Sirius smiled as he returned Cash’s hug and patted him on the back, “So is it just the two of us then? Sounds like trouble to me.” he joked as he winked at Cash.

Albus watched the two of them with amusement, they had become friends so quickly. And he was relieved to see Sirius looking so happy, it even appeared as though some of the damage done by his years at Azkaban had begun to fade. Albus was quite certain that Harry, Remus and Cat could take most of the credit for Sirius’s improvement. “So glad to see you are all so anxious to begin” Albus said as he motioned for them all to sit down “Sirius I’m not sure if you have met Tristessa or Dimitri” he nodded to the other vampyres sitting at a small table in the corner.

“Tris and I have met” Sirius said warmly “and I just met Dimitri briefly the other night” he nodded his head at the Ventrue, who smiled uncertainly back at him.

“I would like to thank you all for your extraordinary efforts to protect the school and its students” Albus said as he smiled gratefully at the small group assembled before him. “You have all gone above and beyond anything that we have asked from you, but sadly I am afraid I need to ask more of you. Voldemort is once again on the move, he has all of the former prisoners of Azkaban as well as the dementors with him. The dementors are horrible creatures who drain both the joy and if they can, the soul from anyone unfortunate enough to be near them, as Sirius can inform you.” Albus could see the shadow pass across Sirius’s face as he pushed the memories away.

“However, we think we may have found new allies to help us in our struggle against Voldemort. They are currently in the Carpathian mountains, an area I believe Cash is very familiar with.” Albus nodded towards Cash, “They are known as the Roma, muggles erroneously refer to them as Gypsies. They are in fact nomadic wizards of the highest degree, and it would appear that Voldemort has already attacked them in an attempt to force them to join with his forces.”

“Cat has made contact with several members of the Roma, including Fallon and Erich, as well as their leader Magda. They are waiting for you to arrive with this” Albus held up an amulet “It is a sign of good faith between us, if they agree, you will accompany them back here to the school. Are their any questions”

“A few Professor” Sirius said “if they refuse the offer, or if they are not ready to leave. It is winter and the snow is deep in the mountains”

“Then Dimitri will stay with them and let us know when they are ready to journey” Cash replied “the sooner the better, but if I know Magda, she won’t leave until after candlemas, that will put us at mid January at best.”

“Candlemas? What is that?” Dimitri asked, unsure of the meaning.

“Imbolc, Candlemas its a Sabbat that celebrates the midwinter and the return of the sun. As the days begin to get longer, it is tradition for every candle or lamp in the house to be lit for a little while welcoming the return of the Sun. An orange candle anointed in musk ,cinnamon, and frankincense its used to symbolize the renewing energy of the Suns rebirth. Imbolc also marks the festival of calving. It’s not a time she would want to be on the move, I’m sure Voldemort would realize this as well.” Cash’s face was knitting with concern “all in all, not the best situation” he sighed.

The group was disturbed by a knock on Albus’s door. As Severus Snape entered with a swish of his billowing cloak, only to stop dead at the sight of the vampyres. Giving them all a scornful look he asked . “What are you doing here” he snarled as he stared at Cash.

“They are my guests Severus” Albus replied . “Please treat them as such.”

Trying to smile at Professor Dumbledore, Severus retorted “Yes, but it’s the middle of the afternoon, I would have thought they would be sleeping in their coffins or something equally appropriate.” Severus took an almost imperceivable step backwards as he watched Cash’s eyes flash menacingly. He noticed the slight twitch of the blonde vampyres lips, one that revealed his large, sharp teeth.

Sirius watched as Severus baited Cash, the coffin comment was a bit much. Sirius found himself grabbing Cash by his arm as a low, loud growl emanated from the Gangrel. “Not now Cash” Sirius pleaded as he held onto his arm “Cat and Albus are relying on us” Sirius gave Cash a pleading look, trying to get him to return to his seat. “Don’t give him the satisfaction” Sirius whispered.

Cash halted and looked at Sirius, pausing for a moment as he collected himself, Cash nodded and said “Later then..” as he gave Snape a vicious look while licking his teeth menacingly...

