she's vain.

James frowned promptly at her tone before deciding on the spot, that he was better off keeping his mouth shut. Though of course, that was a feat that was easier said then actually completed. He stared at her for a long moment; taking in her complexion and her stance before turning his body slightly away from her. She wasnt to be trusted– that was for damned sure. “Charming.” James drawled; promptly mocking her tone in response. “A person who talks to strangers in the dead of the night, where anything can happen; really intelligent that plan is.”

emma snorted at the boys words, that’s exactly what he was a boy. her mouth made a ‘tsk’ noise as she fingered her wand in her robe. ‘ anything?? do continue, potter. i don’t play with children. ‘

Amycus took his drink from the bartender, turning his body towards Emma when she opened her mouth to speak. 

emma watched the glass fall and a small laugh slipped from her lips. he was ghostly white and the enjoyment she was getting from his reaction was far too great. she heard him say he didn’t know what she was speaking about, and she shrugged. her father had arranged it, and apparently carrow sr didn’t care if his son knew he was to be wed or not clearly. he called her wrong, and another laugh ripped from her chest. 

She nodded, “messy indeed.” The whole affair had been rather clumsy and perhaps could have been executed  with much more sophistication. Nevertheless, it had served its purpose, striking fear in the hearts of blood traitors and mudbloods alike. Cassia did hope, however, that Death Eater activity would improve it’s strategy for their cause was just. There seemed no need for them to hide like a bunch of petty criminals… Using vandalism and terror tactics was hardly the chivalrous war Cassia had expected.

Emma nodded along with what Cassia said. However, she didn’t wanna speak about the war times. She was neutral, and stood her stance firmly that she wouldn’t fight in a war that is not her own. Why would she risk her lives for people who didn’t care about her, or heaven forbid wanted her dead because she was a witch.

A whole lifetime to get used of that? What the hell was this girl talking about. The comment caught Amycus so off guard that he was unsure of how even to respond to her. His mouth hung open stupidly for a moment before he regained his composure and snapped it shut. “Yeah, in your dreams.” He replied with a smarmy smirk.

Emma watched his reaction, and when made the comment - a laugh escaped her lips. In her dreams, he wasn’t to be her future husband. In reality, he’s her betrothed, and clearly he did not know.

Cassia sighed, taking a sip from her refilled glass; albeit with a little less enthusiasm than she had done earlier. Once again, Emma’s response was restricted, restrained somewhat, and it made her wonder as to why the woman seemed so guarded. Had she always been this way? Cassia couldn’t remember, her recollection of Emma at Hogwarts faded. Perhaps her former housemate had no reason to not be. After all, times such as these provided little opportunity for one to let their guard down.

Emma followed suit with taking a drink from her glass. She wondered for a moment why she was being so short, so sharp and quick. Her first thought was she rarely spoke with anyone from school. The second was that Cassia made her uneasy on some days. She knew what side of the war she was on, while Emma stood in the middle on neither side. 

The woman turned around and revealed herself to him. Ah, it was Emma Vanity blocking the pub entrance. Amycus knew her fairly well from their time together on the Slytherin quidditch team. “Amy?” He asked, his eyebrow arching sharply, “that nickname is not sticking.” 

Emma had rarely seen Amycus after Hogwart’s, and it was amusing due to the fact that they were to marry eventually. A betrothal contract that would put her in a loveless marriage but give her power. She laughed softly at the comment about the nickname, and she couldn’t help her sarcastic comment that slipped out. “You have a whole lifetime with me to get used to it, so start now.”

“I see…” Cassia trailed off, a slight smile on her face as she inspected her glass. Emma never was one for details and it seemed that, in this instance, she proved to be no different. “You, lonely? Never.” Her tone was playful yet sharp. The woman had not quite satisfied Cassia’s question and so she remained curious. She found it difficult to believe that Emma could find herself without sufficient company unless, of course, she did not want it. The thought stuck with Cassia and she began to think that perhaps their meeting was more of a hindrance to her former housemate rather than a help.

