Florida at Night ((Fiona))

[Jack Rendel S5]

A sudden jolt almost knocked the young Rendel out of his chair as the plane wheels hit the landing road. They screeched in protest for a few seconds before stopping neatly at the end of the strip. Everyone rushed around, grabbing belongings and trying to be the first ones out. The sun came in through the window, landing on Jack's face as he looked down at the new American surroundings. America was right under his nose, which, at the moment, was pressed to the glass. He ignored all the commotion around him, making a few people wonder secretly if he was deaf. The plane was almost deserted when Jack finally stood from his spot, grabbed his bags and walked out of the plane. Everything seemed so sunny and warm to him, but then again, he had suspected it would be so. Scotland was nothing next to big America. Jack sniffed in annoyance, clutching his bags, he headed toward the luggage rack where all the big suitcases were waiting for their masters to retrieve them. Jack had just grabbed his own heavy trunk and was pulling it off the rack when a voice boomed out behind him, even though it was slightly panting. "You must...be... Jack? Jack...Rendel?" Jack turned to face the speaker. He was a man in his early twenties, dressed in muggle clothing and wearing a bemused smile. Jack nodded silently, his electric blue eyes taking in the man's appearance. "You must be Kyp Durren." He said without interest, his eyes were now narrowed. The man nodded in an imitation of Jack before putting on another smile. "Let me carry that for you." He reached out for the trunk and Jack clutched it even harder, making his knuckles turn white. He was not one to welcome kindness. The man grabbed the suitcase, tearing it away from his grip with ease. Jack's face turned pink but he marched determinedly from the man, trying not to look as though it bothered him. How could a painter be so strong?

"This is the man hall, where you will be eating and talking to new friends you will be making here." Durren droned on as he stepped into a huge room with a huge chandelier hanging from the white ceiling. "Everyone here has a room, naturally. Yours's the highest of them all. Your father donated quite some money to give you the best." Durren frowned, looking as though he wanted to interrogate Jack about it. "Can you show me where it is then? So I can put my luggage down?" Kyp nodded rather slowly, his black hair swinging around his head. "This way then." The climb to the highest room seemed to take hours but, finally after much stops, they reached the highest level of the building. A long hall curved this way and that, and at the very end stood a midnight black door. Kyp squeezed inside with difficult, seeing as the trunk was almost his size. Heaving the trunk onto the bed, Kyp sat down and wiped the sweat from his brow. "Tough work, huh?" Jack rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. He didn't agree, he had done worse. "I guess I should explain your schedule now. First, in the morning..." Jack felt his lids closing, he didn't understand a word Durren was saying, it was like he was speaking a different langguage...."Then, it's lights out at eleven and you wake up at five. It's the same everyday." Kyp stood up, causing Jack to open his eyes wearily. "Make yourself at home. Today's just a free day then." And he left. Jack sighed in relief of being able to survive for a day without doing the tiresome and completely boring schedule planned. Laying down on a fluffy pillow, Jack went to sleep in a matter of minutes.

Lightning flashing across the sky, illuminating Jack Rendel's face. The boy woke with a start, his covers lay on the ground. Getting up out of the mess, he walked over to the window. Another flash swept the black sky, showing a group of clouds moving this way. Jack couldn't help but grin: he loved storms like this. Stepping away from the window, he opened the door and went down the hall. He crept cat-like past the bedrooms of the other students, his feet creaking occasionally on the floor, making Jack stop and listen intently for any movement. He wasn't suppose to be out; it surely had to be past midnight..... He opened the door and walked outside, only to get wet by the light shower. His brown bangs fell into his eyes. He made no motion to smack them away. Looking down the deserted street, Jack saw one light shining through a shop window. It was a bakery, to Jack's imminent disgust, but it seemed to be the only one open.

The bell welcomed Jack, but he ignored it as he walked into the bakery. The blonde man behind the counter was wiping it clean with a cloth, his face was upturned to Jack, an eyebrow raised in his direction. "What is it tat you want, little boy? Wat is it tat a young one like yourself is out all alone in a storm?" Jack ignored his questions. The man started to sweep the crumbs off the table and onto the floor. Disgusting, Jack though as he watched it was contempt. "Coffee. Now." He told the man as though he was the owner. The man seemed indifferent to his tone of voice, but got him the coffee with ease. Jack sat down in the chair closest to the window, willing the hot substance to go down his throat, wondering when he would see Scotland again.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona's temper was on edge since the first argument with her father over America. Fiona had been wanting to go there ever since she was little and now her father had to do some stupid work in America and he wasn't going to let her go with him. She begged and pleaded with him to let her go. She'd behave, she'd stop bringing up the Dark Lord, and quit yelling at him if he'd just let her go. The answer was still no. Fiona sat on her bed starring out at the ocean that bordered their castle. She would have given anything to cross that ocean and make her way to America. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes wishing that the room would disappear and she would be standing in New York City or Los Angeles or anywhere as long as she could still see the ocean. Fiona heard the door to her room open and she reluctantly opened her eyes.

