Meeting Mom (( Liam))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass tousled her black hair in front of the mirror in her door one more time. It was getting cold so Cass had pulled out one of her heavier Gryffindor cloaks for her walk into Hogsmeade. Applying her lipstick one last time, she raced down the steps to the Gryffindor common room. The butterflies in her stomach refused to quit moving around. Today was the day that Liam would finally meet her mother and brother. It scared the hell out of her. One reason was that she had never brought a boy home before, and the other reason was because it was Liam. She really didn't want him to get a bad impression of her family. The whole Blackfire thing already counted against her enough.

Cass had sent a note to Liam via a first year telling him he needed to look nice. Wizard dress was preferred. Mom was having some of her friends over, and she had stressed in her owl that she needed to make sure that the two of them needed to dress nice. Not seeing Liam in the common room, she headed down the stairs to the Great Hall. Walking out of the front doors, the chill autumn air caressed her face. Catching sight of Liam, she rushed over and gave him a quick hug. " I'm so glad to see you! I didn't see you in the common room and started to panic. Are you ready to go?"

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam had gotten up early this morning. He kept checking the note that was delivered to him by a first year. He couldn't understand why he had to dress nice and in wizards clothing. This was one of the few chances he'd get to dress like a normal person did outside of school, but he wasn't going to argue. Liam dug through his chest to find the appropriate clothing to wear. He had settled on a pair of dress slacks and a button up shirt with a red and gold tie. Being careful not to get wrinkles in his clothes, he dressed as quickly as he could.

Once he'd made sure he looked the best he could, Liam pulled on a pair of socks and the nicest pair of boots he had. Standing from his bed, Liam walked around to his chest and took out one of his finest Gryffindor cloaks and heard something hit the floor. Setting his cloak down, Liam knelt on the floor and picked up what looked like a ring. Liam studied it only to realize that it had his families crest etched upon it. Liam stuck the ring on his middle finger before he put his cloak on.

Liam knew that he was going to be early, and decided to go down to the Great Hall and into the courtyard before Cass meet him. As he waited, Liam kept playing with his hair trying to get it to stay straight. By the time Cass had joined him, Liam had given up on his hair, seeing as it just wouldn't go straight. Liam felt Cass give him a hug and was a little surprised. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Liam said nervously. "I didn't mean to cause you to panic, its just I got ready and needed to get some fresh air."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"Great, and don't worry about it. I easily panic sometimes." Cass began to lead the way to the village. I hope your ready. God knows what will be happening when we get there, Cass thought to herself glumly. " Sorry about the whole 'nice clothes' thing," Cass formed mock parenthesis in the air when she said nice clothes. " I owled Mother and she sent me the reply back this morning. Apparently she is having some friends over and wanted to make sure we looked nice."

Feeling the Angelus medallion becoming twisted under her shirt, she pulled it out for a moment and untwisted the gold chain. She replaced the necklace out of sight under her shirt. " Kari, a girl in my dorm, freaked out when she saw the medallion on my night stand. She was like, ' Oh my god! That's Liam's crest!' I laughed so hard at her expression when I told her you gave it to me. After that, she gasped and ran out of the room. I would be prepared for all sorts of rumors when we get back to school. First, you give me your crest, and then we go to Hogsmeade together. What will everyone say?" Cass said in a fake shocked voice.

The walk to Hogsmeade was a short one, but Cassie was to busy sneaking looks at Liam to notice any of the trip. She couldn't believe how good looking he was with his tousled hair. When they arrived at the house, she hesitated opening the door. Cass sucked in her breath, " Here goes." The opened door revealed a grand marble entryway that was brimming with people Shock registered on her face as several of her mother's friends greeted her. She embarrassedly introduced Liam as a friend to all of them before a house elf appeared at her feet.

