It was at that point that it finally dawned on Harry exactly ‘why’ his mother had ridden so far ahead of him. She had known they were there, that was why the strange look had crossed her face, she rode ahead to protect him. Harry felt both love and anger as he thought about what she had done, and while he realized she had only done it to protect him, she had still placed herself in danger because of him. “Come on Shoshi, I’m not letting her down there alone.” he insisted as the firebrand snorted loudly. “Don’t argue with me, look she’s hurt,…” he cried out as he saw one of the creatures cut across her thigh, only to lose his head as her sword became engulfed in a bright flame.

Harry finally smiled as he saw Cat look towards him and charge up the hill, only to realize that it was because she was chasing something, something that was travelling under the ground and straight towards him. He gazed in awe as she directed Viggo to circle around them, setting the ground on fire which effectively brought the creatures to the surface were she proceeded to make short work of them.

It wasn’t until Shoshi reared that he realized his mother had missed some, and they obviously wanted him. He held onto Shoshi tightly as the firebrand did her best to stomp on them as they burrowed out of the ground. “Come on, Shoshi, let’s get to Mum.” Harry insisted, snapping the reins sharply as Shoshi headed towards Cat who was tearing up the hill on Viggo.

The next few moments seemed like a strange sort of nightmare to him, he was riding towards Cat, the way seemed clear, then, without warning, one of the creatures burst out of the ground in front of them. It leapt up into the air, a long, cruel blade in its hand and a haunting, maniacal laugh coming from its mouth. Harry tensed as the twisted shape of the creature became more clear, its burning orange eyes honing in on him as the blade caught the reflection of a flash of lightening. That’s when everything became a blur to him, he remembered hearing his Mum screaming a warning to him, and the foul, decaying smell of the creature. Harry wanted his wand, he needed to do something, but all he could managed was to point his hand at the creature, wishing it would go away or simply die. That’s when he felt it, he thought he had been struck by the lightning.

Every hair on his body stood on end as a vast burst of energy flowed through him. Harry felt almost ‘removed’ from his body as he saw what was happening, the energy wasn’t coming from the lightening, it was coming from him, travelling through his body and concentrating in the hand he was holding up to ward off the murderous creature. He heard himself scream with shock and dismay as the energy released itself, pouring out of his hand and hitting the creature square in its chest. Watching with a cold detachment, Harry saw the look of surprise in the creatures orange eyes, just before he heard it shriek in pain as flames erupted from within it, engulfing it in a fiery ball. Harry looked down at his own hands, had he done that? Did that power come out of him, had he actually killed?

All those questions and more would have to wait as Harry realized quickly the creature who had tried to kill him was not alone. Forcing down the panic he felt creeping over himself, Harry once again held his hand up towards the closest creature, but what spell had he used to create the fireball, he didn’t remember saying anything…..

Sirius laughed as Starry rolled on her back, her little paws in the air as she whined for him to continue rubbing her belly. “I see she has you spoilt already,” he chuckled, running his fingers over the puppy’s soft, furry belly, “what am I going to do? Huh? Between you and the babies, I’m nothing but a sucker.”

“Which is exactly why we adore you so much” Siobhan replied as she entered the room, supporting Callista as she manoeuvred her to sit by Sirius. “Be a dear and keep her occupied will you? I want her to rest that ankle, I can’t do anything else until the swelling goes down.”

“Of course, Siobhan” Sirius smiled as he helped her arrange pillows behind the sulking Calli. “It won’t be ‘that’ bad, Callista” he insisted, “I can actually be fun every once in a while.” he winked.

“Yeh, I know… but Sarah was supposed to teach me how to snowboard today, now I’ll never learn.” she pouted, crossing her arms over her chest for good measure. After several minutes of strained silence, Callista sighed deeply, “I wish my mother was here, she always knew how to make me feel better.”

