Harry stared miserably out at the darkened gray sky. Hundreds of Hogwarts students were running down the hill to Hogsmeade. Harry sighed. If only he could join them.
Dumbledore had been waiting at the door for Harry, just as he was about to get his car of his key ring. He held out a knobby, wrinkled old hand in front of him and said, "Sorry Harry, you cant go today."
Katherine, Hermione and Ron had given him pity looks, but didn't want to stay in the castle and left. Harry had thrown Hermione the car and the keys and went up to the dorms.
Somebody knocked on the door.
"Are you decent?" It was McGonagall.
"Always." Harry said and opened the door. "What's up?"
"A letter for you." She handed a letter that had already been opened.
"You checking my mail for something?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not, but the Headmaster is. Says he has a premonition…well this one's harmless." She turned to leave. Harry opened his mind to see if he could catch her thoughts. ~* I wonder if he'll think of using James's blasted cloak to get out…~*
Harry grinned at the uptight Professor's back. Maybe she really was nice on the inside. But he decided to leave this for later and opened the letter.
Dear Harry,
I'm doing well, and it was nice to hear from you again. No, I'm not starving because I'm staying with Remus (That's Professor Lupin to you, though) and he's not too bad of a cook…for a werewolf. Yes, Remus I do see you reading this over my shoulder.
Tell me more about this girl. Does she have potential? Oh and even though you told me not to meddle, I think you should find a girlfriend or boyfriend. No, don't give me that look, you know I'm just joking.
Well, onto more serious manners. I'm afraid I have a twinge of bad news. Our favorite person (Peter) was spotted the other day, I don't know if you heard. But if he's active still it means so is Voldemort. So most likely your teachers are going to pen you in again. We can't have you dying again. I know you hate hearing this, but you need to watch your back and be careful these days. I'm sure he's got some even worse fate for you this time. And I needn't remind you that you are at risk.
Maybe I'll see you sooner than you think,
Snuffles
(P.S. don't use your father's cloak to get out of the castle Harry. You're over using that trick.)
Harry rolled his eyes and shut the letter. He loved hearing from Sirius, but it was true that he hated hearing about protection.
Had Peter really been sighted? The thought made his stomach churn and his head spin.
Or was that actually the thought making that happen.
Harry wretched and threw up on the ground.
Disgusted at his spinelessness he quickly cleaned it up magically. Somebody knocked on the door again and Harry quickly straitened up and looked as innocent as possible as the door opened.
It was Dumbledore. Harry wondered why he was so tense.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't let you got to Hogsmeade today, Harry." He began earnestly. "But I do have reasons. Peter Pet-"
"I know." Harry waved the letter in the air. "Sirius told me all about it."
"Ah."
"So now what?"
"Well, I suggest you burn the letter for starters."
"I was just about to when you came in." Harry lied. He threw the envelope across the room and before it hit the ground he thought ~* Please burn ~* and it blew up. Dumbledore grinned and adjusted his glasses.
"I see you still possess that power."
"Yeah. I barely ever use it, but I have it."
"It may come in handy some time." Dumbledore said, looking at where the letter had blown up. "Ashes?"
"What? Oh- um." The trashcan flew across the room and a dustpan began sweeping ashes into it. Dumbledore looked slightly miffed. Not angry or confused just miffed.
"Telekinetic?"
"I guess so." Harry shrugged.
"Well you must have gotten that from your mother." He pulled at his beard for a second and then continued. "Until we get more information about Wormtail, I'm afraid you are confined to the castle. That includes Quidditch."
"WHAT?" Harry yelped and jumped up from the bed. Dumbledore nodded solemnly, avoiding his eyes. "I fail to see why Wormtail's sighting has anything to do with Quidditch!"
"You can never be to safe." Dumbledore said. "Remember Professor Quirell. He tried to-"
"But he's gone and my broom has an Anti-Hex in it!" Harry said.
"You also fell off your broom in your third-"
"That was when we had Dementors at school and I didn't know that Patronus!" Harry said.
"And the Bludger in your second year-"
"Was set off by Dobby because he didn't want me to get hurt by the Chamber of Secrets."
"You have proved me wrong many times." Dumbledore said fairly. " But this is dangerous, Harry. You could die."
"Hey I could die walking to my next class to if Crabbe stepped on me, but I still make it through everyday, don't I?"
