care for a drink, or two? (cassio/sar)

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Long days at the castle always left Balthasar wanting a drink. He didn’t drink often, or at least in mass quantities, but he always had at least one drink every day. He wasn’t an alcoholic, by far, nor was he drunk. He liked to drink, and his main preference was red wine. He loves to travel and can always be brought to peace by a nice red, preferably something from Italy or France, though he isn’t against trying other kinds from other parts of the world. If there was ever a way to his heart, a really good red was a good way to start. That wasn’t all it would take, as he wasn’t that easy, but it was definitely a start. There were also some days when a little more than just a glass or tow of red wine would do it for Sar.

Today was one of those days. It was as if there was just this unspoken thing between the students that they were all going to act like asses or something. He didn’t know what it was, but he was less than impressed with the overall attitude of the kids today. Naturally, he started to get one in return towards the end of the day, and it was because of this that he decided to skip dinner this evening and head down to the hog’s head for something to eat and drink. He could have easily stayed in the great hall for free food and drink, but then he’d have to be around the students and he wasn’t really in the mood. He stayed in his office to look over some essays that he planned to hand back the following day and then decided to head down to Hogsmeade.

He stuck his hands into his pockets as he walked down the main pathway to the all wizarding village, his mind just on the peace and quiet of the hour. He didn’t doubt there would be some patrons in the Hog’s Head, but at least they wouldn’t be as immature as the students he had to deal with every day. Or, at least, he hoped they wouldn’t be. There were some people in the darkened streets as he moved down the cobblestone walk, until the rickety old sign for the Hog’s Head came into view. With a half-smile, Sar lowered his head a bit more as a slight gust of wind passed him by before he pulled open the door and walked inside the old pub. Just as he was about to sit down at a table, he noticed one of his few friends sitting alone at a table.

Balthasar has known Cassio for a number of years now, since the younger of the two was a first year at school. Their families have known each other for some time, so it was only natural that the two boys became friends as well. Their friendship hadn’t grown much until after they were both at Hogwarts together, and it became clear that they both have very similar temperaments. As their years progressed, they became even better friends and, now, they barely go at least a week without seeing each other in some way, shape or form. “Care for some company? Or are you otherwise engaged this evening?” he asked his friend with a slightly raised eyebrow. He didn’t want to just assume that he was able to just join him. for all Sar knew, Cassio was meeting someone else there, so he knew better than to just assume the empty chair would be his for the taking.

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Cassio had grown weary of his empty and cold estate home, despite the weekend and obvious company of the girl being there he decided that instead of enjoying a glass at home he would drink out here instead. The solidarity of the Hog's Head combined with the alcohol was enough for him but at least enough to get him out of that place. Some days he just could not stand it and needed to get out just like he needed get out of his head. The usual things trouble his mind, his family and all that. Expectations set out by his father that he didn't even feel he could meet or match at all. At his age he probably should have found himself a girl by now, even marriage or at least dating some prospect. His father and mother had been pushing girls around him in order to catch his attention and continue the blood-line. As the eldest son it was his duty to do what he was told to carry on the family name and all that. Still there were his brothers who could just as well do that. Really it wasn't that he wasn't interested in them he just wasn't interested in the intimate relationships. Truth be told he had slept with at least half the girls that were put in front of him that were deemed suitable to be his wife or a prospective wife at all. It was just his way. He was in no hurry to fulfill that duty, there was something about the attitude of these pure-bloods that he related with but wasn't attracted to and it really didn't bring out a side of him that he even wanted to see.

His temper was legendary an to even have a close friend was something of an anomaly to be honest. Cassio had stood up from his chair at the manor and straightened his sweater and smoothed it. If he was going to go out he wasn't going to look anything less than immaculate, even without a suit. His shirt underneath was your standard button up white and he had placed the collar outside the sweater and his tie was barely visible. It was casual for him and yet still showed that he very much cared about his appearance and what it would display to those around him. Standing outside of the manor he pulled out his wand, leaving his servant to her duties there by herself and he appeared in the rugged village he had visited so many times as a student and not enough nearly anymore. Occasionally he would visit his youngest brother here and ensure that he was doing well and doing what he was told more importantly and as far as the middle one went, he would show up sparingly but he would see to him as well. His hands slipped into his pockets and through his glasses he could see the world much clearer of course, though is vision was not so terrible that he could go without them. Sometimes he wanted to blend in, it only served to make him somewhat angry if he was bothered when he wanted to be alone, so most of the time. It didn't take much to push his buttons and to be honest he was surprised h had tolerated half the people around him, whether it was the girl at his house or even at school his friends.

