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Chapter 36: Consequences

9th December 2004

As the class Harry was teaching ended, he was approached by Tabitha. "Auror Jenkins, what can I help you with?"

Spotting Tabitha with Harry, Cassandra hesitated before following the rest of the class out.

Tabitha decided to get straight to the point. "Are you seeing Auror Black?"

Harry's face became closed. "No, not that's it any of your business, Auror."

"I'm not trying to upset you." Tabitha could see that she had pissed Harry off. "It's just that I'd like to take you out to dinner tomorrow night, but if you're seeing Cassandra, then I don't want to muddy the waters."

Harry decided that this was his chance to put the distance he needed between him and Cassandra. "No, I'm not seeing Auror Black, and yes, I'd like to go out to dinner."

Tabitha's face lit up. "I'll meet you at your hotel at seven thirty then."

"I've got a better idea. Bring whatever you need to get changed into, and you can come back to the hotel with me to get showered and changed," Harry suggested, conscious that with the Fidelius in operation, the hotel would have no idea of where to tell Tabitha which room he was in or that he was even a guest.

Tabitha decided that that would do fine. "I can do that."

"I'll see you in class tomorrow." As Tabitha left, Harry continued to pack up his things before leaving and heading for the apparition point. When he arrived back at the suite, he wasn't surprised to find Cassandra waiting for him. "I thought you'd be in the shower by now."

"I just wanted to see if everything was all right," Cassandra said in an offhand voice.

Harry knew exactly what Cassandra wanted to know. "Everything's fine but I thought I should let you know that I won't be around for dinner tomorrow night as I'm going out with Tabitha. She's coming back here to shower and change first."

Cassandra was unable to mask her hurt and she hurriedly got to her feet. "I'll see you tomorrow for breakfast then. I'm actually going to get an early night as I'm not really hungry."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Cass." Harry watched as Cassandra closed her bedroom door. He knew she was upset about him seeing Tabitha but he decided that it would be better for both of them if he started dating again. Ignoring the guilt he was feeling, Harry disappeared to get something to eat.

After class, Harry apparated Tabitha back to the hotel suite. "As you can see, I prefer to stay in Muggle hotels."

"I don't blame you." Tabitha preferred them as well. "They're usually better situated."

"Can I get you something from the bar?" Harry asked politely.

"Gin and tonic please." Tabitha leant against the wall as Harry poured it out. "So do you usually invite students back to your hotel?"

"No." Harry pulled out a beer and ripped the tab back, before taking a mouthful. "As you well know, it's against the rules to fraternize with the students, but as I'm only a guest teacher at USAD, and you're not exactly a student, I think I can allow it this once." Harry smiled suggestively at her.

Tabitha put down her glass. "And it's not as if I'm going to tell anyone."

Harry also put down his beer, and stood with his hands pressed against the wall on either side of Tabitha. "And besides there's nothing to tell."

Tabitha reached up to wrap her arms around Harry's neck. "Not yet, anyway."

Harry lowered his head to kiss Tabitha.

In her room, Cassandra had finished showering, and, intending to watch some television, she padded back into the bedroom to switch it on. Just as she reached for the remote control, she heard a noise come from the room next door. Hesitating, she became totally still, until she heard a low moan followed by a deeper groan.

Scowling, she ripped off her towel and began to pull on some clothes.

Duncan's face lit up as Cassandra walked into the bar where he was sitting with a group of the trainees. "I think my ship just came in."

Emily swung around and spotted what Duncan was talking about. "I think you're playing with fire, Duncan, but if you still want to go for it, then on your head be it."

Lucy backed her friend up. "Emily's right, Duncan. I have the feeling Auror Sebastian will have your neck if you go too far with her."

"Just because he works with her doesn't mean he's responsible for her, so mind your own business." Duncan got up and headed for Cassandra. "I'm surprised to see you here."

"I didn't feel like staying in my hotel room." Cassandra let him escort her to where the others were sitting. "I hope you all don't mind if I join you." Everyone assured her that she was more than welcome.

"No Boss Man?" Duncan asked as he summoned a house-elf to get a drink for Cassandra.

"He's spending the evening with Tabitha," Cassandra responded shortly, before giving her order to the house-elf that was now hovering at the side of the table. As she did so, she missed the smug look that Duncan gave to his sister, Louise, and Emily.

As the evening progressed, Cassandra realized that she was really enjoying herself. Duncan bided his time, plying Cassandra with quite a lot of what seemed to be fairly innocuous drinks. Eventually, however, Duncan decided it was time to make his move. "Would you like to dance?"

"Okay." Cassandra by now had had enough to drink to dismiss how uncomfortable she had previously felt around Duncan.

After Duncan led a swaying Cassandra on to the dance floor, he made a suggestion. "It's getting a little stuffy in here. How do you fancy coming back to my place? We can have a glass of wine, and I'll use a warming charm so that we can sit out on the balcony."

"I can't."

Hiding his annoyance, Duncan took Cassandra into his arms as the next record began. "How about just coming back for a coffee then?"

Again Cassandra refused. "I really can't." She then went to turn away, only for Duncan to grab her by the hand and pull her back towards him, her inebriated state making it easy to do so. He then used to his free hand to cup Cassandra's face as he kissed her. Cassandra started to protest, only to go limp as she acquiesced and began to return the kiss.

As the kiss ended, Duncan left his hand against Cassandra's face. "So do you think that you might have changed your mind about that coffee?"

Cassandra wanted to say no but found herself agreeing instead. "Okay but just for one."

"Good girl." With that, Duncan began kissing her again, drawing her tightly against his body.

Just after Cassandra had heard a moan, in the dining room, Harry pulled free from the kiss he and Tabitha were sharing, and gave a deep groan. "I'm sorry, Tabitha, but I can't do this."

"It's Cassandra, isn't it?"

"I'm really sorry. I thought… well, I don't know what I thought."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tabitha picked back up her gin and tonic.

"I'm surprised you haven't slapped me around the face rather than offering to talk." Harry was glad she had refrained as he knew she would've hurt her hand if she had.

"I've been there, so no slapping," Tabitha said, feeling sympathetic. "So are you in love or lust?"

"Most definitely lust." Harry picked up his beer. "With a huge sprinkling of obsession I think. Let's go and sit in my room." Harry didn't want Cassandra coming out while he was talking about her.

Once inside Harry's bedroom, Tabitha sat down on the sofa in there and patted the space beside her. "Come sit by me and we'll talk. I give you my word that anything you tell me will stay between us."

Harry was aware that he needed to talk to someone as the situation was driving him mad. "I'll pop out and get us some take-out, grab some wine, and then we'll talk."

