Author's Notes: Notes to reviewers at the end. This actually needed a slight bit of polishing before I posted so it took me an extra day. Enjoy!

Chapter 33 Untitled

"I want to see the new tattoo." Remus gasped, pulling at Cassius's shirt, as Cassius's hands stroked down to his hips.

"Later." Cassius kissed down Remus's throat and pulled Remus's sweater up over his head.

"No, now." Remus arched upwards to get more contact with Cassius. "Please."

Cassius pulled away, yanking off his t-shirt and sat up, turning his back to Remus. "There, happy?"

"Yes." Remus reached out and traced over Celtic design between Cassius's shoulder blades. Cassius shivered as Remus's cool fingers trailed over his skin. "Does it symbolize something?"

"A wolf."

"Did you get it because of me?"

"No, Remus, I got it because it was pretty." Cassius turned around and pulled Remus into his arms. "Of course, I got it because of you….and because it's pretty."

"It is pretty." Remus kissed his mate. "I like it. It'll give me something to look at when I…you know."

"No, Remus, I don't know." Cassius arched his eyebrow at Remus who promptly turned pink.

"You know, when I'm, you know, behind you." Remus murmured.

"I didn't know you got bored with the scenery." Cassius grinned as he pulled off the rest of his clothing.

"I didn't say that, I was just saying, that…" Remus stopped himself because now Cassius was naked he couldn't think what he'd just been saying. "I missed you."

"Good save." Cassius reached down and unbuttoned Remus's pants. "Want to see how you like it?"

"Like what?" Remus couldn't process the question as all his blood rushed to his groin.

"How you like looking at my new tattoo when you 'you know'."

Over an hour later, Remus decided that he definitely liked Cassius's new tattoo.

Cassius was still working 6 days a week so for the first four days that Remus was home, they were only together in the evenings. But then Cassius was able to get the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Easter Holiday off and they spent it together, talking, taking drives, but mostly they spent it in bed.

The night before he went back to Hogwarts, Remus waited until Cassius and Clara were talking about some changes in the Ministry staff during dinner to talk to Stevens.

"He had that dream again. He's remembering more of it. He sees Regulus get hurt, then his father takes him home to the basement. He wakes up in pain, yelling in Malfoy-speak."

"Huh." Stevens set his tea down.

"I think we should tell him." Remus looked over at Cassius.

"Do you really think we should?" Stevens followed his gaze.

"If the memories are starting to resurface…" Remus took a deep breath. "I think his brother should be the one to do it. He knows the most about what happened.

"Do you want me to contact him?"

"No, I'll do it."

"You sure?"

"Yes." Remus replied firmly.

Cassius went to Malfoy Manor a couple weeks after Remus returned to Hogwarts. Lucius had sent an owl inviting him for a visit. As his younger brother walked into the study, Lucius stood to greet him. He noticed with relief that Cassius had gained back the weight he'd lost and did not look tired. Lucius's happiness at seeing his brother well was tempered by the owl he'd received from Cassius's lover. Cassius was starting to remember things about his memory problem. The lover wrote that it was time for Cassius to know and Lucius was the best one to do it. Lucius had prepared for four days to tell Cassius the truth. They sat down to play a game of chess while Lucius worked up his nerve to speak.

"Cassius…"

"Yes?" Cassius looked across the chessboard at his brother.

"Do you ever have dreams about Father?"

"Why?"

"I do…sometimes. I won't have thought about Father for months and then out of the blue, I'll dream about him."

Cassius was silent for a moment. "I've been having dreams about being in the basement with Father."

"And?" Lucius asked gently.

"He hurts me. I…I tell him it's not my fault," Cassius's brows knit together in concentration as he thought of the dream. "That Sirius did it. But he doesn't listen. I can't remember what Sirius did."

"He did a prank on Regulus." Lucius said. "Regulus was badly injured. I don't know if Sirius meant for it to happen the way it did. But he placed the blame on you."

Cassius took a deep breath. "Did Father…in my dreams…I hear him say Crucio."

"Yes, he used the Cruciatus curse on you. You were twelve." Lucius reached out his hand to Cassius who was starting to chew his fingers. He'd had the habit since he was a small boy. He gently held Cassius' hand in his. "I was away, with Narcissa, on our honeymoon. I didn't know what had happened until the next day when we returned home. Father was drunk in his study, babbling incoherently. I asked him where you were but he didn't answer. I did a locating spell and found you in the basement. You didn't know who I was…you didn't know your name. I was frantic, I took you to Saint Mungo's. I wish…I would have stopped him, I never would have let him do that to you."

"He did that?" Cassius gazed over at the portrait of their father that hung over the fireplace. It had been frozen years ago and no longer moved or spoke. "I don't remember it happening, just when I dream. It doesn't seem real."

"Cassie…" Lucius debated within himself what to say next. "You sometimes have trouble remembering things."

"I know that." Cassius snapped.

"You weren't always like this." Lucius said slowly.

"Oh?"

