A/N - Hello everyone! I hope that you like this chapter. As always reviews feed the muse! :) Thanks for reading!

Chapter 21

Dreams and Dread

2 November 1995

The door to the hospital wing crashed open as Catherine was getting ready to head home. Catherine and Poppy looked up to see Rory standing in the doorway, panting heavily. They quickly crossed the room to him, Catherine visually scanning him for injury, although there didn't seem to be any. Poppy was doing the same with her wand.

"Rory, what is it?" Catherine asked in concern. "Is it Ellie?" Rory shook his head. He bent over and put his hands on his knees, trying to get his breath back.

"Ha-harry," he finally managed.

"Harry? Is he hurt?" Catherine's heart began to pound. He shook his head again.

"Fight…Malfoy….banned…quidditch," Rory heaved out. Catherine looked at him in confusion. She knew that Harry had gotten into a fight with Draco after the match. Draco had arrived earlier for treatment and told them as much. But she wasn't sure just why her son felt he needed to inform her of the situation hours later, nor what he was talking about banning for.

"Rory, I don't know what you're saying," she admitted. Catherine and Poppy waited while Rory regained his breath.

"Mum, Harry got banned from quidditch. Forever!" her son wailed.

"What are you talking about?" Catherine asked.

"Harry and George Weasley got in a fight with Malfoy after the match," Rory explained. Catherine nodded, knowing this already. "Professor McGonagall was going to give them detention but Umbridge banned him! Fred and George too! For life!"

"She can't ban them for life. It's up to Professor McGonagall to set their punishment," Catherine scoffed. "And it's Professor Umbridge."

"Well she did and she took their brooms," Rory continued. "We'll never win the Cup now!" Her son looked so dejected that Catherine pulled him into her arms, exchanging a look with Poppy, the two of them glancing at the bed where Draco still lay. Although he had been healed and was perfectly fine, he had insisted that he still felt ill and needed to stay the night in the infirmary. Rory saw his mother's glance and stared hard at Draco, who was seemingly asleep.

"Stupid git," Rory said darkly.

"Rory," Catherine hissed, dragging her son into Poppy's office. She put up a privacy spell around them for good measure. "That will be quite enough name-calling."

"But Mum, you should have seen what he did," Rory protested. "He got them in trouble on purpose!"

"While that may be true, Harry and George didn't have to sink to his level," Catherine replied. "They could have walked away." Rory glared at her.

"If someone called you awful names, I wouldn't walk away," he said. Catherine sighed and looked up at the ceiling. It was bad enough she had to deal with Sirius when he was like this. Now Rory too? Bloody Gryffindor's.

"Listen to me Rory," Catherine said. "I understand that you're upset and rightly so, but you've got to be careful what you say and who you say it around. You never know who might be listening."

"Fine," he replied petulantly.

"I'm sorry about what happened," she said, her voice softening.

"It's not fair," Rory pouted. "Harry's the best seeker Gryffindor's ever had. We'll have to find someone else now and no one will be as good, I just know it."

"You could try out," Catherine suggested. But Rory shook his head.

"I'm a chaser not a seeker," he said. "And we'll need new Beaters too. No one could be as good as Fred and George." He sighed dejectedly. Catherine wrapped her arms around him again and he hugged her back.

"You'd better head back to your tower," she said. The two left Poppy's office and nearly ran right into Umbridge.

"Ah, Ms. Powell," Umbridge said. "Playing favorites while poor Mr. Malfoy lies injured in his bed?" Catherine repressed the urge to roll her eyes. Draco was moaning again, something Catherine was sure had started the moment that Umbridge entered the ward. Poppy was currently tending to him.

"As you can see Madame Umbridge, Madame Pomfrey seems to have things well in hand," Catherine said tightly.

"You are supposed to be assisting her, are you not?" Umbridge continued. "And yet I do not see you doing so. Tsk, tsk. I really must speak with Cornelius about this situation."

"I was hurt," Rory said quickly. "Tripped on the moving staircase on my way to the library and twisted my ankle. Madame Powell was fixing it." It took everything in Catherine not to openly gape at her son. Since when had he gotten so quick with an excuse and a believable one at that? Not to mention the fact that he hadn't called her 'Mum' in front of Umbridge either.

"Be that as it may Mr. Powell," Umbridge continued. "There is a definite conflict of interest here. Your mother should not be closeting you away with her in the office when there are others here that are hurt much more severely." Catherine opened her mouth to protest, but Rory spoke again.

"I would have asked Madame Pomfrey, but she was busy with Ma-Draco," Rory said politely. "I apologize Professor, it won't happen again." Umbridge stared at Rory for a few more moments and then nodded shortly.

