Chapter five.
Harry stepped towards the alter table. He looked down to find chains attached to the alter. He looked more closely. There was a stain soaked into the granite stone table. Clearly some one had been killed here. Harry turned to Hagrid and Lupin. "What is this place?"
"I don't know. We must have got off the path some where. We were supposed to go some where near the middle... is this the middle?" Hagrid said and shook his head. "This place gives me the creeps."
"Your not the only one." Lupin said taking a close look at a statue. The statue was of a woman in a dress. It was like the wind was blowing fiercely. Her dress and hair looked like it was flapping in the wind. Her face was in a strong defiant expression as if she was daring the night to come for her, daring it to show it's face. He did'nt know why he got that impression. "This one looks familiar." He muttered then turned back to them.
"I have a suggestion." Harry said looking at another statue. The statue seemed sad as it looked down at him. "Lets get out of here."
"That is a good idea Harry." Hagrid said as he stared at the spot of blood on the table. They slowly walked out of the temple and down the stares. The wind began to blow and the leaves flew by. There was a creepy howl in the wind and an eerie feeling in the air.
The sooner I get out of here the better, Harry thought. There was something about the place. It was almost like he felt as if he was going to see this place again. As they walked he caught a glimpse of another statue. It was a of a woman kneeling in front of a hooded person. The hooded person held out a stick over the woman's head. The woman was looking up at the hooded person with no fear in her face, only sadness and strength.
When they reached the edge of the Dark Forest Sirius, Cathren, and Draco were coming out holding a cage fool of weird shaped animals. They looked at the other three and smiled. Their smiles soon faded when they saw the look on their faces.
"Whats wrong, you look like you've seen a ghost." Sirius said and sat the cage on the ground.
"Several infact." Lupin said rubbing his for head.
"What?" Sirius asked confused. Well it was the Dark Forest after all.
"No they were not ghosts, they were statues. But, it was where the statues were that was the creepy place." Lupin said and looked at the cage. "Well, it is almost midnight, we should get back to the school."
"Are you going to tell us what you saw?" Cathren asked interested.
"Not tonight." Lupin said and shook his head. "I think it is time we got back to the school." He really wanted to get back to the school.
They walked back up to the school and into the warmth of the hall ways. "I think I'll walk Harry and Cathren back up to the Common Room." Sirius said and they said their good nights to Lupin.
As they walked down the hall to the stairs that led to the Common Room Sirius kept glancing at Harry. "Well at least tell me something you saw." He finally said and stepped up the steps.
"We saw a temple thing. With a table and a wall in the back with funny writing." Harry said and noticed Cathren stopped short and then kept going.
"Ok." Sirius said and shook his head. As they walked they heard a short yelp. They all stopped and looked down a hall way. "What was that?"
"I... I don't know." Cathren said and looked at Harry.
"You wait here." Sirius ordered and eased down the hall way.
"Sirius...." Harry said and waited as his Godfather turned a corner.
There was another yelp. Harry took off down the hall. "Harry don't." Cathren said and followed close behind. "Harry, Sirius said stay put."
They both turned the corner to find Sirius talking to Snape. Snape was holding his arm and was shaking. He then made a face like he was in pain. Harry walked forward and Cathren followed. Harry knew what was happening. The mark was hurting. Cathren did'nt know about the mark or about Snape working for Dumbledore... did she? She would freak though if she saw the mark and did'nt.
Cathren looked down at Snape's arm and stepped back. She saw the skull and the snake. She shook her head, looking at him in disbelief. Snape realized this and pulled his sleeve down. "Cathren, listen." Snape said and stepped forward.
"Get away from me Death Eater!" Cathren yelled and stepped back, reaching in her robes for her wand.
"I'm not a Death Eater any more. I am a spy for your Great Granduncle." Snape said and looked at Sirius. "Ask Professor Black or Potter."
Cathren looked at them. They were nodding. Cathren looked back at Snape. "I believe you." She said in a soft voice. "Just, I've already had one Death Eater as a teacher I don't know if I can live through another one."
"Harry, you and Cathren go back to the Common Room. I'm going to help Professor Snape." Sirius said and looked at them.
"I don't need your help Black." Snape said and turned back into his former self. "I'll be going now." He walked down the hall quickly, holding his arm.
"Well, I think it is time for us to get to bed." Sirius said and smiled. "Good night Harry, good night Cathren."
"Good night Sirius." They said and turned to walk down the small hall to the Fat Lady portrait.
But, Sirius stopped them. "I mean it Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Cathren West, straight to the Common Room and no where else."
"We will, you worry to much Sirius." Harry said and smiled.
"Ya, relax Sirius... chill." Cathren said and they disappeared around the corner.
"Maybe I don't worry enough." Sirius muttered before walking the rest of the way down the hall.
Cathren and Harry made it to the end of the hall. They both yawned. "Gob-stopper." Harry said and smiled. "I am not that tired are you?"
"Not at all." Cathren said and yawned again. "The yawns are just reflexes."
"Reflexes of what?" Harry asked as they entered the Common Room.
"Like an alarm clock it's saying.... twelve o'clock.... twelve o'clock." She said and fell back on the couch chuckling.
"Thats understandable." Harry said and smiled. He was worn out. "Well I am tired. Now that I've gotten comfortable."
"I know what you mean." Cathren said and looked at the fire.
The fire illuminated her making her already beautiful face even more lovely. He could remember when he used to be the skinny little boy that no girl would talk to unless they heard about some heroic thing he did.
"Well, at least we can sleep in in the morning. Ah-!" He said loudly and put his hand to his for head.
