Entering the circular room Katherine was met with the low humming of many tiny trinkets spread throughout the space. The walls were covered with portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses. It was a quirky room – a reflection of the owner's personality.
Katherine looked up curiously. She had been expecting for half the room to wave to her warmly and the other half to curse her. But the portraits were unusually quiet and grim faced today. She followed their line of gaze through the open archways in the room and found what they were giving their full attention too.
Two men stood behind the mahogany desk in the center of the room wrapped deeply in their discussion. Walking up the few steps to join them she found herself surrounded by dozens of books she'd read and hundreds more she'd never given a thought to, though she'd spent hours and hours in the room. The scent of the leather-bound volumes mixed with the lighter, homier scent of dust. On the side of the desk was a marble-and-ivory chess set, where she'd lost a great many matches to one of the greatest wizards in history. Though Katherine was a strong player, no one could blame her for losing. Her opponent was one of the greatest wizards in history.
With a small smile Katherine greeted the tall and thin figure leaning against the center of the desk.
"Enjoying your Summer Albus?".
The conversation between the two men ceased. With the swish of dark purple robes blueish-gray eyes behind silver half-moon spectacles met her eyes.
"You haven't trimmed your beard since I last saw you. I'm telling you if you keep it that way it's going to get caught in something someday." Katherine lectured in mock seriousness.
The older wizard's gloved hand patted down his silvery beard before returning her smile.
"It's useful for the upcoming winter my dear, keeps me warm"
With an outstretched hand the humorous wizard encouraged Katherine to take a seat next to the man wearing all black robes.
Katherine walked over to the other gentlemen and squeezed his arm gently as she took her seat. "Severus".
The stern faced individual gave her a slight nod. Though not as tall as Dumbledore, Severus had a strong, authoritative presence. With his shoulder length, greasy black hair and lips pressed downwards the wizards simple nod would have been viewed as arrogant and cold by any other person. But Katherine knew it was his genuine acknowledgement. After working together for so long little words were needed between the two of them.
Eyes darted between the two individuals, "What have I missed?" Katherine asked.
Severus tossed a newspaper on the desk in front of her. The black bolded headline "Brockdale Bridge Collapses" caught her eye. She grimaced as she saw pictures of the obliterated bridge and the beginnings of a long list of obituaries. "When?"
"Two days ago. Voldermort threatened Fudge that a mass murder of Muggles would take place if he didn't step down as Minister" Severus reported. "Fudge's refusal was not taken lightly by the Dark Lord as you can see".
Katherine closed her eyes "And so he moves on to the next phase of his conquest ….." she whispered bitterly.
"Yes…the Second Wizarding War is upon us" Dumbledore said.
Then there was silence, one long beat. Katherine leaned on the table and though her voice was calm, it was laced with suspicion "But knowing you, I wasn't just called down here to mourn for the coming bloodshed? What do you need from me Albus?"
"Let's have some tea shall we?"
A white tea cup appeared in front of everyone in the room. Katherine sighed. Sometimes she thought Dumbledore's random behavior was just his way of prolonging discussion.
She took a sip from her cup and looked up expectantly.
"With Voldermort's increasing strength and forces Hogwarts will not go unscathed the next time he strikes. Myself included."
"What makes you think we can't stop him this time?" Katherine replied.
Dumbledore slowly removed the glove on his hand and placed it on the table. Her eyes widened at the withered and blackened hand.
Standing up she hurried over to his side and kneeled down to look at the infected hand.
"I found Marvolo Gaunt's ring"
"The Horcrux.." Katherine whispered. "I see you didn't destroy it right away though. Frustration flooded through her but she didn't let it show. "Why did you put it on? You knew it was cursed" she stated coolly.
A small laugh came from the old wizard. "Severus has given me the same lecture. I simply was too weak to fight off the temptation." He placed the glove back on. "It was foolish of me… I was able to halt the curse long enough to find Severus. The curse has been contained in my right hand for now"
Snape's lips pressed into a thin line "Unfortunately the curse can't be contained forever. He has no more than a year to live".
A pained look shot through Katherine. "Albus no… what are you plann-"
Katherine found herself silenced by another one of Dumbledore's mysterious smiles. And all she could do was squeeze the older wizards hand.
