Sorry for the time between updates! We have been super busy with school and work! Anyways we hope you enjoy!
Casselle laid awake Friday night continually checking her watch, the hands creeping slowly towards midnight. After what seemed like hours the face read 11:50. Smiling she slowly got out of bed grabbing a parcel from her trunk before making her way down the stairs and out of the dormitory.
She crossed the common room and slowly made her way up to the boy's dorm, opening the six year boy's door slowly. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was met with soft snores.
"Muffilato," she murmured pointing her wand in turns at three of the beds. Satisfied she crossed the room to Sirius's bed parting the hangings quietly. She glanced down at her watch the face read 11:59. She waited until the second hand touched 12 on the nose before leaning over and kissing Sirius lightly.
"Wake up birthday boy," she teased rubbing his cheek tenderly.
Sirius's eyes snapped open and he blinked up at her obviously confused. "Cass? What's going on?"
"Congratulations, you're of age," she murmured handing him the parcel.
He sat up rubbing his eyes as he took the package from her, "What time is it?"
"Midnight….well 12:01 now," she replied sitting next to him. "Open it."
Sirius ripped the paper away from his present to reveal a sleek black box, curious he opened the lid revealing a silver watch.
Sirius smiled as he gently removed it from the box.
"I know it's tradition to get one when you come of age…" Casselle murmured watching him anxiously.
"Cass," Sirius breathed looking up at her, "I love it thank you."
Casselle smiled pleased that he liked it, "You're welcome love," she replied kissing him lightly.
Sirius responded immediately pulling her closer and deepening the kiss.
Casselle pulled back slightly breathless, "I should go."
"Noooo," Sirius complained pulling her down onto his bed and wrapping his arms around her.
Casselle giggled, "Sirius I can't stay here."
"Sure you can," he breathed trailing kisses along her jaw.
"Sirius," she warned her breath hitching as his hand ran up her thigh.
"Fine," he relented allowing her to pull away from him.
She smiled as she stood leaning down to kiss him one last time, "Happy birthday."
He grinned laying back down, "sweet dreams love," she closed his curtains for him lifting her charm before creeping out of the dorm and back to her own room.
That night brought lots of girl time and chit chat about hair and makeup and who had earrings Lily could borrow.
Casselle had related the scavenger hunt Sirius had sent her on for Valentine's Day to Lily and Emma who had gushed about it for an hour.
"Who knew the playboy of Hogwarts had it in him," Emma said shaking her head in wonder as Lily worked her wand through her hair leaving tightly woven curls.
Casselle grinned nodding in agreement, "I definitely wasn't expecting anything as special as that."
"He put the rest of the boys to shame," Lily agreed finishing Emma's hair with a flourish of her wand.
"Want me to do you Cass?"
"Yes please," Casselle replied moving to sit in front of Lily.
Two hours later the girl's were putting the finishing touches on their appearances. Casselle felt a strange mixture of nerves and excitement for the rest of the night. She had given Sirius his main present earlier that morning but she had one more surprise in store for him later.
Casselle was wearing her mother's debutant gown which was made of a silvery fabric that clung to her figure. Her hair was curled and fashioned into an elegant twist on her head. Her eyes were adorned with smoky shadow while her lips were painted a ruby red. She smiled as she took in her appearance in the mirror, pleased with the outcome.
"Ready?" Emma asked nervously fidgeting with her dress.
Casselle and Lily nodded and the three girls made their way down to the common room to meet their dates.
Casselle eyes connected with Sirius's instantly and she made her way over to him smiling shyly.
"Hello," she murmured.
"Hello beautiful," he replied returning her smile. "You look exquisite."
"Thanks," she replied taking the arm that he offered and allowing him to lead her out of the common room.
They made their way to the Great Hall with James, Emma and Remus. They had planned on meeting Lily there with her date.
Lily was standing with her date, Walter, when the rest of the group arrived.
"About time," Walter sneered giving the four Gryffindors a disdainful look as they approached.
"Walter," Lily chided shooting him a look before turning to her friends. "Shall we?" She asked in an attempt to dispel the awkwardness that had taken over the group.
Casselle nodded gesturing for Lily to lead the way and the group made their way into the Great Hall behind Lily and Walter.
"Not the most polite chap is he?" Emma whispered drawing even with Casselle.
