Chapter Six: The First Battle
Harry woke up to a start. He fought to open his eyes. He heard Neville curse. Harry sat up on his bed. Neville had tripped over his own trunk. Harry smiled. Neville had changed a lot over the summer…but not that much.
"Oh…sorry, Harry. Did I wake you up?" Neville asked.
"Don't worry about it," assured Harry.
He got dressed and headed down to the Great Hall. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Cat were already there. Harry sat between Ron and Ginny. He filled his plate and began to eat.
"You didn't wait for me," said Harry through a full mouth.
Some of his food reached Cat's face across the table. She flinched and glanced at him.
"Say it don't spray it, Potter," she said and continued to eat.
Ron looked up and smiled weakly.
"I tried to wake you up, mate," said Ron. "But you just kept on sleeping."
He placed a chunk of sausage into his mouth. Hermione served herself some Orange juice then almost choked on it. Firenze had just walked in through the large oak doors.
"What is he doing here?" She asked.
Ron shrugged.
"It looks like he wants to have a word with Dumbledore," said Cat looking up.
Harry was just extremely annoyed at Cat for some strange reason so he reached across and flicked her on the shoulder. Cat frowned at him with an expression that clearly read: "What the?" Firenze was standing in front of the staff table, his white tail swishing from side to side. Dumbledore was leaning forward towards Firenze and had a polite smile on his face.
"Here you go students," said Professor McGonagall from behind Cat.
Catherina looked up startled and retrieved the schedules from McGonagall's hand. Cat passed around the schedules. Harry quickly looked at his schedule. He groaned.
"I have double periods of Advanced Potions in the evening," Harry complained. Hermione leaned over Harry's schedule then at Ron's. She smiled.
"It looks like we have about the same lessons," she said. "Next we have Double Advanced Charms, wait," said Hermione and leaned forward to look at Catherina's schedule.
She nodded.
"We do all have about the same schedule."
Ron frowned and Harry glanced at Cat quickly.
"Great," he said.
Cat noticed and gave him the finger.
"That's not true," Ron added upset. "I have to take Double Advanced Divination by my lonesome self while all three of you take Double Advanced Potions," Ron whined.
"It's not funny!"
"Since when are you so eager to take any class involving Snape?" Harry asked.
Ron frowned some more and began to mumble to himself. Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. Cat looked at her wristwatch and sucked her teeth.
"Let's go," said Cat. "If you don't hurry we'll be late."
They got up and hurried out of the Great Hall, up the changing stairs and into Professor Flitwick's classroom. Ron and Harry sat between Dean Thomas and Neville Longbottom. Hermione sat next to Susan Bones. Catherina looked around. The only seat left was next to a pretty girl with cropped black hair that happened to be in Slytherin. Hermione turned to Cat and sighed.
"Look like you're going to have to sit next to Pansy Parkinson," she said trying to hide a smile.
Cat scoffed and walked to the empty chair. She went to sit down but Parkinson pulled the chair away.
"I don't think you'll be sitting here any time soon," quipped Pansy.
Catherina raised an eyebrow and scowled.
"Really? Lucky for me that I don't care what you think," snapped Cat and pulled the chair from Parkinson's grasp.
She sat down and whipped her curls to the side.
"You might as well get used to it," said Cat and smiled devilishly. "I quite like this seat."
Pansy turned up her nose and faced the front of the class. Harry stared at the back of Cat's head. He poked her. Cat turned around.
"You didn't straighten your hair," Harry whispered.
Cat blinked.
"What, does my mass of hair bother you? Does it obstruct your vision, Potter?" She said quickly in one breath.
Harry blinked. He shook his head.
"No," he said softly. "I actually like it better this way."
Catherina blinked again and turned around to face the front of the classroom. Then she turned around towards Harry again.
"Thanks," she said. "I think."
Black faced the front of the room again only to turn around to frown at Harry skeptically. Finally, Cat turned to face the Professor. Flitwick informed the class about how well they had done in the O.W.L.s. He continued to mention how he will be giving them even more complicated charms to prepare them for the N.E.W.T.S. After two hours of listening to Professor Flitwick chirp about how he expects that most of the students in this class will do extraordinarily and staring at Cat's curly head, Harry was getting bored. The bell rang and they all rushed out of the room. Hermione was smiling.
"We're going to have to do Protean Charms, lucky for me I already know how," said Hermione
Ron sighed and muttered.
"How wonderful for you Hermione," said Ron.
Hermione blushed and opened her mouth but was cut short by some yelling happening right in front of them.
"Look, Black! I don't know how you do things where your lot comes from but here you do things my way or…" Pansy shouted.
"Or what! You should be careful who you threaten Miss Parkinson. And do you honestly expect me to succumb to your every command? I don't care…" Cat continued to rant but Hermione pulled her by the arm away from Parkinson and towards the big Oak Doors leading to the Grounds.
"Are you mad!" Hermione asked.
Cat opened her mouth.
"You can not argue with Pansy Parkinson. She is a Prefect you are not. You are no longer at your house Black. You can't do whatever you want anymore. There are rules to follow and I'll make sure you do," finished Hermione and strutted towards Hagrid's Cabin.
Catherina snorted and turned scarlet. Ron swallowed.
"We have Advanced Care of Magical Creatures now," said Harry lamely.
Ron nodded. Cat glared at Harry and shook her head. She screamed in exasperation.
"Tell me something I don't know, Potter," snarled Catherina.
Harry sighed and smiled.
"Okay then, how about: If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all," Harry suggested.
Cat punched him hard on the arm. Harry chuckled and rubbed his arm.
"Wow, Cat, for such a tiny person you pack quite a punch."
Catherina turned around and started walking towards Hagrid's cabin. Ron and Harry followed her. Hermione was already there and her temper seemed to have disappeared for now. Hagrid smiled.
"Hello 'Arry! Ron, Hermione and you Miss Black," greeted Hagrid.
"Hello Hagrid!" Harry, Hermione and Ron said.
Catherina nodded upset. Harry didn't know if she was upset with him or with Hermione. He smiled. Harry heard a snicker coming from behind them. It was Malfoy with his goons, Crabbe and Goyle.
"So that big oaf is still here. Mark my words Potter, he won't be here for long," drawled Malfoy and smiled.
He winked at Cat and brushed by Harry. Harry looked at Cat. Her face was red but Harry wasn't sure if she was still angry or was she blushing? Harry frowned.
"You know, Malfoy is your cousin right?" Harry asked Cat.
Black shook her head.
"Not really," she answered him looking at her boots.
"Yes he is," said Harry firmly.
He continued to frown at Cat.
"Nope. He is Sirius cousin's son. He isn't really my cousin," she said wiping the dust from her black boots. "What's your point anyways?" She asked looking at Harry suspiciously.
Harry shrugged.
"No it's just weird how you guys could have met and never known you were related. Imagine you and him had…" Harry began but saw Cat's eyebrows rise dangerously high above her eyes and didn't finish his sentence.
"Potter…" said Cat dragging out the r.
"What? What? It was just an observation. Geez, Black," said Harry quickly.
Something hit Harry on the head. He bent down to pick up the paper ball. He started opening it but then handed it to Cat.
"It's for you."
Black stared at him raising an eyebrow and opened the scrunched up paper ball. Harry fixed his robe and stared decisively at his shoes. He didn't want any problems this year. He wanted to play Quidditch. And there was nothing Malfoy could do to stop him.
"That stupid git," snarled Ron. "I bet he wouldn't be so cocky if I decked 20 points from Slytherin."
"On account of what?" Hermione asked sternly.
"On account of being a stupid, ugly git!' Grunted Ron.
Harry laughed. Hermione frowned at first but then smiled. Catherina's face wore an even bigger frown. She scrunched the paper into a ball again and threw it at Draco's head.
"Hey, Malfoy!" She shouted angrily. "Estupido! Idiota!"
She crossed her arms and faced Hagrid who was now standing in front of the students. Hagrid greeted the class by stating that he wouldn't be presenting any beasts for today's lesson. This news was received with many relieved sighs. But he assured them that: "There will be many fascinating creatures, really!" this year. The bell rang sooner than expected.