"See that it doesn't," she replied curtly, then turned and walked toward Draco's bed. Catherine began ushering Rory toward the door.

"What was that?" she asked under her breath, but Rory only grinned up at her and winked. Catherine stifled a laugh and patted her son on the shoulder.

"Love you," she whispered once they'd reached the door.

"Me too," he replied, then slipped out and back down the corridor. Catherine turned and surveyed the room, nearly rolling her eyes at all the moans and whimpers coming from Draco. She met Poppy's gaze over Umbridge's head and the two exchanged knowing looks. One thing was for certain. Sirius was not going to be happy about the latest developments.

8 November 1995

Catherine was right, Sirius hadn't been happy about the quidditch ban, not at all. He'd ranted and raved when she told him and once she'd gotten him calmed down enough to come to the meeting, he had cornered Minerva and begun questioning her, something Minerva was not too fond of by the look of it. Catherine glanced at Remus who was trying to hold back his laughter at the stare Minerva was currently giving Sirius.

"Look familiar?" Catherine asked with a grin and Remus snorted.

"If she could still give him detention, she would have already," he said.

"What's funny?" Tonks asked as she stepped up next to Remus. Remus nodded towards Sirius and Minerva and Tonks' eyes widened. Minerva had her hands on her hips now and was speaking rapidly, leaning ever so slightly towards Sirius with each sentence.

"You'd never know he was taller than her," Catherine said with a giggle as Sirius unconsciously leaned backward.

"What stupidity has my cousin gotten himself into now?" Tonks asked in amusement.

"Just made the mistake of trying to lecture our dear Professor McGonagall on her handling of Harry's quidditch ban situation," Remus replied, crossing his arms in front of him. Catherine could see that his shoulders were shaking in silent mirth, the closer Minerva got to Sirius. Finally, unable to hold his balance any longer at the angle he was leaning backwards, Sirius tripped and nearly fell, righting himself at the last moment by grabbing onto the back of a chair.

"I assume we are finished here, Mr. Black," they heard Minerva say angrily.

"Yes, ma'am," Sirius replied and Catherine had to cover her mouth to stifle her laugh. Tonks had no such qualms as she grabbed Remus' arm while she shook with laughter. Sirius glared at her as he walked up to the three of them.

"Glad I could be the entertainment for the evening," he said dryly. Catherine put her arms around his waist.

"You have to admit, you did sort of have it coming," she said and Sirius scowled.

"She's right Padfoot," Remus said, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "You should know better than to question Minerva about things like that by now." He grinned widely and Sirius huffed.

"So I should just accept this stupid ban?" he demanded. The mood of the group sobered.

"No, Sirius, we're all upset about it, you know that," Catherine said. "But you also know what things are like at the school. Do you want to give Umbridge another reason to get rid of Minerva?"

"No, of course not," Sirius said with a sigh. He scrubbed a hand down his face. Catherine kissed his cheek as she heard heavy footsteps on the stairs. She turned to see Hagrid enter the room. She had heard he was back from Poppy, but she was completely unprepared for his appearance.

"What on earth happened to his face?" Catherine asked in shock. Remus looked at him in concern. "Do you think the giants did that?" Remus shook his head.

"Madame Maxime was back ages ago, remember?" he replied. "Anything the giants would have done would be long gone by now and she didn't mention any injuries." They had no more opportunity to discuss it as Minerva called the meeting to order.

Afterward, the four of them remained in the kitchen. Everyone else had gone home, but Remus was staying at Grimmauld due to the full moon the following day. Catherine was unsurprised to see Tonks sitting rather close to Remus. She smirked at Sirius, who winked at her before sipping at his glass of firewhiskey again.

"Heard anything about the defense club?" Sirius asked. All eyes turned to Catherine who sighed.

"Only that Ellie's joined," she said. "And that she's no longer worried about not learning anything from Umbridge."

"Ellie joined?" Remus asked and Catherine nodded. "Isn't she a bit young?"

"Yes," Catherine replied. "But it's not like there's a lot I can do to stop her. All of her friends have joined too."

"I thought it was just 5th years and above," Sirius said with a frown.

"I don't know exactly who's in it, but I can't imagine that Ginny Weasley wouldn't have been a part of it, given that Ron and probably the twins are," Catherine said. "She's a fourth year, so younger students were bound to find out about it."

"Let them all train up, I say," Tonks put in. "That cow Umbridge certainly isn't teaching them anything useful." Sirius raised his glass and clinked it with Tonks'.

"Not to mention the ridiculous werewolf laws she got passed," Sirius said in disgust. Remus stiffened a bit in his seat.

"Bloody bitch," Tonks muttered and Sirius laughed as Remus nearly choked on his drink. "Well she is," Tonks said defensively. "And don't tell me you haven't thought it Remus Lupin." Catherine grinned as Remus colored slightly.

