“So, now you have your sights set on Severus Snape do you? And they talk about ‘me‘, I notice you only seem to go after the wealthy ones too. I guess your friend Lupin just didn‘t have the dosh to keep you happy, did he. Although I‘m sure you keep him around for ‘other‘ things.” she purred nastily as she continued to mix the ingredients Lucius had supplied her with. “Well this should ensure a repeat performance of your last little crying scene. Imagine, both of the men you ‘thought’ you were going to marry betraying you for me.”…..

She smiled nastily as she thought of everything Lucius had told her, of what he would do to MacLeod when he got his hands on her. She absently-mindedly rubbed her bruised cheek as she thought of Malfoy doing to MacLeod what he had done to her. “Serves the upstart right” Esmeralda sniffed as another jolt of pain shot through her, “she should never have been allowed to be with decent people, much less get involved with any of them. And who does that Severus Snape think he is anyway? He had no right to treat me like that. I have more right to be here than that bitch does, she’s not even one of us. But this will make up for all of that,” she cackled “Imagine ‘Professor Severus Snape‘ suddenly becoming so overwhelmed by my mere presence that he completely ignores you Cat MacLeod, and by the time he realizes what has happened, you‘ll have run away again, right into Lucius’s trap, and he‘ll be the one with your blood on his hands, literally.”

“So Duncan, is it safe to come in and talk?” Sirius asked as he peered around the door, not wanting to give Duncan a clear shot at him until he was positive Cat’s brother wasn’t going to hold a grudge against him for the shower he received the other day.

“Come on Sirius, Duncan won’t do anything with all these witnesses about.” Luke sang out, waving happily at the wizard. “So, I see you and Kitty are doing rather well together, anything we should know about?”

“And there better not be” Duncan added, trying to look menacing but failing as a smile crossed his face. “Oh forget it, she just had to tell you I approve, didn’t she?”

Sirius grinned back, “Actually I’m glad she did, because YOU do truly frighten me at times.”

“Only at times?” Luke smirked “My dear brother, you must be losing your touch, whatever would father say.” Luke was answered by handfuls of hay being thrown at him from overhead. Looking up, the men laughed as they saw Harry, Sara and Mea attempting to bury their Uncle Luke.

“Don’t go encouraging Uncle Duncan” Sara yelled down, “Harry wants a father, and Mum says Aunt Kitty wants to have babies soon.”

“Oh does she now?” Luke laughed, turning to see Duncan walking towards Sirius, shaking his finger at the wizard as if in warning. ……..

Remus sighed as he woke up and attempted to stretch, only to find himself pinned down. As his eyes adjusted to the dim candle light, he noticed a familiar form next to him. Hamish was sound asleep next to him, his head on Remus’s shoulder and his arm draped over his stomach. Smiling fondly at the Gangrel, Remus affectionately ruffled Hamish’s hair, grinning as he heard his friend groan sleepily.

Remus was going to slip out of the other side of the bed, until he realized who was pinning down his arm. He gasped softly as he saw Tris, her long blonde hair flowing over the arm she was currently using as her pillow. Turing slowly, so as to not wake up Hamish, Remus faced Tris and ran a finger gently along her cheek. He felt his heart turn somersaults as his touch caused her to snuggle closer against him. “oh Tristessa” he sighed softly as he brushed his lips across her forehead.

Remus smiled contentedly as he relaxed into the bed, perfectly happy to continue his nap between his Gangrel friends. He had forgotten how much he missed physical contact like this, after all, with the exception of Kitty and Sirius, no one else really touched him, and once they found out what he was, most people didn’t even want to be in the same room as him. Pulling Tris closer to him, Remus closed his eyes and remembered the loneliness he had suffered through as a young man in the wizarding world. Once Kitty had been banished, and Sirius imprisoned, he had been left with nothing but memories of friendship and affection. He felt the familiar pang of guilt that always accompanied the thought of Lily and James’ murder, he should have been there, he should have trusted Sirius more, he should have known better than to think Voldemort would be so easily thwarted.

But at least Kitty and Sirius were back now, back with him, and seemingly, back with each other. Remus wondered dreamily if Sirius felt this content when Kitty was in his arms, he certainly looked it. Yawning deeply, Remus slipped back into sleep, curious as to whether or not Sirius would ask him to be the godfather of their child…….

