“I’m sure I will, but what should I make of this Desiree, I have no desire to harm her.” Cobryn asked, “I don’t want to make enemies I’ve heard the same tales everyone else has. An angry Sidhe is a deadly sidhe.”
“This is true my friend, and you will find Desiree to be a most capable Primogen. She has the support and confidence of both the Caitiffs and the Sidhe. The Angel Catri trusts her implicitly, your best bet is to befriend her, work with her. My childer Julian has placed one of his own at the school, Joshua. He is young, hardly twenty years in the blood, but his is loyal and trustworthy.” Prince Daithi explained.
“What about the Gangrel primogen? Will this Cash be a problem?” Cobryn asked as he idly played with the prince’s rune stones.
“Cash is not primogen, a newcomer named Raul is,” Daithi said disdainfully, “my dear friend no longer has the heart to be a primogen. Although he can hardly escape it, his clan, both mortal and kindred see him as Primogen, he is a Methuselah, and the oldest of his kind save Gangrelle herself.”
“Even older than you?” the Caitiff Cobryn asked, raising an eyebrow at the thought.
“No, but very, very close” the ancient Ventrue explained. “I met Cash over one thousand years ago, he is a brave warrior, fearless and strong. He lives to serve and protect his clan, the mortal one,” Daithi added, “That is something you will come to adore about Clan MacLeod, to them, family is family, alive, dead or otherwise.”
“You mean they do not shun kindred?” Cobryn asked, amazed at the thought of mortals accepting their kind. “Most humans run from us in terror.”
“That is your first mistake Cobryn, do not assume that MacLeod is human, they are anything but. And yes, not only to they not shun us, they open their homes and hearts to us. I myself have spent many a warm night in their homes, safe and content in the knowledge that they would fight to protect me, just as I would fight to protect them. I have been fortunate enough to share their hearts and in their warmth as well as their blood. And I will NOT permit their future or ours to be jeopardized.” he said firmly. “Ignore the Primogen, go to Cash, the Gangrel Methuselah, if you have his support, they will accept you.”
Cobryn nodded as he rose from the chair, his thin sinewy body moving like a cat’s as he bowed to the Prince and moved to the door. “My Prince?” Cobryn asked as his hand rested upon the doorknob, you have told me a great deal about the Methuselah Cash, and of his mortal clan, but you have told me next to nothing of the one they call Angel. Is there a reason for this?”
“I have told you all you need to know.” Daithi said firmly “Protect her, keep her alive at all costs, she hold the future within her blood, within her womb.”…..
“Are you going to be alright?” Rick asked as he reached out and gently touched Sev’s cheek, causing the wizard to jump and glare at the vamypre. “I take it you’re not used to being touched, are you?” Rick remarked softly as he shrunk back, truly not wishing to upset the man more than he had been.
“It’s.. I…..no.” Sev finally answered. He seemed to bristle visibly as his eyes stared at some invisible phantom.
“You’re not a man who fears much” Rick remarked simply “You don’t fear death, you don’t fear vampyres, although you do seem to hate us. So why are you so afraid of contact, of doing something as simple as touching someone?” he asked, truly curious as to the answer.
What makes you think I’m afraid of you.” Snape asked, a cold, harsh edge to his voice.
I never said you were afraid of me” Rick said softly, “just of my touch, anyone’s touch, except perhaps Angel’s.” his voice was little more than a whisper now. He wanted to show Severus how pointless all of his pain and anger was. He wanted to show him if he could just drop the act for a few minutes and let someone inside, maybe, just maybe he could get past the pain, and learn to live and enjoy life once more…….
Raul tore through the school, cursing and growling as he went. How could Cash be so stupid, what did he think he was doing trying to take on the Tremere alone. And why had no one bothered to tell ‘him’ about this plan of theirs? As far as he was concerned, that old MacLeod fall back of theirs “vendetta” wasn’t going to work this time. Joshua was with them, not only was he not a Gangrel, he wasn’t a MacLeod either. Raul found himself half hoping Cash would become seriously injured, if for no other reason than to teach him that there was a reason for Kindred laws, a reason for primogens……
Sirius woke from a light sleep to see Cat dozing in a chair next to his bed. He stared at her wistfully and said softly. “So Snape defended you from Lucius and his Slytherin flunkies, he held you and let you cry on his shoulder when I broke your heart, you pity him for something you refuse to discuss, but its still not love Cat.” he sighed as he leaned forward and took her warm hand in his, “And you could have used the bed, I wouldn’t bite you.”
