Chapter 12: Unsightly Actions
Cassie spent the next five years doing the same routine. She woke up, went to work, came home, ate dinner and then went to bed only to wake up the next morning and do it all over again.
True to her word, Cassie visited with Remus twice a year (sometimes more), Christmas and then again in the summer. He had just gotten a job tutoring the local children in basic skills, so Cassie had bought him a lovely brown, leather briefcase with his name embroidered in gold: Prof. R. J. Lupin.
She also wrote several letters to the Dursleys. Harry would be about eight years old and she wrote him twice a year. Cassie had the feeling he wasn't receiving the letters since she hadn't received a reply. So one afternoon, she called the Dursley's at Number 4 Privet Drive.
"Hullo Dursley residence?"
"Hi Mr. Dursley? This is Cassie Potter. I was hoping I may speak with Harry Potter. I've written him…" Cassie started but was cut off rudely.
"No one is here by that name. DO NOT CALL AGAIN!" Vernon shouted into the phone and the hung up the receiver.
After that conversation, Cassie collapsed and began crying. She missed her nephew, the only real family she had left. She never called again; for fear that the ill tempered Vernon Dursley may harm Harry.
She struggled to do her job and keep her mind off the one she loved. I need to see him again. It's been five years since I saw him last. I need to, if not for myself then for him.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
After apparated to the edge of the island, Cassie walked up towards the large, foreboding building. She walked in and met the same thin, pale witch. "Wand," droned the witch. "Here's your receipt."
Cassie was searched, making sure she wasn't bringing in any weapons or anything in which the prisoner could use to escape. She then followed the guard down the damp hallway to the dangerous prisoners block. She was met by the same catcalls and snide remarks as last time, but this time they weren't as vivid. It seemed like the inmates had slowly relaxed. They're losing their minds she thought. Merlin I hope Sirius isn't like this!
"Visitor Black," the guard said, unlocking the cell. "You have sixty minutes."
Cassie stepped in and watched as the guard closed and locked the door, then walked off back down the hallway. She turned and faced him. "Hi," she said quietly, not knowing how he would react to seeing her.
"Cassie!" The fragile man stood and walked gradually towards her. Involuntarily she stepped back until she was against the bars. Sirius stopped halfway to her. "Why…"
He turned and sat on the bed. "I should have known. I'm no different Cass. I'm still the same man." He rested his head in his hands, resting his elbows on his knees. He became lost in thought.
Cassie took a step towards him. She took in the sight of him from afar. His hair was more matted than before, his face was dirtier and he looked thinner, if that was possible. His skin had a yellow tint and the beard made him look older than his 29 years.
"Sirius," she whispered and he looked up at her. "I'm sorry." Cassie collapsed next to him on the bed. "I didn't mean to. I'm not scared of you, I don't think." She giggled as the tears emerged.
Sirius put his arm around her, his filthy robes draping around her shoulders. "I know Cassie. They shouldn't let you in here. You can't visit me anymore."
Cassie looked up at him. "What do you mean, I can't visit you anymore? I need to."
He shook his head slowly. "No you can't and you don't. It hurts you and it hurts me. I see you, and I know I can't have you. I look at…at that ring on your finger and… and I know I'll never be able to marry you. You're holding out for something that can never happen."
"Yes! Yes we can! We'll prove your innocent, one day." Sirius laughed bitterly at that statement.
"And how do you plan to do that? I've been here for years with no sign of hope. No one believes you, not even my best friend. The Minister certainly won't and neither will Dumbledore." Sirius scowled at the last name. "He gave evidence against me. Everyone did."
"I didn't," said Cassie softly. "I gave evidence for you, but no one listened. They all thought I was losing my mind after what happened." Cassie felt him rub his hand up and down her back. She shivered as his fingers hit her spine and then tickled the nape of her neck.
"Cassie, you need to move on. You can't pine away for me for the rest of your life. I'm not getting out of here. There's no way, not unless a miracle happens. And I've lost trust in miracles."
Cassie leaned into the frail man, trying to show in actions what couldn't be said in words. She felt Sirius wrap his arms around her, pulling her into him. He rested his chin on the top of her head, sighing with the pleasure he knew would be removed from him later.
"I don't know what to say," she quietly said after a long silence. "I want to bring up memories, but I don't want you to hurt."
"I know Cass. Do you know Moony helped me pick out that ring? We went in Sept. of '81. What year is it now?" He asked this question to orient himself. He hadn't seen a paper or the sun in years. He knew it had been years, but how many?
"It's '88; you've been here 7 years."
"So Harry's 8?"
"Yeah, I haven't seen him though. Petunia and Vernon won't let me near him. What do you mean; Remus helped you pick it out?"
Sirius laughed. "We went to a muggle shop. Since he's half muggle he showed me where to look."
"No wonder he recognized it. He asked me about it, and then yelled at me for a few minutes."
"Why'd he yell? Ol' Moony never yells." Sirius turned her to face him.
"He was angry I came here. Angry that…that I was wearing the ring… on that hand." She put her head down, but Sirius took it in his hand.
"You need to take off that ring Cass. Put it on the other hand or something. I know, wear it around your neck with the locket. Please Cassie, don't make me beg. I'll forbid them to let you in. I just might if you try to come here again."
Cassie stared at him. His sudden change in demeanor was shocking. "What…?" She stood up and walked to the wall opposite him. "What are you talking about?"
He stood up and walked swiftly towards her, his long strides getting him there in two steps. He moved close and pressed himself against her. "Please don't come back. Please."
Cassie looked into his dark grey eyes. She felt her knees weaken as they kept their stare, she whimpered softly as he moved closer. He was so close she could feel his warm breath on her lips. She bit her bottom lip, trying to keep from moving.
Sirius moved in closer, his palms flat against the wall behind her. He brushed his chapped lips against her soft pink ones. "I'm sorry" he whispered as he crushed his lips onto hers. Cassie jumped from this sudden invasion but soon gave in, returning the kiss with the same passion.
Sirius moved his hands from the wall and placed them on her shoulders, moving slowly towards her front, his hands brushing against the sides of her breasts. Cassie snapped out of her daze and pushed him away from her. She slapped him across the face, calling him words one wouldn't use in polite company.
"How DARE YOU!" She whispered forcefully. Sirius reached up and touched his check where she had slapped him, it felt painfully warm and he could tell it was turning bright red.
"Look love, you were enjoying it just as much as I was." Sirius tried to smirk but was unsuccessful. He had to show her it was dangerous to be here; that she shouldn't come back anymore, even if that meant causing her to hate him.
"I know what you're trying to do Sirius. Don't." She walked up to him, placing her hand on the red hand print that had formed on his cheek. "Don't become them just to get me to leave." Cassie spoke softly, so sure of herself, when inside she was terrified. She was terrified of what he had just done, even though she knew the reasons.
"Oh Cassie, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! Please don't hate me!" Sirius drew himself close to her and rested his head on her shoulder. He cried silently, willing her to still love him.
"Shh, it's okay. I still love you. You made a mistake and I won't hate you just because of it."
"TIME'S UP!" the guard yelled, walking to unlock the cell door.
"Shh. I love you" she whispered into his ear, kissing it lightly. "I'll be back. I promise. You can't get rid of me that easy." She kissed his ear again and gave him a quick hug.
Cassie then followed the guard out, holding her ring tightly in her left hand.