Cathren looked at him rather shocked. "Harry, are you ok?" Cathren said and scooted towards him. He was holding his head now with two hands.
He let out another yell and stood up then fell to his knees. "Harry!" Cathren yelled and slammed to the floor next to him. "Whats wrong?"
"My scar." He said through gritted teeth. "It burns." It hurt so much he could feel himself blacking out.
"What can I do?" Cathren asked. She was worried, she did'nt know what to do.
Harry raised up with a cry of pain then fell over. He had passed out. "Harry!" She yelled. "Some one help!"
By that time people began to come down the stairs. Ron and Hermione ran forward. "What happened?" Hermione asked and helped Ron and Cathren flip him over on his back.
"He said his scar was hurting." Cathren said and stood up. "I'm going to get Sirius." Cathren ran out the port hole. She ran down the hall as fast as she could and turned the corner to the main hall. She almost ran into a tall man with blond hair. Clearly a relative of Malfoy, he looked just like him except older.
"Something wrong child?" He asked and smiled a brod smile.
Cathren took a step back and then looked down the hall. "I need to see Professor Black." She said and went to walk past him.
He stuck his cane out. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked and looked at her in an amused way. "You seem a little shaky child."
Cathren walked around the wall not wanting to put her back to him. He began to pull something out of his cane. "I really need to see Professor Black. If you will excuse me." She said staring at the end of his cane. She had an extremely bad feeling about the man before her. Something told her to run as fast as she could. But, if she did he would hit her with any curse he wanted. She had been taught never turn your back to an opponent.
"Is there something wrong Lucius?" A voice came from behind Cathren. She turned her head and sighed in relief. But, then the fear came back as she remembered Snape had the mark on him. She was cornered.
"Professor Snape. I need to go find Professor Black, its about Harry." Cathren said and turned side ways so that she could see the two of them.
"Go on then." Snape said and nodded. Cathren took off running down the hall.
"What are you doing here Lucius?" Snape asked suspicious.
"Our master would like to speak with you." Lucius said and smiled. "He wants to know why you have not brought the girl to him."
"Dumbledore keeps a close eye on her. I mean that, he even has the ghost check on her every now and then during the night and during the day Sirius Black or Remus Lupin are watching her. Including she is surrounded by three friends including Potter." Snape said and looked at Lucius. He had come for the girl not to ask why Voldemort did'nt have her yet.
"Well, we just had her cornered Severus. We could have had her then. Oh, our master would also like to have Potter as a house guest as well." Lucius said and then ended the conversation when he saw Sirius and Cathren coming back down the hall. "Time is of the essence." He said and disappeared down a stare case.
Snape turned. "Whats wrong with Potter?" He asked in a cold voice.
"His scar is hurting, he passed out from it." Cathren said and looked around for the man.
*
Ron looked at the open door. "What is taking her so long?" He asked and looked back down at his unconscious friend.
Hermione hoped nothing had happened to her. As she thought that Sirius, Cathren and Snape came in. Sirius ran forward when he saw Harry lying on the floor. Every one was watching. Ginny was standing over Ron looking down with consern. Sirius conjured a stretcher for Harry and they rushed out of the room as fast as the strechure would go. Snape looked at Ron, Hermione and Cathren.
"Come along." He said and they all went out of the room.
*
Harry came to the next morning. The sun shown brightly and his eyes had to agust. He was in the hospital wing. What had happened? All he remembered was his scar hurting. He looked around him. Hermione, Ron and Cathren were sitting around him. Hermione was sitting in a chair with her head on his bed a sleep. Cathren was sitting on the bed watching him and Ron was sitting up a sleep.
"Your awake." Cathren said and stood up. She nudged Ron and then Hermione. "He's awake." She said and smiled. "Are you ok?"
"Fine." Harry said tiredly. "Where is Sirius?"
"Oh, Sirius, Lupin and Snape are, as much as Snape hates it, talking about something out side." Ron said and moved around the bed to the other side.
"What are they talking about?" Harry asked.
"Don't know, we heard a couple of Cathrens and Harrys before they noticed we were listening and then they closed the doors. They said they would get us when they were through. That was last night." Hermione said and smiled. "Are you feeling ok, does your scar still hurt?"
"No." Harry said and sighed. "It has never made me pass out before for that long." He said and rubbed his for head. "How did I get here?"
"Cathren ran and got Sirius. She was a little detained at first by Malfoy's dad." Ron said and folded his arms. "I think the whole family has it in for you, Harry."
"What was that Death Eater doing here?" Harry asked and sat up with his back against the head board.
"Don't know." Cathren said and shrugged. "Snape and him were talking about something while Sirius and I ran down the hall towards him. He spotted us and quickly ran down a stare case."
"That sounds about like a Death Eater." Harry muttered and looked at his three friends. They looked so tired. Especially Hermione. "Go on to bed. I'm surprised Madam Pomfery did'nt through you out."
"Oh, she tried, but Snape told her to let us stay here for a while. I think some one kidnapped Snape and drank a polly juice potion to pretend to be him." Ron said and smiled.
"Really," Harry said and smiled at his friend. "He did'nt seemed that changed when he told us we had detention."
Right then Madam Pomfery came barging in. "I tell you Severus Snape is out to make this hospital a zoo." She said madly and stepped in front of Harry's bed. "Now you have watched him the whole night, let me take care of him now. Go on, go to bed. Shew." She said and waved her hands.
"Bye, Harry." His three friends said and waved. They walked out of the hospital and Harry was left alone and bored.