After Harry had collected what they wanted and they had eaten, Harry found himself opening up to the tiny blonde girl. He told her about how things had started between him and Cassandra, finishing with the previous weekend. "We've been dancing around each other for months, and it doesn't help that I spend so much time with her. So I thought if I could just put some distance between us, I'd be able to put her out of mind."

"Good luck with that." Tabitha knew that that sort of thing just didn't work. "I'm still saying that about my last boyfriend who dumped me to go out with the perfect marriage material his parents had chosen for him."

"Ouch." Harry squeezed Tabitha's hand. "My turn if you want to spill."

Tabitha did, ending up blowing her nose on a handkerchief at the end of it. "That's probably the most honest I've been with anyone, including myself."

"You're not alone." Harry turned as a buzzing sound came from Tabitha's jacket that was lying on the bed. She made no attempt, however, to get up and get it. "Aren't you going to answer that?"

"No, if it's important, they'll leave a message. I'm off duty."

Harry got up and picked up the jacket, before passing it over to Tabitha. "I'm sorry, Tabitha, but an Auror's never off duty."

Tabitha reluctantly extracted the cell phone. "Auror Jenkins."

"Tab, thank goodness." At the other end of the line, Lucy Viking breathed a sigh of relief. "I was worried you'd be out of range. Is Auror Sebastian with you?"

Tabitha glanced at Harry. "Yes, why?"

"Duncan's up to his usual tricks with Cassandra Black. I'm frightened of what he'll do if I try and stop him, but I know it's different for Auror Sebastian," Lucy hurriedly told her friend. "Can you ask him to come to the Minstrel before things go too far?"

"Yes, and thanks for letting me know." Tabitha rang off. "I take it you heard that."

Harry had. "It looks as though our evening is going to be cut short."

"Lucy's told me before that Duncan can be a nasty piece of work, which is why she's afraid to approach him directly," Tabitha remarked, before hesitating and revealing something else important to Harry. "You should know Duncan has a bet that he can get Cassandra into bed."

Harry felt anger rise up inside of him. "Who's the bet with, Tabitha?"

"Louise," Tabitha responded reluctantly.

Harry scowled as he pulled his shoes on. "If anything happens to Cass while she's here, her father will string me up for not keeping an eye on her."

Tabitha tugged her jacket on. "Do you want me to go with you?"

"If you want to." Harry checked his wands. "Either way I'm going."

"So am I." Tabitha shoved her cell phone back in her pocket, and checked her own wands.

"Do all Aurors carry a mobile phone?" Harry disapparated as he asked the question, aware that Tabitha would answer when she arrived.

Tabitha reappeared beside Harry, and then they both began to hurry up the street to the bar. "Yes, because it's an easy way of getting in contact with someone if they're in a Muggle area. I'm surprised that BritAD doesn't have them."

"It's certainly something I might consider, especially considering the conditions the phones work in." Filing the thought away to be dealt with at a later point, he soon reached the bar and pushed open the door, his eyes scanning the room until he found Cassandra, who was wrapped around Duncan in the middle of the dance floor. His scowl deepening, he headed their way. "Do you two mind if I interrupt?"

Cassandra and Duncan immediately separated.

"Harry, what are you doing here?"

"Fetching you." Harry stood with his arms folded, as the other dancers on the floor, mostly staff from USAD, stopped what they were doing as they wanted to see what would happen.

"I'm fine on my own." Cassandra placed a hand on Duncan's arm as she swayed precariously. "I'm, um, going to Duncan's for coffee."

"I don't think so." Harry knew that Cassandra had definitely had too much to drink. "You're in no fit state to apparate."

Duncan stepped in. "I think Cassandra can decide what she wants to do for herself, Sir."

Harry heard the sarcasm laced in the word 'Sir'. "I disagree. Cassandra might not have told you but while she's here, I'm her guardian."

Duncan glanced at Cassandra. "Is he really your guardian?"

"Yep. Dad made him resh... reshp... you know what I mean."

Harry knew exactly what Cassandra meant, even if she was unable to get the word out she was looking for. "And as I am responsible for her, I'm taking her home with me. She'll see you in class in the morning, Starr."

Duncan took Cassandra's hand. "Guardian or not, she's still twenty-one."

Cassandra leaned heavily against Duncan. "And I'm going with him."

"You'll do as you're told and come with me." Harry wrapped his fingers around Cassandra's wrist, gently tugging her away from Duncan. Harry then faced the onlookers. "That's it for the entertainment. For any of the trainees here, if anyone's late into class tomorrow, then I'll be awarding demerits. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Meanwhile, Lucy had slipped back into the bar via the back entrance just before Harry and Tabitha had arrived, and so was standing at the edge of the dance floor when Duncan looked around. He marched angrily over to her. "I can't believe he showed up."

"I'm glad he did. You can't win the bet now." Lucy's voice shook as she finally stood up to Duncan. "So I want you to leave Cassandra alone."

"That's not going to happen. And as I'm quite certain that that interfering bastard is interested in being more than Cassandra's guardian, I'm going to win that bet, even if it kills me. And don't even think about butting in," Duncan warned Lucy as he tweaked her cheek sharply. "Goodnight, sis."

Outside the bar, Harry pulled a protesting Cassandra towards the apparition point, Tabitha following behind them. "Tabitha, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Harry." Tabitha leaned over and kissed Harry on the cheek. "I'll meet up with you before class if that's all right."

Harry guessed that Tabitha wanted to talk about the bet. "It is. Come to my office at seven."

Tabitha knew that she was likely going to be in a lot of trouble, as making, as well as being privy to, any bet was illegal, and one of this nature was likely to result in a humdinger of a dressing down. She turned to Cassandra. "I hope you feel okay tomorrow. Goodnight."

Cassandra ignored the girl and brusquely asked Harry a question. "Are we going or can I go back to Duncan?"

Harry impatiently wrapped his arms around her waist. "Keep still."

On arriving back at his hotel room, Harry blew up at Cassandra the moment he released her. "Just what the hell do you think you were you playing at with him?"

"Having fun." Cassandra held on to the table as she swayed again. "You were."

"Exactly what do you mean by that?" Harry withdrew his wand.

"You and Tabitha," Cassandra snapped, her words coming out slowly as she tried to think past her drunken state. "I don't see why you should be able sleep with someone, and yet it's oh so wrong for me to do the same."

"Cass, less than two weeks ago you said you'd rather date Malfoy than Starr." After taking precautions, Harry replaced his wand.

"I was only dancing." Cassandra tried to defend herself.

Harry totally disagreed. "You were acting like a tramp."

Cassandra reached over and slapped Harry as hard as she could. "You can't talk. You're obviously fucking Tabitha."

Harry pushed down his anger. "At least I wasn't doing it in public."

