Severus listened with interest as he watched the conversation between Rick and Hamish. It appeared Hamish was telling Rick exactly what Rick had told him regarding the ‘less than desirable timing’ of his visit. But in the end, with Rick’s effort, Hamish agreed to allow Rick to take him to Fernglennis, simply admonishing him not to waste his time there, as Roel’s breaths were now numbered.
“You heard?” Rick asked as he quickly walked to Severus.
“Yes, thank you. I swear, I will not delay you in the slightest, simply get me to her and I will explain to her family who I am and why I am there.” Sev paused as he saw a lop-sided grin on Rick’s face.
“Trust me, they all know ‘who’ you are.” Rick smirked, “You are the wizard that hasn’t had the decency to show his face, and ‘after what you did to our dear little girl’. Shameful you are…..” he winked. “Just make sure they know you have only her best interests in your heart, let them know how much you love her. Tell them to save their questions for later, until after you’ve made sure she is alright. And for the love of heaven, get the women on your side and do NOT offend anyone. We’re an old, old family, one of the oldest clans in all the kingdoms of the Celts. The men offend easily when it comes to outsiders, and you may be seen as a threat. Be prepared to defend yourself if you must, but do not harm anyone, not even if you feel your life is in danger, do you understand me?” Rick asked, all sense of amusement and humour gone from him. “Don’t do to them what you did to Mac Lir, because it will come back to haunt you if you do.”
“I understand perfectly.” Snape replied as he unconsciously reached into his robes, checking for his wand, just in case. ……..
Cash ran his hand through his hair as he looked around the room, it was full of his family, most of them with worried, anxious faces. Some of them had heard what Kitty said when she came down to get Harry, of those that had, half were convinced she had lost her mind, after all, no one, not human, not wizard, had ever survived an attack like that. And it certainly hadn’t taken long for the word to get out, even as he stood there, the population of the room had nearly doubled, all of them waiting with bated breath to see if it was true. But something was off, someone was missing…..Remus, Remus Lupin was no where to be found.
Taking a closer look, Cash picked out Lia, Tris, Clara….anyone who Remus felt close to, but he still wasn’t here. Making his way to Tris, Cash slide up next to her, whispering in her ear. “Have you seen Remus? It seems odd he wouldn’t be here at a time like this.”
“I know, I can’t find him anywhere. Cash, I’m worried.” Tris replied, reaching down and grasping his hand. “I’m afraid he’s done something rash……we all thought Sirius was dead when Duncan brought him home…..if you would have seen the way he looked. Limp and pale, covered with blood and thorns..” she sniffled as she buried her head against Cash’s chest. “I don’t know where else to look for him, and I can’t abandon the clan to search for him.”
“Shh, don’t you worry your pretty head over it, Tris. I’ll find him, I’m a guy, I’ll just go were any guy would go at a time like this.” he stated, smiling gently at her as he kissed for forehead. “You stay here and take care of our little girl and her son. If you need me for anything, and I mean absolutely ‘anything’ you call out for me. I’ll apparate to your side immediately, understand?”
“Yes,….Cash…thank you.” Tris whispered as she stood on her toes, kissing him on his cheek.
“Anything for my girls, right?” he grinned, giving her a playful wink, completely hiding the gnawing fear that was creeping into his belly. Thankfully that ‘guy thing’ line still worked, because he honestly had ‘no’ idea were anyone would be at a time like this, except right here, with the rest of the clan. Slipping silently out of the room, Cash shifted into his wolf form, scenting the air for Remus.
It only took a few minutes to track him down, the musky scents of wolf and man made him rather easy to track, he was honestly surprised Tris hadn’t found him, but one look at the man, and Cash was infinitely thankful that she hadn’t. He was an out and out mess, huddled up in the corner of an empty room, scattered pages of torn books, overturn bottles, and upended furniture surrounded him. “Remus?” Cash whispered as he slowly approached the man.
“Go away, Cash.” Remus choked, not even bothering to hide his tears. “I don’t want company, I don’t want sympathy or condolences either. The only thing I want is to have them all back.”
“All back? Who all?” Cash asked softly as he tiptoed through the scattered remains of what had once been a bookshelf.
“Them all, Sirius, James, Lily….do you know how many of my friends have died….been murdered? Do you?” Remus all but snarled, “All of them. Sirius was the last of them, and his death will kill Kitty, I know it will. Her body may go on living, but her heart…her soul…” he shook his head sadly as he ran a bloodied hand through his tangled hair, “and what about Harry? He’ll have lost everyone dear to him yet again. I can’t take this anymore, Cash. It isn’t right. Why do they all have to die, why couldn’t it just be me?”
