Love this chapter. And the next. Hope you do too!
Chapter 12 – Christmas, or Yule?
25th December 1980, Gryffindor Tower:
"Kathryn! Wake up!" A large body was bouncing on her bed.
"Aww, get lost, Sirius." She complained, then registered what she had said. "Sirius?" He grinned. "What in Merlin's name are you doing here?"
"I'm waking you up. You missed breakfast." Sirius explained.
"I WHAT?" Kathryn shrieked.
"Uh huh. It's eleven o'clock." He smirked.
"Oh, bl – flaming hippogriffs." Kathryn groaned. "All right, Sirius, I'm up." She climbed out of bed.
Sirius jumped off and stared.
"Put your eyes back in, Solum." Kathryn snickered. "You never seen a girl in a nightdress before?"
"Actually, no. But I'm more surprised at you wearing something so short. In the middle of December."
Kathryn's nightdress was an overly large t-shirt, that stopped nearly a foot above her knees, revealing a lot of toned thigh. She grinned. "Sirius, leave, before I horrify you even more. That is, unless you intend to stay while I cha –"
Sirius had already disappeared. (A/N: Remember that the Sixth and Seventh- year boys' and girls' dorms are opposite each other, ergo, no alarm! Hee hee hee!)
Kathryn swiftly changed into her classic jeans and top – this one a seasonal crimson (A/N: she does wear a lot of crimson and red, doesn't she? Oh well!).
As she entered the common room, there was applause.
She frowned. "And this is because?"
"You have the honour of sleeping in the latest, milady Kathryn." Sirius informed her bowing. "Must admit, I preferred your earlier outfit." He smirked.
Kathryn raised a brow. "Wait until this evening." She promised, wickedly.
This of course instigated a tonne of teasing for Sirius.
"FLAMMA!" He roared.
"Yes, Sirius?" She asked innocently.
"I'm going to kill you!" He elaborated.
"Oh, is that all?" Kathryn sighed, as though bored. "Could you at least wait until after we've sung our songs? I mean, I'm taking part in about twenty."
"Exaggerator." Sirius accused.
"What can I say?" She fluttered her eyelashes. "It's an art."
No one appeared to have opened their presents yet. Kathryn frowned.
"What's with the whole, not opening presents thing?" She wanted to know.
"We're waiting until after lunch, especially since we won't have time now." James explained, turning away from Lily.
"Oh, right." Kathryn shrugged. "You asked Lily to the ball yet?"
Lily blushed.
"If you don't mind, I asked Lily weeks ago. Unlike Sirius, I remember to do important things." James shot back.
"Wait until you have to propose." Kathryn sniggered.
"I am not... Waitaminute! Was that from the future?" James demanded.
Kathryn smiled secretively, clearly enjoying this. "Ahh, you'll never know, will you? Well, I guess you will, but not now anyway."
"You're evil, Kathryn Farrah Orenda." Sirius remarked.
"Ahh, but that's why you love me!" Kathryn grinned.
"Of course, milady." Sirius gave a flourishing bow, but a slight hint of red in his cheeks betrayed... What? Embarrassment? Hope? Truth? Kathryn ignored such thoughts.
"Sirius loves Ka-at, Sirius loves Ka-at." James and Lily sing-songed.
"Lily and James sitting in a tree," Sirius retaliated. Yes it was childish and old and nine-year-olds would sing it, but it was the perfect comeback. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then a baby in a flying carriage."
"Then death at Voldemort's hands." Kathryn muttered under her breath. No one heard her. Or so she thought. She covered it up well though. "*Flying* carriage? What's with that?"
"Wizard's version." Lily explained. "And I am not going to marry James!"
"Really? Well I'll have the ring back then!" James demanded.
Lily couldn't help but burst out giggling. The others soon joined her in peals of uncontrollable laughter.
"Where is everyone?" Kathryn wondered after realising that they were the only ones there.
"Well the First, Second and Third-years went home." James explained.
"So did a few of the others. Not everyone likes balls, funnily enough." Lily shrugged.
"I bet Remus and Radella are looking forward to it." James gave a sidelong glance at the two of them, sharing an overlarge armchair by the fire.
"I know, sickening, isn't it?" Sirius groaned.
"Hey, just because you lot are too thick to realise that..." Remus began.
"I wouldn't finish that sentence were I you." Lily warned.
Kathryn smirked. "Where's Alura?"
"Probably in an empty classroom snogging Damion silly." Lily giggled.
For the next half hour they chatted, talking about the lucky fact that they'd all finished their homework (except Peter, but he's an idiot anyway!), and the boys' plans for pranks when school started again. Not to mention over the holidays.
"Please tell me you aren't planning a prank for tonight?" Kathryn begged.
"Nope. We've got something planned... but it isn't a prank, don't worry." James smiled.
"It better not be. We've got enough to deal with without pranks. Like our performances. I still can't believe you've got us doing a duet." Kathryn groaned.
"Yeah, but at least they're getting their money's worth." Sirius grinned.
Kathryn's groan became a wicked smile. "Yes, that's right. Not to mention you doing a duet too."
"Yeah, Dumbledore said that seeing as we planned it, we had to take part in more than one performance." Lily sighed.
"I'm sure there's something else though. I keep hearing mutters about Enchanted meeting the Marauders, but I don't remember anything about us singing together. Have you?" Sirius wanted to know.
"Nope. Oh, it's time for lunch. C'mon. We get the crackers and stuff now, tonight's meal is supposed to be a bit different."
"Finger foods, most likely." Kathryn smiled. "If we have Christmas Dinner now, we won't this evening."
"Good point. Just remember to eat in moderation, or we'll have problems with dress robes this evening." Lily suggested.
Kathryn grinned. "I still need to transfigure mine."
"Do you transfigure all your clothing?" Sirius demanded.
The girl appeared to put a lot of thought into her answer. And then replied. "Yep."
Sirius rolled his eyes while James and Lily laughed.
'Those two have got to get together soon,' Sirius thought, grinning. 'But then again, it'll only be me and Kat left...' He shook his head, ridding himself of such thoughts.
They soon went down to lunch. The Great Hall was decorated luxuriously with twelve Christmas trees and lavish stars and so on.
However, they were a little late. Just as Dumbledore stood up to give his Christmas speech, the doors burst open. Every candle in the room extinguished.
Everyone stared at the six figures in the doorway.
"Oh, sorry!" Kathryn explained. She concentrated on the candles carefully.
"Ignite." She ordered. They all obeyed. She didn't need to say anything, but she liked doing so. It made it seem more real.
(A/N: Remember this! It will come up later – but it could be about sixty chapters later, so you may well forget!)
Luckily everyone assumed it was a prank from the Marauders and applauded. No one realised that the door bursting open so loudly had made Kathryn jump and in extinguishing her surprise, so had she extinguished the flames.
