Chapter 33 Remus Dances
Shashe ran up to Cat and Gaz yowling madly, "What's wrong with you baby?" Cat asked, afraid someone had accidentally stepped on her paws "Are you alright?" She easily picked up the small cougar and examined its paws. Shashe squirmed in her arms and yowled some more, nipping gently at Cat's hands. "Okay, you're not hurt, so what's bothering you?" Cat looked directly into Shashe's golden eyes, she felt herself slipping into the cougars point of view, looking around the room at knee height, sniffing the air, seeing something moving in the shadows, something that doesn't belong there.
Cat watched through Shashe's eyes as she noticed the movement of something dark trailing on the ground, creeping up on it and pouncing, grabbing it in her mouth and pulling it out into the light, but finding it attached to something much larger than she thought. Looking up through Shashe's eyes Cat saw Severus scowling down at the cougar, brushing her off roughly, as his eyes searched the room, narrowing at the scene in front of him. Cat shook her head to clear Shashe's view from it. "Severus, what ever are you thinking?" she sighed as she turned to where Shashe had found the potion master.......
Severus flattened himself against the wall, hoping that Cat couldn't see him there, surely the cougar could not have actually told her he was here, it would be impossible. Yet there she stood, holding the cougar in her arms, looking directly at the spot he was standing, Severus was unsure as to whether she had actually seen him or not, he wanted to walk up to her and escort her away from here. He needed to be sure she was safe. As Severus was weighing his options he scanned the room and froze, as he saw Professor Dumbledore enter the hall and walk up to Cat....
Albus paused for a moment as he walked into the great hall, it had been a long time in the works, but they seemed to have pulled it off nicely. He smiled broadly as he watched the Weasley twins dancing wildly with some young Garou girls, bouncing up and down in time to the wild drumming of yet another Garou, they were all grinning and laughing at each other. Over in the corner he saw Gaz and Cat in what appeared to be an intense discussion; knitting his brow he made his way over to them, only to be intercepted by Raul.
Raul was smiling from ear to ear, "Headmaster Dumbledore. I am very pleased to see you here this evening, it has gone better than I ever could have hoped." he said as he gave Albus a heartfelt hug, "every one is in place, and the student's reactions have only helped to solidify my clans resolve, even Cash seems to have relented in his opinions." Raul motioned over to where Cash was sitting, apparently talking to a large dog.
Albus smiled serenely at Cash and Sirius, "Truly a remarkable evening Raul" Dumbledore said proudly "and a very good beginning to a bright future for us all." Albus scanned the room quickly looking for familiar faces; he paused for a moment as he saw Severus hiding in the shadows, watching Cat. Shaking his head slightly Albus wondered what Cat's reaction would be to all of this, Sirius at one end of the hall talking to her Gangrel protector, Severus at the other, watching everything that was happening and Harry with all of his friends, laughing and dancing with other students and guests, as if there were nothing strange about this at all.
"Deep in thought tonight headmaster?" questioned Raul "You seem distracted."
"No, just taking a moment to reflect on the importance of this moment" Albus told him, "It is truly momentous. I believe it is the first time all three have been together, in friendship, since written history." he smiled brightly at Raul "It is something I hope will become common place. .... I need to speak with Cat now, perhaps we can finish our conversation later?" Raul nodded his agreement as Albus placed his hand on Raul's shoulder, and then walked towards Cat and Gaz.
Looking at Cat, Albus was amazed at all she had accomplished in a few short weeks. A tentative alliance with the Garou, one of the fiercest band of warriors known to the wizarding world, a firm alliance with the Gangrel, of the kindred vampyres, and she seem sure other clans of kindred would follow their lead, and of course the protection she offered the school and Harry in particular. Add that to the effect she had on Severus and Sirius and there might just be a chance to defeat Voldemort once and for all. He paused for a few moments as he listen to her assure Gaz that her choices were not only correct, but vital to the survival of all concerned. Albus sighed as he wondered how she had gone from a bubbly, prank loving child to a mature, disciplined, compassionate woman in the space of four hours. Albus felt his heart swell with pride as he thought of everything she and Remus had been through, and still managed to find happiness and joy in their lives daily. "Hello my dear" Albus said as he stood behind Cat "I see everything is going quite nicely. The students seem to be adapting rather well."
