A Respite Revisited [Caitlin]

[Sam Kelley]

Left, right, left right, left right... The footfalls of the Gryffindor boy fell hushed and steady on the well trodden path around the lake. He was working on his second lap of the irregular shaped track that was easily over two kilometers in length, but such distances were nothing new to the life long athlete that now found himself training twice daily as a member of the Order of Light. This work out, generally the lighter of the two, was his standard way of drawing his working days to a close. Surely there would be the standard playing and socializing that the Gryffindor common room had to offer, but this would mark the last bit of actual effort he would expend this day.

To Sam’s approval, those morning workouts with D’rorah weren’t all as grueling as the first one had been those weeks prior, or at least the running portion wasn’t. Sure, they pair would still push each other and have their marathon sessions on occasion, but such battles of raw will were generally spared in the interest of focusing more on combat training. His innate athleticism had found a proper niche with his Ravenclaw taskmaster and provided an excellent foundation for the swordcraft she beat into him. It wasn’t at all odd for the boy to leave their sessions sore, bruised, or even bloodied, but never once had he allowed himself to complain or show her an ounce of weakness over it. D’rorah challenged his competitive spirit as well as those alpha male tendencies that defined the boy and he would sooner die than permit her the satisfaction of him asking for mercy. There were those days that he would fall to her in their foot race and even more where she would abuse him for the benefit of his training, but never did he whimper or beg for the pain to stop.

Defiant as ever the lad kicked through the closing leg of the lap, his eyes now falling upon his destination, that same familiar spot beneath the yew tree at the waters edge where he would collapse and recover from his exertion. A smile instantly came to Sam’s lips as his trained seeker eyes detected the presence of a lone individual sitting around the spot in question. It had been over a week since he had spent the evening relaxing with a particular Hufflepuff girl there and even the possibility of this visitor being her excited the lad. Each day he had looked toward the place with expectant eyes and each day it had been unoccupied, yet he refused to allow himself to be disappointed, remembering her promise to return when she was able. Never before her had he hoped for a companion in that winding down phase of his day, but then never before had he found a person who’s presence failed to sully his appreciation for the time. There was something about this girl that entwined with the serenity of the setting and just seemed to fit both him and the lake that their presence paid homage to.

A second wind came to the Gryffindor as he neared the still unidentifiable figure. As if unburdened by the strenuous activity, the boys stride refreshed itself and his chest puffed out a bit, his body subconsciously posing for her much like an animal in the wild trying to attract a female of the species. He fancied the older girl, that much was probably more than apparent, but he thought little to the covertness or overtness of the truth, Sam Kelley wasn’t one to feel apologetic for being himself.

A minute later his suspicions were confirmed when the resting girl became identifiable in his gaze, forcing that expectant smile to widen. In perfect form that betrayed what his wracked body truly felt under the condition, he finished the run strongly and glided to a smooth stop before collapsing in a heap at her side. The sweaty mess of a Gryffindor didn’t force himself too far into her personal space, leaving a few inches between them as she had in their first encounter.

His breath was ragged and he was covered in sweat as usual, his shorts and t-shirt clinging to his body and soaking through in multiple places. His legs bent before him and his knees pointed skyward. With chest heaving and breath still coming in gasps, the boy turned to look at the Hufflepuff, his right cheek laying heavy upon the lush grass below. ”I was hoping you’d decide to join me sooner rather than later,” he managed in between breaths. Putting obvious effort to the task, Sam offered the best charming and boyish smile he could muster despite the tightness that gripped his chest.

[Caitlin Collins]

Since meeting Sam that first time sometime last week, Caitlin had not been doing too well. Having felt the death of another Elemental Master, she had not yet told anyone – it seemed a little pointless. They did not know his identity, he had never been found. He was just another victim of this war that kept waging on. [yellow]Just another victim...[/yellow] The thought came out derisively in Cait's head as she made her way out of the Hufflepuff common room and up the steps into the entrance hall. He wasn't just another victim – no one was "just another victim". They were all losses to their family, friends – even those they didn't like would notice their missing presence. Yet here she was trivialising it – "just another" indeed.

A slight scowl on her face, she made her way out through the doors, a little surprised to feel her stomach rumbling as she did so. She really hadn't eaten a lot the last couple of days – even less than usual – and it seemed that, for once, her stomach was complaining. She'd have to make sure to head down to the kitchens before going back to the common room later and take advantage of this sudden hunger to actually eat something decent. She was well aware that her eating habits were not good for her in the slightest, but without any appetite it was difficult to draw up the will to do anything about it.

As she approached the side of the lake where she had met him the other day, she saw a figure running in the distance. Since he was still far enough away to not be nearing anytime soon, she took a few steps closer to the lake and dipped her hand in the water, swirling it about gently with her fingers. She didn't use her elemental powers, as much as she wanted to – there were far too many people taking advantage of the pleasant weather going about their business outside to risk it. After a few minutes of absorbing the calming feel, she sat back on the grass feeling in a much better mood than she had been when she first left the castle.

She watched quietly as he approached, even managing what might be described as a genuine smile when he finally neared enough that he would see her face. His smooth finish was ruined slightly by his following collapse, but the action kept the smile on her face for a few seconds longer before fading to a nevertheless pleasant, if slightly neutral, expression. She ducked her head slightly at his comment, not looking at him and therefore missing the pointed grin aimed at her. [yellow]"Sorry... I..."[/yellow] She paused, not sure what to say. The main excuse that came to mind was related to the death of an Elemental Master – the topic that had been on her mind all week and preventing her from getting much work done anyway – which she could hardly give as reasoning. And she really didn't like lying. [yellow]"I've been busy..."[/yellow] There, not technically a lie. She had been busy, just not on the schoolwork and actual work she had mentioned to him last week.

[Sam Kelley]

The Gryffindor athlete continued to bring the heaving of his chest under control as he laid there with his gaze focused on the girl to his immediate right. Unlike others, he paid no mind to the bits of grass and whatever else he probably breathed in through his panting mouth from where his cheek laid on the lush lawn. Sam was a stereotypical boy in most regards and playing outside was definitely something that he had yet to grow out of, the lad didn’t mind getting a bit of dirt under his fingernails in the name of amusement, recreation, or a person goal achieved.

