Chapter 1: Y3 | Hogsmeade
Summary:
Just casual Hogsmeade business
…
Or is it…?
Chapter Text
➵ FOR EMMA — BON IVER
'For Emma, forever ago.'
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0yAotMUx7Awqkeb2NRgFP0?si=gk9keL9xQ2y7Gw9Zw3aiDg&pi=-O9xfyPGTVGa8
Over a week after their first day back at school, Cassie dutch-braids her hair and applies her usual mascara. She wears a pair of short denim dungarees with a red top underneath, red converse to match. It's still warm for September ninth, to her delight. Pansy gets ready beside her, lazily tying her hair up in a high ponytail.
It's a Saturday— not just any Saturday, however. The first Saturday back at school means their monthly sweet restock from Honeydukes. On the first Saturday of every month, the group visit Hogsmeade to stock up on sweets for the month. They put all of their money together and spend pretty much all of it on sweets— a few school supplies if necessary.
Cassie wears a pair of silver dangly earrings, one with a half-moon and the other with a sun. She puts on her star-shaped necklace to match. Her morse code bracelet sits around her tanned wrist as per usual; the only time she takes it off is to shower.
When Pansy and Cassie leave their dorm, they bump into a familiar blonde in the corridor. Daphne Greengrass is a gorgeous Slytherin with hair almost as white as Draco's. She has the most beautiful pair of blue eyes, ones that Cassie has always secretly been jealous of.
"Hi! I don't suppose you two have seen Tracey anywhere?" Daphne exclaims, very out of breath.
"No, we assumed she was with you or Lexi." Cassie replies.
Daphne groans, "I can't find her anywhere!"
"You tried the lake? Loads of people are down there cause it's a Saturday and it's bloody sunny." Pansy suggests.
"No, but I will now. Thanks anyway." Daphne smiles.
Cassie and Pansy have shared their dorm with Daphne, Tracey Davis and Lexi St. James since first year. They all get on, the five girls. They're notorious for their girls nights, as Daphne calls them, where they just sit and gossip whilst doing their nails and hair.
"You slept well last night, I noticed." Pansy says as they approach the back exit of Hogwarts, the one that leads to Hogsmeade.
"I did, actually. It was a friday and it was hot so I was in a good mood. Plus, I was so excited about today that I couldn't help it." Cassie replies with a smile.
Pansy laughs, "You're just as bad as the boys, y'know."
"I know." Cassie grins.
Speaking of, the boys are stood at the bottom of the path that lead to Hogsmeade. It's a fairly long walk to Hogsmeade from here, but they didn't mind. They're all such chatty people that they pretty much never ran out of things to talk about.
All of the boys are in shorts. Draco, with his designer shorts and shirt, stood out like a sore thumb. Enzo simply wears a dark green t-shirt whilst the others wear pretty similar things.
"Fucking finally! I've been itching to go from seven o'clock in the morning!" Theo exclaims.
"He woke up our whole dorm by jumping up and down on his bed and chucking pillows everywhere." Draco says flatly.
Cassie and Pansy laugh. "In my defense, Pansy takes ages to get ready." Cassie defends.
"I do not!"
"Yes, you do Pans."
"Okay, enough, I need sweets." Mattheo interrupts, his hunger consuming him.
"Alright, alright. Let's get going." Cassie declares.
Mattheo and Theo lead the way and Pansy walks with Blaise & Draco, leaving Cassie with Enzo. "You look happy today— did you do something different with your face?" he asks, smiling as he teases her.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Yes. I'm smiling because I'm just so excited to tell you to fuck off."
Enzo laughs and chucks an arm around his best friend. He pulls her toward him and she gets a whiff of his soft vanilla cologne. Since she's known him, he's worn the same cologne. She wrinkles her nose and looks up at him.
"No, really. What's gotten you so chipper, Cass?" Enzo asks.
"Three words; Sweets. Summer. Saturday."
Enzo chuckles, "Y'know what, fair enough."
They walk over a wooden bridge, one that covered the beautiful gushing stream below them. Cassie smiles and rests against the edge, looking down at the water. She flinches at a clicking noise and a white flash. "Sorry. You look so aesthetically pleasing I just had to take a picture." Blaise smiles. He's the photographer of the group, you see. He's barely ever without his beloved camera.
Cassie laughs, "Oh no, keep taking them, Blaise. I'm all over it." Blaise winks as she chuckles and walks ahead with Draco and Mattheo.
Once Cassie is out of earshot, Enzo leans in to Blaise. "Can you print that one out?" he asks.
"Yeah, I was planning on it anyway. Why, mate?" Blaise replies.
"Can I have it?" Enzo asks.
Blaise's eyebrows lower. "Uh... sure."
"Thanks, mate."
"You gonna tell me why you want a picture of Cassie or not? Y'know, seeing as I'm your bestest friend in the whole wide world." Blaise questions moments after they carried on walking.
"Nope."
"Alrighty then."
The seven of them soon arrive at Hogsmeade's entrance, walking over the small stone bridge. Cassie loops her arm through Pansy's as they make their final steps toward the Three Broomsticks— Hogsmeade's No.1 place for Butterbeer. Blaise holds the door open for everyone and trails in behind them.
Everyone takes their seats at their usual big table by the window, but Enzo. "Sit down, mate." Theo says, looking up.
"I was gonna go get the drinks. What does everyone want?" Enzo replies. Cassie smiles and bows her head. Enzo has always been like this— the typical gentleman type. He's respectful, patient and kind. His grades are exceptional and all of the teachers love him. He's also a charmer, as Cassie's mother once called him. He's good looking— there's no denying that, he has girls lining up to date him, but he insists the right person will come along when it's time. Cassie laughed and ruffled his hair when he told her that a few years ago.
"Butterbeers all round?" Pansy asks, an eyebrow raised questionably.
"Seven butterbeers— if you include yourself, that is." Cassie smiles up at the boy behind her. He nods and heads toward the bar as Cassie watches, chewing her cheek.
"Dunno about you, but I have no idea how he's gonna carry seven drinks over here." Blaise laughs.
"Do us a favour and go help him, Cass." Mattheo says with a wink. Thank goodness she's immune to the Mattheo Riddle charm, because that gesture would've made the average girl at Hogwarts faint.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Fine."
"That's my girl." Mattheo grins cheesily, making Cassie snort before she stands up.
She leans against the bar-top beside Enzo, facing him. He didn't actually see her approaching him because he was too busy watching how the alcohol pumps poured themselves with magic. "Hi." Cassie states.
His head whips around to his best friend and he smiles. "Oh, hi."
"Thought you'd need some help, y'know, carrying seven drinks an' all." Cassie says, nudging him with her elbow.
He chuckles, "Yeah, thanks."
Silence with Enzo is never awkward. The pair sit in comfortable tranquil, watching the charms work their magic behind the bar. Cassie's head begins to pound and she rubs her temples in frustration. With furrowed eyebrows, she tries to ignore the headache.
"You okay?" Enzo asks, picking up on her behaviour almost instantly.
"Yeah, just got a headache." Cassie says lazily.
Just as he's about reply, the barman appears at the countertop and plonks down seven big glasses of butterbeer. The pair thank him and take the drinks over to the table. "Seven butterbeers." Cassie mutters with a smile. She takes a seat next to Draco, Enzo on her left.
"Do you guys remember when we got a month's worth of detention last year?" Mattheo grins.
"Oh my god, yes!" Pansy cackles.
"I'm still fuming about that by the way." Blaise declares. "It was all your doing, yet we all got detentions."
Cassie, Theo and Mattheo chuckle. In second year, they charmed the school's shower system to spray blue, glittery water through the showers in Gryffindor after they lost a quidditch match. They sat at the Slytherin table in anticipation, watching as Gryffindors came into the hall covered in blue glitter. Potter and his friends automatically blamed Draco and his, and told their head of house. Mcgonagall, too, suspected it would be a particular group of Slytherins.
Cassie really couldn't say a month's worth detention with Snape was worth it.
Slightly tuning out of their conversation, Cassie shuts her eyes and presses a flat palm to her forehead. Her headache's getting worse— it's almost like a migraine. Putting down the butterbeer in her other hand, she presses her other palm to her forehead to try and suppress the throbbing.
Enzo looks at his best friend with a worried expression. He seems to be the only person that has noticed.
Out of nowhere, Cassie lets out a shriek of pain. Her silver necklace burns her neck in a horrible, sharp sting. The earrings on her ears proceed to do the same. She practically rips them off her neck and ears, and throws them on the table, her chest heaving. What the fuck?
Now, everyone is looking at her.
"What the fuck?" Draco exclaims.
"Are you alright, mate?" Theo questions slowly.
"Merlin, Cassie! Your neck!" Pansy calls out.
Cassie presses her hand to the spot her necklace just was. It had left a bright red, throbbing mark on her neck in the shape of a star. Her ears didn't hurt as much as the necklace did. "Let me look." Enzo says, his eyebrows low in concern.
She turns to him with pinched brows and slightly wide eyes. He leans in slightly and takes a better look at her neck and then her ears. "What happened? Did it just burn or something?" Mattheo asks.
"Yeah— that's so weird. Last time I checked, jewellery doesn't just burn out of nowhere." she sighs.
"Maybe you're allergic to the silver or something?" Pansy questions.
"But surely I would've known by now. Especially as mum's a healer." Cassie replies.
"Oh yeah." Pansy says, thinking of other possibilities.
"Maybe go see the nurse when we get back or something." Blaise suggests. Cassie takes a deep breath and looks at her star-shaped necklace and earrings on the table.
"I'll take care of them." Enzo offers, sliding the jewellery into the palm of his hand and shoving them into his pocket.
"Can we go get sweets now?" Draco complains.
This makes Cassie laugh for some odd reason. "Yeah. Let's go get some sweets."
—
The familiar smell of Honeydukes sweet shop makes everyone's mouth water. They have a budget of thirty-three galleons, which, according to their average spending rate, should be more than enough. Cassie's in charge of chocolate, even though she can't even eat it. Being allergic to such a sacred thing isn't as fun as you'd think it is.
In the pub, they all wrote down what sort of sweets and treats they were looking for in specific, so Cassie finds herself referring to the messy list on the dorsal side of her hand.
Selecting the chocolate distracts Cassie from the throbbing pain of her headache, so when she's paid and waits outside for the others, it gets worse again. She sets the bag of chocolate down on the floor and puts both hands on each side of her head. Cassie lets her head fall as she slightly bends over as if it would stop the pain.
Trust Cassie to get an excruciating headache on her favourite day of the month. Typical, right?
On top of the pulsating agony, her vision starts to go blurry. She's used to getting headaches and the occasional migraine because of her insomnia, but her vision never usually goes funny. Well, it hasn't in about five years now. When she was younger, she was very prone to this. Cassie closes her eyes and rubs them before opening again.
Blinking rapidly, she struggles to gather her surroundings. Everything goes wobbly and she can't see straight. Cassie sees a figure stepping out of the shop, but she can't see who it is. She thinks it's a man— he's approaching her very raggedly.
"Cassie?" the voice echoes, churning Cassie's brain as she struggles to bring herself back to the present.
Her fingertips find the wall next to her as her legs turn to jelly. Her legs just give in and she lets it happen. Cassie closes her eyes mere seconds before she completely passes out.
She slumps against the wall and the figure from earlier sprints to her side. "Cassie!" Enzo shouts. He, using the knowledge Cassie's mother gave him, checks her pulse.
Stable.
Thank fuck.
"Cass? Can you hear me?" he asks, his voice shaky but soft. Enzo doesn't know what to do.
Until Mattheo walks out of the shop wondering where Cassie and Enzo disappeared to, Enzo is sitting there with Cassie's head in his lap. "Mattheo!" he exclaims.
Mattheo's head springs around and his eyes widen at Cassie's state. "What the fuck happened?" he exclaims as he kneels down next to Enzo.
"We need to take her back to the castle and to Madame Pomfrey. She's fainted." Enzo replies calmly.
"I— yeah, okay. I'll, um— I'll go get the others." Mattheo answers.
That's what he does. The boys and Pansy carefully lift Cassie's limp body back to the castle grounds. Enzo tries to remain calm as he holds his best friend's weak body. What went wrong? Why's this happening to her? First the necklace, now this?
"At least we got the sweets, ay?" Theo laughs. If it weren't Theo saying that, Enzo thinks he would've punched him in the face. But because it's Theo, and Enzo knows that he cares about Cassie, he's fine.
When they get to the infirmary, the boys slowly lower her to one of the beds as Poppy Pomfrey runs over. "Oh my, what happened?" she exclaims, pressing two fingers to Cassie's pulse point and then the back of her palm to her forehead.
"She fainted out of nowhere. She said she had a headache earlier but those are normal for her. She has insomnia, you see." Enzo explains, just grateful that she's getting medical attention. "And this thing happened in Hogsmeade, Miss, um— Cassie's necklace started burning? I don't know if that's relevant but it explains the red star mark on her neck."
Poppy's eyebrows furrow as she listens to the boy talk. Those symptoms sound only the slightest bit possible, but no. It couldn't be. She shakes her head and looks at Enzo and his friends.
"One of you needs to go and fetch her brother in Hufflepuff. Once he's here, you guys will need to go until she wakes up." she explains, her voice calm and collected. Cassie's friends start to protest but Poppy waves a hand at them. "I can assure you— Miss Diggory is going to be more than fine. She's just fainted, that's all. I'll run some further tests but I really don't think it's too concerning, okay?"
Unwillingly, they slowly walk out of the infirmary. "I'll go get Cedric then I'll meet you lot in the common room, yeah?" Enzo volunteers. After all, Enzo's the one Cedric trusts the most. He's never been too fond of Cassie's friends— he thinks they're bad influences on his little sister.
They nod in approval and head to the common room. When Enzo reaches the Hufflepuff common room, he realises he has no idea how to even get into said room. He bites his lip in thought as he surveys his surroundings.
Aha.
Cedric's best friend, Edward, is leaning against the wall with what Enzo thinks is a girl called Lola. "Hi— Edward, right?" Enzo calls out.
Eddie turns to Enzo with a raised eyebrow. "Er— Berkshire, yes? Cassie's mate?"
Enzo nods, "By any chance, do you know where her brother is?"
"Ced? Oh, he's in the common room. Want me to get him?"
"Yes please."
Eddie didn't even have to ask what the matter was because he knows that Cedric will tell him at the end of the day. He always does. Eddie nods and walks into the common room.
A few moments later, he walks back out with Cedric at his side. Cedric looks slightly panicked when he sees Enzo. He's confused and wants answers. Enzo never tries to find him unless Carrie's in danger.
"What's up, Enz?" Cedric asks casually, trying to mask his concern.
"Cassie fainted and Madame Pomfrey needs you to go down to the infirmary to see her." Enzo says bluntly.
"I— what? She fainted?" Cedric blurts out. "Did she get a headache?"
"Yeah, how did you know that?"
"This happened a lot when she was a bit younger. She'd get a horrible migraine, go really dizzy then just pass out. Mum never did find out why." Cedric explains.
"Why didn't I know this?"
"Dunno." Cedric shrugs. "Thanks for letting me know, mate. I'm sure she'll wanna see you when she wakes up."
Enzo smiles, "Yeah."
"See you later, Berkshire."
—
When Cassie wakes up, her brother is talking to Madame Pomfrey at the foot of her bed. She blinks a few times before her surroundings come into place. Cedric must've sensed her waking up or something, because he turns to look at her instantly. "Cassie." he smiles, sitting down on the side of her bed.
"Are you okay? What happened?" he asks softly, knowing it's a huge possibility her headache is still lingering.
Cedric has been biting his nails. That's how Cassie can tell whenever he's stressed out. His nails were bright red and a few even bleeding.
"It happened again, Ced. You know— when I used to faint when I was little?" she speaks slowly, her head still struggling to clear up.
"Yeah, I know, Cass. Did you know it would happen?"
"Well, I had a pounding headache when we sat in the Three Broomsticks before, but I just assumed it was because I was tired." she starts. "But the weirdest thing happened, right. Out of nowhere, the necklace I was wearing started burning..?" Cassie pulls down her shirt ever so slightly so Cedric can see the burn mark.
His eyebrows furrow. "That's very odd." Cedric looks up at Madame Pomfrey. "Did you know about that?"
"The Berkshire boy mentioned it earlier, yes. I'm still looking into why." Poppy replies.
"Is there any painkillers she can be taking? Or any healing medication you can give to her?"
She passes Cassie a red potion in a small vial for her to take. Cassie takes a whiff off the potion and grimaces. "It's for the headache, dear. I know, it's horrible, but it'll help, I promise."
Cassie takes a sip of the potion and her face scrunches up in disgust. Cedric passes her a glass of water with a smile. He squeezes the part above her knee comfortingly.
"I know it's the last thing you want to hear at the moment, sweetheart, but I'm going to keep you overnight, dear. I'm concerned about the fact this has happened before and it's come back out of nowhere." Poppy informs.
Cassie's heart drops. "The match against Gryffindor is tomorrow! I can't miss that!"
"I know, dear, I'm very sorry, but it's for your own benefit."
Cassie groans and lets her head fall back against her pillow.
By eight o'clock, Cassie has fallen asleep like a baby. Cedric tucks her hair behind her ear and presses a soft kiss to her forehead.
When Cassie wakes up the next morning, Cedric is no longer there. It's daylight outside but the sun is no longer shining. It looks gloomy and rainy, to her displeasure.
She sighs and looks around the hospital wing. Furrowing her eyebrows, she takes a closer look at the boy opposite her. Is that... Harry Potter?
Has she slept through the match?!
Cassie can't remember the last time she slept more than nine hours in one night before. If all it took was a headache and passing out, she should do this more often.
She stands up and heads to the water fountain with a groan. Her head is still throbbing off-and-on, annoyingly. Cassie pours herself a glass of water and sits on the edge of her bed cross-legged.
She awkwardly smiles at Potter, him returning the smile politely. They realise then that neither of them actually have anything against each other. Harry typically associates Cassie with Draco and his torments, so he never thinks to wonder if she's any different to him. Cassie has never disliked Potter. If anything, she finds him really interesting.
Defeating Lord Voldemort twice— no, three times, before the age of thirteen is bloody impressive. She admires him in a way, but she couldn't just admit that aloud— especially if Draco was around.
"What you in here for?" she asks, trying to make conversation.
"Fell off my broom when a dementor attacked me in the game." he replies casually.
"Blimey, you alright? That's brutal."
"I'm fine."
"Who won?"
"Take a guess."
Cassie smiles ever so slightly. "Told you, Potter. We're unstoppable."
"Your reserve seeker is rubbish, by the way. It was your chasers and keeper that got you the win."
Cassie snorts. "What time is it?"
"Twelve."
"Brilliant."
"Why are you in here?"
"I fainted yesterday. Pomfrey wanted to keep me to run some more tests or something, I dunno. I'm fine though."
"Oh, get well soon, Diggory."
"Thanks, you too, Potter."
Distracting both of them from their conversation, the hospital wing doors swung open and in comes Professor Lupin. Cassie assumes he wants to see Harry, but he suddenly walks toward her bed. Her eyebrows furrow.
"Cassiopeia!" he smiles.
"Hi professor." she smiles back. Cassie doesn't know what it is about him, but she strangely trusts him. He's got that look in his eye that makes you want to tell him all of your secrets.
"I just wanted to check up on you. I heard about you fainting yesterday in Hogsmeade." Lupin says, his eyes looking genuinely sorry for her. "How do you feel?"
"I'm okay. My head still hearts on and off but thats typical. I'm an insomniac so I'm pretty much used to the headaches."
"Has Poppy given you anything for the headache?"
"Not this morning, no."
"Her medicine works miracles, I'm telling you. I was in here a lot in my years at school, her remedies are incredible."
"Oh really? Why were you in here a lot?"
Lupin's jaw tenses and his throat goes dry when he realises what he said. He's so comfortable talking to Cassie he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time. "Oh, y'know— the usual. Me and my friends liked to pull the occasional prank or two."
Cassie chuckles, "I know all about that, trust me."
Remus smiles and looks into Cassie's eyes. He's couldn't tell her just yet. It would ruin everything. She's clearly so happy at the moment, him telling her the truth would crush that in an instant. He cares for her ever so much, but there's nothing he can do now.
Remus shakes his head and looks at Harry opposite Cassie's bed. "Harry!"
Within the next twenty minutes or so, Madame Pomfrey feeds her more potions and does more spells & Lupin has been and gone. The next person to walk through the infirmary doors is none other than Cassie's big brother. "Morning, sleepyhead. You okay?" he smiles, taking the seat provided next to her bed.
"Yeah, much better than yesterday. You just missed Pomfrey— she's given me some more painkillers." Cassie replies.
"That's good." Cedric says.
He studies his sister's face, the face he knows better than anyone in the world. His eyebrows furrow ever so slightly, but Cassie catches on immediately. Just the same as him, she knows his face like the back of her hand. "What?" she blurts, her eyebrows pinching.
"I just think this is weird, that's all. You've gone from having zero symptoms in a few years, to all of them at once. And not to mention, that weird thing with your necklace yesterday. You feel fine after a good nights sleep, almost like it didn't even happen." he explains.
Cassie sighs, "Well, when you say it like that, it does sound weird."
"I'm just worried about you, is all. I've written to mum and dad— I suspect mum will wanna hear it from Madame Pomfrey too though."
"From one healer to another."
Cedric chuckles, "You ready to go back now?"
Cassie nods.
Chapter 2: Y3 | Third Year
Chapter Text
➵ FINE LINE — HARRY STYLES
'Put a price on emotion'
On the first day of third year, Cassiopeia Diggory is already exhausted. Thriving on five hours of sleep, she forces herself to get out of bed and go down to the Great Hall for breakfast. As she strolls through the halls, the September breeze seeping through the open windows, she rubs her eyes and attempts to massage her neck. God, she needs to sort out her pillows.
She passes by a group of Gryffindors she's friendly with—; Padma Patil, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Neville Longbottom. People assume Cassie is a blood-supremacist because of her house, but she couldn't even care less. Cassie isn't even a pureblood herself. Somewhere along the long line of Diggorys, one of them married a Muggle-born. She is a half-blood with no shame. Admittedly, Draco held that against her for the first few months of their friendship.
Smiling politely, Cassie pursues her route to the Great Hall. She enters through the large brown doors, and her brown eyes find her group of friends at the Slytherin table."Morning, Cass." Blaise smiles up at her.
"Morning, you lot." she replies, immediately grabbing the steaming pot of hot water. She pours herself a cup of tea as her friends converse beside her.
"Can you believe Potter fainted? Like he literally fainted— how embarrassing is that?" Draco sneers in a way Cassie has never been able to understand. How can his face look so disgusted yet so pleased at the same time? Cassie rolls her eyes, listening to his conversation with Theo.
Only Blaise, Theo, and Draco are at the table this morning. Cassie saw Pansy in the deepest of slumbers and decided not to wake her just yet. After all, they still have an hour until first period. She has no clue as to where Mattheo or Enzo are, however.
"Well, Draco, it sounds to me that you're a little bit obsessed with Potter." Cassie shrugs. "But that's just me; you may disagree." Blaise and Theo snort as Draco's lips part in outrage, and his eyebrows raise.
"I am not obsessed! I hate him!"
"Mhm..." Cassie nods, unconvincingly so.
"You know what, I don't even care what you have to say, Diggory. Just shut up and drink your tea." Draco sneers, making Cassie chuckle to herself.
Distracting herself from her conversation with Draco, Cassie spots her big brother across the hall. He sends a bright smile her way, and she returns it, feeling happy. Cedric always manages to put a smile on her face; isn't that strange?
"Ugh, Mattheo is a nightmare." a very familiar voice groans, sitting down next to Cassie.
"I am not! I'm an orphan, actually, so you can't blame me." Mattheo says in his defense. He loves to pull out the childhood trauma card in arguments like these. He knows it makes them feel bad and lets him win.
"Oh! Don't play the orphan card on me, mate." Enzo exclaims. Mattheo cackles and takes a seat opposite Cassie, next to Blaise.
"Chaotic morning, I presume?" Cassie grins at her best friend.
"You have no idea." Enzo sighs dramatically.
"Where's Parkinson?" Mattheo questions nobody in particular.
"Asleep." Cassie says bluntly.
"Fair enough. I'd still be too if it weren't for this little fucker." Mattheo replies, scowling at Enzo.
"Oh my God, Mattheo! For the last time, it's not my fault!" Enzo retorts, which only makes Mattheo and Cassie laugh.
"What actually happened, can I ask?" Cassie asks.
"Well, Enzo woke me up on a fucking whim at six in the morning. Already, that's just outrageous, right?" Mattheo starts, and Cassie already knows he's about to start pulling out hand gestures. She simply snorts in reply, motioning for him to carry on. "And then he tells me we have all these lessons today, right, and I'm panicking because I don't even have a fucking quill in my trunk. He starts shouting at me for forgetting it— but I'm saying, it's not even my fault because I'm a very forgetful person, Cass."
"Are we forgetting the part you started trying to guilt trip me into feeling bad?" Enzo exclaims then turns to Cassie. "You won't even believe this, Cass, he started blaming it all on the fact he was abandoned as a baby and has spent his whole life in an orphanage." Enzo turns back to Mattheo. "Like yeah, that's tragic and I'm very sorry that happened to you, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the fact you're an unorganised silly little twat." Cassie laughs in a way that her shoulders are shaking up and down, enjoying her morning entertainment.
"No, I see where he's coming from, Enz. The poor boy has been through so much, give him some credit." she jokes, just in spite of Enzo and boosting Mattheo's already worryingly large ego. It's just funny, really.
"Are you joking?" Enzo exclaims in outrage, making both Cassie and Mattheo roar with laughter.
By the end of breakfast, Pansy had made her way down and joined their group conversation half-asleep. They discussed their new DADA professor, a man by the name of Remus Lupin. Cassie has an odd feeling about him— one she would never say aloud to her friends, afraid of sounding like a fool. Lupin's brown eyes kept darting to Carrie in the sorting ceremony and first-day feast. She saw something in his eyes that strangely reminded her of her own.
As the group of misfits stagger to their first lesson of the day, Cassie walks in between Theo and Pansy. "Okay, don't judge me for this, but that Lupin bloke is fit." Pansy says, completely unprompted and out of nowhere. Cassie lets out a loud laugh at her statement. Theo throws his head back as he laughs.
"Pansy May Parkinson!" Cassie accuses.
"What?" she retorts, her pitch high and shoulders raised. "I said don't judge me!"
"Pretty hard when you've just admitted to finding a forty-year-old man attractive, Pansy." Theo snorts.
"Exactly!" Cassie chuckles.
"You just don't get it." Pansy replies with a roll of her eyes. They all come to a halt outside Lupin's classroom when they realise they're slightly late.
"Quick, excuses, go!" Cassie whisper-shouts, huddling around her friends.
"Errr... Blaise choked on an egg and we had to do CPR?" Mattheo suggests.
"No." Cassie says instantly. She blinks after she realises what he suggested—"Hold on, do you know what CPR is?" Mattheo shrugs.
"Oi, why do I have to choke on the egg?" Blaise gasps.
"Dunno, easy target I suppose."
Cassie rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Better than that?"
"Helped a first-year find their lesson?" Pansy suggests.
"I like that one; always good this time of year." Enzo confirms.
"Okay. Blaise, you're saying it." Cassie decides, breaking away from their huddle. Before Blaise can protest, she pushes him into the door, and he opens it with a scowl. The class turns to look at the chaotic group of Slytherins, none of them surprised they're late. Lupin looks up at them with a raised eyebrow.
"Why are we late?" he shoots at them.
"Sorry, sir. We were helping a first-year find his lesson." Blaise replies, just as they planned. Lupin nods slowly, not believing them in the slightest. He was once a part of a group like theirs; he knows their tactics. But he doesn’t give them a detention or question them further, to their relief. It isn’t the detention part they don’t like— it’s the principle of them getting a detention on their first day back that would've been frustrating.
