Severus could not believe his luck, Remus still had not shown up for lunch, leaving Cat entirely to himself. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he quickly slid into Lupin’s seat and began a conversation with Cat.

“Still tired I see” Severus said gently as he placed his hand over Cat’s “I thought you were going to give your student’s a free period this morning”

Cat turned to look at Severus, a bit surprised at first, but she smiled quickly “I did give them a free period, but Harry and I talked right through the first class” she looked at Severus tenderly, his hand was so warm “and the second class was younger students, most of them weren’t at the lecture last night, so they were fine. Unlike their teacher” she sighed as Sev smiled at her.

“If its any consolation, I had a first year class this morning” he shook his head slowly “truly terrifying, they have no idea what they are doing”

Cat smiled widely at his expression, and his voice, he could read a recipe for Boca Verastium and she would probably swoon, it was so deep and silky. She hated to admit it, but just listening to him speak gave her ideas that were probably best left unsaid. She could hear the depths of passion in every word he spoke, every look he gave her. She found herself imagining what he would be like as a lover. The touch of his strong hands, his unspoken desires, she found herself remembering his last visit to her classroom. She had felt his desire that day, among other things, she practically melted as she recalled his kisses, and the hardness of his manhood as he pressed it against her. She could imagine herself screaming in ecstacy as he pierced her, thrusting himself deeper and deeper into her as his voice joined hers in passions song. Truly, he held spectacular promise in the bedroom.

Severus was giving Cat a strange look, she had a far away look on her face, almost dreamy, “Cat..... Catri” he watched as she startled at his voice and began to blush furiously “Something I should know about?” he asked, as he saw her divert her eyes away from his.

“No nothing...... just happy not to hear any explosions, thats all” Cat said quickly as she blushed at the thoughts that had been going through her head, what was she thinking, and with him sitting right next to her.... she could feel her cheeks getting warmer by the moment.

Severus smiled tenderly at her, he had a good suspicion as to why she had a far away look in her eyes, and if her blushing was any indication, this was a good thing. Reaching up gently he touched her cheek with the back of his hand, “You are feeling a bit warm Catri, are you sure you are alright?” he smiled deeply as he saw her blush deepen, it was because of him.

Cat looked him in the eyes almost shyly, “I’m fine, really, just a little tired, you know....” she said half-heartedly, she could only imagine how lame that must sound. She could see the smoldering fire in his eyes and feel it in his touch. Apparently he wanted her just as desperately as she wanted him.

“I hope you still remember your promise to me from last night, I trust you were not that tired?” Sev asked as he returned his hand back to hers, only this time he didn’t just place his on top of hers, he had picked up her hand and was gently caressing it “You are still planning to accompany me to the Holiday Ball, are you not?”

It was Cat’s turn to smile “Of course” she loved it when he acted like this, when he actually showed his emotions, in between the way his was rubbing her hand and purring in her ear, she was practically melting right in front of him, and she had a sneaking suspicion that he knew it.

Severus looked at Cat intently, remembering her comment about choosing between a friend and a lover, he wondered if he would need to do much prodding regarding that, here they were in the middle of a crowded room and he could feel her entire body becoming warm as he sat next to her, it was a wonderful sensation to know that his feelings were returned, “Catri, you seem a bit flushed, .... would you care to take a walk, perhaps get some fresh air?” He needed to get her alone, he felt an overwhelming need to kiss her, to feel her body pressed against his, even if it was only for a few minutes. Sev watched as she smiled shyly at him, she felt it too, he was sure of it.

“That may not be a bad idea” She said as she took her napkin from off her lap, they were just about to excuse themselves when Remus appeared in front of the table.

“Sorry I’m so late Cat” Remus said as he quickly came around the back of the table and stood there, waiting for Snape to move out of his chair “Cash and I were discussing a few things.”

Snape scowled at Remus, the man could not be that dense, surely he realized he was interrupting something.

Remus decided to entirely ignore Severus, “Cat do you mind if we discuss the next lecture back in my class, I have a lot to catch up on before my next class this afternoon” Remus paused as he watched Cat look at Severus, “You don’t mind do you Professor Snape? I’m sure Cat will be able to finish her conversation with you later.” Remus added as pleasantly as possible, it appeared he had gotten here just in time.

