Cat sighed deeply as she watched Harry practicing the guitar again, would he every be able to accept Severus as a father? As much as she still cared for Sirius, he had betrayed her love, she didn't know if she would ever be able to truly trust him again. And what was love without trust? This was all too much for her to contemplate at the moment. She was weak and vulnerable and she knew it, she needed comforting. She wanted love and passion, she was tired of living half a life she wanted what everyone else did, someone she could love, someone to be a father to her son and to any future children she may have. Cat sighed softly, at this point Remus *was* looking like the only candidate.

"What's wrong mum?" Harry asked as he put down the guitar "You look like you've got something on your mind." and he was willing to bet it had something to do with McGonagall's talk about arranged marriages.

Cat smiled weakly "Unfortunately Harry I have a lot of things on my mind at the moment. And they are all giving me a headache." she grimaced. "But at least your lessons are coming along well, you've really picked up the guitar quickly" she added smiling gently at him, there was no point upsetting him, Minerva's little discussion of a forced marriage had already done that.

"Mum,..... I can already tell when you're not telling me the truth." Harry said softly "at least not the whole truth." He looked into her eyes, instead of the clear deep green that he was used to seeing and losing himself in, he saw pain clouding her eyes. Reaching over and hugging her he asked "What is it? What can I do?"

Cat hugged him back, almost fiercely "There is nothing you can do Harry, I've got to go through this alone. Just be here for me, I need your love and understanding."

"You know you'll always have that" Harry whispered as he clung to her. He had never seen her like this before, it was more that just weakness from her episode "Its because of what McGonagall said, isn't it? You're upset they may make you marry someone you don't love."

"That's a big part of it Harry" Cat admitted "That and being terribly confused about a lot of things. I know the choices I make in the next few weeks will have repercussions for the rest of my life, and I don't know what to choose."

"You won't leave, will you?!" Harry asked as he pulled away from her, he needed to see her eyes, he needed to know she would tell him the truth.

Cat smiled as her eyes began to tear "Not without you sweetie. You are my son and I dare *anyone* to try and take you from me." she reassured him as she placed her hand on his cheek.

Harry was beginning to cry himself, he knew that would be her answer, but he needed to hear her say it. Taking off his tear stained glasses he smiled awkwardly at her "I love you mum" he told her as he cuddled up against her, resting his head on her softness. He sighed contentedly as he felt her arms wrapping around him protectively.

"I love you too Harry" she replied as she wrapped her arms around him, and closed her eyes. She had always felt guilty that she wasn't able to cradle him as a baby, to be there for him as he was growing up, but nothing or no one would stop her from protecting him now. Neither man, beast nor any god would be able to separate her from her little boy. She laid her head on his and began to hum softly, rocking gently back and forth as the afternoon sun cast her room in its golden rays, before long they were both fast asleep.

Snuffles trotted along happily as he headed towards Cat and Harry, he had been right. He knew he could never love anyone else the way he loved Cat. He only wished someone would have told him the whole truth back in school. Lily had alluded to the fact that Esmeralda had done some nasty things to Cat, but she never went into detail. It was no wonder Cat had turned so cold towards him those last few days, she had been convinced that he had been using her, and with little wonder. Sirius still couldn't understand how Esmeralda had come up with such a convincing looking ring and wedding dress, not to mention several incriminating photographs of the two of them, but it didn't matter now. The damage had been done and now he had to do everything within his power to convince Cat he was not only unmarried, but trust-worthy. And he intended to do that by doing the one thing Snape never could.... by being a father to Harry.

Sirius paused outside of Cat's private rooms, luckily very few students ever ventured to this area of the school, but he listened carefully just in case. Transforming quickly he entered her rooms and headed towards her bedroom, the silence made him nervous, it wasn't like either Harry or Cat to be so quiet, they were usually talking and laughing all the time. Cautiously Sirius opened the door, wand out and ready, prepared for the worst.

Sirius was happily surprised to see the cause of all the silence. There on Cat's bed lay the two most important people in his world, both sleeping in each other's arms. Quietly Sirius walked to the bed, smiling happily at them "my little family" he whispered softly as he brushed Harry's unruly hair out of his eyes. Sirius stood there watching them sleep for several minutes, he was enjoying the feelings of contentment and warmth that were spreading through him, this is all he really wanted after all. To know the people he loved were safe and happy, to be able to watch over them and love them with all of his heart and soul.

Looking around Cat's room, Sirius's smile became larger and larger, he could pretty much guess how their day had gone. It looked as though Cat had already started teaching Harry how to play some music. Sirius picked up some of the sheets and began reading the songs Cat had written, by the time he was done his eyes were full of tears. Looking back at Harry and Cat he sighed deeply, how was he ever going to make this up to either of them.