Cat laughed brightly as she helped Siobhan in the kitchen, finishing up the last of the food for the night’s celebration as the children burst into the room. She shook her head as Harry and Sara came skidding into the kitchen, Mea and Calli hot on their heels and all four of them red in the face. “Not ‘another’ race, would you four please let it be for the rest of the night, this is a very important night, it’s the last before the Roman New Year begins tomorrow evening. I don’t want anyone getting out of had…..and Sara, I don’t think that’s what your mother expects you to wear. Aren’t you taking my place this year?”

“Oh gheez, I forgot” Sara gasped as she grabbed Calli by the hand and ran back to her room.

Harry smiled, “Had I known it was ‘that’ easy I would have run into here sooner.” he said breathlessly as he grabbed some food from off of a platter, laughing as Cat pretending to slap his hand and be angry. “You’re the one always telling me to eat more,” he reminded her “and what is Sara doing for you this year?”

“What do you mean sweetie?” Cat asked as she vainly tried to smooth down Harry’s unruly hair.

“You said she was taking your place…”

“Yes dear, as the maiden. Orpha goes in as the crone, I take her place as the woman, and Sara will take my place as the maiden.” seeing the confusion on her son’s face, she explained. “it’s the cycle of life sweetie, the seasons, the progression of a person’s life, the turning of the tides, it all comes down to threes. Orpha will represent the last stage of life, wisdom, patience, time. I will represent the middle part of life, knowledge, creation, nurturing. And Sara will represent the first part, curiosity, fertility, joy.”

“And how do you do that?….Mum, please, don’t use spit.” he insisted as Cat continued to fuss with his hair. “And why does she need to dress a certain way? You aren’t.”

“I haven’t changed yet, I wanted to finish helping Siobhan first.” she explained, sheepishly wiping her hand on her apron as she gave up on fixing his hair. “We will travel to certain villages that still hold to the old ways. At certain times of the year, these villages will hold ceremonies and celebrations to honor and recharge the land. Our presence at these times is considered a good omen to them. A sign from the gods as it were.”

“Does our presence ‘really’ make a difference though? Or is it just for show?”

“Oh, it makes a difference Harry, on several levels.” Orpha chimed in, “First of all, it proves to them that the old ways are still alive and vibrant, encouraging them to continue to believe in them. Second, it gives them faith and helps them to carry on in times of hardship, after all, think of how much more enduring your faith would be if you had actually witnessed your god and goddess with your own eyes. And last but not least, we do have an affinity for the land, our presence alone can turn a barren plot of mud into a veritable garden of delight. But you’ll see this for yourself tonight” turning to Cat she added, “I’m sure your mother would have no reason for not wanting you and your father there, right?”

“Subtle Aunt Orpha, reaaalllyy subtle” Cat sighed, “and of course I want Harry there. Speaking of which, you need to change as well, it’s a bit colder there than here. I’ve laid out some clothes for you, so go wash up and change.” she insisted as she kissed his forehead and turned to rejoin Siobhan in finishing up the rest of the food.

“Come on dear” Orpha smiled as she offered her hand to Harry, “I think I have something more fitting in mind for you to wear. I’m afraid your mother has been so distracted over the past day or two, she’s probably forgotten what I’ve told her about tonight.”

Siobhan’s eyebrow shot up as she heard Orpha’s comment, waiting until both Orpha and Harry were well out of ear shot, she turned to Cat. “Did Aunt Orpha mention anything special to you about tonight’s ceremonies Kitty?” she asked, almost sure she already knew the answer.

“No…same old same old. She asked me if Harry was going to come along and I told her I would let it up to him. I’m assuming she’s already told Siri he’s coming as well.” she added, rolling her eyes.

“I thought so…..” Siobhan sighed, “Be warned cousin mine, that crone is up to something, I’m not sure what, but she’s planning something, and I’m willing to bet YOU are central to it.”……..

Harry gasped as he saw the clothes Aunt Orpha had chosen for him to wear, “Are you sure these are for me?” Harry asked uncertainly.