"Doesn't look that way," she murmured feeling a pang of sympathy for her friend.
The food was even better than usual and everyone ate more than their fill. Though the good spirits were marred by Walter's continuing snide remarks. He was making it painfully obvious that he was a pretentious git.
"Care to dance?" Sirius murmured in Casselle's ear after the dishes had vanished.
Casselle smiled grateful for an opportunity to get away from the awkward conversation at their table, "Of course."
She allowed Sirius to lead her onto the dance floor smiling when he spun her. "I was worried we'd have to sit there with them all night," Sirius admitted pulling her close.
Casselle nodded, "I'm surprise James hasn't cursed him yet, especially after that comment about her bum."
Sirius nodded his eyes flicking towards the table, "I think he's trying for civility."
Casselle followed his gaze over to James, he looked tense and a little angry but at least he didn't have his wand out. "I reckon you're right."
Sirius and Casselle danced to a countless number of songs together, both glad to spend the night wrapped in each other's arm. "Want to go for a walk?" Casselle asked a little breathlessly.
Sirius smiled and nodded and after a quick stop for two butterbeers the two made their way out into the courtyard. They walked a little way in contented silence before stopping to sit at a bench.
Casselle sighed closing her eyes and enjoying the feel of the cool night air on her flushed skin.
Sirius reached over brushing some stray hair out of her face, "You look so incredibly beautiful," he murmured.
Casselle smiled opening her eyes and bringing her lips to his softly, "Thank you."
The two sat exchanging kisses for a moment before a yell broke them apart.
"What was that?" Casselle asked looking around in alarm.
"Dunno, we better go check it out though," Sirius replied standing up and starting down the path. Casselle followed pulling her wand out of her handbag. The voices got louder the further they went and as they rounded the corner of the path they saw Lily who appeared to be having a row with Walter.
Casselle started forward but Sirius held her back, "Wait."
Casselle opened her mouth to argue but then noticed James who was striding towards the couple.
"If I had known you'd be such a prude I wouldn't have bothered with you," Walter sneered.
"Oi McColin, I reckon you owe Ms. Evans an apology," James spat approaching the pair calmly.
"This is none of your business Potter," Walter drawled. "Though if you want her you can by all means have her, she's nothing but a needy stuck up bitch."
James's wand was out so quickly Walter didn't have time to react before the curse hit him. "Now apologize!" James demanded standing over the Ravenclaw boy.
"I-I'm sorry," Walter muttered attempting to get back to his feet.
"Louder," James growled.
"I'm sorry."
"Now get out of here," James snapped watching as he got to his feet and hurried down the pathway.
Once he was out of sight James turned to Lily, "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
Lily nodded wiping at her eyes.
James stepped closer gently tipping her chin up with his hand, "None of it was true Lily," he whispered brushing away a tear that had been resting on her cheek. "He's nothing but an arrogant git who will never deserve you."
Lily smiled, "Thanks," she whispered her voice hoarse from her tears.
"Come on," Casselle whispered pulling on Sirius's arm, "Let them have some privacy."
Sirius followed her back to their bench grinning, "Way to go Prongs," he teased.
Casselle smiled, "He did have pretty good timing, though he was probably spying on them."
Sirius laughed, "Now where were we," he murmured pulling her closer.
When Sirius and Casselle finally rejoined the rest of the student body inside they joined Emma, Remus, Peter and his date from Hufflepuff at a table chatting easily. James and Lily were notedly absent, though Walter had moved on and was in the corner snogging a fifth year Hufflepuff.
"I reckon we better go set up," Remus announced checking his watch.
Peter nodded and stood up saying a quick goodbye to his date, while Remus did the same before disappearing out of the Great Hall.
"I better go make sure they've got enough to drink," Sirius stated staring after them, "They never seem to get enough to drink."
Casselle laughed rolling her eyes as Sirius stood. "I'll see you there."
"I'll be waiting for you," he replied hurrying after his friends.
Casselle grinned at Emma, "So how's the night so far?"
Emma smiled, "It's been great, he's just so nice and polite and-and wonderful," she gushed.
Casselle grinned feeling happy for her friend, "It looks like everyone's having a good night."
"Yeah except for Lily," Emma replied frowning.
