Escape ((Liam))

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane yelled a hurried goodbye as she almost ran from the kitchen and into the living room, slamming the door behind her unceremoniously and heading towards the empty fireplace. Hearing nearing voices from the hallway, Ariane swiftly grabbed some green Floo powder from the pot on the mantelpiece and threw it into the hearth, scattering the sparkling substance over the black surface. Stepping in confidently, although the thumping of her heart gave away her desperation, Ariane muttered “Hogsmeade”, just loud enough so no one else could hear, and she was whooshed away in a flurry of blurred green and the vision of someone opening the living room door. Ariane breathed a sigh of relief inwardly as she realised she had gotten away in time, and moments later found herself in a shop in Hogsmeade. Excusing herself quickly, Ariane exited the boutique to find herself in familiar territory, just outside The Three Broomsticks. Relief almost overwhelming her, Ariane gingerly but hurriedly made her way into the pub, pressing her black cloak tighter to herself even though it was rather warm inside. She was glad she had landed so close to here, for The Three Broomsticks was the perfect hideaway for Ariane. Sliding into an empty chair, Ariane ordered a butter beer before relaxing a little in the dimly lit area she sat in. She had finally escaped.

It wasn’t that she didn’t like her new home, or the life she now led there. Ariane was genuinely grateful to her aunt and uncle for taking them in, and honestly loved Aurora and Leo so much they were like her own siblings. It just wasn’t what it had been like before, and Ariane still found at times that this was a hard fact to accept. She tried to be strong and bear it, but now and again it overwhelmed her so much she just needed some peace and quiet to herself. Like today. Ariane had woken up this morning feeling utterly distraught, and she had managed to lock up her emotions for almost half a day. However, people could break, and before she did, Ariane needed to get away. So, after making her excuses hurriedly, she had fled to the living room to Floo somewhere where she could be alone. And the first place that had jumped to mind was Hogsmeade. Looking around tiredly, Ariane realised she hadn’t visited this area for quite a while – since school broke up for the summer, at least. The one time before that had been a while ago too, Ariane recalled, because their OWLs had taken a lot of free time off their hands, and Hogsmeade was never one of her favourite places anyway. Ariane smiled dryly as she suddenly remembered meeting a fellow Gryffindor girl called Kia in the year below her on her last trip to Hogsmeade, and they had had an odd conversation under the sun whilst licking at chocolate ice creams.

That felt like an eternity ago. And now everything had changed so dramatically.

Ariane sighed again, before looking up when a butter beer was placed before her eyes. Mumbling a polite thank you and paying the money, Ariane took a tentative sip of the substance and savoured the sweet taste. She fingered the handle of the glass dreamily, letting her eyes dance across the mug as the dim light flickered and reflected on it. Lost in her own little world, Ariane barely noted the busyness of her surroundings, the clanking of glass on glass, and the loud volume of the chatterings of the customers. It wasn’t until somebody sat down beside her, her glass half empty, that Ariane was pulled away from her dream-like state. Her gaze flickered to the clock ticking against the wall, and realised with surprise that she’d been here for half an hour already. The time had flown by. Guiltily, Ariane wondered if her family was worried about her absence, but dispelled it from her mind quickly. Glancing over at her new companion in slight annoyance, Ariane blinked when she realised she recognised the boy sitting beside her. Liam Angelus, a fellow Gryffindor in her year, was looking at her in familiarity, and knowing it was impolite to completely disregard his presence, Ariane swallowed her surprise and nodded her head in acknowledgement. “Liam.”

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam hurried out the door of his room and down the stairs making his way toward his grandfather’s den. Liam had spent most of his summer vacation with his girlfriend, Cassandra, but when his grandfather decided to take Liam back to their home in Northern Scotland, he had been forced to be a way from her for several days. After that much time away from the one person at school he could talk to, Liam decided he’d make a journey into Hogsmeade, hoping to find somebody he knew from school that he could talk to for at least some time. Closing the door to the den, Liam picked up a handful of the green Floo Powder and stepped into the fireplace, throwing the powder at his feet and saying, “Hogsmeade.”

