Hey guys, I want to thank all of the reviewers: your comments are so thoughtful and encouraging. Although, I am sad to say that this is the last chapter. I hope you have enjoyed my mini adventure with this. Things will become even more crazy (crazier from last chapter, if that's possible! Right?), and we are skipping a good amount of time, to the year . . . well, you can find out for yourself. Please read and review, love always - Mysterious Victoria :)
Epilogue:
"There's been no deaths. No proof!" Arthur Weasley explained.
"He almost killed Harry last year. That's not proof enough?!" Sirius Black argued furiously.
"Yes, but guarding . . . you-know-what is the important thing! We have to trust Dumbledore on this." Arthur explained seriously.
"Did he protect Harry last year?" Sirius countered. "Tonight, I say we take action."
"Sirius, Fudge is a politician first, and second, he's a wizard! His first instinct will be to ignore this!"
"Shh. Shh. Keep your voices down!" Molly demanded.
"He's getting stronger and stronger by the minute! We have to act now," Sirius argued. He was looking into the doorway of the Black dining room, and he started smiling. Harry Potter smiled back at him and his former teacher, Remus Lupin. The two men then looked up to see the woman behind Harry Potter, Cassandra Walker. She smiled brightly at the men, and they returned it to the both of them. Molly Weasley though came around the corner, noticing the sudden distraction, but brightened when she saw Harry,
"Oh, Harry,"
"Mrs. Weasley,"
"Hey Molly," Molly went out and shut the door to keep them from distractions and from Harry overhearing them.
"Hello Cassandra, and thanks heavens, Harry, you're alright," She hugged him first, and then went to Cassandra. "Harry – you look a bit peaky, but you're going to have to wait until dinner's finished." He was going to retort, but Molly, knowing her, stopped him, "No time to explain that dear, you'll find Ron and Hermione straight upstairs, the first door on the left." Harry went upstairs; Molly turned to Cassandra. They started walking back to the kitchen. Cassandra, now twenty-one, had joined the Order of the Phoenix, and she had also become an Auror. She had grown only a bit taller, she was a bit skinnier, and her hair had grown from its shoulder-length when she was in school.
"Sorry I'm late," Cassandra said taking off her coat.
"You were escorting Harry. We did have to expect that." Sirius said as she sat down in a chair across from Remus and next to Sirius.
"So, brief me. What did I miss?" Cassandra asked.
"Well, we discussed whether we should tell Harry about the situation . . ." Arthur explained hesitantly.
"We should because–"
"No Sirius. He is just a boy!" Molly protested angrily.
"Molly, on behalf of Sirius," Cassandra started. She turned to Sirius, whom she had the suspicion (which was correct) that he was giving her a look, "although I am sure he can speak for himself, I think, professionally speaking, we should tell Harry. Harry might know more than we do, and quite frankly, I'm willing to believe that." Cassandra stated. Molly gaped, "Simply because he does talk with Dumbledore quite often, more than probably some of us Order members do." Sirius smirked proudly, "I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore has given him information."
"But there would be a specific reason if Dumbledore told us not to tell him! Ron and Hermione weren't allowed to write him all summer." Molly explained.
"So does that mean no else will know about this?" Cassandra asked incredulously. Molly looked enraged when she said that; supposedly she knew what Cassandra meant.
"We are not telling the kids this! It is too advanced and mature for them!" Molly argued. Sirius leaned back in his chair and sighed, shaking his head.
"Molly, if anyone has the right to know, it's Harry." Remus stated simply.
"Remus–"
"If it wasn't for him, this isn't the position we'd be in now. We wouldn't evenknow Voldemort had returned!" Cassandra defended quite bluntly. Kingsley shifted uneasily in his seat at the mention, and Arthur looked a little surprised that she mentioned his name.
"But he's still–"
"He is not a child Molly." Sirius said matter-of-factly and irritated.
"He's not an adult either. He's not James, Sirius!" Molly argued red growing in her cheeks.
"I think I know who he is, thanks Molly." Sirius replied even more irritated.
"I don't think you do! The way you talk about Harry, it's like got your best friend back!" Molly retorted angrily.
"I think Harry should hear it from us, rather than having the Ministry bastards filling their heads!" Sirius spat angrily. Molly sighed exasperatedly.