Arriving he walked in casually and saw the vague crowd and the familiar bartender and he took a table in the corner of the room where he was mostly isolated. No sooner had he taken a seat had the bartender brought him over a drink and he nodded as a thank you. Maybe he had visited more than he had originally thought and as of late alcohol had been his only solace and while it brought him to a state of peace it brought those around him to some sort of danger if they were to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. He drank heartily from the glass and placed it back down nearly empty already, his gaze merely staring at the small window to the outdoors and he watched the blurry figures walk about and enjoy their own world. Cassio looked back in front of him as a voice intruded his thoughts. At first he stopped himself because he hadn't felt like being interrupted today at all and would have berated whomever had intruded his personal time. However, this was a nice surprise and though he wasn't jumping for joy he wasn't angry at all. The one friend he did have in this world whether by choice or association. Please, have a seat. He waived to the empty chair in front of him and waived for the bartender to serve this man a drink. How are you, old friend? It's been too long. Indeed they had been friends since Cassio's second year when they had first met and he was on the few people that didn't seem to anger him by mere presence. Sar was a teacher nearby at the school, and they kept in contact because even Cassio Hastings needed a friend.

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lyrics: Diluted - Slipknot
words: 871
notes: my muse is all everywhere 0.o

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With the day he was already having, it wouldn’t surprise Sar to hear that Cassio was expecting someone else and that he was not able to sit with his friend for a drink or two. Sar knew he wouldn’t be able to be upset with his friend, or have any right for that matter, and would be just as happy sitting by himself as he would be if he sat with his friend and caught up a bit with him before having to return to the castle. Sar wasn’t much of a social man as it was, so it wouldn’t be much skin off his back, or fur, if his friend was otherwise engaged with another for the evening.

Sar smiled when Cassio told him to take a seat and Sar did exactly that. “Thanks, mate,” he said as he made himself comfortable. Before Sar could turn towards the bartender to call over a drink, Cassio had done just that and the man behind the bar poured him a drink – he poured him a glass of wine, since he knew who Sar was – and brought it over to him. “thank you,” he said to the man before he walked away and then Sar turned back to Cassio when he spoke and asked him how he was doing, commenting that it’s been a while since they’ve last seen each other. “It has, hasn’t it?” he asked before he took a sip of his wine.

He set his glass back down on the table between them and nodded his head at Cassio. “I’ve been all right, I guess. today has been one of those days though, I must say,” he said as he felt his mood starting to get a bit better than it had been before he walked into the Hog’s Head. “I swear, you’d think these kids were trying to piss me off and see how mean I can really be,” he said with a snort before sipping his drink again. “All day, it’s been one after another. and I am not the professor with the reputation of just lying down and taking it,” he added with a smirk.

He knew Cassio was more than aware of his personality traits, since they were very similar to his own, and that his slightly younger friend was more than aware of his temper, should someone push him the wrong way. “Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to rip the kids to shreds,” he mused before sipping his drink again. He knew Cassio would understand that mention, since he was one of the few non colleagues of his that knew of his lycanthropy. “But, enough about me,” he said after he put his glass back down on the table, “how are you doing? And your family,” he asked. Sar has known Cassio’s family for a number of years now, so it wasn’t unheard of him to inquire after them.

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It is strange to even enlighten at the thought of a man like Cassio Hastings to have any friends at all. However, similar personalities blended well together against the backdrop of of similar backgrounds. The two had grown up at school together and he remembered recognized his last name as most Pure-blood children were acquainted with whom they were best suited to associate with. Sar took a seat in front of him and he remembered his friend preferred a glass of wine versus a glass of whiskey, at least it was a tasteful choice and Cassio hardly had any say of the matter. Alcohol was his one true friend that never let him down and seemed to either relax him to a pleasant state or release the true turmoil of his rage from inside. They weren't social men, at least apart from appearances although how this man managed to teach students without wanting to curse them at their first words was beyond him, he had no patience for such matters and the slowness of people only created anger for him and unpleasant results for all. Thus far life had only seemed to grow busier and busier, there was much to do at work especially with this whole Potter death business and other Magical communities worried at how the savior of the modern free Wizarding World could have just been dealt with like that. To the Hastings the news had been anything but devastating, it was time for these types to be put in their place and the rightful bloodlines back in power.

