Minister's Party (( Kennedy, Liam, Alex, Pyro))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass leaned into the mirror as she put on her red lipstick. Blotting carefully, she made sure the red coloring didn't strike too much against her pale skin. Stepping back, she looked at herself in her vanity mirror. She looked good. Cass' black hair was up in a messy bun and her makeup highlighted her alabaster skin enough to give her a little color. The white dress she was wearing actually looked good. Lust and Cass had argued over this dress for several hours until Cass had finally given in to wearing it. Now, she didn't understand why she had objected to the gown so vehemently. The satin dress just brushed the floor so that it elongated her body just right. It also had a v neck that accentuated her bust line just right. Even thought it wasn't her intention, she was pretty sure she was going to impress Kennedy.

It was no secret that Kennedy was going out with Fiona O'Reilly. Hell, Kennedy had told her point blank that he was dating her and he wasn't going to leave her. Stealing Kennedy away from Fiona was not her intention for this date. Truthfully, she only wanted to use him to get the book back from Pyro; putting a knife in Fiona's back was just an added bonus. Cass knew that it would be all over Hogwart's after the ball that Cassandra Blackfire went to the ball with Kennedy Valek. She was hoping on it. That was part of her master plan.

" Cassandra, your escort is here," disappeared as soon as it appeared. A puff of white smoke lingered where the little elf was once standing. The poor house elves had been running around the house all day. Lust and Charles had been beckoning them to get this and to get that. Sometimes she wondered how they put up with it all. I guess that was the mark of a good house elf.

Exiting her bedroom, she took one last look in her full length mirror. Wanting to make her grand entrance to Kennedy, she slowly made her way down the hallway. At the top of the stairs, she smiled a gracious smile and descended into the foyer.



(( This is the dress. ourworld.cs.com/maht%20anirak/simple+white+dress.jpg)

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy walked up to the front of the large door that led into the Blackfire Manor. He had been wrestling with himself the whole way there. The thought of Fiona remained plastered in the back of his mind. When he told her about coming to the ball with Cass, she was livid. She couldn't see that he was only doing it to help them by getting the book. In the end, he had to lie to her (one of the hardest things he had ever done) and tell her that he wouldn't go. But there he was- just seconds away from opening the door and doing the exact thing Fiona begged him not to do. Part of him wanted to turn around so badly, but the other part pushed him forward as he lifted the large brass knocker and let it fall against the solid frame of the door. A mix of feelings swept over him as a house elf greeted him and ushered him inside. He was so full of thoughts and emotions that he didn't say a word- his face remained expressionless.

He stood there for a few moments, constantly telling himself that he was doing the right thing. He was, wasn't he? All he knew was that he had to get that book. With the book, at least he could have a worthwhile reason when it was all over.

Out of the corner of his eye, Kennedy caught a glimpse of someone making their way down the stairs to where he waited. Looking up, he noticed Cass in a stunning white dress. She looked a lot more fixed up than usual, but Kennedy was too sick to care much. When Cass finally made it to where he was standing, he grabbed her shoulders in almost a demanding sort of way and looked her square in the eyes. "I hope you know what I am risking to be here. And trust me, I'm only doing this for the book." He wanted Cass to know that he meant business. "Just tell me what I have to do and where we can get this book. I'm not leaving here tonight until I have got to see it and take from it whatever I want. Understand?"

Kennedy felt his heart speed up a little. The same feeling he had in his gut when he decided that he had to lie to Fiona and come to the ball returned to his lower abdomen. What had he gotten himself into? Kennedy didn't know how, but tonight was going to be a night of shock. As much as he wanted to think that it would all be okay, a deep sense of eeriness engulfed his entire being. He had no clue what to expect. He could only hope that whatever happened, he wouldn't lose Fiona in the chaos.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass smiled as she saw Kennedy in the foyer. Smiling, she approached Kennedy. As soon as she opened her mouth to greet him, Kennedy grasped her shoulders and began to tell her like it was. After his greeting, Cass wrenched her shoulders from his grip and stepped back. Unfortunately for Kennedy, he wasn't in charger of this game. Tucking a loose hair back in her bun, she gave Kennedy a nasty look. " Good to see you too, Kennedy. I'm glad you wanted to make your intentions clear, but I was not wanting to take you away from Fiona. If you don't remember, I have my own significant other to worry about." Cass' hand went to the gold charm around her neck that was emblozened with the Angelus family crest. Lowering her voice, she came close to Kennedy, " I suggest you never put your hands on me like that again, or you will have to answer to Liam." Cass gestured to her shoulders where the red marks from Kennedy's hands still resided on her white skin. " I don't know where the book is. This will take some subversiveness to get it. I suggest you don't let my cousin in on my plan."

Cass smiled sweetly and whispered. " I'm not here to make you my enemy. I actually hoped we would be friends in a strange sort of Gryffindor-Slytherin way." Looking around, she announced to the empty foyer. " We are only waiting for my aunt and uncle now. I wonder where Alex and Pyro are."



(( I'm not trying to say that Kennedy was trying to hurt her, but Cass' skin is really white.))