"Sorry we're late, but Kathryn doesn't understand the meaning of morning." Sirius remarked smoothly as they took their seats.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Dumbledore commented, the well-known twinkle in his eye. "As I was saying, the crackers you have been given have been magically enchanted. They will give you something that will be vital to the Yule Ball this evening. All I have to say now is, enjoy, and try eating in moderation – you want to fit into your robes for this evening."
That surprised a laugh from the students.
They instantly began forking food onto plates and pulling crackers, frequently exclaiming over the surprises inside.
Kathryn grinned as she revealed her hat – a classic Indiana Jones style hat that looked great on her – and a crimson mask, trimmed with gold.
Sirius' contained French beret and a white mask trimmed with gold.
Lily's was a green, silver-trimmed mask along with a sparkly top hat.
James received a blue, silver-trimmed mask and a black trilby.
Kathryn grinned. "Cool hats, what's with the masks?"
"As I was saying," Dumbledore stood up again, "these will come in useful. After all, tonight's Yule Ball needs masks, just to make things a little more interesting. The only people who will not wear masks are those who will be performing, so the magic of music can work its wonders."
"Is anyone else starting to feel dubious?" Radella asked, frowning.
"Oh, it'll be fine, Della. Dumbledore wouldn't put us in a dangerous situation, would he?" Lily pointed out.
Kathryn wasn't quite so sure. "I hope not."
* * *
After lunch:
"Oh, Sirius!" Kathryn squealed. "You bought it!"
She was marvelling over the beautiful locket she had seen just a few days before.
"Like I wouldn't. It seemed made for you." Sirius explained.
Kathryn smirked and handed him his own present.
"I see you had the same idea." Sirius grinned, pulling out the golden salamander.
"Wow, that's gorgeous, Sirius." Radella murmured.
"And I have a wonderful friend who bought it." Sirius gave Kathryn a hug, surprising her slightly.
"Aww, it's okay, Solum." Kathryn grinned; it had become her most used nickname for him, though he alternated between Flamma and Mystique.
"Yo, Prongs, what'd you get Medea?" Remus asked, gesturing to Lily.
"Well, if you let her open it..." James grinned.
Lily did so and was greeted by the emerald earrings of the same metal as James' ring, impossible to tell if it was silver or gold.
"Oh, James, thank you." Lily breathed.
"Well, the hint *was* unsubtle enough for a boy to understand it." James grinned, opening the present she handed him.
Which was, of course, the sapphire ring.
"What's with you lot and the jewellery?" Remus demanded.
"We went Christmas shopping together." Kathryn grinned, trying to put her locket about her neck and failing.
"Here." Sirius took the necklace and while she held away her mass of hair, closed the clasp.
There was a sudden pause and tension filled the air.
"Thanks, Sirius." Kathryn smiled, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"Anytime." He grinned.
"I might take you up on that."
Sirius had already fixed his pendant about his neck while Lily and James both put on their jewellery.
"Ah, the four have adorned themselves." Remus teased.
"What?" Sirius demanded. (A/N: It's not girly for boys to wear pendants! Anyway, he's a wizard and pendants like this are often seen as a sign of respect for magical properties. Hee hee hee! Not sure what's with all the laughs, probably I'm going insane, so nothing to worry about.)
"Nothing."
They continued unwrapping presents.
Joining her locket, Kathryn had received a book – The Lady Mystique – a bottle of body spray named Siren, (Radella had warned her off using it near Remus, to which they all laughed), a pair of crimson ruby drop earrings from her parents (which went perfectly with her new necklace), various boxes of sweets from assorted family members and friends, a bland grey dress with a note from her brothers, the twins – Let's see what you can transfigure this into, they wrote – a magical 'statue' scene – a girl, who looked like her, paced on some stone floor, frequently glancing into a magic mirror – a pocket Sneakoscope and a small, magic compact mirror.
Finally she rested on a last gift.
"Who's this from?" She frowned – there was no card.
It wasn't just her, or just the Elemental Guardians; all eight friends had such a gift.
"Kat, what does this mean?" James wondered.
"Maybe someone's trying to tell us something." Peter offered. (A/N: Peter offering a *practical* and *sensible* idea? What's the world coming to?)
"Could be. Why not open 'em and find out?" Sirius suggested.
They did so. And each revealed something totally unexpected.
"*Dark detectors*?" Kathryn asked, amazed.
Each of them had received an assortment of Dark detectors, or weapons used by Aurors. Now to some, such as Lily, Sirius, James and Kathryn, this made sense – they were, after all, intending to train as Aurors. Remus sighed sadly.
"Mine'll go off every time I'm near. Werewolves are dark creatures, remember?" He commented bitterly.
"But you're a good person. We know you'd never go over to the dark side." Radella informed him.
Kathryn couldn't help but giggle.
They frowned at her.
"Sorry, but it's *so* Star Wars." She explained.
"That was a well good film!" Lily grinned.
"We saw 'The Empire Strikes Back' in the summer too." Radella added. She, like Lily, was Muggle-born.
(A/N: I know for a fact it came out in 1980, but the Halliwell's Film Guide – which is my Dad's – doesn't say what month, so like it or lump it!)
"Wait until you see the rest." Kathryn smirked.
"The rest?" Lily raised a brow.
"Yeah, there'll be a third one soon. And then we'll wait until something like 1999, I think, for the actual first film to come out." Kathryn grinned. "After all, the ones we've seen are Episodes four and five."
"Why not start from the beginning?" James asked.
"No idea. People can be strange like that." Kathryn shrugged. "I'm going to put these away, then... Lily, what's the time?"
"Five o'clock."
"*What*?" Radella exclaimed. "I need to get ready!"
"What, you need two hours?" Remus frowned.
"Yes, actually, we need to do a last rehearsal or two." Lily grinned. "C'mon, girls."
Alura, Kathryn and Radella followed the redhead up the stairs to begin preparing for the evening's ball.
"Whoever heard of needing two hours to get ready?" James frowned.
"Beats me. Come on, I think we still have time to prank the Slytherins before lockdown." Sirius grinned.
After all, at six o'clock the Common Rooms 'locked down' ensuring that no student entered the Great Hall while the final moments of preparation were made.
* * *
In the girls' dorm:
"KATHRYN!" A voice exclaimed.
Drying wet hair, Kathryn emerged from the bathroom.
"Yes, dear Lillian?" She asked.
"For one, my name is Lily, not Lillian. For two, what did you do to my dress robes?" Lily demanded, sporting flamboyantly multicoloured robes.
Kathryn smirked. "Sorry, Lils, but I couldn't resist."
"Take the charm off! I swear, the Marauders have had a bad influence on you!"
"Nah, I think it's Avia's blood." Kathryn grinned. "She wrote the book on pranks. And this is mild by comparison."
"Stop avoiding the subject." "Oh, okay." Kathryn heaved a sigh. "Finite Incantatem." She stated without touching her wand.
Lily's robes returned to their emerald green state.