“Of course I’m sure” Orpha grinned, “the red velvet set is for you, and the deep blue set is for your father, it will match your mother‘s nicely. By the way dear, you should join him, he’s in the bath now getting himself prepared for tonight.” So saying she opened a door Harry hadn’t notice before, revealing a steam filled bath, complete with his godfather.

“Harry?!” Sirius called out as Harry stepped into the room “I see Orpha got you too” he smirked as he continued washing his hair, “seems she has plans for all of us tonight.”

“How so?” Harry asked as he removed his hay covered sweater and trousers. “And what is that smell?”

Sirius laughed deeply “That ‘smell’ my dearest godson, is heather. It’s all over the place in here. I think Aunt Orpha may be giving me a not so subtle hint,” he winked, “much like the shaving kit and oils.”

“I think she wants you to look good for Mum” Harry retorted, smiling happily as Sirius blushed softly. “uhm… Sirius, I was just wondering, …about you and her?” Harry asked as he stepped into the large sunken tub, it wasn’t as large as the tub in the prefects washroom, but it was certainly large enough to hold several adults comfortably.

Sirius smiled knowingly at Harry, “Yes, about Cat and I?” he repeated as he ducked under the water, rinsing the suds from his hair.

Harry blushed nervously, “Well, uh.. I was wondering about this morning… I mean, well you both looked kind of funny and your clothes were all messed up and… uhm…” Harry gulped loudly, not sure of how to phrase his next question….

Maharet vented as she returned to her dark chambers deep within the ancient mount of Forus Feasa, the same rock filled mountain that the Lia Fáil, Stone of Destiny, had been cut from so many centuries ago she had lost track. She needed to find the book, her book, the Cóir Anmann, that showed the fitness of names and blood. She needed to see if what Merlin and Orpha were saying was in fact true, could there be more than one of Merlin’s descendants left? And if so, how? Angus Black was the last of them, his brothers and sisters all either murdered or barren, in fact, it had taken a great deal of interference to cause his wife Rebekah to conceive, it was the only reason she had insisted that Sirius be allowed to live.

So if in fact, this other wizard was of the same blood line, why was Orpha so insistent that it must be Sirius Black who raises the child? After all, the way it stood now, once he and Catrianna conceived, Sirius was simply too dangerous to be allowed to live. What did they know about this ‘Snape’ that she herself did not? Thinking carefully, Maharet remembered each and every word of Tristessa’s report, she did not seem to be hiding anything from her, everything she had asked to know was dutifully found and recorded. Maharet smiled knowingly as her eyes fixed on the Cóir Anmann, summoning it to her, she quickly went to find the name Lugh Il Dana, Lugh of the Many Talents, shining child of the Sun, the man in whom all the blood of the Celts were mixed.

Easily tracing the flow of her own bloodlines, she found Catrianna and her clan, wincing as she saw the name of Catrianna’s true father. She felt a pang of remorse as she thought of the girl’s birth, Magnus had been so thrilled to have another daughter, let alone twins. She and Shane had quickly found a firm hold in his heart, one that Maharet prayed would remain if the truth of their parentage was ever known outside of the chamber of the crones. Poor Deidre had wept for days before and after, hating herself for betraying her husband, but accepting what needed to be done for the future of the clan.

It had been the same with the Violet O’Hara, she was kine, one that was discovered far too late. Maharet knew of the latent power within the woman’s blood, but the human she had married, Craig Evans, just didn’t have it in him to produce the sort of child that was needed, their first daughter proved that vividly. So once again Maharet had needed to step in and make ‘arrangements’ for things to proceed as she felt were necessary. How was she to know the man would be so brutal to the young woman, attacking instead of seducing. She felt her stomach churn as she remembered the aftermath, Orpha and Deidra had been wild, and rightfully so. Poor Violet had been beaten horribly, violated and abused in her own home while her husband and child were out with his parents. She had decided to stay home to do some washing, and straighten up the house, it had been the moment Maharet had been waiting for, if only she had realized sooner how unstable the young man truly was.

Maharet wiped a blood filled tear from her eye, she had tried to justify her actions, but she knew as well as the others, it was more from guilt than any sense of right or wrong. Luckily the human she was married to loved her deeply, to the point of devotion it seemed. Not only did he never shun her for suffering through such a horrid assault, as many men would, when Violet insisted she would not abort the child, he accepted her decision, never questioning her on whether he or her attacker was the true father. …….