" Miss Blackfire, your mother has requested that you and your friend meet her in the drawing room." Cass nodded and the house elf disappeared. Cass escorted Liam to a large room with cherry tables and blue furniture. The room really belonged in a museum with all its antique furniture. Pictures of family adorned the walls and tables. While some of the photo's occupants strained against the walls of the frames, many of them remained still.

Cass sat down on the burgundy sofa, tucking her blue skirt underneath her. She could hear two sets of of footsteps approach the room. One was light and clicky like a womans while the other one was very heavy and booted. At last, the door open and Cynthia and Craig Blackfire entered the room. Both of the Blackfires had blonde hair and were wearing dress robes. Her mother took a seat across from her daughter and welcomed her daughter and her guest. Craig continued to stand, adjusting his cuffs. After he felt that his presence had finally dominated the room, Craig spoke and held his hand out to Liam. " Craig Blackfire. Liam Angelus, I presume. I'm pretty sure I've heard that name before. Our father," he gestured between Cass and himself, "knew your Grandfather if I'm not mistaken. It was probably not a cordial relationship considering our different family ideals. Unlike Cass, most of our family doesn't take kindly to blood traitors."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam nodded to Cass as she started to lead the way to Hogsmeade. As they walked, Liam listened to Cass explain why they had to wear nice clothes. Honestly, Liam replied, "Its alright, she wants to make a good impression on her guests, I understand that." Liam had been to several functions at his grandfathers home where he had to look civilized in front of the guest, so it was not really a big deal to him.

Liam rolled his eyes at the thought of everybody spreading rumors about them. He never could understand why people acted the way they did when things like this happened. But he did not care what anybody else thought about the situation. "Let them talk, maybe it will give them a distraction from what has been going on," Liam said hoping Cass would understand what he meant.

After the short walk into Hogsmeade, they finally reached Cass's home. Feeling nervous, Liam tried again to adjust his hair before Cass opened the door. Once the door had opened, Liam was surprised that so many people were in attendance. A Cass introduced him, Liam nodded to the various people. When a house elf appeared at Cass's feet, Liam knew it had to be time for them to make their way into another room, and his thoughts were soon confirmed.

Liam followed Cass into the drawing room, where he was surprised to see so many blue pieces of furniture. When Cass took a seat on the sofa, Liam remained standing. Shortly after they entered the room, they were joined by two blond people that had to be Cass's mother and brother. Liam nodded to the woman who had taken her seat across from Cass. When the man spoke, Liam shook his outstretched hand and listened to what he had to say. Once the man had finished speaking, Liam replied, "I do believe they did know each other, Mr. Blackfire. However different their ideals were, my grandfather did like your father as a man."

Liam paused before he continued, "However, sir, I take it as an insult that you would call me a blood traitor to my face. However true it may be, I would appreciate it if you would hold your opinion until you've gotten to know me better." With that being said, Liam took a seat on the sofa next to Cass where he sat motionless, waiting for somebody else to speak.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass gasped at what Craig had just said to Liam. Looking over at her mother, she waited for her to scold her brother, but she didn't. She just sat there as if she was in her own little world. " Craig, how dare you?!" Cass finally had to intervene. No apologies came from Craig; only a smug smile that tried to show that he was in charge of the situation. That smile stayed on his face all the way through Liam's retort. Cass felt Liam's weight on the sofa beside her as he sat down, but she was unable to tear her eyes away from her brother. The room was silent for several minutes, tension thick in the air.

" Your Grandfather was a very well respected man in our community, Liam. You have to forgive my son's ill manners, he really just wants to protect his sister." Cass saw Craig's face drop in surprise as their mother spoke. Cynthia Blackfire looked tired with the dark circles under her eyes that cosmetics couldn't even cover. Even though you could tell that she was a pristine woman, her shoulders sagged as if the weight of the world was upon them. "So, you are in Gryffindor house, correct? Cassandra really didn't embellish much in her owl, but I am assuming that is how you met. So, tell me something about yourself, Liam? I know that the Angelus family is a strong family so you don't have to impress me with that." Cynthia turned to her son. " Go entertain our guests, Craig. Brunch will be served soon and I would like to get my endowment to St. Mungos settled by this afternoon."

