There may be Angels (( Liam))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

" I've wept for those who suffered long,
but how I've weeped for those who've gone.
Into rooms of grief to question wrong,
but keep on killing.
It's in the soul to feel such things,
but weak to watch without speaking.
Oh, what mercy sadness brings,
if god be willing..."

Cassandra Blackfire let the strumming guitar take her away to a place far away from where she was now sitting. Away from Hogwarts, away from the wizarding world, away from her family. She was so sick of of it. Sick of her mother trying to out do her aunt, sick of Pyro telling her how much danger she was in, and sick of feeling like she was an outcast. Pulling herself up into a sitting position, she looked down at the hole in her jeans and her muggle t-shirt and sighed. She was an outcast, and it had suddenly dawned on her that she would never fit into the pure blood world.

She didn't want to accept it, but she was going to have too. She was eventually going to have to swallow her pride and admit that she would never be the good pure blood her mother wanted her to be. She wondered if other pure blood Gryffindors had this problem of not fitting in. It seemed like many of them got along well enough without believing that all muggle borns were scum and that they did not put there pants on one leg at a time. Pulling out her Transfiguration book, she prepared herself to do more training for McGonogall. Not that she hated doing this work, but she was getting seriously burnt out. She had so much on her plate, and it seemed like she was suffocating on each piece from it.

The animagi lessons had been going well, and she felt that she was making progress. In fact, she swore she saw some black fur sprouting on her right arm yesterday. She knew she wasn't supposed to try and transform, but she couldn't help herself. She was eager to get to the big moment, the moment she would finally prove to herself that all the work was worth it. Biting her lip, she dug back into her book, letting all her troubles go for the moment.

[Liam Angelus G5]

The day was turning out to be as bad as the last in Liam's eyes. His grandfather still had not left St. Mungo's, and there was no word on when he'd be out, or if he even would get out. With everything that was happening in the wizarding world, Liam could have used some good news for once. Liam continued to walk around the lake like he did some many times before. Liam didn't want to go back up to the castle where all of the other students would be having fun.

As he started his second trip around the lake, Liam got a song stuck in his head that he remembered being sung to him as a child. He could not remember who it was that sung it to him, but he knew it was a woman's voice. He had made it a point to ask his grandfather what the song was and took it upon himself to learn it. As he was about to give up on clearing his mind, he heard a familiar voice in the air.

Liam walked back around the lake to where he could here the voice coming from. As he neared the voice, Liam could tell that it was Cassandra Blackfire singing. Liam slowly walked toward her as she took out some books from her bag. "Hello, Cass," Liam greeted her with a smile. "Do you mind if I join you?"

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass looked up when Liam addressed her. Smiling broadly, she moved so he could have some space on the red blanket she was laying on. " Of course, Liam. There is always room for you. However, I've warning you, I'm not really in a conversing mood. I've had a pretty hard day, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. What about you? You don't seem to be in the best of moods either." Cass put away her books and picked up her acoustic guitar once more. Strumming a couple of chords, she began to hum softly along with the music. It seemed like forever since she had picked up her guitar. In fact, she hadn't played since her father died. She was quiet as she sat and played, and her thoughts began to drift to her father. It was painful to remember such things, but forgetting was even more painful. To think, one day she may not even know what his voice sounded like or what he looked like.

Cass grimaced, and suddenly became angry. It was her father's damn fault that she was in this situation. If he had done what he was supposed to do, maybe she wouldn't be having to make the decisions she was making. Why did he have to run?! Why did he not stay?! Cass stopped strumming the guitar, and set it aside. She looked straight ahead for a moment, and then turned toward Liam, her green eyes somber. " So, we've been living in the same tower for four years now, and we hardly know each other? Tell me something about yourself. I heard you were telling Illiya you were a pureblood the other day. What was that like, and is your family like you? You know, not so manic about the whole pure blood thing."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam took a seat next to Cass on the red blanket and looked across the lake. His mind kept coming back to his grandfather and how he had not seen him in a very long time. He knew his grandfather would want him to be having fun and making lots of friends and staying out of trouble. But Liam just could not bring himself to have any fun when he could not talk to his grandfather, the only real family he had left. When Cass spoke, Liam was glad to have something to take his mind off the subject.