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro sighed as the straightened the tie on his tux. He looked at himself in the mirror and with a frown ditched the coat to the tux. He looked much better without it, wearing only the black dress shirt and pans. With his appearance all cleared away he moved over to the side of his room where Miaka sat on her perch. Opening a drawer to his dresser he looked down at the plain black box inside. With a wave of his wand he checked to make sure all the charms and warding spells were in place, than he re shut the drawers. “Now Miaka, I’m trusting you to watch over this.” He said to the Phoenix before picking up a small ring on the dresser.

Pyro placed the ring on his finger and smiled as it felt cool on his skin. It had taken quite a few resources for Pyro to get this thing enchanted just the way he wanted it. Now, with only him in the room the ring felt cool. If anyone other than him was to enter the room the ring would begin to thrum slightly and grow warmer. If the drawer was opened the heat would increase. If anyone touched the box the heat would be intense enough for him to be forced to take the ring off, a perfect early alarm system.

With that Pyro stepped out of the room and shut and locked his door. With a sigh he placed his hands in his pocket and made his way downstairs into the foyer. “Since when do you pretend to care about my whereabouts?” Pyro said in a light tone as he entered. The two had no idea how hard it was for him to keep the light tone. He wanted nothing more than to jump foreword and strangle them both right now. He remembered the night clearly. He had came home and had punched the wall, a habit that still happened every now and than and still hadn’t taught him that it hurt, probably scaring Alex very badly.

He had explained to Alex everything he could. Ofcourse keeping out his affiliation with The Chosen or that the Chosen even existed at all. The only non-member that knew of them was Cass, and now Kennedy. Pyro regretted letting Cass walk away that day. Pyro stepped up casually along them. He looked to Kennedy and nodded in greeting. “Glad you could make it.” He said, eyeing Kennedy fully. Kennedy had just been made the captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team, what kind of repercussions could this situation have on his playing time? “As for Alex, I do not know where she is at this moment.”

[alexandra]

Alexandra had given up on trying to get ready in the bedroom her and Cassandra shared. They were so close to tearing each other's arms off. So, instead, she moved all her make-up and her dress into the guest bathroom on the floor and got ready there. She took a long bath, making sure she was perfectly clean, and muttered a spell to blow hot air from her wand so that she could dry her hair. Her brown, nearly black hair was long again, almost as long as when she was still living at home in Russia during her third year. She sighed as she gazed at her reflection, suddenly remembering her twin sister. She was so reminded of that wench whenever she looked in the mirror anymore. A sudden thought occurred to her. Maybe she should cut it again? The only thing stopping her was how pretty she knew she was with long hair. It was dark and silky, which contrasted so beautifully with her pale skin that she couldn't cut it.

She smiled and took up her hair with her hands, the ends sticking up behind her head. She giggled and let the silky strands loose, the hair tumbling about her shoulders. She shook her head, feeling a bit silly for some reason and continued to get ready. She slipped on her dress, which was black and silver and fit her body rather nicely. For the first time in her life she realized she had curves! Alexandra was stunned. She had never regarded her reflection like this in many years and back then she was only 12. Now that she was nearly 16, her body had blossomed as much as her beauty. She smiled, feeling good.

Her make-up took a bit longer. She had decided to do it the Muggle way, which, she realized, was very tedious. Her eye liner would smear and one eye would have too much mascara then the other. Finally, overcome with frustration, she took up her wand and fixed it. Her triumphant smile brightened up her whole face and made her blush at how silly she was acting. She bit her lip and continued with her preparations.

Her hair wasn't quite as bad as her make-up had been. She knew exactly what she wanted to do with it and, with a mysterious smile, she leaned forward and started to work. With her wand, she separated her hair into a top and bottom half, pinning the top up with a small, silver clip. Then, she magically curled all of it so that nearly black ringlets cascaded down her shoulders.

When Alexandra was finally finished, she stood back and regarded her reflection once again, this time to criticize her progress. Her hair was perfect, her make-up was perfect (of course) and her dress was beautiful. She smiled, happy with the affect the low cut dress had on her frame. She clipped on the earrings and necklace and slipped on the strappy black shoes.

With a deep breath, she left the large bathroom and entered the hallway, her heart was pounding with nerves. She had never even attempted to look this nice before. With a horrified thought, she wondered if Pyro would hate it. She paused, her eyes wide. Alexandra took another deep breath and laughed a bit nervously. What was she thinking? Of course he would like it. If she did, he definitely would! She continued down the hallways with hesitant steps. When she reached the stairs, her heart lept into her throat. Pyro, Cass, and Kennedy were already down there. She licked her lips, wanting to run and hide in her room. She suddenly wondered if her dress was too revealing. It was too late now. She heard Pyro say that he didn't know where she was. Alexandra took a deep breath and cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Um..." She said with a blush as she decended the stairs, "I'm right here."


((This is Alexandra's dress: Right here))

[Kennedy Valak S6]

The coolness in Cass's voice was evident. Apparently she too was only concerned about one thing this night- getting her hands on the book. At the mention of Liam, Kennedy suddenly wondered if he would be there or not. Cass had mentioned before that he might try to make an appearance. The two, Kennedy and Liam, had never really talked before, but he could only imagine his disgust that Kennedy would be Cass's escort for the night. After all, Fiona was mad enough. He shrugged off the thought though. Cass was the one who asked him, so Liam couldn't get too upset. And even if he did, what could he really do about it. Kennedy's emotions were so tensed right now, he thought it might do him good to throw a couple of punches. If Liam came for a fight, Kennedy knew he would have no problem helping him out with that aspect.

