Thanks to everyone who has been reading. I was a bit disappointed that no one reviewed, but, as long as there are people reading, it makes me happy.

CHAPTER 17

AS THE YEARS GO BY

The year went by quickly as Harry Potter had faced the dark lord once again, and removed him from getting a body of his own. The next year, he also saved the school again. And, again Harry defeated the dark lord from not only gaining a body, but killing a basilisk, and saving his best friends little sister.

That year took a toll on Severus and Katrina's marriage. Severus had stayed at the Castle for most of the year, which Katrina had become upset over. She had become increasingly angered over Severus being absent from is family to do work for the Headmaster. The school year had started, Amelia and Severus becoming first years. Dementors were swarming around, both the Castle and Hogsmeade, which left Severus to stay at the Castle again this year.

With the orders from the Ministry of Magic, the Dementors had been placed as the entire wizarding community had been on high alert of the escape of a man named Sirius Black.

One cool day, a mysterious dog had been noticed by Katrina as it rummaged through the garbage. She took pity on the poor creature and brought it in to feed. Severus knew nothing of this-their relationship being tested more than any other time in their relationship. When they were together, they would continuously argue. That is why Katrina brought in the stray.

One evening, Dumbledore knocked on the door. Katrina had let him in, and he know she had been upset with him as well. He had noticed the dog-Katrina seen that he had nodded at the dog.

"Headmaster? You just regarded this creature as if you know him." S he said sitting at the kitchen table.

"That I do, Katrina." Dumbledore noted. "Sirius, if you would kindly show yourself to this young woman."

In an instant, the dog transformed into a human. "Headmaster." Sirius inclined his head. He then turned to Katrina. ""Miss, I am truly grateful for the food you had offered me in my other form."

Since Sirius had transformed, Katrina had been flabbergast not knowing. She had been taught how to tell the difference between a real animal and an animagus. How could she have missed this?

"Katrina?" Dumbledore was not sure if she would faint or not.

Stuttering, she finally answered. "Uhm, yes, sir." She never took her eyes off Black, but, she finally shook her head. "Forgive me, Mr. Black. Please, sit."

"I will only sit if you call me Sirius." He smiled a genuine smile.

She nodded as she rose from her chair, making tea, and putting some things together to feed them all.

"Katrina, Severus…" Dumbledore started.

Her eyes shot up at the Headmaster, interrupting him. "I do not care what that man says, wants, or anything else." Her voice became angry.

Sirius butted in. "Are we all talking of the same Severus? You mean to tell me you married a death eater?"

Katrina nodded. "I should say former death eater. A few years ago I would have smiled and said yes. Now I am not so certain he is my husband anymore."

"Katrina, you must understand the circumstances as to why…" Dumbledore spoke softly.

"Yes, I know he is trying to protect him, sir." Katrina replied. "He is not always watching and patrolling." She looked over at Sirius. "He does not look like a mass murder, if you ask me."

Sirius let out a light laugh. The years in Azkaban had taken a toll on him. "At least there are two of you who believe in my innocence."

"I only wish I could have done something more for you, Sirius." Dumbledore told him remorsefully. "Where have you been staying?"

"The Shrieking Shack. Remus and I have been catching up on things." Sirius answered. Katrina had brought over a tray of sandwiches for them. Sirius immediately scared two down. "Thank you, Katrina. For helping feed me again, now and as an animagus."

Katrina smiled, not reaching her eyes. "You're welcome." She sat down at the table with them. "Can I ask, Sirius , how far does you family tree go back?"

Before Sirius could answer, Dumbledore intervened. "Are you thinking you are somehow related?"

Katrina nodded at Dumbledore, then turned to Sirius, who started to answer. "Many generations. If some how I could get to my families home, I will invite you over to check things out."

Shortly after, there had been a ticking on one of the windows. They had all looked, noticing an owl. Katrina stood walking to open the window to retrieve a note. As she opened the letter, she asked, "Is this not one of the barn owls from the Castle?" She started to read.

"Yes it is." He answered cautiously.

Katrina reread the letter again;

Katrina,

I would like to meet with

You some time soon to

Discuss what our future

Holds for us. It has come

To my attention, that every time

We are in the presence of another

We have argued. Please send

Your reply back with this owl.

Severus

Tears started prickling at her eyes as she red the letter again. "I need…" She choked out. "…to go to the Castle. If you wouldn't mind watching Abraxis and Jeremiah while I try to bring our marriage back together?"

"Certainly." Dumbledore answered without delay. "What are you waiting for? Go! Take the floo to my office."

As quickly as she could, Katrina grabbed a handful of powder, shouting, "Dumbledore's office." within seconds, Katrina had been standing in the Headmasters office. As soon as she pulled herself together, she walked out of his room in search of Severus office.

Once she reached the Potion Masters office, she knocked. No one answered, so she let herself in. she looked on his desk to see if she could find anything that would tell her where he'd be.

Standing by the window, Katrina stared into the night as she waited. Within a half hour, the door sprung open. Severus and a woman standing at the doorway, the woman giggling.