Still flushing, Craig gave a curt nod and exited the room. As soon as the door closed, Cass exhaled and relaxed. " Mother, why did he have to do that?" Cynthia just smiled. " You need to understand something, dear. Craig is the man of this house now, and with that goes great responsibility. He is more protective of you than this young man, but, unlike Liam, he doesn't realize you can handle yourself in most situations."

[Liam Angelus G5]

As Liam sat motionless, he kept one eye turned toward Craig as he stood there with a smug smile across his face. When Mrs. Blackfire spoke, Liam turned his attention toward her instead as Craig exited the room. He listened and waited for her to finish speaking before he took his turn to speak. "I thank you for your kind words, ma'am," Liam started with a slight nod. "But you need not apologize for your son's actions, I have grown to expect people to say those things toward me."

Taking a deep breath, Liam continued, "Yes, Mrs. Blackfire, I am in Gryffindor house, it is where Cassandra and I met." Liam paused for a moment, not sure what the appropriate response was for this occasion. "Well, ma'am, I was orphaned when I was two and went to live with my grandparents, but I'm sure you don't want to know my whole life story. I like to swim, have been doing it for most of my life. To be honest I'm not sure what you'd like to know, I mean I'm pretty normal."

Liam turned his head slightly toward Cass, unsure of what to say to her mother. Upon hearing about Mrs. Blackfire giving an endowment to St. Mungo's, Liam turned to her and said, "I thank you ma'am for your generosity toward St. Mungo's, what with my grandfather being treated there."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cynthia smiled when Liam mentioned that he was normal. " You're welcome, Liam, but your thanks are not needed. I do it because it is the right thing to do. Unlike most of my family, I understand that other people can be less fortunate." Cynthia grimaced at this last comment. Cass frowned. Did her mother have to talk about such things? When they were in the muggle world, her family had pretty much scraped by since her parents were not able to get good jobs. Then, the doctors and hospitals had taken almost every last dime from them when her father had gotten sick. Cass' family did not just know that there were unfortunate people out there, but they knew what it felt like to be the unfortunate.

Cass was nervously twisting the green stoned ring on her finger once again. Even though it was an inanimate object, it gave her some comfort. " Liam and I have know each other for several years. We were sorted together." Damn, this is awkward, thought Cassie. Cynthia smiled at her daughter's statement. " That was how your father and I met. We ended up sitting together at the Slytherin table after our sorting." Cynthia turned toward Liam. " Our family has a great history in Slytherin house. In fact, Cassandra has been the only person from our family not placed in Slytherin. It bothered me greatly to find out she was a Gryffindor, but, just recently, I have come to grips with the fact that is where she belongs."

The door creaked open and a house elf creeped in. " I'm sorry for interrupting you, but brunch is being served. Guests are going to the patio." Cynthia nodded to the house elf and he disappeared into thin air. " Well, seems like our presence is being requested. Come along, we don't want to be tardy." Cynthia stood up and walked to the door, but as an afterthought she stopped. " Oh, and Liam, I do have to say you have your hands full with my daughter. She has always been a bit headstrong, and I'm pretty sure she would take on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named by herself if I would permit it. Do keep her safe, and don't let her do anything rash." Cynthia Blackfire opened the door and exited the room. Liam and Cassandra were alone together.

Cass sat back on the couch with an exhausted look on her face. " Jeez, that was wierd. I thought you were going to hit Craig there for a moment, and I wouldn't of blamed you if you did. Calling you a blood traitor! The nerve of him! He is so going to hear it from me later!" Cass stood up and smoothed out her clothing, trying to press out some of the wrinkles in her skirt. " So, now that we have survived the inquisition, want to go get something to eat?" Cass made her way to the double glass doors at the end of the room. " If we go out this way, we can escape the congestion from the house."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam listened to Mrs. Blackfire speak. He could not tell if she really knew what it was like for people to me less fortunate or not after she had grimaced. He was sure that it was possible for her to know how it was for people in those situations. Liam sat really quiet for sometime except for the shuffling noise that could be heard as he shifted his position on the sofa.