"I can't win with you." Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose we'll be up all night arguing over this."
"Yes we will, or until I win. Which ever comes first."
"Harry act your age." A stern voice said from the door. Harry forgot Quidditch for the moment to look up. He started a little as he realized it was a very heavily cloaked Sirius. His face was hiding behind a monstrous baraclava. Next to him has Professor Lupin looking perfectly happy and very shabby.
"Hi Harry." He said. Harry blinked twice before realizing somebody was speaking to him. Harry smiled as he regained composure and shook his hand warmly
"Hey." Harry said.
Sirius was still looking cross at the fact that Harry was arguing with Dumbledore.
"It happens a lot around here." Dumbledore said and shook hands with Lupin and then with Sirius. Sirius still didn't look reassured but embraced Harry anyways, ruffling his hair.
"Still no growth spurt, eh?" He teased when he pulled away.
Harry blushed and glared.
"What're YOU doing here? Both of you!" He asked, his eyes shifty. Sirius looked a little guilty.
"Well, first off aren't you GLAD we came?" Harry nodded, so he continued. "We were going to come next month but I was bored and so was Remus. So we- uh- left?"
Harry grinned. "Just like that, eh?"
"I can't believe I'm getting this from you." Sirius said and shook his head.
Remus was still beaming. "I'm glad to be back. Ever since Malfoy got kicked off the board they've been wanting me to teach again…"
"What are you going to teach?"
"What do you think?" Sirius said.
"Oh shut up both of you." Remus snapped.
"He will be replacing Madame Hooch, actually."
Sirius glared at his friend. "You told me you were going to teach Defense against the-"
"No, you assumed that, Padfoot." Lupin said.
"So what are you doing here then?" Harry asked, half dreading the answer.
"I taking back my old position of body guard."
Harry looked exasperatedly at Dumbledore who smiled innocently. "Harry I was going to strike a deal with you before they came in."
"And?" Harry said.
"AND, I was going to say that if you agree to a bodyguard, you can play on the team."
"Well…" Harry weighed his options delicately.
"Oh, hurry up." Sirius whined in a dog like manor. Harry gave up and sighed.
"Fiiiiiinnnnnnneeeeee. Be that way."
Sirius and Lupin grinned. The door suddenly swung open and Sirius quickly made himself a dog. Lupin jumped and Dumbledore was his normal calm.
Harry's stomach lurched horribly when he saw that it was Katherine. He didn't know if he was going to be sick again or if it was the fact that Katherine was face to face with her father without knowing it.
Suddenly they both barfed at the same time.
Lupin burst out laughing and Sirius was looking from her to Harry and then back again. Dumbledore was still looking calm and cleaned up the mess.
"Synchronized Spewing?" Lupin asked, gasping for breath.
"Yeah, I've been feeling gross all day." Katherine admitted slowly.
"Me too." Harry said.
~* Who knew that I was allergic to peanut butter Bertie Botts? ~* She thought to Harry innocently.
~* So you were the reason I threw up just now? ~*
~* Yeah, Sorry! ~*
"You'd better be." Harry said out loud. ~* Oh shit ~*
~* Smooth ~*
~* Why don't you rub it in a little more? ~*
~* They're staring, dope head. Smile! ~*
"Professor Lupin, I'd like you to meet my friend Katherine Stuart." Harry said uncomfortably, looking at Katherine and Sirius with guilt.
"Nice to meet you." Lupin shook hands with her.
"You too. And who is this?" She put on a baby face and scratched behind Sirius's ears to Harry's absolute horror.
~* Don't do that! ~*
~* Why not? He's really cute! ~*
"Katherine this is Snuffles." Harry said and snatched her hand away silently. ~* Are you mad? ~*
~* Yes! Why can't I pet the dog? ~*
~* He's not really a dog, dip shit. ~*
"Oh really?" She said out loud and blanched. ~* Damn! ~*
~* You're not living that one down. ~*
~* Whatever. ~*
"Am I missing something?" Lupin asked.
"Not really." Katherine said with a quick glare. ~* Tell me why I can't touch the dog! ~*
"Later, Katherine. I'll explain later."
Dumbledore was looking at them oddly. "You two can talk later, Harry is right. Will you excuse us a few minutes, Katherine?"
"Sure?" She looked puzzled and ducked out of the room and Lupin replaced the door.
"Harry, Snuffles will be staying here for a while until this all blows over okay?"
