A/N: Sorry about the delay! It took me forever to complete this chapter but it is quite long. I hope you all like it.
Chapter Eleven: A Surprise In Every Corner
"Okay people," said Catherina sternly. "Settle down."
Catherina observed proudly the students standing before her. She was standing in a makeshift stage that Professor Flitwick had helped her make. They had used the four House Tables. Professor McGonagall didn't want to participate in the play but after much convincing by Cat she supplied them with extra chairs for the students to sit on. Catherina smiled. She hadn't expected so many students to show up.
"I will call your names in alphabetical order," she said pulling out a roll of parchment.
She shook the roll and it unfurled before her. The parchment was at least four feet long.
"When I call you, you will state your name, house and what part you are trying out for. Is that clear?"
The students agreed.
"Professor Trelawney and Professor Flitwick," said Catherina pointing at the Professors sitting before a small table. "Will be your judges. You will be judged on how well you learned your lines, your charisma and energy in the stage and of course whether you have talent or not."
No one spoke. Cat nodded.
"Abbott Hannah," called Cat and stepped down from the stage to sit beside Professor Trelawney.
Hannah walked up to stage and introduced herself. She said she was auditioning for the part of Sally. Catherina coughed. She then urged Abbott to continue. After a couple of more names Cat had reached the letter g.
"Granger, Hermione," said Cat with a smile.
"Oh, no," said Hermione with a smile. "I have decided I rather much be stage manager," she then blushed and muttered: "If possible."
Catherina glanced quickly at Professor Trelawney who glared at her and shook her head violently. Cat smiled.
"Of course you can," said Catherina cheerily and beckoned Hermione towards her. "Here is a copy of the screenplay."
Hermione walked up the stage to collect the papers Black was handing her. Hermione began to leave but Cat whispered to her: "Make Trelawney's life as impossible as possible."
Hermione blinked and laughed.
"Finally," whispered Hermione. "We have something in common outside of Harry."
Hermione scoffed and walked off the stage. Catherina raised her eyebrows impressed by Hermione's remark.
Many more auditions passed. To Harry's great displeasure Malfoy had auditioned also for the part of Jack. It was Harry's turn. Malfoy had done really good. Who would have thought that Malfoy could sing? Harry cleared his throat.
"Um, I, uh, I'm Harry Potter," he said and saw Catherina whispering something to Professor Trelawney who kept shaking her head. "I am in Gryffindor and I uh, will be, be uh, auditioning for the…" Harry looked at Cat for salvation.
Catherina got up from the table and walked up to the stage.
"Potter, here, will be auditioning for the part of Jack the Pumpkin King," Catherina informed the public and proceeded to step behind the stage curtains.
"Proceed, Potter!" She shouted from backstage.
Harry nodded and cleared his throat. Suddenly he felt some kind of warm liquid trickled down his neck. His throat and nose itched. Harry sneezed.
"Potter!" Cat called from behind the curtains. "What are you waiting for?"
Harry scowled.
"Alright already!" he shouted and cleared his throat again.
Harry began to sing:
There are few who'd deny; at what I do I am the best
For my talents are renowned far and wide
When it comes to surprises in the moonlit night
I excel without ever even trying
With the slightest little effort of my ghostlike charms
I have seen grown men give out a shriek
With the wave of my hand, and a well-placed moan
I have swept the very bravest off their feet…"
"That'll be enough Potter," said Catherina coming out from backstage and ushering him off the stage. "Wonderful voice I might add."
"Who's next?" She asked looking at her parchment. "Ah, yes," said Catherina with a wicked smile. "Smith, Zacharias."
The boy got up from his seat and proudly strutted towards the stage. He also auditioned for the part of Jack. He, however, did horribly. Harry swore he saw Catherina poke her wand from underneath her armpit at Smith and mutter something that made a pale red light radiate from her wand and hit the Hufflepuff Chaser in the back. Zacharias accused her of sabotaging his performance but he couldn't prove it.
"Right," said Cat glancing at a fuming Zacharias Smith. "Let's have Thomas, Dean up here."
Dean auditioned for the part of a vampire. Catherina congratulated on a job well done and so did Professor Flitwick who admired the charm he had put on his fangs to make them look longer and much more pointy. Professor Trelawney said nothing.
Even Ron who had auditioned for the part of Mayor had done splendidly. The judges were now arguing over who will get what part. Professor Trelawney wanted to wait until the day after to post the persons that had made it but Professor Flitwick insisted that it should be tonight. Catherina rolled her eyes and took action.
"We already know who got which part," she whispered. "We might as well announce them now."
Professor Trelawney began to protest.
"We don't have time. We have to start rehearsals tomorrow."
Catherina cleared her throat. The students stopped murmuring and gave her their full attention.
"I will now state your names and the part you will be playing. Some of you have been given a different role than the one you originally auditioned for. If you feel you have been judged incorrectly…keep your mouth shut for I could care less about what you think."
Ron chuckled.
"Abbot Hannah you will be playing the Siamese Shadow," said Cat.
Hannah gave a sigh but Catherina ignored her.
"Abercrombie, Euan you will be playing Shadow. Ackerley Stuart, Baddock Malcolm and Katie Bell, because you have to practice for Quidditch, will be playing the Pumpkin Patch Chorus. Bletchley Miles, Bole and Susan," said Cat waving them away with her hand. "You will be the three Ghosts at the beginning of the song and because we felt like being nice."
Yet, no one spoke so Catherina continued.
"Boot, Terry you will be playing Creature Under Bed and Bradley," she said looking at the Ravenclaw boy. "You will be Man Under Stairs, got it?"
The boy nodded.
"Branstone Eleanor, Brocklehurst Mandy and Brown Lavender you three will be the witches. Bullstrode, Millicent," said Catherina with a smile. "You will be playing Melting Man."
Hermione, Harry, Ron and even Professor Flitwick laughed.
"Carmichael, Eddie, Cauldwell Owen and Chang Cho will be playing the Corpse Chorus. Corner Michael, Crabbe Vincent and Dean Thomas," said Catherina winking at Dean. "Will be playing the Vampires. Creevy, Colin you will be playing the Harlequin Demon. Creevy, Dennis you will be playing the part of Werewolf."
The Creevy brothers cheered as Catherina shot them an evil glare for interrupting her.
"Derrick you will be playing the Hanging Tree," said Catherina looking at the Slytherin boy. "Edgecombe, Marietta you will be playing Second Ghoul. Fawcett you will be playing Lock," said Cat with a smile to the mischievous Ravenclaw in the same year as her. "Finch-Fletchley, Justin, you will be playing Hanged Man. Finnegan Seamus, Frobisher Vicky, yes I know, the Charms club, you and Seamus will be playing the Child Corpse Chorus. Goldstein Anthony, Goyle Gregory you will be playing Parent Corpse Chorus."
Catherina sighed and went down the list again before continuing.
"Greengrass Daphne you will be playing one of the Mr. Hyde's. Higgs Terrence you also will be playing one of the Mr. Hydes. Hooper Geoffrey you will be playing the last Mr. Hyde and if you start whining I will…"
"Black," warned Professor Flitwick.
Catherina took a deep breath before continuing.
"Kirke Andrew you will be playing Behemoth and shut up because I command you," said Catherina when the Gryffindor Quidditch team beater opened his mouth to protest. "Malfoy Draco you will be playing Oogie Boogie Man."
"Aw come on Black!" Malfoy shouted.
"Ron you will be playing Mayor," said Catherina. "Splendid job by the way."
"Alright Ron!" Hermione and Harry shouted.
"Harry as it is obvious you will be our Pumpkin King, I will be Sally and if, Parvati, you say one more thing I will personally come over and shove this script right up…
"BLACK!" Professor Flitwick shouted.
"I believe I am missing something…ah yes, Mr. Sandy Claws and Dr. Finkelstein. Zero will be played by Max."
Everyone blinked.
"Max?" Hermione ventured.
"Yes, Max," said Cat writing something down on the piece of parchment. "Ok, Sandy Claws will be played by McMillan Ernie and Luna you will be Dr. Finkelstein."
"Luna?" Professor Flitwick and Trelawney asked in unison.
"Yes, Luna," answered Cat. "We start rehearsals tomorrow at six thirty. Do not be late!"
The students started to walk out of the Great Hall. The scrapping of chairs and murmuring filled the spacious hall. That night Hermione and Harry had a talk about Dumbledore's Army. They came to an agreement as to when the first meeting will be held. Hermione thought that Sunday would be a good day. Hermione informed the members of the DA by changing the numbers on the magical galleon to tell them the date and time. The first two weeks of December went by quickly for Harry with his Occlumency lessons and musical rehearsals but he was finally having a break to do what he liked the most…practice Quidditch.
"Kirke and Sloper…for the third time!" Harry shouted rolling his eyes to the heavens. "Could you please stop chasing the butterflies and practice that Dopplebeater Defense move that Cat explained to you earlier?"
"Aight, Boss," said Kirke.
"Sure, boss, sure," affirmed Sloper.
Cat scowled.
"JACK AND ANDREW!" Catherina roared flying towards them with the Quaffle underneath her pit. "If I see you fooling around one more time, do you know what I will do to you?"
