Well, another chapter! Hope you enjoy this!
This chapter is long, believe me. And sorry it's late. I really would have posted on Friday, but Thursday night I had my Drama GCSE exam. Friday I stand in for someone in someone else's exam. Saturday I spent most of the day out shopping (I found my shoes for the prom! Yay!). Sunday I went to Chester Zoo to see my godparents and their son (3, hence Chester Zoo). I'd not been before, so it was an experience. Actually, we nearly lost my dad in the monkey exhibit. It's so hard trying to distinguish between them! So, I was tired!
Anyway, here's the chapter you've been waiting oh-so-patiently for!
Chapter 25 – Graduation
"I got Os! I got Os!" Kathryn shrieked, running into the common room, brandishing a piece of paper (she and Lily had slept in the main girls' dorm that night, fearful about their results).
Sirius yelled out, "Me too! We can be Aurors!"
Kathryn ran over, jumping into his arms and kissing him soundly.
"We all got Os!" James celebrated, whirling Lily around.
"I did too! I can go into the Ministry!" Radella celebrated.
In all, the Gryffindor Seventh-years were extremely happy, having done extremely well on their NEWTs. They were a bright bunch (except for Peter!), their excessive bravery, loyalty and penchant for pranks having put them in Gryffindor rather than Ravenclaw. Also, few Aurors ever came from any other house than Gryffindor – it was almost tradition. Aurors needed that bravery. Kathryn had commented on this as being funny – Slytherin produces Dark wizards, Gryffindor produces Dark wizard catchers. The other three who had taken Auror Studies were not intending to go into that profession – they were planning on going into professions where that training was useful.
"Auror Academy, here we come!" Kathryn yelled with a grin.
"What's all the noise?" A sleepy voice asked. "Why are you all in pyjamas?"
Kathryn whirled round to see her little sister, Leila. "Lei! I got top marks! I can be an Auror!"
"Kat, that's great!" Leila hugged her big sister.
"We all can!" Lily explained.
"Aww, knock it off, you two!" Leila complained, seeing Frank and Alice in a corner.
They grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, didn't realise there were innocent eyes in the room."
Leila stared at Frank. "You are aware that Kathryn invited Sirius, and the rest of Enchanted with their respective boyfriends over this summer, aren't you? My eyes will never be innocent again!"
"Leila!" Kathryn scowled and began chasing her younger sister round the room.
The others watched, amused.
"What is going on?" A stern voice enquired.
The Seventh-years all looked at Professor McGonagall, attempting innocence.
"We got our results, professor." Kathryn explained.
"And that is a reason for running round the common room in your night things?" The woman asked tartly, but there was a slight tug at the corners of her mouth.
Kathryn looked down. She was wearing shortie-pyjamas – shorts with a strappy top. On the top was a crimson pentacle.
She looked up, grinning. "Sorry, professor. We've all got what we need to get into our chosen professions. I guess happiness overwhelmed our sense of judgement. And it's not like it's cold, anyway."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Well done on your NEWT results. These are some of the highest grades from my Gryffindors ever. But then, you're a very bright year in general. The Graduation ceremony starts at ten o'clock. Those of you giving speeches, songs and what have you, be prepared. Especially you, Potter, Evans. As Head Girl and Boy, you need to address everyone. Until then, I suspect you'll want to go and see your parents."
She left.
"Mum and Dad!" Kathryn gasped. "I'd forgotten they were coming!"
Everyone rushed back up into their dorms and began to get ready.
Leila shook her head. "Eighteen-year-olds are crazy!"
---
"Mum!" Kathryn exclaimed half an hour later. "Dad! How are you?"
"We're fine. Gosh, you've graduated so quickly!" Elise smiled.
"Well, I have only been here two years..." Kathryn grinned. "More importantly, I got Os in my NEWTs! I can be an Auror!"
"Really? That's wonderful!" Olden smiled. "Following in your father's footsteps. Following your dreams. You always wanted to be an Auror, ever since you, James and Sirius tried to sabotage the parties."
Kathryn grinned. "I still don't remember those. But I've been told enough stories to imagine what I must have been like. Speaking of Sirius..." She scanned the area. She frowned. "Where is...?"
Sirius seemed to be hiding. His parents were not here. He felt out of place.
"Solum, get your ass over here now!" Kathryn's voice rang out.
He smiled. He had forgotten that.
"As you command, fairest Flamma, to hear is to obey!" He replied dramatically.
"Oh good." Kathryn giggled. "Sirius got top marks in his NEWTs too." Kathryn informed her parents.
"That's great, Sirius!" Olden grinned. "You two will not be distracted on the job, I hope?"
"Certainly not!" Kathryn shot at him. "I'll have to be partnered with someone else. Probably James or Frank. They don't like same sex partnerings, men and women think differently." She grinned.
Sirius slipped his arms round his girlfriend's waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, meaning he had to bend a bit – he was about six foot three, compared to her five foot ten (she had inexplicably grown an extra inch over the two years, though she was sure she was supposed to stop growing at sixteen). "I second that." He grinned wickedly.
Elise rolled her eyes. "Men!"
"For once it wasn't laced with another meaning!" Kathryn smiled, causing her parents to exchange looks.
Kathryn smirked. "Aww, chill, Mum, Dad. We're soulmates, remember?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "I don't think anyone can forget it."
Kathryn's younger brother and sister – Paul and Adalia – seemed to be doing their best to not be noticed and get away from the talk of crazed teens.
James, meanwhile, was talking to his own and Lily's parents.
"Yeah, we both got top marks." James grinned.
"Typically, James scored highest on Defence Against the Dark Arts." Lily commented.
"Typically, Lily scored highest on Charms." James mimicked. "Highest in the year, mind you."
"Lily, that's wonderful!" Rose hugged her daughter.
"We all have a habit of doing that." Lily grinned. "Kathryn scored highest in the year on Transfiguration, Sirius – this was really weird – scored highest in Potions!"
"Yeah, I bet that's another reason Snape despises you in the future." Kathryn informed Sirius as they drew near.
"Kathryn, Sirius! How are you?" Mr Potter – Harold – asked, smiling.
"We're great!" Sirius responded. "And geniuses!"
"Well, *I* am." Kathryn smiled sweetly.
"Aren't you hot in your robes?" Rose Evans asked.
"Yeah. But at least we get to take them off after the official being handed our final diploma thingies." Lily smiled.
James looked aghast. "'Diploma thingies'? You've been spending way too much time with Kat, Lily."
"Hey!" The two girls retorted.
Sirius grinned. "You're in for it now, Prongs."
"Flower, Mystique, forgive me!" James took up a begging position.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Kathryn waved a hand lazily, leaning on her boyfriend.
"Later." Lily informed him.
The parents groaned.
"What? We're adults in both worlds now! So sue me!" Lily replied.
Kathryn looked surprised. "You really have been hanging round with me too much."
"So how does the day go?" Dave Evans asked.
"Well, we start at ten. Dumbledore gives his speech, and McGonagall and a number of other teachers. Then we're all called up in turn, given the thing to say we've graduated from Hogwarts and we sit back down. Then we have lunch in the grounds and we get rid of our robes if we want to. Some people prefer to wear them all the time. Most of us prefer Muggle clothing. Anyway, after lunch there's the Head Boy and Girl's speech and various joking things – announcements, trophies, also speeches, stories and songs. It's just a fun day. Then we go to the end of year feast and home either today or tomorrow. Seventh-years normally leave today. Special privilege." Lily explained, grinning.
"Yeah, we've got things to do." Sirius grinned.
"Such as?" Paige Potter asked, raising an eyebrow. She had James' intense blue eyes. (A/N: Yeah, I know James has hazel eyes in the book, but I keep so many other things accurate to the books, I need just this little favour. Besides, it was Snape's memory. I doubt he goes gazing into his worst enemy's eyes!)
"Moving in." Kathryn grinned.
"WHAT?" The adults exclaimed.
Lily looked at them. "We did tell you we were moving into Sirius' place. Ages ago. It's nice and close to the Ministry and the Academy."
"No, we're just surprised you're moving in so early." Rose explained. "With your boyfriend."
"I'm not, technically. I'm moving in with Sirius and Kathryn as well."
"What, don't you trust us?" Kathryn asked, mock-angrily.
Olden let out a snort. "Well..."
"Dad! It doesn't make any difference! We're going to marry anyway!" Kathryn snapped.
Sirius stared.
Kathryn blushed. "Please tell me I didn't just say that!"
"You did. When were you planning on telling me this particular vision, eh, Kathryn?" Sirius asked.
"Um, I wasn't. It just keeps coming up. Remus talking to Dumbledore, me telling Voldemort he had my name wrong..."
Sirius grinned. "You talking to Voldemort. That's something worth seeing."
"Seventh-years and parents! If you would proceed to the Quidditch pitch where the ceremony is taking place." A voice called.
"See you later." Kathryn smiled, pecking her parents on the cheek, and then ruffling her younger siblings' hair.
Sirius pulled her along, they entered the Quidditch pitch, where a platform had been set up along with lots of seats – the front rows for the students, the back for the parents and family.
After a few minutes, Dumbledore stepped onto the stage.
"Welcome to our Seventh-year students and their families, friends, enemies." He smiled. "This, in many ways, is a sad occasion, for I will lose my old students, who I have grown to care for over seven years." He looked at Kathryn. "Or less, in some cases. On the other hand, this is a happy occasion, a celebration, for the students have completed their teenage years and will now proceed into the world as adults."
"I knew there was a catch about getting out of school!" A voice yelled.