*
Harry got out of the hospital around noon that day. It seemed like forever being cooped up in that room he had come to know so well. He walked down the hall to the front doors. He thought it would be good to get some fresh air. So Harry walked out the big doors and out on to the small balcony before going off to the steps. He looked around at the students walking around in their own little groups. There was a feeling of apprehension in the air. Something did'nt feel right.
"Harry, your out." Hermione's voice sounded from behind. He turned to see his three friends.
They walked forward to stand with him. They also looked at the surroundings. He looked at Cathren. She had a look on her that said she was confused or wondering. Then in a whisper she said, "Something is diffrent."
"You feel it to?" Harry asked in the same tone.
"That is the makings of a good Auror." She said and turned to him. She searched his face for something. Then looked into his eyes. She smiled and bowed her head as she turned. She began to walk to the door.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked with an impish grin on his face. It seemed like they were growing closer than he thought or wanted to go.
"Follow me if you want to find out, but I dought you want to go to the girls bathroom." She said smiling then turned and walked through the door.
"I'll walk with you." Harry said and turned on his heels and jogged to catch up with her.
"I think they like each other." Ron said and smiled at Hermione.
"Lets hope they are as lucky as us." Hermione said and kissed Ron's cheek quickly before turning. "Shall we go and get some lunch?"
"Ya." Ron said and smiled. "But, first I want one on this cheek." He joked, not really meaning it and turned his head and put a finger to his cheek.
"You are hopeless." Hermione said and kissed him on his other cheek quickly.
*
The week went by and Christmas approach. It was Christmas Eve. Harry, Ron, Cathren and Hermione were sitting at the almost vacant Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron were playing a violent game of Wizards Chess. Hermione and Cathren were talking about finals.
"I think I did pretty good on my transfiguration test. I wish I could turn into a hawk some time." Cathren said and smiled.
"I hope I did good on my potions test." Hermione said and opened a book.
"Hermione we know you did well and you know you did well." Ron said and smiled.
"Ya, Hermione. You never fail." Harry said and his rook attacked Ron's night.
"You'll pay for that one Harry Potter." Ron said and moved his queen to take Harry's bishop. "Check."
"I wounder what it would be called if a witch played it?" Cathren asked Hermione and smiled. "Probably Wizards Chess still because a wizard invented it."
"Not actually. I wizard and a witch played it for the first time to end a war." Hermione said and looked at Ron and Harry. "Are you going to Hogsmead this afternoon to by Christmas gifts?"
"Sure are." Ron said and nodded. "Want to stop by that new tavern?"
"How about we all go." Hermione said and looked at Cathren and Harry.
"That would be nice. I want to get my Uncle something." Cathren said and closed her books.
"What are we going to get each other?" Harry asked and looked at his three friends.
"Anything is fine with me." Cathren said and shrugged.
"Same here." Ron said and looked at Hermione.
"It does not matter." Hermione said looking at Cathren. "Cathren will you come to the library with me?"
Cathren looked at Hermione. She wanted to talk to her about something. "Sure." Cathren said and gathered her books together. "Lets go." Cathren and Hermione stood up and left the great hall.
"Do you think it is a bit strange how much they go to the library. I mean Hermione goes to the library allot. But, they go allot more. She only went to the library this much when she was working so much in secrecy about something." Ron said and looked back at the board game. He moved his peace.
Harry thought for a moment and moved again. "Checkmate." Harry said and stood up. "You want to go to the library?" He asked and pulled his cloak over his shoulders. He smiled at the confused look on his face. "If your so suspicious why don't we go and check."
"Ok." Ron said and stood up. "Lets go and see."
Harry and Ron walked to the library. They walked down the eilles. They found Cathren and Hermione in the back of the library where it was quite. They were talking. Cathren put her hands to her for head and closed her eyes. Then she opened them. She said something to Hermione and Hermione ran to the book shelf and pulled a book out. She opened it up and jumped when she found what she was looking for.
"What are they doing?" Ron asked and looked at Harry.
"You want to go ask them if they are ready to go to Hogsmead. Maybe we can catch what they are saying." He said and they walked forward. Cathren looked up when they stepped forward. Almost like she could sense them there. She nudged Hermione and she closed the book. Hermione put it back and smiled.
"Are you two ready to go?" Ron asked and looked at them.
"Sure." Cathren said and picked up her books. "Can we go to the tower first. I don't want to carry these books to Hogsmead."
"Sure." Harry said and they left the library.
As soon as they opened the door to the new tavern they could hear the lively music and smell the sweet smell of what ever was on the inside. The four of them entered the tavern and looked around. It was bright and cheerful on the inside. There was a bar and some booths. In the middle it was empty except for the few couples dancing. The music was coming from the instruments playing themselves.
A cheerful witch walked up and smiled. "How can I 'elp ya?" She asked and looked at the four of them.
"We just would like a drink." Ron said and looped his arm through Hermione's.
"Ok. Pick a booth. I'll be yer waitress." She said and walked off to help some one.
They all sat down in a booth next to the wall. They put their bags under the table and began a conversation. "When we play Ravenclaw we need to use more distraction. Ravenclaw is a whole lot better than Hufflepuff." Ron said and undid his cloak, it was a lot warmer in the tavern.
"If we beat Slytherin we can beat Ravenclaw." Cathren said in almost a sigh.
"Hey Ravenclaw is pretty good." Harry said and shook his head. "But, Slytherin cheats, there for their harder to beat than Ravenclaw, it would be easier. Although I am not taking any chances."
"What will it be?" The waitress asked and looked at them in turn.
"What do you have, this is our first time here." Harry said and leaned back.
"Why don't a bring you some new Coco-butterbeer or Vinnilamilk?"