"Fi, I know ye want to go, but ye must know the danger I'll be facing," her father sighed. Fiona looked up at her dad and sighed as she finally gave in to the knowledge she had learned earlier that summer. "Da, I know yer doing stuff for the Dark Lord, so stop lying to me. I'm 14 Da, I'm almost an adult. Just let me come with ye and I promise not to get in the way. Mum let me go to Hogsmeade by meself a while ago." She knew that if he only waited a few more minutes then she could go with him, which would be good since she already packed. Fiona's dad looked at her and sighed, "All right. I have business in Florida. Get yer stuff together and I'll take ye with me. It will be night there and don't forget ye must dress like those filthy muggles." Her father stressed the word filthy as he exited her room.

Within seconds Fiona met her father downstairs dressed in muggle jeans and a plain green t-shirt which set off her eyes. Her long red hair hung down her back and a smile was displayed on her lips. "Ready Da?" Fiona asked. He turned with a smile and nodded. Since Fiona was too young to Apparate by herself, she grabbed onto her father's arm and held on tight. She took a deep breath as she felt like she was being sucked through a tube and within seconds found herself in America.

Fiona frowned as the rain started to fall. It was not a good impression and Fiona found herself running for the nearest shelter. Her father followed quickly behind her. "I need to go. Wait around here and I'll be back for ye in a few hours." Her father turned quickly and disappeared up the street. Fiona looked around her and noticed a light toward the end of the block. She quickly walked to the light and stepped into the little shop. By the look of it, Fiona knew it was a bakery, but not one that seemed hygienic. There were crumbs and dirt on the floor as if no one had ever heard of cleaning. She looked around the shop and saw the owner behind a counter. It was completely empty except for one boy that looked about her age. Fiona looked closely at the boy and realized that she knew him. Walking to his table she quickly sat down, "Jack what are ye doing here? Are ye here on vacation, with yer family?" Fiona was so surprised that he was here. She had no idea why, but at least it was a familiar face.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack looked up when he heard a familiar voice speak out of the falling darkness he had fallen into. The lights flickered as he looked at Fiona O'Reilly, a fellow Slytherin third year. A smile escaped Jack's mind and fell on his lips as she sat down. "Hey. No, I'm not on vacation and my father's definitely not here." Jack paused, wondering if he should tell Fiona his situation. He didn't know her well, so he wasn't sure if she would laugh like others, or...even worse....pity him. Deciding to tell her later if he could trust her, Jack looked back up at her. "I'm just here with-with cousins. They live around here and I was just here visiting the city and they forgot to-to pick me up." Jack lied bluntly, not looking Fiona directly in the eye. Instead, he gazed down at his coffee, the dark colors swirling slowly like a never ending whirlpool.

"So, how about you? How come you're here?" Jack asked, letting his interest on the subject slip through his voice. He knew that Fiona's father was a Death Eater, Jack's own father talked of him often. Roger Rendel was a Death Eater also, but not many knew the fact. He wondered if Mr. O'Reilly had ever spoken to Roger before. Making his mind wiped blank, Jack looked back at Fiona, awaiting her reply.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona watched Jack closely as he refused to look her in the eye while he was talking about why he was in America. He was obviously lying, but she didn't know him well enough to assume he would tell her the truth. After all, you'd have to be daft to tell someone you hardly knew the truth. She wondered what the real reason for his being in Florida, but didn't really care to push the subject; he had his right to privacy.

Fiona looked down at her hands when Jack asked why she was there. She didn't want to lie, but she couldn't tell him the truth either. She decided on a half-truth and raised her green eyes to the window. The darkness consumed her like fire and she somehow felt comforted by it. "I'm here with me da. He's working and I wanted to come with." A smile formed on her face as she turned back to look at Jack.

Fiona noticed his steaming cup of coffee and turned her head to the shop owner. "Coffee," Fiona said in a slightly demanding voice and within seconds the owner had brought her a steaming cup of coffee. As Fiona tipped creamer into her coffee she decided to make small talk. "Don't see how muggles can live without magic," Fiona said as she took a sip of coffee and looked at the shop owner with pity. She looked back outside and smiled at the darkness. "There's just something to the darkness that seems somewhat comforting, don't ye think?"

