A/N: I blame writer's block for the long wait for this chapter. *nods*

- Cellie

Note: It is advised that you read I Never Knew before trying to tackle this piece.

Disclaimer: Anyone you don't recognize is most likely mine. The concept of Timekeys are mine, as well as how they're used. The Cirrus species is all mine. Everything else (Harry, Peter, Voldie, James, Remus, Arabella, Sirius, Dumbledore, McGonnagal, Flitwick, Snape, and all the other Wizarding people) belongs to J.K Rowling. The concept of Annie being Sirius's squib/muggle twin sister belongs to Kaydi. Annie's personality, however, belongs to me.

Chapter Twenty Four
The Werewolf and The Veela


Remus Lupin woke rather groggily, feeling as if he hadn't seen morning in days.

He asked, his voice muffled by the covers. James? Peter? No answer. The room was empty.

Remus flung back his covers, and let out a mild gasp of surprise. He was in the Hollow.

What in hell am I doing here? He asked to the large room. These beds are no better than those of the Commons. OW! Son of a skrewt.. As Remus had sat up, he smashed his head on the bunk bed above him.

Holding his head in one hand, Remus slid out from the lower bed of the Moony and Wormtail bunk, trudging his feet (which currently felt like lead) to the cauldron area. His free hand fumbled as he looked through the potions shelves, knocking several face down.

Aha! There you are, you little bugger.. Remus's hand grabbed a clear plastic bottle, labeled . He unscrewed the cap, and dumped the majority of them on the countertop. Remus's clumsy hand reached into the pile and pulled out a couple, popping them in his mouth and swallowing them dry.

Camino Elzares.. Remus mumbled, and the Aspirin on the countertop turned green. Instantly, his head's pain ceased, as did the whole tired feeling.

Thank Godric for muggle medicines.. Remus said, with as little of lilted humor as possible. He stretched, then knelt down, opening the freezer cupboard that was below the cauldron.

YES! Frozen house-elf food. Peter, bless you for remembering.. Remus grabbed a wrapped plate and set it on the countertop, brushing the aspirin aside with the sleeve of his nightclothes. He reached for his wand—and froze. It wasn't there.



Maybe she's an abnormality.

Sssh, Milicent, don't get too close! She might eat your witch powers!

She WILL? Cellie kept her eyes closed as her hearing cleared from the depths of sleep. It was pretty obvious that the girls were talking about her, since most of their voices were but two feet away. One of the girls's footsteps could be heard clunking several steps backward, Cellie assuming it to be the Milicent' one. If she wasn't pretending to still be asleep, she would've snorted. Steal witch powers, for the love of the gods. She barely knew how to control her own.

Milicent, are you alright? Did she take your powers? Having had enough of this, Cellie opened her eyes. The three girls she had heard talking were huddled around Milicent, who had apparently stumbled backwards onto the floor. Cellie sat up, and gave the group a skeptical expression.

Are you all that superstitious? she asked. You're witches, for the sake of the gods. You're supposed to be the ones that star in superstitions. All four heads looked up, their eyes widening.

Uhm, Celestia—

We don't mean no harm, Rivera..

Aaah.. Aaah.. Milicent fainted. Cellie rolled her eyes.

If you girls will excuse me, I think I'll go hit the refresher, if anyone can tell me where it is. The silver-blonde haired girl on Milicent's right pointed wordlessly to the doorway on the left. Cellie opened her chest and dug into it, pulling out her uniform and wand, and shut the lid. With that, she left for the refresher. The package Sirius had Cassandra gave her still lay in her trunk, untouched.



Ron, Harry, and Hermione crept down the guest hallways, the Invisibility cloak wrapped tightly around them all.

You know, Ron hissed, I think you should get your dad to get another one of these for us, Harry. We won't FIT in this thing by Christmas! Harry glared at Ron.

He's not my father, first off, and all four of the Marauders fit underneath this cloak, so I think that the three of us can just fine. Ron, however, had only paid attention to the first part of the statement.

What do you mean, he's not your— Hermione cut him off.

Sssh! Someone's coming! Ron and Harry looked up, startled, and all three stopped moving. The new teacher, Cassandra Woods, was walking down the corridor, talking to herself.

I don't see what the problem is, really.. No, I don't think that I'll be able to come home soon. Perhaps during the Winter holidays. She mumbled, softly, eyes glazed over.

She's nutters, Ron whispered to Harry. Suddenly, Professor Woods stopped short.

Who's there? She asked, warily, her black robes swishing around her. Harry noticed, oddly, that there were parrots of all shapes and sizes on them.

I am quite serious. I'd like to know who's there. She said, still in a soft tone, sounding much like Professor Trewlaney. The trio was silent, and didn't dare make a move.

