Chapter Two

When Katherine opened her eyes again, she was deep inside a forest seeing only trees in every direction. Quickly she realized she was still gripping Scabior's arm tightly. The events of the day had weakened her and it was nice to have such a strong arm to hold on to. But coming to her senses, she released his arm and began to take in her surroundings. Lost in the silence of the forest, she had almost forgotten Scabior was there until –

"Well, go on, show me this incredible power of yours," Scabior said sarcastically, "Lead us back to camp."

Katherine had not expected to be tested this soon but certainly didn't appreciate the disbelief in his voice.

"This way." Without hesitation, she began walking in the direction her instincts told her. Alright three men up here and one is lurking a bit farther off. She marched confidently through the leaves as Scabior followed. It was November and the chilly wind whispered through the trees. Katherine pulled her jacket tighter. It had just come to her attention that these were the only clothes she had. Great.

Up ahead they could hear voices and the crackling of a fire. Soon a campsite came into view. Two men sat around a campfire with three tents surrounding. One man came out of one of the tents and said, "Oi, Scabior's back!"

"Who've you got there, boss?" yelled one of the men sitting by the fire.

"This 'ere is Katherine, gents. She's gonna be tagging along with us for a while so behave yourselves," Scabior ordered.

"Oooh we're in the presence of a lady!" Teased one of the men while making a fake curtsy.

"Shall I go pick you some wildflowers, m'lady?" Mocked another. Katherine took a hesitant step towards Scabior who was the only one not snickering.

"Oh, knock it off you dim pricks," growled Scabior, "You know why she's here? The Ministry thinks we're low on catches so all of you best get off your lazy arses before we all get sacked!"

The men grumbled and left it alone not wanting to cause a bigger argument.

"Come on," Scabior walked Katherine to one of the tents with his hand on her shoulder. The tent was small with two beds inside. One of the beds was made up and looked like it had never been used, the same couldn't be said about the other.

"You'll be staying in my tent for now," mumbled Scabior, "But don't look at this as an opportunity to do anything girly." Katherine huffed. She didn't need this man's attitude after everything that had happened to her today. Her mother was dead, for goodness sakes, and her father could be on his way to the same fate.

"You can put your things on your bed," Scabior pointed to the clean bed and began to leave the tent. Don't let him push you around Katherine. Be strong.

"I don't really have any things to put on my bed, now do I?" Katherine stated matter-of-factly, "Nor do I have my wand." Scabior spun around to face her.

"Well 'scuse me your highness but I didn't really expect to be having visitors in my camp. You're lucky to even have a place to sleep, you know that!" barked Scabior.

"Well I didn't exactly sign up for this either! It wasn't my decision so don't start taking your temper out on me!" yelled Katherine, "Have you any idea what kind of day I've had? I listened to dementors kiss my mother and now my father is as good as dead too. I have nothing!"

Scabior was about to say something in retort but he stopped himself. Perhaps it was the look on her face or the tears brimming in her eyes. But something made him pause. Taking a deep breath he said, "You're right," walking over to her slowly, he reached inside his pocket and withdrew her wand, "Here," He handed it to her, "We'll be going back to the Ministry tomorrow and we'll get you some clothes there."

The sudden change in atmosphere caught Katherine off guard. He stood only inches away from her.

"Thank you," she managed to say trying to tear her eyes away from the darkness of his.

He turned to leave the tent and said, "Dinner's outside," as he walked out to the fire leaving her breathless once again. What was it about him that made her feel this way? At first she wanted to slap him but next she was ready to jump in his arms. The way he looked at her, it was almost longingly, as if he was restraining himself...from hurting her or hugging her, she couldn't tell. Get a hold of yourself Katherine.

Back outside at the campfire, Scabior sat down on one of the benches. He couldn't quit thinking about what had just happened. One minute he wanted to strangle her but the next all he wanted to do was hold her, comfort her. She wasn't like other women. He knew she was hurting inside, but still she managed to maintain composure and confidence. She wasn't scared of him, or at least she tried not to show it which made her irresistible to him. Snap out of it Scabior, don't get involved.