"Well," Molly said eyeing Cassandra or Remus for help, but nothing came from them, "I can see I'm going to be overruled. But I'll say this: Dumbledore has a good reason for not letting Harry know too much, and speaking to someone who has Harry's best interests at heart–"
"He's not your son, Molly," Sirius replied tired of hearing this.
"He's as good as. Who else has he got?" Molly asked a bit haughtily.
"He's got me." Sirius seethed.
"How paternal of you Black," Professor Snape came out of his corner and towards the table with his arms crossed. "Maybe he'll grow up to be a felon just like his godfather." Sirius was about to say something, but Cassandra was one step ahead,
"Severus, please, stay out of this." Cassandra said. Professor Snape looked quite taken back that she had called him by his first name. Sirius's anger dropped within an instant, and he tried to hide his snicker. Remus raised his eyebrows. They exchanged glances; Sirius was rather pleased while Remus was rather shocked although he was trying to hide his smile.
"How dare you–"
"I am no longer your student, and I am an Auror. Remember that, Professor." Cassandra reminded mildly. "The last thing we need coming from this, is old grudges coming out of the blue." Professor Snape fumed, but remained where he was for a moment, before he stormed out of the room. Sirius now in turn raised his eyebrows, trying not to laugh. Molly, though, decided to say, a little intimidating,
"Well, with you locked up, Sirius, it's been a little hard for you to look after Harry, hasn't it?" Sirius's face dropped and angered as he stood up. Cassandra and Remus stood up simultaneously, but Cassandra got hold of Sirius and held him back, stepping in front of him.
"You're not the only one here who cares about Harry, Molly." Remus replied as he eyed Sirius.
"Sirius," Cassandra whispered. "Sit down." Sirius sat down slowly, glaring at Molly.
"That is enough for a meeting," Kingsley commented.
"It's almost dinner, right Molly?" Arthur asked with a questioning eyebrow to Molly.
Molly turned her husband, while slightly calming down, nodded and replied, "Yes, actually, we should call the kids down. Before the food gets cold." She started calling them down as Sirius went to get another drink. In the background, they could hear Molly yelling to them:
"Just because you're allowed to do magic, does not mean you have to whip out your wands for everything!" Cassandra shook her head and chuckled as she went over to Remus.
"You know, you shouldn't do that to Severus," Remus said. "He does get quite a temper."
"I know Remus, believe me, I had to suffer seven years of him for Potions. I know he has one. But I'm a higher rank of authority at the moment, aren't I?" Cassandra replied with a proud smirk. Remus shook his head as he and Cassandra joined Sirius at the door.
"Harry Potter,"
"Sirius." Harry embraced his godfather with the biggest smile on his face. Remus leaned against the wall smiling. Cassandra smiled; in her past couple of months visiting Grimmauld Place, she hadn't seen Sirius that happy. Sirius chuckled and let Harry go while giving him a pat on the back. They broke and smiled at each other, going downstairs for dinner.
"It's peculiar. Your hearing is going to be in front of the entire Wizengamot." Arthur explained re-reading the letter handing it to Cassandra.
"I don't get it. What's the Ministry of Magic got against me?" All went silent. Remus, Sirius, Kingsley and Cassandra were looking at each other, a bit nervously.
"Show him." Moody said to Kingsley. "He'll find out soon enough," Kingsley gave Harry the Daily Prophet. His face went white, and his expression changed from its confused state.
"He's been attacking Dumbledore as well," Sirius explained.
"Fudge is using his power and his influences within the Prophet," Cassandra started explaining. All eyes were on her as she explained, "To wipe away the fact that Voldemort has returned."
"Why?" Harry asked even more confused.
"The minister thinks Dumbledore is after his job." Remus explained matter-of-factly while ringing his hands.
"What? That's insane! No one in their right mind would think–" Harry said incredulously. Remus interrupted him,
"That's exactly the point, Harry! Fudge isn't in his right mind; it's been twisted and warped by fear." Remus explained, "Fear makes people do terrible things, Harry. The last time Voldemort gained power, he almost destroyed everything we hold most dear," Remus explained further. Listening to what Remus was saying, Sirius looked downward. "Now that he's returned, Fudge doesn't want to face that terrifying truth,"
"We think," Sirius started explaining once again, "that Voldemort wants to build up his army again. You see, fourteen years ago, he had huge amounts at his command, not just witches and wizards, but also dark creatures." Harry's teen face was so serious and in thought; it surprised Cassandra to see him have become so grown up since she last saw him, which were her last days as a student in Hogwarts.