Severus shot Remus a look that could melt stone “We were in the middle of something” he replied cooly, “I would prefer to finish it now” he said as he turned to look at Cat, she was still shyly avoiding his eyes and now she was biting her lip again, Severus wanted to kiss her right there and then. He thought he had lost her last night, and he was not going to let another day go by without telling her exactly how much he cared for her.

Remus wasn’t about to give up that easily, “I’m quite sure you would, but I need to speak with Miss MacLeod about *important* matters” Remus replied a bit tersely, “Oh and by the way, Cash sends his regards and was wondering what exactly you intend to do with Draco Malfoy”

“Cash?” Severus questioned, that must be the name of the vampyre from last night.

“Yes, you do recall him don’t you?” Remus said a little to pleasantly “He’s the one with blonde hair, blueish eyes, leather jacket.... he’s Cat’s cousin you know.”

Severus froze, he had no idea that creature was actually related to Cat. He turned to look at her “Is this true? Is that creature is actually your cousin?” he knew it was a mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

“Creature?!” Cat said hotly “Cash is not a *creature* he is family, my family and I love him, don’t you dare start on that whole monster tirade again”

Severus wanted to respond but decided it would be better to stay quite instead, he could see the anger flashing in her eyes, unfortunately his choice of words could have been better. “I apologize, I did not mean it like that.” he said softly.

Cat looked at Severus for a moment, she immediately softened her gaze when she saw the hurt look in his eyes. “I’m sorry Sev, I guess I’m just to cranky, I should probably take a nap or something” she said as she got up from her seat. She kissed Severus on his cheek as she took Remus’s hand, and immediately heard the whispering begin amongst the students.

“Looks like you two have started some interesting gossip this afternoon” Remus said as he grinned at Snape “kissing in front of students, Miss MacLeod, what were you thinking.”

Severus gritted his teeth as Lupin began laughing loudly, he could feel his face begin to flush, “I will remember this Lupin, believe me” Snape hissed as Lupin escorted Cat around to the front of the table, he had to get her alone now, before something else happened.........

Albus watched with amusement at the whole affair, though he had to admit it was nice to see Severus so full of life, it had been a long time since he had shown any interest in anything but his teaching and Slytherin house. Albus looked across the hall, it was obvious to him that Severus and Cat were the topic of several conversations, he particularly noticed the look on Harry Potter’s face when Severus had sat next to Cat. Albus had to chuckle, Harry made no effort to hide his distaste for Severus, if only he knew how much effort Severus put into protecting him, but then Harry was sure to be hoping that his godfather would be the one to win Cat’s affections, no doubt. Albus smiled as he recalled Raul’s account of the nights events, Harry had accepted Cat as his mother, and the clan had accepted Harry as her son, no surprises there. The dance competition was of course a wonder to behold, the only mar on the whole night was young Draco Malfoy’s serious lack of judgement. Albus sighed as he anticipated the fall out from that particular act, Draco was in rather serious condition in the hospital wing, nothing Poppy could not repair of course, but still, his father was sure to cause trouble, the Ministry would more than likely be paying him an unannounced visit shortly.

Albus was pulled from his thoughts by the sudden chattering of students, Remus Lupin had just entered the hall and was staring directly at Cat and Severus. After last night most of the students had assumed that Remus and Cat were a *couple*, an honest mistake, considering their closeness to one another. Albus caught the stray voice here and there, wondering if there would be a fight between the two men, or a duel perhaps. Hopefully not, Remus tended to be the more mature of the marauders, with any luck he would find another way around it, and sure enough, a little humor and cajoling and apparently a mistake on Severus’s part, and Cat was taking his hand to leave with him. Albus tried to keep a straight face at Remus’s remarks concerning the gossip, leave it to him to *rescue* Cat from Severus. Albus sat back against his chair and looked at Harry’s beaming face, he wondered if Sirius Black had any idea what true and loyal friends he had......

“Well that was really smooth Lupy” Cat said sarcastically, “why must you do that to him?”

“Do what?” Remus said innocently “I simply asked you to come to my classroom so we could discuss the next lecture. Was I so wrong?”

