Chapter 31 Cash
Cat had finally regained her composure and had walked back to the podium , taking several deep breaths and studiously avoiding looking at any Slytherins, she continued where she had left off. "Now, once again, we are going to try the pop quiz. I will need to step away for a few moments to prepare for it. While I am gone, Raul, Gaz and Professor Lupin will do a question and answer session." Cat explained "Please keep your questions short and as precise as possible, I also remind you that English is not the native language for several of our guests." Cat swiftly exited the classroom heading towards the great hall, being followed by a large black dog.
As Cat walked towards the great hall, she suddenly stopped as she heard a noise behind her, turning quickly she let out a little yelp and raised her hands to fight as Sirius startled her. Quickly grabbing her arms Sirius spoke softly "Its alright Cat, its only me" he hadn't seen her this jumpy in years "are you okay? You seem ... I don't know, nervous."
Cat visibly relaxed as she realized who it was "Sirius Black, you scared the bee-geebers out of me" she said reproachfully, she was trying to keep herself together, the fact that he was holding on to her arms wasn't exactly helping matters. "What are you doing lurking around in the halls, planning more pranks?"
Sirius had to smile at her, "Planning more pranks, is that all you think I do?" he asked sounding as innocent as possible. He found he couldn't tear himself away from her eyes, he used to dream about them, even in Azkaban, he dreamt about her eyes. "We never got a chance to talk.... Saturday...." he said hesitantly, his eyes searching hers, looking for a sign.
Cat took a step backward, pulling her arms out of his grasp, "Now isn't a good time Sirius" she was blushing as she turned her face away from him, "I'm in the middle of a class, in fact I was on my way to get the quiz." stammering, she began walking away towards the great hall.
"Let me help you." Sirius said quickly "I saw all the students in there. You can't possible carry all those quizzes by yourself." As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted it, he suddenly remembered, he was still considered a wanted criminal, he couldn't let anyone see him, certainly not an entire classroom full of students. "I mean.... if you want my help" he added quickly, feeling himself sinking. He wanted any excuse to stay with her, but he had to think of the future, and going back to Azkaban wouldn't help him or Harry.
Cat turned her face to look at Sirius again, she hadn't been able to get him out of her mind since she saw him four days ago. "No really, I won't need any help, they're perfectly capable of walking" she said as she etched his face into her memory yet again, his dark hair, now with a little silver running through it here and there, and his long dark lashes framing those beautiful grey-blue eyes, and that smile, it always melted her heart. Even during some of their worst fights, all it took was one heart-felt smile crossing his lips and she could never stay angry at him. Cat felt her face beginning to flush again, "I really should hurry, ...no telling what may happen while I'm gone."
Sirius stood there wanting to say so much more to her, but all he could come out with was "Did you say the quizzes could walk?" stupid, stupid, stupid he thought to himself, tell her you still love her, tell her how much she means to you but he just stared at her, to afraid of what her response might be.
"Uhm, yeah, they can walk on their own" Cat replied. She looked closely at Sirius, there was something on his mind, she could tell just by the way he was standing, next thing you know he'll be running his hand through his hair, she thought. "It's a practical test, not paper." she was walking towards the hall again.
Sirius followed her trying to think of something witty to say, he ran his right hand through his hair as he tried to think of what to say; out of the corner of his eye he caught a strange smile on Cat's face,. "Something funny?" he asked her.
Looking down and smiling Cat replied "No, nothing Sirius, just memories that's all" he really hadn't changed that much, she wasn't sure if that was good or bad. Cat tried to discreetly look at his hands to see if there was a ring, but she didn't have the opportunity as they had reached the great hall. Both Cat and Sirius stopped and looked at each other as they heard a loud commotion coming from behind the doors.
"Your 'quiz' I assume?" Sirius asked her, he wasn't sure if he should be concerned,.. yet.
"Oh bother.." Cat said exasperated, "what are they doing this time. Honestly you would think that by now they would have learnt to contain themselves." Cat went to open the door as Sirius stood next to her, he placed his hand on hers as she wrapped it around the handle of the door, effectively stopping her in her tracks.
"Are you sure its safe" Sirius asked her gently, he was close enough to her to kiss her, and he was tempted to do just that, he felt her trembling and he hoped feverently that he was the cause........