Remus was distracted as he walked back to his classroom, it had never even crossed his mind that Harry would think that he and Cat were together. Still, it brought back wonderful memories of their school days and of the short intimacy they had shared. Sighing deeply as the weight of the past several years made itself felt, Remus opened the door to his classroom to prepare for this afternoon’s classes. The moment he opened the door he knew he was in trouble. As soon as the door had swung open several loud bangs could be heard. Remus looked up to see large pink balloons, the size of beach balls, exploding above his head. He watched in amazement as thousands of tiny pink hearts fell on top of him. “SIRIUS....!!!!” Aagghhh, what am I going to do with him” Remus laughed as he stared dumbfounded as the confetti continued to fall from his ceiling......

Sirius had finally managed to drag Cash out of the office without killing Severus, “So, later huh? Let me know, I’d be glad to help.” Sirius joked as he nudged Cash playfully.

“Don’t even start with me....” Cash replied tersely “I don’t know what his problem is, but he just made it mine. If he thinks for one blessed moment my niece will ever stay with him, he’s dumber than he is ugly.” he vented as they walked down the hall with Dimitri. Tris had staid behind to speak with Dumbledore, she wanted to find out more about the Professor who had been so rude to her and her clan.

“Cat is still dating him?” Sirius asked softly “I had hoped she would have changed her mind about him by now. What does she see in him anyway?” he sighed.

“Its what he sees in her...” Cash replied as he placed his arm around Sirius’s shoulder. “I give it another month tops...maybe less if she believes the letter, he thought ..... he can only play this game so long before he trips himself up. To bad she wasn’t in there with us, she would have slammed the door on him if she saw the way he spoke to me.” Cash said as he grinned widely at Sirius “After all my friend, clannad os cionn gach uile ni thar gach rud”

“Family above all else” Sirius repeated, slowing beginning to smile “and she does love her family doesn’t she?”

“And her family loves her” Cash said “and we’re kinda fond of you as well” he added as he tried to put Sirius in a head lock.

“Hey.... no fair” Sirius shouted as they wrestled a little, laughing as one tried to outdo the other.

“Uhmmm.... Cash?” Dimitri spoke hesitantly, unsure of what to make of the scene before him. He had never seen any member of his clan treat a human, even a wizard, in such a manner.

“What? Oh uhm... yeah” Cash gave Dimitri a crooked smile as he ran his fingers through his hair, trying to make himself somewhat presentable again. He looked over at Sirius who was doing exactly the same. “By Brighde’s flame” Cash sighed as he realize how fond he had truly become of Sirius, if it weren’t for Angel, he would truly consider embracing Sirius as his own childer. “Dimitri, you remember Sirius. Friend to my clan and to my clannad” Cash said proudly

“And this is Dimitri of Clan Ventrue. He has been sent to us by Prince Julian to assist us against Voldemort and his followers. He is young, but he is learning very quickly” Cash said as he gave Dimitri a quick wink.

“Very please to formally meet you Dimitri” Sirius said as he extended his hand, to the apparent dismay of the Ventrue.

“Dimitri... its considered impolite to refuse a hand offered in friendship” Cash *suggested* as he walked to Dimitri’s side. “Sirius can be trusted, he knows what we are, and as you can see, he has no issues with that.”

Blushing terribly at his faux pas Dimitri quickly took Sirius’s hand “My apologies. I am not used to dealing with humans, uhh wizards, in such a way.” A smile quickly spread to Dimitri’s lips as he felt Sirius’s warm hand grip his. There was no fear or anger from him, certainly not like the other wizard who they had just left.

“Sirius will be accompanying you on the journey to Magda’s camp” Cash explained “treat him as you would any member of clan Gangrel. The rules of the clan apply, show him obedience in all things, he will take the lead on this journey. Am I understood childer” Cash asked firmly.

Dimitri stared at Cash with wide-eyed disbelief “Yes Cash, as you wish..... but”

“BUT?!” Cash glared, his voice hard and stern.

