Divisions ((Julian)) PG13

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

((Sorry, I just suddenly got some inspiration. I think what we were talking about last night has opened up Cassie. She is apparently not one to hide secrets.))

"Oh no! NO! NO! NO!" The little stick turned pink right before her eyes. Cass' hands fluttered in the air; waving the stick like a conductor's baton. She stood in her flat's bathroom in shock and amazement. How could this happen?! They were getting on the train any minute!! Stopping to compose herself, she braced her hands on the marble vanity. Forgetting about the baton in her hand, she smashed it down on the counter. The fragile plastic splintered under her hand. "Gah!" Cass cried out as plastic cut into her palm. She quickly cleaned up the mess hoping that she could get it done before Julian came barging into the bathroom.

Right on schedule, her husband slammed the door against the wall. "Cassandra, what's wrong?" His voice was urgent. Cass stared up at him for a moment, and then watched his eyes go to the paper that was rolled up on the back of the toilet. Rita Skeeter's article stared back at him. Red anger flooded his face as he quickly grabbed it off the back of the toilet. "Don't let it worry you, Cassandra," he was short with her as he walked away. Julian's angry footsteps pounded against the wood floor as he made his way back to their bedroom. He knew that Cassandra had been reading that awful article again. In fact, he had spent many nights these past few weeks listening to Cassandra cry about it. Julian knew that Cass worried incredibly about her public image, and the article by Skeeter had sent his wife into hysterics. "We are leaving in a few moments. Is there anything you haven't packed yet?" Cass heard small feet scampering to the door. She looked over, and down, to see a small house elf leaning into the doorway eagerly awaiting some sort of order. She was still getting used to his presence.

"My quidditch gear. My quidditch gear still needs to be packed." The house elf nodded his head curtly and ran off to obey her order. She still expressed surprise everytime she saw the little guy in her house. Cassandra had expressed reluctance when it came to them moving out of her flat. Pyro had been leasing the place for her every since he had kicked her out of Blackfire Manor. It was her home, and she didn't want to give it up. So, Cassandra had been surprised when Julian walked in with the deed to the flat. The next day, the house elf had appeared along with the ownership papers to the Italian villa. "A wedding present from mother and father," Julian stated matter of factly as he read the note that had accompanied the elf. She couldn't get used to his presence.

It was mid-morning, and the cars would be there any moment to take them to King's Cross. Cass had spent most of the morning hunched over the toilet in the smallest bathroom. She had woken with her stomach churning like an ocean under a hurricane watch every morning this past week. Each time, she had extradited herself out of the bedroom quietly not to wake Julian. Cass had banished herself to the guest bathroom for the same reason. Her wretching could wake the dead. These episodes were what had prompted Cass to go down to the muggle drug store at the end of the block early this morning. She just had to know before she went to Hogwarts, but now, could she deal with the answer? This thought made her stomach rumble again. She leaned back over the toilet and wretched violently once again.

Thirty minutes later, the house elf knocked on the white painted door, and announced that Master Julian was ready to leave. Nodding, Cass stood up and looked into the mirror. She wiped her face with a washcloth as she imagined her face getting larger with the weight she would soon start putting on. She walked down the hallway quickly so she could follow her husband out the door. She was quiet on the way to the train station. Julian kept prompting her with questions to start a conversation, but she was burdened with her new revelation. Would Julian still love her after he knew? God, they were so young! Could they handle this? What about quidditch? There was no way the Fallons could keep this under wraps.

Julian led Cass through the crowds at the station in a fog. This would be the last year they would be walking through King's Cross with the intent of boarding the Hogwarts' Express to go the castle. However, she was so preoccupied in her thoughts that she couldn't even revel in the momentous occasion. Julian barreled through the barrier at Platform 9 3/4. Even though she was holding his hand, Cass hesitated at the wall for a slight moment. She couldn't help it. Cass always had a small fear that the barrier wouldn't open for her. Fortunately, the barrier opened for her, and there stood the Hogwarts' Express. Happy parents' were loading their excited children onto the scarlet steam engine. Smoke billowed from the stack in eager anticipation to start down the track.

Julian sent her on her way to find an empty carriage for the two of them. It only took her a few moments to find one since the car they had chosen was fairly empty. Looking out the compartment windows, Cass watched as students walked up and down the hall. This was apparently the Slytherin car. There didn't seem to be a single Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or fellow Gryffindor on this car. She would smile occasionally in recognition when one of her fellow classmates would throw a wave. However, this didn't happen often. She was in the Slytherin car, and she most definitely was not a Slytherin. In fact, Cassandra Fallon screamed Gryffindor so loudly by her body language and dress that many could only frown at her. She was an interloper in their domain.

