The Other Man ((Kennedy))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

The small pub was smoky and Cass coughed. She wasn't used to this type of atmosphere, and surely Kennedy wasn't used to this type of place. Sitting in the dingy booth, she tried to avoid all gazes in her direction. She had grown into a pretty girl that attracted all types of gazes from the opposite gender, but the leering stares from the male clientele made her nervous. Still, she wanted to see Kennedy. After her little outburst at the New Year's celebration, she had doubted that she would ever see Kennedy Valek again. When she had passed him in the hallway between transfiguration and charms, her eyes had caught his gaze for only a moment. Downcasting her eyes, she nervously walked past him only to feel his hand slip something into hers. She had clutched the tiny slip of paper all the way to charms where she had opened it up to read it. Cass' heart had skipped a beat when she read that he wanted to meet her in Hogsmeade during one of the school outings. Cass just couldn't believe he wanted to meet her.

Still, she couldn't help but think that this was some sort of set up where he would bring Fiona to jump her. She honestly didn't understand what Fiona had against her, and it seemed that everyone in school thought that the two girls were mortal enemies. In truth, Cass had no problem with the Slytherin girl. It was common knowledge that they had gotten into a fight in Hogsmead a couple of year earlier, but that was because Fiona was being rude to to other patrons at Madame Rosmerta's place. Cass, being the Gryffindor that she was, had to stand up for the poor students she had embarrassed.

"Want anything?" a burly bartender came to her table asking her for the millionth time if she wanted anything. Cass shook her head. "I'm waiting on a friend," she answered. The bartender only growled and said, "Look, girly, your taking up a table. If your friend doesn't show up soon, you will have to open this up for paying customers." Cass shook her head in acknowledgment, and the man went away. She was surprised he had let her stay this long, but he seemed to recognize her as a Blackfire. I guess being in a well known pure blood family did have some advantages. After a few moments, she heard the squeaky door open and saw Kennedy walk in. She watched as he made his way over to the table. Looking up, she looked into his dark eyes and asked, " Why did you bring me out here, Kennedy? I've tried to make my peace with you, and you pretty much well told me that it was falling on death ears." This wasn't said in a mean way, but in a more defeated tone. "Please, if you are going to tell me again how horrible I am, I would rather go work on my animagus homework."

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Hands in his pockets, Kennedy pushed his way through the crowd of Hogsmeade. Many other students were in groups, smiling and laughing as they made their ways to stores like Zonko's and even Three Broomsticks. Kennedy was headed somewhere more secluded. He didn't visit Hogsmeade often- he never found the need for it usually. But today, he had something important that needed addressed. He was alone, only because Fiona was unable to make the trip today. She hadn't said why, but Kennedy wasn't surprised. Ever since the whole incident at the Minister's Ball, nothing had quite returned to normal. Then, to top it all off, Cass had to throw him into another tailspin the night of the New Year's Bash. What she had said just before the Death Eaters' attack had him very on edge. Who did she think she was, just saying everything that she had said that night. He wasn't sure if it was even the truth or just some childish way that she thought she could get to his and Fiona's relationship even more. Whichever it was, he was getting to the bottom of it before any rumors were started.

Earlier in the day he had slipped Cass a note to meet him in the small pub that was in front of him. He was now in a small back alley that was almost completely deserted. The building was small and he had only ever passed by it before. It would be good for his wanting to keep this meeting as secret as he could. Almost any student who saw him and Cass would suspect something when they realized it was a Slytherin and a Gryffindor together at a diner, alone. But he was willing to risk that if it meant getting to the bottom of the situation and getting Cass off his back for good.

