The Shock of the Lightning ((MAPS))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

“Finn, I’m pregnant,” Cassandra stared her friend dead in the eye to gauge his reaction. “Finn? Finn? Are you okay?” He wasn’t answering her fast enough. Didn’t he understand that she worried about his opinion more than anyone else? They had grown extremely close over the past few weeks. Their evening quidditch lessons had been drawing some attention around the castle, but she didn’t care. Rumors abounded, and they were all vicious. None of them bothered her. She was impenetrable when it came to Finn. So, why was this so hard? Why was it so hard to tell a friend that she was going to have a baby? It was hard because she didn’t want him to think badly of her. It was hard because he didn’t want her to think what everyone else in the castle was thinking. It was hard because his opinion mattered the most. “Please, Finn, answer me. I thought you deserved to know.”

The Hufflepuff had become her unintentional safe haven. He never judged her. He never blamed her, and he never told her she was wrong. Some days, Cassandra felt as if she was a refugee fleeing the common room to find Finn welcoming her with open arms. Those open arms were needed at the moment. The Great Hall was buzzing with a myriad of voices. She wondered if they were talking about her. Somehow, the secret had gotten out. A little slytherin told a little ravenclaw who then in turn told a hufflepuff. “Look, I just felt that you should hear it from me before anyone else. I’ve heard the story told so many times now that I’m not even sure what the truth is anymore. Just understand, that is not why Julian and I got married. We got married because…” she couldn’t come up with the right word to describe their runaway marriage. We were stupid, we were drunk, we were in love? There was no right answer to the predicament.

“Holly!” A ravenclaw girl ran by trying to flag down her friend. It grabbed Cass’ attention. The first years got shorter and shorter every year. “I won’t be coming back in January. We’ve become so close, and I just couldn’t leave you without an explanation. I -!” A seventh year slytherin slammed into Cassandra with a jarring force. “Watch it!” She screamed. Okay, so having this conversation in the Great Hall wasn’t the best of venues, but where else could they meet like this? Her private rendezvous with men were being scrutinized by everyone in the castle. She wouldn’t allow Finn to become a victim because the Blackfire name was a topic of conversation for almost everyone here. “Finn, I really care about you, and hey-!” She screamed at another slytherin who decided it was a good idea to throw a clump of mashed potatoes at her.

[Finn Miles H7]

"You're..." Pregnant? "... leaving?" Finn heard Cass when she told him that she was pregnant. He was simply digesting the reality of what she was saying when she shocked him something more surprising to him than the idea that she was pregnant. Lot's women, even girls for that matter, got pregnant. Especially those women who were married. Cass was married, and she was quite obviously a girl. Her getting pregnant was not something that came as a terrible shock to Finn. He was surprised, yes, but Finn was rather good at hiding his surprise and internalizing it until he'd completely come to terms with it. Then, he'd react, once he had realized what the surprise meant. In most aspects of life, Finn was random, scattered, and haphazard to say the least. But when it came to real things, serious things, he was quite practiced at thinking them through. Some things though... well, let's just say that some things could occasionally catch him off guard enough that'd he'd react without thinking. Speak without filtering his words.

"That's ridiculous," he said with an assurance in his voice that was steady and convincing. "You can't just... leave!" Either he refused to understand or simply didn't want to understand. Understanding meant he had to accept what she was telling him. Cass had become one of his closest friends in the past weeks, and now she was telling him that she was leaving. It was her last year! What if this meant their friendship was over? It had just begun. Sure, he wanted what was best for Cass... and her baby, but how was this fair? How was her leaving fair for him? Stop being so damn selfish.

He stopped talking, feeling perhaps the slightest bit better now that'd he'd expressed his feelings of confusion and displeasure concerning the thought of Cass leaving Hogwarts. "I care about you too," he muttered, glancing up and catching Cass's eyes, seeing that this wasn't easy for her at all. Surely he should have realized that and known that the way he acted wouldn't make it easier for her to leave. It wouldn't make it easier for her pregnancy. He shook his head, angry that he'd let his emotions get the best of him. "Gosh, I'm sorry," he said, sighing and placing his hand on Cass's arm. He allowed himself to backtrack in his mind and digest her first bit of news. A smile slowly spread on his face. "You're... pregnant! That's so great, Cass. I mean, it's great if you are happy about this." He stopped, sincere in his happiness for Cass, but then he realized he didn't even know if she found this as good news or bad. Maybe she didn't want to be pregnant. Gosh, this was harder than he realized. "I guess this changes a lot," he said with a serious tone. Finn bit his lip and starred at Cass more as he continued to try to process everything in his head. Pregnant. Leaving. Now what?