"No wand?" Radella raised a brow.
"The Lady Mystique's magic, I fear." Kathryn grinned.
She glared at the crimson dress robes hanging on the door to her walk-in wardrobe. (A/N: Yeah, I just decided this. After all, it's a magic castle, right? So they can have huge wardrobes in the space of tiny ones, kind of like the Tardis! Sorry, my cousins are sci-fi obsessives!)
She had always found it easy to quickly fixed hair and make-up as she did now. Soon her hair was mostly caught up with a few tendrils hanging down to soften the look. Make-up was light and natural. She added her new locket and earrings.
Finally, she walked into her wardrobe to put on the dress robes. Lily, Radella, Alura and Alice (who shared their dorm, remember?) waited in anticipation. Kathryn frequently walked out of her wardrobe wearing a completely different outfit to that which she had originally selected.
A similar sort of thing happened here. She entered with crimson velvet robes, high-necked and very full. She exited wearing crimson, satin robes in an off the shoulder style with a low-cut neckline to show off her necklace and tight about the bodice to go into a flared skirt. She looked stunning and then added to the elegance by pulling on matching crimson sandals.
"Do I look okay?" She wanted to know.
"You look great." Alice smiled. She was wearing lilac satin robes, but a little more conservatively.
"Thanks. So do all of you." Kathryn smiled.
It was a few minutes before lockdown ended. They decided to be exactly on time, i.e. keep their dates waiting just a little while.
And while they waited, Enchanted began warming up their voices. As well as making sure their costumes were ready.
* * *
An hour earlier:
"Did you see Snape's face? It was a picture!" Sirius crowed as the boys hurried back to the common room and their dorms.
"I knew it was a good idea!" James grinned.
"Wait until they try and get into their dress robes." Remus snickered.
"Of course, it'll come off as soon as the clock strikes seven." Sirius commented with a straight face.
"But then it'll be a little late to fix 'em. Let's hope they have another set." James cracked up.
The boys entered the Common Room mere seconds before 'lockdown'. They rushed up to their dorm and began preparing, suddenly beginning to feel a little nervous. They grinned as they saw Frank, who had clearly just been in the shower.
"Hey, Frank." Sirius grinned.
"Hey, guys. Nervous about your dates?" He smirked.
"It isn't a date exactly..." James began.
"Sure, and I hate Alice." Frank replied.
"You do?" Peter missed the sarcasm.
Frank rolled his eyes and entered his wardrobe. He seemed to be one of the only two who used his wardrobe (Sirius, of all people, being the other), the rest used the floor.
There was a scrabble for showers and baths and preparing. The boys, who could be ready in five seconds if need be, seemed to be taking ages (for them) to get ready. In truth, about half an hour.
"Sirius!" James gasped. "White robes?"
Sirius grinned. "I thought I'd break with tradition and wear something a bit unusual." He grinned. He, like all the boys, wore trousers and shirt underneath his robes – girls wore their robes like dresses. But the effect of white robes over black shirt and trousers, the robe left open... Well, Kathryn was soon due to get full blast of it.
James had chosen dark blue robes that highlighted his sapphire-like blue eyes. He wore black trousers and a white shirt beneath and even with his messy black hair managed to look good.
As did Remus in very dark green robe.
Peter, typically, did not look as good in black robe and grey shirt.
Finally, all of them placed on their masks.
Just as the girls did in their dorm.
The Yule Ball had begun.
* * *
The common room, just before seven o'clock:
"Where are they?" Frank looked nervous.
"If I know Kathryn, and I do, they're probably going to be 'fashionably late', just to heighten our 'anticipation'." Sirius didn't need to use 'air quotes' for them to be noted.
James sniggered. "That could be taken in so many ways."
"Take it the way it was meant." Sirius shot back.
"Why are *they* taking so long? All the other girls are here. Even the Seventh-years." Remus pointed out.
"Because they feel like it. And if we have such a ball next year..." Sirius left them comment unsaid, but not unthought.
The portrait opened. Instantly everyone rushed out. Except the Marauders and Frank.
Seconds later, a dark-haired young lady in shocking pink descended down the stairs.
"Hi guys." Alura smiled. "I'd wait to see you lovebirds have your eyes pop out, but I need to meet Damion. Peter, take my advice, leave 'em to it!" She smirked.
"Do you mind, Alura?" Sirius looked a little annoyed, but couldn't help laughing.
"Not at all." She smirked and left the common room, Peter following, clearly not wanting to be witness to any uncomfortable situations.
"I swear, those two..." Frank began, and then stopped, for at that moment Alice had come down the stairs and he was unable to speak.
Even with her lilac mask, Frank knew it was her, just as she knew it was him.
"Alice..." He began. "You look... amazing."
"You look good too." She smiled.
"Thanks. Shall we, er, go then?" Frank asked.
"Yes, of course."
He graciously offered his arm. Laughing, she accepted and they walked towards the Great Hall, arm in arm.
"Two down." Sirius grinned.
Next was Radella. She looked staggering in midnight blue velvet robes, mingling perfectly with Remus' as she approached him.
"Wow." Was all Remus could say.
"I could say the same." Radella flirted.
"Y'know, I'd suggest we go downstairs," he whispered, "but I think I'd like to see the other two's reactions to their dates."
"Me too, but how about we spy from the portrait hole?" Radella whispered back and then kissed him gently.
"Of course."
They also appeared to go downstairs, but stopped just outside the doorway, hidden but able to see.
Next, naturally, Lily appeared in floating emerald green robes.
"Hi James." Lily smiled.
"Hi Lily." He smiled back. "You look great."
"You think so? Thanks. You're not too bad yourself." She teased.
"Thanks. Shall we make our way to the ball, fairest Flower?" James gave an exaggerated bow.
"Yes. We can leave Kathryn and Sirius all alone." Lily smiled wickedly.
"Oi!" Sirius protested.
James and Lily left, laughing, only to bump into Remus and Radella.
"What're you doing here?" James demanded.
"Watching. C'mon. We don't want them doing anything foolish." Remus grinned.
"No, we don't." Lily nodded gravely, suppressing a grin.
In the common room, Sirius felt a little impatient.
Kathryn descended down the stairs feeling, inexplicably, a little nervous.
And then she stood before him, silent as she stared at him.
He was silent as he stared at her also.
'Oh God, he's so handsome...' Kathryn thought blandly.
'Merlin, she's beautiful...' Sirius thought.
But before they could say anything, a silver light danced in the room, briefly showing a cord between them.
And something changed. (A/N: Ha ha! I love making them have problems. My life has so many. But at least theirs is interesting!)
Suddenly Kathryn ran to Sirius.
"It is done." Her voice was different, softer.
"How can it? There is barely time." Sirius replied, his voice stronger, bolder.
"The evil shall be drawn out. And it will stop the curse." She murmured.
She was in his arms by now. The masks seemed to have changed them.