It seems our lives just seem to grow busier and busier these days. Only a natural part of adulthood me mused and his life itself was busy and routine despite the natural lonely state he seemed to have dug himself into. No matter, he had a few friends here and there and plenty meaningless ones to put on a pretty picture of the successful Hastings son in a prime period of his life. However, as tempting his lonely house seemed it was empty at the moment and hardly entertaining. The girl that worked for him was schooling and that was part of the arrangement however displeasing the thought of a muggle born learning the secrets of Wizardry she was not meant to know. At least he had someone to take out his anger to instead of priceless objects and things and she was nice to look at. If he wasn't at the risk of causing a scandal he might have elevated her duties to something else, but he couldn't afford that kind of mess and consequence when he could intimidate other women in his circles. I would hope not. Sar was not a pushover and Cassio had admired that trait about his friend and maybe it was why they had grown so close over the years because neither was he a pushover himself. With their intimidating ways they could get what they wanted, however he hardly had the empathy to deal with children. I still have no idea why you would want to deal with children all day, I would have cursed the first one that had spoken to me, i'm sure.

His father might have put him in the madhouse if he was anything but himself, which was a cold and ruthless individual who forced his way. Perfect for the world of politics and international relations, it was no accident he had his job and was damn good at it too. Sar had been a year above him at school and quickly had taken notice to the eleven year old who stood tall among his peers as a proud Hastings. Cass had to smirk, the werewolf in front of him with his secrets as Cassio had his own and loyalty was no joke so he spoke nothing of this to anyone of course. Oh, wouldn't that have been a sight and surely a lesson for the rest of the children there. Usual things, a lot of work at the Ministry after this whole Potter incident. The death of the hero of the Wizarding World was hardly a tragedy in his eyes but the public had to be soothed whether it was here in London or abroad in the rest of Europe and such. My family is well, thank you. My father is still himself and I trust Edmund is doing well at school and I haven't heard from Duncan as of late but i'm sure he's not doing anything to tarnish our good name. His family was small by all standards just him and his brothers and a cousin thus far around them. His father on his case about whatever you bother the eldest son for and making sure he kept his brothers in line but that was really nothing he concerned heavily about. My father wants me to get married eventually, give him lots of boys to pass the name on and so forth. Not like Cassio didn't have time for that already.

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lyrics: Diluted - Slipknot
words: 837
notes: my muse is all everywhere 0.o

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Sar couldn’t deny that it felt good to be in the presence of someone he could stand, and that didn’t make him feel like he either wanted to kill someone or snog them senseless. It was rare that Sar ever felt like he wanted to do the latter, and that only came when he was around one person. He couldn’t help it though, especially since she had such powers to make any man feel the same way. But for him, it was only worse because of the animal inside of him. It heightened everything he felt and it made keeping it to himself so much harder to hide. He managed though, and has done so ever since the pair started working side by side at Hogwarts, and when they had to make his Potion together. But he never spoke of it, not to her or even one of his closest friends like the man sitting before him. She was pure, there was no doubt about that aspect of her, but just that he felt such a strong pull towards her veela charms caused a war to rage on within him, one that Balthasar did his best to keep at bay.

Sar nodded when Cassio told him that their lives just got busier and busier as time passed. The slightly older former Slytherin could appreciate that. Even though he was up at the castle most of the time, and not out in the field like Cassio was, his time was usually spent keeping a closetful eye, and nose, on the kids and making sure they didn’t get themselves into any real mischief. The few childish antics were okay, as he himself had been a part of those in his youth, but the really big things were usually much more dangerous and it was his job to make sure that they didn’t kill themselves or, worse, each other. He also kept a secret watch over the werewolves in the castle. Along with his own, he and Missy made the Potion for them as well, so that none of them would hurt anyone whenever they had to transform. Most didn’t know what he was, or that he kept an eye on him, but he often felt that it was his unspoken duty to do so, especially since he too was what they were. “Yeah, but at least we do get some chances to catch up,” he told him.

Sar smirked when Cassio said that he hoped the kids weren’t trying to purposely taunt him, and that he wasn’t one to just let them do so. “I hope not as well, but, when it comes to kids, one can never really tell what is going on up there,” he said with a smirk. “Cause, if I recall some of the things we used to get up to, we didn’t always use our heads either,” he said before lifting his glass to his lips once more. There were a number of things Sar has done in his younger years that, looking back on them now, he knew were reckless and stupid. But wasn’t that part of being a kid in the first place? Sar was sure it was, even for the most reserved of characters, and he would more than likely never think otherwise. He was sure just about every student that walked the halls of the castle has their secrets and inner child that they allow to get out every once in a while. Even though they were all still kids anyway, he was sure the immaturity levels were occasionally raised. Some, of course, more than others, he thought.