"Oh I wouldn't worry too much about her," Casselle replied with a grin. "Come on we better go get changed for the party."
Emma nodded following Casselle out of the Great Hall and back to the Gryffindor common room. The girls went straight to their dormitory at the insistence of the marauders who claimed no one was allowed in the common room until it had been properly decorated.
"Do you know what you're wearing?" Casselle asked flipping through her own selection.
"I've narrowed it down to three, which do you think?" Emma nodded towards the three garments lying on her bed. The first one was an incredibly short black mini dress, the second was a slightly longer trapeze style dress in a soft yellow while the last option was a golden mini skirt and a red sleeveless blouse.
"Hmmm….I think this one," Casselle replied indicating the yellow dress.
Emma nodded her agreement, "I should stick with the classy look anyways. Something tells me that's more of Remus's style."
Casselle laughed and turned back to her own closet, "I have nothing to wear!" she complained.
"Here wear this," Emma tossed her the black dress from her bed. "It'll drive Sirius mad."
"I don't know Em, this isn't really a dress as much of a glorified shirt."
"Wear it! Or at the very least try it on," Emma commanded.
Casselle sighed slipping out of her gown and pulling the dress over her head. She stared at her reflection in the mirror slightly impressed with the change it made to her appearance. The dress was tight and clung to her body enhancing her curves. The cut was low and showed a hint of the red bra she was wearing. The hem managed to cover her butt but just barely making her legs look a mile long.
"Cass you have to wear that!" Emma exclaimed.
"I look like a harlette," Casselle complained turning to inspect her reflection from behind.
"You look like a sex goddess," Emma corrected. "The perfect gift for the likes of Sirius Black."
Casselle laughed reaching up and unpinning her hair shaking it out so that it laid in loose curls around her shoulders. "Fine I'll wear it but if I have a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of the common room I'm coming after you."
"Deal," Emma replied with a grin applying some lip gloss.
After both girls had slipped on a pair of heels they made their way back down to the common room.
"We told you not to come down until it was do-" Sirius stopped mid sentence when he caught sight of Casselle.
"Down boy," she teased making a mental note to thank Emma later.
"You'll be the death of me yet Casselle Dawson," Sirius groaned sliding his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. "As long as you two are insisting on being down here why don't you go hang these decorations."
Casselle and Emma took the streamers he handed her and set about hanging them from the ceiling with a temporary sticking charm.
"Has anyone seen James?" Remus asked checking his watch. "We said we'd meet here at quarter till midnight and its five till."
"Oh I wouldn't worry about him," Sirius replied sharing a smile with Casselle. "He's a little preoccupied."
Remus, Peter and Emma stared at the pair confused but neither Casselle nor Sirius offered any explanation.
"There," Casselle announced when she was done with the last flyer, "I reckon people will be here soon the ball ended five minutes ago."
"Excellent, let's all do a shot before the masses descend," Sirius announced and the group crowded around the drink table as Sirius poured out shots of Firewhiskey.
"To the birthday boy!" Casselle exclaimed holding her glass up and the others all echoed her clinking their glasses together before downing the shot.
Casselle grimaced at the taste, "Ugh it never gets easier," Sirius laughed pulling her to his side.
"What's the matter love you don't like the burn?"
"No one likes the burn Sirius," she replied grinning at him.
Five minutes later the common room was packed with people not only from Gryffindor but Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw as well. Firewhiskey and Butterbeer flowed like water as the students danced and celebrated.
Casselle moved against Sirius on the dance floor laughing and twirling, feeling wonderfully carefree.
"Want a drink?" he whispered nodding his head at the concessions table.
Casselle nodded and followed him over where he poured them each a shot before handing her a butterbeer.
"Want to go for a walk?" She breathed against his ear after downing her drink.
"I've been hoping you'd ask me that for the last two hours," he replied taking her hand and leading her out of the common room.
They didn't make it very far down the corridor before Sirius pinned Casselle against the wall his mouth trailing along her jaw and down her neck.
Casselle relaxed tipping her head to expose more of her neck to him, "mhmm," she sighed.
"Casselle I have something I want to ask you," Sirius whispered between kisses.
"And what would that be love?" Casselle murmured her eyes flickering open.