"Just because you don't want me, doesn't mean someone else doesn't." Cassandra's almost indistinct words tumbled out as she vented her frustration at Harry. "So why don't you just go back to fucking Tabitha and mind your own fucking business."

Harry had had enough, and he decided to treat her as he would his children if they'd behaved in the same way. "I don't have to listen to this. Go to your room. We'll talk again when you've sobered up and calmed down."

"I'm going back." Cassandra attempted to disapparate.

Harry knew then that Cassandra was even drunker than he had originally suspected if she'd failed to notice him warding the room. "You're going to your room."

"You're not Dad. You can't stop me." Cassandra stomped over to the door, cannoning off a table as she tried to get out.

Harry grabbed her wrist before she could reach it. "I think I can."

Cassandra turned on him. "Just fucking well let go of me."

Harry ignored the bad language. "No."

Cassandra clumsily withdrew her wand and turned it on Harry. "I said fucking well let go of me now!"

Harry swiftly disarmed her. "Don't you dare ever pull a wand like that again on anyone!"

"Drop dead!" Cassandra snarled.

It was the final straw for Harry. "If you want to act like a child, then I'm going to treat you like one." Harry then tugged Cassandra over to the bed, before pulling her over his lap and proceeding to spank her, tempering the blows so as not to cause irreparable harm, but making them hard enough to smart.

As the blows rained down on her backside, Cassandra started to cry. After six, Harry released her and set her back on her feet. "And don't expect me to apologize for that, because it isn't going to happen."

Cassandra rubbed her burning backside through her skirt. "I'm telling Dad what you did."

"Be my guest." Harry wasn't put off by Cassandra's threat. "As I'm sure he'd love to see the memory of you and Starr as well. And when he does, I'm quite sure he'll be adding a spanking of his own."

Even though Sirius had never raised a finger to her in his life, deep down Cassandra had a feeling that there might be a first time if he ever saw what she had done. "I hate you. I really, really hate you."

It was at times like this that Harry was aware of the age gap between them. "I'm sure you do but right now I don't care. Now get out of my sight and get into bed."

"No!"

Harry wondered if he had been this awful to deal with when he had been drunk during his youth… he suspected he had actually been worse. "Cassandra Black, I suggest you do as I say before I find a reason to spank you again."

"No!"

At her second refusal, Harry pulled out his wand and dropped the wards, deciding to use a different approach. "Fine! In that case, you're free to leave. If you want to go back to that piece of scum and let him fuck you, then do so. But believe me, if you do that, then our friendship is over, and I'll ask your father to transfer you or, if necessary, me, so that I don't have to have anything more to do with you."

At Harry's words, Cassandra slid to the ground and began to sob heavily. Glad that he finally appeared to have gotten through to her, Harry let out a long sigh and he reached down to scoop her up into his arms. He then placed her on his lap, rocking her as she clung to him.

Cassandra buried her face in Harry's neck as she sobbed. Eventually, however, she lifted her head to look at Harry before looking down again. "I'm really sorry, Harry. Please don't hate me."

Harry had, by now, calmed down. "I don't hate you, Cass. But you have no idea how frightened I was for you when I overheard Lucy's conversation with Tabitha. I just couldn't stand by and let him take advantage of you, especially when Tabitha admitted it was all because of a bet."

Cassandra lifted her tearstained and blotchy face once more. "He had a bet?"

"Yes, with Louise Page," Harry revealed. "She had a bet with him that he wouldn't be able to get you to sleep with him. But judging from what I saw tonight, if things had gone much further, I think he would've won it."

Shame flooded Cassandra as she knew Harry was right. "I'm sorry."

Harry decided to try and find out what had happened. "Why did you go out, Cass? When you left USAD you said you were going to sit in your room and watch TV."

Cassandra dropped her head yet again, and leant against Harry's chest, her words spilling out between sobs. "I could hear you having sex with her."

Harry lifted Cassandra up and put her on the sofa. "Let me get you a calming potion and something to sober you up." Harry went into his room to rummage through his things until he found his box where he usually kept at least one of every potion he thought he might need.

When Harry returned, Cassandra took both potions, and she shuddered as her blurred world slammed into sharp focus, as did the pain in her hand. "My hand hurts."

Harry scanned it. "You've broken several bones in it from slapping me. Let me heal them."

"Ow! Ow!" Cassandra cried out in pain as Harry did what was necessary to repair her hand, before going back to his things and finding a painkilling potion. "Take this as well."

After watching Cassandra drink the potion, Harry sat back down beside her and put his arm around her. "I still want to know what happened at the bar."

Cassandra felt better with Harry holding her. "This morning Lucy said she was going with the other girls to the Minstrel tonight and asked if I wanted to go. I said no but when I heard you and Tabitha, I changed my mind. I certainly didn't know Duncan would be there. I wanted to forget about you, so I kept on drinking everything that was put in front of me. When Duncan asked me to dance, I decided that it couldn't do any harm."

As Cassandra fell silent, Harry urged her to continue. "And?"

"He asked me to go back to his place, and I said no. But then he kissed me and I don't know why but I changed my mind." Cassandra's face began to burn with embarrassment as she remembered how she had acted on the dance floor.

"Can I check something?"

"Yes."

Harry checked for any traces of the Imperius and found nothing. "You weren't being influenced magically, so I'm going to put it down to too much alcohol. It's late, Cass, so for the moment I suggest you get a shower as you stink of cigarette smoke and alcohol. I'll sort you out a hangover potion and leave it by your bed. We're going to have to talk about your behavior tomorrow."

"Okay." Cassandra, like Tabitha, had a feeling that she was going to be in trouble. Sliding miserably off the sofa, she made her way into her room before doing as Harry had suggested.

Harry had just finished talking to Tabitha about the bet when a knock sounded on his door. "Come in."

Lucy blushed when she saw Tabitha, as she thought that she had interrupted something of a romantic nature. "Can I speak to you before class, Sir?"

"Wait outside, please. I won't be more than a few minutes," Harry instructed.

"Yes, Sir." Lucy closed the door.

Harry turned back to Tabitha, his conversation with her almost over. "I'll be talking to Chief Bradford about this, Auror Jenkins, and she'll decide on how to deal with you. Dismissed."

"Yes, Sir." Tabitha hurried out of the room, nerves churning her stomach as she knew that Michaela Bradford was unlikely to go easy on her.

After making a few notes, Harry got up and asked Lucy to come in, leaving her to follow him in as he headed back to sit behind his desk. "Close the door and then sit down."

Lucy was nervous as she did so, and she looked down at her hands, before glancing back up to meet Harry's eyes. "Is Cassandra all right, Sir?"

"A little hung over, but there's no permanent damage except to her dignity." Harry could feel Lucy's nerves. "What is it you want to talk to me about?"