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian walked into the Great Hall just in time to see the thrower and the clump of potatoes hit his wife's head. The look on his face, he hoped his fellow Slytherin had seen. He would deal with the younger year later and teach him some respect for ladies. Their secret had gotten out, and everyone assumed that it was the reason behind their marriage. He had heard the whispers in the halls as he had walked by, "Skeeter was right, Julian only married her because his playboy ways finally caught up with him." The snickers and jeers sent Julian into a rage, and he had recently spent more time in trouble than he did anywhere else. He wasn't able to figure aout a way for the two of them to get out of this mess. And he wasn't sure who had told, but he had one good guess. He was fairly sure that Cassandara hadn't told anyone, maybe Finn, but he went against his feelings of jealousy and trusted his instincts which told him that Finn wouldn't do anything to hurt Cass. Especially if the poor sixth year knew what was good for him anyway.

Julian made his way slowly over to where he had spotted Cassandra and Finn talking a moment ago. He had never hidden the fact that he wasn't entirely comfortable with their friendship, but he had agreed not to start an arguement over it, and to be as polite as possible to Finn. He had not been sure if Cassandra had heard him muttering, "As long as he knows you're mine," and he really didn't care if she had. Julian would fight for Cassandra and the baby. He wouldn't dare give them up so easily, and definately not to a sixth year Puff n Huff.

He walked up in time to hear that Cass had just now revealed the secret. Glaring at Finn. "Of course she's happy, we both are. How could we not be?" He snorted. He moved to stand behind Cassandra to stop any more oncoming food from the Slytherin table, and wrapped his arms around her waist so that he could protect her stomach from the onslaught of any idiots who chose to intentionally run over her. He couldn't stop himself from being so protective of her. "So why on earth are we all standing in the middle of this food fight, trying to talk about this?" He growled slightly as a dinner roll graised his ear. He was not used to getting attacked by food. He would rather be in any other room than the one he was standing in at present. He hadn't eaten much since Cassandra's pregnancy had gotten out. When he did eat, he usually snuck something out of the kitchen. He wasn't dodging everyone, he was trying to keep himself out of more trouble than he could handle. One more jeer or snicker or joke about his wife being the Gryffindor Harlet instead of giving her the respect she needed, and he was going to use jinxes and curses that would give them a one way ticket to St. Mungo's. What else could he do, he had to defend her and that was the best way he knew how. It wasn't her fault, it was his, and now he was feeling more guilty about it than ever. Cassandra really could use this to her advantage to get lavish presents out of him, without a single complaint.

((Sorry, it's crappy.. it's a bit forced.. And that it's so late, I've been sick and busy both. ))

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro was not amused; the day wasn’t exactly going as planned. One thing after another was just not turning out correctly, and Pyro hadn’t even gotten breakfast yet. Pyro was never really much of a morning person, usually he would simply brush and braid his hair, dress quickly and then shuffle down to the Great Hall for breakfast. After breakfast he would run back up to the Common room and actually get ready for the day, he just rarely had the energy to do it without some food in his stomach. Today was no exception. Pyro shuffled out of bed, splashed water on his face, brushed his hair and tied it back into a pony tail, no time to braid today.

Pyro moved through the halls, his glare and growl easily removing the objects in his path. After seven years at this place a few things happened. 1)People recognized and respected you as the elder student, 2)One can find their way through school with hardly a thought. This second skill came in handy for Pyro many times, he didn’t like to think this early in the morning, and the fact that his body managed to navigate without was a benefit.

Pyro had to hide a scowl as he neared the doors and listened to the ruckus within. Although the Great Hall was usually noisy this time it seemed to be escalating. Pyro turned the corner and looked into the great hall and sighed. He couldn’t really function without breakfast; Pyro would just have to settle for a vow to kill anyone that crossed him wrongly. Pyro began to move through the throng of students toward the Slytherin table. Call it fate, or call it blind luck, but something happened in that room. Something forced the crowd to move in just the right fashion, something made the acoustics work just right.

Pyro glanced up just in time to spot Cass talking with some Hufflepuff, only two words reached Pyro, but they were unmistakably in Cass’s voice. “I’m Pregnant.” Pyro stopped as if struck by a brick wall, his morning grogginess flew away on the wind and he stood there, frozen, those same two words repeating in his head. His fists slowly started to clench, he had shared a dorm with Fallon for Seven years, he knew how Fallon operated. Suddenly the wedding made sense, Fallon had overstepped the line, made a mistake, and now this had happened.