Cat froze as Sirius placed his hand over hers, they were large and strong, yet beautiful, and so very warm. She felt herself tremble as she looked at him, he was standing so close to her, she wanted to throw her arms around him and lose herself in his embrace as she had done so often before. She had to forcefully remind herself about the class full of students awaiting her return. Although it was very hard to concentrate on anything at the moment, all she could think about was his warm skin and gentle touch.....
"Cat" Sirius said softly as he moved closer, interlocking his fingers with hers, he felt her breathing become quicker as he touched her face. He looked deeply into her eyes as he brought his mouth nearer to hers.
"Sirius, .... I can't" Cat whispered, but she made no attempt to move away, in fact she seemed to be holding his hand even tighter than she had a few moments before. Moving his hand from her cheek to the back of her neck, he tilted her head to meet his, her eyes began to close slightly as their lips grew closer.......
Suddenly the doors to the great hall were thrown open revealing the spectacle inside. Cat and Sirius both jumped into the air, startled at the sudden intrusion. Sirius looked at Cat longingly as she turned her face from him, pausing only to remove her hand from his. Turning to see the cause of the interruption,, Sirius glared darkly at the young man........
A young blonde man in his early twenties stood there with a huge grin on his face, yelling out cheerfully to Cat "Angel, 'bout time sweet, I thought you .... had...... forgotten....." he paused as he looked at Cat and the dark haired man. "Uhm, did I interrupt something?" he said apologetically. Cash had realized too late what had happened. After all, it certainly wasn't like Angel to blush like that, and the tall fellow in the dingy grey robes was certainly giving him the evil eye. "Sorry, I didn't know you were out here with anyone" he apologized again to Cat and nodded politely to Sirius.
"Don't worry Cash, nothing important" Cat said quickly as she breezed past he and Sirius, entering the great hall. Cash, stood next to Sirius as he turned to watch her walk past him. Looking to Sirius, Cash said out loud "Nothing important huh. Then maybe you can tell me why she's blushing." he said chuckling.
Sirius looked at Cash, who was grinning knowingly back at him. As angry as Sirius was about his terribly mis-timed interruption, he knew he was going to like this Cash fellow. Sighing loudly Sirius returned Cash's grin, shaking his head sadly. "So close" was all Sirius could manage to say as he turned to walk away.
"Hold up" Cash said "Don't go off like that, haven't even introduced yourself yet." Cash was smiling and holding out his hand to Sirius.
Sirius paused, he liked him already, but he could hardly introduce himself, he could just imagine it oh Hi, I'm Sirius Black, the most infamous criminal of our time, how do you do life just seemed to be getting better and better....
"Hang on...... I bet I already know who you are" Cash said, as Sirius braced himself for the inevitable. "You're Remus's friend Sirius, aren't you " Cash continued, "he said you might be here when we arrived."
Sirius smiled widely leave it to Remus he thought. "Yep, that's me" he said as happily as he could "Remus's friend" he returned Cash's handshake.
"Remus is always talking about you" Cash said jovially, "Just so you know, you have one heck of a reputation to live up to. Apparently he considers you the master of pranks and other mischief making." Cash winked at Sirius "Of course, I'm up to the challenge, if you are. Or will your attentions be focused on 'other' things?" Cash finished, nodding towards Cat.
"I don't even know where to begin" Sirius said sadly "every time I think I'm getting close.." Sirius threw his arms in the air, and let them come down heavily at his side.
Cash looked at him curiously, "Oh, your getting close mate, trust me." he laughed as he began to walk away.
Sirius quickly grabbed his shoulder "Excuse me, but what do you mean I'm getting close what do you know that I don't" Sirius asked excitedly, grasping for any piece of hope he could find.
Cash looked appraisingly at Sirius, "You really have no clue do you?" Sirius shook his head "Ok mate, listen. I have know Angel for her entire life, and I can tell you right now, that girl does NOT blush easily. I have seen her stand in the middle of a room of stark naked men and not even bat an eye. Nerves of steel that one, but one kiss from you and look at her, she actually had to run to family to recover." he said smiling.
"But I didn't get the chance to kiss her" Sirius whined "You opened the door before I could do anything."
"Really, and she's this wound up?" Cash's face lit up, turning to Sirius he playfully punched him in the arm "Good job mate."