"Yes, ma'am, I know that Cass is the first of your family to be in Gryffindor," Liam said honestly. "But I do believe its where she belongs." Liam truly believed that Cass belonged in Gryffindor. Everything about her said that she was a Gryffindor through and through.

When the door to the room opened, Liam saw a house elf come into the room and tell Mrs. Blackfire that brunch was ready to be served. When Mrs. Blackfire said that Liam had his hands full with Cass, he allowed a laugh escape his lips before he nodded. Liam watched as Mrs. Blackfire left the room, leaving him and Cass in the room alone.

Liam turned to Cass as she spoke. He shook his head before he replied, "Don't worry about it. If he had made me mad enough with his comment you would have known it. He is just a little ignorant when it comes to the situation. You don't need to stick up for me, honestly I am alright it would take a lot worse to affect me." When Cass began to stand, Liam rushed to his feet. Liam nodded to Cass's question and followed her to the glass doors.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

" Don't need to stand up for you?" Cass' eyebrow raised as she took his hands in hers. " I wasn't standing up for you, I was only stating the obvious. Besides, you're way too much of a gentleman to say something to him in his home." A very determined light shone in her green eyes. " There was not way I was going to let him do that to you with me around. He can't just go around calling people blood traitors when he is almost one himself!" Cass looked down in disgust. If only Liam knew everything that had happened, but it was just such a long story. How could she explain it? She couldn't. Only the people who had experienced it with her knew the pain she had gone through. " I just hope you don't think less of me, is all."

" You know, we don't have to go out there if you don't want too. Mother wouldn't blame you not wanting to see Craig." Cass was beginning to hear people congregate on the patio. All the voices seemed so happy even though a confrontation of sorts had occurred in their mist. " Hell, I don't blame you for not wanting to see Craig, but she will be upset if we don't come. She likes you I think, but honestly who wouldn't?" Cass turned around as she heard the familiar pitter pat of her house elf walk up behind them. " Miss Blackfire, your mother is waiting."

Cass addressed the servant. " Just a moment." Turning back to Liam, she leaned over and hugged him. She whispered in his ear while doing so. " We will go make our appearance, and then maybe we can take the floo over to London." She drew back with a mischievous smile. Continuing to hold his hand, she led him through the gardens, and out to the patio. She smiled at all who approached, still introducing Liam as a friend. Finally, she heard someone yell " Cassie!" from across the way. A tall, brunette girl rushed across and enveloped Cass in a big hug. " Oh my god, it has been so long!" she cried. After a brief moment of requisiteness, the girls turned to Liam. " Um, Liam, I want you to meet my friend, Meloeny. She goes to Beuxbatons."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam listened to Cass as a smile formed on his face. He was quick to reply, "I have been called worse things then a blood traitor. So I'm not going to let it affect me to much." Liam looked into Cass's eyes when she said she didn't hope that he thought less of her. Honestly, Liam replied, "I could never think less of you because of something your family does."

"I don't mind going out there, honestly," Liam said softly. "I'm not going to let your brother ruin anything. I'm sure you mother would very much like for you to make your presence known." Liam turned to look at the sounding footsteps. The house elf was back and Liam knew what he was going to say before he opened his mouth.