"Yeah. That's fine." Harry said. "Just peachy."
"Can I go clean out Madame Hooch's office? She is leaving today, isn't she?"
"Yes she is retiring today." Dumbledore said.
"I'll be off then. See you Harry, Dumbledore, MUTT."
Sirius growled.
"I think I'll be off to." Dumbledore said. "Remember. You stick to the castle, Harry."
"Whatever."
"Not whatever, you will do it."
"Yes sir."
"Have a good day." He left with Lupin.
"Can I come in now?" Katherine called from outside.
"Yes."
"Can we talk about this now?"
"No."
'Why not?"
~* The walls have ears! ~*
"I only see a dog, Harry. Are you going crazy on me?"
~* Not a dog, Kat. Nothing close to a dog. ~*
~* Yeah? Well what is it then? ~*
~* Promise not to kill me? ~*
~* No. ~*
~* Oh grrr! ~*
~* Just tell me! ~*
~* It's, well…this is going to come as a shock to you… but. ~*
"JUST SPIT IT OUT!"
~* That's Sirius Black. ~* Harry said and winced. ~* My godfather, your FATHER. ~*
"I am so going to kill you. You couldn't even tell me, eh?"
"Hey, I wasn't expecting to see-"
"The hell you weren't!"
"Seriously!" Harry cried. ~* Do you want me to introduce you to him? ~*
"NO!"
"You don't have to scream."
"Yes I do. You are an idiot, Harry!"
"I had no control over this!"
Sirius barked to silence them. Harry listened in on Sirius's thoughts for a second. ~* They sound like an old married couple bickering like that…~*
"WE ARE NOT ACTING LIKE AN OLD MARRIED COUPLE!" They both shouted to Sirius at the same time.
~* What the fuck? ~* Sirius thought fervently. Harry was shocked to hear him curse, just as Katherine obviously was. He had just never pictured Sirius cussing.
Katherine had dissolved into exasperated tears.
"Telepathic, Siri - Snuffles. She is too."
~* That's screwed up! Don't listen to my thoughts! ~*
"I don't try to. Neither of us does. It just happens."
~* Who is she? ~* Sirius wondered. At this Katherine began sobbing louder.
"Later." Harry said. "I don't want to deal with this now."
Sirius barked again and cursed in his mind.
"Katherine, why'd you come back from Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"I dunno, Harry. I was feeling crappy and sick and I had a feeling something was happening."
"Do you feel any better now?"
"Worse." She moaned. "Why did you have to drop this on me now?"
"You think I meant to? And plus if I didn't, I would have a very guilty conscience."
"You think so, eh?" She said. Kat looked at Harry for a long time. "How could anybody stay mad at you for long?"
"Um." Harry said. Katherine hugged him.
"You're to nice."
"You're getting my shirt wet." Harry said gruffly. "Now listen. Kat, if you don't confront the problem now, when will you?"
"I was hoping you would-" She broke off and looked at the dog. ~* I was hoping that you would tell him sometime. I don't have the guts. ~*
"Yeah, I suppose I could." Harry said with a sigh. "You do so have the guts Kat. Just look at the house you're in."
"I suppose, but you will, wont you?"
"Yes, I will." Harry squirmed as she hugged him again and kissed him on the cheek.
"See you. I'm going to go to Pomfrey and get some medicine. Bye Harry and- Snuffles."
~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~*
"You told her." Sirius accused when Harry had locked the door. "She knows."
"She had to find out sometime."
"She could betray the friendship and tell my whereabouts to the entire world! Harry! I should've bitten you!"
"What, and spoil the whole 'second- father' thing? I don't think you would've."
"Hey looking at me now you wouldn't think I would have ripped up the fat lady and broken Ron's leg either."
"She wouldn't do that to me. Or you for that matter."
"Oh sure. What has she got for me?" Sirius was looking cross again.
"Sirius, were you ever married?"
"What?" The question took him off guard.
"Were you ever married?"
"What does THAT have to do with anything?"
"Everything. Just answer the question."
"Well, yes I was, a long, LONG time ago."
"So what happened after the whole Azkaban thing."
"Duh, Harry. We got divorced. Who would want a husband in Azkaban? I would have divorced me to."
"Did you have any kids?"
"I don't think I like where this is going."
"Answer me!"
"What got stuck up you're…. Yeah, one kid, okay?"