"Thank you, Mr Black." Dumbledore smiled again. "This year has been a very successful one. You are exceptionally bright – we've had some of the highest NEWT scores from you in years. And none of you lack the confidence and skill needed to succeed in the real world. I will miss you, definitely, but I hope not to lose contact with you all. In any case, if you are ever in trouble, remember that Hogwarts' doors are always open to those who need our help. I don't want to scare you all, but you must all be careful. For the Dark wizard Voldemort is rising and is dangerous. Defend yourselves with the most powerful weapons you have, love, honour, loyalty, friendship and hope. A wand is nothing without the conviction to go behind it. Remember that magic is part of who you are and never abuse it. Stick with those you love and you are more powerful than anyone.
"On a lighter note, this year has held some of my more interesting students. The Marauders and Enchanted, for instance, who spent their first five years feuding and now three members of each are coupled with each other, not the least of which being our Head Boy and Girl. I'm sure many have been entertained by the pranks the Marauders have pulled, though those of you on the receiving end may harbour some hard feelings about it. Don't. Such things to make us laugh are vital in dark times, laughter is a powerful elevator of sadness and depression. The issue of some of these characters will be addressed later on, when I believe our Head Boy and Girl have a number of different awards to hand out to those we teachers shall be giving. In fact, after lunch, the stage is given over to the students, so I beg any adults to be careful. Some of our students' performances have been quite..."
"Interesting?!" Another voice yelled out.
"Thank you, Miss Orenda."
"Well how else are you supposed to describe some of the performances we give? You don't exactly want to say that you have students sno–" Kathryn's voice was muffled.
"She's getting the award for most interruptions during a Headmaster's Speech ever, later on!" James yelled out. "She's worse than the Marauders put together!"
Dumbledore smiled as the adults and students laughed.
"As I was saying. I hope my students have learnt something while they have been here, that they have left this school with a little more knowledge than they had on entering it, and that they are prepared to enter the adult world. In conclusion, good luck, well done and enjoy life! I will now deliver the graduation certificates to the students and then we will have the speeches from the Heads of House and the various awards teachers have decided to give."
Dumbledore began calling out names and each of the students went up to the stage, received their graduation certificate, shook Dumbledore's hand and were handed a small gift, each attuned to the person.
Kathryn smiled as she went up.
"Congratulations, Kathryn, I'm sure you'll do us all proud." Dumbledore smiled, shaking her hand warmly and then handed her her certificate. "If you ever need to speak to me..."
"I'll call. I may well need to." She smiled. "Thank you professor. I've enjoyed my time here."
"Good."
Kathryn left the stage, holding her certificate – a sealed scroll – and her gift – an Auror's arm holster for a wand, emblazoned with a phoenix, to represent fire. She stored both inside her school robes.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward.
"I have only been the school's deputy since September, but I have been the Head of Gryffindor House for seven years, coinciding with this year's arrival at Hogwarts. I was the, dubiously, lucky one to have both Enchanted and the Marauders in my house, though Enchanted was not complete until Kathryn's arrival two years ago. I expect that Frank and Alice, who were not members of either group, may well have fallen victims to numerous pranks in the war that raged between the two groups for their first five years. I was, unfortunately, cursed with pranksters who also had incredible imagination and skill, and so carried out pranks in these later years that I can say are unlikely ever to be matched by them."
"Wait until the Weasley twins get here!" A voice yelled out.
"And I can also say that I very much doubt we will have anyone who has quite such a habit of yelling things about the future as Kathryn, not to mention so good at Transfiguration." McGonagall smiled. She had a soft spot for Kathryn. "In fact, it is strange for these top students – I have to say I've never had a year quite so bright as them – also have more detentions than I have ever seen. And even our Head Boy has had more detentions in the last year than the Enchanted between them for the last seven years. Though," she shot a wicked look Kathryn's way as she opened her mouth, "this would no doubt be different had Kathryn appeared in First- year like everyone else." She smiled. "What can I say? This has been one of my favourite years, no matter how many times I have had to give them detention. After all, they've won the Quidditch Cup for the last two years." She smiled at the Quidditch team, who winked. "Also, many of the students in other houses have shown the same level of intelligence, commitment and loyalty as my Gryffindors. If this is what our future holds, bringing out young adults like these... Well, Merlin help those who run afoul of the Marauders, and the wizarding world, because they have the power to make it a much better place."
The Gryffindors applauded loudly, many whistles erupting. She was a strict teacher, but she loved them deep down. She wanted them to succeed and do well.
Then came the speeches from Professor Flitwick (Ravenclaw), Professor Sprout (Hufflepuff) and Professor Dartworth (Slytherin – teaches Arithmancy, hence, haven't seen him). Dumbledore smiled as he stood again.
"Now, I believe there are a number of awards to be given from various staff members and myself. Firstly, Professor McGonagall."
"I would like to award a number of small prizes. Firstly, to most improved Transfiguration student over the seven years – Eric Kings."
A Hufflepuff boy stood and went up to collect his prize, looking amazed. Kathryn smiled. She had spoken to him, and apparently in First-year he had had so much homework, he didn't know what to do with it all. He was now extremely good and had achieved an O in his NEWTs – a necessary qualification as he wished to go into Healing.
"To the Transfiguration student with the highest score – Kathryn Orenda." McGonagall smiled.
Kathryn went up, grinning, and received a small shield with her name – and award – on, a lion moving very realistically. She sat back down.
"To the student who has caused me most trouble in Transfiguration lessons – Sirius Black."
Sirius grinned, knowing exactly what he had done to deserve it. Clearly Professor McGonagall had a similar sense of humour to Lily and James – their 'joke' awards were frequently along the same lines.
Kathryn also received 'Best Martial Arts' from Professor Longworth, 'Best Interrogation Potions' from Professor Swindale (he was miserable, but fair to those who did well), and 'Most Interrupting' from Professors Johnson and Kestrel. Lily and James received a number of awards, including 'Top Gryffindor' from Professor McGonagall. There were so many awards, nearly everyone in the year had one, many had more. (Alice had got 'Best Herbology Student' and 'Most Improved DADA student', while Frank had gained the 'Duelling' award and the 'Best Defensive Charms' award).
Finally it came to Dumbledore's awards.
"I would like it known now that everyone here deserves an award. For succeeding so well through school and making it to this point in time. However, I have only two awards. One female, one male. Of course, technically, my other awards were given at the beginning of the year, those being to those elected as Head Boy and Head Girl. These awards are slightly different. These two awards are for those who have coped with dangerous and often scary situations. Who have succeeded in growing to become two skilled, powerful, intelligent and brave sorcerers. Who have continued their lives as normal as they can. Both have had troubles, previous lives resurfacing, prejudice, enemies. For instance, the young man I have picked suffered throughout his first few years because of the ideals that have been often held by those of his name, while his own are very different. The young woman suffered for five years, knowing nothing but the future of her true world, her true life. You may now have guessed who they are. Both have become stronger because of these adversities, have not let them weaken them, scare them. The Headmaster's Award of Hogwarts goes to Kathryn Orenda and Sirius Black."
Kathryn and Sirius stared at him before walking up.
"He picked *him*?" A voice muttered. "A Marauder?"
"And her? That disgrace?"
Kathryn kept a rein on her temper firmly, holding Sirius' arm. He smiled at her. Kathryn took a breath as she stepped onto the stage and accepted the trophy – showing the Hogwarts shield, a Gryffindor lion and her name, inscribed with the words 'Headmaster's Award'.
"Thank you, Headmaster." They murmured in unison.
They sat back down, still surprised.
"And now, since it is nearly one o'clock, lunch is an open air event at the other side of the pitch." He gestured to the other end, where a long table had appeared, filled with food and numerous smaller tables around them. "Students, yes you may remove your robes if you wish, provided you're still wearing something." His eyes twinkled. "And be back for two o'clock, when we hand over to the Head Girl and Boy and our students."
"Does anyone else think he should've said 'Merlin help us'?" Kathryn asked her friends.
"Probably." Lily laughed.
"Well done on your awards." James congratulated them.
"Well done everyone!" Kathryn spread her hands out, saying it in a very childish voice.
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Okay, what do we do with all of these?" Remus asked, holding a number of awards himself.
"Banishing charm." Kathryn rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yes, that makes sense."
Kathryn removed her robe and hat to reveal a strappy, white summer dress, the skirt at her calves. She grinned, placed all of her things together and concentrated on her bed, Banishing her belongings.
Kathryn smiled as her parents came near once more.
"Well done, Kit." A voice said.
Kathryn whipped round. "Jack!" She flung her arms round his neck. "When did you get here?"
"Just as it began. My shift didn't end until eight this morning. I needed a little time to get ready." He explained with a grin.
"Y'know, I'm pretty sure Madam Pomfrey's round here somewhere." Sirius began looking round.
Jack looked at Kathryn accusingly. "You told him!"
"Nah, they figured it out over the summer. Remember, I was telling you about all the times I've been in the Hospital Wing." Kathryn smirked.
"Why, you little..."
"Jack, Kat, play nicely together." Sirius spoke calmingly.
Kathryn and Jack exchanged a look and burst out laughing. Sirius looked confused as they walked towards the food table.
"What's so funny?"
"You – the voice of reason!" Jack gasped.
"It's not... Actually, it is that funny." Sirius dissolved into whoops of his own laughter.
"So, anyone else here?"
"The twins are somewhere. They arrived about halfway through Dumbledore's speech. I'm not sure where they are..."
Everyone was talking, laughing, celebrating. Lily and James were talking with Remus and Radella, while Kathryn's, James' and Lily's parents chatted away. They headed towards their friends, Peter joined them soon afterwards.
"Food?" Sirius asked after a while.
"Yes!" Kathryn grinned.
"Oh no! No, don't let her near the sugar!" Jack declared as Kathryn ran over.
She stuck her tongue out, collecting vegetables, sausages, chips, pasta, sauces, meats and various other savouries. She soon sat down, grinning at her oldest brother.
"See, no sweets on it!" Kathryn informed him.
He rolled his eyes. "Wait until dessert."
Kathryn smirked and began to eat.