"He's been recruiting heavily; we've been trying to do the same." Cassandra also explained as Harry turned to her. "Gathering followers isn't the only he's interested in."
Moody cleared his throat, making sure Cassandra or Sirius did not give away too much information. Cassandra sighed quietly getting very annoyed, but Sirius continued:
"We believe that . . . Voldemort may be after something,"
"Sirius." Harry kept looking back and forth from Moody to Sirius.
". . . Something he didn't have last time," Sirius explained.
"Like a weapon, you mean?" Harry asked confused. Sirius opened his mouth,
"No. That is enough. He's just a boy! If you say anymore, you might as well induct him into the Order!" Molly said enraged. Sirius sighed impatiently and leaned back in his seat as if he was being yelled at by a teacher.
"Good. I want to join. If Voldemort's raising an army, I want to fight." Harry said angrily and plainly. Sirius smiled and showed an arm at him to Molly, which made her gape once again. Sirius cast a quick glance at Harry and winked in encouragement. Cassandra shook her head with a smile on her face.
School had started not very long after Harry's trial, which was a success because he was cleared of every charge. Sirius was now condemned to months of loneliness in Grimmauld Place, but Cassandra was offered to stay with Sirius. Professor Dumbledore (with some advice from Remus) said it would be better for the both of them, if they kept each other company because they both lived alone. Cassandra took the offer having grown closer to Sirius as she did to Remus, but in a different way of course. Ever since she had left Hogwarts and knew of Sirius's innocence and his friendship with Remus, the two of them became acquainted and got along very easily. She had given up her apartment and basically moved in with Sirius; he didn't mind the company and nor did she. Ever since her boyfriend, Gregory Falmouth had died in a crossfire at the Quidditch World Cup a year beforehand, she had been alone in her apartment and working in her office at the Ministry. Remus also visited the two from time-to-time on the weekends.
One particular night in late August, only a few days after school had begun, Cassandra had come in late and was feeling angry. Her boss had given her plenty of crap that she didn't need to hear or endure through the day. They didn't get along most of the time, but they worked and were fine with that fact anyway. Until today where he could not stop criticizing everything and anything that Cassandra was doing and had today. She almost got fired, but Kingsley Shacklebolt happened to be walking by and stopped anything else from happening, coming to Cassandra's aid. Sirius was more than aware of that fact when she slammed the door coming in.
"Cassandra?" Sirius called as he ran up the stairs.
"Yes Sirius?" she said turning around calmly, but not concealing the anger in her voice and eyes.
"Was work not pleasant today?" Sirius asked easily.
"Not at all!" Cassandra exclaimed.
"Well, come with me," Sirius said as Cassandra was about to turn to her room, "Tell me all about it."
"What–?"
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing Cassandra." Sirius reassured smiling as the confused and befuddled Cassandra was lead to the living room of the Black House. Cassandra basically spiller her mind to Sirius, who remained quite at ease and supportive, nodding on the occasion to Cassandra's story. She spent a half an hour telling in full detail her story; then Sirius took about ten minutes consoling her first, and then explained what she could do to help her. Although, some of the suggestions weren't of the calmest or best approaches to the situation and were rather dangerous in a way towards her job and mischievous, Cassandra didn't take them too seriously to mind, but appreciated Sirius's thinking. Somehow, they managed to get on the subject of their parents. Sirius, of course, basically cursed his parents but talked about them anyhow, and Cassandra almost praised hers.
"You know, my parents would never let me have a dog." Cassandra said shaking her head. Sirius raised his eyebrows in surprise; yet, secretly, he was eager to find out.
"Really?" Sirius asked, "Why?" She shrugged.
"I'm not entirely sure, I think my father had an issue with a dog once in his childhood and didn't want another one." Cassandra explained, thinking back, "But I always got those, um, the Muggle toy, stuffed animals, I think they're called?" Sirius nodded, "Yeah, I had plenty of those, but I always loved my black dog." Cassandra smiled and chuckled, "When I was a little girl, I got a black stuffed dog for my seventh birthday, and I took him everywhere with me. He was my guardian for those bad dreams, you know?" Sirius nodded, and they both laughed. "Thanks again Sirius," He shrugged.
"It wasn't a problem." Sirius said with a smile.
