*Previous chaps slowly being beta'd, so if there are some mistakes, I totally apologize.*

Chapter 3: Discussions of Classes

Saturday, around 7 a.m.

Arasmus sat by the window, looking out at the rainy dreary day. He watched muggles scurry through the wet dragged streets and sidewalks with thick umbrellas propped over their heads. Longing for the outdoors, he was juggled out of his reverie by a soft knock at the door to his and Kael's room.

He turned and watched warily as Dumbledore walked in, followed by Harry, Lucius, Severus, and Lupin. Finally Kael popped in behind them and easily glided around the group of adults to position himself next to his friend. Taking his hand, he gave it a reassuring squeeze before grinning from ear to ear. "Ras-bas, they've figured out what our course schedule is going to be."

Arasmus rolled his eyes at the bothersome nickname Kael insisted on calling him, but then smiled, excitement jumping inside of him a bit before he turned his gaze to Dumbledore. "Good." That simple word caused much of the tension to dissolve in the room. As Harry was about to move to sit down, Lucius held him back with a warning look. He gave the blonde a strange confused glance before the blonde inclined his head towards Severus. His eyes widened and nodded as he finally understood.

Severus blinked. At least someone had been paying attention in the hall as they had walked up the stairs. Severus approached the feline pair cautiously before he pulled up a chair and sat down, a comfortable distance from the two cats, though close enough to make direct eye contact. Arasmus gulped, finding it suddenly hard to breathe. The dominant male's scent was intoxicating… and the fact that he was a dark cat made it all the harder. When he had healed him, Arasmus hadn't been paying much attention to those things. Pleasure seems far from one's mind when one is in excruciating pain.

Kael seemed to understand, for he squeezed his friend's hand reassuringly. Severus regarded the exchange with a mixture of understanding and sadness. This was going to be a challenge, no doubt. Finally he said softly, knowing that his voice was a bit soothing when spoke in gentle tones, "Has everyone been introduced?"

Arasmus nodded. "Not formally no, but informally yes."

"Then you know what my name is?"

Arasmus found himself becoming a bit calmer in the male's presence. Kael was right. This man was incredibly powerful, but kind. He had suspected it when the male had healed him, but he wasn't sure. Though he doubted Snape would want to hear that he thought him kind. He seemed to have the air of someone completely comfortable with their own image of themselves, even if it was a bit too harsh. So, to call him kind would be an insult… for now. "Professor Severus Snape."

"And everyone else in the room?" Keeping his voice soft and soothing, he watched the cub calm down more. Good.

Oblivious to the fact that everyone who knew him were gaping like fish except for Dumbledore, Severus intently watched as the boy nodded and answered, "Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Professor Remus Lupin, Professor Lucius Malfoy, and Master Harry Potter."

Master? Harry thought, but was silent. Unlike Ron, Harry knew when to keep his mouth shut.

"Correct." Severus graced him with a ghost of a smile before continuing, "I am sorry if it was strange of me to ask you this, but I did it to see if your recent attack has impaired your thought process."

Harry sighed, understanding. Any kind of seizure type attacks had the potential of damaging brain connections. Arasmus nodded, relaxing more. He still avoided eye contact. He feared that if he looked into those beautiful eyes, he'd get lost in them.

Severus took note of it and figured he'd let it go for now. Instead he asked, keeping his voice soft, "Is it alright if everyone sat in here or do you want to go somewhere else to discuss the classes?"

Arasmus' eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up to his hairline. Snape was honestly asking his opinion? Finally he felt his friend lightly jabbing him in the side. He blinked and smiled apologetically, "Anywhere is fine."

"Yes, but where are you going to be the most comfortable?"

"Here is fine."

"Good." So he hadn't been broken into slave mode yet. Good to know. Severus nodded to his adult companions and they all sat around the room, not moving any closer to the two than where Severus sat.

Dumbledore took it on from there, gently stating, "I am very glad that you have gotten better since last night. Please let Severus or I know if you need anything."

Arasmus and Kael nodded. He smiled and then began, "As you know, everyone here besides myself will be your new tutors until the term starts up on September First. After that point, it is up to any tutor to feel the need to continue your lessons or drop them. But for now, I will let you know what your tutors will be teaching you."

