I don't ever tell you
How I really feel
Cause I can't find the words to
Say what I mean

10 : Just a Little Bit of Your Heart (edited)

"Valentine!"

Lily groaned into her meal as Catherine sent her a sheepish smile, knowing that she was in trouble yet again for her pranks. Last night after the party, and dare she mention the dance shared with James Potter, she decided to lay a little mischief on Peggy Parkinson's hair dryer.

Catherine swiveled on her seat during breakfast to face the girl whose face resembled a pug. She smirked. "Hello, Parkinson. We're looking rather ashen, aren't we?"

Peggy scowled murderously at the girl, pointing up at her hair which was covered in powder. "What the bloody hell did you do to my hair?"

Marlene was drinking juice when she glanced up at Parkinson, snorting as she choked on her drink. Alice passed her a napkin to clean herself up with. Catherine's eyes glinted as she sassily questioned Parkinson, "Tried to blow dry your hair, didn't you?"

"Oh, Merlin," Marlene pointed at Parkinson but spoke to Catherine, "you jinxed her hair dryer, didn't you?"

Catherine just winked at her in reply before shooing Parkinson away with a wave of her fingers. "Let it be, Parkinson. It'll fade in a bit."

"How bit?" she snapped furiously.

"A few hours." Catherine tried to hide her smile as Parkinson shrieked and stomped her feet on the ground like a spoiled, little girl. Suddenly, Parkinson whipped her wand out from the pocket of her robes and aimed it at Catherine. She opened her mouth to yell out a spell, probably a Stupefying one, when it was knocked out of her hand.

Catherine's eyes widened at that as she snapped her head to the side to see the Marauders looming over her, standing next to Parkinson with their hands lazily tucked in their pockets. It was James who had knocked the wand off of her hand.

"I only have duels with men, but if you ever wave your wand in front of my girlfriend again, Parkinson, I'm going to forget about being a gentleman." James scowled deeply at her, looking particularly menacing with his eyes flashing dangerously.

Wow, Catherine thought, he's really outdone himself this time with the boyfriend act.

"Shoo, little owl, shoo." Sirius waved her off dismissively. He and Peter began hooting at her tauntingly and mockingly.

Peggy harrumphed, raised her chin up high and spun around to stomp her way to Malfoy. Probably off to cling onto his arm again and be told off by Narcissa. As always.

James went to take the seat across of Catherine, next to Lily much to the redhead's discomfort, as Sirius and Remus occupied the seats on either side of Catherine with Peter on James's other side.

Catherine glanced up to peek at James, only to find him already staring at her. Their eyes met, hazel clashing jade green. Memories of last night came flooding to Catherine as she felt her face heat up and turn red. She seemed to forget that she was in the Great Hall surrounded by hundreds of students as James tilted his head slightly and smiled lopsidedly at her. Catherine looked back down at her toast before shyly glancing up at him through her lashes, her lips pulling up to a gentle smile.

Next to her, Sirius frowned at their little exchange as Lily leaned over with a teasing smirk. Sirius slung an arm over Catherine's shoulders, breaking her eye contact with James. "Nicely done, Cat," he praised and flashed her a grin and a wink.

Catherine chuckled, tipping an imaginary hat to him before resting her head comfortably on his shoulder. "Thank you, Siri, for that jinx. I couldn't have done it without you." She winked playfully back at him, feeling James watch them.

Lily cleared her throat, sternly pointing a finger at Catherine. "Young lady, you have gone way too far with your tricks and pranks. Someone needs to be responsible for this. Starting today, you're grounded."

Catherine stared blankly at Lily, sharing bewildered looks with the Marauders before asking, "What's grounded?"

"It's something Muggles do," Lily mumbled before clearing her throat. "No sneaking out in the middle of the night."

"It's almost a full moon," Catherine reasoned calmly though a hint of a smile ghosted her lips.

"Fine," the redhead muttered. "Then, no Quidditch."

Catherine shared a knowing look with James before smirking. "Captain wants us to practice. There's a game against Hufflepuff this Friday."