"So, what're you doing after Hogwarts, Lily, James, Sirius?" Jack asked. "I know Kat's going to Auror Academy, she's always wanted to..."
"We're all going to be Aurors. Frank and Alice are going too."
"They're going to have three couples there? How's Moody going to cope?" Jack grinned.
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Kathryn yelled in a good impression of the Auror, making everyone jump.
"Very good, Orenda, very good." A voice growled behind her.
"Hey, Mr Moody. What're you doing here?"
"Coming to inspect my new recruits, that's what." He informed them.
Frank, sat nearby, looked up. "You mean to say..."
"We're in?" Alice finished.
"Yes, Black, Evans, Longbottom, Orenda, Phenners, Potter. You're into the Aurors Academy." Moody informed them, a smile changing his face completely.
"WE GOT IN!" Kathryn, Lily and Alice yelled in unison.
"Here comes the crazy part." Jack remarked, rolling his eyes as the three couples celebrated.
Moody looked aghast. "I would like to forget that as soon as possible." He stated.
"So would everyone who's seen Kathryn and Sirius using their tongues that way." Jack remarked cheerfully.
"HEY!" Kathryn protested, pulling away from Sirius. "We've only had..." She began to put up fingers as though counting, and frowned. "Sirius, how many detentions have we had for being 'overly affectionate' in the halls and corridors and stuff?"
"Um, altogether... Twelve, thirteen?"
Moody stared.
James pulled away from Lily. "They've got the most detentions for snogging in public award as well." He grinned.
"You're not supposed to tell them!" Lily yelled. "It's supposed to be a surprise!"
"Believe me, Lily, it isn't." Alice remarked dryly.
Moody seemed to leave quite quickly.
"I think we scared him." Kathryn smiled mischievously.
"Yeah, he can face down Death Eaters, rabid monsters, Voldemort, but put him with three kissing couples..." Sirius began.
"Don't go scaring Alastor." Olden Orenda came up to them. "He's my boss. And he'll be yours too."
Kathryn's eyes suddenly went wide. "Christ almighty, I'll be working with my father!"
"Not for a few years." He smiled.
"Two years." Kathryn told him. "It's a very rigorous course, made up for by the fact it's only two years long."
"Plus, they need Aurors out there faster, what with Voldemort's rise and the killings." Sirius pointed out.
Olden sighed, nodding. "And from our reports, it's going to get worse before it gets better."
Kathryn nodded in agreement. "It will."
"I hate it when you say our worst fears are correct." Olden groaned.
"Yeah, James and Lily were horrified when I suggested that Lily was Harry's mother." Kathryn agreed, grinning.
James rolled his eyes. "Begone, devil-child."
"Who, me?" Innocent voices behind Kathryn asked.
She turned. "Joe 'n' Joe!" She yelped, hugging her two brothers ferociously. "You took forever! And why didn't you come before?"
"Well, we had to pick up Avia. And now she's wandered off." Joseph explained.
Kathryn looked horrified. "She's going to pull a prank! Guys! She'll ruin it!"
James looked terror-stricken. "She will!" He ran off towards the stage.
Lily frowned. "She will what? I bet you anything she'll ruin the prank the boys have got planned. I'll put a stop to that right now."
She marched off after her boyfriend, ignoring Sirius', Remus' and Peter's protests.
"We'd best get back to the seats. Lucky we can sit where we want now." Radella smiled, arm in arm with Remus, who had just had the terrifying experience of being introduced to her parents.
---
However, when they got back, things were a little different. Rather than set out as seats in a theatre like before, they were set out as though they were at a posh dinner – many tables, each with seats about them, including set names and tables for families. Kathryn was sat at a table with her parents, Jack, Jonah, Joseph, Avia, Adalia, Paul and Sirius – since his family had not turned up. Next to them was a table with Lily's, James' and Frank's parents, not to mention Moody.
"Does anyone else feel like we're in some kind of posh dinner?" Kathryn asked.
"Yep." Sirius nodded.
Lily and James appeared onstage.
"Hi. I'm Lily Evans, Head Girl. He's James Potter, Head Boy, and as Dumbledore told you, we've sort of taken over this afternoon." Lily explained into a magical microphone.
"Be afraid, be very afraid!" Kathryn yelled out.
Lily rolled her eyes. "Add another point to her score sheet for interrupting speeches, will you, James?"
"Yep. Okay, before we begin, you'll notice that in the centre of your tables are drinks and snacks' order forms. You just need to select what you want and it should appear. After all, we can't expect you to stay out until endless hours of the evening without anything to drink." James grinned.
"Now, we have a number of prizes to hand out that teachers would never think to give. After all, they don't seem to know much about teenagers." Lily smirked. "Even their Head Boy and Girl have secrets."
"Not from us, you don't!" Sirius and Kathryn chorused.
Lily sighed. "Add another point to their sheets, would you? I think we'll have to give that award last, it might change."
James grinned. "At least I can't get accused of it. Anyway, we have our first award – the Most Frequently Found In The Library Award goes to... Anna Kirke, Ravenclaw."
The girl, who wore glasses and had exquisite blonde hair, went up and collected her prize, rather appropriately, a gift token for Flourish and Blott's Bookshop.
"And this award, decided by public vote, for the Most Hated Gryffindor goes to... The Marauders as a collection, big surprise. Guys, we have a booby prize each. Lily did those, so don't open them unless you're already in St. Mungo's." James grinned.
"Don't you trust me, James?" Lily asked, faking a pout.
"Not in the slightest. You must be insane to have been going out with me for a year."
"It's the same problem Sirius has when he gets near Kathryn!" Remus yelled. "Too much exposure to the girlfriend makes them delusional!"
"We do not want to hear about any exposure, thank you very much." Lily informed him tartly as the audience laughed. It was amusing to see the Head Boy and Girl heckled. "Add a point to his sheet too."
James smirked. "Maybe we should take Kathryn's name off the trophy."
"You are aware that's it's exceptionally stupid to challenge me in such a way, aren't you?" Kathryn demanded. Her parents shot her warning looks while her siblings – and Avia – giggled. "What happened to the Head Boy and Girl being smart?"
"Right, we now have Alice Phenners telling you her memories of Hogwarts." Lily informed them, scowling at Kathryn as James set up a board showing the number of times various students interrupted. So far, Kathryn's, Sirius' and Remus' names were on it, complete with points.
Alice stood and gave a charming recount of her life at Hogwarts, including the problems she had with sharing a room with Enchanted for the first five years of her school life as both Enchanted and the Marauders constantly pranked each other. She also grinned, wondering aloud how Kathryn's presence had stopped the prank war.
"I'm just magical, I am." Kathryn announced, fluttering her eyelashes.
Sirius put a hand over her mouth.
"Oh yeah, I forgot, she was friends with both groups and managed to get them to make peace. Then of course, nearly all of them got together with each other..." Alice smirked.
"We don't want to hear about our sons and daughters' love lives, get on with the speech!" One of the parents yelled out.
"James, your dad is heckling me!" Alice complained. "You'd best add his name to the list."
James, smirking, did so.
Lily rolled her eyes.
It continued in much the same vein, various joke awards being given to students. For Most Hated Slytherin an entire group were named. Kathryn observed that all of them were already or else soon-to-be Death Eaters.
"And next, Kathryn and Sirius promised to sing us a song." James grinned.
They both jumped up, looking murderous.
"We did not, you scurvy, spineless liar!" Sirius yelled.
"Don't worry, Sirius, remember, he's going to share your house. You can always charge him rent." Kathryn giggled.
Sirius grinned. "Yep. Always a good idea, the old rent-charging."
Kathryn took a magical microphone. "Okay, these things annoy me so..." She whipped out her wand and incanted a spell. Instantly the two microphones sat at the front of the stage, picking up all speech. "Much better."
"What song are we doing?" Sirius asked. "We didn't plan this."
But then – as it was apt to do – the silver magic of previous lives took over.
Lily started. "James! They can't do that... If people guess..."
"Sh! I think this might be all right." James frowned, looking at his friends.
Kathryn stared out haughtily to the crowd.
"Agh, see them staring! Examining, evaluating. They know nothing!" Her voice was usually harsh. "Nothing about me and what will happen."
"Aice!" Sirius called out.
"Lachlan! They are waiting! They see us! They judge us! Yet they know us not!"
"Aice! Just remember what must be done. Let the words flow. Do not let them judge without your proof!"
"But..."
"Don't ever let me down." Sirius sang.
"I know you'll never hurt me."
Kathryn began to sing.
"In evil's despair I drown,
But I know you won't desert me!"
Both: "Love isn't fair, love isn't bliss.
And I know it may destroy me.
But it all vanishes inside your kiss,
And I have to tell the story."
They whirled from each other. Sparkling lights flashed between them and then a chasm appeared.
Kathryn: "I fell in love,
It may as well have killed me.
Now all I dream of,
Is the curse upon me.
I can never love my soulmate
Because it will split us apart.
Though the feelings will never abate,
I can't act on what's in my heart!"
Sirius: "I fell in love,
My mother cursed me for it.
Now all I dream of,
Is the life she made me forfeit.
I can't fall in love with her,
But it will kill me if I don't.
Things shall never be as they were,
I can't stop it, can't say I won't."
Both: "The Curse of Kali,
Descends upon us.
Hurts you and me,
It will destroy us."
Suddenly something changed.
Kathryn yelled out, "No!"
Sirius decided, "It won't!"
And then they began to recite an ancient prophecy, their voices making it musical.
"She of pure and magic name,
Shall join with a flower who seeks the same.
He named for a star,
Shall join a friend who is on a par.
Four forces shall unite,
Aim to set the world to right.
In the short term shall succeed,
But lose two in that time of need.
Another lost to traitor's master,
Destroys the magic power faster.
The last, alive, shall remain,
In hiding, trying to banish pain.