Cassandra's husband appeared in the compartment a few moments later. He was already wearing his Slytherin robes. Pulling the shades, he turned on his wife with worry in face. What was going on? What was bothering her? She could tell him. Why wasn't she telling him? These questions went on and on in different forms and variations for about an hour. The train was well on its way to Hogwarts, and there was no one there to listen in on their conversation. Julian kept harping on Cassandra. She didn't know what to say. As her stomach continued to churn, she only gritted her teeth in fear. Julian's voice was beginning to rise. Shouldn't they be cuddling in the corner together speaking sweet nothings into each other's ears? She was well aware that once this train stopped that they would once again be nothing more than a Gryffindor and a Slytherin. These would most likely be the last private moments she would spend with her husband all year. Why couldn't she just come out with it? Julian was getting more and more upset. "Please, talk to me!" He was begging now.

Julian was in mid-sentence when Cassandra blurted out what was on her mind. "I'm pregnant!," she shrieked. She didn't look at her husband to see his reaction. Cass put her hand on her stomach to try and settle the churning feeling that was threatening to take over her mind. The silence was a deafening roar. She continued to stare at the floor as she waited on Julian's reaction.

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian had so much on his mind since he and Cassandra had gotten married. He had done the damage control and made his father a bit happier toward the marriage. A simple interview with Rita Skeeter had settled the rumors. A simple sit down with the nosey reporter was easier than what Julian had expected. He had simply told the reporter that her rumors were atrocious. He made it sound as if he and Cassandra had found out about his father’s betrothal plans and had not wanted to be the center of attention when Archer’s plans took place. When Julian had found out that the plans of their marriage were to take place after graduation this year, he shared his findings with Cassandra. The two had agreed to marry in secret so that the marriage could be on their terms instead of on his father’s conditions. Archer had seen the interview in the Daily Prophet and had visited Julian promptly after that, making sure that Julian had also bought off or in some form taken care of the goblin that had leaked the story as well. Julian had explained that he had paid off the goblin and that there wouldn’t be anymore worry from the Golden Wand. He had also spoken with the head goblin of the casino working out a deal as to where the Fallons would be welcome there anytime, and their business in the Wand would be guaranteed safe. He explained to his father that he had agreed to let the head goblin mine from one of the many onyx mines that the Fallons owned in return for the secrecy. One mine was nothing compared to the many that they had. The goblin that had leaked the information was also reprimanded before Julian had gotten to the casino. This had not made Julian happy because goblins tended to be vengeful creatures, and Julian didn’t want this goblin’s revenge to include him. He had not insisted that the goblin be reprimanded the way that he had been.

Julian had gotten Cassandra to admit that she didn’t want to get rid of the Flat in London. This was going to be a wonderful present for her. He contacted Pyro and found out who he had leased the Flat from for Cassandra all these years. After getting this information he found the owner of the Flat and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Julian had spoken to his mother about the Villa before he had gone to Diagon Alley, and now he had bought her the Flat. At least they would have their choices as to where they could live. Julian and Cassandra had come back to the Flat to prepare for school. About a week after they had returned, an unusual house-elf popped into the living room with papers attached to his pillowcase. It appeared his name was Margoyle. He was holding the deed to the Villa. It had been signed over from Mr. and Mrs. Archer Fallon to Mr. and Mrs. Julian Fallon. Cassandra had gotten the villa that she had wanted as well. Her moods through all of this made Julian curious. She acted as if everything good that he tried to do for her only made her angry at him, or made her cry. She had gotten really quiet over the last few days as they started to pack for school. It was supposed to be a momentous time for them as it would be the last few days that they were able to be together as Julian and Cassandra; as husband and wife. Sure everyone in school would know that they were married now, but that wouldn’t stop the rumors and the comments from all of the houses. They would still have to stay in their separate dorms and live as Slytherin and Gryffindor. If they were able to be together at all it would be because they had either snuck out of the castle as they had done the previous year when they had what Julian would always consider their first date, or because they were able to maneuver around in Hogsmeade without getting a lot of static from either his House mates or hers.
Julian worried if the thoughts of what the first few weeks of the school term was what had been bothering Cassandra. He had trying to figure out what had been bothering her for days now as they packed their things with Margoyle’s help. They had gotten everything packed, and were already on the train in their private compartment. Julian swore they should be doing more than sitting across from each other the way they were, and he had noticed that Cass had started to act a little depressed. He had to know what was wrong with her before they got to the castle and he had begun to question her. All of a sudden, as Julian was pleading with her to talk to him, she blurted out two words that took Julian by surprise.

