No Tricks, Just Treats ((Cass))

[Finn Miles H7]

So he hadn't convinced anybody in particular to join him in the evening's festivities, but that didn't stop Finn from dressing up and heading to Hogsmeade for the special murder mystery event. Decked out in a navy-blue cop suit, complete with handcuffs, a badge, mysterious glasses, a rather dorky looking hat, and a black stick that Finn wasn't quite sure what to do with, he was on his way to enjoy a good night. Why go as a cop, some of his friends asked, and Finn really didn't have an answer. His grandmother had a variety of muggle costumes, a doctor, a fire-fighter, a pilot, but it was the cop suit that Finn had decided on. Perhaps it was because the others were a bit snug, seeing as he'd been growing even more lately, or perhaps it was the posh sort of look that he liked when he threw on the sun glasses and wielded the mysterious black weapon-like stick. Maybe the muggles were compensating for their lack of a wand, Finn wasn't entirely sure.

Between the setting sun and his darkened spectacles, Finn found the village to be in an appropriate sort of eeriness as he made his way down the street to the main square. There were a few people here and there, but not the turn out he'd been expecting. A shame, really, seeing as it was for a good cause. Just like he hadn't let his lack of a partner get him down though, Finn figured he'd make the best of the night. There were other students there, some of which he recognized, but none of which he knew well enough to walk up and interact with. Most of them were younger.

Finding the refreshments table, Finn found some apple cider and a pumpkin pastie. He assumed the events would be starting soon, but before he could check his watch to see the time, a stunning young woman caught his attention. She was dressed in a flowing gown, and aside from looking like a princess, Finn wasn't quite sure what she was meant to be. What startled him even more though was when he realized who it was. "Cass Fallon?" he said, as the girl walked by. Finn was so used to seeing her in her Hogwarts robes or her Quidditch robes, half the time with a streak of mud on her face or a bloody lip. He hadn't seen her all cleaned up like this before, and it was hard to ignore her radiant beauty.

"Cass," he shouted, his voice just above a holler. A few others looked his way, and finally he'd gotten her attention from across the small street. He noted quickly that she was alone, no sign of Julian at her side. That was good, seeing as Finn and Julian weren't exactly the best of friends. He always preferred getting the chance to see Cass alone from her husband. And, while he did wish the best for Cass in her marriage, he didn't mind that she had seemingly come alone tonight. "What might you be dressed up as tonight?" he asked, eyeing her up from head to toe, failing to hide the slight look of surprise that wiped across his face.

((See Finn's costume here.))

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

"Welcome! Yes, welcome!" Cass exclaimed as revelers continued to flow into the large square in the middle of Hogsmeade. It was going to be a long night for the young quidditch player. Not only was it very obvious that her husband was not at her side, but everyone could tell that the young woman was very uncomfortable in the long flowing gown she wore. Cass was on display tonight. The Fallon family was known throughout London as one of St. Mungo's most generous donors, and they held a very large fundraiser every year at Halloween for the hospital. Cass was used to society functions, but never at this magnitude. It seemed that everyone in Britain had shown up to the event, but she couldn't recognize anyone in their costumes. Of course, she didn't want to see anybody really. The one person she wanted to see had decided his work was more important than any social gathering. As the family was leaving for the event, Julian pushed awayher affections as he apparated back to his office. It had hurt Cass considerably. He didn't even acknowledge how pretty she looked in her dress.

The incoming crowd soon thinned out, and Cass was able to melt into the crowd. She acknowledged everyone she could in her attempts to be friendly, but her normal excitement just wasn't there. Just like the character she was trying to mimic, Julian's rebuff had left her a little heartbroken. She had decided to dress as Amata from the wizard fairy tale 'The Fountain of Fair Fortune.' In the story, Amata had been deserted by a man who she had loved dearly. Her heart was later mended by seeking the legendary fountain. There were many artist renderings of the three witches who had left with luckless Knight to cure their problems, but every single one showed Amata in a blue, wispy gown. Madame Malkin had tried to copy the one that Cass preferred as best she could.