It turned out Lupin had finally decided to call his 'class' Creature Defense #1. Harry had decided his 'class' would be called Wizard Defense #1. Lucius had settled on Magic Weaponry #1 and Wizard Etiquette #1. Snape had chosen Creature Occulamency and Offense, along with Cat Dragon History 101. Finally Dumbledore concluded that if the two needed any help from his end, he'd be as available as he could be, otherwise the tutors would have to solve the problems. As the Headmaster walked out, leaving the tutors to talk with their new charges, he smiled and patted Severus on the arm.

Severus flinched slightly, which both cats and tutors noted but didn't comment on. Lupin took the floor, saying, "Now that the Headmaster is gone, we will tell you all you need to know about your classes and what to study for and things like that. First off, here are your schedules." He handed two folders to the cubs, who took them eagerly.

Severus gave Arasmus an amused look as he opened his book and scanned through it like a favorite toy. Finally Lupin ahem'd and the boys turned their attention back to the werewolf. "So, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you will have Occulamency with Professor Snape from eight in the morning until ten. There will be a break for lunch and then at twelve until two, you will have Magic Weaponry with Professor Malfoy. There will be an hour break, and then you will have Wizard Defense with Harry from three until five."

Both boys nodded enthusiastically. Harry had the grace to give them sympathetic looks. Occulamency first thing in the morning on MONDAY of all days would not be something he'd be excited about. Quite the opposite really. But, maybe Snape would train them differently. Since they were cats, maybe they had a different teaching method. Still, he inwardly shuddered, glad that he had finally mastered the art of mind blocking, etc.

Lupin continued, "On Tuesdays and Thursdays, at seven in the morning you will have Creature Defense with me until eleven. After lunch, you will have Creature Offense with Professor Snape from twelve until four. At five until seven you will have Wizard Etiquette with Professor Malfoy. On Saturdays, from noon until four you will have Cat Dragon History 101 with Professor Snape."

Lucius added gently, "If the schedule seems a bit too much, let us know so that we can change it."

Kael and Arasmus nodded. Harry could hear Ron grumbling now, telling them all that the classes were bloody too long and what about Quidditch? But thankfully these kids seemed to take everything in stride, as if incredibly eager to learn to defend themselves. He really couldn't blame them. He'd felt the same way up until DA. After that, it was a bit easier to defend himself. Though, the Occulamency sessions were a joke. He knew why Severus did what he did, but it still made him grumpy thinking about it.

Arasmus finally winced as a surge of pain went through his stomach. Sweet Jesus, did it always happen around this time of day? Kael saw the action and gently rubbed his friend's wrist. Harry narrowed his eyes, understanding completely what the boy was going through. He'd done it to himself several times as a teen. Lucius and Lupin took note, and gazed questionably at Severus.

The man was watching the two cats intently, as if trying to figure something out. Finally he sighed. "Why don't we break for breakfast and then get back to discussing the classes?"

At the mention of breakfast, Arasmus and Kael's stomachs rumbled hungrily. Everyone chuckled as they made their way out the door and down to the kitchen. Arasmus followed them, conscious that the dark eyed cat was following close to him, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Still, he trembled slightly. The feel of his eyes on the back of his neck made him suddenly feel really self conscious and shy. What the HELL? Since when was he shy? Since… that day. That's right.

Feeling suddenly not hungry at all, he nearly gagged at the smell from the kitchen. Severus seemed to understand, for he gently brushed past the boy, and as he did so, he leaned in and touched his arm. Suddenly Arasmus didn't feel bad anymore. It was as if his pain had been sucked right out of him. He blinked and watched as the handsome man went into the kitchen. Shivering slightly, he rubbed his arms.

He was immediately assaulted by Molly as she fussed over him. "Oh dear, I hope you like pancakes? I am not sure what certain creatures eat."

Severus answered that one, "Anything that is remotely dead and cooked, am I right, Mr. Laisren?"

As the man sat down and sipped some orange juice, he noticed that everyone was gaping at him again. This was truly starting to get annoying. Finally he irritably growled, "What?"

Draco snorted and caused Ron to choke on his tea. Hermione glowered at both before popping some bacon into her mouth delicately. Lucius finally said, "Having some of your own kind around might actually be a good thing, Severus."