Liam followed Cass out as she held his hand. With every person she introduced Liam to, he nodded politely. Some of the people Liam had seen before, and some of them he'd never seen. Liam heard a girl yell to Cassie from across the patio. Liam watched as the girl rushed across the patio and hugged Cass. When Cass introduced her friend to him, Liam bent over into a polite bow before standing up right and saying, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Meloeny."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Meloeny giggled as Liam introduced himself, and to see him bow like that to her made the little green monster of jealousy rear it's ugly head. " Why don't we go find a seat and eat? I know I'm famished." Finding an empty table, she sat down with Meloeny. " So, what have you been studying this semester, dear? I've been into the regulars. Transfiguration, Runes, Potions. I know you have a bit different curriculum though at Beuxbatons." Cass removed her white napkin from her plate and rested it in her lap. Meloeny laughed at Cass' attempt to make proper conversation. " Well, my semester doesn't seem to be as productive," she directed her gaze towards Liam, " as yours has been. God, you date a muggle all summer and come back from school with Liam." Cass flushed.

" Do you mind not talking about that? My mother and brother don't know about Emmanuel, and I would appreciate it if you didn't bring up such things." Cass looked around to make sure that no one was listening in on their conversation. Meloeny only laughed, and addressed Liam. " You need to understand something, Liam. She fakes modesty but once you let her loose, she won't back down." Cass pretended to ignore them while spooning some fruit out of a white bowl. " Of course, I had hoped she would go to Beuxbatons with me this year now that she has money. God, remember your first year at Hogwarts? We were having a charity drive to get you there." Cash flushed even redder. " Well, not really, Liam. It was just hard for her family at the time with her father so sick."

" Meloeny, will you stop? Your embarrassing me?" Cass cupped her head in her hands. " I haven't told him about all that, yet." She looked at Liam as if to tell him she would get to that part of her life someday. " Anyways Meloeny. Have you heard from the old gang? I swear, it has been forever since I've heard from any of them. They disappeared as soon as we went to school, but I do have to remember they have no way to get a hold of us either."

" Nope, not hide nor hair. Oh, we are leaving poor Liam out of the conversation." Meloeny turned towards the boy with a big smile on her face. " So, Liam, where are you from? My good friend here doesn't seem to want to elaborate. Oh, you must tell me where you learned to be so mannerly. Of course, Cass, if he hangs around you long enough, that will eventually wear out. I'm sorry, she didn't tell you to expect Twenty Questions from me."

[Liam Angelus G5]

When Cass suggested that the three of them find a place to sit and get something to eat, Liam followed the two girls to an empty table, and sat down next to Cassandra. When the girls started talking, Liam allowed his attention to turn to other things in the garden. Liam did not pay to much attention to the girls conversation until he heard mention of his name, then he only paid partial attention.

It wasn't long though until Liam's attention turned to the food that was on the table before them. Liam placed his napkin on his before he scooped some fruit onto his plate. As he started to take a bite from the grapefruit he'd scooped onto his plate, Liam heard Meloeny address him once again. After swallowing the piece of fruit in his mouth, Liam wiped his lips with his napkin before he replied. "Originally I'm from Glasgow, up in Scotland. When I was two my parents moved to London. After they were killed, I moved in with my grandparents outside of London," Liam said with a little difficulty. "I learned my manners from my grandparents. But, if you don't mind, I find it difficult to talk about these kinds of things too often."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Meloeny was taken aback, and the shock showed on her face. " Um...okay," Meloeny said, and fell silent. Meloeny was a natural chatterbox, normally prying into people's lives without any apologies. Liam had apparently had stopped her dead in her tracks with few words. After a few moments of tense silence with nothing but the clinking of spoons on plates, someone yelled Meloeny's name. Cassandra saw Megan, her other good friend, wave at the both of them. Meloeny got up with a flourish and joined her while Cass continued to sit Liam, only acknowledging Megan with a wave.

This party was starting to really get boring, and Cass was starting to get the impression that Liam wasn't really the party type of guy. " You have to excuse, Meloeny. She is a bit of a chatterbox, but she has never been one to make apologies. If you look, back," she pointed to her friend Megan," the red head is my friend Megan. We've been friends since grade school. I only found out that they were witches last year. Too think, we spent two years not even know what the other ones where because we were sworn to secrecy. We all went to different schools so we had no idea." Cass hadn't finished eating, but she wasn't going to risk another plate in front of Liam. God, the horror if he knew that she was a bit of pig.