"Alright!" Ron shouted gleefully as they rushed towards the Great Hall.
Hermione, Harry, Ron and Cat had lunch with Ginny, Dean and Neville. Catherina did not speak a word even though Harry had done everything he could think of to make her talk. All except hit her of course. But he thought about it. They went from lunch to Double Advanced Potions. Harry walked as slowly as he could towards the door leading down to the dungeons. Ron smiled and waved good-bye as he headed towards Advanced Divination.
"Tell me all about Firenze later!" Hermione shouted.
Cat stared at Hermione and raised one eyebrow. Hermione shrugged.
"What? I'm curious."
Catherina sniffed and continued to follow Harry down the steps leading to the dungeons. Harry arrived at the room where the class will be taken. Everyone was outside and to no surprise to Harry they were going to take double periods of Advanced Potions with none other than the Slytherins. Harry could hear the exaggerated laughter of Malfoy and his gang which now was extended to include Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bullstrode.
"I wonder how they got in," remarked Hermione pointing her nose at Parkinson and Bullstrode.
Harry snorted. Everyone knew how they had managed to get an Outstanding in the O.W.L.s Potions part. They were all immensely rich and their parents had connections in the Ministry. Catherina smiled. She pushed past Hermione.
"This should be fun," she said with a smirk.
Hermione cleared her throat and Cat looked back. Hermione wagged her index finger from side to side.
"No Cat. Don't even think about it. Or did you forget the chat we had earlier?" Hermione snarled.
Catherina shrugged and wrapped a curl of her black hair around her finger.
"I don't know what you are talking about. I plan on behaving perfectly. You won't even recognize me," finished Cat.
"Of course…perfectly bad," he whispered to himself.
Harry smiled and laughed in his head. That sounded so wrong.
"What are you waiting for? Get inside. I do not tolerate tardiness in my class," said a voice from behind them.
A tall, long greasy hair with an abnormally large nose man stood before them. Hermione hurried into the class without a word. Harry opted for a battle of stares.
"Especially in my Advanced Potions class."
"Hello, Professor Snape," said Harry with unusual politeness.
Snape's face twitched. Harry walked past Snape and Cat and walked into the room. Catherina followed Harry. Harry sat down along Hermione. There was an empty seat next to Harry and he beckoned Cat to sit. Catherina made her way past the students and put her bag on top of the desk.
"I don't think you'll be sitting there, Miss Black," informed Snape.
Cat turned around to look at Snape. He smiled at her and beckoned her to pick up her bag and moved towards the front of the room. Catherina picked up her bag and walked to where Snape was. Snape looked around the room. He smiled then turned to Cat once more.
"What is this that I see?" He asked walking to an empty desk next to Malfoy.
He looked at Cat expecting an answer. Catherina let out an annoyed sigh.
"An empty seat, Professor," she said.
Snape raised his eyebrows and tapped the desk.
"You'll be sitting here from now on Black."
Cat shifted her weight to her other foot and lifted her nose in the air. She walked pompously to the desk and sat down without even giving Malfoy a second glance. Harry saw Malfoy give him a meaningful look and whisper something to Cat. Catherina looked at Harry from the corner of her eyes then she looked back to the front where Snape was writing something on the black board with his wand. Malfoy jumped up and almost cursed but he covered his mouth just in time. Snape swooped towards him.
"Something wrong Mr. Malfoy?"
"No, sir," whispered Malfoy.
He then proceeded to look for something in his bag. Harry could swear Cat was wearing a triumphant smirk. Snape talked about how difficult the lessons this year would be and that "those who slack off will be out of here quicker than any of you can say Hydroxia leaves." Cat, unable to resist said: "Oh, I dunno Professor; I can say it pretty quickly." Black cost Gryffindor five house points there. The same ones McGonagall had given her for saving a first year from the trick step on the changing stairs. Professor Snape then waved his wand over the blackboard and told everyone to write down the rules. Harry pulled out his quill and a piece of parchment and started to write the rules. Harry was writing down rule number five when something poked him in the arm. It was Hermione and she handed him a piece of parchment. Harry made sure Snape wasn't looking before unfolding the parchment.
Hey Harry, wanna see something funny?
Harry looked up and saw Cat raising her eyebrows at him. He smiled and nodded. Catherina handed him an impish smile and turned to continue writing on her parchment. She then leaned towards Malfoy and whispered something in his ear. He looked at her raising his eyebrows and then quickly looked at Snape. Malfoy then whispered something in her ear. She smiled. The both of them went on murmuring for a while. Then Malfoy started leaning his face into hers until he was so close that Harry thought they were going to kiss. Harry stood up and was about to yell at Malfoy when Catherina suddenly leaned to the right and Malfoy fell flat on his face. Harry sat down quickly before Snape realized he was standing up and laughed along with the rest of the class. Catherina looked at Harry over her shoulder and gave him a wicked smile along with a wink. Harry felt himself blushing and cursed at Cat in his mind. Catherina then looked down at Malfoy.
"Watch your step, Malfoy," she said to him.
Snape had finally reached Malfoy and Black.
"Mr. Malfoy," said Snape. "What are you doing on the floor?"
Cat looked up from Malfoy to Snape.
"Oh, he was looking for the quill that I dropped, weren't you Draco?" Catherina asked Malfoy.
He looked at Snape, then at Cat and then back up at Snape. He nodded. Catherina smiled and looked up at Snape.
"Mr. Malfoy is such a gentleman," she told Snape.
Malfoy got up and sat back down at his seat. Professor Snape went on to talk about the ingredients they would be using for the next class and told them to write them down. Harry started to write them down:
½ cup of Fairy Wings
¼ cup of Dragon Flies (dried)
1 cup of Doxie Eggs
1 pinch of Toadstool powder
Harry looked up from his list of ingredients and glanced at Cat. She was leaning her head on her left hand and writing with her right. She looked pale and it seemed to Harry as if she couldn't breathe so well. The bell rang and Harry and Hermione quickly gathered their things. Catherina rushed by them. Harry caught up with her outside and grabbed her by the arm. Catherina leaned back on the wall, panting. Harry looked down at her concerned.
"Are you alright?" He asked her letting go of her arm.
She shook her head but didn't look up. He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face up towards him. Harry's heart stopped. Well, almost anyways. Her eyes were red. He glanced at Hermione who was talking to Susan Bones. Harry placed his hand on Catherina's back and guided her away from Hermione. He made sure no one was looking before stepping up towards Cat making sure she couldn't run away. Harry ran a hand through his hair and cursed.
"Why are your eyes red?" He asked her.
His voice quivered. Catherina shook her head. Harry grabbed her face to hold it still and continued to stare at her red eyes. His hands were covering her whole face except her eyes. Catherina tried pushing his hands away from her nose so she could breathe but he only budged a little. Cat let her arms drop at her sides with an irritated sigh.
"I'm fine. I got a little anxious. That's all," Cat said calmly.
"Tell me," said Harry still staring and still grasping her face.
"I can't" she said glancing at Hermione.
"I won't tell her," Harry said reassuringly.
Cat closed her eyes and opened them again. Her eyes had turned the color purple once more. Harry cursed and leaned his head down closer to hers. Catherina flinched as Harry breathed on her face, still staring at her eyes.
"How did you do that?" He asked her leaning his face even closer to hers.
"Hey guys, we're going to be late for…" Started Hermione and gaped at Harry and Cat.
She frowned and opened her mouth.
"Just a minute Hermione," said Harry quickly still breathing on Cat's face.
"Am I interrupting something?" Hermione asked.
"No!" Shouted Cat through Harry's hands and waved her finger at Hermione in case her message didn't make it through.
Cat tried to push Harry away and failed. She tried to pry his hands off her face and failed. Catherina begged Harry to let go off her face…and failed. She let her arms fall and grunted. Then Harry let her go and cursed colorfully. He held his hand and stared at Catherina amazed.