"Okay. And have you ever met her?"
"How did you know she was a girl."
"Is a girl you mean?"
"Shut up!"
"No." Harry said. "I'm trying to tell you something. You asked, 'What does she have for me?' And I'm telling you Sirius!" Sirius had gone a nasty pale. "That girl, is Katherine Stuart-Black."
"Shit Harry." Sirius said. "If you are trying to be funny this is not the time do it."
"I'm not laughing," Harry said dryly, "Are you?"
~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~*
"Hi H-Harry?" Hermione said to innocently when they arrived back from Hogsmeade. "Um- h- how was your day?"
"Perfectly horrible, and yours?"
"Um." Hermione said.
"Is that Snuffles by the fire?" Ron asked suddenly.
"Yeah." Harry said. "He's my body guard. AGAIN."
"Oh well, good to have him back." Hermione said and played with her fingers.
"Hermione, you were telling about your day?" Katherine said, prompting her.
"Oh…yeah…right. Are you in a good mood?"
"What?"
"You are really going laugh really hard when you hear this." She shifter nervously in her chair. "You see, we were driving in your car, Ron and me and…some guy pulled out in front of us and slammed on his breaks at a stop sign. One of the stop signs that's optional and well I didn't see it a first so…" Hermione's voice was getting quieter and higher by the second. "And we- uh ran into him. Hope you had a good day, Harry got to go now!"
And she started to walk away briskly.
"YOU WHAT?" Harry bellowed and the hall went deadly quiet. "YOU WHAT?"
"Harry I'm really sorry." Hermione said. "But it was the guy in front of us who's at fault! He-"
"STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN! HERMIONE MARIE GRANGER, STOP RIGHT THERE!"
"I'll pay for the new engine Harry, I will!"
"YOUR GODDAMN RIGHT YOU WILL!"
"Please don't yell at me."
"I trusted you with that car Hermione."
"I know and I'm sorry."
"Where is it now?"
"The shop."
"And how bad was it?"
"Totaled."
Harry whimpered. He loved that car.
"And the other car you ran into?"
"The same."
"Thank god you're okay." Harry said and opened his arms to her. She ran and hugged him. "But you are still paying for the damage."
She grinned into his hair.
Dumbledore had been waiting at the door for Harry, just as he was about to get his car of his key ring. He held out a knobby, wrinkled old hand in front of him and said, "Sorry Harry, you cant go today."
Katherine, Hermione and Ron had given him pity looks, but didn't want to stay in the castle and left. Harry had thrown Hermione the car and the keys and went up to the dorms.
Somebody knocked on the door.
"Are you decent?" It was McGonagall.
"Always." Harry said and opened the door. "What's up?"
"A letter for you." She handed a letter that had already been opened.
"You checking my mail for something?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not, but the Headmaster is. Says he has a premonition…well this one's harmless." She turned to leave. Harry opened his mind to see if he could catch her thoughts. ~* I wonder if he'll think of using James's blasted cloak to get out…~*
Harry grinned at the uptight Professor's back. Maybe she really was nice on the inside. But he decided to leave this for later and opened the letter.
Dear Harry,
I'm doing well, and it was nice to hear from you again. No, I'm not starving because I'm staying with Remus (That's Professor Lupin to you, though) and he's not too bad of a cook…for a werewolf. Yes, Remus I do see you reading this over my shoulder.
Tell me more about this girl. Does she have potential? Oh and even though you told me not to meddle, I think you should find a girlfriend or boyfriend. No, don't give me that look, you know I'm just joking.
Well, onto more serious manners. I'm afraid I have a twinge of bad news. Our favorite person (Peter) was spotted the other day, I don't know if you heard. But if he's active still it means so is Voldemort. So most likely your teachers are going to pen you in again. We can't have you dying again. I know you hate hearing this, but you need to watch your back and be careful these days. I'm sure he's got some even worse fate for you this time. And I needn't remind you that you are at risk.
Maybe I'll see you sooner than you think,
Snuffles
(P.S. don't use your father's cloak to get out of the castle Harry. You're over using that trick.)
Harry rolled his eyes and shut the letter. He loved hearing from Sirius, but it was true that he hated hearing about protection.
Had Peter really been sighted? The thought made his stomach churn and his head spin.
Or was that actually the thought making that happen.
Harry wretched and threw up on the ground.