Catherina waited for an answered but Kirke and Sloper just trembled
"Well, do you?" She shouted again. "I will take those clubs and I will beat you senseless! I will beat you so much that your brain liquid will start oozing out of every pore and orifice in your body and then, after I tire of beating you unconscious, I will chop your bodies into tiny little pieces, grind them, make a mince pie and feed it to the Giant Squid in the lake!"
Andrew and Jack nodded like circus monkeys and flew off to practice. Catherina turned around to face the gawking players that had heard her threaten the Gryffindor Beaters. Catherina nodded and noticed Ron gawking at her from the hoops. She scoffed.
"RONALD WEASLEY! What are you supposed to be doing?"
Ron didn't answer. Catherina sighed and flew up to him and pulled him by the ear.
"Listen Ron, I'm only going to explain it once more. The Double Eight Loop is very simple. You swerve around these three goal hoops," said Catherina still tugging ay Ron's left ear and pointing at the three hoops behind them. "But it has to be at high speed moron, or you won't keep the Quaffle out. Got it?"
Ron nodded so Cat let go of his ear. She flew towards Harry. Harry glared at her.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't injure my team players," Harry remarked as he watched Jack, Andrew, and Ron practice.
Katie Bell and Ginny kept passing the Quaffle to each other.
"Well, they don't listen, now, DO THEY?" Catherina proceeded to shout at Kirke and Sloper who had begun to chase the butterflies again.
"All the same…stick to the screaming and insulting, please," said Harry and looking downwards. "Ok, let it go Hermione!" Harry instructed Hermione who was down on the ground.
Hermione let the snitch go. Harry watched it zoom away quickly.
"I have to practice," said Harry to Catherina who was looking oddly at him. "What?"
Catherina smiled at him and shook her head.
"Oh, nothing," she said unable to hide her grin.
"No," said Harry a little angry. "Tell me."
"It's just…you didn't seem like such a pushover for a minute there," she replied pushing his bangs away from his face.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked angrily.
"Well, Harry," said Catherina flying away from him. "You're usually a wuss."
Catherina laughed and intercepted Ginny's pass to Katie Bell. The Chasers then began to chase each other, trying to intercept passes and steal Quaffles. Harry frowned. Stupid Black, thought Harry. Wuss, am I? Not man enough for you? I'll show you. Harry saw the snitch pass by him and immediately shot his hand out and caught it.
"Hey, Black!" Harry called out.
Catherina looked back at him and raised her eyebrows.
"Would you just come here for a second," called Harry.
Catherina rolled her eyes at him and flew towards him.
"What is it now Potter?" asked Cat looking downwards.
"I caught the snitch," said Harry lamely showing her the struggling snitch in his fist.
Cat stared at him. Harry didn't know why he had called her in the first place. Catherina smiled at him and giggled. She realized what she had just done and glared at him.
"You giggled," said Harry and pointing with a huge grin on his face.
"That's because you are such a boy," said Cat flying closer to him and placing her face dangerously close to his.
"You don't even know what you're saying Black," remarked Harry looking at Cat's eyes.
It was windy and her hair kept getting stuck in her lip-gloss. Harry smiled and pushed the strands of her away from her face and tucked them behind her ears.
"Just say it Potter," said Cat interrupting Harry's dreamy state.
"Say what?"
"That you got all upset because I said you're a pushover."
"I did not!"
Catherina tilted her head and frowned at him. Harry fidgeted on his broom and looked downwards at a diminutive Hermione.
"Well, yes I did! I mean…I am not a pushover! Who has faced Voldemort more than …"
Catherina rolled her eyes at him and scoffed.
"Not that again," she said annoyed. "Come on Potter, you're telling me that when you get married every time your wife accuses you of being too lazy or something you will go: "Lazy, am I? Who is the Boy Who Lived? Who defeated the Dark Lord! That's right woman, me! Now go and make me some pie!" Catherina said imitating a middle-aged Harry.
Harry smiled at her and kissed her but realized quickly what he had just done and pulled away. Catherina grabbed his face and kissed him back. Harry panicked and didn't kiss her back. Catherina laughed.
"Harry," she whispered to him looking over her shoulder. "Quickly before everyone notices you're afraid to kiss me."
Harry glared at her and scoffed. He grabbed her face and kissed her passionately. Katie Bell and Ginny stopped practicing to laugh and point.
"Woooo!" Ginny and Katie teased.
"Alright, Boss!" Andrew shouted.
Harry quickly pulled away from Cat and blushed. He smiled sheepishly at his team. Ron was around the hoops. He wasn't smiling. Ron flew towards the ground. Catherina looked from Harry to Ron and frowned sadly.
"I shouldn't have done that," she whispered to Harry.
"No," said Harry. "You shouldn't have."
Harry flew after Ron. They had reached the ground and both had dismounted their brooms.
"Ron!" Harry called. "Wait!"
Ron shook his head without looking behind him and continued to head towards the locker room.
"Ron! Come on!"
Harry reached him as he entered the locker room and turned him around.
"Ron, let's talk about this, okay?"
"No!" Ron shouted changing into his robes. "It isn't enough for you to be the famous Harry Potter is it?"
Harry didn't answer but could feel the anger rising in him.
"It isn't enough that you get to date the prettiest girls in Hogwarts," said Ron now turning to Harry with tears in his eyes. "It isn't enough for you to be Captain…no it is never enough for the great Harry Potter, is it?"
"Ron," said Harry raising a hand. "Please don't…"
"First Hermione, which I completely understand," said Ron starting to put his socks on. "I mean, I will never be good enough for her but Cat? I mean…have a little respect," added Ron putting on the other sock. "I know we broke it off but it wasn't that long ago. Can't you snog somebody else?"
"I have respect," spat Harry. "I have enormous respect actually! Ron it isn't fair and you know it! I like Cat," said Harry standing before Ron who was now putting on his left shoe." "I like her a lot and I want to ask her to be my girlfriend."
"What?" Ron asked putting on his right shoe and standing up. "If you do that…I'll stop talking to you!"
"That is so immature, Ron!" Harry yelled. "Get over yourself!"
Ron tackled Harry. Both boys wrestled in the ground as Hermione walked in on them. Hermione gasped.
"Stop it!" She shouted. "STOP!"
The boys continued to punch each other.
"CAT! GET IN HERE!"
Immediately walked in Catherina with a frown and pulled out her wand.
"Immobulus!" She shouted.
Ron and Harry were left lying on the ground.
"Ron!" Harry screamed and spit out a glob of blood. "You are off the team!"
"What?" Cat, Katie and Ginny asked in unison. The later had just walked in.
"Fine!" Ron shouted panting.
"You can't do that!" Catherina said helping Ron up.
"Why not?" Harry asked as Hermione helped him up. "I'm the Captain. I say who goes and who stays and no stupid little girl is going to tell me otherwise."
As soon as the words had left his mouth he regretted them. He had taken his anger out on Cat and he was sure to pay dearly for it. Catherina glared at him and shook her head sadly.
"I have a better idea," she said pushing Ron towards Hermione. "Keep your keeper, keep your little team, and keep your hands and mouth to yourself. I quit!"
Catherina walked out of the locker room. Hermione hit Harry over the head.
"Brilliant job, captain," she muttered and then pulled Ron by the arm. "You and I need to talk," she told Ron and pulled him outside of the locker room and into the Quidditch Pitch.
Harry cursed and went off to search for Catherina. He searched for her in the common room but she wasn't there. The only one there was Dean Thomas who asked about Ginny. Harry quickly told him she was down at the pitch and asked him if he had seen Cat. Dean didn't know where she was and Harry walked out in a hurry without answering Dean's question of why wasn't he down at the pitch also. Harry looked for Cat in the library but Madam Pince kicked him out because he proceeded to call Catherina in a very loud voice as soon as he entered. On his way out he bumped into a smiling Hermione. Harry stared at her.
"Harry, are you alright?" She asked.
Harry didn't answer her. Ron was standing next to her.
"Ron, has something to tell you," said Hermione pushing Ron forward. "Ron…"
Ron fidgeted and scratched his neck.
"Look, Harry I…" began Ron but Harry raised his hand.
"I forgive you," said Harry looking everywhere but at Hermione and Ron. "Have you seen Cat?"
Hermione looked at Ron then at Harry.
"That's not all Harry," said Hermione squeezing Ron's hand.
Ron looked at Hermione and whined. Hermione glared at him.
"Fine," he whispered. "Harry, Hermione and I…"
"About bloody time," said Harry still in search of Cat.
A Gryffindor third year passed by him. He reached out and grabbed him by the arm.
"Have you seen a girl? Short, long black hair, violet eyes, absolutely furious…you can't miss her?"
The boy frowned and looked behind him.
"Likes to curse in Italian?"
"Yes!" Harry said shaking the boy a bit.
"She's down there…just cursed a second year Ravenclaw for looking at her shady."
Harry hurried down the hall with Ron and Hermione on his tail. A boy was lying on the ground was the second year Ravenclaw boy that Cat had cursed. He was trying to fight off some evil gummy bears that kept pulling his hair. She now had a fourth year Hufflepuff spinning in the air while she glared at him evilly from the ground.
"Cat," called Harry sneaking up on her.
"Harry," she said turning his attention to him.