“I’m sorry Callista,” Sirius said softly as he kissed the top of her head. “I wish I could bring her back for you, but we both know it doesn’t work like that. And unfortunately I’m not very good at this whole ‘daddy’ thing yet, but I’m trying. Although I think it would be easier if all you needed was feeding or a diaper change or something.” he added, grinning as Callista rolled her eyes at the mere thought. “Well, at least I got a ‘little’ smile out of you, but I think I can do better…..or maybe we need to have Starry do better, seeing as how this is pretty much her fault.”

Calli watched as Sirius scooped up the puppy, sitting her on his lap as if she were a ventriloquist’s dummy. Sirius gently moved the puppy’s front legs, using them to cover her face as if she were embarrassed. Then in a high, squeaky voice, his did his imitation of a house elf. “Oh, me is so, sooo, soooo sorry Miss Callista, me truly is.” he looked up quickly to gauge Calli’s response before continuing on. “Me only wanted to play, me no mean to hurt sweet, pretty, Miss Callista, is grievously sorry,.. Bad Starry, bad, bad.” by this point Callista couldn’t hold in her laughter anymore.

Grinning widely, Sirius looked at Callista, relieved to see her happy once more. He looked down at Starry, only to see the puppy giving him the oddest of looks, “What, like you’ve never done this before.” he teased, making Calli laugh even louder.

“Give her back, Uncle Sirius, you’ll traumatize her or something.” Calli giggled as she reached out and took the puppy into her arms, snuggling against Starry’s soft, warm fur as the little golden ball of fluff yowled happily in her arms. “Are you always this silly, Uncle Sirius? Or just when Starry is around.”

“No, I’m usually pretty strange, …dogs or not.” he quipped, winking playfully at her as she rolled her eyes. “Although I have noticed you’ve been avoiding me since the movies yesterday…..care to talk about it?” he added gently, not wanting to force or scare her, but needed to make sure she realized he wasn’t angry with her.

Callista felt her face turn bright red as she tried to avoid looking into Sirius’s eyes. “Uhm.. No…. no, its okay… I’m…its fine, really.”

“Ghee, Callista, that was ‘almost’ convincing.” Sirius responded teasingly, then suddenly becoming serious, added. “You do know I’m not upset about anything, don’t you? I don’t want you to feel you have to steer clear of me or Harry for any reason.”

“But you called Harry…. You took him to have a ‘talk’ with, and it was all my fault, he didn’t do anything, …and now…”

“Shhhh, stop there Callista.” Sirius said softly as he lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. “Listen closely to me Callista, this is very, very important. Harry is not in trouble, and neither are you. I needed to have a little talk with Harry because of what, …’may’… be happening when we go back to Hogwarts. Has your Aunt Kitty talked to you about this yet?” he asked.

“Not much, I know I may be going back with her….you…and the others.” she replied meekly.

“That’s right, and since Harry has gone to Hogwarts for five years now, and he is older than you, he will be expected to watch over you and the others, as if he were your older brother. I explained that I didn’t think it was wise for him to start up any romantic relationships with someone who he would be treating as a ‘sister’ in a few weeks time.” he lied, “I hope I’m explaining this to you correctly Callista, ….I wish Cat or Aunt Orpha were here to do this.” he sighed as he ran his hand through his hair.

“You do that a lot, don’t you? So does Harry.” Calli commented, smiling slightly as Sirius smirked at her. “Harry’s lucky to have you and Aunt Kitty, its like he’s the most important thing it the world to you two. I miss that, I miss having parents…I mean, having lots of aunts and uncles and cousins is great and stuff, but its not the same.” she said quietly as she wiped at her eyes.

“Hey, come on Callista, don’t cry.” he pleaded as he handed her a handkerchief only to hug her tightly before she had the chance to use it. “I know its not the same, but I’d be more than willing to do what I can to fill in for them, and I know Cat would too. Provided you don’t mind having Harry as your big brother that is.”

“I guess I might as well, I don’t think he likes me ‘that’ way anyhow.” she sniffled, hugging Sirius back as Starry snoozed between them. “And Hogwarts sounds really interesting from everything Harry has told us. But I can’t promise I won’t get jealous if he starts dating girls…”

“Fair enough, Callista.” Sirius smirked

“Oh, and one other thing, must you always use my whole name, most people just call me Calli.”…….