“Biting is the least of my worries Sirius” she replied, startling Sirius.
“I thought you were asleep. Actually, you should be, you’ve been through a lot too.” Sirius insisted as he sat up, pulling her up from her chair and towards his bed. “And don’t give me that ‘I’m fine’ routine of yours. I know you better than that.”
Cat finally opened her eyes to look at Sirius as he pulled her onto the bed and his lap. She had to smile, he was still the man she remembered, albeit a bit older and scruffier, but she had the distinct impression that would change over the next week or two. He was too much like her, and being around friends and family, being loved and loving was more powerful than any spells or potions could ever be. “You ready to go find Harry?” she asked as kissed his cheek softly and rose to her feet.
“Do you think we can find him? I’m willing to bet your family has already taken him in and hidden him inside one of your sidhe hollows.” Sirius teased as he continued to hold her hand, fighting the urge to pull her back down onto him and make love to her.
Cat gave him a puzzled look, “Uhm,… Sirius… you do realized that ‘this’ is one of those sidhe hollows…..right?”…….
Severus’s normally harsh and somewhat sarcastic tone had faded away to a weary, urbane humor. Rick was thankful that the biting remarks had finally weathered away with the professor’s pain, although he still saw the wariness in the man’s eyes. He expected as much, but what truly surprised him was the vulnerability, now that he knew he couldn’t leave, that there was no where he could turn to distance himself, the professor seemed resigned to tell his side of the story. It seemed important to Severus that he understood why he loved Angel so much, why he wanted and needed her so desperately. “Professor, Severus, you can’t tell me she has been the only person in your life who treated you kindly. What about your parents? Or a brother or sister? And you mentioned a wife.”
Severus shook his head slowly, clenching his jaw as his long, dark hair obscured his face. “My father was a foul-tempered brute, I have no siblings, and my wife” he chuckled sadly “it was an arranged marriage, she only did her ’duty’ as she called it, because I insisted on it. She would have been just as glad not to share my bed, or my life, she certainly never attempted to share my heart.”
Rick sighed deeply and placed a comforting arm on Severus’s shoulder, only to frown when the wizard flinched and drew back. “That is exactly what I mean.” Rick explained as he gently lifted the professors face so their eyes met. “I have been watching you Severus. I’ve seen you face danger on a nearly daily basis, hell, I’ve seen you go head to head with Cash and barely flinch. But one touch from me and you’re ready to bolt, am I truly that frightening, that horrific?” he whispered, his eyes full of emotions as he waited for Severus’s reply.
Severus paused, he had no idea how to answer. Looking into Rick’s eyes he found him anything but horrific, in fact, he found him strangely beautiful. “No, I would never describe you as horrific” Sev responded quietly as confusion once more invaded his mind. Why was this man being so kind to him, how could he touch him with such gentleness, why did it feel so wonderful to him. “Please…..stop” Sev gasped as Rick’s fingers caressed his face…..
“Ah hah, so there’s my lost child” Cat teased as she finally found Harry, “And Sara, didn’t I mention something about snowboarding” she added, frowning at her niece.
“Oh yeah, like you actually expected me to listen for more than one day” Sara replied, smiling mischievously as her Aunt scowled at her and pretended to be angry. “And where are you off to Auntie dearest?” Sara added, seeing Cat in traveling clothes.
“Well, since you asked,” Cat replied, grinning mischievously as she wrapped her arm around Harry’s shoulder while ‘bumping’ Sara aside with her hip. “Your mother has reminded me that we arrived with no clothes, save the ones on our back. And Harry is badly in need of new robes and such. So, since there really won’t be much going on until this evening, I decided now would be the perfect time to go shopping.”
“Shopping?” Harry said incredulously, “On Christmas day? Where do you expect to find any open shops today?”
Raising one eyebrow at Harry’s comment, Cat sighed deeply “I think you’ve been spending too much time with Sara sweetie. And to answer your questions, Arabia. They have the softest, most comfortable robes I have ever come across, and judging by the rate you’re growing, we’ll need to pick up quite a few.”
“Oh… Arabia, can I come….”
“Not this time Sara.” Cat replied firmly “This time its just Harry and I, and don’t look so glum, we’ll be back in a few hours at most.” she added, smiling brightly as she kissed her niece’s cheek. “Come on Harry, I’ll show you how to apparate while we’re at it.” she said as she walked with Harry towards the house.