If you insist, then.. She sighed, and pointed her wand up at the sky. Noir à blanc, blanc à noir.

Suddenly, the world became like something out of an old muggle television show that Aunt Petunia liked to watch, called I Love Lucy.

Ah! Harry. These are your friends, I presume. Professor Woods walked over to the trio, and idly pulled off the Invisibility cloak. As soon as it was in her hands, Harry saw how she had discovered them. The cloak itself blended in with the surroundings, but black creases in it were quite visible. I'd advise you to answer your professor next time you're sneaking around, unless you want me to leave you this color personally. Cheers! She threw the cloak back to Harry, who caught it, stunned, as she muttered the counter curse.

As the colors of the world righted themselves again, Harry and Ron exchanged a look.

Harry said, his voice hollow, imitating Cellie. Ron just nodded dumbly.

Yeah. Wizard. Hermione pushed a few strands of hair from her face, unconsciously readjusting herself.

She said. I guess we should probably leave off visiting James, then, and go to breakfast. Harry and Ron nodded mutely, and the trio walked down the corridor, still halfway stunned.



Cellie toweled up her sopping red hair, and pulled on her green blazer over the white shirt she already wore. The skirt still lay abandoned in the bottom of her trunk, and instead she wore her darker blue jeans. She almost laughed at her reflection in the mirror.

Oh, if only Metz could see me now.. I will NEVER wear a uniform, not Cellie Rivera. Never.' He'd have a fine time laughing his arse off. She said, lightly, and walked out of the refresher, grabbing the ugly frilled green nightdress. That would have to go. As soon as a Hogsmeade weekend popped up, she would buy something a bit more comfortable.

As she entered the 5th year girls dorm, she found it empty. Glancing at the clock by her bedside table, she still had forty minutes before breakfast ended. Plenty of time. Cellie opened her trunk again, and took out her various schoolbooks, giving them a once over. Advanced Transfiguration, Level Five', that certainly sounded cool; All You Need To Know About Magical Creatures', Cellie raised an eyebrow, involuntarily imagining what Metz would say to that.

Including the stuff we don't want to know about, right? She said out loud to herself, then burst out laughing. She stopped after a minute, and continued sorting through her books, until she came to the package that Sirius had given her.

Aw, I almost forgot about this.. She said to herself, and opened the package. Inside there was a small perch that could be nailed into the wall, and a note.

Come to breakfast, She read, oddly. Snuffles. .. Snuffles? She snorted lightly, but glanced at the clock. Only twenty minutes remaining. She quickly stuffed her books and schedule into the new lightweight' satchel—which, suprisingly, worked very well.

She put the perch and the note back into her trunk, and closed it, sticking her wand in her front jean pocket. She took off the towel surrounding her hair, put it up into a ponytail, and put her black robes on quickly.

Cellie slung the satchel over her shoulder, and hurried down to breakfast. It was going to be a long walk.



How could she not have TOLD me? Sirius exploded, pacing around James's room once again. How could REMUS not have told me? For Godric's sake, I would have understood if I knew that she was going to be working for Hogwarts, and that's why she had to disappear, so why didn't she TELL me? James gave his friend a weak smile, and let Sirius go on with his rant. It was best not to disturb Sirius when he was mad about something. Besides, his mind was on something else.

He hadn't told Sirius yet, but he had seen Cellie sitting at the Slytherin table. James couldn't really tell her expression from that high up in the Hall, but she looked uncomfortable. No doubt why, and the poor kid was going to have it hard, especially because of her name's history. It would've been slightly easier for her in Gryffindor, he surmised, because Harry and his friends would've been around her a lot more often, and if she could be shown as good to them, then the rest of the house might take to her a bit more kindly. But, no. That hat had to place her in Slytherin.

James remembered perfectly the day of the sorting. It was a clear night sky, and several days past the full moon. He, Sirius, and Evan had lead the pack, being the most knowledgeable of the First Years, as James had an older sister that had graduated that last year.

And died my first year, James thought solemnly, but brushed that thought off. Evan and Sirius both had over enthusiastic fathers that told them everything, and mothers that looked with them at distaste, so they had bonded rightaway.

Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew stood right behind them. They were the others that had sat in the train car with them. Remus was rather quiet, but James had sensed from the beginning that he had a sly spark in him. Peter was just the opposite—outspoken and loud—but he had made Severus Snape's trousers fall down as he got onto the tram, so he was welcomed into the newfound group' with open arms.

Would the First Years please come in the order that I call them.. James looked up at the woman with the long black hair, plaited in a long braid.

She's the Quidditch Coach, James whispered to Sirius and Evan, who both put on identical grins.

You suppose if we get her on our good side, she'll let us on the Gryffindor Team? Evan whispered, his face lit up like a Christmas Tree.

