We are terribly sorry for the long delay on this chapter, we have been immensely busy this week. As we will be for the next few weeks because we have finals coming up. So bear with us, we will hopefully have another chapter up this week, but if not do not worry we will be back as soon as possible. We appreciate everyone who has reviewed and enjoy reading your reactions, so keep it up!

Chapter 16

A week before they were meant to board the Hogwarts Express three school owls arrived at the Potter's, one for each of them, carrying their school book list along with the results from their OWL's. Casselle had sat staring at the envelope for a full ten minutes before she mustered up the courage to open it. Memories of all the slacking and complaining she had done last year flooded her mind with guilt and she sent a silent prayer to Merlin that if she had managed to scrape by she would never complain about studying again.

The worry turned out to be for nothing as she read through her results. She had managed to get an O in Charms, Herbology and to her immense surprise Astrology. She received E's in Transfigurations, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions. She even managed to scrap by with an A in Divinations (though this might have more to do with her mind reading and less to do with her aptitude for the subject) and History of Magic, though she wasn't sure how she had managed that considering she made up the majority of her dates.

Despite their lack of studying both James and Sirius did well for themselves, both receiving O's in Defense and Transfigurations, E's in Potions, Herbology and Charms, Sirius also received an E in Astrology while James got an A. Sirius wasn't as lucky as Casselle with Divination receiving a D. James did slightly better in his Arithmacy class pulling off an A, though he admitted he would have never been able to without Remus. The pair of them received D's in History of Magic, but neither expected to do anything with it so they were far from put out.

Mrs. Potter insisted on commemorating the occasion with a lavish dinner complete with a massive congratulatory cake for dessert.

Three days later the three of them were accompanied to Diagon Alley by the Potter's and they spent the day lazing around the shops picking up supplies for their school list. They were all thankfully cleared to continue on the career paths they had chosen. McGonagall had been very specific about the required OWL's to continue with Auror training and they luckily all qualified, Remus included who had owled about his results shortly after they had received theirs, except for Peter who hadn't managed to receive the Potions or Charms grade.

"Wonder who they found to fill the Defense position this year," James commented as they all sat down for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron. It was one of the rare nights when the Potters weren't on call for the Auror department and they decided to commemorate the occasion with a meal out.

"No idea but I'll be sad to see Arrete go, he was fairly decent," Sirius replied as he shoveled mashed potatoes into his mouth.

Casselle nodded, "It's strange how they never seem to hang onto anyone," she replied thoughtfully.

"You mean you've never heard about the curse?" Mr Potter asked looking mildly surprised.

"Curse?" James asked raising his eyebrows at his dad.

"Yeah the position's supposed to be cursed. There are rumors that You-Know-Who himself applied for the position after he got out of Hogwarts. Dumbledore obviously wouldn't let him have it, saw right through his act I suppose. Anyway ever since then no one's been able to last more than a year."

"You-Know-Who wanted to teach at Hogwarts?" Sirius scoffed. "What would he want to do that for? I can't imagine he'd have a soft spot for kids."

"Honestly Harry I don't know why you encourage them," Mrs. Potter scolded. "I doubt there's an ounce of truth in that story. I swear you and Boggs gossip more than school girls at the office."

James, Sirius and Casselle laughed as Mr. Potter muttered something in his defense his ears coloring.

The night before they were leaving for Hogwarts, Casselle isolated herself from the others wanting some time alone to think. A knot had formed in her stomach at the thought that maybe things would be different when they returned to Hogwarts. Over the summer she had come to rely on Sirius, and even James for that matter. But once they returned to the castle they would have their own friends and Quidditch and detentions and a collections of other distractions. What if despite everything Sirius said she turned out to be no different from the other girls he tossed aside.

A soft knock on her door brought her from her thoughts, "Come in," she called.

Sirius stepped through the door with a smile closing it behind him before crossing over to the window sill where she was seated. "So this is where you've been all night."

"I thought I'd catch up on packing….though I don't think I've gotten very far," Casselle replied offering a small smile.

"I'd be more than happy to help," Sirius said rising and opening one of her drawers, "I could do your underwear drawer for instance." He held up one of her bras raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Casselle tried to fight a laugh but it escaped anyway, "Sirius put that down!"

