Like Little Brother, Like Big Brother ((Dylan))

[Kellan Caoimhe H4]

"Oh the sweet taste of freedom," he said out loud to himself as he made his way to sit by the Black Lake. He was done with his first day of classes, it was a beautiful sunset. Kellan loosened his tie and took everything in appreciatively; mainly because he knew he was lucky to be there. He had been miserable just like everyone else in his family up until two days ago. His father had been so stern and immovable about Kellan not returning to Hogwarts. How his mother changed his mind, he didn't know and didn't care. All he knew was that he won. He beat his father, and he beat the woman who made the stupid suggestion in the first place. He hadn't seen his Aunt Sarah for eight entire months, and he was glad. She was now the enemy, but it didn't really matter because Kellan was sure that she was down and out. He hadn't seen Williard in equal time, which made it all the better. Though the people he hated the most had been absent, there was one main fact about his reality that made Kellan smile from ear to ear; he was finally away from his father.

Gavin had made Kellan's life a living hell since last Christmas, and not a day has gone by since then that Kellan hadn't thought about the conversation between his parents that he wasn't supposed to hear. His mother accused his father of wishing that Williard was his son, and not Kellan. His father didn't respond to this accusation, confirming what Kellan had been internally saying to himself all this time. But, even though it hurt, Kellan concluded he couldn't really be mad because he himself wished that Williard's father was his own father. Mutual hate. Simple as that.

A breeze blew Kellan's bangs off of his forehead, and he laughed. He laughed a laugh of victory. Now what have we here, he thought. He saw a girl sitting by the edge of the lake. Her long, curly brown hair unmistakable. Kellan sped up and sat down right beside her without asking. He grinned. "So how was your summer? Miss me did you?"

"Merlin!" Jessica Herling jumped, her hand flying to her chest. Kellan hadn't actually spoken to her since that night in the corridor outside the Student Lounge last year when Williard had to come meddling. "You," she said making a face as if she had just eaten rotten eggs.

"Who else were you expecting? No one else here likes you, you great arrogant know-it-all," he said watching her closely. He knew she hated being made fun of because of her intelligence.

"Kellan, get away from me right now. I don't recall asking for your company, nor do I want it. Ever." She scooted down as if trying to get away from something dirty.

"You keep telling yourself that," he said lying back and stretching out. It really was a beautiful evening. He was in such a good mood. "So how was your summer?"

"That doesn't concern you."

"Jessica, remember. I'm the only one that cares."

"Oh my...," she trailed off. She turned toward Kellan intently. "Listen. I hate you with the fire of a million, no, billion Incendio charms combined. You are scum, and I have no desire to talk to you, be around you, or anything. Leave me alone Kellan," she said standing up. Kellan followed suit. I'm scum? I'm scum, he thought. No, his aunt was the scum. She was the lowly one, not Kellan. She started walking away, and Kellan did the same. This was fun. "Why are you following me?!"

"I would like to know that myself."

Kellan froze. He didn't need to turn his head to know that Jessica's older brother Gus was standing there, but he did so anyway just to make sure. There he was....all six foot three of him. He was in Ravenclaw, like his sister. Blue eyes like his sister, except he had blonde hair, not brown.

"Thank you," Jessica said with a smile standing beside her brother. "This is the pest that I told you about. Remember?"

"So this is Kellan? The one that thinks I'm a wuss?"

He felt his face and neck go red, and all happiness drained from him. But he still stood there with as much confidence as he could muster, which was very little. He wasn't going to take back what he said, or even wish that he could. He was afraid, but he wasn't going to back down.

"What's wrong," Gus said walking forward and poking Kellan hard on the collar bone, which hurt. "Lost your voice?" It only just occurred to Kellan how strong Gus was, as the area where he poked now throbbed. "Call me a wuss to my face." This time, he shoved Kellan, who hit the ground extremely hard, air flying from his body. He coughed. He knew he would have a bruise on his back before the day ended. "Go ahead. Pick at my sister to my face, Kellan. You're so big and bad."

"Not as big and bad as you. A Seventh Year pushing around a Third Year."

Jessica laughed. "Did you hear that Gus? His voice cracked!"

He stood up. He didn't know why he said that, or where he got the confidence to, but he didn't care. He supposed he did sound like a wimp, but he still stood there.

"Oh, I'm not a bully. I just don't take kindly to little stupid prats, or even big stupid prats messing with my little sister. So listen to me when I say this. Leave her the hell alone," he said walking up to stand directly in front of Kellan's face. "Or I'll start messing with you." For some reason, Kellan imagined his father, standing in front of him exerting his dominance as he felt himself succumb. The all too familiar feelings of fear, humiliation, confusion and hatred came back, and he felt tears come to his eyes. He blinked furiously but knew Gus had already seen them.