"You bit me!" He shouted at her. "You little Pixie."
Catherina shrugged and bared her teeth at him. Bloody Cat! Harry thought. He cursed at her again in his head.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Cat. "Now, before I bite you again."
Cat pushed Harry and walked past him and up the stairs. Harry and Hermione hurried after her and walked out of the dungeons. They all stopped in front of the changing stairs and Ron was nowhere in sight. Harry looked all over the place.
"Where is he?" Harry asked anxiously.
"He's probably waiting for us in front of the room," said Hermione.
They ran up the stairs and found Ron standing alone in front of the class room where they will be taking Defense Against the Dark Arts. Ron looked annoyed.
"How was Divination?" Hermione asked quickly.
Ron frowned at her and snarled.
"Later," he said to Hermione. "Where is Bill?" Ron asked stretching his neck in search for his older brother.
"You can't call him that now, Ron," said Hermione.
Ron laughed.
"Do you actually expect me to call him: 'Professor Weasley'?"
Hermione shrugged.
"It's your problem."
The crowd of students had gathered in front of the room. Ten minutes had passed and the Professor was nowhere to be seen. Ron scoffed.
"Great way to start your first day at work," mumbled Ron.
Cat smiled and pointed to the end of the hall. Strutting towards them was Bill. He was wearing an emerald robe with silver writing on it. It looked like hieroglyphics. He passed by the swarm of girls swooning over him and towards Ron, Harry, Hermione and Cat.
"Hello there," he said and opened the door.
He gestured for the class to enter the room. He went in behind them. All the girls sat in the front with the exception of Cat who sat by herself all the way in the back. Hermione had decided to sit next to Susan Bones in the front right hand corner. Harry and Ron sat in a desk right about the middle of the room and a row ahead of Black.
"Hello Students," said Professor Weasley charmingly.
The girls sighed.
"Hello Professor," chorused all the girls in the front row.
Harry heard Catherina scoff behind him. Ron sank into his chair. His cheeks and ears turning slowly red. Neville and Seamus looked at Harry and smiled. Then they looked at Ron who looked up at them. Neville laughed and looked away. Seamus instead gave him a mischievous smile.
"Your brother is sooo dreamy!" Piped Seamus in perfect imitation of Lavender Brown who was sitting in front of him.
Brown turned around and glared at him. Ron looked at brown appalled. She gaped at Ron.
"Well," she said slowly. "He is," Lavender finished and turned quickly towards the front.
Ron sank deeper into his seat.
"For those who don't know, I am Professor Weasley," he said giving Ron the slightest look.
Ron gulped and curiously decided to inspect his cuticles.
"To those who did know, this will refresh your memory."
Professor Weasley continued the class with a small "activity" to get to know the students better. The students had to stand up, state their name, House and a little about themselves. The boys, and Cat, protested loudly but the girls seemed eager to participate.
"I'm so glad you are happy to cooperate," said the Professor to the girls.
"Cooperate?" Cat said just loud enough for it to carry to Harry and Ron. "Show off more likely."
Ron and Harry ventured a look behind them and saw Catherina jiggling her foot in the air. She rose and eyebrow at them. The boys faced the front and laughed quietly. Everyone had taken part of the activity and the usual nervous Neville seemed confident when his turn came. It was Cats turn to introduce herself. She was not happy about it.
"Well?" Professor Weasley coaxed. "The little lady in the back," he said smiling.
Cat glared at him and leaned back on her chair, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"What is wrong miss? Afraid that you'll let out a little secret of yours?"
Cat looked away and placed a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I really would like it if you introduced yourself like your classmates did so well."
This time he said it in a way that sounded more like a command than a request. She sighed and stood up next to her desk.
"My name is Catherina Black," she said emphasizing the last word as she whipped her hair away from her face.
Hermione groaned. Cat stared at her.
"My house is Gryffindor," she said and remained on foot.
"And?" Professor Weasley asked who had sat down on his reclining chair.
Cat didn't reply. He crossed his legs and waved a hand.
"Miss Black, would you so kindly tell us a little about yourself. What you like, what you don't like."
"I don't like stupid questions."
Murmuring started among the class and the Professor mouthed an "okay".
"Thank you Miss Black, you can sit down now."
The bell rang before Cat could sit down again. She quickly picked up her bag and almost ran out of the room. Hermione, Harry and Ron followed slowly. They walked up the changing stairs to the seventh floor. Ron explained to Hermione on the way up that Firenze was the one who was really giving the class not Professor Trelawney. She just sort of stood there.
"I heard Professor McGonagall is going to talk to Professor Dumbledore about making her Head of School Activities," said Hermione
Ron blinked.
"School activities?" Ron asked curiously.
"Not Quidditch, Ron. Other things."
"Like that Valentine's Day poems with the stupid cupid thing when Lockhart was here?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded as they walked down the seventh floor corridor.
"Thank goodness he's not here anymore," said Ron.
The trio stood in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?"
"Expecto Patronum," answered Hermione.
Ron, Harry and Hermione climbed through the portrait and into the welcoming common room. Harry almost laughed. Cat was chasing a yellow cat that was carrying something in his mouth but Harry couldn't get a good look at it since it kept jumping from chair to chair.
"Give that back you stupid cat!" Catherina shouted after Crookshanks.
Hermione gasped.
"I resent that! Do no insult my cat!" Hermione yelled
Everyone else found this extremely amusing as they began to circle Cat and Crookshanks. Crookshanks had climbed on top of the fireplace mantel. Catherina looked up and frowned.
"You get down here this instant!"
"Leave my cat alone!"
"Shut up Granger!" Snapped Catherina.
Cat grunted and grabbed Crookshanks by the tail, pulling him down. The cat screeched and scratched her. Catherina threw the cat onto the armchair and stuck her arm inside her robe. Her arm was bleeding. Hermione scurried to calm Crookshanks. She gently put him down and stormed towards Cat who was inspecting her wound by the chimney.
"You have no right whatsoever to treat Crookshanks like that! Who do you think you are!" Bellowed Hermione.
Harry and Ron winced. Catherina sighed. She didn't look up but kept looking at her scratched arm.
"I thought we had already cleared that up, Granger. Honestly, how many times do I have to tell you? Besides, it's just a stupid, ugly, smelly cat," Catherina said, emphasizing the last three adjectives, without looking up.
Hermione made a little hurt sound and rolled her sleeves up.
"That's it Black! That's the final straw!" This time Cat looked up and choked back a laugh.
Hermione gave her a determined look. It seemed that sparks were flying from Hermione's hair ends. Cat groaned.
"You're kidding right, Granger? You can't possibly take me on," remarked Cat.
"We'll see about that!" Hermione curled her fist around Cat's long black hair and pulled hard on it.
Cat winced and twisted Hermione's arm, throwing her on her back on the common room's rug.
"Now, now, Granger," she said waving her finger at her. "You stop this nonsense. I thought you were a Prefect?"
Hermione yelled furiously and speared Cat. She slapped and scratched savagely without thinking. The Gryffindors where cheering them on, while Ron and Harry watched awestruck.
"Um, Ron, shouldn't you be doing something about this?" Harry asked without looking away from the fight.
Cat had just kicked Hermione in the face. Hermione fell flat on her butt and placed a hand to her nose. She was bleeding. Catherina got up and touched her cheek. Her fingers were stained with blood. She wore a big nasty cut on her cheek.
"Now look what you did Granger!" Shouted Cat.
She ran her fingers through her now matted hair.
"It is one thing to mess with my face but you never, ever mess with my hair and expect to get away with it!"
Cat walked up to Hermione and pulled her up by the hair.
"I…" stuttered Ron looking from site to side.
Neville was standing quietly in a corner wringing his hands.
"Neville!" Ron shouted.
Neville looked up.
"Go get McGonagall!"
A sympathetic groan filled the room. Catherina had punched Hermione and was now banging her head against the floor. Hermione poked Cat's eyes.
"No!" Yelled Cat and covered her face.
Hermione smiled.
