He found Remus first, he was dancing with Tris at the far side of the room. “Come on Cali” he said, grabbing his cousin and waltzing his way over to Remus. “I need to get close enough to talk to him, alright?” he explained as they waltzed closer and closer to an obviously distracted Remus.

Cali nodded and smiled “Do you think Aunt Kitty’s going to have a baby? Isn’t that what Mea asked?” she asked excitedly.

“I have no idea” Harry replied as his stomach did flips, he wanted to be a big brother, he wanted to have a family, but he had the horrible suspicion that it would be nearly impossible for the baby to be Sirius’s, if in fact, she were expecting. “that’s why I want to talk to Remus, he always knows things the rest of us don’t.”…..

Remus sighed as Tris laid her head on his shoulder as they danced, it felt so good to be able to hold her, knowing it was impossible for him to hurt her. His hands instinctively went to her long blonde hair, stroking it affectionately and hoping she couldn’t hear the nervous thundering of his heart in his chest. He didn’t notice Harry and Callista until Harry bumped into him. “Harry?” he frowned, “is something wrong?”

“Uhm, I’m not really sure” Harry replied softly, a bit embarrassed to have disturbed Remus and Tris, but he needed to know the truth. “Mum talks to you about pretty much everything, right?” Seeing Remus nod, Harry continued, “Is she…. I mean…Mea thought she might be pregnant, and I”

“She’s WHAT?!” Tris and Remus said in unison.

“No, wait,” Harry jumped in, trying to explain. “I don’t know if she is or not, I was asking you.”

“What would make you ask me?” Remus questioned as he searched the room for Cat or Sirius.

“She tells you everything” Harry repeated, “and I’m only asking because she’s asleep over there, and Mea thought that maybe it was because she was either sick or pregnant.”

“Kitty sleeping when she could be dancing?” Remus shook his head, “Well something is certainly not right.”…….

Sirius smiled back at Cat’s family as they walked by and grinned at him. It wasn’t until Luke came over and shook his head, that Sirius looked down and realized Cat had fallen asleep. Carefully removing her half finished drink, he handed it to Luke who was laughing softly at them. “Not even married yet and already you’re taking care of her. Good man.” Luke had told him, patting his shoulder as he walked towards Aunt Orpha. His wife on the other hand rolled her eyes and sighed, “Welcome to the clan, Sirius” she said as she kissed his cheek, “if she can sleep through all of this, she must be very comfortable with you. I’d say you’re stuck with her now.”

“I can only hope” Sirius replied, smiling widely as he stroked Cat’s soft hair and he kissed the crown of her head. He sighed contentedly as he felt her heart beating against him, this is how he would like to spend everyday with her, in peace and contentment. He was so engrossed in the moment, he didn’t realize Aunt Orpha was standing next to them until she kissed him on his forehead.

“Well, I see you’ve managed to tame her.” Orpha teased, knowing full well how impossible it would be for anyone to tame a member of her clan. “I’m almost tempted to have you take her upstairs, but I think that ‘may’ be pushing it, and I know how ornery she can be when she’s pushed.”

Sirius shook his head, “I’ve never pushed her in that regards Aunt Orpha, and I never will.” he explained as he kissed her head again. “I love her far too much to force her to do anything she wasn’t ready to do. Although I admit I miss feeling her next to me, this is the closest I’ve been to heaven in a long time.”

“You’re a good boy Sirius” Orpha smiled, “I’m not sure that many men would have that much patience, let alone restraint.”

“It was a hard lesson learnt Aunt Orpha, I lost her once, I never intend to lose her again. I’d die before I’d live my life without her in it.” Sirius whispered, hugging Cat tightly as his eyes teared up. “I spent years trying to find her, I’m not going to do anything stupid. I want a family, Harry deserves a father and mother.”

Orpha nodded as she squeezed Sirius’s hand. “I agree with you dear boy. But this one” she grimaced, looking down at Cat, “this one may require some encouragement.” Orpha gently shook Cat in an attempt to wake her. “How late did the two of you stay up last night?” she asked as she shook Cat a bit rougher, startling the red head awake.