"I need some air," Tonks said, suddenly standing and knocking her chair over in the process. Remus bent to right it and when he sat back up was nearly nose to nose with Tonks. "Fancy a walk?" Remus gaped at her and Catherine had to elbow Sirius who was grinning madly.

"Oh, erm, well," Remus trailed off and his hand rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"Oh go on Moony," Sirius said. "You should get some exercise before tomorrow night. You're out of shape old man." Remus glared at Sirius.

"You're older than I am," he pointed out and Sirius shrugged, putting an arm around Catherine's shoulders. Remus glanced at Tonks again, who was looking at him expectantly.

"All right," he finally said and Tonks smiled happily. The two began to move toward the stairs.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Sirius called and Tonks laughed.

"That gives us a pretty long list then," she said over her shoulder while Remus made a rude hand gesture behind his back. Sirius laughed loudly. When they had heard the click of the front door, Sirius turned back to Catherine.

"A galleon says she tries to snog him on the front steps," Sirius said. Catherine slapped his arm.

"Would you stop torturing Remus?" she admonished. "Let him figure it out on his own."

"We'll be sitting here with grey hair before that happens," Sirius replied. "Believe me I've heard all his arguments. He's too old for her, too poor and oh yes, he's a werewolf."

"So he does like her then?" Catherine asked, although she was sure she already knew the answer.

"Like her?" Sirius asked. "Hell, he's already half-way in love with her. Can't admit it though, the stupid git. He needs someone like Tonks. She's stubborn, independent and won't take no for an answer." Catherine smiled and rested her head on Sirius' shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and ran his hand lightly up and down her arm. They sat contentedly for a few moments before Catherine spoke again.

"I'm going to tell Sarah not to say anything to Daniel," she said and Sirius' hand stilled.

"When did you decide?" he asked. She shrugged.

"I'd decided almost immediately, I just had to convince myself I was right," she replied. "Just because he says he's changed in a letter, doesn't mean he has. I would need proof before I would change my mind." Sirius kissed the top of her head again and his hand continued its trip up her arm.

"I think you made the right choice," he said. She snorted.

"Somehow I'm not surprised that you feel that way," she said. She sat up and turned to face him and was surprised to see the rather grave look on his face. "Sirius?" she questioned.

"I just can't help thinking about what happened," he said, his jaw tightening. "That night that you found him, what could have happened if Ellie hadn't let go her magic." He looked down and pulled in a breath. When he looked up at her again, his eyes were a bit bright. "My life would not be nearly what it is now if he'd succeeded. You've kept me from sinking into depression and despair while I'm alone here day after day. I don't know where I would be right now, if not for you." He reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You'd still have Harry and Remus," she said quietly and he nodded.

"I know that and the two of them would have kept me going, but," he stopped and shook his head. "I would have been breathing, but I wouldn't have been living." She put a hand to his cheek. "It drives me mad being here and I know I've done incredibly stupid things these last couple of months, but you're the one that keeps me from doing any more. Thinking that I could lose you and what I want to have with you, that's what keeps me here." Catherine couldn't help it, the tears were running freely down her cheeks and Sirius wiped them gently with his thumbs.

"Merlin, I love you," he said and then kissed her. Catherine wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and managed to climb into his lap without breaking the kiss. His hands went to her hips and he pulled her forward until she was flush against him and then his hands tangled in her hair. They kissed for what felt like hours and that was how Remus and Tonks found them when they reentered the kitchen. Catherine pulled away from Sirius and buried her face in his shoulder, her face reddening. She felt the rumble of laughter from Sirius' chest as he rubbed a hand down her back.

"I win," she heard Tonks say and unable to help herself, sat up and looked at the two of them.

"Won what?" she asked.

"I bet Remus that we'd come back and find you two snogging like teenagers," Tonks quipped. Catherine reddened further.

"What did you win?" Sirius asked. Tonks flashed Remus a grin and he looked a bit nervous.

"A lady never reveals her secrets," she said with a wink. "Well, I'm off. Early shift tomorrow." She turned back to Remus. "I'll collect later, after the moon," she said, putting a hand on his chest and giving him a pat. And then she went up the kitchen stairs, Sirius not failing to notice Remus watching her exit. When the door had shut behind her, Remus turned back to the two of them.

"What?" he asked at their matching grins.

"You've got it bad Moony," Sirius said.

"Shut up," Remus muttered.

"Just give in Moony," Sirius replied waggling his eyebrows. "It's much more enjoyable when you do, believe me." To illustrate his point, Sirius kissed Catherine again. She shoved at him and he released her, grinning widely. She rolled her eyes and then looked from Sirius to Remus.