Pyro reentered the present just as Fallon made his entrance and Pyro could feel his anger flare. A momentary wall of red came before his eyes. Pyro approached the group in three steps. “Fallon!” Pyro cried, the only warning and reached out and grabbed Julian’s collar and tugged the boy toward him so that they were almost nose to nose. “You playboy son of a bitch! You got her pregnant!” Pyro hissed into Julian’s face.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

There. It was out. Their feelings for each other were out in the open now. Cass didn't have to play coy anymore, but she still had one problem. She was married, and she was going to have another man's baby. Talk about terrible timing. She opened her mouth to speak again when Julian swaggered into the Great Hall. She groaned. Her conversation with Finn was about to be interrupted a little too soon. Sure, she knew that Julian would show up eventually for breakfast, but she wanted a few extra moments with her hufflepuff friend. Standing in front of Finn, Julian pulled Cass into his arms and declared their happiness together. This infuriated her. Squirming out of his arms, she turned on Julian. Her tone was ferocious even though she was speaking above a whisper. "Happy? You call this happy. You have never once asked me how I have felt. I am far from happy, Julian." Why was he acting like a jerk in front of her friend. "Why not talk about it in the Great Hall? Everyone knows about it anyway."

Cass had watched Pyro walk up to their little group, but she didn't expect what happened next. Pyro grabbed Julian by the collar. She had never seen Pyro so angry. His eyes were full of anger and rage as he insulted Merci. The word pregnant came out of Pyro's mouth so loudly that it bounced off the walls of the room. The dull roar of the student body died down so they could watch the spectacle that was taking place right in front of them. "Pyro! What are you doing?" Cass grabbed Pyro's arm, but she doubted that he noticed. It was hard to reason with him when he was acting like this. "Let go of him! It's not what you think! Please, listen to me." She tugged at his arm, but he was so strong. It wasn't like the old days. Back in there third year, Cass and Pyro would of been evenly matched in any contest. Now, Pyro was just too strong. Cass turned her head towards Finn. Pleading at him with her eyes, she begged him to help her calm the two men down.

((Everyone, join in where you think appropriate.))

[Julian Fallon S7]

Cassandra’s reaction shocked Julian, “Not happy, but you’ve already picked out names! How can you not be somewhat happy?” His own wife was infuriating him, and the fact that now their argument about the baby would have to take place in front of the whole school angered him that much more. “Oh, let me guess, you’ve spent so little time with me and so much time with Miles there that you’ve forgotten that at one time you loved me.” Julian hid the pain of what he had just said with the anger in his voice. “Why doesn’t this surprise me at all?” He knew his words would make her cry, but Julian was angry and hurt. How could he not be? Cassandra made it sound as if their whole relationship had been a mistake. He could feel his heart being torn apart, here was the girl of his dreams telling him that she wasn't happy about carrying his baby. At least he had married her first. He could have done far worse. Julian wanted to hold on to Cassandra but it seemed between her wiggling and an outside force, she was freed from his arms. He turned to meet the force of Pyro grabbing his collar. Julian turned to Finn again, “I knew there was more than just friendship, especially after the last time I saw the way you looked at her.” Julian was nearly growling as he spoke.

“How dare you insult my mother, Blackfire? And take your bloody hands off of me. ” He growled. He hadn’t reacted to the fact that Pyro was nearly manhandling him; he knew this was bound to turn out wrong but he didn’t care, let Pyro beat him to a bloody pulp, at least then Cassandra wouldn’t feel guilty about following her heart. He was so pissed and hurt at the moment that Pyro couldn’t do any worse. “It’s not what you think. I didn’t screw up until after we were married, but that makes no difference now does it.” Julian realised that he was practically yelling in a deep growl as he defended himself to Pyro. “I really don’t give a damn what you think of me anymore Pyro. My reputation was already formed; you should have realized your cousin changed me. But if it’s a fight you want.” Julian wasn’t going to back down simply because Pyro was a fellow Slytherin or a Blackfire for that matter. It made no difference to him anymore. “ Just leave her out of this.” He said pointing at Cassandra.

Julian balled his fists up at his side after pointing to Cass, knowing exactly where his confrontation with Pyro was going to lead. You don't spend seven years in the same room with someone and not learn something about them. He wouldn't be able to get away with the way he was yelling at Pyro, but Julian still didn't care. He had been hurt far worse already. Part of him wanted to take a swing at Pyro, but something told him not to take the first swing. It would only make his situation worse if he followed his instinct. But this was a time for instinct, he had to protect Cassandra and the baby, even if it seemed that Cass was going to rip his heart out in the end. I should have known to never trust anyone with my heart, now look what it's gotten me Julian thought to himself, only getting angrier as he stood facing Pyro waiting to see what would come next, a fist or more words.

[Mikayla Moon]

Mikayla slipped out of the Gryffindor Common Room, a wave sent over her shoulder to the Fat Lady. She was definitely in a rather chipper mood that day. Of course Mikayla was always somewhat chipper…even she could admit that on a day-to-day basis. There were days when Mikayla wasn’t too happy, but they were rare…after all she wouldn’t be called Smiley if she weren’t always smiling. The thought, of course, brought a huge smirk to her face as she bound down the stairs. It was a beautiful day outside…the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and there wasn’t any snow or rain falling. It was going to be a great day. On the other hand, one can only measure how good of a day it’s going to be by their friends and their attitudes.