"When my uncle died he left me everything including his estate…" Sirius started pulling back and placing his hands on either side of her face, his grey eyes peering into her blue ones. "This summer I won't be returning to the Potters and I was wondering if maybe…you would want to stay with me?"
Casselle's breath caught and her eyes widened. She wouldn't have to go back home this summer, she could stay with Sirius and never see her father again. "Are you sure?" she breathed certain that the offer was too good to be true.
"I've never wanted anything more," he replied brushing her hair behind her ears.
"Of course I'll stay with you," she replied hugging him to her.
Sirius returned the embrace with a grin, "That's the best gift I could ask for Cass," he whispered.
"That reminds me," Casselle replied pulling away from him, "I've got another gift for you…how long do you think the boys will be at the party?"
Sirius grinned, "Well it's my birthday after all so I'm sure if I asked it could be hours."
"Perfect," Casselle replied pulling him back towards the portrait hole.
Casselle and Sirius rejoined the party a considerable amount of time later, descending the boys staircase with content smiles on their faces
The party was finally dying down, and the couple claimed a couch for themselves and started to doze off to sleep as everyone else did. As they were about to fall into a deep sleep, they heard the portrait hole open with a creak and they looked to see who was walking in so late at night.
They both shot up gaping at the two people trying to sneak in.
"Do my eyes deceive me? Is that Lily Evans and James Potter walking in at 4 am?" Sirius asked rubbing his eyes in astonishment.
James just had a huge dopey smile on his face, while Lily blushed and looked down at her feet. "Oh shut up Black," Lily said hurrying off to her dormitory.
"Took you long enough mate," Sirius said stretching and pulling Casselle back to the couch.
"I should probably go up to Lily," Casselle said.
"But it's my birthday?" Sirius moaned tightening his arms around her waist.
"Correction it was your birthday," She said kissing him lightly, "Now congratulate your friend, while I go check on mine." She said sliding out of his arms and heading off to the dormitory.
"Lils?" She called when she opened the door slowly. "You okay?"
"Oh, Cass what did I do?" She complained throwing herself on her bed.
Casselle smiled to herself. "What happened?" Casselle asked sitting next to her friend on the bed, knowing full well how it happened.
Lily groaned into her pillow finally looking up at Casselle. "He was just so nice, acting like a knight in shining armor saving me from that arse Walter. He was a real pig Cass I should never have gone with him. Then James comes up telling him to apologize to me, and telling me none of it was true, and that any guy would be glad to have me. Oh Cass he was just so sweet! Since when is James Potter ever sweet!" She asked incredulously.
Casselle tried to hide her smile, "People surprise you."
"Then he just listened to me, rant about Walter, and before I knew it he was kissing me! And for the life of me I couldn't stop him, because I wanted him to. Then we just talked, about our families and everything. When did James grow up and become a gentleman?" Lily asked completely confused by her feelings.
"He's grown a lot in the last year. He really cares about you Lil," She said pulling her friend closer to her. "So what are you going to do now?"
Lily sighed, "I guess it would be mean if I didn't give him a chance."
Casselle smiled and laughed, "Yeah I think it would be."
"Do you really think he cares about me and doesn't just think I'm attractive?"
Casselle full on laughed at that, "Are you kidding me? Lils he's been in love with you for six years. I mean sure he thinks you're attractive, but if he just thought that he would not have put up with you for this long. That boy is head over heels for you."
"Yeah you're right." Lily smiled, "It has been a long time hasn't it?" Lily thought about it.
"Yep. Well we should probably get to bed." Casselle said moving to get into her bed.
"Cass?" Lily called when they were settled into bed.
"Yeah?"
"Did you know for sure that you wanted to be with Sirius?"
Casselle thought about it for a second, "No, but he was a lot different than James back then. James hasn't been with anyone, while Sirius has… its like he's been waiting for you."
Lily smiled, "You're probably right." They both settled into a happy sleep dreaming of the men that stole their hearts.
True to her word Lily was taking time to get to know James, a fact that hadn't gone unnoticed by the majority of the Hogwarts student. The pair seemed to be the center of gossip for the next week as everyone took bets on how long it would take them to become official.
"If I hear one more bloody person whispering about me as I walk by I'm going to lose it," Lily grumbled as her and Casselle made their way out of the Great Hall.