"What? I can't mess with your eyes either?" Hermione smirked and dragged Cat by the hair up the stairs.
Out of nowhere a black cat jumped on Hermione. Hermione fell back and threw the cat off from her.
"Hey!" Catherina shouted.
She pulled Hermione by the robes and snarled in her face.
"Do…not…mess…with…my…CAT!"
Harry gasped. Hermione's expression had changed. Anger had been replaced by fear.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out.
Harry took two steps forward…
"You two! Stop it this instant!" Shouted a voice.
Everyone looked to where it was coming from and stopped cheering immediately.
McGonagall pushed her way through the crowd and pulled Catherina off Hermione by the robe.
"Miss Granger! You should be ashamed of yourself! I expected more from you especially based on the fact that you are a prefect! 50 points from Gryffindor."
"But…but we don' even have any points yet," protested Hermione slowly getting up from the floor.
"Well, then we will have to wait for it to fill up so I can empty it once more then!" The Professor shouted shaking Black by the scruff of the neck unintentionally, or so Harry hoped.
Hermione quickly closed her mouth and looked down at her feet embarrassed. McGonagall then turned to Cat shaking her a little bit in the process. Catherina made no effort to stop McGonagall from shaking her.
"Black, I should have known," snarled McGonagall through clenched teeth.
Catherina looked up at McGonagall with tear filled eyes and then bowed her head. She sniffed and a tear fell down her nose and on the carpet.
"And to think I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt," finished Professor McGonagall and let go Cat roughly.
Catherina staggered backwards until she bumped into Harry. She turned to look at Harry and walked away from him a bit. McGonagall scowled at her. Catherina bit her lip and hugged her hurt arm miserably.
"You two will come with me to Professor Dumbledore's office to determine your faiths while the rest of you," said McGonagall referring to the rest of the Gryffindors in the common room. "Will stay here until it is time for dinner."
McGonagall walked out of the portrait hole with Hermione following behind her and Cat squeezed by the arm. Crookshanks was hissing and scratching anyone who tried to get near him and soon he hurried up the steps to the girl's dormitory. Luxor, however, had made himself comfortable in an armchair and refused to let anyone get him off there, even if it meant inflicting bodily harm. Harry and Ron tired of waiting for Hermione and Catherina so they headed off to the Great Hall to have dinner. They sat by themselves waiting for it to be time to eat. The staff table was missing two professors. Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore. Soon the patched up versions of Cat and Hermione walked in through the oak doors with Dumbledore and McGonagall behind them. By this time the whole school had heard of the "biggest cat fight in Hogwarts' History" as it was to be remembered from now on. Cat sat on a corner of the Gryffindor table while Hermione joined Harry and Ron. She carried two bottles and a tube. They said nothing but stared at her meaningfully. She looked up. Her nose was bruised and she had scratches all over her face and neck. Harry also noticed that it was starting to bruise underneath one eye. Her knuckles were red and bleeding.
"We have detention for what seems two months. But Black got it worse than me though. It seems like McGonagall doesn't like her very much. I wonder why?" Hermione asked.
The boys didn't answer. Harry wasn't sure whether she was being sarcastic or was it a rhetorical question.
"What about…being a Prefect?" Ron asked.
"Suspended for a week." Hermione sighed.
"Well, you don't have to do the rounds for a while. You have more time to study," said Ron trying to cheer her up.
"I guess you're right," she said looking down at her empty plate.
"Anything broken?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled.
"A broken nose but Madam Pomfrey fixed it with some skele-gro. Tastes horrible by the way," Hermione added.
Harry smiled. He knew how it tastes too well.
"She gave me these," she said pointing at the two bottles and tube. "This one," she said picking up the large bottle. "Is for the pain. And this one," she added picking up the smaller bottle. "Is to help the healing process. And finally this," she said picking up the tube. "You have to put it on the scratches so they won't get infected and so it doesn't leave any marks."
Harry nodded and looked over at Cat. She had the same two bottles and tube. Hermione caught Harry staring and rolled her eyes.
"Harry, if you're so worried about her why don't you go over," said Hermione testily.
Harry frowned and shook his head. To go over to Cat now would be suicide. Either Hermione will kill him for being a traitor or Cat will slaughter him just because she felt like it. Suddenly McGonagall stood up and waited for everyone to pay attention to her.
"Students, eat up. Use as many plates, utensils, goblets, etc. as you like. Black would be more than happy to clean them up later for you," she announced and sat back down staring at Black.
Catherina stared at her. She reached for the bottle of the liquid pain killer, opened it and gulped down its contents without taking her eyes off McGonagall. Soon the plates were filled with all sorts of delicacies. Ron, Harry and Hermione ate until their hearts were contempt. Harry once in a while glanced guiltily at Cat. She had tied her hair in a ponytail. The cut in her cheek was red and irritated and Madam Pomfrey had bandaged her arm and wrist. She was also wearing a bandage around her neck. Harry looked back at her wrist and noticed that her arm was indeed bandaged but her wrist was wearing what the muggles called a cast. Harry frowned.
"How did she hurt her neck? And is that a cast on her wrist?" Harry asked curiously.
Hermione shrugged.
"I must have banged her head too hard against the wall," she said and smiled. "The cast was weird though," said Hermione frowning. "Madam Pomfrey was going to give her skele-gro but Professor Dumbledore said she was allergic to it, which, by the way, is a very lame excuse. So they put a cast on it."
"I didn't know Madam Pomfrey knew any muggle medicine," said Harry skeptically.
"She doesn't. Dumbledore did it."
Harry nodded. Once they finished having dinner they walked up the changing stairs and into Gryffindor common room. Hermione said good night and disappeared up the steps. Harry and Ron decided to stay downstairs for a while since Ron had to go and do the rounds in a little while.
"So what was that about you and Cat," said Ron smiling.
Harry looked at him confused.
"Hermione said she thought you were kissing," said Ron yawning. "Down in the dungeons, very romantic scenery I might add."
"I was not kissing Cat!" Harry yelled.
Ron laughed.
"Hermione said she thought you were kissing because she didn't see you guys actually kiss. But she said your face was really close to hers," said Ron soothingly.
Harry fidgeted in the armchair.
"I was just…"Harry started and didn't finish.
He couldn't tell him what he saw because he told Cat he wouldn't tell if she did tell him why her eyes did that. But she didn't tell you a voice in his head said. Harry decided not to tell Ron because Cat could still tell him and he didn't want her to think she couldn't trust him.
"I was just observing her face," he finished lamely.
Ron chuckled and passed a hand over his face before getting up.
"You could have observed from far away, mate," said Ron. "You scared her to death is what you did. Harassing her like that," finished Ron laughing.
Harry blushed.
"What are you implying?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"What? You don't like Cat?"
Harry thought he died and revived again.
"What! NO! Never!"
Ron laughed.
"Are you sure?" He asked Harry and Harry nodded. "Oh, alright then. Because I think she's cute."
Harry frowned. You think she's what! Harry thought loudly in his head and once more cursed Cat in his head.
"You do?" Harry asked and Ron nodded. "So…um, what are you going to do about it?"
"About what?"
"I thought you said she was cute."
"She is to me, anyways."
"All right, whatever," he said irritated. "What are you going to do about it?"
Ron shrugged.
"Nothing…yet."
Harry frowned deeper and sighed. What the bloody hell are you talking about Ron?
Ron started walking towards the portrait and in climbed in Cat. She stared at Ron and Harry startled.
"Hey Cat," said Ron charmingly. "Where were you?"
Cat touched her injured cheek gently and winced.
"Washing your saliva off the forks," she murmured pulling out a tube from the front pocket of her jeans.
Ron shrugged and passed by Cat.
"I'm off, Harry. See you later," Ron said and started to walk away but turned around. "Are you sure you don't like her?"
Harry frowned and looked at Catherina up and down. All the way from the first black curl on her pretty little head all the way down to the pointy ends of her boots.
Catherina raised an eyebrow at Harry and smirked.
"Take a picture Potter, it lasts longer."