"Don't tell me your gonna cry?"

"He's crying?!" Jessica moved in for a closer view of the show. Kellan balled his fists, and Gus noticed that too.

"What are you gonna do? Hit me? I dare you. See if I don't put you in the Hospital Wing for a week." Accepting defeat, Kellan went to walk around Gus, but the older boy harshly seized Kellan by his shirt and robe collar, scratching Kellan's neck, and threw him on the ground again. He hit with a thud, pain shooting up his shoulder.

"Stop!" Kellan soon closed his eyes and wished he hadn't have yelled that. It was the same cry he used against his father....that same cry that never worked.....

"Say you'll leave Jessica alone." Kellan was quiet. He was already formulating ways to get back at Jessica for this. Tears came again, and he blinked, but one still managed to fall. Luckily Gus didn't see it. "I'm waiting."

[Dylan Caoimhe]

He sat at a desk in the Student Lounge, a fresh piece of parchment sprawled out in front of him and an inkless quill in his left hand. He had been going back and forth for the last few weeks on writing this letter. He just kept putting it off and putting it off, and time seemed to have been flying by while he contemplated, knowing sooner or later that it would probably be too late. No, he thought. He wasn't like that. It was never too late with him, and Dylan knew this, yet, he was still afraid and apprehensive about this. It had been a little over seven months since the last time that Dylan had spoken to him, and he had told Dylan that he would wait, and to take all the time that he needed. But how long was Dylan going to make him wait? How long was it going to take him to grow up and do what his heart wanted him to do? It was unfair to him, Dylan knew this, but he still couldn't bring himself to put words on the parchment, and he felt horrible about it. He was finally at peace with the situation. He had already forgiven any and everyone....even Sarah. But, he hadn't spoken to anyone, and he knew he should. He put the quill in a side pocket on his school bag, and rolled his piece of parchment up.

He had to take this one step at a time. Talking to any one of his parents would be way to hard, and he knew this. So, he would start with Williard. He hadn't seen Williard since last Christmas when everything happened. When they had returned to school, Dylan avoided both Williard and Kellan, mainly because he was still straightening himself out. He had went all summer without having any contact with any of them. Now, he was in his Seventh year at Hogwarts, he finally had his head and thoughts together, and he knew he needed to handle this at some point. When that point was, he didn't know. But he knew when the time came, he would be ready. He threw his bag over his shoulder, and exited the Student Lounge. He mindlessly walked, somewhat hoping that he would bump into his little brother. Dylan involuntarily smiled at the thought. For all these years he had been jealous of most other kids here at school, though he never payed too much attention to it. Seeing siblings together, whether they got along or not, sometimes made Dylan wish he had siblings. And now, he did. He had a little brother, and to make it sweeter, Williard wasn't a little git.

He walked and walked, and soon found himself outside strolling slowly in the sunset. It was beautiful out. He kind of wished that August was with him so that they could stroll together, but Dylan had only seen August once since they had been back, and that was at dinner. It was almost unbearable seeing August from across the Great Hall and not sprinting over to him, but Dylan wasn't concerned, no matter how bad he wanted to see him. The two wrote each other a lot over the summer. But Dylan still hadn't told August about anything; he knew August would have tried to do everything in his power to help....make Dylan feel as good as he possibly could. While he was appreciative, he knew he didn't need that, and it probably would have only made him angry, so, he decided that he would wait until he was ready to tell him, and hope that August wouldn't be angry when he did.

"Stop!"

Dylan ceased walking. He searched for where the cry had come from, and spotted three people by the Black Lake. There was a girl and two guys, one of which were on the ground. Dylan squinted. He thought he recognized the boy on the ground, but he could only see the top of his head. But the guy standing over the boy......was that Gus Herling? If that was Gus, then the girl must be his little sister Jessica. Dylan wasn't exactly friends with Gus, but he knew him well enough to know that Gus was a good guy. He was in Dylan's year, but in Ravenclaw, he was very mild mannered and always friendly, so Dylan's eyes widened when he saw Gus kick the boy on the ground in the arm. "Hey, Gus!" Dylan half ran over to them, trying to approach cautiously. He sure as hell wasn't afraid of Gus, but he wanted to be careful. Dylan didn't need to ask what was going on; obviously, this kid must have been messing with Jessica. That was one of the only things that would set Gus off on anyone. So Dylan didn't really care about the guy on the ground, mainly because he probably deserved what he got. But Gus was way bigger than the kid. It was a bit unfair.

