Flame had told Ryder she would be here, but she didn't know if he would remember, or if he had even meant that she could come, afterall he may have just been trying to impress her father. For a few minutes, she had been standing outside the door, trying to decide whether or not she'd go in, or if it was a bad idea- what if she lost cntrol, not of her power but her emotion? What if she admitted she liked him? He'd hate her, just as much as she hated herself.

Eventually, however, she decided that seeing Ryder was the best thing to do, he could help her, maybe even become friends, and even though she would deny it to anyone who asked she needed friends, she wasn't fairing well since Delilah's disappearance. Delilah had been her best and, perhaps, only true friend.

She knockjed nervously on the door, and it was obvious she was nervous from the way she knocked, it was barely audible.

Ryder was sitting in his immaculate office, leaning back on the two legs of his chair and drinking a bottle of Firewhiskey. He should be correcting papers, however, he was not at all in the mood. He glanced at the clock, realizing it was getting a bit late. He put down the bottle and was about to get up to stretch when he heard a knock.

It was a bit late for visitors, however, he had a feeling about who it was. He picked up the bottle again and took a sip, sitting back down, and getting comfortable. He fixed his long hair, trying to sweep it from his eyes, and then smiled.

"Come in," he said curiously, tyring to position himself in a formal way in the chair. It occuredd to him too late, as the door was opening, that it may be a teacher or the Headmaster, and he should not be drinking Firewhiskey. Nonetheless, the door swung open.

Flame walked in and closed the door quietly behind her, aware that it was late and that she would probably be in trouble if anyone but Ryder saw her. None knew she was coming, she hadn't even told Lycs, whom she trusted more than most people. She wanted everyone- especially her family- to leave her alone for a bit. She smiled warily at Ryder and saw he was drinking firewhisky.

This could be worse he could have been drinking black tea with no sugar- then you'd have been freaked. she tld herself within the confines of her mind. She had purposefully remembered to take her potion she could not and would not risk losing control of her power in front of Ryder.

"Hi," she said, smiling, hoping he was going to prove as friendly as he had last night.

Ryder took another sip of Firewhiskey and placed it loudly upon the desk, and it made a shallow thudding noise. She smiled and stood up, walking over to Flame quickly. He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit.

"Hello Flame, please sit." He walked back around to his desk, and sat on it comfortably. He stared at Flame for a moment, not sure what to say at first.

"You're a bit late. Did anyone see you come here?" he asked. He was not afraid of rumors, but rather, it was important that he keep his job. Hogwarts was his home now, and a much more relevant place to stay at over the summer than London, which would be a bit out of the way for him.

Flame smiled and took the seat, leaning an arm on the professors desk and resting her head on that. She surveyed him, and noticed he seemed a little worried- then again, she was late.

"Anima wanted to talk is all, wanted to check I'm k and stuff, I told him I'm fine and he just told me to go wherever I'm going, didn't shout or anything- he never does." she paused. "He doesn't know I came here and... I;d rather he didn't find out. He'll tell my dad and there'll be hell for me to pay because no matter where I decide to stay this Summer, they were all his before mine." She looked at the floor.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble though so, if it's easier, I'll just leave."

Ryder contemplated for a moment.

"Alright, you keep your secrets from Anima. I have no problem with that, however, and I will not tell him. I think that would be best, actually. Coldstone may have my neck for it, though," he said, laughing.

He had a feeling Coldstone may be more understanding, if he saw Ryder from a professional level. Ryder was a good liar, anyways, so he would be able to get around it. He also knew, though, that he planned on not getting caught at all. So that was the first step.

"No, please stay. I didn't mean for you to leave."

He got up, and walked to a cabinet.

"Would you like a drink?" he offered, showing her a selection of bottles. Butterbeer, Firewhiskey, Pumpkin Juice, ect.

Flame watched him, couldn't take her eyes from him, he had her charmed without meaning to, and that could be a bad thing but then again, it could be good to. If Ryder was there she was sure to have the will to keep her power at bay, then her father wouldn't grow angry because she lost control, and there wouldn't be another argument. For her, it was a great situation, but for Ryder? It all depended IF Harshing found out and, if he were to, how he reacted.