“So you are telling me that ’we’ are going to be part of this ceremony?” Harry gasped as Sirius nodded.

“’fraid so,” he grinned, “Did Cat explain any of this to you at all?”

“Uhm, Sirius, I honestly don’t think she knows about this, at least not about ‘us’ being in it. She explain what and why she, Aunt Orpha and Sara would be doing, and I know she would have explained what I was supposed to do if she knew I was involved.”

Knitting his brow, Sirius became silent for a few minutes, obviously deep in thought. “I’m suddenly becoming very nervous about this, Harry.” Sirius admitted, “although I doubt Orpha would do anything to harm either of us or jeopardize anything between Cat and I.”

“Well I can certainly attest to that.” a friendly voice said as Harry once again saw the man with brown hair and Sirius’s eyes. “She adores you both, surely you must have realized that by this point, my boy. Have you been reading those scrolls and books she’s given you?”

Sirius gave Merlin a lop-sided grin. “Of course, do you honestly think I would do anything to make her upset with me? Besides, they are really helping me understand Clan much better.” looking towards Harry, Sirius added “Can he see you? Or does he think I’ve gone mad and I’m talking to myself?”

“Well if I didn’t before, I might now.” Harry retorted, screwing up his face as he laughed at Sirius, “Of course I can see him, or…well… I can almost see through him. Are you a ghost?”

Merlin smiled tenderly at the young man, “No my boy, not a ghost per se, but I am a spirit, my body is ‘unavailable’ to me at the moment.”

Harry’s eyes grew wide, “Unavailable?” it wasn’t something he liked the sound of. “How does a body become unavailable?”

Merlin sighed as he sat on the ledge of the tub, pulling up his robes, revealing his bare feet as he dipped them into the warm water. “Through many and sundry dark spells hurled at one by various, unsavory characters. But we’re not here to discuss me, we are here to discuss you, and Sirius, and my little Kitty.”

“Your little Kitty?” Harry repeated, a smile on his face as tried not to laugh. “How is she ‘your’ Kitty?” Harry almost gasped as he saw the man give him the exact same lop-sided smile he had seen on his godfather’s face countless times.

“Well, she is my goddaughter, Harry. Which would make you my……uh, my….” he paused and turned to Sirius, “Help me out here, what exactly would that make him to me?”

“Your little Harry” Sirius laughed, gaining a scathing look from Merlin and a confused one from Harry.

“Now that’s enough of that, this is very important.” Merlin scolded, “He shouldn’t be able to see me if he’s not one of us, even many of my own clan have trouble seeing or feeling me.” Looking closely at Harry, Merlin narrowed his eyes, “By the beard of the sages, he is Kitty’s son, he has her blood in his veins.”

“That’s impossible, I knew both his mother and father,…..maybe you’re seeing Cash’s blood in him, that’s how you got through to me.” Sirius reminded him, feeling suddenly nervous and slightly sick to his stomach.

Merlin paid little attention to what Sirius said, he knew the blood in this boy’s veins and it resembled his goddaughter’s in far too many ways to simply be caused by a mouthful of Cash’s blood. “Who do you claim as your parents boy? Are they known to my clan?”

“James and Lily Potter, sir. And I know my Mum knows them, she and Sirius went to school with them.”

Merlin sat back and seemed thoughtful for a few moments, “Lily….Lily…. I remember a Lily Evans, she and Kitty used to have great fun together, could almost pass for twins. Tended to get Shane a bit jealous from time to time.”

“Lily Evans is my mother, that was her maiden name. But who is Shane and why was he jealous of them?” Harry asked excitedly.

Merlin’s eyes grew wide, “What?! You mean you haven’t met your Uncle Shane yet? Why he’s Kitty’s twin brother, surely you must have come across him by now?”

Harry shook his head, “I don’t think so, but then again, I’ve met you twice and I still don’t know who you are.”

“You don’t? Good heavens, how terribly rude of me.” Merlin grinned “How do you do Harry Potter, I am your mother’s godfather, Merlin. Very please to make your acquaintance.” …….