"Just trying to help," he replied. "How about I do a different drawer and we finish this up quickly so we have some time to spare before bed?"

Casselle grinned, "I think that would be alright."

They finished packing in record time and then snuck away to the grounds for a snog session, only returning when the full chill of the night settled over them.

They stopped outside of her room and Sirius leaned forward kissing her goodnight.

"Stay with me tonight?" She breathed as they broke apart her eyes pleading with him. "We won't be able to once we get back to Hogwarts."

"Of course," He replied following her into her room.

They both changed into their pajamas, Casselle in some shorts and a tank top, Sirius in some pajama bottoms. As they crawled into bed Casselle leaned into Sirius resting her head on his chest.

"I don't want this summer to end, everything has just been so perfect," She whispered.

"I know what you mean but don't worry, nothing is going to change." Sirius said reassuringly his hand tracing lazy patterns on her back.

Casselle nodded deciding to keep her doubts to herself before drifting off to sleep.

Sirius's shifted restlessly, a faint noise tugging at the corner of his mind as he fought to sink back into sleep. The whimper was relentless and eventually his eyes opened a scowl gracing his lips as he prepared to tell James to shut it so he could sleep.

It took a moment to get his barings after his eyes were open but eventually he remembered that he was staying with Cass not James. He glanced around for the source of the noise that had woken him when Casselle admitted a shrill whimper thrashing around in her sleep. He could see her eyes darting behind her closed lids, dreaming.

"Cass," he called softly reaching out to touch her shoulder.

She jerked away from the contact, lashing out with her arm which hit him on the chest.

"Bloody hell," he murmured rubbing the tender spot before taking her shoulder more firmly in his hand. "Cass you need to wake up," he stated shaking her.

"Nooo!" she screamed her voice breaking as she thrashed around desperately in his grasp. She was covered in sweat twisting and turning as she fought against an enemy invisible to Sirius.

"Casselle wake up!" he yelled desperation tinting his tone as his hands circling her wrist and pinning them to the bed in an attempt to still her thrashing.

Casselle opened her eyes to find Sirius holding her wrists, both of them laying in her bed. She breathed deeply, taking in her surroundings.

"Cass?" He asked softly letting go of her wrists. Her body was covered in a thin layer of sweat and her breathing became hitched. "Cass it's okay. It was just a dream." He soothed pulling her towards him and wrapping his arms around her.

"No," Casselle moaned tears forming in her eyes. "It's not. He's never going to let me go." She cried burying her face into his chest and crying for the second time that summer.

"Who won't Cass? What are you talking about?" Sirius asked his voice becoming alarmed. The despair in her voice shaking him more than the dream had.

She just shook her head and continued to cry. Sirius didn't know what to do; he thought the first nightmare was a coincidence, but now he was afraid that there were more, and that she had been suffering from them all summer. His hold on her tightened as he rubbed her back trying to coax her back to sleep.

She finally slipped back into sleep, but Sirius was wide awake. He tried to think of what was haunting her so badly. He continued rubbing her back while she slept, hoping it would keep the nightmares away for the rest of the night.

Casselle jerked awake as someone nudged her softly. She blinked and saw Sirius staring down at her. She smiled softly, but when Sirius didn't smile back it vanished from her face.

"What?" she asked.

"We need to talk."

"Okay," Casselle replied sitting up slowly unsure where this was going.

"What have these nightmares been about? And how long have you been hiding them?" He asked softly.

Casselle looked down memories of the previous night flooding her mind. She knew it had been real, he had held as she cried all over him…again.

"Cass, answer me."

"My father, they're always about my father," she admitted. "He finds me, and tortures all of you because of me. He killed Lily, he was going to kill you and James. Then he would've locked me up. I can't get away from him, running away is just prolonging the inevitable. He will find me." She said looking down at her hands clasping them together to still the shaking.

Sirius and pulled her onto his lap. "Hey, he's not going to hurt you again. We'll make sure of that. Don't worry." He said pulling her chin up to look at him.

"But don't you see, that's just it. You being in his way isn't going to stop him. He'll kill you-" Sirius scoffed at her words and Casselle felt her anger flare. "Why aren't you taking this seriously?" She cried. "I know my father Sirius; I know what he is capable of. You may think he's just a stupid muggle but muggles are capable of horrible things too!"