“Is it really just going to be you and me? Isn’t Sirius coming along?” Harry asked hopefully.
“Not today, I want him to stay home and get some rest, he’s still a little sore from that run in with Gustavas.” Cat sighed. “Besides, I’d like to talk to you with no interruptions for a little while. I really think we need to discuss several things, like what’s going to happen when we go back to school, Professor Snape, your training, and they are a few questions I’m hoping you can answer for me.”
“Sure, if I can.” Harry said “But what training? Does this have to do with walking the path and becoming a man?” he asked as Cat stopped short and stared at him. Shrugging his shoulders, Harry smiled and explained. “LJ and Collin were trying to explain it to me, but I’m still not to clear on most of it.”
Cat giggled and shook her head, “Why do I even bother? So, they didn’t scare you too much, did they?” she asked as she hugged Harry tightly as they walked on.
“Not ‘too’ bad, although that whole faceless king and queen thing still sounds pretty bad.” Harry told her as they stepped onto the porch. “Hi Stryker, sorry, I don’t have anymore bacon.” he said as he scratched the cat behind his ears.
“He’s got you pegged already does he?” Cat teased as she held open the door for Harry, “Come on, lets get you in some appropriate clothes, it’s a bit warm to be wearing LJ’s flannel shirts, and you’re practically swimming in those trousers. Looks like Sirius isn’t the only one who needs fattening up.”
“I heard that, Cat.” Sirius yelled from the next room. “And stop encouraging them, I can’t walk from one room to the next with an empty hand, they all seem to think I need to eat constantly.” he added as he poked his head through the doorway, smiling at Cat and Harry.
“That’s because you DO need to eat constantly. You’re skin and bones Sirius Black, and didn’t I tell you to stay in bed.” she added, shaking a finger at him as if he were a child. “I don’t want to come home and find out you’re in need of healing again.”
“Don’t worry Kitty” Remus said flatly, “I’ll take him upstairs, he and I need to have a talk anyway.” he explained, folding his arms over his chest.
“Sounds like someone’s in trouble” Cat teased, “What did you do this time Siri? Toothpaste on the toilet seat, glue in the shampoo, or perhaps the infamous..”
“No” Remus interrupted, “just a talk.” His eyes were fixed on Sirius, not even blinking. “So, where are you two off to? And how long do you expect to be gone?”
“Remus? What is it?” Cat asked softly as she placed her hand on Remus’s arm.
Turning suddenly, Remus smiled brightly and kissed her on her cheek. “Nothing to worry about Kitty, consider it a ‘guy’ thing. Sirius and I just need to have a little chat, no interruptions, no distractions.”
“Uhm, okay, that’s reassuring” Cat smirked as she looked between Remus’s stern face and Sirius’s confused one. “Harry, maybe we should just pop off now and worry about clothes when we get there. Take off your coat and boots and lets go.”
“Good idea Kitty” Remus whispered as he gently pushed her and Harry towards the family room. “I’ll see you both when you get back.”
“I’m sure you will. The question is, will Sirius?” Cat asked, still looking nervous over Remus’s behavior.
“That is entirely up to him Kitty.” Remus replied. He pulled Harry back and whispered quickly into his ear. “As soon as you get back, bring her to us, your godfather is going to tell her tonight or so help me I’ll beat him senseless.”
Harry nodded and smiled happily as he caught up with Cat, pulling her the rest of the way out of the room “Come on Mum, I can’t wait to go somewhere warm. Do we have clan in Arabia too? Are we going to meet them? Are any of them my age?”
Remus smiled fondly at Cat and Harry as he listened to Harry’s excited questions. It warmed his heart to see how quickly and how well he was fitting in. Now if only he could get Sirius to do his part, “Come on Padfoot, you and me, let’s go.”
“Moony? What is it? What’s happened.?” …….
Severus shook his head and scowled, it’s not that he didn’t appreciate Rick’s offer of help, but he had learnt long ago the only person he could truly rely upon was himself. “I assure you, I will be fine. I just need to get a few things from my office.” he explained as he tried to get up from the bed, only to suck in his breath quickly and fall back onto the mattress.
“I don’t think so professor” Rick said as he quickly appeared at Severus’s side. “I think you’re hurt much worse than you realize.”