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack was very much relieved that Fiona did not push the subject of why he was at Florida although she did look like she wanted to. He only knew her from classes and from a few strangled conversations in the common room, but nothing more. If she wasn't in his year, Jack would hardly know her at all. Jack let his thoughts wonder until Fiona's voice rang through the air, making him look back at her regretfully.

"I see." Jack said with a nod. Another lie to add to the list. He didn't see where she was going with this story, it only seemed half explained and since Fiona hadn't pushed him, he wouldn't push her. Keeping his mouth shut, he poured some more coffee down his throat, welcoming the hot substance on his throat. Jack felt his eyes water slightly. He must have burned his throat by how hot the coffee was. He put it back on the table with more force than usual, making a huge thud noise. A smirk of satisfaction spread across his face, but it wasn't directed at Fiona, who was being friendly enough.

"Yes, I do find it hard to believe what muggles do." Jack said in an undertone so the bartender wouldn't hear his words. Even if he did though, it wouldn't really make sense to him. Sighing, he laid back in his chair, which was quite cozy. Jack looked out the window as she mentioned how the darkness was somewhat comforting. It did look rather comforting, until a rumble of thunder set off across the air, making Jack's eyes widened slightly. Who knew how close the storm was coming? Lightning could set buildings on fire if struck, couldn't it? He didn't voice these questions to Fiona, who would probably think them silly. He still hadn't answered her question about darkness.

"Er...yeah, it is somewhat comforting, mostly after a long day. But... I like storms it's just... Darkness is like secrecy, you never know what's going to happen...." Jack highly doubted whether she could make head or tails of this strangled statement, which Jack didn't let on. He decided that he would leave it off there, so as not to embarrass himself farther.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona watched the darkness with a smile. Lightning flashed in the distance and she jumped at the sight. She had not been expecting it and laughed a little at herself. "I remember the first time I traveled to America. I was only 4 or 5 and the lightning and thunder had scared me so bad that I refused to come out from under my bed. It was my father who had finally coaxed me out and by that time the storm had passed," Fiona smiled. She didn't know why she shared this part of her past with Jack, but it just seemed right. She didn't feel like Jack was a threat to her and she didn't feel like Jack would betray her like so many others.

Fiona snapped back into the present when Jack said something cryptic about the darkness, '...Darkness is like secrecy, you never know what's going to happen....' Fiona considered his statement for awhile before responding. "Darkness can be both dangerous and comforting. If you are frightened of the dark and the mysterious it holds than it can surely become a dangerous place, but if you admire the darkness and all of its mysterious than you can control it." Fiona wanted to control it and she craved the knowledge and power to do so, but she knew that some things were meant not to be controlled.

Fiona turned from the window and looked down at her coffee. The deep brown color continued to swirl around the cup and she brought it to her lips. She never thought that she'd be sitting here drinking coffee with Jack. It seemed so unreal and Fiona realized that at this very moment her father could be fulfilling his mission for the Dark Lord. Her body trembled when she thought about his mission and as she set her cup down she realized her hands shook slightly. She quickly looked up at Jack to see if he had noticed her hands as she slid them under the table to place in her lap.

[Jack Rendel S5]

"Really? I've only been to America three times, this is my fourth. I really don't want to leave, but when I first get here, I long for home. It's a strange sensation, really." Jack lifted his coffee to his mouth, not pouring as much as he did last time. It was starting to cool, but once coffee got cold, it wouldn't taste very nice. He sighed, setting it down on the table. Fiona seemed to be a traveler to Jack, considering he never usually went anywhere besides school and his home. Going to America was not unusual for him, but it was still not what he would call a travel. Jack nodded as Fiona explained darkness. He wasn't sure if he was the type of person that would welcome the dark or be afraid of it. Definitely not afraid, Jack reasoned with himself. No, he wasn't afraid of the dark. He welcomed it after a tiring day.