When Cass mentioned that she thought she and Kennedy might have some sort of Slytherin/Gryffindor type friendship, he just gave her a puzzled look. What in the world did she think she might gain out of that? Besides the fact that she could taunt Fiona with it. In all reality, Kennedy did see how it made sense, but he didn't say anything, for just as Cass asked where they were, Pyro and Alexandra appeared within minutes of each other.

"Hey," he managed in a grunt as Pyro greeted him. It was intentional rudeness, but more along the lines that Kennedy's mind was going way to fast for him to fully function. When Alexandra had joined them and made the group complete, Kennedy couldn't help but think about the two of them, Pyro and Alex. Both were members of the Slytherin Quidditch team that he had just been made captain of. It should be interesting, he thought, to see how the night's events might affect anything among the team. He hated for it to have a negative affect, but their situation was just so complicated. In all reality, he had absolutely nothing against either one of them, but he didn't know if the feelings were mutual.

As he was coming back to reality, trying to stop his mind from continuing with its rapid and random thoughts, he suddenly got another stroke of inspiration when he looked at Alexandra. Maybe she was the key! Kennedy knew Pyro pretty well just from spending five years in a dorm with him. Well, he didn't know him personally, but he knew his personality at least. There was no way, if Pyro wanted whatever society type thing that he was a part of, that he would leak any information. And to top that, if he had the book and didn't want it to get into anyone else's hands, Kennedy knew it would be silly to even try to go straight through Pryo to get it. On the other hand though, maybe Alexandra could help him to find out what he needed to know. Surely, as Pyro's girlfriend, she knew everything there was to need to know. Sure, she probably wouldn't just tell Kennedy everything he wanted to know, but maybe he could coax some, any information out of her that might be useful. It would take skill, but Kennedy felt up to the task.

Now, if he could only get Alexandra alone. What to do, he thought. What could he possibly use as an excuse to get her alone without Pyro or even Cass there to interfere. That was it! Quidditch! "Hey Alexandra," he said, being sure to sound casual and non-suspicious. "Great job at the Quidditch auditions the other day. I didn't realize you flew so well. Which reminds me, I noticed you have the same broom as I do, and that your clamp that connects your handle to the end of the broom was actually loose." He tried to maintain his conversational voice as if nothing was up, but when he made eye-contact with Alexandra, he tried sending her a non-verbal signal that something was up. "You know, that can be dangerous. Do you have the broom here? I mean, I can fix it for you. It would only take a second." Kennedy prayed that Alexandra would take the hint. At the same time, he hoped that Cass and Pyro wouldn't catch on to his plan.

He did his best to maintain an expressionless face. Everything he did from here on out would have a profound impact on the night's events. He couldn't afford to make a mistake. His stomach began churning again. He simply stared at Alexandra, waiting for her reply.

[alexandra]

She was nervous, that much was sure, and she was self conscious at the amount of skin she was revealing. She heart raced and her mind skipped from one thought to another. Will he like it? Am I showing too much skin? What if I spilled something on it!? Finally, Kennedy gave her the escape from her racing mind.

He was asking her about Quidditch and her broom, but his eyes told a different story. Alexandra wanted to glare as she realized this must be about the book Cassandra was telling him about that night her and Pyro followed Cass. Normally, Alexandra would have said no and told Pyro about whats he saw in his eyes, but when she looked into those pleading, desperate eyes, something inside her churned and she couldn't help but bite her lip and think hard. With a sigh, she looked up the stairs, which would seem like she was thinking about her broom. Finally, she looked at Kennedy, who was staring at her, and shrugged.

"Ok. It's in my room." She led the way from the foyer, blowing Pyro a kiss as if saying 'I'll be right back' and led Kennedy up the stairs. Once they reached her room, she spun on him and glared, one eyebrow raised.

"Is this about the book?" She was angry, that much was for sure. Pyro told her the book needed constant protection from Cass and Kennedy. Besides, Alexandra didn't even know what it was! She really didn't want to know. That information could doom her and get her involved with things she really didn't want to be involved with. Her eyes held her feelings, therefore her eyes were full of steal and her voice was filled with venom. She needn't say anything more, for Kennedy was sure to get the picture. The door to her and Cass' bedroom was closed, Alexandra's hand resting on the knob. Her right eyebrow was still raised inquiringly and she was still glaring coldly.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

For a second, Kennedy doubted, but to his relief, Alex either got his hint, or was totally clueless as to what he was up to. However, as soon as Alex ushered him to her room and turned quickly after shutting the door, Kennedy knew she was on to him. The first words from her mouth only made it more obvious that she knew Kennedy was there for his own reasons. He voice was cold, even cruel in a way, but he couldn't help but wonder why she would even give him a chance. Something stopped her from letting Pyro know that she was on to Kennedy, so there must have been something she needed Kennedy for- but what?

