It's been a while I know and this chapter probably would've fit better around Christmas time but...I was busy, deal with it ;).

Neiter CATS nor Harry Potter or Carol of the Bells belong to me.

R&R please.

Munkus walked up to the door of the house slowly. He still felt somewhat numb considering all that had happened today. Rummaging through his pockets, he pulled out his key and inserted it in the lock. A quick twist later the door opened and he entered the house. He hesitated for a second, then the door fell closed again and he leaned against it heavily, a deep sigh escaping him. Then he heard it.

Were he still a cat his ears would've twitched at the sound of Demeter approaching, but so he just raised his head slightly, tired silver eyes locking on a nearby doorway. Soon enough the woman appeared in front of him, her golden eyes blazing with righteous anger.

No surprise considering the letter they'd received from Misto just this morning. Munkus himself had left the house in a much similar mood to Demeter. And he'd most likely still be furious, or at least apprehensive or worried or even scared because of Demeter's well-known temper. But only if it weren't for the fact that he still hadn't gotten over what had happened earlier.

Had it really happened?

Well the pulled muscle in his leg still twinged so he had one proof there.

Demeter herself didn't have anything to distract her from her anger and began her rant without even bothering to greet him. "Munkus we're pulling Misto out of that school right this instant!", proclaimed the woman, the familiar cat-like hiss returning to her voice.

Munkus blinked twice at his mate at that. He'd expected her to start ranting before demanding anything along those lines. So, without the energy to do much else, he tilted his head in confusion, silver locking with gold. Just another habit he still kept from being a cat.

Demeter's eyes blazed in anger and she spat: "This…this…this sorry excuse for a school! A troll, a freaking mountain troll Munkus! How did that get into the school! What kind of place did we send Misto too?! Not to start about that damn Cerberus! What kind of school keeps a massive three-headed dog inside the castel?! Are you even listening?!" Although Munkus had to admit, the thought of Misto facing off against a mountain troll scared the heck out of him, he still couldn't find it within himself to shake off the numbness that had gathered a while ago. It was just too much.

"Why so silent?!", hissed Demeter now, closing in. She bared her teeth dangerously and if she still had a tail it would have swished around behind her wildly now. "Don't you care at all how dangerous this is? Misto could've died and you're just standing there! What's wrong with-"

She was cut off when Munkus' arms shot forward and wrapped around her smaller frame, before he pulled her tightly against him. Demeter froze for a few seconds, then seemed to realise that there was something she didn't know going on with her mate. Her arms wrapped around him as well and she nuzzled against his neck. The black and silver haired man let out a shuddering breath and buried his head in her black and golden strands. He inhaled deeply, relishing in the familiar scent.

Slowly but surely the strange numbness started to fade from him, only for shock to really settle in. He started to shake slightly in Demeter's embrace, prompting a confused noise from the woman. She pulled back a little and looked up at him.

Munkus didn't have the slightest clue just how he looked like for her, but it had to be pretty bad considering her eyes widened before she started pulling him into the living room. Once they sat on the couch Munkus pulled his mate tightly against his chest again. Demeter curled up on his lap, laying her head on his shoulder. They sat like this for a while until Munkus' body finally stopped shaking and his somewhat rapid breathing evened out.

Demeter pulled away slowly and locked eyes with him again. Her anger had disappeared, having been replaced with deep worry for him.

"What's wrong?", asked the female softly, cupping his cheek with a hand. Munkus closed his eyes and leaned into her touch, before he finally managed to choke out a short answer.

"I saw Tugger today."

Demeter froze in his arms and he opened his eyes. Her own golden eyes had widened in shock, her mouth open in a silent gasp. Finally she breathed: "What?"

Munkus nodded and explained: "How he even got to Ramsgate I don't know but…I was just on my way back from the studio when I heard a shriek. I looked to the across the street and saw him. He shot out of an alley, chased by a dog."

"Pollicle?", asked Demeter.