Sirius was cut off as the Quidditch coach called out Black, Sirius.

James's newfound friend gave him a quick grin as he stepped up, and had the hat dropped on his head.

The hat shouted. James clapped and whistled as hard as he could. The four remaining went into huddled conversation again until Lupin, Remus was called.

Wish me luck, Remus whispered to them.

WISH YOU LUCK! All three boys yelled, causing several of the First Years and most of the Hall to laugh.

The hat yelled, with almost the same enthusiasm as the boys's shout. Remus grinned, and slid down the Gryffindor bench next to Sirius.

Pettigrew, Peter! Evan and James whistled loudly for Peter, who gave them a big smile.

said the Hat. Peter gave James and Evan the thumbs up.

Two more to go,' he mouthed to them.

Potter, James! James walked up, and had most of the Gryffindors yelling a chant for him, led by Sirius and Peter. He sat on the stool, and the hat dropped over his eyes.

Ah, James Potter. Lana knew exactly where she wanted to go, and she made quite a fine Hufflepuff indeed. Do you have an idea of where you would?

I thought you choose for us, James said, confused. The hat seemed to chuckle.

Dear boy, the Potters have been so evenly matched for houses that I gave up trying to sort them into the house that I thought was best, because all of them are the best for your family.

Even Slytherin? James asked, worriedly.

Slytherin is not the most horrible house of the lot, boy, as many think. It is a house for ambition, cunning, and wit. Many students have loved Slytherin with all their heart. A few rotten apples does not mean that the tree is bad.. James didn't really understand the Hat's logic, but nodded anyhow.

Well, I want to be in Gryffindor. He said. The hat chuckled again.

Of course. No other house would fit just right. GRYFFINDOR it is. James felt the hat being lifted off his head, and ran to join his companions at the Gryffindor table.

Wow, James, you must have been the fastest sorted yet! Peter said, enthusiastically. Sirius nodded.

You only took a second. said Remus.

It felt like a lot more, James confessed.

Rivera, Evan. Evan walked up, determined, as James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus led all the Gryffindors in a cheer.

The hat started, but stopped short. James leaned forward, as if trying to hear what the hat was saying to Evan.

Evan's mouth was set, and he gave the foursome a sad look, but it was understanding. James's jaw dropped open. When the hat switched like that, Lana said, it meant that the wearer wanted a different decision. But why would Evan want Slytherin?

James frowned. Why indeed? Even after all of these years, the question still loomed in his mind.

James, are you listening? Sirus's voice shook him from his thoughts.

James responded.

So, you think that Arabella should— Sirius was interrupted by a knock on the portrait.

Who is it? Sirius yelled.

Sirius froze.

Isn't she the one.. Sirius hissed at James. He nodded, much to Sirius's dismay.

Come in, Cassie. James said cheerfully, admist Sirius's mouthings of NO!'. The portrait swung open, and Cassie walked in.

I gave Cellie the package you wanted me to, James. said Cassie. Sirius's face took on a stubborn look.

You were supposed to give her that package, James.. Sirius hissed, not making eye contact with Cassie.

I'm sorry, Sirius, but Cellie is of my house, and James thought it would be easier for me to give it to her.. Sirius's eyes widened.

Cellie's in SLYTHERIN?! James groaned. Perfect.




Cellie went through the doors of the Great Hall, and instantly all eyes were on her. Oh, great, not this again.

She walked cooly over to the Slytherin table, and took an available seat—which, as she noticed, happened to be next to the girl she had insulted yesterday.

So, you came back. The girl said.

I was hungry, so, yes, I came back. Cellie said.

I heard about how you spooked them. She gestured towards Milicent and her little posse. That took guts. Cellie raised an eyebrow.

Yeah, so? The blonde haired girl grinned.

It's exactly the kind of Slytherin tactic that has disappeared around this house lately. People assume that Slytherins have to be evil, and they can't have any fun at all. Do you notice that most of these people are the ones who have never been in Slytherin at all? They just assume. Cellie looked at the girl, and saw her pale purple eyes narrowed in concentration.

You're not like them, are you? Cellie asked. The third year's eyes widened ever so slightly.



You're not like them. You're different. She lowered her head to her chest.

I'm veelaborn. She said in such a low voice, Cellie could barely hear her. The hat wanted to put me in Gryffindor. It seemed to think I'd be better adjusted there. But I'm not brave, I'd rather not have recognition, and I certainly didn't want attention. Plus, if anyone found out what I was, and told, I'd be sent away. So I convinced the hat to put me in Slytherin. I'd be an outcast, but better an outcast than a monster.

Cellie listened to her story without saying a word. She knew what a veela was (Harry had told her outrageous stories about the World Cup more times than she could count), and what it must have meant for the teenager to be able to attend school.