"Cass?" She heard a familiar voice question. Cass turned around to see Finn walking towards her in the most ridiculous muggle police uniform she had ever seen! She was able to ignore the queasy feeling in her stomach because she was laughing so hard at the sight of him. "Finn! What are you wearing? Are you supposed to be a policeman?" God, she had missed him! Cass had only seen Finn briefly a few times during the summer. It was somewhat hard for her to see him after her little confession last year. Just seeing him brought all those emotions back. Cass pushed down the gut reaction to give him a hug and a swift kiss on the cheek like she used to last year. She didn't feel it was appropriate anymore. "I decided to go as Amata from that old fairy tale. You know, the one searching for the fountain." She blushed at her childishness. "I used to always daydream about finding that fountain, and I always wondered what it would be like to be one of those witches. So, tonight, I am one of them. I know, stupid, huh?" A warm blush overcame her cheeks as she confessed some of her old daydreams to Finn. "I thought it would be different, and fun."

((The costume is here.))

[Finn Miles H7]

"Hey, at least you can tell what I'm supposed to be, which means I must have done something right," he replied with a smile. And while he wasn't really sure what she was supposed to be until she told him, it didn't change the fact that she looked stunning. "Oh, I see it now," he said, remembering vaguely some of the interpretations he'd seen of the three witches from the fairy-tale that Cass was referring to. "Not stupid at all," he added, reassuring Cass in her costume selection.

"So... um, what brings you to this bender?" he asked. Finn had no clue that she was practically in charge of putting the entire thing together! "I figured there'd be a better turn out," he admitted, rambling on like he sometimes did. Finn was good at keeping a conversation going for the most part. It was just a natural gift, and luckily, it didn't come off as being overly chatty or annoying. "Nobody from the castle would join me. Should have known that, had you still been in school, you'd have come along." He flashed another smile, somewhat nostalgic. It had only been last year that he could spend more time with Cass, and he hadn't realized how much he had missed her friendship 'till now. Of course, he hadn't forgotten the end of the year encounter between he and Cass. It started with her literally jumping on him, or his broom rather, and then confessing her feelings for him an hour or so later. Things between them for the remaining bit of the year weren't exactly peachy.

Finn didn't hold anything against Cass though, and from what he could tell, it seemed that perhaps she too had moved on from their last major interaction. He knew that it couldn't be easy for her though, having shared her feelings so freely. And, had Finn been a bit more open to his own feelings, perhaps he might have been able to admit that he felt something a little stronger than friendship for her. It wasn't love, or at least he'd convinced himself that it wasn't. After all, Finn could never be in love. Not to mention, he wanted Cass to be happy in her marriage. He knew that Julian meant a lot to her, and, even if they had their troubles, deep down he wanted things to work out between them.

"I miss you not being around," he said, finally admitting what had been running through his mind. He hoped it didn't give Cass the wrong impression. Though, what was the right impression that it was supposed to give her? He missed her. That was the truth. "Heard you're playing for the Harpies though." If anything, Finn would be up on his Quidditch knowledge. "Wyatt says they might even give you a starting spot." Why Wyatt would know that was beyond Finn, but his brother was usually the most knowledgeable Miles when it came to such matters. "Congrats."

A few more party-goers showed up and the noise level began to rise as conversations sprung up around the town center. Half of him wished he and Cass could have some alone time. Just the two of them to catch up like the old days when they were on the pitch. Those days seemed much simpler. But they were growing up. Soon enough, Finn would join Cass in the "adult world" leaving Hogwarts behind forever. He couldn't wish it all away that quickly though. There was still time to make the most of it, right? At least Merrick was there for another year. He and Finn had been growing closer as well, and, despite losing Cass from Hogwarts, Finn still had Merrick. The two of them, Merrick and Cass, were such different people though, and Finn liked them both for different reasons.

"Care to take a walk?" he asked. He wasn't sure if the event would soon be starting, but part of him would have rather enjoyed some time with Cass than take part in the event.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

It was just like old times, and nothing had changed. It was as if Cass had never confessed her feelings for Finn, and he had never said he just wanted to be friends. At the time, she had sworn that the feelings were mutual. "Well, this is apparently a Fallon tradition. Julian's family has been sponsoring this event for years. I've been coming to this party forever, and I never knew there was a pureblood tradition behind it." She took a look at all the people that were congregating. "I had thought there would be more people, too. It always seemed to be much bigger than this." Her lips spread in a wide, upward motion. Finn's smile had always been a bit contagious to her. "I can't believe you are here alone. I figured the brother of Wyatt Miles' would have potential dates lining up." She smirked. Why do you have to keep smiling at me like that? You are making it hard enough as it is.