"I totally understand. My whole year has been that way," Liam said honestly. "My grandfather is in the hospital, and I haven't seen him since we left for our third year." Liam listened to Cass strum her guitar as she hummed. He couldn't help but think she was really talented. Liam knew very little about the guitar, even though he'd been playing since he was nine years old, but he only managed to learn a few songs.

"Yeah, I'm pure-blood. My entire family has been in Gryffindor house as far back as I can tell," Liam said easily. He was proud to be in Gryffindor, he is proud to carry on the family tradition. "My family has always been like me. We've been taught to be respectful of everybody, whether they are pure-blood, half-blood, muggle born, or muggle. But we have never really like Slytherins, we don't like the way they treat others. Really, they say they'd be happy being muggles, my cousin is even dating one, which I think is amazing, I get to learn more about them that way than in school."

"But growing up pure-blood has its advantages, some I could do without," Liam said honestly. "When I go into a shop people are always trying to help me before the others, that I could do without. And being from a rather wealthy family, they always try and make you happy so you'll give them a big tip. Really I can't stand the whole thing, and whats worse is seeing those like the Slytherins doing what they want just because they are pure-blood and wealthy." Liam became really disgusted thinking about the way others were treated, and how they treated him.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass twirled the green stone ring another time around her finger. This topic was unnerving for her, but she felt that she needed to talk to someone about it. Pyro didn't understand, and some of the other pureblood Gryffindors she had spoken to didn't seem to mind the special treatment. " I completely follow you there, Liam. Last year, I was a muggle born to many of them, and then it came out that I was one of the incredible Blackfires. I was treated so differently after that. People bow me into their shops, they will put up with almost any abuse I will put them through, and then they take my money with the greatest of ease." Cass frowned. " I went into a robes shop in Hogsmeade the other day. When I was just plain old Cassandra Logton, the shopkeeper ignored me until I actually showed them the pouch of gold I had with me. Just this weekend, the same guy followed me around like a lost puppy dog. ' Why don't you try this, Miss Blackfire? This color would look splendid on you?' " Cass got that far away, almost hypnotized look in her eyes again. " I'm ashamed to say, I almost liked it at first. Now, it makes me angry that some of my muggleborn friends have to put up with that."

Cass sniffled a little. " It's so hard to see the prejudice being on the muggle born end, but now it is so clear. Damn, I wish I could do something about it." She was becoming angry, angry like she had never been before. Cass was unique in relation to most purebloods. She had lived most of her life as a poor muggleborn, but had recently discovered that she was a member of one of the most prominent pureblood families in the wizarding world. " It's so prevalent, but so many wizards look through rose colored glasses. They don't see the injustices anymore."

[Liam Angelus G5]

While Cass spoke, all he could do was nod. He knew exactly what she was talking about. He had witnessed it all of his life, and it sickened him the way pure-bloods were treated with the utmost urgency. Every time he went somewhere and muggleborns were there, the shopkeepers tried to help him before they helped the others. He always made it a point to tell the shopkeepers to take care of the others before him, and at times he would leave the shop if they continued to ignore the others.

"I know, Cass. They think that because we are pure-blood's that we are somehow special and deserve to be treated as such," Liam's voice was shaking as he spoke. "If I could, I'd give up being pure-blood, so that I would not have to be treated as such when there are others who are better than I. In my life I have known wizards who weren't pure that were better than many of us that are."

Liam stuck his hand in the pocket of his jeans and felt the necklace he was given as a child. Taking it out, Liam turned the medallion over to reveal the letter 'A' and the crest of his father and grandfather and all of those who came before.