"He's right," she finally said with a shrug to which Sirius laughed, loud and bark-like. Remus shook his head at the two of them.

"I'm going to bed," he said, leaving Catherine and Sirius laughing in the kitchen.

18 December 1995

Catherine yawned. She was working a rare overnight shift at St. Mungo's. They didn't happen very often, as things were normally much quieter overnight than during the day, but they had been short healers this evening and Catherine had been asked to come in. She was currently working in the Creature-Induced Injuries ward, having finished her rotation in Artifact Accidents.

Suddenly there was a commotion on the ward and a healer rushed past her towards the emergency ward at the end of the corridor. A second stopped and spoke quickly to her.

"Ms. Powell, I'll need you to monitor the current patients," Healer Smethwyck said. "We've got an emergency coming in."

"Yes, sir," Catherine said quickly, wondering what had happened to cause two healers to be needed at once. It must have been something quite serious. She made a sweep through both the wards, checking on each patient. The wards remained quiet, most all of the patients asleep in their beds and so she waited.

An hour or so later, she stepped into the corridor and was surprised to see a familiar shock of red hair.

"Bill?" she said and the man turned to look at her.

"Oh no, what's happened?" Catherine asked, striding towards him at the stricken look on his face.

"It's Dad," he said. "He was, well," Bill trailed off and looked up and down the hall, then leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "Guard duty." She nodded in understanding. "He was bitten by a snake."

"A snake?" Catherine asked in confusion. What would a snake be doing in the Ministry?

"A huge snake," Bill said with a knowing look. Catherine gasped and Bill nodded grimly.

"Dear god," she whispered.

"I've got to get back to Mum, I just needed some air for a minute," he said.

"I understand," Catherine said, patting him lightly on the arm. "I'm so sorry Bill and try not to worry, the healers here are very good at what they do." He nodded and then left, making his way back to the emergency ward.

Catherine leaned back against the wall, her heart beating swiftly in her chest and she wondered how they had discovered Arthur so quickly. As far as she knew, he would have been on duty alone. Dumbledore rarely assigned more than one person to the Department of Mysteries, although now that might change, she supposed. She shuddered thinking of the massive snake that Voldemort kept as his familiar. She prayed that Arthur would be all right. It made perfect sense to her now why they needed all the healers on the ward.

Still, she had a job to do and she would get no answers until they had stabilized Arthur. She pushed herself away from the wall and went back to the ward to watch over her patients.

Early the next morning, Catherine was finally relieved by one of the healers that had been working on Arthur.

"Thank you Ms. Powell," he said tiredly, rubbing a hand across his eyes. "How did everything go here?"

"Just fine, sir," Catherine replied. "No problems at all." The healer nodded and sank down into a chair that sat in the hall.

"How is he?" Catherine asked. "Mr. Weasley, I mean." The healer raised an eyebrow. "I saw his son in the corridor," Catherine explained. "And he told me what happened." The healer nodded.

"We've stabilized him," the healer said. "He should be all right, but we haven't been able to close up the wound completely. We're looking into that further now. We should be moving him into the Dai Llewellyn ward in a bit." Catherine sighed in relief.

"Do you mind sir, if I look in on him before I leave?" she asked. "It's just that I know the family."

"Of course, go ahead," the healer said and gestured down the corridor.

"Thank you," Catherine replied and walked toward the emergency ward. She stepped inside and saw Molly and Bill sitting on either side of Arthur's bed. Molly's eyes were red-rimmed and puffy and she was holding Arthur's hand. Bill looked even more exhausted than he had when Catherine had seen him earlier.

"Molly," she said quietly and Molly turned to look at her. Catherine stepped forward and put a hand on the woman's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Molly stood and hugged her. "I'm so glad he's all right," Catherine said and Molly nodded.

"They can't get the wound to close," Molly said, worry in her eyes.

"Yes, Healer Litmann told me that," Catherine replied. "I'm sure they'll find the antidote soon."

"Are you working on this ward now?" Molly asked and Catherine nodded.

"I promise to keep a good eye on him while I'm here," she replied with a smile.

"Thank you," Molly said and sat back down in her chair.

"Do the children know?" Catherine asked.

"Yes," Molly replied. "Bill could you get me some tea?" Molly asked and Bill nodded, gesturing to Catherine as he stood. Catherine followed him and the two rode the lift in silence up to the tearoom. Once they had arrived, Bill led her to a table in the furthest corner, even though the room was empty.