Sirius was grinning like a fool now, he had hope, and where there's hope.... "Cash, you said she had to run to family" Sirius questioned "Which ones are family?" Sirius knew how important Cat's family was to her, if he could get in good with them, he was half-way home.
"Which ones? All of us boyo" Cash replied obviously surprised at Sirius's ignorance "She's Clan MacLeod, we're Clan Gangrel. Family, blood to blood."
Sirius and Cash became quiet as Cat approached them, followed by a huge group of Gangrels and Garou, "Cash, Sirius are you joining us." she asked coolly, she was not going to let her emotions get out of control like that again "Its time for the students to take their quiz. Cash, shift please, if your coming." she walked past not waiting for an answer.
Cash grinned and winked at Sirius as he laughed at Cat's behaviour, "Yep, got her all bothered you do" Cash quickly turned to follow Cat, shifting into a wolf as he did. Sirius had to rub his eyes, it was unbelievable, of the twenty or so people that had been in the hall, nearly all of them had become wolves, and those that hadn't were changing now. Sirius quickly decided that one more four legged beast would draw a lot less attention than an escaped criminal would, and transformed immediately. He rapidly caught up to Cash, who only seemed to pause a moment before realizing who he actually was. Cash playfully pushed his body against Sirius's as he shook his head in recognition of his new friend.....
The class room was going at full tilt as Cat stood outside the door. Hermione couldn't stop asking Raul question after question, and he was dutifully answering every one. Harry and Ron were completely occupied by Fang's antics, while Gaz and Remus made their way through the class answering questions as they went. Cat smiled and closed her eyes, the class had gone better than she could have ever hoped, with the exception of some of the Slytherins, everyone was completely engrossed in the guests she had asked to come. Not one sign of fear or hatred, and the negotiations between the Gangrels, Garou and Albus had been going wonderfully as well, every one had agreed that Voldemort needed to be stopped, they had simply never expected the wizarding community to reach out to them.
They would have gladly help last time, if someone had bothered to ask, and now Dumbledore uhad/u asked. Let the Ministry turn its blind eye to the world, Hogwarts and her students would survive this, Cat and Albus would see to it, they already had two of the most powerful warrior clans allied with them, it would not be long before more followed.
Clearing her throat loudly, Cat stood at the door smiling at her friends and students "Well I hope you're all ready for that quiz I was talking about." she laughed as the class groaned. "Now, now, I think you will enjoy this one, it will be a practical quiz... the grading is quite simple, each student who decides to participate will win points for their house, there will be no letter grade assigned. So any students wishing to benefit their house, please go to the front of the class by Professor Lupin."
Cat waited until the students had lined themselves up at the front by the dais, she walked in alone and picked up her grading book and a quill. She walked towards a now empty table in the middle of the room, she was glad to see how many students wanted to participate, sitting on the table with the book perched on her lap, Cat whistle loudly, as the students stared at her with confused looks on their faces.
In response to her whistle a stream of wolves entered the classroom lining up on either side of the aisle. Cat was busily writing in her book as she waited for everyone to get into position. "Well now, is that everyone? Good" she turned to the students to explain "I will accompany you down the aisle, you will tell me which wolves are natural, Gangrel and Garou" the students just looked at each other with blank faces "don't worry I'll make it worth your while." Cat said smiling "Each student will get 2 points for each correct answer" she paused as the expected murmuring began, she knew the reward was a bit generous, but this was make or break time. "So who would like to go first..... any volunteers?"
Several students shuffled nervously but none came forward, Cat looked up at them and zoned in on Harry, "Well, ... are you game Mr. Potter" she said expectantly.
Harry rolled his eyes, he didn't mind Fang or Gaz, and Raul seemed really nice, but this many in one room? It made him nervous just thinking about it. But Cat seemed to be relying on him to start things moving, though he was half tempted to volunteer Hermione to go first instead. He looked back at Cat and knew what he had to do; stepping down off the dais he walked towards her suddenly feeling very confident when he saw the proud glow in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Okay Harry, class. The quiz is very simple I will accompany you down the aisle, we will stop at each wolf and you will let me know what you think it is. And yes Seamus I will award partial credit if you at least get the wolf/not-wolf part correct" Cat said rolling her eyes as the class laughed.