"When people see these things, they know who we are without question," Liam said holding the medallion by the chain. "They used to mean we are a part of that family, now people think it means we are better than those who aren't pure-blood, and it sickens me. Because I'm pure-blood, does that make me better than Harry Potter? No. That's why I no longer where this thing."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass fiddled with the ring on her finger once again. Cass shook under Liam's gaze. He was right, and she knew it. No one would of known that she was a pureblood without her family ring, and she now felt guilty for wearing it. Cass gazed at the gold medallion that Liam held in his hand, and she bit her lip. " It makes me feel kind of guilty. I mean, I spent fourteen years of my life thinking I was a muggle born, and it made me feel like I was somebody when I find out I was a pureblood. People took notice of me, and I wasn't treated like a nobody." Cass pulled the ring of her finger. " I know this little trinket isn't much, but it is the only thing I have of my dad left. It literally appeared on my dresser the day after my dad's funeral." Cass held it up in the palm of her hand. " Was it easy to take your family crest off? Honestly, it feels as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

Cass hesitated, and then placed the bauble back on her finger. She sighed, " Why does this have to be our burden to bear, Liam? It would be so much easier to give in, and be just like every damn Slytherin at this school." Cass picked up her guitar once again, and began to strum a few chords. Feeling the music course through her fingers, a somber etude began to fill the air. " Why do we have to be one of the lone few to try and correct the errors of our kind?"

Cass allowed herself to relax for a few moments. Suddenly, her muscles tightened and her eyes flew open. Standing up, she grabbed Liam's hand and pulled him in the direction of the lake. " You know, this has been getting rather depressing. I think it is time we cool off. Wanna go for a walk near the forest or a quick swim? Either way, it will be fun." Cass gave Liam her famous devilish smile as she continued to tug on his hand.

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam sat and listened to Cass as she spun the ring on her finger. He knew it must have been hard for her to find out the truth about her and her family after all those years, even though he had known all his life what he was. "I understand wanting to have a piece of your father with you," Liam said honestly. "I've had my father's wand since I was little, and his necklace was put around my neck when I was born. They allow me to feel somehow connect with what I've lost. But it wasn't easy to take off my crest. For so long I thought being pure-blood that I was special. I thought that being from a pure-blood family was the greatest thing, that having the money somehow made everything great. Then I saw that those who weren't as fortunate were just as happy, if not more so, and I began to think that maybe they were the lucky ones."

Liam sighed deeply as he thought about everything he'd seen in his life. "When I took it off, tried to deny what I am, people looked at me as if I was diseased. They thought that with me being a pure-blood and not wanting anything to do with it, that I had to be sick in the mind, like being pure was what everybody should be." Liam looked at the necklace once more before he set it down. "I mean do I look like I'm diseased? No. I just know that there are things better than being pure."

Liam looked to the sky as he tried to think of an answer. "Truth be told, I don't know," Liam started. "Maybe, on some level, it means we've evolved from the one's of think of being pure as being right. We've changed for the better and see that just because you aren't pure doesn't mean that you aren't as special. Giving into the likes of the Slytherin's makes us worse than we really are. Just because of our blood, doesn't mean we have to be stuck up and treat others like second class citizens. Thats why we are Gryffindors."

"Personally, I'd have it no other way. If we don't stick up for those who aren't pure, then who will. If we did nothing then they'd be easy pray for the evil people in this world," Liam said with confidence. He knew that what he said was the truth, he'd seen it many times, he had also seen those cost of such thoughts, but it still didn't change him.

When Liam finished speaking, he felt Cass pull him up by the hand. He quickly grabbed his necklace as he got to his feet. Liam looked in the direction of the forest and back to the lake. He thought for a moment before he spoke. "As much as I like the forest, I prefer the lake."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

" Really, you prefer the lake? I would think a big strong guy like you would love to romp around in the Forbidden Forest." Cass giggled and smiled as she continued to pull Liam towards the lake. " Of course, my adventure in the forest wasn't as fun as most. I had to get caught." Cassandra couldn't take the earlier conversation anymore. It was true that she was a Gryffindor, but it would of been so much easier to be the Blackfire her mother wanted her know to be. How could Liam be so strong? She was afraid of the future. She didn't know where it was leading, and she was terrified of what was going to happen to her family. Unlike her, he seemed sure about what was going to happen. He took his responsibility with ease. She just hoped she could do the same one day.