Startled, Severus said. "Katrina you have come." He looked at the woman. "I will talk to you tomorrow, Kia." Katrina had noticed the woman smirking at her, then kissed Severus cheek.

Once the woman left, did Katrina speak. "It is nice to know someone can quickly take my place." She turned to look back out the window. "I take it we well not be talking about working things out. I will return to the Cottage, then apperated your things here."

"Is that what you wish?" She heard his broken voice almost directly behind her.

Taking in a deep ragged breath, Katrina shook her head. "No. But , it seems as if you do."

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he leaned his forehead on the back of hers. "Katrina." His voice breaking, "I love you. I know we have been at each others throats for the past few years, and I don't blame you for wanting a divorce. If that is what you desire."

Taking a few moments to compose herself, she spoke, still not looking at him. "I never thought that that word would ever escape your lips, Severus. Why would I work so hard to try to…" She couldn't hold it in any longer, crying over the thought of them not being married anymore.

Severus turned Katrina around. "I want to ask you something." She was not looking at him as tears escaped his eyes. "Do you love me?"

She nodded. "I have always been yours. Seeing you with another=I had felt a deep hatred for you both."

He unclasped her robe, removing it and placing it over his chair. "You haven't been eating, have you? I see you have lost a considerable amount of weight."

"Just a lot of stress. Not knowing what is happening. Not knowing where we stand."

Severus lifted her chin to gaze into his eyes. "I have always loved you. And this past year-all we had done had been argue. I never loved you any less." He leaned down to kiss her. "There has never been a day that has gone by, that I have not loved you. Unfortunately, I have to stay here the remainder of the school year to keep the students safe."

"Yes." She choked out. "They are far more important."

He gently kissed her, but did not pull completely away. "You are far more important than anyone anywhere in this world, my love. I know how strong you are. And, I do know you have some very strong enchantments around the cottage."

Pulling away from him, she started choking up. "Who was that other woman?"

Smiling slightly, Severus kissed her again. "Kia Bartlebee. She works at the ministry. And during this time we have spent apart, I found that she has become a death eater. So have your brother and sister, along with their spouses."

Taking in another exasperated breath, she whispered, "I know they are." She wanted to wrap her arms around her husband, but, thought better of it, keeping her hands at her sides. "I need to ask you something." Severus finger tips were still holding her chin up. He nodded and she continued. "Have you been faithful to me over these past two and a half years?"

Slowly, he closed his eyes, let out a deep sigh, then opened them. "Yes, I have." Instantly she pulled away. Turning, looking out the window, she started breaking down. There had been a tapping at the door, then it opened. "Ahh, Severus." A woman's voice, more than likely, Kia's, she had walked in. "Wonderful news! We are going to have a baby!"

Anger washed over Katrina. She pulled herself together, turned walking toward the door. "Goodbye, forever, Severus. I only wish the both of you the best." She blocked the floo network, saying an ancient incantation, that not even Dumbledore could break. She walked to the door, stopping to turn around. Severus noticed her anger. "I hope you treat her and this child much better than you ever did me or our children."

Closing the door, she heard Severus call to her. "Katrina, I have not been unfaithful! I am yours." He tried the door, but, Katrina charmed it, leaving the two locked in the office together.

Walking to the entrance hall, she opened to doors to escape everyone. Breaking down once outside she walked down as far as she could, until she collapsed to her knees.

Not noticing, a rustling came from a nearby brush. A man walked out and gently touched her shoulders. "What has Snivelus done to you now? He can be a cruel bastard." Sirius asked as he looked up at the Castle. She shook her head, then looked up to the Castle. She started chanting in a language that Sirius did not know. "He is no longer my husband." A bright light manifested from the Dungeon area. Probably where Severus and the woman had been locked in.

"Let me take you home, Katrina." Sirius said pulling her to her feet. "If you'd like, I will stay until you fall asleep."

"I'll…I'll be fine." She sniffled. "I have some potions to take for my insomnia. Dumbledore had it sent to the Cottage."

They started walking to the Cottage, as Sirius had to ask. "What language were you chanting before I pulled you up?"

"Gaelic." She said ashamed. "Cursing both Severus and the woman that he some how had gotten pregnant." She shook her head. "He told me he had been faithful."

Sirius held her close to him as they walked. "Come on, Katrina. I will get you home, then tuck you in bed." She shook her head. "I want to get drunk."

The pair reached the Cottage, and Sirius informed Dumbledore of Katrina's intent. Thinking the better of things, he packed a bag for the boys, and journeyed with them to the Castle for the night.

Katrina had opened a fresh bottle of Fire Whiskey, and had two glasses out. Pouring the short glasses full, after adding ice she raised her glass to Sirius, then tipped it to her lips, downing the entire contents in one go.

Starting to pour another, Sirius grasped her wrist. "Katrina." He still had not touched his glass. "Lets talk before you drink yourself into unconsciousness."