I won't say anything. Cellie said. The girl's face quirked ever so slightly into a smile.

So, I'm Arielle Davis, nice to meet you, Celestia. Cellie grinned.

Call me Cellie. Arielle nodded, the soft smile still on her face. Suddenly, her eyes flicked upwards.

Hey, what's that? She asked, suddenly. Cellie's eyes followed hers, and saw what looked like a kitten, hurtling down towards her. At the very last moment, it pulled up, and landed on Cellie's right arm.

Arielle's and most of the other students in the hall's eyes were on Cellie.

I know what that is! Arielle whispered. That's a Cirrus.. But.. they can't be tamed! Cellie looked down at the thing. It appeared to be a small gray kitten—yet it had wings. The kitten had a mini satchel fashioned crudely out of dragonhide around its belly. Carefully, Cellie opened the satchel, and read the small scrap of paper inside.

This is Leo. I figured since you didn't get an owl, you may have him, if he is content with you.

Cellie looked at the kitten, who was purring loudly, rubbing itself against her arm. It certainly looked content.

Also, he's particularly fond of cream tarts, if you get my meaning.. Don't let the rows of teeth frighten you.

Snuffles

Cellie snorted slightly at the name, and picked up a cream tart from her breakfast plate, handing it to Leo. The kitten opened its mouth wide, and for a moment, Cellie could see what Sirius had meant about the teeth. Six rows of pearly white fangs chomped down on the cream tart, and Leo grinned in a very kitten way, his purring louder than before.

Guess they can be tamed now, Cellie said, a smile on her face as she scratched under Leo's chin with her index finger. The Slytherin table simply stared.


A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know, not exactly the greatest way to end it.. So help me, I typed this all out while under the influence of writer's block in a day, so bully for you if you don't like the ending. ;P There are several mentions in this chapter of something that will be very influential in the last chapter of Dewdrops (which is not written, merely scripted in my brain), so keep your eyes peeled. ;P

Hee.. Sirius is a bit frightened of Cassie, I think, not just that she's with Remus, but that she's his great aunt.. o_O

tsukii-chan/ra-chan: Yup. The Hollow's going to play quite a big role in this story, so keep yer eyes peeled. Sirius and Leo, yesh.. there's a reason for calling him that, which Sirius so nicely stopped James from saying. Yep. Controlling the spitfire between Sirius and Peter's going to be VERY hard.. X.X

Yes, me as well. Number one, as far as I can tell he's not some all powerful wizard, and to suddenly make him one kind of.. quirks things. Plus, poor Harry would go nutters with all the attention.

I'm not planning to resort Cellie. Or maybe I am. And even if I do, it won't be what you all think. *nod* Mmm. What's an ALD teacher?

WhetherRose: Yes, well.. this chapter wasn't. -_-; Eee, I want that kind of transport system in my school. *nod* I have an idea about Peter.. an inkling that I got from AriaStar's story, Turning Back Time. Hermione.. is, well, Hermione. She could take a month off from school and make up all the work in an evening. Plus, she's getting night classes from everyone's favorite headmaster, so.. ;P TTAC is now retitled To Tell A Lie, and will soon be revamped into chapter one of my very own Grindlewald story. ^_^;

Moselle: *nods* I have several ideas about Peter, and all will play out in time.. *nod*

Katie Weasley: Yes, but the Sorting Hat was on something, I think. *nod*

Jelli Bean: Oh, good! So someone else realized this besides me. You see a slight inkling of what Sirius thinks of Cellie's placement in this chapter, but not a lot.. And, as I told Katie Weasley, I think the Sorting Hat was on something. ;P

camilacam: Mm.. Dunno. Just do. ;P

Marauder chick: Yes, Peter, good side. Don't worry, as I've said before, have lots of ideas on this part. *nods* Poor guys, I was shoving them off to the side for awhile.. Yeah, Cellie's going to be squished for a bit, even with Arielle's friendship. And Ron.. is, well, Ron. Stubborn woolhead. *nod*

Morrigan: Yes, I know.. I HATE that kind of story. It annoys me beyond all annoyances.

Tarawyn: Osama Bin Laden.. That's an interesting comparison. XD As Arielle puts it in this chapter, Slytherins were never supposed to be bad. They were just given a bad name.

Unfortunately, you won't see any twisted Sorting Hat for awhile. It's decided to take a long holiday.

Yeah.. Cellie's future is looking up slightly at the end of this chapter, but not by much.

Again, Ron is Ron. He'll be standoffish until he discovers that Cellie is human, and then will try to be her best friend. XD

*nods* I really do think that Peter is somewhat redeemable, and plan to prove it sometime during this story and its sequel. Heh, you get a bit of WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING IN SLYTHERIN in this chapter.. not sure if I'll put some in the next.