Cash’s heart all but broke for Remus, he had no idea, he must have thought Sirius was dead. “Remus….wait..”
“No!” he yelled, “It should have been me, not them….my friends, my comrades, my schoolmates…how many of them were tortured and killed? How many of them left families behind, or worse, had their families join them.” he sobbed as he curled himself into a tight ball, pressing himself tightly against the wall. “I was on the recovery team when Voldemort first came into power, Dumbledore had started up the Order of the Phoenix, we were supposed to help prevent attacks on innocents. Moody didn‘t trust us to do things right at first, so we were on the rescue and recovery team…there was never anyone left alive to rescue….I remember finding Emily, I had dated her in school…parts of her body had been skinned, all I can remember thinking was ‘I hope to heaven she wasn‘t alive when they did that‘ but I know better, Cash. They live for things like that, to cause pain, to destroy lives.”
“And Scott, he was two years behind me, muggle born…his entire family had their tongues and eyes gouged out…and Julie, poor Julie, eight months pregnant, they didn’t care. They never care…”
“Shhh, hey, Remus” Cash cooed, “come on now, you have to stop this. None of that has anything to do with you.”
“It should have been me, Cash….they all had something, someone to live for. Lily and James had it all. They had each other, a home, a son, a bright future, but it was taken from them. And now Sirius, he survived all those years in Azkaban, all that pain and suffering, and now, NOW when he finally has a chance at the happiness he’s always wanted.” Remus’s pain filled howl echoed in the small room. “It’s not fair, he had a future now, he had them, he loved them….me? I’m curse, Cash, I have nothing and no one to live for, but somehow, I’m always the one who survives, I don‘t even deserve to live…”
“Remus, stop it.” Cash insisted as he roughly grabbed the man and shook him, finally getting his attention. “You have lots to live for, you have us, and Tris..”
“No, Cash, no. I have no home, no wife, no children….I have nothing, even the few friends I had have been taken from me.” Remus cried. “And how many have I killed? For all I know, I may have killed more people than they accused Sirius of, I just have no memory of it. I’m the one that doesn’t deserve to live….it should be me, not him.”
“So, if you had the opportunity to exchange places with him?” Cash asked.
“In a heartbeat, the world would be better off.” Remus snapped.
“Even though your death would hurt us? Do you think Kitty and Harry wouldn’t sob just as hard over your grave?” Cash asked as he slipped his arm around Remus, slowly guiding the wizard to one of the few undamaged chairs in the room.
“Of course they would cry, but they would have Sirius to comfort them. They could stay here, have a family together, a real family.” he laughed sadly, “Knowing the two of them, they might actually name one of their children after me.”
“I can see that.” Cash smirked, “And what about Tris? You know how fond she is of you. Do you think her heart will mend so quickly?”
“She’d be better off without me.”
“I don’t believe that anymore than you do.” Cash insisted, sitting on the arm of the chair. “Do you know you are the first man she has shown any sort of interest in since her husband died….gheez, what is it, nearly twenty years ago? She adores you, your kindness, your intelligence, your patience….shall I continue.”
Remus shook his head, his tears still falling. “Not unless you can tell me Sirius has risen from the dead and he and Cat have a future together.”
Cash shook his head, “I can’t tell you that he’s risen from the dead…..because he never ‘really’ died, she refused to let his soul leave. Strange thing that, you have Dementors in your world that rip souls from the flesh, and we have women like her that can bind souls to the flesh.” he paused as he saw the look of hope shining in Remus’s tear filled eyes.
“That’s right, Remus, he is not gone, in fact, if what she says is true, he’s back with us for good.” Cash grinned, “But tell me, why is it so important to you that she and Sirius make a life together?” He watched as Remus squirmed uncomfortably, trying to find the right words to express his thoughts. “Well?”
Remus held up his hand, signalling Cash to give him a few moments to collect his thoughts. “I’m tired, Cash, I’m tired of fighting the ‘good’ fight, of watching everyone and everything I’ve ever known or loved sacrificed for ‘the greater good’. With precious few exceptions, everyone I’ve ever cared for has been killed, not died, killed, murdered. I’ve lost so much, I just …..I have to know it wasn’t all in vain, I need to know there will be someone who will benefit from all the pain and suffering we’ve had to face. At this point Harry’s survival is as questionable as its always been, granted his chances are much better with your clan behind him, but Voldemort wants ‘him’, he’s been trying to kill Harry since the day he was born.”