”No, hey...” he remarked tilting his head against the grass to try and catch her downcast gaze. That smile remained on his face as he watched the girl that had managed to draw his interest so easily. ”No apologies. This bloke is just glad you came back for another go. I had looked for you each day since the last time.” Even now it sounded a bit off in Sam’s ear, to acknowledge that he had started to look forward to sharing this previously cherished private time, but it was something that he had little control over. The very reason that he separated himself from others previously during this time was due to how they sullied the serenity he felt at the waters edge and Caitlin not only failed to ruin this time but seemed to improve it. She was a calming presence to the normally hurried and reactionary mind of the Gryffindor.

With a deep breath, Sam looked skyward. He brought his arms up, slipping his open hands behind his head and clasping them there, paying no mind to his elbow that closed the space between them, almost brushing against his companion. He flipped a bit of sweat soaked hair away from his forehead and allowed his eyes to focus on the darkening sky. ”It’s been a hell of a week here. I’ve been waking up a doing a pretty harsh workout and sneaking some tutoring in before classes. Then I come here in the evenings and am about dead to rights after that. Even the blokes in the common room are starting to hassle me for nodding off so early and missing out on the night games.” Sam paid little mind to how easily it was for him to relate the events of his hectic days to the girl, it just seemed right in the setting. He also didn’t give a second thought to possible confusion to the mention of night games, he assumed that Hufflepuffs were just as restless and playful as his ilk when it came to those hours that they were confined, or supposedly confined, to common rooms and dormitories.

His breath now dropped to a more natural cadence and the frantic rising of his chest no longer fought against his wishes to relax against the soft mattress of grass below. ”What about you, Caity? Anything major going on with you?” That calm she instilled in the lad allowed his attention to remain above as he spoke, making that effort that had previous put into bringing charm to bear fade for at least the time being. It was easy to relax and talk to her, he didn’t have to dress it up and try. Had the boy stopped to consider this ease and those dark truths that he had recently learned of the realities of the wizarding world, it very well may have alarmed him; however, no such concerns seemed to penetrate the calm that surrounded them.

[Caitlin Collins]

Cait glanced back up at Sam as she noticed him tilting his head and at his reassuring words. His last sentence made her revert her gaze back down again, not quite sure how to react and feeling a little guilty again that she hadn't come earlier. Sure, she had been doing work and schoolwork like she had said, but not to the extent that it would have prevented her coming down to talk to him. For a fair amount of the past week she had been just lying on her bed, trying to make a decision on whether to tell anybody about the newest death. It had meant she'd actually been quite behind on her homework when she got round to it, especially since it had been quite busy at Gladrag's this week meaning she couldn't do any of it there as she normally did. Even though it hadn't been an intentional lie at the time, she still felt guilty for maintaining the pretence.

Finally risking a glance back at him, she saw that his gaze was now fixated on the sky. He seemed quite content lying there on the grass and catching his breath – a task he seemed to be going about with quite some expediency, really, considering how far it appeared he had run. She listened quietly as he spoke about his week, wondering for a moment at the phrase 'night games' before remembering when she had first arrived, various non-sleeping things took place at night due to the curfew. She hadn't really paid much attention to them though – even if she did want distractions that would prevent her sleeping and having nightmares, such antics were not particularly appealing to her and she had let them be, ignoring them for the most part and either reading or pretending to be asleep... preferably the former, since she tended to actually fall asleep while pretending.

[yellow]"Tutoring? What for? And... who does tutoring?"[/yellow] she inquired, having never heard of anyone else being tutored at Hogwarts before. It might have been useful for her when she first started getting her act together with schoolwork and the like when she was so behind, although now she was working so hard to simply distract herself that she was actually managing to get almost back to normal on that matter. It might be useful to know in the future though. [yellow]For whenever the next person dies...[/yellow]

A slight frown on her face, she chased the thought away, turning back hurriedly to Sam as she heard him speaking again, pausing for a few seconds afterwards to process fully what he had said. [yellow]"Um, no... not really. Same as before really. Work, school...."[/yellow] Again, she disliked lying to him, but there wasn't really any other option. She could hardly spill out all her fears and grief – even if she did possess the want to do such a thing, it would be impossible. Everything was so secretive and confusing nowadays... She let out a sigh, not really aware she was doing so. Had she been, she might have worried a little at how much she was displaying her feelings to Sam more than she would do usually. It still wasn't a lot, but there was a significant change to her constant hiding away from people. Seeing how comfortable he looked lying there, Caity did similarly, resting her head on the grass beside him and looking up at the sky. Her eyes were immediately drawn to a few clouds in the distance, but other than that it was quite clear.

[Sam Kelley]

It was amazing how fast the light of dusk could fade across the Scottish countryside sometimes. The sun had slipped below the horizon during Sam’s last trip around the large lake and now it seemed as though night was settling in above them. It wasn’t fully dark yet, but even the least observant of eyes could see the stars growing more visible by the second. A cloud bank seemed to be rolling in from the south at the edge of the boy’s vision and no stars appeared through it. Surely it would be upon them soon and obscure the sight above that Sam was currently appreciating, but he would enjoy it while it lasted.

If asked to describe the feeling that now coursed through his body and mind, the best word that the Gryffindor could come up with would be weightless. He felt as if he were floating there on the grass with his companion without a care in the world. Endorphins from the demanding workout still filled him and he was completely centered and at ease. As always, the lake seemed to impart it’s placid peacefulness onto the lad that paid homage to it with his daily visits, but there was another piece to that puzzle that was illustrated clearly enough as he acknowledged that the days with Caitlin here to share this time were more pleasing than those without.

Even as she offered her inquiry on a topic that he should’ve been more protective over his eyes remained docilely above. ”It’s just some history work with this Ravenclaw girl named D’rorah that lives in the library. I’m just not good at all when it comes to stuff that can’t keep my attention with wandwork. I’m really not dumb, promise, I’m just not wired like my brother, ya know?” With the return question offered, Sam’s expression remain constant, not even acknowledging the fact that he had said more than he should’ve. If quizzed on the situation later, the boy wouldn’t be able to explain it, the girl just had a way of relaxing him without trying and taking him off his usual guard. Granted, he had still found the practiced lie to offer up to justify the tutoring, but it was not conscious deception that now commanded his discretion.