"I'll have a Vinnilamilk." Hermione said.
"The rest of us will have a Coco-butterbeer." Ron said and smiled.
"Ok." She said and walked off.
A fast little song began to play. Ron tapped Hermione on the shoulder. "Would you like to dance?" He asked and smiled.
"Would love to." Hermione said and stood up. They walked out to the middle of the room and started to dance. This left Cathren and Harry sitting down not knowing what to say.
"My friends and I would sneak out of the school sometimes to go dancing like this." Cathren said and watched her friends dance around the room.
"You sneaked out of the school. I've only sneaked out of the dorm room to look around." Harry said and smiled. "You are something else."
"Thank you." She said smiling a proud smile.
The waitress came and sat the drinks down. She gave them their check which was considerably low. Something about some one decided to by Harry's drink, Christmas gift, and decided to stay anonymous.
Cathren watched the dancing, wishing to go. She wanted to dance so much. Well, if she did'nt get to dance this time she could dance at the Seventh Year Banquet. But, that would be ball gown dancing. This was free. She had always found dancing made her feel fun and free.
Harry took a drink of his Coco-butterbeer. It was great. He looked at Ron and Hermione, out there having fun. He looked back at Cathren. He waited until she was finished with her drink before asking. "Would you like to?"
"Me?" Cathren asked and smiled. "How many times does a girl get to say she danced with the famous Harry Potter." He seemed annoyed. "But, I'll dance with you because..." She stood up and grabbed his hand. "one I like to dance and two... I like you."
"Are you afraid of anything?" Harry asked wondering what she meant by the indication. He did'nt think now was the time to ask and they danced to the happy tune. They danced around the room like every one else.
"Very little." She said and smiled. "Hermione seems more fearless."
"She is afraid to fail." Harry said and smiled. "Which every one is."
Cathren nodded and smiled. "I don't think she has to worry about that."
"What do you worry about?" He asked looking at her closely. Maybe he could trick her into telling him.
"Not living life to the fullest." Cathren said with a sly grin on her face. Did he really think she was that dumb?
Harry looked around the room. Hermione and Ron were resting and drinking their drinks. A new song began to play. In a line every one looped arms and danced around in a circle. Cathren and Harry were laughing because they did'nt know what to do. After a while they broke free and went back to the table.
"Ready to go back to the castle?" Ron asked and took a big swig of his drink.
"Sure." Harry said and pulled his cloak back on.
Every one got their cloaks and scarves back on. Then put the money on the table and gathered their packages.They headed out the door and back on the busy street. They saw Sirius and Lupin coming out of a store in front of them. They waved and began to walk over.
"What are you four doing?" Lupin asked putting one package under his arm.
"Just got through skipping around a room and drinking some hot Coco-butterbeer." Harry said eying the packages in Sirius's hands.
"Oh, no you don't. You'll have to wait until Christmas morning." Sirius said and smiled. "Where are you heading now?"
"Back to the castle." Ron said and hiccuped. "Should'nt have drank that drink so fast. But, there extremely good for a new drink."
"I'll try one." Lupin said and looked at Sirius. "Can I by you a drink Sirius?"
"What do you think Remus?" He asked and smiled a brod smile.
"I think I should'nt have asked." He said smiling back.
"See you later." Harry said and they began to walk the road to the castle.
*
Ron nudged Harry the next morning. Harry opened his eyes, he reached over for his glasses remembering he now had contacts. He raised up and smiled. Christmas. He swung his leg over and got ready to go down stairs. He put his clothes on and they ran down the steps. Cathren and Hermione were already down stairs. They were waiting on them.
"Happy Christmas!" Hermione said when she caught sight of them. Cathren turned and said. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas? You Americans do everything strange." Ron said and sat on the couch becide Hermione. "Well lets open presents."
He said that and they opened their presents. They thanked each other for the gifts and went to put them in their rooms. Seeings how it was so early and no one else was up they decided to just sit and talk for a while. When people slowly began to come down they decided to get an early breakfast then go see Sirius and Lupin.
Christmas came and went and soon winter was gone. The snow melted and the heat returned. They won the Quiditch Cup that spring and the Seventh Year Banquet was coming up, then it would be the end of school in just four months.
Harry knew the Seventh Year Banquet was coming up. That night in fact. He knew he needed a date. Hermione and Ron were going together. He figured Cathren already had a date.
She was sitting at the table doing her work. I could just ask her, he thought, but what if she already has date?
"What is it Harry?" Cathren asked not looking up from her books.
"How did you..." He could not even find the words.
"When I went to school at Night Owl I had this boy who had liked me since our first year. He was always staring and now some how I know when people are staring or glaring at me." She said finally looking up from her book and smiling. "Have you asked some one to the banquet yet?"
"No, has any one asked you?" Harry asked trying to slide on in. Did she notice?
"Nope." She said and returned to her books.
Harry paused for a moment. "Would you like... to go with me?" He asked and looked at his books.
"I would love to Harry." Cathren said and smiled.
"Ok." Harry said feeling his nerves ease. "See you tonight."
"I'll meet you at the Great Hall." Cathren said and stood up. "Bye, Harry."
"Bye." Harry said and smiled.
* * *
A/N Thanks Kyntor for your review. To answer your question, I had Snape give detention because I wanted to put him in the story some where so it would foreshadow what you read in this... if you continued to read. Plus I wanted Harry to see the Temple of Light and I figured that would be a good way to get him in the forest. After all this is my first fan fic and I am not used to working with some one elses made up characters. All I can say is I wrote what I imagened. Thanks agian. I welcome any reviews, it helps one become a better writer.