Disgusted at his spinelessness he quickly cleaned it up magically. Somebody knocked on the door again and Harry quickly straitened up and looked as innocent as possible as the door opened.
It was Dumbledore. Harry wondered why he was so tense.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't let you got to Hogsmeade today, Harry." He began earnestly. "But I do have reasons. Peter Pet-"
"I know." Harry waved the letter in the air. "Sirius told me all about it."
"Ah."
"So now what?"
"Well, I suggest you burn the letter for starters."
"I was just about to when you came in." Harry lied. He threw the envelope across the room and before it hit the ground he thought ~* Please burn ~* and it blew up. Dumbledore grinned and adjusted his glasses.
"I see you still possess that power."
"Yeah. I barely ever use it, but I have it."
"It may come in handy some time." Dumbledore said, looking at where the letter had blown up. "Ashes?"
"What? Oh- um." The trashcan flew across the room and a dustpan began sweeping ashes into it. Dumbledore looked slightly miffed. Not angry or confused just miffed.
"Telekinetic?"
"I guess so." Harry shrugged.
"Well you must have gotten that from your mother." He pulled at his beard for a second and then continued. "Until we get more information about Wormtail, I'm afraid you are confined to the castle. That includes Quidditch."
"WHAT?" Harry yelped and jumped up from the bed. Dumbledore nodded solemnly, avoiding his eyes. "I fail to see why Wormtail's sighting has anything to do with Quidditch!"
"You can never be to safe." Dumbledore said. "Remember Professor Quirell. He tried to-"
"But he's gone and my broom has an Anti-Hex in it!" Harry said.
"You also fell off your broom in your third-"
"That was when we had Dementors at school and I didn't know that Patronus!" Harry said.
"And the Bludger in your second year-"
"Was set off by Dobby because he didn't want me to get hurt by the Chamber of Secrets."
"You have proved me wrong many times." Dumbledore said fairly. " But this is dangerous, Harry. You could die."
"Hey I could die walking to my next class to if Crabbe stepped on me, but I still make it through everyday, don't I?"
"I can't win with you." Dumbledore sighed. "I suppose we'll be up all night arguing over this."
"Yes we will, or until I win. Which ever comes first."
"Harry act your age." A stern voice said from the door. Harry forgot Quidditch for the moment to look up. He started a little as he realized it was a very heavily cloaked Sirius. His face was hiding behind a monstrous baraclava. Next to him has Professor Lupin looking perfectly happy and very shabby.
"Hi Harry." He said. Harry blinked twice before realizing somebody was speaking to him. Harry smiled as he regained composure and shook his hand warmly
"Hey." Harry said.
Sirius was still looking cross at the fact that Harry was arguing with Dumbledore.
"It happens a lot around here." Dumbledore said and shook hands with Lupin and then with Sirius. Sirius still didn't look reassured but embraced Harry anyways, ruffling his hair.
"Still no growth spurt, eh?" He teased when he pulled away.
Harry blushed and glared.
"What're YOU doing here? Both of you!" He asked, his eyes shifty. Sirius looked a little guilty.
"Well, first off aren't you GLAD we came?" Harry nodded, so he continued. "We were going to come next month but I was bored and so was Remus. So we- uh- left?"
Harry grinned. "Just like that, eh?"
"I can't believe I'm getting this from you." Sirius said and shook his head.
Remus was still beaming. "I'm glad to be back. Ever since Malfoy got kicked off the board they've been wanting me to teach again…"
"What are you going to teach?"
"What do you think?" Sirius said.
"Oh shut up both of you." Remus snapped.
"He will be replacing Madame Hooch, actually."
Sirius glared at his friend. "You told me you were going to teach Defense against the-"
"No, you assumed that, Padfoot." Lupin said.
"So what are you doing here then?" Harry asked, half dreading the answer.
"I taking back my old position of body guard."
Harry looked exasperatedly at Dumbledore who smiled innocently. "Harry I was going to strike a deal with you before they came in."
"And?" Harry said.
"AND, I was going to say that if you agree to a bodyguard, you can play on the team."
"Well…" Harry weighed his options delicately.
"Oh, hurry up." Sirius whined in a dog like manor. Harry gave up and sighed.
"Fiiiiiinnnnnnneeeeee. Be that way."