After a short period of time whirling through thin air, Liam felt his feet touch back to earth inside of a fireplace in Hogsmeade. After excusing himself, Liam made his way onto the streets of the tiny village outside of Hogwarts. Liam spent several minutes exploring the familiar town before realizing he was in front of the Three Broomsticks. Liam opened the door and caught the eye of the bartender and signaled for a butterbeer before spotting a girl he recognized from school. Liam took his butterbeer from the bartender and paid the man before walking over to where the girl sat alone.

Noticing the girl seemed to be in deep thought, Liam impolitely dropped into the seat beside the girl. When she looked up at him, Liam said, “Hello, you’re Ariane, right? I hope you don’t mind me joining you, I just needed some time away from home and everything else.” When he finished speaking, Liam took a gulp of his butterbeer and set his glass down on the table, spilling some of the contents onto his tattoo etched knuckles.

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane blinked as Liam explained his presence, and she graced him with a distant, but polite smile. She nodded her approval to him sitting beside her, before returning to take another swig of her butter beer. Ariane had never been one for sweet stuff, but even she liked this drink. However, she did feel it was wrongly named; for one, it didn’t taste a thing of butter, and secondly, it wasn’t beer. Well… it didn’t taste like beer. Not that Ariane knew much about that matter anyway, since she didn’t incline herself much to alcohol. She could tell she was the type of person who could hold down their drink, and perhaps enjoy the flavours too, but at the same time, Ariane was pretty sure that with the aid of alcohol, she would let all her defences and inhibitions fall, and where would she be then? Probably in a sticky situation. Ariane was too sensible and straight-laced to put herself in any danger, and so therefore avoided alcohol altogether. And because butter beer didn’t make you drunk, she naturally assumed that there was nothing more to it. And was perfectly acceptable.

It was then Ariane remembered that Liam had just said he “needed to get away from home and everything else”. The words rung clear in her mind even as her thoughts were submerged deeply in other issues, and glancing sideways at Liam, Ariane wondered if she should reply even after this short, awkward silence. She had barely ever spoken to Liam, but obviously they were aware of each others’ existence and names, and so on. That much Ariane had gathered when Liam had called to her. Though it wasn’t surprising, since there were always weird things concerning Ariane circling the rumours within Hogwarts; Ariane merely paid it no heed. She recalled she used to have a few lessons with Liam, and wondered if they would have anymore in the future. If she wasn’t mistaken, he was also the boyfriend of a girl in their year and house, Cassandra Blackfire. Ariane had to admit, she wasn’t particularly fond of Cassandra after five years together, as the girl struck as her slightly… well. Ariane couldn’t place her finger on it. But she was quite sure, after much observation, that she would not get on very well with Cassandra. She was just one of another million people Ariane was certain didn’t “click” with her. There were a lot of people Ariane simply didn’t “click” with.

Perhaps Liam would be one of those people, Ariane wasn’t sure. She hadn’t heard much about him, nor did she know much about him after five years of schooling with one another. They were from different spectrums of society… Though Ariane was probably on a different spectrum altogether from anybody. She didn’t mind it, it was typical of her nature. “Yeah…” Ariane finally managed to muster a quiet reply in relation to the home issue, “Same here.” Another gulp of butter beer reduced her glass to about half full. Or half empty whatever way you looked at it. Her eyes drifting to Liam’s fingers, noticing the usual marks there, and didn’t think much of it. Ariane wasn’t one to judge others that much anymore, though once upon a time, she did. A lot. Blamed it on the injustice of the world, people like her father ruining everything beautiful. But lots of experiences had taught her differently, and people like Aurora and Harmony had helped Aurora open her eyes fully for the first time. Ariane wondered absently if Liam suffered much home grief… Not many people knew what went on behind other people’s closed doors.

[Liam Angelus G5]

“I know we’ve never been properly introduced and all, but what are you running from?” Liam asked after Ariane replied that she too was trying to get away from her family before draining the rest of his butterbeer. “For me it’s all about my cousin’s and their friends. I can’t really stand them being around all summer, especially when I’m used to it being just me, my grandfather, the different pets he’s gathered, and his old ministry friends dropping by at random times.” After setting his empty glass back on the table, the waitress took his glass away before bringing him another glass. Liam nodded as he took the glass and paid the witch before moving to the seat opposite the other Gryffindor. Liam began to rub the runes etched into his flesh as he watched several of the old wizards engaged in what appeared to be a heated debate before seeing a young witch sitting in the corner.