Julian sat quietly looking out the window contemplating what Cass had just told him. She’s pregnant. He wasn’t sure what to say and was afraid of what would come out of his mouth but he had to get his thoughts out. “Pregnant? How long have you known this? Was my damage control to protect your reputation for nothing? Why haven’t you already told me?” Julian was watching the level of his voice, trying to keep everything at a whisper but the sounds of the whispers allowed the furiousness that ran through his mind to be heard. He should have known sooner. Why had she thought that she had to keep it hid from him. Was she afraid that he would have reacted worse than what he was. He knew it wasn’t the best timing for something of this magnitude. She’ll be having our baby when she should be graduating with the rest of our class. So many thoughts ran through Julian’s head, what about Quidditch. There was no way she could give up Quidditch, it meant far too much to her. “I thought we were being careful. How could we have let this happen?” He continued to stare out the window as he spoke her. He wasn’t ashamed but he was afraid of what his eyes would show if he were to look at her.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"What do you mean how could we let this happen?! How do people normally let this happen?!" Cass shouted at Julian. She literally heard footsteps pause in front of the door. This reminded her to keep her voice down. They couldn't shout this to the rooftops. It would be all over the school by dinner, and she would be painted as the school harlot. "I mean, I know Hogwarts doesn't pride themselves on their sex education classes, but from what I can tell, you are a little more schooled in these matters than I am!" She said this heatedly above a whisper. Julian literally had to walk her through the process the first few times they had made love since she had been seriously inexperienced in that department at the time of his dare. Whether meaning to or not, Cass had saved herself for her husband.

They both sat in silence for a few moments as Cassandra calmed down. "Do you think I've been hiding this from you?" Julian crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a skeptical look. "I've been having morning sickness over the past couple of weeks. I really didn't know what was going on. I only started putting two and two together a few days ago. I got one of those drug store pregnancy tests this morning." She sounded defeated. He still looked at her with that look on his face. "I didn't know what else to do!" She held out her hands in helplessness. "I know those things aren't that reliable sometimes, but I had to know before we got on the train. I know what you are thinking, but there is no way I can get to the healer now. It's not like I can go to Madame Pomfrey and ask her for her expert opinion."

Cass watched as Julian relaxed a bit. Julian ran his hand through hair and sighed. Things were still sinking in for him. He was going to be a father, and, god help them all, Cassandra was going to be a mother. Seriously, this has to be some cosmic joke! How could any omnipotent being allow someone like Cassandra to reproduce? She couldn't remember to feed the cat most days let alone take a care of a baby. Julian was now sitting on the bench seat with his right leg crossed over his left. He foot wiggled angrily as he stared at the floor. He didn't know what to say. He was worried for them. There was no way they could keep this hidden from the school. Cass would be showing by December, and it would all be over once the baby bulge became noticeable. Cass pulled her white bag out from underneath the seat and began to change into her Hogwarts' robes. Normally when Cass changed her clothes in front of Julian, he couldn't take his eyes off her. His eyes would exude so much lust and wanting that she would normally just end up naked again. This time was different. He could only stare at the floor. The silence and his jittery movements were beginning to upset Cass.

The Gryffindor red of her uniform contrasted against the Slytherin green of his robes. She hesitated after she had buttoned her shirt halfway. Julian was still sitting silents. She went and sat beside her husband. Putting her hand on his knee, she spoke, "I know you are upset, Julian. This is scary for both of us. I know you are worried about supporting a family, but I've got to worry about other things." Like if you decided to leave me now, Cass thought urgently. She would never be able to prove that he was the father. Julian's family would make sure of that. "I can already feel my body changing. What happens when I start getting fat? Are you still going to love me when I am as big as a house?" She sniffled on this last statement. His silence was deafening to her, but spoke volumes at the same time. Julian was contemplating his options. "I know you are thinking of leaving me. Please...don't." Her hand went to his that was lying beside her leg. "I don't think I can handle this without you. I've always wanted a family. "She hated to admit it, but she was already feeling tied to the fetus in her stomach. "She's ours, Julian. Yours and mine. It may not of been planned, but maybe she is what we need to make us whole."

[Julian Fallon S7]

Unable to talk, Julian sat on the tan upholstered seat with his head in hands. Every possible scenario played through his head. What did they do wrong? They had taken every single precaution. Hell, he took every single precaution he could think of with any girl he had been with. Still, this was still a shock. He was going to be a father. A father at seventeen! Cass had turned on him the moment his last words were out of his mouth. True, it was a stupid question, but he didn’t know what else to say. The mention of his past sexual history jabbed at Julian like a knife to the stomach. She was right though. He thought about the first night they had slept together. He remembered giggling lightly in her ear when she had told him that she was going to need some guidance. He hadn’t believed her at the time when she had said she had never done “it” with anybody before. Of course, it hadn’t taken him long to find out that it was true.