Seamus turned red as Jamie knock him playfully across his head, "she knows you too well" she laughed. .....
Harry and Cat began the quiz, he looked carefully at each wolf and felt he was doing pretty well, until he was halfway down one aisle this one had him stumped, it was the same size as a natural wolf, but the mouth was huge, it could have been anything, Harry looked to Cat for advice "I don't know about this one, I'm stumped."
"Okay Harry" Cat said as she sat her book down on the floor and knelt in front of the wolf, "now I know you will never do this if a wolf is chasing you down, but let me give you a few pointers." she said softly as she patted the stones next to her. She reached out and scratched the wolf behind her ears "One of the things I didn't explain to the class was the difference in fur, the fur of a natural wolf tends to be course, after all they live in it every day. The fur of a Garou is stiffer and fuller, it comes in handy when fighting; the enemy is more likely to grab fur than flesh. The fur of a Gangrel tends to be very soft compared to the other two, they don't live as wolves on a constant basis, so it feels more like the hair on your head than the fur of a wild animal." she explained "Now if you feel up to it, pet her and tell me what you think."
Harry hesitated for a moment before patting the wolf on the head, the fur was amazingly soft and warm to the touch, "Gangrel" Harry said, the amazement in his voice evident. Cat looked up at Remus and Raul, smiling proudly........
Sirius was ready to bolt, what was he thinking, he had followed Cash into the room, thinking nothing of it, sat down next to him, no problem, but now..... what was he going to do when Harry and Cat got to him. Harry would know at once who he was, and maybe Cat would figure it out as well, but she would sure as heck know he wasn't a wolf. Sirius was trying to think of a way to inconspicuously leave the room when his attention was drawn to Harry and Cat, they were kneeling on the floor in front of one of the wolves. Cat was speaking softly to Harry, while she affectionately petted the wolf and Harry was hanging onto her every word. Sirius could see how much Harry cared for Cat, and the pride and love Cat felt for Harry was evident every time she looked at him. Sirius felt overjoyed to see them like this, like mother and son, if only he could make the picture complete. He was lost in his own dreams when he suddenly realized how close Cat and Harry were. Too late to leave quietly, and they were too close to try and dart past them, Sirius closed his eyes and hoped that Harry would have enough sense to pass by him, or at least enough not to call him by his name........
"Excellent Harry, I can't believe how well you're doing." Cat said, practically gushing over him "Now you only have eight more. Do you think you can get a perfect score? Because if the rest of you house does this well, the cup is yours." Harry smiled back at her, he turned to signal to Hermione and Ron when he saw Sirius sitting next to a Gangrel. Harry froze not knowing what to do, they were only three wolves away from him. Harry tried to signal Sirius to leave, but quickly realized that he was trapped, students and wolves to one side, he and Cat to the other. Harry frantically tried to get Remus's attention, but only succeeded in getting Cat's.
"Harry, is something wrong, sweetie?" Cat asked concerned "What's gotten into you?" she looked towards Remus and then followed Harry's eyes to a large black dog sitting next to Cash. "Hello, and who do we have here?" Cat asked, amused at the sight of a dog among all the wolves "Delusions of grandeur is it?" She said playfully as she reached out to scratch the dog behind his ears "Or were you just bored and decided to come play with my friends here." she was smiling at the dog as she stroked his soft fur.
Harry stood there, not sure whether he should tell her or not, it was obvious she had no idea that the dog was Sirius. He was becoming embarrassed watching her lather attention on what she thought was a stray, although he was pretty sure Sirius was not minding her affection in the least. The idea made Harry even more uncomfortable, it was fine to treat a dog like that, but when that dog is actually a man, and your own godfather none the less, well it was definitely a moral dilemma Harry did not need.
"Look at you, aren't you a sweetie... yes you are" Cat was saying in a baby-like voice, rubbing her hand up and down the dog's back "you're a good boy, yes...... yes" Cat was laughing as the dog became excited and started jumping up and down. "And who's doggy are you, someone in here maybe?"......
all yours Sirius thought to himself, he couldn't believe his luck, she had no idea, at least not yet. He took full advantage of the situation, letting Cat rub him behind his ears and run her hands down his spine, he was in heaven, it had been so long since anyone had touched him like that. He wanted to transform right there and hold her in his arms, kissing her until she gave in and returned to him. Knowing that could not happen, he did the next best thing, he jumped up and licked her face, it was their first kiss since she returned, granted it was a little messier than Sirius had planned, and she had no idea it was him, but still, a kiss was a kiss.......