The first wisps of cloud rolled in above and cast a gossamer film over those stars that had held his gaze, prompting the Gryffindor to again lay his cheek against the grass to glance at the girl. Oddly enough she turned to him at the same moment and he could’ve sworn that he caught a glimpse of a frown in her lips. ”You sure? I can just shut up and listen if you need to get something off your chest.” The boy almost said more, but promptly bit his lip, opting not to voice his thoughts that she was holding back. He liked this girl and the last thing he wanted to do was to put her on the defensive by essentially calling her out. For a few moments he just watched her, not redirecting his gaze even when she again looked skyward. ”I guess what I’m saying is that I’m interested and that I’ll keep your secrets if you keep mine. What do you say, Caity Collins? Pinky swear?” he asked with a boyish smile just before he reached out in her direction. He didn’t make contact with the girl, but his hand was easily within her reach with an outstretched pinky finger, the fingernails of his other digits gently resting against the inside of his thumb.

[Caitlin Collins]

As Caity stared up at the sky, she saw that the sun was beginning to set already. Perhaps she should have come out a little earlier – it seemed they wouldn't have much time to talk again. Still, it wasn't quite dark enough yet to warrant going inside just yet, so she stayed where she was, watching as the stars began to come out and keeping an eye on the clouds approaching. They looked heavy enough that if it did start raining she probably wouldn't be able to justify staying outside as it poured as might be possible in light drizzle.

She blinked at the mention of D'rorah, turning her head to look at him with a slight expression of confusion. D'rorah did tutoring? Since when? She'd always given the impression of being really busy... [yellow]"D'rorah? Really? I didn't know she did tutoring... She always seems really busy with... other stuff,"[/yellow] she finished vaguely, having realised mid-sentence that 'researching the Shadow Wars' was probably a little too conspicuous. She wondered for a second when he mentioned his brother as well... had he somehow been dragged in as well? That was two people he knew irrevocably involved in this war... was it just coincidence?

She prevented the frown from reforming when he questioned if she was sure, somehow wishing that she could actually tell this Gryffindor what was the matter... but no, that was out of the question. She held his gaze for a few moments before looking away, no trace of her previous smile on her face. [yellow]"I... my secrets aren't mine to tell,"[/yellow] she said shortly, staring determinedly up at the sky as she spoke, forcing herself not to look at him and to keep some semblance of neutrality on her face. She didn't want to lie to him, but she couldn't really say any more than that... [yellow]"Sorry..."[/yellow]

[Sam Kelley]

Those liquid blue eyes remained on the questionable sky that approached and the stars that sparked within as the girl questioned him again. His ears took in her words and his mind processed them, yet he paused in his answer, opting to contemplate the weather. By visual examination alone, it appeared the rain was in the forecast and where that might bother some, Sam was quite alright with the prospect. In fact, his favorite weather was stormy weather, followed closely by the calm before the storm. The acts of nature’s wrath had always fascinated the youth even as a small child. As much as the crash of thunder may have inspired a bit of fear in him those years ago, he had never quite been able to pull himself away from the spectacle. Over time that fear faded and only pure appreciation for the furies of the sky remained. In truth, should it start raining here, Sam would be just as comfortable sitting in the precipitation and enjoying it than running for the sanctuary of shelter. Of course, he didn’t know Caitlin’s thoughts on the topic, but if she wasn’t expressing alarm, then neither would he.

He nodded a bit up to the looming sky. ”Yeah, she’s always keeping herself occupied with that...stuff...but she makes time for me.” Immediately on the heels of this statement, the Gryffindors head cocked to the side curiously and he turned his attention to her with a slight furrow in his brow. In standard form, his mind had jumped a track to a parallel tangent and he immediately addressed it without a transition of any sort of giving him companion a chance to address his previous words. ”So you know Bryan and Dee?” he fired off instantly without granting the question much consideration or the way that he had associated the two names together. Again that unexplainable and uncanny rapport between the pair struck through his defenses, but again he remained unaware for a reason that if inquired upon later he wouldn’t be able to explain.

The offered hand and amusing gesture it carried digressed and fell lightly against the small expanse of grass that separated the pair, but again an eyebrow arched in her direction; her choice of words combined with her earlier confirmed familiarity with his brother and D’rorah now aroused a bit of suspicion within the lad. He certainly wasn’t about to directly ask her of allegiance, but for the first time he found himself pondering over the fact that he may very well have stumbled over a fellow Lightfighter in this girl that he crushed on and found an unexplainable ability to relax with.

”I think I know what you mean,” he said simply, his curious eyes not leaving the cheek that she continued to offer him. Of course, the statement could be taken a number of ways. Perhaps he meant it rhetorically, that he understood the predicament, or that he understood having a truth that was simply unfit for another’s ears no matter how you thought of them, but then there was certainly a third option as well. Sam motionlessly shook the thoughts from his mind, not wanting to create a situation that may very well not exist for his own selfish reason of hoping he and Caitlin shared an association greater than two friendly people that just met at the lake from time to time. His experience in the Order of Light thus far had been a limited one, the only people that he knew of the organization being Bryan, D’rorah, and Wysteria. Of course there were others, as evident in the doors and chairs in the Room of Requirement, but even in his current relaxed state of mind and his desire to feel that camaraderie that he was accustomed to in other teams that he was a part of, Sam knew that there was a definite line here not to be crossed without a degree of certainty.

Instead of toiling over it any longer, the boy opted for a safe solution, an offering of understanding that would either allow the topic to die or two allow it to progress further with her response. ”I definitely get it and I’m not insulted or anything, so you don’t owe me an apology. There are always elements to considered when it comes to secrets, I can accept that.” He continued to watch that cheek of hers closely, his eyes curious to see if a reaction was inspired, as his use of the word elements in conjunction with everything else said here was no coincidence.