The Hufflepuff boy fell towards the ground with a loud and dull thump.
"Cat I'm sorry," began Harry taking her hand. "I…," he said looking back at Hermione and Ron then at Cat's eager face. "I…I uh, I uh, dub bu," muttered Harry quickly.
Cat smiled.
"I uh dub bu too," she said and kissed him.
Harry smiled at her but found himself being pushed into the ground by an angry Catherina.
"What?" She asked. "You think that with what you just did made everything better? After you treated me like crap?"
"Cat," whined Harry getting up from the floor and grabbing her by the waist. "Please don't be angry with me. I'll do anything you want me to do…"
Cat raised her eyebrows.
"Anything?"
The next morning Harry was standing on top of the Gryffindor Table nervously. Catherina was making sure he wouldn't backpedal.
"Go ahead," said Cat with her hand on her hips.
Harry hesitated.
"You promised," reminded Catherina.
Harry nodded making sure that the attention of all the students was on him.
"I love Catherina Black," he said loudly and quickly and began to climb down from the table.
Catherina glared at him.
"That's not how it goes," she whispered.
Harry sighed and looked at her pleadingly.
"Fine," Cat said and began to walk out of the Great Hall.
Harry was undecided whether to go after her or not. Catherina was almost at the door. Harry stood up on the table with a newfound determination.
"I am Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, and I love Catherina Black…and I am her whipping boy!" Harry shouted.
Cat turned around. Her face showed no emotion. There were a few chuckles among the students but mostly it was the girls collective sigh that filled the silence. Catherina shook her head and began walking out once more. Harry scratched his head for an idea.
"Cat I love you!"
Catherina turned around.
"Yeah, what is that you love about me?"
"I love…I love the way you raise an eyebrow whenever you're annoyed. I love the way you purse your lips when you're trying with all your might not to laugh. I love the way your eyes sparkle whenever you're thinking something that is bound to get you into trouble," Harry paused and stuck his hands inside his pocket. "I love the way you giggle, although I'm sure I'm probably the only one who has heard you giggle. I love your nose, and your mouth and your cheeks and your hair. I love it when you look at me as if there is something you know that I don't. I love," said Harry but stopped when he realized Catherina was tugging at his robes.
Harry climbed down from the table. Catherina was grinning at him like there was no tomorrow.
"You're such a goof," she said and kissed him. "Let's get out of here."
So begins their love as the first snowflake of winter falls. Days passed by and the new couples spent them in various activities. They had Quidditch practice and musical rehearsals. Homework and DA meetings occupied their free time. It was a week before Christmas when Catherina finally started showing signs of stress.
"Don't bloody touch me!" Cat shouted as Harry backed away slowly.
"Good morning, gentle one," said Harry with a wry smile.
Cat glared at him.
"I'm not in the mood. I can't believe she's making me do these carol thing," muttered Cat as she searched for something in her bag.
"Oh, don't worry Cat," said Hermione who had Ron's arms wrapped around her waist. "You have a beautiful singing voice, right Ron?"
Ron was standing behind Hermione and had his chin on her head.
"Absolutely," answered Ron with a smile.
"It's not that that bothers her," said Harry grabbing Cat by the waist with both hands as she read a list of songs.
"Then what is it?" Hermione asked.
"I have to sing with Malfoy," murmured Cat slapping Harry on the face with the papers she was reading. "And I have to wear that thing," she said pointing at a red dress with faux fur trims and matching hat that was placed on armchair as Harry tried to kiss her.
Cat kept avoiding his mouth.
"Just give me a darn kiss, Black!" Harry shouted exasperated.
"I'm not in the mood!" She shouted picking up her attire and school bag.
Harry sighed. He couldn't believe he was the one who had to pay for Cat's stress. He didn't tell her to sign up for so many things. Harry just hoped that it would be over soon. He really did feel the need to kiss her. Hermione and Ron laughed at Harry. He looked up confused.
"What?" Harry asked.
Hermione put a hand to her mouth to stop the laughter from coming out. Ron recovered enough to answer him.
"You spaced out mate," said Ron with a smile. "And Hermione told Cat: "Look what you're doing to him!"
Catherina just glared at everyone and stormed out of the common room. Hermione continued to laugh.
"Its sad Harry on how you base your day on one kiss," said Hermione.
Harry scratched his head. So he needed to kiss Cat to focus…big deal.
"Yeah, well," said Harry picking up his school bag. "We're going to be late for Advanced Potions," he finished and walked out of the common room hoping to see Cat turn around the corner.
No such luck. Ron and Hermione joined him in the hall and smirked.
"Didn't catch her, huh?" Ron remarked staring down the hall as Harry did.
"Shut up," muttered Harry and started walking down the marble staircase.
Advanced Potions was boring to the point of no return and Snape had returned to his usual antics of torturing Harry. Harry tried thinking of pleasant thoughts as Hermione told him but Ron kept laughing whenever he closed his eyes to think of one. Then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," growled Professor Snape.
Malfoy walked in his high neck collar and black dress robes and behind him walked in such a sight that even Harry couldn't help but crack up.
Catherina was wearing the short red dress with long sleeves and faux white fur trim. To top it all off, she was wearing the matching hat. Everyone laughed but nothing compared to Harry's laughter which made him fall of his seat and cry from joy.
"Yes, mock me Potter," said Catherina giving him her infamous glare of death. "But this is what I'm going to wear on our honey moon."
"Honey moon?" Hermione and Ron asked in unison and cracked up.
Harry blushed and sat back on his seat. Professor Snape glared at the class immediately commanding silence. He waved at Cat and Draco. Draco smiled charmingly and Pansy Parkinson sighed as she placed her hands on her chin.
"Black and I will be singing 'Baby, it's cold outside'," introduced Malfoy.
Catherina groaned and tugged at her dress. Malfoy nudged her. Cat glanced at Harry warningly and began to sing.
"I really can't stay," sang Cat as Malfoy leaned closer to her
"But, baby, it's cold outside," crooned Malfoy putting an arm around Cat
"I've got to go 'way," added Cat slipping away from Draco's arm
"But, baby, it's cold outside," insisted Draco grabbing Cat by the waist.Harry snarled and whispered to Ron: "What does that git think he's playing at?"
Hermione shushed them and whispered: "They're acting, Harry."
"This evening has been…"Draco took her hand.
"Been hoping that you'd drop in," chanted Malfoy.
He stood behind her and hugged her. Harry scowled.
"So very nice," sang Cat.
"I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice," sang Draco taking Cat's hands in his.
"My mother will start to worry," added Cat pulling away.
"Beautiful words you're humming," added Draco embracing Catherina tenderly
Harry scowled some more.
"And father will be pacing the floor," crooned Cat walking away a bit.
"Listen to the fireplace roar," sang Draco placing an arm around her shoulders and pointing at an imaginary fireplace.
"So really I'd better scurry."
Cat headed for the door. Draco ran in front of her and sang: "Beautiful, please don't hurry."
Draco conjured a glass of apple cider from thin air and gave it to Cat.
"Well, maybe just half a drink more," sang Cat taking a sip
"Put some records on while I pour."
"The neighbors might think," began singing Cat but Draco interrupted her and wrapped an arm around her waist singing: "But, baby, it's bad out there."
"Say what's in this drink?" Cat sang lifting up the glass and staring at it dubiously
"Poison," murmured Harry before being shushed by Hermione.
"No cabs to be had out there," sang Malfoy into Cat's neck
Harry tapped his foot as he scowled yet some more at Draco.
"I wish I knew how," sang Cat now facing Draco but still in his embrace.
"Your eyes are like starlight now," crooned Malfoy and stroked Cat's cheek.
The girls in the class gave a collective sigh and Harry stood up. Ron pulled him back down just as quickly.
"To break the spell," sang Catherina as Draco gazed at her lovingly.
"I'll take your hat," sang Malfoy taking Cat's hat off who didn't seem to complain. "Your hair looks swell."
"I ought to say no, no, no sir," said Catherina breaking away from Draco's embrace and waving her finger at him.
"Finally," sighed Harry.
"Mind if I move in closer," crooned Malfoy and grabbed Cat pressing her tightly against his body.
Harry punched the desk. Hermione slapped him over the head.
"At least I'm gonna say that I tried," sang Cat with a shrug.
"What's the sense of hurtin' my pride?" Malfoy sang, as his face got dangerously closer to Cat's face.
Harry twitched.
"I really can't stay," crooned Cat abruptly moving away from Draco
Harry rubbed his neck and cracked his fingers. Draco moved quickly behind Cat and embraced her.
"Oh, baby, don't hold out," he sang as they both swayed to the music being played magically from nowhere.
"Ah but it's cold outside."
"Baby, it's cold outside."
"I simply must go," sang Catherina and doing a little skipping step.
"But baby it's cold outside," sang Malfoy following behind Cat's footsteps
"The answer is no," crooned Cat putting her foot down
"That's my Cat!" Harry shouted but Cat glared at him so he said no more as Draco sang the next line.
"The welcome has been…"
"How lucky that you dropped in," sang Malfoy bowing slightly
"So nice and warm."
"Look out that window at the storm," crooned Draco pointing at an imaginary window
"My sister will be suspicious," sang Cat wringing her hands and Malfoy once again held her in his arms.
