Vague Vows ((Cassandra and NPCs))

[Julian Fallon S7]

Dawn passed through the floor length windows and sheer black curtains. The pink rays of the rising sun sparkled across the polished cherry wood floor, and up the ebony bedposts. It crept its way around the room until it eventually reached the eyes of the sleeping Julian, arousing him from his rest. Julian sat up in the bed still covered by the comfortable satin blue covers that he had chosen for the master suite at his villa in Italy. Wondering how he had come to be in Italy, Julian looked around and noticed a sleeping Cassandra in the bed beside him. There was nothing unusual about her being there as they had been together for months now. He had spent most of his summer at her flat in London and they had done so much together. Making sure not to wake her, Julian pulled himself from the bed and began to dress. He pulled on the pants and shirt that lay beside the bed. Julian made his way to the kitchen to fix himself some coffee and to welcome the morning, but his plans quickly changed.

As Julian prepared his coffee, he kept noticing an odd sparkle around his finger every time his hand would enter the sunlight. Julian finally looked down at his left hand and noticed an extravagant platinum wedding band. Many thoughts raced quickly through his mind trying to figure out what might have happened that night. He sat down at the kitchen table, mainly to stop himself from falling in the floor from the shock of the ring and the lack of events from the previous night. He had to try to remember everything that had taken place. Julian was unsure of how long he sat, running his memories over and over on a piece of parchment trying to make a connection between the previous night and the wedding band he now wore on his hand.

“We were at Cassandra’s flat, and I mentioned something about being a bit bored. She wanted to do something crazy and I suggested a trip to Knockturn Alley.” Julian talked out loud yet softly so as to not disturb Cassandra while she slept. He continued to rack his brain about their visit to Knockturn Alley. “We apperated from inside her flat to just outside the entrance to Knockturn, and I asked her was she sure that this was what she wanted to do. I remember spending a bunch of money at the Golden Wand’s jewelry shop.” Julian closed his eyes to watch the scene play through his mind, hoping that the fuzzy parts would come into focus.
“Cassandra, we’ve done everything there is to do in London, what could we possibly do this evening to entertain ourselves? I must admit I’m a bit bored. Not bored of being with you, but we spent nearly a week here in the flat, and we haven’t done too much other than dinners and trips with you showing me muggle London. Let’s do something wizarding this evening.”Julian said in a somewhat pouty tone. “I want to do something crazy though. Something wild.” Cassandra had replied to him. “Well, How about a trip down Knockturn Alley? I know you’ve never really been, have you?” was all he could reply. He wanted to do anything her heart wished, but something wild and crazy in the wizarding world could lead to a lot of trouble. Cassandra agreed to the trip, and before long they were on their way. Julian showed Cassandra the many shops that were further down Knockturn Alley than most Hogwarts students had been. They soon came upon The Golden Wand, a wizarding casino. It was, of course, ran by goblins with some of the best charms on the place so that the wizards couldn’t use their magic to cheat the other players. What did the goblins care though as long as the wizards and witches gave them money. “Wanna see what kind of mischief we can get into in here?” were the first words out of Cassandra’s mouth as the two passed the doors. Julian agreed and the two entered. After a few hands of different types of card games, Julian and Cassandra made it to a little café that was built inside the ‘Wand. As they ate, a waitress continued to pour fire whiskey for the two. They laughed more about Pyro’s mispronunciation of Liam’s name. “I still say Gilliam Anglefish fits him.” Julian argued with Cassandra. He had laughed and used the new nickname every chance he had gotten. Julian realized he was starting to get quite a buzz going from all of the fire whiskey that had been being poured for them, and that neither of them had made an effort to stop the waitress each time she brought them a new drink. Julian had finally confessed to Cassandra, during Pyro’s visit, that his feelings for her weren’t just those of a normal fling or crush. He truly was in love with her. He sat now holding Cassandra’s hand and playing with the Fallon ring that still rested on her left ring finger. “I really just can’t wait until we get married.” Julian babbled as he stared at her. “Okay, lets do it,” was Cassandra’s simple reply. The two went to the jewelry shop to pick out rings, and then to a small chapel inside of the casino. Julian came up out of his chair as the previous night’s events rolled through his mind. “Merlin’s beard. What have we done? Surely, I couldn’t have done what my memory serves.”