"Yes... and no," Kennedy answered the only words Alex spoke. "So you know about the book? And you know that I know about the book?" he asked, trying to put it all together in his mind. Something wasn't adding up. "So then, why did you bring me up here? Why didn't you just tell Pyro that I want the book? I mean, I'm sure he knows why I came. Cass said you were both there that night." Kennedy kept rambling. He was starting to even confuse himself, but there was something missing. If Pyro and Alex both knew Kennedy and Cass were after the book, then first, why wouldn't Pyro just confront him about it? And second, why would Alex be so willing to speak to him alone. Kennedy needed to fill in the missing pieces.

"Look Alex," he finally started speaking in phrases instead of questions. "It's obvious that something huge is happening here. And, quite frankly, I don't even know how I got drug into it all. Well, I do know, Cass, for some reason, thought that I would be helpful. But I am starting to doubt her. I was even starting to doubt whether or not the book even existed, but now I know that it must since you mentioned it as well. You know, I don't even know what I am getting myself into here. Maybe I'm the only one that isn't a part of this secret society, and this is all just some sick joke you are all playing. I mean, I got greedy for a bit, wanting so badly to find out about this book, and this society, that I don't even know what I got myself into. Obviously if you and Pyro know that the book is in danger, there is no way I am going to get it, nor will Cass for that matter." His rambling stopped for a moment as he tried to collect his thoughts. He watched Alex to see how she was responding.

"Look, can you just answer some questions for me? Can you please just fill me in here. I'm not the enemy. If anything, Cass is the enemy. She drug me in, and I realize she tried to use me. I just don't want to be the one left out to dry here." He was going crazy. How had he allowed himself to get so tangled in this web. All for his own selfish reasons. He was risking his relationship with Fiona when he didn't need to. Kennedy was angry that he came. He could tell that things were not going his way. Especially if Alex wasn't even going to help him. How could he have been so stupid.

[alexandra]

Anger coursed through Alexandra as she glared up at Kennedy. The hallway was dark and she could barely see his features, but she glared hard at where it seemed his eyes would be. Her question should have provoked him in someway, but instead he answered it with a hesitant voice. His 'yes... or no' answer made her even more angrier. She put her hand on her hip and glared harder. This was idiotic! She should be downstairs with Pyro instead of up here with Cassandra's little Slytherin crush.

Kennedy continued, confused. He was asking questions as if he were thinking aloud. Alexandra sighed, impatient. She didn't want to be up here. She wanted to be downstairs with her boyfriend and go to the ball where she could have something like a good time! When Kennedy began speaking to her and not to himself. She listened, the only thing she was good at, and was getting more confused by the second. Kennedy was confused and unsure. She listened, not knowing what she would say. She didn't know that much about the book. She just knew that Kennedy was after it. She bit her lip in indecision. He paused in his rambling and Alexandra glared.

He was doubting Cassandra and suspected too much. He was thinking too far into the whole situation. He suddenly asked for her help. Alexandra didn't know what to say or do. She stood there in shock. Help him? Betray Pyro? She felt her anger flare once again.

"Kennedy... I won't betray Pyro." and with that, she turned, walking from the hall way. She stood at the staircase and without turning to look at Kennedy, she said, "I'm sorry, but you're on your own." And she descended the staircase.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy felt a sinking feeling when Alexandra seemed unwilling to help. Apparently Pyro had warned her that he would be trying to get to the book. And if Pyro thought Kennedy was going to help Cass, then he would have surely told Alexandra why guarding the book was so important. But what if he didn't tell her the whole truth? Kennedy was sure that the book must have had something to do with the supposed secret society, and maybe Alexandra was in the dark when it came to that knowledge. It was his only hope.

"Wait Alexandra!" he said in a quiet shout before she got to far down the stairs that the others could see her. "There's one more thing you should know." His voice was desperate. "I think that there is something that Pyro isn't telling you. I think that he is keeping something from you Alexandra; something that you have the right to know." Kennedy stood by the open door of Alexandra's room, watching her from behind. What would he do if she didn't turn around? It would be stupid of him to stay up there. Sure he could go searching for the book on his own, but if Alex went down alone, surely she would tell Pyro what Kennedy was up to. Plus, he wasn't even sure if he could find the book. And if he did, there would be such little time to even get a good look at it before Pyro was on to him.

If there was only another way. Kennedy really didn't want to anger Pyro. They were roommates at school, and he didn't want to make enemies. But his curiosity was killing him. He knew something wasn't right, and he just wanted a chance to see the book. Please turn around and help me Alexandra, he thought desperately to himself. If she didn't turn around soon, Kennedy knew he would have to simply follow her back down to the party and just forget about the book- even though he had risked so much and gotten so close. Hopefully he hadn't went to far to ruin things with Fiona, especially if he didn't even get to see the book in the end.

[alexandra]

Alexandra felt herself pause despite herself. She chewed at her lip, indecision running through her. Kennedy's words stung at her heart. Pyro... lie? To her? She wondered if he were telling the truth. She took deep breaths, listening to Kennedy's desperate attempts at bringing her to her senses. If it were true, what would it be that Pyro wasn't telling her? Then again, Kennedy could be lying to try and get her against Pyro. She felt angry with herself at that thought. Kennedy didn't want to hurt Pyro, there were roommates, maybe not friends, but a Slytherin did not hurt a fellow Slytherin just for the heck of it. Kennedy was truely curious about this book and honestly, Alexandra was too. She wanted to know what secrets it held, but she didn't want Cass to find out.