"Hey Dylan. Good first day?" Gus had spoken as if he were he were sitting outside casually reading and not kicking the crap out of someone.

"Uh...yeah," he said slowing down. "Look, I know he probably deserves it but, come on. Just drop it. You'll kill him."

"You know him Gus?" Jessica surveyed Dylan.

"Somewhat," Gus said eying Dylan. "He's cool."

"But he's Sly-" Jessica bit her lip, her cheeks going pink. "Nice to meet you." She somewhat poked her chest out and walked over to Dylan and extended her hand, which he took, somewhat confused. "I'm Jessica. Gus's little sister." Dylan nodded at her. "I'm sure you know my brother is a good guy. He was just simply defending me because that loser over there was bothering me."

Dylan looked and his face slightly fell, and his stomach softly churned. The loser on the ground was Kellan. That boy from the house. His cousin. Without meaning to, he spoke. "Just... just leave him alone," Dylan said returning his eyes to Gus.

"Okay, Caoimhe," Gus said walking up to Dylan smiling. "Only because you asked me to. Later'. Come on Jess." He put his arm around his sister and the two walked off toward the castle. "Don't forget what I said loser," he called back at Kellan. Once they were far enough away, Dylan reached down to help him up, but Kellan jerked away. Dylan shrugged it off.

"Gus Herling is the wrong dude to piss off. You might want to watch it around his sister."

[Kellan Caoimhe H4]

"Oh God," he said softly as he heard someone call Gus' name. Relief filled him as he lay hunched over in the cool grass, trying to shield himself from any more punts. But dread soon replaced relief as he looked to see who had come to his rescue. He wanted to die.......to just lay there and fuse with the grass. This was completely humiliating, and he now officially hated Jessica and her brother. He would get her back.....the same way he did his aunt. Merlin, LEAVE ALREADY, he thought, as they had a small exchange of words, which felt like it was going on forever. He peeped over at them, Gus standing in front of Dylan, completely unremorseful about what he had just done. Jessica, blushing as she introduced herself . And Dylan, standing there looking completely and utterly confused.....and looking like Williard. Kellan gave Dylan a look of disgust before burying his forehead into the ground. None of this was happening, he tried to tell himself, but it didn't quite work. He felt as if he was going to be sick. Finally, the Herlings took their leave, but not before a final warning, which Kellan heard loud and clear. Gus' last comment angered him. He was not a loser.....and yet, he couldn't help but feel like one at the present moment.

He felt a hand touch his arm, and he quickly jerked it away. Dylan spoke, but he didn't listen. Kellan quickly wiped a tear that fell from his eye with a shaking hand before he slowly stood up. He was so weak and pathetic, and he couldn't stand himself for it. It felt like his eyes were dams, threatening to break at any given moment, but he got control of himself; he wouldn't let any more tears fall. His arm was very painful from when he was thrown on the ground and then kicked, but he acted as if he felt nothing, though he knew anyone with half a brain could tell that he was in pain. He was undeniably surprised when he saw Dylan, whom he hadn't seen since last Christmas. Eight whole months had gone by, and Kellan still couldn't help but panic at the sight of him. Frankly he didn't care if he knew Dylan or not; as far as he was concerned, Dylan was in the same boat as Williard. He wanted nothing to do with him.

Giving in, he cradled his left shoulder in his right hand, slightly massaging it. He involuntarily looked Dylan over, and he seriously couldn't help doing so. Dylan was a perfect mix between his uncle and Williard.....it was downright bizarre. But, Kellan shook it off. This wasn't how it was supposed to work, or be. He was at Hogwarts. Hogwarts. This was supposed to be his safe place, his sanctuary. It was only the first day and Kellan was miserable. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. All of this was Dylan's fault...and Williard's, and his parents'. "You are just like Williard," he said finding himself getting angry. He knew Dylan could probably rip him in half, but he doubted he actually would. "Like little brother, like big brother. You just can't help but stick your nose in stuff that has nothing to do with you." He felt his chest rise and fall with nervousness. "Look, Williard and I have an understanding. While we're here at school, he is to stay away from me. He isn't to talk at me, look at me, or anything. I would appreciate it if you did the same."

[Dylan Caoimhe]

Is this kid serious, he thought. Dylan's eyes widened ever so slightly as he successfully stopped himself from laughing straight out. Considering that this was his cousin, and this was the first time he had come into contact with him for some time now.......he didn't quite know what to expect. But, he definitely didn't expect what he had just got. What the hell was this kid's problem? Maybe he should have just let Gus kick the dung out of him and kept on his merry way. He clearly had the situation under control. What was Dylan thinking? So, he simply turned on the spot and continued walking, leaving Kellan standing there holding his shoulder. Dylan was 17 years old now. He was not about to stand there and mouth off or go back and forth with a thirteen year old idiot; that was just unjustifiable in Dylan's book. He supposed if it were family then it was excusable, but he wasn't one to argue with anyone who was significantly younger than he was. If that was how Kellan wanted it, then that was exactly what Kellan was going to get. Though he couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disappointment. He had just made up his mind that he would try.....that he wanted a family....the relationships...and everything else that came with that. But if Kellan was going to play the role of angry little prat then Dylan would let him do just that.