Cat turned and smiled at Albus "Very well Albus, despite Draco Malfoy's attempts at sabotage." she said bittingly, "but I think Gaz and Fang helped him to see the light as it were."
Albus looked searchingly at her "Do I want this explained to me, Miss MacLeod?" he asked.
"Not right now you don't," Cat replied as Gaz laughed "However I am sure you will find it very humorous tomorrow, I know the rest of the school has." she had a wide grin on her face as well "Actually I'm very relieve everything has gone so well, the students are enjoying themselves immensely, and both clans are making many friends tonight, and I have the feeling this is only the beginning" she said as she nodded toward Remus and Raul who were deep in their own conversation, both had huge smiles across their faces "Knowing those two, the night is going to become more and more interesting."
Albus smiled, as he looked from Remus and Raul to Cat "Are they making you nervous" he asked teasing her. "Because you have another guest you should know about." he said seriously, as he glanced over to where he had seen Severus.
Cat nodded "I saw" she said softly as she leaned toward Albus "he's been here for a while now. You don't think he'll do anything....brash... do you?" It was Cat's one big concern, she knew how Severus felt about non-humans.
"I sincerely hope not." Albus replied, "But just to make sure, I intend to stay for a while." he winked at Cat as he finished.
"Thank you. I have a feeling I'll be having enough trouble just keeping Severus and Sirius apart tonight. By the way, have you seen Sirius?" she asked Albus "I can feel him here, but I haven't caught sight of him yet."
Albus looked at her with surprise, was it possible that she didn't know about Sirius being an animagus "I will keep my eyes open, but I do not think Sirius will risk ruining tonight. I am sure he realizes how important it is." Albus sincerely hoped that she was simply pretending not to know about Sirius, and if not, he hoped she would take it well when she finally realized..
"Hey Cat." Harry had walked up to see her and Dumbledore "Or should I be calling you Miss MacLeod now??" he said teasing her.
"Smarty pants, you're as bad as your father was, you know that?" Cat responded as she playfully swatted him. "So what bring you over here, tired already?"
Harry grinned back at her, rubbing his arm as if she had hurt him "Abusing students now, wasn't Draco enough for one night?" He laughed as Cat stuck out her tongue "Actually the other are busy entertaining each other" he motioned to Ron, Hermione and the twins, who were still carrying on with the Garou sisters "I just hope Fred and George have enough sense not to pull any pranks."
"Oh I wouldn't worry about that Harry" Cat replied smiling "the Garou can hold their own, and if you want to talk pranks, just ask Cash there, he'd put the twins to shame, maybe even Remus." she nodded towards Cash and saw the dog was with him "Hey Harry, I thought that dog was with you?"
Harry never got the chance to answer. Remus and Raul had walked up to them, smiling brightly. "Uh oh, this means trouble," Harry said to Cat as Remus tried to put on a straight face.
"Tell me." Cat replied as she turned to face Remus. "Something you'd like to share with the class, Professor?"
"See what did I tell you Raul, she immediately assumes I'm up to something. Good evening Professor Dumbledore." Remus said as he nodded at Albus, acting as innocent as possible. "Don't you think its sad, the way certain members of the staff treat each other?"
"Yeh, its heartbreaking" Cat cut in "So, what are you two planning? There's no use lying to me Remus, I can tell, your left eye twitches and you rub you wrist." she said smiling at him "So lets just cut to the chase."
Albus smiled softly as he watched the four of them talking, Remus and Cat were teasing each other mercilessly, while Harry and Raul egged them on. If only Severus would open his mind to the possibilities of an alliance; after all, Cat had gotten him to open his heart, even if it was only towards her, so how far behind could the rest of him be. Albus's thoughts were interrupted by Cat's yelling.
"You told them I'd do WHAT?!" she said incredulously as Harry and Raul laughed hardily at the look on Remus's face.
"Come on Cat, you know you want to" he said, using his most charming smile "even I know you want to.... say it, you know its true..."
"Remus I am not going to make a spectacle of myself, what were you thinking?" Cat said, blushing terribly
Remus looked at her strangely "Well right now I'm thinking you're channelling Snape. Because I see your body and hear your voice, but that is NOT you talking."
