Chapter Thirty-seven

Percy and Severus

We searched for hours. There was no sign of the grey cat anywhere. I felt thoroughly annoyed. We split and I headed for the dungeons. I found Severus working in his office. A complicated experiment was set up on a large desk in the middle of the room. Several large potion books were open, I noticed polyjuice, poison and several other possibilities open.
"Any luck yet?" I asked, leaping lightly up onto the table with the books. Severus shook his head, intent on the experiment. I settled by the books, wrapping my tail around me. Severus stood back from the potion and walked towards the desk. As he consulted a book he stroked a hand over my fur. He continued to rub the sides of my feline face. I let out a purr. He glanced down at me and stopped, realising what he was doing.

"Don't tell me it's easier to show affection to me like this than it is when I was human?" I said crudely then curled up and fell asleep.

Voices intruded into my sleep, and I became aware that they were real voices and not my imagination as I began to wake.

"I've tried almost everything I can think of, the only other thing I can think of is a cat version of wolfsbane but that might not work either." Severus was talking to someone else in the room.

"She's got no markings of a bite in the form she's in, I checked last night, and she's not taken the characteristics of the cat who bit her. We're hoping you'll find the damned thing."

"They're doing their best Severus. I'll take the sample back with me to St Mungos and get the team to work on it." I didn't recognise the voice that answered. I heard footsteps approaching the lab and enter the room.

"Peterson, we've found something in the library." It was Percy Weasley's voice. I opened an eye a crack, bringing the room into focus. There were three figures in the room, Snape's black robed one, Percy's green robed one and another one, who must be Peterson, dressed in blue and black robes. He looked dark and something told me he'd been Slytherin deep inside. He didn't look particularly pleased to be working for the ministry.

"I'll be back later Severus, keep working. Don't let her get out of your sight either." Peterson left the room and Percy went to follow.

"Weasley." Severus said, with disgust in his voice. Percy turned and looked at Snape.

"Professor?"

"How do they let you work for the ministry? You could have killed Elixa when you crashed into that tree."

"I didn't though Professor." Percy folded his arms.

"You're all the same, red headed ignorant-." I let out a growl. Both wizards looked my way. I tried to look asleep. "Just tell your two twin brothers to be careful should they ever cross my path."

"Is that a threat Severus Snape?" Dumbledore always said to call your fears by their name, to help combat the fear. Percy was drawing himself to full height, his blue eyes contrasting greatly to the short red hair on his head.

"What do you think Weasley?" Snape tapped his long fingers on his folded arms, looking at Percy with his black eyes.

"If Elixa wasn't a decent person as you don't seem to be, I would make sure she didn't turn back, but I'm here for her, and not for you." Percy turned his back on Snape, which I feared was a foolish thing to do. Percy walked towards the door. On the top shelf, an empty glass container fell and smashed before his feet. He whirled round and drew his wand. Snape stood still, his arms still folded.

"I don't see what Dumbledore has to trust in you. You're just another Voldermort follower." Snape drew his wand.

"Get out, or don't leave this room alive Weasley!" He shouted, pointing his wand straight at the Ministry wizard. I was glad Percy left, avoiding further confrontation. Snape walked over to me, and picked me up, putting me over his shoulder he left the lab. I could feel this was going to be a long difficult summer.