Munkus shook his head and answered: "Dalmatian. Anyway, the dog wouldn't let off so in a last desperate try to shake him off, Tugger leaped onto the street. He didn't see the truck coming his way."

Demeter gasped, her eyes hazing over and she breathed: "Did he…" She choked. Munkus shook his head.

"No. I saw it and ran over the street. I barely managed it, but I got both of us out of there safely just…" He trailed off, shivers setting in again.

"What?", asked Demeter.

Silver locked with gold once more and he breathed: "I…He's my little brother Dem. He didn't recognize me, I didn't think he would but…He was scared of me."

That was one of his greatest fears. His family meant everything to him. He would gladly give his life for any Jellicle he knew, but his family, his father, Tugger, Jemima, Demeter and Misto, he'd always been ready to go even further than that for them. And seeing Tugger now, seeing his beloved little brother scared of him, even though he knew why, hurt terribly.

Macavity was a feared cat in all of London and the surrounding areas. He wasn't as well known here in Kent as far as Munkus remembered, but during the first few battles with his older brother he'd seen it. The pain Macavity tried to keep desperately hidden, the pain of knowing that his family feared him. And Munkus had always been horrified of the simple idea that his family could start to fear him too.

He wasn't deluded. Although Tugger didn't realise it, Mac was never the only of the three of them with magic.

Sure, he'd gotten the biggest part, the obvious part, but his two younger brothers had their share of it as well. It was the only way for Munkus to explain his own exceptional instincts, senses and fighting-abilities and well as Tugger's fur. His little brother was vain, there was no denying that fact, so he never realised it, but the fact that it never looked out of place, even when coming out of a terrible battle and how little injuries Tugger sustained during those very same battles, even after direct hits, were hints enough for Munkus.

And once he realised they had these abilities that went beyond the other Jellicles' this fear had started to set in. And now today.

Sure, to Tugger he'd been saved by some human he didn't know, and Munkus knew that, but the fear his little brother had displayed at being held by him, it tore at Munkus' heart.

Demeter running her hands through his hair brought the man out of his thoughts and he couldn't help but relax into her touch. Fear and pain still warred within him, but it had calmed somewhat with her presence.

"It's going to be alright Munkus. We'll find a way back. We both know Tugger was just scared because he didn't know you were the human that held him. He'd have reacted differently if he'd known."

"I know love", sighed Munkus. "But still…"

"But still", agreed Demeter and raised herself up to sit on his lap properly, facing him. Her hands moved from his hair to frame the sides of his face and she whispered: "We'll pull through this Munkus. You're strong, resourceful and you have me. We'll see our family again and everything will go back to normal. Don't think about it anymore." She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Munkus tilted his head a little and kissed her back. Once the two moved apart Demeter's eyes suddenly narrowed and she asked: "So…about Misto!"

And now his own anger returned.

Since Demeter had managed to calm his raging feelings about his encounter with Tugger, the anger from this morning had returned. Still, Munkus hadn't been the tribe's Protector for nothing, so he took a deep breath and answered: "Love, I don't think pulling Misto out of the school is a good idea." Demeter opened her mouth to argue, but he placed a finger on her lips and asked: "Let me finish." She frowned, but nodded.

"For one, if we do pull Misto out, where should he go? Don't say we'll train him, remember we're both still learning and the trace is still active. We'd have the Ministry of Magic on our doorstep sooner or later. Even if we applied for a permit to home-school him, how would we get it? As I said, we're still learning the practical part ourselves and only the theory won't be enough to convince the Ministry."

"But still, the troll and the dog?", asked Demeter now.

Munkus rubbed his forehead tiredly and answered: "I'm not sure what we're to do about the troll. This was probably a once and never again thing. At least I hope so, otherwise I will fine the school. About the Cerberus though, I read up on those a little lately and found an interesting bit of information."

"Like what?", asked Demeter curiously.

Munkus couldn't help the grin that spread over his features and answered: "Apparently the Cerberus' greatest weakness is its inability to resist falling asleep to the sound of music."