Lily's eye twitched and Catherine knew she was trying to hold back a groan. Catherine snickered to herself as Sirius reached a palm out for her to slap a high-five with. Lily drifted get gaze to Sirius, a satisfied look on her face as she hummed, "Then, no Sirius."

Sirius's jaw dropped, a horrified look crossed his face as he repeated in an astonished manner, "No Sirius? What the bloody hell do you mean by that? Are you joking?" He glanced at Catherine who was biting her lip and trying not to laugh. "Is she joking?" He shot a dismayed look at James. "Tell me she's joking."

James fought to keep the amused look from his face. "Well, she's definitely not serious—"

Catherine bursted out laughing at this as Sirius groaned into his hands. "Not again, Prongs. You know how Cat is when it comes to 'Sirius' jokes."

Catherine was laughing so hard that she had to hold her sides, tears forming in her eyes as she fell sidewards into Sirius. The grey eyed boy pressed his lips together, blinking at the girl as he mechanically clapped his hand against her back as though he had done this all his life. "That's it," he drawled out cooingly, though he looked amused with Catherine, "let it all out."

Catherine's giggles finally lessened as she took in a deep breath before releasing a huge sigh.

"Are you finished?" Sirius asked dryly.

Catherine winked at him in reply. "Maybe."

"It's settled then." Lily smirked triumphantly while rubbing her hands together as though she had accomplished an evil scheme. "No Sirius."

"That's your new mother right there, Cat Queen," Peter said, leaning across the table to tell her with a laugh.

Remus chuckled, rolling his eyes as he shook his head. "That's not possible, Evans. Separating Cathy and Sirius is like taking Fabian from Gideon."

James clicked his tongue in agreement. "It's true, Evans. They're evil masterminds." A cocky look crossed his face as he rested his chin on his hand. "Valentine and I, however, now that's a different story." He winked slyly at Catherine, causing her to flush and shoot a glare at his direction as he continued. "There's absolutely nothing that can separate us."

"Shut up," Catherine murmured as Marlene and Alice giggled amongst themselves.

This caused Lily to send a smug look to Catherine, as though this was the perfect punishment. "Well, that's that. No Sirius," she repeated, ignoring everything James had just said — as usual.

Catherine and Sirius gasped theatrically, clutching each other dramatically as they repeated in faux horror, "No Sirius?"

"For a week."

Catherine pretended to faint on Sirius when suddenly, a vibrant, gold owl swooped down the Gryffindor tables, a missive clenched between its beak. Catherine sat upright, stretching a hand out. The owl dove down to her and dropped the letter into her awaiting hand as it flapped its wings. It perched on her shoulder for a bit.

"'Ello, Thomas," she smiled at the owl who affectionately nipped her finger as she fed him some of her food. "How's Mum?"

It hooted a few times at her, earning himself some more food. Thomas was still a year and a half old — she still saw him as a baby even though he had matured already. He was her little owlet, and she loved him to death.

"And Dad? Bludger found its way to his head yet?" Catherine found herself softening upon mentioning her father, her heart warming at the thought of her family.

Thomas hooted softly and Catherine laughed, feeding him a little bit of pie before gently shaking him off. "Atta boy, Tommy." As the bird flew away to the owlery, Catherine looked back at her friends to find the Marauders giving her baffled expressions.

"Bludger?" Sirius questioned.

"To his head?!" James finished with wide eyes.

Catherine giggled at their reactions as she replied, "My father plays for Puddlemere United."

James eyes were practically bugging out of his head by now. "Bloody hell — !" He waved his arms frantically with Sirius. "It's Edward Valentine! Her father's Edward Valentine!"

Sirius nodded vigorously. "Damn, I knew it! I saw his name a million times in The Daily Prophet!"

"What's his position?" Peter inquired curiously, not having known this.

"Beater," Catherine replied, her heart swelling with pride for her father.

Remus poked her side playfully with a wink. "No wonder you're amazing at Quidditch."

Catherine blushed at the compliment, suddenly interested in her food. "Thanks, Remus."

He flashed her a cheeky grin in return. James couldn't help but snort as Sirius rolled his eyes, the two sharing a look and a grin.

Catherine tore the letter open to see that it was a wedding invitation from her aunt. She glanced up at the redhead. "Oi, Lils! Aunt Leah's getting married already."