Finally arriving at the lake, her hand lingered on Liam's for just a little too long. A blush spread across her cheeks because of the uncomfortable moment. " I was already planning on doing a little bit of swimming tonight. In a couple of weeks, it will be to cold." Cass pulled of her t-shirt and shimmied down her jeans to reveal a red swimsuit underneath. The little two piece fit her small curves well, but Cass had never noticed that. She knew that she was getting older, but hadn't noticed the subtle changes in her body yet. Still wearing her black Chacos, she dived right into the water. " You coming, Liam, or are you afraid of the giant squid?" Cass splashed at Liam playfully, giggling.

Cass dipped under the water, and swam a little out. Coming to the surface, she wiped her black hair out of her eyes. " Father and I used to go to this lake near our home every summer in Birmingham. One year, he even put up a rope swing and we jumped into the lake from it. I really miss Birmingham, but I guess Hogsmeade is nice. Our old house was sort of falling apart, and Mom really couldn't afford the repairs after Dad died. However, it is a bit annoying with my Mom in Hogsmeade though. If I ever really got into trouble, she could find me real quick."

[Liam Angelus G5]

"Yes I prefer the lake," Liam said a little embarrassed. "There are these things in the forest that creep me out. I don't want to see them again this year." Liam hated seeing those large beast when they pulled the carriages to and from Hogwarts. He especially didn't like the fact that he'd had to seen somebody die. He never could remember who he had seen die and it was a bit of a mystery to him.

When they finally reached the lake, Liam noticed that Cass let her hand stay in his long than necessary. When she let go, Liam turned his head, a little embarrassed. "I guess its good I said the lake then isn't it?" Liam said with a slight grin. When Cass began to undress, Liam quickly turned his eyes in the other direction. Once, he heard Cass enter the water, Liam looked toward the lake and pulled his shirt over his head. Thankful he'd put on a pair of shorts, Liam kicked his shoes off and undid his jeans and pulled them off, making sure his red trunks had not come off. Liam walked to the edge of the lake, and jumped in head first, diving underwater.

Liam swam underwater until he'd come with in a few feet of Cass. "Now why would I be afraid of the squid?" Liam asked jokingly. "Why would it want to hurt me? I've never done anything to it." Liam thought about when he was a child and the things he'd done with his cousins. He could remember very clearly going for swims in the lake behind his grandfathers home many times. "We, that is my cousins and I, used to swim all the time in my grandfathers lake. I remember before my grandmother died she used her magic to create this thing that would spring us into the air and land in the middle of the lake," Liam laughed remembering his grandmother and the things she did to keep him happy growing up.

"It sounds like you and your father had a good relationship," Liam said with honesty. "Wish I could have had that kind of relationship with my parents. Anyway could we not talk about families to much, its just rather depressing to talk about."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass smiled to herself when she had turned back to the shore to see Liam averting his gaze. Luckily for Cassie, he had changed while she had gone under the water. After a few moments, Liam dove into the water and joined her. After a few moments of playful banter, she brought her father back up. Seeing the pain on Liam's face was enough to make her not bring the subject back up again.

Cass continued to tread water. " Are you really not afraid of the squid? I have honestly been terrified of it since I first came here. Remember when we crossed the lake and that girl fell in. I swear, people in the common room were talking about hearing her screaming in the Great Hall the next day. Of course, I guess she did survive. I mean, I've never heard of anybody being killed by him. " Cass splashed Liam in the face playfully, and dove back into the water. Staying under a few moments, she saw several fish swim around the two of them. She honestly wondered what lived in this lake sometimes. It was so full of life, and mystery.