Just as Julian shakily poured a cup of coffee, he heard a knock at the door. He wanted to answer it before Cassandra awoke. He was sure it was either Darien or Solitaire since they lived just down the road from the Fallon Villa. They had always kept a good watch over the place for him, and he deeply appreciated it and had become friends with the young couple that he had known from school. He remembered something weird happening though from last night. Since he had already remembered so much, it was no surprise that another memory floated to the surface. He remembered that he had to ask his father about that, after they were done having fits over what had taken place. As the two picked out rings, and said vows, Julian had noticed a change in the Fallon ring that was worn on Cassandra’s left hand. It had transfigured itself into her wedding set, an elegant stack came out of the transformation though, a platinum band followed by a 1.5 carat square cut diamond with four .25 carat round cut diamonds on each side of the large stone ring, that was followed by the Fallon crest. The ensemble altogether perfect, and exactly what he would have wanted. Pulling the door open and letting the sunlight in reminded Julian that he had a horrible headache. He recognized Darien automatically, and saw Solitaire peeking out from behind him. “We saw the lights on last night, and wanted to be sure it was you.” Darien said. “Come in. Someone’s inside that Solitaire would love to see, but she’s still sleeping, and I need a friend at the moment.” Julian said quietly ushering the two toward the kitchen, and as far away from the bedroom as possible.

Julian panicked and told Darien and Solitaire what he had remembered from the night before. Solitaire standing over the sink, fixing Julian a headache relief potion, dropped the cup she had in her hand in shock. “All of this took place last night, and you have yet to wake the sleeping lion and get it out in the open with her?” She asked in a hushed scream. “Julian, how on earth are you going to tell her? You know you have to tell her.” Solitaire sat down at the table beside Julian, and smiled. “I could go wake her, but she’s not going to know where she’s at. She would think I have come to London to visit her at the flat. When she notices that the sheets are different on her bed, she’s going to go into a frenzied fit. I suggest we all go in. I’ll gladly be the one to talk to her for you though.” Julian was so glad that Solitaire had offered this help especially when it had been him and Darien who were close, not him and Solitaire. “I’ll take coffee.” Julian said standing to get the serving tray and fixing coffee for each of them.

Carefully and quietly the three made their way to the bedroom. Taire sat calmly down on the bed, and gently woke Cassandra. “Cassie, will you wake up already?” She didn’t want to scream at her, for fear that her best friend might unknowingly jinx her. “Wake up, I brought you coffee, and we need to talk. The four of us need to talk. Not just you and I.”



((Solitaire and Darien gmoded with permission from Sadie as needed NPCs in this plot.))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Odd. Something is odd, Cass thought as she struggled to extract herself from the sheets that were wrapped around her body. She heard a familiar voice and felt a soft hand shake her awake. That isn't my Julian. These are definitely not my sheets. She sniffed the unfamiliar air as she turned around and sat against the headboard. "Taire? What are you doing here? Oh goodness, Darien. You too? Julian, you look like you are about to be sick. Taire, did you make my Julian some of that wonderful potion of yours? It always works wonders on hangovers." She took an offered cup of coffee and began to sip on it. She pulled the covers up around her so that Darien didn't have to see anymore of her than what was necessary.

Putting the coffee cup on the bedside table, she motioned for Julian to sit beside her on the bed. She kissed him lightly on the lips, and then propped herself up so she could lean against his chest. She soon felt his arms curl around her in a protective hug. "What is going on? Did something happen to me last night? I doubt Pyro finally sent me to the funny farm because I don't think they would allow you to dress like that there." She let her eyes roll over him. He was only dressed in a pair of black cotton pajama pants. "Well, whatever it is, I'm okay as long as you are here with me." She began to lightly rub his forearm. Silence followed for a few moments. Nobody wanted to speak. She stared at Solitaire and Darien, and saw there worried expressions.

She pulled away from Julian. She already knew what they were worried about. "I know, you must be shocked to see that I am here with Julian." She only smiled at Taire as her worried expression deepened on her face. "Well, I just couldn't help myself. Opposites attract, you know?" Taire had yet to crack a smile. Cassandra was officially worried. Her voice took off to a different octave now that she was finally awake. She took on a more authoritative tone as she turned to look at Julian. "Julian, where are we?"

Cassandra was nervous now. Wanting to get her hair out of her eyes, she grabbed a hair band off the bedside table. As she smoothed her curly locks into a bundle, she felt an added weight on her left hand. It bothered her; so, she brought her hand around so she could examine it. Cassandra gasped as she saw the exuberant set of rings on her finger. They were beautiful, extravagant, and very out of place. "Oh, these are gorgeous, Julian!" She squealed with excitement over the present. "Where did you get these? The Fallon crest looks so -!" She stopped in the middle of her sentence as she recognized the significance of the set on hand. Not believing it to be true, she looked down to Julian's hand to see a matching band on the corresponding finger.