“I am sorry, I don’t mean to question you” Dimitri said nervously “but he is human, how can he even hope to keep up. And the danger to him....” Dimitri paused as he saw Sirius place his hand on Cash’s arm.

“Take it easy Cash” Sirius whispered softly “Your scaring the poor kid, look at his eyes” Sirius looked at Dimitri and smiled softly. “You said yourself he is a child. Doesn’t he need time to learn?”

Cash grit his teeth for a moment as he gathered his thoughts “He must learn, and quickly if he wants to survive.” Cash held up his hand as he saw Sirius move to speak “No... If he were my own childer I would have some say in this. But he is Clan Ventrue, I have no say in how they raise their own. This has already been decided by Raul, despite my misgivings. He is primogen, and unless I see him putting my clan in unacceptable danger, I will obey his orders.” he hated doing this to both of them, it was too dangerous, but Raul and Albus insisted that he was needed at the school to prevent any further problems with spies. Apparently he, Tris, Olia and the Garou sisters knack of mind reading was proving invaluable in tracking down the few spies that had evaded the others so far.

“Don’t worry Dimitri” Sirius smiled “I wont have any trouble keeping up with you. We are going on paw.....right?” he asked looked at Cash.

“For most of the journey yes.” Cash replied “Use your best judgement on that, get there as quickly as possible, but be safe. I don’t want to explain to your son or wife what happened to you.” Cash said as he smiled and winked at Sirius’s reaction.

“You're calling her my wife, and I can’t even get her to go out with me anymore....” Sirius rolled his eyes at Cash’s chuckling, “and you do know Harry is my *godson* right?”

“Same difference. Trust me, in my clan you’re his father.” Cash was still smiling as he turned to face a somewhat relieved Dimitri. “Clan rules apply childer. Remember this.” placing his hand on Dimitri’s shoulder he explained further “Sirius is kine to us, listen to him as you would to me. He has more experience than you imagine, and a great deal of bravery.”

Dimitri nodded his understanding to Cash “What will we do if the Roma are not prepared to leave? Do you want us both to stay?”

“No, that’s the last thing I want” Cash said “You will stay when the Roma tell you they are not willing to leave yet. And yes I am sure that is what they will say. Prince Julian tells me that you are well acquainted with the Roma, so you Dimitri, will stay and contact us when they are ready to move. I am sending Sirius because we need to show the wizards are genuine in their offer of friendship. And because he is most like us.” Cash explained further “As you travel with him you will understand this, as will they. But I do not want him gone for any longer than he must, he is hunted by Voldemort and the Ministry, and then there is a certain young lady......”

“That’s enough Cash” Sirius sighed exasperated “if you could get her to be half as interested in the thought as you are....”

“I would be babysitting new nieces and nephews” Cash finished as he grinned. “Anyway, it should take you a little more than one night to get there. Sirius, make sure that Dimitri feeds as often as he can, he will need a large reservoir to sustain him. Dimitri, make sure Sirius eats, he’s too thin as it is.” Dimitri smiled widely and nodded as Sirius rolled his eyes.

“What is it with your family and eating, are you trying to fatten me up?” Sirius whined “I mean it’s not like I’m *that* thin.” Judging by the smirk on Cash’s face, he didn’t agree. Sirius shook his head and laughed at himself. He was almost shocked by the depth of Cash’s concern for him, and he had called him kine, that was almost family......

Severus stalked out of Albus’s office, “It was bad enough at night constantly having to worry about running into one of those blood suckers, but now we have to worry about them during the day” he snarled to himself. How he hated vampires , especially these Gangrel, he had not forgotten his last encounter with Cash and his little playmates either. Severus shuddered at the thought of what had been done to him. He could not understand what Cat saw in them, they were monsters. He had to protect her from them, he winced as he remembered her lying on her bed as if in a coma, she had not even awoken at his touch. They were involved, he was sure of it, even if there was no mark. His poor sweet Catri, they were treating her like cattle, feeding off of her. Severus could feel his own blood boiling as he pictured her fighting helplessly against them as they drained the life from her. Severus was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he did not realized someone was walking next to him, staring at him intently with a slight smile on their lips...