So, ignoring their late entry, Lupin carries on. "Can anyone tell me what a boggart is and what one looks like?"
Cassie knows the answer and would've put her hand up if Mattheo and Theo weren't moving around her trying to find a good spot. "Stand still, you wankers." she hushes. They ignore her comment but eventually stand still.
"A boggart is what someone fears the most. It has no particular appearance because it takes the shape of the person's biggest fear." Hermione Granger answers, to Cassie's displeasure. She has nothing against Granger in specific— she just finds it frustrating how she gets every question right and gets rewarded for it all the time. Some would even call it envy.
"Brilliant! Ten points to Gryffindor!" Lupin exclaims, resulting in a few eye rolls from the other houses in the classroom. Gryffindor are always favoured by Dumbledore, that was no secret. Why on earth did Neville Longbottom get house points for being stunned? The first year house cup ceremony is a very traumatic event for the Slytherin house; one that still annoys them to this day.
"Now, why would I show you a boggart with no way of ridding one?" Remus questions. "Because... I've put a twist on it. One of the only ways to reverse a boggart, is laughter. Laughter is the one thing they cannot deal with. When you see your boggart; do not be alarmed. You will shout Riddikulus, and it will turn into something funny." he explains. "Now, repeat after me. Riddikulus!"
"This class is ridiculous." Draco groans. The group of Slytherins chorus chuckles and snorts at his comment. Thankfully, Cassie doesn’t think Lupin heard.
Remus definitely heard Malfoy's comment.
But from his own experience, he's learnt not to retaliate to a Malfoy. If Draco was anything like his father, he didn't fancy getting on his bad side. Instead, he looks at a shy Neville Longbottom at the front of the class. "Ah, yes! Come to the front, you're not in trouble." Neville's eyes go wide and his hands slightly tremble. He unwillingly steps up to the front and faces their professor. "Now, what's your biggest fear?" Lupin asks, his tone soft and kind.
"Um—" Neville takes a deep breath. "Professor Snape..." Cassie shares a look with Mattheo and bites back her laughter. Not at Neville himself, he’s an angel, really, but the fact Snape is scary enough to be someone's boggart.
"You live with your grandmother, yes?" Lupin asks.
"Yes, sir." Neville croaks.
"Right, I need you to imagine your grandmothers clothes for me, yeah? Can you do that for me?" Neville closes his eyes and mutters something under his breath. "No, no. We don't need to hear it, just imagine it, Neville."
Neville opens his eyes again and looks back up at him. Remus lowers down to his level and whispers in his ear. "Okay, now I need you to imagine Professor Snape in your grandmother's clothes." Remus Lupin is a very tall man of average weight. The scars across his face are prominent, but they seem to suit his ragged character. Cassie strangely wants to know more about him. His eyes are a warm brown, the exact same colour as her own. Cassie observes his features curiously as he talks. She feels like she's seen him before— in a dream or something?
No. That's strange.
She's just tired.
The next thing Cassie knows, the wardrobe beside Lupin slowly peers open. Out of said wardrobe, steps a very confused, wary Professor Snape. The whole class giggle at his presence. "Riddikulus!" Neville shouts, his wand aimed up at Snape. As Lupin said would happen, Snape is now in old-lady clothes.
Cassie cackles with laughter. She's always hated Snape. She supposes it's because he hates her group as equally so, but you get the jist of it. He hates them, they hate him— it's a cycle Cassie finds rather amusing. "Everyone get into lines!" Lupin ordered over the top of everyone's laughter. He, too, finds it amusing. Him and Severus didn't exactly get on at school. He finds comfort in knowing his old friends would've loved to of witnessed this.
Mattheo pushes past a load of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, Cassie apologising on his behalf behind him. Her friends are so boisterous it worries her sometimes. Pavarti Patil has a go— hers is a snake that turned into a jack-in-the-box. Ron Weasley's boggart is a spider, that soon gains roller-skates and skids around the classroom floor. Hannah Abbott's boggart is a centaur, that turns into a flopping mermaid on the ground.
By the time it's Cassie's turn, she starts to panic. When she was six years old, she had a near-death experience with a werewolf. It happened when the Diggory family went camping with the Berkshires in Cornwall one year. Cassie and Enzo were running through a field as it started to get dark. They were playing it, so she soon lost sight of Enzo. She turned around, and a giant, grey werewolf with the most piercing yellow eyes snarled at her. She ran, and she ran, and she ran. Victoria, being an animagus of a siberian tiger, managed to fight off the wolf without the kids looking. Cassie had nightmares for two months straight.
That was the last time she had been scared of something like that.
"Miss Diggory." Lupin signals her to the front for her turn. He leans forward, intrigue spiking his blood. He was strangely interested in her boggart.
Taking a deep breath, she steps forward and faces the boggart. As she predicted, it suddenly took the form of the same grey werewolf from all those years ago. Her breath hitches in her throat and she freezes.
Remus, too, freezes in his spot. No. No. No. He can't believe it. His throat goes dry and he feels a tear threatening his waterline.
"Your wand, Cassie!" Mattheo shouts from behind her in the queue. Snapping back to reality, Cassie lifts her wand and performs the spell. The mighty werewolf transformed into a miniature pony that scrapes its hoof against the floor in a huff. Cassie sighs with relief and lets out a chuckle.
Not daring to look Lupin in the eye, Cassie turns around and goes back to her friends. "You okay?" Enzo asks instantly. He remembers that night; the look on Cassie's face when her father rubbed her back in comfort, the way Cedric didn't leave her side all night. It was hard not to.
She nods and squeezes his arm before going to the back of the queue. "You okay? Yours was terrifying!" Padma exclaims, hugging Cassie in a rush.
Cassie chuckles and hugs her back. "I'm fine, thank you though. Yours was too!"
"I hate bugs so much. They're just the worst, aren't they?" she exclaims. Padma's boggart was a swarm of all sorts of insects. They all turned into pieces of popcorn falling from a popcorn machine.
"I know right."
"At least you didn't get a huge spider!" Ron Weasley inputs, making Cassie chuckle.
"Yeah, I'd be gone if I were you mate." she laughs. Ron's eyebrows show nothing but a feared look.
—
Their first day of lessons had gone swimmingly well until last period. Only Mattheo and Theo have taken Astronomy with Cassie, but she doesn’t mind. They're brilliant company, anyway. Sinistra makes the grave mistake of letting everyone sit wherever they choose as it's their first lesson with her. Cassie, Mattheo and Theo find a table at the back of the classroom where they could misbehave as freely as they chose.
In their first lesson, Professor Sinistra introduces herself and explains what topics they'll be covering this term. She explains how they'll be studying constellations—which Cassie knows way too much about already, for she is named after the Cassiopeia constellation.
Mattheo is busy trying to cause mayhem as a first impression. He mutters a spell under his breath and waves his wand at a telescope nearest them. Cassie mentally facepalms. She's gone all day with no detentions yet. She knew she was doomed the minute they walked into the classroom.
Cutting Sinistra off with a bang, all of telescopes begin to dance. Cassie literally buries her head in her hands as if she'd become invisible. Despite how much she's laughing, the last thing she wants is a detention. Mattheo and Theo however, they have zero shame. They're cackling at full volume with no regard to everyone else in the room.
"Shut the fuck up." Cassie whispers.
Sinistra simply glares at the trio at the back before marching to their desk. She immediately pulls her wand out and performs the spell to stop the dancing. It was a stupid spell really, but Mattheo had gone so long without causing chaos in a lesson it was burning his brain. He just had to let it out. "You three. Names." Sinistra states.
Cassie sighs as loudly as she can, emphasising her innocence. "Professor, I had nothing to do with this."
"Names." she reiterates.
"Blaise Zabini." Mattheo answers, a completely innocent smile on his face. Sinistra nods and makes a mental note.
She looks at Theo next. "Lorenzo Berkshire, miss."
"Pansy Parkinson." Cassie sighs, joining in on their joke whilst it lasts. She just hopes Sinistra isn't smart enough to check it with Snape, their head of house, who they know will be more than delighted to rat them out.
"Thank you. That's a detention tomorrow evening at seven." Sinistra states.
As soon as she turns her back, the three of them burst into quiet laughter. "They're gonna kill us." Theo cackles, his stomach hurting from the laughter.
After their, very chaotic, Astronomy lesson, it’s the end of the day. Cassie lets out a sigh of relief as they step out of the Astronomy classroom. Unfortunately, the Astronomy rooms are right at the top of the castle in the towers, which means it's a long, long way down. Theo and Mattheo complain the whole way down as Cassie tells them to shut up and keep moving.
To be honest, the pair are a little scared of Cassie at times. She's, unapologetically, feisty in a way that just makes sense.
When they reach the bottom of the stairs, Mattheo and Theo need to take a minute to catch their breath and stretch their legs. Cassie rolls her eyes at their level of pathetic-ness.
The other half of their group all had Ancient Runes on the opposite side of the school, so they agreed to meet by the black lake, which is slap bang in the middle. Since it's still early September, the weather is a bliss of sunshine. The lake is beautiful and blue, contrast to the vibrant green of the grass on its perimeter. The trees are full of life, birds singing away and leaves swaying. It's beautiful really.
Cassie sighs deeply as she lays down on a patch of elevated grass against the castle. She lets her head fall against her folded arms beneath her neck as she looks up at the bright blue sky. Her sleeves are rolled up and her hair is tied up in a messy bun to prevent the heat. "It's lovely out here, isn't it?" she says, more to herself than anyone else.
Theo hums in agreement and lays down next to her, propped up on his elbows. Mattheo follows suit and looks up at the sky as well. "How long do you reckon it'll take Sinistra to realise we're not Blaise, Enzo and Pansy?" Mattheo asks.
Cassie and Theo chuckle. "We'll be safe for a while, until dinner that is. Sinistra sits next to Snape at the staff table, 'memba?" Cassie replies.
"Oh shit." Theo laughs.
"Ah well, it was fun whilst it lasted." Mattheo shrugs, a content smile on his face. Merlin, he loves being at school and away from that horrible orphanage. He would never be sitting outside on the grass, smiling, at home. Hogwarts allows him to relax and appreciate the somewhat beauty of the life he lives. He has amazing friends and not terrible grades— let's just say, they're average (or as Mattheo likes to pretend they are). Right now, Mattheo Riddle couldn't be happier.
"Oi!" Blaise exclaims. Cassie sits up and smiles as Enzo chucks his bag down and sits next to her.
"Good lesson?" he asks.
"Err, I guess you could say that."
"Agreed."
"How long have you been here?" Pansy asks, rolling her sleeves up and adjusting her tie.
"Only a few minutes." Mattheo says, using his hand as a sun-visor.
"It's so warm, I love it." Cassie grins, letting her head fall back again.
Cassiopeia Diggory, too, couldn't be happier right now.
Chapter 3: Y3 | Buckbeak
Summary:
Our beloved Buckbeak
Chapter Text
➵ SATELLITE — HARRY STYLES
'I go round and round, Satellite.'
The next month of school goes swimmingly so. Cassie gets the occasional migraine and has to go to Madame Pomfrey every time she gets one, but other than that, she's doing good. The previous weekend, Slytherin played Ravenclaw in an easy win. Ravenclaw were hopeless against Slytherin, but Cassie just reckons Chang is a shit seeker.
One Wednesday morning, Cassie and her friends head into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid for their Care of Magical Creatures lesson. For early October, it wasn't awfully cold. Cassie untucks her white shirt from her black skirt and loosens her tie ever so slightly. Her hair is in a single french-plait but she wears no earrings or necklace, too afraid of them burning again.
"Dementor, dementor!" Draco exclaims, teasing Potter as per usual. Cassie quite literally rolls her eyes as he, Mattheo, Theo and Pansy put their hoods up and pretend to be dementors. Blaise and Enzo are too busy in their own conversation they don't even notice their antics.
Hermione, being the good friend she is, grabs Harry's shoulder and pushes him away from Malfoy. She scowls at him as she walks away, which, to be honest, made Cassie smile ever so slightly.
Hagrid, their familiar groundskeeper, now professor, walks over with a huge grin on his face. He motions to the gigantic bird-type creature beside him. The bird scrapes across the floor in a huff, nudging its head against Hagrid. "This is Buckbeak! He's a hippogriff— isn't he lovely?" Hagrid explains.
Truth be told, Buckbeak is a beautiful creature. His feathers are a mixture of black, beige and white, contrast to the bright yellow of his eyes.
Beside Cassie, Draco takes a massive bite out of his green apple as loudly as he possibly can. Rory cringes at the noise. "Could you eat that any fucking louder, mate? You might as well be making out with it." she says in a huff.
Pansy and Theo laugh at her reaction.
"Get over yourself, Cass." Draco retorts with a roll of his silver eyes.
Cassie ignores him and turns her attention back to Hagrid. "You do not want to insult a Hippogriff. It might just be the last thing you ever do." he says.
"Merlin, why have it in a school then?" Pansy says. Cassie smiles but she doesn't laugh like Theo and Blaise do.
Draco takes another bite out of the apple and Cassie is this close to punching him in the face. "You chew that any louder and I'll hex you all the way to next Christmas." she spits.
Enzo chuckles beside her. He loves it when she gets annoyed at Draco. He reckons it's one of the most entertaining things to ever witness.
What Cassie doesn't realise is, as she was pestering Draco, everyone had moved a few steps back. Enzo, too, doesn't realise this, so the pair stand out in front of the rest of their class.
"Ah! Miss Diggory and Mr Berkshire! Come on up! Well done!" Hagrid exclaims. Cassie and Enzo share a worried look with wide eyes.
As they starts making her way to the front, their friends snigger behind them, which makes Cassis spin around and scowl at them. They reach the front and Hagrid starts talking again. "You have to let buckbeak make the first move. Once you've approached him, you will bow and he will bow back to you if he trusts you— if not, then— um... we have a problem." he informs.
Cassie, feeling intrigued now, takes a step forward toward Buckbeak. He is a fascinating creature and she, for some reason, wants to know more.
Bravery and adrenaline coursing her veins, Cassie slowly bows at the creature. She looks up at the bird and looks it in the eye, but she can feel Enzo's burning gaze on her back. Cassie starts to get nervous when it remains silent. Buckbeak looks her in the eye still, twisting his head slightly.
Then, Enzo follows suit. He slowly bows beside Cassie, his heart pounding. The pair are looking Buckbeak dead in the eye, praying for some sort of reaction. Merlin knows how long they'd be standing there if he didn't react.
To their relief, Buckbeak lowers himself in the same way Cassie and Enzo did. He bows in such a majestic way Cassie could cry. She chuckles with relief and beams at Enzo; he returns the smile.
"Go on, pet him!" Hagrid encourages.
Taking his advice, Cassie advances forward and presses the back of her hand to his beak. He releases a strange noise but adapts to her soft touch. If you look close enough, behind those sharp yellow eyes, was a light, loving look. He's a sweet creature, this one.
She turns to Enzo with a smile, motioning for him to come over and join her. With trembling hands, he raises one of them to Buckbeak's head. He makes another noise and rubs his head against Enzo's touch, which makes him and Cassie chuckle.
Fortunately, the bird hasn't killed either of them yet.
"Well done! Now he'll let you take him for a ride!" Hagrid shouts. And before she can even attempt to protest, Hagrid lifts Cassie up by the arms and places her on Buckbeak's rough spine.
"Hagrid!" she exclaims, panic spiking her blood.
Over by the tree, all of Cassie's friends are watching with intent, panicked looks. Even Potter and his friends look interested.
Soon enough, Enzo is placed behind her in the same way Hagrid lifted Cassie. "Oi!" is all that escaped Enzo's mouth.
Strangely enough, his presence behind her manages to calm Cassie a little bit. She freezes when Enzo's warm arms snake around her waist. Her ears go a dark pink that she knows Enzo can see, and is definitely smirking at.
Hagrid pats Buckbeak on the back and they're off. He starts galloping at speeds Cassie can't even comprehend. Yeah, being on a broom was terrifying enough. But this? Having zero control of the creature's speed or behaviour? This fucking terrified Cassie.
Enzo's grip around her waist tightens as Buckbeak's wings flap. Buckbeak takes off the ground and flies above the ground. Enzo isn't a quidditch player, he doesn't get the same thrill Cassie gets when she's in the air. Instead, he gets nerves like no other.
"Oh my god." he whispers in her ear. Cassie cackles with laughter, absolutely loving it.
She didn't like the galloping on the ground part— but the flying? Oh, she felt amazing.
They soar across the Black Lake, which makes her throw her arms up in the air with a beaming smile. Enzo's grip tightens even more, if that was possible. He's not just worried about falling off himself, but knowing Cassie, he has to worry about her falling too.
"How are you so fucking calm?" Enzo screams. Cassie just laughs in response, feeling the breeze through her hair.
She hisses in pain as a sharp pain trails up her spine. She blinks rapidly as her eyebrows furrow. It's a strange sensation. It tingles in a way that makes her want to run from it.
Enzo notices when Cassie arches her back slightly, trying to escape the pain. She twitches ever so slightly. "What's up?" he asks.
"Nothing!" Cassie responds, trying to push out the pain and make the most of this incredible experience. She didn't think she'd be flying on a Hippogriff across the Black Lake again anytime soon.
Enzo huffs and rests his head on Cassie shoulder. He's so worried about her falling off that he feels like he needs to tie her to the bird's wing or something.
Cassie does her very best to ignore the pain, but is struggling. She thinks it's getting worse, but she can't tell by this point.
She closes her eyes in anticipation as Buckbeak's hooves being making contact with the ground again. In truth, Enzo couldn't be more relieved to be back on the ground.
Buckbeak trots back to the class but Cassie really isn't paying attention.
When they came into view of the class, everyone was cheering. Cassie smiles weakly, the pain stopping for a split second. Buckbeak comes to a halt and Hagrid claps, feeding the bird a ferret-looking animal. Hagrid lifts Enzo off first as Cassie catches her breath.
She places a trembling hand on her back before Hagrid puts both hands under her arms. As soon as her feet make contact with the ground, she collapses. Cassie doesn't faint this time so she can feel everything as the pain becomes excruciating. She lets out a gut-wrenching noise as it spreads up her spine.
"Cassie!" Mattheo screams from the crowd.
Enzo spins around and immediately runs to her side. "Talk to me, Cass. What's happening?" he exclaims calmly.
"My back—" she groans. Another wave of excruciating agony shoots up her spine and she feels every single bit of it. "It hurts!" she screams. The pain is now affecting her breath, pushing down on her lungs like a heavy weight.
"Berkshire! Take her to the infirmary!" Hagrid orders. Enzo slides his arms underneath Cassie, picking her up like a bride. Pansy and Mattheo follow behind Enzo as he rushes Cassie to the castle.
She attempts to take deep breaths, but it really isn't helping.
God, she's never experienced a pain like this before.
"Is she okay?" Mattheo shouts at Enzo.
"Yes— I'm fine!" Cassie answers for him, her breath slowing again.
"No you're not, Cass. Somethings not right with you, I'm telling you." Enzo says, his tone lower than everyone else's.
Being too weak to answer, Cassie closes her eyes. She writhes in Enzo's grasp as the pain worsens. She resists the scream crawling up her throat for her own embarrassment's sake.
When Cassie opens her eyes, she's back in the hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey drops everything she's doing to assist. "Oh gosh!" she exclaims, leading them to an empty bed.
Enzo gently places her down on the bed but she resists on the bed as soon as her back touches the material. "Oh god, it hurts!" she screeches.
Enzo sits next to Cassie and slides his hand into hers. "You're okay, Cass. You're okay." he whispers.
Her eyes fill with tears as she looks Enzo in the eye.
Madame Pomfrey returns to the bed with a bunch of remedies and her wand. She carefully rolls Cassie onto her stomach and lifts her shirt up. The medi-witch performs spells Cassie is too weak to listen to.
One of the spells feels like it's re-arranging the tissue in her back, so she shouts out in pain. "Sorry, dear." Poppy winces. Enzo squeezes her hand even tighter. She squeezes it as the pain increases.
However, after Poppy finishes with the spells, the pain starts to fizzle out of her spine. Cassie takes a deep breath for the first time since it started. Her breathing slowly regulates as the agony disappears. "Water, go!" Poppy shouts at Pansy.
She rushes to the water fountain as Poppy looks at Cassie. "Deep breaths okay? In... Out..." she instructs with a soft smile. Poppy's just glad the pain has stopped. Whilst Cassie gets her breathing back to normal, Madame Pomfrey tells Mattheo to fetch Cedric.
Enzo's hand is still tight in Cassie's as Poppy begins a massage. He looks Cassie in the eye and smiles. "You did amazing, Cass." he whispers.
She manages a smile. "I didn't give birth, Enzo."
Enzo chuckles, "Shut up."
Once Poppy's hands retract from Cassie's back, Cedric practically sprints to his sister's side. He sits on the edge of her bed and rubs her leg. "You okay?" he says softly. His tone is always soft with his sister.
"Never been better." she sighs, turning over onto her back.
"I'm really worried about you, Cass." Cedric says, his eyebrows low. Cassie hates seeing him worried like this over her. She likes to insist she's fine, even though she knows she isn't, just so Cedric's face relaxes.
"I'm fine, Ced." she replies, doing her best to convince him.
"Stop saying that. You're not okay." he sighs.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Honest to Merlin, Ced, I'm fine."
"You're so bloody stubborn." he says, giving up.
"I've been saying!" Enzo adds, which earns a snort from Cassie.
"How's the pain now, dear?" Poppy asks, approaching the bed again.
"It's gone now, thank you Madame Pomfrey." she smiles.
"Of course, dear. You should be okay to go back to lesson after this hour, but you have any problems whatsoever and you come straight back here, do you understand?"
Cassie nods with a smile. Poppy tells Cedric he has to go back to his lesson so he ruffles his sister's hair and kisses her forehead. "I love you." he mouthed as he walks out.
Cassie smiles, "I love you more."
After another ten minutes or so of Poppy's pestering and her friend's company, the infirmary doors swing open. Cassie's eyebrows furrow when she sees Draco on a stretcher with Theo and Blaise on either side of him. "Fuck me, what's he done now?" Pansy laughs.
Pansy and Mattheo walk over to Draco's bed but Cassie doesn't trust them enough to report back. She slowly gets out of bed, making sure her back won't go back into whatever the fuck that was.
She joins the commotion, standing in between Theo and Mattheo. "What happened?" she asks. Madame Pomfrey is tending to his right arm.
"That hippogriff scratched him." Blaise replies, his tone flat and unsympathetic.
Cassie has to shut her eyes to stop herself from rolling them. Draco has always been the most dramatic person she knows. He's always overreacting over something. She reckons Buckbeak didn't even hurt him that bad, he just likes to cause a scene and gain attention. He's always been one for the dramatics, that boy.
Cassie resists the laugh and shakes her head. She walks back to her bed and sits on the edge. "What happened?" Enzo asks.
"Buckbeak scratched him, apparently." Cassie laughs.
"Oh." is all that Enzo says.
"I'm sure we'll get the full story eventually." Cassie sighs.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
At the end of the week, Cassie sits in her divination room on a Friday "This woman is absolutely mental." Mattheo whispers in Cassie's ear. Only a fraction of the group are in this divination lesson— Cassie, Mattheo, Blaise and Pansy. Cassie regrets her decision of taking the subject as Trelawney is out of her mind.
Trelawney tells the class to swap cups with the person opposite them, so Cassie reaches across to Pansy's. They're doing tea leaves this lesson. Easy enough, right?
Cassie smiles and looks at Pansy's tea. She thinks she can see a sun with a cloud beneath it, which translates to a bright future in her textbook. "Ah, Pans! You're going to have a bright future!" she chuckles.
Pansy raises her eyebrows, "How exciting!" she says. They all know this tea-leaves stuff is pointless, so it's just funny to play into the act of it all. Pansy stares at Cassie's cup and her eyebrows furrow. "Oh shit, Cass." she scoffs.
"Oh god, what?" Cassie says, dread lacing her tone.
"I mean— it's hard to tell, but it looks like a tombstone. I'm not sure it could be anything else." she braces.
Blaise and Mattheo listen to their conversation, intrigued in Cassie's leaves now. "What does it mean? Check the book." Blaise advices.
Pansy trails her finger along the page, finding the correct one. "You will feel incredible loss." Pansy says, eerily. Cassie finds a lump in her throat and she tries to push it down.
"It's probably bullshit." Blaise attempts, his tone not convincing enough.
"Yeah— well, Pansy's apparently going to have a bright future, and we all know that's not going to happen so it's probably just a pisstake." Mattheo assures.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Cassie replies, a smile on her face. Pansy scoffs, earning a round of laughter from Blaise, Mattheo and Cassie.
"Wait, does that mean we're going to die? Do we count as terrible loss?" Blaise asks.
"You'll have to wait and see." Cassie winks.
Soon enough, it was the end of the day. Cassie has quidditch practice on Friday afternoons, but she didn't know whether she would be allowed to play or not because of her recent medical problems.
Her, Mattheo, Pansy and Blaise are walking back to the common room in good moods. Out of the group, only Cassie, Mattheo, Theo and Blaise play quidditch. Enzo doesn't like flying, Pansy hates anything that requires more effort than required and Draco's too self-entitled for quidditch. Once they entered the common room, Cassie tries to locate Marcus Flint, the Slytherin Captain, even if she hates the bloke.
"Hiya, have you seen Flint anywhere?" Cassie asks Tracey, one of her roommates.
"Oh— yeah. He went up to his dorm to get changed but he'll be back down in a minute." Tracey smiles.
"Thanks, Trace."
Cassie spots her favourite brunette on the sofa and chucks herself down next to him with a smile. She rests her head on his shoulder with a sigh. Enzo rests his head on top of hers like a puzzle piece.
"You okay?" he asks.
"Yeah, you?"
"Yeah I 'spose."
"The weirdest thing happened in divination earlier." Cassie sighs.
"Go on."
"We were doing tea leaves, right. And we had to swap with our partners so me and Pansy swapped cups. Hers was all nice saying she'd have a bright future and all that." Cassie explains. "But mine was a tombstone, which translates to 'You will feel incredible loss.'"
"What?"
"I know it's probably bullshit, Mattheo and Blaise said so too. But, I don't know, it's just got me thinking about it."
"I'm sure it's bullshit, Cass. Divination is all made up shit anyway, that's why I didn't take it. Rose said it's all just made of bullshit." Enzo assures. "I'm sure it's fine, Cassie. You have nothing to worry about."
Cassie sighs. "Yeah, probably." She almost jumps out of her skin when Marcus Flint's face appears above hers behind the sofa. "Blimey Flint!" she exclaims. "You scared the living daylight out of me."
He laughs and sits on the armchair opposite the sofa. "Tracey said you were looking for me, what's up?"
Marcus Flint definitely isn't good looking— like, not even a tiny bit. He has a concerning amount of acne and teeth larger than Cassie thought possible. His hair is always dishevelled and greasy, a nice touch to compliment the grease of his skin— but, unfortunately, Cassie has no choice but to tolerate him otherwise she'd be off the team.
"I dunno if I'm allowed to play tonight because of all this stuff with my health recently." she states, not wanting him to know too much about her personal life.
"Oh yeah. Um— I mean, I can ask Snape to ask the nurse?" Flint suggests.
"Great, thanks."
Marcus winks in a way that makes Cassie want to throw up in her mouth. "Don't stress." he smirks, standing up and finding his friends. Cassie really hates it when he winks at her, it makes her a whole another level of uncomfortable.
Cassie looks up at Enzo and smiles. "Fingers crossed, eh?" she chuckles. Enzo weakly laughs, not making eye contact with her. She decides to brush past it, "Ugh I love having quidditch on a Friday. It's such a good distraction after everything that happened this week."
Enzo gives Cassie a sympathetic smile before his jaw locks. He presses his tongue to his cheek as he looks at where Marcus previously sat. "Oi, you okay? You're being quiet all of a sudden."
