Taking a deep breath Cat tapped gently on the door, waiting until she heard Severus bellow to come in, timidly she opened the door and stuck her head in. Severus had a look of complete shock on his face, it was apparent he wasn’t expecting her, and as she looked to see which poor student was getting the tongue lashing she suddenly understood why Severus was looking so shocked.
“Hi Cat” Harry said as he looked at her, rolling his eyes at the situation. “Need me for something?” he asked her hopefully.
“As a matter of fact I do.” Cat replied, only she wasn’t looking at Harry, she was staring at Severus, who, Harry noted was having a little difficulty meeting Cat’s eyes. “Something I need to know about Professor Snape? Was Harry doing something?”
Luckily the bell signaling the end of class had just rung, all of the students hurried out of class, making sure to avoid Snape’s glance, all except Harry and of course Cat. “Severus” Cat said a she closed the door after making sure all of the students had left the hallway “what is going on, why are you yelling like that?” She walked right up to him, completely unafraid “Severus, what did he do?”
“It was an accident” Harry chimed up, he could see this was just going to get Snape angrier with him if Cat didn’t back down “I used wormwood instead of wormwort, it was my mistake.” he said quickly, trying to avoid any further confrontation.
“And for that you scream and embarrass him in front of the entire class?” Cat asked tersely, Harry winced as he saw the look on Snape’s face, as much as he loved the fact that Cat was standing up for him, Harry knew he would be the one to pay for it.
“Miss MacLeod, I will thank you not to interfere with the running of my class” Severus said stonily as he clenched his jaw “Mr. Potter will be serving detention as well as losing points for his house.”
Cat stood there and stared at Snape, her face was unreadable “Harry, wait for me in the hall” she told him “don’t go anywhere, don’t do anything, I want you to come in when I call for you, understand Mister.”
Harry nodded at her, he had no desire to stay around Snape and watch the argument that was sure to ensue. Before he left he gave Cat a worried glance, but she just smiled back at him and winked.
Severus could feel a cold fury inside of him, he was not used to being challenged, especially in his own classroom, as much as he cared for Cat, he was not going to allow her that sort of power over himself. “Miss MacLeod......” he took a deep breath before continuing, he had to do this properly, she needed to understand without becoming angry with him, “I understand your concern where Mr. Potter is concerned, but I am the ....” Severus paused as he saw her smiling at him, now he was completely confused, he was expecting this to become an argument.
“Sev, I realize this is your class and you are entitled to run it as you see fit.” Cat needed him to understand she wasn’t challenging his authority, just his methods “and if Harry did something that horrible, I will stand behind your punishment.” She walked up to him and placed her hand on his arm “but don’t make him pay for things he hasn’t done, he’s Harry,... not James, not Sirius.” she looked him directly in his eyes “Now tell me again, what did you have them making that such a little mistake could cause such an outburst, you’re usually so calm about things.”
Severus returned her gaze and tried to remain straight faced “It was a stupid and possibly dangerous mistake. If we had been making a poison, or if it had been applied to anyone.....”
“The key word in that sentence was “mistake” it was not intentional” Cat chided gently “and as teachers we are here to help them learn, you do learn from your mistakes, don’t you?”
“Some mistakes can be deadly Cat, they need to learn the proper way *now*” Severus told her, his voice sounding strained “I will not have my students killing themselves or anyone else with idiotic mistakes like that.” he placed his hand on hers and tried to smile at her.
One look at Severus told Cat he was trying to hide something from her, something unpleasant by the strained look on his face. She thought it best not to push for details at the moment, he needed distractions, something to make him smile a little, his life had been full of enough pain and suffering. Cat smiled sweetly at Sev as she moved closer to him “Just answer me one thing honestly Sev, if it had been a Slytherin... would you give the same punishment?” her smile quickly became mischievous as she saw him trying to get around her question. “I thought so...” she draped both of her arms over his shoulders, smiling as he began to blush slightly at her boldness.
Looking slightly nervous, Severus told Cat softly “Miss MacLeod...Catri, really, a student could walk in at any time.... do you really want people to find out like this.” he had to smile though, he had dreamed about this so often, he had always been jealous at the physical affection she had showered on Black and Lupin in school, he had wished it would have been him.
“And you honestly think people haven’t already begun to talk? Besides Harry’s out there, and trust me, he’ll warn people to stay away” Cat laughed, “He probably thinks you and I are going to start a screaming match.” She threw her head back as she laughed at some unknown joke....
“And what may I ask, do you find so amusing” Severus asked as a smile crossed his lips. “And it had better not be me” he added playfully as he slipped his arms around her waist, savoring the warmth and softness of her skin through her silken robes.
“I just find it funny...” Cat said as she looked fondly at him. “Imagine my surprise to find out that my Severus was the most feared teacher in Hogwarts, I still can’t understand how that ever happened.”she was smiling brightly, daring him to be angry with her.