“My only hope is that Kitty and Sirius will finally put the past behind them, marry and have a houseful of children. I know I’ll never have any of my own, I can’t I’ve made sure of that.” Remus sighed, “But if ‘they’ do, ….to see their children grow up, to have a world were they can live in peace…maybe…maybe then it will all be worth it. All the death, all the pain, I need to know that we didn’t waste out lives, or our deaths.”
Cash knelt in front of Remus, smiling softly as he looked into the werewolf’s hazel eyes. “First of all, I need you to know and understand that you will always have a place here, amongst us. You never need to be alone, you never truly ‘are’ alone.” he explained as he squeezed his hand. “Secondly, as for everyone you knew dying in vain? Only if we lose. And, Remus, my friend, we cannot lose, not now. I fully intend to handfast Sirius and Catrianna during the Imbolc festival next month, with or without their consent. I already have the Roma working on preparations for the celebration. And once that is done, no one but themselves can severe that bond, and that isn’t very likely to happen, now is it?”
“No, but I think you’re underestimating Severus’s cunning and determination. As much as I hate to admit it, I have never seen him respond to ‘anyone’ the way he does to Kitty. I do honestly believe that he loves her.” Remus stated
“I agree with you, he does love her, and I am sorry to do this to him, but I’ll find someone else for him.” he smirked as Remus gave him a disbelieving look. “Hey, if there is one member of my clan who can tolerate the bugger, I’m sure I can find another. …..And I have Tris and Orpha helping me on that part.” he mumbled softly, making Remus snort with amusement. “Hey, I mean it Remy. There will be hope for the future, for all of us. I personally refuse to fight and suffer in vain, so, that being said, our efforts will be validated, even if I have to do it myself.” he exclaimed, a lopsided grin on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
“You really mean that, don’t you?” Remus asked softly, his fingers gently grazing Cash’s ancient face.
“Yes, I do” Cash grinned, relieved to see Remus climbing out of the depths of despair.
“Then promise me something, Cash.” he waiting until the Gangrel nodded before continuing. “I agree with you about the hand fasting, but I don’t know if either of them will go along with it willingly.”
“Sirius certainly will….” Cash laughed only to be interrupted by Remus.
“Don’t be so sure. It still bothers him that he has nothing to offer her, which is where ‘my’ request comes in.” Remus took a deep breath as he looked Cash in his bright blue eyes. “Promise me that you or your clan will find Peter Pettigrew and clear Sirius’s name. He needs to get all of his life back, his home, his money, his good name. I’ve spoken with him at lengths several times, and it hurts him that he can’t even offer Kitty his name. It would mark her, not elevate her…”
“She doesn’t care about their condemnations.” Cash reminded him.
“I know she doesn’t, but ‘he’ does. He wants her to be Mrs. Black, he wants her to be able to hold her head up high, to be as proud of his name as she is of her own. Can’t you understand that?”
Cash smiled tenderly as he looked at Remus, how could he be so concerned for everyone else and care so little for himself. How could he possibly think he had no one to live for, he was loved in many ways by many different people, if only he understood that. “Of course I understand, Remus. And I will do this, but I’ll need something to track him down with, a scent of some sort. In fact, I remember speaking to someone about this a few weeks ago. I say its time we start settling out the score. And if what Arthur tells me is true, and most of the Ministry of Magic has been wiped out. Now is as good a time as any.”…….
Luke and Duncan whispered quietly as they walked to the stairs on their way to Kitty’s room. If what Orpha told them was true, they needed to get things in order, and quickly, before Maharet decided to put Orpha’s threat to the test. “Luke, do you really think she’ll be safe there? If Maharet get her hands on her…”
“Shh, Duncan.” Luke soothed, “I trust Orpha’s decisions, she is as dead set against this as we are. If she feels Dia is the safest place for them, then I agree with her. She’s older than almost anyone, she’s been a priestess and a warrior, she’s raised over a dozen children of her own, and who knows how many others she’s fostered. I trust her to keep Kitty safe and well.”
Duncan nodded, not entirely convinced, but he did feel a little more at ease after hearing how much faith his brother had in the idea. “So, do you think Sirius really is alive?” he whispered as he placed his foot on the landing of the stairs. “I haven’t seen Kitty or Harry since she came down to get him.”