Cassie can always tell when something is on Enzo's mind. It was either he's rubbish and hiding his emotions, or she just knows him better than anyone.
"What? Oh— yeah, I'm fine." he replies, shaking his head.
"Enz, I'm not stupid. What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I promise."
"Lorenzo." she warns.
"Nothings wrong for fuck's sake!" he shouts, his volume raised. People start looking at Enzo across the common room as Cassie narrows her eyes.
"What the fuck?" she exclaims.
"I need to go." he mutters, rising from his seat and going up to the boys' dormitory. Cassie groans and her head falls back against the green sofa.
"Well that was bloody weird." Pansy sighs, lying down next to Cassie and putting her legs over her lap.
"I know right— I can't think of anything I could've done to upset him."
"Maybe he's on his period." Pansy shrugs, earning a laugh from Cassie.
—
"Great news, Diggory, Pomfrey said you can play." Marcus smiles. He's just as relieved as she is, really. Cassie is his best player and he knows it.
"Thank goodness." Cassie smiles.
"Come on, go get changed, we're gonna be late for practice." he says.
Cassie basically runs up to her dorm room and gets out her quidditch uniform. She's always been number eleven— it's her lucky number. She was born on the eleventh of November at eleven past eleven at night. How strange is that?
She gets changed into her ivy kit and ties her hair up into a high, tight ponytail. When she leaves her dorm, Blaise and Mattheo are waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. "Flint said you were taking too long so he made us wait." Mattheo sighs.
"Well, I'm here now." she smiles. Mattheo smirks and the trio head down to the quidditch pitch. Theo's already down there with Lexi, Marcus and Adrien Pucey by the time they get down there.
On the team; Cassie is the seeker, Lexi & Blaise are beaters, Mattheo, Marcus and Adrien are chasers, and Theo is the keeper. Cassie and Lexi are the only girls on the team— unfortunately outnumbered by the boys. Lexi is one of Cassie's closest friends, so she doesn't mind.
Marcus gathers everyone in a circle on the pitch entrance. "Right, our next match is Hufflepuff next weekend. Unfortunately, due to Diggory's health issues, we are going to have to do extra practice for the bit we didn't get in when she wasn't here." he says, winking at Cassie again. "So, Saturday evening at five, we'll practice until eight, and on Sunday we'll get an hours practice in at seven."
"Well done, Cass." Mattheo says sarcastically, nudging her.
She rolls her eyes, "Shut up, you." He laughs and she bites back her smile.
"Right, let's get started then." Flint says.
They practice for two hours straight with only ten minutes left until dinner. It chucked it down with rain the whole time, so Cassie is now drenched in rainwater. She performs a spell to get it all off her face before stepping into the shower in the girls changing rooms.
When Cassie practiced her agility, she didn't stop thinking of Enzo and why he was annoyed at her. Even in the shower, she can't stop worrying about it. He almost never gets annoyed at her, and when he does, he never shouts like that.
She keeps telling herself it's because he's just tired or something, but how can you tell yourself something if you don't even believe it in the first place?
Cassie begins thinking about her medical issues and she chews her cheek. What if it really is something to worry about? What if she has some unknown, underlying medical condition? She has so many questions with no way of answering them. She just hopes it'll all blow over and it'll all just be related to her insomnia.
After getting out of the shower, Cassie dries herself off and changes into a comfortable tracksuit she keeps in her locker. She uses a spell to dry her hair and she chucks it up in a messy bun.
Cassie walks down to the Great Hall for dinner accompanied by only her thoughts.
When she enters the hall, Enzo doesn't even look up at her. She swallows deeply and sits down next to Pansy, opposite Enzo. He's looking down at his meal, twiddling his fork between his fingers. Rory ignores him at turns to Pansy after dishing up some bolognaise.
"How was practice?" Pansy asks, her plate empty.
"Alright. It absolutely pissed it down so I looked like I'd been for a swim by the time it ended." Cassie scoffs.
Pansy laughs, "Easter Bunny up to his usual flirty antics? Or is he malfunctioning?"
Cassie chuckles, "Nope, not malfunctioning. Just same old Flirty Flint, unfortunately."
Her and Pansy have referred to Marcus as Flirty Flint and the Easter Bunny since first year. Flirty Flint because he likes to flirt with every girl he lays eyes on— even if it's a second year (bear in mind, he's two years older than them. Ew.) Easter Bunny because of his absolutely huge gnashers— which was quite self-explanatory, really.
Enzo looks up from his plate and Cassie can feel his warm, brown eyes on her as she laughs with Pansy. His eyes have lost their twinkle. The same twinkle Cassie loves more than life itself. She tries not to take notice of it, but Enzo being off with her stresses her out more than she'd like to admit.
Cassie turns to look at him but the second she does, he looks down at his lasagna. Cassie takes a deep breath in and twists her bracelet around her wrist.
Once everyone is done eating, they all have a big group conversation at the table. "There's just no way. Filch has a face only a mother could love." Cassie scoffs.
"I'm not joking! I'm telling you, the letter was addressed to a woman! It said 'I love you so much pudding." Theo exclaims, impersonating Hogwarts' caretaker particularly well. The group burst into laughter at his impression, apart from Enzo.
Speaking of, Enzo's older sister, Rose, sneaks up behind him and grabs his shoulders, making him jump. "Ha!" she exclaims. Enzo's expression doesn't even falter. Rose looks up at Cassie— "Hey, Cass."
"Hi, Rose." Cassie smiles.
Cassie and Cedric grew up alongside the Berkshires; Enzo, Rose & Atlas (who are twins the same age as Cedric). When they were all younger, their parents assumed Cassie would be closer with Rose as they were the only girls, but Cassie proved them wrong— which she loves to do. If anyone tells Cassie she can't do something, she will go to impossible lengths to prove them otherwise.
"Enzo told me about everything going on recently— how are you feeling?" she smiles.
"I'm okay, thank you."
Rose smiles politely and Cassie goes back to her conversation with Theo and the others. They keep talking for another twenty minutes or so. When they're all spread around the common room, Cassie's head is on Pansy's lap with her ankles in Theo's. Enzo is on an armchair reading a book whilst Mattheo and Blaise play a game of chess on the floor.
"Wonder how Draco's getting on." Theo says flatly, twisting a ring around his pinky.
"Oh shit, I forgot about him." Pansy laughs.
"I think we all did, to be honest." Blaise says, looking up from his immense game. Mattheo is so far in the zone he doesn't even know people are talking around him.
Cassie looks at Enzo, who has his head in a book. She knows for definite that he's not actually reading, but listening to their conversation and pretending to be doing something so he doesn't seem awkward. She knows him too well for his own good.
He catches her staring and looks into her eyes. Both of them seem to get carried away, because they can't seem to look away. Cassie finds comfort in Enzo's brown eyes. He finds comfort in knowing she's right there and not anywhere else.
She's here, with him.
Chapter 4: Y3 | Match Day
Summary:
Slytherin vs Hufflepuff
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MYKONOS — FLEET FOXES
'And you will go to Mykonos.'
Dear Peia,
How are you feeling? Why didn't you write sooner? I've been worried sick about you, Cassie. Cedric said you've been well looked after by Madame Pomfrey— that's good. I've always liked Poppy. I'd like to hear it from you though, Cassie, you know your mother and I worry about you.
I hope you're okay, Peia. Write back as soon as you can x
Lots of love,
Dad xx
———
Dear Dad,
I'm sorry for not writing sooner, I completely forgot. I'm okay now. I haven't felt any headaches or pain since last week. Madame Pomfrey is my saviour.
Ced and Enzo have been looking after me, well, Enzo's been acting funny with me lately but you don't care about all that. Draco got scratched by a Hippogriff last week which was hilarious (not for him though.)
But anyway, everything's been good recently. I have a match soon!
Love you lots,
Cassie xx
———
Dear Cassie,
How's everything going? Your father says you're much better now, thank goodness.
You also mentioned that Enzo has been acting funny recently? What's going on? Remember I'm only a letter away, okay? I'm
always here if you need to talk, pickle x
Love you lots,
Mum x
———
Dear Mum,
Regarding the Enzo thing, he's just been ignoring me a lot recently. It started this time last week, we were in the common room after lesson & I was talking to Marcus Flint (flirty flint, easter bunny) & all of a sudden he got mad at me and barely spoke to me. He's probably spoken a total of five words to me in the past week.
On another note, I have a quidditch match tommorow! We're playing against hufflepuff— meaning I'll be playing against Ced.
I'll go easy on him, don't worry.
Love you,
Cassie x
———
As the Slytherins walk onto the huge pitch, the stands roar with house pride and joy. Cassie beams with adrenaline as her ears fill with cheers. This was what she lives for. She can't wait to get older and do it professionally.
"Here come the infamous slytherins!" Lee Jordan shouts. "Looks like we have a sibling rivalry today! May the best Diggory win!" Lee Jordan commentates the games from the staff box. Cassie rolls her eyes and laughs. Although, Lee's commentary can be quite entertaining when she's not going for the snitch.
Both teams get onto their brooms and into their positions. Funnily enough, Cedric happens to be the seeker for Hufflepuff. When the siblings were much younger, Cedric would always be the keeper. But truth be told, he's a brilliant seeker.
Just not as good as Cassie.
She faces Cedric and mouthes "You're going down."
"You wish." he retorts.
She rolls her eyes warmly before getting into focus. Cassie cracks her knuckles and her neck just as she does before every match. It's almost her good luck charm.
"3..." Lee starts, his voice full with suspense.
Cassie grips her broom so tight that her knuckles turn a shade of maroon.
"2..."
Cassie swallows and keeps an eye on the caged snitch.
"1!"
The millisecond Lee opens his mouth, Carrie darts toward the snitch. Her fingers brush the golden ball and she internally groans. How cool would it be if she caught it in the first ten seconds of the match?
Cedric catches up to Cassie quicker than she thought he would. He's on her tail as they follow the snitch, but she's not worried. He's slower than her, he always has been. They fly another seventeen feet upward before the snitch decides to make its descend, putting it closer to Cedric.
She curses under her breath and puts all of her strength into flying downward. Cedric's Diggory jersey flaps in the wind as he soars toward the snitch, his little sister literally inches behind the tail of his broom.
Cassie puts more pressure on her broom and zooms past Cedric before he even knows what's going on. Knowing that she has the upper hand, she turns her head around and winks at him. He laughs, knowing his sister like the palm of his hand. Cedric rolls his eyes and Cassie uses it to her advantage.
When she plays quidditch, it's like everything slows down and it's just her, the snitch and her opponent. She has time to process things and analyse her opponents next moves. Her brain works ten times quicker than usual and she finds her senses on high alert.
The snitch takes another route to Cedric's left. Cassie races toward it as her brother looks around frantically. She misses the snitch by an inch or two and mutters "Fuck!" under her breath.
The siblings follow the snitch closer to the pitch. From this angle, Cassie can see the crowd. If she had enough time, she would've searched for Enzo's face. But she didn't.
The snitch flies past Cassie's right so she quickly turns to follow it. She loses sight of her brother but doesn't pay attention, she just follows the snitch. The tip of her index finger grazes the wing and she groans out of anger.
However, the anger only determines her further. Cassie takes the rage, and turns it into energy. With the sudden rush of adrenaline, she races toward the snitch again and reaches out toward it.
Thirty minutes later, and neither Cedric or his sister have caught the snitch yet. Most of the time, they were just sitting ducks, waiting for the snitch to reappear and instead watching their teams below them. The snitch has a mind of its own, which means it likes to torment its players.
But as of right now, Cedric is zooming towards the winged ball. Cassie catches up and gently nudges him out of the way. If he was any other player, she wouldn't be half as gentle.
She leans as far as she possibly can— practically on the edge of her broom by this point. Cassie gets a small, sharp pain in her neck but ignores it. After all, she has bigger things to worry about.
Adrenaline coursing her veins and dopamine swimming, Cassie gets close enough to the snitch and wraps her slender fingers around the writhing thing. She laughs out of relief and holds it tighter. "YES!" Cassie screams for the whole pitch to hear.
Below his breath, Cassie hears her brother mutter a sly "Shit.", which just seems to boost her ego even further. If she can beat her sixteen year old, much stronger brother, she can beat anyone, right?
Cassie lowers down a few feet to take in the sight of the Slytherin stands. She spots her friends in the front of the stands, all of them jumping and cheering for her. Even Enzo is clapping with a smile, which makes Cassie even happier. Pansy goes absolutely feral when Slytherin win, jumping about and screaming all sorts of stuff.
Cassie turns to the staff box to see Professor Lupin with a broad smile on his face. She reminded him so much of his person that it actually hurt. But he smiles anyway, feeling a sense of pride for her. He almost wants to tell her how much she reminds him of him when she's playing quidditch— but who'd want to be compared to a mass murderer?
When the team lower to the ground, Cassie is being tackled by them all. She's laughing too much to get any words out at this rate. "Cassiopeia Diggory does it again! Poor Cedric looks miserable! Can you imagine losing to your thirteen year old sister?" Lee exclaims over the top of the cheers. "Slytherin win a hundred and ninety to eighty!"
Cassie beams with self-pride. She knows for sure this is what she wants to do when she gets older. There is no better feeling than winning a quidditch game, she reckons. There's no victory like it.
Slyly detaching from her team, she finds her brother away from his friends and high-fives him. "Good game, you." he smiles.
"Thanks, you were alright." she teases.
Cedric laughs, bowing his head. "No, really. You played amazing, Cass. I'm proud of you."
"I only have you to thank, Ced."
Cassie thinks Cedric might be her favourite person in the world, in fact. He smiles and chucks an arm around his little sister's shoulder and they walk off the pitch together.
Yellow and green, but always the same surname on their jerseys.
—
By the time Cassie gets out of the shower, that throbbing pain in her neck still hadn't gone anywhere. She attempts to massage it out but it's adamant on staying put.
She walks out of her bathroom in a towel before getting changed into her Slytherin sweater and shorts. Cassie puts her favourite slippers on and heads down to the common room. The only people in there are Enzo, Pansy, Tracey, Marcus, Theo and Mattheo.
"Hi, Cass." Pansy smiles as her best friend sits beside her.
"Hi." Cassie beams.
"You were amazing out there!" Tracey exclaims.
Cassie laughs, her ears going slightly pink. "Thank you, Trace. It means a lot."
"So proud of you." Pansy says, pulling Cassie into a messy hug on the sofa. Cassie and Pansy have a bond very different to others. They're not each other's first choice in everything, yet they're still the bestest of friends. Cassie loves Pansy like a sister, and she can guarantee Pansy feels the same.
After she breaks free from Pansy's wrath, Cassie's eyes go to Enzo. He's watching Marcus talk with a moody expression on his face. Cassie watches him with narrow eyes.
That's when she realises.
Enzo isn't mad at her, he's mad at Marcus! He only acts like this when Marcus is around and/or has spoken to Cassie. Enzo has something against him— but what? Sure, everyone knows Flint is a right twat, but Cassie doesn't think Enzo has even spoken to him before.
"Hey, Enz, can I speak to you for a minute?" Cassie asks abruptly.
"Sure." Enzo replies, taken aback by the request. She leads him to a small book section of the common room in the corner and leans against the desk.
"Are you going to tell me what you have against Flint or am I going to have to figure it out myself?" she says. Before he speaks, she carries on. "I'm not having a go at you, you know I'd never, I just want to know. You've been acting really weird around me recently and I hate it. I just assumed you were pissed at me for something, but it's not me you're pissed at, is it? It's Flint. Why?"
Enzo's jaw tenses and he looks away.
"Enzo. Look at me." she spits. She doesn't play around when it comes to people pissing her off.
He presses his tongue to his cheek before preparing an answer. "Have you seen the way he looks at you? How he speaks to you? He acts like you're some toy— or something he can play with."
The knot in Cassie's stomach tightens. "Why do you care how he looks at me?" she asks, her tone soft. She couldn't be annoyed at Enzo even if she tried.
Enzo tilts his head in hesitation before answering. "Because you're my best friend, Cassie. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."
A smile tugs on either side of Cassie's lips. "Nothing bad is going to happen to me. I wouldn't get with Flint even if he was the last man alive. He's three years older than me, it's weird. You're worrying over nothing.”
Enzo sighs. "That's what's so weird about it, he's three years older than you—" He takes a deep breath before continuing. "I just care about you, Cassie. He just gets on my nerves so much. I hate the smug look on his face he has after you speak to him. I hate the way he looks down at you when you're talking. I hate the thought of him manipulating you. I'm so sorry, Cass."
Cassie smiles. "Oh, Enzo."
He closes his eyes and his jaw tenses again. "Nevermind, forget it."
"I'm not making fun of you, Enzo. I think it's sweet. I love how protective you are over me— because I'm the same when it comes to you. Just— Enzo, just don't take your anger out on me next time. You've been pissed about this for like two weeks straight over nothing, when talking to me could've solved this ages ago."
He half-smiles. "I know. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Don't apologise, Enz." she smiles sincerely. After this conversation, she feels a weight lifting off her chest.
However, that pain in her neck will not leave her alone.
"What's up with your neck?" he asks, picking up on her behaviour immediately.
"My neck's been hurting all day— it's like the pain in my spine but not half as bad."
"That's odd. Has it happened before?"
"No."
"Do you wanna go to Madame Pomfrey?"
"We can go down and see Draco and just talk to her whilst we're there."
So that's what they do. The pair walk down to the infirmary, catching each other up on stuff they missed over the past two weeks. Cassie doesn't stop smiling as she talks with her best friend. She hates it when Enzo is pissed at her.
When they get down there, Blaise is on the nearest chair to Draco with a copy of the Daily Prophet in hand. He's mid-eye roll when they approach. "Hello, you two." Blaise beams, happy to see they've made up. He has a knowing look in his eye as he looks at Enzo, one that Cassie can't interpret.
"Hello, yourself." Cassie smiles.
"Amazing win out there, Cass. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier." Blaise says.
"Thank you, Blaise."
"How are you, mate?" Enzo asks Draco.
"I'm still in incredible pain. My father is writing to Dumbledore as we speak. He's not happy about this." Draco complains. He doesn't even need to be down here anymore, he just chooses to for attention.
"He's really not— he's proper milking it." Blaise translates.
"Draco? Draco Malfoy exaggerating? No way." Cassie teases.
The others laugh but Draco rolls his eyes. "You didn't say that to Cassie when she was ill."
"That's because she wasn't making it a big deal like you are. You haven't shut up about it, mate." Blaise laughs.
"Where's Pomfrey?" Cassie asks. Blaise motions to the other end of the hospital wing and she thanks him.
"Oh hello sweetheart!" Poppy exclaims.
"Hello." Cassie smiles.
"Oh you were incredible out there earlier! You're one of the best players I've seen and you're only a third year!"
"You're too kind."
Poppy waves her off, "What can I do for you, dear?"
"I've been having really bad neck pain since this morning. I don't know if it's anything to be alarmed about."
She furrows her eyebrows, "That's odd, did you perhaps injure yourself whilst playing?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Hmm, is it okay if I take a quick look at it? Just to be sure."
"Yeah, of course."
She smiles and asks Cassie to move her hair out of the way. Poppy pokes and prods her neck in different places and asks her if it hurt. "Hmm, that's strange, don't move, I need to grab something." she says.
Cassie walks back over to Draco and sits down on the edge of his bed. "What'd she say?" Enzo asks, putting his hand on her knee.
"She had a little feel of it and said she had to go and grab something so I don't know," she laughs. The others carry on talking but Cassie is too busy looking at her surroundings. For some reason, Professor Lupin walks in and is now speaking to Madame Pomfrey.
Cassie wants to know what they're talking about so she pretends to walk over and grab a glass of water. "Remus we have to tell her— the symptoms are only getting worse." Madame Pomfrey whispers.
"No. Not yet. She's fourteen next month, Poppy— I don't want to take away her only shot at a happy childhood. If we tell her then her life will be ruined for Merlin knows how many years." Lupin whispers back.
"What if it happens one night and she doesn't know what to do? All because we didn't tell her."
"No. It won't happen yet. Not for at least another year."
Cassie furrows her eyebrows. Who are they talking about?
"She has the right to know, Remus."
"I know, but give her at least until before summer. I really don't want to take away her childhood."
She sighs, "Fine. But if you haven't told her by next year, I'm doing it myself." Lupin sighs with defeat and Madame Pomfrey walks away. He turns around so Cassie quickly bows her head and pours the water.
They couldn't have been talking about Cassie. It wouldn't make sense. She slips past a patient and walks back to Draco's bed. "Can I talk to you, Enz?" Cassie asks.
"Course you can." he replies. They walk out of the infirmary doors and round a corner. "I overheard Madame Pomfrey and Lupin talking. Pomfrey was saying stuff like 'We have to tell her, she has the right to know,' and Lupin was saying 'No, I don't want to take away her childhood— she's thirteen next month.'"
Enzo scrunches his face up in confusion. "Who were they talking about?"
"I don't know. It can't be me, right? That'd be mad."
He shrugs, "Yeah, it's probably not you. Try not to think too deeply into it."
Just as Cassie is about to reply, a large crowd stomp down the stairs and run toward the hall. Professor Dumbledore is conversing with Mcgonagall and Snape as the other teachers attempt to put some order into place.
"Secure the castle!" Dumbledore bellows, sending chills over Cassie's body. Her and Enzo share a look and he immediately finds her hand. Blaise and Draco emerge from the infirmary, and once Cassie knows they're okay, she takes to the crowd with Enzo at her side.
They follow the crowd all the way to the Great Hall, where the whole school seems to be. Cassie spots Dean Thomas and taps him on the shoulder, "Do you know what's going on?"
"Sirius Black was sighted in the castle!" Dean exclaims.
Cassie's jaw drops and her eyes widen. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, it's mental!"
Cassie turns to Enzo with a scoff. "Sirius Black is in the castle."
His eyes widen, "No way."
Sirius Black is the Ministry's most notorious mass murderer at the moment. After breaking free from Azkaban, he's sent the whole wizarding world into panic, including Dumbledore. He was once a student here at Hogwarts, so Dumbledore feels Black has an advantage with the layout of the school.
But as long as Harry's safe, Dumbledore is content.
Cassie searches the crowd for her brother but can't seem to find him anywhere. "Where's Cedric?" she mutters.
"Don't worry, Cass. He's fine. He's probably just with his mates." Enzo says in an attempt to calm her down. She ignores him and continues scanning the crowd for a tall, brunette Hufflepuff.
All of a sudden, someone knocks into her back at full force. "Oh shit, sorry!" the boy exclaims. Cassie is about to punch them in the face but lowers her hands at who it is. She smiles at Cedric's best friend. "Oh— hey Mini-Diggs."
"Hi Eddie, you seen Cedric anywhere?"
"With Charlotte."
"And where's Charlotte...?"
"Somewhere, I dunno."
"Great. Thanks for the help you twat."
"I'm telling Cedric you said a bad word."
"You wouldn't dare." Cassie mock-gasps.
"See you!" he says, disappearing into the crowd. When Cassie looks back at Enzo, his eyebrows are furrowed in that same moody expression from earlier.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"I've done the dungeons." Snape reports to dumbledore. The whole school is sleeping in the Great Hall in uncomfortable sleeping bags found in the dungeons. "No sign of Black, nor anywhere else in the castle." he continues.
"I didn't expect him to linger anyways." Dumbledore responds.
"Any idea how he did it?" Snape asks.
"Many, each as unlikely as the next."
Cassie turns over to face her brother— Dumbledore gathered any siblings together in case of an emergency. Cedric half-smiles. "Can't sleep?" he whispers.
"You know me too well."
"You and your insomnia."
"Bestest of friends."
Cedric chuckles but slowly stops. "The fact Black got into the school completely undetected says a lot. What's stopping him from murdering one of us next?"
"You're overthinking it, Ced. Now that Dumbledore is aware that Hogwarts isn't as safe as he thought it once was, he'll do something about it."
He sighs, "Wise words."
"As always." Cassie chuckles. "Go to sleep, Ced."
"Love you." he mutters before turning over.
"Love you more."
Cassie falls asleep instantly that night. There's something about talking to her brother that never fails to relax her to her core.
Notes:
okayyy!!
lupin and pomfrey seem to know something cassie doesn’t…but anywayyyyssss… i am absolutely in love with Cedric and Cassie’s bond like you have no idea. they mean so so much to me 3
but yay, sirius black mention!! he’s about to be a lot more apparent in this fic… you shall see *insert evil laugh*
Chapter 5: Y3 | Truth isn’t always easy
Summary:
The Truth ; that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.
:)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ ARMS LENGTH — SAM FENDER
'But oh, do you have to know me, know me, inside out?'
The Slytherins, Gryffindors and a few Ravenclaws are sitting in their Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom without a professor. Cassie wonders where Lupin is— he's never usually late. Perhaps he's sick? Or he just can't be bothered to show up, and that Cassie would understand.
So, the first ten minutes without a professor, everyone pretty much does whatever they want. Mattheo and Cassie are having a paper aeroplane competition. They're testing on distance, speed and aim. Enzo and Draco are in charge of judging.
"Alright, ready?" Mattheo says, locating a target. Of course it's Ron Weasley. Cassie tries to stop him but before she can, he lobs the aeroplane at the back of Weasleys head. Ron rubs the back of his head and looks around to see who the culprit is. Even though she shouldn't, Cassie bursts into laughter with Mattheo.
"That was brilliant that one." Enzo says, a smile on his face. Him and Draco whisper about the results and write them down on a piece of parchment.
"Right, Diggory, you're up." Draco states.
She takes a deep breath before selecting her target. Pansy sits at the front of the class with a random Ravenclaw girl Cassie didn't know the name of. She decides to aim at Pansy, closing one of her eyes to focus on the other.
She throws the aeroplane across the classroom, but it doesn't hit Pansy.
Cassie gasps but quickly acts natural, the same with Mattheo, Enzo and Draco. They all sit there innocently with their quills in their hands and bored expressions.
"Detention, Diggory." Snape spits.
"Fuck's sake." Cassie mutters, bowing her head and earning a snort from Mattheo beside her.
Snape closes all of the blinds with the flick of his wand and stands at the front of the class. "Where's Lupin?" Cassie whispers to Mattheo.
"No clue." he replies.
"Turn to page three hundred and ninety four." Snape says, emphasising each word slowly. The room sigh in unison, wanting their other professor back.
"Sir, where's Professor Lupin?" Mattheo asks without even bothering to put his hand up. Snape is so done with Mattheo and his friends that he's starting to give up. They're wearing him down— just like they planned once upon a time.
"None of your concern, Riddle." Snape retorts. "Your professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present. Turn to page three hundred and ninety four."
"Werewolves? I thought we were doing redcaps and hinkypunks?" Cassie says aloud.
"Quiet." Snape replies. Cassie rolls her eyes. The potions master has despised her particular group of friends since first year. He doesn't mind Enzo and Blaise and much— but the others? God, he hates them. They are literally the bane of his existence and he makes no effort to hide it.
"Now, which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?" Snape asks.
Cassie's mother is an animagus— a Siberian tiger to be specific. She never told Cassie why, but she was too occupied at how cool it was that her mother could turn into a tiger. She's always been slightly jealous. What a cool animagus.
"An Animagus is a witch or wizard that chooses to turn into an animal. A werewolf doesn't have a choice." Granger answers, despite Snape literally ignoring her.
Yes, Severus Snape hates Cassie Diggory and her friends, but there is a few more he hates just that little bit more. And that's Granger, Weasley and Potter— maybe even Longbottom on a bad day. So when it comes to it, Snape favours his Slytherins to the Gryffindors he hates.
"Werewolves turn on full moons. They forget who they are when they transition— the werewolf can only respond to a call of its own kind." Cassie continues off Hermione's comment.