"Good night Sirius,"
"Night Cassandra," The two hugged, which made Sirius's smile grow. When they broke, Cassandra went up the stairs, and Sirius leaned against the railing post, watching her every step. He came to an interesting conclusion . . . he was having feelings for Cassandra. More than friendly. A mischievous smile crossed his lips as he looked up the stairs. He transformed into Padfoot and trotted lightly up the stairs.
Cassandra was sleeping soundly in her bed as Sirius poked his head through her door an hour later. She didn't wake up, so he trotted through the door on the tip-toes of his paws. To Sirius's disadvantage, he stepped on a plank of wood in the room, which he forgot was creaky. So, a loud and horrible, high-pitched creak came from underneath his paw. Cassandra opened her eyes to see the dog, shocked at first, but she proper herself up in bed to examine the dog in the moonlight that streamed brightly into her room.
Cassandra observed the shaggy yet (to her at least) cute black dog, and she smiled. She quietly got out of bed as the dog backed away a little.
"No, no, it's alright, I'm not gonna hurt you." Cassandra whispered kneeling down on the floor and beckoning the dog over. The dog then moved over, without hesitation, and Cassandra started to pet the dog. "There you go," She scratched behind its ears, which it seemed to like because closed its eyes. "You like that, huh?" Cassandra chuckled. "You wanna sleep with me tonight?"
All Sirius could think of for an answer was yes, yes, yes! He hadn't expected that, but he was quite alright with it. Although he was a dog, his very perceptive mind did catch how beautiful she looked in her pale purple nightgown. With her hair down like that, she seemed so much more beautiful to him in the moonlight. He wagged his tail enthusiastically and barked quietly. "Shh now, I don't Sirius to wake up." He chuckled to himself; I'm right here honey. The Padfoot form of Sirius went into bed with Cassandra, and the two slept the night away, close to each other.
At breakfast the next morning, Cassandra told of her adventure, which Sirius played dumb to and made a story for this dog. So, it was quiet for the next week. The dog came in for five of seven nights, but his presence would soon be noticed. Cassandra was coming home one night, and Sirius had decided to be Padfoot for awhile, thinking Cassandra was coming home at her usual time. Yet, Cassandra came home early, so as she was about to call out for Sirius, she saw the dog. She became quiet and followed it, but then Sirius transformed without knowing Cassandra was behind him. She gaped in utter disbelief and disgust.
"Sirius?" she asked as he stopped dead in his tracks. He whipped around and was gaping, trying to figure out what to say.
"Cassandra, I,"
"Better be sorry! Why did you lie to me?!" Cassandra asked incredulously.
"I, I,"
"Is it because you wanted to get in bed with me?!" Cassandra said in realization with wide eyes.
"No! No, no! Nothing like that," Sirius said as he grabbed Cassandra by the wrist because she was going to walk out on him, "I didn't want to g-get in bed with you, no, I-I just wanted you to feel better," Cassandra's forehead scrunched in confusion, "Because you've been down and angry, I just wanted to help; I'm sorry that I lied. I just wanted to help, but you weren't telling me anything, so I didn't have another choice because I wanted to help you," Cassandra's face washed over in realization. She nodded. She was about to walk away again, but decided against it and said,
"I'm sorry, but thanks for being . . . the dog, I'm assuming that's why they called Padfoot." Cassandra said chuckling, which Sirius nodded to, "If you don't mind though, I really don't want to talk about what's bothering me otherwise . . . it's painful for me." Sirius nodded understanding exactly how she felt. "Good night," They hugged, in a friendly embracive way before Cassandra parted up the stairs.
As previously mentioned, Remus visited the two from time-to-time. Remus, however, paid an unexpected visit on a Friday night in late September when Cassandra had not returned from her work at the Ministry. He hadn't visited since late August and figured it would be a nice surprise.
"Hey Padfoot," Remus greeted with a smile.
"Moony," Sirius greeted with a smile in return. He seemed happier, which surprised Remus a bit, and Sirius happened to notice his look and question, "What's up?"
"You seem – happier." Remus said plainly. Sirius shrugged.
"Having company is turning out to be good for me." Sirius said.
"It should." Remus agreed. "With at least someone besides Kreacher at least,"
"I do not count Kreacher as living person." Sirius said shaking his head conjuring himself a glass of water. Remus again shot him a look. "What? You know I always say that about Kreacher–"
"No, I know that. I mean – since when did you drink water?" Remus asked. Sirius gave him a look and then pondered carefully on his answer.