Cat paused for a moment, opened her mouth, and then closed it again. She blinked her eyes a few times and pulled Remus close to her "Please tell me you didn't mean that.... I don't really sound like him, ... do I?" She looked pleadingly at her friend.
"You just refused to make a spectacle of yourself, what do YOU think?" Remus said looking expectantly at her.
"I think I may be spending to much time with him." Cat conceded, "So Professor, in your professional opinion, what are my chances?"
"Well admitting it is half the battle" Remus teased "and I think we know what the other half is going to be. In fact Raul has already gathered up a band, and I know how much you love to sing and dance......" he was grinning from ear to ear; he had been waiting to do this since she came back to Hogwarts, Remus turned to look at Raul and said cheerfully "she's in!!"
Cat rolled her eyes as she laughed "Completely set up and I fell for it." she smiled at Harry and Albus as Remus pulled her along behind him, while he raised his arm in victory at a group of Gangrel who appeared to be waiting for them.......
Harry watched as the Gangrel's cheered as Remus raised his arm, what were they getting into now, he wondered. Harry looked around the room and saw Snuffles and Cash looking over at Remus and Cat, Cash was smiling and jabbing Snuffles with his elbow. Oh no, thought Harry, Sirius has already found another prankster, as he remembered what Cat had told him about Cash. Harry stood next to Dumbledore as they both watched Remus and Cat join the group of Gangrels. "Any idea what Remus is up to?" Harry asked the headmaster
"The mind reels at the possibilities" said Albus as he gave a sly smile to Harry, "Remus and Cat have been friends a very long time, Harry. I can only guess as to what Professor Lupin has in mind for her this time." Dumbledore had a sweet look on his face, as if remembering past joys "They have always been somewhat of a challenge to each other."
Before Harry could asks another questions he heard a cheer from the Gangrel and he saw Cat blushing furiously, putting her hands up to her face and shaking her head. Remus pulled her hands away and held them as he laughed, Cat then leaned her head against his chest, still shaking her head no, but laughing all the same. Remus patted her on the back as the Gangrel laughed along with them. Whatever they wanted, it appeared that Cat had finally given in. Harry watched for a few more moments and they asked Professor Dumbledore "uhm, Professor Dumbledore, I know this is kind of a strange question, but did Remus and Cat used to date? I mean it's just that they seem awfully close....." Harry felt uncomfortable asking this, but he needed to know, after all Remus had asked him to help get Cat and Sirius together, but it seemed odd that he would need help if he was that close to Cat.
"To the best of my knowledge" Albus began "they never dated seriously, Professor Lupin was one of the first students she met here at Hogwarts, and they became fast friends, but I do not believe it ever went any further than that. Why do you ask Harry?" Albus inquired, looking innocently at Harry.
"Oh no reason, just curious" Harry said quickly as he felt himself blush. Its not as if he had accused them of anything, but he felt embarrassed that he had even asked. Luckily Harry didn't need to answer the question, as Raul and his friends had cleared off a table to use as a stage and were busy lifting chairs onto the table "What are they doing?" Harry asked.......
"Come on guys. Not on the table" whined Cat "my voice carries, remember, the floor is just fine."
Remus and Raul smiled at each other as they walked towards Cat, who was trying to find a means of escape from her friends "Guys...... don't do this.." she said as they stood in front of her. Exchanging looks Remus and Raul quickly caught Cat by her arms escorting her to the makeshift stage and easily lifted her up onto it. They quickly leaped up to join her, each draping an arm around her shoulders. "You are soooo gonna pay for this" Cat said turning her head from one to the other "both of you."
Remus and Raul just laughed at her "Keep your eyes on her Remus, my brother, I don't want her to run off. We are nearly ready to begin." he finished as he picked up a guitar and nodded at Josh, who was holding a fiddle.
"They brought instruments with them?!" Cat said her eyes wide, "You dirty dog, you had this planned from the beginning, didn't you?" she asked, accusing Remus
"Hey I'm a wizard, you don't think I could whip up a few instruments?" Remus replied sarcastically "Of course I planned it..... do you have any idea how long it's been since I've heard you sing? Not just singing to yourself or the drakes or something, I mean really sing, performing sing" he was smiling brightly, and his lovely hazel eyes had a familiar sparkle to them.