As he walked in the door, he glanced around, seeing if Cass was already there. Noticing her alone at a table, he walked over and sat down, a very unhappy look on his face. Kennedy wasted no time getting to the reason he had asked Cass to meet him there. "What were you thinking that night at the New Year's Bash? I want the truth. Did you really mean all of that, or was it just a pathetic attempt to try to make things between Fiona and I even worse?" His voice was sharp and direct. He was serious about this and wanted to make sure Cass was too. If this was some kind of joke, she would regret it.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass looked up at Kennedy like a deer caught in headlines. "What are you talking about, Kennedy? I really meant my apology, but I didn't come here to be abused." Yeah, she knew she was sidestepping his real question. "I don't want to ruin you and Fiona's relationship. That was never ever my intention at all." Cass looked around at all the eyes that Kennedy's outburst had garnered from the patrons. Cass' voice got really low, almost pleading. "Please, Kennedy. I'm a prefect and a Quidditch Captain. I can't be seen in such a place. Sit down and act civilized." She looked at Kennedy with her big, pleading eyes hoping to get her point across. "It's bad enough that I might be seen here with you, and not to mention where we are. I swear, you picked the most vile, despicable place in Hogsmeade."

After things had settled down, Cass continued. "Of course, I meant what I said. What makes you think I would joke about something like that? You think this makes you look bad. I have a boyfriend, too." Cass was throwing everything she could think of to keep Kennedy at bay. Truthfully, she really hadn't understood why she had said what she did. Cass had a history with Slytherin bad boys. For some reason, she always found herself attracted to those types. "I'm sorry, Kennedy. You should really forget that I said anything at all." Cass' eyes were downcast, and she mumbled her words while a blush crept onto her cheeks. She furitively glanced up and saw the rock hard look in Kennedy's eyes. Finally, her Gryffindor pride kicked in and she got over her embarrasment. " Oh god, Kennedy. Did you actually think that Fiona was the only person in this work who might find you attractive? What makes you think that I would be so petty as to try to ruin your relationship?" Cass thought about this last question. "Okay, don't answer that question. I know I haven't given you much reason to trust me, but honestly, if you didn't give some sort of a damn about me you wouldn't of requested this meeting. Hell, Kennedy, you were the one who requested this meeting, not me."

[Kennedy Valak S6]

After his outburst, Kennedy stood frozen as Cass gave her response. He only paid half attention, not because he didn't care or that he was mad at Cass, but mostly because he couldn't stop his mind from wandering. Plus, what she had to say, he pretty much had figured out on his own without her having to tell him outright. Finally, taking a deep breath, Kennedy listened to Cass's request and he took a seat as he calmed down a bit. It still was hard for him to process it all as he listened to what Cass was now saying. Kennedy thought it all through a few more moments before speaking again.

"Fine. Let's just say that I believe you- that you don't want to break up Fiona and I." He was grinding his teeth in thought, emotions raging inside of him that he couldn't even explain. "Still, why do you have to go and say what you said that night. What if rumors start going around Cass? You've already had a negative influence on my relationship with Fiona when you talked me into going to that bloody party. And now, you have the nerve to tell me all of this? I mean, God, couldn't you have just kept your thoughts to yourself. I mean, do you really think that it served any purpose getting that information out in the open? You tell me that I shouldn't have asked you here if I even care about you at all... well you should have just stayed out of my life and my business if you cared the same. Can't you see that you've already caused enough damage?" Kennedy's voice was no longer harsh and bitter, but full of pain and frustration now. As much as he tried to show no emotion, it was impossible to mask it all.

Kennedy didn't know if maybe Cass had a point and that he shouldn't have even requested this meeting. But he had to get everything off his chest- just as Cass seemed to have to have the urge to tell him what she had that night at the party. "Look, Cass, all I ask is that you just stay out of my life. Let me make things right with Fiona and get on with everything. Whatever feelings you have for me, they must not really be anything compared to your feelings for Liam. Go be with him and just forget all of this. That's all I want- to know that this can all just be pushed away and forgotten. I just want to be happy Cass." For some reason, Kennedy was actually being kind and even desperate with his words. He figured he probably sounded pathetic, but he wanted nothing more than happiness, and as of now, he thought the only way to achieve that would be to make things right with Fiona.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"Pushed away? You think you can just push this all away? Kennedy, you have got to be nuts. I've been through this before. Hot, bad Slytherin boy falls for cute, good Gryffindor girl with a wild streak." Cass crossed her arms over her chest as her left leg swayed angrily over her right leg. She turned her head away from Kennedy and looked over to the group of people who had congregated around the bar. "You think I like this anymore than you do? I'm supposed to hate you, too. Remember? I've played this game before, and I'm really not interested in doing it again." She couldn't even meet his gaze. For some reason, his brown puppy dogs made her melt and cringe all at the same time. What was she doing here? Her fellow fifth year girls had said it was mistake to the come. That this had to be some sort of ambush. Unfortunately, it wasn't a physical ambush, but an emotional one.