"Harry's the reason they found Dad so quickly," he said quietly and without preamble. "He had a dream or something and saw it all happen." Catherine looked at Bill quizzically. "I don't really know the details or what it all means, but I reckon it was You-Know-Who's snake." Catherine nodded thoughtfully. "Anyway, Harry told McGonagall and then they told Dumbledore. He got the kids out and to headquarters and sent the right people to find Dad." Catherine knew that meant someone else in the Order.

"So everyone is at headquarters then?" she asked and Bill nodded.

"Mum's going to head over there soon and let them all know he's okay," Bill said. "I'll stay with him this morning and then she'll bring them all over this afternoon."

"I'm so glad that your father is going to be all right," Catherine said, putting her hand on Bill's arm.

"Me too," he said with a sigh, scrubbing a hand down his face, looking much younger than his years for a moment. Catherine realized then that no matter how quiet and unassuming the Weasley patriarch seemed, he really was the anchor of their family. Molly might be the center, but Arthur was the base. They rose and Bill bought some tea for his mother, the two of them walking back to the ward where Arthur still lay.

"Tea, Mum," Bill said, handing his mother the cup.

"Thank you dear," she said with a smile.

"Well, I've got to go home and get a little sleep before I get Miranda off to school," Catherine said. "I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow Molly," Catherine said. I'm working the morning shift before the children come home on the Express." Molly nodded absent-mindedly, turning her attention back to Arthur. Catherine smiled at Bill and left the room. As she made her way to the staff floo, she momentarily thought of going to Grimmauld to make sure that Sirius was all right with all of the children. Deciding instead that the news about Arthur should come from their mother, Catherine flooed home and did indeed catch a short nap before waking her youngest daughter for school.

23 December 1995

Catherine hurried across the square, the wind whipping her hair around her head. She shivered as she let herself into the house and then looked around incredulously at the condition of the place. Apparently Sirius had taken to the job of decorating quite earnestly as there was barely an inch of space anywhere that wasn't decorated with something. He'd cleaned as well, even more than Molly had over the summer and everything that wasn't tarnished gleamed and shone.

As she made her way across the entry, she saw Sirius coming down the stairs with a wide smile on his face.

"Hello, love," he said, embracing her and giving her a kiss.

"Hello, yourself," she replied. "In quite the Christmas spirit I see."

"Well, I've got guests now, so I decided I had better treat them properly," he explained, grin still on his face.

"You're in an awfully good mood," she said, unable to stop smiling herself. Instead of saying anything, he scooped her up in his arms. She shrieked which set off his mother's portrait. Sirius just merrily pointed his wand at the painting and the curtains flew shut cutting off his mother's diatribe.

"Sirius, put me down!" Catherine exclaimed. He just laughed and carried her up the stairs. "Where is everyone?" she asked when they reached his room. He shrugged.

"Kitchen, library, drawing room, not really sure," he said, kicking the door shut behind him and finally setting her on her feet, backing her up against the door and putting his arms on either side of her. He immediately began kissing her neck. "Molly's at the hospital visiting Arthur."

"Wait, are you the only adult here?" she asked. He said nothing, just continued to kiss her. "Sirius, stop." He stepped back and looked at her petulantly.

"So what if I am? They're all old enough to take care of themselves. Besides, Hermione's here," he said as if that solved any problems there might be. He kissed her on the lips this time and for a moment, Catherine lost herself. Then she pushed him away again.

"Sirius, you're not setting a very good example," Catherine said as he kissed her jaw. He made a noncommittal noise and Catherine sighed. "I mean it." He pushed away and scowled at her. "Don't you remember the last time we were doing this with kids here? Harry walked in on us."

"So I'll lock the door this time," he replied.

"Sirius," Catherine said warningly. He groaned and leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers.

"I haven't seen you for more than a week," he protested. "And even then I only saw you at the meeting."

"I realize that, but I don't think shagging me in your room in the middle of the day while all the kids are a floor or two away is a good idea," she said dryly.

"You're no fun," he pouted.

"I can't stay long anyway," she admitted. "I just wanted to pop in and see you before I went home after work." He sighed and pulled her into his arms, hugging her to him.

"Are you sure you won't come at Christmas?" she asked. "You can wear the glamour." He shook his head.

"You know I can't," he said apologetically. "And now with Harry and the others here, well," he trailed off looking at her uncertainly. She put a hand to his cheek.

"It's all right," she said. "I understand." He kissed her again.

"Everyone still coming tomorrow?" he asked. Catherine nodded. Sarah and her family and Edward were coming for Christmas Eve dinner and they would open gifts after. "Has Sarah heard anything from him?" Catherine shook her head.

"Not that she's told me," Catherine said. "Edward hasn't heard anything at all." Sirius nodded. "What about Boxing Day?" she asked.

"What about it?" he responded.

"Maybe you could come over then?" she said hopefully. Sirius sighed and hugged her again. "I take it that's a no?"