“Well, sleeping beauty awakes” Orpha teased as Cat’s momentary confusion gave way to embarrassment. “Nothing like being comfortable” Orpha teased, “You know Kitty, you might sleep better if you weren’t trying to keep that big bed of yours warm all by yourself.” she added, winking as she rose and patted Sirius on the back.

“What was that about subtlety and your clan?” Sirius asked, blushing profusely as Cat groaned, “come on, let’s dance before anyone else has the chance to start” he teased as he helped Cat up. “Are you sure you’re feeling alright? I’m honestly surprised you fell asleep like that, not that I mind of course.” he added, smiling brightly as she blushed. “And just to set the record straight, I would be more than happy to help you keep your bed warm.” …….

“So, are you going to tell me what a Fear-cobhair is?” Severus asked Rick, pouting at being confined and dependant upon anyone. “Or do I have to guess, perhaps a way to pass the time?”

Rick smirked and rolled his eyes. “My but someone is cranky this evening,” he commented “and you are welcome to guess what fear-cobhair is. Although I’m rather surprised you don’t know, hasn’t Angel taught you any of our language?”

Sev shifted uncomfortably “Her language was outlawed by the Ministry centuries ago, no one here speaks it.” he explained softly, “Although she did offer to teach me on several occasions.”

“And you didn’t take her up on the offer? I’m rather surprised” Rick commented, sitting down on the bed and getting comfortable. “Well if it makes you feel any better, it’s a term for a sort of protector.”

“You mean a nurse-maid?” Sev replied, his voice full of disgust at his present condition.

Rick shook his head, “No Severus, more like…..a guardian angel” he explained, “someone to look out for you, watch over you until you don’t need me anymore.”

Sev felt an involuntary pang when he realized that one day, more than likely in the near future, Rick would not be there to talk to him. “You are planning on leaving?” he responded, his voice flat and eyes cold.

“Not anytime soon professor” Rick reassured him as he took the teacher’s hand in his own. “I’m not just concerned with your physical well being, I’m worried about your heart and soul as well. You’ve endured a great deal in your lifetime, certainly more than most, it has left scars and deep wounds on both your mind and your heart. I honestly don’t know if we can heal them, but I am willing to help you try.” he explained as he gazed deeply into the professor’s eyes, feeling the loneliness and pain that Sev bore with him everyday of his life. “I know you think Angel is the only one who can help you, but this is something that has to come from inside of you Sev. No matter how much she loves you or how much you love her, she can’t do this for you, you have to do it for yourself.”

Sev winced as Rick’s words rang through his head, he knew the Gangrel was right, but it still hurt to hear it. “It would be so much easier if I knew she would be there for me. Or if I could simply brew a potion….”

“No” Rick said firmly, “no potions, no magic. This has to be a conscious decision on your part, not some quick fix with a wand or whatever. And Angel will be there for you, perhaps not in the role you would wish, but she won’t abandon you.” Rick leaned in closer, pulling Sev towards him as he whispered, “Regardless of what Cash and Hamish may say, I know Angel loves you, she never would have gone with you if she didn’t. But you must understand that as long as you stay like this, close-minded and prejudiced against her world, her people, you don’t stand a chance of being with her. She will ‘never’ leave her clan, she loves us more than anything else in the world, she would live or die for us, and we would do the same for her.” Rick stood up and spoke normally once more. “You look tired professor, get some rest, you won’t be left alone so sleep deeply and sleep well.” he added, kissing a stunned Sev on his forehead and tucking him in……

“This reminds me of when we first started dating” Sirius said as he kissed Cat softly. “Do you remember?” he asked as they made their way to join in the dancing.

“How can I forget” Cat replied, smiling tenderly, “you were always so romantic, ….and goofy” she added, teasing him as he smiled and pulled her close to him.

“I wasn’t goofy, I was endearing,” he corrected “big difference. And you certainly didn’t seem to mind, Miss MacLeod, although I do seem to remember having to convince you at first.”

“Ah yes, the closet” Cat grinned, “how ever could I forget.” She laughed softly as Sirius bent down and rubbed his nose against hers, a large, heart-felt smile on his face. Allowing Sirius to take her in his arms once more, Cat felt herself blush slightly as they began to dance. This is how it had all began the first time, the playful flirting, the gentle touching, the passionate kisses, it if weren’t for Severus she would gladly go to the crones immediately and ask them to consider her marriage to Sirius. But of course nothing could ever be that easy, not in her life, it never was.