[Caitlin Collins]

Caity blinked yet again in confusion as Sam alluded to knowing about "that stuff" D'rorah was always busy with, without actually mentioning what it was. Perhaps he was just one of those people who didn't like admitting not knowing things, and so bluffed as if he did though. He didn't really seem like the sort of person to do that though... He also avoided answering her other questions regarding the tutoring, moving onto asking if she knew Bryan and Dee. That hardly helped in alleviating her suspicion; he seemed to be linking the two together. Perhaps there was a simple explanation, but Cait was suddenly slightly wary although she tried to prevent it from showing on her face.

[yellow]"Yeah, I do. I know Dee better than Bryan though... only talked to him a few times."[/yellow] She had hardly been receptive to him when he joined the group, especially after he drew that picture of her and Mallan, and D'rorah was generally a little too aloof to encourage just going up and engaging her in idle chatter. [yellow]"Neither of them particularly well... but yes, I know them."[/yellow]

She kept her gaze staring up at the sky, feeling Sam's gaze on her but pondering what he meant when he agreed that he knew what she was talking about. Was he hinting that he knew about the Shadow Wars? Or was it all just innocuous? Or, as much as she hated to consider it, was he one of the Mage's servants trying to fish for information? Her gut told her no immediately... but then, her gut also liked to think the best of everyone, however much they'd proven that it shouldn't.

Finally he spoke again and her head swivelled to face him at the mention of elements. Again, it could be a coincidence, but somehow she thought not. There was a definite edge of wariness to her expression now as she considered his words. She nodded slowly, unsure whether she should let the subject drop or pursue it further. Or... she could just leave it and ask D'rorah. If Sam was being 'tutored' by her and he was involved in the Shadow Wars, then most likely his 'tutoring' was not of the typical variety. And if his tutoring was just normal then D'rorah could confirm that, and if he had just made it up... well, that would most likely reveal him to be one of the Mage's servants.

Turning her face again to the sky, she jumped a little in surprise when a raindrop hit her cheek and saw that the clouds were now right above them, leering down ominously. She noticed it was beginning to get darker and leant up, looking over towards the forest. The rain itself would have been nice, but with the clouds effectively blocking out all the sun that was left they really shouldn't stay out here any longer. [yellow]"I think we should carry on talking inside..."[/yellow] she commented, continuing to watch the forest as she stood up and offered her hand down to Sam.

[Sam Kelley]

The thing that Sam had come to appreciate quickly in Caitlin was the very same thing that had lead to the current topic, her uncanny and effortless ability to relax him. The lake had always been a source of peace in the wake of the torture he sometimes inflicted on his body, but the addition of her to the scenario had magnified the feeling. Never before had someone had such a stark effect on the boy, not even the brother that he loved dearly held claim to that mantle, it was as if there was another force at work in the rapport that flowed so freely and fluidly between he and the Hufflepuff. It wasn’t something as silly as a schoolboy’s crush, even though he certainly had a good bit of that within him for this girl; it remained easy to see that it was more than that. In typical teenage boy fashion, there were a few girls that had brought a smile to his face, but no one had ever drawn such a connection. It was as if something greater than himself demanded he seem out her attention.

Despite that unparalleled calmness and serenity that Caitlin usually imparted on the Gryffindor, the atmosphere around them was now anything but serene. The tension weighed heavy on both the tones they both took in their deliberate replies and the way that they looked at each other; or more specifically the way that Sam found himself unable to look away from his friend and the way that she deliberately avoided his gaze. It wasn’t that the boy was overly concerned about Caitlin, he would’ve been willing to bank everything on the fact that she was one of the good ones. For the boy that led with his heart in most all aspects of his life, it was important that his gut feeling on this was right. From that first day there had been something about her and even now as the weather grew harsher between them, both figuratively and literally, he was willing to hold fast to his belief and go down with that ship should it begin to sink.

As the utterance of the word elements passed his lips, it was immediately apparent that it had the desired effect, most illustrated by the fact that it punched through that stalwart gaze and forced her to look at him once again. His head tilted a bit to the side and an eyebrow raised while his eyes analyzed her intently, the watery blue orbs doing nothing to disguise the act. Sam felt as though the grass had turned to needles and pins beneath him in those seconds that the pair locked gazes under the sky that was steadily paving way for the incoming maelstrom.

Neither dared speak in that shared moment of consideration and it was quite likely that the silence would’ve continued indefinitely had it not been for the first few sprinkles of rain that granted a needed distraction, or a reprieve depending on how one viewed it. Sam only nodded at her suggestion while his eyes noted the way that hers moved toward the dark forest before following suit. There was nothing noteworthy about what he saw, but he couldn’t help but think back on the tales of the darkness that lurked there and how it pertained to his new alliance, and Caitlin’s alliance as he was now beginning to suspect. Not a word need be spoken, the darkening sky and the way the girl looked to the forest saying everything he needed to hear.

Without removing his gaze from the tree line that they both now watched, the Gryffindor reached out and gripped Caitlin’s hand. In that moment that skin contacted skin for the first time since the the bitter realization that the girl had felt at the end of their last meeting, something happened. A shock shot through Sam’s entire body, starting in his toes and coursing upward until it electrified his reactionary mind. The sensation interrupted his movement to stand, instead ripping his gaze from the forest and focusing it on his companion. With all concerns of the looming storm and forbidden forest torn asunder, he stared up at the Hufflepuff with eyes widening more by the second. His hand tensed up around her smaller one and his expression begged for an explanation of those things that now instantly began to flood his mind. Had he had the capability to speak in that moment, Sam would’ve asked the girl what she was doing. It wasn’t an unpleasant sensation, but it was certainly unexpected and confusing to feel another personality, another mind entwining with his own.

[Caitlin Collins]

Vaguely seeing Sam's attention turn back towards the forest as well, Caitlin was not paying much attention to him as he reached up to grab her hand. She had her suspicions now that he was somewhat involved in the Shadow Wars, but any inkling that he might be a missing Elemental Master had not crossed her mind. So when he took her hand and the shocking sensation ran through her body as their minds began to link, she gasped out loud as the knowledge suddenly came to her. She recognised that feeling, she knew what it was... Eyes wide, she tried to pull away but his hand tightened around hers and she sank to the ground instead as she felt the memories start to pull out of her and display before both their minds. It started the same as it had with Mallan; the same sequence of memories that had been shown to him...

