Riddle Me This

Chapter 57

Catherine's POV

So for the first two months, Hogwarts was almost like what Hogwarts was supposed to be. Everyone took a little longer to get back into the swing of things, and I went and talked to McGonagall when everything became too much. And she was more than happy to do so. It sort of became a weekly ritual that I'd go in on Thursdays for tea and decompressing. Though we did have a few interesting conversations, including talking about being cat animagi.

"Your animagus form is very interesting, Catherine." McGonagall said one day I was in her office. "Besides having your scar appear on your coat, it seems very... formal. Having a mask and boots as well as tipped tail. If it followed more of a tuxedo cat coloring, it'd be very elegant. But you seem more... Maine coonish. With having a long hair coat and what not." I smiled.

"Yes, well. I like being fluffy. More fur to shed and irritate people." I smirked. "I still don't think Draco has forgiven me for lying in his lap when shedding before." McGonagall laughed softly.

"Well I would presume not. It seems that all the clothing he owns is black." She said I nodded with a small frown.

"I know. I've talked to him about it. He looks good in green, but I think red would go with his complexion rather well. But he said he wouldn't be caught dead wearing Gryffindor colors." I shrugged. "He's missing out on a great opportunity." McGonagall only shrugged, before looking at the clock and standing.

"Well, Catherine, it's time for you to head off to class. I'll see you at dinner." She said, walking me to the door.

"See you at dinner Headmistress." I said before leaving, and meeting up with Draco at the base of the stairs. "Hey Draco." I smiled, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Come to get me?" He nodded, looking a little down trodden. "Draco?" He didn't respond. "Draco?" I said again, reaching out and gently grabbing his wrist. His reaction was automatic. He pulled his hand away and held it, like he'd been burned, and glared. I frowned, before remembering which arm I had grabbed. The one with the mark.

Once my father died, the mark didn't vanish, but faded, much like it had the first time, only more so. But it was there, on Draco's skin. And it bugged him. And some of the less civilized students, or ones that hadn't moved past the anger stage in their grieving, would take it out on him if I wasn't around. A simple 'Death Eater Scum' and Draco would shut down for a day or two.

"Draco." I said softly, reaching out to him slowly. "Please, I'm here." Draco took a shuddering breath before allowing me to take him into my arms. It took him a few moments to hug me back.

"Sorry." He breathed.

"It's alright, I understand." I replied. I felt Draco shake his head as he stepped back.

"No. It's not alright. Kitty-"

"Dragon." I interrupted. He sighed and leaned his forehead against mine. "Kiss me?" Draco smiled softly before answering my request. When we separated, I smiled. "Now let's go, it's time for class and we can't be late." Draco hummed and we headed to Charms.

Two days later, and it was Halloween. I giggled happily as I spoke with Pansy. And then Hermione chimed in.

"I think we should have a game night." She said as she watched everyone at the eighth year table. I cocked an eyebrow and turned to her. "That includes everyone. Something fun. We haven't really done much for house unity."

"And what exactly do you think is going to interest everyone into playing whatever game you have planned?" Draco asked.

"Truth or dare?" Hermione suggested, but when everyone stared at her like she had spoken a different language, she sighed. "It's a game only muggles have heard of apparently." And so she explained the rules. Everyone at the table listened in, and seemed to agree that it was a brilliant idea.