Ron chuckled. Harry scowled and plucked the tube of disinfectant from Cat's wrinkly hands.
"I'm sure, damn it," he said loudly still scowling.
Catherina raised her eyebrows.
"No need to curse, Potter."
Ron laughed and left, still laughing. Harry squeezed a little of the ointment into his finger on the right hand. Using the left hand, he lifted Cat's face gently upwards. He softly started putting the ointment on her scratch.
"This…looks disgusting," he said still smearing the ointment evenly. "And your fingers are wrinkly."
Cat scoffed.
"I was washing the dishes and I had to put my hands in that smelly, soapy yet greasy water. Then I had to wash my hands for like twenty minutes to get the smell of food out of them. Smell?" She said putting her hands on Harry's nose.
Harry could smell the scent of detergent on them.
"I smell, now get your hands off my face," he said squeezing her face a little.
"I shouldn't listen to you since you didn't listen to me when I asked you to do the same thing," she said now rubbing Harry's temples.
"You didn't answer me by the way," he said finally finishing putting on the ointment on Cat's cut.
"And I'm not answering you," she said still holding his face, fingers still now.
Harry frowned and pried her hands off his face and held them.
"Why the bloody hell not!" He shouted shaking her a little bit since he had been a little angry and was holding her hands still.
Cat looked at him calmly and tipped her head backwards a little to look him in the eye.
"Like I said, no need to curse," she said softly. "I might tell you later, Harry," she said and slipped her hands out of Harry's.
She started heading for the stairs and Harry grabbed her by the waist and pushed her gently on the armchair. Harry looked down at her. Her face flushed red, defenseless underneath him… What is wrong with me? I'm turning into a pervert, Harry thought. He shook his head.
"Oh no, you don't Black," he said kneeling down in front of her. "Tell me."
Cat leaned forward. Harry stopped breathing and thought that Cat was going to kiss him.
"No," she whispered and then leaned back on the armchair.
He cursed out loud. Then he cursed at Cat in his head.
"No need to curse," she said. "No fair though," she said pouting trying to push past Harry but he wouldn't even let her get up from the armchair. "I can't even run away," she complained.
Harry smiled.
"That is the benefit that we, big people get," said Harry.
Cat smiled and shook her head.
"You're not bigger than me," she said.
"I am bigger. I'm much taller."
Catherina nodded.
"True. But that's the only thing you have that is bigger than what I have."
"Oh yeah?" Harry asked. "Like what?"
"Well, for one, my brain is much bigger than yours. My vocabulary is much, much, much larger than yours. And," she said glancing at Harry's zipper.
Harry looked down afraid that his fly was open but it wasn't. He looked back up and frowned at Catherina. What was she thinking?
"My pinky is much larger than your…"
"Will you two shut up!" Shouted Hermione from the stairs.
She had made her way down silently. She saw Harry standing in front of Cat and frowned and yawned.
"Are you sure you two don't like each other?" She asked dubiously.
Harry shook his head appalled. Cat just shrugged.
"No! I don't! I don't like Cat! No way!" Harry shouted in one breath.
Hermione raised her eyebrows and looked at Cat. Cat shrugged from the armchair.
"Is it true?" Hermione asked Catherina.
Cat shrugged and stood up from the armchair.
"How should I know? But one day Harry," she said walking towards Hermione and then turning around. "You will meet a girl who will astonish you, amaze you, flabbergast you, stun and render you speechless. She will make you stagger at her feet dumbfounded and dazed. She, I promise, will take the wind out of your sails. And I just hope I'm there to see it happen."
Cat walked up the stairs with Hermione close behind her. Harry remained standing there, thinking about the words that Cat had told him. He was definitely a lot of things right now. He was astonished, amazed, flabbergasted, stunned and rendered speechless. He was also staggering, dumbfounded and dazed. But much to Harry's relief he still felt that she hadn't taken the wind out of his sails. He hoped it didn't happen any time soon. Harry then noticed something in the corner of the room. He walked towards it and picked it up. It was a silvery necklace but it felt like liquid as it fell through his fingers. Harry bent over to pick it up again. Harry guessed it must have held a pendant of some sort. He stuffed it in his pocket and went up to sleep. Harry changed to his pajamas and got into bed. Harry spent the next month dealing with Double Advanced Potions. Incredibly it wasn't as hard as it used to be. Apparently, Snape had found a new victim. And the victim's name was Black. He enjoyed picking at her every flaw: If she stirred the potion too hard, too slow, too fast, too soft.
"Must you make your wrist flick like that while you stir, Miss Black?" He asked her with a fake smile.
She looked up at him.
"Will it make a difference?" She said through clenched teeth.
The bell rang and Malfoy started getting up without cleaning up his mess. Cat glared at him. She knew what was going to happen.
"Professor, I need to hurry towards my next class, can Black get my cauldron?" Malfoy asked Snape.
Snape looked up and smiled.
"Of course she will," he said as Malfoy walked out the door, not before he glared at Harry.
Hermione tugged on his robe.
"We're going to be late for class, Harry," she said.
Harry shrugged her off.
"Just hang on a second," Harry said. "It won't take her long."
They waited for Cat by the door.
"Black, clean up Malfoy's mess and don't forget to clean up yours too," Snape said without looking up from the latest assignment on dangerous potions Cat had spent a whole week working on.
Catherina sighed. No matter how perfect she wrote that essay he will find something wrong with it. She had resigned herself to be less than average in the class. Waiting any minute now to be kicked out for being unable to "keep up" with the rest of the classmates.
"That is if you don't want points taken off," finished Snape.
Cat pulled out her wand and quickly emptied both cauldrons. She smiled. Snape could criticize her in Potions all he wanted, although she did very well, even Hermione had admitted it. But there was one thing she was good at and no one could take it away from her and it was Charms and Spells. Cat had some mean wand maneuvers only to be compared to those of Dumbledore. She quickly walked up to Hermione, Ron and Harry.
"Let's go," she said.
"Oh, Black," called out Snape.
Cat turned around.
"That will be ten points from Gryffindor."
Cat rolled her eyes and sighed. Her bottom lip quivered. Harry put his hand on her shoulder even though he felt like using that hand and shoving it up Snape's…
"I said no magic, and you used magic," fibbed Snape.
"No, you didn't," said Catherina softly, her bottom lip quivered again.
Ron was turning red and his hands had turned into fists.
"Oh, well, that's too bad," he said smiling.
Cat looked away and walked out of the room. Hermione walked up to Cat.
"Hey! Don't worry Cat," said Hermione comforting her. "No one blames you."
Cat stopped in her tracks and looked up at Hermione, Ron and Harry. Her eyes were full to the brim with tears. She tried to blink them back but she failed. Tears started streaming down her face.
"Oh really, Hermione? Are you sure? Because that's not what Lavender said during Advanced Transfiguration," she said her voice quaking.
Hermione frowned.
"And what exactly did Brown say?"
"She said that if we lost the House Cup this year it would be my fault and that I will break the streak. She also said I should throw myself in the lake, that at least there no one would be able to see me and that was good because the Professors couldn't take points off because of me and that that way at least people didn't had to look at me," said Cat very quickly through tears and sobs. "All that was, of course, before she called me an ugly freak among other things."
Harry offered her a handkerchief. She stared at it and wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her sweater. Harry scoffed.
"I try to be nice to you and all you ever do is act weird," he said frowning at her but put his arm around her anyways.
"Come on," Ron said kissing her on the forehead. "Lavender's own shadow can't stand her."
They shared a laugh and then headed towards the Great Hall for lunch. Catherina and Hermione waved good-bye to Harry and Ron and went to Lunch Detention. Most of the time they had to go and shine the trophies in the Trophy Room. But sometimes they had to clean the cauldrons and the dungeons. And if McGonagall was in a particularly bad mood she would make them do extra homework along with the usual one. "That way you don't have to do detention," she would say. Hermione would do the work without protest but Cat would immediately start cursing in Italian and Spanish under her breath, costing Gryffindor five points every time. Sometimes they not only had to serve detention during lunch but before dinner. This caused Catherina to go on a twitching rampage. Harry pitied the fool who tried to go near her during this time. They will usually leave the room they entered with a flying jar after them and some nasty parting words. September passed and the chilly month of October arrived. Hagrid had already begun growing his famous pumpkin patch. Every year Hagrid would choose the biggest pumpkins and carve them to decorate the Great Hall during Halloween. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Cat where eating dinner when Katie Bell walked towards Harry.