So…when Mikayla stepped through those doors to the Great Hall, her eyes immediately settling on Cassie, her best friend…the one person that knew her better than anyone, she nearly stopped dead. She saw the look on her face and knew what it had to be about…the rumors were true then…she’d left it alone, decided not to ask. Now as it seemed as the word ‘pregnant’ literally seemed to bounce of the walls around them she knew it was true beyond any doubt. However the fact that her best friend was pregnant and had decided not to tell her first wasn’t what disturbed her most about the situation, no it was the sudden appearance of Pyro Blackfire, the infamous cousin to Cassie and the one that had made her life miserable a few years back…now however he was intend on trying to take out Julian.

Mikayla moved then, her extremely small frame darting underneath arms and slipping around bodies that were always in motion as she came to rest in the middle of the mayhem, her hands pushing at the two men, though she was basically a foot shorter than both of them. “STOP IT!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, her small voice carrying. “Not here…not now you two!” She was just a little thing and how the heck was she supposed to believe she could push the two men apart. It was at times like these that she cursed her inability to get to a decent height. So she pulled out her wand and aimed it at both men. “Pyro Blackfire…knock…it…off!” she growled, annunciating each syllable and word clearly. The Slytherin was far out of control in those moments…not that she wasn’t going to blame Julian for helping either…she just decided to at least take out the one that was more than likely going to make the stupid mistake. “You’re making a scene…” the words were hissed as she glanced around them.

Dark brown eyes darted over to Cassie, taking in the look on her face, the appearance, and just the utter want to get Pyro and Julian to behave. This wasn’t good for her…she didn’t need the stress, especially knowing that she was pregnant…the baby didn’t need this stress anymore than she did. And if the idiots in front of her would just think about someone other than themselves for five freaking minutes they would realize that!

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro’s focused narrowed so that everything going on in the great hall disappeared; there was nothing except for him and Julian now. “I’ll insult any member of your family that was directly responsible for your spawning Fallon!” Pyro’s mind swam in a giant pool of rage, on the outside it looked as if he had already lost control, but this was far from the truth. Pyro was still in control of himself, still in his right mind, but he could feel that control slipping. Julian was the infamous playboy of the 7th year Slytherin gang, (Last year they were known as the 6th year gang, etc.) Julian was always moving, always looking for that new notch to add to his belt.

Pyro hardly cared for Julian’s antics over the years, but now that the new supposed notch was his own cousin, Julian had crossed a line. He could already feel and see the edges of his vision slipping into red, a clear sign that he was about to lose control of his limbs, and usually when he regained his vision after these periods, whatever had held his attention was no longer in one piece. Pyro could scarcely feel a pressure on his arm, he was vaguely aware of Cass’s voice pleading with him to stop. Despite Cass’s protests Pyro was nowhere nearing being finished. Julian had picked the wrong target to add to his belt, and Pyro was going to make sure that he paid for it.

Julian beat him to the spot though and before Pyro could continue with his own actions Julian was able to get out another sentence. Pyro wanted to hold on to his anger, it was such a great tool in these situations, but Julian’s words caused confusion in Pyro. The great hall zoomed back into focus and Pyro found his eyes darting to Cass for a moment, and then back to Julian. “You want me to leave her out of it? Look around you Julian, who’s the one about to get his face rearranged? You or her? If anything it was you who dragged her into this!” Before Pyro was able to fall back into his angry state a new voice had joined the group and was specifically yelling at Pyro to stop.

Pyro turned to the other side and looked at the unfamiliar Gryffindor standing off to the side, or more pointedly at her wand. Pyro didn’t know the girl, but she apparently knew him and everyone else in this little group for her to have gotten involved like this. Pyro’s attention turned back to Julian, he looked deep into his eyes and noticed a faint sign of pain behind Julian’s eyes. “Damn.” Pyro growled and shoved Julian and let go of his collar, separating the two men. Pyro’s eyes never left Julian’s. “Look me in the eye Fallon and tell me. Was Cass just another notch in your belt to your or is she more, and I swear, if I notice even a glimpse of something I don’t like in your response this little Gryffindor over here won’t be able to get a spell of quickly enough and you’ll be eating through a straw for the rest of your life.” Pyro’s voice was low, even, and calm throughout the entire sentence, he was back fully in control of himself, but still quite dangerous.

