Chapter 3: An unwanted letter and the wanted truth.

"Kat, I've got a letter for you"

The letter box snapped shut and Kat picked up the letter. She turned it over and almost fainted. In big black letters on the front read:

LONDON MORTUARY.

Kat walked with small steps back to the table. She sat down and somehow managed to open the letter despite the trembling in her hands. To get a letter from the mortuary could only be to do with one thing – her parents' death.

Kat slowly unfolded the letter and began to read in a shaky voice.

"Dear Miss Smith,

This letter is in regards to the unexplainable death of your parents George and Lilly Smith. Recently new evidence came through from our forensics lab that strongly suggests your parents died by drowning.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr. Robert Carter"

Kat placed the letter on the table, unable to speak. Sirius gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"After all these years, after all this waiting, the answer to how my parents died is drowning?"

Sirius made to give her a hug but Kat got up and ran to her room. She sat in the corner, pulled her knees close to her chest and stared into nothing as hot, silent tears streamed down her face.

Sirius sat at the table, staring at the letter now left unwanted on the floor thanks to a gust of wind from the open window. He decided to go and talk to Kat but a soft knock at the door interrupted him.

"Hey Ali"

"Did she read it? I thought as soon as she saw what was on the front she might throw it away but I also thought curiosity might get the better of her"

Sirius nodded solemnly.

"Yeah, she read the letter. She's in her room at the moment. She couldn't really believe that it had been death by drowning but then she ran into her room upset. Naturally."

Ali ran upstairs and softly knocked on Kat's door.

"Kat?"

Kat raised a tear stained face to the door.

"Yeah?"

Ali felt a wave of guilt rush over her. Kat sounded so upset.

"Can, can I come in?"

"Mm hm"

Ali slowly opened the door and sat on the bed. Kat went back to resting her head against her arms.

"Kat, under normal circumstances I would ask if you were ok but both you and I know what was in that letter so the answer to that question is obvious. The real question is what are you going to do?"

Kat looked at Ali, her face red and blotchy but her smile genuine.

"You know, I don't think I've ever heard you talk so seriously"

Ali smiled, glad that Kat was getting over some of her sadness.

"I know right? I hope it doesn't become a habit!"

Kat let out a little laugh and wiped her face with her sleeve. The door creaked and Sirius poked his head round. Kat immediately got up and ran straight into his open arms, fresh tears threatening to spill. Sirius leant against the door frame cradling Kat in his arms and stroking her hair.

"It'll be alright darling, ok?"

Kat nodded against his chest. She took a shaky breath and wiped her face again.

"I'm ok now"

"You sure?"

"Yep"

Ali patted Kats back and left. When she got home, Remus was sitting on the chair, waiting for her to return. She hung her coat up and sat on his lap, accepting his kiss.

"Was Kat alright?"

"She is now"

"Oh good"

Ali smiled and jumped up. Remus allowed her to go five feet when he caught her from behind, making her yell in surprise. Ali frantically struggled but Remus had a firm grip around her waist.

"Remus, let go!"

Remus smiled as he placed light kisses on Ali's neck, making her cease struggling almost at once. Ali leant her head back onto Remus' shoulder and the kisses became stronger.

"Remus, as much as I love you, I need to go change, I'm so hot in these trousers"

"Ok, but hurry, I've got something for you"

Ali slowly turned round to face Remus, caution playing havoc with her mind.

"What is it?"

"It's a surprise. Now, go get changed"

Ali went upstairs while Remus rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small box.