Tearing up, she turned back to Kennedy and her voice broke. "You think I want to do this to Liam? Huh? You think I want to provoke some girl who has some crazy vendetta against? I've got enough problems on my back, and I really don't want to anymore." Cass wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. When Kennedy went on about happiness, Cass snorted through her sniveling. "Happiness? Is this what you think this all about? You are saying you want to be happy, but it seems you are doubting that more and more everyday. Hell, any other Kennedy would of taken this opportunity to stomp my emotions and ego into the floor. You sound like your trying to convince yourself that this is nothing more than you are me."

Frustrated, she evaded Kennedy's eye again by rummaging through her bag. Sniffling, "Damn, I don't even have a tissue." Cass became frantic and started pulling things out. All sorts of things came out of her carry all bag: keys, a mirror, wallet, crumpled muggle money, a small bag of potion ingredients, and a small book that was labeled Advanced Transfiguration: A Guide to Animal Forms and How They Relate to the Human Condition.
"Where is a tissue when a girl is upset and crying? Of course, you probably wouldn't know anything about that. I've hardly ever seen a Slytherin girl show any emotion. God, Kennedy, can't you just accept that I said what I said. I never mean to tell you. In fact, it's been my dirty little secret for several months. Do you have to put me through further embarrasment?"

[Kennedy Valak S6]

"You have it a bit mixed up there Cass," he said as he rolled his eyes when she used the cliche about the bad boy falling for the good girl. "What game?" he questioned, unsure of what she quite meant by that statement. He would have said more, but then Cass started to cry. He didn't feel like dealing with tears at the moment. But it was too late.

He ignored her comments about crying, knowing that she was only trying to make the situation seem less embarrassing for herself. Kennedy was getting impatient again, but he did his best to keep his voice under control, now that everyone seemed to be starring their way.

"You know what... fine, I accept what you said. I didn't mean to make you embarrassed either. I just need to know Cass. Is this going to be a problem. Because if it is, we need to figure it out now. I'm not going to let this ruin my chance with Fiona. It's already hard enough. Plus, I'd think that you'd want the same for you and Liam. So just tell me Cass, can this be fixed. Forgotten. Solved." He was straight to the point now. However, he wasn't quite sure what he would do if she said no. What if it was something that she really couldn't just let go. Or worse yet, what if it was something that he couldn't let go. He hadn't admitted it yet, not even to himself, but ever since that night, he had thought often about what Cass said. In all reality, it wasn't that bizarre. He just couldn't let himself admit that. It was just easier, for the moment at least, to pretend it all didn't exist.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"It's not a problem to me, Kennedy. You are the one making it the problem," Cass finally calmed down a bit. Wiping her eyes one last time, she turned back to Kennedy. "I can accept what I did, but can you accept what you are doing in response? I was more than happy to avoid you for the rest of my life. You wer the one who brought this back up again." Cass sniffled and was silent for a moment. "I still don't understand why you think I am out to destroy your relationship with Fiona. I hardly know the girl, and I have no qualms with her. However, I would like to know why she keeps dragging my name through the mud. Granted, I did have an altercation with her in Hogsmeade two years ago, but that was only because she was being an incosiderate, spoiled -" Cass words had begun to gain steam when she looked at Kennedy. She figured it was best to drop the tirade.

