Kitten; Fred Weasley

55

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Fred withdrew his hand. He couldn't deny the fact he  wished she didn't say no. He wished everyone was wrong about her and that they would just go back got the way they were, but alas, it didn't. He slunk back and his back pressed against the wall. His eyes softened as she began to rock on her heels rubbing her left forearm.

"Do you know the meaning of a promise?" She asked him with a slight wisp of venom on her tongue. "You were the one person I actually believed wouldn't break a promise yet here we are." Catina shrugged and tucked her hands into her pocket. "I shouldn't have been so naive!"

"Let me make it up to you."

"And how do you propose to do that?"

Fred pondered for a moment. A smiled curled at the corners of his pink, chapped lips and his eyebrows raised. "How about I take you to the shop and show you the flat."

"The what?"

"Ah yes, you wouldn't know, kitten. You're now looking at one of the owners of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, our joke shop which is soon to be opened in Diagon Alley. Georgie and I ditched N.E.W.Ts and have been working on it since. It's pretty marvellous if I do say so myself." He grinned brightly and brushed the invisible dust off of his shoulder.

Catina rolled her eyes and scoffed. "You think showing me a shop and a flat is going to make me forgive you? Like, it's all well and good for you that your dream and all that jazz is coming true but that's hardly forgiveness worthy. Just saying."

She slipped past him and back down the stairs where she rejoined Bill who had a parcel in his hand, the other adults all gathered round in perplexity. Bill once he let Catina sit back on his lap handed her the parcel. "This was on the doorstep for you." He said, "open it with caution, Merlin knows what's in there."

She sighed and dug her dirty nail into the plastic wrapping, pulling it back with care and consideration. A familiar scent filled her senses and she tugged out a silk wrap along with a card. There were some other folded up items but she focussed on the card first.

I'm sorry about what happened, my dear. I promise you are safer there at this present time. As soon as it is safe to do so I will come and get you if that is what you want. I miss you terribly already. So does Cissy and Yaxley. You really are a special lady, Cat.

I thought you ought to have few bits and bobs. I am not sure what happened with your belongings when you were taken from Hogwarts. These were mine when I were you age and hopefully that should fit, if not a simple charm may enlarge them or make them smaller.

I also added a silk wrap, wrap you hair in it at night and it will prevent your curls from frizzing. Remember what I said about curly hair care, you have beautiful hair and it's a shame you were not taught how to care for it properly until now.

Take care Baby Wolf, I'll be in touch.

~B

Catina smiled and let the silk wrap run across her fingers, it felt beautiful but then her attention turned to the clothes in the parcel. There were some beautiful black and green dresses, a pair of trousers and some tops which were all beautiful too. Personally, she would not have chosen these for herself but she was grateful for Bellatrix's generosity. Her personal belongings had not crossed her mind until now and then she remembered-

"Juno! Where is Juno?" She questioned looking around the room.

Fred left the room and returned a little while later holding the cat. Immediately, Juno pounced on his owner and nuzzled into her. Catina buried her face in his fur and tickled his tummy. Juno was finally at peace with his owner and glared at Fred from her lap.

"Fred kept him safe, well, Juno didn't really give him much choice," said George with a slight chuckle. Why was he nice all of a sudden?

Catina continued to tickled Juno behind the ears and Bill had his hand on her knee, rubbing his thumb comfortingly. "So Dumbledore has said you can repeat seventh year if you want to, or we can help you start looking for a job. It's up to you, sweetheart," said Remus.

"I dunno," she shrugged. The option to stay at Hogwarts for another year looked like the best option. It would give her time to think about all of her options and have a proper home for another year. However, the impending stares and whispers about her lycanthropy and time in prison. That was not a thrilling thought. "Can I think about it?"

"Of course, take as long as you need. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask."

"I've never been afraid to ask questions, darling." She said nonchalantly without looking up from Juno. "I don't think I have any questions about anything- oh wait. Yes I do."

"Go on then spit it out!" Laughed Bill at her child-like mannerisms and the sass that was slowly but surely returning.

She glanced at him glared, rolling her eyes and clearing her throat. "Bella said some rather interesting things during our time spent together- no nothing terrorist-related, rather about my eyes and potential parents." Catina raised her head and titled it looking directly at Sirius. "She said I have the Black family eyes. Do I?"

Sirius was taken back. He certainly was not expecting that. He took a moment to process it and stood up, hobbling over to the girl he crouched down before her. Juno hissed but Catina lightly tapped his nose to stop (it wasn't hard at all, it was more of a poke but it hindered him from continuing to hiss). Sirius smiled at the feline and returned his gaze to Catina's eyes. His cousin was right. Those were the eyes of Black. How he didn't notice before now, he was unbeknown to.

"Sirius, are they?" Questioned Tonks.

"They most certainly are cousin."