Cat felt her stomach churn once more, she just wished she could tell if it was simply a case of nerves due to what Siobhan had just told her, or if it were due to another, more permanent situation. She sat heavily on her bed as she thought of Severus, what would she tell him if she was carrying his child? What would she tell Sirius? Placing a hand on her abdomen, she sighed deeply, if only she had known about Azkaban a few days earlier. But what was done was done, and there was no changing things now, she would simply have to do the best she could to set things right. Besides, its not as if Maharet would give her any say in the matter, her only hope was that Orpha and Tris would try to keep the emotional damage down to a minimum.

Running her hand over the heavy, silken, sapphire blue gown that Aunt Orpha had placed on the bed, Cat’s head spun madly with thoughts of the future. Would Severus retreat back into his cold shell if she married someone else? Would Harry ever except anyone but Sirius as his father? Would her clan stand by her if she tried to challenge the crones, or should she simply grab Harry and run into the veil? She smirked as she thought of all the people who had pledged undying loyalty to her over the past decade or so. She had become quite the feather in her father’s cap, educated, loyal, determined, how many times had Magnus doted over her, proclaiming over and over how proud he was of her, how willing to allow her to rule in his stead when clan business took him beyond the veil. To date, his only unfulfilled request was being made a grandfather by her, she laughed softly, he always, ‘specifically’ said grandfather, never once did he ask about a son-in-law or marriage, just the children.

“Oh Father, I wish you were here now. I could really use your advice, I’m so lost…” she whispered as she wiped the tears from her eyes. It was rather pathetic in a sweet sort of way, no matter how old she was, or how many obstacles she had overcome, she was a daddy’s girl, there was just no arguing the point, and she dearly wished he was here to offer his advice. Knowing that all the wishing in the world wasn’t going to make the situation go away, Cat steeled herself to face the others, after all, this was as much a part of her duties as forging alliances was. And as much as she hated to admit it, she was looking forward to seeing exactly what Aunt Orpha had in mind for Harry and Sirius, she imagined it would be something rather dramatic, with Orpha it usually was……

“You mean you’re ‘Merlin’? The real Merlin?” Harry gasped, feeling a bit overwhelmed if not faint.

Merlin chuckled as he patted Harry’s hair, “Yes, my boy, ‘the’ Merlin, although I assure you, the stories regarding me have been ‘greatly’ exaggerated. They didn’t even get my name right, not that anyone but Orpha calls me by it anymore.” he added, rolling his eyes. “But I’m a bit more concerned about you and your father here….you ‘do’ still want him as a father, don’t you?”

Harry smiled warmly as he looked over at Sirius, “Yes, more than anything.” he affirmed softly, “I want he and Mum to get married, and I’d like to be a brother if its possible” he added shyly.

Merlin smirked almost comically “oh, I’d have to say that it is a very real possibility,….what ‘am’ I going to call you? Harry just doesn’t sound right to me…. My god daughter’s son…. Hmmmm.” Merlin stroked his chin thoughtfully for a few moments.

“Sirius, your father Angus, he’s gone several years now, isn’t he?” Merlin asked softly. Seeing the wizard nod, he grinned softly, “Well then, seeing as how you should have at least two full sets of grandparents, but seem to have only Magnus, would you mind if I referred to you as my grandson? At least until you grow up and I feel silly referring to you like that?”

The grin on Harry’s face couldn’t have been any wider, “Do you really mean it? I’ve never had grandparents….” he paused as he saw Sirius wince. “Sirius? Is it alright with you? I mean if ……”

Sirius smiled warmly at Harry, “Its fine Harry, I’m just sorry you never got to meet any of your grandparents, they were all wonderful people. I know how much Violet loved to take Lily and Cat out with her, she would show them off every chance she got.” he blinked his eyes and laughed sadly, “One day, remind me to tell you what happened when she invited James and I along to help the girls pick out dresses for a dance. I don’t think James and I have ever blushed so much in our lives, we actually had to leave the store, told them we’d meet them at a restaurant or something I think.”

“Violet O’Hara, or Evans, as I believe you knew her, such a delightful woman, so full of joy.” Merlin agreed

“You knew my grandparents too?” Harry gasped, “but how?”

