Always By Your Side

Chapter 5: Conversations

DISCLAIMER: None of the characters you recognize are mine; only the original ones. Nothing you recognize is mine either.

A/N: Okay, a couple of things. First, I forgot the disclaimer for last chapter, so in case I forget in other chapters, just assume this disclaimer is still in effect. Also, I had to keep replacing the fourth chapter because I had posted it, then forgot I had, and revised it, and then liked it better, so replaced it, and then I had to change the title, and so on. Third, I noticed that the last chapter's separation things didn't show up, and the spacing got messed up. Sorry about any confusion that caused. I don't know how that got to be, but sorry. Oh, one more thing. I know that Sirius' eyes are supposed to be gray, but I preferred to write them as blue. Thanks, and I apologize for any other mistakes I didn't notice, and will make!

When Remus and Sirius arrived (with sleeping Harry in Remus' arms) at the staffroom, they found that all the other staff was already there.

Worriedly, Sirius noted that Professor Dumbledore's face looked lined and drawn as if stretched from too much anxiety, and the Headmaster seemed for the first time as if his considerable age had not quite caught up yet, but was not too far behind either.

As the staff settled into their seats around the old oak table, Professor Dumbledore got up to announce the reason for the emergency staff meeting.

"First, I'm sorry for interrupting your holiday festivities, but I had received some urgent news concerning the war, and I thought it best to hold a staff meeting. It is in Voldemort's plans to restore himself to his own body once more, and start regaining power such as he had at his highest point – but more. His first step will be to attempt an attack on Hogwarts, and those protected within its walls." A frission of fear went around the room, and whispers began circulating the table.

"Since you now know of the danger we all are in, I'm sure you will acknowledge the pressing need for outside help. So, I ask you to warmly welcome Ms. Katarina Taylor. Katarina is a researcher, very skilled in the area of defense mechanisms, particularly in shielding and defensive combat. She will be staying at Hogwarts indefinitely, and will be assisting Remus in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Dumbledore stepped aside to reveal Katarina Taylor, and Sirius caught his first glimpse of her. Her long dark hair tumbled down her back and over her shoulders, framing her tentatively smiling face. She was a little below average in the height area, her frame small and slender. Katarina's face had a high forehead and cheekbones, and a narrow face structure. Katarina had soft, almond-shaped eyes in a color that reminded Sirius of the sea.

As she introduced herself, she seemed a rather shy and gentle person, who was very genuine in her fascination for Defense.

Sirius thought he would like to take some time getting to know Katarina better. So, when Professor Dumbledore wrapped up the meeting with a few more notices and announcements, Sirius inquired as to where in the castle Katarina was staying, and offered to escort her and her luggage there. The Headmaster responded, saying that Katarina was staying near the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and sent Sirius off to escort her, blue eyes crinkling merrily. Under Professor Dumbledore's penetrating blue gaze, Sirius felt a bit uncomfortable; he again experienced the unnerving feeling one gets when someone knows far too much for comfort.

While they walked down the long corridors of the school, they introduced themselves and talked on the way to Katarina's new quarters. Sirius discovered that Katarina had received the – as she put it – "researcher's bug" from her mother, and after graduating from Beauxbatons, she had gotten into an elite school where she had studied Defense mechanisms, researching and discovering about new shields, curses, and other related topics.

"What is a researcher's job like, anyway?" Sirius wanted to know. As he spoke, he levitated her suitcase up the sweeping spiral staircase they were climbing.

"I think it's one of the best jobs in the world! After you've discovered a cure for something, a new kind of shield, or maybe a spell, you get the best feeling – the feeling that you're doing something really worthwhile. I love everything about my job," came Katarina's enthusiastic reply. Sirius could tell she was truly enjoyed her profession; by the dim light of the wall torches he could see her face light up and eyes sparkle when she talked about it.

"So, what about you? Did you have a career before teaching, or was this your lifetime goal?" she asked curiously.

"Teaching? A lifetime goal for me?" asked Sirius incredulously. "No, I chose the fast life. After graduating from Hogwarts, I immediately went into Auror training."

"But wasn't it terribly hard to get into Auror training? I know only the best get in."

At this, Sirius chuckled, and replied, "Well, I goofed around with my friends for most of my years at Hogwarts, until I finally matured in my seventh year. Then, I really buckled down and got serious about schoolwork to make it into Auror training."

"Why are you teaching at Hogwarts then? It must be so boring after such an exciting career."

"Well, Dumbledore wanted me and Remus to come back to the castle for our protection, after we adopted Harry, in a sense," Sirius said. Katarina didn't want to press the matter, since it seemed to be a sensitive topic, but Sirius answered her unasked question anyway, "Harry was James and Lily Potter's son. A friend of ours betrayed them and sold them to Voldemort, who murdered them in October, but Harry somehow survived. Since I was James' best friend, he named me godfather." Katarina saw a shadow pass over Sirius' eyes and saw an inscrutable expression swirling in their depths.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to – " Katarina began, clapping her hands over her mouth in horror.