Standing up, Cass looked up at all the adults who were conversing with each other. No, they wouldn't notice if they left...

" You know, I haven't shown you the house yet. C'mon, lets get away from all these people. I'm about sick of it all. I've never been one for my mother's social gatherings." She led him away into the house, and Cass was very much aware of Craig's eyes on them as they entered the house. This wasn't just because she wanted to leave the party, but she did want to talk to Liam alone. Many of her friends had tried to get information out of him, but she wanted to know about him. Cass hoped he would open up to her a bit more. I mean, Liam had given her his family crest. I mean, that had to mean something!

Taking him up the backstairs to the second floor from the kitchen, they soon found themselves on the silent second floor. They could still hear the voices from the party floating in from the open window. The white walls seemed to make the hall sterile even though that both of them could see the colorful rooms that were revealed behind the doors. She really wished sometimes that Liam wasn't such a gentleman sometimes. I mean, it was good, don't get her wrong, but she just really wished he would do something crazy like out of those old muggle movies. However, that just wasn't in his nature, and she would just have to be content with that. Cass went aimlessly down the hallway, pointing out her bedroom garnished in Gryffindor colors, Pyro's green and silver one for when he visiting, and couple of bathrooms.

" God, this house is way to big. I miss our old house. It was small, but very dingy. Hell, paint was chipping off the walls and the plumbing didn't work half the time, but it was home. This place has never really been us, you know." Cass' face flushed red with what she was about to ask Liam. " Um, I know I'm being a bit forward, but you know that the Halloween Ball is coming up. Do you want to go with me?"

[Liam Angelus G5]

As the three of them sat there in silence, Liam's mind was racing. He did not like talking about his family to people he'd just met, and every time he did, all he could think about was the tragic things that he had to suffer through. After taking a bite out of the fruit in front of him, Liam was about to speak when he heard a girl call to Cassie and Meloeny. As Meloeny took off and left him alone with Cassie, Liam let out a sight of relief as he did not have to continue talking about himself.

When Cassie spoke, Liam turned around to look at the girl that she had mentioned. "I've never known anybody who wasn't a witch or wizard, except some of them had parents who were muggle's," Liam replied. "So it must have been hard for you and your friends to be separated from each other and not be able to tell them what you were."

When Cass stood, Liam quickly got to his feet. "Seeing the house sounds like a good idea," Liam said in response. "I'm not much into these kinds of parties anyway. They are too dull for my tastes. The people are to stuffy for me to feel comfortable."

Liam followed Cass to the kitchen and up the stairs to the second floor, keeping his mind aware that Craig was watching them as they went. Looking at the white walls, Liam shuddered. He could not stand something so boring as a pure white wall. There was no life to the walls in the plain state they were in. They could use some color, and Liam would have changed them, if it had been his home.

As Cass pointed at the different rooms, he noticed that they had been given life. When Cass pointed toward her room, Liam leaned in closer to examine the room fully. As Cass continued to speak, Liam leaned against the door frame. As he listened, all he could do was nod. He had never known what it was like not to live in a big house, or what it was like to have to worry about such things. When Cass asked about the Halloween Ball, Liam felt his heart start to race. She asked him to go to the ball, the same thing he was going to ask her when he got the chance. Now with it being out, Liam was glad that he did not have to worry about asking her to go with him.