The Hogwarts letter; her astonishment at finding out that magic was real. Then the choice she’d had to face – go with her family to India, or go to Hogwarts alone while they travelled to the other side of the world. How she’d been torn, before her parents made the decision easy for her. She didn’t have to choose between magic and her family – she could simply learn magic in India.

India... It was fantastic... The culture, the languages, the people, the magic! Caity remembered how the Asian country had suddenly become her home. Sure, she might be a British citizen, she might have family back in England, but she belonged in India. It was all so beautiful...

The homesickness that had faded since she had arrived at Hogwarts caught her unawares, blossoming into a deep pain inside of her. She missed her friends; she missed her tutor; she missed the summer heat beating down upon her during the day, and the cool night air whipping through her hair as they rode on a magic carpet; the thrill of flying invisible over everyone sleeping.

Then the memories started fast-forwarding very quickly over her short time at Hogwarts; meeting various people and getting used to the new style of teaching. Her surprise appointment as prefect, then shortly after being drawn to the elemental light in Hogsmeade that D'rorah had summoned. Confusion at what was going on, then the talk in the library that led to the meeting in the Room of Requirement. The revelation of Gat being her Elemental Master... and a servant of the Mage. Mallan offering to bond with her... going through this whole process with him, then seeing him throw up afterwards... the first sign that bonding with two people was not a good idea. Already the vivid memories of him had produced tears that dropped down her cheeks and provided little comfort as water usually did. Not wanting to feel any more, not wanting to remember her time with him before he was ripped away, she pushed the thoughts away and instead found herself absorbed in Sam's memories.

[Sam Kelley]

It was not the urge to prevent the girl’s withdraw that had prompted Sam’s hand to clamp down on Caity’s, but the knee jerk reaction of feeling a shock through his entire system. Even as the first images began to play, his toes still curled tightly inside of the worn running shoes and he found himself rigid and grasping wildly for an explanation of what he was experiencing. Unlike his companion, he did not have the benefit of prior experience or knowledge of the shard that dwelled within him to grant understanding of the process. Instead, Sam braced himself against the torrent of images and emotions. His eyes plead to the girl for an explanation, his expression as a whole resembling that of a deer caught in headlights, it might be fair to say that he looked like a clueless and helpless victim as he struggled to wrap his mind around what he now felt.

That wish that he had expressed to get to know more of the girl had been offered up in their first meeting with the assumption that it would be a lengthy endeavor. In just a few short seconds he not only knew of multiple key events in the girl’s life, but also how she truly felt about them and how they affected her path. The shock and desperation in his face vanished instantly as the more recent memories played. He saw it all...her recruitment into the Order, the betrayal by his predecessor, her first bonding, and the love she felt for Mallan and subsequent agony over his loss. It was all so overwhelming to the Gryffindor, yet his hand remained around hers, completely unconscious of how her fingers began to redden as his death grip impeded the flow of blood.

The newest Elemental Master found himself instantly aware of the tears that fell down her cheeks even before they were visible, the epiphany of his destiny awakening that dormant power within. Though his mind was far too busy to realize it at this point in time, even the way that the boy regarded the serene waters of the lake had changed, he was now acutely aware of every nuance of its ebb and flow. A pang of guilt stirred within Sam, guilt over forcing her to relive tragedy and a desire to offer some sort of comfort against what he knew she couldn’t possible want to have to watch again. Unable to muster any other action before the next wave of memories gushed forth from himself, the Gryffindor reached out and laid his free left hand on her shoulder in an attempt to offer what empathy and apology he could in all of this.

Just as facets of Caitlin’s past had poured through the newly established link, Sam’s quickly followed suit. The first images were of childhood as part of the Kelley clan. From an early age the boy had been one on a family of many children, the three Kelley siblings option to essentially merged their families into one as far as the children went. There was that great amount of love and security that permeated his home life from being surrounded by so many, but there also came that accompanying sadness that reared it’s head at times. The vast majority of his impression of his family was positive, but with so many there were times when alienation took place. With so many children, it wasn’t difficult to be lost in the crowd and almost invisible on occasion. In fact, Sam instantly felt guilty that he had allowed such a silly thing to plague him, in contrast to the rough road he had watched Caitlin travel.

The next thought was of those sports and general gamesmanship and competition that the boy loved so much. He had been initially been drawn to sports by an innocent love that still resided in him today. Sure, being the most active athlete of the group did wonders to address that inadequacy that sometimes being lost in the crowd brought to him, but never had he opted to remain active in a sport simply for attention purposes. The outgoing and athletic Sam Kelley that the world saw was actually him, he was not fulfilling his parents dream or allowing them to live vicariously through his accomplishments.

Again the vignette changed and again focused on family, only further on in the boy’s life to where the children had all reached school age. With so many brother and sister figures attending school at once, Sam had always found himself a bit busy as the obvious alpha protector of the group. There were countless times in his school days that the lad had stood up for those he cared for and gotten into altercations with those that cause problems. He was the self promoted protector of the clan of students and took the job seriously. Of course, it was this protection that had brought him into the Order of Light, yet for the time being his thoughts did not drift so far forward.

[Caitlin Collins]

Caity felt herself drop to her knees as the images and feelings whirled around inside her like a tornado ripping its way mercilessly through a building in the way. There was no protection she could put up that would be good enough to stop it all barrelling its way through her mind, which it did ruthlessly with no thought to how it might be affecting her. More tears fell from her face despite having moved on to Sam's memories, as she came to the realisation that the nice Gryffindor she had met only last week was now inextricably involved in this war with no way to get out. Sure, D'rorah might say that they didn't have to fight if they didn't want to, but really that wasn't an option. All the shadow warriors and elemental masters were needed to defeat Dark Phoenix, and if she was not defeated then none of them would survive. Whether he had been involved before or not, now he was as much subject to the threat of dying as any of them. Her fingers clutched at his now, knowing that pulling away would do nothing and trying to fight for some sort of support, vaguely feeling his guilt but unable to really process it enough yet to tell him it wasn't his fault.

His memories helped a little, calming her as she found herself meandering through his childhood. His had been just as normal as he'd described it before, surrounded by siblings and cousins and sometimes feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of family. She could feel how overwhelmed and overlooked he had felt sometimes, but how he had still felt loved and secure in his home environment. She clenched his hand tighter when she felt the guilt seep through again, trying to reassure him even as his memories moved on.