Cat sighed, she could never stay upset at Remus, he knew her too well, and they had been through too much "Fine .... But if I have to sing, you better have that cute little tushy of yours out on the dance floor" she told him insistently.
"Fine by me," Remus laughed "I haven't been able to cut loose for a long time" he looked around the room "and considering the crowd, I'm going to be the least of anyone's worries." he paused for a moment as it hit him "Wait a minute, .... What was that about my tush?!" he turned staring at her as if she had two heads.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to catch that." laughed Cat "So since you seem to be the mastermind behind this" She began "I don't suppose you have a list of requests or something, or was it your plan to let me out here to falter?"
"Now when have I ever left you to falter" Remus said softly as he touched his forehead to hers, pulling a parchment out of his pocket he continued "and as fortune would have it, I just happen to have a list of songs here in my hot little hands"
Cat gave him a smirk as she grabbed the paper from his hand "And they used to blame James and Sirius for all the trouble. Man did you have them snowed." Cat quickly looked over the parchment "I see Raul had a lot of input on this as well"
"Input, is that what you call it?" Remus laughed, "I was thinking along the lines of not so gentle persuasion."
"He's talking about me again, isn't he?" Raul asked grinning, as he returned to Remus and Cat.
"Just going over the song lists, that's all" Remus responded cheerfully
"Well if we're going to get started, I suggest that the two of you change into something more practical" Raul said, "Those robes and long skirt may become hazardous to your health" he finished, raising his eyebrow.
Remus looked at Cat "He has a point" he said as he removed his robe, revealing a loose fitting button down shirt and a pair of khaki's.
"Yeah, easy for you" Cat responded, she was a bit hesitant about changing out of her skirt and blouse "and what exactly should I wear? I don't think a mini would go over well with the staff."
"Depends on which members of the staff you're talking about" Remus teased as Cat shot him a look "Can't you just change the skirt into slacks or something" he pulled out his wand and touched her skirt with it, suddenly her green and black skirt became a rather form fitting pair of black and green swirled leggings.
"Gheez, Remus!" Cat said "leave something to the imagination, would ya."
Blushing a little Remus tapped her blouse turning it into a tunic that reached her mid-thigh. "There, that better?" he asked as she rolled her eyes.
"Its fine" Raul decided for them "Time to play" he was grinning madly.
"Not too excited, is he" Remus said as they followed Raul towards the rest of the Gangrel band.
Sirius watched Cat and Remus smiling at each other as the Gangrels started to play their instruments. He wished he could be up there with them, more to the point, he wished Cat would be holding on to him instead of Remus. He had to remind himself, once again, about the special friendship they shared, after all, it had been Remus that had set he and Cat up in the first place. Sirius felt Cash's hand on his neck, "You okay?" Cash asked nodding towards the table. Sirius nodded, he had to stop thinking about it, he knew in his heart, Remus would never do anything to hurt him, and he still believed Cat must have feelings for him, why else would she behave the was she did. Sirius looked over at the stage again, guitar, fiddle, penny whistle, a few he didn't recognize and.... wait ... no way....three drummers, this was going to be fun...
Harry was laughing himself silly watching Remus and Cat, even Professor Dumbledore was chuckling over their antics. He couldn't believe the outfit Remus put her into, and considering the look Cat gave him, neither could she. They were getting ready to start now, he saw the Gangrels grab their instruments and begin playing, Remus, Raul and Cat were still busy teasing each other, soon though every ones attention was turned to the impromptu stage to see what was going on. Harry rolled his eyes as Cat kept pushing Remus closer and closer to the edge of the stage, pointing out at the students, he was shaking his head and laughing at her, trying to catch her hands as Raul played his guitar and laughed at them. Harry wondered what would be happening if Sirius could be up there with them......
Cat turned to Remus as the music began, "Okay muffin man, your turn, get out there and dance" she said forcefully, as he tried to evade her. "Don't you run away from me, you got me into this, you're gonna suffer along with me." she laughed as she pushed him little by little to the end of he table.