“Harry, follow me, hurry” Cat yelled as she rode up next to him, “Don’t stop riding for anything, hold onto Shoshi and just follow.” she instructed as she pointed her sword at the group of boglachs, only to send out some sort of energy discharge from the blade, knocking them to their feet as Shoshi dashed down the hill. Harry could hear Viggo and Cat right behind them as they headed straight towards the bog.

“I thought you said we had to stay away from that place.” Harry yelled as Cat rode up next to him.

“Plans change” she said simply as she and Viggo took the lead, darting their way through the bog, taking out any boglachs that stood in the way. Taking a deep breathe, she let out a deafening screech, a warning to the bog owls to leave, after all, it was only fair to warn them, they had been of great help to her, whether they knew it or not. “Harry, lay low, right against her neck” she instructed as the whoosh of wings was heard filling the sky. Hopefully the storm Viggo called up would be enough to protect them from the sight of mortals, with any luck, everyone had run inside when the thunder and lightening started, this was going to be a scene best never to be witnessed by mortal eyes.

They kept riding until they were near the heart of the bog, the smell of rotting vegetation and bubbling gases forcing their way through the turbid water assaulted them as Cat urged Harry and Shoshi to jump onto a strange coloured mound in the middle of a water filled trench. “Uhm.. Mum, I hate to tell you this, but that island is alive.” Harry gasped as he saw the mound of earth open one large, glassy eye.

“Damnit, Harry, do as your told!” she yelled, striking Shoshi’s hindquarters with the flat of her blade, encouraging the firebrand to ignore Harry’s wishes and get onto the beast. Cat and Viggo followed closely behind, landing firmly just as the beast moved deeper into the trench, separating them from the approaching boglachs. Harry stared at his mother as she sat, stone-faced on Viggo, casting an icy gaze as one of the creatures broke through the circle of boglachs, cradling the head of the young leader she had killed earlier. Judging by his behaviour he must have been the creature’s father.

Cat narrowed her eyes and hardened her heart as she watched the boglach holding his son’s head. Gesturing rudely to her as he rubbed mud on himself and on the face of the head, he snarled and growled at her in some unknown language. “If you expect me to mourn for either of you, forget it. You intended to do the same to my son.” she hissed as she raised her sword high into the air, pointing it at the clouds over head.

“Teine agus dealanach; dean mo ordugh”

She yelled as a forked bolt of lightening crashed through the trees, igniting the methane gas of the bog. Thankfully, Harry could no longer see anything but a wall of flames in front of him, but he heard them, heard their screams and death cries as they were consumed by the raging inferno his mother had brought down on them. A cold shudder passed through him as he realized what she had done, she had destroyed them, all of them, because they had wanted to harm him. He knew he should feel grateful, or at least safe, but he didn’t, he felt uneasy, horribly so. How could this woman who was so sweet and kind to him and to the rest of her family be so cold-hearted? Didn’t she hear them, didn’t she care?

“I care very much, Harry.” Cat replied softly as she placed her arm around him, slipping the hood of his riding hood over his head to protect him from the heat of the flames. “But I care more for my clan than I do for a group of murderous, cowardly …..” she took a deep breath as she tried to calm her raging anger and deepening guilt.

“I will not have any member of my clan put in harms way, much less killed for political gain. That is especially true of my own child.” she explained as she turned her face away, not wanting him to see her tears. It had hurt her to kill so indiscriminatingly, but it had hurt her more to hear the thoughts in Harry’s mind. “Come on, we need to move quickly. Don’t worry about the fire, the riding cloaks are made from graphone hide, you’ll barely feel the heat.” she explained as the beast they were standing on made its way to the far shore of the trench. “Shoshi, stay close.” she commanded as she and Viggo led the way through the burning bog.