Severus rolled his eyes “Nothing like being dramatic...” he said sarcastically, although he was thrilled to hear her call him “her Severus” it sounded so right to him. He pulled her closer to him as he let his hands drift to her hips, his heart began beating faster as she gently yielded to his touch and leaned against him.
Cat’s smile softened as she continued “it seems that the only student beside your Slytherins who does not live in deadly fear of you is that strange little Hufflepuff, the 5th year one” her voice was getting softer as well.
Severus sighed as he said “You must mean the one they call Izzi,” the ire in his voice evident “she is forever leaving me poems, with hearts drawn all over them. I honestly have no idea what has gotten into that girls head.” He started slightly as he felt Cat’s hand gently stroking his ear lobe, it sent a divine shiver down his spine, especially when she traced the edge with her fingernail, it was amazing what a little thing like that could do to him. He closed his eyes as he let the sensation of her touch flood through him, no one had ever touched him the way she did. A simple touch from her was worth more to him than any rendezvous he could imagine, no one had ever been able to reach his heart the way she had.
A satisfied smile crossed Cat’s face as she ran her fingers behind Severus’s ear, gently tickling the hollow were his ear and neck met. His eyelids fluttered slightly, it was obvious he was enjoying the sensation, she laughed softly as she continued, “Ahhh she has a crush on you, that’s sooo cute.” her fingers continued to tease him, she moved them from his neck to the back of his head, were she began twirling his hair around her fingers. “Or are you going to blame a love potion gone bad?” She was pleased with herself, his anger was completely gone, although she could still feel his sadness, it hurt her to think of the way he had been denied affection for so long, it was little wonder he had such a harsh reputation.
Severus looked at her and sigh, it was pointless to argue with her, and he was having a very hard time keeping himself restrained, she was just to close, to ... willing for him to even try to concentrate on very much else. As it was he could feel the hardness of his desire growing steadily, his imagination flashed a vivid image of the two of them in the throws of passion on one of the tables from this very room. Swallowing hard, Severus cleared the vision from his mind “Very well, no points, but he still serves detention” he said firmly, no amount of teasing or flirting would change his mind on that, Potter needed to learn, mistakes could be deadly.
“Agreed, but he serves detention with you, and be nice.” She said softly “ It would mean a lot to me if you to would get along with each other.” Cat told him sincerely, as she pressed herself against him tightly, feeling the hardness that had suddenly appeared. She felt him sigh contentedly as he pulled her body even closer against his own, pressing his now rock hard desire firmly against her.
Severus smiled at her, stroking her cheek, “Agreed, I would feel safer if he were with me, it would be much easier to keep my eye on him. But as for getting along, ...... he is not particularly fond of me, you know that.” He reminded her gently, he knew exactly how much it would mean to her, in fact he felt that it was the one thing that would cause her to refuse him, it was the only reason he had not asked her to marry him yet.
“Give him a chance to know the ‘real’ you Sev, all he’s ever seen is this mask of yours, you need to start enjoying life a little.” she said tenderly as she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. She needed to break away from him before her desires took over, it was simply too much for her to feel his passion hovering so near to her and not do anything to relieve him. She was sorely tempted to spend his passion at that very moment, either with her hands, or with her body, perhaps on one of the tables behind them.
Sev closed his eyes enjoying the feel of her in his arms, instead of letting her go as she kissed his cheek, he held her tightly, pulling her up to him, lifting her slightly off of the floor, allowing himself the full benefit of her body against his aching manhood. Showing as much restraint as possible, he kissed her sweetly on her lips and said “I have another class to prepare for, I do need to go” he said reluctantly as he felt the sweet flood of relief wash over his now quivering body.
“I understand” Cat said softly as she affectionately touched his cheek, and indeed she had understood, she had felt his passion release as he pressed her against him. She smiled breathlessly as she recalled the glorious shudder she felt pass through his tall frame as he lifted her to himself “do you want to tell him yourself?” she asked as she motioned towards the hallway as he set her back down on the floor. She smiled shyly as she saw the flushed look on his face, he must have realized she knew what had just happened.
“No, I think he would take it better coming from you. He will probably assume his guardian angel rescued him, ..... yet again.” he smiled tenderly as he kissed her once more, she knew, she had to know, and she did not seem the least bit upset by it at all. He gathered his books as he watched her every move with a new found devotion. She had freely allowed him to spend himself, she understood he desired her, and more importantly she seemed very open to the idea. Opening the classroom door he spied Harry who was waiting anxiously for Cat, Severus could not resist turning to look back at Cat “What did I tell you... his angel.” he said as he motioned towards the pensive Harry with his eyes as Cat laughed sweetly at them both.