Harry stepped towards the alter table. He looked down to find chains attached to the alter. He looked more closely. There was a stain soaked into the granite stone table. Clearly some one had been killed here. Harry turned to Hagrid and Lupin. "What is this place?"
"I don't know. We must have got off the path some where. We were supposed to go some where near the middle... is this the middle?" Hagrid said and shook his head. "This place gives me the creeps."
"Your not the only one." Lupin said taking a close look at a statue. The statue was of a woman in a dress. It was like the wind was blowing fiercely. Her dress and hair looked like it was flapping in the wind. Her face was in a strong defiant expression as if she was daring the night to come for her, daring it to show it's face. He did'nt know why he got that impression. "This one looks familiar." He muttered then turned back to them.
"I have a suggestion." Harry said looking at another statue. The statue seemed sad as it looked down at him. "Lets get out of here."
"That is a good idea Harry." Hagrid said as he stared at the spot of blood on the table. They slowly walked out of the temple and down the stares. The wind began to blow and the leaves flew by. There was a creepy howl in the wind and an eerie feeling in the air.
The sooner I get out of here the better, Harry thought. There was something about the place. It was almost like he felt as if he was going to see this place again. As they walked he caught a glimpse of another statue. It was a of a woman kneeling in front of a hooded person. The hooded person held out a stick over the woman's head. The woman was looking up at the hooded person with no fear in her face, only sadness and strength.
When they reached the edge of the Dark Forest Sirius, Cathren, and Draco were coming out holding a cage fool of weird shaped animals. They looked at the other three and smiled. Their smiles soon faded when they saw the look on their faces.
"Whats wrong, you look like you've seen a ghost." Sirius said and sat the cage on the ground.
"Several infact." Lupin said rubbing his for head.
"What?" Sirius asked confused. Well it was the Dark Forest after all.
"No they were not ghosts, they were statues. But, it was where the statues were that was the creepy place." Lupin said and looked at the cage. "Well, it is almost midnight, we should get back to the school."
"Are you going to tell us what you saw?" Cathren asked interested.
"Not tonight." Lupin said and shook his head. "I think it is time we got back to the school." He really wanted to get back to the school.
They walked back up to the school and into the warmth of the hall ways. "I think I'll walk Harry and Cathren back up to the Common Room." Sirius said and they said their good nights to Lupin.
As they walked down the hall to the stairs that led to the Common Room Sirius kept glancing at Harry. "Well at least tell me something you saw." He finally said and stepped up the steps.
"We saw a temple thing. With a table and a wall in the back with funny writing." Harry said and noticed Cathren stopped short and then kept going.
"Ok." Sirius said and shook his head. As they walked they heard a short yelp. They all stopped and looked down a hall way. "What was that?"
"I... I don't know." Cathren said and looked at Harry.
"You wait here." Sirius ordered and eased down the hall way.
"Sirius...." Harry said and waited as his Godfather turned a corner.
There was another yelp. Harry took off down the hall. "Harry don't." Cathren said and followed close behind. "Harry, Sirius said stay put."
They both turned the corner to find Sirius talking to Snape. Snape was holding his arm and was shaking. He then made a face like he was in pain. Harry walked forward and Cathren followed. Harry knew what was happening. The mark was hurting. Cathren did'nt know about the mark or about Snape working for Dumbledore... did she? She would freak though if she saw the mark and did'nt.
Cathren looked down at Snape's arm and stepped back. She saw the skull and the snake. She shook her head, looking at him in disbelief. Snape realized this and pulled his sleeve down. "Cathren, listen." Snape said and stepped forward.
"Get away from me Death Eater!" Cathren yelled and stepped back, reaching in her robes for her wand.
"I'm not a Death Eater any more. I am a spy for your Great Granduncle." Snape said and looked at Sirius. "Ask Professor Black or Potter."
Cathren looked at them. They were nodding. Cathren looked back at Snape. "I believe you." She said in a soft voice. "Just, I've already had one Death Eater as a teacher I don't know if I can live through another one."
"Harry, you and Cathren go back to the Common Room. I'm going to help Professor Snape." Sirius said and looked at them.
"I don't need your help Black." Snape said and turned back into his former self. "I'll be going now." He walked down the hall quickly, holding his arm.
"Well, I think it is time for us to get to bed." Sirius said and smiled. "Good night Harry, good night Cathren."
"Good night Sirius." They said and turned to walk down the small hall to the Fat Lady portrait.
But, Sirius stopped them. "I mean it Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Cathren West, straight to the Common Room and no where else."
"We will, you worry to much Sirius." Harry said and smiled.
"Ya, relax Sirius... chill." Cathren said and they disappeared around the corner.
"Maybe I don't worry enough." Sirius muttered before walking the rest of the way down the hall.
Cathren and Harry made it to the end of the hall. They both yawned. "Gob-stopper." Harry said and smiled. "I am not that tired are you?"
"Not at all." Cathren said and yawned again. "The yawns are just reflexes."
"Reflexes of what?" Harry asked as they entered the Common Room.
"Like an alarm clock it's saying.... twelve o'clock.... twelve o'clock." She said and fell back on the couch chuckling.
"Thats understandable." Harry said and smiled. He was worn out. "Well I am tired. Now that I've gotten comfortable."
"I know what you mean." Cathren said and looked at the fire.
The fire illuminated her making her already beautiful face even more lovely. He could remember when he used to be the skinny little boy that no girl would talk to unless they heard about some heroic thing he did.
"Well, at least we can sleep in in the morning. Ah-!" He said loudly and put his hand to his for head.