Sirius and Lupin grinned. The door suddenly swung open and Sirius quickly made himself a dog. Lupin jumped and Dumbledore was his normal calm.
Harry's stomach lurched horribly when he saw that it was Katherine. He didn't know if he was going to be sick again or if it was the fact that Katherine was face to face with her father without knowing it.
Suddenly they both barfed at the same time.
Lupin burst out laughing and Sirius was looking from her to Harry and then back again. Dumbledore was still looking calm and cleaned up the mess.
"Synchronized Spewing?" Lupin asked, gasping for breath.
"Yeah, I've been feeling gross all day." Katherine admitted slowly.
"Me too." Harry said.
~* Who knew that I was allergic to peanut butter Bertie Botts? ~* She thought to Harry innocently.
~* So you were the reason I threw up just now? ~*
~* Yeah, Sorry! ~*
"You'd better be." Harry said out loud. ~* Oh shit ~*
~* Smooth ~*
~* Why don't you rub it in a little more? ~*
~* They're staring, dope head. Smile! ~*
"Professor Lupin, I'd like you to meet my friend Katherine Stuart." Harry said uncomfortably, looking at Katherine and Sirius with guilt.
"Nice to meet you." Lupin shook hands with her.
"You too. And who is this?" She put on a baby face and scratched behind Sirius's ears to Harry's absolute horror.
~* Don't do that! ~*
~* Why not? He's really cute! ~*
"Katherine this is Snuffles." Harry said and snatched her hand away silently. ~* Are you mad? ~*
~* Yes! Why can't I pet the dog? ~*
~* He's not really a dog, dip shit. ~*
"Oh really?" She said out loud and blanched. ~* Damn! ~*
~* You're not living that one down. ~*
~* Whatever. ~*
"Am I missing something?" Lupin asked.
"Not really." Katherine said with a quick glare. ~* Tell me why I can't touch the dog! ~*
"Later, Katherine. I'll explain later."
Dumbledore was looking at them oddly. "You two can talk later, Harry is right. Will you excuse us a few minutes, Katherine?"
"Sure?" She looked puzzled and ducked out of the room and Lupin replaced the door.
"Harry, Snuffles will be staying here for a while until this all blows over okay?"
"Yeah. That's fine." Harry said. "Just peachy."
"Can I go clean out Madame Hooch's office? She is leaving today, isn't she?"
"Yes she is retiring today." Dumbledore said.
"I'll be off then. See you Harry, Dumbledore, MUTT."
Sirius growled.
"I think I'll be off to." Dumbledore said. "Remember. You stick to the castle, Harry."
"Whatever."
"Not whatever, you will do it."
"Yes sir."
"Have a good day." He left with Lupin.
"Can I come in now?" Katherine called from outside.
"Yes."
"Can we talk about this now?"
"No."
'Why not?"
~* The walls have ears! ~*
"I only see a dog, Harry. Are you going crazy on me?"
~* Not a dog, Kat. Nothing close to a dog. ~*
~* Yeah? Well what is it then? ~*
~* Promise not to kill me? ~*
~* No. ~*
~* Oh grrr! ~*
~* Just tell me! ~*
~* It's, well…this is going to come as a shock to you… but. ~*
"JUST SPIT IT OUT!"
~* That's Sirius Black. ~* Harry said and winced. ~* My godfather, your FATHER. ~*
"I am so going to kill you. You couldn't even tell me, eh?"
"Hey, I wasn't expecting to see-"
"The hell you weren't!"
"Seriously!" Harry cried. ~* Do you want me to introduce you to him? ~*
"NO!"
"You don't have to scream."
"Yes I do. You are an idiot, Harry!"
"I had no control over this!"
Sirius barked to silence them. Harry listened in on Sirius's thoughts for a second. ~* They sound like an old married couple bickering like that…~*
"WE ARE NOT ACTING LIKE AN OLD MARRIED COUPLE!" They both shouted to Sirius at the same time.
~* What the fuck? ~* Sirius thought fervently. Harry was shocked to hear him curse, just as Katherine obviously was. He had just never pictured Sirius cussing.
Katherine had dissolved into exasperated tears.
"Telepathic, Siri - Snuffles. She is too."
~* That's screwed up! Don't listen to my thoughts! ~*
"I don't try to. Neither of us does. It just happens."
~* Who is she? ~* Sirius wondered. At this Katherine began sobbing louder.
