Chapter Eight

Katherine stood next to the empty campsite with her arms crossed. She felt fine. Why did Scabior insist on leaving her behind? After everything that had happened between them in the last few hours, it felt strange to not have him near.

She decided to see what was hiding under his bed. She went into the tent and found a medium sized box tucked under. Curiously, she pulled it out, sat it on the bed and opened it. Inside was some sort of soft material. She lifted it out completely, revealing a silky floor-length dress. It was dark blue with a chiffon overlay.

Katherine stared at the dress, holding it in her hands in astonishment and surprise. She was definitely not expecting this. How did he...? When did he...? Taking advantage of her privacy, she undressed and slipped the dress on. It fit perfectly. There was a pair of heels sitting next to the box and of course they were just her size.

"Engorgio," said Katherine pointing her wand at the small mirror in the corner stretching it to her height. The dress was beautiful and no adjustments were needed at all. Scabior had to have known every curve of her body for it to fit this perfect. She took the dress off and tucked it away neatly.

It was a lonely afternoon with the Snatchers gone and Katherine spent her time idly reading. She had just drifted off when a chorus of cracks sounded outside the tent.

"Kate we're back!" said one of the crew. Katherine walked outside to greet them, eager to see Scabior.

"Were you able to manage without my help?" said Katherine jokingly.

"Oh yeah we managed," said Greyback snickering. Fresh blood dripped from his spiky fingernails.

"You didn't –" but she quickly realized she didn't want to know, "Where's Scabior?"

"Oh well when we dropped off the mudbloods at the Ministry, we ran into Yaxley," said Campbell, "He wanted a word with Scabior, said it was urgent."

"When will he be back?" she said crossing her arms across her chest.

"Why do you care so much?" asked Brooks testily. Katherine glared back.

"Because we have a banquet tonight and I thought he was coming too."

"Oh he said he'd meet you in the Atrium," said Campbell, "What time did he say?"

"Five till seven, I believe," said Todd.

"I thought he said eight?" replied Campbell.

"Oh yeah maybe it was five till eight," added Todd.

"Or maybe he said nine?" said Campbell. But Katherine's patience had already run out and she briskly began walking towards the forest.

"Where do you think you're going?" shouted Campbell.

"Getting some fresh air!" she barked back. She had grabbed her satchel full of her belongings. I am definitely going to need to clean up for tonight. She walked swiftly towards the pond she had discovered a few days ago while wandering in the woods. Using her wand she carefully cast a disillusionment charm around her. Then she did her best to cast a warmth spell to the cold water of the pond. After undressing, she slipped into the steaming water with her precious bar of soap in hand. It felt wonderful to have the water envelop her. The feeling of the soap gliding across her and the dirt melting away was so soothing and her mind was put at ease.

The sun was beginning to go down so Katherine dried off, dressed and walked back to camp. Avoiding the other men around the campfire, she went inside the tent. She sat in front of the mirror and stared at herself. She had glanced in the mirror occasionally but her new life was so fast paced she never had time to worry about her appearance. The red locks had grown long past her shoulders. They still curled at the ends like always. Her face was much narrower than she remembered but her cheeks were rosy. Her eyes had a twinkle to them. Her skin was fair but it glowed with life. Face it Katherine. You're in love. She usually threw her hair in a messy braid while snatching but this time she left it down. Then she carefully took out the box from under the bed and put on her new dress. She glanced at the small clock on the table. Ten till eight. Doesn't hurt to be a little early. She poked her head out of the tent entrance.

"I'm leaving for the Ministry. I'll be back later," she said to the Snatchers busy eating around the campfire. She quickly turned back into the tent ignoring their comments on her formal appearance.

Katherine grabbed her wand and with a sudden 'woosh' she apparated into the huge Atrium. Her heels clicked on the dark floor as she landed in the empty room. She could sense a few people around the atrium but Scabior never appeared. She walked idly over to the enormous fountain. The sounds of water trickling were unfamiliar to her ears having never been in the atrium when it was so empty.

She watched a few wizards strolling out from the shadows talking. A witch apparated and walked briskly towards a hidden door. Where is he? Glancing at the clock, it was almost eight. Suddenly there was a loud crack that echoed through the hall and Katherine looked to see where it came from. A figure was walking towards her.

Damn she looks good. Scabior almost stopped in his tracks when he realized it was Katherine standing so elegantly next to the fountain. She glowed against the dark tiles of the atrium and the dress fit her perfectly like he knew it would. He noticed she had left her hair down to curl temptingly down her exposed back. She's perfect.

As he approached her, the shadows lifted and she realized it was Scabior walking towards her looking effortlessly enticing in his solid black suit and his now somewhat tamed hair pulled back in a low ponytail as always.