Cathren looked at him rather shocked. "Harry, are you ok?" Cathren said and scooted towards him. He was holding his head now with two hands.
He let out another yell and stood up then fell to his knees. "Harry!" Cathren yelled and slammed to the floor next to him. "Whats wrong?"
"My scar." He said through gritted teeth. "It burns." It hurt so much he could feel himself blacking out.
"What can I do?" Cathren asked. She was worried, she did'nt know what to do.
Harry raised up with a cry of pain then fell over. He had passed out. "Harry!" She yelled. "Some one help!"
By that time people began to come down the stairs. Ron and Hermione ran forward. "What happened?" Hermione asked and helped Ron and Cathren flip him over on his back.
"He said his scar was hurting." Cathren said and stood up. "I'm going to get Sirius." Cathren ran out the port hole. She ran down the hall as fast as she could and turned the corner to the main hall. She almost ran into a tall man with blond hair. Clearly a relative of Malfoy, he looked just like him except older.
"Something wrong child?" He asked and smiled a brod smile.
Cathren took a step back and then looked down the hall. "I need to see Professor Black." She said and went to walk past him.
He stuck his cane out. "Is there anything I can do?" He asked and looked at her in an amused way. "You seem a little shaky child."
Cathren walked around the wall not wanting to put her back to him. He began to pull something out of his cane. "I really need to see Professor Black. If you will excuse me." She said staring at the end of his cane. She had an extremely bad feeling about the man before her. Something told her to run as fast as she could. But, if she did he would hit her with any curse he wanted. She had been taught never turn your back to an opponent.
"Is there something wrong Lucius?" A voice came from behind Cathren. She turned her head and sighed in relief. But, then the fear came back as she remembered Snape had the mark on him. She was cornered.
"Professor Snape. I need to go find Professor Black, its about Harry." Cathren said and turned side ways so that she could see the two of them.
"Go on then." Snape said and nodded. Cathren took off running down the hall.
"What are you doing here Lucius?" Snape asked suspicious.
"Our master would like to speak with you." Lucius said and smiled. "He wants to know why you have not brought the girl to him."
"Dumbledore keeps a close eye on her. I mean that, he even has the ghost check on her every now and then during the night and during the day Sirius Black or Remus Lupin are watching her. Including she is surrounded by three friends including Potter." Snape said and looked at Lucius. He had come for the girl not to ask why Voldemort did'nt have her yet.
"Well, we just had her cornered Severus. We could have had her then. Oh, our master would also like to have Potter as a house guest as well." Lucius said and then ended the conversation when he saw Sirius and Cathren coming back down the hall. "Time is of the essence." He said and disappeared down a stare case.
Snape turned. "Whats wrong with Potter?" He asked in a cold voice.
"His scar is hurting, he passed out from it." Cathren said and looked around for the man.
*
Ron looked at the open door. "What is taking her so long?" He asked and looked back down at his unconscious friend.
Hermione hoped nothing had happened to her. As she thought that Sirius, Cathren and Snape came in. Sirius ran forward when he saw Harry lying on the floor. Every one was watching. Ginny was standing over Ron looking down with consern. Sirius conjured a stretcher for Harry and they rushed out of the room as fast as the strechure would go. Snape looked at Ron, Hermione and Cathren.
"Come along." He said and they all went out of the room.
*
Harry came to the next morning. The sun shown brightly and his eyes had to agust. He was in the hospital wing. What had happened? All he remembered was his scar hurting. He looked around him. Hermione, Ron and Cathren were sitting around him. Hermione was sitting in a chair with her head on his bed a sleep. Cathren was sitting on the bed watching him and Ron was sitting up a sleep.
"Your awake." Cathren said and stood up. She nudged Ron and then Hermione. "He's awake." She said and smiled. "Are you ok?"
"Fine." Harry said tiredly. "Where is Sirius?"
"Oh, Sirius, Lupin and Snape are, as much as Snape hates it, talking about something out side." Ron said and moved around the bed to the other side.
"What are they talking about?" Harry asked.
"Don't know, we heard a couple of Cathrens and Harrys before they noticed we were listening and then they closed the doors. They said they would get us when they were through. That was last night." Hermione said and smiled. "Are you feeling ok, does your scar still hurt?"
"No." Harry said and sighed. "It has never made me pass out before for that long." He said and rubbed his for head. "How did I get here?"
"Cathren ran and got Sirius. She was a little detained at first by Malfoy's dad." Ron said and folded his arms. "I think the whole family has it in for you, Harry."
"What was that Death Eater doing here?" Harry asked and sat up with his back against the head board.
"Don't know." Cathren said and shrugged. "Snape and him were talking about something while Sirius and I ran down the hall towards him. He spotted us and quickly ran down a stare case."
"That sounds about like a Death Eater." Harry muttered and looked at his three friends. They looked so tired. Especially Hermione. "Go on to bed. I'm surprised Madam Pomfery did'nt through you out."
"Oh, she tried, but Snape told her to let us stay here for a while. I think some one kidnapped Snape and drank a polly juice potion to pretend to be him." Ron said and smiled.
"Really," Harry said and smiled at his friend. "He did'nt seemed that changed when he told us we had detention."
Right then Madam Pomfery came barging in. "I tell you Severus Snape is out to make this hospital a zoo." She said madly and stepped in front of Harry's bed. "Now you have watched him the whole night, let me take care of him now. Go on, go to bed. Shew." She said and waved her hands.
"Bye, Harry." His three friends said and waved. They walked out of the hospital and Harry was left alone and bored.