Liam smiled at the young woman, trying not to seem like he was flirting as he did have a girlfriend he deeply cared for. Liam wasn’t sure if he should be bothering Ariane as she seemed to be deep in thought, and considered leaving the girl alone in her thoughts. “So, um, you looking forward to going back to school?” Liam asked, looking for something to break the silence. “I can’t really say that I am, except it means I’ll get away from my family, and I’ll get to see Cass without being bothered by ‘em either.”

[Ariane Chan]

Ariane blinked at Liam’s rather intrusive question. “I’m not running away.” She almost snapped coldly, before turning to her butterbeer and hearing his own explanation. Ariane rolled over her thoughts in her mind as Liam spoke, a little bitter that he didn’t seem to appreciate his family enough, but in all honesty, she was in the same boat as him, and reprimanding him for striving for some alone time was utterly hypocritical of her. After all, she had been trying to escape her own family, hadn’t she? Yet that didn’t mean she didn’t love them. Ariane just needed… solitude. Not that she’d found it, especially in Liam’s company, but she’d strived to be alone. It sounded like betrayal, but one needed time away from family now and again. Especially Ariane, however much she treasured and loved them. “I see.” Ariane finally spoke quietly, taking another long sip of her drink. “I’m sorry for snapping at you before. You’re right.” She rarely conceded like this, but Ariane knew she had to face up to the truth some time soon, there was no point in ignoring it and denying everything. Ariane wouldn’t remain blind my her own choice anymore. “I was running away. I am running away. Just trying to get some time by myself away from family too.” Ariane admitted without looking at Liam, a little ashamed of herself for her weaknesses. She didn’t really care what he thought of her; he Liam seemed harmless enough, but she did wonder if he’d end up spreading another weird rumour about her. It was the last thing she needed, but Ariane didn’t particularly care if he did. She’d just have to watch what she said.

Ariane glanced up at Liam again as he asked her yet another enquiring question, and refrained an out loud sigh. He wasn’t annoying her particularly, but he was unnerving her if only a bit. Men made her feel more uncomfortable than women, probably because there wasn’t a male in Ariane’s life that she trusted, and the one person that had shattered all her hopes and dreams was her father, after all, and her stupid grandfather. Then there was Aurora with all her heartbreak problems, and Ariane had concluded that she would most likely be better off without men in her life. However, she then recalled her conversation with Tristan on the Hogwarts Express on the way home, and wondered if she would indeed fall in love one day. Perhaps a part of her did. She glanced at Liam again. He had Cassandra. Did he love her? He was talking about her now, and he seemed fond of the other Gryffindor. Did Ariane want that? Did she want somebody like Liam by her side? She didn’t really know. It was hard to understand herself, sometimes. Inwardly, she wondered if she’d have to see Tristan again, and although part of her was dying to avoid him, another little piece of her was screaming for her to seek him out at the first opportunity. There was just something about that guy… Though he’d probably act all indifferent with her again. Ariane wouldn’t be surprised; that was how she planed on treating him too.

Ariane gave it a moment’s thought before answering Liam’s question, an apprehensive expression on her face. “I don’t really mind.” Ariane finally settled on, sticking true to her indifference and giving a nonchalant shrug. “There are pros and cons of returning to Hogwarts this year. I’m a little saddened we have to drop so many subjects, because I like most of mine. But I’m also uneasy about how much work we have to do and how little spare time I’ll get. I don’t really want to see our fellow classmates and students either.” Ariane remarked honestly, not caring much how much offence Liam may take to this. She wasn’t being outright rude, it was just her honest style of speech. “I don’t get on with most people anyway, you might have noticed. I’m not missing the gossip and the rumours. I’m quite happy staying at home with people who really appreciate me. Unless I need some time alone.” Ariane rolled her eyes to the heavens, before finishing her butter beer. She let the glass be taken away, but didn’t ask for another one. The words “like now” almost rolled off her tongue, but she didn’t let them escape.