Harry hung his head, remaining silent as they picked their way through the bog. He hadn’t realized she would be able to hear his thoughts, he certainly never meant to hurt her, and it was obvious that he had. He wanted to say something to make it all better, to take away her hurt and his guilt, he loved her, she was his mother, the only one he had ever known, and she was everything he had ever hoped for. As they rode on in silence, Harry realized at least someone was having a conversation, listening intently, he tried to follow Viggo and Shoshi’s conversation……

“It was a good thing the rion chose to escort your boy, she has a warrior’s skill and a mother’s heart. But she is nervous, these creatures never venture so close to the edge of the bogs.” Viggo stated matter-of-factly.

“I know” Shoshi agreed, “she heard them moving, someone sent them to harm my boy. I am afraid of what she might do if anyone else attacks him. I haven’t seen her that angry since one of her brothers fell at her sister’s hand.”

“Be silent, nag” Viggo blurted, “you know very well such things are not to be spoken of. That woman,… that creature is no longer part of us or of her, she betrayed her own clan, murdered her own blood.” he plodded on in stony silence until he felt Harry’s eyes on him. “Your boy seems unduly fascinated by me.”

“That’s because he heard you, he can talk and listen to us, he wears the torque of Organon. And before you draw any more attention to yourself, OR this old nag.” she said tersely, “Remember the rion can hear us as well if she has a mind to. Although I have a feeling her mind is on many other things at the moment.” she added softly.

Viggo bowed his head, ashamed of his use of words with Shoshi, “I apologize, but you must understand, I was there, I saw what she did. He refused to …..he couldn’t kill his own sister, even after what she did to her sons.” he whispered lowly.

Shoshi turned to look back at Harry, “That’s enough, Viggo, we are upsetting the child even more. Will we continue on to Mac Lir or shall we return home?” she asked, changing the subject completely.

“The rion is travelling forward, the way ahead is safer than the way back. We must move quickly though, no lagging behind with the boy, he is the rion’s son, he may well be called to lead one day, let him see the results of attacking our clan.”

“I have different orders, Viggo, I am to protect and defend, it has been my duty since before this rion was born.” Shoshi reminded him, “And while you are our leader, ‘she’ is my mistress, I must obey her commands, and they are very clear.”

“Let her be, Viggo.” Cat said softly, “She knows my heart, you know my mind, leave it at that.”

“Mum?” Harry whispered, his heart still in his throat over their earlier misunderstanding. “Mum, I’m sorry, please talk to me, I hate seeing you upset like this, and I can‘t stand you not talking to me.”

“I can’t help it, Harry. I never wanted you to see anything like that, not ever.” she explained, still looking ahead. “I felt the same way the first time I witnessed my mother killing someone, she was doing it to protect us, but it was still brutal and cold. I don’t make any excuses for my actions, Harry, if I was faced with the same scenario, my choice would be the same. I won’t risk your life, I just won’t.” she tried to turn her head as Harry rode up next to her.

“Mum, …..if you’re not angry with me then why won’t you look at me?” he asked softly as he reached up and pulled down the hood of her cloak. “Mum, please, …..” he sighed as he saw the tears streaming down her face, streaking the blood splatters from the earlier battle. “Its not like it’s the first time I’ve seen someone die. I mean its not even the first time I’ve seen you kill, remember when the death eaters attacked the school and you and Remus fought them?”

Cat smirked slightly, “Yes, but that was different, there were more of us, I didn’t need to kill so haphazardly, I could distinguish the truly evil from the frightened and the spineless. Although, I also remember Lupy getting his backside tanned with my sword for a few comments he made about my state of dress.” she dead panned, doing her best to change the subject, a smile slowly growing on her face as she heard Harry snort at the picture. “You doubt me?” She asked, hoping the change in conversation would help soothe Harry’s worried mind and nerves. Perhaps Sirius was right, they just should have apparate to Armagh, or put off the trip altogether, but she had been too tired to apparate herself and Harry, and Mac Lir wasn’t the sort to wait.