Julian could not even look up as his wife changed clothes in front of him. He felt ashamed, guilty, and angry all at the same time. Ashamed that he had taken away her innocence. Guilty that he hadn’t taken enough precautions to keep her from getting them into their current situation. Angry because he couldn’t protect her from the stares, rumors, and gossip that would surely come from her pregnancy. Cassandra’s words stung Julian worse than the dueling charms she had cast on him last year in class. He could remember her that day. She was staring him down across the room with a hard look in her eyes. Her hair had come lose from the ponytail that she had secured at the back of her head before she had drew her wand on him. Those tresses teased and tormented him during that entire confrontation. While she stood there breathing hard, Julian could only imagine her breathing like that as she lay under him. Those thoughts had caused him to lose that duel.

Light fingers made their way up his leg. Even though she was still being a bit acusatory, she was comforting. Julian looked into Cassandra’s eyes and saw fear. The fearless Gryffindor was actually scared. “Leave you? Why would I leave you? Just because you gain a few pounds – oh.” He suddenly understood. “Ah, you think I will leave because of the baby? True, it’s easier to prove the mother than the father. You always a know who the mother is, but I fear it is to late for me as well. Our marriage has been plastered all over the paper. I would be the prime suspect.” He put his hand on Cass’ stomach. He had read somewhere that this calmed pregnant women. “I need you to calm down. It’s not good for the baby.” He stopped for a moment after he said those words. He never thought he would be saying them anytime soon. “I love you Cassandra Fallon. You are my world, my life. There is nothing without you. I am nothing without you. “

Leaning over, he kissed her deeply. As he pulled away, he hovered near her as close as he dared. “She? How do you know our baby is a she? It could be a he. I have always hoped I would have a son to take on the family legacy.” He now slipped his hand under her white button shirt, and began to rub her stomach comfortingly. He felt Cassandra shiver under his touch. By her body language, his “comforting” hand was apparently extremely seductive to her. Overtaken, Cass suddenly threw her arms around his neck. She whispered “I love you” between her desperate kisses. He knew then it had finally sunk in. He was not going to leave her, and he knew that she was finally his. What a beautiful moment! Unfortunately, this was not the time or place. He pushed Cass off of him. “Love, we have to stop. This is neither the time nor place for this. We will be at the castle in just a few moments. Get dressed. I don’t want anyone but me oggling you.” Her eyes pleaded with him. “Look, we are both new at this. I don’t want to do anything to hurt the baby.” This finally convinced Cassandra to get dressed. He watched her as she made herself decent. The train was starting to slow as it entered the station. “Darling, I know we discussed this before, but are you sure you want to take our rings off? I know we had decided not to flaunt our marriage, but are you sure you want to do this? Personally, I’m going to feel rather naked without it.” Julian held up the platinum band for his wife to see and smiled innocently waiting for her answer.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass' fears had been smoothed over by her husband. Unfortunately, she wasn't as trusting as most people. She had spent the past several years avoiding disappointment by constantly being on he guard. She loved Julian. That much was clear to her, but she had been hurt by her loved ones more than the ones she didn't. At Julian's invitation, Cass got up and started to get dressed again. She couldn't help but frown as she adjusted her skirt to the right position on her hips. The fabric swung loosely around her legs as she tried to dig her grey sweater vest out of her bag. How much longer would her skirt do this? She could almost feel the cotton stretch and pull as her body became larger and larger. How much longer would Julian still stare at her with that look in his eyes? It already seemed that he was pushing her away because of their little situation. The words "not good for the baby" had already slipped into his vocabulary. At first, they would be doing this alone. They couldn't let anyone know about this. It would at least be till the first trip to Hogsmeade before they could get to a healer to discuss the situation with someone knowledgeable.

"I'm not sure why I think it's a she. I just feel that it's a she." Julian merely shrugged his shoulders, probably thinking silly women's intuition. She had been right about little things like this before. She knew that Julian wouldn't say a word about her feeling. Then, Julian brought up the one thing she didn't really want to talk about, their rings. They had already discussed this issue. Julian and Cass had both decided not to flaunt their marriage, but not to deny it either. They had decided not to wear their rings at school. It would be a constant reminder to everyone what had happened this summer. A gryffindor/slytherin union would garner every students contempt in the castle. Cass bit her lip as she hesitated pulling her beautiful diamonds off. The ring encompassed her whole left ring finger up to the knuckle.