"My father would probably blame me for it, say I poisoned another good man with my ways, but then he could take i t out on you, say you charmed me into doing as you wished, he's rather unpredictable. I don't want to get you in danger, so these visits need to be kept from him, whatever the cost."

She watched him as he walked to a cabinet and smiled, trust a pureblood ex Slytherin to have a fair amount of alcohol. She walked over to him hand grazing his as she got closer. She tok a bottle of firewhisky and winked at him.

"I can handle any drink, as long as it's not black tea."

Ryder was sure that Flame could handle drinks, but he wasn't exactly sure that he was allowed to serve students alcohol. He thought twice about doing it, but pulled out a bottle of firewhiskey.

"IF you say so. Just, no mention to my co-workers..." he replied, handing her the full bottle of alcohol and sitting back at his desk, sipping his own.

"So, what is wrong with black tea, anyways? I do enjoy tea."

Flame smield at him. "I won't tell anyone, promise. You'll not even be able to tell I've had it, as long as I stick to one or two and don't drink too many." she informed him.

"And the problem with black tea is my father put me off of it for life, it tastes disgusting when he makes it, it's sour and... ugh." she couldn't even describe the tea her father had forced her to drink.

She took a long drink of the firewhisky and smiled at him again. "It's nice, not being spied on all the time you're together, isn't it?"

Ryder agreed, but laughed to the comment about tea. He personally liked tea, although he could see why Flame did not. You truly needed to get used to it, and put a lot of sugar into it. After all, he used milk anyways. Black tea wasn't all that appetizing to him either.

"It is nice, although I hardly think Coldstone, I mean your father, was spying. He was too busy last night," he commented. "Basking in all his successes."

"But, the privacy makes for better talk .It is easier to be open, and not care about what one says... or does," he tacked on to the end, smiling. He grabbed another bottle of Firewhiskey and took a long drink from it. He licked his lips afterwards. It tasted good, and made him feel excellent.

"I'll be holding you to only two though, Flame. Wouldn't want you a giggling mess."

She stared at him, shocked at how niave he seemed to her. "You don't think he was spying? He was making it appear he was busy so he could watch without suspicion. Do you really think he chose us two randomly? You don't think that was planned?" she asked, a little confused. "He has this protective streak to him at times and... I don't want you getting on the wrong end of it." she admitted.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "And your right, we don't have to be careful about what we do but... What do you want to do?" she questioned.

Ryder laughed whole heartedly. "I think you are too suspicious, Flame. Yes, he knew we were speaking, but he was not listened, per se. He would have said something to me, you know. And until he does, I will not know that it is not allowed to speak with his daughter. Will I?" he asked, winking at her.

He took another sip of Firewhiskey and then spoke again.

"I thought perhaps this could be a time we could get to know about each other a bit more. Perhaps you'd like to know something about me? I'll allow you to ask any questions, that way, there is an equal amount of trust."

She shied away a little. "You learn to be suspicious around him." she aaid defensively. "He is sneaky to a point you would never understand. Don't believe me, but know." she warned him. "And of course you're allowed to speak with me, he'd have stopped you if you weren't."

She watched him caefully, relaxing again.

"If I had real questions they would have already been asked, Ryder, though perhaps one, what is your past?"

Ryder contemplated this. His past was not very difficult to explain, however, so he would begin by telling the truth. There would be no need to lie, as Flame was deemed trustworthy in his eyes. He knew that Flame would not run her mouth, as she knew the value of trust in such an institution.

"My past, you ask? Well, very simple."

"I grew up in a Pureblood family. My father was not a death eater, but he believed Voldemort originally had the right idea. My mother was no so extreme, but she married the man, didn't she? She left him when I was very young, around when Voldemort reached his height once again. She was scared to be dragged into such matters."

"So I was raised by my father, and sent to Hogwarts at age eleven. I was in Slytherin House, and a very good Potions student especially. I was a house favorite, very popular, and top of my class. I would have been Head Boy if I didn't have a knack for causing trouble. When I graduated school, I worked for my father in his business, shady business, and spent time at home. I studied, read, and did some research on the Death Eaters."

"That leads us here. You'll know I am almost fresh out of my school years. Does that cover your question, Flame?"

He took a sip of Firewhiskey.

She watched him, eyes not leaving him once, even as she took a long sip of firewhisky. She was taking her time with it- making it last, for she knew what she was being limited to and she didn't want to run out too quickly.