[Finn Miles H7]

Very quickly, Finn began to feel out of place. With the arrival of Julian, Pyro, and Mikayla, the original duo of he and Cass was now a full-fledged crowd which seemed to be drawing more and more attention. Within seconds, everybody seemed to find out about Cass's pregnancy, and this news had brought a bit more than simple anger to Pyro. Hateful words were shared between the two Slytherins, and Finn found himself frozen in place, not wanting to get involved. Cass made a futile attempt to stop Pyro, and that's when Finn grabbed Cass. He was gentle, but forceful enough to get her away from the ensuing fight. He didn't want her to get hurt. Not only that, but she was pregnant. Didn't Pyro or Julian seem to care that she shouldn't be getting stressed, let alone stepping into what seemed to be escalating to a sure fight or duel. Surely the two of them knew better.

Mikalya, though smallest of them all, seemed interested to break the fight up as well. She had forced herself between Pyro and Julian, but both of them seemed to ignore her presence. Finn saw this as an opportunity make sure nobody was hurt by magic. If they were going to fight, it would have to be with fists. "Accio wands!" Finn had unpocketed his own wand and now pointed at the trio in the middle of the crowd. Instantly, Pyro's, Mikayla's, and Julian's wands were all drawn to Finn. Think before you act, Finn. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! What had he done? Now, Pyro and Julian would be after him. Either that, or they truly were too preoccupied to even care. If anything, he had their attention. Finn held the three wands out for Cass to take. "Maybe you all should just listen to Cass. Let her speak. If she's pregnant, the last thing she needs is for the two of you to be bloodying each other up." Finn was being unusually bold, but deep down he felt that he was doing the right thing. If only Julian and Pyro would realize that. "Take your bickering somewhere else. Somewhere that Cass doesn't have to witness it. Somewhere that's not going to draw the attention of a professor. Finn hardly cared whether they got caught, but he was sure Cass cared. And, he was sure that Julian and Pyro would realize it was stupid of them to fight in the middle of the dining hall.

[Olivia Dawson S6]

Olivia’s plan was finally falling into place. It had been just a bit over a month or so and she had successfully managed to get inside their inner circle. She’d gained Cassandra’s trust as well as Julian’s (though for him the task had been just a bit harder) quite easily and even managed to befriend Cassandra enough so she would tell her the big secret. Of course, Julian had already shared his little secret early on, when Olivia had cornered him in the dungeons. It was sad really. He’d spilled his guts and had willingly given Olivia a very important bit of information just because he was terrified of her. Well, he had perfect reason to be terrified. Olivia was murderous after she had heard about Julian’s marriage with the Gryffindor. He knew her and her ways. It made sense that he was scared. But to spill a scandalous secret like that to a person who wants to see you drop dead was just stupid.

Olivia had used the information to her full advantage. She’d let the secret slip out, very slowly of course, but it had happened. She was careful about telling people about the nuptials, also confirming the rumors about a pregnancy. Olivia started with all the fifth years. The younger students were always surprisingly interested in what was going on with their elder classmates. There were a few Slytherins that absolutely adored the art of gossip, and had managed to spread the big news to everyone in their house as well as the other houses. It seemed almost too easy, to be honest. Everyone was dying for more gossip, more news to spread so carelessly around.

But that was merely the first step in Olivia’s plan. The simply fact that the entire world now knew about Cassandra Logton/Blackfire/Fallon’s pregnancy (what was with all the names? What was the point, anyway?)simply wasn’t enough for Olivia. In fact, Olivia decided to take a visit to a certain casino for some investigating. She wanted to know exactly how this wedding had come about, and she wasn’t getting much information out of Julian or Cassandra. Her questioning did lead her back to a certain casino, however. So, on one of their previous Hogsmeade visits, Olivia spent the first half with Cassandra and her sickeningly peppy friend Mikayla Moon. She’d laughed, had fun, and pretended to enjoy the afternoon. However, once they left, Olivia took her investigation to The Golden Wand. The place was run by Goblins, which kind of creeped Olivia out a bit. She asked many questions, but the goblins refused to provide answers. However, she did have a bit of fun with the other casino-goers that night and had a bit of whiskey along the way. How could one gamble without a bit of good whiskey? Of course, Olivia hadn’t paid for most of the night. She’d convinced some twenty-two year old man to lend her a god deal of money. Eventually, everyone had left and the only person left was a drunken Olivia. She was speaking to the waiter, a goblin, who seemed suddenly interested in what she had to say. All she remembered was telling the goblins that Cassandra was married and with child, and her true feelings about Cassandra’s relationship with her ex.

Olivia was still contemplating why the creepy goblins had given her money for a cab home as she walked down to breakfast in the Great Hall. When she arrived, Julian and Pyro Blackfire were inches from each other’s faces arguing at top volume. The words ’pregnant’ seemed to echo around the entire room as everyone fell silent. She effectively repressed a smirk as she took a seat near Cassandra and smiled at her. She would attempt to break up the fight, but there were already many people involved and Olivia probably wouldn’t be much help. “What’s their issue?” Olivia whispered to Cassandra, her voice and expression filled with worry.