"Now Cat, at least wait until someone else starts dancing, don't make me go out there alone." Remus pleaded between chuckles, trying to catch her hands as she kept pushing him backward, he had forgotten how fast she was, thankfully she was also very gentle, he would truly hate to be on the receiving side of a full out attack from her.
"Not a chance, you started this," she smiled "Now get that cute tush of yours out there or else."
Remus grimaced at the tush remark "or else what?" he said.
"Or else I make sure the entire room will be able to admire your tush" she said as she winked at him and pushed him off the table.
Remus landed on his feet with amazing ease, shaking his head at her, "Shame on you Miss MacLeod, whatever would your family say?" he said, sounding as sincere as possible.
Cat paused and looked intently at Remus "MY Family?" she said, eyes wide. Remus knew her family too well to ask a question like that, they'd be all for it, hell some of her cousins would probably lend a hand. She stared at Remus and suddenly they both broke into laughter.
Cat turned and walked back to Raul, shaking her head at Remus. What a goof, no wonder everybody loved him so much, now if only he could find himself someone to settle down with. It just wasn't right that he was not someone's daddy.
Raul smiled broadly at her as he began playing, she recognized the tune immediately, "so your starting with a fast one first, good, Remus may need a little help getting people dancing." she said to Raul.
Raul just smiled at her and shook his head no; he motioned for her to turn around. There was Remus pulling people out of their seats and lining them up, the Garou of course had recognized the tune and had joined in quickly. Cat smiled as she began to sing, she started off a bit softly but quickly got into the feel of the crowd, they were wild, and she loved it. She jumped down off of the stage and joined them in dancing, Remus right next to her, singing along with her.........
"Gotta let me in, Oiy Oiy Oiy; let the fun begin; I'm the wolf today Oiy, Oiy, Oiy; I'll huff, I'll puff, I'll huff and puff and blow you away" Cat was singing and spinning around with the other Gangrels, stomping in time to the music, Harry laughed when everyone started howling at the wolf line. He couldn't believe how much fun this was. He never thought he would see something like this at Hogwarts. Cat was jumping up and down, laughing and singing with Remus and some Gangrels, they were dancing in lines, all moving together. Shouting out and clapping in unison, as Harry watched and smiled, a younger Gangrel grabbed him by the hand and pulled him out to dance with the rest. He was tripping over his own feet but he didn't really care, it felt so good to be able to relax and have fun, even if it was only for a night. It didn't matter that Voldemort was trying to kill him, or that he had to live with people who could care less if he were alive or dead, it didn't even bother him that Draco Malfoy was trying to stare a hole through his head, right now he wanted to have fun, he needed it. Cat danced her way over to him and grabbed his hands, spinning him around, as they howled, even Harry joined in on the howling part and the oiy's.
Harry felt the drumming more than he heard it, and it was beginning to get faster and faster, Harry watched as people began to drop out of the line, too tired or too slow to keep up. He held in as long as he could, but he just wasn't that good a dancer, he waved good-bye to Cat as he dropped out and joined Ron and the twins, they were cheering on Remus who was trying his best to keep up with Cash and Cat. The drummers sped it up again, pounding out the beat wildly.
Dancing faster and faster, soon only, Cash and Cat were left, each one frantically trying to out do the other, Cat was first to give up, laughing hysterically she fell to the floor, clapping for Cash, who smiled widely as he bowed to her and to the cheers of his fellow Gangrel.
Remus walked over to Cat and offered her his hand, he pulled her up off the floor while he shook his head and smiled at her flushed cheeks. "Getting a little old to keep up are we?" he asked her
"Speak for yourself old man, in case you didn't notice, I made it to the very end. And losing to Cash isn't exactly humiliating" she answered as they looked at Cash, he was hardly even winded. Cash was leaning against a table smiling smugly and waving back at them. "But he can be soooo arrogant"
"Well then I guess its up to us to show him how its really done" he said happily "are you up to it? Or have you forgotten how?"
Cat smiled slyly at Remus and winked. He had his answer. Remus looked at Raul "Alright, you've had your fun, now how about some real music? You know something us old folks can dance to?"