"That answers my question nicely, Ryder, thankyou. I cannt help but wander, however, did you ever find your mother? Were it me I'd make her pay for abandoning me. But, you being so fresh out of Hogwarts, it makes you much easier for me to talk to and, perhaps, trust. I understand what we say to one another will be kept quiet, yes?"

She stared at the floor for a second, asking herself why she was finding him so easy to get on with.

Ryder was never much of a long speaker, and not one to give out personal detail, so speaking that much to Flame was difficult for him. He had to take a long gulp of firewhiskey before he could really tune into Flame. When he did, however, he found her questions insightful and eye opening.

The Firewshikey was making him feel good inside, which always relaxed him. He knew this wasn't a time when he should relax, but he couldn't really help it. He looked at Flame in a comforting way, trying to understand her words.

"Well, to be honest, I never looked for her. I don't have to- she works in the Ministry. If I ever wanted to see her, all I would have to do is stop by," he said, pausing.

"To an extent, I want revenge, but not so much to the ideas you have, I'm sure. My revenge is to never let her see me, the little boy she abandoned. No matter though, I think I've grown into a fine young man without a mother's guidance. Perhaps you could vouch for that."

She watched him and moved over, perching on his knee, worried about how he'd react but needing to push the bundaries a bit, they'd been so close the day before, she had just wanted to let go and maybe, just maybe, here was the place fr her to do that.

"Maybe that is the best way for thngs. You won't get in trouble for that, and thereofre won''t be suspected of things that say, I, may be. Rightfully so, of course." she told him and kissed his cheek- getting daring.

Ryder allowed Flame to sit on his knee while she spoke. She wasn't heavy at all, in fact, she was quite tiny in his opinion. Perhaps it was because she seemed so young, or maybe that was just the way she indeed was. Ryder knew that Flame was much too young to be with a man such as himself, but he could already see that her feelings were quite developed.

He was not prepared, however, so when Flame leaned in to kiss his cheek. Her lips were soft and gentle, and only fleeting; they were whisked away almost immediately. Flame looked unsure or embarasssed, Ryder didn't know which, and a little anxious. Ryder played Flame's hair softly.

"Suspected of which things?" he asked absently, although he was hardly paying attention. He shifted her weight into his lap, which was surely more comfortable for both of them, and smiled softly. He gerally didn't smile, but felt the need for Flame to see it this time.

In one moment, he made a decision. He leaned in and swept his lips gently onto Flame's; the kiss was quick but sweet, and then he pulled away. He was shocked at himself, and the shock was also evident upon Flame's features.

She smiled back at him, more sure of herself, knowing he wasn't going to react badly now. She was glad, she didn't know how much longer she would have been able to hold back, and now she knew she could, when alone at least, lose control a little with him, show her feelings.

"Things we don't need you to be suspected of- your alliance to the NDE, and a number of things that you don't want to have placed above your head. Let them think you are innocent, and you shall be fine." She told him.

He kissed her and she was shocked, she hadn't expected it, it was what she wanted but... She had thought he would never like ehr in that way. For a minute the shock remained clear on her features and then she smiled at him again, hugging him. "Thankyou." she whispered in his ear.

There was of course, a small cgildish part of Flame that Ryder seemed to be attracted to. She hugged him tightly, something he hadn't felt in a long time, and remained on his lap. She didn't seem too shocked after the initial shock wore off, and Ryder was thankful for that. She did, however, thank him. He chuckled at that.

"Well at least your father taught you manners," he replied, taking a sip of Firewhiskey. "But there is no need to thank me. The pleasure is all mine."

His lips turned into a smirk at the word pleasure. He covered it up with another swig of Firewhiskey, and chuckled again. Interesting day.

"As for your concerns. there will be no suspicions. I'd like to think that I am quite innocent looking," he said, looking sharply at her. He was glad she had allowed her feelings to show more clearly. They hadn't been hidden before to him, but now at least, she had come to grips with herself enough to let them show.

She smirked at him. "My father taught me nothing. He had nothing to do with my upbringing. He watched me at Hogwarts, told me nothing until everything with the family happened. He knew, I'm sure, he just didn't want to say. But I'll pass my congratulatins on to him if you wish." she stuck her tongue out playfully, something she rarely did- Ryder brought out a more childish side in her.