Sar chuckled when Cassio admitted that he didn’t know how Sar could stand being up at the castle, surrounded by the kids, and not hex them all into oblivion. “It’s hard at times, like today, I can assure you, but i’ve found threatening to turn them into tea cozies, or worse, is always one way to make them stay in line,” he said. “Of course, some of them don’t heed those words of caution and i’ve had to resort to more extreme methods, but, thankfully, most of these kids are intimidated enough by me to make me get really angry,” he said as he thought about that first year he made piss himself when he tried to act like he knew more than he did in the subject. “It’s not without its entertainment value, I can assure you of that too,” he said with a grin. “And the shade of green they turn on occasion is pretty entertaining too,” he said before sipping from his wine glass once more. He finished the drink and then placed the empty glass back down on the table and then turned around to motion for the bartender to bring them both another round.

Sar then switched the conversation over to Cassio and he nodded when his friend told him that he was busy. “Aye, I can imagine,” he said when Cassio mentioned the Potter incident. “Have you any idea who is responsible for killing Saint Potter?” he asked curiously. Sar never pretended to care for the famed hero and he didn’t hide his curiosity on the matter of his death. Sar didn’t know who had done it, but he couldn’t deny that he was curious so he could give credit to them for it. Cassio then told him his family was well and Sar nodded his head. “From what I know, he’s doing all right,” he said of his younger brother Edmund. He was in his house and in his final year of school, and Sar kept an eye on him as well, if only because he was close with the family. “I am glad the others are well too,” he said. “And I’m sure you’re just chomping at the bit to oblige him,” he said somewhat sarcastically about Cassio’s comment of his father wanting him to marry and have children. “I haven’t thought of marriage since, well, for a few years now. Not sure I will either,” he said, getting a little uncomfortable thinking about the past and the damage he’d done to it.

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Cass had always been curious of what being a werewolf was like, however he was certainly grateful that he hadn't met the same fate as his good friend here. Not only did he not need the fact of tainted blood, he didn't think it would mix well at all with his temper at all. In fact, he would have wished the full moon on himself for the presence of anyone he felt deserving of that sort of treatment. There was no doubt this affect Sar greatly though, having to deal with all of that on top of everything else life seemed to throw at a person. He was also aware of his past relationships and whatnot and the affect that it had on him. For at least a few people he was careful of some facts and what he brought forth to the conversation. With his glass in hand he nodded to Sar, indeed that was true. Even if their visits were infrequent it still gave them a chance to catch up and discuss whatever they needed to discuss and keep a friendship going. Really without his family, brothers and Sar and a few other people there weren't many people that he could call friends let alone a good friend that he didn't want to throw something at the moment they spoke and whatever stupidity escaped their lips. The added responsibilities that Sar had he felt grateful not to have the only thing that bothered him was that halfbood that he had working for him. As much as he wanted to rid of her presence, he couldn't for it made his so empty house feel that much less empty and he couldn't for then he would be taking back his word and not making good on the threat he had earlier made with the girls' father.

The last thing he needed was to be seen as weak and without a foundation. There was something to be feared from a Hastings and it had always been that way, you could tell by their inherent nature. With a smirk, Cassio would certainly agree. I suppose you are correct on that one, I think the only one who could keep us in line was our Head of House. They were not complete trouble makers, but enough to get noticed by their respective head of house at the time but also not enough to warrant any serious punishment as Cassio himself had been made a Prefect in his fifth year. A position to which he took full advantage of to express his desire to be intimidating and really in charge. This was probably just an extension of his anger and how he really did not like to not get his way. He hardly lacked the patience of an excellent leader however he was good at handling pressure, maybe not keeping his cool always but he was rarely ever caught off guard or frazzled. The difference between Cassio now and how he had been in school was slight, despite the obvious age difference, his attitude was the same, his temper more threatening but his demeanor was always consistent. He had this stoic expression most of the time, expressing emotion only when needed though he had been told that anger seemed the only expression that he had ever known. When you have the father that he had been raised with it was easy to see why he acted the way that he did. Little things even such as posture would threaten a beating or being yelled at.