“I’d say that’s a safe bet.” Cash added as he looked down at Sev, smirking good-naturedly. “And its not exactly safe for you to go roaming off on your own.”
“He got away?!” Rick yelled, then quickly softened his voice and added “but how?”
Cash spun his sword in his hand and sighed, “Our illustrious Primogen I’m afraid. He burst into the room just as I skewered the beast; I missed his heart by ‘this’ much. I was so worried that Raul would get hurt, that I turned my back for a split second, it was all he needed.” Cash once more turned his attention to Severus, who was looking worse for wear. Tussling the wizards hair and hoping to get a reaction, Cash teased, “You look like hell, maybe Rick here should clean you up a little, a bubble bath perhaps.” he chuckled as Sev scowled at him “But she has some lovely scents, my personal favorite is Gardenia. So what do you say?” he asked, laughing softly.
The look on Severus’s face said it all, “I think you could use a bath more than I.” he said coldly. He was going to say more, but a deep, horrible cough took his breath away. Sev held onto his ribs as he tried to stop coughing, the pain was immense and unyielding, he felt himself grow faint as he tried in vain breathe.
Cash’s laughter immediately turned to concern when he saw the pain on Snape’s face and the trail of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. Laying down his sword, Cash gently placed his arms around the potion master, leaning him forward to help clear his throat and mouth of blood. “Rick,” Cash barked as he motioned towards Snape with his head. “help him, see if anything is broken.”
Rick nodded, waiting until Severus’s coughing had passed and Cash had turned the professor over, cradling his head on his lap. “Just relax Severus” Rick soothed, “I just need to see how bad it is.” Very carefully Rick ran his fingers along Sev‘s sides, sucking in his breath and wincing as he relaized the damage the Tremere had inflicted. “Cash, this is bad, really bad, I don’t think I have the training or power to heal this right.”
“Do you want to try or should I” Cash asked Rick, “After my little run in with Gustavas, I‘m not sure I‘d be the best choice. Didn’t Angel give you some lessons on healing before we came here?”
“Yeah, she did” Rick replied as he ran his cool finger along Severus’s ribs, counting how many were broken. “But this is way out of my league, he’s got at least five broken ribs, maybe more.”
Cash brushed back Sev’s hair as he stroked the wizard’s forehead, doing his best to soothe him. “Probably more, Gustavas has this thing about crushing ribs. Heal him best you can, and when I’m sure you’ll both be alright, I’ll dash over to the hospital and get Poppy.”
Sev cringed as Rick ran his hands over his naked flesh, besides the pain, there was the awkwardness of the situation. He couldn’t help but think how much differently he would have felt if it had been Catri touching him instead of Rick, and Cash’s sudden change in attitude towards him was only confusing him more. He sighed as he felt Rick’s hands on him once more as some of the pain dripped off of his body, it was a peculiar yet familiar feeling, Catri had done the same to him all those years ago, in fact, he could almost feel her gentle hands stroking his face, soothing and caressing him as the healing continued, his felt the world around him become hazy as he once again lost consciousness.
Rick moved further down Sev’s torso and knitted his brow. “Cash, I think it went further than the ribs, something is not right with his spine.”
“His spine” Cash echoed, furrowing his brow. “How bad?” Seeing Rick shake his head and hold up his hands, Cash rolled his eyes. “Come on Rick, we’re all guys, not likes he’s got something you and I don’t. And if he’s injured that badly, we need to get Albus, Minerva, and Poppy here immediately. So please, be a good Gangrel and check it out.” Cash looked back down at Severus’s face, he actually wasn’t that bad a guy, at least when he kept his mouth shut. As he studied the wizard’s sleeping face, he finally began to understand why Angel felt such a fondness for the man, it was obvious how much he had suffered over his life, it was on every line and plane of his face. Glancing down toward Rick to see how he was doing, Cash had to stifle a laugh “Oh stop blushing like a schoolgirl and just do it.” seeing the surprised look on Rick’s face, Cash turned to take a closer look “Wow, he’s huge, huh? I hope our friend Sirius can measure up.” he winked, motioning for Rick to continue with his exam.
Rick flushed bright red as he shimmied down the professors trousers a few more inches and moved his hand to feel his spine. “Well, that’s interesting.” Rick remarked as he pulled out a thin, silver dagger. “Our friend here comes prepared it seems.” he stated as he placed the dagger on the bedside table. “And its not as bad as I thought, it doesn’t seem to be broken clean through, but Poppy should still get here as soon as she can. I’m not a healer.”
