Puneet dead panned, “I doubt I could survive anymore of you.”

“Ha, ha, ha” Leumadair replied as he turned back to his father, fully expecting Mac Lire to add his thoughts to the conversation. But instead he saw his father staring thoughtfully after Cat. “Father, is there something wrong?”

“I’m not sure. I was thinking on the day I tried to bring her back with me, I remember her son clearly, and the Gangrel’s mortal childe, but that other one. The professor who attacked me, the one she insisted did so only because he thought she was in danger. I remember well the look on his face as he came to her ’rescue’, he had an arrogant, scowling look about him. But in his eyes I saw a willingness to die in order to protect her, he is very deeply in love with our little flower, I think we need to take a closer look at this man and the one her son refers to as his father.”

Mac Lir paused once more as an idea crossed his mind. “Has anyone questioned Merlin regarding this? I know he and Cash tend to follow her movements closely, even more so than Maharet. I would be greatly interested to hear their thoughts on both men.”

“I will see to it immediately” Puneet stated as he disappear before them.

“Father? May I go to meet these men myself?” Leumadair asked. “I know her better than either of you, I know her strengths and weaknesses..”

“Weaknesses?”

Leumadair nodded “She’s far too trusting sometimes, its an endearing but dangerous trait, not everyone is as trustworthy as her clan is. I do not intend to see her harmed by these outsiders, not through happenstance or design.” he added firmly.

Mac Lir nodded, “I agree with you, my son. I want you to visit this school prior to her returning, and often if she is permitted to return with the children.” he stated as he handed Leuma a bright, swirling crystal. “Take this key and reopen the pathway between our world and Albus’s school. I am trusting both her and our clans future to you, my son, make me proud. And see to it that she lives to carry on the bloodline of her mother, or we are all lost.”

“Make sure you are discreet, you know how stubborn she can be when she thinks we keep too close an eye on her. And take care to judge these men objectively, do not let Kitty or Harry’s affections for either of them influence you. I know you are as concerned for her heart and happiness as I am, but the strength of the clan cannot be jeopardized, not even for love.”

“I understand, father, but if all things are equal between them….”

Mac Lir turned and smiled brightly at Luema, “Why then, I expect her to be wed and with bairnn by Spring.”

“With bairnn? Oh Father, don’t ever let her hear you say that.” Leuma laughed, “You know how women get when their weight is discussed.”

“Who said anything about her weight? Its her belly I want to see, large, round and full of life. Come now, let us introduce her son to the court before she decides they need to return. She still isn’t looking very healthy.” Mac Lir lowered his voice as he pulled Leumadair closer “Are you sure you removed all the poison?” Seeing him nod, he then asked, “Is there any other reason she should look so….unwell?”

Leumadair felt his stomach cringe as he recalled what he had felt when he healed her earlier. “I didn’t feel anything that sticks out, and she did state she hasn’t slept well for several days now. And of course she’s very worried about Roel and the rest of the clan left at the school. Perhaps Orpha or Tris can tell us more regarding her health, she may just need a good night‘s sleep.” he stated, hoping his suggestion sounded plausible if nothing else.

Luckily Leuma was saved from any further questions by the reappearance of Puneet. “Merlin and Orpha have been discussing the issue at length for quite some time it seems. And according to Merlin, Cash is firmly on the side of the wizard who came with the rion to Fernglennis, the one her son calls father. He is known as Sirius Onoir Black, apparently he is a descendant of Merlin.”

Mac Lir’s eyes grew wide, “Really, is he now…well, that would explain a whole host of things, including Maharet’s temper tantrums over the past few weeks.” smiling almost wickedly, Mac Lir turned to his son, “Remember what I’ve told you, my son, make me proud.” Then, wrapping his arm around Puneet’s shoulder, the two walked away as Mac Lir continued his conversation. “You know that slip of a boy of hers actually tried to battle with me when I went to find her and bring her home. Didn’t do half bad either, rather impressive, considering his lack of training. But she needs to break him of using that wretched stick….”