As he walked, Dylan smiled and laughed. That kid had some nerve....almost admirable in a sense; he still retained some sort of bravery and "dignity" even though he had just got finished getting his arse kicked in. But something else made Dylan laugh even harder for some reason. It wasn't exactly funny, but Dylan couldn't help but be intrigued. So Kellan and Williard didn't get along, did they? Dylan found that to be so weird and was even offended in a way, mainly because he couldn't imagine anyone not getting along with Williard. Now Kellan on the other hand, Dylan doubted anyone who came into contact with him actually liked him after the encounter. It was so stupid. Kellan was clearly one of those kids that made life harder for themselves than it had to be, but Dylan knew better. If Kellan was acting up, then it wasn't for just no reason. Something had to have been going on with him to have him be a prat all the time. But he shoved the thought to the back of his mind. Kellan didn't want him to care, so he wouldn't. All Dylan knew was that Kellan had better not mistreat his little brother in front of him.

Dylan involuntarily smiled even brighter. So....he was protective of Williard, was he? He thought himself silly at first, but it made sense now that Dylan thought about it. Williard was a very mild mannered, quiet, good natured kid. He wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone, and he couldn't imagine Williard arguing with Kellan; the thought just seemed so impossible. If there was anyone in the situation that Dylan thought deserved a chance with him before anyone, it was Williard. Dylan knew he really could not have inherited a better person to call his little brother. He wanted a relationship with Williard, and a strong one at that. Because he was going to freely allow himself to care about Williard, Dylan knew it was only natural that he would feel some sort of need to protect him because he had the very same desire when it came to anyone that he cared about. "Like little brother, like big brother," Dylan said repeating Kellan. He took it as a compliment.

[Kellan Caoimhe H4]

Kellan fully expected to be pounded on again. Dylan was older, definitely about the same size as Gus, but he looked a little stronger than the former, and not to mention he was Slytherin. He expected, no, wanted a hex, a curse, or something. But Dylan just turned around and walked away carelessly, as if what happened didn't even happen. His gesture of complete abandonment sort of stung a little, and tears came to Kellan's eyes. Part of him sort of wanted to tell Dylan to wait....but didn't he just tell him to stay away from him like Williard? He blinked furiously again. Okay, he thought. This was getting old. He was thirteen years old now. He had to learn to stop crying at everything bad that happened to him. He was thirteen, he reminded himself, not three. Grow up, he thought. He breathed deeply, and then walked back toward the edge of the Black Lake. Kellan lowered himself in the grass and took off his shoes and socks. He rolled his pant legs up and slowly slid them in the mildly chilly water. His arm still throbbed, but he left it alone and stared off into the sky.....

He had to grow up. He had to get better......one way or another. This wasn't how this term was supposed to start. He had such a good day until the past half hour or so. Why did it all go so wrong? A voice inside his head dared say that it was his own fault, but Kellan shook it off. It wasn't his fault. None of this was his fault. It was his father's fault. It was his mother's fault. It was his aunt, his uncle's, his cousins.....it was everyone else's fault but his own. He knew that, and the injustice of it made Kellan swell up with anger. If he could just....get away. Not just from his parents, but from everyone. He contemplated time after time about running off, but he knew he would be found.....if not by the school, then by his parents, and if not by his parents then by his aunt and uncle who worked at the Ministry of Magic. It was hopeless. He was stuck, and that was the most frustrating feeling to Kellan. He hated feeling like he would never get away, or that things would never get better. Hogwarts meant so much to him, and now look at what his safe haven had turned into.

He wanted to scream and yell like a madman. He wanted to take out his wand and hex the darn lake. But he like everything else, he kept it in. Maybe that was it, he thought. He had kept so much inside of him that maybe he was reaching his tipping point.....but he couldn't. he had no choice but to keep everything in. Letting anyone know could and would have consequences.....consequences that Kellan did not want to face or even think about. You can beat this, a voice sounded in his head. "How?" He had spoken out loud, but the voice didn't answer him. He layed himself on his back, feet still comfortably in the water. How, he repeated in his head. He absent mindedly stared into the warm color strewn sky. It was warm and breezy and he felt very tired.......