The train had almost slowed to a stop. She opened up one of the blinds on the left side and saw the castle in the distance. These were going to be the last few private moments together. She turned to Julian in his uniform. The Gryffindor and Slytherin looked at each other with great uncertainty. The division lines were already starting to be drawn between them. Cass stepped forward, and Julian instinctively enveloped her in his arms. If anyone walked in now, they would be looking at a very confusing sight, Cass thought amused. Their red and green robes wrapped around the other one as if there was no end to the fabric. The colors clashed violently against each other. "I guess you are right. We should do this." She stepped back and looked at Julian with an intensity that could not be denied. She really didn't want to take the one thing off that binded her to Julian. It was already going to be hard enough this year. She didn't want to take off the small, comforting reminder of him.

Cass' right hand grabbed her left ring finger and pulled gently on the set. She already had a long silver chain laying on the seat beside her white bag. Even though they weren't going to be visible, she had planned to wear them close to her heart. She tugged harder on the little bands of platinum on her left hand. They were stuck! Surely, she hadn't gained that much baby weight already! Cass pulled more and more angrily on the obnoxious rings that would not come off. "Julian, are you sure you didn't put some sort of sticking charm on these? They aren't coming off!" Julian only stared at her with a question mark in his eyes as he stepped foward. He took her hand lightly, examined it for a moment, and pulled gently on the four bands. His brow furrowed, and he tugged a little harder. Julian laughed quietly and reached for his own band. His wasn't coming off either.

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian trusted Cassandra’s feelings about the baby. He wouldn’t dream of questioning them. Julian’s mind still processing the fact that Cassandra was carrying his baby, and now to add to it, Cassandra could feel that it was going to be a girl. He let the thoughts ease into his mind and as he stared at his hands, he realized they were both still wearing their wedding bands. He mentioned to Cassandra that the rings were still on their hands and that they were nearing the castle.

Cassandra agreed after some thought about it, that they should take their rings off. Cassandra pulled a small silver chain out of her white bag, and began to tug on her ring. Julian wasn’t paying much attention as he pulled a silver chain out of his pocket. He had planned on putting his ring on the chain and placing it inside his trunk, but it could still easily get lost in his trunk. He had bought a long enough chain that once around his neck the ring would be hidden and would allow him to still keep it close to his heart. His piece of Cassandra while they were being forced to be separated, would be right where it needed to be.

Julian was sure the whole school already knew about the wedding. Everyone read the Daily Prophet, and their story had managed to make headlines, including the interview with Julian on the reason behind the secret marriage. He was lost in thoughts of why they had agreed to not wear their rings, still having to remind himself of the stress and discontentment it would cause. He was paying little attention when Cassandra asked him if he had placed some sort of sticking charm on her rings. He looked at her questioningly as he moved toward her, taking her hand. He tried pulling on her rings gently, as not to hurt her fingers or her hand, but the bands wouldn’t budge. Frustrated, he tugged a little harder before laughing and letting her hand go. He tried pulling off his own ring, thinking that Cassandra’s could be passed for an engagement ring as long as his was off. His ring also wouldn’t budge. Frustrated, Julian let out a light rumble that closely resembled an animal’s growl. He was trying to save them both a lot of embarrassment and mockery as they first arrived at the school. “I haven’t charmed these rings any way. I wouldn’t have put a sticking charm on them, when it has been our plans to wear them around our necks while at school. I wonder if my father had anything to do with this. Or maybe it’s goblin magic.” Julian growled again when he had to mention his father. Although he was his father’s favorite when it came to Archer’s two sons, Julian just sometimes couldn’t stand the sneaky things his father did or approved of. There were many things that Julian suspected Archer of, but couldn’t prove that he had any type of involvement in them just yet.

“What are we going to do now?” Julian asked. “It seems our only choice,” He broke his sentence as the train pulled to a halt, letting them know that they were near the castle, “is to leave them on it seems. I know it doesn’t sound like the best idea, but I’m sure the whole school read the story in the Prophet, and hopefully, since the interview made front page as well, read it also. They might hassle us for a while, but I know that if the professors won’t do something about it, I will.” He could only think of the fact that this could possibly be his last time this close to his Cassandra without them being in class. Classes were going to be a bit difficult for him, being in the same room with Cassandra and not being able to hold her of a night while they slept were going to do irreparable damage to not only his ego but his heart as well. “I could try owling the goblins to see if they can tell me what is going on with the rings if you would like.” He offered trying to find a solution that wouldn’t put her at the end of a lot of crude and uncalled for jokes.