Lily, James, Remus and Radella watched in shock and amazement at this scene unfolding before them.
"It cannot. Nothing can stop such a curse." Sirius looked sorrowful.
"It has to! I won't... She can't be plagued with these dreams! Knowing a future she can't stop! It will kill her, Medwin! It will kill her!"
"It won't! She will be strong, like you, Treasa. She will protect that future and change what she can."
"But she can't change what will happen. She will lose her soulmate, so close to when she can change that future. Her child shall never know her father. Just as mine shall not." She wept.
"This is our curse, Treasa. It is hers. But she will fight it."
"She cannot! Just as we all do, she shall know her soulmate, have a few years with him, and then one shall die, or be forced to leave, or..."
"Serve a life sentence in Azkaban, only to escape." Sirius finished.
Kathryn gave a slight derisive laugh. "So you finally learnt how to see your other incarnations' futures. See how it hurts! I am plagued by a future so many centuries ahead. I cannot change it. Even she cannot, and she shall be there as that future becomes present and past."
"Do not try. It is only with your powers she can do that. Only with your Sight."
"And it will happen. There are Muggles, blessed with prophecy and no other magic. And should she be descended from a Muggle-born mother and a pure- blooded father... They are the strongest, you know that."
"And so shall she be strong. As will be mine, born to a pure-blooded line, finally holding the true ideals and not those manufactured... They shall meet, nothing can stop the curse."
"It shall tear them apart. They may not even know of such a thing, ignore such feelings, dismiss them as childish dreams. Medwin, if they cannot feel that love, the curse shall kill them quicker!"
"They shall, and they will. Separation is good for the soul, they say. And I've a feeling that that particular incarnation won't be so easy to slay."
"How do you mean?"
"The Elemental Guardians. I have sensed an inordinate force of earth in that one's spirit. It can only mean that. And as earth always mingles with fire..."
"And fire is the strongest. They cannot truly die until all four lie dead." Kathryn murmured. "She can bring him back."
"I only hope she can. His life, from what I have seen, it is vital, important."
"But the curse..."
Then something totally unexpected happened. Sirius placed his hands on Kathryn's bare shoulders and kissed her.
"What the..." James began.
"Hush." Lily ordered.
Sirius released her.
"The curse can only be broken until the evil that forever haunts us, them, everyone, is destroyed by their blood and their blessed."
"A daughter and a godson."
"One to be destined to destroy the evil, the other to give him the strength to do so." Sirius smiled. "Treasa, never give up hope. To give up is to let the curse win."
"And to let the curse win is to forever lose hope." Kathryn murmured.
"Believe me, I shall never let anything happen to you, in this life or another." Sirius promised.
"I believe you." Kathryn replied, smiling.
They kissed again, this time much more passion-driven. It was as Kathryn had her hands round his neck, and he had his arms about her waist that that eerie silvery light shone once more, again showing a cord.
And they became themselves once more.
Instantly they thrust themselves apart.
"Oh cr – Chr – crikey." Kathryn searched for a word that wasn't offensive. "W-What happened?"
"I have no idea." Sirius replied, frowning.
"All I remember is... is walking down the steps, seeing you, and then... all I know is a silvery light." Kathryn placed a hand to her temple, and attempted to pull off the mask. It was stuck.
"Hey! My mask won't come off!" She exclaimed.
"Are you sure?" Sirius asked.
He came over, and also tried to remove her mask. Failing, he tried to remove his.
"What the..."
"What time is it?"
"Quarter past seven. Damn, we're late." Sirius muttered. Then he smiled. "Milady?" He bowed, offering her his arm.
Kathryn curtsied prettily. She took his arm and they walked towards the portrait hole. Then Kathryn stopped.
"What is it?" Sirius asked.
"I don't know. It's just... when I was, uh, kissing you. It felt..." She struggled to say.
"Right?" Sirius supplied.
She nodded, blushing.
"Thank God." Sirius looked up and then swept her other arm into his grip.
Their lips met in a sweet, gentle, hopeful kiss, so different to the desperate, passion-driven one of before.
James motioned to the others. They swiftly walked down the corridor. When they were far enough away, they began talking.
"What was that?" Remus demanded.
"I've no idea." James said honestly.
"And what was that about the Elemental Guardians?" Radella wanted to know.
"Don't know." Lily said untruthfully.
Remus frowned. "But it definitely sounded like..."
"They were soulmates? That they are reincarnations of this Medwin and Treasa? And what about this curse?"
"No idea. They didn't seem to remember any of what they had said. It was like their previous lives took a hold of them. Like it was their subconscious trying to decide what to do." James murmured.
"Whatever else, I've a feeling they might have something to tell us when they get downstairs." Lily giggled.
It wasn't long before they arrived in the Great Hall, closely followed by a slightly flustered Sirius and Kathryn. Luckily, they hadn't been noticed as to be missing.
"What took you so long?" Alura wanted to know.
"We waited for Lily and James, and then Remus got his leg stuck in that trick stair." Radella rolled her eyes.
"What can I say? It's a gift." Remus grinned, poking her playfully.
"Are you okay, Sirius, Kathryn? You look a little, er, flushed." Lily explained.
"Oh, um, we're fine." Sirius replied quickly. Too quickly.
"Something you want to tell us?" James asked.
Kathryn smiled, and then whispered something in Sirius ear. He whispered something back.
"I think that it may be along the lines of: we're soulmates!" Sirius declared dramatically.
"Until we get bored and go off with other people." Kathryn added wickedly.
"I don't think that's possible." Lily muttered to James.
"Mm-hmm." James replied.
"Congratulations." Remus grinned. "You finally plucked up the nerve to ask her out then, Padfoot?"
"Yes. Well, it was hard not to after I saw her." Sirius smiled. Certainly Kathryn's dress robes were drawing a few stares.
"And it wasn't like I couldn't accept. I was compelled." Kathryn grinned.
"Anyway, when are we up?" Sirius asked.
"Um, well, you two are up... Now." James explained.
"Really? Oh good." Kathryn smiled.
The song they had written suddenly had more meaning and truth than ever before.
The two teens were called by Dumbledore and went to the backstage area behind the stage set up where the Head table usually sat.
It was time.
* * *
A/N: What do you think? I wasn't going to have Kathryn and Sirius get together so soon, but it suddenly hit me on a Friday night at about quarter past eleven. It works! I hope. Anyway, it's written now. But you will have to wait a while for Lily and James, even though, apart from the next chapter, the rest of the year's going to pass in a couple of chapters. I want to get onto the summer holidays! Hee hee hee! (Again with the mad laughs?)
Oh, yeah, you're going to have to wait until next Friday to get another chapter, unless I get lots of reviews, in which case I'll post some early. Since I've got the first 27 chapters written, it won't be hard. Only the trouble starts later, because it's my GCSE year. Hence, trying to write as much now rather than later. Okay?
You've read it, now review it! Please?!