It was only sheer admiration that he held for this man and his patience for children at all, let alone teaching such a subject as Transfiguration which was difficult in itself. He had heard stories of the previous Transfiguration Professor before his own during school that had taught a young Potter and his classmates, how she was an Anamigus and all that, but also extremely strict and even feared despite being the had of Gryffindor House. To have such a reputation of being feared and to be a Gryffindor all the same, such an anomaly in his mind because all the other houses had always seemed so weak. Gryffindors, I take it, always have something to prove. He could remember the Gryffindors and even Ravenclaws in his day that walked around as if they were someone important. These Half-Bloods and even Mud-Bloods that for whatever reason felt the need to express themselves in a manner only rightful of a pure-blood witch or wizard. Even despite the blood purity, they had no right. Cassio remembered taking out an extreme amount of temper on a Hufflepuff in his own year, a fellow Prefect, and putting him in his place. Such a silly house, in his opinion, nothing remarkable about them at all. Cassio drained the remaining contents of his glass, setting it down on the table the ice cubes moving around the base still cold. He hadn't even felt that one go by, but alcohol did little for him anymore.

Not a clue but i'd like to shake their hand. It was clear where he stood on that matter. Potter was a mere figurehead, so what he had killed a great Dark Wizard. Maybe there would be a proper sense of order reminiscent of the previous ages of Wizards in which things ran much more smoothly. It seemed the Wizarding World was expanding, which was fine, however the thought of making the magical blood less and less pure was not a pleasant thought. There were a reason that these Pure-Blood families existed and as part of working with International Cooperation he knew that the muggle heads of state were informed of their presence for mere cooperation and so were the royal family heads such as the King of this country. Like the ideologies of Royal families, there was something about worthiness and blood, however he could excuse werewolves and vampires and the such for that was still a magical property. Cassio's brothers shared this view with him in their own way, Duncan was a temper mental one as he was and Edmund was the youngest and still had much to learn despite his grown-up ways. He'd always enjoyed a good relationship from them, however he did have to keep them in line in their behavior as they had a name to uphold after all. At the mention of marriage and their father he wanted to roll his eyes, he was in no mood or part of his life where marriage was a possibility. The thought of having to deal with another girl that had an empty head on her shoulders only made him annoyed.

Cassio was aware of his friends' past and generally didn't bring it up because it was an upsetting topic he was sure and merely nodded. As a friend and favor to his friend he never pressed and really it was out of respect. I'm in no rush, though i'm starting to believe intelligence is not based on blood purity. Sarcasm, of course. Though he really hoped the interesting girls who could hold a decent conversation were not limited to half-bloods and the like. You still have plenty of time, we're hardly a place to rush such a thing. The bartender arrived with their fresh drinks and he picked his off the table as soon as it had been placed there. Taking a sip he held it there, now contemplative in his mood.

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lyrics: Diluted - Slipknot
words: 1245
notes: totally didn't intend for it too be this long :x

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Sar couldn’t help but laugh at his friend’s agreement on what he said about the things they got up to back in their school days. They weren’t the only two, of course, but there was so much that those two got away with, in comparison to the things they had been caught doing. “Oh, yes indeed. I can remember a few of those stern lectures we got,” he mused before taking another sip from his wine. “I remember one in particular; something about us setting a better example for our younger classmates and such. Like we were the best role models or something,” he added as he returned his glass to the table. “Sometimes I think back to those times and wish they were now. Things were so much simpler then,” he said with a soft sigh. He’d be without his curse too, which was a very pleasant idea.

Sar snorted when Cassio assumed that those students who didn’t heed his words were Gryffindors, since he felt that they always had something to prove. “Shockingly enough, they aren’t the only ones who do that,” he told his friend. “Some of the kids that test my patience, and words of caution, are members of our own former house,” he admitted. “I guess, because they think I will take it easy on them because I am their current Head of House,” he said with a shrug. “But, as much as I hate to do it, I don’t play favorites when in class. That’s not my style, nor will I just let some snot-nosed kid of any house speak to me with such disrespect. I’d like to think I’ve earned the respect, regardless of what house they’re in, or that I am the head of,” he said before lifting his glass to his lips once more.

Sar frowned when Cassio admitted that he had no idea who had been the one to off Potter, but smirked slightly when he admitted that he’d like to shake their hand of he did know. It was no secret that the Hastings family was more favorable to the darker side of the world, even though there was no proof to bring them down. That was always a good thing, and even Sar had to agree on the matter. Even as a professor of all magical backgrounds, he heavily favored the purebloods, even though he himself was now of mixed blood due to his lycanthropy. The way he saw it though, he wasn’t a mixed blood as much as he was now of a mixed breed, but his blood has not changed. That was the thought he clung to, and he would never waiver from it.