"I've always drank water."
"Not lately. The last time I was here, you were drinking Firewhiskey or muggle beer. You had been doing that since June." Remus said shaking his head. Sirius shrugged. Remus eyed him again as Sirius sat down. He offered Remus a seat, and Remus took it, now changing the subject, "But besides that, you and Cassandra are getting along well I take it?" Sirius nodded while taking a sip of his water.
"Very much so." Sirius replied, "She's a very nice girl, good company, and a very good cook." Remus rolled his eyes with a half-smile. "Remus, what exactly happened to her boyfriend?" Remus shot him a close look; Sirius was little curious, "Did he dump her for some blonde tramp or something?"
"He died at the Quidditch World Cup. He was caught in a crossfire with a couple Death Eaters." Remus explained seriously. Sirius flinched.
"That's probably the reason why." Sirius muttered before taking a sip of his water. "She's been a bit down lately. She's always looking at this bracelet she has on . . ."
"Does it have a gold chain with different gemstones on it?" Remus asked curiously. Sirius looked a bit taken back that he knew it, but nodded.
"Yes,"
"I figured. That was the bracelet given to her from Gregory, her boyfriend, at their graduation." Remus explained sadly. Sirius eyed his friend, "What?"
"You were jealous?" Sirius presumed. Remus shook his head.
"No, I was quite happy, actually." Remus replied with a shrug, "But it's a problem that she keeps loosing everyone she loves." There was a silence and then Sirius said,
"I want to do something for her, Moony. It's been going on like that for awhile."
"Well, I'm not entirely sure what you could do because I don't know what exactly she's done for you," Remus said. Sirius's eyes suddenly widened with an idea.
"That's it!" Sirius quickly ran out of the room and down the hallway; Remus stared after him curiously. Remus soon heard a crash of something glass and more items crashing to the floor in the next room. He shook his head as he could hear Sirius cursing at the books and cursing his mother for putting them there. Remus conjured himself something to drink as his friend came carrying some dusty, thick books. He dropped them on the table with a bang and with a cloud of dust erupting from them. "I'm going to make her dinner." Sirius said determinedly.
"And you need – cooking books – to do that?" Remus asked a little preposterously. Sirius gave his friend a look.
"I need it to be – the best thing she's ever had in her life." He started flipping through the old pages for something rather quickly.
"There's something in particular you're looking for Padfoot?"
"Yes, it was my favorite dish that my hag of a mother made that didn't try to poison me." Sirius explained his eyes not leaving the pages. Remus rolled his eyes. "Half roast chicken with lemon and herb butter, parsley mash and vegetables. That's it."
Only two hours later, Sirius had everything arranged exactly the way he had wanted. With a bit of Remus's help with cooking considering the fact that he had not done it since his time before Azkaban, he was able to make the chicken with success. He had cleaned up the place a little, and he set the dining room table up with various decorations including candles and a tablecloth. He cleaned himself up a little as well. He was quite sure that this was going to not only surprise Cassandra, but also boost her spirits up a little bit. Maybe his spirits will as well.
Cassandra came in quietly at around eight o'clock. Since there were no main lights on, she quiet took off her coat and fixed her hair a little in the mirror. She walked down towards the living room, she looked upstairs on the many floors, and Sirius was not there. She frowned as she started to walk back down, and then she heard soft music. She went down a little faster to find Sirius in the dining room, in very nice clothes or fancier than she had seen him before, with a decorated table. She laughed as Sirius pulled out a chair.
"Sirius, what are you doing?" Cassandra asked shooting him a look even though she was smiling.
"It's about time you received a little relaxation." Sirius said warmly while holding out his hand. Cassandra smiled gently and took his hand. The two had dinner to some light wizard music and laughed and talked in animated conversation for more than an hour. Cassandra was laughing heartily; Sirius had just finished telling Cassandra how James and Lily kissed for the first time in his seventh year at Hogwarts, and he explained that beforehand, James had tried to make a move on Lily, which scared her so badly that her water that she was drinking was splashed over him.
"That is absolutely hilarious." Cassandra said through her laughter. Sirius smiled widely and laughed as well.