"Casselle I can take care of myself, I've dealt with abusive parents before. But you forget my parents had magic, your father doesn't. I'm not saying that he isn't dangerous or anything like that but trust me I've dealt with it and I know how to handle myself. You don't have to worry about me, or James for that matter."

"But-"

"No. No buts about it. We'll be fine. How long have you been having these nightmares?"

"I don't know, it has been on and off for a while. The first one was the night before our date." She whispered.

"Don't worry, your father isn't coming near you again. I promise," He said.

Casselle nodded, but she couldn't shake the feeling that her family problems were far from resolved.

"It'll be okay," He said pulling her chin up to him and softly kissing her. He pulled back smiling, "Someone needs to brush her teeth."

She looked at him horrified, and smacked his shoulder before running off to the bathroom. Sirius laughed, laying back down on the bed closing his eyes. His eyes bolted open as he felt a cold splash of water soak his face. He gasped looking up to see Casselle smirking over him with an empty glass in her hand.

"That was for saying I have bad morning breath."

"Why you." He jumped up as Casselle ran to the bathroom laughing. Before she could lock the door, he threw it open. She shrieked making a break for James's room, but Sirius grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back before she could reach it. She cried out laughing, "Sirius! Put me down!"

"Oh no, you asked for it." He threw her on the bed, straddling her hips, and started tickling her sides.

She shrieked laughing, "Sirius stop!" She cried, but he continued to tickle her. Tears of laughter leaked from her eyes as he tickled her mercilessly. She gasped trying to catch her breath as she continued to laugh.

"Do you give up?" He asked.

"Never!" Casselle cried trying to pry his arms off of her sides, but he was much stronger than her. Instead she moved her hands to his sides, trying to tickle him. He jerked back and she smiled in delight knowing she had got him. She pulled herself up and tickled his sides as he let go of her in surprise.

"Casselle, don't you dare." He warned moving back to her sides. But she squirmed away continuing at his sides. "Stop," he gasped between laughs.

"Oh, are you ticklish Black?" She asked raising her eyebrows. He moved to get off her, but she rolled him over, so that she was on top of him. Now he was at her mercy, and she continued to tickle him. He thrashed around trying to get away.

"Casselle!" He growled, trying not to laugh.

"Do you give up Black?"

"What are you two doing?" James asked from the bathroom door.

Casselle jumped off of Sirius in surprise. "Nothing," She said innocently.

"Well you two, woke up the entire neighborhood with your shrieking. Now hurry up and get dressed, mum says we have to leave soon to catch the train." James said before walking back into his room and closing the door.

Sirius grabbed Casselle from behind and pulled her back to the bed, "Don't you ever do that again." He whispered darkly his breath caressing her ear.

"Or what Black?" Casselle asked smiling.

But before he could answer, James opened the door. "Padfoot, your stuff isn't even packed yet," he called over.

"You should probably go pack." She said sweetly, kissing him lightly.

He growled playfully, but hopped of the bed and went into his room.

Casselle changed and brushed out her hair throwing it into a ponytail. Then gave the room a quick look over checking to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, for once she didn't want to hurry to the train.

They ate a quick breakfast and then headed over to kings cross station with James's parents. They passed through the barrier easily, and Casselle watched as steam rolled from the Hogwarts express.

Casselle's mind wandered as Sirius and James were saying their goodbyes to the Potter's. She heard the excitement and nervous thoughts of first years. The thoughts of friends excited to reunite again, and then her mind hit something she didn't expect. She focused realizing who it was. Her father. He was scanning the crowd for her, his thoughts tinged red with rage.

She looked around frantically trying to pinpoint where he was, then she spotted him near Nathaniel and her mother about ten feet away. She shivered involuntarily, as their eyes met.

Sirius who was holding on to her hand, felt her shiver and turned to her, "Cass?" He saw the expression on her face and followed her gaze seeing her father stare at the two of them with a mixture of disgust and rage on his face.

"Casselle!" He called starting toward them.

Sirius pulled her after him immediately, causing her to stumble slightly. "Come on, just get on the train he won't try anything," Sirius said anxiously.

"Casselle Marie! You get back here!" Her father roared causing people to stare in their direction.

Casselle turned to see James stand in her father's way and she gasped in terror. "James!" She called.