He had found his love of sports early and his feelings towards them made Caity understand just why he spent his evenings running around the lake just as she understood the protectiveness he felt of his family, although that at least was easier to get her head around without the link forming between them being there. Another stray memory of hers came floating back to the surface of the way her relationship with one of her brothers was severely strained because of his jealousy at her having magic and how his views on life were just so different to hers. Then it skipped to the many arguments with her parents, including the most recent one where they had kept her from returning to Hogwarts and banned all magic-related items in an effort to protect her...

Her mind skipped back again to before that had happened, and the reasoning behind it. How she had felt upon hearing that Mallan was going to China, to some training place that several of the other lightfighters had been to already. He had promised to come back soon... he had promised! People weren't supposed to break promises! The frantic thoughts continued to whir around as more tears fell and finally, despite Cait's best efforts to avoid it, the memory of that day came up. She had been at breakfast, had an owl land at her table and opened the letter... The words in it that still haunted her. We regret to inform you..." They echoed in her head, and presumably Sam's as well, as if she was just reading them for the first time and she relieved that dread, the sick feeling in her stomach as she made her way from the Great Hall and up to somewhere private – the Room of Requirement, that would do. Entering her conjured bedroom from India, finally continuing reading, having her dread multiply tenfold then a hundredfold as she read on, not reaching the end before dropping it and beginning to crumble. Calling out to him in her head, searching for that mental connection in an effort to deny the news that had come... that he was dead... that he had somehow, for some reason, killed himself.

After what seemed an eternity Dylan arrived, although she did not realise it was him at first so caught up in the beginnings of grief, and he attempted to comfort her. The room changing several times as she cried in his arms, finally ending in the room which Zee had tortured him in... the visualisation from the book's point of view of Mallan's last moments, the terror at what was going to happen next, and finally the return to her bedroom in India where she had fallen asleep exhausted.

Days began to merge together in quick succession as her descent continued, her eating slowed, her nightmares began, her vegetarianism started. Still she couldn't get over it, trying to decipher the words in the book he had given her and what possible reason he had had for doing such a thing. The many images in her head of the moment sprang up, making her feel sick again as the knife plunged through the head of the Gryffindor she had loved, the imagination which had once served her stories supplying endless torture as she tried to sleep at night, or when she was losing her attention in class, or just wandering the corridors looking for something, anything.

A few moments stood out clearly despite the general feel of life passing her by. The day she had felt Gat's death in Defence and gone out of the class feeling ill. Zee had come across her, carried her to the kitchens where they had began to argue. She had tried to explain her feelings on the matter, explain why it didn't matter that Gat had been on the losing side because his death was still a loss; he was still just as human as they were. But to no avail; she was naive to him, not useful to the cause of the lightfighters because she didn't want to fight. But she didn't understand how anybody could actually want to fight – she was simply taking part because she knew they needed her, she knew that there was no other option. But she still didn't want to fight.

Her thoughts moved in quick succession through the other lightfighters and her interaction with them following her return from her parents' having explained to them some of the situation, and having finally escaped their ban on all things magical... Alessandro, falling from the tower and bursting into flame. Keaira, also thinking her naive and speaking to her in such a lifeless yet critical voice as she tried to hold herself together following Alessandro's apparent death. D'rorah trying to reassure her that she could still be a part of this war without fighting, but not convincing her particularly. The visions she had gotten of Alessandro and the constant flames and the memory that had arisen from that telling her how she wasn't technically wasn't muggleborn... her great-grandmother had not only been a witch, but a Shadow Warrior also. Going to Wysteria and asking about them, feeling nervous not about what she was, but that she was going to be told she was insane because of the visions. Bryan's replacement of Mallan and the drawing he had somehow done of her and him together that time Mallan had taken her flying... her hostile nature towards him and the guilt she had felt afterwards, but she still could not help but avoid him even now. Seeing Susan's hands get crushed in transfiguration, hearing that she was leaving and finally relieving her of her powers...

Eventually the most recent important event came to mind; at the lake only a week ago with Sam, feeling peaceful and at ease, standing up to go but feeling the death of another Elemental Master... another loss, another death, just another... The words from earlier echoed in her head as did the guilt and self-loathing that came with them at thinking such a thing. Detaching herself might make it easier, but it dehumanised the victim... It made his loss seem less severe just because she hadn't known him, and that wasn't right... every loss was heartbreak, every loss should be because everyone was the same really... Just because she hadn't known him, it didn't make his loss any less significant. And now Sam could be lost as well by being involved... the thought of yet another person becoming victim to this war made her heart tear just a little more.

The memories began to fade and she yanked her hand from Sam's, rising slightly on her feet to stumble backwards away from him before tripping, then simply pulling herself away. The tears still fell from her eyes as she turned away from him, paying no heed to the raindrops that now fell steadily from the sky and feeling none of the normal calmness that came with water's contact. She brought both hands to her face in an effort to wipe away the salty droplets of water staining her face but instead let out a sob and ended up burying her face in them, shaking slightly as she tried to recover from the onslaught of feeling so much pain and loss at once, magnified to just as it had been when she had first known it. She could feel the connection with Sam in the back of her mind and tried desperately to ignore it, to try and pretend it wasn't there so that he might be free to go on with his life without being dragged into this merciless war.

[Sam Kelley]

Those eddies of guilt only continued in their motions, widening and picking up more velocity as the tragic movie played. Sam wished for it to stop, begged for it to cease not for himself, as he had realized it was an important part of what was going on, but it genuinely hurt the lad to force his friend to relive it all so such vivid replay. He would have gladly shouldered the burden alone if it meant she didn’t have to experience these things all over again. Sam had never known true pain or been forced to come to terms with death. Feeling these things now by proxy was an unpleasant experience, but it did grant him far more insight into Caitlin than months of relaxing and flirting with her at the waters edge ever would.