"I understand what you're saying, but it sounds like you're rather power hungry, are you not?" Jack felt a smirk creeping onto his lips. "Or am I getting the wrong impression here?" Jack fell back into his seat, not wanting to talk about darkness anymore. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed that Fiona's hands were shaking. "Are you all right?" Jack asked, his voice calm and collected but his mind racing with thoughts about what could have made Fiona shake like she was. Was it something that he father was doing or was she just cold? No, no one with who was cold would just have their hands shaking like that. It was something wrong about her, about something happening. Jack couldn't jump to conclusions, that was what arrogant people did. Not that he wasn't arrogant.... Giving up, he stretched his leg out under the table, as it was getting slightly stiff, and waited for Fiona's reply, if there was going to be one.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona was slightly surprised by Jack's accusation of being power hungry, but she couldn't deny it. "Knowledge is power. I heard that a long time ago by someone I met here in America. I've taken it to heart," Fiona was unsure if she should continue, after all she didn't know Jack that well, but she also found she could just talk with him about herself. That was extremely odd for her and so she continued. "It's not that I'm power hungry, I just want to prove that I'm not weak." She didn't know if Jack would understand, after all she really didn't understand.

'Are you alright?' Jack asked. Fiona tried to steady her hands under the table. He obviously saw them shaking. She was searching for an excuse, but nothing was running through her mind. It was like she had been caught doing something wrong and a guilty feeling washed through her. She didn't want to lie to Jack, but she didn't know if it was safe to tell him anything. She looked up and realized that he had been watching her. "It's...I mean...I don't know if it's safe to tell you." Fiona finally ended as she looked down at her coffee. She was ashamed at the fear that had taken hold of her, but after the rows with her father over what he had been doing she didn't think it was safe to talk about him, not out loud at least.

Fiona didn't know what else to say after that and stood to leave. She was sure Jack wouldn't want her company after she refused to tell him about why her hands were shaking. She looked down at her coffee cup as she pulled out a few muggle coins from her pocket.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack looked at Fiona as she stood up to leave. "Now, where are you going? It's raining outside not to mention lightning." He stuck a thumb out to point at the window behind him. Thunder rumbled in the distance, concluding his thoughts on the subject. Turning back to Fiona, he glared at her. "That's fine. You don't have to tell me. I think I have an idea all ready." Jack didn't really have any great conclusion to why Fiona was shaking but he had just said that. Why, he didn't know but it had slipped his lips before he could stop it. He wondered if perhaps he had gone to far or if Fiona had even heard him. Either way, he didn't care.

"You can sit back down, you know. You don't have to leave." He motioned to the seat where she had been sitting in. His voice was rather cold. He didn't know why it had made him angry, but everything seemed to get him angry these days. Taking a sip from his coffee, Jack waited for Fiona to take her seat again.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona sighed as she stopped at the door. Jack was right. It was raining and the lightning was somewhat ominous. She looked back at him and she was ashamed. She couldn't believe that she had let her father get to her so much this summer.

Fiona looked back at the door when Jack said he already knew why she was shaking. Taken by surprise Fiona looked quickly over at him, "You do?" she asked. She had no idea how he could have figured it out. She didn't even know all the details of her father's assignment. She wondered if he was telling the truth.

Fiona gradually walked back over to the table and sat down. She looked at Jack intently. "I don't know how safe it really is to talk here. My father is the reason for my reaction," Fiona said quietly as she looked out the window. The darkness had increased, but now it held a secretive feeling and Fiona quickly glanced back at Jack. It felt as if everything had closed in around the little cafe. The darkness was suffocating.

Fiona wanted to tell him about what she had overheard, but it was so hard to say. She was so nervous at what she had overheard. She didn't think it was wise to repeat it to anyone, but Jack seemed angry at her for not telling him. She didn't know him well and he wasn't telling her things, so why should she tell him. "You know, you didn't seem to want to tell me about why you're here. So why should I tell you why I was nervous?" Fiona asked as her usual rude attitude returned. She didn't think it was fair that she should spill her guts if Jack wasn't going to do the same in return. She eyed him carefully as she tried to figure out if he would answer her or not.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smirked as Fiona turned back and sat down; he really didn't want to be alone again and Fiona made for good company. He let the smirk fall from his lips and turn into a small smile. He was really glad she didn't leave. After all, what would he get to do if she wasn't here? Talk to the bartender? He didn't fancy that. He rolled his eyes at the man who was now cleaning the plates in the sink and leaving them there. Really, didn't people know how to clean around here? This made his smile broaden. Turning back to Fiona he cleared his face to make it expressionless.

When Fiona asked if he knew why she was shaking, Jack didn't answer. He didn't want to give her the satisfied feeling of knowing that he didn't know, so he shut his mouth and refused to speak. He did find his voice, however, when she said it was because of her father. "Fathers do seem to be the problem of most things." Jack said, his thoughts on his father and Mack's'. He wondered if Fiona had meant what Jack thought she meant. That she was either scared of her father, or was angry at him. He was both at his father, which did cause some shaking at night. His anger increased when Fiona said that he hadn't told her why he was there. Why, yes he had!