"It's about my brother, Duncan." Lucy swallowed hard as Harry's face was closed off, and she had no idea of what he was thinking. "He's an empath, Sir."

"And why is that important?" Harry gave Lucy no measure of comfort as he questioned her.

"He's not the normal kind of empath." Lucy's gaze dropped back down to her hands. "If he touches someone, he can influence both their emotions and their actions."

Harry wasn't best pleased by the news. "Did you call Auror Jenkins last night because he was doing this to Auror Black?"

"I think he was. I'm not sure but I really didn't think that Cassandra would've behaved that way otherwise. Duncan had a bet with someone that he could get Cassandra to sleep with him. Both Emily and I warned him about trying something with Cassandra but he wouldn't listen to us. Afterwards I tried again to get him to back off, and he threatened me." Lucy started to cry. "I'm sorry, Sir. I should've told you sooner."

Harry handed over the box of tissues that were on his desk. "Wipe your eyes. Does Chief Bradford know of Starr's ability?"

Lucy wiped her eyes as she answered Harry. "Yes, Sir. Duncan's mother is Tamsin Bradstock."

Harry had heard about Auror Bradstock's unusual ability to extract information when everything else had failed. Now he knew why. "You have different mothers?"

Lucy explained the set-up of her family. "My birth parents both died in an accident when I was a baby. Tamsin Starr was my godmother and, even though she already had Duncan, and her husband died in the same accident that killed my parents, she adopted me after their deaths as I had no other relatives. Tamsin eventually married Colin Bradstock."

"Are you happy in your family life?" Harry asked gently, his stern demeanor fading.

"Very much." Lucy's face lit up. "I consider Colin and Tamsin to be my parents. I only have a different surname because Mum said my birth parents had been good people, and they would've wanted me to retain my last name. I'm actually Lucy Bradstock-Viking but just usually use Viking here."

Harry could see from Lucy's face that she adored her parents. "Do you have any other siblings?"

"I have a younger sister, Janet, who I get on well with. I also have a baby brother, Michael. Mum only gave birth to him a month ago, which is why she's on maternity leave at the moment."

"And how about Duncan? Do you get on well with him?" Harry enquired as he tried to establish exactly how Lucy felt about her brother.

"Not really." Lucy didn't realize that she had begun to shred the tissue as she talked about Duncan. "I sometimes think he only enrolled to become an Auror because I did. Even though we're both third years, he's three years older than I am."

"It just sounds like a simple case of sibling rivalry," Harry remarked, hoping that Lucy would deny it and continue to talk about Duncan.

She did. "It's more than that. When we were little, I was forever ending up in trouble for doing things I had no intention of doing. It was only as I got older that I began to understand what Duncan could do when I overheard Mum and Dad talking about Duncan's ability. When I threatened to tell our parents what I thought he had done to me, he hit me."

"Is he apt to do that often?"

"If he doesn't get his own way. He was also almost dismissed during first year for fighting," Lucy revealed. "I know he's my brother, but he's not exactly a nice person. When I saw him with Cassandra, I couldn't let the same happen to her that's happened to some of the other girls."

Harry's interest was now more than piqued. "Can you tell me about it?"

"He didn't ever hit them or anything like that; well not as far as I know he didn't." At Harry's gentle smile, Lucy began to open up more to Harry. "But they always ended up sleeping with him. I was never sure though if he used his ability on them or not. When I questioned him, he swore he hadn't, and said that they had just been easy. I was too scared of him to push it."

Harry continued with his questioning. "How long ago was this?"

"The last girl I know he slept with was about three months ago. It was Emily," Lucy revealed. "She's over it but I still think it was hard for her to have to watch Duncan with Cassandra."

"Does she know about Duncan's talent?" Harry asked in a quiet voice, which masked his inner anger.

"Yes," Lucy told him. "I tried to warn her when she first got involved with Duncan, but at the time she thought she was in love with him and refused to listen to me. Duncan told me to back off, so I did."

Harry got up. "Thank you for telling me this. I'm going to have to talk this over with Chief Bradford."

Lucy paled. "She doesn't know about Emily and Duncan."

"I need to examine Cassandra's memory of last night to try to ascertain whether Duncan deliberately influenced her," Harry explained. "And I don't think I'm going to be able to keep Emily out of the conversation, as from what you've just said, she knew about the bet. Am I correct?"

Lucy didn't want to tell on her friend, but she also knew that Harry would likely find out one way or another, and it would be better if she simply came clean. "She did, Sir."

Harry knew that Michaela wouldn't be happy to hear it as he was aware that she had a strict policy against this sort of thing and tended to be less lenient than either he or Sirius would be. "Thank you for telling me. Now as my class is supposed to be starting in ten minutes, I suggest you head there. Please ask Cassandra to come and see me when she arrives, and then tell the class that I'll be a little late and to start on chapter fourteen."

"I will, Sir." Lucy left, feeling a whole lot better than when she had arrived.

Cassandra knocked on Harry's door, entering when he called for her to come in. "Harry, before you say anything, I want to apologize for my behavior last night."

"Cass, sit down." Harry moved to sit on the edge of the desk. "It's about last night that I want to talk to you about. I'd like to examine your memory of it, if you wouldn't mind."

Cassandra's heart started to beat faster. "Why?"

Harry immediately detected her discomfort. "I just need to check something. Now as I don't have my pensieve with me, I'll need to use Legilimency if that's all right."

"Okay." Cassandra met Harry's gaze and tried to relax.

Harry cast the spell and started to watch the memory, only to withdraw moments later as he could feel Cassandra fighting him. "You're not relaxing. I'll be back shortly."

When Harry returned five minutes later, he wasn't alone. "Auror Black, Chief Bradford would also like to view your memory of last night."

Cassandra paled, and then went red. "Yes, Sir."

Michaela placed a hand on Cassandra's arm. "Auror Black, please don't feel embarrassed. Auror Sebastian has briefly explained about last night, and I need to be sure that his suspicions are correct."

Cassandra frowned. "What suspicions, Ma'am?"

"I believe Trainee Starr coerced you last night, and I need to be a hundred percent positive that I'm right before I accuse him of anything." Harry placed the borrowed pensieve on the table. "Can I take the memory?"

Cassandra reluctantly agreed, and moments later she found herself accompanying both Harry and Michaela into the pensieve. "This is so embarrassing."

Michaela gave the girl a consolatory smile. "We all make mistakes. It's how we learn but if your mistake was engineered, then I do have to know."

Cassandra watched her own actions with a burning face. Harry quickly squeezed her hand before letting go. "I see that you refused to accompany Trainee Starr several times before changing your mind. Can you tell me why, Auror Black?"

Cassandra recognized that the examination had now become a formal process. "I don't know, Sir. I just know that I didn't want to go with him until he kissed me. It was only after that that I changed my mind."