But in a child's darkest hour,
He shall receive his magic power.
And as the child comes of age,
His companions will also gauge.
She shall come and hide at first,
Reviving those who were hit worst.
And then on a new year's start,
They shall revive a broken heart."
Silver fire flashed again. Kathryn and Sirius collapsed.
"Shit." Kathryn muttered, but the microphones picked up her words. She glanced up and scowled. "Hopefully you'll all suddenly find yourselves with tricky hearing and did not hear my last word."
"What happened?" James asked.
"Prophecy, regression, singing. Don't people *know* it's a bad idea to make us perform? We keep getting attacked by spirits!" Sirius scowled.
"It's only when you two are together." James observed.
"I need a drink. I *really* need a drink. Diet Coke. Now. I *know* it exists!" Kathryn scowled again.
The two performers walked offstage, feeling disgruntled.
"Should have known something weird would happen." James informed the 'audience'. "It always does to those two."
"'S'not our fault!" Sirius protested.
"Never said it was. Now, another prize..."
The rest of the afternoon continued with no more problems. It came to the final awards.
"Most interruptions during Dumbledore's, or our, speeches goes to..." Lily began. They consulted the blackboard. "Kathryn and Sirius! Typical that those two would be jointly."
Kathryn and Sirius strode up, laughing.
"Always knew that interrupting teachers would be good for something." Sirius smirked.
Kathryn feigned innocence. "I've interrupted them *that* many times? I didn't know..."
"Yeah right." James snorted.
The two grinned and sat back down, adding the prizes to the several others they had received. Most of the awards were done via a survey of all the Seventh-years – both were quite popular as well as frequently in trouble.
"Okay, cutest couple goes to..." Lily grinned. "Frank Longbottom and Alice Phenners! See, keeping rendezvous private is a good thing! I know First-years who are mentally scarred after..."
"Continue on that vein, Lily Evans, and I'll tell everyone *exactly* how the Head Boy and Girl got together!" Kathryn threatened.
Lily smirked. Alice and Frank went up to the stage and collected their prizes.
"And our final award." James announced. "We've had cutest couple, most likely to get married, most likely to kill each other, and most detentions for being overly affectionate in public. We now have most likely to be soulmates." He grinned.
"This is on public vote from all the Seventh-years. Funnily enough, it seems to be the one question where no one's opinions have got in the way, as though magic is involved." Lily frowned. "And we didn't do anything to question. Anyway, Most Likely to be Soulmates Award goes to..."
"Flamma and Solum." A harsh voice cried.
Kathryn and Sirius jumped out of their seats, turning to the direction of the voice. Sirius' eyes narrowed.
"Mother. How nice of you to join us." He commented, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Katrine Black snarled, staring at the pair of them.
"You are a disgrace to your name, boy!" She shrieked. "You disgrace your family and our ideals!"
"No! You disgrace our family and ideals. You and almost every person on that damned tapestry!" Sirius yelled back.
Parents looked around, some frightened, some confused.
"Our family motto is Toujours Pur. You think it means Always Pure in blood! It means in heart, mind and spirit! It means in ideals. I am the last one who still bears the name of Black to believe in those ideals. That magic chooses those with the ability to wield it, control it, use it. It does not choose those whose blood is pure. I believe that magic is there to be used for good, not evil! And that Voldemort in his quest for power and obsession with pure blood is a misguided fool!" Sirius yelled.
"You dishonour your name, consorting with that Mudblood!" Katrine yelled, pointing at Kathryn.
Kathryn didn't get angry. She smiled, dangerously. "If you understood the technicalities of your own foolish language, you would know that Mudblood refers to someone of Muggle birth. My mother is Muggle-born. However, my father is pureblood and descended from some of the most powerful witches and wizards in history. Besides, as I have told many members of the Slytherin House, Mudbloods do not exist. They are the sectarian creation of pureblooded witches and wizards, scared that someone with what they consider tainted blood could be more powerful than they! Believe me, only certain pureblood families retain all the strength of magic before it begins to weaken. Those with Muggle blood in their veins frequently have greater strength because their magic is new, fresh, vibrant. And one born to a Muggle-born and one of those pureblooded wizards or witches whose magic is retained – and that is normally through doing incredible good – is one of the most powerful there is. But then, why doesn't someone ask Voldemort about his heritage? I'm sure he can tell you the advantages of Muggle blood better than most." She directed this last comment towards the Slytherins she knew were either already, or going to be, Death Eaters.
"You dare to lecture me on blood purity, girl?" Katrine snarled.
"My name is Kathryn, Kathryn Orenda. I am descended from the Lady Mystique in spirit and blood! In spirit, I know the Lady Flamma! I suspect you do too!" Kathryn scowled. "Have you come to reconsecrate the curse that Kali placed on Flamma and Solum?"
"Kathryn!" James yelled. "Be quiet!"
"No! I want to know! Just as Kali cursed her son and his soulmate, will Katrine do the same?"
"Curse you? I have no need! You are cursed by your blood and heritage! You are cursed by your love and your destiny! Yes, you are cursed! The Curse of Kali shall destroy you both!"
Sickening red light flowed from the woman's fingers to settle on Kathryn and Sirius. But rather than looking afraid, they drank it in, accepting it.
"Not if we destroy it first!" Sirius snapped back. "You don't have a son here! Why don't you go say hello to Regulus? I'm sure the pureblooded Slytherin who keeps up the family name will be happy to see his darling mother. After all, once you're blasted off the tapestry, there's no changing it!"
Katrine stormed away.
Kathryn collapsed into Sirius' arms.
"That happens too many times." Kathryn murmured. "I have to tell them too many times."
"Kat?" Sirius murmured.
"Well, before we were so unkindly interrupted, Kathryn and Sirius are the Most Likely to be Soulmates, unanimously voted by everyone in Seventh-year except themselves."
Sirius grinned as he supported Kathryn. "Yeah, we thought James and Lily!"
"I know, James and Lily." Kathryn muttered under her breath.
They received a small prize each and stepped back down.
"And now, I believe, it is time for the End-of-term feast. I think dear old Albus would like to say something first." James grinned.
Dumbledore stepped up. "Yes, firstly, those of you who wish may call me by my first name, since you are no longer my students. Secondly, those of you who wish to leave tonight after the feast rather than tomorrow, you may. Thirdly, parents and family members, you are welcome to dine here, if you wish. Seventh-years – to the Great Hall."
Sirius Banished their prizes to their dorms and walked with Kathryn to the Great Hall. She was still feeling surprisingly shaky, though she didn't know why.
The End-of-term feast passed with nothing noteworthy unless you counted the Marauders' final prank, which involved toothpaste, food, several hexes and the Slytherin table. Gryffindor won the House Cup for the third year in a row and the Seventh-years finished their packing.
James, Lily, Kathryn and Sirius went back to King's Cross Station on the train and Apparated to Sirius' house – now their new house.
They were out in the big wide world.
They were prime targets for Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
They were the Elemental Guardians and extremely powerful.
But most of all, they were in love.
* * *
A/N: Well, what did you think?
I need feedback, people!
By the way, does anybody know the first name of Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy professor? I need a name. If not, does anyone have any suitable suggestions?
They're finally going out into the big, wide world. Exciting, isn't it?
Whatever.
Anyway, to reviewers:
therese: I'm glad you like it. I'm honestly not trying to make Kat perfect, it's just my female characters sometimes come out that way! Maybe James is a little quiet. This chapter suggests that it's not so. It's more focused on Sirius and Kat anyway. But wait until the next chapter. We find out something Kat can't do! And you read it in one sitting? Wow! And my fic is *long*!
Gray Dawn: I think that's the longest review I've ever received! Thanks! I really am glad you like the story. I have also realised I love Sirius, and the bit about Kathryn crying over his death is real – I'm a softie, and I cried over it! I'm glad you liked the Auror N.E.W.T. I really enjoyed writing it, especially Kathryn's sarky comments towards Mad-Eye. She can be weird, can't she? Oh well. As for angst, there is going to be some in up-coming chapters. They're in a war, you can't get away without it. But it's not totally angst, those just depress me. But there has to be some. The school years are the more light-hearted chapters. But there are some cute, fluffy ones ahead (i.e. proposals, marriages... um... intimate moments, but not in detail!) As for your name, are you British or American? That's what the spelling depends on. Americans spell it gray, Brits spell it grey! As for your cat... I think naming yourself after your cat is well cool!
Joeyperson: Rawks? Umm, what does that mean? I gather that you like the fic, though. Cool! As for the A/Ns... I'm afraid I can't resist. It's like some higher power guiding me! There's not really that many. They're actually meant to be funny, but there you go!
Lobo Diablo Lone Wolf: HA HA HA! I *told* you Kat wasn't a Mary-Sue. *Does victory dance, complete with gloating* Yeah, Kat can't throw off the charm. That might turn out to be a weakness – she can throw off or defend herself from aggressive and powerful spells (Imperius, Stupefy), but maybe she can't fight off simpler ones, or non-aggressive ones? That could be extremely interesting... Anyway, thanks!
Sk8erWitch: Awesome? Thanks!
An Artish: Thanks! Started? As in you went onto someone's favourite authors or stories? Is that what you mean? I do that. Wait a minute! Does that mean I'M ON SOMEONE'S FAVOURITE AUTHORS OR STORIES?! Wow, wow, wow! I can't believe that. Actually, I found myself on someone else's, but they've never reviewed me. Weird, no? And their stories is one of *my* favourites. I really appreciate the review!
Thanks you everyone! Now, is it too much to ask you to go and press that little button at the screen that says go? I accept all reviews, signed or no. So there's no excuse!
Oh, and if you have been reading this and I've read your story at some point, I'd really appreciate a review. In fact, I love having reviews from my favourite authors! As well as everyone else!
Okay, bye!