"Yewhh, Down boy" Cat made a face as she wiped her lips "doggy kisses...blech" the class laughed at her reaction, as she shook her finger at the dog.
Remus who had been a real trooper through the charade, finally lost it. He stood on the dais in front of the students, holding his sides practically doubled over. Cat looked at him, confusion written all over her face. "Hey, muffin man.... it really wasn't that funny." she said as she gave him a lop-sided grin.
"Alright, so who did leave a dog in here?" Cat asked loudly, surveying the expression on each student's face, hoping for some hint.
Harry noticed Fang creeping towards Sirius, baring his teeth. Harry quickly ran in between them "No Fang, its alright, really" he yelled out, fearing what Fang would be able to do to his godfather, especially if he realized Sirius was not just a dog.
Cat stared at Harry for a few moments, "You mean to tell me he's yours?!" she asked suspiciously. "I didn't think students were allowed to keep anything larger than a cat as a pet." she had raised one eyebrow, and was obviously waiting for a very good reason for Harry to be claiming the dog as his.
Harry stared blankly at Cat, he didn't want to lie to her, but he couldn't exactly tell the truth without getting Sirius in trouble. "Well I guess you could say we belong to each other" Harry said hopefully "We always seem to wind up together," Sirius walked to Harry's side, jumping up and placed his paws on Harry's shoulders, "and he's always getting into trouble" Harry continued as he gave his godfather a pointed look "and well I guess we kind of adopted him....he's our unofficial Gryffindor mascot" he finished, hoping Cat would accept the explanation and move on.
Cat was still giving Harry one of her I-know-your-not-telling-me-something looks "And who is we the rest of Gryffindor?" she asked, daring him to not tell her the truth.
"Well not all of Gryffindor, just Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the twins,.... Oh and Remus too." Harry added quickly, hoping Remus would back him up.
"I think you mean Professor Lupin, don't you Mr. Potter?" Cat said, sounding like Professor McGonagall once again.
"Actually Miss MacLeod, Mr. Potter is quite right" Remus interjected, "he is always getting himself into trouble" Remus also looked at Sirius "however, he is also very protective, and quite affectionate, I assure you." Remus was grinning at Harry and Sirius, how can one man get into so many 'situations' he wondered.
"Well, I'll give you the affectionate part" Cat said teasingly "Maybe a little too affectionate." she rolled her eyes as she spoke.
Sirius looked at her, too affectionate, since when has that ever been a problem he thought, remembering how she loved to cuddle with him, always holding on to each other when they walked to class or studied together, he would give anything to be able to do that again. He trotted back over to Cat and sat down in front of her, lifting his paw and whining softly.
"Cat, I think you've hurt his feelings" Remus said sincerely "he happens to be extremely fond of you."
Cat looked at Remus and then to the dog, "Oh he is... is he" she bent down to get a good look at the dog, he was beautiful, if a little odd looking. He reminded her of the Grims she used to play with in the highlands, large, powerful, extraordinarily protective and amazingly gentle. She placed her hand under his muzzle and studied him, strange eyes for a dog, almost human, she thought. The dog whined softly again as he moved towards her, "Oh no. No more kisses thank you." she said as she rubbed his muzzle "Well you certainly seem tame enough, I guess it won't hurt if you stay." Cat said as she stood back up "Harry are you ready to finish, we have more students after you."
Harry quickly finished the quiz, getting everyone correct, "40 points for Gryffindor" Cat proclaimed loudly "Next student please." she continued going around the room with each student, giving their points at the end of their turns.
Gryffindor and Ravenclaw did quite well, and Hermione was especially please with herself for matching Harry's points. "And I didn't even get a chance to study" she said proudly "she really is a good teacher, she makes the class very interesting." From Hermione that was glowing praise, Harry and Ron looked at each other and smiled.
"SOOO," Ron asked "does that mean you might join us in divination next year?" he asked hopefully.