"I know, I was there to see it." Sirius said. "Cassandra,"
"Hmm?" Sirius leaned over and kissed her, gently pulling her face to his. Cassandra responded at first, but grabbed hold of his hands and stopped the kiss. "Sirius,"
"What?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Do we have to do it right here?" Cassandra asked. Sirius smirked. It took them all of five minutes to clean up their dinner and Apparate upstairs to Sirius's room.
"I definitely wasn't expecting this."
"Nor was I . . . you are just so intoxicating,"
"I'll take that as a compliment." Cassandra and Sirius kissed again, passionately.
"You are just an amazing woman, and your scent is so infatuating." Sirius said.
"My scent is a strong one then?" Cassandra assumed blushing.
"Very . . . pleasing." Sirius replied quietly as he edged nearer. She leaned in, and they kissed. His hands now went up her back, bringing her closer to him. Cassandra ran her fingers through his curly hair; she smiled into the kiss at his dare. The two fell down on top of the bed, continuing their kiss.
"Sirius?"
"Hm?"
"You are, one of the best kissers, I know." Sirius shook his head and laughed. "I swear, I've had my share of boyfriends, not saying that I had started at young age or inappropriately, but enough to know." Sirius looked back down at Cassandra and smiled gently. She returned the smile.
"I've been told." Sirius said, shrugging. Cassandra laughed as Sirius smirked, "Now, where were we?" he asked. The smile continued to grow on Cassandra's face as he answered, "We were, right . . . here," He kissed her up and down her neck as Cassandra leaned her head backward. She could not believe she was doing this, and with him of all people! He smiled as he pressed his lips to hers again. Cassandra didn't leave Sirius's room until eight o'clock the next morning for breakfast. Yet, she wished she hadn't for two reasons.
"I'll be right back Sirius," Cassandra said, tying his bathrobe around her a little tighter as she walked out of his room. She shook her head as she walked down the stairs. She went down, smiling her butt off, yet didn't realize what mess she would possibly bring herself into until she went into the kitchen.
"Good morning Cassandra,"
"Oh, hello, Remus, what're you doing here, so early?" Cassandra asked kindly, secretly fear growing up inside of her as she pulled the bathrobe around her tighter.
"Came in to drop by; I brought you guys some breakfast. Unless I'm catching you at an inconvenient time . . ." Remus said eyeing Cassandra.
"Oh no, I was just going to take a quick shower. Sirius should be down in two minutes; I'll get him." Cassandra walked off normally and then frantically up the stairs. She went into Sirius's room quickly which made Sirius jump up.
"Hey, hey, what's wrong?"
"Remus. Downstairs. Right now; brought us breakfast. Get your ass downstairs and stall so I can take a shower." Cassandra said worriedly.
"Alright, alright, take a breather. Go into the shower, calm down," Sirius said as Cassandra nodded. He kissed her before quickly getting into some clothes before Apparating himself halfway down his flight of stairs, and he leisurely walked in to greet his friend.
Cassandra, on the other hand, in the shower, was shaking with absolute anxiety and fear. Why was Remus here? I don't remember him ever coming just to bring us breakfast for the heck of it. What would happen if Remus found out that we had . . . ? Those were the horrified and confused thoughts running through Cassandra's head. She cleaned herself and dressed in a grey, long sleeve dress and put up her hair a French braid before going down to find Sirius and Remus talking animatedly. It was good; he didn't know.
Harry and the Weasleys were spending Christmas over Grimmauld Place. Sirius and Cassandra had suggested and talked about telling Harry about their relationship. She didn't have to mention the relationship with Remus, but since it was Harry's godfather, it was a different matter. The two had decided that they would explain to Harry about their relationship. It seemed the only reasonable choice in the matter. Unfortunately, due to the fact that there were so many rooms in Grimmauld Place, it would only seem that you receive more privacy. This was not the case; in fact, the room that you could be secretly hiding, could be the very room that people barge into for no apparent reason. Now . . . this is where Sirius's and Cassandra's brilliant plan about telling Harry their relationship went down the drain.
"Sirius, I'm nervous about this." Cassandra said pulling him back.
"I am too, but we need to tell him." Sirius said, cupping her face.
"I know we do, I'm just so nervous, what if he doesn't like our relationship?" Cassandra asked worriedly.