“You seem distracted” Siri commented as they joined the other couples who were waltzing “I hope I haven’t done anything already.”

“No, of course not, I just have a hundred different things on my mind at the moment.” Cat explained, “You know me, gotta have a back up plan.” she winked.

“Yeah, I remember, those ’back-up plans’ of yours, saved our skins quite a few times.” he laughed, “So, what are you scheming about now? Anything good? Raiding the teacher’s lounge, filling the Slytherin’s shoes with green gelatin again, or maybe painting the dungeon shocking pink…”

“Oh no you don’t. I take full responsibility for the gelatin in the shoes, my idea, my ….uhm….idea” she said, obviously thinking better of what she ’was’ going to say. “but it was ’you’ my dear Mr. Black, who took it upon himself to repaint the dungeon. And as I recall, there were lavender polka dots included in that particular prank.”

Siri nodded and laughed as he twirled Cat, causing her to giggle, “And don’t forget the flying poodles and pink ribbons.” He smiled as he caught Cat in his arms once more, his heart swelling with love as he looked into her laughter filled eyes. “Merlin’s beard, I’ve missed you.” he whispered as he brushed her hair out of her face. “Tell me you missed me too, tell me we have a chance to make this work.”

Cat felt her heart melting, “Of course I’ve missed you” placing her hand on his cheek she added softly “how could I not miss you, you were my first love Sirius Black. I never thought we’d be separated.”

“I’d rather be your last love, gra, the one that lasts all of our lives” he replied softly, kissing her tenderly as her family continued to waltz around them, smiling and whispering as the couple stood oblivious to the rest of the world. It wasn’t until Remus walked up to them and cleared his throat loudly that either of them realized that they had become the center of attention.

“I think dancing may be a good choice at this particular moment” Remus winked as his smile threatened to take over his entire face. “Either that or get down on your knees and ask her now.” he hinted.

“Oh no, don’t you dare” Cat replied immediately, not giving Sirius the chance to even consider it. “I told you before Siri, I won’t just abandon him, it would kill him. Don’t put me in that position.” she pleaded quietly.

Sirius felt a jolt of anger and pain shoot through him as the words left Cat’s mouth, but then again, he really wouldn’t expect anything less from her. Loyalty was one of her best qualities, and he realized the situation must be tearing her heart in two. “I would never do that to you Cat, at least, not in public.” he added, winking as he gave her a lop-sided grin. “but don’t expect me to wait too long. I want a family, a large, boisterous, healthy, celtic family.”

“You’re staying here with us and you ‘still’ want a big family. Tsk, tsk, tsk, either you’re very brave, or you’ve completely lost your mind.” ………

Severus could feel the hot breath of the beast on the back of his neck as he ran through the dark, dank halls. He had to outrun it, or at least out smart it, he had come too far to fail now. So many lives depended on him, so many bright and innocent faces staring up at him as he stood in front of them, instructing them, and yes, terrorizing them. He had to keep up the façade, he had to maintain his cold, stony exterior. If Malfoy or Voldemort ever realized that the students could be used to control him, none of those children would ever be safe again. At the very least, his supposed contempt kept them safe a few more months, maybe even years. Not that any of it would matter if he didn’t elude the creature chasing him.

Sev screamed in pain and anger as the monster’s claws raked across his back, tearing his flesh and slowing his escape. But no matter how intense the pain, he refused to surrender to the agony or the terror that was nipping at his heels, he had something to live for now. He put on another burst of speed as he heard someone calling his name, it was Catri, he could see her standing on a staircase, her long hair cascading over her shoulders and a deep blue cloak wrapped loosely around her. He had to get to her, but she was so far away, the moment he realized how great the distance was, he stumbled on the uneven flagstone floor. Just as he saw the unforgiving stones rushing towards his head and the blood curdling screech of the creature behind him, he felt a strong pair of arms around him, supporting and protecting him. He didn’t need to see the man’s face, he knew instinctively who it was….Rick of Gangrel.

Severus woke up in a cold sweat, feeling a pair of hands gently pushing him back onto the pillows. Looking up, he expected to see Rick, his newly appointed faithful companion, but instead saw Poppy, “Madam Pomfrey?!” Severus gasped, wondering how much of what he had just experienced was a dream. “What has happened? Where am I?”