Lol, Tanydwr
Chapter 12 – Christmas, or Yule?
25th December 1980, Gryffindor Tower:
"Kathryn! Wake up!" A large body was bouncing on her bed.
"Aww, get lost, Sirius." She complained, then registered what she had said. "Sirius?" He grinned. "What in Merlin's name are you doing here?"
"I'm waking you up. You missed breakfast." Sirius explained.
"I WHAT?" Kathryn shrieked.
"Uh huh. It's eleven o'clock." He smirked.
"Oh, bl – flaming hippogriffs." Kathryn groaned. "All right, Sirius, I'm up." She climbed out of bed.
Sirius jumped off and stared.
"Put your eyes back in, Solum." Kathryn snickered. "You never seen a girl in a nightdress before?"
"Actually, no. But I'm more surprised at you wearing something so short. In the middle of December."
Kathryn's nightdress was an overly large t-shirt, that stopped nearly a foot above her knees, revealing a lot of toned thigh. She grinned. "Sirius, leave, before I horrify you even more. That is, unless you intend to stay while I cha –"
Sirius had already disappeared. (A/N: Remember that the Sixth and Seventh- year boys' and girls' dorms are opposite each other, ergo, no alarm! Hee hee hee!)
Kathryn swiftly changed into her classic jeans and top – this one a seasonal crimson (A/N: she does wear a lot of crimson and red, doesn't she? Oh well!).
As she entered the common room, there was applause.
She frowned. "And this is because?"
"You have the honour of sleeping in the latest, milady Kathryn." Sirius informed her bowing. "Must admit, I preferred your earlier outfit." He smirked.
Kathryn raised a brow. "Wait until this evening." She promised, wickedly.
This of course instigated a tonne of teasing for Sirius.
"FLAMMA!" He roared.
"Yes, Sirius?" She asked innocently.
"I'm going to kill you!" He elaborated.
"Oh, is that all?" Kathryn sighed, as though bored. "Could you at least wait until after we've sung our songs? I mean, I'm taking part in about twenty."
"Exaggerator." Sirius accused.
"What can I say?" She fluttered her eyelashes. "It's an art."
No one appeared to have opened their presents yet. Kathryn frowned.
"What's with the whole, not opening presents thing?" She wanted to know.
"We're waiting until after lunch, especially since we won't have time now." James explained, turning away from Lily.
"Oh, right." Kathryn shrugged. "You asked Lily to the ball yet?"
Lily blushed.
"If you don't mind, I asked Lily weeks ago. Unlike Sirius, I remember to do important things." James shot back.
"Wait until you have to propose." Kathryn sniggered.
"I am not... Waitaminute! Was that from the future?" James demanded.
Kathryn smiled secretively, clearly enjoying this. "Ahh, you'll never know, will you? Well, I guess you will, but not now anyway."
"You're evil, Kathryn Farrah Orenda." Sirius remarked.
"Ahh, but that's why you love me!" Kathryn grinned.
"Of course, milady." Sirius gave a flourishing bow, but a slight hint of red in his cheeks betrayed... What? Embarrassment? Hope? Truth? Kathryn ignored such thoughts.
"Sirius loves Ka-at, Sirius loves Ka-at." James and Lily sing-songed.
"Lily and James sitting in a tree," Sirius retaliated. Yes it was childish and old and nine-year-olds would sing it, but it was the perfect comeback. "K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes marriage, then a baby in a flying carriage."
"Then death at Voldemort's hands." Kathryn muttered under her breath. No one heard her. Or so she thought. She covered it up well though. "*Flying* carriage? What's with that?"
"Wizard's version." Lily explained. "And I am not going to marry James!"
"Really? Well I'll have the ring back then!" James demanded.
Lily couldn't help but burst out giggling. The others soon joined her in peals of uncontrollable laughter.
"Where is everyone?" Kathryn wondered after realising that they were the only ones there.
"Well the First, Second and Third-years went home." James explained.
"So did a few of the others. Not everyone likes balls, funnily enough." Lily shrugged.
"I bet Remus and Radella are looking forward to it." James gave a sidelong glance at the two of them, sharing an overlarge armchair by the fire.
"I know, sickening, isn't it?" Sirius groaned.
"Hey, just because you lot are too thick to realise that..." Remus began.
"I wouldn't finish that sentence were I you." Lily warned.
Kathryn smirked. "Where's Alura?"
"Probably in an empty classroom snogging Damion silly." Lily giggled.
For the next half hour they chatted, talking about the lucky fact that they'd all finished their homework (except Peter, but he's an idiot anyway!), and the boys' plans for pranks when school started again. Not to mention over the holidays.
"Please tell me you aren't planning a prank for tonight?" Kathryn begged.
"Nope. We've got something planned... but it isn't a prank, don't worry." James smiled.
"It better not be. We've got enough to deal with without pranks. Like our performances. I still can't believe you've got us doing a duet." Kathryn groaned.
"Yeah, but at least they're getting their money's worth." Sirius grinned.
Kathryn's groan became a wicked smile. "Yes, that's right. Not to mention you doing a duet too."
"Yeah, Dumbledore said that seeing as we planned it, we had to take part in more than one performance." Lily sighed.
"I'm sure there's something else though. I keep hearing mutters about Enchanted meeting the Marauders, but I don't remember anything about us singing together. Have you?" Sirius wanted to know.
"Nope. Oh, it's time for lunch. C'mon. We get the crackers and stuff now, tonight's meal is supposed to be a bit different."
"Finger foods, most likely." Kathryn smiled. "If we have Christmas Dinner now, we won't this evening."
"Good point. Just remember to eat in moderation, or we'll have problems with dress robes this evening." Lily suggested.
Kathryn grinned. "I still need to transfigure mine."
"Do you transfigure all your clothing?" Sirius demanded.
The girl appeared to put a lot of thought into her answer. And then replied. "Yep."
Sirius rolled his eyes while James and Lily laughed.
'Those two have got to get together soon,' Sirius thought, grinning. 'But then again, it'll only be me and Kat left...' He shook his head, ridding himself of such thoughts.
They soon went down to lunch. The Great Hall was decorated luxuriously with twelve Christmas trees and lavish stars and so on.
However, they were a little late. Just as Dumbledore stood up to give his Christmas speech, the doors burst open. Every candle in the room extinguished.
Everyone stared at the six figures in the doorway.
"Oh, sorry!" Kathryn explained. She concentrated on the candles carefully.
"Ignite." She ordered. They all obeyed. She didn't need to say anything, but she liked doing so. It made it seem more real.
(A/N: Remember this! It will come up later – but it could be about sixty chapters later, so you may well forget!)
Luckily everyone assumed it was a prank from the Marauders and applauded. No one realised that the door bursting open so loudly had made Kathryn jump and in extinguishing her surprise, so had she extinguished the flames.