"Gosh, your lips look delicious," he sang as his face got dangerously close to Cat's face once more.
"Hey!" Harry shouted but Cat and Draco continued to perform without paying him the least bit of attention.
"I got to get home," crooned Cat with an air of determination.
"But, baby, you'd freeze out there."
"Say, lend me a coat," sang Cat stretching out her hand to Draco demandingly.
"It's up to your knees up there," sang Malfoy signaling with his palm
"You've really been grand," crooned Cat with a smile and touching Draco's hand slightly.
"I'm thrilled when you touch my hand."
"Why don't you see…"
"How can you do this thing to me?"
Draco took Cat's hands and placed them over his chest.
"There's bound to be talk tomorrow."
"Think of my lifelong sorrow," sang Draco still holding Cat's hands over his chest
Harry was by now grinding his teeth.
"At least there will be plenty implied," she crooned.
"If you caught pneumonia and died."
"I really can't stay," sang Cat and pulled away but Draco held her by the hands firmly and pulled him towards him as he sang: "Get over that hold-out"
"Ah but it's cold outside."
Draco and Catherina embraced.
"Ah but it's cold outside," he sang.
"Where could you be going, when the wind is blowing," they sang and Cat wrappedher arms around his neck. "And it's cold outside?"
Draco now had his arms around Cat's waist. Harry twitched again.
"Baby it's cold outside," they finished singing and leaned their heads towards each other.
Harry stood up abruptly knocking the seat down with a loud clank.
"Oh no you don't!" He shouted causing everyone in the class to laugh.
Draco smirked and Cat placed her hands on her hips.
"Harry Potter!" She shouted at him. "You sit down, NOW!"
Harry followed his instructions as Cat and Draco bowed. The class erupted in cheer and applause. The singing duo walked out of the classroom. Luckily for Harry the bell rang and everyone hurried to the next class. Hermione, Harry and Ron now had Double Advanced Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. Harry spent the class expecting Cat and Draco to burst in any moment now but he was wrong. The only good thing was that Professor McGonagall announced that they wouldn't be having any classes in the afternoon. The class cheered and hurried out as soon as the bell rung. The trio headed for the Great Hall and found Cat already out of her outfit and eating her lunch moodily. Harry smiled and quickly sat down besides her kissing her on her temple.
"Hello, beautiful," said Harry.
Cat didn't reply and took a sip of her butterbeer.
"Hey," said Ron. "Where did you get butterbeer?"
"I convinced Dumbledore to order some for tonight's feast."
Harry nodded and looked around him for something to eat. There were some turkey sandwiches and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Harry grabbed two of each and mounted them onto his plate. Catherina passed him a bottle of butterbeer. Ron grabbed three sandwiches of each and two bottles of butterbeer. Hermione stared at both of them but shrugged and took two turkey sandwiches.
"Are you upset with me again?" Harry whispered to Cat.
She shook her head.
"No," she said her attention somewhere else. " I just realized something."
Harry took a bite from one of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as Ron popped half of one in his mouth. Hermione glared at Ron and wished that just once he would choke.
"What's that?" Hermione asked ignoring Ron who coughed repeatedly and took a couple of sips of butterbeer upon Harry's recommendation.
"I am missing two actors."
Hermione slapped Ron's butterbeer over by accident.
"What?" She said pulling out a parchment from the inside of her robe and quickly scanning it. "How could I have missed it?"
"Not, you're fault," said Catherina calmly and finishing her turkey sandwich. "I myself don't see how I failed to see it."
"Who are the characters?" Hermione asked, still shocked.
"Shock and Barrel," said Cat with sniff.
"Are you kidding me?"
Cat stared at her.
"I wish," she added. "Relax, Granger. It'll be fine."
"I'm stage manager! I should be aware of these things."
Catherina nodded as Hermione continued to rant about responsibilities. Cat turned to Harry and sighed.
"Is she always like this?" Catherina whispered.
Harry smiled slightly.
"Not always, but most of the time."
Cat and Hermione excused themselves to solve the musical crisis so Ron and Harry were left to entertain themselves until at least 1:30 when they were to head down to the Great Hall and prepare for the presentation. Harry and Ron amused themselves playing Wizard Chess. They realized they were five minutes late and ran for it.
"Sorry," panted Harry.
"We're late," added Ron.
"Playing…"
Ron and Harry were leaning against each other. Cat turned around at them. Harry and Ron fell flat on their butts.
"I DON'T CARE! YOU'RE LATE!" She roared her eyes glowing red.
"What the-" Ron began.
Harry got up quickly and pulled Cat towards the shadows.
"Ron, hair and makeup! Now, said Cat!" Harry lied then he turned to Cat. "Breathe."
Cat tried calming down.
"They won't go away," she said crying and covering her eyes.
Harry pried her hands away gently. They were definitely the blood red color he once saw them. He hated to see Cat upset. He had to think of something.
"Tell me what to do," he said.
Catherina sighed and nodded. She pulled out something from the inside of her robe. Cat opened her fist to reveal a long sharp piece of metal. Harry eyed it dubiously.
"What do you want me to do with it?" Harry asked picking it up, his hand shaking.
Cat stretched out her palm.
"Quick, swiftly, it'll be over before you know it," she said shutting her eyes tightly."
Harry frowned at her. He was hoping he was misunderstanding her.
"Let me see if I get this, you want me to stab you with this?" Harry said showing her the piece of metal between his thumb and index finger.
Catherina sighed and took the metal object from Harry's fingers.
"I'll do it then," she said taking the metal piece in her right hand and turning the palm of her left hand towards her.
Cat took a deep breath and raised her hand taking aim. She brought her hand down quickly and fainted before the sharp metal even touched her hand. It took a while for Harry to absorb what had just happened; however, when he did, he quickly kneeled besides Cat and slapped her on the cheeks softly.
"Cat," he said shaking her by the shoulders a bit. "Cat, wake up."
Cat woke up and groaned rubbing the back of her head.
"I passed out again, didn't I?" She asked.
"Again?" Harry asked.
"Yes, again," she said annoyed and getting up.
Her red eyes flashed.
"You see, it's against the rules for me to purposely hurt myself unless…" Cat drifted off and stared off to the wall with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"And you tried to hurt yourself before!" Harry said urgently.
"I have to get rid of these things some way," she said with a grimace and gesturing at her eyes.
Catherina shook her arms as if to loosen herself up. She placed her right foot behind her as if she was preparing for a race, glared at the wall and ran for it. She passed out again way before she reached the wall. Harry sighed and helped Catherina up.
"Explain," said Harry raising his finger. "Slowly and from the beginning."
Cat sighed. Lavender Brown came running towards them.
"Sorry Harry," said Lavender shyly. "But Cat needs to start on her make-up. It takes us ages to get it done," finished Brown and dragged Cat away who shrugged.
Harry sighed and decided to rehearse with Ron who was starting to feel the very first signs of stage fright. He kept complaining about how his hands were sweaty and how the charm Hermione had put on him to have the two faces of Mayor was giving him a headache. Harry tried taking his mind off these things by running his lines by him. It seemed to work until Hermione started running around frantically. Harry was dragged towards Hair and Makeup and Ron was left to stick it out by himself.
"Twelve minutes until we're on," she kept saying to everyone. "Where are those two first years?" Hermione said as two small timid first years walked in. "Ah yes. CAT!"
Catherina came running in full costume and makeup. Red flaming hair flying behind her and pale white skin with the ugly patched up dress. She smiled at the first years evilly. The first years gasped and began to run for it but Cat grabbed them by the collar of their shirts and dragged them inside the costume room.
"Ok people!" Hermione shouted. "Places!"
She whipped out her list of people and began roll call. Everyone was present so she contended herself with roaring at people to get to their places. She peeked through the curtains and squealed. She had noticed that the Minister of Magic was now seated in the staff table.
"Look people! Even the Minister of Magic came to see the show!"
Everyone glared at her for they were better off without that piece of information. Hermione had just made the whole cast more nervous that they already were. Dean kept asking people if his fangs were pointy enough and Ron kept complaining about having a migraine and how they had to go on without him. Catherina had walked out of the costume room with the two first years now dressed as Shock and Barrel. Cat accompanied them towards Fawcett who was going to be plating Lock. The clever Ravenclaw girl smiled and took them under her wing. Hermione nodded, shushed everyone and proceeded to walk out from backstage to face the Hogwarts' students. She was greeted with applause.
"Hello everyone!" Hermione began as the applause died down. "Thank you for being here with us. Tonight we will be performing the first musical ever to be performed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"
The crowd cheered and Hermione grinned broadly.
"We have been working very hard…so, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you!"
Hermione finished and went backstage. She gave everyone the thumbs up and proceeded to put on the music for the first scene.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft Presents…
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Starring: Harry Potter as Jack The Pumpkin King, Catherina Black as Sally, Ron Weasley as Mayor and special appearance by Draco Malfoy as Oogie Boogie Man
(Random Third Year Hufflepuff comes out and stands in the middle of the stage)
RTYH: 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and…
(Cat pops head out through the curtains and hisses)
Cat: Wrong story Aidan! The Nightmare Before Christmas not The Night Before Christmas!