Lol, Tanydwr
This chapter is long, believe me. And sorry it's late. I really would have posted on Friday, but Thursday night I had my Drama GCSE exam. Friday I stand in for someone in someone else's exam. Saturday I spent most of the day out shopping (I found my shoes for the prom! Yay!). Sunday I went to Chester Zoo to see my godparents and their son (3, hence Chester Zoo). I'd not been before, so it was an experience. Actually, we nearly lost my dad in the monkey exhibit. It's so hard trying to distinguish between them! So, I was tired!
Anyway, here's the chapter you've been waiting oh-so-patiently for!
Chapter 25 – Graduation
"I got Os! I got Os!" Kathryn shrieked, running into the common room, brandishing a piece of paper (she and Lily had slept in the main girls' dorm that night, fearful about their results).
Sirius yelled out, "Me too! We can be Aurors!"
Kathryn ran over, jumping into his arms and kissing him soundly.
"We all got Os!" James celebrated, whirling Lily around.
"I did too! I can go into the Ministry!" Radella celebrated.
In all, the Gryffindor Seventh-years were extremely happy, having done extremely well on their NEWTs. They were a bright bunch (except for Peter!), their excessive bravery, loyalty and penchant for pranks having put them in Gryffindor rather than Ravenclaw. Also, few Aurors ever came from any other house than Gryffindor – it was almost tradition. Aurors needed that bravery. Kathryn had commented on this as being funny – Slytherin produces Dark wizards, Gryffindor produces Dark wizard catchers. The other three who had taken Auror Studies were not intending to go into that profession – they were planning on going into professions where that training was useful.
"Auror Academy, here we come!" Kathryn yelled with a grin.
"What's all the noise?" A sleepy voice asked. "Why are you all in pyjamas?"
Kathryn whirled round to see her little sister, Leila. "Lei! I got top marks! I can be an Auror!"
"Kat, that's great!" Leila hugged her big sister.
"We all can!" Lily explained.
"Aww, knock it off, you two!" Leila complained, seeing Frank and Alice in a corner.
They grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, didn't realise there were innocent eyes in the room."
Leila stared at Frank. "You are aware that Kathryn invited Sirius, and the rest of Enchanted with their respective boyfriends over this summer, aren't you? My eyes will never be innocent again!"
"Leila!" Kathryn scowled and began chasing her younger sister round the room.
The others watched, amused.
"What is going on?" A stern voice enquired.
The Seventh-years all looked at Professor McGonagall, attempting innocence.
"We got our results, professor." Kathryn explained.
"And that is a reason for running round the common room in your night things?" The woman asked tartly, but there was a slight tug at the corners of her mouth.
Kathryn looked down. She was wearing shortie-pyjamas – shorts with a strappy top. On the top was a crimson pentacle.
She looked up, grinning. "Sorry, professor. We've all got what we need to get into our chosen professions. I guess happiness overwhelmed our sense of judgement. And it's not like it's cold, anyway."
The woman rolled her eyes. "Well done on your NEWT results. These are some of the highest grades from my Gryffindors ever. But then, you're a very bright year in general. The Graduation ceremony starts at ten o'clock. Those of you giving speeches, songs and what have you, be prepared. Especially you, Potter, Evans. As Head Girl and Boy, you need to address everyone. Until then, I suspect you'll want to go and see your parents."
She left.
"Mum and Dad!" Kathryn gasped. "I'd forgotten they were coming!"
Everyone rushed back up into their dorms and began to get ready.
Leila shook her head. "Eighteen-year-olds are crazy!"
---
"Mum!" Kathryn exclaimed half an hour later. "Dad! How are you?"
"We're fine. Gosh, you've graduated so quickly!" Elise smiled.
"Well, I have only been here two years..." Kathryn grinned. "More importantly, I got Os in my NEWTs! I can be an Auror!"
"Really? That's wonderful!" Olden smiled. "Following in your father's footsteps. Following your dreams. You always wanted to be an Auror, ever since you, James and Sirius tried to sabotage the parties."
Kathryn grinned. "I still don't remember those. But I've been told enough stories to imagine what I must have been like. Speaking of Sirius..." She scanned the area. She frowned. "Where is...?"
Sirius seemed to be hiding. His parents were not here. He felt out of place.
"Solum, get your ass over here now!" Kathryn's voice rang out.
He smiled. He had forgotten that.
"As you command, fairest Flamma, to hear is to obey!" He replied dramatically.
"Oh good." Kathryn giggled. "Sirius got top marks in his NEWTs too." Kathryn informed her parents.
"That's great, Sirius!" Olden grinned. "You two will not be distracted on the job, I hope?"
"Certainly not!" Kathryn shot at him. "I'll have to be partnered with someone else. Probably James or Frank. They don't like same sex partnerings, men and women think differently." She grinned.
Sirius slipped his arms round his girlfriend's waist, resting his chin on her shoulder, meaning he had to bend a bit – he was about six foot three, compared to her five foot ten (she had inexplicably grown an extra inch over the two years, though she was sure she was supposed to stop growing at sixteen). "I second that." He grinned wickedly.
Elise rolled her eyes. "Men!"
"For once it wasn't laced with another meaning!" Kathryn smiled, causing her parents to exchange looks.
Kathryn smirked. "Aww, chill, Mum, Dad. We're soulmates, remember?"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "I don't think anyone can forget it."
Kathryn's younger brother and sister – Paul and Adalia – seemed to be doing their best to not be noticed and get away from the talk of crazed teens.
James, meanwhile, was talking to his own and Lily's parents.
"Yeah, we both got top marks." James grinned.
"Typically, James scored highest on Defence Against the Dark Arts." Lily commented.
"Typically, Lily scored highest on Charms." James mimicked. "Highest in the year, mind you."
"Lily, that's wonderful!" Rose hugged her daughter.
"We all have a habit of doing that." Lily grinned. "Kathryn scored highest in the year on Transfiguration, Sirius – this was really weird – scored highest in Potions!"
"Yeah, I bet that's another reason Snape despises you in the future." Kathryn informed Sirius as they drew near.
"Kathryn, Sirius! How are you?" Mr Potter – Harold – asked, smiling.
"We're great!" Sirius responded. "And geniuses!"
"Well, *I* am." Kathryn smiled sweetly.
"Aren't you hot in your robes?" Rose Evans asked.
"Yeah. But at least we get to take them off after the official being handed our final diploma thingies." Lily smiled.
James looked aghast. "'Diploma thingies'? You've been spending way too much time with Kat, Lily."
"Hey!" The two girls retorted.
Sirius grinned. "You're in for it now, Prongs."
"Flower, Mystique, forgive me!" James took up a begging position.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Kathryn waved a hand lazily, leaning on her boyfriend.
"Later." Lily informed him.
The parents groaned.
"What? We're adults in both worlds now! So sue me!" Lily replied.
Kathryn looked surprised. "You really have been hanging round with me too much."
"So how does the day go?" Dave Evans asked.
"Well, we start at ten. Dumbledore gives his speech, and McGonagall and a number of other teachers. Then we're all called up in turn, given the thing to say we've graduated from Hogwarts and we sit back down. Then we have lunch in the grounds and we get rid of our robes if we want to. Some people prefer to wear them all the time. Most of us prefer Muggle clothing. Anyway, after lunch there's the Head Boy and Girl's speech and various joking things – announcements, trophies, also speeches, stories and songs. It's just a fun day. Then we go to the end of year feast and home either today or tomorrow. Seventh-years normally leave today. Special privilege." Lily explained, grinning.
"Yeah, we've got things to do." Sirius grinned.
"Such as?" Paige Potter asked, raising an eyebrow. She had James' intense blue eyes. (A/N: Yeah, I know James has hazel eyes in the book, but I keep so many other things accurate to the books, I need just this little favour. Besides, it was Snape's memory. I doubt he goes gazing into his worst enemy's eyes!)
"Moving in." Kathryn grinned.
"WHAT?" The adults exclaimed.
Lily looked at them. "We did tell you we were moving into Sirius' place. Ages ago. It's nice and close to the Ministry and the Academy."
"No, we're just surprised you're moving in so early." Rose explained. "With your boyfriend."
"I'm not, technically. I'm moving in with Sirius and Kathryn as well."
"What, don't you trust us?" Kathryn asked, mock-angrily.
Olden let out a snort. "Well..."
"Dad! It doesn't make any difference! We're going to marry anyway!" Kathryn snapped.
Sirius stared.
Kathryn blushed. "Please tell me I didn't just say that!"
"You did. When were you planning on telling me this particular vision, eh, Kathryn?" Sirius asked.
"Um, I wasn't. It just keeps coming up. Remus talking to Dumbledore, me telling Voldemort he had my name wrong..."
Sirius grinned. "You talking to Voldemort. That's something worth seeing."
"Seventh-years and parents! If you would proceed to the Quidditch pitch where the ceremony is taking place." A voice called.
"See you later." Kathryn smiled, pecking her parents on the cheek, and then ruffling her younger siblings' hair.
Sirius pulled her along, they entered the Quidditch pitch, where a platform had been set up along with lots of seats – the front rows for the students, the back for the parents and family.
After a few minutes, Dumbledore stepped onto the stage.
"Welcome to our Seventh-year students and their families, friends, enemies." He smiled. "This, in many ways, is a sad occasion, for I will lose my old students, who I have grown to care for over seven years." He looked at Kathryn. "Or less, in some cases. On the other hand, this is a happy occasion, a celebration, for the students have completed their teenage years and will now proceed into the world as adults."
"I knew there was a catch about getting out of school!" A voice yelled.