"Hello Harry!" She said excitedly.
"Hey," answered Harry.
"Look, I'm Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and we absolutely have to start practicing immediately but I still haven't found two chasers that we are missing. I hadn't come to you before because I didn't want to bother you but if you and Ron know anyone just tell me. Ginny said she wanted to try for chaser which is good because now we can have you back as seeker."
"So we are missing a chaser?" Ron asked.
Katie Bell nodded.
"I'm thinking of having some try-outs soon. But I have to ask for the Quidditch pitch. I'll tell you when it is," she said and walked away.
"Alright!" Exclaimed Ron excitedly. "Quidditch."
He stuffed a spoonful of garlic-mashed potatoes in his mouth. Hermione glared at him and shook her head. Hermione had long given up on Ron. Her efforts to teach Ron some table manners had failed miserably. Harry thought that Ron refused to agree with her on purpose, not that he could explain why. But then a mischievous smile crept on Hermione's face. She looked at Harry and turned to Cat who was eating some Treacle Pudding.
"Did you hear that, Cat? The Gryffindor Quidditch team needs a new chaser," said Hermione innocently.
Cat nodded.
"I am not deaf," muttered Cat looking towards the staff table.
Professor Snape was walking towards her. Black grimaced and pretended not to notice.
"Sometimes it seems like you are. How convenient for you to go temporarily deaf. For instance, when I told you that Professor McGonagall said you should help me clean the trophies you completely ignored me and wished me good luck on getting them all shiny…" Hermione continued to rant about the times Cat had conveniently ignored one person or the other.
Catherina rolled her eyes and sighed. Then she looked up and saw who was looking down at her and sighed again.
"That will be ten points off Gryffindor, Black," Snape said loudly.
Everyone on the Gryffindor table now turned their attention towards Snape and then glared at Black.
"I'm not even going to ask you why you're decking ten points off Gryffindor," murmured Catherina.
"You should."
Cat sighed.
"What did I do now?"
"You left all the periods out of your last essay just to spite me."
"I did what!"
"You heard me."
"I did not!"
"Are you calling me a liar, Miss Black?"
"No Professor, it's just that I wouldn't do that. I always make sure that every comma and period is where they should be. Hermione checked over it and said it was perfect and you know how obsessive she is, especially over grammar."
"Then you are calling me a liar."
"No Professor, I just…"
"That's ten points, Black and no excuses."
Cat sighed and nodded. By this time the whole Gryffindor table was throwing mean looks at Cat. They were also calling her names: "Stupid Freak!", "loser" and "The murderer's daughter."
"Black!" Shouted McGonagall from the staff table.
She had noticed Snape walking from the Gryffindor table towards her.
"Are you costing us more points!" She roared.
Snape said something to McGonagall. McGonagall turned towards Cat looking furious.
"Add another week of Detention, Black! You'll be cleaning cauldrons until Christmas!"
Cat looked down at the table and started tapping her fork against it. Harry looked at her sympathetically. She frowned sadly and hid her face behind her hands. Harry looked behind him and glared at Snape. Harry was lucky he didn't notice because he was sure he wouldn't hesitate to take more points away. Hermione was still talking. She was the only one who didn't notice anything.
"Like now…I know you weren't paying attention."
Catherina gave Hermione a "ya think?" look and pushed the plate away from her.
"Get to the point, Hermione. Or am I supposed to guess what you were getting at with that 'Did you hear that?' charade?"
It was Hermione's turn to roll her eyes.
"What I was getting at, as you so articulately pointed out, is that maybe you should try out for the position."
Catherina scoffed and Ron and Harry swallowed hard. Cat showed no interest for Quidditch but if she decided to try out for the position of Chaser and if she was good and got it there was nothing they could do to stop her. Cat was extremely determined person as she had proved to Professor Snape many times. He had decided to make Cat's life a living hell but Cat in the other hand had decided not to let him see her misery so whenever he would pick on her for doing something wrong she would put her bravest face and say absolutely nothing at all…unless it was necessary.
"What makes you think I play Quidditch?" Cat smirked.
"I saw you looking at the brooms in Diagon Alley," said Hermione smartly.
Black swallowed and whipped her hair away from her face and raised an eyebrow as to say "So?"
"And I saw you walk into the store and ask the clerk something. Probably the prices about the brooms, if I am brave enough to infer."
"That proves nothing. I could have been planning to buy it as a present."
"For whom?"
Catherina glared at Hermione and said nothing. Hermione wore a triumphant smile.
"So do you play Quidditch or not?"
"That's none of your business."
"Fine. McGonagall would do anything to keep the Cup in her office. She has become quite fond of it over the years. McGonagall might even consider waving a certain person's detentions so that certain person can have more time to practice," added Hermione.
Cat looked at Hermione in mild surprise but that look soon vanished from her complexion. Black's eyes shined briefly with excitement then turned their usual dull and unrevealing selves. She looked at Harry and smiled. She opened her mouth to say something but Harry cut her off.
"I'll tell you when the try-outs take place," said Harry.
Ron made a low scared noise and looked from Harry to Cat nervously. Then he decided it was best to glare at Hermione.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"This is all your fault," accused Ron.
"My fault! She has a free will you know!"
"But you planted the idea into her head!" Ron continued to bicker.
Black once more rolled her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Great," she said to Harry. "It's another episode of: 'As Hogwarts Turns," finished Cat with utmost seriousness.
Harry could not help but laugh. Yes, entertaining indeed. Suddenly Dumbledore got up from his chair and waited for everyone to quiet down.
"I would like to make an announcement. As you know, Hogwarts hasn't had many activities. Well, ones that take place inside the castle anyways. But since the trips to Hogsmeade have been cancelled I thought it would be good to have a little fun of our own. So I have appointed Professor Trelawney, Head of School Activities," Dumbledore said.
Everyone clapped and Lavender and Parvati cheered.
"Professor Trelawney has informed me she has plans on making a Halloween Ball of some sort and those who are interested in helping are to contact her or me. Thank you and goodnight. It's about time you head towards your dormitories," finished Dumbledore.
The students got up and started talking about the dance.
"A Ball?" Ron asked nervously. "You know what this means, right?" Ron asked Harry.
Harry nodded as Cat walked besides him. Hermione was walking beside Ron.
"More asking girls to the dances," muttered Harry miserably.
Harry and the rest of the gang reached their dormitories. He changed before getting into bed. Soon he found himself in another Quidditch-themed dream. He was once more riding the broom with Ginny but he noticed Cat flying underneath them with the Quaffle and his Firebolt riding parallel to her, sending all the other Chasers from the Ravenclaw team (don't ask him why it was Ravenclaw and not another, he has no idea) away from her and giving her a clear path to the goals. Cat scored and everyone cheered. Harry jumped from the broom and continued to fall until he woke.
He woke up to see Ron standing in front of him with a panicked look on his face.
"Harry…" whispered Ron. "Sorry to wake you but…"
Harry groaned and pushed himself up with his elbows. He reached over the bed to grab his glasses that were on top of the night table. Harry put on his glasses and stared at Ron.
"What?" Harry said shaking his head.
He looked past Ron and there stood Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape.
"Wake up, Potter," snarled Snape.
Harry didn't bother to point out that he already was up and there was, like Cat would say: "No need to shout."
"Come on, quickly," hurried McGonagall helping Harry get on his feet.
Ron and Harry followed the Professors to the Great Hall where all the students at Hogwarts were either already laying inside their sleeping bags or sitting on top of them whispering nervously amongst themselves. McGonagall pointed to Harry his sleeping bag. Hermione was sitting on hers looking eager. Harry and Ron walked up to Hermione.