"Love, you know that I want to, it's just," he trailed off and looked at her begging her to understand.

"I know," she said sadly.

"Hey, I'm only following your instructions," he teased, trying to lighten the mood. She reached up and kissed him deeply and they were both panting when she pulled away.

"I've got to go," she said regretfully.

"When can you come back?" he asked, nuzzling her neck with his nose.

"Probably not until the kids go back to school," she replied. "It's difficult to get away for anything other than work when they're all home."

"You should be with them anyway," Sirius said, giving her a sad smile.

"How about," she said, kissing his neck, "after the kids go back to school," she kissed his jaw," we have our own Christmas celebration?" She kissed his lips and he moaned lightly as she pulled herself tighter against him. His eyes were smoldering when she pulled away. She kissed him once more and then forced herself to go, knowing that she wouldn't be able to if she stayed much longer. "I love you. Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas," he whispered. "I love you too." She gave him a little wave and then walked out the door, leaving him standing in the middle of the room, looking at her forlornly. Catherine bumped into Harry, quite literally, on the first floor landing.

"Hi Catherine," Harry said. "I didn't know you were here."

"I just stopped in for a few minutes," she said.

"Sirius upstairs?" Harry asked.

"Yes, in his room, or he might be with Buckbeack now, I'm not sure," she said. "Are you all right Harry?" she asked, concerned about what Bill had told her.

"Yeah," he said with a shrug. Catherine studied him and decided that he was telling the truth, more or less.

"You know if you need anything you can still talk to me right?" she asked and Harry nodded. "I'm usually at Hogwarts on Wednesdays."

"Okay," he said.

"Just be careful," she said. "Professor Umbridge isn't too happy that I'm working there." Harry scowled at the mention of his most hated teacher. Catherine was fairly sure he hated her even worse than Snape.

"I'll make sure I'm really sick before I come in," Harry assured her with a grin. Catherine could only imagine what he meant to do. She'd heard about a few of the twins' products.

"Happy Christmas Harry," she said, giving his arm a small squeeze.

"Happy Christmas Catherine," he replied, then continued on up the stairs.

"Oh and Harry," she called before he got out of sight. He stopped and turned to look at her once more. "Please, please be careful with the other thing you're doing." He cocked his head at her.

"Ellie's really good, you know," he said. "Catches on quickly, doesn't take too long to master things. She even gives Hermione a run for her money every once in a while." Catherine colored a bit at the praise. It somehow meant more coming from one of Ellie's peers than a teacher.

"Thanks Harry," she said. "Just keep Rory out of it for now, yeah?"

"No problem," he said, then turned and hurried up the steps in search of Sirius. Catherine watched him go, then sighed and made her way back to the front door, disapparating from the steps.

24 December 1995

"Rory, can you get that?" Catherine called as the doorbell rang. She pulled her apron off and checked on the dinner one last time before leaving the kitchen.

The hall was full of people, all greeting each other and Catherine stood and smiled at her make-shift family for a few moments. She had never thought that there would come a time when she would have more than just her children and mother with her for Christmas. If Sirius could have been there, it would have been perfect.

"Catherine," Edward said with a smile. "There you are." He stepped forward and hugged her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Edward, I'm so glad you could make it," Catherine said, returning his hug. He released her and Catherine greeted Sarah and Paul and her niece and nephew. Jane came out from the dining room where she had been setting the table and joined the group. They all moved into the lounge and settled in as Catherine took drink requests and when back into the kitchen to get them.

When she returned, Ellie and Edward were deep in conversation. When she gave Edward his scotch she realized that Ellie was explaining Arithmancy to him and Catherine smirked a bit at Edward's rapt expression. Rory was regaling Paul and Alex with a play-by-play of the latest Hogwarts Quidditch match, while Miranda played with Sophia on the floor. Jane and Sarah were talking and Catherine joined them after delivering everyone's drinks.

"Happy Christmas," Sarah said with a smile as Catherine sat down.

"To you too," Catherine replied. "I'm so glad we could get together like this."

"The kids were so excited when I told them we were coming," Sarah said. "Alex asked me if he could have a ride on Rory's broom." Catherine chuckled.

"Well, I think it's a bit cold out for that, but maybe this summer," she said. Sarah gaped at her. "What?"

"I didn't think, I mean," she trailed off, looking nervous. Catherine smiled knowingly and explained what a sticking charm was to Sarah. "Even so, I'm not sure." She worried her lip between her teeth and looked guiltily at Catherine.

"What is it?" Catherine asked.

"I don't want you to think that it's because I'm against magic or anything," Sarah admitted. Catherine laughed.