Michaela viewed the rest of the memory in silence up until Harry removed Cassandra from the bar. "Auror Sebastian, can you tell me why you appeared when you did?"

"Trainee Viking asked me to intercede." Harry had no choice but to tell Michaela. "She was worried that her brother was taking advantage of Auror Black. As you saw from the memory, I'm Auror Black's guardian and, as such, I had a duty to ensure her wellbeing."

"How did you get the message?" Michaela wondered how Lucy had contacted Harry, who she knew was staying in a Muggle hotel.

"From Auror Jenkins, who was with me at the time," Harry answered reluctantly. "She had a mobile phone with her."

Michaela hadn't realized that Harry was dating one of the Aurors, but as Tabitha wasn't a trainee, it therefore wasn't against policy, and there was little Michaela could do about it. "Auror Sebastian, after reviewing this memory, I'm giving you the necessary authority to deal with Trainee Starr. Auror Black, if you'd like to come with me."

Cassandra gave Harry a worried glance as she left the room, and Harry then set off to fetch Duncan.

Once they were both in his office, Harry addressed Duncan. "I've spoken to Chief Bradford about you, Starr, and I've reviewed Auror Black's memory of last night, and I find myself singularly unimpressed. Chief Bradford has also reviewed it, and she too is of the same opinion I am."

"I didn't do anything wrong," Duncan protested.

"I disagree." Harry looked up at the young man he had left standing in front of him. "Using your empathic capabilities without prior permission is against wizarding law, and as a Trainee Auror, you should be well aware of this fact."

As wizarding law was part of the required course and was taught during first year training, Duncan had to acknowledge that he did know. "I am aware of that, but I didn't use my empathic powers on Auror Black."

"If you didn't use them, then perhaps you'd care to tell me why Auror Black refused to go home with you twice until you kissed her and then asked her again?" Harry had deduced that Duncan's empathic powers required touch via bare skin to become effective.

"Because she obviously changed her mind," Duncan answered glibly. "It's not my fault she couldn't decide straight away. You know what women are like."

Harry hid his disgust at Duncan's attitude. "So you're sticking to your story that you didn't use any form of coercion on Auror Black?"

"I am, Sir." Duncan met Harry's gaze without flinching.

"In that case I'm going to give you a choice." Harry's smile was very unpleasant. "If you're willing to swear an oath to the effect that you didn't use your abilities in any way, shape or form upon Auror Black last night, then I'll publicly apologize for embarrassing you, and the whole matter will be dropped. However, if you're unwilling to do so, then a reprimand will be placed on your file, you'll be subjected to three months' cleaning duty, after which you'll be suspended without pay until 1st September 2005. At that time, if you so wish, you'll be allowed to stay on the program but you'll repeat all three years of training." Harry knew he had Duncan in a tight spot. "So what's it to be, Starr?"

Duncan chose not to answer Harry's question, instead choosing to level an allegation of harassment against Harry. "I want to file a complaint against you for harassment, and I refuse to accept either alternative you're giving me."

"If you'll excuse me." Harry got up and left the room, only to return with Michaela Bradford. "In the light of your complaint, I'm rescinding authority over this interview to Chief Bradford."

Michaela turned a stern face upon her trainee. "Trainee Starr, I'm going to offer you the same alternatives that Auror Sebastian has given you. Or do you have a complaint you'd like to level against me?"

"No, Ma'am, I do not." Duncan glanced over at Harry. "But I still wish to file a grievance against Auror Sebastian."

"Noted." Michaela folded her arms. "Are you willing to swear an oath as Auror Sebastian outlined to you?"

"I'm not, Ma'am." Duncan looked down at the floor as he spoke.

"Then effective immediately you're on report, you'll report to Auror Filibuster, and you're no longer a third year trainee." Michaela's voice resonated with disappointment. "Should Auror Filibuster have anything derogatory to say about you during the three month period you're going to be on cleaning duty, your contract will be terminated. Do I make myself clear?"

Duncan had little choice but to agree. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Now I wish to hear the basis for your complaint against Auror Sebastian," Michaela demanded.

Duncan set out of what he thought Harry was guilty. "I believe Auror Sebastian deliberately set out to embarrass me last night as I know he doesn't like me, and this has influenced his actions against me."

"Auror Sebastian?" Michaela turned to Harry.

"I didn't deliberately set out to embarrass Trainee Starr last night. My main concern was Auror Black and her wellbeing."

Michaela turned to Duncan. "As you know, Auror Sebastian is Auror Black's guardian, and I believe he was well within his rights to ensure that she wasn't coming to any harm. So, unless you have anything else you want to add, the complaint is dismissed."

Duncan did have something to say about it. "That's not fair. He wasn't acting as her guardian last night; he acted more like her lover. And he acted in exactly the same way when they were at a nightclub together. He was all over her when he was dancing with her."

Michaela was well aware that in addition to being Cassandra's guardian, Harry was also Cassandra's mentor, and as such any fraternization between the two of them was against the rules. Not really believing it to be true but still having to ask, Michaela turned to Harry. "Auror Sebastian, are you in a sexual relationship with Auror Black?"

Harry thought he had acted more like Cassandra's father at the Minstrel but knew that Duncan had been right about the nightclub. "I'm not, and I'm happy to swear an oath to that effect."

"If you're willing to do so, then I'll dismiss the complaint that has been leveled against you." Michaela couldn't deny to herself that she felt a sliver of satisfaction at thwarting Duncan.

Harry did so, acting as if the oath hurt as he finished. "May I sit down, Ma'am?"

"Go ahead," Michaela instructed before turning to Duncan. "Your grievance against Auror Sebastian has been found to be unsubstantiated and is therefore denied. And before you say anything else, I can understand Auror Sebastian's dislike of you. Dismissed."

Duncan gave Harry a hate-filled glance before leaving the room. Michaela shut the door and flopped unceremoniously down on to a chair. "I want to kill that SOB."

"You're not alone." Harry sympathized with the tall, black woman whose face reflected her inner disquiet. "What he did was unconscionable."

"I'm disappointed in him." Michaela shook her head in dismay. "One of the main reasons we accepted him is his abilities, as academically, he's borderline. Like his mother before him, he's impervious to the Imperius Curse and Legilimency, and his empathic abilities are an asset."

"Not when he uses them to fulfill a bet they're not. You do realize that you're likely to hear from Sirius about this."

"I do, but this is my jurisdiction, and I believe I've dealt with it in a fair manner as have you." Michaela, like Sirius, brooked no outside interference in her decisions. "Do you agree?"

"Yes, but it doesn't stop me wanting to forget about being fair and to teach Starr a lesson he'd never forget," Harry answered honestly.