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian only grew more furious as it seemed that Pyro only wanted to pull Cassandra further into the argument. Why couldn't Finn actually just pull her away from the fight and let the two deal with this the way it was already going. " I did nothing to pull her into this! Except simply love her with all of my being. She was never just another girl to feed my reputation! Never!" Julian couldn't believe that something as simple as a question nearly had him in tears, but he was hurt beyond pain. He had never known the hurt he was feeling now. He had discovered that Cassandra wasn't happy with the way things were turning out, and had confided this in another man instead of coming to him with her feelings. He was hurt by the fact that he could see the same love that he had for Cassandra in the eyes of the other man every time he saw them together. Julian felt the push of the smaller Gryffindor step between him and Pyro but never did he take his eyes from Pyro. He could see Cassandra out of the corner of his eyes, so he was sure it wasn't her. He only hoped that Mikayla had enough smarts to get out of the way if Pyro didn't recognize the sincerity in Julian's eyes. Julian's eyes had always been an open book though, allowing all of his emotions to be shown. He noticed Mikayla gave up on pushing him and Pyro apart, stepped aside and pointed her wand at them. "Why does everyone have to get involved in this? Are you so willing to get in trouble over a fight between Pyro and myself?" he asked her.

He felt his wand being pulled out of his pocket, and growled at Finn for doing so without his permission. "I'm not crazy enough to use my wand. That's not how a man handles things like this." He wasn't sure how Pyro would react to it, but he could be sure it wouldn't be good. He knew the stress wasn't good for Cassandra, and he couldn't help that this was all taking place now. Everyone in the castle already knew and he could send Olivia to Hades for spreading it. He was sure it was her. Knowing her as he did, she would spread the truth just to get back at him for leaving her for Cassandra. The only way he was going to be without Cassandra again was if she decided to leave him. He could only hope that this wouldn't happen.

"I obviously haven't cared for the last few weeks about getting in trouble, why on earth would I start today?" Julian growled at Finn. He wanted to remind Finn that even Cass hadn't been worried about how much trouble he had been getting into over all of the rumors and snickers about her. If she had been she surely didn't find anyway to show it. It was almost as if she had been avoiding her own husband and all because of the stupid Hufflepuff that was now holding Julian's wand. "I'm only concerned for Cassandra's well being, and only she knows how much stress she and the baby can tolerate." Julian wasn't happy that another man was caring about his wife in the same way Julian did.

Julian looked around as Olivia came into the squabble. He was tired of this. "Yes, it's all my fault. I did it. No she was never just a notch on my belt, I truly love that woman." He screamed pointing toward Cassandra, "And right now, Blackfire.. what ever you do to me could be no worse than seeing the bloody look in that fool's eyes every time he look at her." He wasn't going to name Finn out loud, he couldn't bring himself to do it. A quick glance at Olivia, "You stupid wench. Somehow I figure you're jealousy has everything to do with this." He couldn't pull himself to look at Cassandra for fear that this outbreak of his would have her in tears. He was still nearing tears himself.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass could barely keep up with the action going on in her little circle. One moment, Pyro had Julian by the shirt collar. Mikayla was pushing her way in between both the boys, and then Finn was handing her the wands of all three. Then, Olivia showed up. Wordlessly, she took all the wands in her hand. She looked at Finn. He was not only her savior, but the only one who seemed to have his head in this mess. She wondered what it took Finn to stick his neck out like that to protect Cassandra. Finn was loyal, but not that brave. His true feelings were becoming evident, and they were dangerous. Cass knew this would only end with him broken hearted.

Julian was becoming angry. He was backed in a corner with no way out. What was he fighting for? It didn’t make any sense. This wasn’t anyone’s fault except hers! She was the one stupid enough to get pregnant. She created this situation. Her friends’ shouldn’t suffer because of her stupidity. “Julian, be reasonable!” Her own anger began to rise. “This is my fault!” She handed Mikayla back her wand, but she kept the other two in her hands. “Don’t insult, Olivia. We drug all of them into this.”

Stepping forward to put herself in between the two, she reached down and squeezed Finn’s wrist for strength. She let go reluctantly. Facing Julian, she looked into his brown eyes. “Julian, what is the matter with you? Get those damn Slytherin ideals out of your head, and think clearly. You have all but called me the Hogwarts Hussy. Are you going to take me on one of those Muggle talk shows to take a paternity test as well?” The small group got silent at the reference. The pure bloods didn’t get the joke. She could almost hear Maury’s voice in her head during the brief silence. Julian, you are the father! “I can’t even believe you went there!” She had both of their wands in her right hand. She turned to face her cousin.