He walked slower as he got nearer and their eyes met. He was only foot away and he smoothly wrapped his hands around her waist, kissed her on the cheek, and whispered, "You look beautiful." She looked down smiling softly as he held out his arm which she took. He led her through the winding halls of the Ministry until they heard voices and music.

Two dark double doors were open allowing the clamor of the party inside to escape. Scabior was greeted by several ministry people. Katherine was reduced to mingling with all of the Ministry folks invited. It felt very similar to a party she had once been to hosted by Professor Slughorn when she was at Hogwarts. Only this time she was having small talk with several Death Eaters instead of a few Ravenclaws. A sickening flash of pink flew through the corner of her eye and Katherine knew immediately who it was. Not a second had passed before that frightful pink was tapping her champagne glass to call everyone's attention.

"Welcome all of you to the Ministry's Celebratory Banquet!" Umbridge squeaked. Katherine found Scabior's arm. He noticed the irritated look on her face as she clenched his arm tightly.

"We're keeping it very informal but I would like to recognize a few outstanding witches and wizards for their work in the advancement and maintenance of the Muggle-Born Registry," Umbridge gave a cheeky grin, Katherine rolled her eyes, "As you know, our new Ministry prides itself with its purity and cohesiveness. Others have worked tirelessly to do the same for the magical community. Our mission is to put muggle-borns and muggles back in their rightful place! It is an abomination to have such scum diluting the power that we share. After all, Magic is Might!"

At this, a few wizards shouted, "Hear, Hear!" and the ballroom erupted in applause.

"I would like to award our head of Magical Law Enforcement, Yaxley for his efforts..." Umbridge drolled on awarding several witches and wizards with small pins. Katherine was beginning to worry if she would ever quit talking until –

"And finally, I would like to recognize Scabior, one of our top Snatchers, and his assistant Miss Harper, for their team's 100th catch!"

Next thing she knew, Katherine was being dragged up to face Umbridge with the ringing sound of applause filling her head. A small plaque was thrust into her hands as she was shoved in front of a camera and blinded by a flash of light. But Katherine didn't have a chance to smile as her thoughts consumed her. What is she playing at? Is she trying to make me one of them? Or is she just trying to mock my misery?

Katherine was being guided by someone through the crowd, feeling the occasional pat on the back by one of the guests. She realized it was Scabior once she came to her senses. He had taken her through a set of beautiful dark French doors onto an outdoor patio away from the party.

A million thoughts raced through Katherine's brain. And Scabior could tell. The awards stopped and smooth music could be heard in the other room.

"What's on your mind?" Scabior asked grabbing her by the side and swinging her to the music.

Katherine hesitated. You.

"Oh nothing… just feeling a little out of place," she reckoned.

"Come on. Get out with it."

"I dunno…This just isn't…me. I feel different. Like I've changed. I'm not myself anymore. But Umbridge is trying to turn me into one of her followers. I dunno," Scabior spun her around slowly, listening carefully, "I want to be me. I want to be the girl my dad raised me to be," Katherine said thoughtfully.

"You feel like you're disappointing him?" Scabior asked.

"Yeah, guess so."

"Katherine," Scabior stopped dancing and looked her straight in the eyes, "You are the reason he's still alive. You are definitely not a disappointment to him," he said earnestly, "I would be proud if I were him."

Katherine stared back at him soaking in his words. She knew he meant them. It seemed like the only time she really did feel herself was when she was around Scabior. But she made a choice to work for the opposite team. She was paying the price for her father's life. And although snatching isn't a pretty job, she was definitely enjoying the company. And that's what made her feel the most guilty. While her father rotted in Azkaban, a fighter for the good, Katherine flirted with the bad, almost forgetting what she stood for. It felt like an angel and a devil sat on her opposite shoulders. One saying, "Stay true to yourself and stand your ground." The other saying, "Who says your punishment can't come with a little fun?" These confusing thoughts swarmed Katherine's brain like flies.

But all of the buzzing worry and guilt was silenced when Scabior leaned in and kissed her lips, wrapping his warm arms strongly around her body. His hands trailed down her back as he pulled her into him, squeezing her butt. She kissed him back savoring his comfort and warmth that she desperately needed right now.

Scabior backed her up, pushing her against one of the columns on the patio. Never taking his hands off her, he slid his tongue into her mouth and pressed himself against her tantalizingly. She could feel his hardness through her thin dress. His dominance with her was all she wanted in her vulnerable state. No more thinking tonight, no more worrying, no more deciding. Tonight she was playing on the dark side.

"Let's get out of here," whispered Scabior seductively with a nip to her ear…

And in a flash they were gone.