"No, no, it's alright," interrupted Sirius. "It's good for me to talk about it, it helps. I have to just remember the good times that we had while they lasted. I need to focus on the future now, rather than the dwell on the past. That's what Remus keeps telling me anyway," he added with a wry smile.

"That seems like very wise advice. Who is this Remus?" asked Katarina, eager to get off the topic.

"Oh, you'll like him. Remus Lupin is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the one you'll be assisting. He really knows his stuff, and he doesn't have a mean bone in his body. You'll enjoy working with him. He was one of my best friends in Hogwarts, and still is," Sirius replied. Sirius didn't voice the fact that Remus was a werewolf; he figured that Remus could tell her if he wanted to.

"Well, he certainly sounds like someone I'll enjoy working with. Does he research? If he does, perhaps I could trade ideas and things with him…" mused Katarina. She caught herself before she could follow her train of thought. Lightly laughing at herself, she apologized, "I'm sorry. It's this terrible habit of mine. I tend to ramble and babble a lot to myself when I'm having a conversation with someone. Please don't mind it."

"Oh, it's alright. I do that a lot myself. But in answer to your question, he does research quite a bit, I believe about defensive shields and spells in particular," said Sirius.

They continued down the long hallways in companionable silence, until they reached a narrow, rickety staircase. One particular stair on this staircase sensed that there was a new person walking up, and decided to take that moment to lower itself. Katarina wasn't watching where she was going, because she was so wrapped up in her conversation with Sirius, and she tripped over the stair. Sirius, who was one step above her, quickly noticed that she was falling backward, and grabbed her arm.

"You'll have to be careful around here," he said, laughing a little. "Hogwarts stairs are notorious for being so mischievous. They switch around while you're not looking and make you climb the wrong way, they raise and lower themselves, and you'll especially have to watch out for the trick stairs."

Katarina decided that she liked it when Sirius laughed. His baritone laugh was a warm and genuine sound that sounded like it bubbled up from somewhere deep inside. And it seemed as if he was always laughing with you, not at you.

When they finally got into the D.A.D.A. corridor, Sirius showed Katarina the private bath, bedroom, and study. He also explained to her that the doors had wards around them, and that she needed to make up a password to get in. After heaving her sizeable suitcase into her room, Sirius left her to admire her new rooms and went to go meet up with Remus and Harry again. As he left, he heard Katarina's voice floating out after him, saying, "Good-bye! And thanks again!" Sirius smiled to himself, this was a woman he definitely would like to get to know better.

[Katarina's PoV now]

Over the next few days, I began to feel more at home. It's easy to see why everyone claims Hogwarts is their true home. It certainly feels like mine already. Anyway, the Christmas break had not ended yet, and so I decided to make the most of the free time I had – namely using it to get acquainted with the rest of the staff. I was dying to meet Remus in particular, after hearing the glowing description from his friend.

The day after I had arrived and settled in, I decided to go and talk to Severus. Since he was missing from breakfast, Sirius, who sat by me, gave me directions toward his quarters – all the while looking as if he was doubtful that he should be sending me off to my early death.

It's rather humorous, actually, the stupid rivalry going on between those two. If there's one thing I am planning to do with my stay in the castle, it's to at least stop them sniping at one another. I mean, they have so much in common, if they would only open their eyes and realize it! Forcing them to see what they refused to see, however, had pretty long odds on it, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Anyway, after breakfast, I went down to the dungeons to visit Severus, but he was oddly missing. Now if there's one thing I know about Severus, it's that he's usually locked up in a room of his – whether it be his study, bedroom, lab, or dungeon – studying, researching, or brewing some more of those foul potions.

But today, he wasn't there.

I had a hunch where I might find him, though, and I prayed that I was wrong. After receiving directions from the ghost Sir Nicholas (he's a rather friendly sort of ghost, and very helpful), I set off toward the Hospital Wing.

Sure enough, there he was, lying on a hospital bed, grumbling per usual at Madam Pomfrey. It was amusing to watch Severus being tsked by Madam Pomfey, and glaring at the potions he was forced to take – the ones he had brewed – as if they had betrayed him somehow. Typical Severus. Madam Pomfrey left to go do something or other in the attached room.

At this point, I decided to make my presence known. Clearing my throat loudly, I stepped into the hospital wing. Severus' face lit up like a Christmas tree, and the brooding mask he wore fell away. I knew he had wanted to smile at me inside the staffroom, but had to keep up his stupid image; he had looked at me then, hoping that I would understand, and I did. But now, he was free to let his taut mouth relax into a smile – the special smile he saved for me. I walked over to him, and sat gingerly on his bed. I wrapped my arms around his body, and hugged him as tight as I could. I felt him wince, and drew back, concerned.