Cassandra met her new husband's gaze. It was obvious that Julian knew she needed an explanation.

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian, being left speechless looked over at Solitaire and mouthed a few words; "Thanks, I owe you." was all he could muster to say to her after seeing how Cassie had no memory of the night before. Julian barely did, and had poured his heart and soul out to Solitaire and Darien, just so they could help him figure out his next move. He had already scoffed at himself; a distinguished Slytherin actually needing help to figure out his own wild ways. He didn't know who else to turn to though. And given the location that they were, Solitaire and Darien were his closest friends. He was glad that he wasn’t having to go through this new change alone.

Solitaire looked at Cassandra and then back at Julian. She wondered if she was going to have to start the conversation that would explain the heavy set on Cassandra’s left hand, or if Julian was ready to speak up. She had offered to speak for him after seeing his severe state of shock, and hearing the panic in his voice as what had happened became more and more real in his mind. She had told Julian to just try to stay as calm as possible so that Cassandra wouldn’t totally freak out. “Cassie, sweetie, don’t you remember anything about last night? We need to find out what you do remember before we talk about the ring.” Solitaire couldn’t bring herself to change the expression on her face as she talked. This wasn’t the Cassandra that she had left at Hogwarts. She was shocked to see how much Cassandra had changed. Solitaire looked at Darien and shrugged. She hadn’t realized the changes that would take place once she left her best friend alone at Hogwarts. Solitaire sniffled and glared at Julian as Cassandra explained that the last thing she remembered was telling Julian that she had wanted to do something crazy. Darien caught a stern glare from his beloved Vixen as he scoffed, “Well, something crazy might be a good explanation of what happened.” Solitaire knew that this would only worry Cassie more, and would make her panic, which might happen anyway, but they were trying to avoid it.

Julian couldn’t do this to his beloved Darling. He couldn’t let her set there wondering what had happened as things ran through his mind wildly and out of control. It was as if Taire’s calmness and control of the situation was driving him insane. He had to blurt it out, but he didn’t want to. He knew Cassandra would be furious with him, and he was furious enough with himself for allowing something like this to have happened while they were drinking so much. He let Solitaire keep talking to Cassie for a few moments, not really listening to what she was saying. He was sure she was just trying to coax her best friend into trying to remember something more about the previous night. Julian, after listening to everyone remaining so calm about it while he, only in his mind was completely in states of shock, awe and panic. “Darling, I’m not sure how to tell you this, but we got married last night.” Julian went on to explain the events of the previous night the same way he had just moments ago shared them with Solitaire and Darien. He held in his panic, not wanting to make Cassandra panic as well. As he unfolded the events for her, thoughts of her blaming him and leaving him rose in his mind causing tears to form in his eyes. He had never meant for this to happen the way it had. He had wanted to give her a huge wedding with as many friends and family members there as she could find. He had wanted her to want to invite everyone they knew from school or to have it at Hogwarts Castle if that was what she had wanted. He was just so sure that she would want to leave him for taking such a huge advantage of her, when he didn’t even remember it himself, until the morning after. Julian sat beside her on the bed, waiting patiently for some type of reaction to what he had just told her. He looked at Solitaire and then at Darien, and finally back to his beloved Cassandra. “Darling,” was all Julian could bring himself to say as he tried to wrap his arms around her once again.


((Sorry it's not the long post I hoped it would be. I'm extremely tired, and have been doing college investigating again. Tell you more later))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"Married? We got married last night." It was a statement. Nothing more, nothing less. She said it so unequivocally and without emotion it seemed to have stung everyone in the room into silence. Cass sat resolutely as she allowed Julian to fold her into his arms. She wasn't quite sure how to react. The whole marriage thing didn't really bother her, but she would of liked to have the big fancy ceremony with Pyro giving her away to the influential pureblood family in England. You couldn't tell her that he wasn't planning on an arranged marriage of some sort for her. Even though it was frowned upon, many pureblood parents secretly forced together their children just to gain more power. She had always assumed that she would be pushed into one of those, but now, Pyro would only be able to accept her choice. At that thought, she could only smile. Anything that could ruin his plans made her happy.

"Well, what do we do now?" She pushed Julian off of her which gave him no other choice but to sit up in the bed. "I mean, I really don't understand how you could of lost control of the situation. I trusted you!" This last bit sounded more like an accusation rather than an angry rant. "When I said I wanted to do something wild and crazy, I expected you to protect me. Now, this has happened. What are we going to do?" She sniffled for a moment. No, this is not the time. You can't be weak right now. You've got to figure out how to use this to your advantage!, thought Cassandra as she looked at Julian. She forced a sweet smile. However, that smile did not stay on her face for long.