He turned toward her, as his mother was saying something to him. He nodded and hurried after them on to the train. They pushed past first years, and families saying goodbye rushing toward the train at full speed. Casselle didn't dare look back again, afraid to see him standing right behind them.

As they finally managed to get into an empty compartment, Casselle stared out the window searching to see where her father was. She saw him a short distance from the train, but Mr. Potter stood in his way, blocking him from reaching it.

"Go dad." James said enthusiastically.

Sirius was watching Casselle though, noticing that every few seconds her body shook. He pulled her close to him, "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to see him. You'll be safe at Hogwarts." He whispered into her ear.

She nodded finally taking her eyes off the window and leaning into Sirius's shoulder.

News of Casselle and Sirius's relationship seemed to spread like wild fire and by the time the train stopped at Hogsmeade. Casselle raised her eyebrows at the murmur that fell through the students gathered around the carriages as she and Sirius approached hand in hand.

"Just ignore them," Sirius whispered as a group of girls shot Casselle a nasty look.

"Who would have thought we'd make such a splash," Casselle replied amazement clear in her voice.

"You can't honestly say you're surprised," Lily interjected reasonably as her and Emma joined them in their carriage. "You've seen how girls react whenever he gets a new girlfriend."

This was something Casselle normally avoided thinking about; Sirius's past dating record was something she didn't want to consider.

As if sensing the sensitivity of the subject, Lily quickly changed it and the group talked about the sorting for the duration of the carriage ride.

The feast passed by in a blur of friendly company and good food. After the students couldn't possibly eat another bite the food vanished and Dumbledore stood.

A hushed silence passed over the students as they stared expectantly at the Headmaster.

"First and foremost a warm welcome to all of our new students," Dumbledore began smiling warmly at the nervous first year. "Though today is a time for celebration it is also a time for seriousness. One of our students was unable to return this term." His eyes flickered to the Hufflepuff table. "Many of you probably knew Mary McDonald; she was a bright and kind girl. Mary and her family however fell victim to the acts of hate over the summer holiday. She was killed by the group now known as the Death Eaters." He paused as gasps of surprise filled the hall.

Casselle's gaze flickered to the Hufflepuff table where a group of blurry eyed fifth years stared at the floor.

"I tell you this not to frighten you, but rather to inform you. Evil is growing around us and it is your job to stand strong and united in the face of the hard times ahead. Hate is easy to come by but love and friendship takes courage of the strongest type. I have faith that you will all make the right decision." Dumbledore sat down to a resounding silence in the Hall and Casselle shared a look with Sirius. She could name a couple of students that would, if given the chance, make all the wrong decisions.

The mood was subdued as the students made their way out of the Great Hall and to their respective dormitories.

"Ouch!" Casselle exclaimed grimacing as her hand erupted in angry boils. She spun around scanning the students and saw a particularly nasty seventh year Ravenclaw girl grinning smugly at her.

"What's wrong?" Sirius asked looking at her with concern.

"Nothing just a hex," she mumbled holding her hand out for him to see.

Sirius growled glaring over her shoulder at the group of girls laughing as he murmured the counter curse.

"Thanks," she replied rubbing her hand gingerly and shooting the girls a look.

"They'll pay for that," Sirius growled putting his arm around her shoulders and steering her up the stairs.

"They're not worth it really," Casselle replied.

"You're right they're not but it'll sure as hell make me feel better."

Casselle laughed pulling him to a stop, "Sirius, I can take care of myself okay? You don't have to fight every battle for me. I can handle them."

He wavered for a moment looking unsure.

"Sirius Black I received an E in Defense I think I can handle a couple of hormonal school girls." Casselle shot her annoyance building.

"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," Sirius muttered but he let the subject drop.

Casselle said a quick goodbye in the common room before fleeing to the girl's dorm, still annoyed at being babied.

"Trouble in paradise already?" Lily asked with an amused look on her face.

Casselle scowled, "He just wants to do everything for me all the time, at first it was endearing now it's suffocating me."

"He just cares about you Cass. I'm sure he feels guilty about all the girls talking about you or hexing you and is just trying to make up for it." Lily replied reasonably organizing her belongings.

"Yea Cass, most girls would die to be fawned over by the infamous Sirius Black," Emma teased.

