Chapter 5: A Friendly Letter
Cassie awoke a loud crack coming from the living room. She quickly jumped out of bed and ran down the hallway. Glancing around, she saw nothing out of the ordinary so she walked back down the hallway and stopped in front of the spare bedroom, now occupied by Sirius.
I'll just peek in; see if he's asleep yet.
Cassie quietly opened the door and looked towards the bed. It was still drawn up like it was when she left him. Oh no she thought. She opened the door all the way and stepped into the room. Cassie walked over to the bed and looked at the note lying on the pillow.
She read silently, trying hard not to tear up.
Cassie
I'm sorry for leaving like this but I couldn't put you in danger. Thank you for what you did for me tonight. I'm more grateful than you could even imagine. I promise to be in touch, but I can't stay here.
I hope you don't mind, but I took some bread and a small amount of food from the pantry. I'll pay you back, I promise.
Cassie, I'm sorry. I should have told you this sooner. I miss you deeply. I love you Cassiopeia.
Yours fondly,
Sirius
Oh Merlin! What has he done! Cassie dropped the parchment and fell back onto the bed. Her tears that were threatening to fall let loose. I only got to see him for a few hours, she cried.
Cassie cried herself to sleep and didn't wake up until the doorbell rang loudly the next morning.
Ding Dong Ding Dong
Cassie sat up on the bed as the previous night's memories came flooding back. Oi! Who on Earth is here at such an early hour she thought, standing up.
"I probably look like hell. Oh well, can't be too important, no one comes to visit with me" Cassie walked to the front door and opened it. To her astonishment, three Aurors stood on her doorstep.
"Hello. How may I help you?" She asked politely.
"Hello Ms…" the man looked down at his paper, "Cassiopeia Potter. My name is Kingsley Shacklebolt and I'm an Auror with the Ministry of Magic. May we come in?"
"No you may not. What is it that I may help you with?" She asked again, agitated that these men were at her door at a time like this.
"Ah yes. I am in charge of the search for Sirius Black. We're aware that you are the sister of the late James Potter and were wondering if you have had any contact with Sirius since he's escaped."
Cassie felt her heart jump. I figured they'd be here sometime, but not this soon! They work fast!
"No I have not. I'm sorry." Cassie went to shut the door but was stopped by Mr. Shaklebolt.
"You did visit him only four days before his escape, did you not?"
Cassie could see this was not going to go well. I should just tell him everything. NO! Don't do that! He came to you for help! You can't turn him in!!
"I did. Is it a crime to visit a prisoner?" Cassie asked rudely. The more she spoke to him, the less she liked him.
"We were only wondering because he was charged and convicted of having your brother and sister-in-law murdered."
"Yes, well I do not believe he did it as I'm sure you are aware. And he was not convicted; he was sentenced without a trial. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to attend to and I do not want to stand here being accused of something I have not done. Thank you and good day." Cassie succeeded in shutting the door on the Aurors and then collapsed into it. She sank to the floor and felt even more tears well in her eyes.
"Oh Sirius!" she moaned quietly. "Why did you have to come here? Why did you have to leave?" Cassie let the tears fall and continued to sob quietly.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
Months went by and before Cassie knew it, it was time for Christmas. She had yet to receive a letter from Sirius letting her know that he was okay. She had however, received one from Remus, asking her to spend the Christmas holidays with him at Hogwarts and she happily accepted, eager to leave her lonely flat.
Cassie packed her bag and apparated to Hogsmeade where Remus promised to meet her.
"Hullo Cassie!" Madam Rosmerta called as soon as Cassie had entered the Three Broomsticks.
"Hullo Rosie. How are you doing?" "Quiet well. Quite well." Rosmerta responded, and soon busied herself with her customers.
Cassie sat down at a table and ordered tea while she waiting for Remus to arrive. She glanced around the establishment and watched as the other patrons entered and left.
"Cassie!" A voice called from behind her.
"Oh Remus! It's so good to see you!" Cassie stood up and gave the man a hug.
"Sorry it took me so long, I had to visit Severus, he's been making…" he dropped his voice low. "That potion for me."
"Oh that's right! I completely forgot, I'm sorry!" Cassie squeezed his hand for comfort.
"It's okay. Come, come. Let's get up to the castle. Unfortunately it's almost nightfall and the dementors have been patrolling earlier and earlier."
"Oh dear, dementors at Hogwarts?" Cassie said fearfully. Oh how she hated those creatures, as did everyone else.
"Yes. They've been here since the term started. The minister believes they'll keep Sirius Black away and hopefully catch him." Remus looked at her, "You haven't seen him, have you?"
Cassie quickly glanced up at him. "No, why would I?" She asked carefully, trying to keep her voice steady.
"No specific reason. I simply figured he would come to visit you. You are the only one who believes him." Remus looked at her curiously. "You're not lying to me, are you?"
Cassie laughed. "When have I ever lied to you? Come now. Let's get a move on. I want to get inside as soon as possible."
Remus eyed her cautiously. He wasn't quite sure she was telling the truth, but decided not to push the subject. I'll find out eventually.
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
They quickly arrived at the school and walked up to Remus' room. He smiled sadly once they entered. "Sorry, it's quite messy. The full moon and all, I haven't been able to reorganize."
"Oh no matter. It's not like I'm staying long; just through the holidays."
Cassie put her bag down on the small cot in the corner and sat down. She looked around and saw that the room definitely showed that Remus Lupin lived there. The book shelves were full of trinkets and books on magic. The room was warm and inviting, and Cassie felt comfortable immediately.
"Cassie." Remus began. He was trying to figure out how to approach the subject of her nephew, Harry. "I think that it might be good for you if while you're here, you spoke with Harry." Cassie looked up, alarmed. "Professor Dumbledore believes it would be a good idea, you know, since Sirius is on the run and all. He feels it is time Harry begins to learn about his family."
"Oh Remus! He's going to hate me! I haven't seen him since he was a baby! What's he going to think of me?"
"You'll explain Petunia and Vernon to him and…"
Her voice wavered, "Yes, but that doesn't explain why I haven't written to him while he was at school!"
"He'll understand. Just tell him the truth." Remus looked at her sympathetically. "It's okay. I'll make sure I'm with you, if you want. He trusts me."
Cassie looked up at him. Remus Lupin was her only friend, well, the only one left who still spoke to her. Cassie smiled. "Fine. Is it okay if I write him a letter? I think I can do more justice if I write it down. And that way, if he wants to speak with me, he can. And if he decides he does not want to speak with me, he won't have to."
"Yes. I believe that would be a good idea. 'Put the ball in his court' as the American muggles say." Remus smiled. "Cassie, it will be alright. He is James' son after all. He can't stay mad for very long."
"I'll draft a letter tonight. Then let you read it over, so you can make any corrections if need be. But right now, I believe I'm going to take a nap. It was quite a long trip."
"Good idea. I have a few more classes before the end of the term so I'll be gone for a few hours. Enjoy your nap." Remus kissed the top of her head. "It will be okay. I promise."
Remus left as Cassie pretended to fall asleep. Once she was sure he had gone, she sat up and rummaged around for parchment and a quill.
Dear Harry,
You do not know who I am and for that I am sorry. My name is Cassiopeia Potter and I was your father's younger sister and your godmother…