Cat and Harry laughed as they heard Mac Lir’s comments “I told you he wasn’t upset about Hogsmeade, sweetie. He thinks its an absolute hoot that you chose to fight him, and actually made him sit up and take notice to boot.” Cat teased as they reached Leumadair. “Well, your father seems in an exceptionally good mood today. Why am I suddenly worried?”

Leuma smiled widely as he slipped his arm around her waist and winked at Harry. “Why because he’s fixated on you and your children, of course, present and future ones. ……..

“Sirius, if you won’t eat, at least take a nap or something, you look like hell.” Orpha shot as she and Siobhan stood in front of the wizard, their arms crossed defiantly over their chests. “You know I’ll wake you the moment she and Harry come home, but mind you they may well decide to stay the night in Armagh. Don’t forget that time travels differently in Fernglennis than it does else where.”

“I’m not hungry and I can’t sleep until I know Cat and Harry are safe, and they won’t be safe until I can hold them in my arms.” Sirius explained as he stared glumly out of the window, watching as the children played outside in the early dusk of winter. “And I haven’t seen Paddy or Edana for hours now.”

“I know, I told him to let you be, you’re too tired to be trusted with the welfare of a child. And don’t argue with me mister.” Orpha insisted, shaking her finger at Sirius. “I love you as if you were one of my own, and I treat you as I would my own son. Now so help me if you don’t get some food in your belly and take a nap, I will personally ask Duncan and Zach to come in here and force you to.” She tried to hold in a giggle as she saw the look of absolute shock on the wizard’s face. “Go on, try me if you think I won’t” she added, just for good measure.

“Fine, I’ll eat, but don’t expect me to sleep, I have actually been trying …..it just isn’t working.”

“I know how much you miss them, Sirius, but it won’t do for you to behave like this. Kitty would be horrified to see you like this, you’re still skin and bones to us, you need to keep up your strength and heal. How do you expect to be able to keep up with her, let alone the boys if you don’t?”

“Keep up? Aunt Orpha, right now all I need is to know that Cat and Harry are safe and well. Then I want to curl up with Cat and sleep straight through to next week. She never should have gone today, she’s been tired and pale for days, and I know for a fact she got little to no sleep last night. Even after Cash and Hamish left she was so upset about Roel all she did was cry for hours afterwards.” Sirius yawned deeply as he continued. “We staid up and talked until well past dawn, we both feel Cash is hiding something from her……”

“What do you think that is?” Orpha asked, becoming a bit tense as she waited to hear his answer.

Sirius shook his head, “Honestly, I’m not sure, but I know Cash well enough to know if he was hiding something from her, it must be because he is afraid it will hurt her somehow.”

“I trust you told her as much?” Siobhan asked.

“No…. I told her she was too tired to think straight and that Cash wouldn’t hide anything important from her. That it would be better if she got some sleep and discussed it with the clan in the morning.” He gasped with surprise as he felt Orpha’s lips on his cheek.

“You’re such a good boy” Orpha gushed, “its little wonder Cash is so set on you being with our Kitty.” she looped her arm through his as she walked him towards the kitchen. “Now, about her being tired and pale…. Merlin tells me you have a theory regarding this…..”…….

“Please Severus, right now I want to talk about anything ‘but’ Roel, I can’t take it, not now…” Rick insisted, his stomach cringing every time he thought of his clan brother and his refusal to accept their blood. “What about you? Have you received any messages from Angel? I know Cash and Hamish were speaking with her all night.”

Severus hung his head, he didn‘t want to burden Rick with his pain, he didn‘t need to hear abut his heartache, not after what had happened last night. He remained quiet for several minutes, until Rick stood behind him, gently encircling Sev‘s shoulders with his arms. He couldn‘t bear it, how could Rick be in so much pain and still care about how others felt, still willing to help them. “She thinks I no longer care for her, I’ve tried sending owls, I’ve tried nearly everyday, the house elves..”

“Well that’s your first mistake, Unless the owls are from Fernglennis, or a pathway is opened for them, they will never find it.” Releasing Sev from his arms, Rick took a long look at Severus. Seeing the wizard avoid his eyes, he took several steps back and asked softly “Why didn’t you ask me to send your letters to her?”