"Oh, Severus! What did you do to yourself?" I asked. It seemed like his entire body was swathed in bandages. A sheet hung by his bedpost, and I reached out for it and read all the injuries listed on it: broken leg, strained muscle, slight internal bleeding, concussion, a few cracked ribs, and a number of other injuries.

"Tina, it's okay. I just got in the way of a Cruciatus, that's all," he replied nonchalantly, although the hoarseness in his voice told me otherwise – it sounded more like he had been under the Cruciatus for a few hours. I knew by the way he used his old nickname for me, that he was trying to coax me into brushing his injuries aside. He should have known me better than to try.

"That's all'?! How can you say that?" I cried.

"Complaining won't change my injuries, and it certainly won't make my change my mind about what I'm doing. This is my job. You know that," he replied softly.

"I know, Severus. But one of these days, I'm going to stop you from all this hurting. I promise it," I said, blinking back tears that had sprung up from taking in his currently awful state of health.

"And I know you always hold true to your promises. But for now, don't worry, I'll be fine. I'll be up and about in a few days, terrifying my classes," Severus replied, chuckling a little. "You go on off now, don't worry about me." Gazing at Severus fondly, I smoothed and patted down his white covers, gave Severus one last hug, and then left the Hospital Wing.

[Still Katarina's PoV]

After I had stopped by the Hospital Wing, I went into my room, bored, with nothing to do. Hearing a dull thud and a pausing of footsteps outside, I looked out and saw a man bending down to pick up a bunch of books, trying to carry them all. Hurrying out, I reached down and picked up a few. He had sandy brown hair, deep amber eyes, and a very kind face.

"Here, let me help," I said.

"Oh, no, it's alright. I'm sure you're feeling quite worn out by your journey here. Professor Dumbledore said you traveled from France. I'll manage these books," replied the man.

"I'm feeling a bit restless anyway, and I'd like to get to know more of the staff. Please, allow me," I insisted. The man relented and told me that he was going to the Hospital Wing to drop these off for a sick child who had stayed over break and had pleaded him to bring books to him.

"That's terribly kind of you. What's your name?" I inquired, liking this man more by the minute.

"I'm sorry, pardon my manners. I am Remus Lupin, teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Remus, shifting all the books into one hand so that he could extend the other in a firm handshake. Before I could introduce myself, he said with a smile, "And I already know who you are, Katarina. It's a pleasure to meet you." We set off together down the hallway, on the way to the Hospital Wing.

"And you. I'm sure we'll get along fine, and I will enjoy assisting you," I responded. I was very happy that I would be working beside someone so pleasant. There was a short silence, our footfalls being the only sound echoing in the empty corridor, before Remus spoke again, not looking directly at me.

"I should tell you something personally, before you find out from someone else. I am a werewolf, and if you feel uncomfortable working by me, something can be arranged so that you will not have to."

I stopped short in surprise and turned toward him. Looking him full in the face, I said in confusion, "I don't understand. You take the Wolfsbane Potion before the full moon, correct? I know Severus is able to make the potion. You are harmless because you keep your mind."

"How is it that you don't seem to be shocked? Have you come across it in your research? Is that why you aren't disgusted by my condition?" asked Remus. My response had clearly surprised him and he dragged his gaze from the evidently fascinating floor to meet my eyes. When he looked up at me, astonishment was written clear across his face. If the situation hadn't been so serious a topic, I would have laughed aloud.

"No, Remus. I'm not disgusted or shocked because I have no reason to be. But I have researched about it and in the past, joined a group of wizards to pass laws against discrimination towards other creatures, particularly werewolves. I felt very strongly on the matter, since I once had a friend who was a werewolf and had one of the warmest hearts a person could find. I even became co-head of the French L.A.D. Panel who worked to eradicate the law Clause 25, the one preventing werewolves from applying for jobs." I said.

"I am very impressed. The panel accomplished so many wonderful things!" said Remus enthusiastically. "I thank you so much. Because of what you've done, I could apply for a teaching license. Teaching at Hogwarts was about the only available job I could find; the law made it possible for me to find a job, but not many wizards want to give a werewolf a job."

"I know! Wizards are just too prejudiced! Werewolves are as much human as they are! It all stems from this horrible idea that wizards have, that they are superior to other creatures," I said fiercely as we continued walking. We discussed the topic and related others on the way back to the Hospital Wing. I knew for sure that I would like working alongside this kind, gentle man.

A/N: I decided to just end it there. Sorry, it was a kind of short chapter and it was mostly dialogue, but it was very important. Now, I know you're probably wondering what's going on between Katarina and Sirius and Katarina and Severus…but you'll just have to wait until I update again! Anyway, review, please! You'll be dedicated a special spot in my bio under the list of people I am eternally grateful to. Thanks!

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