“Remus....” Cat said hinting she knew something more was up “you never even ate lunch, not eating is not your style. What’s really going on?” she keep staring into his eyes almost searchingly.

“Nothing is *going on* Cat” Remus assured her “I just need to talk to you,..... why are you staring at me like that?”

Cat shook her head “Sorry, didn’t mean to” she replied as she turned her face away from him, she couldn’t get the thought of her nightmare out of her mind. The thought of never seeing his eyes shining again, it physically hurt her.

Remus stared at her for a moment before placing his fingers under her chin, tilting her eyes to face his “Cat....what aren’t you telling me” he asked gently “your not really upset that I interrupted you and Severus, are you?”

“Its not that acushla” Cat sighed “I just had a bad dream last night, you and Sirius were killed. I saw you staring at me, there was no life in your eyes” she was tearing up already “all I could see was the emptiness were the light should be, I just need to make sure....”

Remus saw her eyes filling with tears, he hugged her as he laughed. “I’m fine Kitty, we are all fine” he looked into her sad eyes “it was just a nightmare, right. Not one of those precognitive dreams you and Lily had all the time.” He was sure it wasn’t, she never would have told him about his own death, she would consider it to cruel.

“Nope, I’m pretty sure it was just your old run of the mill nightmare” Cat said as she touched Remus’s cheek, “It would kill me to lose you, you know that ... right?” She said softly as she felt her tears threatening to spill.

Remus smiled gently at her as he took her hand in his and kissed her fingers, “I know, I feel the same about you” he put his arm around her shoulder as they continued walking towards his classroom, “besides, who else could manage to keep the remaining marauders in line? Not to mention the son of a marauder..”

“Speaking of whom, guess who did have a precognitive dream last night?” Cat said much happier now “At least I’m pretty sure it was, he describe the house perfectly” she was smiling at the thought of Harry’s dream.

“What house would that be, the one in the hollow?” Remus asked curiously

“Nope, mine. The one with the pond, and the bedroom and hall that Lily and I painted” she was grinning now, “Oh and your gonna love this, I apparently have a husband”

“Finally?” Remus said wickedly as Cat poked him in the ribs. “Ouch... hey knock it off that hurts, I hope you don’t treat your husband like that.” Remus kept waiting for Cat to tell him who it was, but she refused to even look at him, he could tell she was trying not to laugh at his antics.

“Okay, I give” Remus said trying to get Cat to talk “Who is this mystery husband of yours? Anyone I know?” he was poking her with his finger, “Come on,.... come on... I know you want to tell me.... come on... tell Lupy everything.” he watched as Cat’s grin grew larger and larger.

“Hey, stop poking me” Cat finally said as she slapped his hand away, “and I’m not going to tell you anything” she replied sticking out her tongue at him “you want to know so badly ask Harry yourself.”

“Fine” Remus said as he blew her a raspberry which caused Cat to laugh hysterically “and now you laugh at me... Miss MacLeod I hope you know this means war” he was glad she was laughing again, he hated to see her depressed, and he did so enjoy playing games with her, she was like the sister he never had.

“War huh” Cat said smiling slyly as Remus grinned at her “just promise me you won’t scream like a little girl when I take you down Lupy” she began, taunting him.

“Oohhh, that is gonna cost you MacLeod” Remus said, raising his wand as Cat squealed and ran from him, trying to get behind a pillar before he could cast his hex “TRICHO KINESIS” he hit her before she could get to cover, she stopped mid-step as her hair came to life on its own, easily escaping from her hairpins and wrapping itself around her and anything else that happened to be nearby.

“Wow, your hair is still long huh?” Remus teased, her hair had to be past her waist judging by the way it had wrapped around her arms and the pillar. “Hope you don’t mind washing it, because its going to get dirty” he said as he pointed his wand at her again. “MYCOSIS”

“Ooo Remus, you dirty dog” Cat yelled as she saw him prepare to hex her again “TRICHO STASIS” she yelled as her hair obediently returned to its original hairstyle, she quickly dropped to the floor avoiding Remus’s casting.