*
Harry got out of the hospital around noon that day. It seemed like forever being cooped up in that room he had come to know so well. He walked down the hall to the front doors. He thought it would be good to get some fresh air. So Harry walked out the big doors and out on to the small balcony before going off to the steps. He looked around at the students walking around in their own little groups. There was a feeling of apprehension in the air. Something did'nt feel right.
"Harry, your out." Hermione's voice sounded from behind. He turned to see his three friends.
They walked forward to stand with him. They also looked at the surroundings. He looked at Cathren. She had a look on her that said she was confused or wondering. Then in a whisper she said, "Something is diffrent."
"You feel it to?" Harry asked in the same tone.
"That is the makings of a good Auror." She said and turned to him. She searched his face for something. Then looked into his eyes. She smiled and bowed her head as she turned. She began to walk to the door.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked with an impish grin on his face. It seemed like they were growing closer than he thought or wanted to go.
"Follow me if you want to find out, but I dought you want to go to the girls bathroom." She said smiling then turned and walked through the door.
"I'll walk with you." Harry said and turned on his heels and jogged to catch up with her.
"I think they like each other." Ron said and smiled at Hermione.
"Lets hope they are as lucky as us." Hermione said and kissed Ron's cheek quickly before turning. "Shall we go and get some lunch?"
"Ya." Ron said and smiled. "But, first I want one on this cheek." He joked, not really meaning it and turned his head and put a finger to his cheek.
"You are hopeless." Hermione said and kissed him on his other cheek quickly.
*
The week went by and Christmas approach. It was Christmas Eve. Harry, Ron, Cathren and Hermione were sitting at the almost vacant Gryffindor table. Harry and Ron were playing a violent game of Wizards Chess. Hermione and Cathren were talking about finals.
"I think I did pretty good on my transfiguration test. I wish I could turn into a hawk some time." Cathren said and smiled.
"I hope I did good on my potions test." Hermione said and opened a book.
"Hermione we know you did well and you know you did well." Ron said and smiled.
"Ya, Hermione. You never fail." Harry said and his rook attacked Ron's night.
"You'll pay for that one Harry Potter." Ron said and moved his queen to take Harry's bishop. "Check."
"I wounder what it would be called if a witch played it?" Cathren asked Hermione and smiled. "Probably Wizards Chess still because a wizard invented it."
"Not actually. I wizard and a witch played it for the first time to end a war." Hermione said and looked at Ron and Harry. "Are you going to Hogsmead this afternoon to by Christmas gifts?"
"Sure are." Ron said and nodded. "Want to stop by that new tavern?"
"How about we all go." Hermione said and looked at Cathren and Harry.
"That would be nice. I want to get my Uncle something." Cathren said and closed her books.
"What are we going to get each other?" Harry asked and looked at his three friends.
"Anything is fine with me." Cathren said and shrugged.
"Same here." Ron said and looked at Hermione.
"It does not matter." Hermione said looking at Cathren. "Cathren will you come to the library with me?"
Cathren looked at Hermione. She wanted to talk to her about something. "Sure." Cathren said and gathered her books together. "Lets go." Cathren and Hermione stood up and left the great hall.
"Do you think it is a bit strange how much they go to the library. I mean Hermione goes to the library allot. But, they go allot more. She only went to the library this much when she was working so much in secrecy about something." Ron said and looked back at the board game. He moved his peace.
Harry thought for a moment and moved again. "Checkmate." Harry said and stood up. "You want to go to the library?" He asked and pulled his cloak over his shoulders. He smiled at the confused look on his face. "If your so suspicious why don't we go and check."
"Ok." Ron said and stood up. "Lets go and see."
Harry and Ron walked to the library. They walked down the eilles. They found Cathren and Hermione in the back of the library where it was quite. They were talking. Cathren put her hands to her for head and closed her eyes. Then she opened them. She said something to Hermione and Hermione ran to the book shelf and pulled a book out. She opened it up and jumped when she found what she was looking for.
"What are they doing?" Ron asked and looked at Harry.
"You want to go ask them if they are ready to go to Hogsmead. Maybe we can catch what they are saying." He said and they walked forward. Cathren looked up when they stepped forward. Almost like she could sense them there. She nudged Hermione and she closed the book. Hermione put it back and smiled.
"Are you two ready to go?" Ron asked and looked at them.
"Sure." Cathren said and picked up her books. "Can we go to the tower first. I don't want to carry these books to Hogsmead."
"Sure." Harry said and they left the library.
As soon as they opened the door to the new tavern they could hear the lively music and smell the sweet smell of what ever was on the inside. The four of them entered the tavern and looked around. It was bright and cheerful on the inside. There was a bar and some booths. In the middle it was empty except for the few couples dancing. The music was coming from the instruments playing themselves.
A cheerful witch walked up and smiled. "How can I 'elp ya?" She asked and looked at the four of them.
"We just would like a drink." Ron said and looped his arm through Hermione's.
"Ok. Pick a booth. I'll be yer waitress." She said and walked off to help some one.
They all sat down in a booth next to the wall. They put their bags under the table and began a conversation. "When we play Ravenclaw we need to use more distraction. Ravenclaw is a whole lot better than Hufflepuff." Ron said and undid his cloak, it was a lot warmer in the tavern.
"If we beat Slytherin we can beat Ravenclaw." Cathren said in almost a sigh.
"Hey Ravenclaw is pretty good." Harry said and shook his head. "But, Slytherin cheats, there for their harder to beat than Ravenclaw, it would be easier. Although I am not taking any chances."
"What will it be?" The waitress asked and looked at them in turn.
"What do you have, this is our first time here." Harry said and leaned back.
"Why don't a bring you some new Coco-butterbeer or Vinnilamilk?"