"When Father used the curse on you…he…he hurt your memory…all the pain…" Lucius had to stop because of a lump in his throat. He swallowed hard, reminding himself that Malfoys did not cry, and started to speak again when Cassius spoke first.

"Like the Longbottoms?"

"Yes."

"But I'm not like them now."

"No. The healers had potions that helped you, potions that weren't able to help the Longbottoms. It took you almost two years to recover." Lucius continued to talk about the weeks spent in the hospital, about the decision to let Cassius return to school and the agreement Lucius had made with Dumbledore. Lucius told about visiting him daily at school during his 2nd year and Cassius sometimes not remembering his own name or who Lucius was. Lucius told him how worried they had been. But Cassius was strong and he had recovered, slowly, but he had never returned to the way he had been. Lucius told Cassius how his friends had become his protectors, making sure he wouldn't get lost or hurt. He also told how their father had been driven mad by remorse, unable to face his sons sober he had turned to different potions to get through his days – until the day he cursed Cassius with the Hemalia hex and Lucius had killed him. Finally, Lucius fell silent. He watched Cassius carefully for his reaction.

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I thought it was for the best. Dumbledore and I talked for a long time about it… For the first year, we didn't know if you'd really recover…then when you did, you didn't seem to remember what happened and… we thought…we didn't want to hurt you anymore than you already had been. Your memory has been getting better and better over the years. But lately, with Cousin Sirius on the loose, you've been thinking about him a lot. And your brain has healed enough that I think it's allowing you to remember. Your lover thought it was time that you found out everything. He owled me last week and asked me to tell you."

Cassius looked at him sharply. "How did he know?"

"I wrote him." Green eyes narrowed dangerously. "Moody has been the middle man, I have no idea who your lover is. I swear it." Cassius didn't respond for a moment then nodded. "Are you angry with me?"

"No…" Cassius said slowly.

"I did what I thought was best for you at the time." Lucius squeezed Cassius's hand, realizing he'd been holding it all this time.

"I know, Luke."

"You're the best one of all of us, you know. I had to…"

"I know." Cassius gazed at his brother and then smiled. "I love you, too."

"Stevens!" Cassius yelled when he had Apparated back to Windy Corner.

"How was the visit?" Stevens walked into the sitting room, he'd been waiting anxiously in the kitchen with Tabby.

"Luke told me…he explained what the dream means."

"Did he?" Stevens said more calmly than he felt.

"He told me everything. He said you knew, you and Owen were my protectors." Stevens nodded. "He said he told Remus a few months ago."

"Yes, just before your birthday."

"And Remus thought I should know now."

"Yes. Remus doesn't like secrets." Stevens grinned ruefully.

Cassius sat down in the chair by the fire. "It doesn't seem real. I just thought I was making it up, in my dream."

"I'm glad…I'm glad you don't really remember it." Stevens sat in the chair across from Cassius. "It must have been horrible." They were silent for a bit while Stevens tried to think what to say next.

"Stevens, were you my friend…before?" He gazed into the fire, avoiding Stevens's gaze.

"No. I knew who you were, since we were in the same house…but no, we weren't friends."

"So…why were you asked to help me?"

"Because you were on the Quidditch team, and I was Captain." Stevens smiled. "It was either agree or lose a bloody good chaser." Cassius smiled sadly. "Cassie…I might not have been your friend before, but I became your friend after…and I'm glad I did."

"Were…you weren't my friend before because I was a Malfoy?" Cassius' voice was very quiet.

"No! No, I wasn't your friend before because you were a little first year and I was a third year."

"Oh." Cassius looked relieved.

"Good." Stevens stood. "Now, let's talk more in the kitchen so I can eat. I don't know about you, but I'm starving. I couldn't eat all day wondering how upset you'd be."

"You were nervous because of me?" Cassius arched his eyebrow and looked at Stevens as he stood up too.

"This is nothing, you should have seen me when you took your auror exam. Threw up all morning. Pathetic, really." Stevens threw his arms around Cassius, kissing him soundly on the cheek. "Tabby was nervous today too, she baked your favorite cake."

"She did?!" Cassius struggled to get out of Stevens' hold.

"Oh, no! I get the first piece." Stevens let go and started to run towards the kitchen. "I'm older."

"It's my favorite." Cassius jumped on Stevens' back. They arrived in the kitchen by falling onto the floor, wrestling.

"Boys." Clara walked over to them and tapped one foot. "Honestly, there must be something hormonal that causes you to regress to children when you are around one another."

"He started it." Cassius gasped, struggling to get loose from Stevens's hold.

"Did not." Stevens growled. "When did you get here?" He looked up at his girlfriend while he tickled Cassius who laughed uncontrollably as he tried to get away.

"Just now. Tabby used the floo to call me over." Clara smiled down at both of them.

"Cassie. Stevens. Stop it before I have to separate the two of you." Tabby said walking over and rapping Stevens' head sharply with her wand. "One. Two." Stevens and Cassius quickly let go of each other. Cassius struggled to his feet still gasping for air. "Dearie." Tabby hugged him tightly. "Come over for a piece of cake and some tea."