He raised a questioning eyebrow and Demeter let out a laugh. "That means it should be very little trouble for Misto."

The man nodded and stated: "We can of course still write a letter about the troll to Dumbledore, but we shouldn't mention the dog, remember, Misto isn't even supposed to know it's there."

Demeter's mood brightened suddenly and a slight feeling of dread hit Munkus. And he was right to worry, because her next question was: "Do you think they let through Howlers addressed to the headmaster?"

"But it was Snape," Ron was insisting, "Hermione and I saw him. He was cursing Harry's broomstick, muttering, he wouldn't take his eyes off him!"

Misto rolled his eyes at that. It seemed there was just no getting through to his friends. Given, he couldn't exactly explain why he was so convinced of the Potions Master's innocence.

The first Quidditch game of the season had been quite an event.

First of all, Harry had been the only First year in any team, second he'd been on the latest broomstick there was, the Nimbus 2000 and third, he'd managed to catch the Snitch, securing Gryffindor's win, in his mouth. Misto still smirked at the Slytherin-Captain's angry screaming. "He didn't catch it, he nearly swallowed it." Well, that was true as well.

It had come to this event through the simple fact that some time during the game, Harry's broom had suddenly started bucking and had risen higher and higher into the air. Reacting quickly Misto had sent his senses out to the broom, quickly identifying the dark energy gathered around the broom. It had been familiar and with narrowed eyes Misto had redirected his senses to the teachers' stands. There he'd found the exact same energy again, waving strongly around Quirrel who had been staring up at Harry darkly.

He'd been about to call out to his friends when Hermione cut him off. "It's Snape, look!" She'd shoved Hagrid's binoculars at Ron, who'd looked through and gasped.

Confused Misto cast his senses out to the dark-haired man. He'd been using magic too, no doubt about it, but the energy weaving around him had seemed much lighter than the energy around Quirrel, leading Misto to believe that Snape's chant was actually the counter-curse.

"Guys I actually think-"

"He's jinxing the broom!" - Hermione

"But guys-"

"What should we do then?" – Ron

"Guys if you'd listen for a second-"

"Leave it to me." – Hermione

And the muggleborn witch had been off, leaving Misto to run his hand through his hair in frustration. Seriously ever since Halloween his three friends had been completely hung-up about Snape. Hermione not so much, but there had been a good chance that it had intensified now.

Hermione had quickly disappeared through the rows and Misto had redirected his attention to Snape and Quirrel. From the corner of his eye he'd seen the Weasley twins circle underneath the Gryffindor Seeker, ready to catch him should he have fallen. Misto had watched in some awe how the power that had been poured into the two Professors' respective spells started to grow and grow, each trying to overpower the other.

"Come on Hermione, hurry", had Ron muttered next to him. And then it had happened. Misto was sure his eyes had widened comically, but luckily no one had seen him. Because other than him, everyone else had been focused on Harry, leaving Misto to feel rather bewildered when he'd seen the flames that had suddenly sprung up from Snape's robes.

She set him on fire, thought Misto and shook his head while he watched how his three friends tried to convince Hagrid that Snape was evil. She set a Professor, the feared bat of the dungeon, on fire. What have we done to her?

"And I repeat myself now", bellowed Hagrid now. "Why would Snape try to harm Harry? It makes no sense I tell yeh!"

Misto saw how the three exchanged glances, then looked at him. He shrugged. If they wanted to tell him about what they'd figured out, why not. Hagrid wasn't the first person Misto'd have gone to for this, but at least they were telling some adult. "We found out something about him Hagrid", began Harry seriously. "He tried to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween, during the troll attack. It managed to bite him. We think he was trying to steal whatever it is guarding."

Misto jumped a little when Hagrid dropped his teapot in shock. He spun to look at them and asked: "How do you know about Fluffy?"

"Fluffy?", exclaimed Misto.

"That thing has a name?", added Ron.

"That thing has that name?", muttered Misto while he stared at Hagrid in astonishment. How could it be that that beast was named Fluffy while Hagrid's coward of a dog was named Fang?