[Liam Angelus G5]

Liam looked at Ariane with a raised eyebrow as she snapped at his question. For a few moments, he sat silent, watching her, trying to understand the girl and her situation. Finally, Liam replied, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, well you know, be all intrusive. I just meant that sometimes you’ve got to escape your family. Don’t get me wrong, I love them all, but it gets difficult being around them at all hours.” Liam paused at the girl who seemed not to really care what people thought about her, and Liam rather appreciated that about people. Liam wondered why the girl had been so short with him at first, wondered why she seemed so distant when he was just tying to be friendly, but he didn’t push the subject. Liam could feel himself growing restless during the long pause between the two Gryffindor’s.

Finally, Ariane responded and Liam felt himself settling back down as she explained herself. When the girl finished speaking, Liam replied, “You sound a lot like me, the only reason I’m looking forward to going back is because of the classes, and obviously, Cass and getting into a little trouble hear and there, not that I can do much of that being a prefect.” Liam paused to sip his butterbeer before continuing. “Most of our classmates I could do without, especially those in Slytherin, but there are some people I can’t wait to see. So I guess I know what you mean, and if you haven’t noticed, I don’t spend a lot of time socializing with other students either.”

Liam though for several moments on the subject of gossip and rumors. He never paid much attention to them, especially one’s that concerned him because he knew the truth about himself. And he believed that it didn’t matter what other people thought or said about another person, all the matter was what that particular person had in their heart. Finally, Liam replied, “I don’t put stock into gossip or rumors, to me they don’t matter because they aren’t fact, that’s what I trust, fact not opinion. But I don’t think I could stay away from school for more than a couple months, there is still so much more that I want to learn and put toward helping others, at least that’s my feeling. But I can accept other people’s feelings on the situation, and I respect people for their opinions and feelings.”

[Ariane Chan]

“Like I said,” Ariane waved a dismissive, apologetic hand at Liam, trying not to sound too embarrassed. Her stupid conscience felt bad at her sudden outburst. She’d probably frightened Liam, though he wasn’t running for the hills just yet. “I’m sorry for snapping at you. I’m a touchy person. You just have to get used to it. Don’t take much offence at what I might say to you, cause it’s probably just my way of talking. I’m rather blunt. Some may call me honest.” She gave a careless shrug, not sure how else to describe herself. There were times Ariane wasn’t sure if people could handle her odd personality which ranged from person to person. But usually she was herself and no one else. Unlike Aurora, Ariane had one face, and one face only. “And most people are generally intrusive… I’m used to it. You’re not too bad in comparison. You were probably trying to make conversation. Sorry.” She repeated her apology again with genuineness, nodding almost automatically to Liam’s words. “… I do know what you mean. That’s exactly the reason why I’m sitting here right now. Talking to you.” Ariane couldn’t stop an eyebrow from raising as she spoke. It wasn’t directed at Liam, but herself. She could hardly believe that yet again she was preferring a stranger’s company rather than her family’s. It was wrong of her perhaps, but it soothed Ariane in a way, even though she hated socialising with others. Just like the instance with Tristan on the train, trying to run away from Harmony, Aurora and Leo, Ariane needed time alone. It wasn’t usually spent alone though, so she came to the conclusion that she just needed some time away from her loved ones, just as Liam had described.

Ariane gazed at Liam for a moment, observing his face blankly. She didn’t know much about this boy, despite five years of schooling at Hogwarts with him in the same house. His girlfriend, Cassandra, was better known quite honestly, but Ariane paid her no heed either. It was due to the things she got up to apparently, just as Liam had announced. “… Cassandra does… get herself into predicaments quite a lot, from what I have heard.” Ariane commented quietly, staring down at the oak wood of the surface she leant on. “Forgive me, since I don’t know much about either of you… especially you… But you do make an odd couple. Somewhat.” Ariane flashed a small, momentary smile, hoping Liam wouldn’t take it the wrong way. “I do hear my share of rumours,” She explained, turning to gaze elsewhere, “But I do not believe a single one. I’ve had experience on the other end of things, that’s why. I don’t know much about your girlfriend, but what I hear is all contradictory. Ranging from how much trouble she causes, or how strict she can be as a perfect prefect. Though I suppose since you’re both prefects, you do make a good pair.” She smiled somewhat supportively. Ariane didn’t give her opinion on things much, but it couldn’t hurt now and again. Unless Liam took this all the wrong way, which was very possible. “I was rather surprised that Cassandra became a prefect though.” Ariane chuckled softly. “But you, I think it fits. I’m glad I’m not a prefect.”