"And what are you going to do? You've ruined yourself, Julian! You're nothing but a mudblood now!" All three of the other occupants in the room flinched. "Oh, God! You act like you've never heard that word before!" She threw her hands up in the air and got out of the bed. She threw on a white terry cloth robe that lay on the floor nearby. "Most Slytherins think of me as less than a muggleborn. How in the hell are you going to explain that you married me? You can't possibly want this anymore than I do." She was starting to build up steam now. Usually, it was hard to stop Cassandra when she got started on her rants like this. "Don't you realize that you've ruined your life, Julian! I am no good!"

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian was shocked at Cassandra’s reaction. She hadn’t panicked the way he thought that she might. He sat holding her and listening to the tone in her voice. It worried him that he didn’t hear any emotion in her voice. He sat holding her as long as she would let him, and moved without reserve when she pushed him away. It didn’t shock him that she had pushed away. “What do you mean ‘What should we do now.’? What is there to do? We’re married Cassandra. Are you trying to tell me that you didn’t want this? That you would rather have let that controlling cousin have a say in who you spend the rest of your life with also.” Julian could feel his temper rising slowly and while he tried to keep it in check, there was just no doing it. It was as if the last few months had meant nothing to her. “I was drinking just as much as you were and when I said something about us getting married, you were the one that was so willing to do it. I know you trusted me to do the right thing, but I didn’t realize at that moment that you wouldn’t want it this morning. I obviously did protect you, it’s not like you went home with some strange man.” Julian took a deep breath to try to stop himself from yelling at her.

“I really don’t care what others think about me. My family knows that you are a Blackfire, and they know how I felt about you.” He replied now a bit more calmly than minutes before. “We’ve all heard the word, but never thought you would be the one to use it. “If you’re worried about what that control freak, Pyro, will think, let me worry about him. You don’t need to worry about what he thinks anymore. He’s just worried about what benefits him, not what’s best for you. My father is a very prestigious man, and my mother a very influential person, you know this. To hell with Pyro. He’ll be angrier that you made a decision, and one that doesn’t involve him.” Julian started to get furious again. “So what do you want to do? I really don’t see a cause to do anything. We love each other and that’s all that matters.”

Julian looked at Solitaire and Darien with a look that almost apologized for his reactions, but he couldn't help the way Cassandra's reaction had made him feel. Solitaire just smiled, seeming to know what he was saying, but at the same time worrying about her friend. Darien stayed back, now sitting in a chair that was beside the window. He wasn't trying to get involved and was glad Solitaire had just done the little that she had to. Julian got up off of the bed and started pacing around the room, waiting to hear Cassandra's reply.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Julian Fallon had just crossed the line with Cassandra. As he spoke, Cass had turned her back to him. She could feel his anger rise, and to tell you the truth, she found it incredibly attractive. Julian had shown little or no backbone over the past few months, and that was why she had seem so apathetic to him at times. As she listened to his tirade, she smiled inwardly. That was the type of man she wanted. The man who would fight for what he wanted. However, her mood quickly changed when he mentioned her cousin Pyro. True, Pyro was a jerk, but no one insulted Cassandra's family no matter who they were. She had so little family members left, and that made her the more protective over them. As soon as Pyro was mentioned, Cass whirled on Julian with a blaze in her eyes. She looked at Julian with such hatred and fury that both of the onlookers eyes widened with shock.

"No one insults my cousin! No one, and that includes you! You've crossed the line, Julian! That is my family your talking about, and I swear that if you ever insult him again...," Cass was so furious that her sentence trailed off. Anger marred her beautiful features. She was about to become as cruel as any Slytherin. It took several minutes of stunned silence for her to regain her bearings. "How can you call this love? This isn't love! This is about your obsession of getting what you can't have. Like everyone else in your house, you had to pursue me until you got your way. You've professed to me that you've been intrigued by me for several years, but I probably wasn't good enough for you until I was a Blackfire." She clenched and unclenched her fists. "In other words, you were telling all your friends you would hit that when I was a mudblood, but I wasn't good enough to date until I was a Blackfire. Next time, be honest about it. I would of respected you a whole lot more."