Aidan: Oh, right! Ok…'Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story that you are about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now, you've probably wondered where Holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun.
(Aidan exits. The lights are dimmed down and the stage curtains roll back. Smog starts covering the stage floor.)
(Euan Abercrombie as Shadow pops out from the floor of the stage. The girls in the crowd gasp)
Shadow: Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
(Hannah Abbot as Siamese Shadow pops out the same way Abercrombie did right next to him causing the girls to gasp again and giggle afterwards)
Siamese Shadow: Come with us and you will see,
This our town of Halloweeeeen!
(Katie Bell, Stuart and Malcolm are painted all in orange with various black streaks across their face. They look especially bloated as they roll around a patch of dirt that was magically put on the stage.)
Pumpkin Patch Chorus: This is Halloween, This is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
(Miles, Boles and Susan look eerily transparent like the actual ghosts at Hogwarts)
Ghosts: This is Halloween, everybody make a scene (Ghosts sway to and fro)
Trick or treat till the neighbors gonna die of fright (Ghosts increase in size and zoom closely scaring the people on the first row)
It's our town, (Boles and Miles disappear leaving Susan on the stage swaying to the last line sung) EVERYBODY SCREAM! (Miles and Boles appear among the audience causing them to scream)
In this town of Halloween
(Red eyes appear underneath the small bed in the corner of the stage. It is Terry Boot as Creature Under Bed)
Creature Under Bed: I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp (a massive evil grin of bright, shiny and pointy teeth appears beneath the red eyes) and eyes glowing red
(Bradley as Man Under Stairs steps a little forward from the shadows underneath the stairs. He has green makeup and moving spiders in hair. You can hear Ron whimper from backstage and say: "Not the spiders!" You can also hear Hermione telling him to shut it.)
Man Under Stairs: I am the one hiding under your stairs (Bradley glances at Ron who is looking at the show from backstage and trying hard not to laugh)
Fingers like snake and spiders in my hair
(Man Under Stairs retreats to the shadows)
(Cho Chang, Owen and Eddie Carmichael have zombie like makeup with very realistic pieces of rotting flesh. Cho's ear is hanging by a string of skin.)
Corpse Chorus: This is Halloween, this is Halloween (Cho, Owen and Eddie march on the same spot)
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! (The Corpse Chorus, collapse into a pile of dust)
(Three bats flew into the stage. There was a large puff of smoke and appeared Dean, Crabbe and Michael Corner as vampires)
Vampires: In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
(Ron came strutting in as Mayor. He looked extremely out of place because he was so tall and lanky. He was bumpy all over because Hermione had tried to "thicken him out")
Mayor: In this town, don't we love it now? (Ron spread out his arms questioningly at the crowd)
Everybody's waiting for the next surprise
Corpse Chorus: Round that corner (they point at trashcan shaking), man hiding in the
Trashcan
Something's waiting now to pounce, (from the trashcan comes out and evil clown face and flies towards the crowd) and how you'll scream!
(Millicent, and the Creevy brothers appear dressed as Melting Man, Harlequin Demon and Werewolf)
Werewolf, Harlequin, and Melting Man: Scream! This is Halloween
Red n Black, Slimy Green
Werewolf: Aren't you scared? (asks a girl in the first row who shudders)
(Eleanor, Mandy and Lavender dressed in black are the witches. They walk in and stand beside Werewolf)
Witches: Well, that's just fine (to crowd)
Say it once, say it twice
Take the chance and roll the dice (witches pulls dice from robes and throws them at the crowd. The red dice disappear before touching anyone)
Ride with the moon in the dead of night (Lavender gets on broom and flies over the crowd before flying behind backstage again)
(Derrick in a corner who is dressed in brown and has massive large arms. Hermione put a spell on them. He is Hanging Tree)
Hanging Tree: Everybody scream! Everybody scream!
(Justin Finch-Fletchley is looking awfully pale and has a noose around his neck. He is hanged man)
Hanged Man: In our town of Halloween
(A boy dressed s a clown, one side of his face is happy, the other one looks mean and angry)
Clown: I am the clown with the tear-away face
Here in a flash and gone without a trace
(Marietta is dressed in a very light blue robe and looks pale and transparent. She is the second ghoul and proceeds to fly back and forth above the stage)
Second Ghoul: I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?"
I am the wind blowing through your hair
(Draco stands in the shadows dressed in rags. He looked as skinny as he was. He refused to wear a fat suit saying it would hinder his performance)
Oogie Boogie Man: I am the shadow on the moon at night
Filling your dreams to the brim with fright
Corpse Chorus Sings as they sway: This is Halloween! This is Halloween
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
Halloween! Halloween!
(Vicky and Seamus appear out of nowhere marching towards the crowd. They are dressed in green and brown rags. They are missing body parts and their skin is hanging by threads)
Child Corpse Chorus: Tender Lumplings everywhere
Life is no fun without a good scare!
(Anthony and Goyle appear dressed as Vicky and Seamus are but they sit by the edge of the stage with their legs swinging)
Parent Corpse Chorus: That's our job, (Anthony turns to a girl sitting in the front row) but we're not mean
In this town of Halloween
Corpse Chorus: In this town
Mayor: Don't we love it now?
Mayor with Corpse Chorus: Everyone's waiting for the next surprise
Corpse Chorus: Skeleton Jack might catch you in the back (They point as Harry dressed as Jack The Pumpkin King walks in)
And scream like a banshee
Make you jump out of your skin
This Halloween, everybody scream
Won't ya please make way for a very special guy (Harry walks towards the middle of the stage where a light is spotted on him)
Our man Jack is king of the pumpkin patch
Everyone hail to the Pumpkin King now
Everyone as they dance around Jack: This is Halloween! This is Halloween!
Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween!
Corpse Child: In this town we call home
Everyone hail to the pumpkin song
(Everyone is leaping around back and forth through the stage. Arranging the props)
Everyone: La la la la, Halloween! Halloween! (continues until all the props are arranged)
(Hermione taps her wristwatch. The cast speeds up their dancing and continue to arrange the props. Everything is finally done. The music stops as everyone stand around Jack and Mayor. The cast applauds loudly and cheers)
Clown: It's over (Pumps fist in air)
Behemoth: We did it!
(Meanwhile behind the stage….)
Catherina kept pacing back and forth, mumbling all the while.
"Relax," hissed Hermione. "You'll do great."
Catherina sucked her teeth and bit her bottom lip. She continued to tap her foot impatiently.
"Fudge is out there," muttered Catherina peeking through the curtains, waiting for her cue.
Catherina heard her cue and rushed out as the rest of the cast walked in. Harry walked towards Hermione. Ron collapsed as soon as he walked in. Lavender went to help him. Hermione shook her head and smiled at Harry.
"You did an awesome job," she whispered.
Harry nodded seriously as he watched Cat from backstage.
"Thank you," he murmured. "Why is Cat so nervous?" He asked her frowning.
Hermione shrugged.
"I guess it's because the Minister of Magic is here," she whispered with a large grin.
Harry frowned again. Catherina wasn't scared of anything…and she was especially unafraid of Cornelius Fudge. There was more to it than just that. Harry knew Cat better than that. I'll find out sooner or later, he thought as Cat said her last line and he had to hurry towards the stage again. Catherina rushed back in looking more nervous than before.
"He was glaring at me," whispered Cat rubbing her eyes.
They were still blood red and they seemed to be irritating her.
"Who?" Hermione asked before mouthing the lines to Ron.
"Fudge."
"Oh," said Hermione as Ron came towards her and draped an arm around her.
"Here goes Harry," said Ron as Harry began to sing his first solo of the night.
(Harry stands in middle of stage as he prepares to sing: "Jack's Lament")
There are few who'd deny; at what I do I am the best
For my talents are renowned far and wide
When it comes to surprise in the moonlight night
I excel without ever even trying
With the slightest little effort of my ghostlike charms
I have seen grown men give out a shriek
With the wave of my hand and a well placed moan
I have swept the very bravest off their feet
Year after year, it's the same routine
And I grow so weary of the sounds of screams
And I, Jack, the Pumpkin King
Have grown so tired of the same old thing
Oh, somewhere deep inside these bones
An emptiness began to grow
There's something out there, far from my home
A longing that I've never known
I'm the master of fright, and a demon of light
And I'll scare you right out of your pants
To a guy in Kentucky, I am Mister Unlucky
And I'm known throughout England and France
And since I am dead, I can take off my head
To recite Shakespearean quotations
No animal nor man can scream like I can
With the fury of my recitations
But who here would ever understand
That the Pumpkin King with the skeleton grin
Would tire of his crown, if they only understood
He'd give it all up if he only could
Oh, there's an empty place in my bones
That calls out for something unknown
The fame and praise come year after year
Does nothing for these empty tears
(Jack sighs and sits besides a grave as Sally watches from far away. Ron and Dean starts setting up the props for the next scene)
Sally: Jack, I know how you feel (Cat picks some herbs that are magically growing out from the stage floor)
(Sally places the herbs in her basket and makes her way to the side of the stage where while she was delivering her lines Dean and Ron set up the props. Luna is there dressed in a white robe that has brown and red stains. She has some spectacles that oddly resemble those of Headmaster Dumbledore. She has her hair tied up in a bun Luna is playing Dr. Finkelstein.)