"Thank you, Mr Black." Dumbledore smiled again. "This year has been a very successful one. You are exceptionally bright – we've had some of the highest NEWT scores from you in years. And none of you lack the confidence and skill needed to succeed in the real world. I will miss you, definitely, but I hope not to lose contact with you all. In any case, if you are ever in trouble, remember that Hogwarts' doors are always open to those who need our help. I don't want to scare you all, but you must all be careful. For the Dark wizard Voldemort is rising and is dangerous. Defend yourselves with the most powerful weapons you have, love, honour, loyalty, friendship and hope. A wand is nothing without the conviction to go behind it. Remember that magic is part of who you are and never abuse it. Stick with those you love and you are more powerful than anyone.
"On a lighter note, this year has held some of my more interesting students. The Marauders and Enchanted, for instance, who spent their first five years feuding and now three members of each are coupled with each other, not the least of which being our Head Boy and Girl. I'm sure many have been entertained by the pranks the Marauders have pulled, though those of you on the receiving end may harbour some hard feelings about it. Don't. Such things to make us laugh are vital in dark times, laughter is a powerful elevator of sadness and depression. The issue of some of these characters will be addressed later on, when I believe our Head Boy and Girl have a number of different awards to hand out to those we teachers shall be giving. In fact, after lunch, the stage is given over to the students, so I beg any adults to be careful. Some of our students' performances have been quite..."
"Interesting?!" Another voice yelled out.
"Thank you, Miss Orenda."
"Well how else are you supposed to describe some of the performances we give? You don't exactly want to say that you have students sno–" Kathryn's voice was muffled.
"She's getting the award for most interruptions during a Headmaster's Speech ever, later on!" James yelled out. "She's worse than the Marauders put together!"
Dumbledore smiled as the adults and students laughed.
"As I was saying. I hope my students have learnt something while they have been here, that they have left this school with a little more knowledge than they had on entering it, and that they are prepared to enter the adult world. In conclusion, good luck, well done and enjoy life! I will now deliver the graduation certificates to the students and then we will have the speeches from the Heads of House and the various awards teachers have decided to give."
Dumbledore began calling out names and each of the students went up to the stage, received their graduation certificate, shook Dumbledore's hand and were handed a small gift, each attuned to the person.
Kathryn smiled as she went up.
"Congratulations, Kathryn, I'm sure you'll do us all proud." Dumbledore smiled, shaking her hand warmly and then handed her her certificate. "If you ever need to speak to me..."
"I'll call. I may well need to." She smiled. "Thank you professor. I've enjoyed my time here."
"Good."
Kathryn left the stage, holding her certificate – a sealed scroll – and her gift – an Auror's arm holster for a wand, emblazoned with a phoenix, to represent fire. She stored both inside her school robes.
Professor McGonagall stepped forward.
"I have only been the school's deputy since September, but I have been the Head of Gryffindor House for seven years, coinciding with this year's arrival at Hogwarts. I was the, dubiously, lucky one to have both Enchanted and the Marauders in my house, though Enchanted was not complete until Kathryn's arrival two years ago. I expect that Frank and Alice, who were not members of either group, may well have fallen victims to numerous pranks in the war that raged between the two groups for their first five years. I was, unfortunately, cursed with pranksters who also had incredible imagination and skill, and so carried out pranks in these later years that I can say are unlikely ever to be matched by them."
"Wait until the Weasley twins get here!" A voice yelled out.
"And I can also say that I very much doubt we will have anyone who has quite such a habit of yelling things about the future as Kathryn, not to mention so good at Transfiguration." McGonagall smiled. She had a soft spot for Kathryn. "In fact, it is strange for these top students – I have to say I've never had a year quite so bright as them – also have more detentions than I have ever seen. And even our Head Boy has had more detentions in the last year than the Enchanted between them for the last seven years. Though," she shot a wicked look Kathryn's way as she opened her mouth, "this would no doubt be different had Kathryn appeared in First- year like everyone else." She smiled. "What can I say? This has been one of my favourite years, no matter how many times I have had to give them detention. After all, they've won the Quidditch Cup for the last two years." She smiled at the Quidditch team, who winked. "Also, many of the students in other houses have shown the same level of intelligence, commitment and loyalty as my Gryffindors. If this is what our future holds, bringing out young adults like these... Well, Merlin help those who run afoul of the Marauders, and the wizarding world, because they have the power to make it a much better place."
The Gryffindors applauded loudly, many whistles erupting. She was a strict teacher, but she loved them deep down. She wanted them to succeed and do well.
Then came the speeches from Professor Flitwick (Ravenclaw), Professor Sprout (Hufflepuff) and Professor Dartworth (Slytherin – teaches Arithmancy, hence, haven't seen him). Dumbledore smiled as he stood again.
"Now, I believe there are a number of awards to be given from various staff members and myself. Firstly, Professor McGonagall."
"I would like to award a number of small prizes. Firstly, to most improved Transfiguration student over the seven years – Eric Kings."
A Hufflepuff boy stood and went up to collect his prize, looking amazed. Kathryn smiled. She had spoken to him, and apparently in First-year he had had so much homework, he didn't know what to do with it all. He was now extremely good and had achieved an O in his NEWTs – a necessary qualification as he wished to go into Healing.
"To the Transfiguration student with the highest score – Kathryn Orenda." McGonagall smiled.
Kathryn went up, grinning, and received a small shield with her name – and award – on, a lion moving very realistically. She sat back down.
"To the student who has caused me most trouble in Transfiguration lessons – Sirius Black."
Sirius grinned, knowing exactly what he had done to deserve it. Clearly Professor McGonagall had a similar sense of humour to Lily and James – their 'joke' awards were frequently along the same lines.
Kathryn also received 'Best Martial Arts' from Professor Longworth, 'Best Interrogation Potions' from Professor Swindale (he was miserable, but fair to those who did well), and 'Most Interrupting' from Professors Johnson and Kestrel. Lily and James received a number of awards, including 'Top Gryffindor' from Professor McGonagall. There were so many awards, nearly everyone in the year had one, many had more. (Alice had got 'Best Herbology Student' and 'Most Improved DADA student', while Frank had gained the 'Duelling' award and the 'Best Defensive Charms' award).
Finally it came to Dumbledore's awards.
"I would like it known now that everyone here deserves an award. For succeeding so well through school and making it to this point in time. However, I have only two awards. One female, one male. Of course, technically, my other awards were given at the beginning of the year, those being to those elected as Head Boy and Head Girl. These awards are slightly different. These two awards are for those who have coped with dangerous and often scary situations. Who have succeeded in growing to become two skilled, powerful, intelligent and brave sorcerers. Who have continued their lives as normal as they can. Both have had troubles, previous lives resurfacing, prejudice, enemies. For instance, the young man I have picked suffered throughout his first few years because of the ideals that have been often held by those of his name, while his own are very different. The young woman suffered for five years, knowing nothing but the future of her true world, her true life. You may now have guessed who they are. Both have become stronger because of these adversities, have not let them weaken them, scare them. The Headmaster's Award of Hogwarts goes to Kathryn Orenda and Sirius Black."
Kathryn and Sirius stared at him before walking up.
"He picked *him*?" A voice muttered. "A Marauder?"
"And her? That disgrace?"
Kathryn kept a rein on her temper firmly, holding Sirius' arm. He smiled at her. Kathryn took a breath as she stepped onto the stage and accepted the trophy – showing the Hogwarts shield, a Gryffindor lion and her name, inscribed with the words 'Headmaster's Award'.
"Thank you, Headmaster." They murmured in unison.
They sat back down, still surprised.
"And now, since it is nearly one o'clock, lunch is an open air event at the other side of the pitch." He gestured to the other end, where a long table had appeared, filled with food and numerous smaller tables around them. "Students, yes you may remove your robes if you wish, provided you're still wearing something." His eyes twinkled. "And be back for two o'clock, when we hand over to the Head Girl and Boy and our students."
"Does anyone else think he should've said 'Merlin help us'?" Kathryn asked her friends.
"Probably." Lily laughed.
"Well done on your awards." James congratulated them.
"Well done everyone!" Kathryn spread her hands out, saying it in a very childish voice.
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Okay, what do we do with all of these?" Remus asked, holding a number of awards himself.
"Banishing charm." Kathryn rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yes, that makes sense."
Kathryn removed her robe and hat to reveal a strappy, white summer dress, the skirt at her calves. She grinned, placed all of her things together and concentrated on her bed, Banishing her belongings.
Kathryn smiled as her parents came near once more.
"Well done, Kit." A voice said.
Kathryn whipped round. "Jack!" She flung her arms round his neck. "When did you get here?"
"Just as it began. My shift didn't end until eight this morning. I needed a little time to get ready." He explained with a grin.
"Y'know, I'm pretty sure Madam Pomfrey's round here somewhere." Sirius began looking round.
Jack looked at Kathryn accusingly. "You told him!"
"Nah, they figured it out over the summer. Remember, I was telling you about all the times I've been in the Hospital Wing." Kathryn smirked.
"Why, you little..."
"Jack, Kat, play nicely together." Sirius spoke calmingly.
Kathryn and Jack exchanged a look and burst out laughing. Sirius looked confused as they walked towards the food table.
"What's so funny?"
"You – the voice of reason!" Jack gasped.
"It's not... Actually, it is that funny." Sirius dissolved into whoops of his own laughter.
"So, anyone else here?"
"The twins are somewhere. They arrived about halfway through Dumbledore's speech. I'm not sure where they are..."
Everyone was talking, laughing, celebrating. Lily and James were talking with Remus and Radella, while Kathryn's, James' and Lily's parents chatted away. They headed towards their friends, Peter joined them soon afterwards.
"Food?" Sirius asked after a while.
"Yes!" Kathryn grinned.
"Oh no! No, don't let her near the sugar!" Jack declared as Kathryn ran over.
She stuck her tongue out, collecting vegetables, sausages, chips, pasta, sauces, meats and various other savouries. She soon sat down, grinning at her oldest brother.
"See, no sweets on it!" Kathryn informed him.
He rolled his eyes. "Wait until dessert."
Kathryn smirked and began to eat.