(it's nothing compared to what you have been giving me lately. Headaches, and Thomas' father being home doesn't make it easy to post)

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass refused to answer his questions. Why was he laughing? How could he be laughing at a time like this? Cassandra’s mood was going from bad to worse. Sighing, Julian tried to allay her fears, but it wasn’t working. She could hear students filling the hallway as they exited the train to start the new school year. She stood in silence trying to make up her mind. Well, did she really have a choice in this? The baubles weren’t coming off, and they had to get off the train. Sighing, Cass stood up and packed her bag. Julian looked nervous as he watched his wife. She could see the thoughts running through his eyes. Looking at the mirror that ran the top of the carriage, she smoothed her clothes of wrinkles. Cassandra couldn’t stand being the center of attention, but unfortunately that is where she normally found herself. Cass also always worried about her image to the public. As a member of one, or two if you counted the Fallons, of the most prominent families in their world, you garnered some attention. Grabbing Julian’s hand, Cass stepped toward the door and put her hand on the sliding mechanism. Hesitating, she said a word that Julian had never heard her say before, and one that would of sent her late mother’s blood boiling at her un-lady likeness. “Well, this is it, I guess,” she muttered under breath.

She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Several younger students stopped in the middle of the hallway as the Gryffindor and Slytherin walked out. Two of the boys snickered awkwardly as they watched the couple make their escape from the train. Mummers behind her back made her blanch. “Do you see that? Do you see that?” “Is that the Gryffindor Captain with a Slytherin?” “Merlin’s Beard! Did you see the rings? It’s true!” “Disgusting if you ask me! How could he marry that?!” Gasps of astonishment continued to fill the air. They garnered even more attention when Julian stopped her at the train door. Being the gentleman he was, he stepped down to the concrete station platform, and then offered his hand to help his wife down. As always, she gingerly hobbled down the steel steps. When she said she was afraid of heights, she really meant she was afraid of heights! Julian stifled a laugh as he felt her hand tighten into a vice like grip. Her fear of heights was the first secret she had revealed to Julian at the end of last school year.

Finally back on the ground, she looked around in earnest for any of her friends, and Julian seemed to be doing the same. Cass actually saw two of her dorm mates staring her down with hate in their eyes. She could actually hear them talking about her as the walked away. They didn’t even acknowledge the wave she gave them trying to flag them down. It hurt watching them walk away. It was almost tradition for them to ride up to the school together on the carriages. In fact, they had gone across the lake together in their first year. Could her decision to stay with Julian turn that many people against her? She though her house would just ignore the situation, not ostracize her! She couldn’t move an inch as her stomach curdled and turned on itself. Turning towards Julian, she saw the astonishment in his eyes as the girls ignored Cassie. It was true! Even he saw it! Without warning, Cass ran took off into the nearby wooded area. “Cass!” Julian cried as she took off to avoid the accusing eyes and angry looks. She didn’t turn to look back at him.

Cass ran a couple of hundred feet into the woods. Tripping over a rock, she fell onto the soft ground underneath her. Dirt covered her legs and white knee high socks. Cass! Cass! Julian never called her Cass! It was always Cassandra, honey, or darling. Never Cass! It was so friendly and informal. Julian was far from informal. She was hysterically crying. She rocked up to a sitting position, pulled her knees to her chest, and pressed her face on top of them. She shivered at the thought of those horrible eyes staring back at her. It was too hard! They hated her for what she had done, and she had to live with these people for the next nine months. “Oh!” She cried out again. Nine months! She would be large and extremely pregnant in nine months. She was almost hyperventilating by the time she heard soft footsteps behind her. It was Julian. They knew each other so well now that she could even recognize his footfalls. Leaves crunched as he knelt down beside her. His arms were now encircling her shoulders. They stayed there for a long time. The high pitched, excited voices had all but disappeared. Neither said a word.

It was some time before Cassandra calmed down enough to speak. It was almost nightfall, and the Great Hall was most likely already full of students ready to begin the feast. She wondered if anyone had missed them yet. It was going to be a long hike back to the school. With her face still in her knees, she muffled, “Your pants are probably getting all dirty.”

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian's face whitened with the shock of seeing the way that their fellow students were treating them. It wasn't like their union had been the secret they had planned on trying to keep it, so why the look of shock on everyones' faces. Why were they acting this way toward them? He hated to think back to it but he could recall a few years ago when it wasn't horrible for a Slytherin to marry outside of his house. As the thoughts of that wedding came to his mind, so did the faces. He shook the faces out of thought, as he began to take in the horrified expression on Cassandra's face. She had always been one to worry more about public appearance. A few jinxes here and there would take care of a few of them, but how would Cassandra act if Julian were to accidently jinx one of her friends.