Leaving Cat to talk to Harry, Severus walked towards his office, he could not remember the last time he felt so content, he almost didn’t notice that his office door was ajar. He knew he never left his door unlocked, much less open. Cautiously Severus entered the room, as his eye adjusted to the gloom, he saw a figure seated at his desk.
“So glad you are feeling better Severus” Lucius sneered, “Must be convenient having a friend like her, convenient in so many ways.” he finishes practically hissing, the disdain pouring from him was overwhelming. Lucius had been riffling through Severus’s office, he noticed several of the drawers of his desk were still open.
“Find what you were looking for Lucius?” Severus asked non-plussed, as Lucius glared at him.
“You didn’t answer me Severus.” He said almost threatening “I trust you’re *enjoying* yourself with the bitch, to bad she won’t be here much longer.” Lucius had an evil grin on his face, he was going to make sure MacLeod didn’t get away this time.
Severus weighed his words carefully, Lucius was a dangerous man, a man who had no loyalties. “Really, has our dark lord decided its time to move?” he questioned, hoping it sounded appropriate, any slip up and they would all be dead.
Lucius glared at him “And do you think I would trust you with such information? Your loyalties seem to lie elsewhere.”
“Really Lucius” Severus snapped irately “do you honestly think I am that stupid? I have not forgotten what she and her friends did to me, and I never will.” he scowled at the thought. “I intend to use her just as she used me. I have waited years to pay her back for what they did to me. I intend to do things to her, things that even a deviant like Black never thought of.” he hissed viciously.
“Then maybe you can explain this.....” Lucius said as he threw a piece of parchment at Severus.
Severus hesitated, he has always been so very careful, what could he have possibly left to chance, he burned anything that could possibly be traced to him or to Albus. Taking the parchment in his hand, he opened it slowly. As soon as he saw what it was he grimaced distastefully, “And exactly what do you think this is Lucius?” the tone in his voice bordered on mocking.
“Mrs. Severus Snape.... little love poems...” Lucius smiled contemptuously “perhaps a letter from your dear Miss MacLeod. I am beginning to wonder who is seducing whom.”
Severus actually laughed out loud at him, “You think this is from *her*.... Lucius the stress has apparently broken you” Severus told him snidely. “This *love letter* is from a 5th year student, one who obviously has issues”
“My but aren’t we plucky” Lucius growled “I hope you can contain your feelings when you meet with the Ministry today” he gave Severus a self-satisfied smile as he saw the look of shock pass the potion masters face. Malfoy did not like the new attitude Severus was taking with him, he always had been something of a problem. Not that they would need his services much longer in either case.
“I was unaware of any meetings” Severus said as he quickly regained his composure “I hope it will be interesting.”
“Its sure to be most interesting, of course your girlfriend may not see it that way” Lucius smirked “and Dumbledore is sure to get a few nasty surprises, along with those monsters he’s allowed into the school.”
“My girlfriend??” Severus said contemptuously “She’s a fool, just like any woman, attack where they are the weakest, their hearts” replies Snape smirking “Do you actually think I could *care* about a creature like her? Her kind is lower than the mudbloods ”
“Then why are you so interested in her, not still pining over your *lost love* are you?” He remembered well the tears Severus had shed over MacLeod during their school days, he had always been a fool for her, and it seemed he still was.
“She’s got Dumbledore’s ear, he tells her things he doesn’t even mention to anyone else” hissed Snape. “Why else would I put up with her,... and they trust her with Potter, I can easily get them both, just give me time to win her trust.” Severus spat. “I am already very close, she seems quite taken with me, but then I’m sure Draco has already informed you of that.”
This seemed to placate Lucius for the time being. Although Severus had the distinct feeling that Lucius was simply biding his time, waiting for an opportunity to strike at them all. But as long as Lucius thought he was still on Voldemort’s side there should be little trouble, Severus felt his stomach lurch as Lucius informed him of what his roll would be in the Ministry meeting, he was to testify against Cat, tell the Ministry she was solely responsible for his and Draco’s injuries. He had no idea how to avoid doing this, and still keep Malfoy’s trust.......
Harry and Cat were laughing loudly on their way to lunch, unaware of Lucius Malfoy’s presence. They were too busy making plans for Harry’s Holidays with Cat and the family in Caledonia.
“So I have a lot of family” Harry asked as he eyes grew wide with anticipation, he had always wanted to feel like part of a family “and we’re going to a farm, with horses and cows and everything?!” He was practically dancing around her as he waited for her answer.
“Yes Harry, now please, calm down a little” Cat laughed, apparently she wasn’t the only one who was excited, and wait until she told the rest of her family, they would be thrilled.
Cat gave Harry a quick hug before they entered the great hall, Harry went to sit with the other Gryffindors while Cat walked to the head table, smiling at Remus.
“Well someone is in a very good mood” Remus commented “your meeting with Albus went well I assume.”