The potion's master flushed slightly and decided to ignore the rest of the group by pointedly not looking at them. Suddenly he caught the scent of the feline males as they sat down. They smelled good. It had been easy to control himself when thinking about Arasmus' welfare on the stairs, but now… it was difficult. Arasmus didn't really know where to sit, so he sat across from Severus in between Harry and Kael. Molly fussed around, giving everyone food and drink. She gave Arasmus an extra helping of everything and the boy looked a bit green because of it.

Harry murmured to him, "Just eat what you can. Molly's always been a bit of a mothering witch."

Arasmus nodded, and dug in. He suddenly slowed down, picking up a distinct not so nice smell. He swallowed and tried hard to breathe downwind. Severus didn't touch anything on his plate. Molly looked at him questionably, "And why aren't you eating? Have you suddenly found my cooking deplorable, Severus?"

Severus gently sat his cup down and caught the smirks directed his way from the younger household. He looked up at her and said sourly, "I am not hungry. And no, I think your cooking is immaculate, Molly."

Draco finally asked Ron, "Does your mother know about the concept of simple cereal with milk in the mornings?"

Ron shrugged and mumbled through a mouthful of food, "Wefwoes wawewer we was."

"Ronald Weasley! Swallow your food before you speak!" Molly shrieked, causing Arasmus to jump.

Ron flushed slightly and swallowed before repeating, "She fixes whatever she wants."

Sirius chuckled at the remark, understanding completely.

Arasmus gently pushed his plate away, only have eaten one fourth of the huge helping. Not thinking anyone was watching, he grabbed some bacon and a few rolls and rolled them up in his napkin, under the table. Severus noticed it as well as Harry. Looking over at Kael, he noticed that he had done the same thing. Arching a delicate eyebrow, he shared a knowing look with Harry.

Harry stiffly nodded, knowing what the silent message was conveying. And why not? He was an expert in this area. After all the plates were cleared, Severus and the other tutors sat down to talk with their charges, while the others left to do cleaning up. Arasmus felt his hands shaking as he held the bundled food hidden in his baggy shirt.

Lupin started by saying, "Well, I guess I'll lead off on what I am going to teach you two. Creature Defense will cover essentially a whole lot of different species of creatures I have come into contact with as a werewolf. You will learn how to recognize the creatures in disguise as well as understand how to protect oneself from them if the unavoidable conflict does occur. Main creatures are Veelas, Dragons, Weres, and Elves. Demons will be discussed as well, since we will have a few demon spawn attending in the fall."

Arasmus and Kael nodded carefully, excitement in their eyes.

Harry smiled and took the floor, "Wizard Defense will consist of learning how to use Wizard spells and your other talents in fighting Wizards. If the enemy uses Wizards or Witches, it will be a good thing to be prepared. Some spells you will learn aren't in the Hogwarts curriculum because of the seriousness of this nature. If we wish to win this upcoming war, we will need all the knowledge we can get on the subject." He then finally sighed softly, "Also… may I suggest you eat before you pass out, both of you?"

Lupin arched an eyebrow as he watched the two boys sigh and unfold their hidden food. Busted. Lucius smiled grimly and gently said, "You don't have to worry about starving here, cubs."

"We know that…." Kael said before coughing slightly.

"Then why did you take the food and not eat much at breakfast?" Lucius asked.

Severus rolled his eyes exasperatedly. "Isn't it obvious Lucius?" When the man looked a bit confused, he improvised, "Sirius may be only an animagus human, but his dog form's scent isn't very appealing to cats, especially ones who haven't been around him that long."

Lupin's eyebrows shot up. "Why doesn't my smell affect them?"

"You smell better." Arasmus stated bluntly as he munched hungrily on some bacon.

Harry let out a snort of laughter and laughed even harder when Lupin blushed. And then everyone in the room, including the two boys snickered and laughed when Severus pulled out an apple from his robes and started munching on it.

Harry calmed himself to a few chuckles and asked, a bit breathless, "I didn't know he smelled so bad?"

Severus glowered at the boy for a moment, which was utterly pointless to do, but he did so anyways. "Potter, you have heard of good hygiene, correct?"

Lucius coughed to hide his laugh. Harry gave up on defending his godfather. Lupin on the other hand, suggested, "I'll talk him into taking a bath."