As if in response to Duncan’s questions, the thundering sound of footsteps could be heard pounding down the hall. Luke ducked as he saw Harry rocketing down the stairs, taking them two at a time in his haste to get to the bottom. Duncan, however, simply braced himself, catching Harry in his arms as the boy all but flew down the stairs.
“Uncle Duncan! Uncle Luke! He’s alive, Sirius is alive!” Harry yelled, throwing his arms around Duncan’s neck and hugging him tightly as the family rushed over to them. Tears of joy were streaming down Harry’s face when Calli ran over to him, hugging him tightly as Sara and Moira joined them. Duncan, for his part, was grinning from ear to ear as he leapt over the banister calling out for Paddy and the others who had gone into another room when this one had filled up.
Before long, the entire family was gathered around Harry, hugging and crying as the news made its way through the house. “You see, Remus, I told you, a bright future ahead for all of us.” Cash grinned, only to roll his eyes as he lost Remus to Tris’s embrace. “Gheez, woman, show some restraint.” he teased as he watched them kiss.
“Let them be, Cash” Orpha countered softly, placing her arm through his. She was tired, painfully tired; and they still had so much to do before tomorrow. “I want to see my family happy, blood borne, fosterlings, …..all of them, I want them to know happiness and joy. This is what gives me the strength to keep going.”
Cash carefully forced Orpha’s head onto his shoulder, tenderly stroking her hair as she rested against him. “I know, Orpha, believe me, sometimes this is all I have to hold onto.” he sighed as he looked from one side of the room to the other. As far as his eyes could see, there was nothing but family, laughing, crying, hugging, taking comfort in one another, sharing and celebrating the happy news. “They are amazing though, aren’t they? How many centuries have we lived, and yet at every turn they still manage to astound me. Maharet is so wrong, it isn’t ‘her’ strength that allows them to live, it is ‘their’ strength that gives us the will to keep living.”
“Speaking of which, we need to get you back to Roel, his time is drawing near.” Orpha sighed, “How are you holding up, Cash? Will you be alright, you’ve had a very heavy burden to bear over the past few months.”
“I wish things could be different, Orpha, but its his choice. I’m not going to force him to stay with us, it wouldn’t be right.” Cash sighed, hanging his head as he thought of Roel. “But lets not discuss that now, just let me watch them for a few more minutes. We’ll say our goodbyes and head back to the school, I’d like you there with us….I’m not the only one having a hard time with this. It was hard enough with Olia,…”
“I understand.” Orpha whispered, “I will give him my blessings if it will help. Would you like me to stay for the scattering?”
“Yes, if you can. It will mean a lot to us, and to him.”…
Leumadair was practically giggling as the giant squid tried to catch him once again, as old as the creature was, she certainly was playful. Out of the corner of his eye he once again caught a glimpse of the merpeople who lived in the depths of the lake. He imagined he must seem odd to them, looking far more human than marine to their eyes. He tossed around the idea of shifting into something more finny, but decided against it, assuming it would only spook them more. He would have time enough to talk to them, to let them know that he would be a fairly regular visitor here, now that Mac Lir had allowed him to reopen the pathway between Hogwarts and Armagh.
Speeding towards the surface, Leumadair broke the calm of the lake, breathing in the crisp, night air as his eyes immediately focused on the large castle in the distance. “So this is Hogwarts…..Impressive.” he grinned as he floated leisurely upon the water, taking in the lay of the land and the general ‘feel’ of the area. His languid ways immediately became tense and alert as something caught his attention. It was a Gangrel, a dying Gangrel.
Reaching out with his mind, Leumadair immediately realized it was Roel. “Mannan, he must be willing himself to die if he is still hanging on. If his injuries occurred when Kitty said they did, he should either be cured or dust by this point.” However all such morbid thoughts were pushed from his mind as he felt himself moving quickly over the surface of the water. Looking down, he shook his head and laughed as he saw the squid had finally caught up with him, and apparently decided to give him a ride. “Alright girl, I’ll play a little more. There is nothing I can do for him anyway.” Leuma sighed, giving the castle a final sad glance as he dove below the glassy water.
The longer he played with the squid, the closer the merpeople seemed to be moving towards him. Until, at last, one small child slowly edged his way next to him, “Hello, little one, are you here to play with us?” Leumadair asked kindly as the boy looked up at him with wide, curious eyes.
