Chapter Eleven Moonlight

Katherine's skin was filled with scratches from the fall, her hair a mess. Memories that she wanted to remember were starting to cause her to come in larger waves. She wanted to remember but the fear of knowing it all, haunted her. The walk to the park continued. She saw him afar. Watching him closely.

Remus Lupin was sitting on the bench within the park, his fingers were clasped together placed upon his lap. Katherine couldn't help but think how he was like a statue. She slowed her pace; the wind made her skin feel cold. Wind before a full moon was always chilly. Asking him on a full-moon was risky, doubt began to plant a seed in her mind.

She needed to turn away. Run away. It was a mistake. Each step closer to Lupin her inner voice became louder. To run and cancel it all. She couldn't do that. So many people gave their time and were doing things to help her, gain her happiness.

Katherine reminded herself how Samuel was planning to take the short trip to America to make sure all was ok. That the house he found for them using Katherine's money, would work. Charity was willing to uproot her life, planning to live with Katherine and help raise the boy. She even convinced Lovegood with making documents for everyone. Money always talked.

Except for Lupin, Katherine knew she couldn't use money to convince him. She needed him to make it work. Getting out of Britian was one thing, but to have a help diversion still at home was helpful. Wanting him to make sure others did not hear of the news, tie up any loose ends that Katherine may have forgotten.

Lupin mattered.

Standing in front the young wizard, everything around them seemed to vanish from her sight. He was her one and only focus.

"May I sit?" She asked.

Lupin scooted offering her a warm smile. He was the correct person to ask for help, Katherine assured herself.

The pair talked for what felt like hours. Birds had stopped flying around the sky and started to settle in their nearby nest. Lupin had taken it upon himself to speak about the different birds that were near them, briefly bringing up how Lily enjoyed birdwatching. Their conversation drifted to the Potters.

Talking about the Potters was difficult for Katherine, but hearing Lupin speak highly of them, was perfect. It reminded her that their meeting was not for nothing, it was all for Harry. Reaching over, she squeezed his arm, offering a smile. Unable to procrastinate the topic any longer. The interruption did not come from her.

"I'm enjoying us meeting and talking." Lupin said.

"Same," Katherine added, she pinched her fingers secretly trying to build up the courage to say it, "Have you heard anything about Harry living with those muggles." Over pausing between words.

The park was empty, they were alone at last.

Remus nodded, staying silent. It was hard to read his judgement on the idea. Repositioning her legs, she couldn't help herself from fidgeting. Scared from her own thoughts Katherine didn't know if she could continue. Lupin's hand gently grabbed her kneecap. Giving a small gentle squeeze. It was the reassurance that she needed.

"I don't get it; I do not agree with it at all." Katherine said.

Lupin leaned back; Katherine explained. She explained the feeling and her opinion on Lily's sister and her husband. Lupin never nodded in agreement but watched her mouth as she spoke each word. Katherine wanted him to understand, she reached for the hand that stayed on her knee. She noticed his hand was much larger than hers, he wasn't the lanky boy she knew growing up.

"What would you suggest?" Lupin asked, his body turned in her direction. Katherine kept her back pressed against the bench his hand in hers.

It was now or never.

"For hi-him to live with me," Katherine stuttered. Her lashes tickled below her eyes, darkness took over her vision, she didn't want to reopen her eyes.

His hand moved away from her grasp, "Snape would allow it," he asked.

She was unprepared for that question, nearly forgetting she had a husband. They were husband and wife by name only. Shaking her head. Katherine's eyes fluttered open. Lupin was staring at her. His eyes were still holding the warm caring gaze from earlier. His lips were pressed firm together. Unsure how the man felt. Every part of him was giving mix signals.

"I want my godchild. I'd give him the life he deserves." With the words leaving her lips she felt relieved. The truth was out.

"I know you love him, but it is not up to you Katherine." Lupin scratched his chin inclining his head a bit. She noticed small scars on his neck. She traced his features again, trying to read him.

"It can be," Katherine leaned closer, "for it to be possible I need your help." The warmth of his breath touched her lips.

Lupin pushed his body away giving space between them. "Possible?" He queried.

"To take him away, to raise him and give him love, we both deserve a true family."

"No, Katherine you are speaking nonsenses now. Dumbledore has picked Lily's family for a reason."

His words stung, trying to wrap her mind around his response. The hope she had was slipping thru her fingers. Her breathing started to quicken. Shaking her head in disbelief. She was foolish to forget the biggest hurdle to cross.

"Everything goes back to that old man!"

"Do not drag his name and say words you will regret." Lupin's voice stern.