Finn's next statement hit Cass like an unforgivable curse. The words resonated in her head. I miss you not being around. What did that mean? How should she take that? Was that comment even appropriate considering what happened between the two of them? Cass could only stare uncertainly at her feet when he said that. She knew she shouldn't feel this way, but she did, and she couldn't help it. Finn then mentioned the Harpies. God, that was another disappointment. "Yeah, the Harpies were great. I enjoyed being on their team, but they traded me to the Falmouth Falcons a couple of days ago for a new chaser." Finn had known that Cass had dreamed of playing for the Harpies, but he also knew the Falcons were the roughest team in the league. "Gwenog told me that she did it so I could toughen up a bit, but I'm worried. The Falcons aren't known for their sportsmanship skills." Gwenog was the captain of the Harpies.

Cass hesitated on accepting Finn's offer of a walk. Stammering, she said, "I'm not sure if it is appropriate. I -," Cass turned to her head to look at her mother and father in law. They were too busy with their guests. "You know what? To hell with it. Let's go." She nodded her head; motioning towards the path that ran around town. The two of them started to meander away from the crowd. Silence filled the space between them until they were out of earshot of the revelers. It took her a few moments, but she got the gumption to finally say, "I miss having you around, too." Cass bumped Finn playfully with her shoulder. "I know it got weird there at the end of last year, but I swore you fe-...Well, I'm not sure what I was thinking anymore." She stopped for a moment, and then suddenly threw her arms around his neck. "I'm so glad you came tonight! I'm so happy to see you!" She grabbed his hands in hers, and she did a tiny, excited jump. "Since we both came to this party stag tonight, I doubt anyone would notice if we went missing. I've heard the woods around the Shrieking Shack are haunted. Wanna go check them out with me?"

[Finn Miles H7]

"The Falcons?" Finn questioned in protest. They were hardly a better team than the Harpies. For some reason, he just figured Cass fit better with the Harpies. But, if she was meant to toughen up, then the Falcons would surely do the job. "They could use your talent," he said on a more positive note, attempting to at least put the spotlight on Cass, rather than focusing on the trade. "I just don't understand the professional league sometimes," he added with a sigh. The statement was one that he was prepared to leave at that, unless Cass wanted some long drawn out reason for why Finn found their trading system archaic and ineffective. Granted, he'd had many debates with his father and Wyatt over the issue. Finn was a purist though, believing that teams shouldn't have as much freedom to trade. They should make due with what they have, hence the team part of teamwork. If players were getting shifted around left and right, where was the consistency in that? It was another topic for another time though. Finn would rather talk with Cass about more pertinent things. Despite Cass being an avid Quidditch player herself, Finn could talk about the sport any old time, especially at home.

He was a bit surprised at Cass's hesitation at first, but then she agreed to take a walk with him, finding a more private place to be able to talk without the loudness of the crowd. And then she brought up last year, something Finn was afraid she might do. But, it was only a second until Cass seemed to jump right into her normal self, as though nothing had happened. Her arms were around his neck and then her hands in his, more confusing signals that he wasn't quite sure he understood. Part of him wondered what Julian would say if he were watching from a distance. Anybody with half a brain might presume that there was something more between Finn and Cass than just a good friendship. But still, that's what he was convincing himself that it was. Cass was married. She had a husband. And Finn was still adamant in claiming that his feelings were totally platonic. But were they?

He laughed, not completely excited to the level of Cass, but still happy to see her back in her usuall Cass-like state. "The Shrieking Shack, haunted? How much more of a Halloween cliché do you want?" he teased. Cass had mentioned that nobody would know that they went missing, but what if that weren't the case? What if Julian had come tonight? Would she still have wanted to go off ghost hunting with Finn? If Julian had noticed she was missing, what might he have done? Finn couldn't help but ponder these questions in his head.

Instead of agreeing or disagreeing with Cass's idea to go to the Shrieking Shack, Finn basically ignore the suggestion. It wasn't an intention to ignore the idea, but his mind was so focused on other things. He had so many questions that he wanted her to answer. And while he didn't want to ruin the happy moment, he felt that answers were necessary.

"Are you happy with Julian, Cass?" he asked. It was a question of concern, one that he hoped she didn't misinterpret. "Because you should be." He looked at her, trying to read any facial expression she might unintentionally give. "I mean, it's not that you have to be happy. And, if you're not happy, then that's okay too, but then you should fix it." He stopped, hoping he was making sense. "So, if you're not happy, then, you should be happy. And you should do whatever you need to do to make you happy." He felt like he was talking in circles, and he probably was.