Sitting across from him was the only who knew all about Sar’s past, and the truth that surrounded the death of his parents and the love of his life. Cassio didn’t judge him though, if only because he knew that it hadn’t been Sar’s fault. Nevertheless, Sar wasn’t foolish enough to tell anyone else, if only so that it didn’t get out and him go to Azkaban of rit. That was the last place Sar ever cared to go, even if the Dementors no longer guarded the place as they once had. He was glad that Cassio didn’t bring it up on a constant basis, and that he hadn’t meant to do so now, since he was referring to himself and the idea of marriage. “Oh, I’d agree with that sentiment, but not enough to lower my standards,” he said when Cassio said he was beginning to think intelligence wasn’t just for the purebloods.

The bartender had brought over a fresh round of drinks for the pair and Balthasar nodded at him in gratitude as he lifted his fresh glass of wine to his lips. Cassio then commented on the fact that they had plenty of time before they needed to really think about marriage and Sar nodded his head in agreement. “You’re right about that,” he said as he lowered his wine glass to the table. “I haven’t even thought about another relationship,” he lied. He has, but he knows it was wishful thinking so he didn’t see a reason to bring it up. The fact that he’s even thought about it bothered him, but because he had managed to get through enough of his life without thinking about such things since the loss of his love. Could he ever open himself up to another woman? Would he be able to control the beast within him if he did?

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Even those with the most well regarded of names got into trouble at some point in their lives. Cass did well to confine it to his schoolboy days versus his adult years. In this day and age he didn't need the negative publicity especially during a time where his views were being challenged at every corner. At school he had held his head proud and high for who he was and always had an air of confidence that only made him that much intimidating toward his classmates, not so much his Head of House who kept him in line, but at the same time he was glad for that bit of guidance that his father had never given him because his family was raised with a certain mindset of privilege that some just didn't understand. Hardly. I still made Prefect though, I still haven't a clue how. It might have been a family influence or that there really weren't many students his year that were deserving and people had a tendency to listen to him when he was in school or fear his wrath. At least that had given him some free reign, access to Prefect's Bathroom for instance and the like. Cassio nodded, things were so much simpler back then. None of this 'real life' stuff where Wizarding Celebrities were getting killed off and anyone with a remotely unfriendly view point was being questioned. There was this fear of revolution and revolt among the horizon that he didn't say he would mind at all but he had to play nice for his family's sake and for the sake of his own job and reputation. Indeed they were.

He took a sip, place the glass back down in the same spot he had chosen for it on the old wooden table. Why did they even come to this place? It was some testament to avoiding everybody else or at least the jovial types that were always just so irritating, also he would imagine that Sar would want to avoid any students in town. No need for that kind of interactions outside of the classroom. It wasn't a complete surprise that there were students from every house testing his patience, however, Slytherins should know better than to act out of their place. It was one thing that such children were taught and he had been taught that he had his place and duty in this world and he would uphold that for fear of shaming their name. It was much like the muggle Royal Family, constantly being watched especially because of the minority of Pure-Blood families in this day and age and those blood-traitor families that refused to follow tradition. Really, the first name that came to mind was the Weasley's, generations of blood purity now thrown down the drain by Potter and his friends. Such a shame. They're lucky they have you and not me. Cassio was well aware of his temper and his lack of control on it at times. How many incidences at school did he just snap and take it out on a student and hardly by any magical means. Anger had a way of being barbaric and hardly sophisticated though when he could he would just hex them into oblivion than having some altercation.

As a Ministry employee with an obvious background he had been working hard to not set himself apart from everybody else. Though he hardly spoke of the incident and Potter and other attacks he did his job as he was supposed to and that way he could avoid any suspicion that may linger toward his family. His father would have hexed him into the next century if they were ever in the negative lime light. However, the knowledge of the Hastings was out of his control and for what they traditionally stood for. The man that sat in front of him was one that he would say he trusted with his own life as he did his brothers. In fact, this was like a brother and his secrets he protected as well. Loyalty was not lost among their kind and even with his dark past and last few years he did not hold him in a negative light. Such things do not define us as he still continued on, albeit a changed man, but not for something ridiculous like all of a sudden befriending every muggle in England and giving up magic. There was much to him and he knew not to press those buttons because of their sensitive nature and for not inciting an angry response from him. As long as they had been friends of course arguments had occurred and he was sure to have been on the receiving end of Cassio's anger, however they managed to move on from it and he rarely had a reason to be angry at him. I don't the patience to deal with a woman who can't hold a conversation. Or her liquor for that matter. Too many women he knew that were literally dumber than a bag of rocks and were the floozy types and he didn't need that embarrassment against his reputation.