Dr. Finkelstein: Sally, (Luna runs to Cat and looks at her eagerly) You've come back.
Sally: I had to (Cat shows no emotion and is still carrying the basket of herbs in her remaining arm)
Dr. Finkelstein: For this? (Luna shows Cat her arm and waves it in front of her face. Cat's jaw twitches)
Sally: Yes.
Dr. Finkelstein: Shall we then? (Begins to sew back the arm on Sally) That's twice this month you've slipped deadly nightshade into my tea and run off…
Sally: Three times! (Cat says proudly)
Dr. Finkelstein: You're mine you know! (Luna shakes Cat slightly) I made you with my own hands.
Sally: You can make other creations (Cat shrugs carelessly) I'm restless, I can't help it.
Dr. Finkelstein: It's a phase my dear, (Luna pats Cat's shoulder and fixes spectacles) it'll pass. We need to be patient that's all.
Sally: But I don't want to be patient.
(Cat and Luna exit allowing Ron to take stage. Harry is waiting for Cat backstage)
Cat entered and spotted Harry immediately. She rushed towards him and Harry wrapped his arms around her. He looked down at her worryingly. Her eyes were still red and she seemed in the brim of tears. Harry kissed her forehead softly.
"What's wrong?" He inquired quietly.
Cat bit her lower lip and continued to cling to Harry. She looked over her shoulder nervously.
"He's here to get me Harry," she whispered as Hermione glared at them both and shushed them.
"Who?" Harry asked looking behind him and then nodding knowingly. "Fudge? Catherina, what is going on? Tell me…now."
Catherina's bottom lip stuck out.
"No pouting," he said and kissed her quickly. "Now tell me."
Harry and Catherina could hear a silence from the stage. No one was talking anymore. Hermione kept gesturing at him.
"Oh my god," said Harry urgently. "I missed my cue. When I get back, you're telling me," he said to Cat and hurried off to the stage.
Catherina watched Harry go nervously. She couldn't let Fudge take her away, especially with the plans that he had for her. Cat pouted incessantly. She had to think of something. Harry had just begun to sing, "What's this?". Cat peeked out between the curtains towards the staff table and grimaced as she saw Cornelius' impatient face. He had a snarl on his lips as if he was dying to get this over with and collect his trophy. Catherina paced back and forth. Not one thought filled her mind besides the one of Fudge is here to get me. She stopped and looked above the staff table. There was one huge light that Hermione had insisted on putting there because at the end of the musical she was going to thank the guests…the guests being Cornelius Fudge. Catherina pulled out her wand and smiled.
(Harry is singing the last lines to "What's This?")
I want it, oh, I want it
Oh, I want it for my own
I've got know
I've got to know
What is this place that I have found?
What is this?
Harry stopped in mid-sentence as he saw the light above the staff table sway dangerously. As if on cue everyone turned his or her gaze to where Harry's was located. Cornelius Fudge watched motionlessly the large green light fall towards him. Headmaster Dumbledore pulled out his wand and froze the light in the air. The Great Hall was filled with a collective sigh. Harry ran backstage and got there just in time to see Cat snarling at Dumbledore.
"What are you doing?" Harry growled grabbing her by the arm.
Catherina struggled to get lose but Harry held her firm. Hermione ran towards the stage.
"Now people," said Hermione raising the palms of her hands. "Don't panic. Accidents like this happen all the time in the muggle world."
The crowd's murmuring grew louder. Hermione fidgeted and glanced at Harry who had a struggling Cat in his grasp. Hermione glared at Catherina and returned her attention to the crowd.
"Well! This isn't the muggle world!" Shouted a voice from the crowd that was followed by various murmurs of agreement.
Hermione marched towards Harry and Catherina wearing a massive frown.
"That was you, wasn't it?" Hermione spat at Cat.
Catherina didn't answer and Harry let her go. Cat glanced at Fudge who was now standing up from the table and began marching towards the stage, followed by Professor Dumbledore.
"YOU!" He roared at Catherina.
Catherina gasped and grasped Harry's hand unconsciously. Harry frowned and stood before Black.
"Leave her alone," said Harry.
"Ah yes," said Fudge with an evil grin. "He is your lover boy after all."
Catherina shoved Harry aside and glared at Cornelius.
"Leave him out of this Cornelius," she snarled and taking a firm grasp of her wand. "I'm warning you."
Fudge growled and grabbed her by the arm and began to drag her off the stage. Harry and Hermione stared at each other and then at an immobile Professor Dumbledore.
"YOU'RE MY PROPERTY!" He roared as Catherina struggled to get lose.
Cat kicked him on the shins and back stepped towards the center of the stage.
"I am no longer you're property Cornelius," said Cat still glaring at him and with a slight joyous tone in her voice.
"I am the Minister of Magic! I can do with you whatever I please and I can give you to whomever I want!"
"What the bloody-hell are you talking about?" Harry shouted befuddled. "She is no one's property!"
"That's where you're wrong Mr. Potter!" Cornelius shouted reaching once more for Cat who side stepped and evaded his grasp. "Catherina, just like her mother, is nothing but one beautiful piece of property.
Catherina snarled and cursed at him in Italian. Fudge laughed.
"So they don't know what you are, do they?" Fudge asked. "I guess I'll have the honors."
Catherina jumped at him. Fudge punched her. Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at Fudge.
"You touch her one more time," snarled Harry through clenched teeth. "I will make sure you have no limbs to do so ever again."
Cornelius laughed as Catherina moaned over her broken nose.
"She's nothing but what I tell her she is," he began saying.
"Shut it!" Catherina yelled through her bloody nose.
Harry glanced at Catherina and pointed his wand at her.
"Shut up Cat," he said softly.
Catherina's eyes opened wide and stared at Harry, then at his wand and then at Fudge. Her bottom lip stuck out once more and she fell to her knees as a fountain of tears began to spring from her eyes. Cat looked at Harry pleadingly.
"Harry, please," she whispered and covered her face when Harry shook his head and refused to look at her.
"Fine," said Harry with his eyes filled with tears. "Tell me what she is. Tell me everything."
Fudge grinned evilly and opened his mouth.
"Wait," said Harry and kneeling next to him. "You're going to tell me only," he whispered to him as Catherina continued to stare off into space motionlessly.
Fudge mumbled something unintelligible and sighed.
"Very well, you see Catherina is what the Ministry of Magic likes to call an experiment gone awry," said Fudge.
Harry frowned and shook his head slightly.
"I don't understand," said Harry.
"Well, of course you don't. I haven't finished, have I?" Fudge said angrily.
Harry glared at him and placed the point of his wand at his throat.
"Don't get smart with me Minister."
Fudge swallowed and nodded.
"Well she has to serve whoever is the Minister of Magic at the time. Catherina serves me. She does as I say, you see? She's special. You're pretty little girlfriend happens to have powers that could destroy the world. And if I want her to use those powers whether it to be good or bad she will do it," said Fudge smiling. "Catherina must obey me no matter what because…" he began and now started to glare at Cat. "I am the Minister of Magic!"
Catherina snapped out of her daze and stood up without looking at him. It was as if she was hypnotized.
"No you're not fool," she said loudly. "You have been removed from your post and you know it! I have sent the Aurors after you this very instant."
Professor Dumbledore who had been silent the whole time folded a letter he had been reading and looked at Fudge with a fire in his blue eyes that Harry had never seen before.
"How dare you come here and hurt my students," he said. "Especially since you have lied to us about being Minister of Magic!"
"You crackpot old fool!" Fudge began to shout and getting up from the floor. "The Dark Lord can not be beaten! I do not plan on dying any time soon."
"Professor Dumbledore," spoke Catherina still not looking at anyone. "Could you please detain this foolish idiot until the Aurors arrive?"
Professor Dumbledore nodded. Cat's eyes were still blood red and her face showed no emotion whatsoever. Harry walked towards her cautiously and reached out with his fingers to touch her face.
"I sure will Mrs. Bones," said Dumbledore and pointed his wand at Cornelius. "You would do well not to fight me Cornelius."
Fudge snarled and followed Professor Dumbledore out of the Great Hall with Professor Snape behind them. The crowd remained silent and Professor McGonagall marched towards the stage quickly and stood beside Harry who was staring at Catherina awestruck. Cat collapsed and Harry held her before she hit the ground. He lifted her up and kissed her forehead as tears rolled down his cheeks.
"Cat what have you done?" Harry whispered in her ear as Professor McGonagall knelt down beside him and observed Catherina.
"Let's get her to the Hospital Wing, Mr. Potter," she said.
Harry nodded, accommodated Cat in his arms and followed Professor McGonagall who was leading the way towards Cat's salvation. Harry stood by Catherina's side all night, ignoring Madam Pomfrey's pleas.
"But, Mr. Potter!" Madam Pomfrey whined. "You must get some rest. Miss Black is fine…she's just resting."
"All the same, I'd like to stay with her," mumbled Harry without looking away from Cat's sleeping face.
Professor McGonagall entered the Hospital Wing followed by some wizards dressed in lime green robes. She nodded at Madam Pomfrey.
"They come from St. Mungo's," informed McGonagall signaling at the two wizards that accompanied her.