“Relax Professor Snape” Poppy soothed, “You are in Kitty’s room, you were attacked by some sort of vampyre, a Tremere I believe Rick and Cash called it.”

“Rick and Cash” Sev repeated, feeling slightly more at ease. “So it wasn’t a dream, and Catri, has she returned yet? Are she and Harry safe?”

“Please, Professor” Poppy insisted “If you cannot calm yourself, I will insist you take a sleeping draught.”

“I will do no such thing Poppy, I am not a student, I am a senior professor….”

“Then start acting like one” Poppy snapped sharply, “Severus, I am very sorry for being abrupt with you, but I honestly don’t think you understand how serious your injuries are. If it weren’t for Rick tending to you with so much care I’m not sure you would have lasted long enough for me to do anything.” She sighed and lowered her voice when she saw Sev’s body relax slightly as he turned his face towards the door as if awaiting someone.

“Severus, I know you miss her, but you must understand, to her Harry Potter ‘is’ her son. Her people don’t have the same understanding of family that we do,” Poppy explained softly as she sat on the chair next to the bed. “Lily and she were closer than sisters. Lily made her promise to protect and raise Harry if anything happened to her, in Kitty’s culture, that means she becomes his mother. So whether he came out of her womb or not apparently is irrelevant. She sees him as her own flesh and blood, and so does the rest of her family, Cash has been very adamant on that front. So you must understand why she took him and ran away, if it were my son….”

“I understand” Severus interrupted, his voice deep and soft with emotion, “I would have done the same thing in her place if it had been my child in danger. All I want to do is speak to her, I wanted to ask her something before she left, and I never had the chance.”

“Well why don’t you open the gifts she gave you then, or at least the letter” Poppy suggested, “she’s always been a very intuitive girl, perhaps you’ll have your answer without even needing to ask the question.” Placing the packages and letter on the bed next to Severus she asked “Would you like me to wait outside? I don’t want you to be left alone, but I do understand your need for privacy.” she added, her eyes briefly grazing over the potion master’s bare chest and broad shoulders.

Severus nodded stiffly, not trusting his voice to reply without revealing the depth of emotions welling within him. He found himself wishing Rick were here with him, a wish that his rational mind could not explain. After all the man was a vampire, an undead creature, a parasite who stole blood and life from the living without care or remorse, how could he possibly consider this creature a friend. He ran his hand over the packages Catri had sent along with Cash. But then again, Catri not only considered them friends, but family, her ‘clan’ as she called them.

Sliding the letter out from underneath the ribbon, Severus held it in his hand, picturing Catri as the scent of her perfume rose from the parchment. ‘she must have written this in her bedroom’ he thought ‘she always keeps her perfumes next to her stationary’ he mused as his eyes wandered over to her dresser, which was adjacent to her small writing desk. He grinned slightly as he wondered if her room at Hogwarts was set up like her room in her own home. “I miss you Catri. I miss you more than I ever thought it was possible to miss anyone.” he sighed as he ran his fingers over the edge of the parchment before breaking the seal and reading the letter.

Dear Severus,

Please forgive me for not contacting you sooner, but family obligations have kept me very busy. Harry is fitting in wonderfully with his cousins, and his aunts and uncles love him dearly. We will be visiting Mac Lir before returning to Hogwarts, and then perhaps a quick visit to the Mediterranean to pick up Hagrid’s present.

As I’m sure you’ve been told by now, both Remus and Sirius have joined Harry and I for the holidays. I hope you can understand the reasons behind this, and that you won’t be terribly upset. Sirius and I have had several long discussions and I am only now beginning to understand what has happened since my time as a student to the present. I wish someone would have explained the situation to me prior to this, but I know you all had your reasons for not telling me.

Just so you’re not surprised, I expect to return to school a bit late, and I will be bringing about one dozen students back with me for the new exchange program Albus has initiated.

I trust you will enjoy the gifts I’ve sent along with Cash, I only wish I could give them to you in person, but I’m not yet well enough to travel back and forth on my own. I miss you very much, especially our nightly walks and the sound of your voice. Perhaps Cash will finally relent and bring you here to Fernglennis, even if it is only for a brief visit. I will try to write to you while I am gone, and also make some arrangements for some ‘quiet time’, as we have many things to discuss when I return. Until then I hope you will remain happy and safe.