"I'll have a Vinnilamilk." Hermione said.
"The rest of us will have a Coco-butterbeer." Ron said and smiled.
"Ok." She said and walked off.
A fast little song began to play. Ron tapped Hermione on the shoulder. "Would you like to dance?" He asked and smiled.
"Would love to." Hermione said and stood up. They walked out to the middle of the room and started to dance. This left Cathren and Harry sitting down not knowing what to say.
"My friends and I would sneak out of the school sometimes to go dancing like this." Cathren said and watched her friends dance around the room.
"You sneaked out of the school. I've only sneaked out of the dorm room to look around." Harry said and smiled. "You are something else."
"Thank you." She said smiling a proud smile.
The waitress came and sat the drinks down. She gave them their check which was considerably low. Something about some one decided to by Harry's drink, Christmas gift, and decided to stay anonymous.
Cathren watched the dancing, wishing to go. She wanted to dance so much. Well, if she did'nt get to dance this time she could dance at the Seventh Year Banquet. But, that would be ball gown dancing. This was free. She had always found dancing made her feel fun and free.
Harry took a drink of his Coco-butterbeer. It was great. He looked at Ron and Hermione, out there having fun. He looked back at Cathren. He waited until she was finished with her drink before asking. "Would you like to?"
"Me?" Cathren asked and smiled. "How many times does a girl get to say she danced with the famous Harry Potter." He seemed annoyed. "But, I'll dance with you because..." She stood up and grabbed his hand. "one I like to dance and two... I like you."
"Are you afraid of anything?" Harry asked wondering what she meant by the indication. He did'nt think now was the time to ask and they danced to the happy tune. They danced around the room like every one else.
"Very little." She said and smiled. "Hermione seems more fearless."
"She is afraid to fail." Harry said and smiled. "Which every one is."
Cathren nodded and smiled. "I don't think she has to worry about that."
"What do you worry about?" He asked looking at her closely. Maybe he could trick her into telling him.
"Not living life to the fullest." Cathren said with a sly grin on her face. Did he really think she was that dumb?
Harry looked around the room. Hermione and Ron were resting and drinking their drinks. A new song began to play. In a line every one looped arms and danced around in a circle. Cathren and Harry were laughing because they did'nt know what to do. After a while they broke free and went back to the table.
"Ready to go back to the castle?" Ron asked and took a big swig of his drink.
"Sure." Harry said and pulled his cloak back on.
Every one got their cloaks and scarves back on. Then put the money on the table and gathered their packages.They headed out the door and back on the busy street. They saw Sirius and Lupin coming out of a store in front of them. They waved and began to walk over.
"What are you four doing?" Lupin asked putting one package under his arm.
"Just got through skipping around a room and drinking some hot Coco-butterbeer." Harry said eying the packages in Sirius's hands.
"Oh, no you don't. You'll have to wait until Christmas morning." Sirius said and smiled. "Where are you heading now?"
"Back to the castle." Ron said and hiccuped. "Should'nt have drank that drink so fast. But, there extremely good for a new drink."
"I'll try one." Lupin said and looked at Sirius. "Can I by you a drink Sirius?"
"What do you think Remus?" He asked and smiled a brod smile.
"I think I should'nt have asked." He said smiling back.
"See you later." Harry said and they began to walk the road to the castle.
*
Ron nudged Harry the next morning. Harry opened his eyes, he reached over for his glasses remembering he now had contacts. He raised up and smiled. Christmas. He swung his leg over and got ready to go down stairs. He put his clothes on and they ran down the steps. Cathren and Hermione were already down stairs. They were waiting on them.
"Happy Christmas!" Hermione said when she caught sight of them. Cathren turned and said. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas? You Americans do everything strange." Ron said and sat on the couch becide Hermione. "Well lets open presents."
He said that and they opened their presents. They thanked each other for the gifts and went to put them in their rooms. Seeings how it was so early and no one else was up they decided to just sit and talk for a while. When people slowly began to come down they decided to get an early breakfast then go see Sirius and Lupin.
Christmas came and went and soon winter was gone. The snow melted and the heat returned. They won the Quiditch Cup that spring and the Seventh Year Banquet was coming up, then it would be the end of school in just four months.
Harry knew the Seventh Year Banquet was coming up. That night in fact. He knew he needed a date. Hermione and Ron were going together. He figured Cathren already had a date.
She was sitting at the table doing her work. I could just ask her, he thought, but what if she already has date?
"What is it Harry?" Cathren asked not looking up from her books.
"How did you..." He could not even find the words.
"When I went to school at Night Owl I had this boy who had liked me since our first year. He was always staring and now some how I know when people are staring or glaring at me." She said finally looking up from her book and smiling. "Have you asked some one to the banquet yet?"
"No, has any one asked you?" Harry asked trying to slide on in. Did she notice?
"Nope." She said and returned to her books.
Harry paused for a moment. "Would you like... to go with me?" He asked and looked at his books.
"I would love to Harry." Cathren said and smiled.
"Ok." Harry said feeling his nerves ease. "See you tonight."
"I'll meet you at the Great Hall." Cathren said and stood up. "Bye, Harry."
"Bye." Harry said and smiled.
* * *
A/N Thanks Kyntor for your review. To answer your question, I had Snape give detention because I wanted to put him in the story some where so it would foreshadow what you read in this... if you continued to read. Plus I wanted Harry to see the Temple of Light and I figured that would be a good way to get him in the forest. After all this is my first fan fic and I am not used to working with some one elses made up characters. All I can say is I wrote what I imagened. Thanks agian. I welcome any reviews, it helps one become a better writer.