"Fortune telling? Is that what they have her teaching here?" Raul asked as he walked up to them, he had wanted to get to know Harry a bit better, he could see how important he was to Clan MacLeod. "Why on earth would they have someone with her abilities teaching something so ridiculous?"
"See," Hermione said "Even Raul thinks its nothing but stupid nonsense."
"No, I have seen her forecast the future many times," he corrected her "but it seems such a waste of her abilities. I thought she would be teaching you to cast magic, or perhaps explaining the healing arts."
Harry's interest was piqued "We have other teachers to teach us charms and transfigurations, but what do you mean healing arts, are you talking about potions?"
"Potions," Raul chuckled, "no little one, not at all. I was referring to the placing of hands," he looked at their confused faces "the healing touch" he explained, demonstrating the action with his own hands.
"Nope, sorry, never heard of that" Ron said "If anyone gets hurt they go to the hospital wing."
"Do you mean to tell me, that she has never used her hands or voice to heal anyone at this school" Raul said disbelievingly, "she allows them to go to this hospital wing to be healed."
Harry thought for a moment, he remembered something similar to what Raul was talking about "Hey wait a minute, .... Remus" he said excitedly "In Hogsmeade, when Remus was hurt, she put her hands on his chest like this, and I felt this weird sensation, next thing I knew Remus was breathing again."
Raul smiled at Harry "Yes, that is what I meant. Do they not allow her to teach that here?"
"Don't know," Harry replied honestly "I know I've never even heard of it before now. What about you Hermione?"
Hermione shook her head no, she didn't recall reading about anything like that either. Their conversation was interrupted as Remus walked over. "So Raul, enjoying yourself so far?" he asked cheerfully.
"Very much my brother. And I see our sister has found many new friends here." he said, motioning to MacLeod "I am relieved to see so many warm faces among the students."
"Indeed, she does enjoy teaching the children." Remus responded "But Raul, there is no need to be so formal. Please call me Remus, I'm afraid clan tradition will confuse the students." he said, motioning to the obviously confused trio.
"Uhm, yeah" Harry said "About that brother and sister thing. Are you two related?"
Remus and Raul looked at each other for a moment, Raul bowed towards Remus, indicating that he should explain to the children.
"In a round about way, yes. When Cat and I attended school together, she discovered my condition. She thought that the Gangrel might be able to help me." he nodded towards Raul "Unfortunately they were not able to get it completely under control, although the things they taught me have saved my life more often than I can say" he smiled fondly at Raul, who returned his smile "they ended up taking me in, fostering I believe is what they call it. So I am now considered a brother to all my fellow Gangrel, just as Cat is considered a sister. Her clan is blood related to the Gangrel."
"So by clan law, you and Cat are brother and sister?" Harry asked, not quite sure if that was the way it would work.
"Ahh, so you have been taught the laws and traditions" Raul said enthusiastically, grabbing Harry in a heartfelt embrace.
"Not exactly" Harry tried to explain as Raul kept hugging him "but I'm learning."
"Learning are you" Raul said setting Harry down, and smiling proudly "then know that you can count on the Gangrel to help you learn. You are of the blood, just as Angel is."
Harry smiled back at Raul, he couldn't explain it, but he felt very safe right now. In between Remus, Raul, Cat and Sirius he really didn't think life could feel much better, that was until he looked over at Cat. She was finishing up with last of the students, taking them from wolf to wolf while marking their answers, and there was Sirius, following her and making friends with the wolves. Harry laughed and shook his head, talk about trouble waiting to happen. "Hey Raul" Harry asked "why do you call her Angel, we call her Cat or Miss MacLeod here."
Raul looked from Harry to Cat and smiled "It suits her" he said simply "she is like an angel to us, she brings sunlight, warmth and happiness."
"And she fights like she's possessed by a holy fury" added Remus, winking at Harry.
"I prefer my explanation, my brother" Raul said firmly, giving Remus a mischievous grin.
"That's because you're a die hard romantic, my brother" Remus shot back, grinning widely
Harry looked from Remus to Raul and back again, he could see this year was going to be anything but boring. With any luck they would manage to get into more trouble than he and Ron did. As he looked to Hermione and Ron, Harry could tell they were all thinking the same thing. "Trouble" the trio said in unison as Remus and Raul turned to look at them, and smiled fondly.