Quietly coming up behind Liam, she threw her hands over his eyes. Giggling, playfully, she said, " Guess who?! I honestly can't see you afraid of anything. You seem so, well, strong. I've always been a bit afraid of my own shadow. I'm afraid of heights so it still shocks me that I love to ride my broomstick."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Easily, Liam replied, "No, I'm not afraid of him. I just think of him as an overgrown fish with tentacles, and a big head and eyes. Well, maybe that didn't make since, but none-the-less, I'm not afraid of him." Liam thought a moment, trying to remember the first year at Hogwarts. Finally, he replied, "I remember it vaguely. After all, I've had a lot running through my mind." When Cass splashed Liam in the face, he quickly splashed back at her before she dove underwater.

When she came back up behind him and cover his eyes, Liam said, "Oh I don't know, the Easter Bunny?" Liam laughed as he took Cass's hands off his eyes and turned around to face her. "There isn't much that I'm afraid. Mostly just those Thestrals that pull the carriages. Other than that I can't think of anything." Liam put his head underwater for a brief moment before he continued his reply. "Ok, being afraid of you own shadow is just funny. I've never heard of anybody being afraid of a shadow." When Cass said she was afraid of heights, Liam got an idea into his head. He quickly dove underwater and threw Cass into the air. When he surfaced, Liam said, "You shouldn't have said you are afraid of heights to me."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

" Afraid of the Thestrals, huh? I don't know. They seem really gentle to me. I always wondered what pulled the carriages, and a second year asked me what they were. She didn't believe me." Cass giggled at the Easter Bunny remark. " You think I'm the Easter Bunny do you? Well, I don't necessarily have any candy to offer you." Liam broke away from her, and I bet he could see the flush cross her cheeks. Why in the hell was she acting like this? Could she actually have a crush on Liam? He was like a brother to her, and it honestly seemed a bit weird to her. However, could she really ignore this?

Cass was caught very off guard as Liam lifter her out of the water and into the air. Cass shrieked as she landed hard in the water. Underwater, it took her a few moments to get her bearings. The short flight took a lot out of her, and panic overtook her when she opened her eyes. Unknown to Liam, she also had a horrendous fear of drowning. When she was little, she had dreams of drowning in her friends pool. That was why she had forced herself to become an expert swimmer, but sometimes things like this overtook her.

Rising to the surface, she splashed a little trying to get air. Hoping she hadn't shown weakness in front of Liam, she calmed down and wiped the water out of her eyes. " Sorry, I hoped I didn't frighten you. That really kind of threw me off. Oh, and trust me, I will never tell you again that I am afraid of something. However, it is easy to throw girls in the air in the water." Cass circled around Liam as she splashed him playfully. " God, McGonogall would freak out if she saw us like this!"

[Liam Angelus G5]

"I don't like to see things others cannot," Liam replied honestly. "How would you feel knowing you can see something most others can't and wondering why it happened to you? I mean, I saw somebody die and I don't know who." Liam laughed at the comment about not having any candy for him. "You know, thats all right, I don't really fancy candy all that much," Liam said with a half smile.

When Cass surfaced, Liam quickly swam toward her to check on her. "Are you alright?" he asked caringly. "I wouldn't be worried about me and be more worried about you. You really gave my a fright." Liam was trying to be as caring as he possibly could. He never liked to put people in danger or scare them to badly.