“Very well, he is letting Harry stay with me over the holidays” Cat beamed happily “can you imaging what the clannad is going to be like?” her eyes rimmed with happy tears “You’re more than welcome to come along Lupy, I know the boys would love to have you visit again.”
Remus smiled at her, the thought of going back to her clan was very tempting, they accepted him completely even knowing what he was, it just never seemed to bother them. “I just may do that Kitty, but only if you promise to keep them from trying to set me up with every eligible woman in your family” he sighed dramatically “I swear its some sort of hobby for them.”
“How do you think *I* feel” Cat sympathized completely, she knew what it was like having your entire family trying to marry you off “besides, I guess that means they want you to become true clannad, not just a guest” she said as she winked.
“Now Cat, you know my feeling on marriage.” Remus reminded her sternly “I do have one question though... I know Albus said it was alright, but did you ask Harry’s godfather yet? I think he should have some say in the matter.”
“No” Cat sighed deeply “I haven’t seen him since last night, and I’m worried about him. Albus didn’t want to discuss it in front of Raul, he kept changing the subject, all he told us was not to mention Sirius, apparently he’s spying for Albus or something” Cat said as she searched Remus’s eyes, hoping for confirmation.
“He has been going on some very dangerous trips” Remus admitted “Harry and I get worried sick sometimes, but he always manages to see his way through” he added with a strained smile. Trying to change the subject to happier things, Remus began piling food on Cat’s plate.
“What is this for?” Cat asked as she stared at Remus “Or are you just trying to fatten me up?”
“Nope, you’re just not eating very well lately... and don’t start telling me you are” he cut her off before she could start “you’ve been going night and day, you need to keep up your strength too. Honestly between you and Sirius I don’t know which is worse, neither of you listen.”
“Yes mother..” Cat replied as she moved her plate out of his reach.
Remus gave her a grin as he shook his head and laughed “Mother... I’ve been called that far to many times this week” he said as he shook his finger at her, then paused as he realized what he was doing. “Oh no..... your right....?!”
Cat laughed as the shock look on Remus’s face gave way to laughter “Brother James and Mother Lupy... something is soooo wrong with that” she giggled as Remus rolled his eyes.
“Speaking of old friends” he said gently “I really would like you and Sirius to talk about this whole holiday thing, before there are any misunderstandings. Maybe tonight, we can meet in my classroom after supper?” he held his breath as he waited for her answer. He had to get them together, they needed to talk about so much, Remus knew in his heart that if Cat found out that Sirius had never married, never had children... well they may need to explain Azkaban to her, but it was sure to change her relationship with both Sirius and Severus dramatically...........
Harry couldn’t wait to tell Hermione and Ron about his holiday plans “Can you believe it, after all this time, my first holiday away from Hogwarts... with family” Harry spouted excitedly, he couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face, he was just to happy.
“That’s great Harry, but are you sure its safe?” Hermione asked, truly concerned for his safety “Without Dumbledore around, you-know-who may decide to try something.”
“Are you joking?” Ron asked disbelievingly “did you see what she did during that battle, she would have them all dead in minutes. Don’t worry about anything Harry, you’ll be fine with her”
Harry smiled gratefully at Ron, he hadn’t actually thought about Voldemort at all, leave it to Hermione to think of everything.
“Is Sirius going as well?” Ron asked.
“Oh No, Sirius” Harry moaned “I wanted to talk to him, I need to apologize for the way I behaved the other night” quickly gathering his books and cramming some food into his pockets, Harry bolted out of the hall to find Sirius, he would probably be in Dumbledore’s office right now.........
“I think thats a very good idea, and I still want to know why he was crying last night” Cat told Remus sincerely “I could never stand to see him cry, and he looks so..... I don’t know... sad, tired, he just doesn’t look like himself.”she said quietly, avoiding Remus’s eyes. She didn’t want to explain herself, she knew it was wrong for her to think so much about Sirius, he had his family, and she had Severus, she was more sure of that now then ever before, she had seen the look in his eyes when they were in the dungeon together earlier.
Remus smiled widely,
“Severus.... are you alright? What on earth is wrong?” Remus asked, genuinely concerned.
Before Severus could answer, Cornelius Fudge walked into the hall, followed by his Ministers and two dementors. The look on Albus Dumbledore’s face said it all........
Cat stood up and glared at the MoM, “What are those monstrosities doing inside this school?” her eyes had grown cold and hard, and her fists were clenched at her side “Remove them now or I will.” she threatened icily.
“You have no right to” a deputy minister began to speak, then faltered when he saw the look on MacLeod’s face.
“It is *my* duty to protect this school and her students” MacLeod informed them “and judging by the looks on the faces of my students, and the past actions of your accomplices, I am well within my right.” She stood there her arms now crossed over her chest, and her right foot tapping impatiently against the stone floor “Will you remove them or will I?” ..........