Love,
Cat

Severus smiled softly ‘she misses me’ he thought, ‘even with Black by her side, she still misses me’. …..

Rick grinned as he peered in through the window, he knew he could trust Poppy to keep an eye on Severus, but the man was a handful, and not always the most pleasant of people. But seeing the soft smile and dreamy expression on the professor’s face, he felt confident that he was both safe and happy. Jumping off of the ledge to the snowy ground below, Rick quickly crossed to were he had left the paralyzed death eater. He smirked as he remembered the trick Hamish had taught him of severing the spinal cord, but leaving the flesh intact. It kept the prey alive and fresh until it was convenient to feed, and after his self inflicted fast while he tended to Severus, Rick intended to take his time and enjoy this one in as many ways as were possible.

Easily lifting the death eater over his shoulder, Rick carried his now helpless victim into the forest, smiling as he felt the rapid and terrified beating of the woman’s heart. “Now, now, no use in getting yourself upset” he explained evenly, “you chose to join them, you came here to harm the children.” he continued as he found a sheltered area under several large trees. “You have to expect to share their punishment if you share their crime, regardless of your gender. Besides, its been a very long time since I’ve had anything as soft and tender as you.” he added, his voice dropping to little more than a whisper.

For a moment, Rick felt little more than pity when he looked into the woman’s frightened eyes, but he was not about to be fooled by her deceptively gentle looks. She had come at him, knife in hand and obscenities on her lips, she was no lady, no gentlewoman, that much was certain. But she was soft, warm, and full of rich, life-giving blood. Settling down next to her, Rick gently ran a finger along her cheek, drinking in the warmth of her flesh as his free hand open her cloak and loosened the fastenings of her robes. He pulled the material aside, exposing her creamy white neck and full breasts, his hands caressed her flesh, searching for the pulsating artery just underneath her smooth skin.

He fought against the terrible hunger that was burning inside of him, a hunger of both blood and flesh, he needed to take his time and savor this, he needed to drain her of everything she had to offer, it may be close to a week before he was able to feed properly again, he had to make this one last. Slowly, he completely removed her robes, spreading them out under her as if they were blankets at a picnic. “Lovely, ..very, very lovely.” he sighed while his hands explored the hollows of her body. Using his nails, he very carefully made a cut down her abdomen, creating a crimson ribbon from her breasts to her navel. Straddling her thighs, Rick grinned almost evilly as his tongue lapped up the bright red blood from her body while his hands found her breasts.

Rick felt the all to familiar stirrings of mortal passion within himself, he wanted to take this woman in everyway possible, to take her sex, her warmth, her blood. Growling lowly, his tongue made its way up her stomach and to her breasts, were he fondled and suckled like a ravenous child. He almost wished he hadn’t paralyzed her now, he wanted to feel her moving underneath him, even it if was only to struggle desperately to free herself. But as it was, he had to content himself with her pitiful sobs and moans. “Come now, it can’t be that bad” he cooed softly, “I see your body is certainly responding to me.” he commented as he ran his fingers over her large, hard nipples.

Rick removed his shirt before he continued, this was going to get messy, and he didn’t want the others to see how much he was going to relish this particular kill. Pinching her nipples sharply, he pressed his torso against hers , feeling the sticky blood as it oozed from the cut he had given her. Part of him felt wretched doing this, he shouldn‘t allow himself to do things like this, he should simply drain her and be done with it. But he was so lonely with Angel gone, as long as she was at the school, her door always remained open to them, ready to share her warmth with her clan. He couldn’t even count how often he had slipped into her bed to do nothing more than wrap his arms around her sleeping form and share her mortal warmth. He smirked as he remembered one night, not so very long ago when he had felt the wretched coldness that sometimes effected vampyres, the ’coldness of the grave’ Orpha called it. Obviously his whole clan must have felt it that night, for by the time he had gotten there, Angus, Hamish, and Tris were all cuddled up in bed with her, looking for all the world like mortal brothers and sisters sleeping soundly under their parent‘s roof.