"Right now I'm almost angry enough to let you." Michaela took a deep breath before turning to something that Harry had brought up. "Now even though I know it's none of my business, I'd like to know what Auror Jenkins was doing with you."

"We were on a date. I wasn't aware that it was against the rules."

Michaela confirmed Harry's belief. "It isn't. But I have to be honest and say that I don't particularly encourage liaisons between staff members."

"You don't need to worry yourself anymore on that score." Harry stood up. "Auror Jenkins and I have settled on just being friends."

"Very well. Thank you for telling me." Michaela decided to let Harry finish dealing with the remaining problems. "I'll leave you to tie up the loose ends. You have my authority to deal with the perpetrators in any manner you see fit."

"I should warn you that your daughter's also involved."

"And as I said, you may deal with her as you see fit." Michaela knew that Emily, like the others, would have to take her punishment on the chin. "I take it that you won't be punishing Lucy Viking?"

Harry set Michaela's incorrect assumption to rest. "Even though she came forward of her own free will, as well as trying to intercede on Auror Black's behalf, she was part of this and she'll be punished accordingly. But speaking of Lucy, I think we might have another problem as I'm almost certain she's being bullied by Starr. I'm also concerned that if he finds out that she interceded, he's going to seek retribution."

"This just gets better." Michaela sat back down. "In that case I may have a solution for Lucy but I have a favor to ask of you, if she's interested."

"Go ahead." Harry was willing to listen to Michaela's request.

Michaela set out what she was looking for. "I'd like for Lucy to finish out her training at BritAD, and for her to leave today with Auror Black." Harry had told Michaela that he was sending Cassandra back home after he had spoken to her again.

After mulling it over, Harry decided that Lucy would be better off away from her brother. "I can say yes in principle, but should Sirius disagree with my decision, then she'll have to return."

Michaela understood only too well. "Thank you. Would you mind asking Lucy if she's interested when you deal with everything else? I'd do it myself but I have work I need to get done before my meetings this afternoon."

Harry recognized that Michaela now trusted him and he acknowledged the fact. "I appreciate you letting me deal with this. And yes, I'll talk to Lucy."

Michaela stood up again. "I'd better be off, Harry. We can talk more about this over dinner tomorrow night."

Harry had been invited to dinner with Michaela and Nathan again. "I agree. Let's hope the rest of the day goes better."

"I doubt it." With that, Michaela headed off.

Harry headed for his classroom. When he entered it, he knew that Duncan had already obviously told the class what had happened, and Harry addressed the people he wanted to see. "Trainees Bradford and Viking, and Aurors Page, Black and Jenkins, please come with me. The rest of you can start the assignment that I've put on the board." Harry flicked his wand towards the board and the assignment appeared that he had written up when he had first arrived at USAD that morning.

The five girls followed Harry out. Once they reached his office, Harry stood back to let them by. "Everyone in there." Once they were all lined up in front of his desk, Harry turned to Lucy. "Trainee Viking, we'll deal with you first."

Lucy was terrified. "Sir?"

Harry was a little worried that the girl would faint, as she was so pale, so he hurried to get on with things. "Trainee Viking, under normal circumstances you'd be severely reprimanded for your knowledge of the bet between Auror Page and your brother, as it's one that might've been harmful to Auror Black. But under the circumstances, and given that you willingly came to me to explain, I've decided that I'm not going to do that. However, I am still going to hand out some form of punishment."

Lucy had expected it, even though she had come clean to Harry. "I understand, Sir."

"Do you have anything else you wish to add in your defense?" Harry asked the same question he asked anyone who appeared in front of him for disciplinary action.

"No, Sir." Lucy believed she had told Harry everything she could.

"In that case, Trainee Viking, you'll be docked two weeks' pay for your part in this, serve two weeks' night time desk duty, and should you come up again for disciplinary action within the next three months, you'll be suspended until the final examinations. Is this clear?" Harry met Lucy's gaze.

Lucy let out a relieved sigh and wiped away a few tears. "Yes, Sir."

Harry then turned to Cassandra. "Auror Black."

Cassandra could feel her heart beating faster as met Harry's eyes. "Sir?"

Harry got straight to the point. "Auror Black, while I'm aware that you're entirely innocent of any wrongdoing as far as the bet is concerned, you're still culpable for some of your actions."

Cassandra had a feeling that Harry was talking about how she had acted towards him. "I'm aware that the remarks made by me last night were entirely inappropriate, Sir."

Harry acknowledged the fact. "Yes they were. But as most of them were of a personal nature, I'm going to ignore them. However, I cannot overlook the fact that you threatened me with a weapon nor can I overlook your drunken behavior at the Minstrel. It's this second offense that I find most disturbing. Auror Black, while we're here, we both stand as representatives for BritAD. However, your drunken behavior last night tarnished the good reputation of both yourself and BritAD."

Cassandra gulped, as Sirius had something along these lines before agreeing to let her come out to USAD. "I'm sorry, Sir."

"Sorry doesn't cut it, Black," Harry snapped. "You've failed to represent BritAD in the way you should have, and I'm more than disappointed in you."

Cassandra said nothing and hung her head.

Harry hated doing this to Cassandra but he knew that if he didn't, Sirius would, to say nothing of what Sirius would do to him if he failed to carry out his duties. "Auror Black, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Cassandra looked up, answering Harry before looking back down at the ground. "No, Sir."

Harry could sense the shame that Cassandra was feeling. "Auror Black, due to your threatening behavior, I have no choice but to remove you from your current position at BritAD. You'll also be assigned a new Mentor and will return home today."

Cassandra paled but said nothing as Harry continued. "And for failing to uphold the standards BritAD deem necessary for an ambassador, for the first two months when you return, you'll be assigned cleaning duties, and thereafter reassigned to night shift desk duty for a further month. After this time, you'll be assigned a new position."

"Yes, Sir." Cassandra's voice shook.

Harry had more to say. "I haven't finished yet, Auror. Furthermore, should I have cause to reprimand you again during the next six months, you'll be stripped of your Auror's badge, suspended until 1st September 2005, and rejoin the trainee program as a third year trainee. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir." Cassandra struggled to hold back her tears.

Lucy interrupted. "Sir, may I say something?"

Harry knew it must be important for Lucy to step in. "Go ahead."

Lucy began. "I forgot to mention that Duncan's abilities come from a magical substance he secretes through his fingertips that lingers on the skin, Sir."

Harry wished that Lucy had mentioned this earlier. "Which means?"

"That it would probably have taken a little time for it to wear off, and Auror Black could still have been under the influence of what he had done to her when she attacked you." Lucy gulped at the angry look that chased across Harry's face as she thought he was angry that she hadn't told him. "I'm sorry, Sir, I really didn't think."