A sudden surge of rivalry between her and the Gryffindor ran through Alexandra. If she helped Kennedy get the book, then she could hide it's secrets from Cassandra and help Pyro by keeping it from her. He had made it abundently clear that he did not want her getting a hold of it. The internal struggle continued for a few more moments.

Finally, Alexandra sighed and turned to face Kennedy, who looked ready to die with desperation. She glared at him, trying to show him she was still angry.

"If I help you, you have to promise to keep it from Cassandra."

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Despite the fact that Alex looked so angry, Kennedy breathed a sigh of relief when she turned and spoke once more. "I promise!" Kennedy said excitedly, still in his hushed voice, for he was afraid the others at the bottom of the stairs would hear. "I promise you Alex that I will not do a thing to help Cass see the book. I have no reason to betray Pyro, but I am just so curious and I have such an odd feeling about this book. If you want, I won't even touch the book. You can do it all, I just want to see it." Kennedy hoped that by now he had convinced Alex to help him. He was happy that she seemed just as curious. Apparently Pyro hadn't told her much, otherwise she wouldn't have been so interested in seeing the book herself. This did make him think that Pyro had something to hide.

Moving from Alex's room, Kennedy shut the door quietly behind him, assuming that if the book were anywhere, it would be in Pyro's room. With Alex there, he knew she would be able to take them there without wasting much time. Kennedy simply stood with his back against the wall, waiting for Alex's lead. He needed her for this, and he couldn't even express how grateful he was that she seemed ready to help.

[alexandra]

Alexandra felt sick to her stomach. What was she doing? Kennedy's promise made her feel better and worse at the same time. She felt relief that he wouldn't let Cass touch the book and he assured her that he was just curious. he offered that she be the only one to touch the book and that made Alexandra's stomach clench. She didn't want to touch the book, she just wanted to go in and out in record time, hopefully before Pyro noticed a thing.

She took a deep breath, gave Kennedy a reprochful look and sighed, leading the way down the hall. The hallway was dark and made her feel more and more nervous. Pyro's room was farther down the hallway, and it felt like forever as they approached quickly. When they came apon the door to Pyro's room, Alexandra's heart immediatly jump started and beat so fast she thought that it would jump from her chest. The door to Pyro's room was closed and Alexandra's hand felt suddenly clammy as she took the door knob in her fingers. It was locked. She felt a sigh of relief. The door was locked! She almost felt like turning to Kennedy and saying 'Oh look at that! it's locked... I guess there's no point...' but she took out her wand, which she kept with her no matter where she went, and muttered the unlocking spell. The door clicked open and Alexandra's nausea went up a few notches.

The door opened without a sound, but Alexandra's quickly beating heart almost seemed to fill the silence. She bit her lip, as she flicked on the light. One look at Kennedy and she entered the room.

(sorry it's so small...)

[Kennedy Valak S6]

After what seemed like hours, Alexandra let out a sigh of compliance, and Kennedy was thrilled to see her walk past him and lead the way down the hall. Trying hard to conceal the excitement and nervous feelings that were churning deep within Kennedy's stomach, he walked close behind Alexandra, all the while sneaking glances behind them to ensure that they were not being followed. He knew that they had been away from the others for quite a while now, and that sooner or later Cass and Pyro would both be getting curious as to what was taking them so long.

As they reached the door that he assumed was Pyro's, Kennedy watched as Alex tried the knob. It didn't move. At first, he almost thought that Alexandra was going to just stop right there, but he then watched as she used the unlocking spell and then successfully turned the handle so that the door inched open silently. Allowing Alexandra to enter first, Kennedy followed. When she filled the room with light, he glanced around quickly, hoping that the book would be somewhere easily spotted. That would've been too easy however. Pyro wasn't a fool, Kennedy knew this. Surely it would be hidden somewhere, likely with protection from those seeking to find it. For all he knew, Pyro might have had the book with him. It made sense after all. If Pyro had the book with him, then he probably wasn't as worried that Kennedy and Alex had yet to return.

With a quick look at Alex, Kennedy began searching the room for the book. He figured she would do the same as they needed to be quick with their search. Each time Kennedy moved something, he was extra careful to return it exactly how he had found it. The less evidence he and Alex left, the better.

For a few minutes, Kennedy searched and started to wonder if they were wasting their time looking. There was no guarantee that Pyro had the book in his room. Just as Kennedy was about to recommend they search elsewhere, he noticed a stack of books on Pyro's desk. Surely the book they were looking for wouldn't be so out in the open. Kennedy quickly read the spines of each book, just to be sure. When he finished reading the titles, and finding nothing, he was about to turn around when he saw a folded piece of parchment with familiar handwriting. Curious, Kennedy took the paper from under the stack of books and read the writing.

Pyro,
Let me know the time and place. I will be lingering at my home until then.
Fiona

Kennedy starred in shock as he read the note again. Why in the world was Fiona writing to Pyro? And even more, what was she writing about. Obviously this was a reply to something Pyro must have written to her. Kennedy was becoming very uneasy with this whole situation. He went to show Alex, but then decided to see what was on the other side. He unfolded the paper and saw that there was more.

