Sorry for the delay, but I came across this vicious creature. Research revealed I was dealing with a bout of Real Life. The creature itself is unkillable, they say. But at least I defeated it for the time being. So here's - finally - the second chapter.

2 November 1983 – Azazel

Dean Winchester was about to wake up, when Azazel entered the house. His senses – still untrained but already those of a hunter – picking up on the foreign presence in his home.

Castiel knew where this was headed, it had happened before in other families all over the country. Therefore he encouraged Dean to wake up so he would be ready and alert when he needed to be. But at the same time he instilled a fear into Dean's heart that kept him in his room long enough to escape Azazel's wrath and the sight of his own mother burning pinned to the ceiling. – Castiel was by no means an expert on humans and their needs and functions, but he was rather sure that seeing their parent come to a violent death was not good for their further development.

Castiel released the child only when Azazel was gone and John between his dying wife and his older son.

"Take your brother outside as fast as you can! Now, Dean, go!" John shouted and pressed the baby into Dean's arms.

Dean held on tight and ran. Down the stairs, across the hall. And Castiel was right ahead of him, clearing the path, making sure he got out of the house save and healthy.

14 April 2008 #2 – predicament

"Please, brother, I really need to see Zachariah."

"He is very busy," Juniel answered pointedly. He didn't seem to care that he was far below Castiel on the hierarchy. Obviously he felt protected by Zachariah's prominent position.

"I know, he's following Cain's descendants, but that is just what I need to see him about."

"Brother, there is nothing you could bring to Zachariah's attention that he isn't already aware of."

"Nevertheless, I would like to speak to him about the recent events."

"Really, if there is anything he needs from you, he will come to you."

Castiel looked worriedly past the unyielding Juniel, but didn't overrule him, though he considered it for a moment. But overruling Juniel wouldn't get him closer to his goal. Zachariah could still just send him away if he didn't want to see him, which was very likely if Castiel all but ambushed him. And that would be the end of it.

Dean Winchester was doomed if Castiel failed to see Zachariah about this and get him on his good side. He would have to find a way to make it happen.

But instead of bringing his concerns to attention, Castiel turned his eyes to earth, where Dean Winchester sat in a bar, a glass of amber liquid in front of him, a young woman next to him, her hand on his thigh, his hand low on her waist.

With a sigh Castiel turned away again. He saw more and more of this behaviour from his charge lately. He couldn't understand why he did it, couldn't find any reason in it.

But whether he liked what his charge did, or whether he understood it, it didn't matter in the end. Because Castiel's orders were quite clear: protect Dean Winchester life. And that was what he was going to do. Unless somebody told him differently. And even then he would abandon his assignment only with regret. He enjoyed his assignment. It was not hard work for the most part, and it was interesting. Castiel learned a great number of things about humans as he kept watch.