"I did tell you Fiona! Remember? I'm visiting cousins here." This time he met her eyes and wondered, if she, like some people, could tell when someone was lying by eye-contact. Without being a legilimens, that is. He smirked at her, drinking the last of his coffee in his cup. When he lowered it, he gazed at Fiona without blinking. "You can go ahead and say it. As you know, this little shop is completely empty. We aren't counting filth, are we?" He motioned toward the bartender. His smirk became a grin as he surveyed Fiona carefully, wondering if she would tell him or not.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona raised an eyebrow at Jack when he burst out at her. She knew he was lying just the same as he knew that she was lying earlier. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out when someone is lying and when their telling the truth. If you are telling the truth where are your cousins? Or do you just like to be off by yourself?" Fiona drawled. She was letting her anger get the best of her. 'Visiting cousins. Come on! What does he think I am...stupid. I could have come up with a better lie than that,' Fiona thought to herself.

Fiona smiled at the comment Jack made about the bartender. "No we're not counting filth," Fiona smiled as she looked back at Jack. Her anger with Jack was passing and it was quickly replaced with her normal state. She eyed him closely, debating on how much to actually tell him. She wasn't sure if she could actually trust him, but figured he might understand, what with his comment about fathers. Fiona figured he probably dealt with some of the same issues.

"You're right about fathers. Mine tends to like to remind me that he's in charge. Of course that really only started this past summer. Ever since I decided not to...follow in his footsteps," Fiona paused. She wasn't sure of the rest of what she had to say. Some things were meant to remain a secret. On this occasion she couldn't decide what was meant to stay that way. Shrugging it off she just decided to continue until it was too hard to talk about it anymore.

"He began to use magic on me, which is something that I've never experienced, especially from a powerful wizard. I was angry at first so I began to sneak around trying to follow him. Well, I got caught but not before I heard about the job here..." Fiona stopped. She couldn't say anymore. She didn't want to think about it let alone talk about it. She didn't want it to be true, but she knew it was. It was part of the reason why she had come. She wanted to know if he was truly going to go through with it. She knew now that he was going to do it. She noticed her hands were shaking again. She shook them hard trying to release the tension that had built up in them. She looked over at Jack for support. She didn't know if he would understand anything she had said, but at least most of it was out.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack smirked at Fiona as she burst out also. He knew that she knew that he was lying, but he wasn't about to admit that to her. No, he would never admit it. "Yes, well, I am rather independent, you know. My cousins live down the street from here." He waved his hand to dismiss the matter, silently hoping that Fiona wouldn't ask to take her there. He kept the smirk on his lips. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of knowing that he had been making-up things. He wouldn't let her get him wrong. He was, as always, stubborn and ignorant, even to friends. Jack strummed his fingers on the table absently, grinning as Fiona agreed with him about filth not counting. He stopped strumming to look up at Fiona as she began to speak. She seemed to be in the same situation as he with fathers.

Jack kept his mouth open as Fiona said that her father had used magic on her which had made Fiona angry at him, but first she had heard about this job and... Jack found it all rather confusing, but his mind was stuck on one sentence. "He began to use magic on me, which is something that I've never experienced, especially from a powerful wizard." He closed his mouth forlornly, his eyes watching Fiona carefully. She seemed to be shaking again. He frowned but didn't say anything about it, and from what he knew about Fiona so far, he doubted whether she would like pity. So, instead, he let his face remain expressionless, his mind still put on rewind. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Wait. Your father used magic on you? Are you talking about the Imperious curse or...?" he let it hang, not knowing any other spell that could control someone. If that was what Mr. O'Reilly was doing. Maybe he was using pain... Jack shuddered at the thought, hoping that Fiona hadn't noticed this. Looking back at her, his frown was deep in his face. "Why did he bring you along then? If he was angry at you, how come you're here?" he couldn't help but ask, knowing that he might be digging in to deep.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona watched Jack's reaction to her speech. He didn't seem to pity her which made her feel better about the situation. She never wanted to be pitied, she wanted to be envied. Jack seemed to be shocked by what Fiona had told him. The look on his face was unmistakable. She quickly glanced back out in the darkness. She would have given anything to have had this conversation during the day and not so late at night when her father could be coming back for her at any second.

Wait. Your father used magic on you? Are you talking about the Imperious curse or...? Jack asked her. She quickly looked at him and noticed a slight shudder. He seemed to be on the right track, but she didn't feel like telling him that. However, she felt that if things were said then her burden would be lighter. Fiona took a deep breath before she said anything, waiting until he asked her why she was here if her father was angry with her.