This, Snape acknowledges. "Thank you, Miss Diggory." Draco howls out of nowhere, imitating a werewolf. Cassie and Mattheo snigger between them as does Enzo next to Draco. "Thank you, Mr Malfoy." Snape says slowly. Snape almost never tells Draco off— but Cassie supposes it's because of his parents and the fact he’s Draco’s godfather.
She watches as Draco sends a note in the shape of a bird in Harry's direction. Cassie dreads wondering what's on that note.
Pulling her from her thoughts, Snape announces their work. "On my desk on Monday morning, two rolls of parchment on the werewolf with emphasis on recognising one." he orders. The whole class let out a groan. Lupin never would've set them homework like this on a topic they haven't even been taught.
Cassie has quidditch practice all weekend, so she has to get it done tonight or tomorrow if she wants to escape another detention from Snape.
—
The following evening, Cassie walks in the direction of the library with her brother. "Whys he making you do werewolves? I didn't think you did wolves until like fourth term." Cedric asks.
"Your guess is as good as mine, mate. I asked him and he just told me to be quiet." Cassie sighs.
"Classic Snape."
"Try having him as your head of house! He has something against me, Theo, Mattheo and Pansy but I can't quite place it..." she says sarcastically.
Cedric laughs, "I can't think why."
"Well, I need help with this assignment. I don't know the first thing about werewolves— but you do. You've done them."
Cedric sighs, "Okay, but you owe me, Cass."
Cassis beams, "Thank you!" Her and her brother find a table by a window and she sets off to find the books Cedric mentioned. She drops the pile of books on the table with a thud. "Fuck me, those are heavy." she complains.
Cedric laughs, "Do you want my help or not?"
"No, no. Sorry."
"Right, so Snape said you have to do emphasis on recognising werewolves?" Cedric begins, turning his chair to look at Cassie.
"Yeah." the younger sister replies.
"That's odd, we barely covered recognition when we did it."
"Probably just Snape giving us more of a reason to stress." Cassie shrugs.
Cedric goes through what a full moon looks like, what a werewolf is capable of and what being bitten by one does to you. He starts talking about inherited werewolves, which Cassie didn't even know was a thing. "Now, most werewolves have to be bitten to activate the curse, but in very rare cases, there have been werewolves that have inherited the gene from a parent." he explains. "It's extremely rare, though. Only ever happened twice in wizarding history I think."
Cassie nods and keeps writing what he's telling her. They've been in the library well over an hour now, so it's starting to get dark outside. The candles on their table have turned on with a swish of Madame Pince's hand.
"Er— regarding inherited werewolves, their symptoms are much later because only a half of their DNA is wold. In the previous two cases, they didn't receive symptoms until they were teenagers." Cedric picks up a book and finds the information he's looking for. "Now, okay, symptoms..." he says mindlessly, his finger scanning the page. "Okay, symptoms are reoccurring syncope, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, excruciating pain in certain areas, migraines..." Cedric stops himself.
Cassie drops her quill the second he stops talking. Her eyes slowly widen and she looks at her brother. She can tell he's thinking the same thing as her— his eyebrows are low in thought but his pupils are dilated. "No. You don't really think..." she pants, her breath raggedy all of a sudden.
"No— it's impossible. Neither mum, nor dad are werewolves." Cedric says quickly, trying to convince himself more than anything, really.
"Ced, those are the exact symptoms I've been having to a T. What if that's what Pomfrey was talking to Lupin about?"
"It doesn't make sense though, Cassie." he sits up, leaning forward. "Think about it. Mum and dad don't have an ounce of werewolf blood in them. It's quite literally impossible."
"Something's not right about this, Cedric." Cassie declares, shaking her head. "I need to talk to Madame Pomfrey or Lupin, I— I need answers. I'm so—"
Cedric's hand appears on Cassie's forearm. "Look at me, Cassie." he says. She does as he asks, looking him in the eye with hesitation. "Breathe. You're okay."
She sighs, catching her breath back. "I'm talking to Lupin whether you like it or not. I mean, I'd prefer if you came with me, but it's up to you."
"I'm not letting you go by yourself."
"Come on, then."
Lupin's classroom is the opposite side of the school to the library. Perhaps that's a good thing— Cassie has time to gather her thoughts and relax. She doesn't speak a single word to Cedric the whole way there and he doesn't push her to. He understands her, he understands how her brain works and why she's not talking.
Cassie holds her breath when she knocks on Lupin's door. Cedric squeezes her hand beside her. Fully expecting Remus Lupin, Cassie's heart rate picks up when the door opens.
Lupin isn't there.
Snape is.
"Where's Professor Lupin?" Cassie blurts out, not bothering with the niceties with him.
"None of your business, Diggory." Snape replies flatly.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "When will he be back? It's urgent."
"If it's so urgent, Miss Diggory, I hope you won't mind sharing."
"Just—" Cassie sighs. "Just let me know when he'll be back please."
Snape studies her body language; the trembling hands and feet tapping the floor. He notices the way her eyes look scared— no, not scared. They look like they're pleading.
Severus sighs. "Tomorrow afternoon."
Cassie doesn't show it, but she's actually thankful for Snape for the first time in her life. "Thank you, professor."
Snape practically slams the door.
"Brilliant." Cassie sighs, putting her head on Cedric's shoulder.
"Just talk to him tomorrow, Cass. It gives us time for more research."
"Yeah."
A few, dragging days pass and Lupin still isn't back like Snape said he would be. Every time Cassie passed his office with her friends, she'd always double-take to see if he was in there.
He never was.
But as of today, the year group are taking a day to Hogsmeade. It's snowing outside, which, for a minute, takes all of the werewolf stuff off Cassie's mind. Cassie and Pansy deliver their permission slips to Mcgonagall and she thanks them before they join the boys in the hubbub.
Mattheo didn't have permission— but he does what he does best to get out of it. With a convincing smile and tone of voice, he hands Mcgonagall a fake permission slip with one of his orphanage's workers signature.
And of course, it works.
Once all seven of them give their slips to Mcgonagall, they head to Hogsmeade. It was only November yet the snow surrounding Hogwarts was at least four inches. Cassie may love summer, but she loves winter just as much, maybe even more so.
It started snowing last night when Cassie was reading against the window in her dorm. She ran down to the common room and screamed "It's snowing!", so automatically, everyone rushed to the windows to check.
Snow is never rare in Scotland, but the students still get excited whenever it snows. Of course, they don't get days off because of it as majority of their lessons are inside.
Cassie's arm is linked with Mattheo's as they walk beside Pansy and Blaise. Cassie wears a pair of cream gloves charmed to radiate heat, the same as her matching scarf. A paid of black earmuffs sit atop her head, keeping her ears nice and toasty. She wears a pair of comfortable flared jeans and a thick, woolly sweater knitted by her grandmother.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. Do you two have any idea why my student record says I had a detention a month ago or so?" Blaise asks pointedly at Mattheo and Cassie. They share a look, resisting the laugh.
"No clue, mate. Must've been a mistake." Mattheo shrugs. Cassie hums in agreement.
"No, me too! Me and Enzo got detentions for no reason, but when we turned up Sinistra just said not to worry." Pansy exclaims. "I don't even have Sinistra!"
Blaise studies the way Cassie and Mattheo stifle their laughs and it all clicks. "Ohhhh, I know this trick. One of you did something stupid and Sinistra asked for your names so you said ours instead." Blaise exclaims, a proud smile on his face for figuring it out. He knows his friends too well.
"How the fuck did you get that?" Cassie laughs.
"I'm too good." Blaise shrugs.
"You did what?" Pansy protests. "You cheeky fuckers!"
"You love it, Parkinson." Mattheo winks. Pansy almost gags at the wink, also immune to his charm as Cassie.
Once the students arrive at Hogsmeade, most of them go to Honeydukes or Zonko's, but Cassie and her friends head straight to the Three Broomsticks. They pass the Hog's Head pub on their way and stop in their tracks when they hear Madame Rosmerta talking to the Minister and Mcgonagall.
"Sirius Black in Hogsmeade? I don't think so! I don't think Black's popping into my pub for a drink, Minister." Rosmerta remarks, taking down a flier off her door.
Fudge looks around him before whispering to Rosmerta, "It's Harry Potter." Clearly, he didn't whisper it quietly enough because not only did Cassie and her friends hear, but so did Harry and his.
Cassie watches as Harry chucks his invisibility cloak over his head. Lucky bastard, she thinks. How cool would it be to have your own invisibility cloak?
"Someone come with me, I wanna know what they're saying." Draco mutters.
"I'll come." Cassie volunteers, feeling curious.
Draco grins and they sneak around the pub through the back entrance. It's loud in here, Cassie thinks. Drunken wizards of all ages sprawl across the pub— poor Madame Rosmerta. The pair creep up the stairs and press their ears to the closed, manky door, careful not to make noise.
"What's this all about?" Rosmerta exclaims.
"Well, years ago when Harry Potter's parents realised they were marked for death, the only person who knew where they were hiding was Sirius Black— and he told You-Know-Who." Mcgonagall explains.
"Not only did he lead them to their death, he also murdered Peter Pettigrew!" Fudge adds. "All he left was a finger! Nothing else, just a single finger." he continued. Cassie looks at Draco and he's just as confused as she is.
"Sirius Black is the reason the Potters are dead!" Mcgonagall confirms.
"That's not even the worst of it." Fudge says quietly.
"What could be worse?" Rosmerta replies.
"Sirius black was and remains to this day, Harry Potter's godfather."
Rosmerta gasps and so does Cassie. She looks at Draco and his eyes were wide. They share a look and carry on listening. "Not only that... he has a daughter at hogwarts!" Fudge declares.
"What? Who?" Rosmerta responds. Cassie looks at Draco as they wrack their brains for as who it could be. There isn't a single girl in the school related to Sirius black. If there was, they would definitely know. "Who?" Cassie whispers to Draco.
"No idea." he whispers back.
"You're aware of the Diggory's, yes?" Mcgonagall says. Cassie's head whips around to Draco at the mention of her surname. "What?" she whispers loudly.
"Shut up, don't you want to listen?" Draco replies. Cassie's heart is beating in her chest and she could feel herself slowly hyperventilating. Why on earth is her family involved?
"Victoria Diggory was one of Black's best friends! Alongside Remus Lupin, Pettigrew and Lily and James Potter. You're also familiar with Marlene Mckinnon and Dorcas Meadowes, yes? As you know, Sirius & Remus used to be a couple— they were married, you know."
Cassie's jaw drops.
"One day, Remus came to Victoria with a favour. He asked if she would be their surrogate. As Victoria was one of Remus' closest friends, of course she said yes. Victoria gave birth to Cassiopeia, but she isn't her mother."
Cassie's heart plummets into her stomach like a drop slide, and her throat goes so dry she can barely breathe. "She's to be lying." she whispers, shock taking over her body. Draco parts his lips and sighs with a concerned look in his eyes. "No. No. She's definitely lying, that's not true." she stutters, blinking rapidly.
"Cassie..."
Cassie can feel the tears stream down her cheeks but she doesn't take notice of them. No. This isn't happening.
"When Black murdered Pettigrew and went to Azkaban, Lupin couldn't look after Cassiopeia by himself. So he did what was best and gave away his daughter to his best friend— Victoria Diggory." Mcgonagall finishes.
"Such a shame, too. The Diggory siblings are as thick as thieves." Fudge sighs.
Cassie starts to completely lose control of her breath. Her attention turns to the door that swung open without anyone opening it and walking out.
Potter. He's listening as well— under the invisibility cloak. Cassie takes the chance and runs out of the pub, holding back her tears. She needs to find Cedric before she does something stupid— like marching back to school and demanding the truth from Lupin.
When she emerges from the pub, she can hear Draco calling her name behind her. As soon as Cassie spots Enzo, she stumbles into his arms. "Cassie?" he says. Cassie sobs into his shoulder as he looks to Draco for answers.
Draco shrugs and his lips part but no words escape.
"I need to find Cedric, Enzo. I need— I need Cedric. He's— he's not..." Cassie manages to breathe out, trying to focus on Enzo's heartbeat rather than her own.
When Cassie pulls away, she almost falls over again. Mattheo catches her arms and pulls her in. "You're okay, you're okay." he mutters.
"Blaise— Theo, go find Cedric." Enzo orders, his tone harsh and commanding.
"Look at me, Cass." Mattheo says. With shaking shoulders, she looks up at her best friend. "Breathe, okay?"
She closes her eyes and finds a pattern in her breathing. Mattheo rubs her back as she catches her breath back.
When she opens her eyes, Cedric is running towards her. She feels a weight lift off her chest as he approaches. What will he think of her? She's not the sister he thinks she is anymore.
Fuck, she's not even his sister anymore.
Cassie can't lose her brother. No. Not today, not like this.
"Cedric." she whispers.
Cedric immediately sees the streaming tears and adds up the dots. He doesn't know what happened, but he knows that she needs her brother right now. And so he's here for her, with open arms and soft eyes. "It's okay, Cass."
She melts into his touch like a marshmallow on an open fire.
He pulls her to the side, sitting her down on a big, smooth rock. Cedric crouches down in front of her as she takes a deep breath. "Take your time— but I'm gonna need you to tell me what happened and what's gotten you this worked up." he states, his tone calm and steady.
Cassie explains Mcgonagall's conversation with Fudge and Rosmerta with a trembling voice and dread lacing her tongue. More than once, she has to take a deep breath or wipe her tears. Cedric's expression goes stone cold.
He closes his eyes, "So you're saying you're not my sister?" Cassie couldn't answer him, the dread taking over. She looks him in the eye as a tear falls down his cheek. "God, how couldn't they tell us?" he spits, feeling more angry than upset now.
Cassie shrugs hopelessly.
"How come mum took you in?"
"I was only a baby when Black was arrested. Lupin couldn't do it by himself so he gave me away."
Cedric wonders what his life would be like today if Lupin hadn't given up Cassie. He'd be an only child. That thought makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He probably wouldn't even talk to her— let alone know who she is.
Cassie is oddly thankful that Remus gave her to the Diggorys. Her brother is the best thing that could've ever happened to her. Genuinely, there's nobody she loves more than Cedric. How could they take it away from her like that?
"Oh, Cass." Cedric sighs, standing up. Cassie does the same and sinks into his grasp. They stay in that position for two minutes straight, neither of them wanting to ever let go. "I love you, Cassie. You know that, don't you? No matter what, it's me and you."
Cassie heaves a sob out, "I love you."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Dear Victoria,
Thirteen years. Thirteen whole years Cedric has been my brother. Thirteen years you and dad have gone without telling us.
Did you think I wouldn't ever find out?
I know you and Amos aren't my real parents. I know that Sirius Black and Remus Lupin are my dads. I know that the boy I thought was my brother no longer is.
Do you have any idea how much this would hurt us when we found out? God, it hurts, mum.
You better explain or I don't think I can ever forgive you.
— Cassiopeia.
———
Dear Cassie,
I know it hurts, and I know you're angry. You have every right to be at the moment, I would expect nothing less from you. But I need you to know that it was for your own good.
What would have you of done if I one day just told you you and Cedric aren't siblings? If I told you that your real father was locked up in Azkaban for murder? What would you have done, Cassie?
I ask one thing from you, Cassiopeia. And that is to never let your bond with Cedric slip away. Yes, I know this is a big change, and yours and Cedric's bond will go through a lot depending on what happens next, but that's not to say he's not your brother. If you two put the effort in, you'll stay just as close. He's not going anywhere, and neither are you.
I'm not stupid, I know Cedric means more to you than life itself. I know that he's your best friend, and you're undoubtedly his. Do not let that go, Cassie. Hold onto it and let it consume you.
I'm so sorry.
Lots of love,
Mum.
———
A tear rolls off Cassie's eye and onto the parchment. It's nine PM that day and Cassie can't stop thinking about it. She sits against the wall of the owlery, reading Victoria's letter.
Cassie supposes she has a point. She can't let her bond with Cedric go anywhere, even if it means doing absolutely everything to guarantee it. He's her brother, by blood or not.
The only way you're getting rid of Cedric is by killing him. As of right now, he's not going anywhere.
Cassie still hasn't spoken to Lupin, but she knows he's back. When she walked past his office earlier to get up here, she saw his light on. Snape never puts the light on, a candle suffices him just fine.
Cassie wipes her tears and strokes her snowy owl, Coral. "Knowing my luck right now, you're probably not even my owl." she laughs to herself. After placing Coral up in her cage and giving her a treat, Cassie heads down the owlery stairs. It's pitch black outside but the dark doesn't scare her. If anything, it's become some sort of a friend to her.
When she enters the castle, Cassie is careful not to make any noise as it's after curfew and she knows Snape would have her head off for being out of bed at this hour. She walks down the halls to Lupin's office.
She looks through the crack in the doorframe to see Lupin at his desk with a pile of papers. His light is no longer on, a candle being the only source of light. Cassie feels sick. That's her dad— her biological dad.
Cassie knocks on the door with a shaky hand. Lupin's head snaps up and he wonders who could be at his door at nine pm on a weekday. "Come in!" he says.
Cassie tucks her hair behind her ears nervously before entering. Lupin's stomach churns ever so slightly. He wonders if she knows yet. He hopes she doesn't. "Why are we still awake, Cassiopeia?" he asks.
"I need to talk to you— it's important." she states, her tone hoarse.
"Is that so?" he asks, leaning back in his chair and trying to remain calm. Cassie lifts her wand and swishes it at the door, closing it. She takes a seat on the nearest desk so he stands up and sits beside her.
With a long, deep breath, Cassie looks at Lupin. She realises then why she recognises his eyes so much. They're hers, of course. Of course they are. She wondered what other traits she had gotten from him and Black. She shouldn't be, but Cassie is willing to get to know him better if he opts to.
"I know everything. I know you and Sirius Black are my parents."
Lupin's blood goes cold with dread. Thank goodness. She doesn't know about the other thing just yet. This, however, he could deal with. He knew she'd find out eventually. He just wasn't prepared on a random Thursday night.
"Oh." he says. "How did you find out?"
"I overheard Mcgonagall and Fudge talking about it with Madame Rosmerta in Hogsmeade earlier today." Cassie starts. She looks down at her fingers, "I mean, it makes sense now that I think about it— why your eyes looked so familiar and why you kept checking up on me."
"I'm sorry, Cassiopeia."
"Don't— Don't be sorry. I know I wasn't meant to find out, and if I'm being honest with you, a part of me wishes I didn't. But," Cassie sighs. "But, I'm trying to think on the bright side. If I dwell on it for too long I think I'll go mad."
Remus frowns, his eyebrows pinching together. "Understandable."
"It's not even you I'm annoyed at— I'm not annoyed at anyone. I— It's just, I've gone my whole life thinking Cedric was my brother, and they were my parents. Being told on a whim one day that it was all a lie isn't fun, I'm telling you. When I found out, I just cried. I cried so much because I didn't want to lose Cedric. He means so much to me, you must see that."
"I know, Cassiopeia. I really do."
"Can—" Cassie sighs. "Can I just know the truth? I've been lied to my whole life, and I don't know about you, but I think I deserve to know everything."
"I wanted to keep you, Cassiopeia. I really did. I just— I couldn't do it without him." Remus frowns. Cassie's heart wrenches. Sirius Black. He loves Sirius Black, and Cassie doesn't know what to do with that.
"I'm not annoyed at you for giving me up. I get it— you did what's best for you. I'm just annoyed that I didn't know. If I was told, I still could've grown up in a world with you in it. You're my dad— I deserved to know you as that, and not as Professor Lupin, my Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Remus smiles wonkily. "You can, I mean— if that's what you want. I understand you don't want everything to change, but perhaps change is good sometimes. You could stay at mine for a bit at Christmas and see how you like it. If you decide you hate it and want to live with Victoria, Amos and Cedric, then you can do that. You're at the centre of this, Cassiopeia. Not me, not Sirius, not even Cedric. How you choose to proceed is up to you. I'm giving you that choice because I'm not thick and I know how much Cedric means to you."
Cassie sighs, a slight smile on her lips. "Thank you."
Remus hesitates before putting a hand on top of Cassie's. "You know, I knew it was you the second I saw you in the Great Hall that night. I know you wouldn't like to hear this at the moment, but God, you look like Sirius. I hate how much you look like him, because every time I look at you, I see him. I see the man I loved, the man who betrayed me. That's not your fault, but I couldn't pull myself away from you. I just couldn't. You're right, you do have my eyes, but everything else? That's Sirius Black."
Cassie doesn't hate that. She doesn't grimace at his name. She doesn't feel sick. "Really?"
Remus' eyes go glossy. "Yes, Cassiopeia. Yes."
"Cassie."
"Huh?"
"I like Cassie better. Less effort, isn't it?"
Remus looks like he's about to cry. "You do?"
She nods, "Why?"
"When Sirius and I chose your name, we decided on Cassiopeia, following Sirius' family tradition. We said Cassie would be a good nickname if you didn't like the formality. I didn't know if it was something you liked to be called so I just stuck to Cassiopeia."
Cassie smiles, "Cassiopeia sounds formal to me. Cassie is casual and friendly, ya'know? I really like my name, and looking for my constellation is always fun. I only let certain people call me Cassie. Teachers are off bounds, apart from you and Poppy."
"Are you saying I'm special?"
"I'm saying, that I want you to be apart of my life from now. But, I can't promise you'll I'll be able to adjust that easily. You'll have to bear with me."
Remus chuckles with relief. His daughter is his again. "Of course."
"Cassie Lupin has a ring to it, y'know." Cassie smiles.
Remus laughs, "It sure does, sweetheart."
Notes:
WOAHHHH
the secret is out… and who other to find out by than minerva mcgonagall! joking, we love minnie here
enzo going into protective mode as soon as he sees her crying :,) he’s adorable we love him
remus missing sirius BREAKS my heart 😖😖 seeing him in cassie’s eyes must be so hard for him 3
for those stressing, cassie and cedric will be okay (eventually). their relationship goes a bit wonky but their still soulmates nonetheless
Chapter Text
➵ 1 STEP FORWARD, 3 STEPS BACK —OLIVIA RODRIGO
'Cause it's always one step forward, and three steps back.'
The following Friday after practice, Cassie showers and chucks her pyjamas on. She had told her friends about her parentage the day after she found out, not being able to keep it a secret from them. Enzo was the first to hug her, then it ended up as a giant, messy group hug. Cassie's grateful to have her friends at times like those.
Since that day, they've done their best to distract her and take her mind off it, and she must say, it's helped.
Cassie heads down to the common room after Pansy asks her to braid her hair. Enzo is chatting away to Blaise before he notices Cassie. "Hiya." she smiles, approaching the boys.
"Oh, hi! How was practice?" Enzo asks.
"Good— Flint was being a twat though, wasn't he Blaise?" Cassie sighs.
"Fuck me don't even get me started." Blaise groans.
"I'm not even joking when I say this, Enz. He was mid-way of telling us what we were doing and then he just walked off cause a girl was shouting his name. I ended up having to do the whole thing by myself." Cassie explains.
"I think you'd make a brilliant captain, Cass. You're the natural-born-leader type." Blaise comments.
Cassie smiles, "Really?"
"Hell yeah." Blaise grins.
"Are we gonna go down to the library?" Enzo asks, changing the subject in his own subtle way.
"Oh yeah. I just need to grab a jumper." she says, about to turn on her heel when Enzo interrupts.
"Here, borrow mine." he says.
Blaise gives Enzo a look— almost a smirk. Cassie narrows her eyebrows but stops when Enzo lifts his jumper over his head. Admittedly, Cassie's gaze flickers down to where his shirt slightly lifts up with the jumper. She forces herself not to make eye contact when he gives her the jumper with a smile.
It's a plain, grey jumper, yet it feels so special. The familiar vanilla scent of Lorenzo Berkshire makes Cassie feel at home. She resists the smile on her lips as she tugs the sleeves down her arms.
Enzo notices this, and smiles even more. "Come on, then. We'll see you later, Blaise."
"Yeah, see you." Blaise says with a wink.
As they walk through the stone corridors, Enzo holds him arm out and Cassie takes it, gratefully. "You spoken to Ced recently?" Enzo asks.
Cassie sighs, "Not really, if I'm honest. I think he needs space at the moment, so i'll give him space. I know him, he'll talk to me when he's ready.”
Enzo nods, "As long as you're okay, yeah?"
"I'm fine." she confirms. "He'll come around. It's a lot to take in, all this. It's bound to be hard on our relationship, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I couldn't imagine it'd be easy to handle."
"I just hope he realises that I'm not giving up on him or our bond, y'know? I need him to know I'm not going anywhere, and I'll always be his sister."
"He knows, Cassie. He knows."
When they get to the library, the pair find an empty table by the window and find some books. Cassie already started the essay with Cedric on Tuesday, so she has a head-start. But of course, Enzo copies half of it.
As he's writing, Cassie takes notice of his eyes. He may of been tired, but his eyes were still glistening as always. Cassie wonders if they ever stop glistening.
His knee scrapes against Cassie's and she fully expects him to move it away awkwardly and go bright red. Her eyebrows raise when neither of those happen. He keeps it there, against her knee. Instead, Cassie looks back at his eyes and studies them instead of her textbooks. She feels like she could stare into his eyes forever and not get bored. There was just something about them.
The more research they did on the werwolf, the more convinced Cassie becomes that she's one. Of course, she doesn't say this aloud to Enzo but it doesn't stop her thinking it. She still hasn't spoken to her father about it, but she doesn't want to ruin whatever start of a relationship they have going at the moment. Cassie doesn't want to bother him with what's all probably just in her head.
Over an hour later, Enzo has almost fallen asleep on Cassie's arm, giving her a completely dead limb. She's getting tired too, she has to admit. It's eight in the evening and Cassie has barely had any sleep this week after recent events. She closes her book and sighs, "I think that's enough for one night. We've written one and a half rolls of parchment— Snape can go fuck himself before he makes me re-do it."
Enzo laughs, "Agreed."
She manages to escape Enzo's grasp and stand up, closing her books and folding her parchment. "Come on." she sighs.
"Coming." he mutters.
Cassie frowns. "Yeah, usually when people say that, they actually do it."
"Mhm." he murmurs. Cassie rolls her eyes and drags him up by his hand. He doesn't let go once he's up. "Rude."
They don't let go all the way out of the library and the way back to the common room. However, Cassie comes to the realisation she hasn't eaten since late afternoon. "I'm starving." she mutters.
"When did you last eat?" Enzo asks.
"Uh, like three or four?"
"Cassie!"
"What?"
"That was like five hours ago, no wonder you're hungry!"
"Can't we just go down to the kitchens? The house elves love me." Cassie says casually. She will admit, it is wrong that Dumbledore hires house elves as cooks and cleaners, but she's not afraid to say they make a lovely mac and cheese.
"Fine, but only if you're quick!"
Cassie chuckles and squeezes Enzo's hand. They run all the way down to the kitchens, laughter ricocheting off the castle walls. They sneak past Mrs. Norris and Filch more than once, but it's not like they're not used to that.
Once they get into the kitchens, Cassie grabs a fresh punnet of ripe strawberries and walks out the other way. Enzo, having the spacial awareness of a goat, knocks over a pan. "Enzo!" Cassie whisper-shouts.
"Sorry!" he exclaims, picking it back up and putting it where it belongs.
As soon as they close the door and walk up the stairs, they're met with a confused Professor Lupin. "Cassie... Lorenzo... what are you up to?" he says slowly, an eyebrow raised.
Cassie looks at Enzo and he bites back a smile. "Er, nothing." she replies innocently.
"What's in your hand?" Remus questions.
"Nothing." she responds, too quickly for it to be the truth.
"Really? Show me." Remus says. Cassie sighs and brings her hands to her front. In her right hand sits the punnet of strawberries, looking sweet and ready to eat. "Cassie, did you steal those from the kitchens?"
"What? No!" she exclaims, guilt lacing her tone.
"Alright, then where did you happen to get a punnet of fresh strawberries?"
"Enzo gave them to me, didn't you, Enz?" Cassie assures. Enzo looks at her as if to say 'What?' and she nudges him.