"Thanks, Tabby, I'm fine." Stevens muttered as he got to his feet. Clara kissed him.

Cassius sat down at the kitchen table and Tabby set a large piece of cake in front of him. "Thanks, Tabby."

Tabby brushed her hand through his pale hair. "You're all right? Do you want a sandwich? More tea?" She asked, looking at him with concern in her brown eyes.

"Mmmph." Cassius answered with his mouth full of cake.

"If you need to talk, we're all here for you." Tabby sat down next to him and patted his arm.

"I know you are." Cassius reached for his tea.

"I thought you'd be angry that none of us told you." Tabby said slowly, there were no signs that Cassius was upset at all.

"Well…no…I mean…I probably wouldn't have believed you if you'd told me before I started having the dreams. And…you didn't tell me because you love me, don't you?"

"That's right." Tabby nodded, smiling at Cassius. He returned her smile.

"It's a lot to process…but I think it's actually nice knowing. I feel…better."

"Really?" Stevens sputtered as he choked on his tea. Clara patted him on the back.

"Well…I just thought I was dumb, that I had to have special tutors and everything at school because I was stupid. And my bloody bad memory, forgetting things, I thought something was wrong with me…and now I know the reason."

"Yes." Tabby answered. "Yes, you deserved to be a Ravenclaw. And you deserve to be an Auror. You got very high marks in school – except your 2nd and 3rd years. Best showing of NEWTS in thirty years. How you could think you were dumb is beyond me." Tabby said, sipping her tea.

"Father always said it." Cassius shrugged.

"Your father was an insane old bastard, even before he went mad." Stevens said firmly. "You shouldn't have listened to a word the man uttered."

"Amen." Tabby said vehemently.

Dear Wife,

I saw my brother today. He told me about what happened when I was twelve. I know you already know. Thank you for asking him to tell me. Everyone was worried I'd be upset. But I'm not. Would you be upset? I mean, there's nothing I can do now, right? And I've managed all this time, and it's not like Father didn't do other horrible things that I did know about. I wish I could talk to you about it. Things don't seem real until I talk to you about them. Do you think I'll still have the nightmares now that I know? I wish you were here. I don't have nightmares as much when you're here.

Love, Husband

Darling Husband,

I'm glad you know and I'm glad you aren't upset now. Did you have a nightmare last night? I'm so sorry I'm not there to talk to you about it. And I'm sorry I'm not home to help keep the nightmares away. We could fire talk if you want? I'm worried about you.

Love, Wife

Wife,

Tell Tabby and Stevens that I don't need to be babied anymore! They both follow me around and ask if I'm sure I'm all right. I am all right, damn it. Please tell them. And no, we can't fire talk, it's not safe. I'll wait until you're home. And yes, I'm still having the nightmares only not so much as before.

I love you.

Husband

Dearest Husband,

I hope Tabby and Stevens have been less bothersome lately, I did owl them. If you continue to have the nightmares, (are they getting better?) you know you can take Dreamless Sleep Potion. I know you don't like to but you need your rest. And don't lose your temper at me for suggesting it because I'm only saying it because I love you.

You'll never guess what happened today! Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup!! It's the first time since Charlie Weasley graduated seven years ago. Harry caught the snitch to win the game. He's an amazing seeker. Although I'm not supposed to take sides, of course I was very happy that Gryffindor won. You should have seen Snape's face, it was priceless, like someone had taken away his favorite toy. I only wish James and Lily could be here to see their son. He's really a wonderful young man, I know they would be proud.

You haven't owled in three days. I seem to recall someone (that would be you, in case you're wondering) promising to owl daily if I did certain things to said person's body. You're falling down on your end of the bargain. I guess that means you don't want those things to happen again…which is too bad because I rather enjoy them.

Love, Your Wife

Author's Notes: I'm in a bit of a pickle. I told you all that Sirius would appear in Chapter 36…but I've filled out one of the chapters more so it's going to get split in two which means that Sirius will appear in Chapter 37. BUT, never fear, I will post two of the chapters together so the time period for which you will be waiting for Sirius will be the same. Everyone ok with that? :-) And…the next chapter won't be posted until at least Friday afternoon. :-) But I am anxious to get it posted because I have worked REALLY hard on it.

Thank you to my loyal reviewers: noone, Padfoot, MoonyPadfootJr, peegchica (yes there will be drama when Sirius shows up – actually the drama starts next chapter!!!!), Silly (I'm glad you found my story and I am SO glad you like it! Thanks for the compliment about my story fitting in with the books! I try VERY hard to make it so.), elkebaby (thanks for the compliment on the drunk scene in last chapter, I had fun writing it), TiffanyLM (thanks for your first review!) Mon2 (I'm glad you liked the chapter! I don't have much more Snape moments in the coming chapters because I don't want to push back the arrival of Sirius more than I already have, but perhaps when the story reaches OOTP time period, I will include more then), Meike, and drastic diner(Hill was introduced in Chapter 15. And yes, Umbridge will be mentioned. The bitch.)