Greetings.
I request that we have an immediate gathering. I have some things to discuss with you all about matters that are a threat to our security and organization. If no suitable location can be found for our meeting I can arrange for my manor to be empty in 1 week. We can meet there.
-Pyro.
P.S. Cole, please bring the book from our last mission.

If his first discovery wasn't enough, this helped him to start to put things together. Kennedy knew that Pyro was part of a secret society, but that was about all he knew until now. Judging from this, he concluded that there must be at least two other members in this society- Cole Waters and... Fiona.

Kennedy didn't want to believe it at first. He thought that there had to be a reasonable explanation. Wouldn't Fiona have told him about it? Of course, Alexandra seemed in the dark as well. Maybe it was something that the member's could never speak of- not even to those close to them. Still in a state of disbelief and confusion, Kennedy turned back toward Alexandra. "Uh, I think you should see this," he said, his voice quiet and a bit shaky.

He looked back at the parchment, reading the words over again as he waited for Alexandra to come over and see. The letter made obvious reference to the book, which meant that Pyro must have it at least. However, thoughts of the book were starting to become less important to Kennedy. Now, he was simply set on finding out more about this society and if in fact Fiona was a part of it.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

((Sorry bout the late reply. I was waiting for Cass to post but she got busy, thats why I'm going to G-mod her a bit, I've already received her permission to do so.))

No sooner had Pyro uttered that he had not seen Alex in quite some time he heard her voice and turned to watch her entrance. As always watching her walk down the stairs stole Pyro's breath and he moved to join her, placing his arm around her waist. He turned back and looked at the other two. Pyro watched Kennedy especially closely, he could already notice his wheels turning behind his eyes. Pyro's eyes narrowed as he watched him. He couldn't help but be surprised at how quickly Kennedy came up with a game plan as he quickly found an excuse to get Alex out of the room. Pyro was about to protest but Alex beat him to the punch and walked back up the stairs with Kennedy. Pyro was about to follow them up but Cass seemed to read something in Kennedy's actions and moved to block him.

Pyro sighed as Cass began to fire off a few rapid set of questions and Pyro answered in an annoyed tone. He looked up the stairs. The two had been up there for quite some time, Pyro was starting to get suspicious. Than it happened. His ring began to feel warm against his finger, someone had entered his room. Pyro shoved past Cass, cutting her off in mid-sentence and ran up the stairs 3 at a time. Pyro moved quickly and quietly down the hall toward his room. His fears were confirmed as he noticed his door was open. Pyro felt his anger grow, not only was Kennedy on his case, but it seemed like even Alex had stabbed him in the back. Pyro duck his head around the frame and looked in and felt his heard drop as he noticed the slip of paper in Kennedy's hand. Why hadn't he destroyed that immediately? You idiot! Moron! Stupid stupid stupid!!!! Pyro mental tyrade went on for many moments and grew to many words that would be frowned upon in normal conversation.

Kennedy knew now, or had some suspicion, but Pyro was not going to suck Alex into this web. He cared to much for her to see her get hurt over this. Acting quickly he took out his wand and step into the room. "Accio parchment!" He said and quickly caught the piece of parchment before Alex could read what was on it. "Incendio." He said lighting up a corner of the parchment and than letting the burning piece of paper float to the floor to start burning next to his foot. Pyro's gaze fell over Kennedy and his eyes turning into cold daggers as he looked upon his dorm mate. "May I ask what you are doing in my room?" He looked at his open door. "In my locked room." Pyro's gaze was squarely on Kennedy and every muscle in his body was tight.

Pyro was forcing himself to block out Alex. If he looked at her right now he probably would say something that would ruin their entire relationship. He'd have to deal with her later, right now was not the time.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Before Kennedy realized what had happened, he heard a male voice just before the parchment flew from his grip across the room. He turned and say Pyro standing by the doorway. Kennedy quickly glanced at Alex. Had she set him up? Judging by Pyro's face, he seemed just as surprised to see her in the room as well, so Kennedy figured Alex truly was as curious as he, and that she didn't do this on purpose to trap him. Coincidentally, Alex hadn't even got to see the parchment before Pyro turned it to a pile of ashes. But this didn't quite matter to Kennedy. He knew what he saw, and his mind was starting to go elsewhere at the moment.

Upon hearing Pyro's question, Kennedy looked back to Alex, wondering if she would try to make up some excuse. He didn't want her to though. There was no use lying to Pyro. With Cass not in the room, Kennedy saw this as an advantage to help smooth things out a little- at least as smooth as they might be able to get since he did have himself in quite a tangled web. "We were searching for the book," Kennedy just came out with it bluntly. "Fortunate for all of us though, we didn't find it. This is, I'm sure what you had hoped- that your book would stay safe, and it has. As for the two of us, I guess we escaped the damage that I'm sure you were ready to inflict upon us." Kennedy saw the anger in Pyro's gaze. Part of him even wondered if Pyro still wasn't upset enough to curse them both, even if they hadn't found his precious book.

