“Jus… Justin?”

Words demanded to be liberated. There were a thousand things Justin wanted to ask her. Millions. No matter how hard he tried, his lips remained sealed. Maybe it was because of the drink or what had transpired earlier. What were the chances he would've run into Phoebe here of all places? Dressing in a manner that would tempt the gods, he took all of her in. The years had been kind to her. She was as beautiful as he remembered her in Hogwarts when they the 'scions' of House Slytherin.

Just as quickly as her look of surprise came, it shifted instantaneously to anger. "What the hell are you doing here?”

Not desiring to compete with the music, he casted one look around as he caught eyes with another man walking towards them. "You going to dance man? If not, I'm going to steal this pretty little thing from you."

Standing before the new comer, Justin stared straight into the man's eyes. His pale-blue eyes stared into the man's darker. "Find someone else," he said flatly. Since he left, he had dealt with the vilest of wizards and witches. This nobody meant nothing to him. Such poor character. "I'm sure you can find some other craving vixen on this floor."

The stranger threw up his hands and backed away. "Whoa, chill man. Just asking. No harm no foul, right?"

Justin watched him walk away as he turned his attention back to Phoebe. A ghost of a smile traced his lips. "I shouldn't have stopped by. Seems like you're doing well. It's ... good to see you again. Goodbye Phoebe." His hand clenched under his robe as he turned away and found a crack through the crowd. He hated these night clubs. He hated the effects of intoxication. But what he hated the most at that moment? Walking away from the only person he ever cared about - even if she was a half-blood. 

"It's better this way," he said to himself as he went back to the counter where the bartender gave him a thumbs up, pointing at his drink. "Thanks."

"Let out some steam? DJ's pretty good tonight."

Downing the Burning Phoenix to less than half glass, he shook his head. "I fear I've made things worse." Glancing back, Justin quickly finished of his drink and gave the bartender the amount of his tab. "You should put this on the menu. People would go mad for it."

The bartender laughed. "Precisely why I won't put it on the menu. But thanks."

"Pleasure's mine," Justin said as he got to his feet and headed towards the door. There was nothing left for him here. If he became involved with Phoebe, it'd complicate things with the Circle. This chapter of his life was done.