Very gently he traced Harry's scar with his finger "I should have been there Harry. I should have been their secret keeper, I should have been a better godfather to you." he whispered as he tried to blink away his tears. He turned his gaze to Cat, and his heart broke, she had been crying again. He noticed the way she had Harry wrapped in her arms, protective and comforting, she was sheltering him from something, but what? Taking a chance, Sirius sat on the bed next to Harry and whispered in his ear "Hey.. Wake up sleepy head" he teased as he placed his hand on Harry's arm. He grinned as Harry shut his eyes tightly and groaned "Is everything alright Harry? Do either of you need anything?" Sirius asked.

Harry barely opened one eye as he sighed deeply "No, nothing" he told Sirius as he cuddled up against Cat as Sirius smiled sweetly at them. "But mum's upset again. McGonagall told her the clan may arranged a marriage for her." he yawned sleepily and promptly fell back asleep.

Sirius's heart froze mid-beat, an arranged marriage? Not as long as he was alive, he would never allow it, *he* loved her, he would be a good husband to her and an even better father to their children. The mere thought of Cat being trapped in a loveless marriage was killing him. He looked at Cat as she slept, her long, soft hair covering her shoulders as it made a fiery pool on the pillow, her ivory skin soft and beautiful, he longed to wake her and tell her everything he knew, everything he had just learned. But if her clan was making this decision it would do little good to talk to her, she would be bound by clan law to obey. Sirius needed allies, strong allies, like Cash. Sirius gave them a long last look before he went to find Cash, hopefully he wouldn't mind being woken up, but this was important. Sirius got up to leave, but hesitated as he reached the door. Turning around Sirius walked back towards the bed whispering into Cat's ear "I will prove I love you, I've never loved anyone else but you" and then into Harry's "I love you Harry, and I *do* want to be your father." He kissed them both very, very gently before he left, pausing only to give them a bittersweet smile before he left to wake Cash

Harry barely noticed Sirius's departure, he was too busy enjoying his dream. He was in the same house as before, with his sisters Lily and Iris, he was watching them play with the puppy as Cat nursed his little brother Angus. Harry laughed at the twins giggling as the puppy licked their toes and tried to steal their blanket. He heard a loud laugh coming from behind him as the twins squealed and ran towards the sound. Harry turned around to see Sirius grinning happily, he looked amazing. He was clean shaven, his robes were new and clean, and Harry could see the outline of his wand in his robe, he must have been cleared. Harry smiled brightly as the twins jumped on their father as he swung them around making them dizzy with laughter. Harry laughed as Sirius passed Iris to him, who prompted yelled "ride" at Harry. Harry rolled his eyes but obediently put Iris on his shoulders and proceeded to give her a ride to Cat who was smiling at them all.

"Hello gorgeous" he heard Sirius say as he kissed Cat "how is the most beautiful mother in the world today?"

"Happy to see her youngest son's face" she sighed as she rolled her eyes "I was so afraid I'd end up giving birth at your graduation Harry." she winked as she gave him a lop-sided grin.

Harry laughed at her "And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having great timing mum. A present like that I could do without" he said as he kissed her cheek. Looking at his little brother he suddenly realized how young he was, he couldn't be more than a few days old. "Hey ... someone want to take Iris... I've got a date to get ready for" he said quickly when he saw the time.

"Uh ho.... come on baby" Sirius said as he held out his arms to Iris "lover boy here has to get himself together" he teased.

"Look who's talking" Harry quipped as he ran up the stairs two at a time as he listened to the puppy barking at him. "Down snuffles.. I'll be right back"

Harry got ready quickly and was back downstairs in a flash, only to hear the doorbell ring. "I'll get it" he yelled as he quickly backtrack to open the door ...... Harry's eyes grew wide with surprise "Uncle Severus!! Hello" he said as he hugged Severus.

"Hello Harry" Severus grinned "I heard she *finally* had him. Is she ready for company?"

"From you? Of course! Everyone is in the living room" Harry motioned with his arm as Severus walked in carrying gifts for everyone. Harry watched as the twins scurried over to Severus, who for his part seemed overjoyed to see them. Severus laughed as they searched his pockets looking for the treats he always had for *his girls*.

"You're spoiling them again Sev" Cat sighed "You know you're as bad as their father. Please tell me you don't intend to do the same to my little Angus."

Severus smiled widely at Cat "Angus?" He looked at Sirius, "you've named him after your father? My... how .... traditional of you." he smirked as Sirius sighed

"I just knew you would have to make a comment." Sirius said as he laughed and shook Sev's hand "Things are well I trust?"

"Yes Sirius, everything has been very quiet" Severus replied as he smiled wearily "it may actually be over for good this time." Severus smiled at Cat as he watched her with the baby "Good heavens Catri... I still cannot believe how big he is. May I hold him?"