"You want pleasure?" she asked him, catching the drift she was sure he didn't want her to. "I'll give it you, I'll try my best for you." she told him, eyes shining brightly.

"You are innocent looking Ryder, and I hope no suspicins will rise around you." she told him, eyeing him up.

Ryder chuckled trhough her story of her father. He was sure that Coldstone had done a fabulous job raising Flame, even if she wouldn't admit to it. It was a child's way not to do so, and Ryder knew this. However, he also knew that Flame had probably taighe herself more than Ryder coukd ever have imagined. She was very intelligient and independant.

He smirked at her comments.

"Now, now, Flame, don't go placing yourself out there like that. It isn't lady like," he scolded, but he winked at her for a second. She was still sitting on his lap comfortably.

"And rest assured, Flame, I will make sure no suspicioins arise. If so, they will be treated as rumors, I'm sure, and I can squash them."

She watched him, could see everything on his face as emotions changed, and she loved it. This open-ness gave her the feeling of care she craved, she felt wanted, loved, and she'd not felt that for so long, it was like a lost person in the desert who was close to death from dehydration suddenly finding an oasis from which to drink, she needed it.

"I know... But it's you and... I'll do anything for you." she told him, the truth of her words sparkling in her eyes. How open she was being, only Ryder probably didn't know how hard it was for her.

"I'm glad you will be able to do so. I don't want you getting sacked, I wouldn't be able to cope."

"That's quite the declaration," he said simply, of Flame's comment. She had said a lot to him, but this made everything she felt deep inside shine through.

Ryder knew that the two of them had not known each other very long, but he could feel the connection that Flame had forged to him. Ryder also knew that if he was no carefuly, this girl could cost him a lot more than his job. He understood the consequences, yet refused to bow to them. He would allow himself to do and feel as he thought was true, as he always did.

Yet, Flame was a different person, he could tell, when she was with him. It felt good to him that she showed him a side of her that not everyone else saw. It made him happy and also cocky and full of himself, which wasn't always a good thing.

"I'm glad you feel this way about me," he replied, contemplating. "However, that is no reason for you to..." He paused. "No need to act like a tramp for me," he said. "Not that you were, Flame, but I am saying. I have no intentions of..."

He was finding it difficult to speak what he really felt.

"I mean, I do have intentions but... you are making it hard for one to control themself Flame," he finished lamely.

She watched him, unsure what tp think. Did he disapprove of her honesty? Should she have kept her mouth shut? She knew that she had spoke of his job, knew her father might make it a lot more than his job being on the line, that even if he was found to be NDE he would be in great trouble, that he may not even be free. She knew that them being together would be classed, by most, as wrong. But she couldn't help her feelings, she couldn't stop the fact she felt so for Ryder.

"Truths, Ryder, may sound as such, but when someone truly means what they say they must be accepted. Don't hate honesty, Ryder, for it is difficult to find these days." she told him, hand on his cheek, searching for his eyes.

"I want to be what I must to make you happy, Ryder, but I also want to be with you. If you go down, I'll throw myself after you. You know that, right?"

Ryder listened to every word that Flame spoke, taking it all in. He knew he must accept her honesty and the way she felt as it was, because he could not change the way things were. He felt as though the present situation was very simple, yet deeply layered as so to make it complicating.

"I do my best to accept the truth when I see it, and to speak the truth when I know it," he replied. "However, the situation of course, between you and I, is deeper than you may see."

"I am not saying I am not right for you, or you are not right for me. It's quite the opposite actually, I believe we compliment each other quite nicely. But I want you to know that there are risks, I think, for both of us withthis situation. I want you to be aware of these before... accepting your feelings."

"And you do make me happy, Flame, you do. But don't feel that I am like others you may have met. It is you that makes me happy, and you do not have to do things to make me so. You make me happy by being here. There is nothing you could give me... sexual or otherwise, that could make me more happy."

She watched him, could tell something was bothering him, but she couldn't tell what. She wanted to comfort him, to show him this was right, yet at the same time she was scared it would upset him more. Instead she sat, watching in silence.

"What do you mean, Ryder? How deep do you think this is? You're the only person I've ever liked in this way who is willing to accept me as I am, everyone else wants me to change. Scythe hated me because I used an unforgivable, Finn despises me, Fox flirts with everyone, and Craven has never, and will never, find me attractive.