"Of course not," she said. "I felt the same way at first. But Rory is an excellent flyer. Maybe my friend Myra's husband or Remus could come out and take him up, if you'd rather have an adult."

"Oh, well, maybe I'll just think about it for a bit," Sarah said. Catherine grinned.

"Sure," she said.

They all chatted until dinner was ready and then opened gifts after they had eaten. Sarah was helping Catherine gather up bows and wrapping paper and boxes when she nudged Catherine in the side. Catherine looked at her and Sarah motioned with her head. Edward and Jane were sitting rather close to each other on the couch, talking quietly.

"Well, they look rather cozy, don't they," Catherine said with a gleam in her eye. Sarah nodded.

"Dad has been talking about her an awful lot lately," Sarah said. "Did you know they had lunch last week?" Catherine turned to Sarah.

"That little sneak," Catherine said. "She told me she was having lunch with one of the neighbors." Sarah stifled a laugh. Catherine turned back and looked at the two of them again. "Well good on them, I say." She carried the garbage to the kitchen and Sarah followed.

"Catherine, there's something else I need to tell you," Sarah said. Catherine pulled in a breath, fairly certain she knew what this was about.

"You heard back from him?" she asked. Sarah nodded.

"He called me actually," she said. "He asked me for a favor."

"What kind of favor?" Catherine said suspiciously.

"He wants me to find you and tell him how the children are," Sarah replied. Catherine swore under her breath and sank down on a kitchen chair.

"What did you say?" she finally asked.

"I didn't really say anything," Sarah said. "He told me that he thinks you're still living here with your mother."

"Not much of a stretch really," Catherine said. "Damn it, why does he have to try and butt back into my life now?" Sarah sat down at the table as well and took Catherine's hand.

"I'm not going to make you do anything that you don't want to do," she said. "But," she trailed off and bit her lip. Catherine sighed.

"But what Sarah?" she said resignedly.

"He's different," Sarah said. "He sounds like his old self, like he was when we first moved here and met you. We were talking about everything that happened with you and the children and he cried Catherine. I don't think I've heard Daniel cry since we were little. I really think he's changed."

"He didn't say anything about coming back did he?" Catherine asked. Sarah shook her head. Catherine sighed again. "I can't talk about this right now," she said. "I just, I can't think."

"I understand," Sarah said. "I shouldn't have even brought it up tonight. I didn't want to ruin Christmas."

"No, no, it's fine," Catherine insisted, forcing a smile to her face. "I just need to think about it, all right?" Sarah nodded. Paul came into the kitchen just then, a sleeping Sophia in his arms.

"Hey," he said, looking with concern between the two women. "Everything all right?"

"Fine, Paul," Catherine said. He didn't look like he really believed her, but turned to Sarah anyway.

"We should probably go," he said. "This one's out already and Alex looks about ready to drop as well." Sarah nodded and stood.

"I'll just get Dad," she said and left the kitchen.

"You sure you're all right?" Paul asked once his wife had gone.

"I will be," Catherine assured him. Paul nodded and turned to follow Sarah, then turned back.

"Look, Catherine, this is probably none of my business and I'm sure Sarah wouldn't be too happy with me for telling you this, but," he paused and took a breath. "I think she might be a little blind where Daniel is concerned." Catherine looked at him quizzically. "She's told me everything that happened with the two of you and what he did. And I know that she wants to believe he's changed and that she might get her brother back, but," he shook his head.

"You don't think he's changed?" Catherine asked.

"I didn't say that and truthfully, I never knew him well enough to be able to say one way or the other," Paul said, shifting Sophia a bit in his arms. "But I cannot even begin to fathom a father putting his children through the things that he did, regardless of how he felt about their mother. I don't care about the magic, they were his kids for Christ's sake." Paul's face had begun to redden and he took a deep breath. Catherine rose and put a hand on his arm.

"Thank you Paul," she said. "Alex and Sophia are lucky to have you." He kissed Sophia's head.

"I'm the lucky one," he said and Catherine smiled, blinking away tears. Paul reached out and took her hand. "Just be careful Catherine. You don't deserve the things that Daniel did, any of you." Catherine merely nodded, too choked up to speak. Paul squeezed her hand and left the kitchen and Catherine waited a few moments before following, trying to pull herself together.

Once their gifts were all gathered and everyone bundled into coats, there were a flurry of good-byes in the hall. Catherine noticed Edward's hand linger on her mother's arm just a little longer than was necessary and she hid a grin, exchanging a look with Sarah. That situation would definitely bear some watching.

Once everyone had left and the children were in bed, Catherine and her mother sat on the couch with glasses of wine. Catherine had decided to put Daniel out of her head for the moment and focus on enjoying Christmas with her children. There would be time for that later.