Raul smiled and nodded at him, he had wanted to see how long it would take Remus to breakdown and start behaving like a true Gangrel. Raul turned to the rest of his band "You heard him, something a little more refined, a little more .... passionate"
Remus smiled at Cat as the piano started to plink out a melody, joined shortly by a bass, he took her left hand in his right, and wrapped his other arm around her waist, she placed her right hand on his shoulder as they began to dance. Remus led her in a large circle as Raul began to sing: Twenty days, twenty lonely nights gone by, a million reasons left to cry; things go wrong, only memories remain, now your gone and things have changed Raul's voice was beautifully deep and full of passion, he was living the song as much as singing it. Just looking at him singing was amazing People always want to know why it is I miss you so; the truth is I don't even know Cat and Remus were still dancing only a little closer to each other now, as they became more familiar with the rhythm of dance Every little thing about you makes it hard to live without you; I don't want to think about you, and I try, can't deny the way I feel about you holding one hand above her head Remus had begun to twirl Cat around as they danced, they began taking longer, more pronounced steps as Raul intensified his voice.
Better days lie ahead cause life goes on, time will heal and make me strong Remus and Cat were moving as one, never losing eye contact with each other, Remus was beginning to perspire slightly, dampening his shirt which clung to his body showing off his muscles wonderfully. He interlock his fingers with Cat's as he pushed her backwards, making it seem as though she would hit her head against the stone floor, she dipped down, her head skimming the floor as Remus effortlessly pulled her back up, pressing her against himself. They had complete trust in each other, they moved like tigers, their legs stepped inside each other's, Harry was trying to figure out how they didn't trip each other. He watched as Remus twirled Cat around again, faster this time, placing his hands on her hips to stop her, then quickly pulling her close as they moved around the floor as Raul continued to sing the tango.
People still they want to know, why it is I miss you so, the truth is I don't even know, the music intensified even more as Raul neared the end of the song I just want to forget every little thing about you Raul kept repeating every little thing, Remus twirled cat around again and again, the muscles across his back and arms flexed, as she spun from her feet to her knees then back up again until the song finally ended, she landed firmly in Remus's arms as he pressed her against himself and spun her around once more, her feet a few inches off the ground. The crowd cheered as Remus sat Cat back down, both of them smiling broadly and laughing
Although Harry was cheering as loudly as anyone else, he had to admit to himself he felt uncomfortable watching them dance like that, a buzzy feeling was creeping its way from his stomach to his legs. Trying to shake of the feeling he decided something to eat might help, he watched some students run up to Remus and Cat asking to be taught to dance like that. Harry just smiled and shook his head as he made his way to the food.
As Harry finished eating he looked over at Cat and Remus again, this time Cash and another Gangrel he hadn't met yet were with them, helping them teach some of the students to dance. Harry smiled as Cat caught his eye; she was smiling warmly at him again, as she waved at him to join them. Rolling his eyes at her Harry shook his head NO, he had no interest in dancing like that, he'd stick with the Garou when it came to that, he laughed as Cat put an exaggerated pout on her face trying to guilt him into joining them. Cat put her hand to her throat and mouthed the words "laughing,... at me", wrinkling her nose and shaking her head no she mouthed "not bright" she curled her fingers at him, signalling him to come over again. Harry's eyes grew wide and he smiled as he mouthed "not a chance", Cat wore a look of mock surprise at his response, she pursed her lips and shrugged her shoulders, trying not to burst out laughing. "Ya know kid" said a voice behind Harry "its really not a good idea to say no when a lady asks you to dance"
A startled Harry looked up at the owner of the voice; Cash must have snuck around him while he was busy teasing Cat. "I just don't know how to dance, that's all" Harry said apologetically.
"What! Angel's son can't dance" Cash said with a perfect look of horror and disbelief on his face "we'll soon see about this." his face quickly melted into a mischievous grin as he picked Harry up out of his chair and placed him on his feet. "Besides, I think your doggy friend would appreciate it if you kept an eye on her" Cash whispered conspiratorially, as he winked at Harry.
Harry looked at Cash with an equally playful grin "Well if its for Sirius....." they quickly crossed over to Cat, who noticed their grins immediately.