Do you not see how right we are for one another? We accept the other as they are, we're happy together, all I want to be is happy, Ryder, and until I expierience that happiness I won't knw what it is. This feeling, other than love, I think that's happiness. Show me Ryder, please."

Ryder felt overwhemled all at once. It wasn't her feelings, but rather, his. He understood the concept of happiness, altough he hadn't achieved true happiness in a long time. He wanted to feel it, and he could taste it with Flame. He wanted it desperately. He knew that Flame could give him this, if he allowed it.

"It has nothing to d owith feelings. On feelings alone, you and I would be very well for each other. However, you are a student at a school that I teach. Your father runs an organization that I am a part of. And the sheer age different Flame..."

"i am not making excuses to get out of anything, Flame, I am stating facts. However, facts will not change the way you make me feel, which is happy, which is why I feel that my poor feelings will come before reason. That will be a first."

He thought about that. He was usually so in control, but here he felt he wasn't. He wanted to go with his instincts for once, and not for what was right. He smiled, leaned down again, and kissed her more passionately, right on the lips.

She watched him, she touched him, here she was, sat on his knee, drinking his alcohol, he'd kissed her, and now he was questioning whether this was right? How could she control herself now? She wanted to scream at him, tell him to get a grip, but instead she remained silent for a minute.

"There's a first time fr everything Ryder, if you want it go for it." she only just made the last word come out when he kissed her and she, completely in love, kissed him back.

He had to pull back, knew he must, yet he didn't. He pulled Flame tighter to his body, wrapping his arms tightly around her little waist. She was much shorter than him, and he was almost picking her up trying to reach her lips. He pressed against hers hard, and felt hers moving magically beneath his. He could possibly stay like this forever.

He pulled away, a bit out of breath. He had completely lost himself there. He had to remember that this girl was much younger than him. He couldn't force her to do anything that was not completely necessary for him. He needed to take his time and be patient with her.

Ryder smiled at her, gently, not letting her get too far away from him. He kissed her temple, smelling her hair.

"Is this okay, with you? I am not too old for you?" he asked, smirking into her hair.

She pushed herself against him, wanting him, feeling a lust to be with him. She couldn't not be with him, she wanted to stay there forever, attatched at the lips, loving, needing him, the comfort and feelings of happiness he brought. She knew it was happiness now, there was nothing else it could be.

She didn't want t pull away, but felt him doing so, and so did the same herself, breathing deep, cathing breaths she had missed. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and smiled. She wanted him, couldn't not be with him now, she knew they had to be together. She leant against him as he kissed her temple.

"That is great with me, the age difference doesn't both me at all." she told him.

Idiot. >.<

He rather had assumed that she would not has a care in the world about the age different. He supposed it was different for him, although the difference would be no big deal in a few years times, when she was over the legal age. He didn't fear repercutions for his actions, though, they were merely a formality to him.

He lead Flame over to the couch in his office, placing her next to him now, instead of on top of him. He did not want to become too excited with Flame, it wasn't proper at such a time, although he knew that she wouldn't have any protests.

"Tell me about these other... boys," he said, wondering what these boys meant to Flame. He knew they were all most likely still in school, and thus, not important. Petty concerns. Yet, Ryder had always liked to be not only the best choice available but also the only choice.

"It is clear to me that you have many selections in your present mind. I'd like you to tell me what I am up against."

Flame looked at Ryder, happy to be with him, glad of his company, the two were hitting it off well. She sat next to him and seemed as though she would never be happier, and she surely hadn't been in the past.

All she wanted to do was spend time with Ryder be happy with him, forever.

"Scythe is nothing anymore. He was a few years above me, we had a thing years ago, he hated my use of unforguvables and went off on one, that was the end of that. The others are more recent but... I don't know about them.

Simner was medi-wizard here, ex-hufflepuff. Never knew or asked bloodtype. We were close, he's helped me out of a lot of situations, and I owe him for that. I'm nt sure of my feelings towards him at the moment.

Fox Canning is cute and destined to be rich, but he's too loose, flirts with everyone, so I'd never settle because I'd think he might cheat.

Finn hates me, simple as.