“Nope, I don’t think I could ever doubt anything where you’re concerned.” Harry admitted, smiling as he realized she was still glad he was with her, still her son. “Are we still going to see Mac Lir? Is it safe to continue on?”

Cat nodded, “Yes, and once we’re out of what’s left of this bog, we will be moving VERY fast. Speed will be essential to avoid mortal eyes and any other ‘surprises’ that are lurking for us.”

“Uhm, Mum.. About ‘mortal eyes’, what are they going to think about that explosion back there?”

Cat smirked, “In between the lightening, strange sounds and such…..my bet is a very learned and official man will decide that lightening struck the bog, setting the natural methane gas on fire…..they always come up with ‘plausible’ explanations, it’s the only thing that makes them feel safe. Besides, Brackagh bog is positively known for strange happenings, you should see some of the other creatures that live here. Still, it beats Mullenakill , that place frightens even me, wretched carnivorous plants.. ” ……

Des sighed as she roamed the halls of the school looking for Cobryn, she couldn’t believe what had happened, how had everything gone so wrong. Poor Angus had been in a right state when she had run into him, covered in his brother’s blood, deep red tears streaming down his cheeks as he searched for Raul.

As soon as she realized how involved Cobryn had been, she decided she needed to find him, their differences aside, he was a Caitiff and as such her responsibility. Her heart broke for him as she recalled Angus’s rushed explanation to Raul, the beast had fed off the hunter, tore at him, quite possibly corrupting his blood with his own filthy bile. She wanted to see him, to make sure he wasn’t as badly damaged as Angus’s comments had made him seem. But he was a hunter, and a damn good one at that, if he didn’t want to be found….. She sighed deeply as she wondered where to begin her search.

He came with Brutus, but Brutus would be with his own clan right now and she had the feeling that was the last place Cobryn would want to be at this particular moment. Who else would he turn to, Dimitri was relatively unknown to him, as were the Roma, Josh wouldn’t be an obvious choice either……she doubted he would want to talk to any of the teachers or the students….

“Is something wrong, Desiree, Primogen of Clan Caitiff? Has something else happened?” a soft, yet familiar voice asked from out of the shadows.

“Fang?” Des whispered, “If that’s you, please show yourself. I’m in no mood for games, not tonight, not after hearing about Roel.” She watched as Fang bowed his head, giving a slight nod to signify he had heard and understood her feelings.

“Is there anything I can do to help, Desiree? I would ask the Gangrel, but I feel as if I’m intruding, the emotions in that room right now….” Fang explained shivering in spite of himself as he spoke.

It was Des’s turn to nod, “I can understand that, Cash is extremely fond and protective of his clan, much less his own childer. He will be in a state until this is decided, I simply hope Roel chooses to stay with us, although it appears Angus has some serious doubts on the matter.” Seeing the questioning look on Fang’s face, Des waved her hand wearily. “it’s a very long story, he watched his family waste away, dying horribly during the black plague, I don’t pretend to understand it all. However, “I” would like your help if you’re willing. I need to find Cobryn, I understand he was also attacked tonight.”

“I’ve seen him, he’s with Mohrg, and he’s in a real state. You can tell he’s upset, but he’s calmer than the waters of Endore, its almost frightening.” Fang stated, shaking his head sadly. “On the brighter side, he looks like he’s almost completely healed, a right mess, but not raw anymore.”

“Is he in Mohrg’s haven?” Des asked hesitantly, to speak and talk with the Nosferatu whilst among others, or even on their invitation was one thing, but to walk into their havens, their lairs, without leave…..she shuddered as she thought of what may await her there.

“Do you want me to take you to them?” Fang asked knowingly. “Mohrg doesn’t seem to mind me very much, although I have heard him call me an ’arrogant pup’ under his breath once or twice.” he grinned, winning a wide smile from Des. “Don’t worry, Mohrg isn’t anything like what you may think, even when he’s alone.”

“And exactly ’how’ do you know this?” Desiree asked, her curiosity piqued.