"It can be easy out of water, too. That is if you are strong enough," Liam said with a small laugh. While Cass splashed him, Liam did the same as he thought about McGonogall. It was true, she'd have a good go at them if she saw them like this, but he didn't really care at the moment. "Yeah, McGonogall does have a way of ruining the fun. Don't get me wrong, I like her and all, its just she can be a little to strict for me. But you know that, after all, you are lucky enough to go through animagi training with her," Liam said wishing he was getting the lessons as well. "I wish I was that lucky sometimes."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass was surprised at Liam's concern, and found herself blushing again. " I'm fine, Liam. It's okay. It's all fun and games." She knew differently though. She was very scared even though she trusted Liam implicitly. Shaking, she gave Liam a reassuring smile. " So, you're honestly having fun. I mean, honestly, what kind of fun can you have with me?" Cass gave a devilish smile, wondering what Liam was thinking. God, he was good looking! Why had it taken Cassandra so long to notice that? She can't believe that she had put herself in this position with Liam. If it had been anybody else, she would never of allowed this situation to happen. They would of talked for an hour or two, and they would of gone there separate ways. Now, she was caught in a very awkward position with Liam.

When the conversation turned towards McGonogall and her animagi lessons, she sighed. She had only told a few of her close friends about the lessons; so, naturally, everyone at the school knew. " Yeah, I really enjoy them, but they are a lot of extra work. On the nights we have lessons, I usually don't get to bed until two in morning. I know it's a great opportunity, but it is so frustrating too. She has told me not to transform for a couple of years, but I've still been practicing by myself. I think I accomplished some fur on my arms yesterday." Cass giggled at the thought of McGonogall's face if she caught the two of them out here alone. " I just can't help but imagine the shock on her face if she saw us out here."

Cass began to swim closer to shore as she motioned Liam to join her. " I'm bored with swimming. Sorry, I'm still a bit rattled." Cass jumped up on the side of the lake, letting her feet hang in the water.

[Liam Angelus G5]

Trying to hide his concern, Liam gave a small fake laugh before he replied, "Yeah, just fun and games. But, yeah, I'm having fun. Normally I'd be sitting in the common room sleeping. With you, I think I could get into a lot of fun things. Quite possible into a little trouble, which is fine with me, my life is a little to dull anyway." Liam smiled at the thought he getting into trouble. He knew his family wouldn't approve, but thats what made it fun.

"Well, I don't envy the long nights," Liam started. "But I would love the chance to try something that advanced. I mean not many people try something like that and here we are in our fourth year and you are studying it." Liam laughed at the thought of Cass growing fur on her arms. "I bet that's really attractive," Liam said jokingly. "If she comes out here so what. You know it could be worse, but all we are doing is swimming."

Liam watched as Cass swam back to the shore of the lake. When she started to motion for him to follow, Liam dove underwater and swam to the bank without surfacing until he reached the edge. As he was surfacing, he had already started to pull himself out of the water and in no time was seated with his legs stretched out in the water. "I know what you mean. On a good day I could swim for hours, but not right now," Liam said moving his feet up and down in the water. "Funny thing is my family says I was born in the water and that I'm half fish. Can't you believe that?"

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass watched as Liam ducked under the water and resurfaced a few moments later beside her. He was soon sitting beside on the bank. " I guess it is a great opportunity to study the subject. I know it is really advanced. In fact, McGonogall told me once that it took her a rather long time to master the art. I am nervous about failing. I really want to impress McGonogall even though she does scare the living daylights out of me sometimes. She is just one incredible witch."

Cass continued to kick her legs out slowly; feeling the cool water lap up and down on them. Cass smiled at the mention of Liam swimming like a fish. " Like a fish, huh? In Birmingham, I actually participated on the swim team. I wasn't great, but I wasn't terrible either. My friend Meloeny, she actually goes to the Salem Witches Institute, told me she was pretty sure I had gills. However, I did tell her that I discovered GillyWeed last year." Leaning over, she scratched the side of Liam's neck. " On closer inspection, I'm pretty sure that you do have gills. I can see these little lines right here and here." Cass pointed at two random spots.

Sighing, Cass looked up into the night sky, and without even knowing, had her head resting on Liam's shoulder. " It is a beautiful night. You can actually see the stars and the moon. It's always real smoggy in Birmingham so you could never see them. I guess that is the advantage of living in Hogsmeade. You don't have to worry about real city life."