"Of course he's got a name, he's mine…bought him off a Greek chappie I met in the pub las' year. I let Dumbledore borrow him to guard the-" Hagrid broke off when he caught sight of the four children's wide eyes.

"Yes?", pushed Harry eagerly.

"No! Don't ask me anymore. That's top secret, that is."

Wrong thing to say, thought Misto with a grimace. He wasn't as focused on this as his friends, mostly because he knew it was Quirrel, not Snape that they needed to watch out for. That and, without his friends knowing it, he'd written everything they'd found out about the situation to his parents and had promised to keep them posted.

It wasn't that Misto didn't trust Harry, Ron and Hermione, but they were still only eleven with no experience whatsoever in the world. Well that and at the end of the year the latest Munkus and Demeter would find out about everything anyhow and Misto really didn't want to listen to the dressing down he'd receive then.

"But Snape is trying to steal whatever it is", argued Ron now.

"Rubbish!", shot Hagrid him down. "Snape's a Hogwarts teacher, he'd never do anythin' of the sort."

As is Quirrel and he would, thought Misto darkly, though he understood where Hagrid was trying to get with those words.

"So then why did he just try to kill Harry?", asked Hermione sharply. "I know a jinx when I see one Hagrid. I've read all about them! You've got to keep eye contact, and Snape wasn't blinking at all, I saw him!"

"You know", stated Misto softly. He fell silent and expected to be ignored like on the pitch, but four pairs of eyes focused on him. Surprised he blinked, then continued: "It could've been someone else. I mean, counter-jinxes work in the exact same way right? Professor Snape could also have tried to save Harry."

He got disbelieving stares from is friends, but Hagrid nodded along wildly. "See, I'm tellin' yeh, yer wrong! I don't know why Harry's broom acted the way it did, but Snape wouldn' try to kill a student. Now listen up you four, yer meddlin' with things that don't concern you, things that are dangerous. You forget that dog and you forget what it's guarding, alrigh'? That matter is something between Professor Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel-" He trailed off and his eyes widened. "Oh I shouldn' have said that."

"Aha", cried Harry meanwhile. "so there's someone called Nicolas Flamel involved, huh." Hagrid chose the safest answer there was and proceeded to ignore them.

Misto frowned slightly. It was bad that Hagrid had slipped up again but… Nicolas Flamel, Nicolas Flamel, I know I've heard of that name before.

By the time Christmas rolled around, Harry, Ron and Hermione were still searching for information about Nicolas Flamel. Misto had skilfully excused himself from that with the words that, since the Frog Choir would sing at the Christmas Feast, he needed to concentrate on that while at the same time keeping up with his homework. Oh he still had enough free time, but he didn't need to tell them that.

Mostly because Misto didn't trust himself not to slip up about the fact that he had some information about Nicolas Flamel for a while. In fact, he was pretty sure he knew just what Fluffy was guarding. Keeping Munkus and Demeter in the know definitely had its benefits. They could help Misto by researching things he couldn't.

So that was why, after a week of Hermione dragging them to the library, Misto had written a letter to his parents about the situation. The answer had come quickly and the parchment charmed so that only Misto would be able to read it.

Dear Misto

First off, how did you get yourself involved with this matter? Demeter almost shouted herself mute in frustration. Please try to stay as far out of this as you can. We both worry for you. You'll soon read why.

As for Flamel, you were smart in contacting us. You'd have never found anything in the books you were searching and ironically, Flamel is well-known enough that even normal humans know of him. Here is some info that we thought might interest you.

He's a well-known Alchemist and only known maker of the Philosopher's Stone. It's a legendary stone that can apparently turn any metal into gold and grant immortality. Adding to the immortality part, it shouldn't nearly be as shocking to now hear that he was born sometime in the early 14th century somewhere in France, where wizards believe he still lives to this day.

I can't tell you which year exactly he was born in since books and people differ on the year, be it magical or normal.