"What's going on?" Harry asked shakily.
Surely it couldn't be that bad. Whatever it was that was going on…
"I'm not sure but…looks like," Hermione didn't finish her sentence as a cold wind swept over them.
Harry shivered. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked up at the enchanted ceiling. Grey and murderous-looking clouds circled in the pitch-black sky. Not a star in sight.
"It's enchanted to resemble the sky outside," said Hermione sadly.
Ron and Harry looked at each other, expecting an explanation from Hermione any time soon.
"It was supposed to be a clear sky tonight, or so said Professor Sinistra."
Harry nodded. But he still had no idea why this caused sadness in Hermione.
"Something's coming Harry. I can feel it."
Harry felt a sense of despair wash over him. He knew sooner or later a war between good and evil was going to erupt but he didn't expect it to happen so soon. Harry especially didn't think that being at Hogwarts, he would be in danger. Guess, I was wrong, he thought. Ron frowned. His eyes skirted above the sleepy heads in the Hall.
"Where is Cat?" Ron asked.
Hermione shook her head. She seemed to be in shock. I guess she is not the only one who though she would be safe here, at Hogwarts. And, as if Ron called her by will alone, walked Cat towards them, still in her pajamas. The trio looked at her with eager faces. Catherina tried to smile as if to hide her wariness and cheer them up at the same time. But Hermione shook her head and demanded to know what was going on. Cat looked at them sadly and looked back at the staff table, finally back at the trio.
"You have to swear that what I tell you three, now and here, in confidence that you will not repeat to anyone else. Not a soul!" Cat pleaded.
The friends nodded. Cat sighed and bit her lip.
"Hermione, I know you already figured out that the war already started. One of our sources has informed us that there is an army on their way…" she said and looked at them trying to read the expression on their faces. "Here, to Hogwarts," Catherina finished.
Hermione looked at Ron terrified. Harry swallowed and looked up at Black.
"What kind of an army?" Harry asked.
"We don't know."
"We?" Harry asked.
He was beginning to become curious at how she continued to use this pronoun. Cat shook her head.
"That's all the information you're getting…for now."
Black looked down at the sleeping bags.
"Time to sleep."
She waited for the friends to make themselves comfortable in the purple sleeping bags. Crookshanks had made his way down to the Great Hall to Hermione's delight. He now lied curled in a ball next to Hermione, purring. Harry frowned and looked up at Catherina.
"Where's Luxor?" He asked her.
Black shrugged and sat crossed legged in front of Ron. He had quickly fallen asleep and was breathing deeply and slowly in a steady rhythm. Harry stared at Cat. She bent her head down and her hair fell forward covering her face. He frowned. She had straightened it again. He liked that it looked longer straight than it did when it was curly. But he still liked it better curly. He reached out and played with a strand of her onyx colored hair between his fingers. She jumped and looked at him in surprise. She then sighed and stared at her bare feet. Cat then looked at him tilting her head. Catherina gently tugged her hair from Harry's fingers.
"Goodnight Harry," she said.
Harry took this as a command to go to sleep so he crawled inside the sleeping bag and turned to look at Cat who was sitting in a Lotus position with her eyes closed. Harry guessed she was meditating. She opened her eyes and looked straight at Harry. Harry held eye contact with her until she blinked.
"Don't worry. It won't happen."
Harry wasn't sure what she was talking about but felt immediately calm. He lay back down on the sleeping bag, curling his arm underneath his head. Harry fell asleep watching Cat traced the silver moon and stars on the deep purple sleeping bag with her finger. Harry woke up with a start. The sun was rising and a nervous buzz filled the room. Harry instinctively looked for Hermione and Ron who, like Harry, had woken up frightened. Catherina came running at them and dragged them towards the Astronomy Tower. There they had a full view of the Grounds. Harry gasped. An eerie mist covered the ground and a sense of dread and total misery came over him. Cat shivered and snuck underneath Harry's arm. Harry lifted his arm and put it around her shoulder. Harry felt that a Dementor was near. He felt that along with a sudden darkness. Cat pointed towards the shadows making their way slowly towards the castle.
"Dementors," whispered Hermione shivering.
"I see…but what can we do about it?" Harry asked.
Cat pulled away from Harry. She shifted her weight and started to fidget.
"Well, any ideas?" Catherina asked sheepishly.
Harry blinked. Catherina Black was asking him for help? The end is near.
"You don't mean…us go out there and…"
"We need all the help we can get," said a familiar voice from behind them.
Harry spun around and saw a shaggy haired man looking sullen and serious.
"Lupin!" Cat shouted and made her way past Harry towards Lupin.
They shook hands.
"I'm so glad you're here. And if I can get these three to help…"
She stopped as she saw the shocked faces looking at her including Lupin's.
"And convince Dumbledore to let them help. I think I have a plan," she said with a half smile.
She turned towards the trio expecting an answer. Her eyes were sparkling. Harry's heart started beating a little quicker than it already was when he looked at Cat.
"We'll do it," they said in unison.
Cat smiled as she jumped up and down more for warmth than out of joy. Then she clapped once.
"Good. Now here's the plan…"
Harry looked off into the distance nervously. He passed his hand through his black hair and sighed. Harry nudged Cat and looked down at her.
"Are you sure about this," he said.
Cat nodded as she tied her long black hair in a ponytail high on her head. She was wearing a black turtleneck that fitted her smugly and black stretchy pants. Harry smiled. So much for not being noticed, he thought. Hermione had opted for faded blue jeans and a gray V-neck sweater. Ginny came up running towards them carrying a broom which she handed to Cat. Catherina looked at it and threw it in the air, catching it on its way back down.
"Isn't there a…faster one?" Black asked twirling the broom around a bit.
Ginny sighed and shook her head. Catherina smiled broadly at everyone.
"This will do. Ok guys huddle."
Catherina had put Lupin in charge of The Order and had decided that she would lead the "juniors" as Hermione wanted her to call them. Ron had mentioned Dumbledore's Army but they weren't all here. Cat had told Ginny she couldn't be in the field, which had made her upset. But Black was firm. "I am responsible for you and I can't promise anyone you won't get hurt. So you will stay here. Do you understand?" She had told Ginny. Ginny nodded weakly.
"Let's go over Plan Stag."
Ginny chuckled at this. Cat smiled at her. She was the only one keeping a sense of humor.
"Hermione you will be where?"
Catherina made a complicated swish and flick of her wand and conjured a 3D model of the Hogwarts Grounds.
"Hagrid's," answered Granger quickly pointing at the spot where she would be with her wand.
A yellow dot appeared where her wand touched the model.
"Ron, you will be where and with whom?"
"I will be near the greenhouses with Neville," answered Ron looking at Longbottom who sighed at the mention of his name.
Both boys pointed with their wands and two spots appeared: An orange one and a green one, side by side.
"Harry, where would you be dear?" Catherina asked with a half smile.
Harry felt like scowling and punching her in the nose but all that came out was an embarrassed smile.
"Right by the lake, waiting for you," he said lifting his glasses with his finger.
Cat nodded and looked over at Lupin. The Order had their brooms and was about to take off. She looked off into the mist then looked down at her feet with her eyes closed. Cat sucked her teeth and poked the model twice in two different places. A blue dot appeared by the lake and a purple one kept flying all over the place back and forth. Finally, she looked up.
"Go."
They all ran to their positions. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville ran down the steps while Ginny got left behind. Once they reached the outside Hermione ran off towards Hagrid's hut and Ron and Neville towards the greenhouses. Harry started to head off slowly through the mist. He couldn't see well. The mist fogged his glasses. He took them off and pointed his wand at them.
"Impervius," he muttered underneath his breath.
Hopefully that will help. He put them back on. His glasses weren't fogged anymore but he still couldn't see three feet ahead of him in the deepening mist.
"Lumos," he muttered.
He wasn't feeling all too sure about this. The tiny light might give his position away but he couldn't see where he was going otherwise so he decided to take the risk.
"Turn it off," whispered a voice.