Katherine turned her attention to the wand she held in her hands. Her wand. Mahogany, eleven inches, dragon heartstring. It felt good to hold it, to feel the magic flowing through her fingers as she cast a simple levitation spell to a small leaf on the tent floor. Katherine sat on her new bed and lay down feeling exhaustion sweep over her. She was about to doze when the smell of food cooking made her desire for a meal overpower her desire to sleep.

Timidly, Katherine stepped out of the tent trying to see where the scent came from. All the men were gathered round the fire eating some meat that had obviously been roasting there. Scabior caught her eye and patted the seat next to him on the bench. She walked towards him and sat down avoiding the stares from the other men. It was beginning to grow dark outside and she knew that there was still someone lurking out in the woods near the campsite.

"Like I said boys, this here is Katherine," Scabior announced, "The Ministry thought it best she start helping us out so I want you all to treat her as one of the crew, you get me?" The men nodded, a little more interested in the food. Scabior pointed to each of the men telling Katherine their names.

"This is Todd, that's Campbell, and this one is Brooks." Katherine nodded politely at each man.

"Aren't you forgetting someone?" she asked pointing in the direction of the unidentified person in the woods.

"Oh yeah, Greyback's on the team too," Scabior said grimly, "Sure you've heard of 'im." Scabior saw a shadow of worry fall upon Katherine's face and quickly added, "But don' worry, I won't let 'im touch you. I promise." By the earnest look in his eye, Katherine knew he meant it.

"Here, eat this," Scabior handed her a plate of food to which she took eagerly.

"All we got is firewhiskey," snickered Todd as he handed her a mug.

"No matter," she said and quickly transfigured the whiskey into a warm cup of tea. Todd's smile faded when he didn't get the reaction he wanted.

Katherine finished her meal and sipped her tea quietly as the other men exchanged jokes and banter. It soon became dark and she found herself shivering from the cold. She wanted to go back into the tent but she was afraid to be in there by herself with Greyback still milling about. She felt much safer beside Scabior and his promise of protection – though she was still cautious of him.

Scabior must have noticed her shivering because only a moment later he wrapped his leather coat around her leaving his arm around her shoulders.

"Ya alright love?" he asked softly. Katherine nodded, smiling weakly. Surprised by his power over her, she leaned in closer to him, his arm wrapping around her tighter. She enjoyed his warmth for only a few minutes when she suddenly sensed Greyback moving towards the camp. Only moments later, she felt the chill of his breath run down her neck.

"And who might this pretty thing be," purred the werewolf as he stealthily sat down beside Katherine, his stench filling her nostrils. Scabior flinched as Greyback appeared.

"Dammit Fenrir!" exclaimed Scabior removing his arm from Katherine, "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

"Well our little guest here didn't seem to be frightened at all," said the wolf as he twisted a piece of her hair. Katherine froze, not knowing what to do except sit very still hoping he would leave.

"Hands off Greyback. She's not yours to play with," warned Scabior, "This is Katherine. She's part of the team now. She'll be helping us find undesirables." Greyback had hardly backed off an inch. Scabior noticed that familiar greedy look in his eye.

"And she'll be sleeping in my tent so don' be gettin' any ideas," said Scabior threateningly. Greyback stood up and marched away muttering under his breath.

Every muscle in Katherine's body was tense and she didn't relax until she saw Greyback disappear behind one of the tents. The other men yawned and began to head for their own tents.

"Best be off to bed," Scabior said helping Katherine up, "Big day for you tomorrow." He walked her to the tent noticing her glance in the direction where Greyback had disappeared.

"Don' worry about 'im," said Scabior reassuringly, "I'm keeping watch tonight."

"Goodnight," said Katherine unable to take her eyes off the man in front of her.

"G'night love," he said with a grin leaving her alone in the tent with hundreds of questions circling her head.