“Mycosis.. Eewwwyyy.” Cat responded making a face “Remus thats gross! You were going to make things grow on my hair?! Your vulture bait wolfman” holding out her hand towards Remus Cat pointed at him and said MORTIS INCANDENCE she hit him with a fuzzy beam of white light as he tried to run for cover. “Hah try hiding now” she teased as Remus began to glow brightly.

Remus rolled his eyes as he looked at his hands, they were glowing like neon signs, pulsating with the beat of his heart. “Now that’s just cruel” he said as he smiled, only to hear Cat giggling.

“Lupy..... you look like you swallowed a flashlight” she paused to try and stop giggling only to start again as he smiled at her “No... please...don’t smile, your teeth are glowing too.”

“Very funny MacLeod” Remus said as he placed his folded his arms across his chest, “just what I always wanted to be... a walking street light” he looked at her critically for a moment “and exactly where is your wand, I notice your not using it” he was tapping his foot waiting for an answer.

“I am so using it” Cat replied indignantly “I’ve finally found a practical use for it” she said as she smiled at Remus, as she waited for him to either ask what she had done with it or try to surprise her with another attack.

“Alright, I give..... what have you done this time” Remus asked as he fingered his own wand, hoping to distract her enough to get in a good shot at her.

Cat grinned widely as she pulled the wand out of her hair, it had been holding up her bun. “You’re using it as giant hair pin?!” Remus said with disbelief as Cat began to giggle again. “Well at least I know you won’t misplace it again” he sighed.

Sensing an opportunity Cat decided to show Remus she did know exactly how to use a wand “MELANO VIBGYOR, there .... now don’t you look lovely?” she said mockingly as he slowly began to change colors as he glowed.

“Arrrggghhhh” he had been beaten at his own game, he was supposed to have been tricking her. “Thats it, no more Mr. Nice Guy” he said as he chased Cat down the hall, throwing spells and cursed at her as they ran.....

Professor Dumbledore had waited to speak with Harry after lunch, he felt he that it was best to ask Harry what his true feelings about Cat were, and, more specifically, his thoughts about her suitors. As they walked together down a nearly deserted hall, they heard what sounded to be a battle, and a rather loud one at that.

Harry and Albus looked at each other for a moment, then quickly drew their wands, “Stay behind me please Mr. Potter” Albus had said as they quickly made their way through the hall towards the battle, as they approached Albus hesitated. He knew more spells that almost any other living wizard, but as much as he wracked his brain, he could not think of a single curse that caused rainbow lights to flash, at least not any one dangerous enough for a fight. In fact the only one that even came close was used mostly for dance parties, as they got closer both Harry and Albus heard shouting and..... laughing? Albus paused for a moment and sighed, now he knew exactly what was going on “Put your wand away Harry, I doubt you will be needing it”

Harry looked curiously at Prof Dumbledore, he trusted him without doubt, but they had both heard the shouting, and saw the flashes that could only be curses being cast at someone, he quickly ran up alongside Albus and peered around the corner. Harry had expected to see Deatheater or at least Wormtail and Snape, but instead running and playing like two little children were Remus and Cat. They were the ones shouting and casting spells, Harry shook his head, this was almost as bad as the ice storm they had created in the DADA classroom last time. Remus looked like a christmas tree light, first red, then yellow, green, blue, purple. And Cat now had wings of some sort growing out of her back and feet. Harry looked up at Prof Dumbledore and shrugged his shoulders “I have no idea what to do with them”

Albus winked at Harry “Fear not Mr. Potter, I have handled this situation once or twice before.”

Harry was positive he had caught a smile breezing across Albus’s face, right before he squared his shoulders and suddenly looked very serious.

“Professor Lupin, Miss MacLeod” Albus said loudly as Remus and Cat suddenly snapped to attention and turned to face him. “I believe we have discussed this behavior before, have we not?”

“Yes Professor Dumbledore” Remus and Cat answered in unison.

“And did we or did we not agree that there would be no more games? I believe we left it at a tie, or am I mistaken” Albus asked expectantly “And would you please unhex each other, the light show is rather distracting.”

As Cat and Remus removed their spells from each other, they began to whisper back and forth. Remus was first to answer “Yes sir, its still a tie. We decided that you were right and it was silly for us to continue trying to outdo each other.”

