Headstrong

Chapter 60

"Yes, I miss my wife and children. But I decided that I should keep company. You two can come over whenever you want, and Draco too. Narcissa visits sometimes, and I spend long hours having lovely chats with Carrie."

"That's good. Where is Carrie?" Amanda looked around.

Francis chuckled. "She's just bringing out dinner."

Just as he said this, Amanda saw the house elf toddle up to them. She set three plates in front of them, and put a platter in the middle for them to serve themselves.

Amanda smiled and motioned for Carrie to sit in her lap. Carrie did so, and Amanda pushed some food aside on the plate for Carrie to nibble on happily.

As they busied themselves eating, Francis spoke, "I was looking through some albums that belonged to Drew and Nancy. I noticed there were some with you and a lovely white cat. It's not ours, so what's the story with that?"

Leo wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"Yeah, the cat was my family's cat. She was my mother's, originally. Her name was Coconut. After the attack on my family, she somehow made her way here."

"What happened to her?" Francis asked.

"I misbehaved one day, and you killed her. Don't worry, I'm over it now. Besides, you couldn't help it, being Imperiused."

Francis' shoulders shook as he began to cry. Amanda noticed they had all finished their food so she beckoned for Carrie to clear it away and get a drink for Francis. She led the man to the living room, sitting him down on a couch and hugging him close.

"I did so many bad things." Francis whispered. "I cut you, tortured you, and killed your cat. How can you stand to be around me?"

Amanda smiled softly. "I know it wasn't your fault. Besides, you gave me a home. You gave me another family. I will never forget that."

After a strong drink, Francis seemed more himself. "Well, I have a surprise for you anyway. You can see it as a really early birthday present, if you want."

"What is it?" Amanda asked curiously.

Francis winked and left the room, soon returning with a cat under each arm.

One was white, just like Coconut. The other was grey.

"These are yours. Yours to name as well, if you wish."

"Thank you, Francis. So much." Amanda said tearfully.

"Any ideas for names?" Leo asked her.

She grinned wickedly. "Of course."

...

Amanda led the two cats through the door of Grimmauld Place. She giggled softly as the cats cringed away, wanting to go back outside.

"I know sweethearts, but you're going to have to put up with this place for now."

She walked past the kitchen, then took a few steps back to smile at Remus and Sirius. The two were fast asleep, obviously having been waiting for her to return.

She smirked and grabbed two saucepans. She quickly smacked them together rapidly.

The result was better then she had hope for.

Remus screamed as he woke up, causing Sirius to fall out of his chair. When they righted themselves, they turned to glare at her.

"Sorry," she shrugged. "I couldn't resist."

"Where have you been?" Sirius said, throwing his hands in the air. "We've been so worried about you!"

"Awww. Look at Sirius being fatherly." She pinched his cheeks. He soon began to pout.