Lily brightened. "Oh, I love Aunt Leah! She makes the best apple pies."

Catherine glanced at the letter again. "It says the wedding's on the thirtieth of November. You're invited as well," she added as she caught sight of Lily's name on the paper. Every summer, Catherine would invite Lily over to the manor for a few weeks. She's practically an addition to the family.

Lily sniffed, reminiscing, "I do miss Uncle Eddie's jokes."

Catherine chuckled, shaking her head as she thought fondly of her father making jokes constantly and poking harmless fun on people while her mother would chastise him with a whack on the head. Catherine's eye caught James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter who all eagerly leaned forward as well with idiotic looks on their faces.

"What?" She shifted in her seat, creeped out.

"Do you think Aunt Leah would welcome a plus four?" James batted his eyelashes innocently at Catherine.

««•»»

Two days had flown by swiftly for the Marauders, excluding Remus who was in excruciating pain since tonight was the full moon. Catherine and the three boys were lounging by their spot in the Common Room as they gloomily stared at the flickering flames.

She sighed deeply, resting her head at the cushion behind her. "Poor Moony, I wish there was something I could do about it." She thought about her own brother too and how he was miles away from her, hoping he would be alright as well.

     Fuck the werewolves that hurt both boys.

James eyed her for a moment, taking in her weary frown. "You tired, Valentine? Maybe you should rest this full moon out. S'alright, we can handle this one."

Catherine shook her head, reaching over to squeeze his hand in assurance. This action didn't go unnoticed by Sirius who narrowed his eyes. She smiled gently at James. "It's fine. This is Remus, I'd do anything to help."

James flipped his hand over so that their palms were against each other as he twined his fingers through hers, squeezing it back. "Thanks."

     His eyes seemed to look right into Catherine, rendering her vulnerable. But she wasn't uncomfortable with that fact — it made her feel as though she could trust James. That he made her feel safe by his presence.

Suddenly, something was being thrown at Catherine's head. She yelped, "Bloody hell, what was that?" She scowled, rubbing the top of her head as she snatched the Potions textbook that fell to the ground. She glared at Sirius. "Are you mental?"

He wagged a finger at her. "If you pass out again tonight, I'm not lending you a blanket, you still got my only one."

Realization dawned on her as her mouth formed into an 'O'. Catherine bit her lip, sending him a sheepish grin. "Sorry?"

Sirius sniffed and pretended to wipe a tear. "It's cold at night," he said with a shiver. "Sometimes, I can't bear it any longer, I have to sleep as a dog just to keep warm."

Catherine laughed, chucking the book at Sirius who easily caught it. "Oh, shut up, you big baby."

"I think we should go now," Peter piped up, setting down a stack of papers he was studying from. Catherine recognized them to be Remus's handwriting — notes on their upcoming Transfiguration exam.

James nodded in agreement as he stood up to leave with Peter right behind him. Catherine pushed herself off the couch and made her way to the boys' dormitories. "I'll get the map. Just to make sure Filch won't come snooping by. You lot go and check on Remus." Catherine took the stairs two steps at a time as she silently crept to the Marauders' shared room. Slipping in, she caught sight of the rolled parchment on the bedside table of Sirius. She approached it and snagged the map, stuffing it in the back of her pants before retreating to the door.

Catherine paused by the threshold, looking back behind her shoulder at the bed of Sirius Black that was void of any blanket. She breathed out a chuckle, shaking her head gently as she whipped her wand out. "Accio Sirius Black's blanket." She waited for a few seconds as a piece of thick fabric came whizzing through the air. She caught it, folding it neatly and laying it on top of his empty bed.

With the map tucked in her back pocket, Catherine quietly flew down the stairs, careful not to wake anyone up. Reaching the Common Room, she jumped a foot up in the air. "Bloody hell, Siri, are you trying to kill me?" She calmed her racing heart as she glared at the boy who had surprised her.

A corner of Sirius's mouth pulled up to a smirk as he snickered. He nodded his head to the direction of the door, beckoning Catherine to come over already. She complied immediately, a smile on her face as she went to stand next to Sirius. However, as they took a step to make their way out of the common room, Sirius suddenly clasped her wrist.

