Lily smiled as her and Oliver looked up at the sky. It was so beautiful and she was blushing from what he told her. Then she heard a low voice saying "Lily Brown. What are you doing outside of the castle after curfew? Do you know how school rules you're breaking right now?" She wasn't expecting it and was completely caught of guard, and before she realized what she was doing she was getting up and had her wand drew and pointed right at the intruder. It took her a few seconds to realize who it was and once she did she lowered her wand with a growl. "Cailean McCoire, are you trying to make me angry? I could have hurt you." she said, obviously annoyed. Was he doing this to get her back at the party a couple weeks ago? If so he's going to regret it. Sighing, she gave Colin a death glare. "Don't do that again." she said, her voice low and a little bit threatening. She glanced at Oliver. "Sorry, Oliver. My cousin here is extremely annoying. Obviously his werewolf sense sniffed us out." Lily shot Colin another glare as if to say your lucky he's here.

Colin smiled wickedly as his cousin reacted! It was a total gotcha moment! Colin was elated as she flopped over with her wand drawn. But she was up on her feet in a second, and Colin stood as well, readying himself for what ever she might do next. Oh, but he was so enjoying this so much! She pointed her wand straight at him. Colin was used to that now, so it didn't bother him at all.

"What are going to do, Lilykins? Cast lumos at me?" He laughed again, standing at his cousin's side. He knew she could be a wicked tease herself, and he thought she'd appreciate a little come-back for letting Clair in on his crush on her. It was only fair, and anyway, what could he do to the two lovebirds? Even if he were a prefect, Colin knew he'd not likely haul anyone into detention for a bit of snogging.

He began to circle the pair once Lily lowered her wand. He smiled, though, when she asked him if it was his intention to anger her. It really wasn't, but he said nothing. Could she really have hurt him, though, Lily? That was actually a sobering thought. Colin had three known cousins here at Hoggys. He would never hurt any of them --- well one of them, Regina Miller, he knew could turn him into a toad and squash him any time she chose. Alena and Lily were first years. They were kin. He loved each of them. He knew that he'd rush in defending any of them with his wand if they were in trouble. But --- was Lily messing with him? He began to circle pensively.

There was still a smile on his face as she told him not to do that again. "Okay Lils --- or what? You'll cast red sparks all over me? Come now cuz!" But even in the starlight shining down on her face, Colin could see Lily was really on about something. His nostrils flared. There was a change in his cousin. This wasn't about teasing. He wasn't sure what could have possibly caused this reaction in her. Now her scent was different. He didn't know what to make of it at all!

Colin shrugged. He was confused. He didn't think he'd teased her that badly; but he knew it was time to stop. He laughed again, and was about to apologise for upsetting her: "Come on Lils! I---"

She talked over him: "Sorry, Oliver. My cousin here is extremely annoying. Obviously his werewolf sense sniffed us out."

And in that moment everything changed. Everything inside. Colin felt suddenly hot! He didn't care that Lily called him annoying. That was his job! Annoy your little cousin --- just as it's her job to annoy you! But one word sent his mind reeling and his heart began to pound. The old fear came suddenly back to his mind! Colin felt overwhelmed! Outwardly, neither Lily nor Oliver would notice any change in Colin's demeanour. Except, perhaps, for a slight shift in the shadows playing upon his face. A little lip curl of warning.

And then it happened!

Colin dropped to all fours next to Oliver, who was still lying in the grass. His wand was out and he shoved it right into Oliver's face. Colin very rarely felt this way: he'd felt it last when some bullies got after Jarael and he threw rocks at them. He was angry. He felt the fire kindle inside him. He was angry at Lily. Kin. Clearly Lily had no concept. She had crossed a line. He was angry at Lily --- and he would assuage that anger on someone she loved.

And he would make Oliver teach her the lesson. He stared into Oliver's eyes and bared his teeth. He made sure that the boy could see his fangs. A fierce grin formed along Colin's mouth and his voice was no more than a harsh whisper. His eyes were wide and never left Oliver's. "If you ever breathe one single word about what Lily divulged to you, I shall burn you Oliver Brown. And if your girlfriend ever tells another, I shall hunt you down, Oliver, and make you bleed." He snarled. Rein it in, lad! Keep it cool! Colin said to himself. "I know fire, laddie, and I know blood. Ye're not gonna like either one when I get done with you. I suggest ye teach your lassie how to tame her tongue."

Colin gave Oliver his best Slytherin smirk. He really did know fire, and did know what it was to bleed. These were no idle threats. He'd burned opponents before, and he'd burn this kid in a second if he ever spoke of Colin's lycanthropy.

Colin stood up and pocketed his wand.

He gave Lily a look of disgust. He felt betrayed by someone he loved. That he'd never felt before. Colin didn't like the feeling, and he knew in his heart he was going to have to go somewhere and cry. Just not here.

Colin stalked over towards where he'd laid down his book and satchel, picked them up and turned back to Lily. "We will speak of this another time, cousin. About what it means to be kin." He spat the word 'kin' at her as if it were a curse. He hated the way this felt, and right now, he hated Lily for making him feel this way, and he hated himself for feeling this way.

His carefully leashed expression almost broke on his face. He still felt the fire of anger in his heart and he knew that was the work of his enemies. He needed to be with Clair! He needed to find AngelFyre! But right now it was all Colin could do to keep from saying or doing anything more to either of them.

Colin let out a disgusted puff of breath.

He turned away from his cousin, Lily, and ran into the starry night. How he would have loved to watch them pass overhead with his cousin! He would have liked to talk with Oliver. But no! He ran swiftly into darkness, parting from them in anger.