He jumped and pointed his wand at the shadowy figure in front of him. Harry could hear his heart beating in his ears. The figure took a couple of steps towards. She took the wand from him.
"Nox," she whispered.
The light turned off and she handed the wand back to him. Harry just stared, his heart racing out of control now.
"Cat," he wheezed. "I didn't…"
"If you couldn't find your way you should have tried the four point spell. The lake is to the east," she finished.
Cat straddled the broom and flew away. Harry took Cat's advice and soon found his way to the lake. He was cold and shivering. Harry cursed at Cat in his head, afraid he might be heard. And not by Cat. Then it started. He could hear the shouting and flashes of color from far away. The mist soon started to lift and finally Harry could see. Hundreds of Dementors were all over the grounds. He could see the members of the Order zooming around shouting and fighting off three Dementors at a time. A silver haired witch had fallen off the broom losing her wand in the process. The Dementor slowly crept forward. She wouldn't move. She couldn't. Harry tried to move but felt immobilized by fear. The Dementor drew its hood back, ready to kiss her.
"Expecto Patronum!" Shouted a voice.
A silver dragon flew at the Dementor. Spitting gray flames at his victim. The Dementor shrieked and disappeared. Catherina quickly got off her broom and ran. She picked up the witch from the ground.
"Accio," she shouted.
Her broom flew towards her. She mounted it and helped the witch get on it too. Black flew towards Harry.
"Here, keep an eye on her."
Without anything further she proceeded to fly around shouting orders and fighting Dementors. Some were retreating but Harry was beginning to notice something the others hadn't or wished not to notice. The Dementors were slowly pushing them back towards the castle. The witch that was by Harry's side trembling was Emmeline Vance. Harry looked up at the sound of a crash. A broom had connected with the ground and out of the rumble came out a tiny figure holding her head with one hand and her wand with the other. She fixed her ponytail and cursed in Italian. She flicked her wand a few times and ran towards Harry.
"Castle!" She shouted. " Now!"
Harry didn't even stop to agree. He ran as fast as he could, dragging Emmeline with him. He tripped and found himself face to face with a Dementor. He couldn't scream even though he tried.
"Expecto Patronum," he muttered.
A small wisp of smoke came out of his wand. He tried to conjure up happy thoughts. Happy thoughts. Images of Hermione and Ron smiling popped into his head. Then he could see himself riding his Firebolt; playing Quidditch once more…the wind slapping his face and robes. Cat looking up at him calmly and telling him: "No need to shout, Potter." Harry smiled.
"Expecto Patronum!" He shouted and a fully developed Patronus with the shape of a Stag went charging towards the Dementor.
The stag lifted the Dementor into the air with a cry of victory. Then, the Stag came around and ran right through the Dementor again. Then it disappeared, taking the Dementor along with it. Harry lifted his fist in victory. He then proceeded to drag Vance with him towards the castle. Hermione came running at him. She looked at him once and placed one arm underneath Emmeline. Together they managed to reach the castle. They looked back and could see The Order trying to fight off the Dementors.
"Did she say in front of the castle or inside the castle?" Hermione asked breathlessly.
Harry shrugged. He couldn't see Cat anywhere. What if she was hurt?
"She said: 'castle'," said Neville who appeared next to them. Ron was panting.
"Dementors…bad!" Ron shouted.
Harry scratched his head.
"I think she should go inside," ordered a voice from above.
No way, thought Harry. God? Now of all times! Harry looked up and sighed.
"It's you!" Harry announced looking up at Black.
"No kidding. Who do you think it was? The Angel of Death? Get her inside."
They followed her orders. As usual.
"That was fast," Cat said as they came out once more.
"Well, Ron here decided to just dump her on the stairs!" Hermione said glaring at Ron.
"Vance will be fine. She's a tough old hag," said Black staring pointedly at Ron and Hermione.
She got off her broom and limped towards them. Hermione gasped. Harry walked towards her and put his arm around her to help her walk.
"You're hurt," Harry said as a matter of fact.
"I just twisted it. Don't worry. I'm fine."
The members of The Order were surrounding the front door. Lupin looked panicked.
"Ok, now what?" He asked at no one in specific.
Catherina sighed and lifted her hand to her forehead. She looked exhausted. Her hair was all over the place and her face was dirty and scratched. Harry noticed she was bleeding from her head. He was careful not to point it out. If there was one thing that Black hated was a person telling her she was hurt.
"Well, how many of them left?" Cat asked.
"About…fifteen or twenty to say the least."
She nodded contempt.
"We can finish them, we just need to round them up near the lake," she finished fixing her sweater.
Her robe was all torn and muddy. Everyone turned to her expecting to hear the explanation of her plan.
"Ok, we're going to round them up and corner them at the lake."
Everyone nodded and started to walk towards the Dementors, flicking and swishing their wands casting spells. Not necessarily to get rid of them. Hermione walked up to Black.
"You don't have a plan, do you?" Granger asked.
Catherina looked at her up and down and smiled weakly.
"I'm kind of…winging it," said Cat spreading her arms.
Hermione just looked at Harry as if to say: "Is she mad!"
"My thoughts exactly," whispered Harry to Hermione.
Neville, Ron, Hermione and Harry followed Cat towards the Dementors.
"Expecto Patronum!" Neville shouted, pointing his wand at the closing Dementor.
A gray figure came out of his wand. It made an echoing cry and speared the Dementor with its long spiraled tusk. The Dementor shrieked and disappeared. Neville's Patronus swam around him, singing in echoes. Harry was shocked. He looked around and noticed everyone else was too, with the exception of Catherina of course.
"What was that?" Ron asked his voice quivering.
"A narwhal," answered Cat.
"A what?"
"It's a whale, Ronald! Let's go," shouted Hermione.
They hurried off towards the lake chasing after the Dementors that they had come across. Finally, The Order and the "Juniors" were standing side by side. The Dementors were in front of them by the lake's banks.
"Ok, Black. Now what?" Lupin asked without taking his eyes or his wand for that matter, off the Dementors.
"Ok, on the count of three…" She said.
"On the count of three what!" Hermione asked scared.
Cat glared at her.
"On the count of three I want you all to conjure a fully developed Patronus," she added.
Lupin nodded in agreement. The Order seemed calmed and relaxed but the others did not. Ron and Neville became incredibly pale. Hermione bit her lower lip and Harry stared at Cat hard.
"This was your brilliant plan?" Harry asked.
"I never said I had a plan and I never said it was brilliant. Besides, we have them cornered. This should be easy. Ok, one…two…three!" As Catherina shouted these words, a chorus of voices shouted: "Expecto Patronum!" later joined by Cat's own. And soon silvery figures of animals and beasts where attacking the Dementors. Eliminating them one by one. Harry lowered his wand and continued to pant. Soon the mist cleared and there was none. All gone. There they stood. Alone by the lake. The Order and the "juniors" had won. Lupin smiled and hugged Cat.
"You are definitely your mother's daughter!" Remus exclaimed.
Black said nothing and continued to gaze over the lake looking uneasy. Ron, Hermione, Harry and Neville cheered playfully. The Order just stared at them for a while but soon laughed and joined the celebration. Cat shook her head and smiled sadly.
"We have won the battle…but not the war," she said sternly and slowly.
They all stopped cheering. Harry turned around and smiled at Cat teasingly.
"Party Pooper," he muttered.
Catherina frowned and stuck out her tongue playfully. She continued to limp towards the castle. Harry ran after her and placed her arm over his shoulder. The rest followed them. Hermione and Ron walked in silence behind Harry, Cat and Neville.
"So Cat, what do you think about my Patronus?" Neville asked.
Black stopped in her tracks dragging Harry with her to take a good look at him.
"Longbottom, it was a narwhal," she said tonelessly.
"I know…I mean what? Any other thoughts?"
Cat took a few seconds before answering.
"It had a very long tusk," she added with a smile.
Neville went pale then scarlet. Black chuckled softly and continued to head towards the castle leaving Neville and Harry to eat her dust.