"Can I ask why you're then sneaking out of the kitchen doors?" Remus asks. He can recite the layout of this school in his sleep, after all, he's the one that made the Marauder's map.
"I was visiting my favourite house elf, Winky."
"Winky is on duty on the third floor."
Remus has her now and she knows it.
"God, it's like I'm being interrogated for murder!" she exclaims in defeat. Enzo looks like he's on the verge of breaking into laughter.
Lupin chuckles, "I'll let you off this once. Next time, just come to my office. I've got a whole drawer full of chocolate— but don't tell anyone."
"I'd love to, but I'm allergic to chocolate unfortunately." Cassie frowns.
"Tragic, right?" Enzo inputs.
Remus' eyes flash an expression of panic for a split second. "You are?"
"Yeah, it's sad really. It looks so good as well."
Remus nods slowly, his throat drying. "Alright, well you two better be off to bed now."
Cassie sighs, "Thanks anyway, dad."
Remus' expression changes completely at her words. Dad?! He's so happy he feels like he could cry. This is all he's wanted for the past thirteen years. Not a single day went by when he didn't dream of the day Cassie would call him her dad once again.
"Sorry— too early?" Cassie grimaces awkwardly.
"No, no. Don't worry." Remus smiles, and Cassie feels it. He's happy.
"Okay well, goodnight, dad." Cassie smiles satisfactorily.
"Goodnight, you two."
When they turn the next corner, Cassie jumps at the sight of Cedric's friends, Lola and Charlotte. "Oh hi, Cassie!" Charlotte exclaims. Cassie seriously considers running the opposite way for a minute there.
"Hi." she replies through gritted teeth and a fake smile. Cassie doesn't like Charlotte. She's had a bad feeling about her for years— one she can't put into words. It's just a feeling. Lola, however, Cassie didn't mind. She didn't talk much.
"Oh— I didn't realise you two were a thing now?" Charlotte exclaims, motioning toward Cassie's linked arm with Enzo's.
"Oh, no. We're not—"
"Aw, that's adorable! Isn't it, Lola? They make the sweetest couple, don't they?"
Lola half-smiles. "I don't think they're together, Lottie."
"Yeah— we're not together." Enzo vocalises. Why does that make Cassie's heart thump in her chest?
Lola clears her throat to move past the awkwardness. "How are you, anyway?" she asks, looking at Cassie.
"I'm good— how's Ced?"
"He's okay, taking it all in his own, strange ways, y'know."
Cassie nods, "I know the one. Will you tell him to meet me by the lake tomorrow at eleven?"
"Yeah, of course."
"Thank you, Lola."
"Anytime." Lola smiles. She leans in closer so Charlotte doesn't hear, "I'm sorry for Charlotte— you know what she's like. She loves gossip."
Cassie chuckles, "It's okay, really."
Lola squeezes Cassie's shoulder before her and Enzo walk the other way. Cassie wants to bash her head against the wall at the awkward silence between them. Why is it so awkward? They're never awkward together. "Please don't make this any more awkward than it has to be, Enz." Cassie mutters.
Enzo shakes his head, "Not awkward."
"Good."
Cassie doesn't believe him.
When they enter the common room again, Pansy greets Cassie with arm around her shoulder. "Ooh, lovely. Where'd you get these?" she says, popping a strawberry into her mouth.
"Kitchens. Got caught though."
"Which teacher?"
"My dad, funnily enough. He let us off though."
"Result."
When Cassie walks up to her dorm, she keeps Enzo's hoodie on and finds her walkman & current book. She sits atop the cushioned window sill, Lexi and Daphne laughing on Lexi's bed in the corner of the room. Cassie's currently reading 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, a famous muggle author. Cassie has a soft spot for muggle classic books. She's read so many she's lost count. She presses play on her Rumours by Fleetwood Mac cassette, letting the melody of Second Hand News flood her eardrums.
Cassie likes to read as often as possible. With everything going on in her life, it's always nice to sit down with a good book and enter another reality, even if it's only for fifteen minutes a day. Reading might be one of the only things that helps her sleep.
After a while of reading in peace and quiet, Pansy is standing over her and pulling Cassie's headphones off her head. "Oi! What was that for?" she exclaims, outraged.
"Sorry! You weren't answering." Pansy defends.
"Oh, what's up?" Cassie asks. Pansy doesn't just interrupt her for no reason.
Pansy calls the other girls over to them; Daphne leans against Tracey's folded legs on Cassie's bed, whilst Lexi stretches her legs over Pansy's bed. "Alright, so I just overheard the boy's conversation."
"Who? Draco?" Daphne says quickly.
"Yeah, him, Blaise, Theo and Enzo." Pansy confirms.
"Yeah? So what? I'm surprised they weren't talking about what animals people would be if they had to be one?" Cassie laughs.
"I actually did hear them talking about that once." Lexi confirms. The girls chuckle and Pansy sits on the edge of her bed by Lexi's ankles.
"But anyway, back to the point." Pansy resumes. "Have you noticed that look Blaise gives him every two bloody seconds around you?"
Cassie hates to admit it, but she has. She nods slowly, "I mean— I haven't taken much thought to it."
"Oh, you're so young and naïve." Daphne sing-songs.
"I know right." Tracey laughs.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Cassie exclaims, putting her book aside.
"Anyways," Pansy reiterates. "As I was saying, I overheard their conversation. It just so happens to of been about you, golden girl." Pansy smiles at Cassie.
"Ooh! What did they say?" Lexi grins, enjoying this way too much. Cassie buries her head in her hands with a groan.
"Draco asked Enzo why you were wearing his jumper, and he just said 'Cause she was cold.' with that casual shrug he does. You know the one?" Pansy says. The girls nod, but Cassie looks at her best friend with dread.
"Then Theo starts saying 'Are you gonna tell us about your raging crush on her or are we gonna have to pry it out of you ourselves?' and by that point, Enzo is bright red. Blaise starts laughing and Enzo literally nudges him. He then proceeds to say— and I quote— 'I mean, I don't know. I get all nervous around her, which never usually happens, and I get jealous whenever she talks to other boys. So you tell me, Theo, do I have a raging crush on her?"
Cassie's heart flutters like a butterfly, but she soon stops herself, regaining her composure on the window sill. They all squeal with delight, but Cassie looks like she could punch Pansy in the face.
"He so likes you, Cass!" Tracey exclaims.
"No he doesn't! He's just saying that to show off in front of the boys. I think I'd know if my best friend liked me, you lot." Cassie sighs, trying to convince herself more than anyone else.
"You keep telling yourself that, sweetheart." Daphne smiles.
"He's been in love with you for years— are you telling me you've never noticed?" Lexi exclaims.
"No! Because he doesn't like me!" Cassie shouts.
"Do you like him?" Tracey says slowly, a wicked grin on her face.
"I—" Cassie stutters. "No!" They all share looks, and Cassie wants to throw herself out of this window. "I mean— well, maybe. But no!"
At that, the girls erupt into more squeals and giggles. "Admit it, Cass. You're head over heels." Pansy winks.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Hi," Cassie smiles and brings her brother into a warm hug. He hugs her back tighter than usual. "Ced, you're crushing my lungs."
He lets go automatically, "Sorry, didn't mean to."
"It's fine."
"What's up?" he asks.
"Sit down with me," Cassie motions to the dull grass. They sit down against her and Pansy's tree. Ever since first year, they have claimed the gorgeous willow tree. They used to hang out there all the time, not as much nowadays unfortunately. "You haven't been answering any of my messages recently." Cassie sighs.
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that."
"What's going on Ced?"
"Nothing, just still adjusting to the whole situation."
"I know, and that's okay, but you know how paranoid I get when you shut me out. We may not be related by blood but you're still my brother, Cedric. I still worry about you just as much."
"I know, I'm sorry."
"Don't apologise. Just don't do it again."
He frowns and pauses for a moment. He looks up at the grey sky. "It just hurts, you know? Knowing that everything was just a lie."
"I know, it's horrible. A part of me wishes that I didn't find out."
"What about the other part?"
Cassie pauses before speaking, choosing her words carefully, "I don't know— I'm trying to understand and get used to the situation. If I think too deeply about it, I think I'll faint again. I'm just trying to make the best out of a bad situation."
"So you're gonna call him your dad?"
"Well, yeah. He is my dad after all." she replies. Cedric scoffs and looks away. "What? You can't expect me to still call them my parents."
He sighs, "It's not that, Cassie. If you start to call him your dad, then what am I? I'm not your brother anymore. I'm just a friend. A friend that you happen to of grown up with, a friend that you know better than yourself. A friend which you love more than anyone."
Cassie's eyes soften with sympathy, "No, Cedric. You're my brother and always will be. There's absolutely nothing that could happen to possibly change that. You know you're my best friend, Ced, always."
He turns back to his sister and looks into her eyes. "I don't want everything to change, Cassie. I loved things how they were— I don't know, I guess I'm just scared to lose you."
Cassie frowns, "You wont lose me Ced. Never. They'd have to pry my dead body off of you." He sad-smiles and brings her into a hug. He feels ridiculous all of a sudden. Of course Cassie would never leave his side— she's his little sister, after all— and he knows that. He just has a hard time remembering that.
The siblings stroll around the black lake, talking as they usually did. This was what Cassie couldn't risk losing— what they're doing right now. She's never been able to talk to someone so easily. Cassie doesn't even have to say anything and Cedric understands.
"The girls reckon Enzo fancies me." she laughs. She wonders if talking to Cedric about it will help.
"What? No way." Cedric says, but Cassie can't tell if he's being sarcastic or not.
Cassie laughs, "I mean, I don't think I like him. Well, I don't know." she sighs.
"You can say you do, Cass. You know I wouldn't judge. However, he will be number one on my watchlist..."
Cassie chuckles, "I don't know, honestly, Ced. Sometimes I think I do, then other times I tell myself he's just my best friend."
Well, that's what Cassie thinks, anyways. When she thinks too deeply into it, she fears she'll start to catch feelings. After all, no boy has ever loved Cassie like Enzo. He'd give his life for her. She's his God-given solace.
"Fair enough. You'll figure it out, Cass."
Oh no.
Oh no.
Oh.
Cassie collapses to the floor literally out of nowhere. Her legs go so numb she starts to panic. She lets out a noise of pain and discomfort as the pain from her back those weeks ago comes back. "I can't feel my legs, Cedric." she exclaims, her chest heaving.
"Oh shit." he says, quickly going into protective-older-brother mode, lifting her up like a feather. She cries into his shoulder as the pain spreads all down her spine. Cassie starts to dissociate from the present, her eyes going blurry and her head fogging up. "No, no, stay awake, Cass." Cedric exasperates.
Cassie's out of it before Cedric can even finish his sentence.
When she opens her eyes again, the first thing Cassie notices is the lack of pain in her spine. She can feel her legs again— she lightly wiggles them just to make sure.
"Oh, Cassie." a familiar voice whispers.
She looks to her left to see a concerned Remus Lupin. Cassie smiles weakly, still half-asleep. "Dad."
"Hi." he chuckles.
"Why are we still whispering?"
Remus nods at Cedric, who's fast asleep on the chair next to Cassie's bed. She laughs, "Trust me, it takes more than just my voice to wake him up. I think he might just be the deepest sleeper ever. That's where we differ, you see."
Remus smiles, "I see." He's glad to see that her and Cedric's bond hasn't faltered recently. He wants nothing more than Cassie to be happy, even if it means her choosing to stay at the Diggory's. He'd love her either way.
"How are you feeling?" Remus asks.
"Pretty normal actually, is that weird?" Cassie replies. She furrows her eyebrows when she realises what's happened again. She thought this had stopped, that she wouldn't experience any of this anymore. She thought the spine pain was the worst of it all. "Dad, do you know what's wrong with me?"
Cassie sees the vein pop in his head and the way his jaw clenches before his lips part to speak. Before he gets the chance, Poppy bursts into the room with a smile. "Oh good, you're awake, Cassie!"
Cassie smiles weakly. "When can I go?"
"Depends on how you're feeling." Poppy replies, pressing a cold dorsal to Cassie's forehead.
"Fine, just achey from all those spells you did."
Poppy smiles satisfactorily. "You can go whenever, dear." She smiles at Remus too, and Cassie knows they have history. It's clear in the way Madame Pomfrey looks at him like her own— that maternal glisten in her eye whenever they spoke.
"What do we do about Cedric?" Cassie laughs. The last thing she wants to do is wake him up— he deserves his rest after the horror she must've put him through yesterday.
"Write him a note?" Remus suggests with a shrug.
Cassie grabs the piece of parchment on the bedside table and dips the quill in the ink. Gone for a walk with Lupin, Pomfrey discharged me and I'm okay. Let me know when you're up. Love you.
She puts the note on his lap before standing up, with Remus' assistance. Cassie holds onto his arm as they walk out of the infirmary and toward the gardens. "What were you going to say before Pomfrey interrupted?" Cassie asks.
Remus takes a deep breath, "Don't worry."
"No, I wanna know. You had that look on your face— it's important, I know it is."
Remus sighs, "Do you have a favourite flower, Cassie?"
The Hogwarts Gardens are painfully underrated. The hedges are charmed to move— there are four big bushes shaped as the hogwarts house animals. A snake, lion, badger & raven. There's a range of vibrant flowers— Cassie can't tell what they are but she knows that her favourites are the white tulips.
White tulips have been her favourite flowers since she was a little girl. There's something about them that she finds so compelling. They may have no colour but it's so much more than that. They're misunderstood.
"The white tulips. I don't really know why, they just grab my attention." Cassie replies.
"They're lovely. Mine are the Lilies— Heartstrings Lilies in particular." Remus smiles.
"Yeah, they're beautiful."
"Do you like herbology?"
"Sort of, I like to admire the flowers rather than dissect them, y'know?"
Remus laughs, "That makes a very good point, Cassie."
It's obvious Remus is trying to distract Cassie from her question earlier. This conversation is one Remus has dreaded since the day she was born. In no setting or place, even in the beautiful gardens of Hogwarts, would this conversation be an easy one.
"Stop changing the subject." Cassie blurts out.
Remus takes a deep breath. Here goes nothing.
"I'm surprised you haven't figured it out by now, Cassie. You're a smart girl." he says, walking beside her with his head down.
"What?"
"Professor Snape made you do an assignment on the werewolf, yes? I even graded yours— you must've read the symptoms. I'm just surprised you didn't make the connection."
"What are you saying?" Cassie stops in her tracks, Remus following suit and looking at her.
"I think you already know, Cassie."
"No. I need you to say the words."
Remus stops in his tracks and faces his daughter, looking her in the eye. Instead of that gut-wrenching feeling he gets in his stomach when he studies Cassie close enough, he finds comfort in Sirius' features. He focuses on them as the next words come out of his mouth. "You're a werewolf, Cassie."
Cassie covers her mouth before finding the nearest bin. She throws up, her head pounding. Remus is on the verge of tears as he rubs her back and holds her hair. This is why he never wanted to have this conversation.
When she's done, Remus looks her in the eye. He uses his sleeve to wipe her mouth. "I know this is a scary thing, Cassie. Believe me, I really do. But I swear to you on my life, I will help you through this. I've been through it a million times now, you're in safe hands, I promise."
"Been through what a million times?" she croaks.
"The transition."
Remus feels just as sick as Cassie right now. He always hoped he wouldn't have to do this conversation by himself, but after Sirius got sent away, he was given no choice. He feels hopeless without Sirius. He was the sense of direction in his life that Remus always struggles to find.
"When will I fully become a werewolf?" Cassie asks, dread coating her tone.
"According to my research, inheriting werewolves usually gain their true form from the ages thirteen to fifteen."
"So you weren't an inherited werewolf? Guessing by the fact you had to do research."
"No," he laughs and shakes his head. "I was bitten at four years old by Fenrir Greyback."
Cassie's jaw hangs loose. "Four years old? Merlin."
"I know, it's bad. But, it also means I have experience. I can use the experience to help you."
"I don't want this, dad."
"I know and I will do everything to try and find a cure. There might be a cure to inheriting werewolfism— we don't know yet."
"Promise me you won't let me do this by myself?"
"Never."
Notes:
woah!!! let’s all be shocked!!
a werewolf?!? who’d of thought, ay?? at least remus can now sleep at night knowing he’s got it over and done with, bless his heart.
this was remus’ biggest fear his ENTIRE life. he was meant to do this with sirius 3 but he did it!! even tho it was a bit messy… cassie will be okay
but also… remus’ inspector goole coming out when interrogating them by the kitchens😭 i couldn’t help myself, i love referencing other roles of actors
let’s all give it up for our beloved moony!
Chapter 7: Y3 | Sirius Black
Summary:
Just some father-daughter bonding!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LIKE HIM — TYLER, THE CREATOR & LOLA YOUNG
'I'm everything that I've strived to be, so do I look like him?'
The following evening, Cassie is sat in the common room with her closest friends, in front of the crackling fireplace. She zones out of their conversation about the Ravenclaw vs Gryffindor match earlier on in the day. She still hasn't told them about what her dad said yesterday. She loves these people to death, she can't risk losing them. What if they all hate her? What if they call her a freak and tell everyone?
But then again, they deserve more credit than that. Despite their reputations, Cassie thinks their hearts are nothing but pure (Draco maybe not sometimes...). She can't imagine they'd ever call her that and never speak to her again.
Taking a deep breath, Cassie prepares herself. She's sitting on the edge of one of the sofas with Mattheo's ankles on her lap. She looks to Enzo on the armchair, laughing away with Blaise and Theo, for comfort. "Guys, I need to tell you something." she says, her tone wary and shaky. Enzo's head snaps up instantly, his eyebrows low.
"What's up?" Mattheo asks, sitting up straight against the arm of the sofa.
"My dad— Lupin, spoke to me yesterday." Cassie starts.
"And?" Draco says.
"If you'd let me finish, Malfoy."
He rolls his eyes, "Go on then."
"He told me something— something I've been worried about for a while now. You know all of the fainting and pain I've had recently?" she continues, her heart pulsing like a hungry cheetah.
"Yeah..." Theo says slowly.
"Turns out it's not related to my insomnia like I thought it was." she sighs. "My dad is a werewolf. There are two types of werewolves; one, you have to be bitten to activate the curse, the other, you can inherit the curse."
"What are you saying, Cassie?" Pansy asks.
"I'm a werewolf." she confirms.
Everyone goes quiet for a moment, processing what they've just been told. Enzo doesn't look away from Cassie. He studies her features and everything he knows he loves about her. Her being a werewolf could never change that. Never. He loves her too much for that.
"Say something, someone." Cassie pleads.
"I'm so sorry, Cassie." Pansy croaks.
"Cass, we've got your back, always. We're not going anywhere so don't even think about it. If there's any way we can help, we'll do it, won't we?" Mattheo says. Everyone nods, but Enzo's gaze stays locked on Cassie.
"You promise this won't change anything?" she questions.
"Never." Theo assures.
"Is there anything we can do? Like any research?" Blaise asks.
"I'm not sure."
"If there is— I'll be more than happy to help." Blaise smiles.
Enzo is still silent and Cassie hates it. He hasn't looked away from her since she began speaking.
"Does Cedric know?" Draco asks.
"No. Not yet, anyway. I can't— I don't know how to tell him. Our relationship is already confusing enough at the moment." Cassie sighs.
"I think you should tell him, Cass." Theo inputs.
"Do you think?"
"I say get it over and done with. What's the worst that'll happen? He'll call you a freak and push you off the Astronomy tower?" Pansy questions, earning a weak chuckle from Cassie. "I highly doubt it. This is the same Cedric that would go through war and back for you. You'll be fine, Cassie."
"You guys are the best, have I ever told you that?" Cassie smiles.
"Oh, we know." Mattheo winks.
She looks to Enzo once again. He's still looking at her. Everyone starts talking again, trying to take Cassie's mind off it. Her eyes dart to Enzo's and he mouthes "I love you."
Her heart melts. "I love you too." she mouthes back.
Feeling okay after revealing the news, Cassie taps her bracelet to spell out "Meet at Astro twr.", not bothered enough to spell it all out. Cassie is always thankful to have these bracelets— communicating with Cedric is something that comforts her even on her darkest of days. Knowing that he'll always be there to support her never fails to relieve her.
"Ok." is the response she gets on her bracelet mere seconds later.
"Right, I'm gonna go speak to Cedric. Wish me luck." Cassie announces, lifting Mattheo's feet off her lap.
"Good luck!" they chorus. When Cassie walks past Enzo's chair, she puts a hand on his shoulder and he proceeds to squeeze her hand in response. It's past curfew outside of the common room, so Cassie has to be wary of Filch doing his rounds.
Cassie reckons she spends more time on the Astronomy Tower than her own bed. It brings her a sense of peace, looking out at the stars. The night sky is one of the forever constants in her life. There's something so beautiful about the relationship between the stars, moon and the sun. It's something Cassie thinks about a lot.
When she gets up to the top of the stairs, she begins worrying about what Cedric'll say. What if it just makes their relationship fall apart even more? Imagine finding out A) that you're not even related to your sister, and B) said sister is a werewolf. Cassie thinks she'd faint again if she were Cedric.
There's a certain star shining slightly brighter than the others tonight. Cassie knows it’s the Regulus star. It’s always been a favourite star of hers— hence her cat’s name. Regulus oddly reminds her of Enzo's eyes. That twinkle that she holds ever so dearly to her heart.
God, Cassie needs to sort her priorities out.
"You wanted to see me?" Cedric's voice makes Cassie jump slightly, but she smiles anyway. He leans against the railing beside her.
"Hi." she smiles.
"Hi." he replies with a laugh.
"I need to tell you something, Ced, but I need you to promise it won't ruin our anything. Promise me nothing will change between us."
Cedric laughs, "Cassie, there's nothing you could say that would change how I see you. You're my little sister."
Cassie smiles and takes a deep breath, looking back at the stars. "I'm a werewolf." she almost scoffs. "Lupin is too— I was right about the symptoms."
Cedric takes a long, deep breath before sighing. "I know, Cass."
"What?"
"Lupin told me when your symptoms started to worsen. He told me so I wouldn't be so shocked when you told me yourself."
Cassie's stomach tightens. Remus knows her well enough already to know that Cedric comes first. He didn't tell Enzo, or Mattheo. He told Cedric because he knows that his opinion matters most to Cassie. "Oh." she says.
At least he doesn't hate her for it, huh?
"Are you okay? Finding out you're a werewolf and having completely different parents within two weeks can't be easy." Cedric asks, genuinely.
"I'm not sure, if I'm honest. I'm still trying to face reality, it's like it hasn't actually hit me yet, y'know?"
"I get it. You'll deal with it how you choose to, Cassie. But I need you to know that I'm never leaving your side, not ever. I'm with you forever, yeah? I care about you whether it's a bruise or a broken leg, do you understand me?"
Cassie smiles. She scoffs slightly and lets her head hang. "I really don't deserve you, Ced."
Cedric chuckles, "Don't start all that. We're a team, yeah?"
"Course we are."
"C'mere."
Cedric pulls Cassie into a hug and she doesn't ever want to let go. This, right here, is her favourite place to be. Somewhere she loves, with someone she loves. As of right now, is there anything she could complain about?
Other than the whole werewolf thing…
—
Cassie walks down the stairs after her Divination lesson on the following Wednesday. She's mid-conversation with Blaise about how they think Sprout and Hooch have a thing when someone taps her on the shoulder. To both Cassie and Blaise's surprise, it's Harry Potter.
"Hi, Cassiopeia— can I speak to you?" he asks.
Cassie looks to Blaise for an answer, but he just shrugs. She considers for a moment before answering, "Yeah." She tells Blaise, Mattheo and Pansy to meet her back at the common room later before walking around the corner and down another hallway behind Potter.
"I know this is very random— and I don't know if you wanna hear it at the moment, but how are you doing after that whole thing with Lupin and Sirius Black?" Harry asks, his eyes soft with sympathy. Cassie likes him.
"Oh yeah, er—" she sighs, rubbing her neck. "I'm alright, just taking it all in I 'spose. How about you?"
Harry looks startled that she's asked about him. "Same— just taking it all in. It's just mad when I think about it too long."
Cassie laughs, "I know right. Have you spoken to Lupin?"
"Yeah, but not about that. We talked about my mother and father— and a man named Peter Pettigrew." Harry replies. "How about you? I can't imagine that's an easy conversation."
"Yeah, I've spoken to him. I'm willing to get to know him as long as he gives me time. He's a good man."
"He has your eyes."
Cassie smiles, "I know."
Harry sighs, "Well, thanks for talking to me anyway. I wasn't sure you'd want to."
"I don't dislike you, Harry. I never have. Just because I hang out with Draco doesn't mean I'm anything like him, I promise. He drives me just as mad as I'm sure he does you." Cassie chuckles.
Harry laughs, "If it helps, I don't dislike you either. I like how you stand up for yourself, it's admirable. And you're a bloody good seeker, I'll give you that."
"Why thank you." Cassie chuckles. "You too, Potter." Harry smiles in a way Cassie feels like she trusts him. What does Draco actually have against him? "You know, we're technically cousins if you think about it." Cassie grins, lightening the mood.
Harry's eyebrows furrow. "How so?"
"Well, my dad is your godfather, yeah? That must make us cousins."
"God-cousins, if you must."
Cassie laughs, "God-cousins it is."
Harry sighs after laughing with a new friend. "Right— well, um. I'll see you around, Cassiopeia?"
"Please— call me Cassie." she smiles, walking the opposite way to him and turning around.
"Will do!" he exclaims just as she's out of earshot.
Cassie smiles as she continues down the tower stairs, feeling satisfied with her conversation with Potter. He's a lovely boy, really. She should speak to him more often.
To end the day, Cassie sits opposite Blaise in an intense game of wizarding chess. Her eyes narrow as one of his knights proceed forward. She listens to Pansy's conversation with Enzo as she plays.
"Do you speak to Romilda Vane by any chance?" Pansy asks, innocently. Cassie tries not to let her confusion show on her face by pretending it's for the game in front of her instead.
"Er, I sat next to her in potions last year but not really." Enzo replies, and Cassie can see Pansy nod in the corner of her eye. "Why's that?"
"Oh, no reason. I just heard from Alexa that she thinks you're fit." Pansy says bluntly. Cassie has no shame in raising her eyebrows at that.
Blaise notices and grins, looking up at Pansy and Enzo's conversation. Since she's seen him do it, Cassie figures she'd join him.
Enzo's lips part and his eyebrows lower. "Are you taking the piss?" he laughs. He's not embarrassed or offended, his ears remain their usual colour. Cassie can't figure out why.
"No, she quite literally told me Romilda thinks you're fit and wants to speak to you. So, I'm just warning you that she might try and approach over the next few days! You should thank me, Enzo."
"Thank you...?" he says slowly and skeptically.
"You're welcome." Pansy smiles.
Cassie shakes her head and looks back at her board of chess. "Are we playing or not?" she spits. Blaise raises his eyebrows and hums in response.
The next day, Romilda stares at Enzo in potions. Cassie sends daggers through Vane's heart with just her eyes. Her heart wrenches as Romilda approaches Enzo at his desk.
"Hi, Enzo." she coos.
Cassie grips the side of her desk. Luckily, her potions partner happens to be Ron Weasley so he doesn't notice, nor care. However, Blaise and Pansy two tables over are watching and lapping it up like dogs. They've never been so entertained in their lives.
"Er, hi, Romilda." Enzo replies, his eyes on his potion. They're making Doxycide with Dragonfly wings, so Cassie crushes her wings with spite.
"Are you busy this weekend? I was wondering if you'd like to come to Hogsmeade with me, I need some new quills and I have nobody to go with." Romilda says, twirling her hair. Cassie could kill her here and now if it weren't for the slight ounce of self-control she has.
Ron looks concerned beside her, "You alright, Diggory?"
Cassie nods, her jaw clenched and eyes locked on Enzo. "Fine." she says through gritted teeth.
