Tempus Magia

Part Four

Chapter 41: Azkaban

Hermione Granger made a grave error during the final battle that resulted in Remus' death. Working as an unspeakable she spends two years working on a spell using powder from time turners to go back to Remus's greatest hour of need. What if Remus's greatest time of need wasn't in *this* war?

There was an old argument about Azkaban: what caused the bone chilling coldness? Was it the raging sea and frigid temperatures or was it the Dementors that guarded the prison and sucked all of the life out of the area? This topic of conversation was debated many a time at three in the morning at wizarding pubs all over Europe. What would they do if they were sentenced to Azkaban? Death would be preferable. Death would always be preferable to the living hell that was the fortress in the North China Sea.

It was after the war that conversation about the conditions in the wizarding prison started again, with just as much opposition as there were defenders of the prisoners. However, this time Harry Potter gave his stamp of approval to the press, and change started. The Golden boy could do no wrong. The Dementors were removed and it was determined that it was just a miserable location in general. The temperature and foulness came from the location and not the guards.

Despite the cold, Saul found it to be more cheerful than it was ten years ago. The floors were cleaned and prisoners had faculties and rights to solicitors, medication, and nutritious food. One of the few things that hadn't changed was Randolph, the warden of the facility.

Saul shook hands with the Warden as he emerged from the Floo. He was a portly man in his early eighties with a reddish complexion. After the war, Auggie mentioned Randolph was constantly called Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the inmates who were now sane enough to talk amongst themselves.

"Thank you for taking me so late. I do apologies about the hour."

Warden Randolph waved his apology away. "No problem, Unspeakable Croaker. 'Tis not like we get up to much here anyway. I had inmate Rookwood moved to an interview cell three hours back. The door will be locked for privacy though you will have to surrender your wand before you go in."

Saul nodded, handing his wand over to Warden Randolph. The first time he had been admitted was right after he had been cleared by the DMLE right after the first fall of Voldemort. The entire walk to Auggie, was spent terrified it had all been a trap and he was never going to be let out. The lurking Dementors hadn't helped a bit. Seeing Auggie broken and alone had banished his fears until Warden Randolph had to drag him out. The subsequent visits had banished the terror of being wandless in a prison but leaving Auggie had never gotten easier, only harder.

Saul filled out the appropriate paperwork at the check-in counter and then waited as he was scanned by an Auror and a Healer to confirm he wasn't bringing anything dangerous into the prison. There had been an incident where someone tried to bring a new strain of Dragon Pox into the prison ten years ago. Thankfully, Auggie was on the other side of the prison. The plan, had it worked in full capacity, would have killed everyone in the prison. As it was, ninety inmates died from the outbreak.

Surrendering his clothes, he changed into prison visitor-wear and followed the bulky warden down the grey hall and to the exposed lift. The lift was just two slabs of metal connected by a pole in the middle. Too many inmates had jumped to their deaths before making it to the cells. Saul always held onto the pole in the middle for safety.

Over the years, Saul had gotten used to the procedures and even, to an extent, the Dementors. Since their departure, the gloomy prison had become almost bearable for the Aurors stationed there and the prisoners trapped within its walls. Several months after the Dementors were removed, the old hardened Warden made a request so outlandish that Gawain himself checked Randolph for the imperius curse. After the annoyed and reddened warden was released from the DMLE, he was sent back to Azkaban with his request fulfilled. Two days later the Wizengamot announced that they were scheduling no less than three sessions to further the wizard's progressive ideas.

The public, including the Ministry, was unaware of the specific request made by Warden Randolph. The only reason Saul knew what he asked for was because Auggie was the first among the prisoners to receive an 'incentive' from the Warden.

With the full support of Gawain and the Wizengamot, the Warden created a reward system within the prison. Originally, he asked for literature to occupy the inmates and proper physical and mental medical care. After the Wizengamot sat and discussed it properly, an entire wing was constructed. It included a library, a game room, a proper infirmary, physical exercise room, meditation room, miniature Quidditch Pitch, and several conjugal rooms for patients with spouses outside or inside of the prison. An indoor pitch was a new addition that was requested by several inmates three months ago and was just recently completed.

The Prophet had even begun delivering free newspapers every morning to the prison. It was part of their reforms for their deplorable behavior during the war. They also included several 'feel good' sections within the first several pages. These pages were a specific hit with many prisoners and were often stuck with tape on their cell walls.