Ariane nodded slowly in agreement with Liam’s words. This was her first time socialising with him properly since her Hogwarts journey began. The first time she had talked to him and bothered to get to know him a bit more. Ariane was afraid of this exact thing, but it seemed natural at the same time, and though she had suspected she would close up even more after her mother’s death, which still haunted her now, and her wound throbbed at times to remind her of her lapses, Ariane found she had began to become more human. More accepting, more social. She didn’t know why. But Ariane guessed it was due to two things. First of all, having begun to live with Aurora for some time, Ariane felt her strings loosening up, even though she missed her old life. There were times like today the loneliness couldn’t be blocked out, but afterwards Ariane would feel she belonged again. Aurora’s personality was generally infectious. Secondly, Ariane thought, it was because the truth from her father had helped her move on; both Harmony and her. Previously, the past had held them back from… everything. Life. But now the truth was out in the open, and although their lovely mother dead, the two girls had begun to move on, with support from Aurora, Leo, their uncle and aunt, and each other. Ariane still felt the hole in her heart from her mother’s death, but somehow her personality was brightening after her sadness dimmed. And she didn’t want it to stop, however hard she battled it down. Somehow it felt nicer than wallowing in shame and sorrow. “I never did get to know you and everyone else much.” Ariane suddenly sighed a little sadly. “Do people think I’m some sort of… antisocial outcast? A Slytherin more than a Gryffindor? I don’t care what people think, but perhaps I should stop holding back from everyone now. Be myself a bit more…” Ariane’s thoughts wandered back to her conversation with Tristan a month or so ago. Was she changing?

[Liam Angelus G5]

((O.O.C.: Sorry it took so long getting a reply up, I was in an accident last weekend and don't have much use of my arm or hand at the moment.))

Liam waited in silence patiently as Ariane responded to his unapologetic statements. As the girl spoke, Liam focused on his own situation, even though it had been longer than he could even remember. He knew better than most people how difficult it was to not have a mother or father to love or look up to, to tell about how the day was or talk about concerns with. Finally, Liam said, “I take no offense, in fact I find it rather a pleasant change to they way other people are. Honesty is something I miss about my grandmother since she passed a few years ago.” Liam paused to reflect on Ariane’s next statement. He never wanted to be seen as intrusive, and wasn’t really fond of people who were, but he took no offense in Ariane’s words. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to intrude into your personal life, but there is no need to apologize to me, in fact, it is I who should apologize to you for trying to ‘butt in’ on your life.”

Liam couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at Ariane’s remarks on his girlfriend. “That would be a bit of an understatement when it concerns Cass, but I love that about her, it’s part of who she is and I’m not one to make her stop, maybe tone it down some, but I’m not one to talk. I used to get into a bit of trouble when I was younger.” Liam paused again to think about any rumors concerning him and Cass, but couldn’t think of any off hand. “What kind of rumors have you heard about us? I’m just curious, it’s not like I care what anybody says, I guess I’d just like to hear what people say about us.” Liam paused again as Ariane said he and Cass didn’t have much in common. “We both have more in common than people think, actually. We both lost our parents, even though I lost mine as a baby and her mum just died a year ago. But, yeah, she is kind of strict as a prefect, and I am not that strict, as is evident, and I was surprised as well, but at the same time it seems to fit her just the same, so…”

Liam thought for a moment on what people thought about Ariane, but could not think of a single thing he heard about her. “I’m not sure what people think about you, and as far as being antisocial, I’m a bit like that, so I’m not one to talk. Really I only talk to a few people, mainly Cass, I guess it wouldn’t hurt either one of us to start socializing more, just don’t get me started talking with a Slytherin. But I guess we should get to know each other a bit better since we are both here,” Liam said as he tipped his butterbeer. “You want another drink, my treat?”