"So, what's going on with you and Edward?" she asked instead and smirked at the slight tightening on her mother's hand around her wine glass.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Jane said smoothly and if Catherine didn't know her as well as she did, she would have thought that her mother was completely innocent.

"Don't give me that, I saw the two of you sitting here earlier," Catherine said. "And Sarah informed me that you went out to lunch with him last week. When you told me that you were going out with Mary down the street, I might add."

"Is there something wrong with two friends having lunch together?" her mother asked, staring at the fireplace and avoiding Catherine's gaze.

"No, but I do wonder why you felt the need to lie to me about it," Catherine said, trying not to grin.

"Because I knew that you would jump to conclusions, just as you are now," her mother said calmly.

"Do you like him?" Catherine asked.

"Of course I like him, he's a very nice man," Jane replied. Catherine rolled her eyes.

"You know that's not what I meant," Catherine returned.

"Then perhaps you should say just what exactly you mean," Jane said.

"Do you fancy him?" Catherine said in exasperation. Her mother ran her finger along the rim of her glass and contemplated the liquid within.

"I might," she finally said and Catherine smiled widely.

"How much?" she asked.

"Sorry?" her mother replied.

"Well, do you just like him or do you want to snog the living daylights out of him?" Catherine asked cheekily.

"Catherine!" her mother exclaimed, but her cheeks colored and Catherine hid a smirk.

"So, it's like that is it?" she asked, eyebrows raised and Jane slapped her arm.

"Is that any way to talk to your mother?" she admonished. "Besides, we're much too old for all that."

"Trust me Mum, you're never too old for a good snog," Catherine quipped and winked at her mother.

"You are impossible," her mother said with a shake of her head, but she chuckled.

"So tell me," Catherine prodded, pulling her legs up and tucking them underneath her.

"We've spoken a few times on the phone and we had lunch and that's all there is to tell," her mother replied, taking a sip of her wine. Catherine waited and her mother huffed. "He's a very interesting man and I enjoy his company."

"He's also a very handsome man," Catherine said and her mother smiled.

"Yes, that too," she agreed and then turned pensive. "Catherine, are you all right with this?" she asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Catherine replied, confused.

"Well, he is Daniel's father and after everything," but Catherine interrupted.

"Mum, I don't blame Edward or Sarah for any of that," Catherine said. "You know that. Daniel made his own choices and no matter what kind of childhood he had, he could have, should have, made different ones. If anyone else is to blame it's Nora." Catherine's lip curled and her mother's expression hardened. Catherine sighed and decided to tell her mother everything that Sarah had said in the kitchen.

"What are you going to do?" Jane asked.

"I don't know, what do you think?" Catherine said with a sigh. She was truly sick of thinking about it.

"Well, he knows you're living here," her mother said. "There's not much stopping him from just showing up one day."

"I know," Catherine acknowledged. "Maybe if Sarah told him the kids were all fine, he'd just leave it be."

"But you don't really believe that, do you?" her mother asked and Catherine shook her head.

"No, I'm nearly positive he'll show up here at some point," Catherine said quietly. Her mother didn't say anything for a moment, then turned to her daughter, her eyes sad, but determined expression on her face.

"If you think it's best, I won't try and stop you from leaving," Jane said. Catherine looked surprised for a moment, but then her face softened.

"I've no intention of being driven from my home," she replied. "And if we did have to go, I wouldn't leave you behind." Jane put her hand to her daughter's cheek.

"Sweetheart, you don't need to worry about me," she said. "I've known all along that at some point you would go and find your own life. I'm just privileged that I've gotten to spend so much time with you and my grandchildren in the meantime."

"Mum, you're part of my life," Catherine protested. "I'm not going to cut you out."

"Of course you're not, but Catherine, what about Sirius?" Jane said.

"What about him?" Catherine asked.

"Well, from everything you've said, the two of you will get married someday," her mother replied. "I doubt your husband will want his mother-in-law living with him."

"First of all, I've no idea when that will ever happen," Catherine said. "And second, believe me, after living with the mother he had, he'll probably beg you to stay." Jane chuckled. "Anyway, none of this matters right now. Maybe Sarah's right and Daniel has really changed. And just because she tells him the kids are fine doesn't mean he's coming back into their lives."

"True," her mother mused, but Catherine could tell she wasn't convinced.

"Look Mum, if I get any indication he's going to come back or try to get the kids again, we'll go," Catherine promised. "But I'm not going to uproot Miranda now for no reason. I refuse to live in fear of him again. I'm still the one with the wand." Jane smiled and took her daughter's hand.

"Whatever you decide to do, you know I'll support you," she said and Catherine smiled.

"Thanks Mum," she said, hugging her mother.