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam listened closely to Cass as she spoke. He'd never known that it took McGonogall awhile to master the subject. He did know that it was possible for people to take a long time to be able to change into an animal. "So McGonogall had trouble with it? I thought she could do anything without trouble. I guess she's human after all," Liam said joking. "My grandfather was in his thirties before he could do it with ease. I always liked to see him turn into a bird and fly around the sky. I hope I know that kind of freedom someday."

"Yeah, like a fish. My grandmother always said its because my dad was a swimmer and eventually learned to turn himself into a fish," Liam said with a smile. "Most of my best memories come from her telling me about my parents. "I never knew that you were on a swim team. That must have been fun, getting to swim all the time and all that. I wasn't allowed to participate in those kinds of things. My family was afraid I'd use magic in someway to win."

When Cass touched his neck, his hand instantly went to hers. When he realized what he'd done, he quickly pulled his hand away. "I wouldn't doubt it," Liam replied with a smile. "Everyone always said I'll sprout them if I stay in the water to long, so maybe I have."

Liam stared out across the lake and thought for a moment until he felt Cass rest her head on his shoulder. Turning his head a little toward her, he looked at the stars. Sighing, he replied, "I guess I've never noticed. I'm so used to seeing the stars out of my bedroom window. It is rather different to see the stars from home than it is here." Liam took a breath before he continued. "You really should see it sometime. It's a really beautiful thing to be able to see for miles in any direction. Sitting on the hills you feel like you could reach out and touch the sky and pull down a star."

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass sat there for a few moments with her head on Liam's shoulder and listened to him chatter on about McGonogall. She was getting very comfortable with him even though she knew that it was wrong. It was obvious that Illiya liked him, and here she was sitting by the lake enjoying his company. Why? Why did this have to happen now? Cass felt the warmth of his hand press down upon hers, but it was instantly taken away. Was this making him uncomfortable? Oh my god, did he like her too? Cass began to shake from the cold and her nervousness. Liam's thoughts turned to his home, ad she couldn't help but smile. " Really, it must be so beautiful there. You know, I really think I would like to come and visit. I would love to meet your family. They seem to be nice people." God, Mother isn't going to like this, she thought to herself. At least he is a pure blood. I won't get hell over dating a muggle again.

Cass blushed again. Where was the going? She didn't know, but was pretty sure that she liked it. " You know, I have a really nice house in Hogsmeade that no one has seen. You should come by as well. My mother and brother will want to meet you, but of course they want to meet everyone I associate with. You know, Hogsmeade weekend is coming up. Maybe we can go have brunch with my mother and brother, then we can take the fire over to your place." She smiled, and somehow her hand had found her way back to his all on its own. Unlike Liam, she left it there.

((Maybe we should close this up in the next couple of posts and head over to Hogsmeade to continue and then Outside Hogwarts.))

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam sat and watched the stars for what seemed like hours. He knew it had not been that long, but to him it felt like they'd been there that long. He didn't know what he was feeling at the moment. At times he felt like it was the right thing, and at others, he didn't know what was right. Finally, he replied, "It is very beautiful, and peaceful. I don't know how they would react to bringing a Blackfire to the house, but I don't really care. If they knew the real you, like I do, they wouldn't care what your name was. Fortunately, they trust my opinion and choices." Liam thought or a moment before the finished speaking. "All in all, they are nice people, so long as you aren't a dark witch or wizard."

Liam felt his cheeks become a little warm. She was inviting him to meet her family. He wasn't sure how to feel at the moment. He was starting to like her in a way he hadn't before, but he wasn't sure if meeting her family was a good idea. When he felt her hand touch his, Liam replied, "That sounds like a good idea. I think I'd really like to meet them. But, uh, as for my house, that is going to be a little hard. See, my grandfather is in St. Mungo's and hasn't been home since after last Christmas. It is my home and all, and I can pretty much do what I want, but I think my family and yours would feel it was inappropriate for us to go alone."

((That sounds like a really good plan to me.))