The muggle tape came from Harry Potter himself, who made headlines after donating muggle newspapers and crafting supplies to the prison. It wasn't the supplies itself that was shocking to the wizarding world, but the fact that he was donating gifts to inmates that spent his childhood trying to murder him. Within the Ministry however, no one was surprised. Harry Potter was easily one of the kindest souls that had ever walked through their doors. Saul and Kingsley were convinced he would make a phenomenal Minister one day, although they both knew he had no interest. The boy would sooner become a stay at home dad, something Hermione had confessed was a dream of his.

Aside from the collages inside the cells, there was also a muggle arts teacher who came in once a week. She taught free lessons to those who wanted to attend. Few did, but those who participated greatly enjoyed it. Auggie had attended two classes, but ultimately decided it was not for him. Despite his age, Auggie preferred the gym and when he wasn't in the gym he would read, grateful for any new knowledge he could soak up.

"Almost there," groaned Warden Randolph as they turned a sharp corner, he was gripping his hip painfully. Saul nodded, a migraine started from the flickering blue lights in the hallway. Each floor had a different color so that it was easier to identify in an emergency. During the Azkaban breakout, the entire wing below Bellatrix's cell was crushed. The Aurors had no idea who had made it out and who was stuck because of a lack of lighting and paperwork. Thankfully, it was all fixed and up to code after the war. Well, a code was created and then it was made up to the code.

Randolph groaned again and this time Saul decided to speak up. "You know, I could assign a project to some of my Unspeakables to help you out. It's the least I could do, really."

"To make my hip stop hurting? Nah, that was a dark curse when You Know Who broke his servants out of prison. There isn't a healer alive that can fix my leg. Reckon it'll stop working all together soon."

Saul thought about the muggle airport he had used while undercover during the second war. "What about a moving walkway? Something that could go through an entire floor and move you without you having to do the actual walking?"

"Like the carts in Gringotts?" he said nervously. Saul almost laughed, he was probably a cart-vomiter.

"With less jerkiness, obviously."

Randolph exhaled. "I'd be much obliged. I still puke every time I got to go to the bank. Thank Merlin and Nimue my nephew can go for me. Ah, here we are. Per the Head Auror, take your time. Auror Jettson will see you out," he motioned to a lone lanky Auror stationed outside the door. "You got a good one in there, Unspeakable Croaker."

"Thank you, Warden Randolph. Have a good night."

The Warden turned around and began the walk back to his office, limping. Saul nodded to the young Auror and entered the room closing the door quickly behind him.

Auggie, who had been pacing, stopped immediately when he walked into the room. He tore across the room and gripped him tightly. "I was so worried, Saul. You didn't come last night. The Warden even tried to Floo you, but you didn't answer. I couldn't sleep and I owled you this morning but I got the owl back and then this evening Charlotte sent me an owl-"

Saul kissed Auggie on the lips softly. "I'm fine, Auggie. It's been a stressful twenty-four hours."

Auggie melted and held onto his shoulders tightly. He had shed his prison robes and was wearing just a jumper and plain trousers with bright yellow socks with white shapes poking out underneath. Saul was about to comment on them when Auggie asked, "What happened?"

"We should probably sit for this," Saul said slowly. Where did he start? He had so much to say and to ask and he had no idea what or how to start.

"You look overwhelmed," Auggie commented. "Why don't we start with what you had for breakfast and work our way through your day."

"Egg pie," Saul replied smugly as they sat next to each other. Based on the recent scuff marks on the floor, the chairs had been rearranged multiple times in the last hour or two. He noted the horrendous socks were knitted and the little white shapes were badgers. Merlin, he loved his house but he was going to burn those socks the first chance he got. "Then we had a tour of the department with the Hogwarts students. You didn't mention you were in touch with the two students from Hogwarts."

Auggie's face contorted in confusion. "I honestly hadn't realized that I didn't mention it. I mostly help them with homework and random Quidditch moves. Are you upset?"

"No. I just don't like secrets."

"I'm pretty sure I mentioned that I was receiving letters from students."

"You did, but you didn't mention that you had saved their lives."

Auggie rubbed his neck nervously, a trait he had developed in school when he was embarrassed or uncomfortable with a situation. "We, and let's be honest it was mostly you. Also, I didn't know it was them. They only told me recently. They're good kids to be honest, smart too. They're very excited about the Parole Program."

