Chapter 13: After the Transformation

Cassie sat on her bed in the hospital wing, staring at the white curtain. She jumped off the bed and ran into Madam Pomfrey's office.

"I need to speak with Professor Dumbledore. Where can I find him?" Cassie was out of breath, her eyes begging the nurse to tell her.

"I can not allow you out of this office…" she was about to finish her sentence when someone stepped into the office.

"Ms. Potter, may I speak with you?" Cassie spun around, face to face with the bearded professor.

"Of course. I was just going to find you." The two stepped out of the office and Cassie pulled the door shut.

"Sirius is asking for you and he refuses to speak with me about what happened tonight until he speaks with you. Would you like to speak with him? I can only guarantee a few minutes. The minister will be arriving soon."

"That is exactly what I was going to ask you. May I? Please sir?" Cassie looked up at him hopefully. "Sir, he didn't do it. He wasn'…" Dumbledore held up a hand, silencing her.

"Please, follow me, quietly."

Cassie followed Prof. Dumbledore out of the hospital wing and up to Professor Flitwick's office. "You have a half an hour at the most. I will alert you when the minister arrives."

Cassie nodded and opened the door. Stepping into the room, she looked around, seeing the skinny, dirty man sitting on the floor, staring out the window. The door shut behind her and he looked up, meeting her eyes.

"Hi," she whispered. Walking swiftly to where he was seated, she kneeled down beside him. She took his hand and brought it to her lips, kissing the back.

"Oh Cassie…" he whispered. "I'm sorry. I've hurt you again…" he caressed her cheek and she felt the tears stream down her face.

"Shh. Don't talk. It's okay Sirius. Shh I love you, so much." She kissed his cheek, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

"Cass, I have to tell you. They're going to perform the kiss," he shuddered; tears falling form his sad grey eyes. "I'm sorry! Oh I'm so sorry! I…" he trailed off, lowering his gaze to rest on his dirty robes.

"Oh Sirius!" She pulled him to her, resting his head against her chest. "I'm going to stop them. I won't let them do that to you! I can't lose you again. Not after I just got you back." Cassie felt the tears fall, staining her pink cheeks as they fell.

"Cassie, there's nothing you can do. Not unless you can get Wormtail… I'm sorry we…"

"Shh. The dementors are not going … they won't. Dumbledore won't let them. We'll find a way. I promise! I can't lose you again." Cassie started to speak again but was interrupted by the door to the office opening.

Prof. Dumbledore stood in the doorway. "Cassie, the minister is here. You must leave."

Cassie hugged Sirius again and kissed his neck. "I love you," she whispered. "I'll see you soon."

She kissed him again and stood up. She walked to the door and turned back, meeting his eyes with hers. "I love you," she said quietly and walked out of the room.

She followed Prof. Dumbledore back to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey gave her a potion to sleep for a short while and she lay back down on her bed. Her eyes fixed on the white curtain, studying the threads until she fell asleep.

VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV

Cassie awoke later, still in the hospital wing. She heard Harry yelling at Dumbledore abut Sirius being innocent. She jumped out of bed and ran to the tall professor.

"Professor" she said. "It's…" Cassie began but was silenced with a look.

"Ms. Potter, I suggest you lie back down." He turned to Madam Pomfrey and Snape. "I need to speak with Ms. Granger, Mr. and Ms. Potter alone. Would you please excuse us?"

"Now Headmaster? They are my patients and I must insist…"

"This cannot wait Poppy." Madam Pomfrey and Snape left the room, scowling as the walked out the door. As soon as the door was shut, Harry and Hermione began their story.

Cassie remained silent, watching the Professor. "No one can vouch your story. Professor Lupin is unavailable in the Forest and won't be able to be spoken to until far too late. We need more time, Ms. Granger." Dumbledore's eyes sparkled. "Three turns should do it, but you must be back before the clock chimes or I'm not sure of the consequences." Cassie started to speak, but stared at the professor as he walked out of the room.

Hermione pulled a long chain from beneath her blouse and wrapped it around Harry and herself. "Ms…Cassie, are you coming?" She asked as Cassie continued to stare.

"Uh... no. I can't. Believe me, you don't want me along. The two vanished and Cassie walked back to her bed. "Oh Sirius. What is going to happen?" she moaned.

"Aunt Cassie?" she heard from in front of her. "Harry, back already?"

Harry smiled. "It's done." Cassie jumped up from her bed. "Oh Harry! That's wonderful!" She pulled her nephew into a tight embrace. Hermione looked on, embarrassed and Cassie pulled her in too.