"Not at first. Usually he would just send me flying with some spell he hadn't said out loud. Then there were the times that he'd hex me for arguing with him over the same thing. He only used one of the Unforgivable Curses on me once and I have to admit I deserved it. When he found me sneaking around his office and trying to follow me. I don't think he really meant to do it, because he lifted it pretty quickly," Fiona paused. She remembered the pain of the experience not just physically but emotionally. She wondered if anyone had had the Cruciatus Curse put on them by their father. It was something that caused more pain than if it was done by someone they didn't know. Fiona held back this bit of information. She'd tell him if he wanted to know, but the pain was still prominent.

"The reason I'm here is that I promised him that I wouldn't argue with him over..." Fiona bit her lip. She was afraid that she was saying too much, but It was Jack's fault for wanting to know. She sighed as she continued, "I promised him I wouldn't argue over the Dark Lord anymore. I told him I'd follow after his footsteps and well...become a Death Eater. It's what I always wanted to do as a child, but after I watched the attacks on the school I just didn't feel like it was the right thing. I had to promise him. I wanted to come. He didn't fully accept my word until today when he finally, after another debate, let me come." Fiona sat very still watching Jack's face. She didn't know where Jack sat in the scheme of things. She wasn't sure if he was a supporter of the Dark Lord or not. She just sat and waited for a reply. Her eyes were somewhat tearful and she hoped he hadn't noticed. There was so much pain, but Fiona refused to let Jack see it. She refused to let anyone see it. It was her pain, her burden and she would carry it by herself.

[Jack Rendel S5]

The storm outside seemed to be moving on. The lightning that flashed across the dark sky was dim and the thunder distant. Jack felt it a relief not to be talking over such a thing, but he wasn't sure if it had heightened Fiona's mood at all. Jack noticed her glance out the window and he turned also, seeing that the darkness had increased. He absently wondered what time it was, but even if it was five in the morning, he wouldn't move from this seat. He made himself more comfortable to settle the notion. Still rearrange his features so that almost no emotions shined through, Jack listened as Fiona explained quietly. Her case was very similar to his own, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to explain this to Fiona. He had never explained it to anyone except for Mack, who was also in a case not unlike this. He attempted to smile at the girl across from him, but he didn't fair to well.

"Oh," Jack managed to spit out, working hard to keep his face straight. His mind exploded at the end of Fiona's words. He wasn't sure if his face was blank anymore.... Roger Rendel seemed so much like Mr. O'Reilly. Jack was afraid to admit it, but it was very much so. "You want to be a Death Eater?" he said quietly, his eyes boring into Fiona's. It had been Jack's dream, his greatest fantasy. Now, however, it was his worst nightmare. He could not believe his ears; Fiona, a Death Eater? He frowned, it seemed impossible at the moment, although many people weren't what they seemed. Jack eyed her closely for a second before sighing in registration.

"I can understand your situation, which you may find hard to believe, but it's the truth. My father is just as corrupt as yours, if not worse. At least, I feel so. My father defies all my heart's desires. All my wants and needs. He only wants a perfect son, the rightful heir of the Rendel name. Not some stubborn boy that goes his own way. My father knew ever since I was born that I would be a rebel, which wasn't what he wanted. It was hard to teach me things, but he got one thing stuck in my mind. That becoming a Death Eater was the right choice. I followed his orders for a long while, it seemed, but then I became resistive. I wanted my own things and to decide my own future. My father retaliated by using physical pain by the muggle art and magical. Also, emotional, for I never got what I wanted, what I so dearly needed. My father hates people who can look on to me as a friend, unless he approves of them first. He wishes to control my life, but I'm no puppet." Jack stopped talking to see what Fiona's reaction would be. He was dearly suprised that he was telling Fiona almost everything, but he felt the sudden need to tell Fiona she wasn't alone. He fixed his face once more, and waited for Fiona to say something, for his voice felt hoarse.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona could hardly contain the pain inside anymore. She hadn't told anyone all of the stuff she was sharing with Jack. There was just something about the night and the fact that they were alone. It just felt somewhat relieving. She looked at Jack quickly when he asked her if she wanted to be a Death Eater. "If you would have asked me that question two months ago, I wouldn't have hesitated in saying yes. I mean I admired Bellatrix Lestrange for everything she's ever done. But now, after I saw the attacks on the school and witnessed how students were attacked. I would give almost anything not to be one. But it is no longer my choice," Fiona sighed as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. She immediately rubbed them fiercely from her face. She didn't need to be weak at a moment like this. For that's all tears were, a sign of weakness.