Finn let out a sigh. "I'm just confused about you Cass. I'm confused about us. And what we are. I like you a lot, and I want you to be happy. But, I'm not even sure what you want. And I'm not even sure you know what you want. And... and... this is all just really confusing." He laughed, still frustrated but slightly amused by his incoherent babbling. "I feel like we just need to talk about this. We need to be completely honest with each other. Because, we are friends after all. And friends tell each other things. They are honest with each other." He hoped she didn't think he was calling her a liar, because that was not the case at all.

[Cassandra Blackfire G7]

Cass' face fell when Finn became serious. She stopped and balled her fists up at her side. Stiffening at Julian's name was a knee jerk reaction. It hurt. "Why did you have to bring that up that now? Why?" Her voice cracked even though she sounded strong and stubborn. It only took a few seconds for that determination to break. She collapsed on a nearby iron bench that stood like a sentinel along the path. "I've never not been honest with you, Finn. I've maybe not told you everything...," she trailed off a bit. Looking up at the night sky, Cass leaned back on the palms of her hands. She was afraid she would break if she saw the shock of what she was about to say. "The truth, Finn, is that I haven't seen Julian in months." Cass turned to look at him. "I'm pretty much a Fallon now only by association. Julian took off a couple of weeks after graduation. Our flat has been empty since. Pyro has been letting me stay with him at the manor."

Cass stayed silent as she let the revelation sink into Finn. He looked a little dumbfounded. "Don't look so shocked. How could his rich, pure blood parents' not hide their son's disgrace? My mother in law begged me to keep my mouth shut, and I've complied. If I continue to play the happy wife, then they won't tell everyone what happened last Christmas." She swallowed down the memory. "Right now, only we know what happened." More silence. It was as good as a time as any to tell Finn everything. Sitting up, Cass leaned forward. Sitting as un-ladylike as she possibly could, she wrung her hands in her lap. "Julian went a little strange after we got home from the hospital. He would stay up all night pacing and muttering about he couldn't protect his family. I didn't even recognize him at times. Then, I don't know what happened. We went back to school, and he acted like he didn't know me. I would rush up to him in the hallways, and he would turn his back. He wouldn't even acknowledge I was there. It was like we were the quintessential Slytherin and Gryffindor."

More silence. More crickets sounded. Cass guessed that her friend didn't want to interrupt her. "After he left, things just got so busy. I was drafted to the Harpies, and then I got moved to the Falcons. About a week ago, I received an Owl from him. Julian said he didn't know if he was going to come back. I was so lonely and upset, and I wanted to talk to you so badly...," she stopped and bit her lip. "I just couldn't call you after what I said to you last time we saw each other. I really didn't know if I could face you because I knew that all we could be was really good, close friends. I felt like we had missed our chance."

Sighing, but still keeping her composure, she continued, "Now, we practically run into each other at this ridiculous party, "Cass hesitated as she finished her sentence, "I'm wearing this heinous costume, and you are standing right there listening to me pour my heart out to you. You have to go to be the most loyal and understanding person I have ever met. I don't know any guy who would be willing to take this type of abuse." She giggled nervously. "You're my best friend, and I would hate to think we never explored what could have been."

There. She had said it. "It's just that when I'm with you, I'm happy. There is no drama. No sadness. Just light and happiness. I'm just glad to be in your presence. Even now, I want to hug you around the neck, inhale your calm, and pull you off to another adventure." Cass stopped before she got to deep. Even though she was trying to be an open book, she was still guarding that small part of her she had only revealed to Julian. "I just want to be happy, and I'm always happy with you."

Cass nodded her head slightly, and bit her bottom lip. "So, now that I've revealed the 800 pound elephant in the room, aren't you sorry that you asked?" Cass smiled up at Finn knowing that the answer would be no. Even though she wasn't sure how he would receive all this news, it was better for him to know. Cass stood up, and grabbed his hands in hers. "I know none of this will make a difference now, but I promise there will be no more secrets. I understand now how keeping all of this from you was destroying our friendship. I just hope you can forgive me for holding out a little bit of hope, you know, for us." She looked up into his eyes. "I just think we might have been given a second chance."