Emma watched her friends reaction, and it was only when she made a comment about her never being lonely that a laugh escaped the woman. Emma knew loneliness. Loneliness was her childhood, loneliness was her Hogwarts days and now loneliness resided within the thin walls of her flat that allowed her to listen to each word her neighbors said. No, Emma was lonely. However, sitting with Cassia made the loneliness somehow seem far away and not close enough to touch her. Not close enough to let her think about what the future held and what thoughts she hated to think about. No, loneliness wasn’t attached to Emma right now. 

As a yawn escaped from his mouth, James had officially decided that the night was pretty much over. With a farewell nod to Remus, James tightened his cloak around his chest and began to make his decent home. Thoughts of warm tea and Lily sitting at home made him even more eager to escape the chill and to escape the loudness of celebration– a feeling that didnt come often. So, it was with that, that James wandered through the abandoned and dark streets alone. Eventually though, as the time ticked on, James found himself getting lost within his own mind and it was as another voice broke his thoughts, did he jump slightly.

Emma crossed her arms over her chest at the sight of the man. She vaguely remembered the face, but couldn’t place a name with it. Her tongue flicked out to swipe her lips as she scrutinized the person. She wasn’t sure what she planned to do, she either had the option of speaking, or ignoring him and continuing on her way. However, she decided on the latter. 

Mirroring the actions of the woman beside her, Cassia took a sip of firewhiskey, wincing slightly as she swallowed. It had been a while since the brunette had drank the lethal liquor, although, no matter how many times she drank firewhiskey, she simply could never get accustomed to the fiery trail it left as it slid down her throat. Setting the glass down onto the counter, Cassia met Emma’s gaze. “That is good to hear,” she commented, resting her hand against the now empty tumbler before nodding. “I have indeed, the odd hurdle here and there but nevertheless I am well.” 

Emma laughed softly at the sight of Cassia wincing. She thought the alcohol was smooth, no matter how much it made her throat burn and convulse from the intrusion. The brunettes head nodded automatically to the womans words. Her head turned to listen to her continue to speak. She wasn’t sure what brought her into the shabby place. Maybe it was to get away, or maybe it was because she had begun to get lonely staying home all the time. No matter what, she was out. 

Cassia frowned as Emma’s eyes lingered about her shoulders as if to make it clear she disapproved of the brunette’s choice to leave home without a cloak. She did not like to think the other woman thought her stupid, no matter how small and insignificant the reason. Thinking better than to press the topic further, Cassia feigned a smile, sighing lightly in an attempt to shake off the minor slight. “I would hate to keep you waiting,” the brunette spoke nonchalantly, more out of politeness than anything else. 

Emma made her way to the bar and easily slid into the seat. Her eyes looked up as if to signal the bartender, but Cassia had already ordered their drinks and they were quickly placed in front of the two women.  She immediately took a drink of the amber liquid that burned her throat before turning her attention back to her friend. 

Emma frowned slightly upon seeing Amycus, however, it was quickly replaced with a small smile. “I might just hover here, seems fun to keep you from entering, dear Amy.”

Having greatly misjudged the weather, Cassia wrapped bare arms across her chest as the wind knifed at her porcelain skin. She frowned, glancing up at the sky which now appeared dark in patches and scattered with cloud. Rain. Rain was inevitable and there was no chance the brunette would risk getting caught in it and so, with hurried footsteps, Cassia found herself in seek of temporary refuge.

Emma hadn’t intended to bump into anyone she personally knew. The brunette however was a bit happier to know that it was just Cassia and not any other former Slytherin she’d rather avoid for the rest of her life. Her eyes automatically scanned the other woman, and a small noise escaped her throat at the lack of a cloak Miss. Avery clearly did not have. She would be the one to not think of wearing a cloak on a day that rain was clearly bound to fall.