"I would apologize Pyro, but I'm afraid that I may have pushed it too far past that. But, for what you'll have of it, I promise that your books is the least of my worries now. I also give my word that Cass will be empty handed tonight. Now, unless I'm mistaken, I think that you and Alex here might want to chat for a bit- at least I'd advise it. As for me, I will be going now. There is no reason for me to stay anymore. So, if you'll excuse me." Kennedy knew that Pyro was not going to forgive him for this, at least not now, that was for sure. He walked across the room and passed Pyro, his face expressionless.

[alexandra]

A feeling a nausea came over the teenager as Kennedy rushed into the bedroom. Suddenly her hands shook with nerves and she swallowed hard, trying to force the nervousness down. What was she doing? Letting Kennedy look through Pyro's things? She gasped as a new thought occurred to her. Kennedy could have lied about Pyro keeping things from her just so he could get that stupid book. Alexandra shook her head, feeling disgusted with herself for believing Kennedy over Pyro. She trusted Pyro. She knew Pyro. She barely even knew this Kennedy. She bit her lip, leaning against the wall, her eyes sliding close.

She was just barely inside the room, her back against the inside wall of his bedroom. Kennedy was searching and seemed to be doing well on his own. He must have assumed she was helping as he only searched one side of the room. He started going through a stack of books, making Alexandra roll her eyes. If he was hiding the book, then he wouldn't leave it out in the open.

Finally, the nausea and disgust for herself became too much and Alexandra straightened, going toward Kennedy. She was just about to tell him that they should leave and that she made a mistake, but something steadied her lips. What if she just left? What if she just turned and ran down to Pyro, screaming that Kennedy had gone in his room? She paused, considering her betrayal, when Kennedy turned to look at her, a piece of parchment in his hands. He wanted her to read it.

She hesitated. Curiosity came over her, but at the same time the need to run and leave Kennedy there was just as overwhelming. She felt herself bite her lip, as she always seems to do. It was a habit that she now did automatically. She sighed and shook her head.

"Kennedy... this is a mista-" before she could finish, Pyro ran into the room, his eyes wild and surprised. She felt her heart fall into her stomach and suddenly wanted to cry. What had she done?! She stood to one side, pressing against the wall and closing her eyes tight. She wished she was gone and that she was dreaming. She didn't want to fight with Pyro, but somehow she knew he would confront her. He had a right to. She had betrayed him. Even though she was tricked, maybe even not intentionally tricked by Kennedy, but it was her doing that Kennedy had read that parchment. Whatever was on it. Not that she would ever find out.

Pyro rushed into the room, using magic to grab the parchment and destroying it. Pyro looked straight at Kennedy and asked why they were in there. Alexandra's eyes snapped open and looked at Pyro. He deliberately ignored her, as if she weren't there. Somehow, she was glad he was ignoring her. It meant he was trying not to be angry with her. At least, that was what she hoped. Kennedy through her a questioning glance as if he suspected something of her. She shot a glare at him. She was blaming him for filling her heads with those thoughts. Don't you look at me, you dirty... even in her anger, Alexandra couldn't continue the thought. She was watching Kennedy with shocked eyes. He was acting like it was all Alexandra's fault.

He said something about not apologizing and that Cassandra would not be getting the book. Then he said that her and Pyro needed to talk. She felt her jaw drop. Kennedy made it sound like the whole thing was her idea. Tear suddenly came to her eyes as she realized Kennedy was trying to push the blame onto her. Her shock and disgust suddenly turned into anger and she felt a hot glare come to her. As Kennedy walked past Pyro and then past Alexandra, she moved to stand in his way.

Her eyes turned stone cold as she looked up at Kennedy's face. Her back straightened with anger and her expression was a hard glare. Her arm raised slowly as she glared into his eyes. Then, quick as a flash and with all her strength, she slapped him right across the cheek.

"You tricked me," she said with venom in her voice. Then she moved to one side and looked at Pyro. Her eyes filled with tears and she felt her chin quiver.

"I don't know what sort of assumptions you have going through your head right now, but I swear to you... I did not try to betray you."

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Just as Kennedy was almost to the door, Alexandra immediately stood in his way. Not even knowing what was coming next, Kennedy felt a quick sting of pain on his cheek. Glaring at Alexandra, he rubbed his jaw with his hand. It was the second time in a year he had been slapped. He might have deserved it the first time, but he surely didn't deserve this one.

"I did what?" he snapped back at Alexandra. He tried to figure out why she all the sudden felt the need to approach him like this. It was obviously an attempt for her to look as innocent as possible once she realized that Pyro had caught her. Kennedy didn't force her though. Sure, he was desperate, but she helped him on her own terms.

"Look Alexandra," Kennedy said with a glare, "I'll admit that I wanted to see the book. Everybody already knows that now. But I never tricked you. You were just as curious as I was to find what Pyro was hiding. And let me tell you," he continued, hinting at the parchment that she was unable to read, "you have every right to be curious." He shot Pyro an angry stare. Sure, Pyro had the right to be angry at him for going through his stuff, but Kennedy didn't feel bad about it, especially after seeing that it invovled Fiona. Anything that involved Fiona was of concern to Kennedy.