“Well, someone is deep in thought.” a soft voice spoke from alongside his arm.

“Catri! I was just thinking about you” he said happily as he felt his cheeks become flush, he hated to be caught off guard like that, even by her.

“About me? Well, nice to know I have such an affect on you.” she said sweetly as she smiled at his blush. “And you're blushing? My dear potion master, what exactly *were* you thinking about me?” she teased as she tried to hide her smile.

Smiling slyly Severus replied “I am not sure I should answer that my dear. Perhaps it is best if I leave it to your imagination.”

Cat continued smiling as she bit her lower lip, “Have it your way Sev.” she said as she turned and started to walk off. "But I warn you, I have quite an imagination" she added.

“Wait” Severus said as he quickly wrapped his arms around her waist “and exactly where are you running off to so quickly?” he questioned as he pulled her up against himself. burying his face in her hair as her spine rested against his stomach. He smiled softly as he heard her giggle, “What are you doing in this area of the school, I thought you had classes to teach. Or are you taking a page from Professor Lupin’s book of education?” Severus asked sarcastically.

Trying to pry herself out of his strong embrace, Cat finally gave up and leaned her head back against Sev’s chest. “Don’t be so mean.” she admonished “And my students are reviewing for a test I’m giving in a few minutes. I came to look for one of my cousins, she will be filling in for me while I’m away.” she explained as she rubbed her hands along Severus’s forearms, waiting for his inevitable response.

“Away?!” he said as he turned Cat to face him, “What precisely do you mean *away*?” his arms moved quickly back to her waist. “Where are you planning to go?” Severus looked deeply into Cat’s eyes, as if searching for her answer.

“Now Severus” Cat sighed “you know the real reason I’m here, and its certainly not to teach.” she reached up to stroke his cheek “I have to make sure everything is going smoothly with the Roma, resume negotiations with the glasswalkers, and I just maybe able to start a dialogue between Albus and the Get of Oberon.”

Severus shook his head at her “You are doing far too much” he said sternly “you need to sleep too.” Softening his voice considerably, he added “Have you seen yourself lately?” he asked as he brushed his lips against hers. “You seem very tired Catri, I worry about you” he finished as he gently kissed her. He so enjoyed the feelings that whirled through him when he held her like this. He sighed deeply as he felt her arms wrap around him as she returned his kiss. He gazed longingly into her eyes as her hand reached for him.

“I’m fine Sev, really.” Cat told him softly, as he caressed her face. “It has to be done, you know that as well as I do.” she insisted gently.

“But why does it have to be done by you?” He whispered in her ear as he nuzzled against her neck, inhaling her perfume. “I want you to stay with me over the holidays, .... please. I need to make sure you are safe. And I would like the opportunity to discuss *other* things with you” he asked hesitantly, not really sure what her reaction would be.

“I don’t know that staying alone with you would be *safe* Severus” Cat said as she blushed crimson. “And you know I won’t leave Harry, especially over the holidays” she couldn’t even look him in his eyes, she was just to flustered. She had a very good idea of what the *other* things may be, and she just wasn’t ready to take that leap, at least not just yet...

A pair of glass green eyes watched the two figures in the hall. Staring intently at the way Professor Snape was holding onto Cat. the figure thought as she watched Severus kiss Angel. ....

“Think it over before you make a decision Catri. It is almost two weeks away, things may change by then” he suggested as he released her from his embrace. Taking her hand he walked with her towards Albus’s office. “I was unaware that you had brought family with you. Will I be meeting them?” Severus asked.

“You already have” said a heavily accented female voice as the figure stepped out of the shadows.

“Tris?” Cat asked as a smile appeared on her face “What are you doing lurking in the shadows?”