Cat nodded in agreement as she tried gathering her hair back into a bun, she handed Remus her wand so she could use both hands to twist it up. “Honestly Albus, he is telling the truth. We agreed to end the competition and we did” Cat placed out her hand and Remus handed her back the wand, rolling his eyes as she threaded it back through her hair.

“So you are both telling me that your little competition is over, yet here you are. Can either of you explain what the problem is?” Albus asked, more amused than upset.

“No problems, right Cat” Remus said as he placed his arm around her waist.

“Right Remus” Cat responded as she repeated his move and placed her arm around his waist, “we’re just not keeping score anymore, so no competition, no problem” she finished smiling brightly.

Albus stood there staring at the pair of them, his mischievous children, of all of the teachers at Hogwarts, these two were by far the most lively and the happiest, especially when they were with each other. Albus was well aware of the bond they had forged while they were students, and while it was not as strong as Lily and Cat’s had been, it was impressive none the less. Cat used to complain about Remus thinking he was one of her brothers, and taking full advantage of it, usually by beating her at chess and Quidditch. Albus suddenly got a twinkle in his eye as he smiled slyly. “If you both insist on carrying on like this, I cannot be held responsible for the consequences”

Cat and Remus looked at each other “What consequences? You know we never actually hurt each other, just having fun, thats all”

“Hmmpf, fun” Albus said as he left to walk away, Harry was sure he heard the headmaster mumble something under his breath as he turned his back on Remus and Cat. The next thing Harry heard was Remus and Cat groaning as they looked at each other.

Albus had beat them at their own game. When Harry turned to see what had happened he burst out laughing. Remus and Cat were both covered in blue polka dots. They were shocked at first, but quickly began laughing along with Harry and Albus.

“Headmaster Dumbledore?!! I don’t believe you did that” Remus said laughing deeply, “Cat I think we’ve been out done by a master”

“A master prankster you mean” Cat chimed in as she leaned against Remus, trying to stop herself from laughing, but every time she looked at either Harry or Remus she started all over again. “Now Albus, don’t think for one moment my father hasn’t told me about the mischief the two of you used to cause” she said as she finally began pulling herself together.

“Aaahhh yes, Magnus and I did get into our share of trouble” Albus replied wistfully “and his daughter seems to be carrying on the family tradition.” he finished as he walked back to his office, chuckling softly to himself.

Harry, Cat and Remus where left in the hall to sort themselves out. “So what do you think Cat? Can we undo this?” Remus asked, not sure if Prof Dumbledore had added any *surprises* to his spell.

“Piece of cake Lupy” Cat replied as she placed her hands on his shoulders and closed her eyes, the spots immediately faded from both Remus and herself. “I can’t believe he suckered us like that.. We’re supposed to be professionals” Cat said as she rolled her eyes while Harry laughed at them.

“You two are hopeless. I can’t believe how much trouble you get into.” Harry said as he walked up to Cat hugging her happily “I’m almost scared to think what would happen if Sirius were here.”

“You should be” Cat laughed “He’s worse than Remus and I together.”

Harry stared at her for a moment, no tears, no haunted looks, no painful winces. Harry looked over at Remus and saw him smiling, he had noticed it as well. Maybe his dream wasn’t that far off after all, he couldn’t wait to tell Sirius, Harry was sure it would make him happy to hear about their future together.....

Harry, Remus and Cat were talking and laughing amongst themselves when they heard the tower bell ringing. “Oh no, it’s not *that* late is it.... I’ve got a class to teach” Cat said slightly panicked.

“Relax Cat, so do I” Remus told her, “Why are you so worried”

“Because MY classroom is on the other side of the school” she said tersely “not down the hall, and besides that, you know as well as I do *somebody* will be looking for me.”

Remus rolled his eyes “If by somebody you mean Severus, let him look” he said nonchalantly “I think its good to keep him on his toes.” he was smirking now

“You would you brat” Cat said teasingly as she ran towards her classroom, yelling down the hall at Harry “Try talking some sense into him will you, Sev is really not that bad.”

“Oh yeah” Harry said softly rolling his eyes at Remus “he’s a gem, be nice Moony.”.......