Sar brought up again that he wasn't thinking of a relationship and that was understandable but how long did one dwell on such a subject. Cassio was hardly the man to speak on such matters having been said to have a block of ice for a heart and emotions locked away in stone. In due time. When it happened then it would happen, he learned that on his own in school with whatever girlfriend he happened to take on. It was hardly planned and seeing his own parent's marriage where it was fully arranged and they did not love each other.

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lyrics: Diluted - Slipknot
words: 961
notes: totally didn't intend for it too be this long :x

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“Too right,” Sar chortled when Cassio said he had no idea how he’d been made a prefect. “Though it did work out for us in the end, didn’t it?” he asked rhetorically. Cassio had been one of those prefects that completely abused his position and used it to literally get away with everything imaginable. There were very few times when they would actually get in trouble for something, unless it was extremely serious. Sar smirked at his friend when he agreed that life was much simpler when they were in school, and that the thought of going back did sometimes appeal to him as well. “Unfortunately, we wouldn’t be able to do half of the things we do now if we were still in school,” Sar mused.

Sar chuckled when Cassio told him that the kids were lucky to have a man like Sar teaching them and not Cassio. “Sometimes I’m not so sure they share your opinion,” he said with a grin before lifting his wine glass to his lips for another sip. He knew Cassio had a temper and, for lack of a better word, anger management issues, but Sar wasn’t exactly a picnic either so it was pretty much six and one half the other, in all honesty. “Maybe I’ll have you come visit my class sometime, with my older students. Let them see how lucky they really are,” he joked, even though it would be very amusing to see happen. He’d have to get permission from the Headmaster, of course, but he was sure that would be easily done.

Balthasar had to agree with Cassio when he said that he didn’t have patience to deal with a woman who couldn’t hold a decent conversation. Sar snorted when he added that she’d have to be able to hold her liquor too and Sar shook his head once before sipping his wine again. “Well, I will definitely agree with you on the conversation bit, but I could care less if she could hold her liquor or not. Not that I’d want her to pass out drunk all the time, but I don’t know if I’d want a woman who could drink as much as me,” he said with an amused tone. “I’d be impressed if she could, naturally, but it wouldn’t be a requirement. I’d probably drunk enough for us both anyway,” he said as he absent mindedly stroked his stubble.

In a sense, Sar found it strange that he and Cassio were even talking about women and relationships. As friendly as these two have always been, they never really talked about this sort of thing. Between the way they both didn’t really warm to the idea, and because Sar was still nursing his broken heart from the death of his love, not to mention the fact that he was also currently thinking about the idea of a relationship with another woman, one who would probably never think of him in such a way. “and I am sure yours will come in due time as well,” he said with a nod of his head. “And who knows, maybe, one day, it will just hit us without us even realizing it it,” he said. “I mean, it wouldn’t be the first time something’s happened when we weren’t expecting it, right?” he asked.

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An abuse of power was almost staple to that of a Slytherin with authority, and either way he had reasoned it in his own mind that he had earned it. Cassio nodded in agreement, it had worked out well to their advantage or for anyone that he deemed worthy of socializing with him or whatever girl happened to have hearts in his eyes for him. Even the older prefects didn't dare cross his path. Those were good times, weren't they? He reminisced on those memories and even he had to admit that he felt nostalgic at times and jealous that the students could live so innocently now a days without such interruptions of real life. It was never that simple anymore and especially now with Law Enforcement everywhere cracking down on dark wizards he had to keep a low profile for fear of persecution. Was this how the Death Eaters felt in the past before the war? Cassio was well versed on that history, all were but he had made note to study those and the names there were recognized. Considering that they have you as staff there who knows all the tricks. It was one thing to be a student being sneaky, but if one was staffed at the school they would know what to expect from the students. That and i'm sure they're cracking down on student behavior, don't need anymore 'Dark Lords' after all. Another one might not have been a bad idea, someone needed to take charge. Lord Voldemort himself had been a student there so many years ago.