"Please do before we all die from starvation." Severus commented dryly, causing Arasmus and Kael to snigger.

He gave them an amused glance before he changed the subject back to class subjects. "What I will be teaching you consists of everything I know of being a Cat Dragon. I will teach you what it means to be a Cat Dragon, both in mind and spirit as well as physical. The Offense class will cover a Cat Dragon's way of fighting, protecting and the thrill of the hunt. Occulamency will be difficult for you both, but I think with enough time and patience -" He glowered at Potter for sniggering, "you will do fine. Cat Dragon History will cover from the very beginning of recorded time for the cats and go up to the middle ages."

"Wow….." The cubs breathed in unison. Grinning at one another, showing very white sharp teeth, Harry was a bit taken aback by the fact that both kits had two sets of fangs. One set on the top and one set on the bottom. But… it suited them. Lucius suddenly caught the blonde male carrier's scent and closed his eyes in bliss. Sighing softly he opened his eyes and collected himself. The boy was that… a BOY, not a hooker or a concubine for hire. Plus, he was supposed to teach those two!

Kael caught the blonde man watching him and blushed slightly. He was very attractive, though Kael didn't know anything about Veelas. Shivering slightly, he turned his attention to Arasmus, who was smiling at him still.

He offered another grin of excitement before Lucius said, "In my classes, I will be teaching you essentially of how to mask one's presence to look like another just by Wizard Etiquette. Also, I am a weapon's master in almost all forms of weaponry, and I suggest you all learn how to fight and defend yourself with any weapon I give you. If your magic fails you, which most likely it won't, it will be good to know how to keep oneself and their companions alive and even catch the enemy by surprise."

Then Lupin took over. "We have spoke at great length with one another unknown by the Headmaster and have come to a decision that once you two have come to a certain level, all of us will teach you at the same time in the fall and make it one session per day. So, instead of having a one on one with your tutor, you'll have all four of us. In that way, we can combine all of the skills you have learned and move on towards Advanced Offense and Defense. You probably will still have separate courses with Severus and Lucius with the Cat Dragon History and Wizard Etiquette, but otherwise everything will be put together."

The cubs' grins got wider, if that was possible. Finally, Kael thought of something. "What will happen once the other creatures arrive?"

"They will be taught separately from you until they get to the same skill level as you both. We have discussed with Dumbledore a medium because obviously not either one of us can really spare the time to teach others as much as we'd like to in between lessons. So, Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall will help us out as much as they can once school starts. Eventually, we will hold it to you both to help train your peers, including the wizards and witches at Hogwarts." Lupin answered.

And then Arasmus asked softly after swallowing another mouthful of biscuit, "What about Hogwarts Houses? I heard Master Harry say that there are four different ones. Are we going to be split up into different houses?"

Severus regarded Lucius for a moment before the blonde looked away, losing the staring battle. Lucius said, "You don't need to worry about that. Once school is in session, there will be a new house added. It will be called Larkspur, named after the very first student who attended Hogwarts, who just so happened to be a creature… a Pega-griff. It will be a house that only students with creature blood can be in. That way, all of you will be together, though you still will have classes with the wizard and witch students."

The cubs breathed sighs of relief. They didn't think they could handle being separated into different houses. Sure, Kael would be able to handle most of it, but what of Arasmus? He had been so damaged since that night….

"Who will be the head of the house?" Harry asked, though he gathered he knew the answer.

Lupin smiled. "Me."

At the two cubs' questing looks as to why him and not Severus, he explained, "Lucius is going to be doing Ministry work, so he won't be able to be the Head of any house and Harry has Auror Academy to attend to when he is not teaching you. Severus is the head of Slytherin already, so it was recommended that I become the head of the creature house."

Nodding, both boys finished their snagged meals. Arasmus looked around for any more bits to eat, finding that his stomach was like a bottomless pit. He rubbed her stomach to soothe it. Maybe later he would be able to sneak into the kitchen and grab some fruit or jerky. Sniffing the air, he caught the scent of the dog. Instantly feeling queasy, he mumbled, "I have to go to the bathroom." And quickly exited the room right before Siri walked in.

*I love Sirius, but I could totally poke fun at him smelling bad. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.*