"I don't think he realizes that I have an independent streak," Casselle replied with a slight smile.

Emma and Lily shared a look giggling, "He'll learn soon enough I'm sure."

Casselle shook her head grinning at the two of them before unpacking her own trunk.

Sirius was waiting in the common room when Casselle made her appearance the next day. He hesitated, seeming unsure if they were still arguing or not. Casselle smiled inwardly at his awkwardness before kissing him gently on the mouth.

"Morning."

The grin that spread across his face was almost comical, "Morning love."

They made their way to the Great Hall hand in hand Casselle keeping her head high as the whispering started at the tables they passed.

"What have we got first up?"

"Charms," Remus interjected taking the seat across from Sirius, "with Ravenclaw, then double Transfigurations with Hufflepuff and then I've got Ancient Runes."

Casselle nodded, "That means I have a free period last thing, I dropped Divinations."

Sirius grinned, "Same here, as much fun as guessing which way I was going to die from week to week was, it wasn't necessary for Auror training."

Casselle grinned at him, "good thing we'll get all that extra time to study," she teased.

Sirius chuckled pulling her closer, "Studying is the furthest thing from my mind right now," he whispered kissing her fully on the mouth.

Remus had to clear his throat at least five times before the two separated with sheepish looks. "Sorry 'bout that Moony."

"Well there goes my appetite," James teased sliding into the open seat next to Remus.

Casselle rolled her eyes, "Please you've been living with Sirius for over five years I'm sure you've seen much worse."

James grinned nodding, "that's very true."

Lessons that day were centered on a half hour lecture from each professor about the importance of the NEWTS and how they shouldn't mess around this year (The Professors valiantly ignoring the fact that most of the students were doing just that as they talked).

Casselle was fairly certain that she could have recited the speech from memory by the end of lessons and was thankful to have a free period with Sirius that afternoon.

"Fancy a walk?" he asked pointing to the window. The sky was blue and the weather was beautiful and warm. They wouldn't see days like this for long so it was best to make the most of them.

"Sounds good to me," Casselle replied following him out of the common room and out onto the grounds. They stopped under a willow tree by the lake watching the giant squid lazily wave its tentacles.

Casselle and Sirius laid in the grass for a spell enjoying the sun and each other's company. Casselle let her hands draw lazy patterns across Sirius's chest. She made a sun and flower and was in the middle of drawing a dog when Sirius's hand stilled hers.

"You're driving me crazy," he complained his voice hoarse.

Casselle grinned pleased by the confession, "Really?" she asked innocently trailing her hand slowly from his chest to shoulders.

"Cass," he warned a hungry look in his eye.

She merely smiled at him before pressing her lips against his. The kiss quickly ignited and Casselle pressed against him her hands tangling in his silky hair.

Sirius groaned against her lips his hands resting on her hips as he pulled her on top of him. His lips left hers, trailing down her neck nipping at the sensitive skin there.

Casselle's breath hitched and Sirius chuckled against her skin, his breath sending shivers down her back. "Two can play at that game," he teased before finding her lips with his again.

They came in at dusk looking decidedly disheveled but glowing all the same.

"I think I finally understand the mysterious appeal," Casselle sighed laying down on her bed smiling.

"Mysterious appeal of what?" Emma asked laughter clear in her voice.

"Sirius Black, they all want him because he's a hell of a snog," Casselle replied grinning slyly at her roommates.

Lily and Emma laughed and Casselle joined in. "I guess that would explain your, erm love bite." Lily replied nodding towards Casselle's neck.

Cass sat up and looked in her mirror seeing the hickey that stood out prominently against her pale skin.

She blushed touching the spot gently, "I didn't even notice…ugh now I have to cover it!"

She grabbed some concealer dabbing it on until the mark disappeared. "Wouldn't want to scandalize the masses."

Emma and Lily chuckled, "You might want to get the grass out of your hair then," Emma teased picking a piece of green from Casselle's head.

Casselle swatted her hand away playfully, "Fine I get it I look like a mess."

Emma and Lily giggled as Casselle tried to detangle all the grass out of her waist length hair.

So there you have it! We will try and get the next one up this week, but it may be a while. So please read and review! We love to read your reactions! Hope you enjoy the story so far!