Flamel is also married to his wife Perenelle, who is immortal as well, and according to legend is much more gifted in the practical magic you learn at school than the Alchemy Flamel himself mastered.

Also Misto, if you wish for your friends to refrain from sticking their noses even deeper into things that they should stay away from, keep them away from chocolate frog cards. Flamel is mentioned on Dumbledore's.

I hope this helped you out somehow. If you need anything, don't hesitate to write.

Love

Mom and Dad

PS: Are you planning on coming home for Christmas? And whether you do or don't, do you have any special wishes?

Misto shook his head. He halfway wished he could tell his friends about the letter, just so they would know they were getting involved with things they shouldn't. But it wouldn't change much, Misto was sure of that. They were stubborn that way.

He heard a few yelps and looked left, to pale a little. He still wasn't sure what was so off with Professor Quirrel, though by now he was extremely cautious around the man, per Munkus' request. And here he was now, the back of his head being pelted by charmed snowballs curtesy of the Weasley twins.

"Hey Misto!" Blinking the former cat looked away, to spot Susan Bones, first year Hufflepuff student and a fellow member of the Frog Choir.

"Hello Susan", greeted Misto warmly and sped up his steps to walk next to the girl.

"Gosh, I can't believe it. Only a few more days and then we're going to sing in front of the whole school", exclaimed the girl suddenly.

Misto grinned at the reminder and answered: "I know. It's gonna be great."

"I'm just kind of disappointed you didn't get any solos. You're a great singer", stated Susan suddenly.

"We'll I still am a first year after all", argued Misto back. "And I don't mind, really."

Susan smiled at him and the two continued to chat on their way to meet the rest of the choir. Practice had picked up lately since Professor Flitwick wanted everyone to be at their very best at their small concert. It were just four songs, but they were really beautiful. And so the choir practiced the rest of the day away, the pattern continuing for the next few days.

Misto, Harry, Ron and Hermione had just left the Potions Classroom after another double-lesson Potions with Slytherin. Snape's classes were the worst lately. Because of dangerous reactions to heating-charms within the potions the dungeons were freezing cold. The students were always shivering and they could see their breath, prompting them to move as close as possible to their cauldrons. Misto wasn't much better, but his Jellicle-magic had decided to subtly act up again lately and kept him somewhat warm. He didn't know why, but he didn't mind and his potion skills really stood out among his classmates by now too.

Enough to capture Snape's interest in a positive way.

The man seemed to have picked up on Misto's talent regarding the subject and, despite him being in Gryffindor, seemed rather pleased with it. Also the Professor himself didn't seem all that bothered with the cold either. Although, Misto reasoned, that could just be because he's used to it.

"I do feel so sorry", rang Malfoy's voice suddenly out. "For everyone who has to stay here at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home."

Misto shot a look at Harry, to see the green-eyed raven roll his eyes. It was true, Harry was going to stay at Hogwarts because his relatives wouldn't want him at home, but he didn't seem to mind. Misto and Hermione were going to return to their respective families, but Ron and his brothers would stay too since their parents were going to Romania to visit his older brother Charlie.

When the group of students finally left the dungeons behind altogether, they found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet stuck out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them that Hagrid was behind it. "Hi, Hagrid, want any help?" Ron stuck his head through the tree's branches while asking the question.

Misto couldn't see Hagrid, but easily heard his reply of: "Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron."

Of course Malfoy had to ruin the good mood by insulting both Hagrid and Ron. This prompted the red-head to attack the blonde. Harry and Misto latched onto their friend's arms to stop him, but Snape, who'd just come from the dungeons himself, saw the lunge and quickly deducted five points form Gryffindor. The red-head was still muttering under his breath when they reached the Great Hall.

Misto was about to snap at him to give it a rest when Harry stated: "I hate them both. Malfoy and Snape."

"For crying out loud guys, it's Christmas, ignore them for once and be cheery", drawled Misto out, doing his best impression of Malfoy at the same time. His two male friends and Hagrid blinked at him, before all three burst out laughing. Hermione rolled her eyes, but she smirked too. Misto had to grin by himself at their reaction and smiled even brighter when he saw the Great Hall.