"So, what're you doing after Hogwarts, Lily, James, Sirius?" Jack asked. "I know Kat's going to Auror Academy, she's always wanted to..."
"We're all going to be Aurors. Frank and Alice are going too."
"They're going to have three couples there? How's Moody going to cope?" Jack grinned.
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Kathryn yelled in a good impression of the Auror, making everyone jump.
"Very good, Orenda, very good." A voice growled behind her.
"Hey, Mr Moody. What're you doing here?"
"Coming to inspect my new recruits, that's what." He informed them.
Frank, sat nearby, looked up. "You mean to say..."
"We're in?" Alice finished.
"Yes, Black, Evans, Longbottom, Orenda, Phenners, Potter. You're into the Aurors Academy." Moody informed them, a smile changing his face completely.
"WE GOT IN!" Kathryn, Lily and Alice yelled in unison.
"Here comes the crazy part." Jack remarked, rolling his eyes as the three couples celebrated.
Moody looked aghast. "I would like to forget that as soon as possible." He stated.
"So would everyone who's seen Kathryn and Sirius using their tongues that way." Jack remarked cheerfully.
"HEY!" Kathryn protested, pulling away from Sirius. "We've only had..." She began to put up fingers as though counting, and frowned. "Sirius, how many detentions have we had for being 'overly affectionate' in the halls and corridors and stuff?"
"Um, altogether... Twelve, thirteen?"
Moody stared.
James pulled away from Lily. "They've got the most detentions for snogging in public award as well." He grinned.
"You're not supposed to tell them!" Lily yelled. "It's supposed to be a surprise!"
"Believe me, Lily, it isn't." Alice remarked dryly.
Moody seemed to leave quite quickly.
"I think we scared him." Kathryn smiled mischievously.
"Yeah, he can face down Death Eaters, rabid monsters, Voldemort, but put him with three kissing couples..." Sirius began.
"Don't go scaring Alastor." Olden Orenda came up to them. "He's my boss. And he'll be yours too."
Kathryn's eyes suddenly went wide. "Christ almighty, I'll be working with my father!"
"Not for a few years." He smiled.
"Two years." Kathryn told him. "It's a very rigorous course, made up for by the fact it's only two years long."
"Plus, they need Aurors out there faster, what with Voldemort's rise and the killings." Sirius pointed out.
Olden sighed, nodding. "And from our reports, it's going to get worse before it gets better."
Kathryn nodded in agreement. "It will."
"I hate it when you say our worst fears are correct." Olden groaned.
"Yeah, James and Lily were horrified when I suggested that Lily was Harry's mother." Kathryn agreed, grinning.
James rolled his eyes. "Begone, devil-child."
"Who, me?" Innocent voices behind Kathryn asked.
She turned. "Joe 'n' Joe!" She yelped, hugging her two brothers ferociously. "You took forever! And why didn't you come before?"
"Well, we had to pick up Avia. And now she's wandered off." Joseph explained.
Kathryn looked horrified. "She's going to pull a prank! Guys! She'll ruin it!"
James looked terror-stricken. "She will!" He ran off towards the stage.
Lily frowned. "She will what? I bet you anything she'll ruin the prank the boys have got planned. I'll put a stop to that right now."
She marched off after her boyfriend, ignoring Sirius', Remus' and Peter's protests.
"We'd best get back to the seats. Lucky we can sit where we want now." Radella smiled, arm in arm with Remus, who had just had the terrifying experience of being introduced to her parents.
---
However, when they got back, things were a little different. Rather than set out as seats in a theatre like before, they were set out as though they were at a posh dinner – many tables, each with seats about them, including set names and tables for families. Kathryn was sat at a table with her parents, Jack, Jonah, Joseph, Avia, Adalia, Paul and Sirius – since his family had not turned up. Next to them was a table with Lily's, James' and Frank's parents, not to mention Moody.
"Does anyone else feel like we're in some kind of posh dinner?" Kathryn asked.
"Yep." Sirius nodded.
Lily and James appeared onstage.
"Hi. I'm Lily Evans, Head Girl. He's James Potter, Head Boy, and as Dumbledore told you, we've sort of taken over this afternoon." Lily explained into a magical microphone.
"Be afraid, be very afraid!" Kathryn yelled out.
Lily rolled her eyes. "Add another point to her score sheet for interrupting speeches, will you, James?"
"Yep. Okay, before we begin, you'll notice that in the centre of your tables are drinks and snacks' order forms. You just need to select what you want and it should appear. After all, we can't expect you to stay out until endless hours of the evening without anything to drink." James grinned.
"Now, we have a number of prizes to hand out that teachers would never think to give. After all, they don't seem to know much about teenagers." Lily smirked. "Even their Head Boy and Girl have secrets."
"Not from us, you don't!" Sirius and Kathryn chorused.
Lily sighed. "Add another point to their sheets, would you? I think we'll have to give that award last, it might change."
James grinned. "At least I can't get accused of it. Anyway, we have our first award – the Most Frequently Found In The Library Award goes to... Anna Kirke, Ravenclaw."
The girl, who wore glasses and had exquisite blonde hair, went up and collected her prize, rather appropriately, a gift token for Flourish and Blott's Bookshop.
"And this award, decided by public vote, for the Most Hated Gryffindor goes to... The Marauders as a collection, big surprise. Guys, we have a booby prize each. Lily did those, so don't open them unless you're already in St. Mungo's." James grinned.
"Don't you trust me, James?" Lily asked, faking a pout.
"Not in the slightest. You must be insane to have been going out with me for a year."
"It's the same problem Sirius has when he gets near Kathryn!" Remus yelled. "Too much exposure to the girlfriend makes them delusional!"
"We do not want to hear about any exposure, thank you very much." Lily informed him tartly as the audience laughed. It was amusing to see the Head Boy and Girl heckled. "Add a point to his sheet too."
James smirked. "Maybe we should take Kathryn's name off the trophy."
"You are aware that's it's exceptionally stupid to challenge me in such a way, aren't you?" Kathryn demanded. Her parents shot her warning looks while her siblings – and Avia – giggled. "What happened to the Head Boy and Girl being smart?"
"Right, we now have Alice Phenners telling you her memories of Hogwarts." Lily informed them, scowling at Kathryn as James set up a board showing the number of times various students interrupted. So far, Kathryn's, Sirius' and Remus' names were on it, complete with points.
Alice stood and gave a charming recount of her life at Hogwarts, including the problems she had with sharing a room with Enchanted for the first five years of her school life as both Enchanted and the Marauders constantly pranked each other. She also grinned, wondering aloud how Kathryn's presence had stopped the prank war.
"I'm just magical, I am." Kathryn announced, fluttering her eyelashes.
Sirius put a hand over her mouth.
"Oh yeah, I forgot, she was friends with both groups and managed to get them to make peace. Then of course, nearly all of them got together with each other..." Alice smirked.
"We don't want to hear about our sons and daughters' love lives, get on with the speech!" One of the parents yelled out.
"James, your dad is heckling me!" Alice complained. "You'd best add his name to the list."
James, smirking, did so.
Lily rolled her eyes.
It continued in much the same vein, various joke awards being given to students. For Most Hated Slytherin an entire group were named. Kathryn observed that all of them were already or else soon-to-be Death Eaters.
"And next, Kathryn and Sirius promised to sing us a song." James grinned.
They both jumped up, looking murderous.
"We did not, you scurvy, spineless liar!" Sirius yelled.
"Don't worry, Sirius, remember, he's going to share your house. You can always charge him rent." Kathryn giggled.
Sirius grinned. "Yep. Always a good idea, the old rent-charging."
Kathryn took a magical microphone. "Okay, these things annoy me so..." She whipped out her wand and incanted a spell. Instantly the two microphones sat at the front of the stage, picking up all speech. "Much better."
"What song are we doing?" Sirius asked. "We didn't plan this."
But then – as it was apt to do – the silver magic of previous lives took over.
Lily started. "James! They can't do that... If people guess..."
"Sh! I think this might be all right." James frowned, looking at his friends.
Kathryn stared out haughtily to the crowd.
"Agh, see them staring! Examining, evaluating. They know nothing!" Her voice was usually harsh. "Nothing about me and what will happen."
"Aice!" Sirius called out.
"Lachlan! They are waiting! They see us! They judge us! Yet they know us not!"
"Aice! Just remember what must be done. Let the words flow. Do not let them judge without your proof!"
"But..."
"Don't ever let me down." Sirius sang.
"I know you'll never hurt me."
Kathryn began to sing.
"In evil's despair I drown,
But I know you won't desert me!"
Both: "Love isn't fair, love isn't bliss.
And I know it may destroy me.
But it all vanishes inside your kiss,
And I have to tell the story."
They whirled from each other. Sparkling lights flashed between them and then a chasm appeared.
Kathryn: "I fell in love,
It may as well have killed me.
Now all I dream of,
Is the curse upon me.
I can never love my soulmate
Because it will split us apart.
Though the feelings will never abate,
I can't act on what's in my heart!"
Sirius: "I fell in love,
My mother cursed me for it.
Now all I dream of,
Is the life she made me forfeit.
I can't fall in love with her,
But it will kill me if I don't.
Things shall never be as they were,
I can't stop it, can't say I won't."
Both: "The Curse of Kali,
Descends upon us.
Hurts you and me,
It will destroy us."
Suddenly something changed.
Kathryn yelled out, "No!"
Sirius decided, "It won't!"
And then they began to recite an ancient prophecy, their voices making it musical.
"She of pure and magic name,
Shall join with a flower who seeks the same.
He named for a star,
Shall join a friend who is on a par.
Four forces shall unite,
Aim to set the world to right.
In the short term shall succeed,
But lose two in that time of need.
Another lost to traitor's master,
Destroys the magic power faster.
The last, alive, shall remain,
In hiding, trying to banish pain.