Fiona turned back to the window, but her attention did not rest there. For Jack had begun to speak. He was telling her about his father and Fiona concentrated on every thing he was saying. Her mouth fell open as she listened. Jack didn't want to be a Death Eater either. She couldn't believe how similar their situations were. They both had a father who was pushing them to be something they didn't want to be. Fiona knew that if Jack was right about his father then he didn't have a choice either. Unless he chose death. Fiona faced the same situation and she didn't know if she'd come out alive. Tears were running steadily down her cheeks now, but she did not move to wipe them. She was entranced by Jack's speech and didn't want to break the spell by moving. She found it odd that they had so much in common in the way of fathers. During Jack's speech there was one line that stuck out to Fiona like neon lights, My father hates people who can look on to me as a friend... Her father had never denied her friends as long as they were purebloods. Jack's father just seemed to hate everyone. Fiona didn't know if Jack wanted to be felt sorry for, but none the less she did feel sorry for him.

When Jack finished Fiona slowly wiped her face again. Sometimes she couldn't help being weak and this was definitely one of those moments. She tried to hide the reaction on her face, but it was useless. She couldn't help, but show sympathy. "I think our fathers could be friends," Fiona said as she tried to lighten the mood. She didn't know if it would work, but couldn't help but try. She was tired of such depressing conversations. Of course somethings needed to be said. "Jack, I didn't think you would understand anything that I was going through, but I see now that I was wrong. It looks like we both understand each other. My father was ordered to murder some American Auror and their family. That's why he's here. This American has a wife and three children. The children..."Fiona stated quietly as she looked into Jack's eyes for some kind of answer.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack looked down at his hands, for he didn't wish to see Fiona showing weakness. He didn't wish to see her pity. He looked down at his hands interestedly, trying not to seem out of place. He smiled weakly at Fiona as she said her father and his father should be friends. "They do seem very much alike." Jack said, forcing his voice to remain steady. He wanted to say something about his little speech on his father. That he wasn't so bad; that Roger cared about his only son. But he couldn't, for Jack himself didn't even know if it was true. He felt his eyes water up but her closed them tight, not letting himself show weakness either. He steadied himself before looking back at Fiona only to be sent another stunning blow.

"Your-He's-" Jack fumbled with his words, scared of what they meant. Of what Fiona had said was rather nightmarish. He didn't wish to repeat what she had just said. That would make it real. "How old are the....the children?" Jack asked quietly, staring out the window for comfort. The darkness only made everything worse. He imagined Fiona's father walking in through a house, the screams of the children as they watched their father and mother fall to the ground, the- STOP! Jack shook himself to make those thoughts go away, but they came back. He looked at Fiona for support.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona knew she had said too much. If her father had found out what she just told Jack then she was in for trouble. She closed her eyes as the memory of the Cruciatus Curse returned. That was the worst torture. Must not think about it. Fiona forced her thoughts away from the Unforgivable Curse.

Instead her thoughts returned to the children. She opened her eyes at the sound of Jack's voice. "They're young. All under 8. I think they're 3, 5, and 7. Two girls and the oldest is a boy. I guess it doesn't matter now. I'm sure he's completed his mission by now," Fiona whispered as she successfully fought back her tears. She didn't want to think about the children.

"You know he probably blasted his way into their house, taking out the parents first, just to make the children suffer. Then he probably took them out one by one starting with the youngest, making the oldest watch helplessly as his sisters were murdered," Fiona said in a monotone. She couldn't quiet her thoughts on the subject, but she could no longer cry over it either.

Fiona hated weakness and she hated tears. But most of all she hated it when people saw that weakness. The pain began to numb as her emotions overloaded. At least like this she would seem desensitized to the horrors of the world. She would be completely numb.
It was just a feeling now, a feeling that could no longer control her, but one she could control. It was almost frightening how quickly Fiona had went from being weak to being strong. She looked up at Jack. She didn't know what to say anymore. It was as if this huge hole had ripped open in her heart. She remembered the way her father used to hold her, but now he hurt her. Not only her, but he hurt other people.