“May I?”
“Of course.” Leuma grinned, “Can you swim fast? She likes to play tag.” Before the child could answer, half a dozen arms reached out, pulling him back as several strong armed youths took his place. “Fine, you can play with us too, but I’m warning you, the old girl is a ‘lot’ faster than she looks.” Leumadair said flatly as he regarded the youths with suspicion. He prepared to battle as he saw the men move into formation, only to see them part as an ancient looking merman swimming towards him.
“Who are you? And what business do you have in our home?” the old man asked forcefully.
“I am Leumadair, son of Mac Lir, my father has sent me here to watch over my cousin and her family. And who are you who dares to address me in such a manner?” The murmuring of the rapidly growing crowd was almost deafening. No wonder his father never went into freshwater if he could avoid it, unlike the merpeople of the deep seas, the freshies’ voices were enough to shatter your eardrums. Nothing at all like the siren’s songs of the salties’s the one who so often lured humans to their deaths. Odd thing that, the freshies were hideous to look at, but so much safer than the salties whom humans went out of their way to search for, but then, no one had ever said humans were smart.
“You are the son of Mac Lir? But….but….you….you..” the old man stumbled over his words as he tried to compose himself.
“I what? I look too Sidhe?” Leuma grinned as he immediately changed his legs into a muscular tail, gaining favourable tones from the women present. “I can take whatever form I choose, and since I will find it necessary to walk amongst the humans, I choose to take a more ‘human’ form.”
“But you said you were here to see your cousin,” one of the youths gasped, “how can Mac Lir’s own blood be human?” the young man immediately cringed as he saw the fire in Leumadair’s eyes.
“How dare you think to judge my kith and kin.” Leuma roared, “My cousin is here to help the humans and I am here to help her. She and her son are my sole concern, but I will not stand idle, watching an innocent harmed in my presence. Am I understood?”
“Please, my Lord,” the old man spoke up, “my grandson meant no disrespect. We are simply unaccustomed to someone of your stature gracing us with their presence. We will, of course, do all that we might to make your task easier and as enjoyable as possible.”
Leumadair smiled inwardly, that was exactly what he had been waiting to hear, after all, several scores of eyes and ears were always better than one alone. “All I need from you is cooperation.” Leuma stated flatly, still making the old man think he was displeased with them. “My cousin and her family must remained unharmed at all costs. At the moment, only she and her son are here at this school, but more will be joining her shortly.” so saying, he pulled out a translucent crystal the size of his fist. “Look and see.” he said as images of Kitty and Harry appeared in the crystal.
“I’ve seen her before,” a woman stated, “near the lake with one of their men, tall and dark he was, his eyes never left her.”
“That may be her husband, although I cannot say for certain.” Leumadair winked at the woman, making her smile shyly. He smirked as he felt the uncertainty radiating from the old man, their chief by the looks of it. After all, he had made it a point to be kind to the children, overtly friendly to the women, and just this side of standoffish towards the men…..that should be enough to keep the old man guessing, and obedient. Leumadair carefully looked over the armed youths, evaluating their strength, intelligence and ambition. He needed someone strong and smart enough to defend himself, but not someone so power hungry that he would destroy their culture. And it appeared he found it in the leaders grandson. “You, the one with bad manners, come here!” Obediently the young man swum to Leuma, his head bowed in respect and fear.
“I am going to give you the chance to redeem yourself, boy. Take this crystal and guard it well, you are now as responsible for the life of my clan as ’I’ am. You will watch over them just as I shall, and know that I will come and go at will. If you require to speak with either of them, simply show them this crystal, my kin will know you by it and take heed of your counsel.” Leumadair smirked as he saw the look of fear and anticipation in the young man’s eyes, he was certainly up to the challenge…….
“Oh boy, I think we should be nervous” Cat smirked, “Cash isn’t big on making plans, but when he does, watch out.”
Sirius stared up at her, a soft smile on his lips as he watched her pull out several different potions and balms. “Is was Harry said true, gra? Did he see inside of you? Would you really miss me that much if I went away?”
“First of all, you promised you would never leave me again, no matter what, AND you specifically mentioned that death wouldn’t be an obstacle.” she reminded him as she lifted the quilts, exposing his injured legs. “So don’t go using that as an excuse, ‘cuz I would have been expecting your ghost, mister.” she said lightly, trying to tease him as she slowly rubbed the concoctions into his skin.