It suddenly made sense now why the Hufflepuff could seem so guarded at times, it was no wonder with the things that she had been made to deal with. As the movie continued, Sam could feel the stresses, disappointments, and losses impacting him, merging tiny pieces of her experiences and what she had taken from each into his mind. The most impacting of this vignettes was without a doubt Caitlin’s experience with his Gryffindor predecessor, Mallan. Sam could never claim to have truly known the other boy, but he did remember some of him from the previous years. As he could recall, Mallan was wholly different from himself in most ways, despite the fact that the two were of the same house. More importantly than Sam’s perceptions or memories of the lad were Caitlin’s, there had been love there. Sam had never known love, at least the kind of love one feels beyond that for their family, and now that his first real exposure to it was with one that had ended under the worst of circumstances; the newest Elemental Master couldn’t say that he was at all in a hurry to get there himself now that he had seen and even felt some of the destruction that it could leave in its path. Again he felt remorse for this thing that he had no control over forcing these aged cracks back to the surface of Catilin’s heart, the apology now finding it’s way across that mental link that the two now shared.

The faces of the other Lightfighters and Caitlin’s experiences and perceptions of each had also made their mark on the boy’s mind, no doubt influencing his thoughts on them somewhat, despite the fact that he had yet to meet the vast majority of the group. He filed each identity away safely, the awareness of more allies providing positivity amid all of the struggle and pain that had shown itself prior. Seeing the group, even their struggles and shortcomings, proved to remind Sam that he was now a part of something, a new team to add to the list of others he had played on. This team, like others, obviously had it’s issues to address, but that was part of working together. No team started perfect, it took work and learning how to work with those inherent differences of each individual. Despite those frustrations with certain facets of the group, Sam promised himself now that he would fully commit to this thing and do his best to take each personality in stride and be a team player, no matter how counterproductive some might seem at times.

Just as those final images of the latest death and the girl’s sorrow at him being drawn further and irrevocably into the shadow wars, Sam felt her hand rip itself free from his crushing grasp. His wide eyes watched her stumble away and give in to the tears that now flowed as freely as the rain from above that now soaked them both, The boy’s first reaction was to again move to her, to comfort this friend that he was now forever bound to, to show her that he would be different from the others and that she wouldn’t be left alone again. His feet began to close the distance between them just as the connection demanded more of him for it’s production. Despite the feeling of the last year of his life being extracted from his mind, Sam continued on the short trek back to the Hufflepuff's side. Memories of those extreme highs and the contrasting lows of those sporting contests he so willingly partook in filled their link as he reached the girl. Muscled arms immediately encircled Caitlin, pulled the sobbing girl against his chest in a gesture that offered as much comfort as the Gryffindor could muster. He leaned over her a bit, that subconscious need to protect working to shield her from the rain that only seemed to gain intensity, the large drops now ringing out audibly as they impacted on the boy’s back.

Another series of frames playing, these illustrating the many interactions with Bryan where bits and pieces of the older boy’s affiliation with the Order of Light were shared. It was obvious by the scenes that both boys had put their own efforts into those meetings, Bryan to placate Sam while keeping him safe from the truth of the order and Sam trying to breath that defense, concerned that Bryan had gotten himself into something dangerous. The elder of the Gryffindor brothers had weathered the storm of the younger for quite some time, but eventually the gem of knowledge that was the name of D’rorah Philosophy was released and the struggle ended.

Next was that encounter, that battle of wills that had occurred in the library when Sam sought out the Ravenclaw girl and demanded his brother’s eviction from her little club. The scholar had proven a worthy foe on that day and the battle ended in a stalemate, the reactionary Gryffindor naming himself as the newest Lightfighter and the girl knowing she had no choice but to allow it. That battle of wills raged on in slides of those early morning training sessions that both of the figures endured. Multiple victories and defeats for each were shown in their foot races and various brutal physical tests they pushed each other in. With those contests also came the scene of Sam selecting his weapon of choice, a katana, and those hours that they had already devoted to his combat training. Those weapon sessions proved as or more grueling than their workouts, the more experienced girl taking joy in leaving the Gryffindor beaten, bruised, and bloodied, appreciating forcing him to accept the accompanying lessons and constantly testing his resolve. It was war between the two at times, but each seemed to feed of the other, too stubborn to digress and left only with the choice of improving at the hands of their unlikely ally.

Again the images shifted, this time moving the Caitlin and the stark effect their brief meeting had had on the lad. It was immediately apparent how odd it was for a presence in this very spot that they now occupied to prove calming. Where most others sullied the relaxation and tranquility of his time at the waters edge, Caity had improved it. Scenes of those days where he looked expectantly for her presence played and ended in the sight of her sitting off in the distance after today’s run.

With the shared images now completely fading from his mind, Sam continued to cling to his companion, to comfort her in what he now knew with absolute certainty was a difficult moment. As the boy knelt there try to comfort and shield her from the beating precipitation, he let his eyes fall shut and his mind to process everything that had just happened and how he was now bound to this other soul. ”I’m sorry...” he eventually found himself able to say. Surely none of this was either of their fault, but the boy still felt the need to apologize. He had crushed on this girl since first meeting her and never had it been his intention to bring stress and struggle into her life. ”I promise that you can count on me, Caity, I’m not going anywhere.” That usual swagger and confidence was gone from his words, completely stripped away to reveal the truth of how overwhelmed caught off guard he was at all of this.

[Caitlin Collins]

As she sat there crying, she could feel the connection continue to build however much she tried to push it away. Even so, it didn't distract her from the pain that had suddenly resurfaced, stabbing her repeatedly, viciously, constantly... It was as if she had just lost him all over again, with all the shock and hurt that came with that knowledge haunting her and refusing to leave. With her head buried in her hands, she didn't hear Sam approach although she did sense it – something that when she realised, she immediately pushed away. She didn't want him to be a part of this, she didn't want to lose someone else... she didn't want anyone to lose someone else... She could feel now the pain that Bryan and the rest of their rather large family would feel if they lost him, and she didn't want anyone else to experience that...

After what felt an eternity of being wrapped and twisted and thrown about by her own pain, she felt Sam's arms wrap around her as he attempted to comfort her. She went against her previous instincts and tried to concentrate on the memories now coming from him – the sporting events and then proof that he had indeed been involved before now. Not that such knowledge gave her any comfort... how he had been involved before, training with D'rorah with the hope of protecting Bryan, he could have got out of. He would not have been as much of a target. Now he needed as much protection as his older brother, and Caity wasn't at all convinced she was up to that task... It didn't seem like she'd done such a good job with Gat or Mallan.