Craven and me are friends, have been for a long time. He's kinda hot, but he doesn't like me in that way. She summarised.

Ryder smirked, but listened intently to Flame's summary of boys she had been or was interested in. He did not feel jealously, ever, so it did not peirce him. He obviously did not like the way she spoke of some of them, but he always knew it was impossibly to change the way someone felt about someone else. Forcing something would not be well either.

"Well, you are typically a very young girl. It is common to have more than one love interest. I just want you to be sure that I am the one you choose. You will be sure that I will find out about anyone else, perse. I am very good at seeing through you, we have seen here," he said, tensing for her to go off on him.

"On the other hand, do not worry about things you may see between I and someone else. A particular Professor... but it is not what it seems. I askyou now not to go looking for anything Flame, because assumptions are usually incorrect."

OOC: Speaking of the thing with Gen, which is going to end soon anyways, we have a little plot thing going on.

Flame looked at him, eyes burning with a fire that melted the ice, there was care in that look, love, and it forced away the cold hatred all knew of her. Instead there was a girl who was kind, who enjoyed spending time with her new love, who would give literally anything for someone else.

"I apologise for my wandering mind, Ryder, it must be something that makes you feel nervous, maybe you think I will leave you, but know that that thought is wrong. I do not enter something without thinking first, and make a concious decision in my mind, Ryder. I made my choice and you are it."

She watched him carefully. "Yes, rumours of your association with that... Thing... Have spread and I would warn you to stop before I am forced to let it slip to my father that you are threatening the pure blood."

Ryder chuckled whole-heartedly. Flame was such a sweetheart deep down, but on the outside, ice cold. Ryder was determined to find a way to melt that ice and show off the warmth that really was inside of her. With his hand, he lifted up her head and kissed her forehead gently.

"Worry not, Flame. I do know what I am doing. I hope you do know that," he said simply, not offering anything more at the moment. He was not sure what if was of Gen that he kept around, other than her attraction.

"There will be no threatening of the Pureblood, I assure you Flame," he said in finality, and brought Flame's lips to his once more.

"Now, any other silly concerns of yours?" he asked, a light sparkling and dancing in his eyes at the mere sight of Flame.

She was warm to him and cold to the world, it was how she was. He saw warmth because she loved and trusted him, unlike anyone else. With him she felt comfortable, she felt she could let it all out, but to anyone else she would never be as she was for him.

"I am glad, I would not like to think you should cheat on me with a person of her blood stature, I would not tolerate it." she was making it clear where they stood, so he would not get confused

She kissed him and smiled, how she loved him, she would never have admitted it to anyone though- she couldn't. If she were to let it slip to even one person she'd be in trouible, and he'd be kicked out of hogwarts.

She shook her head. "Just once last thing" she kissed him again.

Ryder watched the way that Flame opened up in front of his eyes, the way she sparkled when she spoke to him, and how she looked so much more carefree and loveable in this manner. He smiled himself, although not giving away as much, and held her close for a minute, smelling her hair as she spoke to him softly but in a commanding tone.

Ryder would have liked to respond, but her lips cut off his, and he did not mind one bit. Allowing the kiss to go on, he was left to just thoughts of Flame that he knew he should not be thinking right now. He knew, from this point forward, that he would have to keep himself in check, as this girl was much younger than him, and should be treated so.

Gently leaning away, he sighed into her ear but allowed her to bling to him for a few seconds than he normally would have granted. Then, his lifted her chin so she could look up to his height, which was a considerable amount.

"First off, I believe I would be cheating on Gen with you, no? Please think of it this way while I end these matters Flame. And as for second off..." he trailed off, kissing her again.

"You mustn't be so tempting."

Flame couldn't help but be herself to Ryder, he had the effect on her. It was probably why she would never attend his classes, because she didn't want others seeing that. She had wanted to take the subjects but it was too risky, she couldn't take that chance that someone might notice.

She felt so natural, so happy, she just wanted to stay with him forever and never return to normality. Here she felt safe and secure, here she felt loved and wanted, here was in Ryder's arms.

She allowed her head to be tilted to catch his eyes, though it was a long way to look up, she was so small compared to him. "Of course, you were with her first, but please break it off when you can, without it looking too suspicious of course." Her mind was trapped in her feelings for him.

"I don't try to be tempting, you're just so delicious."