"Er, I dunno really." Enzo responds. Cassie can't tell if he looks interested or not. His back is turned to her.
"Well, when you find out come and let me know." Romilda smiles. She's a beautiful girl, Cassie has to admit. Her hair is long and curly, and her skin is a beautiful light shade of brown.
"Yep." Enzo smiles politely.
Cassie puts her Dragonfly wings into her cauldron and closes her book. She picks her bag up and slings it over her shoulder before walking over to Snape's desk. "Sir, I'm gonna be sick." she lies.
Snape doesn't even look up. He waves his hand at the door and she takes her leave.
Enzo watches.
Blaise and Pansy are freaking out like fangirls.
—
Draco's encounter with Buckbeak leads to a death sentance to the bird. Cassie was heartbroken when Draco told the group. From what little time she had with Buckbeak, Cassie thinks he's a sweet creature. He's gentle, in his own way, and good. He doesn't deserve this punishment.
But then again, that's the Malfoys for you.
"Draco." Cassie warns.
"I'll even donate the Hippogriffs head to the Gryffindor common room!" Draco remarks. Mattheo and Theo laugh and Cassie sighs.
"Draco." Cassie warns again, her tone harsher.
"Ah, you've come to see the show?" he exclaims. Hermione, Ron and Harry walk down the stone steps to where the group stand. Cassie rubs her temples in frustration.
"This will be fun." Enzo whispers in her ear.
"You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!" Hermione shouts, running towards Draco and lifting her wand to his chin. The group bite back their laughter at the sight. Nothing makes them laugh more than Draco being humbled.
"Hermione, no! He's not worth it!" Weasley exclaims, his eyes wide. Harry looks as if he wants Hermione to punch him— and Cassie can't say she blames him one bit.
Draco winces and Cassie almost laughs aloud. Hermione removes her wand and begins to turn away. Draco looks at his friends, laughing, before Hermione's fist meets his face. "Oh!" Pansy shouts, and they all laugh. Cassie and Enzo share a look, which makes them laugh even more.
Cassie looks to Hermione, "Well done, mate. He bloody deserved that."
Hermione smiles and Cassie feels like they could've been friends in some other universe.
Draco runs off, his cheeks red. Mattheo puts a hand on Cassie's shoulder as he laughs. "That's one of the best things I've ever witnessed, and I've watched someone put pink glitter in Snape's shampoo."
"His face!" Theo exclaims.
"Bloody priceless." Enzo says, shaking his head.
"Someone really should go after him though, before he gets Granger a death sentence too." Theo suggests.
Blaise, Theo and Mattheo take their leave, having studying to do anyways. Pansy grabs Cassie's arm and sighs, "I've got a fuckload of homework to get through— I'll see you later, yeah?"
Cassie groans, "Seriously?"
"I'm sorry!"
Cassie sighs as Pansy walks off, leaving her with Enzo and Hogwarts' golden trio. "What are you three up to?" Cassie asks, casually.
"Going to talk to Hagrid." Ron replies.
"Cool, we're coming." Cassie smiles. The trio share a look, but none of them protest. Cassie and Enzo follow them all the way down to Hagrid's hut.
Cassie shivers from the bitter evening air of December. She's wearing a pair of jeans with a dark green long-sleeved top, leaving her coat in her dorm. Unfortunately, she didn't know they would be going outside at all.
"I still can't believe they're going through with this. Buckbeak is harmless in the right hands." Cassie sighs.
"I know." Hagrid frowns.
"We need to do something— can't we just get Buckbeak out of here?" Ron suggests.
"No, Ronald. The minister will think Hagrid did it." Hermione snaps.
"When are they coming?" Enzo asks.
"In a minute." Hagrid gulps, his heavy Cornish accent shining like the sun. Cassie likes his accent, it's oddly satisfying.
"Speak of the devils." Harry says, gritting his teeth.
"Quick, get out!" Hagrid shouts.
"No, we're staying." Harry insists. All of a sudden, a little rock hits him in the back of the head. "Ow." he says, rubbing his neck.
"Get out!" Hagrid emphasises. He literally pushes them out of the back exit, leaving them to hide around his hut.
"What do we do? We can't just let them kill Buckbeak!" Enzo whispers.
"There's nothing we can do— the Minister is right there." Hermione replies, crushing Cassie's heart. This poor creature is going to die today, at the hands of Draco and Lucius Malfoy.
The five of them sneak around the hut and back up the steps. They stand where Hermione previously punched Draco, looking down at Hagrid's hut. They have no choice but to watch as the executer stalks forward to Buckbeak with an enormous axe— a scythe, almost. He looks like the grim reaper.
"I can't watch." Cassie winces, burying her head in Enzo's shoulder. His skin is so warm.
Cassie grimaces into his neck when she heard the axe cut through Buckbeak's neck. A flock of crows erupt from the pumpkin patch, announcing Buckbeak's unfortunate, untimely death. He was innocent.
"Scabbers!" Ron exclaims, drawing Cassie away from Enzo's shoulder. His scruffy rat has leaped out of his grasp and started running towards the trees. Ron chases after his beloved rat before Harry or Hermione could stop him.
"Ron, no!" Harry shouts.
They run after him, and Cassie & Enzo soon follow. Cassie stops in her tracks, her converse scraping against the mud in a sudden halt. "Harry, do you know what tree this is?" she exclaims.
The five of them are below the Whomping Willow. This tree has creeped Cassie out since first year when Mattheo attempted to climb it— and it sent him flying across the grass. It's dangerous, and Ron is right below it.
"Ron!" Hermione squeals.
Ron ignores his friends and scoops up his rat. When he turns around, his face goes pale. With wide eyes, he points behind where Cassie, Enzo, Hermione and Harry are standing. "Behind you!" Ron warns.
Cassie spins instantly, and is met with a black, scruffy dog. It's a huge dog— maybe even a breed of wolf. Irish wolfhound, perhaps? Cassie's strangely drawn to the dog. Its eyes feel trusting and welcoming.
"It's the grim!" Ron shouts mere seconds before the dog pounces after him. The dog bites Ron's leg, and Cassie could hear the flesh crush. It drags Ron and his rat through a hole in the Whomping Willow in a blink of an eye. "Oh my god." Cassie mutters, her heart racing.
"Don't just stand there!" Enzo exclaims.
The four of them run towards the same hole Ron previously flew down, but are of course, attacked by the tree. Cassie feels as though her lungs are disintegrating as the branch slams into her chest, taking her up with her. She holds onto the thick branch for dear life as it swings her around the tree.
Hermione screeches as all four of them swing around the tree on different branches. "Cassie!" she hears Enzo yell as they oscillate like a chandelier.
Cassie falls from one branch and onto another. She groans as her torso is absolutely crushed from the impact. Forgetting how little space she has, Cassie rolls over onto yet another branch.
However, she lands on top of something warm and softer than a branch. Cassie smiles when she sees Enzo's face below her. He groans very loudly— but to be fair, Cassie did just fall about five feet and onto his stomach. "I'm sorry!" she exclaims, holding on for her life.
Enzo wraps his arms around her waist to stabilise them both, but what he doesn't realise is that now he's not holding onto anything, they'd fall off. The pair land on the mud with a thud. Cassie gasps for air as the impact winds her ever so slightly. Enzo is on top of her, and she feels her lungs constricting.
"Merlin's fucking beard." Cassie gasps as Enzo rolls off her.
"I'm so sorry— are you okay?" Enzo panics.
"I am, but my back definitely isn't." she laughs despite the pain it causes. Enzo frowns, feeling guilty.
They look above them to see Hermione and Harry still on both of their branches. "Jump!" Cassie shouts up. Hermione, being the smarter one of the two, looks around, jumps off and grabs Harry in the process. They land at an angle that sends them flying down the hole in the tree.
Cassie grabs Enzo's hand and quickly run after them, ignoring how much pain it causes her back. She underestimates how steep the drop in the tree was, so her and Enzo go flying on top of Hermione and Harry. They all groan— especially poor Harry, who had the weight of three teenagers on him. Cassie rolls off Hermione and gains her balance, wiping the mud off her top.
She looks down at her sleeve to see blood oozing out of the bottom. She winces and pulls her sleeve up, getting a look at the wound. It's deep— but it's nothing Cassie doesn't think Poppy couldn't fix. She rips a part of her top off the bottom and wraps it around the gash, just as Victoria would've done.
They all gather their bearings slowly, struggling to piece together whereabouts they are. "Where are we?" Hermione questions, looking up.
"I have a hunch." Enzo replies. They follow him through a tunnel, which is much smaller than it looks. They proceed through the muddy tunnel as Cassie figures out where they are.
"Does this lead to where I think it does?" she asks, right behind Enzo as they crouch their way through.
He turns around, a grin on his face. "Well, Cass, it depends where you think it leads to."
"The Shrieking Shack?"
"Correct."
Cassie sighs with relief as they reach the end of the tunnel and step out onto wooden floor. "Oh yeah— this is one of the passageways marked on the Marauders Map." Harry comments.
"The what?" Cassie asks.
"I'll show you later." he dismisses.
"Be quiet! We don't know what's upstairs!" Hermione silences. She's good at shushing people.
"Shall we go up?" Enzo asks.
"I suppose so." Harry shrugs.
Enzo grips Cassie's hand as they creep up the mouldy stairs. It looks like nobodies been here in years. The amount of cobwebs and dust makes Cassie cough and cover her mouth. She grimaces as one of the steps release a horrible, whining sound.
When they reach the top of the stairs, they're met with an open door. Ron is sitting in the corner of the room with his rat in his arms. He's trembling with fear and his eyes are as wide as wormholes. Cassie furrows her brows, wondering what they're being lead into.
"It's him— it's Sirius Black!" Ron croaks.
When Cassie steps into the room, her eyes dart to a short man with crazy steel eyes. His hair is long and matted, but that's understandable after twelve years without a hairbrush. Black wears a menacing grin, one that sends chills through Cassie's body.
That's her dad.
She shares 50% of his DNA.
Hermione and Harry run over to Ron as Cassie fails to take her eyes off the man she regrets to call her father. He doesn't know she's his daughter.
Enzo squeezes Cassie's hand to snap her out of her trance and pull her towards Harry and Hermione, who are guarding Ron like their life depends on it. "If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!" Hermione protests, pushing Harry behind her.
"No." Black spits. "Only one will die tonight." He smiles as the words escape his mouth. There's no way this man is her father. She couldn't think for a second a single quality he shares with her.
His features, however.
My god.
They say Cassiopeia all over.
"Then it'll be you!" Harry shouts, lunging towards Black. He pins him to the untrustworthy floorboard and holds his wand out.
Sirius cackles— like he actually cackles. "Are you going to kill me, Harry?"
Cassie grits her teeth but instantly releases them as the door creaks open. In the doorway stood the other man she calls her father. "Expelliarmus!" Remus shouts, sending Harry's wand across the room.
"What are you doing?" Cassie exclaims.
Sirius' face shows an expression even Cassie can't make out as Remus walks towards him.
His Remus.
His Moony.
He's alive.
"Finally, the flesh reflects the madness within." Remus starts, a smile on his face.
His Sirius.
His Padfoot.
"Well, you'd know all about the madness within, wouldn't you Remus?" Sirius shoots back with a smile.
At that, Remus holds out a hand. Sirius takes it gratefully and immediately pulls his husband into a messy, desperate hug. Every day he spent in Azkaban, he thought about this moment. Seeing the love of his life once more. It's even better than he could've ever imagined (apart from the audience, of course).
Getting carried away, Remus pulls away and grabs Sirius' jaw. He drags him into the most beautiful, yet chaotic kiss Cassie's ever witnessed. She can't help but smile.
Hermione gasps. "What?"
They ignore her, but quickly pull away from the kiss. The look in their eyes is raw, and passionate. Their love had gone so far, they never thought they'd find it again. Seeing Sirius again was always a dream to Remus, one he could never see happening.
Do dreams come true after all?
"You're a werewolf, aren't you?" Hermione accuses, and Cassie's gut wrenches. Hermione doesn't know that Cassie is one too, and she doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon.
"How long have you known?" Remus questions.
"Since Professor Snape set the essay." Hermione confirms. Cassie has to give it to her— she's bloody well smart for her age.
"Well, well, Hermione. You really are the brightest witch of your age." Remus chuckles.
"Who are these?" Sirius juts his chin at Enzo and Cassie. Her throat goes dry in an instant. Her dad is looking right at her, his head tilted and brows furrowed. He recognises her, but where on earth from? It's like he's seen her in a dream or something. Those eyes...
He didn't care much for the boy next to her, though he looks awfully like Christopher Berkshire. Sirius wants to know about the brunette girl with beautiful eyes.
"Well, that's Lorenzo Berkshire. You remember the Berkshire's youngest?" Remus informs, not taking his eyes away from Cassie's as he speaks. Even in a time like this, Cassie still trusts Remus.
"Ah, yes. How could I forget?" Sirius smiles.
Enzo simply scowls.
Sirius laughs and turns to Cassie. Her blood goes cold. "And who might you be?" he asks, looking her in the eye. Are those... Remus' eyes?
"I thought you would've recognised me by now— we have the same nose, don't we?" Cassie says, confidently. "Oh! And even the same face structure! You see it, don't you, dad?"
Sirius' eyebrows shoot up so far Cassie fears they'll fall off. "Cassiopeia?" he gasps, his voice cracking and body freezing. He can't believe his eyes. His daughter.
His Cassie.
His daughter.
The reason he never gave up in Azkaban.
Enzo steps in front of her, feeling oddly protective of her now. "It's okay, Enz." she whispers, and he slowly moves away, letting Cassie take the wheel on this one.
Sirius' hands find Cassie's cheeks and a tear escapes his eye. "Oh my, you've grown so much." he whispers, his voice on the verge of breaking. Cassie looks past Sirius and to Remus, who also sheds a tear at the moment. This isn't quite how he'd imagined they'd reunite, but it'll have to do for now. All that matters is that his husband is here, alive, and so is his daughter.
There's something about Sirius that Cassie can't quite put her finger on. It's like looking into a mirror almost (if you ignore the matted hair and tattooed shoulders). She trusts him.
"Well maybe if you didn't get yourself locked up in Azkaban, you could've been around to witness the process." she bites back. Sirius has to admit, this does ground him slightly. He feels guilty for leaving her every day.
He smirks, "That's my attitude you've inherited, then."
"Leave Harry alone, okay? He hasn't done anything wrong."
"No! I was in Azkaban for twelve years. I deserve to have this!" Sirius protests at a loud volume that makes Cassie close her eyes.
"Very well, kill him." Remus confirms.
Notes:
THEY REUNITEDDDD 🥹🥹 our little family are finally a family!!
props to harry for having three teenagers land on him at once and shrug it off like it’s nothing! what a boss
also we absolutely love harry over here, okay?? he’s an angel and can do no wrong <3
Chapter 8: Y3 | Aftermath
Summary:
A father’s love can save lives, am I right?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN KID — TAYLOR SWIFT
'You've got no reason to be afraid.'
They emerge from the Whomping Willow to a pitch black sky. Enzo and Harry assist Ron on his way out, his leg too weak for him to walk. Hermione walks with Remus and Pettigrew so Cassie approaches Sirius, who is standing away from the group and facing the castle.
"Hi." Cassie says, catching his attention.
"Oh, hello." Sirius smiles.
Cassie takes a deep breath, following his gaze to the castle. "So, you're not a murderer after all?"
"Not a murderer, a marauder."
"Isn't there a way we can take it to court and get Pettigrew rightfully arrested?"
"They'd send dementors my way the second one of them spots me, pup." he replies, the nickname sticking like glue. "When did you find out about me and Remus being your parents?"
"A few weeks ago. I overheard Mcgonagall and the Minister in Hogsmeade with Draco."
Sirius' jaw twitches, "Draco, huh? You familiar with the Malfoys?"
Cassie sighs, "Narcissa's alright, Lucius is a bit of a knob, I'll admit."
Sirius chuckles, "Agreed."
"How'd you know them?"
"Narcissa's my cousin— along with Bellatrix Lestrange."
Cassie's eyebrows raise. She's related to Draco and Mattheo. "Bellatrix Lestrange? As in Mattheo's mother?"
"You're friends with the Riddle boy too?" Sirius asks, his eyebrows furrowed. Cassie nods and Sirius sighs. "You live with the Diggory's, don't you?"
Cassie nods again. Her heart thumps at the thought of Cedric. "Cedric's my brother. You'd have to pry my dead body off him before you even think about taking him away from me."
Sirius chuckles, "You know I'd never."
He knows all too well about brothers being taken away from you.
"Good."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to watch you grow up. You've turned into such a beautiful, strong girl, Cassiopeia."
"It's not your fault."
"No, but I still feel guilty." Sirius adds. "But, if I'm being completely honest, you were the only thing keeping me sane in there. I knew that if I got out of there and saw you again, I'd be okay. I just wanted to see you, not even talk or interact."
"The day I found out, I spoke to Remus. We talked about Cedric and how it would take time for me to adjust. I hope you understand that it's not particularly easy to get used to all this, it's all happening so quick. My main focus at the moment is making sure mine and Cedric's relationship stays put."
"I understand." Sirius replies, thinking about his own brother. Speaking of, Regulus' star shines brightly tonight. It's the first time Sirius has seen it in twelve years. If it weren't for his daughter beside him, he would've broken down on his knees. His Reggie. He's gone and Sirius still doesn't know what to do with that.
Cassie wonders how and why she warmed up to Sirius so quickly. Perhaps it's because she sees herself in him, physically and mentally. For some strange reason, she trusts him with her life.
"Maybe, when all this is over and I'm a free man, you, Remus, Harry and I can be a family." Sirius says.
"I'd like that." Cassie smiles, looking up at him. He puts an arm around her shoulder, and she doesn't flinch. He pulls her in closer and she closes her eyes.
"Do you prefer Cassiopeia or Cassie?" Sirius asks.
"Cassie. It's less formal." she smiles. "But Cassiopeia is a beautiful name. Remus mentioned it was after some sort of family tradition of yours...?"
"Whole family are named after constellations. My brother was Regulus, mother and father were Walburga and Orion. My great-great-great grandmother was called Cassiopeia."
All of a sudden, Enzo shouts Cassie's name. Her and Sirius spin in unison. Enzo is pointing up to the sky. It's a full moon and Remus isn't looking good. Sirius runs to Remus quicker than light and grabs both his arms. "Moony, darling, did you take your potion?
Sirius once told Remus he was beautiful as the wolf, now, Remus holds onto that.
Cassie watches her dad transform into a wolf as she's frozen in place. Her lips part and her eyes fill with tears. She can't believe this is going to happen to her one day. She can't. She can't bear it.
Peeling her eyes off the almost-werewolf, Cassie turns to look at Pettigrew. He picks up Sirius' wand and points it at himself. "Expelliarmus!" Harry shouts.
He's too late. Pettigrew waves at them before shrinking back into the rat. Cassie forces herself not to care about that, and look back at her dad.
"Run!" Sirius hollers, his voice cracking. Enzo grabs Cassie's hand but she lets go, pushing his hand away. Remus— no, the wolf, lifts Sirius up like a toy and chucks him off the cliff.
"Dad!" Cassie screams. The wolf tilts his head at the children after Cassie's scream. However, it flinches as someone interrupts.
"There you are! Potter, Diggory—" Snape begins. Severus turns slowly, immediately being faced with a lanky, grey wolf. Fear takes over his nervous system and he stands in front of the children. He tries to protect all five of them, but his arms aren't long enough.
Snape falls to the ground when the wolf gets too close. Before Cassie can even process what's happening, the same black dog from earlier pounces on top of the werewolf Cassie happens to call her father. She scoffs out of shock after realising it's Sirius.
The dogs roll over each other like spiteful, play-fighting toddlers. It's unbearable to watch, really. These are animals, not humans, not Cassie's parents. At this moment in time, Cassie is terrified of her dads.
In an attempt to lure the wolf away from Cassie and the others, Sirius takes to the woods. "Sirius!" Cassie and Harry shout in unison. Without even thinking, Cassie sprints in the same direction. Harry is right beside her, but Enzo is calling her name. The noise of their heavy footsteps on the wet grass sends goosebumps crusading over Cassie's arms and legs.
Cassie is a fast runner. Sometimes your older brother forcing you to do fifteen laps of the back garden every morning at the age of nine has its perks. Her stamina is incredible for her age.
Her and Harry come to a sudden halt at the sight of the wolf lifting Sirius' up by the throat. Cassie panics and picks up a rock. She hurls the rock in the wolf's direction, which, may or may not've been a mistake. "Cassie!" Harry warns at a whisper. The wolf turns to the children, flexing its razor sharp teeth.
"Shit." Cassie whispers, her eyes wide.
Suddenly, there's a howl in the distance. They know it's not Remus, because he looks just as confused as them. He sniffs the air before following the noise. Cassie sighs with a relief. At least that's sorted.
Now, back to Sirius. He's limping down the hill still in his dog form, mere seconds before transforming back. Cassie runs towards her father, Harry right next to her. They run all the way through the Forbidden Forest— which is just as creepy as you would've thought at night. The pair end up at a pond in the middle of the forest.
Cassie shares a look with Harry before running down to Sirius. He's lying a few inches from the water on his back. If his back can look that scratched up, Cassie fears what his front looks like. She rolls him over and gapes at his wounds. "No, no, no." Cassie whispers, eyes scanning all of his gashes.
What would Poppy do?
"No, Sirius." Harry croaks.
Cassie's about to say something when an eerie, crackling sound lurks over the lake. She recognises the noise from when those dementors attacked Harry on the train.
Oh, shit.
All of a sudden, the lake freezes over and the temperature drops a considerable amount. Sirius opens his eyes the moment the dementors glide his way. Cassie doesn't know how to fight off dementors.
As procedure, the dementors begin their ritual. They suck the life out of Sirius' face as Cassie watches. There's nothing she can do.
She hardly knows her father, she can't lose him yet.
Harry, as brave as ever, stands up and lifts his wand. "Expecto Patronum!" he bellows, aiming his wand at the dementors. A huge ball of blue light jumps out of Harry's wand and at the dementors.
It's not strong enough. The light fades and the dementors find a way around it. Cassie doesn't scream when a dementor approaches her. It's like her vocal cords have frozen with the lake. They start to attack her, and she submits.
An image of her loved ones flashes in her head. However, it's a pile of their dead bodies. No noise comes out of her mouth, but she screams so much it burns her lungs. The image scares her even more than the very dementor swallowing the life out of her right now.
Cassie gasps for air when her eyes open. Her father stands in front of her, protecting her from the dementors. A large burst of blue energy illuminates off Sirius' body, shooting right at the dementors. When they all slowly fade away, Sirius coughs blood. He falls back next to Cassie, and a tear falls from her eye.
He saved her life.
His love saved her life.
His paternal instincts saved her life.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The first thing Cassie notices when she wakes up is the smell of lavender that coats the infirmary. She'd recognise that scent anywhere.
Perhaps that's not a good thing.
Cassie turns her head to the boy next to her. Cedric's sitting in the chair beside her, his head in his hands and legs bouncing anxiously. He's completely zoned out. "Ced." Cassie says, her voice soft, yet croaky.
He snaps back to reality quicker than light. "Oh, Merlin, Cassie." Cedric mutters, standing up and hugging his sister. He sits back down and takes her hand in his. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, fine." she murmurs.
"What happened, Cass?" he sighs. "I've been worried sick. Riddle found me and said they hadn't seen you or Enzo since lunch and couldn't find you anywhere."
"I'm sorry. It's too much to explain right now— I'm so tired." she says, her eyes filling with tears.
Cedric tucks Cassie's hair behind her ear with a sigh. "It's okay, I'll ask Enzo later.”
"Where is everyone?" Cassie asks, worried for everyone involved. Is Sirius alive? Is Remus okay? How's Ron's leg?
"Pomfrey sent Enzo up to rest a little over an hour ago. Harry and that Granger girl were here— but then Dumbledore came along then they sort of just disappeared."
Cassie sighs. She sits up and gulps down the whole glass of water. "You can't tell anyone, but I saw Sirius Black last night."
"What?" Cedric exclaims.
"Shhh." Cassie warns, her eyes wide in warning. "It's hard to explain, but he didn't do it. Pettigrew's alive, he cut his finger off to make it look like it was Sirius and faked his death. Sirius is innocent, I swear."
Cedric leans back in his chair and blows out a breath full of air. "Fuck me." he sighs. "Do you trust him?"
"I do. He proved it. Pettigrew is an animagus— a rat in particular. Said rat happened to be Weasleys family pet rat called Scabbers. Sirius quite literally transformed him back into a human and he confessed to it all. I watched it all happen." Cassie explains.
Cedric runs a hand through his hair, processing it all.
"How did I black out?" Cassie asks.
"Dementors."
Cassie frowns, thinking of Sirius again. "He saved my life."
Cedric's eyebrows furrow. "Who? Black? How?"
"This is going to sound odd, but I was being attacked by a dementor, he stood up in front of me and this blue ray of light sort of... shot out of him? It sent all the dementors flying."
"Fucking hell, remind me to thank him when I see him."
Cassie laughs, "When can I go? I'm starting to hate it here."
"I'll go speak to Pomfrey."
Cassie lets her head fall back against her soft pillow, closing her eyes. The image of her dad as a werewolf burns a hole in her mind. She can't stop thinking about it, and how it would happen to her soon. She doesn't think she'll be able to handle it— I mean, who would?
Cassie doesn't want to tell Cedric about that part. He's already stressed out of his mind because of her— this would only make it worse. Cassie thinks Cedric might be the most patient person alive. If Cassie were him, she'd be burnt out ages ago. He's always had the patience of a saint.
"She said you can go now, but says it's best if you stay within your common room until you feel strong again. Apparently the dementor's kiss weakens your whole body— luckily for you, you're strong and will build everything up easily." Cedric smiles at the foot of her bed.
Cassie smiles, "Great."
He stands at the side of her bed and holds an arm out. Cassie gratefully accepts, standing up with wobbly legs. She can definitely see the difference— her legs feel like jelly and her shoulders feel heavy and weak.
The pair slowly walk down to the dungeons, Cassie holding onto Cedric for dear life. She tells him all about Sirius, Pettigrew and even Potters parents; Cedric listens. She leaves out the part when Remus transforms and him and Sirius viciously fight.
It's then that Cassie realises it's almost dawn by the time she gets to the common room. Cedric tells her it's five AM on Friday morning, so she reckons she was out for a solid five or six hours. No wonder Poppy sent Enzo up to rest.
When they reach the common room, Cassie lowers her volume to a whisper when she opens the dungeon door. Nobody is in the common room, but that's understandable for five am on a Friday. "You'll be okay to get up to your dorm, right?" Cedric asks.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks though, Ced."
"'Course." he smiles. Cedric pulls her into another hug and kisses the top of her head. "Go get some sleep, Cass. Let me know when you're up, okay?"
"Will do."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
At that, Cedric turns and walks out of the dungeons before the door closes again. Cassie sighs and looks around at the ivy common room. Does she wake Enzo up or let him rest? She's desperate to see him, but also understands the early hour it is.
Cassie, without a second thought, walks up the boys dormitory stairs. She whispers an unlocking spell on the door, and it slides open before her. Cassie looks to Enzo's bed, but he's not asleep.
He's sitting straight, twiddling his thumbs with wide eyes. At the door opening, Enzo's head snaps up. His heart almost melts when he sees who it is. Unable to control it, a wide grin finds its way onto his face as he walks towards her.
He steps out of the dormitory and closes the door behind him. Cassie chuckles as Enzo hugs her tighter than ever before. He kisses the side of her head and holds her neck. "You're okay." he states.
Cassie laughs, "I'm okay."
"Never fucking do that again, do you hear me?" Enzo says, pulling away and looking her in the eye. He takes Cassie's hands into his.
"I know, I'm sorry. I couldn't just let him die, Enzo. I didn't even know him yet."