She could tell he was becoming uneasy about the topic. Lupin no longer was sitting near her but standing behind the bench. His hand gripped the wood, using it as support to keep his body upright.

Katherine turned her body to face Lupin. "Even without your help, I'm taking him, it's going to be done. I just wished you would help me." Her hand reached for his, he pulled away.

"It is wrong, you cannot go in a home and steal a child. A child that does not belong to you." Lupin stated calmy.

Her vision was blurry, running her fingers thru her hair, "He belongs with me."

Lupin's head dropped, "I'm sorry."

Katherine stood, taking a few steps away from the bench, away from Remus. "You will not help your friend's sister rescue his child?" This was not how she expected this plan to go. Everything was falling apart.

"I will tell the Ministry and Dumbledore of your plan, as part of the original Order, it is my job to keep Harry safe. We all agreed, his safety is here."

Katherine was shocked. He would rather turn her in then help get Harry out of this place.

"Tell me you will forget this plan, or tomorrow morning I will inform them of it." Lupin stated.

She told her brother's friend of her plan and he wasn't on her side. Backing away, she couldn't allow everything her and Charity did to crumble. Nothing was going to stop her. She ran. Leaving Lupin alone.

It was a full moon tonight. She knew that the plan needed to happen before tomorrow. Lupin being forced to shift into his werewolf form would give her enough time. He would be in hiding. And they would be gone, hopefully. She continued to run. Heading to the one person that would help her.

Charity.

Katherine had explained everything to Charity. The words that were exchanged between Lupin and herself. Nothing was a secret. Assuring Charity, she could turn around anytime. Charity never left. Instead, both women were squatting in the shrubs near the Durley's door. They were waiting for the couple walking the pavement in the neighborhood would enter their home. Not wanting to lose balance, Katherine wrapped her hand around the branch of the shrub. The thorns pierced her skin, keeping herself focused on the task before her, Katherine ignored the throbbing pain coming from her hand.

Charity had sweat bullets coming from her hairline, biting her bottom lip, averting her eyes to the main door of the Dursleys' home. The couple was finally in their home. Slowly her friend stood, her knees trembled getting up. Katherine stayed silent in the bush. Her grip around the branch never released. Both women were focused.

Charity stood in front of the door, her hand holding her wand shook. Katherine was waiting for the silence spell to be cast before getting up. The girls' eyes met. Charity motioned for Katherine to come.

Katherine rose from her spot making sure not to make a noise that the neighbors would not be alerted. The silence spell would keep them from being heard inside the home. Though the charm didn't seem strong, assuming it was the other spell that was trying to break thru Charity's charm. The spell that Albus kept assuring Katherine would keep Harry safe. Time would not be on their side, thanks to the other charm. Time seemed to be her enemy lately.

"Alohomora" Charity whispered.

The door clicked, both women walked in. The home was plain in the foyer except for the pictures of a chunky baby boy. No pictures of her godchild were in sight. Katherine took her first step. Her heart started to thump in her chest faster with each step. Neither girl knew where to look. Unfamiliar with the home and time running out, Katherine was planning to search every room until she had him in her arms. If he was upstairs, it would be harder to escape. Downstairs Katherine knew if a door was blocked, she could easily jump out a window with a baby.

The Kitchen was coming into view.

"Your blood is dripping on the floor" Charity whispered. Katherine froze. Looking down, she didn't realize her hand was even bleeding. The horror of Charity's words kept her still as Charity summoned a small cloth to wrap around Katherine's hand.

Evidence, she was leaving body fluid that would be evidence to connect her to this crime. After the cloth was tied on her hand, she couldn't leave the drops on the hardwood floor. Lowering herself to her knees she went to wipe the body fluid up, but it moved. The small pea size puddle, started to glide away. It moved backwards, away from the girls and back down the hallway near the railing of the stairs.

"Bloody-hell" Katherine whispered. Charity was kneeling on the side of her friend. Glancing at one another for a brief moment, they started to crawl on their hands and knees following Katherine's blood.

"What did you do?" Charity whispered.

"Nothing." Katherine said truthfully.

Katherine was to focused on the blood that she didn't look up to try and convince her friend. What was going on?

The blood was in front of the door under the stairs. A cupboard probably, she told herself. Wiping the blood with the cloth around her hand, the fun of following her body fluid needed to stop. It was the noise from the other side of the door that made both girls freeze once more.

A baby cooing.