"I spoke to the solicitor. All of the paperwork is in and he thinks we're looking at a Wizengamot hearing some time either at the end of this month or the next."

Auggie scrubbed at his short beard. Even in Azkaban, the wizard had clean nails. "Are you sure you want me to move back home? I can find somewhere else for a while-"

"I've been waiting twenty years for you to come home. It's going to be an adjustment if I stay, but I'm sure we'll be fine."

A loud screeching noise echoed through the room as Auggie's chair scraped backwards, " If you stay?"

"Auggie-"

"I told you, you don't have to leave on my account. I'll find somewhere else to live. The Ministry-"

"I'm not leaving you, Auggie!"

Auggie crossed his arms against his straining shirt. "Really? The Saul Croaker I know never says anything he doesn't mean. So what does it mean when you say, ' if I stay?'"

Saul rubbed his eyes tiredly. "I was planning on talking about several other things before we started fighting about this."

Auggie leaned back in his chair, his shoulders tense and his body language defensive. "I don't understand. Did you meet someone else?"

"No!"

"Why would you spend all of this time… waiting for me if, when I'm finally about to come home you leave?"

"It's not," Saul sighed. How did he explain Radomir Slytherin? "It's not what you think."

"Well, right now I don't know what to think. If you came here to break up with me after two decades, then I'd rather go back to my cell. When you figure out why you're acting like a ponce you know where I am. It's not like I can go anywhere."

Auggie stood storming around the table. As he tried to pass Saul, he reached out and grabbed Auggie's arm. "It has to do with the Department of Mysteries. I may have to leave because of… a problem."

Auggie froze. His mouth open silently and his eyes widened with fear. Dropping to his knees in front of Saul, he gripped his lover's chin.

"Saul," he said slowly, his voice low and deadly. "Saul, what idiotic thing did you do?"

When Saul didn't answer, he gripped his shoulders and shook them. "Saul, please, Merlin, please tell me they aren't going to arrest you. Saul, I can't- Please please don't do this to me-"

"You realize how hypocritical this is right?"

"Saul! Do not make a joke of this!" Auggie tightened his fingers that were now biting into his shoulder.

"It's not- I did a thing, but no one knows about it. I…. I wasn't planning on getting caught, but there is another factor that just got added to the mix. I'm… concerned and extremely overwhelmed."

"You're being cryptic."

Saul shrugged, pushing Auggie's hands off of him. What if he was caught? Changing time was a lifetime in Azkaban worthy offense. "I don't want you to be implicated."

"Then let me take the blame," Auggie begged. He was starting to panic and Saul needed to put a stop to it. He didn't come here to torture Auggie more than he already tortured himself for the war. "You can claim imperius. I'll take the fall and-"

"I offered to be the magical guardians for Charlotte and Orion today."

"What?! What does that have to do-"

"It's highly unlikely that I will be discovered, but if I am, I need you to take care of them. Charlotte's being bullied and Orion… They're us in seventh year, but younger. I don't want them to make the same mistakes we did."

"So, don't do stupid things!"

"It's already done. We'll find out tomorrow."

"What does this have to do with you going away? Saul, I'm confused and you're scaring me."

Saul collapsed in his chair. He couldn't tell him about Hermione but how did he tell him about Radomir? "I need…"

He needed an unbreakable vow.

Extracting himself, he stood up and hurried to the door. Knocking three times, the young lanky Auror opened the door. He murmured his request for a prison-issued wand for a vow. If the Auror thought it was odd, he said nothing. Saul stood in front of the door after it closed composing himself. Silence filled the room and neither made a move to change it. Two minutes later, the auror returned with a simple black wand. Saul signed for it and thanked the wizard.

"I need you to take a vow of secrecy as a former Unspeakable, Auggie."

Auggie stood quickly and pushed his left sleeve up, exposing his mutilated arm. Saul blanched at his bleeding ink between gouged skin. "What-"

"I tried to cut it out with a cursed blade after I was liberated. It obviously didn't work," he said casually. "Start the vow, Saul."

Saul blanched but gripped his partner's forearm. They took the vow quickly before collapsing onto the floor beside one another in exhaustion. Breakfast had been a long time ago. Leaning his head against the wall, their shoulders bumped against each other. Once upon a time Saul was convinced this was the peak that their physical relationship would ever be able to escalate to. Now, he knew so much more. Love, compassion, and warmth so strong it rivalled the sun radiating on the earth.