"I know how you feel," Casselle sympathized. "Though you can hardly blame them, people have been waiting years for this to happen. I'm surprised it hasn't been in the prophet," Casselle teased avoiding the elbow Lily aimed at her side.
"Lily! Hey Lily," a familiar voice called.
Lily glanced at Casselle hopefully, "Oh go on then," Casselle laughed watching as Lily paused allowing James to catch up to her.
"I'll see you two later," Casselle murmured heading towards the library as the pair made their way to the common room.
Casselle sat at a table in the back of the library trying to memorize all the necessary ingredients for a soothing draught when she sensed a presence behind her.
"Can I help you?" she asked keeping her voice neutral as Snape approached her.
"Dawson," Snape sneered hovering over her table. "Something about you isn't right, I can tell."
"I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about Serverus," Casselle replied coolly keeping her concentration on her school work.
"Just know that I'm watching you Dawson, and when you slip up and let your guard down I'll know exactly what you were hiding because you're not fooling me."
"Dually noted now if you don't mind?"
Snape slide away with a scowl and Casselle listened to his footsteps die away.
"What was that about?" Sirius asked dropping his bag on her table.
Casselle jumped as the book bag banged against the wood, she had been so focused on Serverus that she hadn't noticed Sirius's presence. "Oh you know the usual Slytherin crap…" she replied not quite meeting his eye.
Sirius studied her before shrugging it off, "We'll have to think of something to make Snivellus remember his place then."
Casselle smiled, "Can you look this over for me?" She asked successfully changing the subject.
"Thank God it's Friday," Emma moaned the next day as she left Herbology with Casselle and Lily.
"I know exactly what you mean," Lily agreed linking her arms with her friends.
Casselle didn't comment, she had a meeting with Dumbledore and one with the Slytherines this weekend, both were likely to be more work than her lessons.
Later that night Sirius and Casselle made their way to Dumbledore's office. Casselle was still struggling to plant thoughts and desires into another mind and the lack of success was beginning to frustrate her.
"Concentrate Casselle," Dumbledore urged as Casselle fought against the tirade of Sirius's memories that flooded her mind.
Casselle ground her teeth scrunching her face in concentration trying to push his memories away.
Jump on the desk, she thought throwing the command at Sirius with all of her might.
"Excellent!" Dumbledore praised and Casselle opened her eyes to see a very confused Sirius standing on Dumbledore's desk.
"I did it?" she asked uncertainly.
"You did it," Dumbledore confirmed his eyes twinkling as Casselle grinned in triumph.
Sirius jumped sheepishly down off the desk and grinned at Casselle, "I told you, you could do it."
"And for once you were right," she teased sinking into one of the chairs. She felt drained despite her triumph.
"I think that's all the practicing we will do for today. Now Mr. Black I need to have a few words with Ms. Dawson in private if you would be so kind as to wait outside."
Sirius fought the urge to scowl at the Headmaster, he had been asked to do this at the end of every meeting lately and despite his urging Casselle wouldn't tell him what they discussed in his absence.
Dumbledore waited until he had left the office before turning to Casselle, "Do you have anything to report?"
"Nothing that's new or exciting," she replied wearily. "They just talk about the cause Voldemort is working towards and how we should keep the blood line pure…the only ones that seem to have any inside information are Bellatrix and Snape and both are extremely skilled at blocking me…"
Dumbledore nodded, "I had doubted that they would discuss critical matters on school grounds but if you do happen to acquire something of importance come to me immediately."
Casselle nodded rising from her chair, "I will Professor," she promised before saying her goodbyes and going to meet Sirius.
She ignored the scowl on his face and his pestering, "If Dumbledore wanted you to know he would let you stay in the room. You're just going to have to trust his judgment." she stated before he could start complaining.
Sirius closed his mouth biting off the words he had been about to speak his shoulders slumping.
"Trust me, I'll tell you when I can love," Casselle murmured trying to placate him as they made their way back to Gryffindor tower.
Sirius sighed but nodded, "Fine I accept defeat, keep your secrets."
"Always the drama queen," Casselle teased giving him a quick kiss before disappearing to her dormitory.
Saturday Casselle could hardly concentrate on the people around here. She hated feeling that she was betraying, and that's exactly what every meeting felt like. It was an hour before Casselle had to leave and she kept checking the clock anxiously. Her and Sirius were sitting by themselves watching the fire, they enjoyed the soothing feeling of being with each other and not doing anything.