Cass' gaze continued to take on Julian's unwaveringly. "...And another thing about my cousin. I don't expect you to understand the complexities of our relationship, but...," she had to stop and think a moment before she continued. "Pyro has done a lot for me. Unlike you, I don't get everything handed to me on a silver platter. He pays for my flat, my school tuition, my clothing. He supports me. If it wasn't for him, I would of been out on the streets when my mother died. I owe him tremendously, and I cannot cross him. All of my families money is wrapped up in my clothing line. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't of been able to achieve half of what I've done."

Cass gulped and gasped for air. She had to calm down before she said something stupid. "Now, back to the question at hand. What do we do know? We have to do something. I'm not going to be known as the Gryffindor who ran off with the Slytherin boy the moment he dazzled her with his wit and charm. I have too much on the line right now. You don't have to worry about what people think of you, I do."

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian knew that Cassandra was furious with him for what he had said about Pyro, but he was only speaking how he had felt. Pyro was controlling, and he was determined to control every aspect of Cassandra’s life. Julian had even thought one time about going to Pyro to find out how he felt about the two of them being together, but he had finally decided that it didn’t matter. The decision was ultimately Cassandra’s and that was who he wanted to make the decision. "You’ll what, Cassandra? Run to him asking if it’s alright for you to retaliate in his behalf? Seriously, he may be you're family Cassandra, but you have to remember that we are married and that makes me your family also. You know he's controlling, everyone does. If you don't want to admit it, that's fine. But it's the truth none the less.” Julian couldn’t help but to notice how beautiful Cassandra looked when she was angry. Anger looked good on her, but he didn’t want to see it on her all the time.

“How can I call it love? How can I not? The fact that everyone thought you were a mudblood had nothing to do with my decisions to wait so long to ask you out, thank you very much. No one ever knew that I even liked you. Not even you’re beloved cousin. You might be my obsession, but it was nothing sexual like what you perceive it was. You were always good enough, but...” Julian breathed knowing what he was about to reveal something very personal, and degrading for a Slytherin. “ … I was always afraid that I wasn’t worthy of you.” Julian felt relieved that it was out in the open now. “I thought we were passed this being just a fling, but I see now that in your mind that was all it ever was to you. Thanks a lot.” Julian was starting to feel a bit used, “Was I just some way of making Liam Angelus jealous so that he would start paying you more attention?” Julian didn’t really mean to turn the tables, but Cassandra had started it. “You never really respected me, I know that now.” He said out of anger. He gazed into her eyes, hoping that she could see the hurt in his eyes, but not caring if she had to see past the anger first. He really thought they had worked out all of her feelings about her being more than just a thing for him.
“I get that Pyro has done a lot for you, but that gives him no right to control every aspect of your life. I never really got everything handed to me on a silver platter, when my mother and father went through a rocky point in their relationship; my mother took me and left. She didn’t have any money of her own, and wouldn’t take any from my father. It was me who finally cried enough to get her to go back to Father. Your life isn’t the only one that wasn’t easy. Do you think I wouldn’t totally support you? Do you know how many of your designs hang in my mother’s closet because I have bought them as presents for her, not just because they are wonderful designs, but because they came from your beautiful mind?” He wanted to show Cassandra that he would be supportive and that he wasn’t trying to insult Pyro, but to just merely make a point that she couldn’t let him control everything. “Would you seriously let him decide everything, and put your happiness aside for his personal gain? Would you make let him make himself look better at your expense? If that’s the case, then you’re really not the strong minded, free willed Cassandra I thought you were.” Julian walked toward the window. This was really their first squabble and it was beginning to be bigger than expected.

Sighing, Julian turned back toward Cassandra, he was tired of fighting with her. He knew well enough that she would continue to fight until she got her way, and he wasn’t sure that with the worry of what she would want to do about the marriage. He didn’t want it to end, and he was willing to fight for her this time. He had been more of a wimp around her than he usually was, because he thought it would make her see him as less of a jerk. Julian was finally to the point that he no longer cared.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

When Julian said that they were married, Cass hollered, "Stop saying that!" over his words. She still couldn't believe the reality. "I don't let Pyro decide everything. What makes you think that? Look, I just know that I can't bite the hand that feeds me. Don't you understand that? Look, this is just the way it is. You will not understand." Cass put her head in her hands. She was definitely crying now. Not the sad crying most people expected, but the angry, frustrated crying that overcame Cassandra so much nowadays. Julian was hurt, and her heart absolutely yearned to put her arms around him. Every angry word that was said between the two of them literally pained her. "Why can't you understand? It's not about supporting me! It's about loyalty! Family! Of course, you're a Slytherin. You don't understand anything about loyalty."