"He's okay— him and Remus took off on Buckbeak."
"Buckbeak?" Cassie gasps.
"Oh yeah— this whole thing with Hermione and Harry happened. They went back in time with Mcgonagall's timeturner-thing. They saved Buckbeak and managed to get Sirius away. Remus said he'll be back later today, he just needed to make sure Sirius was safe first."
Cassie's jaw drops, "They're okay? They're all okay?"
Enzo nods, "They're okay. Remus is okay. Sirius is okay. Your mum— well, Victoria, is tending to Sirius probably as we speak."
Cassie sighs with a smile, relief swallowing her whole. "Thank goodness."
"What did Madame Pomfrey say?"
"I'm not allowed to lessons today— how about you?"
"She didn't say I wasn't allowed, she just recommended I stay off and signed my absence so..."
Cassie chuckles, "How about, we both go and get some sleep and when we wake up, we'll find something to do, yeah?"
"Works for me."
"Yeah? Okay. If you're up before me, just come and wake me up."
Enzo sighs, "Go to sleep, Cass."
She laughs and walks back down the dormitory stairs. "Love you, Enz." she grins.
"Love you more."
And Merlin, he loves her.
Cassie slips back into her dorm, careful not to wake any of the girls. She proceeds into the bathroom and casts a silencing spell before showering. Dried blood flows off her body like a tsunami— and Cassie can't bear the sight. She closes her eyes and lets the water do its job.
It's then she realises Madame Pomfrey stitched up the wound on her arm. It's bruised and damaged, but much better than it was.
Cassie changes into a pair of cozy joggers and a Falmouth Falcons sweater. Her and her family have been Falmouth Falcons supporters for generations. The Diggorys lived in Cornwall until Cassie was eight years old, before they moved to London.
By the time Cassie has dried her hair, she collapses onto her bed and closes the green curtains.
—
When Cassie wakes up, she can hear commotion in the common room. She slides her curtains open and isn't surprised how none of her dorm-mates are there. Groaning, she sits up and rubs her eyes. What time is it?
It's daylight outside but it's still snowing. That tends to happen a lot in a Scotland's December. It's almost their Christmas break, which Cassie is ecstatic for. As much as she loves Hogwarts, there's nothing better than being at home at Christmas.
And she gets to see Remus and Sirius again.
Cassie fixes her hair with a mutter of a spell, puts her slippers on and heads down to the common room. She can hear Mattheo and Theo— but honestly, they're just very loud people. Cassie appears in the stairwell, and they all turn to her at once. Enzo's there.
"Cassie." Mattheo sighs with relief, running towards her. He hugs her so tightly it almost cuts off her oxygen supply.
She laughs, "Merlin, Mattheo. I'm fine."
"You two disappeared yesterday! What were we meant to think?" Blaise exclaims.
Cassie pulls away, "I know, I know. I'm very sorry. I take it Enzo's explained?"
"Yeah, but we're still confused shitless." Theo blurts.
Cassie frowns, looking around at her friends. Even Draco looks relieved to see her back in one piece.
"Okay, quick summary." she starts. "You lot left after the whole thing with Granger, Enzo and I went down to Hagrid's hut with Potter and the others. Buckbeak was killed then Ron's rat ran away to the Whomping Willow. We followed— Ron got attacked by a big black dog and dragged into the tree. Once we got in there, we realised it led to the Shrieking Shack. We went upstairs and in the corner of the room was Sirius Black. Harry pinned him to the ground but Lupin burst in at the last minute." Cassie explains, the words flowing off her tongue rather easily, "Lupin and Sirius reunited then Sirius asked who Enzo and I were. He recognised Enzo as his father's son, but he stared at me for a solid five minutes. I told him we looked alike and he made the connection instantly. He cried. Him and Harry talked about why Sirius was after him— Sirius explains that he didn't kill anyone, but a man named Peter Pettigrew did. Pettigrew is an animagus— Ron's rat. They transformed Pettigrew back into human form and agreed to take him back to the castle for the dementors to have."
"Oh my..." Pansy gasps.
"Full moon— Remus hadn't taken his potion. He transformed into the wolf and Sirius became his animagus form— the black dog. Remus attacked Sirius and threw him off a cliff. Me and Harry chased after him all the way to the pond in the forest. He was unconscious and the Dementors found him. They attacked me, but Sirius woke up and fought them off with this blue light that came off him. Next thing I know, I'm in the Infirmary again."
"Fuck me sideways." Mattheo says, thumping down on the nearest chair.
"That's rough." Blaise winces.
"You're alright though?" Draco asks, and Cassie's eyes soften. He's never one for checking up on people. He must've been worried.
"I'm okay. Enzo's okay. Sirius and Remus are okay." Cassie confirms. "Why are you lot here? What's the time?"
"Lunch." Pansy replies.
"Ah." Cassie nods. "Me and Enzo have been put on house arrest today."
"Tragic, isn't it?" Enzo laughs.
"That's okay. We need to go to transfiguration now, but we'll be back after dinner, yeah?" Blaise says.
Notes:
SIRIUS SAVING CASSIES LIFE I CANNOTTTTT its so lily and harry it breaks my heart
if u see me rant about remus and sirius a lot in these notes… it’s cause im an avid marauders fan and i will never shut up about wolfstar :)
but oh em gee! enzo was absolutely ECSTATIC to see cassie. is he or is he not the love of all of ours lives…?
Chapter 9: Y3 | Complications in the Diggory Household
Summary:
*cricket noises*
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ BROTHER — KODALINE
'No, we don't share the same blood. You're my brother, and I love you, that's the truth.'
When Cassie and Cedric arrive at the Diggory household in Waterloo, Cassie doesn't know how to act. She hasn't spoken to her adoptive parents face-to-face since finding out about her parentage. Cassie wonders why it all has to be so complicated.
Since they arrive via Portkey, Cassie takes a moment to stabilise herself. She takes one look at her parents and everything fades away. They were her parents for thirteen years. That's not exactly something you forget easily, is it?
Victoria hugs Cassie before she can even protest. Cassie sighs into her shoulder and accepts it. "I'm so sorry, pickle."
"Don't. I don't want to talk about it now, let's just pretend everything's normal for the time being, yeah?" Cassie exasperates.
"Fine. Okay." Victoria smiles.
She pulls away from Cassie and lets Amos have his turn. He hugs her at the same force Victoria did, wary of how she's feeling. "You okay, Peia?"
The nickname has stuck Cassie's whole life. Amos is the only one to call her that, and she likes it that way. However, the nickname slightly hurts this time, and Cassie knows Cedric can tell.
"I'm okay." she nods.
Cassie looks at Cedric after Amos breaks away. His eyebrows are low as he reads her mind. They stare at each other, having a conversation with just their eyes.
You okay?
I'm fine.
No you're not.
I am, I swear.
If it gets too much, please tell me.
I will.
Love you.
Love you more.
The house is quiet as Cassie and Cedric pack their stuff out of their trunks, and into their familiar wardrobes. Cassie feels strange, being in her room now. It feels like it isn't hers anymore. The innocent, non-werewolf, girl that lived in this bedroom is no longer here.
Cassie has always been a nostalgic, sentimental person, which makes all of this much harder than she thought it'd be. She sits on the edge of her bed with a sigh, looking up at her Falcons calendar on the wall. It's still open on the month of August. Cassie reaches up and turns it over to December, feeling deflated at the lack of notes.
Behind her on the wall next to her bed, are polaroids and keepsakes from school. There are a few with her friends— her favourite is the one of them on the train in second year. Mattheo's arm is around Cassie's head behind her, as she's visibly laughing. Blaise and Enzo have an arm around each other, wide grins on their faces. Theo, Pansy and Draco are smiling around the train carriage. If she remembers right, she asked Lucian Bole to take the photograph.
Smiling weakly, Cassie looks away from her sentimental wall and instead turns to the door as it opens. In the doorway stands a frowning Cedric Diggory. Cassie pats the bed next to her and he sits with a smile.
"It's too quiet, isn't it?" Cedric notices. "I feel like I can't even breathe, afraid to make a noise."
"I know right. I don't know how to help it though." Cassie sighs.
"It's not your fault. They know that...I know that, but do you know that?"
Cassie nods, "I do." she sighs. "I just feel responsible for whatever the hell is going on right now. I've spoken a total of five words to both of them. By now, I would've been rambling for England downstairs last year."
"It's only awkward if you make it, Cassie."
"I know, I know." Cassie rubs her temples. "Will you come down with me?"
"Yeah, come on."
The siblings make their way downstairs— and Cassie gasps at the figures in the living room. She looks from Victoria and Amos to her fathers with wide eyes. Sirius and Remus. They're here.
She runs to Sirius in a heartbeat. He's alive and well. He's okay. Sirius chuckles and holds the back of his daughter's head. "Hi, pup." he smiles.
"You're— you're okay." she states, pulling away and looking him in the eye. He looks much better now— his hair has been brushed and his skin is clean. Sirius is wearing a grey sweater that definitely isn't his, but definitely Remus'.
"I'm okay." he confirms.
She then looks to Remus, to Victoria, and then to Amos. "What's going on?" Cassie asks.
"Well, we figured as you weren't seeming to be settling in very easily, we'd bring along these two to help you settle. We can all talk together, it doesn't necessarily have to be about everything that happened, but I think it'll be better for you, pickle." Victoria explains.
Cassie takes a deep breath and looks behind her at Cedric. "Ced's staying down too, right?"
"Of course I am." Cedric inputs before Victoria can. Victoria nods with a smile.
"I'd expect nothing less."
"Now, who wants a cup of tea?" Amos smiles.
A half hour later, and Cassie is sitting in the huge living room next to Cedric on the edge of one of the sofas. Opposite her is Remus on an armchair, and Sirius on the opposite side of the fireplace. "How's quidditch going, Peia?" Amos asks.
Cassie sets her empty cup of tea down on the coffee table and sighs. "Well, I'd say it's going good. We beat Hufflepuff easily the other week— didn't we, Ced?" Cassie grins, nudging her brother.
"Sure you did." he says sarcastically.
"You're seeker, yes?" Sirius asks, a smile on his face.
"Since first year, in fact. Hooch recognised my talent in our flying lessons and immediately put me forward for seeker. Potter and I are two of the only first-years to become seeker, y'know." Cassie says, matter-of-factly.
"Very impressive! What's Potter like as a seeker?" Sirius questions, secretly just wanting to know more about his best friend's son.
"He's brilliant, I can't even try to deny that. He's our biggest competition— no offence, Ced, but Gryffindor tend to rely on him more than anything. They get lazy easily, which makes our team's job a lot easier. It makes mine, however, a lot harder."
"His father was a chaser, wasn't he?" Victoria asks.
"Best one on the team, I'd say. No matter how hard I tried, James was always better." Sirius chuckles. Even Remus smiles at the distant memory of his and James' early quidditch days.
"Well, Harry's good— but not as good as me, unfortunately." Cassie shrugs. Everyone chuckles, including Cedric, who knows for a fact it's true. He tried so hard to project his passion for quidditch onto her when they were younger, that she ended up loving it more than him and becoming better.
"Lower the ego, Cass." Cedric jokes. Cassie rolls her eyes.
"Are you friends with Harry, Cassie?" Sirius asks. Him and James always hoped their children would be as inseparable as them— Sirius knew that didn't happen after Cassie told him she was a Slytherin.
"Recently, I've been talking to him a lot more. He's a really sweet boy. Draco, however, hates him more than anything. I'll be damned if I know why." Cassie sighs.
"Who are your friends, then?" Sirius braces, worried for her answer.
"Well, Enzo has been my best friend as long as I can remember. Other than him, I'm really good friends with Mattheo Riddle—" Sirius winces at this. "Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson and Malfoy, of course."
Sirius hates to admit it, but Cassie awfully reminds him of his little brother currently.
"Well, that's..." Sirius starts.
"Zabini's mother's alright, the Parkinson's are too. I've never been sure about the others, but they're all good to Cassie." Victoria says.
"They are." Remus confirms, looking at his husband. "You'd be surprised, love."
Sirius looks at his daughter and she nods with a smile. "They're not that bad of people, if I'm honest. Well, not to me, anyway. Mattheo, Theo and Draco are the worser ones— the kind of people that hex first year Hufflepuffs and mess around in the dorms." Cassie explains.
Sirius nods skeptically, "You don't believe in all that blood supremacy bullshit their parents tell them, right?"
Cassie laughs and even Cedric snickers beside her. "Merlin, no."
Sirius sighs with relief, "That's all that matters, then."
Clearing the awkwardness that lingered after that conversation, Amos clears his throat. "Fancy coming to a Falcon's game in the summer with me and your brother, Cass?"
Cassie gasps with a grin, sitting up and beaming at him. "Is that even a question?"
"I knew you'd say that." Amos chuckles. "We're planning on going to Cornwall for a week or so, your friends are more than welcome to come. Cedric's friends are coming."
Cassie almost bursts with joy. "Fuck yes!" she exclaims. "Sorry." she murmurs at Victoria's disapproval of her language.
Remus and Sirius share a look. These four are a family. They've been a family for thirteen years. They know Cassie ten times better than Remus or Sirius could ever. Cassie and Cedric had the same childhood, they grew up together. Amos and Victoria were the parents Cassie deserved after Halloween that year. This feeling hits the couple like a punch to the gut.
"I need to speak to Snape, then Dumbledore about getting Mattheo out of his orphanage for the week, but I'm pretty confident. Snape may be smart, but we have history, you see." Victoria winks.
"This is incredible. Does Enzo know?" Cassie smiles.
"I reckon so, yeah." Amos replies.
Cassie turns to her dads. "Will I see you that summer, too?"
They share yet another look. "If you want, sweetheart. You're coming to ours next week, yes?" Cassie nods. "If you like it, then you can stay in summer." Remus smiles.
—
Cassie walks into the kitchen to refresh her empty glass of water, but stops herself when she overhears Cedric's voice. He's in there with Sirius and Remus.
"You take care of Cassie, don't you?" That’s Sirius.
Cedric chuckles, the same chuckle Cassie could recognise across any room. "Of course I do, I have done for twelve years." His tone is harsh, and spiteful.
It's obvious to pretty much everyone that Cedric is still a little hasty toward Sirius and Remus. He can't help it. They're trying to take his little sister from him. Nobody gets in between Cedric and his sister.
"We know, and we're beyond grateful, Cedric. We're grateful she has someone like you in her life that she loves so dearly. Dare I say, you're her number one priority. And I can't say I blame her, your bond is irreparable. We're not here to prevent that, you do know that, right?" Remus explains, in his calm manner.
Cassie can practically hear Cedric taking in his words.
"I don't know, it seems to me like you're just trying to win her over. You lost the right to win her over when you both gave up on her that night." Cedric says, sternly. Cassie just knows Sirius winced at that. "And I'm not here to shame you for that— what's done is done, right? But I am here to say that however you try to take her away from us, she won't let it happen. She's a Diggory, whether you like it or not."
Cassie closes her eyes. Oh, Cedric.
One of them clears his throat, but Cassie can't tell whether it was Remus or Sirius.
"You're right— Cassiopeia is way more a Diggory than she has ever been a Lupin, or Black. That's just a fact, Cedric. Her surname is never something we will ever try to take away from her. We're very aware of how much you, Amos and Victoria mean to her, otherwise we wouldn't be here." Sirius sighs. "But let me make this clear, Cedric, we are not here to take her away from you— just rebuild whatever relationship the three of us could have again. We're not stupid enough to tear you two apart, we'd be fools to." Sirius replies.
After a moment of silence, Cedric speaks again. "If you insist."
"We do, insist. Take it from me, I know what it's like to be separated from my brother, and I would never ever induce that on Cassie. Never." Sirius adds, and Cassie wonders what happened with his brother once upon a time.
To end the day, Cassie sprawls across Cedric's bed, doing her Potions assignment, whilst he himself writes a letter to his best friend. Cassie swears he flinches and hides the letter out of view from her, but then again, she's very tired.
"Did Black and Lupin being here earlier help you settle in?" Cedric asks, leaning back in his desk chair and putting his quill back in the pot. He still won't call them by their first names.
Cassie looks up, the feather end of her quill by her lips. "I mean, I think so. Remus has a very calm, nonchalant way about him, so his presence always calms me down."
Cedric hums in agreement. "I spoke to them earlier. Said I didn't want them taking you away from us."
Cassie sighs and puts her quill down on her bed. "I know. I heard."
Cedric laughs, "Of course you did."
"Ced, you know me better than I know myself. You know that I'd never leave you behind, or even think about ditching you that easily. I've told you before, you would literally have to pry my dead, cold hands off you before I even think about leaving you."
Cedric bows his head. "I know, I know. I do know that, Cass." he sighs. "I just— I hate the thought of being an only child, y'know? Being here by myself, it wouldn't feel right. I know you've gone to Malfoys for a week or whatever before, but that's different. You'd be going to your real parents, who I feel like I'm honestly competing with at the moment."
Cassie nods, taking it in. She understands his feelings. She understands because if the roles were reversed, she would've already charmed him to the wall so he couldn't leave. Cassie thinks Cedric is handling it all much better than she would've if it were him.
"No, I understand. It's difficult, all this. It's not going to be easy for either of us, you know that. But come on, Ced. You know it's not their fault." she frowns, tilting her head. Her cat, Leo, purrs as he enters the room. Cassie chuckles as Leo takes a seat on top of her potions essay.
Cedric sighs. "I know, it's just easy to project onto them."
Cassie looks her brother in the eye with a pointed look. "You're better than that, Ced. Their aim isn't to take me away— or draw us apart. It's to get to know me, as they have the right to. It's to— I don't know, get the daughter they deserve back?"
Cedric sighs, a long, deep, sigh. "Yeah, okay. It's stupid, sorry."
"Don't apologise to me, Ced. Apologise to them. They'll be back next week when I stay with them. I'm sure they'd appreciate an apology or explanation."
At Remus Lupin's house in Kent, him and Sirius are in the kitchen. Remus is leant against the countertop whilst Sirius sits atop the one opposite, letting his legs dangle over the edge. They both have a cup of tea in hand as they discuss earlier events.
"I hate to admit it, but I get where the boy's coming from." Sirius mutters, frowning in his tea with both hands around it.
Remus looks up at his husband. "I know you do, Sirius."
"I mean, it took me months of consideration before I left home— left Regulus." Sirius staggers, shaking his head. "I missed him the second I left. It was hard enough that we hated each other, but knowing how Cassie and Cedric love one another, it's a whole other story, isn't it?"
Remus nods. "It is. And it's one we need to be open-minded and willing to accept, let alone discuss. Cedric's a lovely kid, y'know— bright, too. Him and Cassiopeia are birds of a feather, Sirius, they're not each other without the other— just as you and James were."
This strikes a nerve, and Remus knows it the second the words leave his mouth.
"You have to realise, Pads, they aren't just any pair of siblings. These are two inseparable, intertwined siblings. They share souls, minds and hearts, Sirius. Cedric is bound to be hesitant about whoever's trying to take his sister away. He sees it as us wanting Cassie for ourselves, and leaving him by himself. They both hate the idea of being only children, which only drives their bond more." Remus explains with ease.
"Is it bad that I'm jealous?" Sirius croaks, after a moment of silence.
"You? Jealous? Of what?"
"Their relationship— their healthy, thriving sibling bond. They have what I never got to have with Reggie. Walburga and Orion took that from us— they ruined whatever chance we might've had at a normal brotherhood."
"I know, love. It's unfair, it is. And you know how much I wish I could change your past and all of the bad parts, but I can't. We're here, today, and dealing with something way over our heads. We have a fourteen year old daughter, Sirius. Our daughter is severely attached to her brother, and rightfully so. I knew she'd get attached to whoever ended up fostering her, it was inevitable. We have to compromise, and talk to both her, and Cedric, about what they want to do. We need to be the parents Cassie deserves, because we owe it to her to try, don't we?"
"Yes, we do."
"For now, however, I'm exhausted and would love to sleep now."
Sirius chuckles, "Let's go to bed, love."
Notes:
CEDRIC AND CASSIE I CANTTTT he loves her too much 3 him thinking remus and sirius are trying to take her from him :( he just wants his little sister is all, no judgement there!!
victoria and amos are literally the sweetest btw. they knew cassie wasn’t settling in well so they called up people they knew would comfort her at the moment. it’s all a lot for the diggorys at the moment
props to remus and sirius for being the best dads ever despite having to work through 12 years of no contact… how they remain sane i have no clue. ofc sirius understands how cedric feels and i will NEVER shut up about the Black brothers. they are so important to me and i will do anything to share my love for them in this fic;)
Chapter 10: Y3 | Christmas 1993
Summary:
Ah, Christmas, our favourite time of year
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SLIPPING THROUGH MY FINGERS —ABBA
'Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture, and save it from the funny tricks of time.'
Cassie spends all of Christmas morning with Cedric, Amos and Victoria, just like usual. As per tradition; wake up at eight AM, make tea, open presents, get dressed, put Amos' Christmas record on vinyl, then Cassie and Victoria begin to cook dinner whilst Amos and Cedric tidy up. It's always a quiet Christmas at the Diggory's, typically only being four of them. However, there were six this year.
Cassie sits in the living room, toying with the hem of her black skirt. She wears a knitted, long-sleeved, thick red sweater that hangs off her shoulders. On her ears dangle a pair of cheesy Christmas tree earrings, ones that are charmed to sparkle with its decorative lights. She waits in the living room for Remus and Sirius to arrive via floo.
Cedric comes trudging down the stairs and throws himself onto the sofa and his head on the pillow on Cassie's lap, his new cologne wafting in not far behind him. "You smell nice." Cassie comments with a smile.
Cedric smiles, "Thanks."
"Weird, isn't it? Having other people here for Christmas?" Cassie says after a moment of silence.
"You're telling me."
"Just remember what we talked about last week, Ced. We're going to have a good time, yeah?" Cassie runs her fingers through the tips of his hair, making sure he looks presentable.
Cedric rolls his eyes, "I'll behave."
"You bloody better." Cassie teases, narrowing her eyes.
Making her jump slightly, the fireplace lights up a fiery, spiteful shade of green. "Ooh!" Cassie hears Victoria exclaim from the kitchen, probably wiping her hands on her apron. Remus and Sirius step out of the fireplace with smiles. Under Remus' arm is a pile of presents, neatly wrapped (probably with the use of magic), and under Sirius' is a large bottle of Firewhiskey.
Cassie chuckles and embraces Remus first, letting Victoria hug Sirius meanwhile. Remus moves onto Cedric, shaking his hand politely with a smile, hoping they're on better terms than how they left it previously. "Merry Christmas!" Sirius announces.
"Merry Christmas!" the Diggorys chorus back, which only brightens Sirius' smile.
Amos drags Sirius into the kitchen to put down the Firewhiskey, along with his strangely large collection himself. "I'll just put the chicken in— I won't be two seconds." Victoria smiles, squeezing Remus' shoulder before hurrying out. In the other room, Cassie can hear Amos attaching the needle to the record, signalling the start of their festive activities.
Cassie sighs with a smile, sitting cross legged on the armchair opposite Remus and Cedric, as the familiar music plays. "What've you two been up to since I last saw you?" Remus asks, putting the presents under the tree.
"Quidditch mostly, ay, Ced?" Cassie smiles. Cedric nods with a mirrored smile. "I've had loads of homework to catch up on, which is annoying, but I'm not letting it take away my Christmas spirit."
"No, well, you won't have to worry about any more Dark Arts essays from myself anymore, sweetheart." Remus chuckles.
Cassie furrows her eyebrows, "What? Are you leaving or something?"
Remus blinks. "Did— Did Vick not... didn't she tell you?"
Cassie and Cedric splutter in confusion. "What?—" from Cassie, "You're joking—" from Cedric.
"I thought you knew!" Remus defends.
"No!" Cedric retorts.
"Well, you do now." Remus shrugs, casually.
"Why?" Cassie asks.
"Imagine what the parents will think when they find out their kids are being taught by a werewolf, Cassie. Can you seriously see that going well for me or even Dumbledore? Plus, I hate the idea of Sirius alone without me there. It's easier if I resign."
"Come on— that's just unfair. You're the only decent Defence teacher we've had!" Cedric protests.
Remus smiles, "I'm flattered, really. But I've already made my decision. I've already brought all of my stuff back home."
Cassie sighs. "So much for a cheery Christmas Day."
—
"Three, two... one!" everyone exclaims in unison, pulling their Christmas crackers. Cassie has Cedric on one side, and Sirius on the other. They all tug at the same time, a chorus of pop!'s bouncing off the walls. Everyone laughs as they look down at their crackers.
Cassie wins both sides. She literally cackles in Sirius and Cedric's faces, boasting like the competitive girl she is. Sirius pouts dramatically, so Cassie places one of her paper crowns on his head. He immediately grins, changing his mind.
Above the dining table are a set of floating candles, to blend in with the atmosphere. The lights are dim and warm Christmas decorations scatter across the table, contrasting the maroon of the table cloth. "Everyone tuck in!" Victoria announces, passing the bowl of Pumpkin soup around the table.
And they spend the afternoon laughing, eating and playing games. Cassie swears she sees Sirius tear up at the sight of his daughter in hysterics with Remus— but she could've well been imagining it. As of today, Cassie doesn't think she's ever been happier. How can life ever get any better than this?
She doesn't think about the curse, or the fact Pettigrew is still out there. She doesn't think about how Mattheo has no presents to open on Christmas Day for the thirteenth year in a row. She doesn't think about how majority of the Sacred Twenty Eight are engaging in an annual formal Christmas Party, her friends included.
Instead, she thinks about how well Remus and Sirius seem to get along with Cedric all of a sudden. She thinks about how light-headed the Red Currant Rum Sirius let her have has made her. She thinks about how genuine everybody's smiles look, and how she wishes she could frame this memory forever.
And partly, she can. Cassie rises from her seat and sets up her camera on the window sill, getting a clear shot of everyone at the table. She quickly sits back down as the camera counts down. Sirius and Cedric have an arm around her, and she does the same around them too. Everyone grins as the camera flashes, and Cassie rushes to check it.
When she looks at the photograph, Cassie decides she's never going to let go of it.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The end of the Christmas half term rolls around way too quickly for Cassie's preference. On Boxing Day, Cassie went home with Sirius and Remus to their cottage in the Kent countryside. It had been lovely, really. They spent most days getting to know each other better, playing chess and routinely blasting good music around the house. Remus and Sirius shared a sob one evening when they sat in the living room listening to David Bowie and laughing.
"When I was eleven years old, he told me David Bowie was a wizard, and I haven't stopped believing that since." Remus grinned, nodding at Sirius.
"You know what, I can see where you're coming from. He's way too cool to be a muggle." Cassie had advocated.
"Agreed." Sirius winked, and he had never been prouder to call someone his daughter.
When Cassie arrives at school again, Mattheo looks rough. She, or the others, couldn't find him anywhere on the train earlier that day. By the time they got to school, Mattheo made himself known by clearing his throat beside Blaise on the walk to the Great Hall. Cassie almost cried when she saw him, so truly relieved to see him in one piece. She knows how brutal the boys at St. Edmund's Boys are. Cassie is the only person Mattheo has shown his bruises to.
After dinner, and when Dumbledore dismissed them to their common rooms, Cassie finds Mattheo alone and motions to an empty corner in the common room. He sighs and takes a seat at the tiny desk. Cassie casts a silencing spell around them, knowing what Theo is like for eavesdropping.
"What's going on?" Cassie sighs, sitting opposite him, pulling her chair closer to his.
Mattheo hesitates, but realises who he's talking to. He doesn't think there's anyone alive he trusts more than Cassie. There's just something about her that he falls for every damn time, giving in to her pleading. He knows she won't leave him alone until he explains what's been happening.
"They're all getting stronger, I just seem to be getting weaker." Mattheo shrugs helplessly. "God, I wish I could use magic in there. They all call me Magic Boy and say stuff like 'Got no magic now, do you Riddle?' I hate them, Cassie. I really hate them."