Coldness descended on him as Auggie stood and retrieved two glasses of water from the table. He returned to his spot, leaning against him casually. As if they didn't have a horrid history, but a love stronger than the trials they faced over the years. A love that was able to outlast a mad wizard that rivaled that of Grindelwald, two wars, social ostracization, and a life-long prison sentence. Folding his legs under him, Auggie handed him a glass of water.

"You're running yourself ragged, Saul. You need to relax. Go on holiday or something."

Saul chuckled. The last time he went on holiday was with Auggie. It was so long ago, he had forgotten where they went. All he remembered was that the ocean was clear and the alcohol had been good. Was there pasta?

"Are you thinking of Cala Pulcino?"

"Was that where we went?"

"You were so drunk, I'm not surprised you didn't remember. It was June of 1981."

"You were so insistent we go," Saul hesitated. Gideon and Fabian had died two days into their four day vacation. How had he never… "Auggie, why did we go to Sicily?"

"You're a smart wizard, Saul. You know why."

"Gideon and Fabian died instead of me?" Saul could feel what little energy he had drained from his face.

"No, the three of you were the targets and Sirius Black, I believe. He had a family matter though, so he was pulled off of the mission. I think his brother's body washed up somewhere in London. Saul, I did what I had to do to protect you and I would do it again."

Saul closed his eyes as he thought of every Order meeting he missed, every skirmish he barely scraped through. He was only alive today because of Auggie. "You could have come to me," he whispered. "I would have protected you. The Order would have protected you."

"The Dark Lord was a master legilimens. He knew what I was doing and chose to ignore it in exchange for my servitude."

" That's what was in your sealed Wizengamot records?" Auggie nodded. " I'm the reason you became a Death Eater?"

Auggie sighed, "No. I wish it was that simple. I went to him foolishly, in my hubris I thought I could outsmart him. I signed my own death over the moment I took his brand."

"What else would possibly- Clementine?" Even thirty years later, the mention of Auggie's little sister caused him immeasurable pain. "But they never officially found out… Merlin, please tell me you weren't there."

Auggie stared at his fingers through his own glass of water. "They took us to the lake in the back of our house. Gave us both this whole lecture about magic and being 'worthy.' Then they immobilised her with a borrowed wand from a local muggleborn and made me watch her drown. It was supposed to be a lesson on blood purity and mistakes. Father claimed it was my mother's fault for being friendly to a mudblood in school. Then they took me out for dinner, like nothing had happened. The next morning they filed a missing persons claim for her after they dropped me off at the Hogwarts Express."

Auggie's eyes were hollow and empty as they met his. Saul gripped their fingers together. "I'm so sorry, Auggie."

"Saul, you're all," his voice cracked. "All that I have left. I need to know that whatever you got yourself into-"

"Do you remember the code -3104?" Auggie's eyes widened and he set his glass down. Whatever he expected, it wasn't this. Saul couldn't say he blamed him.

"How… there are rumors, but no one knows for sure. They're supposed to be a secret group of immortal Unspeakable warriors. That's what the Dark Lord thought, anyway. He had me search for them, but all I could figure out was the general country of origin."

Auggie drained the water from his glass. "He infiltrated their ranks. It's the reason he was able to take over the Ministry. He put Pius Thickness in charge because he needed information on them. Since Pius was under the imperius, he couldn't tell him anything. Gawain took everything with him before he left on the run and I couldn't say anything because of my vows.

"I'd be lying if I told you I knew the whole story because I don't. I also can't tell you when I do find out. The short version is this group wants me to join them. They think I'm the most qualified and given the longevity of the position I believe I am honor-bound to serve for as long as they require me to. They have already informed me that should you be released I still would not be able to take you along with me."

Saul looked to Auggie. His usually composed face was a mess of different emotions at varying stages. Grief, guilt, heart wrenching sadness, and even anger, it was all there on the hard planes of his face.

When he spoke it was barely above a whisper. His body leaning against the wall heavily, as if the wall was the only thing keeping him upright. "I can't lose you, Saul. The thought of you kept me alive and sane all of these years in Azkaban. I don't think I could live without you."