"Yeah, I'd love to go with you," Liam replied honestly. "I was going to ask you the same thing when I had the chance." After replying, Liam took Cass by the hand and pulled her near him and hugged her deeply. He wasn't sure if he'd done the right thing or not, and wasn't sure if he should do anything more.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass watched as Liam surveyed all of the rooms in turn. The white walls in the hallway were a glaring contrast to her red and gold room. Pictures of friends and acquaintances moved in the frames, and there was even a muggle stereo playing rock and roll music in the corner. He seemed to like the atmosphere in her little haven. Cass continued to talk about her muggle friends. “Yeah, it is very awkward, but what can we do. We honestly lie to our friends about it every day.” Cass’ jaw dropped when Liam told her he had never met a muggle. “Really?! How do you do that? I mean, we live with muggles, and we see them everyday. How could you not actually meet or talk with one? Oh well, that will probably change soon. I have tons of good friends who are muggles.”

As the conversation turned to the Halloween, Cass sucked in her breath and asked the question that had been hanging over for a couple of day. She couldn’t keep her smile hidden as Liam agreed to the date. She honestly could not believe that she had been so bold as to ask. Her mother would have been mortified to hear her, Cassandra Blackfire, ask a boy on a date. The two of them were finally past this insurmountable hurdle of actually going on a date together.

Cassandra stiffened for a moment as Liam enveloped her in a warm embrace, but relaxed after a few moments. Even though it was only a small token of affection, it was still meaningful, and it expressed how they were beginning to feel for each other. After a few moments, Cass pulled back flushing. Not really knowing what else to say, they sat in a silence for a few moments. However, that didn’t last long as she began to chatter once again albeit awkwardly. “Umm…,” Cass bit her lip. “ Do you want to go? You know do something else. We could take the fire to London and maybe you could meet some of my friends. We could get away from the huge crowd. If you want, we can stop by and see your Grandfather.

[Liam Angelus G5]

"Well, I have met some muggles," Liam started in a relaxed voice. "Its just I never knew the people, actually. They were just friends of either my aunts or uncles." Liam hoped that what he was saying made some sense. Over the summer he had to stay with his aunt and her family, but it wasn't the first time he'd met their friends, he just never saw them enough to get to know them.

Liam felt Cass stiffen as he hugged her. He'd hoped that he didn't make her feel uncomfortable. It had not been his intention to make her feel awkward. All he'd intended was to show some kind of affection.

After a few moments silence, Liam heard Cass begin to speak again, this time about leaving Hogsmeade and going into London by the Floo Network. He knew that they could get into trouble for going that far from Hogwarts, but he didn't care. He was going to have some fum this year, even if it meant him getting himself expelled or even killed. With a smile, Liam replied, "Yeah, we have got to get out of here. If only to get away from your brother and his complaints and stares."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

" Great! Than it is settled!" Cass grinned broadly. Grabbing his hand, she led Liam to the room that they had met Cass' family in. Taking a handful of of powder from the nearby bucket, she tossed it into the fire and saw green flame explode in the hearth. " So, where should we head first?" Cass' smile got wider as she permused over the possibilities. " There is this cute little coffee shop in London we can floo into. It's near St. Mungos if you want to stop there first." Flushing, she took Liam's hand and led him closer to the warm, green flames. " I personally think the coffee shop is the best idea."

Becoming rather brave all of the sudden, she reached in and gave Liam her own big hug. " I'm so glad that you came. I was really afraid that Craig had scared you off." Pulling back, she gave Liam a brief kiss on the cheek. Smiling and flushing, she stepped into the fire and disappeared.

(( I'm moving the post to Outside Hogwarts.))

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam followed Cass back down to the room where they met her parents. When they reached the room, Liam waited as Cass took a handful of powder and threw it into the fireplace as green flames erupted. When Cass turned back to Liam, he replied, "Where ever you want to go right now is fine with me. The coffee shop sounds fine for now, we can see Grandfather a little later." When Cass hugged him, Liam felt his heart begin to race. When she pulled back and kissed him on the cheek, Liam felt his cheeks become red.

Liam allowed Cass to pull him a little closer to the fire before she stepped in. Liam waited for her to disappear before he took a handful of Floo powder before threw it into the fire and stepped in.