Julian then went on about how he really felt about her, and her stomach lurched with each word. Honestly, she didn't know how she felt about him. She was so confused. "Don't bring Liam into this! He doesn't deserve it." She bit her lip and averted her eyes when she said his name. Even the sound of his name reminded her of his betrayal. "Why would he look better at my expense? What are you not telling me? What have you been hearing about me in the dorm room?" She had suddenly calmed down. All of her anger was spent. "I'm serious, Julian! I want to know!" Julian's back was turned, and he was slow with an answer. "This was what I was afraid of. He's been telling you all of these things, and you've gotten this wrong impression of me." She started to stumble over her words. It was hard to believe that Julian Fallon felt he wasn't good enough for her. "I've never had the chance to be brave, strong, or carefree. I've always had to fight, beg, or connive for what I want. Pyro's claims and demands were always hanging over my head." She was gaining steam again, but this time it wasn't because she was angry. She was afraid of what she was about to reveal, but she wanted him to know. He deserved to know. "I'm only a prisoner. I can't escape the life Pyro has made for me. These last few weeks have been amazing, Julian. You've been perfect, but I've been ferociously beating against the iron bars of my cage. I've been smelling the sweet, crisp air of freedom." She seemed to quite down for dramatic effect. "Liam tried to help, but he was too afraid of what he saw. Truth is, you were the only one brave enough to open the cage door."

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian hadn’t meant to make Cassandra cry. “I know you can’t bite the hand that feeds you, but you can’t let him run your life like he has tried to do so many times.” He wanted so badly to put his arms around her and comfort her, but he knew at this point that gesture was totally out of the question. “Loyalty to family is something I totally understand. Something instilled by my father. I don’t think everything is done to better me.” There were just things that Julian could remember from his past, and the way his father was rarely around; always out with friends; but he didn’t care to discuss them. He felt his stomach twist into knots as all Cassandra replied for him not to bring Liam into their argument. “Be honest Cassandra, he has something to do in this argument. If he hadn’t been so inattentive toward you, you would have known that the owl our first night wasn’t really from him. You thought I was him remember. And his attention since toward you hasn’t changed. I know deep inside that you don’t feel for me the same way I feel about you. What would have come of us if Liam had of answered just one of your muggle calls or returned just one of those many owls that you sent him? I know what; I would have just been a second thought, someone that you used to pass the time. Never try to turn this around to where I was the one using you.” Julian’s harsh words hurt him but he had to get his feelings out instead of holding them in; especially when he wasn’t sure where their relationship would go after this.

“I haven’t heard anything. You know Pyro as well as I do, he’s quiet about everything.” Julian never listened when anyone started talking about Cassandra and the Blackfire Family. “I don’t listen to everyone else having their conversations in the common room or in the dorm. And I haven’t gotten some wrong impression of you. What made me feel that I wasn’t good enough for you was the way my mother used to leave Father for months on end. I hadn’t been born yet, but I’ve heard them argue about it many times. She did him almost the same way that Liam has done you, and I was afraid that if I attempted to date you, then I would end up doing the same thing. But since we have been together, you are all that has been on my mind. I don’t think of anyone else; just us being together.” Julian couldn’t believe that he had been having so much to say in this argument, it wasn’t like him. He usually just let everyone else say what they had to say and never argued back, but this time it had something to do with his heart and his life. “There are always ways to escape, Cassandra. Pyro may have given you the perfect life, but he can’t keep you prisoner. I’ve been far from perfect, getting you into something that you apparently don’t want. Who knows, this could be your chance out of the cage that you feel like you’re in. Why should I be afraid of what I have seen? I have been in the same dorm with Pyro for the last six years and I have another year to go with him, I know what an influential person he is, and how controlling he tends to be. I’m sure he thinks somewhere that he’ll be the one to choose who you marry, or should I say he thought he would be the one to choose who you would have married.” Julian knew that Cassandra still didn’t want to hear it, but it was reality. “Bravery had nothing to do with it when I got you outside of the castle that evening. I’m not worried about you’re cousin, I’m worried about you.” Julian sighed. He wasn’t sure how this conversation would end, but he was glad that he had been able to quit yelling at Cassandra. He wasn’t happy yelling at her. “I don’t want to end this, but I’ll leave it up to you. I’m not so sure we did something horrible.” Julian turned back toward the window feeling more vulnerable than he cared to show everyone else.