It was almost sad he was going home for the Christmas holidays. Festoons of holly and mistletoe hung all around the walls, and no less than twelve towering Christmas trees stood around the room, some sparkling with tiny icicles, some glittering with hundreds of candles.

"So, how long till the holidays start for yeh?", asked Hagrid once he'd positioned the tree.

"Just today", answered Hermione. "And that reminds me, Harry, Ron, Misto, we've got half an hour before lunch, we should be in the library."

"Correction, you guys should be in the library, I should be with the choir for the last practice", cut Misto in.

"The library?" asked Hagrid then, following them back out of the hall. "Just before the holidays? Bit keen, aren't yeh?"

Misto, who really didn't want to hear that discussion again, said his goodbyes quickly and made his way to meet up with the rest of the choir. Only a few minutes after Misto and a few others arrived, the last members of the choir and Professor Flitwick joined them. "Very well. We have all the songs for the concert down, but I'd like to go through each of them at least one more time." And so they practiced. It didn't take all that long and Misto only came to lunch a little late.

During lunch his friends told him of their idea to find a way to search the Restricted Section of the library. Misto was fairly certain there was a reason that this section was restricted, but he didn't argue. They'd do it anyway, especially with him not here to stop them. During the afternoon Misto and Hermione packed before the group of four made their way out of the castle and onto the snowy school-grounds.

Hedwig and Quaxo stopped by shortly to nip their respective owners' ears affectionately, before both took off again. Far too soon the evening and with that also the concert had arrived.

Misto gulped slightly while he walked up to a side-room. There he and the other choir members exchanged their school-robes for almost night-blue robes with silver stars glittering at their edges. He took his place next to Susan and before he even stood right her hand shot out and clenched around his tightly. Misto blinked in surprise and looked up at his fellow First Year, to see her look terribly pale.

Smiling slightly Misto placed his free hand on her shoulder and soothed: "It's gonna be fine Susan, I promise." The girl gave him a strained smile, but didn't let go of his hand. Misto didn't try to make her. The only reason he wasn't as nervous as her, was all the experience he'd gotten with the Jellicles. He still remembered his first ball. The last few hours before the start had been horrible. Then the doors opened and Susan squeaked, her hold on his hand tightening.

Misto twitched his fingers a little and murmured: "Susan you're just about tearing my hand of, don't squeeze like that please." The girl herself took a shuddering breath, then loosened her hold on him, but still didn't let go. In tight formation the Frog Choir marched up to take position in front of the teachers table.

Here they took their places and Professor Flitwick stepped in front of them. He wore the exact opposite of his singers. His robes were silver with dark-blue stars on their edges. It gave an interested contrast. It was silent for a few seconds, then Professor Flitwick raised his hands and they began.

The choir went through each and every practiced number smoothly, much to the joy of the student body and the teachers. Soon enough their last song came up. The one Misto preferred. Mostly because it was a well-known song even in the non-magical world.

Hark! how the bells
sweet silver bells
All seem to say
throw cares away.

Christmas is here
bringing good cheer
To young and old
meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong
that is their song,
With joyful ring
all caroling

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
From everywhere
filling the air

O, how they pound
raising the sound
Oer hill and dale
telling their tale
Gaily they ring
while people sing
Songs of good cheer
christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home

Hark! how the bells
sweet silver bells
All seem to say
throw cares away.

Christmas is here
bringing good cheer
To young and old
meek and the bold

Ding, dong, ding, dong
that is their song
With joyful ring
all caroling.

One seems to hear
words of good cheer
From everywhere
filling the air

O, how they pound
raising the sound
Oer hill and dale
telling their tale
Gaily they ring
while people sing
Songs of good cheer
christmas is here!
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas!
Merry, merry, merry, merry christmas!

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home.

On, on they send
on without end
Their joyful tone
to every home.