Tristessa stepped out into the filtered light of the tall, narrow windows. Her blonde hair glinted in the sun, as her green eyes twinkled mischievously at her cousin. “You know me Angel, I lurk more than the Nosferatu.” she replied as she smiled all to sweetly at Professor Snape, who suddenly looked as if he were going to be ill.

“Tris ... Please ..... stay out of other people’s minds!” Cat admonished her as she grabbed onto Severus’s arm, trying to steady him as his knees buckled underneath him. She quickly wrapped her arm around him as she braced herself against the wall, in an attempt to support Sev without falling herself.

“Now Angel, just because you feel that using your Goddess given talent is wrong, that doesn’t mean the rest of us agree.” Tris said gently as she kissed Cat’s cheeks, completely ignoring the potion master “We have chosen the envoy to offer our terms to Magda. Will you be joining them?”

“Absolutely not” Severus responded, as he quickly regained his composure. “It is far to dangerous, especially at this time of year. The mountains can become treacherous within minutes” he said as he glared at the Gangrel. he thought. “I find it hard to believe that a member of her ...*family*.... would even suggest such a thing.” Severus glared down at Tris waiting for her response.

“Severus, you worry too much” Cat laughed as she let go of his hand and grabbed Tris’s arm. “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” Cat waved as she and Tristessa walked to Albus’s office, talking and giggling the whole way.

"Tristessa! I can't belive you did that" Cat sighed "What has gotten into you?"

"Nothing dear, I just noticed the way the two of you were kissing each other" Tris replied as she smirked knowingly "I was simply making sure his intentions were honorable" she added innocently. Cat grinned "Oh, you were, were you? And the verdict would be? ? ?" Tris laughed as she leaned her head against Cat's "Well, they are as honorable as a love sick, and rather . . . uhm . . randy. . ." she burst into a fit of giggles when she saw the look on her neice's face.

Just before he and Dimitri were ready to leave , Sirius pulled Cash aside “Before I go, I need to get something. Do I have time?”

“If you hurry.” Cash replied “I want you to get a good start before it gets too cold or too bright. I would have had you leave sooner, but Dimitri is too young to face the sun, he’s just not strong enough yet.”

Sirius nodded, “It won’t take me long. At least if she’s in her room it won’t.” he smiled as he winked at Cash. Transforming he ran quickly to Cat’s room, hoping for once he would find her there, awake and alone....

Taking a quick look around to make sure noone else was there, Sirius quickly reverted to his human form. He took a deep breath and did his best to look presentable as he knocked sharply on her door. He waited for what seemed to be an eternity when suddenly he heard the latch moving.

“Cat” Sirius said softly as he saw the look of surprise on her face.

“Sirius?” Cat said as a beautifully warm smile glowed on her face. “Sirius, I can’t believe we finally managed to catch each other” she said as she opened her door wide, and gave him a hug.

“May I come in?” Sirius asked, not wanting to presume anything. He didn’t want to mess anything up, it was too important to do anything thoughtless or stupid. He had made those mistakes before, he had no intention of repeating them now.

“Of course” she replied as she opened her door the rest of the way. “I was hoping we could finally talk” she said softly as she watched him looking at her strangely. “Is something wrong Sirius?” she became a bit nervous as Sirius closed the door behind him.

“No.. Nothing.” Sirius replied softly “I’ve just missed you." he smiled tenderly "You’ve hardly changed at all, do you know that? It could be our free period right after charms, all you need is the uniform.” he laughed as he saw her roll her eyes.

“Thank you, no. I finally got rid of wearing all that black” she told him as she motioned to her robes, a deep jewel-like purple, “the last thing I want to do is go back to dull and drab.”

“I wanted to tell you how lovely you looked tonight. The color suits you.” He reached out for her hand, and gently pulled her towards the fire. “I wanted to talk with you before I left.”

“You're leaving?” Cat asked, obviously upset at the idea

Sirius smiled at her reaction “Only for a little while. Albus has asked me to help the Gangrel with something. I’ll be gone a week or so.” he replied as he pulled her closer and kissed the crown of her head. “Then we can have a real talk. But for right now, I need to ask you to do something for me.”