I'd be happy to oblige if it wouldn't get me arrested. Naturally attacks on students were frowned upon and especially minors in this case. As much as he might have gotten a silent applause it would be frowned upon and he would rather not have to spend time in a place like Azkaban Prison, it was drafty after all. His temper was ruthless to say the least and he didn't mind it at all as it was part of his public persona. He got things done, his way and if it wasn't then they felt his wrath. It made anyone think twice before crossing Cassio Hastings or any of the Hastings family for that matter, they were people he was quite protective of and including his fellow pure-blood brothers in this life. As much as staff might have approved his interference he didn't feel that he could control himself as much as to not harm them physically and he would rather not take the risk if it was unnecessary, the cons outweighed the pros in this situation. I just don't want some floozy to be attached to my name, I do have a reputation to uphold. To have such a girl around him would make him look weak and that was one thing he could not stand. However, having a woman that could out drink you was just a stab at your pride and manhood, in that case he would agree with Sar. I'd be just as impressed as she would deserve a medal of some kind, I do believe you and I are on another level compared to most. They drank about the same, though he was sure Sar could beat him by a few however his tolerance was considerably high.

Maybe it was the alcohol that had relaxed him a little and of course the drinks he'd had before arriving here as his only entertainment was not at the house to poke fun of and mess with. I would hope not, I don't like surprises. Surprises were not welcome in his life, he liked things planned and thought out ahead of time because failure was simply just not an option. He could know by speaking to a girl, figuring out her personality and such whether he would even be able to keep his cool around her and more often than not he wouldn't be able to. Still, Sar had a point. It was not the first time and each time had almost always been unwelcome. Doesn't mean it's always welcomed. Cassio could even remembered instances from his childhood, but those were hardly in comparison. He hardly considered himself the type to fall in love at all, he wasn't seeking it and it didn't seem to be seeking him. However, to be that vulnerable was not something he wished, his armor was thick and any penetration was responded to by immense anger. Has something unexpected entered your life as of late? Just a curious question. It was not limited to relationships and the like but in general. What we deemed a surprise was different in definition for all.

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lyrics: Diluted - Slipknot
words: 782
notes: here ya go ^.^ sorry it took a while

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Balthasar nodded his head when Cassio asked if those had been good times, though he was sure his friend was saying it as more of a statement than an actual question. That was partly why Sar didn’t actually answer him in verbal form. He snorted when Cassio agreed that there would be much the students would be unable to get away with, and grinned when Cassio praised him as being part of the staff at Hogwarts. “Oh, I’ve had a few students try to pull some of the crap we used to get away with,” he told his friend with a rather cheerful tone. Thinking about his old school days often brought back fond memories, especially since those times were before the chaos and the cursed life he now lived with.

“It’s quite funny when they try to give the same excuses we did, and then I wonder how we were even able to with how lame they sounded,” he mused. “But then I also get a bit disappointed that these kids haven’t managed to come up with newer and better things than we did,” he added with a playful smirk on his face. “It makes me wonder what is to become of the youth of today,” he joked. Sar laughed when Cassio said he’d happily help if he didn’t get arrested. “Well, you just have to make sure you don’t kill anyone,” he said to his slightly younger friend. Sar could even possibly lose his job as a professor, which he didn’t want to have happen, nor did he want his friend going to Azkaban.

Sar could completely agree with Cassio when he told him that he would never want some harlot to be associated with his family name, or, worse even, directly to him. Sar was the same way, and he had once had the perfect girl to call his own. Naturally, that was no more, and he had to live with that fact every single day, but he managed, somehow. “And I am sure you never will,” he told his friend supportively. “Oh, indeed we are, mate. Though, I would love to take a weekend and have a drink for drink contest with you,” he said with a smirk. “Just a friendly competition. Nothing too extensive, or out of control,” he added before he drained the rest of his glass of wine and then placed the empty glass back on the table.

Sar motioned for the bartender to bring another round and then turned back to Cassio and nodded when he said he hoped he didn’t get any female surprises anytime soon. He knew Cassio didn’t like surprises, but he also knew that we couldn’t always stay away from them forever. “You’re right, it isn’t always welcomed, I’ll give you that,” he agreed just as the bartender came over with their next round. Sar was taken aback by Cassio’s question and he shrugged his shoulders as he reached for his next glass of wine. “I don’t’ know if I would put it quite like that,” he said before he sipped his wine. “But I’ve been trying to keep myself in check when it comes to certain things,” he said, unsure of whether he should continue that or not.

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