“Pyro…,” she trailed off as the funniest emotion took over. What did he mean by another notch on Julian’s belt? Her face broke a little, and the understanding finally flashed across her green eyes. She jumped up a little and threw her arms around her cousin’s neck. She nuzzled her face into Pyro’s soft black cloak, and wiped away a few tears that had escaped. Whispering so he could only hear, she said, “Thanks for protecting me, big bro. I think I can handle it from here. I love you.” She gave him a sisterly kiss on the neck. Pyro’s tension eased slightly as she turned back to Julian.

“This is not the time or place for this conversation. We,” she added emphasis to this last work,” will talk later. I think I understand what Pyro means by a notch on his belt, but I want to know why Olivia should be so jealous. She hasn’t done anything to harm us; so, what has happened between the two of you?” She tried to take up for Olivia. However, Cass wasn’t completely naïve. Olivia was a Slytherin. She couldn’t put anything past her. God, here he was accusing me of being the tramp, and it looks as if the truth is reversed. She didn’t want to believe such things about Julian. She loved him, but he was crushing her. They were all crushing her with their love, concern, and their passion to protect her.

Turning back to Finn, she grabbed his arm again. “Let’s go. I need to clear my head.” She caught his eye, and pleaded with him to leave with her.

[Olivia Dawson S6]

Olivia was hurt, but she didn't show it. She was sick and tired of constantly being undermined, treated like some plaything or a piece of meat while dear Cassandra got the crown and the throne. She wouldn't have it. Never before had she seen Julian Fallon act in such a way. It was almost pathetic seeing the pain in his eyes. He had once been stronger than this. Couldn't he see? Cassandra was weakening him. She felt like she had gotten a cold slap in the face, then another and another. Julian was constantly hinting and insinuating that Olivia had never been more than just an easy target for him. A notch on his belt, as Pyro Blackfire had called it.

She sighed and shook her head. She could really see that this was hurting Cassandra. In all the time that she had spent with the girl, she had gained some sort of sympathy for her. She was going through a lot at the moment, and Olivia almost felt bad taking Julian away from her. But then she realized Cassandra and her baby were better off without Julian. They weren't right for eachother and it seemed that no one but Olivia saw that. They had gotten married in a casino while drunk! Where was the love in that? Sure, Julian had been infatuated by her originality. She wasn't like one of the other girls, she'd give her that. But yet, she probably didn't grow to love him until she was forced to, until she was married. Olivia hadn't seen the events nor had anyone really told her. She'd simply added two and two together. She found out where the union had taken place and figured, who'd want to get married under such conditions unless they were intoxicated? There was simply no other explanation.

Olivia looked up as Julian's wild, angry brown eyes met hers. After he'd finished trashing Cassandra's Hufflepuff man-friend, he's moved onto her. Olivia had decided that Cassandra should probably move on to someone else, and Finn Miles was the perfect one. It was obvious she loved him more than Julian anyway. Even Julian noticed. Olivia's blue eyes turned stone cold as Cassandra rushed out of the Great Hall with Finn. She stood, smiling kindly at Pyro. She'd never really knew him all too well, but she felt she probably needed to gain his trust as well, being that he was so close to Cassandra. She then turned to Julian murderously. He shouldn't have said that. He should have known what an angry Olivia was capable of. "Don't you dare play that card on me, Julian Fallon. You and I know full well who's the jealous one here. You're just angry your darling bride could be falling for another man. It's interesting how things play out, isn't it?" Olivia spoke murderously in a low voice so only Julian and maybe Pyro and Mikayla could hear. "You go around carelessly screwing with the hearts of your 'lovers' for years and when you finally fall for someone this is what happens. Serves you right, you miserable, pathetic pig." Olivia pushed him only slightly before turning on her heel and walking out, reaching into her pocket for her lighter and her brand new pack of cigarettes. She pushed the door to the Grounds open and walked into the breezy Autumn air as she muttered to herself. So much for 'I'm going to quit smoking'...Guess I have Julian to blame for this one.. Olivia muttered viciously under her breath as she grabbed herself a cigarette.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro had a famous reputation for angry outbursts, but what most people never understood about him was that most of the time, he was in complete control of himself even while the in the middle of a rage. This time he had walked a fine line of control, only barely managing not to cross it. Pyro eyed Julian closely; he was quite adept at reading the truth behind people’s eyes. Pyro listened to Julian’s words, never letting their eye contact break. Julian’s words caused the red fog of anger within Pyro’s mind to dissipate. Pyro frowned, after listening to Julian’s words Pyro wasn’t so sure that Julian even had the equipment necessary to make a baby, but Pyro could detect no lie in Julian’s words.