Under the stairs was Harry. Katherine stood in the doorway looking at the precious boy a few feet away from her in a cot. His little fingers were pulling at his feet. Slowly walking toward the boy. Katherine didn't understand what had just happened with her blood but she couldn't help but smile. It was fate, it had to be fate. Her blood took her to the exact spot where Harry was.

Kneeling next to the cot, staring at the miniature James. Harry's green eyes landed on her; his little mouth became wide showing a toothless grin. Katherine reached for the boy. His body felt normal in her arms. Her heart could burst with joy with her brother's child in her arms. She couldn't help it, Katherine squeezed his soft little body, lips pressing on the top of his head as she inhaled his sweet baby scent. Wanting to stay in the moment, but a loud shrinking baby cry from up above forced her feet to head to the door.

Hearing the stirring above, she wasn't startled when Petunia's screams filled the whole house.

"VERNON! SOMEONE IS IN OUR HOME CALL THE POLICE!"

Katherine felt Charity's arm around her arm as she tried to speed them up from running. To use magic to escape wasn't a smart idea, they were planning to escape the muggle way. Leaving less of a trail to clean up if muggles saw.

Holding Harry close to her body, Katherine felt his little head bob up and down, he wasn't crying to her surprise. Instead, he was laughing. Both girls ran, running thru the streets, trying to stay in the shadows of the night. Even with a baby, Katherine was much faster, having to walk everywhere from having no wand to easily transport.

Sirens of the police cars filled the streets all around. They finally reached the park. Katherine noticed it was not as welcoming when she came earlier to visit Lupin. Instead, the moonlight made the shadows look eerie. To escape, and not be seen, that was the goal. Turning to look at her petrified friend. Katherine knew what needed to be done.

She bounced Harry up and down trying to keep him calm.

Katherine interrupted the silence "Take him to the cargo, Samuel is working, we need a diversion. I'm sure the police are on the hunt and the Ministry won't be far behind them figuring all this out."

Charity's eyes widened. "What are you going to do?"

"If somethings happen, you take him to America, no matter what, he does not return back to those muggles. Promise me."

"Katherine, you are scaring me, what are you planning to do?" Charity kept shaking her head not wanting to hear anymore.

"It's best if you don't know, but my advice, if I don't show up in twenty minutes you leave me behind." Katherine whispered.

Katherine kissed her godchild on the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. It was time to hand him over to Charity. It wasn't easy, she felt like she just got him. Her friend was careful with the boy, he stirred in her arms, glancing back at Katherine. Giving him a small nod and smile, she trusted Charity with him.

Everything was going to be fine.

Lupin denied her the first time, but she refused to cave, having Harry gave Katherine the confidence she needed.

The walk thru the woods seemed longer than what it actually was. With each step the twigs beneath her trainers cracked and broke. Lupin had showed her this way before, when she questioned where he went once a month. The full-moon wasn't fully up above, it gave Katherine hope. Hope that he didn't transition yet.

Standing in the area where he hid his deepest secret. The area was cluttered with trees, making the large hole in the ground seem darker than what it actually was beneath the entrance. Every step forward to the hole caused her hands to shake, it was stupid to go in a werewolf's den. Especially on a full-moon.

It had to be done.

I'm going to die, she thought.

The thought of death made her freeze in place. Katherine was scared of death. If she died, she knew that would leave Harry completely alone. Of course, he would have Charity to raise him in America, but it wasn't the same. She was family.

This has to be done. For Harry.

Lowering herself down the den, Katherine was thankful that Lupin had placed steps and a rail. The trembling didn't stop even when her feet hit the stone-ground beneath her. Looking up, the light from the moon wasn't above her. Dim lights were all around the walls, her eyes having to adjust.

Standing in the circular magical den room, it was the first time entering. Lupin had only showed her the exterior. The room seemed large because it was empty. Nothing was on the grey walls, no furniture on the stone ground. Everything dark and gloomy. The only thing that stood out to her was the silver door that had bars similar to a cell.

"What are you doing here." Lupin's voice echoed. Katherine scanned the room to look where the voice was coming from.

The cell door, held a pair of eyes that peered behind the bars. The eyes that were once full of care were narrowed upon her. Katherine took a few steps until she was in front of the cell door. Wrapping her hand around one of the large cold bars she waited for her vision to adjust. Adjusting to the darkness. Lupin's face came into focus.

Katherine was sick of it all, she wanted to tell him the truth. That not wanting to help was ruining her plans. Everything had to be rushed and now she had to worry about the muggle cops trying to close in on her and Charity. It was a high risk of getting caught. The possibility of never being able to arrive in America.