“I know, Rick, but you’re doing fine. And lets face it, I’m too beat to be of much use to anyone at the moment. And the thought of another screaming match with Raul isn’t making me any to cheerful either.” Cash sighed as he rose from the bed, cradling Severus’s head in his hands as he pulled over a pillow, gently placing his head on it. “Poor guy, he’s going to need a lot more healing than any of us are capable of.” He stated as he rose from the bed.
“Cash? Can I ask you something?” Rick said hesitantly, seeing Cash nod, he continued. “Yesterday, you refused to let me help him and told Hamish you swore not to kill him, you never promised to protect him…..”
Cash smiled widely and winked at Rick. “I lied. I had to swear to her to keep him safe, and to be honest, once he gets over this attitude problem of his, I probably won’t mind having him around so much. He’s a capable sort of fellow, smart, strong, a bit too sneaky for my tastes, but hey.” he grinned as he picked up his sword “Any more questions?”
“Yes. Does your sudden change of heart regarding the professor here mean anything?” Rick asked. “Is he suddenly good enough for her?”
“For Angel? Bite your tongue Richard.” Cash teased, then becoming serious, walked over to Rick and knelt by his side. “Angel is very special to me, even more so than anyone knows. I want her to be happy and safe, I want to see her belly grow round with children and I want to know that whether I’m around or not, there will always be someone to guide and protect them.” motioning towards the bed, Cash continued “He’s not that man, his life is too complicated and much to full of pain. He needs someone to heal and take care of him, and while I know Angel ‘would’ do that for him, she herself has had to endure more pain than even I can comprehend. I know Tris and the crones think I’m unaware of a lot of things that have happened to her, and to a point, they’re probably right. But I know a lot more than they give me credit for.” Cash sighed as he shook his head.
“But to shorten up the whole story; no, he is no longer my enemy. Angel is with Sirius, and I have the feeling it will stay that way. A few bumps here and there without a doubt, but according to Orpha, everything is flowing along nicely. And if he can’t manage to win her back, then Remus will step up, I know him, and I know he would never let Angel suffer through life the way this bloke has.” Cash looked at Rick and smirked “You have another question, don’t you?”
Rick nodded and flashed a quick smile. “You know me too well Cash, and I’m guessing that’s why you know him too. He’s just like I was, so full of pain and anger.” Rick sighed as he felt Cash pulling him close to his chest, he had always been there for him, since the day his own clan beat him and left him for dead, Cash had always been the one constant in his life. “Let me teach him the way you taught me” Rick whispered, “Let me show him Angel is not the only hope or love he has in this world, please.”
Tilting Rick’s face so he could see his eyes, Cash sighed deeply. “You really want this, don’t you?” Seeing the glimmer in his childer’s eyes, Cash nodded. “Alright, take him under your wing, do what you can. Maybe, just maybe you can make him fit for clan life, but don’t expect any miracles from this one. And take care to heal him up a little physically before you do anything, I still don’t like the colour of him.”
Rick’s eyes grew wide “You mean you’ll allow me to share of myself with him?”
Cash nodded “But only a little, I don’t want him to become a slave to the blood. And maybe he can learn something from your past. Just remember, no more than a few drops Rick. It will be enough to cure him physically, but anymore and he’ll be left an addict, a shell of what his is.” Cash reminded him sternly. “He’s not one of us, he can’t handle the blood like our clan can.” Just as Cash was walking out the door, he turned to his childer and added “By the way Rick, I wasn’t really joking about him needing a bath. See if you can do anything about that, although it might be easier to do it now while he’s out, at least then you won’t have to listen to him rant.” he said, winking playfully as Rick grinned and shook his head.
Rick waited until Cash had left, he wanted so much to help the wizard. Strange as it may seem, he felt a strange sort of kinship to the man. Picking up the silver dagger from the bedside table, Rick pricked his finger and held it over Sev’s mouth, allowing a few drops to trickled down between the sleeping wizard’s parted lips.
Severus sighed as he felt strange warmth invade his body and leave an alien taste in his mouth. It was as if he had tasted the sun, warm and bright, it dissolved on his tongue like honey, filling him with a sense of safety and joy he had almost forgotten existed. He relaxed his body and his mind as he succumbed to the bliss of peaceful oblivion……
Remus closed the door softly behind him as Sirius gave him a strange look “What have I done Moony?”