“That my dear grandson, is a very, very long story. It has to do with the birth of the Sidhe and the Tuatha Dé Danann. I don’t have time to get into details, but I’ll tell you a little bit about our history, especially as it will tie into the ceremony tonight. And then, when you are well rested and have a few hours, I will do my best to explain how the blood has traveled through the ages, and apparently, into you.”

Seeing Harry nod, Merlin smiled warmly “Well then, were to begin…. First you must understand, the ancient humans did not look as they do now. They were shorter, hairier, dirtier, it was only by mixing the bloods and educating them that they began to resemble what they are today. The Tuatha Dé Danann, our forbearers, are described as physically outstanding; tall, red, blonde or silver-haired, fair-skinned, powerful, aristocratic and mystical beings who mingled with mortals and yet remained aloof and superior to them. Their principal residences were in and around Brú na Bóinne, the Boyne Valley, where Newgrange and the other great monuments still stand, that is were you will be going tonight.”

“According to legend, the Tuatha Dé Danann were the progeny of the Nemedians who followed Jobhath, the third son of Nemed, out of the sky after the Battle of Conann's Tower.” Merlin paused, making sure Harry and Sirius were paying attention. “So you see, besides being physically remarkable, they also came from the sky, causing the humans to regard them as gods. Led by their commander, Jarbonel, they settled with others of their race near the city of Thebes in Greece, in an area between the Athenians and the Philistines. They practiced the arts of sorcery, magic and necromancy; and according to history there arose great conflict between the Athenians and the Assyrians, And our clan became involved in several battles fought between them. Our sorcerers would use their charms and revive the slain Athenians, and the next day bring them to battle, which dispirited the Assyrians. But we found the loyalty among the kings of that area lacking, and so decided to find another home, one that spoke to our hearts.”

“So you mean we aren’t actually Celts?” Harry questioned.

“Of course we are, we are the originators of the Celtic race.” Merlin explained,

“The Tuatha Dé Danann left Greece and wandered across Europe, settling first in Scandanavia, and later in Alba, which you know better as Scotland,” Merlin winked, “From Alba they resolved to claim Ireland from the Fomor and the Fir Bolg, a race of hideous giants, with only one eye and one large footed leg. For the Dé Danann felt Ireland was theirs by right of heredity, their Promised Land. With them they brought four great magical treasures: the Lia Fáil or Stone of Destiny which shrieked under the rightful monarch of Ireland at the time of his coronation; the Spear of Lugh which would brook no defeat of the warrior who wielded it; the Sword of Nuada also known as Cliamh Solais, the Sword of Fire, from which no one could escape once it was drawn; and the Cauldron of the Dagda from which none came away hungry.”

Getting up from the side of the tub, Merlin motioned with his hand and towels came to Harry and Sirius “And with these tools, and the skills of the Dé Danann, we once again reclaimed the Northern Realms as our own. Starting our own race, the children of the Dé Danann, known as the Sidhe, the people of the hills.”

“Why the hills?” Harry asked as he dried himself off, smirking as Sirius rummaged through the draws, trying to find the shaving kit which was still sitting on the counter where he had left it.

“Haven’t you noticed were you are sleeping? Don’t tell me my grandson is blind to the obvious?” Merlin teased as he pointed out the shaving gear to Sirius. “You’re currently sleeping in the tangled roots of centuries old trees, trees that grow at the top of a rather large and imposing hill. The same hill this house is built into….”

Harry’s eyes grew wide, “You mean we’re actually living inside one of those fairy hills that Mrs. Weasley refuses to allow anyone near??!! But, …but …that’s impossible.”

Sirius snorted at Harry’s last comment. “Let me warn you now Harry, were Cat and the clan are concerned, possible and impossible just don’t apply anymore. If they think it can be done, they do it, simple as that.”

“Well, I see you’re learning quickly” Merlin grinned. Looking up as he heard the clock chime, he sighed, “I’m afraid that is all the time we have for history lessons tonight. The two of you need to hurry before Orpha decides to move you along herself. It‘s nearly sunset now, she’ll wait until the moon is crossing over the horizon before you leave, but I’m positive she will want to speak to you prior to leaving. ”……