"Sorry we're late, but Kathryn doesn't understand the meaning of morning." Sirius remarked smoothly as they took their seats.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Dumbledore commented, the well-known twinkle in his eye. "As I was saying, the crackers you have been given have been magically enchanted. They will give you something that will be vital to the Yule Ball this evening. All I have to say now is, enjoy, and try eating in moderation – you want to fit into your robes for this evening."
That surprised a laugh from the students.
They instantly began forking food onto plates and pulling crackers, frequently exclaiming over the surprises inside.
Kathryn grinned as she revealed her hat – a classic Indiana Jones style hat that looked great on her – and a crimson mask, trimmed with gold.
Sirius' contained French beret and a white mask trimmed with gold.
Lily's was a green, silver-trimmed mask along with a sparkly top hat.
James received a blue, silver-trimmed mask and a black trilby.
Kathryn grinned. "Cool hats, what's with the masks?"
"As I was saying," Dumbledore stood up again, "these will come in useful. After all, tonight's Yule Ball needs masks, just to make things a little more interesting. The only people who will not wear masks are those who will be performing, so the magic of music can work its wonders."
"Is anyone else starting to feel dubious?" Radella asked, frowning.
"Oh, it'll be fine, Della. Dumbledore wouldn't put us in a dangerous situation, would he?" Lily pointed out.
Kathryn wasn't quite so sure. "I hope not."
* * *
After lunch:
"Oh, Sirius!" Kathryn squealed. "You bought it!"
She was marvelling over the beautiful locket she had seen just a few days before.
"Like I wouldn't. It seemed made for you." Sirius explained.
Kathryn smirked and handed him his own present.
"I see you had the same idea." Sirius grinned, pulling out the golden salamander.
"Wow, that's gorgeous, Sirius." Radella murmured.
"And I have a wonderful friend who bought it." Sirius gave Kathryn a hug, surprising her slightly.
"Aww, it's okay, Solum." Kathryn grinned; it had become her most used nickname for him, though he alternated between Flamma and Mystique.
"Yo, Prongs, what'd you get Medea?" Remus asked, gesturing to Lily.
"Well, if you let her open it..." James grinned.
Lily did so and was greeted by the emerald earrings of the same metal as James' ring, impossible to tell if it was silver or gold.
"Oh, James, thank you." Lily breathed.
"Well, the hint *was* unsubtle enough for a boy to understand it." James grinned, opening the present she handed him.
Which was, of course, the sapphire ring.
"What's with you lot and the jewellery?" Remus demanded.
"We went Christmas shopping together." Kathryn grinned, trying to put her locket about her neck and failing.
"Here." Sirius took the necklace and while she held away her mass of hair, closed the clasp.
There was a sudden pause and tension filled the air.
"Thanks, Sirius." Kathryn smiled, breaking the tense atmosphere.
"Anytime." He grinned.
"I might take you up on that."
Sirius had already fixed his pendant about his neck while Lily and James both put on their jewellery.
"Ah, the four have adorned themselves." Remus teased.
"What?" Sirius demanded. (A/N: It's not girly for boys to wear pendants! Anyway, he's a wizard and pendants like this are often seen as a sign of respect for magical properties. Hee hee hee! Not sure what's with all the laughs, probably I'm going insane, so nothing to worry about.)
"Nothing."
They continued unwrapping presents.
Joining her locket, Kathryn had received a book – The Lady Mystique – a bottle of body spray named Siren, (Radella had warned her off using it near Remus, to which they all laughed), a pair of crimson ruby drop earrings from her parents (which went perfectly with her new necklace), various boxes of sweets from assorted family members and friends, a bland grey dress with a note from her brothers, the twins – Let's see what you can transfigure this into, they wrote – a magical 'statue' scene – a girl, who looked like her, paced on some stone floor, frequently glancing into a magic mirror – a pocket Sneakoscope and a small, magic compact mirror.
Finally she rested on a last gift.
"Who's this from?" She frowned – there was no card.
It wasn't just her, or just the Elemental Guardians; all eight friends had such a gift.
"Kat, what does this mean?" James wondered.
"Maybe someone's trying to tell us something." Peter offered. (A/N: Peter offering a *practical* and *sensible* idea? What's the world coming to?)
"Could be. Why not open 'em and find out?" Sirius suggested.
They did so. And each revealed something totally unexpected.
"*Dark detectors*?" Kathryn asked, amazed.
Each of them had received an assortment of Dark detectors, or weapons used by Aurors. Now to some, such as Lily, Sirius, James and Kathryn, this made sense – they were, after all, intending to train as Aurors. Remus sighed sadly.
"Mine'll go off every time I'm near. Werewolves are dark creatures, remember?" He commented bitterly.
"But you're a good person. We know you'd never go over to the dark side." Radella informed him.
Kathryn couldn't help but giggle.
They frowned at her.
"Sorry, but it's *so* Star Wars." She explained.
"That was a well good film!" Lily grinned.
"We saw 'The Empire Strikes Back' in the summer too." Radella added. She, like Lily, was Muggle-born.
(A/N: I know for a fact it came out in 1980, but the Halliwell's Film Guide – which is my Dad's – doesn't say what month, so like it or lump it!)
"Wait until you see the rest." Kathryn smirked.
"The rest?" Lily raised a brow.
"Yeah, there'll be a third one soon. And then we'll wait until something like 1999, I think, for the actual first film to come out." Kathryn grinned. "After all, the ones we've seen are Episodes four and five."
"Why not start from the beginning?" James asked.
"No idea. People can be strange like that." Kathryn shrugged. "I'm going to put these away, then... Lily, what's the time?"
"Five o'clock."
"*What*?" Radella exclaimed. "I need to get ready!"
"What, you need two hours?" Remus frowned.
"Yes, actually, we need to do a last rehearsal or two." Lily grinned. "C'mon, girls."
Alura, Kathryn and Radella followed the redhead up the stairs to begin preparing for the evening's ball.
"Whoever heard of needing two hours to get ready?" James frowned.
"Beats me. Come on, I think we still have time to prank the Slytherins before lockdown." Sirius grinned.
After all, at six o'clock the Common Rooms 'locked down' ensuring that no student entered the Great Hall while the final moments of preparation were made.
* * *
In the girls' dorm:
"KATHRYN!" A voice exclaimed.
Drying wet hair, Kathryn emerged from the bathroom.
"Yes, dear Lillian?" She asked.
"For one, my name is Lily, not Lillian. For two, what did you do to my dress robes?" Lily demanded, sporting flamboyantly multicoloured robes.
Kathryn smirked. "Sorry, Lils, but I couldn't resist."
"Take the charm off! I swear, the Marauders have had a bad influence on you!"
"Nah, I think it's Avia's blood." Kathryn grinned. "She wrote the book on pranks. And this is mild by comparison."
"Stop avoiding the subject." "Oh, okay." Kathryn heaved a sigh. "Finite Incantatem." She stated without touching her wand.
Lily's robes returned to their emerald green state.