Pyro felt his wand slip out of his pocket and was too preoccupied to grab for it. He did however throw a dangerous glare at Finn, promising the Hufflepuff that he would deal with the theft later and personally. Pyro turned back to Julian, opening his mouth to speak but was beaten to the point as Cass stepped before him and took charge of the situation. Now that she broke in Pyro was able to focus his attention on the group at large. A new arrival had shown, though Pyro hadn’t noticed when she had joined their little group. He recognized her, even knew her name, although she wasn’t someone he knew on a personal level. Pyro eyed Olivia for a second and then switched his view over to the Hufflepuff again.

Pyro studied the boy, he wasn’t too impressed. Clearly the boy was a true stereotype of all things Hufflepuff. Pyro’s attention than turned toward the small Gryffindor girl who had, with all the hero complex of all Gryffindors, leapt between Julian and Pyro in an attempt to break them up. After another unimpressed scan Pyro turned his attention back to Julian and Cass just as Cass started to speak. He listened to her lecture Julian, a small grin forming despite the fact that he did not get the muggle reference to well. Then, Julian’s turn was over and Cass turned toward Pyro.

Pyro flinched, expecting an angry outburst, or another lecture like what Julian had received. He was greatly surprised though when she simply wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. Pyro was quite stunned and found that he was unable to respond both verbally and physically. He whispered message and light kiss only added to that paralysis. Pyro recovered shortly after but Cass was already on her way out of the Great Hall with Finn in tow. Pyro turned slightly, watching the pair go before a slight grin found its way onto his face. Pyro turned to look at Julian, on his way he noticed Olivia’s glance and smile. Slightly confused Pyro arched his eyebrow and returned a small smile. He didn’t quite know Olivia, so why would she be smiling at him?

He allowed her turn to lecture Julian and waited until she had moved away. “Small piece of advice, Fallon. Women may want their man to be sensitive, but they don’t want a whiney puppy dog either.” Pyro glanced back in the direction Cass and Finn had gone. “If you have a problem with how close that boy is getting to her, than be a man and fight for her.” With that said Pyro pushed lightly on Julian’s shoulder, just enough to force the shoulder out of his way as Pyro moved past Julian and further into the Great Hall. He had, in fact, still not eaten his breakfast.

[Mikayla Moon]

So much for having a good day… Mikayla thought to herself as she watched, waiting to see if Pyro or Julian would behave, or course she should have actually thought about that instead of just assuming that they would. Julian was the first to actually question her interest, to which Mikayla narrowed her eyes, this was a stupid question if she had anything to say over it. “Because you’re upsetting Cassie,” Mikayla murmured in annoyance in as soft a voice she could so that he could hear her. This went far beyond her own involvement. And really she could careless if she got in trouble if it meant keeping the two of them from duking it out in the middle of the Great Hall while Cass simply wanted to have everything work out correctly.

Mikayla didn’t really even care that Finn had taken her wand from her. She didn’t mind him standing up. He had been a great friend to Cassie and if he felt that’s what was necessary than what did Mikayla have to say in contrast? It wasn’t like there was much time between Finn taking her wand and handing it to Cassie, to Cassie handing it back to her. It was just one big circle, but Mikayla got the point. Her five-foot form was a little out of her league with the two very tall Slytherin boys. However, she was probably one of the few that actually got Cass’s muggle TV show reference. Though her mind immediately went to Jerry Springer and the many women that came through there. The roar of the crowd calling Jerry over and over again suddenly stuck in her mind and she was lost for a few seconds before Cassie’s words drew her back out of her mind.

Mikayla may not have known the exact reason for the fighting, but she knew what it had to do with…as did the rest of the school now. They had drawn more attention than was necessary and it was a miracle they hadn’t gotten the attention of a professor. Slytherins always seemed to be making trouble, which was annoying in itself. How Cassie had ever gotten along with them was something that shocked Mikayla on a day-to-day basis, especially Pyro Blackfire. He didn’t exactly scream social, really the only thing he did scream was elitist…but Mikayla didn’t know for sure and she wasn’t about to guess either, not when Cassie seemed so happy to have him sticking up for her. She actually had to hold back the laugh at the look that crossed Pyro’s face after Cassie hugged him. Now that was hilarious.

Mikayla waited as the whole situation seemed to defuse and watched, as Cassie looked to Finn, wanting to leave the Great Hall, a smile on her face. “Laters Cassie,” Mikayla said with a bright smile on her face. It’s not like she didn’t like Julian, after all he had seemed to make Cassandra happy, but Finn listened to her and didn’t stress her out as much, or so it seemed and anyone that didn’t stress her out was good in Mikayla’s book. So she didn’t mind whatsoever as she smirked at the Slytherins that were left before she took off for an empty seat near a few of her friends at the Gryffindor table. She wasn’t offended that Cassie wanted to take off with Finn alone, she wasn’t much for jealousy really and she definitely wasn’t much for preoccupying her friends time completely, besides she was hungry. With that Mikayla didn’t even look back at the Slytherins as she picked up a fork and went right into getting food.