Fang hung his head “To be honest, things have been very….uneasy, since our dear little redhead has returned home. And for some reason, the Gangrel don’t seem willing to confide in me anymore, hell, some of them hardly even talk to me.” he looked down as he scuffed his feet over the stone floor, “I never thought I’d miss talking to them, ya know? Especially Cash, he can be so annoying sometimes, all that advice, the whole “been there, done that” sort of attitude. But I never realized how much I relied on his insight, or his friendship. I think Mohrg sees what‘s happened and, I don‘t know, I guess he kind of feels for me, you know, outsiders sticking together and all”………

Callista cheered as she won yet another game of Mah-jong as Sirius groaned. “Beaten by a fourteen year old.” he sighed.

“Beat by a fourteen year old, again.” Calli laughed, ducking as Sirius tossed a throw pillow at her. “Sore loser.”

Sirius smirked and stuck out his tongue. “Hey, Siobhan, how much longer do I have to endure this torture and humiliation? Isn’t it time you did something to her….anything at all, really… anytime now.” he laughed as Calli threw the pillow back at him, catching it easily as Starry growled at them, “You want a piece of me too?” Sirius teased as Calli dove for the puppy.

“No hurting the puppy” she warned as she placed Starry on her lap, grinning as the little dog flopped down and made herself comfortable. “and stop looking at the clock so much, Aunt Kitty will be back late tonight or sometime tomorrow, Uncle Duncan already told you that.”

“No, he told ‘you’ that, I don’t think he’s talking to me right now.” he smirked, remembering the look on Duncan’s face when Meg had made that comment about him sneaking into Cat’s bedroom. Brat that she was, she kept a straight face the entire time, it wasn’t until Duncan looked as if he truly intended to inflict physical harm that she and Siobhan told him the truth, embarrassing him for being so ‘overly protective’ of his baby sister.

Poor Duncan, his face went from crimson to nearly white when he realized he had picked up one of the girls riding whips, it was obvious he was having a little more trouble adjusting to the idea than the rest of her family was. But with the women firmly on his side, Sirius had little doubt that Duncan would come around, and to be honest, he truly liked Duncan, he was a good man, and he certainly adored his nephew.

“What are you thinking about Uncle Sirius?” Calli asked as she watched his face intently. “You look like you’re a million miles away.”

Looking down at her, he gave a heart warming smile. “Just thinking about family, how nice it is to finally have one after all these years.” his smile faltered as he saw the look in Calli’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Calli, I wasn’t thinking.”

“No, its alright,.. I see the way you treat Aunt Kitty and Harry, its like they’re everything to you. It was the same way with my parents” she sniffed, “I never thought I’d miss them, I used to get so angry with them, especially when they yelled at me to clean my room or refuse to let me go out with my friends. I never thought they wouldn’t be there.”

“Shhhh, Callista, its alright” Sirius cooed as he wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to cry against him. “I know what its like to lose your family, it hurts horribly, but it does get better, I promise it does.” he assured her as he stroked her hair, trying to stop her sobbing. He looked up to see Siobhan staring at them, a questioning look in her eyes. He mouthed the words ‘parents’ and Siobhan nodded, quietly exiting the room and allowing Sirius to tend to her tears……

“Wow”

It was the only word that Harry could think of as he stared over the vast expanse of water that suddenly lay before them. He looked from side to side and couldn’t see the shore, “Is this the ocean?” he paused and swallowed hard as Cat looked at him with disbelief.

“The Ocean…..the ocean?! Harrison James, do you mean to tell me you can’t tell a lake from the sea?” Cat gasped, a true sense of shock to her words.

Harry shrugged his shoulders as he ran a hand through his untidy hair. “I guess, I mean, I’ve never seen either outside of a book.” The look on her face said it all. If they weren’t so intent on getting to Mac Lir’s, Harry had the definite feeling she would have made a detour to Privet Drive and had a ’discussion’ with the Dursley’s regarding their lack of proper training and education where he was concerned.