Saul carded his fingers through Auggie's hair. "I don't know what our future holds. Right now, I know that I have two teenagers that need a home and someone to buy them clothes. Charlotte's clothes had so many mending charms it was basically just thread being held together by magic. Orion could care less about his torn trousers and threadbear sweaters. He needs someone to guide him or he's going to fall prey to darkness."

Auggie laughed darkly. "And you think I should be that person? I spent most of my life in prison, Saul."

"You're a good person who made a terrible decision. I trust you and so does the Wizengamot or they wouldn't be entertaining the idea of parole."

Auggie reached into his hair and gently pulled Saul's fingers into his lap. "I don't think I want to leave this place without you on the other side."

They were going in circles and his time was limited. It was always limited when it came to Auggie.

"How about you sleep on it? I actually came with a request from Gawain and Kingsley. They wanted to know if either of the Lestranges disappeared for long periods of time during the second war." As the name left Saul's mouth, comprehension dawned on Auggie's face and he nodded fiercely.

"Rabastan. He disappeared for several months and when he returned… I don't remember much from when I was under the imperius spell, but Lucius Malfoy does. There was an incident in their home. All I remember was being tasked with guarding Narcissa and Draco. I had them hidden in the catacombs… I think I was guarding a book… 7284. I don't… I'm not sure what happened but I think…. I think he tore apart… a Dementor. You Know Who was extremely pleased. There was a witch with him. I was never able to see her face. She-"

Auggie slid down from the wall onto the floor facedown, silent. Saul felt his heart drop through his stomach. He grabbed Auggie's shoulder but he was heavier than Saul and he was barely able to move him. "Auggie?"

Without thinking he sent a patronus to the Auror outside the door. His patronus was barely through the door when Auggie's body began to shake. "Auggie? Talk to me!"

After a moment of sheer terror, Auggie's back flipped over unnaturally. Eyes rolled back into his head and his face white and filled with sweat, he began to seize. His face was contorted with pain as an unearthly scream erupted from his lungs. Saul sent another patronus to the infirmary. "Auggie? Auggie!"

Loud shouts and a bang followed the door being swung open violently. The next several minutes were a blur. Warden Randolph was back as well as ten different staff members. There were shouts as Auggie began to cough up thick black blood. He could feel someone pulling him away from Auggie and a familiar voice shouting for them to ring Mungos immediately.

Auggie was levitated onto a magical stretcher as Healer Thompson shouted at the Aurors casting dark magic diagnostics on the room. Someone yelled for a cursebreaker.

Saul struggled as they rushed down the hall with Auggie. He needed to get to him. He didn't know what was happening but he needed to by his side. He reached out to grab the tail end of the medical stretcher but he was pulled back by the Auror behind him. The wizard's voice was becoming clearer as his hysteria calmed down. Saul barely managed to decipher that he was being offered a calming draught.

"Unspeakable Croaker? Gawain, I really think we should take him to Saint Mungos. The man is clearly in shock." Gawain came into focus beside him and Saul realized he was not being restrained as much as being held upright.

"I think I need to sit down," he murmured. The Auror gripped his arm and started to walk with him towards the table. When had he gone out into the hallway?

"Of course, I'm Auror Potter. Can I get you a glass of water?" Saul blinked and noticed Harry Potter's glasses were cracked. Had he done that? Merlin, he should apologies. The young wizard guided him into one of the two empty chairs by the interrogation table. Saul realized he was waiting for an answer about the water. After a moment of not being able to speak, he nodded yes and the boy took off.

Auggie. Where was Auggie?

Gawain walked over, collapsing into a chair next to him. "They just took him to Saint Mungos. They're making an inquiry since you requested a wand and he was definitely cursed."

Saul nodded numbly, noticing the room was now empty save the two of them. "I made him take a vow before questioning him about Lestrange. He was just starting to answer when he collapsed. We were sitting on the floor… shit. We were arguing. I… Fuck… Gawain, what if he doesn't…. I…"

Saul could feel the air suffocating him as his chest constricted. Something was squeezing his chest and why was there no air?!

"Sir, you're having a panic attack. Breathe in and out, slowly sir. We are going to take you to Saint Mungos to have a Healer look you over." Auror Potter had returned and was holding a glass of water. He turned to Gawain just as Saul lowered his head between his thighs in his desperate search for more precious air. "Sir, I think we should sedate him. This was a big shock and we can't rule out whatever attacked Rookwood won't attack Unspeakable Croaker."