"We'll figure something out." Sirius said as he leaned and kissed her. She responded back, wrapping her arms around his neck. The door was opened, and the two immediately broke away to see a horrified Harry Potter walk in. He looked at Sirius then Cassandra, glared at her, and then stormed out of the room with the slam of the door. Sirius ran after him quickly, but Cassandra stayed behind. She then, bracing herself for the worst, followed Sirius and stopped dead to see three of the Weasleys, Hermione Granger, and Remus by the door hearing the loud voices of Harry and Sirius. Cassandra closed her eyes in exasperation and rubbed her forehead. Not even wanting to listen to the conversation, she walked off. Remus however noticed and followed her quickly.
"Cassandra," She turned around with tears streaming down her face, "Oh Cassandra,"
"I've ruined their relationship. It's all my fault." she cried into his chest.
"I've warned you, Snivellus. I don't care if Dumbledore thinks you've reformed, I know better." Sirius retorted furiously.
"Oh, but why don't you tell him so? Or are you afraid he might not take the advice of a man who has been hiding inside his mother's house for six months very seriously?" Professor Snape asked, quite intimidating.
"Tell me, how is Lucius Malfoy these days? I expect he's delighted his lapdog's working at Hogwarts, isn't he?" Sirius spat, tauntingly.
"Speaking of dogs, did you know that Lucius Malfoy recognized you last time you risked a little jaunt outside? Clever idea, Black, getting yourself seen on a safe station platform . . . gave you a cast-iron excuse not to leave your hidey-hole in future, didn't it?" Professor Snape spat back.
"Can the both of you be any louder?" Cassandra cried, becoming very annoyed, very quickly.
She came through the door where the two were, somewhat privately arguing about the matter of Harry learning Occulmency. Due to his vision of Mr. Weasley and other reasons with Dumbledore, it was up to Sirius, being one of the only legal guardians of Harry, to take Occulmency to stop Lord Voldemort from sending him visions of horror and trying to retain important information without Harry knowing. Cassandra, personally, was in favor of the idea, but Sirius didn't want Snape teaching Harry. Although Harry didn't really care for her as a person or her thoughts on anything at the moment, she thought that this was going on way too far. The two turned to her, curious as to why she joined in the conversation/argument,
"You both need to set aside your differences and grudges against each other, if that is even possible may I add, so you can actually decide what is best for Harry. I know you hate him because of his dad and him too. I know he's your legal family whom you feel close to, but you both need to stop arguing like you're stupid schoolboys again! Believe me, the sooner you both shut the hell up and decide, the better it will be for the lot of us!"
Cassandra shot furious looks at both of them before slamming the door on her way out. Sirius and the Professor shot a glance at each other. Cassandra walked out, positively aggravated of hearing that conversation going back and forth for the past half an hour. Harry was with Remus halfway down the hallway, and they both happened to hear the argument as well. When Cassandra passed them, Remus could immediately tell that things were not going smoothly, or smoothly as they had hoped. Harry, not really wanting to confront his hated teacher and upset godfather at the moment, went after Cassandra. Remus let him go as he went in to try and settle Severus and Sirius.
"Cassandra, Cassandra!" Harry called to her. Cassandra turned around to see Harry come up to her. She seemed a little surprised that he was voluntarily (or at least she thought) coming to her. After the incident where he found out about her and Sirius, Harry had done a good job on staying quite distant and angry with her.
"Something wrong Harry?" Cassandra asked.
"No, I, uh, want to . . . thank you," Harry explained quite honestly. Cassandra was more than confused; she was surprised. "For standing up for me in there,"
"You overheard?" Cassandra asked curiously. Harry nodded, "Oh,"
"Thanks, and . . . for helping Sirius, and being his . . . girlfriend and all," Harry explained, which took Cassandra by full blown surprise, "I hadn't seen that happy with a woman before . . . it means a lot,"
"I didn't mean to upset you Harry, but I do love your godfather," Cassandra said honestly. "No matter how disturbing it sounds,"
"Well, right now, after thinking about it, for awhile, a long while, it doesn't seem that bad. It's like Lupin and Tonks, in a way," Harry said shrugging. Cassandra hadn't thought of that, but it was very true.
"Thank you Harry," Cassandra said appreciatively.
"You're welcome, but thank you," Harry said looking up at her.
"You're welcome." Cassandra smiled; Harry gave a quick smile before they heard a door slam. They turned in the direction which they both had come from to see Professor Snape coming swiftly down the hall with his black robes, flowing behind him.