"Later." Harry said. "I don't want to deal with this now."
Sirius barked again and cursed in his mind.
"Katherine, why'd you come back from Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"I dunno, Harry. I was feeling crappy and sick and I had a feeling something was happening."
"Do you feel any better now?"
"Worse." She moaned. "Why did you have to drop this on me now?"
"You think I meant to? And plus if I didn't, I would have a very guilty conscience."
"You think so, eh?" She said. Kat looked at Harry for a long time. "How could anybody stay mad at you for long?"
"Um." Harry said. Katherine hugged him.
"You're to nice."
"You're getting my shirt wet." Harry said gruffly. "Now listen. Kat, if you don't confront the problem now, when will you?"
"I was hoping you would-" She broke off and looked at the dog. ~* I was hoping that you would tell him sometime. I don't have the guts. ~*
"Yeah, I suppose I could." Harry said with a sigh. "You do so have the guts Kat. Just look at the house you're in."
"I suppose, but you will, wont you?"
"Yes, I will." Harry squirmed as she hugged him again and kissed him on the cheek.
"See you. I'm going to go to Pomfrey and get some medicine. Bye Harry and- Snuffles."
~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~*
"You told her." Sirius accused when Harry had locked the door. "She knows."
"She had to find out sometime."
"She could betray the friendship and tell my whereabouts to the entire world! Harry! I should've bitten you!"
"What, and spoil the whole 'second- father' thing? I don't think you would've."
"Hey looking at me now you wouldn't think I would have ripped up the fat lady and broken Ron's leg either."
"She wouldn't do that to me. Or you for that matter."
"Oh sure. What has she got for me?" Sirius was looking cross again.
"Sirius, were you ever married?"
"What?" The question took him off guard.
"Were you ever married?"
"What does THAT have to do with anything?"
"Everything. Just answer the question."
"Well, yes I was, a long, LONG time ago."
"So what happened after the whole Azkaban thing."
"Duh, Harry. We got divorced. Who would want a husband in Azkaban? I would have divorced me to."
"Did you have any kids?"
"I don't think I like where this is going."
"Answer me!"
"What got stuck up you're…. Yeah, one kid, okay?"
"Okay. And have you ever met her?"
"How did you know she was a girl."
"Is a girl you mean?"
"Shut up!"
"No." Harry said. "I'm trying to tell you something. You asked, 'What does she have for me?' And I'm telling you Sirius!" Sirius had gone a nasty pale. "That girl, is Katherine Stuart-Black."
"Shit Harry." Sirius said. "If you are trying to be funny this is not the time do it."
"I'm not laughing," Harry said dryly, "Are you?"
~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~* ~*
"Hi H-Harry?" Hermione said to innocently when they arrived back from Hogsmeade. "Um- h- how was your day?"
"Perfectly horrible, and yours?"
"Um." Hermione said.
"Is that Snuffles by the fire?" Ron asked suddenly.
"Yeah." Harry said. "He's my body guard. AGAIN."
"Oh well, good to have him back." Hermione said and played with her fingers.
"Hermione, you were telling about your day?" Katherine said, prompting her.
"Oh…yeah…right. Are you in a good mood?"
"What?"
"You are really going laugh really hard when you hear this." She shifter nervously in her chair. "You see, we were driving in your car, Ron and me and…some guy pulled out in front of us and slammed on his breaks at a stop sign. One of the stop signs that's optional and well I didn't see it a first so…" Hermione's voice was getting quieter and higher by the second. "And we- uh ran into him. Hope you had a good day, Harry got to go now!"
And she started to walk away briskly.
"YOU WHAT?" Harry bellowed and the hall went deadly quiet. "YOU WHAT?"
"Harry I'm really sorry." Hermione said. "But it was the guy in front of us who's at fault! He-"
"STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN! HERMIONE MARIE GRANGER, STOP RIGHT THERE!"
"I'll pay for the new engine Harry, I will!"
"YOUR GODDAMN RIGHT YOU WILL!"
"Please don't yell at me."
"I trusted you with that car Hermione."
"I know and I'm sorry."
"Where is it now?"
"The shop."
"And how bad was it?"
"Totaled."
Harry whimpered. He loved that car.
"And the other car you ran into?"
"The same."
"Thank god you're okay." Harry said and opened his arms to her. She ran and hugged him. "But you are still paying for the damage."
She grinned into his hair.