((sorry it's so short... college stuff has had me swamped again today))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass began to calm down as Julian did the same. She fed of people's emotions, and it was currently tense in the room. "Quit assuming how I feel! You have never asked me once how I feel! It's always been you this, and you love me that!" She hadn't forgotten about Solitaire and Darien in the room either. She tried to keep herself in check. Her stomach was churning, and she felt those weird butterflies in her stomach that she often felt when Julian was in proximity of her. "Julian, I'm not the type to share my emotions with anyone. You can even ask Liam that." She sniffled, and tried to fight the urge that was suddenly overtaking her. "I mean, we don't know anything about each other. I don't even know why we are contemplating staying together!"

She started pacing back and forth across the floor. What to do? What to do? "Julian! I want my big white wedding with the stupid dress, the ugly bridesmaid's dresses...You know, everything!" With that, she crossed the room and threw her arms around Julian. Cass put her head into his chest, and then lifted her head to give him a kiss. This wasn't any kiss though. It embodied all of the strong emotions she felt for him, but couldn't say. They parted after a moment, and then stared into his eyes. Cass said nothing else for the moment, and let her actions speak for her. She finally looked at him, and said almost sadly, "This is not what I wanted."

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian was glad to see that Cassandra was calming down. He was no longer upset, but still deeply hurt. He hadn’t forgotten about their company and felt bad that they had to hear all of this. He looked at Darien with a look of apology and Darien just nodded. He was glad that they understood each other; he had not wanted to have a misunderstanding between friends and neighbors. He still wanted to wrap his arms around Cassandra, but he wasn’t willing to risk any more heart ache than what he already had. “You must only have a problem expressing the good emotions. We’ve established that you have no problem expressing anger and frustration. Sadness is one I’m not sure about, but I can usually tell when you’re sad. And I don’t want to ask that boy a damn thing.” Julian didn’t want to get frustrated again, but he couldn’t help it. It was his heart on the line here, and it had already been torn in two throughout the argument. He kept his voice calm, even though he could feel mixed emotions rising through it. Cassie’s next statement tore through him like a knife. “You’re right, we don’t know much about each other; but that’s only because we’ve both been too caught up in the heat of it all. Even people who are together years don’t know everything about each other. I do know how I feel about you, and I’m willing to stay with you and learn more about my Darling. I know enough about you to trust that it wouldn’t go wrong. There has to be trust.” Julian couldn’t bear the thoughts of not being able to hold Cassandra. He wouldn’t let his heart get any more attached until he knew what she wanted to do about the situation.

Julian wrapped his arms around Cass as she threw her arms around him, but not before contemplating pushing her away. He felt as if she had all but ripped his heart out and stomped on it. He could feel all of her emotions in her kiss. He really didn’t want it to end. It was the first time she had shown him any signs of her feelings for him. “This wasn’t what I wanted you to have either. I want you to have everything, and that could be done; granted our friends here agreed to keep what they know a secret, but only if you want to stay together.” He said softly as she let him know that their sudden wedding wasn’t what she had wanted. Julian looked over at Solitaire and Darien unsure of what they thought or would say about the situation.

((Sorry it's so short... I'll try to write from Taire's point of view tomorrow since I won't have as much to do and I'm getting up a lot earlier than usual))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cassandra rocked back and forth for a moment in Julian's arms. She was emotionally spent from the encounter. All she wanted to do was stay in his arms for the rest of the day. She thought about his proposal. "Stay together?" Cass whispered. This wasn't meant for anyone. She was talking to herself trying to figure out what she wanted to do in her head. Suddenly, she snapped out of it, and pulled back from Julian. "Keep it quiet?" She looked at Darien and Solitaire. She gave a small, weak smile as if she was trying to thank them for their help today. I hope they understood the message she was trying convey. "I don't think we will be able to keep it quiet. It's kind of a ludicrous suggestion." She wasn't angry. Finally calm for once, she was trying to look at the situation rationally. "Somewhere in the Ministry of Magic, there is a piece of paper saying that Julian Fallon and Cassandra Blackfire were married by a minister in a cheap casino." Her heart ached with every word. "I mean, I don't know how we will pull it off."

She bit her lip. How in the world did get herself into this mess? She looked into Julian's eyes for a moment. They were pleading her to make a decision. "Julian, you just talked about trust, but I'm not a very trusting person. I've been burned by too many people I've trusted." She bit her lip, and whispered, "I think I may be in love with you, but I don't know if I can trust you. I'm afraid you will abandon me like every other Slytherin who has entered my life. I don't know if I can handle that rejection from you." She stood in silent thought. She thought about her father dying in that muggle hospital, her mother burning to death in her Hogsmeade home, and Pyro tossing her out of the manor. They had all abandoned her, and now Julian acted like he wouldn't do the same. She didn't expect him to stay long. In the end, everyone left her.