“Oiy and vey” Cat sighed, “Alright sweetie, two quick clues. One, the sea is ALWAYS in motion, and I don’t mean ripples, its like the beating of a heart, it never, ever stops, it’s the blood of the planet; this is fluid and ripply, but when I take you to the sea, you‘ll understand the difference.” She paused to smile as Harry‘s face lit up at the mention of actually going to see the sea. “Two, the sea is salt water, this is…..well, ‘fresh’ water may be pushing it a bit, but its not salt water.”

“So what exactly is this place? And can I get down and look around?”

“Not yet, you just keep yourself on Shoshi for now.” Cat admonished, “We’ll be able to stretch our legs soon enough. And to answer your first question, this is Lough Beg. And on Lough Beg is an island called Inish Toide, we can stop there and let the firebrands rest while we gather some flowers to take to Armagh for Mac Lir. Just be mindful of poking around the old ruins there, and leave the gravestones alone too. From there we‘ll ride to Lough Neagh and Ram‘s island, the way to Mac Lir is there.”

“Mum, how are we going to get to Inish Toide? Do we get to ride over water now?” Harry asked, his voice and face full of anticipation.

“Boy, you’ve just been waiting for that, haven’t you?” Cat grinned knowingly. “And yes, we ride across to Inish Toide, gather some plants for Mac Lir, you know, some Penny Royal and Irish Tresses Orchids. If we have time, maybe we can stop at Brookend and gather some cowbane for Severus, this is the only place you can find it growing wild. Its very useful in many healing potions, and I’m sure he’d appreciate some Marsh Marigold as well.”

“Why don’t people come here to gather it then?” Harry asked, interested in the plants, but less than willing to do anything to help Snape.

Because its all but inaccessible, the water here is difficult to navigate, it can go from ten feet to 10 inches within a stride. This used to be fen and carr bogs, it has been cut up and cut out over centuries. The mortals used the very ground to sustain them, burning it instead of the trees they considered sacred. This area is full of blackthorn, hawthorn and even ash, further over there, were the land was cut deeper, and is now lower and wetter is willow and alder, you can see some over there, by the teal and gadwell, they nest here over the winter. But you should see this place in Spring and Summer, its overrun by birds and damsel flies.” she explained, a wistful, far away look on her face.

“Why do I have the feeling you know a lot more about this place than you’re telling me?” Harry teased, “Come on Mum, you’re as bad as Moony when it comes to knowing things that others don’t. Fess up.”

“What exactly do you want to know?” Cat asked, smiling widely as Harry laughed at her.

“Well, that comment about ruins and gravestones caught my interest, what ruins are we going to see?” he asked as he rode next to her, his smile spreading as he saw the happy glimmer finally returning to her eyes.

“The ruins are what’s left of an old church, two or three hundred years old, I think. But the graveyard is much, much older.” she stated, her voice dropping to a whisper as she continued. “It’s been there and in use since the seventh century, the old monastery burnt down, but the spire is still there.” she paused as she saw the shadow flit across Harry’s face. “What is it, sweetie?”

“I don’t like graveyards,” he whispered as the night of the TriWizard tournament flashed through his mind. “Do we have to stop there?”

Cat reached over and hugged him, “I’m afraid so, sweetie, but we don’t have to go anywhere near the graveyard. We’ll just need to let Viggo and Shoshi rest and graze a little before we go on, after the boglachs attacked, well, I know Viggo and I could use a little sit down.”

“Are you hurt? Mum?” he asked, a frantic edge to his voice as he looked into her eyes, noticing for the first time how truly tired she was. “I saw one of those things hurt you, are you going to be alright?”

“Its nothing horrible, Harry, just a cut or two, but the battle took a lot out of me. I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately, I just feel like I could sleep all the time.” Cat sighed, stifling a yawn as she did so.

“Maybe you need to get more sleep? Oh, and how much trouble would I be in if I suggested that picking Sirius for a husband would help you sleep better?” Harry asked, grinning from ear to ear as Cat stared at him with both shock and amusement…….