"Of course" Cat said as Severus sat down next to her, she carefully placed the baby in his arms. "Will you be staying for supper Sev?" Harry watched with surprise, he never would have thought Snape could be so gentle, yet here he was cradling his newborn brother as if it were the most natural thing in the world for him to do.

Harry woke to the sound of a soft clicking coming from above him. Blinking quickly Harry looked up to see Remus with a camera "Remus? What are you doing?" Harry asked as he stared at Remus.

"Sorry Harry, but this is just too sweet not to take a picture of" he nodded at the still sleeping Cat. Harry seemed confused until he realized she still had her arms protectively wrapped around him. "Besides, I know Sirius would want a picture of this. I can only imagine how happy it makes him to see you and Cat together like this. Its all he's talked about lately" Remus smiled happily "You, he and Cat, together as a family."

Harry sighed deeply "Do you think there is even a chance of that now?"

Remus knitted his brow "Harry? Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Professor McGonagall was here earlier" Harry explained "she told mum if she didn't make a decision soon the clan would arrange a marriage for her. I think McGonagall wants her to marry Snape."

"Well I wouldn't worry about that Harry." Remus reassured him "I know Cat and I know her father... *no one* will force his daughter into a loveless marriage, trust me. Magnus has already lost 2 of his daughters, he won't lose her." Remus saw the questioning look in Harry's eyes "Not now Harry, I'll explain later" he motioned towards Cat "it would only upset her to hear us talking about it. Go on and get some supper, I'll stay with her" Remus said "besides Ron and Hermione are probably going to want details anyway."

Harry rolled his eyes "Of course they will, why would today be any different" Harry looked down at Cat, she seemed so peaceful. He wondered if her dreams were as happy as his had been, he would have to tell Sirius about his dream as soon as he saw him, it was sure to make him smile.

As soon as Harry sat down and saw the looks on Hermione and Ron's faces he knew it had not been a good day. "Snape?" he questioned.

"Snape" Hermione answered sullenly.

Ron on the other had was a bit more lively in his description "Snape???? He was a beast, and absolute terror! Harry, what happened? Did she break up with him or something?" he paused only to breath "I have honestly never seen him so unbalanced in my life!!! He was even scaring his own Slytherin's, Draco got detention and Gryffindor had 25 points taken away."

"25 points!!!!! Hermione, what happened?" Harry exclaimed.

Hermione rolled her eyes "It doesn't matter now" she sighed "and trust me, we were lucky it wasn't more. I hope you have good news, because we're all going to be up late tonight writing a two parchment essay on the differences between philters and elixirs for Professor Snape, or its detention....." she said as she tapped the table with her quill.

"Yeah Harry... how is your mum?" Ron asked as he began eating some chicken.

"She's doing a lot better now" Harry smiled "and we got a chance to talk a lot. Did you know she writes music? She's even taught me to play a bit, and we had a pillow fight" he laughed "everything was going pretty well until McGonagall stopped by" Harry said as his voice suddenly became soft. Hermione and Ron leaned in so they could hear him better "Remus says not to worry, but McGonagall said mum's clan may force her into an arranged marriage if she doesn't do something soon."

Hermione was about to ask Harry a question when she saw a shadow over them. "Uhm ... Harry..."

"Mr. Potter" Snape purred as he walked up behind Harry "I am surprised to see you here." he said as his eye twitched slightly "Follow me please.... NOW" he demanded as he quickly turned and headed for the doors of the great hall.

Harry and the others exchanged glances "Now what could I have done? I haven't left mum's side all day." Harry obediently followed Snape into the hallway and waited as the potion master closed the door. Harry was surprised to see the look in Snape's eyes, it was somewhere between concern and fear. Harry's mind quickly flashed back to his dream *Uncle Severus* could that ever actually happen?

"What are you doing here Mr. Potter? I thought you were watching over Catri?" Severus could hardly keep his voice from shaking after this morning's little scene "Or has Mr. Black relieved you of your duties?" he asked as he tried to contain his anger and resentment, there was no point taking it out on Harry, not if Catri considered him her son.

Harry paused for a moment, he noticed the way Snape was clenching his jaw "No sir, Remus is with her now. He suggested I get something to eat and come back later. I needed to get notes from Hermione..." His voice trailed off as he noticed the pained look in Snape's eyes. "Professor Snape, if I ask you something.... will you tell me the truth?"

"What are you going on about Potter?" Snape replied tersely, he had better things to do than play twenty questions with him, he needed to get to Catri, he needed to make sure Black wasn't filling her head with his lies "Is this something your godfather has put you up to?"

"No! It isn't. ... I have a question, and it concerns my mum" Harry saw that he suddenly had Snape's undivided attention "She was very upset this morning when her mother was mentioned. I need to know, and I need to hear you say it. Did you have anything to do with what happened? Did you know about it?" Harry regretted asking the question when he saw the look on Snape's face. He expected anger or denial, but instead Snape just looked terribly, terribly sad.