“Cat?” Sirius said softly as he saw a painful flash in her eyes. “Gra, what is it?”
She tried to put on a brave face, but one look into his blue eyes and she could already feel the tears welling inside of her. Closing her eyes she bit her lip and took his hand in her own, squeezing it tightly. “Sirius, I was terrified I’d never see you again, never have the chance to talk or laugh with you. When Duncan brought you back to us….I couldn’t wake you up, you were stung so many times…” breaking down, she flung herself across his chest, shaking slightly as she cried “I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you Siri, I love you so much. I just can‘t imagine you not being there anymore. I can‘t picture my life without you in it, I can‘t go through that pain again. I can‘t lose you again….”
Sirius smiled with relief and contentment as he realized how deep Cat’s feelings truly ran. Part of him had secretly feared she was only being so accepting of him to keep Harry and the rest of her clan happy, especially since that night she had read Snape’s letters. But this outpouring of emotions, this deluge of grief and fear…..this couldn’t be faked, this was raw emotion, painful and powerful in its depth. Gathering her in his arms, he held her tightly, heedless of the pain it caused him, Angus was absolutely right, her heart, her love was the greatest treasure he possessed, and never again would he lose it……
“I don’t understand it, Severus. I’ve never had anything block my way home before. Something must be happening at Fernglennis.” Rick sighed as he released Snape’s hand. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what to tell you.”
Severus nodded numbly, somehow he was not particularly surprised that it had failed, after all, it seemed quite obvious that someone wanted him to stay away from Catri’s home no matter what the circumstances. He barely even registered the rest of Rick’s comments, even when the vampyre had placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. All he could think about was his Catri, sobbing over the corpse of Sirius Black, the man who had misused her at every turn, broken her heart, spurned her love…..Merlin! Why did she even care about the man? What had he ever done to win such undying affection from her? Or more to the point, how could he, himself, win such adoration from her?
Severus was about to excuse himself, find a reason, ‘any’ reason to be allowed to go off on his own, even if only for a few minutes. He needed to think, he knew if he just had a few minutes alone he would come up with some plan to get to her. Just as he opened his mouth to speak to Rick, he saw the glowing disc appear on the wall again. Without warning, Cash and the woman reappeared, arm in arm as Cash supported the woman. It was obvious she had been crying, more than likely since the moment she had left Hogwarts.
Hanging his head, Severus imagined that Catri must look much the same as this Orpha did. And here he stood, unable to go to her side and comfort her when she needed him most, it was so unfair….
“Orpha, Aunt Orpha,” Rick called out, “Orpha, I’m sorry, I hate to bother you at a time like this, but something is terribly wrong. I can’t get home. Severus heard what you said about Sirius, he asked me to take him to Angel, so he could be there for her, but when I tried……”
“Shh, Rick, its alright, I know all about it.” Orpha hushed as she gave Rick a tight hug. “We’ve closed all ways in and out of Fernglennis, the only way through is with a crone, or with Cash.” seeing the questioning look in Rick’s eyes, she sighed deeply, “Come here with us dear, I do not want to explain this more than once.” she slipped her arm in his as they walked to Cash and the others.
A collective gasp was heard when Orpha used the term murder to describe what had happened to Sirius, although all arguments were silenced as Cash interrupted, making his knowledge and his views on the matter perfectly clear. Their eyes quickly flared with preternatural anger as the entire story became known, how the wizard had been lured to his death by playing on his paternal instincts. All the man wanted was to soothe the pain and fear of a child that was quickly coming to view him as her own father, what could be more honourable, more selfless. “And what of the angel?” Raul asked softly, “She holds the wizard, Sirius Black, dearly within her heart, her pain must be unbearable.”
Orpha nodded, “It had been. Until she found away to bring him back to his clannad, whole and unchanged, I am told.” she whispered, smiling serenely as the Gangrel stared at each other with disbelieving eyes.
“My Lady Orpha,” Raul gasped, “I know she….her power is immense, no one would doubt that. But to reanimated the dead..” he whispered, a visible chill settling on his body.
“No!! That she did not do.” Orpha corrected him immediately, that sort of talk could lead to nothing but disaster and she knew it. “She simply refused to allow his soul to depart, he did the rest. It was his will, his determination that brought him back to us. He loves them ‘so‘ much…” she smiled with relief as she saw her answer seemed to placate them all. “But now, it is my duty to be here for you and for Roel. Is this truly his decision? Hasn’t anyone been able to change his mind?”…..