He thought against it for a moment, until two sniffling third years walked behind him, apparently understanding more of the dirty looks and rude comments than he did. They were making faces and comments their selves about the way Julian and Cassandra had gotten married. One boy even went so far as to place a wager on false facts as to why they had gotten married. He swore to himself that he had gotten Skitter, but she seemed all at work today listening to what other's say.

This background sound was the perfect opportunity. A quick flick of his wand and teh two third years were knotted together. "That'll teach you to talk about married couples like that." He snarled from the side of his mouth turning back to Cassandra. He saw that she had spotted some of her friends, and he had been indeed looking to do the same. When Cassandra's friends turned their backs on her, something snapped. It was almost as if Julian could hear her heart break. He let her get a good headstart, sending evil hexes the same way the girls were going. That's gonna fix them Julian turned to see Cass running into the woods and away from him. He continued to call for her but she wouldn't slow down. He was sure that he woudn't be able to catch up with her. "Cass." He called behind her, realizing now more than ever that she needed a freind.

He chased her into a small thicket of woods that stood near the boats. She was a good ten paces in front of him when he watched horrified as she tripped over a rock. Julian's experiences with pregnant women were just beginning and he wasn't sure if something that severe could hurt not only her but the baby as well. "Cass, Cass. Will you please stop?" It was as if she wasn't even hearing him, until he got close enough to touch her. He wrapped his arms gently around her shoulders and kneeled quietly behind her, trying to wipe a bit of the mud off of her. He sat holding her for such a long time that he had began to lose count. He was kneeling beside her, his kahki's geting all fiflthy. He shrugged knowing that if they couldn't get it out, then it was just a really good stain. "Cass, darling." Julian said after a few moments of rocking her, "I think we need to go try to catch the last carriage to the school. I think there might still be one left." He pulled himself up off of the ground, and Cassandra right beside him, now allowing him to help her up.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Julian’s presence calmed Cassandra down considerably, and she allowed him to lead her out of the forest. It was quiet now as he led her out onto the platform. A few straggling students were heading to the clearing were two carriages were waiting. The stragglers occupied one while they took the other one. Pulling herself together, she brushed the debris off of her legs. It left brown streaks on her knee highs. Julian only watched the other carriage casually as it took off down the dirt and gravel path. Theirs lurched forward a moment or two later. “Here.” Julian took his wand out and began to siphon the dirt off of their clothing. Cass blushed as he did this. Sometimes she wondered if she was a witch or not. Simple spells like this one always eluded her when they were truly in need. “Cass. You called me Cass back in the clearing. You never call me Cass.” This was only a statement of fact.

They sat beside each other on the right side of the carriage. It looked like they were going to get a few more minutes alone together. However, Cass’ outburst back at the train had put more of a damper on their mood. It was already hard enough, but now the air was thick with the knowledge about the separation that was to come. She was still sniffling. “Didn’t I tell you? Did you see the look on their faces?” He didn’t answer. “You thought everything was going to be okay, didn’t you? Those two girls were my friends. I’m going to have to share a dorm room with them for the whole year. It will probably be easier for you. Your house seems to take these things in stride. We are proud people, and most of them think I have committed the ultimate sin.” She was interrupted as they hit a crater in the winding path. “I’m proud of what I’ve done, too.” She grabbed Julian’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m just good at over-reacting.” She smiled at him, trying to show that she was no longer upset, but she knew her sadness would show through her eyes. He could read her like an open book. Trying to get off the subject of her, she suddenly said, “Did I hear you hex someone back there?” She could see the answer in his face, and he wasn’t at all remorseful about what he did.

The carriage had finally drawn up to the castle. “If you aren’t careful, you are going to find yourself expelled before you even get to the feast. What did you do to those people?” The Slytherin gave her a suave smile. The students in the other cart had already unloaded and were now making their way through the large wooden doors. They probably looked funny there. To an onlooker, it would probably seem strange for a Gryffindor and Slytherin to be awkwardly holding hands in front of the castle. However, on closer inspection, they could probably see the angst that was raging between the two of them. “You didn’t have to do that, you know? I was just upset, really. It wasn’t that bad.” She sniffled. Well, that lie didn’t go over so well. “You’ve just vilified yourself by doing that. Nobody would have blamed you for chasing after me, and most likely my house would have expected it of you. You don’t have to protect my honor. I can handle myself.” She had spoken those words to Julian on so many occasions that it probably went in one ear and out the other for him. However, it was becoming apparent that Cassandra couldn’t take care of herself, and he knew it. She was an emotional wreck, and she needed Julian there to help prop her up.