"You know, I never did get to dance with you in McKinnon's party," he mumbled, almost as if he was shy.

Catherine blinked in surprise, her breath hitching in her throat. She spun around to face Sirius, only to find him right in front of her. He was so close once again that it gave her the opportunity to gaze right up at his eyes. The color that was once stormy gray was now an exuberant, light one. They were so pale they looked powder blue-gray.

Her stomach seemed to be churning madly by now and her knees felt like jelly at the close and dizzying proximity of the little to no space between them.

His lip curled up into a small smirk. "May I have this dance?" He brought a hand up between them, palm facing upwards.

Catherine couldn't help but to reply cheekily, "But there's no music."

He shrugged. "We don't need music."

Catherine raised her arm up, slipping her hand in Sirius's warm one as he weaved their fingers together.

Sirius slipped a hand up to hold the curve of her waist delicately but firmly as she reached a hand up to rest it on his shoulder. Slowly, Sirius began to sway them both, his eyes never leaving Catherine's.

There was no music playing, but the hushed crackling of the flames in the fireplace was enough to make this little dance have a song to sway to.

Sirius's hand suddenly disappeared from her waist as he reached up to grasp her hand that was on his shoulder. His eyes still locked on hers intensely, he slowly brought both of her hands up around his neck.

She laced her fingers together as she subconsciously played with the tips of Sirius's curly hair. Sirius wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her much closer to the point where there was barely any space.

They swayed some more until it was time for them to stop. But instead of stopping, Sirius suddenly leaned over to Catherine. Instinctively, her eyes fluttered close as she felt him press his forehead against hers, their noses touching. She could feel his warm breath fanning her face.

And suddenly she wanted to take a step back. But she willed herself to not move her legs.

"Sirius," her voice was barely louder than a whisper.

She then felt him pull his face away, then resorted to burying his face into her hair at the crook of her neck. Strawberries, Sirius thought, Catherine's hair smelled like strawberries.

Catherine's face was flaming by now, feeling lightheaded. He was too close — too fast — too sudden. "I think we should go," she brought herself to murmur as the two parted.

Sirius smiled. "Right." The two shared one more smile before making their way to the Shrieking Shack, back to their normal selves as they made fun of each other along the way.

««•»»

"Remus, calm down!" Catherine yelled at the wolf who was howling while violently struggling under Sirius who had transformed to a large dog. She had changed back to a human for a split second, trying to talk sense into Remus who was aggressive more than normal. James, in the form of a stag, stood in front of her protectively. They had come up with that idea a few days ago to see if Catherine could be able to talk Remus out of aggressiveness if ever he comes to that.

It was a pretty dangerous theory and Remus didn't agree at first. But he reluctantly gave in when everyone else outvoted him.

Remus growled at Sirius who growled furiously at him. Remus attempted to swipe a paw at him, only to have his arm knocked against the ground by James's antlers as the latter lunged forward for a second before moving back to stand in front of Catherine.

"Remus, please!" Catherine hollered once more, ready to change back when suddenly, the wolf went completely still. She held her breath in anticipation as the other Marauders curiously watched the wolf as well.

The werewolf slowly turned its head to Catherine. Suddenly, Remus had clawed his way out of Sirius, successfully knocking him to the side against the wall. Catherine yelped in surprise, tripping on her feet as she fell on the floor. Remus roared, taking a leap to Catherine.

Catherine's eyes flickered from Remus and to James who was right in the way of lashing teeth and sharp claws.

"NO!" she screamed, gold flashing her sight as she turned her head to the side to avoid seeing James being mauled or her become wolf chow. Catherine shut her eyes tight as she waited for the pain, momentarily forgetting that she could turn to a big cat because of shock.

Seconds passed, maybe minutes, Catherine wasn't sure. She was still breathing heavily, her body curled up to the same position with her eyes shut. "Valentine," a soft voice lulled her out of her frightened trance.

She knew that voice — James.

A tentative hand reached out to hold her shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. Look."

Catherine slowly opened her eyes to see James crouching in