Rick waited patiently while Orpha and Cash spoke with Roel, she wanted to be sure that this what Roel wished, and he certainly didn’t begrudge her the time. But he was worried about Severus, and he needed to speak with Orpha as soon as possible. The moment she was done, Rick gently pulled her over to the side, where he could talk to her in private.
“Orpha, please, I know you are busy, and this is ’not’ the best time to bring this up. But the wizard you had asked me about the other night, the professor you were so interested in?” Rick explained, turning her so she could see Severus as he sulked in the darkened corner of the haven. “His heart is broken, Aunt Orpha, he thinks she is grief stricken, he wants to be there for her, he is terrified that she may do something…drastic..”
“But, Rick, I just told you, Sirius is alive. Granted his recovery is not assured, but the fact that he’s made it this far…”
“I know, Aunt Orpha, I know… but ’he’ doesn’t know. I haven’t had the chance to tell him yet, and before I did, I wanted you to see him, to see how his heart beats and bleeds for her. I want you to give him the same chance you gave Sirius.”
Orpha nodded to Rick, and took a few steps towards Severus, studying him intently. Rick was right, the man was in a great deal of pain; his heart ached not only for her niece’s grief, but also for his own. “Severus Snape?” she asked softly, startling the man out of whatever dark thoughts had preoccupied him. “I take it you are the professor Kitty and Rick have told me so much about.” She felt her own heart beat a little faster as the wizard drew himself up to his full height, staring at her with deep chocolate eyes that held within them both pride and pain that went beyond words.
“I am, may I assume you are Catri’s Aunt Orpha?” he replied stoically, doing his utmost to conceal his pain and loneliness from her and the rest of the world. He could see where Catri got her eyes from, this woman’s eyes were as vividly blue as hers were green. “When we tried to go to her home, to Fernglennis, we could not find the way. Rick told me this has never happened to him before.”
“This is true, Professor Snape. But since I no longer feel confident in my clans safety, I have blocked the way in and out of Fernglennis. I am afraid that ‘now’ is not the best time to visit with my niece. If only you had asked earlier, even a day would have made a great deal of difference.”
“She did not require my presence a day ago.” Severus responded bruskly. “Up until only a few days ago, I did not think she even ‘wanted’ me there.”
Orpha paused, trying to think how to best address the man, Rick was right, she needed to take a close look at him, at his heart and his blood, but she had neither the time nor the strength for it now. Placing a gentle hand upon his forearm, Orpha replied softly, “Then you were wrong, Professor Snape. She thought you simply used her and then abandoned her, she shed many a tear over you. It has only been the efforts of her son and Sirius Black that have brought her so much happiness. It seems that after all these years, Kitty and Sirius have finally had the chance to talk, to put the past behind them. It has made a world of difference to her; her heart is light and carefree once again.”
Severus shook his head slowly, “But I heard you state that Black was dead. Not even an hour ago you appeared and took Cash back with you.” he froze as he felt the woman’s fingers on his lips, only to pull away immediately. “Madam, if you please…”
“Hmmm, you don’t like to be touched, do you? I apologize, Harry had mentioned that, I must have forgotten. And yes, Sirius ‘was’ dead…or at least, mostly dead. But they are both quite stubborn; he wouldn’t leave her and she refused to let him go. It seems they make quite a team.” She watched as a dark cloud passed over the wizard’s face. Her comments had hurt him, it was obvious that ’he’ wanted to be the one she refused to let go, the one she would fight death for.
“It sounds very cosy, please give my regards to Catri.” he snapped as he tried to turn away from her, only to realize he was unable to move.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t want you to leave just yet. Rick has told me so much about you, and I would like to know more. I’m not sure if Catri had discussed her future with you, but she needs a husband, the clan expects children, she needs heirs.” Orpha explained softly, smiling as the wizard’s body language suddenly changed.
“But…I thought you just…. Black…” Severus cleared his throat, composing himself quickly. “Forgive me, I was under the impression that Black had already secured that ‘position’ for himself. Or am I mistaken.” he asked, an almost hopeful tone in his now silky voice.