Mallan... his name brought back the pain she had been distracting herself from and a fresh sob emerged as she tried to crush it down again, to think of something else, anything else. She saw his training – or "tutoring" – sessions with D'rorah and internally winced away from the fighting and blood as it brought back the memories of the blood-stained diary of Mallan's that had been sent to her. She clutched at Sam's thoughts of his time at the lake, somewhat surprised by his reaction to her invading his previously private time although she was only vaguely aware of her own surprise, the crying and pain proving to be quite distracting.

As the memories faded, Cait felt the distraction leave and the pain of loss and confusion come back. She leant into him slightly for support as she heard him apologise, not understanding why he was doing so and not putting much thought into why. As he uttered his reassurances, one hand left her face to clutch at one of the arms wrapped around her, feeling a little better for his presence but still upset that he was there anyway... She didn't blame him for making her relive all of that; it wasn't his fault. She was getting fairly close to thinking straight enough... in a manner of speaking... to blame herself for awakening the link between them when Sam could have continued along blissfully unaware of his compulsory role in this war.

Despite his hold on her, the pain wasn't getting any easier to bear. The rain began to lighten but by this point darkness had nearly fallen anyway. As she pushed the hurt away, she remembered the emotionless, light feel of being in shadow form after D'rorah had shown her how. She wanted that now... but it was dangerous. Especially with no other Shadow Warrior about to pull her back. Another stab of pain. She closed her eyes tight, trying to fight away from it but to no avail. It was the only method she could think of... and she just wanted to get rid of all this pain that was churning about inside, slicing and hacking at her. She began the process of separating her emotions just as D'rorah had taught her, knowing all along how stupid it was but at the moment more concerned with getting rid of the pain that stupidity.

It took longer than it should have done, with the pain refusing to be pushed away so easily, but then suddenly the human body of Cait was gone, replaced by a shadow that immediately moved away from Sam. She paid little attention to him or where she was going, instead just floating and fully embracing the lack of emotions at that time. She was so light... and free... it was painless. Unaware of the rapidly looming danger of her corruption from staying in shadow form too long, Caitlin simply focussed on those three things, forgetting all D'rorah had told her about the dangers.

((Dee, Ethan, drop in whenever. Sam, I PMed you))

[Ethan Lacroix]

It looked like rain. Ethan had just come from the library and was now standing and staring out the window in the Hufflepuff common room. Caity had not been in either locale, and he'd hoped to run into her to see if she was interested in round two of cocoa and conversation. Taking a quick peek into the kitchen to ensure she wasn't way ahead of him on that line of thought, he headed back up the stairs into the Hogwarts foyer, looking around for a moment before shrugging to himself and heading outside. It had just began sprinkling and the minuscule drops were cool on his face and arms.

Striking out away from the school, Ethan began to feel a bit wary. The sky was darkening further than he'd expected, and while the curfew specifically forbade students from being outside after sunset, the general rule was that they shouldn't be out when the sun wasn't shining to some extent. A nervous glance went to the forbidden forest, a second back over his shoulder to the front doors. He almost turned back for the safety of the castle walls, but Ethan's unwitting interview with the vampire a few nights before had done nothing to ease his mind or his sense of duty in protecting the other students from whatever darkness was descending. At the least he should make a quick scan to ensure there weren't any other children out where the dementors might find them.

Breaking into a light jog, Ethan found no one for a few minutes. Rounding a large tree however, he got a clear view of the lake and a second smaller tree that stood just near its edge. And of course, he saw the two people there. Though his initial reaction was to walk up and offer a warning concerning the encroaching gloom, all that had happened recently had him acting with a bit more paranoia. Halting, slipping back behind the tree, and peering through the rain, Ethan was almost positive he recognized both the girl and the boy as well. Caitlin Collins and Sam Kelley. That relieved some of the tension he felt at least. He didn't believe Caity could possibly be involved in anything dubious and, though younger than him, Ethan knew Sam was stellar at wandwork and also had the demeanor that would lead him to protect Caity. There was also the smallest twinge of jealousy at seeing the other boy alone with Cait at the water's edge, but he forcibly ignored it. It seemed Sam's judgment was solid as well, as the boy looked to be helping Caity up so they could remove themselves from the danger.

Ethan almost turned to leave them to it, but caught his fellow Hufflepuff suddenly pulling away. Though part of him immediately wanted to charge in to the rescue, he wasn't usually that brash. It looked as though Sam had said something offensive, or perhaps made a suggestion she didn't like. A moment later when he recognized her shaking body as the result of sobs, he again felt the urge to intervene. Still, he thought it best to do so tactfully rather than simply trying to tackle the Gryffindor. Pulling his wand, he dropped a quick disillusionment charm on himself, shimmering from view... sort of. It was rather sloppy; Ethan had performed the charm adequately in class when they'd learned it, but hadn't used it since. Charm in general came naturally to him, but spells clearly designed for subterfuge had never been his focus. Thus "transparent" was a far more accurate descriptor for him than "invisible." Still, combined with the rain, it should suffice.

Stepping back out from behind his cover, Ethan then found the two other students embracing and felt glad that he hadn't rushed in. The gesture appeared tender enough, and he did consider how Caity seemed apt to retreat from uncomfortable situations even if she hadn't been offended in any way. Perhaps the name Mallan had come up or somesuch. Feeling slightly uncomfortable about intruding, Ethan strode forward nonetheless, focusing his thoughts on his Prefect duties rather than his personal feelings. He'd need to tell them to get inside, even if it proved an awkward situation.

And then Caity, the other Hufflepuff Prefect, the girl he'd had a crush on for months and thus ignored, was gone. Some dark shape emerged from Sam's clutches. Ethan's bulging eyes recognized no distinct form, only a darkness slowly drifting... right toward him! Stopping suddenly, the damp ground gave way as his feet slid forward and out from under him. With a quiet splat his back hit the mud and there he lay, gawking at the shadow that gradually advanced. His charm held so he hadn't likely been noticed, and she- it was still a couple dozen yards off, but shock kept him perfectly still, lying right in its path.