"Now," Kennedy said more angrily than before. "Unless either of you have any other false accusations that you would like to make, my time here is finished. "Yes, I got caught, and yes I'm sorry, but nothing was stolen and I didn't even get to see the precious book. I'm leaving with nothing but myself and a few matters of my own that I now wish to take care of. And as I said before, I think that the two of you have something you should talk about." He didn't even know why he cared, but he felt that Pyro should at least have the courage to tell Alex about the meetings he was having with Cole and Fiona- whatever they might be. At least this was what he expected of Fiona, which was why he was just as angry as everyone else at the moment.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro had an anger issue, he knew that and most people around him knew it also. He also knew many meditation techniques that would in normal circumstances calm someone and release their anger. Pyro was doing an admirable job at using all his knowledge to keep himself below the boiling point right now. His eyes never left Kennedy as he turned to see Pyro and realized that he had been caught. Honestly Pyro didn't know what he expected Kennedy to do, but Kennedy's response surprised him. Who did he think he was? Did he think he didn't just break into his room? That he wasn't just snooping around his room with a door that was clearly locked? Pyro did all he could to keep his anger down as Kennedy appeared to just sidestep the situation and than try and play relationship counselor between Pyro and Alex by advising them to have a much needed talk. Kennedy attempted to leave but was stopped by Alex. He listened to Alex's words and knew that there was some truth to it, but he also knew that Alex was twisting the story a little. Kennedy probably hadn't fully tricked her, but he had played on her curiosity to sway her to his side.

It was now Kennedy's turn to try and cover his tail. Once again Pyro was surprised by Kennedy's reply as his tone began to get an edge of anger to it. Pyro's eyes narrowed and he gave Kennedy the most dangerous look he had ever given to somebody. He may be angry with Alex right now, but there was no way Pyro was going to let anyone just talk to her like that. With that Kennedy once again attempted to leave the room but this time it was Pyro that stopped him. Pyro punched out and connected with the door frame, bringing a resounding crack from the wood and his knuckles, his arm providing the barrier to stop Kennedy. "False.....Accusations....Kennedy?" Pyro said in a slow low tone. His tone showed no signs or anger, merely dangerous calmness. "You've broken into my room, through a door that was clearly locked. You've snooped through my position and even took an artifact of my property." He nudged the pile of ashes with his toes. "That classifies you as a thief. I could have you arrested just on that alone. Lucky for you though, I choose to settle my own problems outside of ministry law. Now I don't know how you convinced Alex to help you and frankly, I don't care. But you sure are quick to try and dump the blame and leave, that makes you a coward. And you so blatantly told me your connection with my cousin. Which makes you a snitch."

Pyro grind ed is fist deeper into the wood of the frame. "Are those accusations false enough for you?" Pyro lowered his arm and leaned closer to Kennedy and lowered his voice so only he could hear. "Ever speak to her with anger in your voice again. And you won't walk away from the experience." Pyro was about to walk away and begin to deal with Alex when a new twisted idea came to him. A way to drive the nail home into Kennedy's heart. He leaned in even closer so that his mouth was nearly touching Kennedy's ear. He knew he would get in trouble for this later with the Chosen. But Kennedy already knew everything and nothing Pyro could say would change his mind. It was time to start tormenting him.

"Fiona is one of us now." He whispered into Kennedy's ear. "Try as you might but you will always be second in her book." Pyro chuckled slightly. "She will betray you before the thought to betray us even crosses her mind." With that Pyro placed his hand on Kennedy's shoulder and stepped past him. "Now get the hell out of my room, and close the door behind you."

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Again, Kennedy was stopped before he could leave the room. This time, it was Pyro's arm that blocked his way. Kennedy was beginning to get annoyed, but he didn't expect Pyro to just let it all go this easily either. He listened to Pyro's words, gritting his teeth to prevent himself from blurting back any rash replies. It wasn't until his last response that Kennedy lost it.

"Betray me?! You mean she'll betray me just like you are going to betray Alexandra then!" Kennedy was furious at this point. He would have thought that Pyro had more of a reason to be angry at first, but now, he wasn't quite so sure. Kennedy wasn't going to let the issue be hidden any longer. If Pyro wanted to bring Fiona into the conversation, Alexadra might as well know the truth as well. "There's no point of keeping Alexandra in the dark then anymore, now is there Pyro? Why don't I just tell her what was on that piece of parchment that you so readily torched. The piece of parchment that I most certainly did not steal, unless holding something is now thought of as stealing. Yes Pyro, I entered your room, but I took nothing. The only thing of significance that I even saw was that piece of parchment." He turned in rage to face Alexandra again.

"The piece of paper that Pyro so conveniently burned was a letter of correspondence to Fiona. They both have been part of a secret society- a society that apparantly is willing to betray us," he finished with a last glance at Pyro. "Now I would be more than willing to get the hell out of your room. And don't you worry about Fiona and me," he snapped. As much as he wished he could have meant his last sentence, Kennedy himself had already become sick over thinking about Fiona. What if Pyro was right? Would she simply betray him for this group of 'The Chosen'? Kennedy couldn't help but wonder. Sure he trusted Fiona, but they hadn't known each other for very long, at least not well enough that she was willing to tell him about this group. Kennedy didn't even know the purpose of the group, so how could he know if Fiona would stay true to them or him?