"Thank you for telling me now." Harry mulled over what Lucy had said, and how long it had taken Cassandra to stop fighting him. "Auror Black, in the light of what Trainee Viking has revealed, I'm willing to review my decision in relation to your first offense. However, I'm not willing to do so in relation to the second offense."

"Thank you, Sir." Cassandra's voice was shaky and full of tears as she addressed Harry.

"Auror Black, my decision as to the cleaning and night desk duties therefore stands, but your six month probationary period will be reduced to three. However, after what has happened, I believe you will benefit from a change of Mentor, so I'll still be assigning a new one to you. However, once you've finished night desk duties, you'll be allowed to return to your original position." Harry could feel the relief rolling off Cassandra. "Auror Black and Trainee Viking you may both wait outside."

After the girls had left, Harry turned to the final three girls. "I take it you all know why you're here?"

When all three nodded, Harry continued. "I'm well aware of the type of activities that both the trainees and Aurors indulge in, and as long as they're harmless, then I'm willing to overlook them even when I shouldn't. However, the bet that Auror Page and Trainee Starr indulged in could have had far reaching consequences for Auror Black, and this is something I cannot just dismiss."

Harry turned his attention to Emily. "Trainee Bradford, were you aware of the bet that had been made between Auror Page and Trainee Starr?"

"Yes, Sir," Emily acknowledged.

Harry then turned his attention to Louise in addition to Emily. "Auror Page and Trainee Bradford, were you both at the Minstrel last night during the time that the incident between Auror Black and Trainee Starr took place?"

Both girls confirmed that they were. Harry then directed his next question to all three of them. "I'd like to know if any of you are aware of any abilities that Trainee Starr has."

Louise knew that she was in deep trouble, and despite the friendliness Harry had previously displayed towards her, she remembered the warning that Harry had given to her and the others before first agreeing to go out for a drink with them. "I do, Sir. He's an empathic manipulator."

Emily also nodded. "Yes, Sir. I'm also aware of that fact."

Tabitha hadn't been, and her face reflected her horror. "No, Sir, I didn't know."

Harry could tell that her dismay was genuine. Harry therefore turned his attention to the other two girls. "Given that you were aware of Trainee Starr's abilities and of the bet that had been made, did either of you attempt to intercede on Auror Black's behalf?"

Emily nodded. "I told Duncan not to do it."

"When he refused, did you make any other attempt to intercede?" Harry already knew that Emily hadn't done so from Lucy.

Emily was aware that if Harry knew that Duncan had refused to back off, then Lucy must have told him. "No, Sir."

Harry turned to Louise. "Did you make an attempt to intercede, Auror Page?"

Louise shook her head, and Harry looked from her to Emily. "Before I make any decisions as to your punishment for your involvement in this travesty, do either of you have anything at all to say in your defense."

Louise shook her head. "No, Sir, except that I didn't think about the consequences when I made the bet, and I can only offer to apologize to Auror Black."

Harry didn't respond to the offer and instead addressed Emily. "Trainee Bradford?"

"No, Sir." Emily suspected that in addition to whatever punishment Harry was going to inflict on her, her mother was going to come down hard on her as well.

"Trainee Bradford, not only were you privy to an illegal bet, but you also compounded that mistake by failing to act when you were aware that Trainee Starr may have been using his empathic abilities upon Auror Black in a manner that was both unlawful and offensive. As such, I've decided that as from today you'll be suspended until your final examinations," Harry informed her. "If you pass the final examinations, then your admittance to USAD will be on a twelve month probationary period, rather than a six month period. If at any time during the twelve months you infringe any rule, no matter how slight, you will serve your third year again."

Emily wanted to complain about the harshness of the punishment but didn't dare, as she knew that her mother was likely to make her punishment more severe if she did. "Yes, Sir."

"You may go." Once Emily had left, Harry then turned to Louise. "Auror Page, not only did you instigate the illegal bet, but you were also aware of Auror Starr's unique capabilities, and you did nothing to dissuade him from using them on Auror Black, nor did you aid Auror Black. Do you agree with my assessment?"

"Yes, Sir." Louise couldn't stop her voice from shaking, and she was hard pushed to hold back her tears.

"As such, I therefore hold you as culpable as Trainee Star." Harry's voice was cold and unforgiving as he addressed Louise. "Furthermore, as a fully qualified Auror, you, more than Trainee Starr, should've known better than to be a part of this." Harry ignored the tears that were now trickling down Louise's cheeks. "Auror Page, as of now, you're stripped of your rank of Auror and suspended without pay until September 1st 2005. You are also demoted back to first year trainee. If, however, you decide not to follow the course again, then your employment will be terminated as from today. Do you understand?"

Louise was now unable speak but nodded her head. Harry finished off. "You have until the end of the day to make your decision. Please relay it to Chief Bradford as I have no desire to see you again. Now get out."

Crying, Louise opened the door and fled past the past two girls who were still standing outside waiting for Harry. Harry could see that what he had done had dismayed Tabitha. "Auror Jenkins, am I correct in stating that you had no idea of Trainee Starr's abilities, but you were aware of the illegal bet made between him and Auror Page?"

"Yes, Sir," Tabitha answered.

Harry repeated his earlier statement that he had made to the two other girls. "Before I make any decision as to your punishment for your involvement, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

Tabitha could hardly believe that this Harry was the same person she had been talking with the previous night: that Harry had been warm, sensitive, and smiling; this one was cold, hard-faced, and most definitely not smiling. "No, Sir."

"Auror Jenkins, as you were unaware of Trainee Starr's ability, and you were also not at the Minstrel, I have taken this into consideration." Even after their talk the previous night, Harry didn't treat Tabitha any differently than he would one of his own men. "So while I've decided to allow you to remain on active duty, you'll be docked two week's pay for your part in this. Also, your application to take part in the exchange program has been denied, and I won't be allowing you to continue in my class. Furthermore, should anyone have cause to reprimand you again during the next three months, I'll revoke my decision to let you remain on active duty as an Auror, and you will be suspended without pay for three months. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir." Tabitha knew that Harry could've stripped her of her rank and was grateful that he hadn't.

Harry got up. "You have five minutes to collect your things from my classroom. Please tell the class that they are free to go but that I want them to have learnt Chapter Fourteen and completed the assignment by Monday. Dismissed, Auror Jenkins."

Tabitha hesitated. "Sir, before I leave, may I speak freely?"

Harry remained where he was. "Go ahead."

Tabitha gave him a small smile. "After what's happened, I just wanted to assure you that what we discussed last night will still remain between us." She then turned to go, only for Harry to stop her.

"Tabitha, wait." Harry stepped over to her and put a hand on her arm. "On an unofficial note, thanks for listening last night."

