Disclaimer – I don't own them, wish I did at times but hey a girl can dream. Anything you recognize belongs to J.K. Rowlings, anything you don't is mine.

Author's note - I would love any feedback I can get, so PLEASE review or email me at web_chick_18@hotmail.com. Thanks. =)

Chapter 7

Kalila reached the castle before Remus and Cian could find her. They searched the castle up and down becoming more concerned with each step. Just as they were about to alert they Headmaster they found her with Herimone in an alcove off the library; they were swapping stories that made Remus want to laugh aloud. Deciding it was better for his presence to be known, he cleared his throat, startling Kalila in mid sentence.

"Sorry to interrupt but I was wondering if Cian and I might join you. I have some stories about my school days that you might like."

"Of course you're welcome to join us, I was just telling Kalila about the mischief that Harry, Ron and I used to get into and she in turn was telling me about the mischief that she used to get into. But I am sure that you have many stories about you and the Marauders."

"Thanks Herimone, I only hope I can live up to that expectation."

As Remus slid into a seat next to Kalila can Cian lay down at her feet, Kalila continued telling a tale about a scrape she and a friend had gotten into in the Isles. After she had finished that tale she moved into another tale, this time one about herself and Cian, with comments and snorts from the lump at her feet. As time wore on Remus relaxed more and more in the atmosphere created by the stories, laughing and enjoying the opportunity to getting to know Kalila better. They were so entranced by the tales they were telling that they missed dinner and only the growling of their stomachs reminded them of the need for food. Smiling all four set off for the Kitchens. Once inside the House Elves sat them down at a large table and brought them an assortment of foods and desserts from dinner. Another Professor, Severus Snape, soon joined them. His classroom scowl gone as the House Elves seated him next to Herimone.

"Severus this is a surprise. Did you miss dinner as well?"

"Yes actually, I was deeply amerced in a potion and only just finished. I am surprised to see you here and Miss Granger here, I have never seen either of you miss dinner if you can avoid it."

"Everyone misses dinner once in a while Severus, but I wonder why aren't you surprised to by Kalila's presence?"

"She has spent more time here than most in the past month."

"Really? Hopefully that won't be happening as much now."

"Of quit worrying, I sent that note to the Ministry, you saw me. They weren't happy but they want me to keep me as an Auror and they want the information that my "pet" projects provide. Besides I can always see if any of the Sisterhood can take some of my work load."

"Besides as long as I am here I won't allow her to overwork herself like before, I know the sings now. As for the rest I wish you would just quit and come home Kalila."

"I can't and you know it Cian!"

As Kalila and Cian began to bicker Severus turned to Herimone and Remus with a question in eyes.

"If I may ask, what are they arguing about?"

"Kalila was on death's door a week ago because she was working herself too hard doing the jobs of two or more people. I'd thought we were all forgive, but maybe not."

Just as suddenly as the argument had begun it ended, Kalila and Cian both looking to be somewhat more relaxed. That is until Rafael was escorted to the table. Within the blink of an eye Kalila tensed and her expression became one of nothing ness. Severus and Cian tensed as well, as Rafael was seated and served.

"Well I didn't expect to see you down here Remus, you always seemed the type who wouldn't enjoy eating in the kitchen."

"Actually I've spent my fair share of time eating down here and in other kitchens. I'm just glad that the House Elves have much better cooking than I do."

"A good thing indeed. Of dear how rude I've been, who is that lovely young woman sitting next to you Severus?"

"Rafael may I introduce you to Herimone Granger the Charms Professor here at Hogworts. Herimone the is Rafael Decigo a former student here at Hogworts."

"You forgot the best part Severus, turns to Herimone I'm Kalila's father. Speaking of which, why are you here at Hogworts Kalila? The Ministry send you to play guard to the students?"

"Actually I'm teaching, spreading the rebellious ways of the Isles among the innocent youth of the wizarding world. If you'll excuse me I have some preparations for tomorrow's feast and celebration to attend to."

Before anyone could think of an answer Kalila was up and moving towards the portrait hole; she didn't look back but walked stiffly towards the door, before reaching it she stopped to thank the House Elves her voice drifting over to where the others still sat. When she finished thanking them the lines of tension in her body had eased somewhat, allowing her to step lightly into the corridor beyond the portrait hole.

"Rafael what are you doing here? I doubt that you missed dinner."

"I wanted to speak with Kalila and since the lot of you missed dinner I thought I would find you here. I can't help it if she won't remain in the same vicinity as me."

"Quit trying to corner her!"

"I am not trying to corner her!"

"You always try. Every time you try to speak with her you try to get her some place where she can't run or get away. Have you ever tried talking to her someplace other than in public? Asking her to listen instead of demanding it?"

"Well…no."

"Maybe you should. I like you far less than Kalila does, but this has been tearing her up for years now and she deserves some peace."

"So what should I do, crawl over broken glass begging for forgiveness? I doubt she would accept any apology or explanation from me."

"Of for Heaven's sake quit feeling sorry for yourself; all you can do is try and hope. Although avoiding Kalila for now would probably be good for your health."

"Why?"

"Because she's hurt, she's angry and she's learned a few things over the years that your wouldn't be able to fight against. During that time when you left the Isles after Fae's death Kalila left too. She went out into the non-magical world to live with a family friend; there she lived until she was sixteen, learning magical and non-magical skills. Then she went through the trials to become one of the Sisterhood of the Stars. At sixteen she had the position that her mother had only dreamed of, Arcane Priestess, the first since the war that separated the people of the Isles from the wizarding world a thousand years ago. At the same time she went to the Ministry and demanded that they allow her to become and Auror. It took her less than a year to finish her training and when she did her superiors were forced to sit up and take notice of her ability. Three years later here she is teaching a clad in a school of Witchcraft and Wizardry and still fighting the good fight for the side of good in this war. A week ago she was half dead because she was doing the work of a half dozen people; for the students, the ministry and for the people of the Isles. During the last twelve years have you ever stopped to think that maybe your daughter had needed you; that maybe you should have stayed with her instead of running off to God only knows where? Now if you'll excuse me Kalila needs me."

"Just one question of you Cian, how did my daughter draw such a loyal companion as yourself to her?"

"Her heart has always been overflowing with love. She loves her people and would do anything for them. She is loyal beyond belief to those she cares about. That is what drew me out of my home and off the Isles, her heart. Now I must me going before she does something irresponsible like attacking the enemies of the Isles head on."

Standing Cian left the kitchen, leaving Rafael, Remus, Severus and Herimone to ponder what had been said. Walking down the halls Cian began to plan. As much as he believed his instincts about Rafael, Kalila's happiness came first. For twelve years she had fought her need for her father, fought the need to depend on anyone or anything, but it was time for it to end.