The cell was locked, preventing Lupin from getting out. Three bolts held the door shut. Top, middle and bottom. He was trapping himself in a cage for his transformation. She heard Lupin repeat his statement, asking what she was doing here.

"I wanted your help at first, but I realized you are just another pawn being placed in my way from getting what I deserve." Katherine confessed. All three bolts were on her side.

"There are things you do not understand and I'm not the person to explain it, you taking him is not a smart idea. You will put him at risk."

Everyone wanted to control her.

To control her choices.

You Know Who and Dumbledore controlling her thoughts and whom she should marry. Snape with his house rules. Now Lupin, preventing her from trying to get her happy ending. Katherine's dark hair swayed as she shook her head. Everything was a secret.

Pathetic, all men around her were becoming pathetic. Treating her like a child.

Light from the moons slowly was entering the den.

Lupin watched the light beyond where she stood, "James would not have wanted this."

"He would have wanted Harry to be happy, myself included." Katherine corrected.

"Your husband? You would leave him?" Lupin questioned.

Katherine couldn't help but laugh. The idea that Snape would be the person to keep her here. It was funny.

"You really fell for that ruse, Lupin, I despise that man. With you both being in the Order, I assumed you would know the truth. Especially since the Order is trying to control everything about Harry and myself."

Lupin's face filled with shock. She was learning that even the Order must not know every plan and secret Dumbledore had.

"You are in control of your own happiness, but stealing the boy is not the answer."

It was her answer.

Lupin stirred around before his screams unvoluntary left his mouth. His facial features twitched between the screams. Slowly his breathing became heavy, his eyes darkened before returning to his normal color.

Katherine had already unlocked the bottom latched. Lupin kept questioning her actions, keeping silent she kept waiting for him to shift more.

"Why do you think I came? To be successful in this I need a diversion, originally, I wanted you to do it willingly. Guess it was against your morals, to help your friend's sister." Katherine unlatched the middle bolt, Lupin screamed with agony.

Pain filled his eyes.

"You do not understand, Katherine, sometimes what we want isn't always the best choice for everyone."

Keeping her mouth shut, she waited. It would soon be time to unlock the top bolt.

"Do not, please", he begged, "I could harm an innocent life, the order and James wouldn't"

Katherine raised her hand to silence the man before her. "Do not speak of my family," he didn't see where the muggles kept Harry. How her godchild was left under the stairs in a cupboard. "The stupid Order couldn't protect Lily and James, they failed once. I will not fail; I will keep Harry safe."

"James died to protect his family, you would allow me to possibly kill and have death on my hands, so you can get what you want?"

"Yes."

The words left her lips. Screams from Lupin filled her ears. She watched as the man turned to a beast before her eyes. Quickly she reached for the latch, pulling it out of the socket, forcing the door to swing in her direction. Katherine allowed herself to be pushed against the dirt wall, using the cell door as a shield from the werewolf before her.

The large creature went to lunge at her but the sirens from above interrupted the wolf. Its ears perched up, turning its head toward the full moon light, giving a loud howl. The werewolf was out of the den. She wanted to scream, cry…every emotion ran thru her at the moment. She just betrayed the one kind person. To do such an evil thing seemed natural to her. It was for Harry, Katherine kept thinking over and over.

She didn't know what kind of monster she was becoming.

Her right arm started to ache. Nothing was on it. Pushing the cell door away, the pain in her right arm increased. Looking down at her arm with the white scar, it was normal. The pain. It burned, felt like fire was ripping thru her flesh.

Screams filled her ears, her own screams.

Tracing the white scar, she didn't understand why her mind was playing tricks on her. Nothing was on her.

A wet tongue, no nothing was on her arm, but she felt it. She felt a tongue trace over the scar, but nothing was there.

It was gone, the feeling of pain from a deep cut and a wet tongue licking the cut. It was just a nightmare.

Katherine's body was drenched in a cold sweat, climbing out the den. Reminding herself this was for Harry, to keep him safe. She couldn't stay and worry about her arm, she had to leave. Twenty minutes was the limit. Not wanting to be left behind, Katherine ignored her achy legs. She ran.

Katherine made her way to the Cargo shipment facility. Hoping the diversion of Lupin being a werewolf would cause muggles to need their minds to be obliviated.

Being close to her happy ending, it was within her grasp.

Thank you for reading! I appreciate the reviews, favs and alerts...

Chapter 12: Where it begins

GhostWriter: Thank you! The reason Sirius gets along with Katherine, pretty much Black living with her and James (took that from books). To her he is her brother's friend, she doesn't dislike him. In my mind, Sirius was always around growing up, he was like family. Her being in slytherin is because she has ambition.