Cass' tongue almost burned as she spoke her next words. "Julian, I am going to stay your wife." It almost tasted bitter in her mouth. She was having to swallow her pride, but her absolute trust in a man she didn't know. Shock registered on his face as she said the words. "Did you not expect me to agree to it? I'm here now, and I obviously thought this was a good idea at the time. Maybe it was my subconscious pointing me to what I wanted." She swallowed. "However, if I'm not happy, I will leave. I'm not afraid to be on my own, and I will not be in a relationship that I'm not happy in. I don't think I can handle being Cassandra Fallon at them moment; so, don't be upset that I'm not going to change my name now. I know how some men can take that as a blow to their ego, but it doesn't matter anyway if we are going to keep it under wraps." She wrapped her arms around herself trying to protect herself. "Are you sure you want to do this like this?" Her hands motioned around the room as if trying to point out some amorphous thing that was there with them. "I mean, I understand if you don't want to continue with the charade about us not being married. We will be lying to everyone, and I don't particularly want to do that either. I will be Mrs. Fallon now if you can't deal with the lie. I don't want to hurt you by forcing you to do this."

[Julian Fallon S7]

Julian wanted so badly to get frustrated again and just scream that he wished Cassandra would learn that he wasn’t everyone else, and that he had never given her a reason not to give him a slight amount of trust. If he hadn’t wanted to be with her, he wouldn’t have watched her desperately try to reach Liam both before they left school and a few times since then. It had pushed him to the edge of his emotions to know that he was there with her but her heart was still with Liam. The words he heard coming out of her mouth when she said that she wasn’t sure if she could trust him burned deeply, but he held his composure not wanting to make a fuss about it. It was how she felt and he could understand it with everyone always leaving her. Julian could never imagine the thought of leaving his Darling Cassandra. “How or what can I do to help you realize that I’m not every other Slytherin?” Julian pleaded. He wanted her to be happy, and for her to be totally happy in their relationship meant trusting him to do the right thing and be there for her. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

Julian breathed a deep sigh, somewhat out of relief for his own heart when Cassandra agreed to stay his wife. His face showed a deep expression of shock, such a shock that his jaw nearly dropped open. He only nodded as Cassandra explained that if she wasn’t happy she would leave. Julian hoped that she knew that he would do everything in his power to keep her happy. Anything for his Cassandra. “We don’t have to hide it from everyone. I’m not ashamed of us being married nor do I like the idea of lying to everyone; what if someone found out and used it against us. And I understand if you don’t want to take the Fallon name just yet, too much too soon. I understand that more than most guys.” Julian was surprised to find himself being able to speak after Cassandra had agreed to stay with him. “And I promise that we’ll still have the big wedding. After the school year. Everything, no expense spared, if my Darling wants it she shall have it. You’re not forcing me to do anything. We don’t have to hide it, but I’m not going to force you to take the Fallon last name if you aren’t ready.” Julian wondered if this might have been what his father had went through when Archer had been so in love with Mercie and she wasn’t ready for the commitment yet. He would definitely talk to his dad about it someday.

Julian looked to Solitaire and Darien, “I owe you two more than you know now. Just tell me how I can repay you. Thank You for all of your help.” He smiled as Solitaire just moved to the couple to hug each of them. “I’m just glad to be the first to congratulate you two.” She said laughing, “I’ll think of a proper payment later, perhaps helping plan this big wedding that you two are talking about having at the end of the Hogwarts year.” She looked at Darien and smiled. They had been together for a couple of years now, and it was just magical. “I hope you two the best of everything.” She said to them. Darien just moved close enough to shake Julian’s hand. “I agree with Vixen, we’ll think of a proper payment later.” He said winking at Julian. “But for now, breakfast would be a good start.” Solitaire gasped at these words, “Dare, don’t you think these two would like to be left alone to have a proper honeymoon without all of the confusion. They probably still have some things that they want to discuss without us around too.” Julian smiled, “I think breakfast is a good idea, and if Cassandra doesn’t mind, you’re welcome to join us. You’ve listened to so much that I believe you’ve earned it.” With that, he turned to Cassandra. He smiled as she agreed and said that Solitaire and Darien joining them for breakfast at the small cafe down the lane was a wonderful idea. The four discussed how to get there, and the women decided that it was a wonderful day to walk. That being said, it was the deciding factor for the guys. They took their ladies by their hands, and the four of them left the Fallon cottage to go to breakfast.


((It's crappy I know, but it's like 1 in the morning and I need to sleep so I can study more in the morning after I get Co off to school.. if it needs modification, you know what time I'm getting up, just let me know))