But in a child's darkest hour,
He shall receive his magic power.
And as the child comes of age,
His companions will also gauge.
She shall come and hide at first,
Reviving those who were hit worst.
And then on a new year's start,
They shall revive a broken heart."
Silver fire flashed again. Kathryn and Sirius collapsed.
"Shit." Kathryn muttered, but the microphones picked up her words. She glanced up and scowled. "Hopefully you'll all suddenly find yourselves with tricky hearing and did not hear my last word."
"What happened?" James asked.
"Prophecy, regression, singing. Don't people *know* it's a bad idea to make us perform? We keep getting attacked by spirits!" Sirius scowled.
"It's only when you two are together." James observed.
"I need a drink. I *really* need a drink. Diet Coke. Now. I *know* it exists!" Kathryn scowled again.
The two performers walked offstage, feeling disgruntled.
"Should have known something weird would happen." James informed the 'audience'. "It always does to those two."
"'S'not our fault!" Sirius protested.
"Never said it was. Now, another prize..."
The rest of the afternoon continued with no more problems. It came to the final awards.
"Most interruptions during Dumbledore's, or our, speeches goes to..." Lily began. They consulted the blackboard. "Kathryn and Sirius! Typical that those two would be jointly."
Kathryn and Sirius strode up, laughing.
"Always knew that interrupting teachers would be good for something." Sirius smirked.
Kathryn feigned innocence. "I've interrupted them *that* many times? I didn't know..."
"Yeah right." James snorted.
The two grinned and sat back down, adding the prizes to the several others they had received. Most of the awards were done via a survey of all the Seventh-years – both were quite popular as well as frequently in trouble.
"Okay, cutest couple goes to..." Lily grinned. "Frank Longbottom and Alice Phenners! See, keeping rendezvous private is a good thing! I know First-years who are mentally scarred after..."
"Continue on that vein, Lily Evans, and I'll tell everyone *exactly* how the Head Boy and Girl got together!" Kathryn threatened.
Lily smirked. Alice and Frank went up to the stage and collected their prizes.
"And our final award." James announced. "We've had cutest couple, most likely to get married, most likely to kill each other, and most detentions for being overly affectionate in public. We now have most likely to be soulmates." He grinned.
"This is on public vote from all the Seventh-years. Funnily enough, it seems to be the one question where no one's opinions have got in the way, as though magic is involved." Lily frowned. "And we didn't do anything to question. Anyway, Most Likely to be Soulmates Award goes to..."
"Flamma and Solum." A harsh voice cried.
Kathryn and Sirius jumped out of their seats, turning to the direction of the voice. Sirius' eyes narrowed.
"Mother. How nice of you to join us." He commented, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Katrine Black snarled, staring at the pair of them.
"You are a disgrace to your name, boy!" She shrieked. "You disgrace your family and our ideals!"
"No! You disgrace our family and ideals. You and almost every person on that damned tapestry!" Sirius yelled back.
Parents looked around, some frightened, some confused.
"Our family motto is Toujours Pur. You think it means Always Pure in blood! It means in heart, mind and spirit! It means in ideals. I am the last one who still bears the name of Black to believe in those ideals. That magic chooses those with the ability to wield it, control it, use it. It does not choose those whose blood is pure. I believe that magic is there to be used for good, not evil! And that Voldemort in his quest for power and obsession with pure blood is a misguided fool!" Sirius yelled.
"You dishonour your name, consorting with that Mudblood!" Katrine yelled, pointing at Kathryn.
Kathryn didn't get angry. She smiled, dangerously. "If you understood the technicalities of your own foolish language, you would know that Mudblood refers to someone of Muggle birth. My mother is Muggle-born. However, my father is pureblood and descended from some of the most powerful witches and wizards in history. Besides, as I have told many members of the Slytherin House, Mudbloods do not exist. They are the sectarian creation of pureblooded witches and wizards, scared that someone with what they consider tainted blood could be more powerful than they! Believe me, only certain pureblood families retain all the strength of magic before it begins to weaken. Those with Muggle blood in their veins frequently have greater strength because their magic is new, fresh, vibrant. And one born to a Muggle-born and one of those pureblooded wizards or witches whose magic is retained – and that is normally through doing incredible good – is one of the most powerful there is. But then, why doesn't someone ask Voldemort about his heritage? I'm sure he can tell you the advantages of Muggle blood better than most." She directed this last comment towards the Slytherins she knew were either already, or going to be, Death Eaters.
"You dare to lecture me on blood purity, girl?" Katrine snarled.
"My name is Kathryn, Kathryn Orenda. I am descended from the Lady Mystique in spirit and blood! In spirit, I know the Lady Flamma! I suspect you do too!" Kathryn scowled. "Have you come to reconsecrate the curse that Kali placed on Flamma and Solum?"
"Kathryn!" James yelled. "Be quiet!"
"No! I want to know! Just as Kali cursed her son and his soulmate, will Katrine do the same?"
"Curse you? I have no need! You are cursed by your blood and heritage! You are cursed by your love and your destiny! Yes, you are cursed! The Curse of Kali shall destroy you both!"
Sickening red light flowed from the woman's fingers to settle on Kathryn and Sirius. But rather than looking afraid, they drank it in, accepting it.
"Not if we destroy it first!" Sirius snapped back. "You don't have a son here! Why don't you go say hello to Regulus? I'm sure the pureblooded Slytherin who keeps up the family name will be happy to see his darling mother. After all, once you're blasted off the tapestry, there's no changing it!"
Katrine stormed away.
Kathryn collapsed into Sirius' arms.
"That happens too many times." Kathryn murmured. "I have to tell them too many times."
"Kat?" Sirius murmured.
"Well, before we were so unkindly interrupted, Kathryn and Sirius are the Most Likely to be Soulmates, unanimously voted by everyone in Seventh-year except themselves."
Sirius grinned as he supported Kathryn. "Yeah, we thought James and Lily!"
"I know, James and Lily." Kathryn muttered under her breath.
They received a small prize each and stepped back down.
"And now, I believe, it is time for the End-of-term feast. I think dear old Albus would like to say something first." James grinned.
Dumbledore stepped up. "Yes, firstly, those of you who wish may call me by my first name, since you are no longer my students. Secondly, those of you who wish to leave tonight after the feast rather than tomorrow, you may. Thirdly, parents and family members, you are welcome to dine here, if you wish. Seventh-years – to the Great Hall."
Sirius Banished their prizes to their dorms and walked with Kathryn to the Great Hall. She was still feeling surprisingly shaky, though she didn't know why.
The End-of-term feast passed with nothing noteworthy unless you counted the Marauders' final prank, which involved toothpaste, food, several hexes and the Slytherin table. Gryffindor won the House Cup for the third year in a row and the Seventh-years finished their packing.
James, Lily, Kathryn and Sirius went back to King's Cross Station on the train and Apparated to Sirius' house – now their new house.
They were out in the big wide world.
They were prime targets for Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
They were the Elemental Guardians and extremely powerful.
But most of all, they were in love.
* * *
A/N: Well, what did you think?
I need feedback, people!
By the way, does anybody know the first name of Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy professor? I need a name. If not, does anyone have any suitable suggestions?
They're finally going out into the big, wide world. Exciting, isn't it?
Whatever.
Anyway, to reviewers:
therese: I'm glad you like it. I'm honestly not trying to make Kat perfect, it's just my female characters sometimes come out that way! Maybe James is a little quiet. This chapter suggests that it's not so. It's more focused on Sirius and Kat anyway. But wait until the next chapter. We find out something Kat can't do! And you read it in one sitting? Wow! And my fic is *long*!
Gray Dawn: I think that's the longest review I've ever received! Thanks! I really am glad you like the story. I have also realised I love Sirius, and the bit about Kathryn crying over his death is real – I'm a softie, and I cried over it! I'm glad you liked the Auror N.E.W.T. I really enjoyed writing it, especially Kathryn's sarky comments towards Mad-Eye. She can be weird, can't she? Oh well. As for angst, there is going to be some in up-coming chapters. They're in a war, you can't get away without it. But it's not totally angst, those just depress me. But there has to be some. The school years are the more light-hearted chapters. But there are some cute, fluffy ones ahead (i.e. proposals, marriages... um... intimate moments, but not in detail!) As for your name, are you British or American? That's what the spelling depends on. Americans spell it gray, Brits spell it grey! As for your cat... I think naming yourself after your cat is well cool!
Joeyperson: Rawks? Umm, what does that mean? I gather that you like the fic, though. Cool! As for the A/Ns... I'm afraid I can't resist. It's like some higher power guiding me! There's not really that many. They're actually meant to be funny, but there you go!
Lobo Diablo Lone Wolf: HA HA HA! I *told* you Kat wasn't a Mary-Sue. *Does victory dance, complete with gloating* Yeah, Kat can't throw off the charm. That might turn out to be a weakness – she can throw off or defend herself from aggressive and powerful spells (Imperius, Stupefy), but maybe she can't fight off simpler ones, or non-aggressive ones? That could be extremely interesting... Anyway, thanks!
Sk8erWitch: Awesome? Thanks!
An Artish: Thanks! Started? As in you went onto someone's favourite authors or stories? Is that what you mean? I do that. Wait a minute! Does that mean I'M ON SOMEONE'S FAVOURITE AUTHORS OR STORIES?! Wow, wow, wow! I can't believe that. Actually, I found myself on someone else's, but they've never reviewed me. Weird, no? And their stories is one of *my* favourites. I really appreciate the review!
Thanks you everyone! Now, is it too much to ask you to go and press that little button at the screen that says go? I accept all reviews, signed or no. So there's no excuse!
Oh, and if you have been reading this and I've read your story at some point, I'd really appreciate a review. In fact, I love having reviews from my favourite authors! As well as everyone else!
Okay, bye!
Lol, Tanydwr