The wizards nodded and began talking all at once about how honored they were to treat such a special patient. Harry frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Harry asked but McGonagall placed a hand over his shoulder.
"Professor Dumbledore wishes to have a word with you, Potter," stated McGonagall and glancing briefly at the double doors.
Harry sighed and kissed Catherina on the forehead before walking out of the Hospital Wing. Professor McGonagall observed him suspiciously as he left. Harry sighed again and slowly made his way towards Headmaster Dumbledore's office. He thought about what had happened today and what Fudge had told him. Harry had no doubts that what ex-Minister of Magic told was true. It certainly explained a lot of Cat's mystery but it still wasn't enough to clear all doubts. I certainly need to have a word with Hermione, Harry thought. Talking to Cat about it was out of the question. He hardly doubted she would tell him the truth…and Harry, in all honesty, was losing his truth in Cat slowly. These thoughts occupied Harry's mind as he walked up the staircase and arrived outside Dumbledore's office door. He heard voices talking in an agitated tone. Harry decided not to knock yet in hopes of overhearing something interesting.
"Project Chaos must be destroyed!" Said a female voice angrily. "It has caused more bad than good, besides, it has mayor defects. It can not be controlled fully therefore it is just as dangerous as You-Know-Who-Himself."
"Project Chaos purpose is to protect the world," said a tired voice that Harry recognized as Dumbledore's. "It has its glitches, certainly but I do not agree. I think it deserves just one more chance. Project Chaos was simply doing as it was told."
"But what it did was wrong! Killing no matter what or who is unjustified!"
"Minister Bones," said Professor Dumbledore. "Would you please excuse me," he said as his voice drew nearer to Harry. " I believe there is a student waiting to enter."
The door opened to reveal a weary looking Dumbledore. He smiled warmly at Harry.
"Ah, yes, Harry," he said stirring Harry inside the office and towards an armchair in front of his desk. "I am glad you're here. I would like you to meet the new Minister of Magic," added Headmaster Dumbledore signaling at the witch with the monocle. "Amelia Susan Bones."
The witch smiled at Harry politely. Harry nodded. He had met the witch before at his hearing last summer. She was Susan Bones's aunt. Harry shook her hand politely and muttered a: "Nice to see you again." Minister Bones did the same.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," began the witch smiling. "I am afraid that our meeting must be cut short. I have a lot of things to attend to but I shall keep in contact with you."
Professor Dumbledore nodded and escorted her out of the office
"Of course," answered Dumbledore and closed the office door behind her.
Professor Dumbledore walked behind his desk and sat down. He scrutinized Harry behind his half moon spectacles.
"Well?" Professor Dumbledore inquired joining the tip of his fingers together.
Harry blinked and shook his head.
"Any doubts? Questions?" Dumbledore continued. "You must be bursting with them…as usual."
Harry scoffed and shook his head in confusion. He didn't comprehend at all what Professor Dumbledore was trying to get at.
"I suppose you're doubtful of my answers, after all, I haven't been completely honest in the past…actually, a lot of people haven't been honest lately, now have they?"
Harry shrugged. He really didn't feel like talking about honesty right now…since it was the one thing he desperately needed from Catherina and wasn't getting. Harry frowned as he just thought of something.
"When at the stage…in the Great Hall," said Harry frowning as he tried to remember correctly what happened. "When Cat went into a sort of trance…you called her 'Mrs. Bones'," added Harry doubtfully.
As each minute rolled by it became harder for him to recall what had happened a few hours ago. Harry scratched his head as if expecting to dig up a clearer picture of what happened.
"Indeed, I did," said Professor Dumbledore with a slight smile.
"Was it the same.."
"Yes, it was Minister Bones."
Harry blinked. Then by some kind of charm or spell the new Minister of Magic had been talking through Catherina. Harry nodded. It made some sense. Cornelius had said something about…Cat having to serve…who was it again? Harry shook his head trying to clear his thoughts.
"So, she was talking…" Harry stared into space. What was I asking again? "What is Cat then?"
Headmaster Dumbledore nodded.
"She is the ministry's defective experiment."
Harry shook his head again. He was feeling curiously enough exhausted and yawned.
"It is late, Harry, don't you agree?"
Harry nodded and began to walk towards the door. He turned around and frowned to ask Professor Dumbledore one last question.
"Why are you telling me this?"
Professor Dumbledore smiled sadly and leaned back on his chair.
"Because Harry…by tomorrow morning, you won't remember a thing."
Harry frowned and walked out of Professor Dumbledore's office thinking: What was I talking about? And what was I doing in Professor Dumbledore's office? Harry shrugged and headed towards Gryffindor Tower determined to have some shuteye.
The next morning Harry woke up elated. It was to be Cat's and his first official date. They couldn't lave the grounds and all Hogsmeade trips had been cancelled. The circumstances called for a little planning and creative thinking. Catherina had insisted that Harry leave the planning to her.
"You just worry about looking pretty," said Cat jokingly as they walked together with Ron and Hermione towards Advanced Transfiguration.
Harry began to twitch with anticipation during Advanced Potions. Hermione nudged him as Cat laughed silently.
"Relax, Harry," said Hermione severely. "You'll ruin your potion."
Harry smiled nervously and focused on not blowing up his potion. Finally, the sun went down and Harry began to freak out…
"No!" Harry shouted as he looked at himself in the mirror for the seventh time since he had taken a shower and gotten dressed for the date. "I don't like this jumper," stated Harry peeling off the maroon jumper and throwing it on the bed. "It makes me look all bulky," added Harry as he searched his trunk for something decent looking.
Ron laughed.
"Harry," said Ron sitting down on Harry's bed. "I don't think she'll care about what you wear."
Harry groaned and started discarding clothes over his shoulder. Catherina strutted into the room frowning.
"Oi, Harry!" She started to shout but raised her eyebrows when the stunned and shirtless Harry stood up abruptly and gawked at her shyly.
Catherina was wearing tight dark blue jeans and a dark green halter-top. She glanced quickly at Ron who was trying hard not to laugh at both of them.
"Are you going to wear that?" Catherina asked pointing at Harry's naked chest.
Harry looked down at his chest quickly.
"No," he replied curtly. "Why?"
"Well, One: It's cold outside," said Catherina signaling at the jacket draped over her arm. "Two: it's a good color," said Cat as her eyes sparkled dangerously "It brings out your eyes and it will make it hard for me to resist."
Harry blushed before Cat grinned evilly at him and walked out of the boys' dormitory. Ron started cracking up. Harry glared at him and started searching Ron's trunk. Ron stopped laughing and stood up from the bed.
"What are you doing?" He asked Harry whom had jus pulled out a jade green jumper from Ron's trunk.
"I'm borrowing your jumper," replied Harry putting on the clothing.
"But…You're borrowing my jumper?" Ron inquired as Harry grabbed his jacket and started to head for the exit.
"Yes, Ronald," muttered Harry. "I'm borrowing your jumper. I have to go. See you later."
Harry left and Ron sat down on the bed befuddled as usual.
"The world is coming to an end," pointed out Ron and burped loudly.
Harry walked down the stairs nervously with Catherina clinging to his arm. She rested her head on his shoulder briefly and squeezed it softly.
"Stop shaking," she whispered as they passed Filch and his cat, Mrs. Norris.
Filch, the caretaker, glared at them and started muttering to himself and Mrs. Norris. Catherina nodded and smiled at him politely.
"Beautiful night, isn't it sir?" Cat inquired.
Filch glared at her some more and continued to mutter. Harry smiled and waved as they walked past him, repressing a chuckle.
"I can't believe you," whispered Harry in Cat's ear as they passed Professor McGonagall who nodded at them gravely. "How did you do it?"
"They love me," she answered as they put their jackets on, preparing to go outside.
Harry looked at her incredulously.
"Ok, I begged," she said as they walked through the double doors.
The cold winter air pushed them back a couple of centimeters. The iciness bit at their cheeks and ears.
"I told them it would be our first date…and then I begged some more and they agreed."
Harry shook his head and followed Catherina who was leading him towards the Quidditch Pitch. Harry sucked his teeth.
"This isn't some kind of trick to get me to practice Quidditch, is it?" Harry asked frowning.
Cat laughed.
"No," she answered and stretching her hand out to him.
Harry took her hand and kissed her on the cheek.
"Let's not talk about Quidditch, please?" Catherina added.
It was Harry's turn to laugh. He wrapped an arm around her waist and walked with her in the bitter coldness. He took a casual sniff of her hair and rested his chin on the top of her head. Harry drew Cat closer to him and sighed. Harry never thought he could ever feel this way, especially after what happened to Sirius. Harry thought he would never find happiness. But here she was. Maybe life isn't so bad, thought Harry. Maybe you need to get the bed to get the good too. They reached the Quidditch Pitch. In the middle of the pitch were Harry's Firebolt and a Nimbus 2001. Harry spotted another figure but couldn't see it to well. Catherina pulled Harry closer towards the middle of the pitch. Harry smiled.
"Max!" Harry exclaimed.
The guitar hopped and let out a stream of musical notes undecipherable to Harry's ears. Cat chuckled.
"Max says he thought you were dead," translated Catherina as she smiled lovingly at the magical guitar.
Harry smiled and straddled his Firebolt.