"No wand?" Radella raised a brow.
"The Lady Mystique's magic, I fear." Kathryn grinned.
She glared at the crimson dress robes hanging on the door to her walk-in wardrobe. (A/N: Yeah, I just decided this. After all, it's a magic castle, right? So they can have huge wardrobes in the space of tiny ones, kind of like the Tardis! Sorry, my cousins are sci-fi obsessives!)
She had always found it easy to quickly fixed hair and make-up as she did now. Soon her hair was mostly caught up with a few tendrils hanging down to soften the look. Make-up was light and natural. She added her new locket and earrings.
Finally, she walked into her wardrobe to put on the dress robes. Lily, Radella, Alura and Alice (who shared their dorm, remember?) waited in anticipation. Kathryn frequently walked out of her wardrobe wearing a completely different outfit to that which she had originally selected.
A similar sort of thing happened here. She entered with crimson velvet robes, high-necked and very full. She exited wearing crimson, satin robes in an off the shoulder style with a low-cut neckline to show off her necklace and tight about the bodice to go into a flared skirt. She looked stunning and then added to the elegance by pulling on matching crimson sandals.
"Do I look okay?" She wanted to know.
"You look great." Alice smiled. She was wearing lilac satin robes, but a little more conservatively.
"Thanks. So do all of you." Kathryn smiled.
It was a few minutes before lockdown ended. They decided to be exactly on time, i.e. keep their dates waiting just a little while.
And while they waited, Enchanted began warming up their voices. As well as making sure their costumes were ready.
* * *
An hour earlier:
"Did you see Snape's face? It was a picture!" Sirius crowed as the boys hurried back to the common room and their dorms.
"I knew it was a good idea!" James grinned.
"Wait until they try and get into their dress robes." Remus snickered.
"Of course, it'll come off as soon as the clock strikes seven." Sirius commented with a straight face.
"But then it'll be a little late to fix 'em. Let's hope they have another set." James cracked up.
The boys entered the Common Room mere seconds before 'lockdown'. They rushed up to their dorm and began preparing, suddenly beginning to feel a little nervous. They grinned as they saw Frank, who had clearly just been in the shower.
"Hey, Frank." Sirius grinned.
"Hey, guys. Nervous about your dates?" He smirked.
"It isn't a date exactly..." James began.
"Sure, and I hate Alice." Frank replied.
"You do?" Peter missed the sarcasm.
Frank rolled his eyes and entered his wardrobe. He seemed to be one of the only two who used his wardrobe (Sirius, of all people, being the other), the rest used the floor.
There was a scrabble for showers and baths and preparing. The boys, who could be ready in five seconds if need be, seemed to be taking ages (for them) to get ready. In truth, about half an hour.
"Sirius!" James gasped. "White robes?"
Sirius grinned. "I thought I'd break with tradition and wear something a bit unusual." He grinned. He, like all the boys, wore trousers and shirt underneath his robes – girls wore their robes like dresses. But the effect of white robes over black shirt and trousers, the robe left open... Well, Kathryn was soon due to get full blast of it.
James had chosen dark blue robes that highlighted his sapphire-like blue eyes. He wore black trousers and a white shirt beneath and even with his messy black hair managed to look good.
As did Remus in very dark green robe.
Peter, typically, did not look as good in black robe and grey shirt.
Finally, all of them placed on their masks.
Just as the girls did in their dorm.
The Yule Ball had begun.
* * *
The common room, just before seven o'clock:
"Where are they?" Frank looked nervous.
"If I know Kathryn, and I do, they're probably going to be 'fashionably late', just to heighten our 'anticipation'." Sirius didn't need to use 'air quotes' for them to be noted.
James sniggered. "That could be taken in so many ways."
"Take it the way it was meant." Sirius shot back.
"Why are *they* taking so long? All the other girls are here. Even the Seventh-years." Remus pointed out.
"Because they feel like it. And if we have such a ball next year..." Sirius left them comment unsaid, but not unthought.
The portrait opened. Instantly everyone rushed out. Except the Marauders and Frank.
Seconds later, a dark-haired young lady in shocking pink descended down the stairs.
"Hi guys." Alura smiled. "I'd wait to see you lovebirds have your eyes pop out, but I need to meet Damion. Peter, take my advice, leave 'em to it!" She smirked.
"Do you mind, Alura?" Sirius looked a little annoyed, but couldn't help laughing.
"Not at all." She smirked and left the common room, Peter following, clearly not wanting to be witness to any uncomfortable situations.
"I swear, those two..." Frank began, and then stopped, for at that moment Alice had come down the stairs and he was unable to speak.
Even with her lilac mask, Frank knew it was her, just as she knew it was him.
"Alice..." He began. "You look... amazing."
"You look good too." She smiled.
"Thanks. Shall we, er, go then?" Frank asked.
"Yes, of course."
He graciously offered his arm. Laughing, she accepted and they walked towards the Great Hall, arm in arm.
"Two down." Sirius grinned.
Next was Radella. She looked staggering in midnight blue velvet robes, mingling perfectly with Remus' as she approached him.
"Wow." Was all Remus could say.
"I could say the same." Radella flirted.
"Y'know, I'd suggest we go downstairs," he whispered, "but I think I'd like to see the other two's reactions to their dates."
"Me too, but how about we spy from the portrait hole?" Radella whispered back and then kissed him gently.
"Of course."
They also appeared to go downstairs, but stopped just outside the doorway, hidden but able to see.
Next, naturally, Lily appeared in floating emerald green robes.
"Hi James." Lily smiled.
"Hi Lily." He smiled back. "You look great."
"You think so? Thanks. You're not too bad yourself." She teased.
"Thanks. Shall we make our way to the ball, fairest Flower?" James gave an exaggerated bow.
"Yes. We can leave Kathryn and Sirius all alone." Lily smiled wickedly.
"Oi!" Sirius protested.
James and Lily left, laughing, only to bump into Remus and Radella.
"What're you doing here?" James demanded.
"Watching. C'mon. We don't want them doing anything foolish." Remus grinned.
"No, we don't." Lily nodded gravely, suppressing a grin.
In the common room, Sirius felt a little impatient.
Kathryn descended down the stairs feeling, inexplicably, a little nervous.
And then she stood before him, silent as she stared at him.
He was silent as he stared at her also.
'Oh God, he's so handsome...' Kathryn thought blandly.
'Merlin, she's beautiful...' Sirius thought.
But before they could say anything, a silver light danced in the room, briefly showing a cord between them.
And something changed. (A/N: Ha ha! I love making them have problems. My life has so many. But at least theirs is interesting!)
Suddenly Kathryn ran to Sirius.
"It is done." Her voice was different, softer.
"How can it? There is barely time." Sirius replied, his voice stronger, bolder.
"The evil shall be drawn out. And it will stop the curse." She murmured.
She was in his arms by now. The masks seemed to have changed them.