“No, you are mistaken, no formal decisions have been made regarding her future husband. Although I feel it only fair to tell you the clan is very fond of Sirius, as is her son. But as her guardian, it is ‘my’ duty to evaluate any eligible suitor, when I have it narrowed down to a suitable number, her father will see who he feels is best suited to her.” Orpha explained, lying slightly. She had every intention of bringing him to Fernglennis once things settled down, but she had another wife in mind for him. Although if things didn’t work out the way she planned, it was something of a comfort to know Catri would not be without ‘companionship’ should she need it. “I hope you will agree to speak with me once everything settles down.” she asked as she turned to look at the crowd gathering around Roel. They were circled around him now, candles lit and prayers being sung, Hamish had even pulled out the bodhran, its slow, deep beating sounding for all the world like a heart.
“Of course, I would be more than happy to speak with you whenever you feel it appropriate.” Severus replied, his voice hushed respectfully as he too looked to Roel. “Just one question before you go; when will I be able to see Catri again? There was talk of her being…I had heard rumours….” he took a deep breath and looked Orpha full in her eyes, “she may be carrying my child.”
“You will see her within a month, if not sooner. Regarding your other ‘question‘, it is far too early to tell.” Orpha replied evenly, “As for now, I must ask that you leave the haven. I sincerely doubt you will want to witness this, it will not be pleasant and there is no need to put you through such an ordeal. I’ll ask Rick to take you back.”
“No! Rick needs to be here,” Sev answered immediately, “I am perfectly capable of making my way to my own rooms.” He knit his brow in confusion as he saw the same look of kindness and concern shining out of Orpha’s eyes as he saw in Catri’s. Gods, could all the women of her family be so singularly amazing? “Truly, I have no concerns for my own safety. I have walked these halls for decades, I know them as well as my own hands.”
“Very well then, Professor Snape,” Orpha reluctantly agreed, “but please, be very careful, I shudder to think what Kitty would do if she lost you both.”…..
“So the MacLeod’s have been meddling in the affairs of the wizarding world almost from the beginning, why am I not surprised?” Albus chuckled. “Although one would think bringing the cure for the worst plague in history would have earned them more than a notation in the margin of a scroll. Hmmm, let me see, let me see, what else of great importance took place in 1493. Amurath I of Constantinople was on the throne - he stole one fifth of the children to create the Janizaries; Columbus left to ‘discover’ the left half of the globe; the plague of course….but what else. May 4, 1493, Pope Alexander VI wrote that blasted Inter Caetera, I personally find it hard to believe he managed not to be hung for that one, trust the Borgias to get away with penning something like that ….Paracelsus was born, no, that would involve Severus far more than the MacLeods” he mumbled, “the crusades hit the …wait, the crusades!” Albus quickly moved several teetering stacks of books around on his desk until he found what he was looking for, “The Knights Templar….”
He was prevented from doing any further research as his fireplace blazed ferociously bright for the third time in less than ten minutes. “Well, Fawkes, I doubt I shall get any rest until I answer them” he smirked, “Do you think it wise to tell them now? Or shall I wait until just before they go to press?” he chortled as the magnificent bird let out a small cry and tucked its head under its wing. “Ah, my dear Fawkes, if only it were that easy for me.”
Albus straightened his robes and his hat as he stood before the fireplace, “Good evening Gilbert, and how is Mrs. Whimple?” he asked cordially as the face of a balding man appeared in the flames.
“Very well, Albus, very well indeed. But I’m sure you know that this is not a social call. The elders of the wizengamot are in an uproar, its been over two weeks and no one has found Minister Fudge or most of his cabinet. The public is calling for a leader and we have no one to give them, as you can see, since they pulled me out of my department to fill in for several of them.” Gilbert Whimple sighed.
“I see, I thought perhaps experimental charms had lost its appeal.” Albus smiled. “So, to what do I own the pleasure of this call? I have already told the Ministry and the Daily Prophet all that I know regarding the situation.” he reminded.
“I know you have, Albus, I know you have. But people here are talking, and now that Malfoy has announced that the Head Minister’s spot needs to be filled and he himself will be running for the position…..and, well, you know as well as I do that everyone wants you to be the man to run things.”
Albus nodded, he had expected as much “I have stated many times, Gilbert, that my place is here, in Hogwarts with my students….“ he waited until he saw the crest-fallen look on the man’s face. “However, I can tell you that I am firmly behind Arthur Weasley, I believe he is the best man for the job, and I am most happy to hear he is willing to run for the position.” Albus smiled as he heard Mrs. Whimple’s surprised voice in the background. His amusement only increased as he saw Gilbert unceremoniously pushed out of the way as his wife stepped into his place, notebook and quill in hand.