Putting all of her things back into her bag. "I personally don't understand what problem you think we will be having." A cold hard look masked her face. It was one the expressions she normally wore when she was trying to protect herself. "As long as you keep to yourself, and I keep to myself, it shouldn't be an issue. Besides, I'm a prefect, Kennedy. It would never do for me to be out with a Slytherin." It was obvious that she was putting on a charade. Cassandra was obviously hurt, and she didn't want to let Kennedy know about her inner turmoil. She knew it was nothing more than a small crush best forgotten.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy rolled his eyes when Cass said that he was the one making it a problem. To him, that was completely bizarre. "I'm not making it a problem," he replied rather haughtily. "I'm just making sure that it won't be a problem Cass." He gave her a disgusted look. She obviously didn't understand where he was coming from. She had been the one to open her mouth. Obviously, it was something she couldn't keep to herself. It was for this reason that he had initiated the meeting. He wanted to make sure that it wouldn't be something that got back to Fiona. That was all he needed at this point. He figured Fiona would eventually hear him out, but he didn't need her assuming things that weren't true. Of course, he could have just went in truth and told Fiona, but that didn't seem like the best idea. He didn't need her having the temptation of murder on her mind. She already had enough to deal with, having the need to confront Pyro and all. Things were working their way back to normal and Kennedy would do all he could to make sure it went as smoothly as possible.

Cass's next comment changed his attitude from concern and frustration to bitter resentment. "Oooh, what's that supposed to mean," he said with a glare. "Wouldn't want anybody to think less of you for falling for a Slytherin... because that would just be terrible." His eyes were narrowed and his voice full of mockery. Did she really think that highly of herself in regard to thinking that a Slytherin would simply tarnish her reputation of being a prefect? Sure, it would have an affect on things, but that was only because it was uncommon for Slytherin and Gryffindor students to get along. He couldn't believe she actually thought of it in a mere negative aspect. "Well then I guess that I don't have to worry about you saying anything else then," he added in a voice of sarcasm. "Obviously, Miss Prefect here is too good for a Slytherin." He was speaking out of bitterness now. It was odd. Part of him felt rejected all of the sudden. He didn't understand why though. It wasn't like he actually cared that Cass had admitted to having a crush on him, did he? His thoughts and emotions were all so jumbled at this point, he couldn't really figure out what he was thinking or feeling.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"God, you are a hypocrite, Kennedy. If you weren't worried about being seen with me, why in the bloody hell did you pick this dodgy joint?" Cass' thoughts swirled around in her head. This was just too much for her. She just couldn't fathom why he would want to put her through this. Suddenly, the reason occurred to her. Cass' jaw dropped and she stared at Kennedy in amazement. She didn't understand why she hadn't realized this before. "Oh, merlin's beard!" She said this above a whisper hoping no one would hear her. "You just can't stand it, Kennedy. You just can't." Cass giggled like a mad woman for a second, and then looked at Kennedy through the smoke filled air. "I never thought it would come to this. I just thought you were just going to be one more Slytherin I was supposed to hate. You see, I've been through this before. I've dated a couple of Slytherins in fact. I spent nearly a year telling people that Slytherins weren't all that bad. Then, when I decide to go with the flow, people accuse me of being a hypocrite." Cass ran her right hand through the front of her hair nervously. She then snatched glances around the room to see if anyone was deliberately listening to their conversation.

"The way I'm seeing it is this, Kennedy. You're jealous. I think your jealous of Liam, or....," Cass took another sheepish look around, "you're afraid that you feel the same way as me. Unfortunately, you're too chicken to say it." Cass straightened her back against the wooden booth. "Can't say that I blame you though. Fiona, as the rumors around Hogwarts go, is known to be a bit unhinged. She tends to want to settle 'personal vendettas,'" Cass emphasized this last point by making quotation marks in the air with her fingers. "Of course, I've also heard that she has had a pretty tough life. You know, not the average puffed up life style of almost every other Slytherin pure-blood. Certainly you know what I'm talking about."