"You're going to disappear again aren't you," He said noticing her play with her hair while she checked the clock for the hundredth time.
Casselle looked at him sadly, she wanted so desperately to tell him no, but she knew she had to. She nodded, avoiding his eyes.
"Where do you keep going? And when are you going to tell me what's going on?" He asked annoyed but also worried about her.
"I can't, I wish I could. Believe me I wish more than anything that I could tell you, but I just can't." She pleaded with him.
"Whatever, you should probably get going," He snapped hurt by her silence.
"Sirius…" She said, but he wouldn't look at her and she walked of the common room feeling worse than ever.
"Hey Prongs, can I see the map?" Sirius said when Casselle left. He had to know what she was doing. He just hoped she wasn't cheating on him.
"Yeah," James said turning away from Lily and their homework to pull the parchment from his pocket.
Sirius tapped it, saying "I solemnly swear I am up to no good," and followed the dot that was labeled Casselle Dawson. He stared in astonishment as he followed her down to the dungeons into a room with dots labeled, Nathaniel Dawson, Bellatrix Black, Severus Snape, Regulus Black and more Death Eater wannabes. It wasn't possible, why would Casselle be down there? With them? His heart sank into his stomach as a truth he never wanted to face swam into his mind, could Casselle be a Death Eater?
He watched and waited an hour for her to return to the common room.
As Casselle left the meeting, she heard someone call out to her. She turned to find Sirius's brother following her. Her anger boiled remembering how he never told Sirius about his uncle.
"Yes?" Casselle asked icily.
"I was just wondering if Sirius knows you're going to these meetings?" Regulus asked fidgeting.
"What does it matter Regulus? It's none of your business," She snapped her ton colder than it should be.
"You're right, I was just wondering how he was doing?"
"Why would you care? You didn't seem to care when your uncle died and you didn't inform him about it."
"I…" He stopped not knowing what to say.
"Look Regulus our acquaintance ends at the end of the meetings. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back," She said turning sharply on her heels and leaving Regulus standing in the middle of the corridor.
She climbed through the portrait hole rubbing her head; she still had a throbbing pain from trying to get into Snape's head.
"Glad you could finally make it back," Sirius said causing her to jump in surprise.
"Sirius? What are you doing still up?" She asked walking towards him trying to pretend she had been brushing hair out of her face.
"I was waiting for you." He said shortly.
"You didn't have to, it's late we should really get to bed." She held out her hand to him but he wouldn't take it. "What's wrong?" She asked anxiously.
"Casselle I know where you've been."
"What?" Casselle asked shocked and nervous.
"What are you doing with those Death Eater wannabes?" He asked angrily.
"What? How do you know?"
"It doesn't matter, are you going to deny it?" He asked his voice rising slightly.
Casselle looked down at her feet, feeling her heart in her throat. What could she say. She shook her head feeling tears build up in her eyes. "I can't," She whispered.
"Casselle tell me the truth. What the hell is going on?"
Casselle just shook her head.
"Is your family forcing you into this? Or are you truly betraying all of your friends?" He asked coldly.
Casselle's head shot up at that. "Of course I'm not betraying you. I would never."
"Then what is this? What are you doing with them?"
"Don't you think I would tell you if I could! I want to more than anything, but I just can't! Can't you please accept that?" She pleaded tears sliding down her cheeks; she needed him to accept it, to trust her.
"Cass…" He wanted to trust her, but a small part of him was telling him something was wrong.
"Please," She begged. "I don't know what to do, I want to tell you. More than anything." She brought her hands to her face and let out a shaking breath.
He walked over to her, and wrapped his arms around her tightly. She let out a sob, burying her face in his chest and clutching on to his shirt. "I don't know what to do anymore," She cried.
"Shhh, it's okay. I trust you Cass, we'll figure this out," He said rubbing her back soothingly.
She just shook her head knowing there was nothing to be done. She knew eventually Sirius wouldn't put up with it, and she might lose him. After she had calmed down, they said goodnight, even though Sirius was still worried about what was going on, he knew he couldn't push it out of her. She'd tell him, he knew she would. He kissed her and went to his dormitory, while she went to hers, frantically praying that there was a way to make this work out.
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