"Agreed. I just need to find out what he learned from Rookwood in case..."

Merlin. No. No. No. No.

"Sir, he's clearly in distress. He needs a Healer, not an interrogation." The two began to argue above his head. Auggie. Where was Auggie?

Auggie was telling him something important. Something about Lucius Malfoy. A book. He mentioned a book.

"7284. 7284. 7284. 7284. 7284. 7284." Who was shouting? Why were they shouting the number of a book on dangerous black forbidden magic?

"That's it!" Potter shouted. "Gawain move or I will move you. He's going to Saint Mungos."

The rim of a potion bottle was jammed into his mouth and the shouts seized immediately. Had it been him? A putrid lumpy liquid slid down his throat, bits of sticking to his throat and tongue. He choked but someone was holding his mouth closed, murmuring softly. "Easy does it. Just swallow the whole thing. It's going to be okay."

Dark hands grabbed at his robes and he felt himself float float float until he was nothing but darkness and terror and then he knew no more.

Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. He could feel a chill in his very bones.

He arched his back lower on the broom, the rough wood tearing through his dragon hide gloves as he urged it forward.

"Faster!" he screamed. He checked the wards again to ensure nothing was amiss. Again, like every time before it the wards were fine. It was as if no one had so much left the Citadel.

Why would Osborne and Phineas skip their daily lessons in the village? They hadn't missed a lesson in over two hundred years. No plagues, famines, religious wars, or world wars had kept them from educating the simple people that lived below their looming citadel. Their citadel may have spent most of the year obscured by the clouds but once or twice a year, when the skies were clear of clouds and snow and rain the villagers could look up and see the splendor and haunting beauty that was above them all year. He was speeding towards the village at the base of the mountain when the smell hit him. It was so acrid and potent that he almost fell off of his broom.

It was the smell of death.

He nosedived towards the small village. Landing several meters away he rushed towards them with his wand drawn.

"Wait, Speaker."

He turned to see a horned viper slithering towards him.

"What is it my brother?"

"Death. Much Death, Speaker. Only sadness and death will you find in that village. Go back to the land of man and mud and get others to help you. Only then, will you be victorious."

"Thank you, Viper but I am a Knight of the Unknown and I am bound to protect the innocent."

The viper sighed sadly, "Then you have already failed, Speaker."

It slithered away as quickly as it came. Shaken, he moved forward. The carnage and destruction was absolute. No one had survived this massacre. He knelt down momentarily to close the lifeless eyes of a terrified child no older than four. The boy's heart had been ripped out of his chest, blood seeping the ground around his tiny lifeless body. What kind of monster-?

Where were the Knights, his brothers-in-arms? How could they allow a-

Sophia.

Merlin, Sophia was still inside the citadel. His wife was the world to him. What would he do without her? How would he live? He took off racing towards his wife, praying to Merlin and Morgana that she was alright.

He should not have prayed so hard.

Radomir jackknifed out of bed, his body drenched with sweat. His heart ached unnaturally and he knew that she was likely close or had been at some point. Repressed memories had a way of coming out while he slept, almost like nightmares brought out a person's darkest fears.

If only that had been a nightmare. Exhausted, he noted the time was well past noon. Getting up, he showered and dressed. Osborne would be arriving soon and he would be furious when he did. Radomir had long since lost his position as the head of the knights of the Unknown, but he still had a lot of work to do.

Grabbing some muggle currency, he rushed out of the catacombs ignoring his father's portrait as he rushed out. Once he was on the Gaunt's property, he apparated to London. He watched as a redhead hurried down the stairs of number twelve Grimmauld place. He waited until she was gone before ensuring the house was empty.

Disillusioned, he slipped inside the Black family ancestral home letting the heavy oak door close behind him with a resounding slam. He had a lot of work to do and little time to do it in, if he didn't want to get caught.

Notes:

And we finally get some Auggie and Saul! Curious, do you enjoy the chapter aesthetics or are they annoying when you are trying to read? Let me know what you think! Also, sorry for the delay its been an insane year filled with too much sadness and challenges. This chapter is for Cat, who reached out on facebook and reminded me that I loved writing.
Also thank you to mrsren for betaing this chapter you're my writing inspiration.

-C