"So, what?" Harry asked watching Catherina straddle the Nimbus. "Is Max going to serenade us?"
Catherina kicked off and flew up into the clear night sky. Harry followed her. He reached her and smiled. Catherina was gazing up at the stars.
"Not necessarily," she said answering Harry's precious question. "So when are you telling them?" Catherina asked flying close to Harry so that their faces almost touched.
"Tell who and what?" Harry asked even though he knew perfectly well what Cat was talking about.
"Hermione…Ron…prophecy…when?" Cat asked glaring.
Harry sighed and threw his head back.
"Is that even necessary?"
"Yes," said Catherina angrily. "They're your best friends. Unless you want them to find out from someone else."
"It's just…" began Harry rubbing his forehead with one hand and holding onto the broom with the other. "They wouldn't understand. Hermione will freak out and so will Ron."
Catherina blinked and scoffed.
"And your point is, Potter?" Catherina inquired through clenched teeth.
Harry groaned.
"Don't start calling me that!" Harry whined.
Cat pouted and frowned.
"I'll call you whatever I want. I own you," said Catherina.
Harry slapped his forehead. He had just seen something in his mind's eye. Fudge, the Minister of Magic shouting: "I own you!" But that couldn't be true, thought Harry. That never happened. Did it? I really must be losing it.
"Hey," said Catherina searching for Harry's face. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked worried and placing a hand on his cheek.
Harry nodded and took her hand in his. He kissed her softly.
"I'll tell them…but later," mumbled Harry and laid his head on Cat's chest.
He was feeling dizzy oddly enough but he didn't have the heart to tell Catherina that he wanted to lie down. Cat ran her fingers through Harry's hair and began to hum. Harry smiled and closed his eyes. After a while he looked up at Cat and smiled.
"Sing…me…something…please," said Harry in between quick pecks.
Catherina giggled and pushed him away playfully.
"Ok, Geez. You didn't have to use the "kiss attack"," said Catherina. "What do you want me to sing?" She asked as Harry once again rested his head on her chest.
"Doesn't matter…anything," he muttered and closed his eyes again.
Catherina sighed and bit her lower lip. Suddenly there was music wafting in the air. Harry smiled.
"Looks like Max chose a song for you," whispered Harry half asleep.
Catherina laughed softly and began to sing.
"I am thinking it's a sign," crooned Catherina once more returning to run her fingers through Harry's hair.
Harry grinned goofily. He loved to hear cat sing. It was like a sleeping drought and that combined with her playing with his hair had him in a dreamy haze.
"That the freckles in our eyes are mirror images and when we kiss they're perfectly aligned."
Catherina kissed Harry on the top of the head and continued.
"And I have to speculate that God himself did make us into corresponding shapes like puzzle pieces from the clay."
Harry kissed her on the cheek and pressed his face against her neck, breathing in her scent.
" True it may seem like a stretch but it's thoughts like this that catch my troubled head when you're away, when I am missing you to death. When you were out there on the road for several weeks of shows and when you scan the radio I hope this song will guide you home."
Catherina stopped. Harry looked up at her and kissed her tenderly. Catherina pulled away and smiled.
"Do you want me to finish or not?"
Max noticing that Cat had stopped singing let out another stream of notes that had no harmony whatsoever. Catherina laughed and nodded. Harry smiled and urged Cat to start singing again. Harry rested his head on her chest again.
"They will see us waving from such great heights "Come down now," they'll say but everything looks perfect from far away. "Come down now," but we'll stay," sang Catherina resting her cheek on the top of Harry's head and hugging him tightly. "I've tried my best to leave this all on your machine but the persistent beat sounded thin upon listening. That frankly will not fly. You will hear the shrillest highs and lowest lows with the windows down when this is guiding you home. They will see us waving from such great heights "Come down now," they'll say but everything looks perfect from far away. "Come down now", but we'll stay."
Catherina sighed and Harry yawned. He smiled at Catherina.
"Thank you beautiful," muttered Harry and pecked her quickly in the mouth. "I think I'm ready to talk to Ron and Hermione."
Catherina smiled and ruffled Harry's hair.
"Good," she said. "About time too."
Catherina and Harry flew down towards the ground. They got off their brooms. Catherina tucked Max under one arm and carried her broom on the other. Harry and Cat put away the brooms in the Gryffindor changing room and started to walk back towards the Gryffindor Common Room. This time they didn't meet anyone on the way. Cat and Harry walked into the common room and were shocked at wht they found. Every Gryffindor student was in the common room and they all looked extremely agitated and nervous for some reason.
"Cat!" Shouted Neville and rushed towards Harry and Black. "Professor Dumbledore was looking for you. It seemed urgent."
Catherina frowned and nodded at Neville. She handed him Max. Neville took Max and tucked him under his arm, causing Max to sing out a note.
"Thanks," she said grabbing Harry's hand.
Harry noticed that she was shaking.
"I'll go see him at his office then," she said but Neville called out to her again. "What?"
Neville wringed his hands.
"It looked serious…he was with another lady and when no one knew where you guys were they took Hermione and Ron."
Catherina bit her lower lip and dragged Harry out of the common room quickly. Harry protested but Catherina ignored him and proceeded to hurry down to Professor Dumbledore's office. They walked up the spiral staircase. Cat put her index finger to her lips and walked slowly and noiselessly towards the office door. There were people arguing inside. Harry sighed and followed Cat silently.
"Now, now," said a female voice that seemed familiar to Harry.
Harry slapped his forehead again as he seemed to remember something. "Amelia Susan Bones," said Dumbledore in Harry's head. He shook his head and Catherina flicked him. Harry nodded and listened.
"You're a clever witch, you must know what's going on," continued to say the woman on the other side of the door.
"I suppose," said a voice that Harry recognized as Hermione's. "But I rather not make inferences," she added a little bit more angrily.
"Why do you want Cat?" asked a male voice that Harry identified as Ron's.
"We just need to take her away," said the woman sternly.
"Take her away to where?" Hermione asked.
The woman didn't answer immediately.
"Doesn't matter…she's not coming back."
Catherina gasped besides Harry and looked at him fearfully. She cursed softly.
"What's going on?" Harry whispered.
"Don't you know what I am, Harry?" Catherina whispered annoyed. "I thought Fudge told you yesterday."
Harry shook his head confused.
"You don't remember?" Catherina asked raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Catherina frowned.
"They wouldn't modify your memory unless they were intending too…"
Catherina stopped speaking. Her face changed from curious to complete terror. She stood up and bolted out of the office. No sooner had she ran out and Harry had stood up to run after her the office door opened. There stood a stately woman who looked at Harry suspiciously.
"What are you doing out there?" She asked. "Get in here."
Harry walked in and observed dubiously the persons inside the office. There was Professor Dumbledore sitting in front of his desk looking agitated. Hermione and Ron were across from Dumbledore…they're faces red. The woman who Harry recalled from a past memory was there and was glaring at none other than Cornelius Fudge who shut the door and grinned evilly at Harry.
"Now boy," he growled. "You will tell me where that wicked girl is before it's too late."
Harry blinked and glared at Fudge.
"What girl?" Harry asked.
"Black!" Fudge barked. "Where is she?"
"I don't know," said Harry as Fudge boiled over him.
Fudge raised a hand but Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat and so did Amelia.
"Cornelius," said the woman.
"The agreement was that you were not to touch my students Cornelius," said Dumbledore standing up.
Fudge glared at him.
"Very well," he said angrily. "Just as long the boy tells me where Black is."
Harry glared at him. One: he didn't know where Cat was and two: if he did he wouldn't tell him, that's for sure. Fudge glared back at Harry but seeing that he wasn't responding he cursed.
"Be like that boy! But it'll be worse for your precious little girlfriend!"
Hermione and Ron stood because Fudge had pulled out his wand. Hermione and Ron rushed to Harry's aid. Professor Dumbledore pulled out his wand and so did the woman.
"Now Cornelius," stated the woman. "I am the Minister of Magic, don't make me do something I'll regret."
"The girl is my property! You forfeited your rights to her so she belongs to me!"
Harry, Hermione and Ron simultaneously slapped their foreheads. Hermione was the first to speak.
"I remember now," muttered Hermione still in a daze. "You're the new Minister of Magic and Catherina is some kind of experiment!"
Harry's heart began to race. Experiment or no experiment Cat was his friend, fellow student and most importantly girlfriend who he loved dearly. He wasn't about to let anyone hurt her. Then there was a sudden roaring sound coming from outside. Harry looked out the tiny window on Professor Dumbledore's office wall and smiled. Floating in the air was a turquoise Ford Anglia and riding in it was none other than…
"CATHERINA BLACK!" Roared Fudge as he bolted towards the small circular window. "YOU SHALL NOT GET AWAY!"
Cat threw back her head and laughed. She waved at the others and threw a kiss at Harry. Catherina then glared at Fudge and showed him her middle finger. Cat laughed one more time and flew away into the starry night.
"THIS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Bellowed Cornelius and began to strangle Harry.
BAM! He was blown across the room and knocked unconscious. Everyone turned to look at Professor Dumbledore who was frowning.
"I told you not to touch my students," muttered Professor Dumbledore and threw an old robe over the unconscious and spread eagle Cornelius Fudge.