Grabbing the glass with her other hand, she tipped this one down as she had the previous glass. "You talk, I'll drink." She smiled.

"Drinking only makes things worse." He spoke softly. His hand still on Katrina's as she filled her glass again. "Please slow down, Katrina. Why does Snivelus anger you so?"

She brought the glass to her lips a third time, but , before she drank, she spoke, slowly, and very calmly. "I caught him with another woman. Then he told me he had been faithful. She came back to the office after leaving and exclaimed she was pregnant. To top it off, she said 'We are going to have a baby!'" She held her hands to her stomach, acting as if she were going to carry another child. Bringing the glass to her lips, she again swallowed it all. "Drink up, Sirius. Lets get acquainted."

"I would prefer to stay sober, thank you." He smiled. Katrina frowned, took his glass, and downed that too. "Stop, Katrina. That is your fourth…" He watched her pour another, "…going on your fifth drink, within fifteen minutes."

She paid him no mind, as she leaned against the table after she sat down. "I wonder what Severus would thing if I had a tryst of my own." She was not asking Sirius as a question, more of an open thought.

"Are you insinuating that I be your tryst?"

"Are you wonting to have one with me?" She chugged this drink quickly. A smile, devious one as it was, spread across her lips. "Might just piss the old git off. Serves him right though." She slammed her glass down on the table, reaching for the bottle. "What goes around, comes around."

"Katrina, what good would it do if I had sex with you?" He watched as she poured another. "Would it make it any better knowing that you cheated as your husband did?" She drank this glass down in a rush, but when she pulled her head back down, tears seeped from her eyes. She bowed her head as he spoke. "I didn't think so. I can see it in your eyes that you still love him." Touching her hand gently, he asked. "How did the two of you meet?"

Bringing her head up, she opened her eyes staring straight into his. "I had been sitting at the Leaky Cauldron." She sniffled pulling in a deep breath. "I had been writing in corrections in my potions book, when he came up to me. I thought it was Tom, but his voice was Severus who didn't seem to aggravated about me correcting mistakes. We chatted for a bit, and things went from there." She wiped her face with her hands, poured another drink, like she wanted to forget everything.

"How did you know he was the one?" Sirius asked, watching her drink. She faltered a bit, and he was there to help her.

She started crying harder, shaking her head. "We shook hands after introducing ourselves." Katrina stood up, stumbling toward the sitting room. On the mantle, there had been numerous pictures as well as trinkets from Severus. She picked up one picture- one of the two of them, and threw it across to the opposite wall, sending it crashing to the floor. "I loved you-you-you ass!" She screamed loudly- sounding like a Veela when they would get angry. Suddenly, she cleared the mantle with her fore arm. "You were everything to me!" She fell to her knees, unable to control her sobs any longer.

Sirius picked her up. "Come on, Kat." He started walking to the stairs. "I'll tuck you in bed, then I will leave.

Throughout the time Sirius picked Katrina up, until he put her in her bed, she kept repeating, "I love you, Severus. Always." Once he put her in bed, she reached over to the other side of the bed, wrapping her arms around nothingness. Sirius left after that, turning back into an animagus, after closing the door to the Cottage.

Not knowing what time it was, Severus walked to the Cottage, after Dumbledore had figured out how to remove the incantation Katrina had put on his office door and the floo network. Walking inside, he knew what she had done, noticing an empty bottle of Fire Whiskey, and his favorite picture of them together on the floor. He then walked up to their room, and noticed Katrina's body shaking. He knew she was crying, and walked over to her, sitting on the bed.

Tears seeped from his eyes as he turned her to him. "My love." He kissed her lips. "I love you more than anything. I would never do anything to hurt you-like cheating on you. You are the only woman I want beneath me. I married you for that reason, and I will never look at another woman like I do you."

Katrina said nothing, she just cried for the longest time. Severus held her in his arms for a small amount of time, but he put her back down on the bed to remove his cloak and clothing. She started crying harder, thinking he had left, but once he had gotten undressed, he climbed in bed beside her. Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her close to him. "I will be here for you for the rest of the night."

Crying into his chest, she spoke through her sobs. "I don't need you- I want you. It hurts to know that someone else is pregnant with your child."

Gently, Severus pulled her head up to look at him. "Look into my eyes, Katrina. Tell me what you see. Am I lying when I say I never touched that woman like I have you. Making love to you all night long. I would never make a child with someone other than the beautiful, insecure woman that is you."

"I'm sorry for what I had done to you." She sobbed as she looked into his eyes. "Why would she have said that in front of me then?"

"She wants me to do the things to her as I have done to you- repeatedly." he kissed her swollen lips, savoring what he had missed for so long. "I miss you ever day, my love. And every night, I wish to be in this bed with you." He pulled her close to him, kissing her lips ever so gently. "I have never forgotten what our vows, when we got married. Forever and always, my love." He wiped the tears from her eyes, longing to touch his wife as he used to. "I will be here when you wake in the morning." He kissed her lips, listening to her breathing as he himself fell asleep with his wife, who he had longed to be with for the longest time.

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