Lily, James, Remus and Radella watched in shock and amazement at this scene unfolding before them.
"It cannot. Nothing can stop such a curse." Sirius looked sorrowful.
"It has to! I won't... She can't be plagued with these dreams! Knowing a future she can't stop! It will kill her, Medwin! It will kill her!"
"It won't! She will be strong, like you, Treasa. She will protect that future and change what she can."
"But she can't change what will happen. She will lose her soulmate, so close to when she can change that future. Her child shall never know her father. Just as mine shall not." She wept.
"This is our curse, Treasa. It is hers. But she will fight it."
"She cannot! Just as we all do, she shall know her soulmate, have a few years with him, and then one shall die, or be forced to leave, or..."
"Serve a life sentence in Azkaban, only to escape." Sirius finished.
Kathryn gave a slight derisive laugh. "So you finally learnt how to see your other incarnations' futures. See how it hurts! I am plagued by a future so many centuries ahead. I cannot change it. Even she cannot, and she shall be there as that future becomes present and past."
"Do not try. It is only with your powers she can do that. Only with your Sight."
"And it will happen. There are Muggles, blessed with prophecy and no other magic. And should she be descended from a Muggle-born mother and a pure- blooded father... They are the strongest, you know that."
"And so shall she be strong. As will be mine, born to a pure-blooded line, finally holding the true ideals and not those manufactured... They shall meet, nothing can stop the curse."
"It shall tear them apart. They may not even know of such a thing, ignore such feelings, dismiss them as childish dreams. Medwin, if they cannot feel that love, the curse shall kill them quicker!"
"They shall, and they will. Separation is good for the soul, they say. And I've a feeling that that particular incarnation won't be so easy to slay."
"How do you mean?"
"The Elemental Guardians. I have sensed an inordinate force of earth in that one's spirit. It can only mean that. And as earth always mingles with fire..."
"And fire is the strongest. They cannot truly die until all four lie dead." Kathryn murmured. "She can bring him back."
"I only hope she can. His life, from what I have seen, it is vital, important."
"But the curse..."
Then something totally unexpected happened. Sirius placed his hands on Kathryn's bare shoulders and kissed her.
"What the..." James began.
"Hush." Lily ordered.
Sirius released her.
"The curse can only be broken until the evil that forever haunts us, them, everyone, is destroyed by their blood and their blessed."
"A daughter and a godson."
"One to be destined to destroy the evil, the other to give him the strength to do so." Sirius smiled. "Treasa, never give up hope. To give up is to let the curse win."
"And to let the curse win is to forever lose hope." Kathryn murmured.
"Believe me, I shall never let anything happen to you, in this life or another." Sirius promised.
"I believe you." Kathryn replied, smiling.
They kissed again, this time much more passion-driven. It was as Kathryn had her hands round his neck, and he had his arms about her waist that that eerie silvery light shone once more, again showing a cord.
And they became themselves once more.
Instantly they thrust themselves apart.
"Oh cr – Chr – crikey." Kathryn searched for a word that wasn't offensive. "W-What happened?"
"I have no idea." Sirius replied, frowning.
"All I remember is... is walking down the steps, seeing you, and then... all I know is a silvery light." Kathryn placed a hand to her temple, and attempted to pull off the mask. It was stuck.
"Hey! My mask won't come off!" She exclaimed.
"Are you sure?" Sirius asked.
He came over, and also tried to remove her mask. Failing, he tried to remove his.
"What the..."
"What time is it?"
"Quarter past seven. Damn, we're late." Sirius muttered. Then he smiled. "Milady?" He bowed, offering her his arm.
Kathryn curtsied prettily. She took his arm and they walked towards the portrait hole. Then Kathryn stopped.
"What is it?" Sirius asked.
"I don't know. It's just... when I was, uh, kissing you. It felt..." She struggled to say.
"Right?" Sirius supplied.
She nodded, blushing.
"Thank God." Sirius looked up and then swept her other arm into his grip.
Their lips met in a sweet, gentle, hopeful kiss, so different to the desperate, passion-driven one of before.
James motioned to the others. They swiftly walked down the corridor. When they were far enough away, they began talking.
"What was that?" Remus demanded.
"I've no idea." James said honestly.
"And what was that about the Elemental Guardians?" Radella wanted to know.
"Don't know." Lily said untruthfully.
Remus frowned. "But it definitely sounded like..."
"They were soulmates? That they are reincarnations of this Medwin and Treasa? And what about this curse?"
"No idea. They didn't seem to remember any of what they had said. It was like their previous lives took a hold of them. Like it was their subconscious trying to decide what to do." James murmured.
"Whatever else, I've a feeling they might have something to tell us when they get downstairs." Lily giggled.
It wasn't long before they arrived in the Great Hall, closely followed by a slightly flustered Sirius and Kathryn. Luckily, they hadn't been noticed as to be missing.
"What took you so long?" Alura wanted to know.
"We waited for Lily and James, and then Remus got his leg stuck in that trick stair." Radella rolled her eyes.
"What can I say? It's a gift." Remus grinned, poking her playfully.
"Are you okay, Sirius, Kathryn? You look a little, er, flushed." Lily explained.
"Oh, um, we're fine." Sirius replied quickly. Too quickly.
"Something you want to tell us?" James asked.
Kathryn smiled, and then whispered something in Sirius ear. He whispered something back.
"I think that it may be along the lines of: we're soulmates!" Sirius declared dramatically.
"Until we get bored and go off with other people." Kathryn added wickedly.
"I don't think that's possible." Lily muttered to James.
"Mm-hmm." James replied.
"Congratulations." Remus grinned. "You finally plucked up the nerve to ask her out then, Padfoot?"
"Yes. Well, it was hard not to after I saw her." Sirius smiled. Certainly Kathryn's dress robes were drawing a few stares.
"And it wasn't like I couldn't accept. I was compelled." Kathryn grinned.
"Anyway, when are we up?" Sirius asked.
"Um, well, you two are up... Now." James explained.
"Really? Oh good." Kathryn smiled.
The song they had written suddenly had more meaning and truth than ever before.
The two teens were called by Dumbledore and went to the backstage area behind the stage set up where the Head table usually sat.
It was time.
* * *
A/N: What do you think? I wasn't going to have Kathryn and Sirius get together so soon, but it suddenly hit me on a Friday night at about quarter past eleven. It works! I hope. Anyway, it's written now. But you will have to wait a while for Lily and James, even though, apart from the next chapter, the rest of the year's going to pass in a couple of chapters. I want to get onto the summer holidays! Hee hee hee! (Again with the mad laughs?)
Oh, yeah, you're going to have to wait until next Friday to get another chapter, unless I get lots of reviews, in which case I'll post some early. Since I've got the first 27 chapters written, it won't be hard. Only the trouble starts later, because it's my GCSE year. Hence, trying to write as much now rather than later. Okay?
You've read it, now review it! Please?!
Lol, Tanydwr