Chapter 15

Kagato sat down at the base of the statue that concealed the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Alex sat next to him, her head lying on his shoulder and her eyes closed.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm not going to like what he has to tell me?" She sighed. Kagato put his arm around her and gently hugged her.

"Everything will be all right. You'll see."

"I'm not so sure about that. By the way," she opened her eyes and smiled at him, "thanks for staying with me." He grinned and kissed the top of her head.

"I would never let you go through this alone." He touched her cheek and looked into her eyes. "I will always be here if you need me. I promise." She blushed and closed her eyes. He leaned in and gently kissed her. She felt as if everything around her had vanished...until she heard someone clearing their throat. Alex pulled away from Kagato, kept her eyes closed and trembled. Kagato stood up and nervously looked at Dumbledore. "Umm, sir, we, we were waiting for you. I, I don't know the password." Dumbledore smiled. He was alone. Alex opened one eye; her whole face was red.

"It is all right my boy. Please help Alex to my office." He gave the password and the gargoyle moved aside. Kagato helped her to her feet and they followed Dumbledore to his office. He motioned for them to take a seat. "Now, Kagato I am letting you stay because I know Alex will need a friend when I am finished telling her what she needs to know."

Harry was setting up the Quidditch tryout schedule when Kagato came in holding Alex very close to him. She kept her head down and looked to be in tears. He walked her over to a corner and sat down, pulling her into his lap. Harry got up and went over to them. He noticed that Alex was shaking.

"What happened?" Kagato shook his head and idly ran his hand through her hair.

"Not now Harry. Not now." Harry crossed his arms.

"It can't be that bad. I mean I know everything you know about this. Please tell me why she is crying?"

"I can't. Harry, I'll tell you, but not right now. Please, not now." Kagato was now holding her, as if protecting her from something. Harry sighed and walked back to his schedule. Ron came down the stairs, frowned at Kagato as he walked over to Harry.

"What's up with them? Why do they look like they've seen a ghost?" Harry dropped his quill and looked up at Ron.

"I don't know. Kagato won't tell me and Alex is in tears. He promised to tell me later. I just get the feeling some thing is very wrong Ron." They were both looking over at Kagato and Alex. Kagato was rubbing her back and looked very worried. Cat came down the stairs and walked over to Harry and Ron.

"Hey Harry." Cat looked over at them, then back to Harry. "I take it he's told her?" Harry shrugged.

"I don't know what she's been told. Kagato won't tell me." Cat sat down, as did Ron. "He said he'd tell me later. But I don't like seeing Alex this upset and not being able to do anything about it." Cat sighed.

"Harry, there may be nothing that you can do. For now, I think it may be best if Kagato takes care of her." Cat caught Ron's look of disappointment. "I didn't say not to help her, just, let him comfort her. He seems to have a knack for it." Ron shook his head and went back to his room. Cat got up and left the common room. Harry finished the schedule, posted it on the board and left the common room as well.