"Uh Oh. What are you two up to?" Cat asked "I know a naughty grin when I see one, and right now I'm seeing double."
Cash and Harry looked at each other and started laughing, "No faith at all" Cash said, "I bring your son over to you, and you accuse me of being naughty."
"No, I know you're naughty. I'm accusing you of corrupting him." She replied cheerfully "And don't bother trying to deny it, I've known you too long."
Cash rolled his eyes and threw up his arms in an exaggerated sigh "Women, ... what do they want?" to which Cat replied by swatting him, causing him to lose whatever semblance of sincerity he had been holding on to. "Just teach the little bloke how to dance, will ya?" Cash said as he walked off laughing.
Cat smiled at Harry as she tussled his hair, "So are you going to let me teach you?" she asked softly "I won't force you."
Harry blushed, he couldn't imagine dancing with her like Remus did "I don't think I can learn anything like that" he responded, stammering a bit.
Cat looked at him curiously for a moment, as the meaning of what he said dawned on her, "Alright, how about a waltz then, very simple, very practical." She held out her hands waiting for his answer.
"Well I guess that would be alright" Harry replied, still a little self-conscious, but unable to say no to her.
Cat smiled affectionately at Harry as she took his hands, "You take her left hand in your right, and hold it up like this, and then gently place your hand on her waist, she puts her hand on your arm" Cat explained, trying to make Harry feel comfortable. "Now, you lead,… take your right foot and take a step forward...."
Harry was busy watching his feet, he didn't want to screw up and step on her feet, it would be to embarrassing. He listened to her talking him through each step; her voice was soft and calming to him. As he began to get the hang of it he looked up at her, she was smiling at him so sweetly, he almost tripped. Cat caught him and smiled indulgently, "Just listen to the rhythm Harry, you're concentrating too hard on the steps"
Harry looked at her again and smiled, she made him feel like he was the centre of her world, she didn't even corrected people when they assumed he was her son, and he loved her all the more for it, she just smiles at them. Harry wondered if she knew how much he wanted his own family, wanted a mother and father that loved him as much as he wanted to love them. It made him wonder what his life would be like with Sirius and Cat as his parents, it was obvious that they both cared for him so much.. Harry didn't want to use that against either of them, he loved them both more than he could ever put into words, but if he could get them to see how much it would mean to him, maybe they would at least try to get back together.
"Your really catching on quick sweetie" Cat told him, disturbing his thoughts.
He blushed again and muttered "thanks" pausing for a moment, he decided now was a good a time as any to ask "Uhm, Cat. Promise you won't get upset with me" Harry said nervously
"Why, what did you and Cash do?" she asked snickering and rolling her eyes
"No, nothing like that" Harry corrected her, "I was wondering about 'things' but I don't know if I should ask you or not."
"Harry" Cat said earnestly, "never be afraid to ask or tell me anything, understand" she put her hand under his chin and turned his eyes up to meet hers "You can always talk to me"
Harry smiled slightly, he wanted to just blurt it out but he knew better "Well I was wondering, ....I mean I wanted to ask you,..... I don't know how much is true..."
Cat stared at Harry with a look of perfect concern and patience on her face "Harry... sweetie, whatever it is it can't be that bad." She was getting nervous, Harry usually had no problem talking to her about things, and he was terrible nervous about something. "Just take a deep breath and say it..... Okay?"
Harry nodded, "I was wondering if it was true that you and Snape are seeing each other, because if your not, I really, really, really wish .."the words just came pouring out of his mouth.
"Whoa! Hold it right there Harry" Cat was completely taken aback by his question "who told you that Severus and I were seeing each other?"
Harry grimaced, he wanted to finish his question, "That's not important. I just wanted to know, because if you aren't"
"It's important to me Harry" she said softly "I don't want anyone spreading any rumours."
Harry looked at her happily "So that means you're not dating him" his heart was doing back flips.
"Not officially," Cat replied blushing a little "we used to be close in school, I don't know if that is going to continue now or not. Although he is being especially nice to me." she finished smiling a little.
"You and Sirius used to be close too, didn't you?" Harry asked her softly.
B'witched, C'est la Vie Raul Malo, Every Little Thing About You (Today CD)