"My office at eight, the night we resume classes, Potter." Snape said deadly as he passed the two. He slammed the door on his way out.
"Night grumpy." Cassandra muttered which Harry chuckled to. Sirius and Remus came walking out. Sirius looked at the two; he looked at Cassandra, and she nodded.
"We've settled out some things Sirius," Harry explained noticing the look on his godfather's face.
"Such as–"
"We've made peace." Cassandra explained shortly with a smile. Sirius's eyes widened in disbelief and then laughed in joy. Cassandra's smile grew wider as he hugged both of them.
Harry Potter gave Lucius Malfoy the Prophecy. Dumbledore's Army had been taken hostage by the several Death Eaters there. Harry had a choice to make; and he chose to save his friends. The Prophecy turned black, and Malfoy stood proudly with it in his hand. Sirius went down as a bright stream of white smoke behind Lucius. Harry's eyes widened as he recognized the stream of smoke. Lucius knew someone was behind him; he could almost sense it. He turned around, and his eyes widened as well.
"Get away from my godson." Sirius Black said angrily. Sirius punched him in the face, and Lucius fell down the hill. The rest of the Order came in; the Death Eaters transformed into streams of black smoke while the Order transformed into streams of white smoke, fighting each other and attempting to kill. Lucius Malfoy dropped the Prophecy, which shattered into pieces. Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin, and Cassandra Walker came in quick enough and started fighting off the numerous Death Eaters. They also started to start getting the D.A. to safety and out of the battle area.
"Listen to me. Take the others, and get out of here." Sirius said going over to Harry and hiding behind the arch's wall.
"No, I'm staying with you." Harry protested.
"You've done beautifully. Let me take from here." Sirius said.
"Black!" Lucius said angrily. Cassandra blocked the jinx that Lucius Malfoy had fired upon Harry and Sirius before she was bombarded by Antonin Dolohov. Jugson came up to Malfoy as Harry and Sirius as they aimed their wands. Sirius fought Lucius, and Harry fought Jugson. The two of them started their wordless duels with the Death Eaters. Harry sent Jugson flying with Impedimenta. Harry had also slightly disarmed Lucius.
"Nice one James!" Sirius said proudly, still facing Malfoy. Harry couldn't believe he said that. Sirius kept fighting, and Harry just stood in awe. Sirius had disarmed Lucius fully with three, precise, quick waves of his wand. Lucius raised his hands in defeat or truce, but Sirius also sent him flying.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Cassandra turned and saw the green flash of light hit Sirius. A couple of tears fell from her eyes as she saw Sirius just kinda of chuckle in disbelief. Yet, she ran to Harry, knowing what he was going to do. Harry stood there; he saw his godfather look at him one more time and then disappear through the arch. Cassandra grabbed Harry tightly around the waist as he tried to run. His hands tried to rip her grip apart, but she wouldn't let him. After screaming, he started crying bent over, knowing the anger was coming out. Cassandra wanted to go after Bellatrix herself, but she had to control Harry. As they saw Bellatrix smile and disappear through a door, he ripped out of her grip and ran after Bellatrix with a furious vengeance. She was going to after him, but she was held back Remus. She looked at him and then back in the direction that Harry had gone. Remus and Cassandra suddenly got caught up in two separate duels. She recognized one of the men; her eyes widened. He smiled evilly. It was the man who murdered Gregory. Before she knew it, she was defenseless. Her wand had been expelled to the other side of the room. Remus had gone off to help Kingsley. Rodolphus Lestrange then fired the curse. Tonks violently turned around recognizing the voice.
The members of Dumbledore's Army or the D.A. that were still being escorted away from the battle or watching from behind rocks, saw Cassandra fall back and tumble down the hill. Hermione Granger shrieked seeing their once older student at Hogwarts go down. Ronald Weasley's eyes widened in disbelief. Ginny Weasley clapped a hand to her mouth, and Luna Lovegood stared in an oblivious stare. Kingsley turned around to find Cassandra not where she was fighting, but saw her body lying on the ground. He ran to the body after disarming another Death Eater. Remus turned around to Hermione's shriek, and he followed her gaze to see Cassandra. He too went to her body. Tonks followed quickly in suit, but went over to the students. Remus and Kingsley hovered over her body. Cassandra looked around slowly, and once she met Remus's gaze, she chuckled a little.
That was when Cassandra Walker closed her eyes for the final time.