"For now I need you to direct your concerns to the remaining Horcruxes. With the limited time I have I will help Harry learn about them and he will have to finish this quest of mine that I started".
Clenching her teeth, Katherine looked away.
"I know the idea of Harry taking up this task pains you. From now on he'll be in more danger than ever before. For that reason I need you at Hogwarts Katherine. With Severus by Voldermort's side you're the only one I can ask for this job".
The frown moved into her eyes "I already told you I wouldn't enter this castle during the school year. If Voldermort finds out about my presence his attack on the school will come a lot sooner than expected. I refuse to bring any more danger to Harry".
"Voldermort's gathering forces and is getting stronger everyday – your knowledge and powers are needed."
A laugh escaped her "What powers Albus? How can I protect him when I couldn't even protect his parents?" she said coldly. "Even Sirius is gone now too". Hands slammed down on the table. "If I get too close again Harry will die just like them!"
Severus appeared at her side. "Katherine what happened to them wasn't just your fault. I take full responsibility for failing that night."
She grabbed Severus's hand "No! It's not my intention to blame you." Her mask of cold composure was slowing slipping.
It wasn't just the fear he could see in the way her fingers shook. It was the complete and utter despair in her eyes. "I just can't take any more."
"You don't have to. That's what I'm here for. We'll both share the weight this time around" Severus reassured her.
"You know how Voldermort thinks and if we combined that with the information Severus gathers you both can ensure Harry's safety. I guarantee you'll find out more information about Voldermort yourself if you stay by his side." Dumbledore stated as he stood up.
"I'll give you some time to consider everything I've said. Perhaps this may help you" he said as he pulled a rolled up parchment from his desk drawer and handed it to Katherine. "But I need answer before the new school term begins".
"What's this?"
Katherine just caught that familiar all-knowing twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes as he and Severus left the room.
Unrolling the parchment she recognized the handwriting immediately.
She reached for the silver letter opener on the desk and carefully slitting open the letter, and drawing out the folded sheets within. As her eyes skimmed the first lines, the blood began to slowly drain from her face, and her breathing slowed as she held back her disbelief that was tinged with absolute grief
June 1996
Kat,
Seeing you sleeping peacefully beside me helps put my heart at ease.
I have never been so blessed as the day I met you, Katherine Harris. I do not regret meeting you from the opposing side, for it is what brought me to you and I could not love you so if you were less than the women I knew now. I love both the strong soldier and the women learning to open up her heart, for they are inseparable and have enhanced the other. I'm impulsive, arrogant, mischievous, over passionate and as you like to call me – a troublemaker through and through. But you kept me in check. Without you I wouldn't have been able to get through the darkest periods of my life.
Together we watched our godson endure and survive again and again. I respect your decision to keep your existence a secret. Despite watching over him from a distance you protected him from attacks countless times. But when the second war begins he'll need more support and guidance than ever.
I know you're scared of putting him in danger. But I believe he has the right to know the truth. If you're thinking he'll hate you because of where you came from you need not be. I know Harry will give you a chance and accept you. Plus it takes one heck of a woman to capture the heart of the infamous Sirius Black.
Just like his father Harry is impulsive and stubborn. At the same time he refuses to show any weakness just like his godmother. You have to make sure he thinks carefully before he acts and remind him the weight of the world doesn't have to be just his burden. More importantly don't forget the small things. Spend the holidays together. Help him with his love life. Make sure he doesn't fail Potions, though I wouldn't blame him because Snape is teaching that class. Watch him fly. Celebrate his birthday. I guarantee the more you spend time together your wounds from the past and my passing will heal over.
Teach Harry to live life to its fullest, tell yourself to do the same.
So do me one favor. Go outside, look at the stars and count them. Don't forget to smile.
Love Always,
Your husband and best friend
Sirius.
Katherine sat for a long time, staring at the words on the paper, though they had long since blurred to non-recognition. Uncontrolled tears began to stream down her face. Gasping, she leaned forward as her shoulders heaved. The letter pressed tightly against her chest.
"A ridiculous romantic till the very end" she choked out as she looked down at the silver ring on her finger.
Wiping her tears dry she took in a deep breath.
A flutter of crimson feathers caught her attention. Looking to the side, Katherine found herself looking at Dumbledore's loyal companion.
"You're waiting for my answer aren't you Fawkes? Well you can tell him that I am ready to accept the request".