This was the Harry from the previous evening, and Tabitha gave him a huge smile. "Thank you, Sir, for listening to me. And Sir, I know you had to do what you did today, and that it couldn't have been easy. Dad heads up USAD West, so I know how tough it can be."

Harry hadn't connected Tabitha with Tobias Jenkins. "I take it you'll be hearing from him."

Tabitha grimaced. "And I believe he'll be a lot tougher on me than you were."

Harry knew that that was probably true. "I believe he might."

Tabitha held out her hand. "I hope we meet again, Sir."

Harry was impressed by how well Tabitha was behaving, and by her acceptance of what he had done. Instead of shaking her hand, he pulled her into a hug. "I hope so too, Tabitha."

Tabitha hugged Harry back, before stepping away. "Am I dismissed, Sir?"

"You are, Auror Jenkins," Harry confirmed. After she had gone, Harry called Cassandra and Lucy back in, before speaking to Lucy first. "Trainee Viking, there's something else I want to talk to you about before we've finished."

Lucy could see that Harry no longer looked so stern but she was still uncertain whether she could relax or not. "What is it, Sir?"

Harry explained. "Given what's happened with your brother, Chief Bradford thinks it would be beneficial for you to finish out your training at BritAD, and for you to leave today with Auror Black. However, this is only on the proviso that Commander Black agrees to it."

Lucy was staggered. "I don't know what to say, Sir, except thank you. Particularly as I know that after today things are not only going to be difficult between Duncan and myself but the other girls as well. And I think it would probably be better if I put some distance between myself and them."

Harry agreed with her sentiment. "That's settled then, provided Commander Black agrees to the transfer. If so, then you'll serve out your punishment at BritAD instead of here."

"Thank you, Sir." After what had gone on, Lucy could hardly believe the opportunity she was being afforded.

Harry could see that Lucy was delighted. "I suggest you go home and collect your things, before meeting me at the apparition point in an hour."

"Yes, Sir." Lucy left leaving Harry and Cassandra alone.

Harry relaxed. "I'm going to let Lucy stay in my apartment until I find somewhere more permanent for her."

"She can stay in my spare room if she wants," Cassandra immediately offered.

"Thank you." Harry put a hand on Cassandra's arm, not sure if she'd reject him. "Cass, I'm sorry."

Cassandra burst into tears and let Harry draw her against him. Harry stroked her hair. "I had to do it. If I hadn't, then Sirius would have."

"He'd have been harder on me," Cassandra mumbled into Harry's shirt.

"I know that, that's why I did it." Harry gently moved Cassandra so that he could see her face. "Cass, I've never ever apologized for punishing someone before but I felt awful dressing you down like that."

"You had to do it, Harry." Cassandra had been warned by Sirius when she had started that she, like any other Auror, would be subject to the rules, and despite being his daughter he couldn't cut her any slack.

"It didn't make it any easier." Harry ran a thumb across Cassandra's cheek. "Especially as I feel as though I should take some of the blame for it."

Cassandra suppressed a shiver at Harry's touch. "You mean because of Tabitha, don't you?"

"Yes." Harry felt guilty about why Cassandra had left in the first place. "I shouldn't have brought her back to the hotel."

Cassandra didn't really want to discuss Tabitha. "It doesn't matter."

"I didn't sleep with her, Cass." Harry wanted to Cassandra to know. "I was going to but I couldn't do it."

"Why not?" Cassandra couldn't help but ask.

"Because when I kissed her all I could think about was you," Harry admitted.

Cassandra didn't like hearing that Harry had kissed Tabitha but she was thrilled that he was beginning to admit how he felt. "Is that why you're changing my Mentor?"

Harry had to acknowledge it was. "You know it is."

"I'm glad you did." Cassandra then stood on her tiptoes and kissed Harry on the lips.

When she went to pull back, Harry held her there for a moment, his lips gently exploring hers but he made no attempt to deepen the kiss, before pulling away. "Cass, we need to talk but we can't do it here."

Cassandra smiled happily. "When you get back then?"

"That would be best. Now we'd better go."

Harry went to turn away, only for Cassandra to stop him. "Harry, what happened to the other girls?"

"I may as well tell you, as you'll no doubt find out anyway." Harry then told her what punishments he had handed out. "If it had just been about the bet, then I'd have been able to go a lot easier on them but when you added in Starr's abilities, and their knowledge of it, I couldn't."

"I still think you were too hard on Louise." Cassandra felt sorry for the girl as she knew how hard it was to get through the training.

"What would you have done?" Harry was interested to know, particularly as Cassandra had been the injured party.

Cassandra thought about it for a few minutes before responding. "Suspended her without pay for three months, three months' cleaning duty when she returned, and a formal apology. I'd also have had a citation made in her record that if she was in trouble again during a two year period then your original punishment of being stripped of her position should be instigated but I'd have only bumped her down to third year in that case."

Harry studied Cassandra's face as he thought about what she had suggested. "I'll talk to Michaela and reconsider my original punishment but I'm not promising anything."

"Thanks, Harry." Cassandra smiled up at him. "And I'll see you on Friday night?"

"No." Harry shook his head. "It's more than likely going to be Sunday night now. It'll be almost midnight by the time I leave here on Friday, and I have to see Sirius on Saturday."

Cassandra blanched at the mention of her father. "Dad's going to kill me when he finds out."

"I'm afraid I can't help you with that one." Harry was about to leave when he turned back to his desk, and he pulled out several vials before removing his memories and placing them inside. "You might want to give these to Sirius. He'll no doubt also want to see yours." Harry then also wrote out a transfer recommendation, and he passed that to Cassandra. "And he'll need this for Lucy. I told her I'd meet her at the apparition point in an hour, so you've got about forty minutes. You'd better go pack."

Cassandra kissed Harry on the cheek. "I'll see you later."

Forty minutes later, Harry met both girls at the apparition point. "Trainee Viking, you'll be taking an international portkey back to London with Auror Black, who has kindly offered to let you stay with her until we set you up with something more permanent." Harry reached into his pocket and removed a portkey. "Auror Black, the password is your middle name and my last name."

"Thank you, Sir." Cassandra slipped it into her pocket.

Harry told Cassandra what else he wanted her to do. "When you arrive back today, tell Commander Black I'll speak to him by international floo on Monday morning."

Cassandra had hoped to put off speaking to Sirius until Monday but knew now that she couldn't. "Yes, Sir."

Harry smiled at Lucy. "I look forward to seeing you in my classes."

Lucy held out her hand. "Thank you for the opportunity, Sir."

"I hope you make the most of it." Harry let go, and turned back to Cassandra. "I'll see you in a week, Auror Black."

"Yes, Sir." Cassandra took Lucy's hand, and put her other hand into her pocket. "Eleanor Sebastian."

The two then vanished.