Exhaustion was already beginning to creep up on her. It was one of the pitfalls of pregnancy. She leaned over and stretched her back out. Neither one of them was getting up. Lights were streaming out from under the doors. It wouldn’t be long before one of the professors would come out to find them. Which one of them would be brave enough to get up first? Cass sat up and snuggled into Julian. His arm was now around her as she rested her head on his shoulders. This was going to be there last few moments together.

[Julian Fallon S7]

There was a silence between the two of them as they began their ride from the train's platform to the Castle. A silence that made Julian feel uncomfortable even though Cassandra was beside him, touching him even. Julian still worried about both Cassandra and the baby after Cass had tripped the way she had. He had already asked once, but he couldn't stop himself from asking again. Are you absolutely positive that you are both alright?"

He figured his question might get ignored, but he couldn't stop himself from asking it. He had heard everything Cassandra had said and she was right, he was sure that everything would take place differently then it had. "I'm sorry," He said apologetic and with a tone in his voice that showed his concern for both Cassandra and the baby. I did expect everyone to be worried about other things instead of having their minds focused on us. How could they even have been sure that we would return to school? Hopefully, they can't last until Christmas like this." His voice faltered as he tried to assure his beloved darling of things that he wasn't even sure of himself. He would make it be alright if he could, even if it took a little threatening. He wouldn’t allow their fellow students to torment her during her last year at Hogwarts just because of their choices.

The carriage began to slow preparing to make its stop. Julian knew that they must be near the castle and he had to get one more kiss before they made their way to the Great Hall. Getting Cassandra into the Great Hall was going to take him some effort, but it was something that was needed. He hoped that letting everyone see that their snide looks and comments weren’t going to bother him or her, would help them to back off and quit making the dirty looks and comments. He turned Cassandra to face him, and softly placed his fingers under her chin, lifting her face so that he could look into her eyes. “We’ll get through everything together.” He said softly, then placed his lips firmly over hers.

The carriage had now stopped and they could no longer stay in the safety and comfort of the silence and loneliness of the inside of the carriage. It was time to move into the castle and face the crowd again. Julian helped Cassandra out of the carriage and walked beside her holding her hand tightly as they made their way to the great doors of the castle. He looked at her reassuring that everything would be alright, and opened the door to the Great Hall. “One step at a time, I’ll walk you to your seat before taking mine. They can think what they want of me, but they will not treat you that way.” Julian’s anger toward the treatment of his wife was starting to take over again. The glares were there as he pulled her into the Great Hall, but he continued to walk her to her seat. He sometimes wondered if Jasper had ever had this trouble, but then he realized that Jasper’s life had been what everyone in school would have considered perfect.
Getting Cassandra to her seat was a bit harder than Julian had imagined. It was nearly impossible for him to walk between the different houses, and their dirty stares without jinxing and hexing everyone who whispered or even looked at them the wrong way. Julian had to be strong though so that Cassandra would be a bit braver.

((Hope you like it))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass let Julian walk her to her house table. She was acting so unlike herself. Normally, she would of proudly walked into the Great Hall on Julian's arm without flinching. However, things had changed. The intensity of their love shined on their faces even though Cassandra was mostly hunched into Julian's side. Everyone in the room stared in stunned silence as the two walked in. It only lasted a minute though, and soon everyone was back into their meals. The Gryffindors all stared as Julian walked Cassandra beside the table. The couple soon found an empty space, and she sat down amongst the other seventh years. One of the boys patted her on the back, and then started bothering her about quidditch auditions.

Cassandra didn't hear him. She only stared at Julian, and he back at her. She wanted to kiss him, but this was not the appropriate time. Wouldn't that be a show for the entire student body? She smiled softly, and said to her husband simply, "Thank you." He knew what that meant. It meant thank you for not leaving me at the door, thank you for being there, and thank you for loving me. It was now understood between the two of them that he was her protector, and Cass doubted any enemy would get to her. The new first years started piling, and they knew that their time together was at an end. He nodded solemnly and turned to walk away. His hand slipped out of Cassandras. It was more painful than any curse. She watched as he walked to his house table and sat with his schoolmates. "Oh, yes, auditions...," Cass spoke absent mindfully to the boy who spoken to her earlier.

The meal proceeded like any other start of term feast. The first years were sorted, the Headmistress gave her speech, and everyone celebrated. The only difference this year was that a Slytherin and a Gryffindor kept trying to catch the other one's eye from across the room.

The End of The Segment