The Gryffindor girl then propped her elbows up on the dingy wooden table and rested her chin in her hands. "Oh, Kennedy. What a mess we have gotten ourselves in. You seem to have tendency's to like girls with hard luck cases. I mean, Fiona and I both have pretty pitiful histories. So much drama, vice, and scandal. My name has been splattered all over the front of The Daily Prophet for weeks now because of Charles' death. I remember the headline, 'Patriarch of Blackfire Family Found Dead in Study by Estranged Niece.' Catchy, huh?" Cass cleared her throat for a moment and looked toward the door. "Speaking of the Prophet, Kennedy, you might want to gussy yourself up a bit. I think one of their reporters have found me. They've been trying to get an excl- ah!"

A large flash bulb popped out from underneath the table only to flash brightly enough to blind Cassie for a few moments. Shaking the stars out her eyes, she looked over to see Kennedy's gazed reaction. A blond witch with a long quill yelled, "You got it, Harv?" as a man with brown hair ran out the front door. As soon as it all began, the two had disappeared. "Well, I guess that was all they wanted. They have probably reported every lie they could about me and my family. I guess all they needed was a picture. I can see it tomorrow on the front page, 'Cass Blackfire in Mourning with Popular Slytherin.'"

[Kennedy Valak S6]

It didn't surprise him when Cass started throwing names his way. He didn't care much that she did, but he wanted to be sure she really knew why he did pick such a deserted place. "If it's not obvious Cass, I wanted to meet you here to avoid news of our meeting getting back to Fiona. She doesn't need any more worries right now. You've already helped cause enough of those for her, and just for us in general. I could care less if people see us together Cass, but I just can't risk it getting back to Fiona." He spoke quickly and without emotion. Their time there was starting to get useless and he was close to just getting up and leaving. He had said what he needed to say, and, despite her replies, Kennedy felt that Cass at least heard what he wanted her to hear. Whether or not she acted on that, he doubted.

Just when he thought the worst of it was over, Cass started rambling like a crazy person, even resorting to laughing at one point. Kennedy just gave a wary eye, until she mentioned him being jealous and maybe even feeling the same way about her. This struck a few different nerves of his. At first, it sounded like utter nonsense. But then, he couldn't help but think if maybe it held just a partial truth. Even if it did though, he wouldn't in his life every come out and say so. Fiona was his focus now, and he didn't need to dwell on these things that Cass was saying. He was only going to give her a look of mere boredom until she mentioned Fiona. Then, he lost it.

"Don't you ever say her name again!" He was careful to keep his voice low, but it was still hostile and unwavering. Kennedy's eyes were like ice as he starred into Cass's. She was going too far. "And while you go on pretending you know Fiona or pretending you know me, make sure to stay the hell out of our business." He gritted his teeth together as he leaned forward into the table, making sure Cass got his point plain and clear.

Just when he had thought Cass was really going off the deep end, Kennedy was startled by a bright flash of light. When he realized what it was, his fury only grew. Cass was saying how the picture would probably be on the prophet tomorrow. Too angry for words at first, Kennedy could only stand and shake his head. "You... you just wait Cass," he hissed, turning quickly and leaving the pub with a loud slam of the door. It was an empty threat, but Kennedy was too flustered to even know what he was saying. When he thought things were bad enough, they only got worse. Sure, Cass may have got his message loud and clear, but it only provided her with more ammunition. She didn't know that her assumption just might be correct about him feeling the same way. It wasn't that he really thought he liked her or anything, but it was just the fact that despite how much she had done, he couldn't make himself hate her as much as he pretended. He did blame the problems with Fiona on Cass, but she really did nothing wrong as far as he could comprehend. It was just a mess, all of it, plain and simple. There was no easy way out, he could see that now. Plus, to top it all off, if she was correct, tomorrow would only bring another hurdle in Kennedy's life when the Prophet was published. He was going through all of this, he thought, just to find happiness, but the further he ventured, it seemed more and more impossible that he would ever find what he was searching for. Maybe that was the problem though. Was he even searching for what he really wanted?