"Where's the righteousness in that? The same righteousness that I was always taught about as a child. My father told me the Dark Lord did the right thing. How is murdering children the right thing?" Fiona asked. She felt like she was lost in the woods not able to find her way out. She wanted Jack to have the answer, but she was sure he didn't. Nonetheless, she waited for his reply.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack willed his mind to remain blank but it was so hard to do. So incredibly hard to do. He swallowed hard at the very thought of the poor children that could be lying died right now. He didn't care if they were muggles or witches or wizards. He didn't care who there were. They were supposed to survive. They didn't deserve this. Jack thought that maybe they should at least kill their father, the Auror and then leave. But then, another thought crossed his mind that he had never considered before. Maybe to see a parent die was worse than death. It would leave a scar, yes. He frowned and diverted his gaze away from Fiona.

"I don't need a play-by-play." Jack snarled at her. Why did she have to tell him what he knew was already happening. He still refused to look at her. Instead, he stood and sauntered off to the counter to refill his cup of coffee. He needed something to busy himself with, for he found this new topic with Fiona very disturbing and awkward. As soon as the coffee was back in his cup, Jack walked slowly back to the table and sat down hard in the chair, which gave a resounding sound. He looked back at Fiona trying to make his face brave. But Jack was never brave. Rash was a better word for it. He looked back out at the darkness, expecting to see a figure looming there, coming for Fiona. Seeing none, he continued to stare but said something to comfort Fiona as much as himself.

"At least it'll be quick." Even though he spoke these words quietly, it seemed to bounce off the walls loudly, coming back to Jack's ears. It sounded horrible, and to think that he of all people was thinking such a horrible thing....Fiona's next question was one Jack had been pondering for a long time. It was an odd question, one with no right answer. He had one that he had gone by for a long time, but he wasn't sure if it was the right answer or if he had just made it for his own comfort. None the less, he would attempt to explain it to Fiona and maybe, just maybe, she would understand about what he thought on the matter.

"It's all one's point of view. Your father believes it is right because his master believes so. The Dark Lord believes it is right because it will make him stronger and it will get rid of a nuisance I'm sure. Your father, as does mine, believes that if he does what the Dark Lord wants, then he will do the right thing. That he will help the Dark Lord. Now, to become an Auror is to fight against what you believe wrong and to fight with your beliefs. The Auror put himself in danger and I'm sure he knew it himself. He sacrificed himself and his family for his beliefs. It all depends who you are." He swallowed hard and brought his gaze back to Fiona. "Do you understand?"

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona became lost in her own thoughts. The image of the children never once leaving her mind. The numbness had increased and she sat emotionless staring out the window. The darkness seemed so vast and Fiona wondered if her father could see her. The thought frightened her a bit, but not enough to dissuade her from the dark.

Jack's voice brought her gaze back to him as he snarled at her. He doesn't need a play by play. I wonder if he's picturing the same thing that I'm picturing. Fiona watched him as he went to the counter to get more coffee. He was obviously feeling the same thing that Fiona felt. She looked down at her own cup of coffee half empty and cold. She didn't feel like drinking anymore whether it was hot or cold.

It seemed so normal to be sitting in a cafe sipping coffee as you talked. If only I could forget what was happening outside these walls. Then maybe, just maybe, I would be enjoying this cup of coffee and Jack's company. Why did I come? Fiona questioned herself. She had forgotten the reason for her coming. To see America was my excuse, but there was no way I'd ever enjoy it with the thought of my father's orders.

Fiona's thoughts were interrupted by Jack's return. He spoke with words that tore at Fiona's heart, "At least it'll be quick." Fiona bit her bottom lip at the comment. Yes it would be quick, but the emotional pain before that, will last long after their dead. Fiona thought as she stared out the window. Lightning could be seen and the thunder rolled through the sky.

Fiona didn't look back at Jack when he began to speak again. She listened, but she didn't want to look at him. Staring out the window his words struck her, "Now, to become an Auror is to fight against what you believe wrong and to fight with your beliefs..." The words seemed to be almost a praise to the Auror who sacrificed himself. Fiona paused before she answered Jack's question. Of course she understood, but she didn't believe it. She couldn't believe why the Auror would sacrifice so much just to do what he thought was right. It was so righteous. So sickening, Fiona thought to herself.

"I understand Jack. I just don't believe it. Would you sacrifice everything for your beliefs? I don't know if I could. I couldn't sacrifice my parents for the ability to serve the Dark Lord. If I knew that my parents would surely die I wouldn't risk it. It's just like my father using magic on me. I still love him. I'll always love him, but I am angry with the way he's been treating me. But still I could not wish death upon him, I couldn't even do that when he was hurting me. He loves me that's why he does what he does. I don't see him sacrificing his family to follow his beliefs," Fiona said urgently. She didn't know if it even made sense, but she felt that her father was near. She looked out the window and in the distance an outline of a body stood. She turned to Jack waiting for his reply before she left.