Cassie frowns and instantly puts a warm hand over his on the table. "What can I do? I can ask Dumbledore to speak to Matron again— get you to stay at ours next time?"
"Matron won't budge, just like before, Cassie. The last time you tried that, I almost got curb-stomped."
Cassie isn't sure she wants to know what that means.
She runs a frustrated hand over her face. She hates the fact Mattheo goes through this every half-term. He suffers like this, and refuses to tell anyone. "Merlin, if I got my hands on them..."
Mattheo laughs, cutting her off. "Pity is the last thing I need right now, Cass."
"You know I don't pity you, Mattheo. I've never once pitied you. Yes, I've felt sorry for you and wished I could change your environment, but never pity. I'm not that stupid."
Mattheo looks up at her and smiles sheepishly. "It's why I prefer being here so much— being away from them all, it's comforting. I'd much rather share my dorm with Theo, who likes to hex me in my sleep, than share with Bobby Frost. He's the worst one."
"Bobby Frost." Cassie repeats under her breath, making sure to remember the name.
"He's older than me— at least sixteen or seventeen. Last week, he um— he slammed me so hard against the wall my back bled for hours. Matron didn't have enough plasters to stop it in the end."
Cassie winces, closing her eyes. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost. Bobby Frost.
Cassiopeia hates Bobby Frost.
"Please, is there anything I can do?" Cassie begs, squeezing his hands.
Mattheo smiles and looks her in the eye. "All I ask is that you spend this next term doing everything you can to take my mind off it, so the next time I'm there, I can think about the good times, yeah?"
Cassie returns the smile, "Now that I can do."
When Cassie and Mattheo return to their sofas by the fire with the others, Enzo's eyebrows are low and his leg is bouncing anxiously. He's staring at Cassie with such passion she can't bring herself to look him in the eye.
"Guess what Flint said to me at the Christmas Party, Cass." Draco prompts. Enzo looks up immediately.
"What did he say?" she responds.
"And I quote; 'How's that Diggory? She got a fella yet?'"
Cassie almost chokes on the laugh that spills from
her throat. Enzo's eyes go wide, and he looks like he's about to burst the pillow on his lap in a fit of rage. "He actually said that?" she blurts.
"It's true, I heard." Blaise shrugs, smiling as he knows it's getting a reaction out of Enzo.
Cassie absentmindedly puts a hand over Enzo's next to her, wanting him to calm down. The veins in his wrist seem to die down, and his breath regulates once again.
"He's just as weird as his parents, y'know." Theo inputs.
"Oh, I'm not surprised." Cassie sighs.
"He gets his teeth from his mother, that's for bloody sure." Pansy laughs, earning a collective chuckle from everyone.
"Speak of the devil." Blaise mutters, suppressing a grin with his fist. All six of them look up in unison, watching as Marcus winks, as per, at Cassie. She literally cringes, her skin crawling. He's vile.
Cassie can practically hear Enzo's teeth grinding against each other. She squeezes his hand tighter, and he wraps his fingers around hers with such force it's almost worrying.
"Good Christmas, Diggory?" Marcus smirks, leaning against the back of the chair Theo sits on. Theo makes a gesture of one throwing up out of sight from Flint, which makes them all snigger.
"Yeah, not too bad." she shrugs, wishing he'd take the hint about her not asking about his, and leave them alone. Enzo's so tense Cassie is repeating It’s Fine over and over again in her head, in the hopes that maybe Enzo has become a Legilimen over Christmas and didn't tell her.
"Nice, wish you were at the Twenty Eight Party, it was wicked, wasn't it?" Marcus prompts at the others, but they simply awkward-smile until he leaves them alone. "Anyway, why don't you go anyway? The Diggory's are part of the Sacred Twenty Eight, no?"
Diggorys aren't purebloods you twat. Cassie doesn't say this aloud, for her spot on the Quidditch team's sake, but she almost does.
"Not a pureblood." Cassie shrugs.
"Okay, now bugger off Flint. Go find someone else to piss off." Draco states, earning a snort from Cassie and Pansy. Since Draco isn't on the quidditch team, he takes any chance to insult Flint because he knows the others can't. Cassie thanks him for it.
"Fine, message received, Merlin." Flint scoffs, his eyes wide. At that, he leaves them alone and chooses his next target, which happens to be Daphne and her little sister.
"Thank fucking Merlin and Morgana above. Cheers, Draco." Cassie chuckles.
"Always a pleasure." he smirks.
"Now, who's done the Potions essay?" Mattheo announces, rubbing his hands together.
As they all sit around the sofas, working on their Potions essays (which nobody seems to of completed fully, apart from Blaise, of course), Enzo doesn't take his eyes off Cassie. The half term was only two weeks— why did he miss her so badly? It's like he's yearning for the girl.
He likes the way Cassie's dark hair falls over her face, despite her reading glasses pushing it back over her head. He likes how she chews her lip in thought as Blaise and Pansy bicker over a false statement. He likes how her pupils dilate every time she looks at him, filling her beautiful brown eyes. He likes how her eyebrows knit so close together when Draco explains the purpose of a particular ingredient (Merlin knows what, Enzo'd be damned if he was paying attention) that he wonders how she doesn't even notice she's doing it.
But most of all, he likes the way she leans against his shoulder on the common room floor. Cassie lies on her stomach, propping herself up on her elbows as her glasses fall down her nose.
What's happening to him?
Notes:
is that a… crush forming?!?!? no way! 😱
our little enzo is having an epiphany atm bless his heart! cassie squeezing his hand to calm him down 😭😭 probably the only thing keeping him from jumping on flint there and then. and can we blame him?!? flint is an utter TWAT
btw, i hate marcus flint
Chapter 11: Y3 | Everything’s okay in Cornwall
Summary:
Cornwall <3333333
Everyone loves Cornwall.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ RIBS — LORDE
"We'll laugh until our ribs get tough, but that will never be enough."
By the time the summer holidays roll round, Cassie is as happy as can be. At the end of the school year, Flint got involved in a very brutal fight with a Ravenclaw that found out his girlfriend had been cheating with Flint. Snape's punishment for Flint was his removal of his captaincy of the Slytherin team.
Cassie almost cried when Hooch asked her to her office one evening, and handed her a captain badge. She thanked Hooch so much that in the end, the referee kicked her out of her office. As of fourth year, Cassie will be the captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team.
But today, today is the day Cassie goes to Cornwall with her best friends and family. After packing her trunk for the week, Cassie finds herself pacing around in excitement. Victoria had gone to St. Edmunds herself at the company of Dumbledore and Snape, and Victoria being Victoria, convinced Matron to let Mattheo go with them for the week. She tried to bargain the rest of the holidays, but Matron wasn't having it.
Victoria even spoke to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, who also weren't too keen on their son going away with someone else for a week. It took a lot of convincing, but she managed. Narcissa liked Victoria, always a favourite of her little cousin's friends at school.
The Berkshires needed not a shred of convincing, for Enzo was already packed and ready to go. Blaise's mother was more than willing to have some peace and quiet for a week, along with Theo and Pansy's parents. Theo's parents aren't as bad as Draco's— but they're still spiteful, corrupt just like the Malfoys. Pansy's parents are decent, not half as mentally or physically abusive as the Notts or Malfoys. Cassie's only met her mother once, but she seemed alright.
Cedric will be there too— which warms Cassie's heart. His friends will also be there; Eddie Howard, Charlotte Anderson and Lola Diaz. Cassie isn't too fond of the girls, but she adores Eddie. He treats Cassie like his own sister, despite him being an only child. She can see why he's Cedric's best friend.
"Cassie!"
"Coming!"
Cassie speeds down the stairs at Victoria's beckoning. Since Christmas, Cassie's relationship with Amos and Victoria has healed. It's just like how it used to be, really. She's seen Remus and Sirius more than once, and she even has her own bedroom at Remus' cottage. She often switches between households, and they all don't seem to mind. The only person that does is Cedric, for he gets bored at home without his sister.
When Cassie reaches the bottom of her stairs, she's faced with a smiling Mattheo Riddle. He has a trunk in one hand whilst the other presents a hug. Cassie chuckles and hugs him. "You're here!" she squeals.
"Thanks to your brilliant mother, that is." Mattheo smiles, looking at Victoria as Cassie pulls away.
"Oh don't be silly. It's the least you deserve, sweetheart." Victoria smiles.
One by one, her group of friends arrive; some by Portkey, some by Floo. Enzo is the last one there, and he arrives by Portkey with Elizabeth. He knocks on the door, and Cassie opens it, knowing exactly who it is. Her heart palpates at the sight of him. Has he gotten taller in the three weeks she hasn't seen him? He looks more mature— his jaw defined and no doubt freshly shaved, and his eyebrows seem to be set more.
When Enzo embraces Cassie, he puts both arms around her waist, whilst hers go around his neck. "Hi." Enzo chuckles. One day in late June, Cassie and Enzo were on the Astronomy Tower late at night. Things got messy and they almost kissed. When she realised she was inches away from his lips, she startled and backed away, breaking Enzo's heart. He was so close.
Since then, Cassie's been doing everything in her best interests to keep whatever feelings she may have for Enzo at bay. Relationships are complicated and difficult, Cassie isn't too keen yet. She just hopes Enzo feels the same, for his sake mostly.
"Hi." Cassie smiles, pulling away and looking him in the eye. Great start. His ears visibly blush and Cassie pretends she doesn't see it. "Come on, you're the last one here. We're just waiting for Eddie then we'll be off."
"I'm the last one?" he asks, as they make their way to the living room.
The minute Enzo enters the room, Blaise grins and immediately does his and Enzo's handshake. Pansy gives Cassie a knowing look, and she rolls her eyes. As Cassie looks around the room, she takes notice of the fact everyone looks much more mature than she recalls. Theo has shot up above everyone, whilst poor Blaise hasn't grown an inch. Pansy and Cassie are the same height, Mattheo only slightly taller. Draco and Enzo are pretty similar in height, taller than Cassie but shorter than Theo.
"Good summer so far, you lot?" Enzo smiles, perching on one of the sofa's armchairs. He knows this house like the back of his hand.
A chorus of "Yeah," "S'alright,"'s bounce off Enzo's prompt. "Just glad to be out of there if I'm honest." Mattheo smiles.
"Fuck yeah. This is gonna be the best summer ever." Theo grins, nudging Mattheo.
Cassie beams, "Anyone here actually been to Cornwall before? Not you, Enz." Enzo closes his mouth.
"What's it like?" Blaise asks, evidently never of been.
"Oh it's so lovely, isn't it, Enzo? It's just got this beautiful, coastal charm about it. It's always hot down there, and our summer home is a two minute walk from Falmouth's best beach." Cassie smiles.
"Falmouth? As in the Falcons team you support?" Pansy asks.
"Yeah, I grew up in Cornwall, hence the house we now call the Summer Home. Moved here when I was like eight. We're going to a Falcons game on the Friday."
"Wicked!" Theo grins.
"Who are they playing?" Draco asks.
"Harpies."
"That's an easy win."
"You'd think so, right? But in the National Quidditch League a few years ago, the Harpies fucking destroyed them."
Draco makes a "Hmm" noise of consideration, nodding his head.
All of a sudden, there's a rumble in the fireplace beside them, and Cassie hears Cedric running down the stairs. No doubt it's Eddie.
Cedric laughs and hugs his best friend, pulling him close. After they whisper about Merlin-knows what, Eddie moves onto Cedric's little sister. He kisses the top of her head, "Y’alright, Mini-Diggs?" Eddie smiles, his scouser accent lacing his tongue.
"Brilliant, you?" she smiles.
"Fucking class. When are we going?" Eddie turns to Cedric.
"Now, actually. We were just waiting for you."
"Sorry, my mam was giving me grief."
"It's fine, you're here now. I'll go tell Dad."
Eddie and Cedric leave the room, Eddie tagging along just so he can chat to Victoria. Cassie sighs and takes her seat on the arm again, Enzo now on the chair. He rests his elbow on her thigh, and she can't help the butterflies that swarm her stomach.
"Is he gay by any chance?" Pansy asks.
Cassie laughs, "Who, Eddie? No way."
"Hm." Pansy shrugs.
Cassie shakes her head, a smile on her face. "Can any of you lot surf?"
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Pansy ties Cassie's bikini top at the back, before she returns the favour. It's twenty-nine degrees, and Cassie is rearing to get in the sea. Cassie and Pansy are sharing a room, Blaise, Mattheo, Theo and Enzo are sleeping on two bunk beds in the room next to Cassie's, Draco on the sofa-bed with them.
Cassie dutch braided her hair before she left today, so her hair is all good to go. She lifts her surfboard out of her charmed trunk and briskly coats it with her Surf Wax.
"There's a place you can hire boards on the beach if you're interested. Me and Ced have been surfing since we could walk, so I could always help." Cassie smiles at Pansy, lifting her board.
"I'll see how I feel later. I'm fine to sunbathe for now." Pansy says skeptically, making Cassie chuckle. They leave their room and drag downstairs, meeting the boys in the foyer. Amos and Victoria are already at the beach, too impatient to wait for the grand total of eleven children. Cedric is put in charge of making sure they all make it to the beach safely.
"Do I get to surf? I've always wanted to try it." Theo frowns.
"Course you do. There's a little hut on the beach where you can hire them— Mum already said she'll pay for any that need hiring." Cassie smiles.
"No that's okay, I'll pay. Dad's given me a fuckload."
"Fuckload of what exactly?" Draco says, teasing Theo.
"Galleons..."
"Say that again, mate."
"Galleon." Theo says, sternly.
"Where are we?" Draco retorts.
"Cornwall..."
"Yes. Exactly." Draco rolls his eyes and shakes his head after Theo still doesn't understand. Everyone resumes their conversations, waiting for Cedric and his friends to come down.
"Is the water usually warm here?" Blaise asks.
"Hell yeah. It's lovely, really. You're going to love it." Cassie beams.
"Oh! I get it! I can't pay with galleons!" Theo exclaims. Cassie and Draco share a look before laughing. Everyone chuckles at his utter stupidity.
"Fucking twat." Draco mutters, a smile on his face. Cassie loves it when he smiles.
—
The sun penetrates the droplets of water on Cassie's skin, absorbing the Vitamin D. She tucks her wet hair behind her ears, looking up at the sky with a smile. She's sitting on her surfboard in calm water closer to shore. Cedric is in the water with her, the boys behind them with Eddie. Pansy stays true to her word, and sunbathes on the beach with Charlotte and Lola.
"This feels amazing, doesn't it? Being back here." Cedric grins, the sun reflecting off his teeth as he squints at her.
"Oh you have no idea." Cassie returns, the smile huge on her face. She paddles further out, heading closer to the waves. She stands firmly on her board before surfing the next biggest wave. Cedric follows suit, soaring on the rough water right behind her.
Enzo watches the way Cassie flips and turns at each wave, her balance so smooth on the board. He watches the way she beams with joy at Cedric after a huge wave. He watches the way the water flows off her hips— no. He needs to stop that. Be respectful, Enzo. He tells himself anyway, shaking his head.
After Cassie and her brother begin to tire, they lay on their boards and paddle back to their respective group of friends. "You're incredible, you know that." Blaise grins.
Cassie chuckles, sitting up straight on her board. "Years of practice is all it is, Zabini."
"You're so elegant up there— you and Cedric just bounce off each other so easily in the water." Mattheo observes.
Cassie smiles, "You all up for learning tomorrow?"
"Yeah!" they all say, even Draco nodding. Enzo only wants to learn so he can be with Cassie, if he's being honest with himself.
"Brilliant. But I'm knackered now, gonna rest with Pans for a bit." Cassie smiles, patting Enzo on the shoulder. Her hand is warm on his cold, goose-bumped shoulder, and he savours the touch whilst it lasts.
"I'll come, I'm getting cold now." Enzo prompts, and Cassie smiles. He swims alongside her as she paddles on the board. "You look wicked, by the way. I know I've seen you surf before, but that? That was cool."
Cassie chuckles, "Do you remember any of what we taught you years ago?"
"Probably not. I'm a visual learner, Cass."
"Mhm." she nods, knowing damn well he only cares so he can check her out.
When they reach the shore, Cassie practically collapses on the sunbed next to Pansy. Amos and Victoria are at the bar on the beach with sunglasses on and a content smile on their faces. "Merlin, you're getting all of your shit on my sunbed." Pansy mutters, swiping off the water with her towel. Cassie cackles in response, flinging more water at her best friend, who just gets even more frustrated.
"Fuck off, Diggory. I'm going in." Pansy huffs, taking her sunglasses off and standing up. Cassie laughs again, lying against the sunbed. She steals the sunglasses Pansy just set down and closes her eyes.
"You excited for the World Cup?" Enzo asks, sitting forward and wiping the water off his neck with a towel.
"Is that even a question?" she exclaims, sitting up.
Enzo laughs and shakes his head, "Stupid question— 'course you are."
"Yes I fucking am. There's only ever been three World Cups in my lifetime, this is the first one I get to see myself."
"Even I'm excited and I don't even play quidditch."
"Why did you never get into quidditch? We all played it when we were younger."
"Just didn't appeal to me, I s'pose." Enzo shrugs. "You were much better, and I didn't have the energy to try and best you."
Cassie laughs, "Don't be silly. I may be good, but I'm not that good."
Enzo tilts his head forward, his black sunglasses falling down his nose for gravitas. "Are you taking the piss?"
Cassie chuckles again, her eyes landing on Theo and Pansy having a water-fight, not long before Mattheo, Draco and Blaise join in. Cassie all of a sudden gets jealous, the urge to join them overwhelming her.
"Fuck, I can't just sit here. You coming down with me or not?" Cassie declares, standing up abruptly. Her feet burn on the sand, but she ignores it.
Enzo grins.
They run down to the shoreline hand-in-hand, immersing themselves in the sweet rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean. As the water makes contact with Cassie's already tanned skin, she feels every bit of adrenaline course her veins. Nothing feels better than this.
She joins her friends in the water-fight, but not in the way you'd expect. Cassie dives under, aiming for Draco's legs. She pulls him under, gently enough not to drown him, but enough to startle him. When she floats to the surface, he's already splashing water at her. She cackles into the warmest wind, her laughter ricocheting off each wave.
Even Draco breaks a smile as they play-fight like toddlers. This is much better than Malfoy Manor, he deems internally.
Cassie swims to Enzo for protection, hopping on his back like a koala. He holds onto her thighs as Draco attempts to attack her through Enzo. They're all laughing now, even those spectating. "Save me, Enzo!" she beams. Enzo laughs and dodges Draco at every movement.
In the end, Draco gives in and calls a truce with Cassie. But of course, Draco, being the spiteful wanker he is, breaks the handshake and splashes her in the face. Her jaw drops dramatically and she scoffs. "You fucking wait!"
Draco cackles into the ocean view, and as of this moment, all seven of them have never been happier. This, right here, they'd never forget. The sun blaring on their backs, the way the roughest waves pull them over as they laugh; but most of all, the way they all smile and laugh until their cheeks are throbbing.
Cassie is utterly in love with her friends.
—
The next morning, Cassie shares a breakfast with Amos, Cedric, Eddie, Blaise, Enzo and Theo on the decking. It's even hotter than yesterday— a whopping thirty one degrees. Cassie's wearing a blue bikini underneath a white vest and denim shorts, ready to head into the town for the day.
They are heading into town later, then coming back after dinner for a late night swim. Cassie knows of all the best shops in town, excited to share them with those she loves.
Enzo has an arm around the back of Cassie's chair as he sips his orange juice with tousled hair and rosy cheeks. His freckles always come out for summer, a touch Cassie thinks suits him to perfection. She'd like to count all of them one day.
No— Stop that.
"Oi, we gonna go to Burfa's?" Cedric grins at his sister.
Cassie laughs, "Are you joking? Of course we are."
"What's Burfa's?" Blaise questions, putting his apple core down.
"One of those tacky tourist gift shops— y'know the ones?" Cedric responds.
"Oh, like the ones you see in Liverpool?" Eddie asks.
"Never been." Cedric shrugs. Eddie rolls his eyes. "Don't suppose you know the ones in London? The ones literally on literally every bustling street." he turns back to Blaise.
"No, I think I do know." Blaise smiles.
"Good. Burfa's is the best for touristy stuff, int'it?" Cedric smiles, looking at Cassie. She nods with a smile.
By the time everyone is awake and dressed, it's gone one in the afternoon. Turns out, Mattheo, Lola and Theo can be very heavy sleepers when relaxed. In the end, Cassie and the others burst into where Mattheo and Theo were sleeping and bundled on them.
They walk to the coastal town centre with the sun so torrid it earns lots of complaints. Cassie, however, she loves it. The sound of flip-flops on the stone and the noise of the sea in the distance... absolute bliss.
When they get to town, they head to get some lunch at a close café. Cassie has a simple ham, cheese and lettuce bap with a refreshing can of coke. That's the thing with muggle towns, you get used to the muggle things. Muggle cash, muggle food and drink, muggle products. It's all beautiful, really. Well, Cassie thinks so anyway; Draco, not so much.
They sit on separate tables, unable to fit thirteen people on one table. Cassie sits in between Blaise and Pansy on one side of the table, in the corner of the air-conditioned café. "When were you going to tell us muggle food is so bloody good?" Blaise exclaims.
Cassie laughs, "It's strange, not seeing pumpkin juice on the drinks menu, ay?"
"So strange." Draco mutters with a sneer, drinking from his glass of water.
After lunch, they dawdle their way through the different shops. Cassie finds a photobooth in the back of a quaint shop, so, of course, she drags her friends toward it. They go in lots of two— the last one as a three. Cassie and Mattheo go in together, Blaise and Enzo in one, then Pansy, Theo and Draco in the last. They print seven copies of the three pictures— glad to have a physical memory.
Cassie chuckles as they leave the shop, looking at their strips of photos. In Cassie and Mattheo's one, they have their arms around each other; Mattheo's tongue out whilst Cassie cackles, her head back. In Blaise and Enzo's, their fingers are posed like guns, pointed up with their backs to each other. Lastly, in Theo, Draco and Pansy's, Theo has his middle finger up, Pansy is pouting while Draco is side-eyeing the pair with a slight smile. It's perfect, really. Sums up their group to a T.
After a while of shopping and browsing the streets, they finally find somewhere to eat dinner. It's a chippie, of course it is. They order at least five large portions of chips, a few saveloys here and there, and take it down to the beach.
The sun sets in front of them, the sky painted a beautiful ombré of pink and orange. The sun is still a warm, orange colour, which shines on their faces. Cassie rests back on her elbows as she takes in the moment. Blaise, Theo and Mattheo are bickering over who's going to win the World Cup. Cassie joined in at some point, but gave up and shook her head.
Enzo pulls Cassie's shoulders back, guiding her into his lap. She sighs with defeat and lets her head fall back against his chest, his legs either side of her thighs. He wraps his arms around her collarbone, resting his chin on her head. "This is pretty bloody perfect, isn't it?" he mutters.
Cassie smiles, "I'd say so, yeah."
She looks over at Cedric, whose legs are over Eddie's on the sand, and makes eye contact with him. He winks with a grin, and she returns the gesture. "Love you." he mouthes.
"Love you more." she replies.
Enzo kisses the top of Cassie's head, as she leans into his touch. "I wish I could freeze this, y'know. Keep it in my pocket forever."
Cassie chuckles, "I know the feeling."
"It's like, we have no idea what's going to come in the future. We don't know if we'll finish school, or go to war. We have no way of knowing, so I'd like to think it doesn't get any better than this."
"I don't know what'll happen in the next five years, but I agree, nothing can ever top this, I reckon."
"Not even becoming quidditch captain?"
Cassie grins. "Not even becoming quidditch captain."
Notes:
I CANT.
this might be my favourite chapter i’ve ever written, simply because everyone is just so HAPPY. even draco malfoy?? him and cassie playing in the water?? like omg he must be over the moon
everyone immediately deeming this the best holiday of their lives I CANT
THE PHOTOBOOTH. oh my they mean so much to me. i just wanna put them all in my pocket and never let them out.
they awfully remind me of the marauders era Slytherins
Chapter 12: Y3 | Love, Sunshine & Laughter
Summary:
Mwah.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ DO I WANNA KNOW? LIVE AT BBC —HOZIER
"Crawling back to you."
Cassie wears a white Falcon's t-shirt, with a small logo in the corner, and a graphic design on the back of their recent wins. Her black denim shorts sit snug around her waist, her black adidas to match. Pansy lets her borrow a pair of gold, dangly hoops, for Cassie's silver one's are still burning. Remus says it's bound to happen when it approaches the time of when the cycle would've taken place— which can be any time of the month, annoyingly enough.
It's four in the afternoon by the time they arrive by the charmed stadium. Amos has to give a code upon entrance to prove his tickets, then give the Auror by the entrance his wand for examination. The Auror nods at all ten of them as they walk through. Victoria doesn't like quidditch, and wasn't bothered about going; so she simply stayed at the house and would probably go for a swim.
Enzo holds his arm outward for Cassie to hold onto as they find their assigned entrance. Amos knows one of the chaser's cousin's friends, so he got better tickets for half the price. Their seats are fairly close to the front, to Cassie's delight. She sits in between Enzo and Mattheo, Cedric on the other side of Enzo. "Your first proper Quidditch game!" Cassie beams, nudging her best friend.
"It's mad— I've never experienced a crowd this big before. Are they always this big?" Mattheo asks.
Cassie smiles, "Yes they are."
"Wicked."
The commentator, Ross Delefeur, clears his throat and raises his wand to his mouth. The stadium itself is colossal— but not half as big as the World Cup stadium. "Good evening all!" Delefeur announces, Cassie's adrenaline heightening.
Enzo smiles at Cassie as she shuffles forward in her seat, listening closely to Delefeur's introduction. He talks about the current scores across the leaderboard, and where the Falcons are. Enzo isn't listening really. His head snaps up as Cassie shoots out of her seat, clapping and cheering.
He looks ahead at the pitch; a team of players in black uniforms fly alongside each other like a flock of birds (ironic, right?). The beating music around the stadium bounces off the pitch and through Enzo's chest. Cassie is screaming and cheering so loudly he has no idea how her vocal cords are coping.
Cassie only gets louder when Basil Horton, the seeker, throws a signed scarf in their direction. It looks to be going the other way— to Cassie's disappointment. So, Enzo, being the best friend he is, mutters a minor re-direction charm under his breath, his hand on his wand in his pocket. Cassie jumps up and grabs the scarf, a smile so wide it almost makes her faint.
She turns to Enzo and jumps up and down. He chuckles with amusement as she excitedly shows Cedric and her dad, then all of their friends. She doesn't need to know he charmed it, does she? She can thank him another day.
For now, he's just glad she's happy.
Cedric catches Enzo's eye and winks.
The Holyhead Harpies make their dramatic entrance as a swarm of bees, yellow sparks flying between them. According to Cassie, the Harpies have been quite low in the tournament so far, so she has high hopes for the Falcons. Chudley Cannons are at the top of the league— as per, Cassie says, shortly followed by Puddlemere United, who won their last match in a landslide.
Once both teams have made their entrances, the team captains meet on the pitch floor with the referee. Cassie, beside Enzo, is muttering the exact terms and conditions the Ref has to explain before each match under her breath, knowing it off by heart. The captains shake hands and take their positions.
"How long does a proper match typically last?" Mattheo asks.
"Er, depends. Usually, they're about an hour and a half, but it can go on for days, even." Cassie informs, leaning close to Mattheo so he can hear over the crowds. Enzo grinds his teeth at how close her lips are to Mattheo's ear.
Mattheo nods, and Cassie pulls away, playing with the tassels at the end of the scarf on her lap.
"Let the match..." Delefeur bellows. "...begin!"
At his signal, both seekers take off towards the rogue snitch. The Falcons' chasers formate in a way that the Harpies' can't get past, doing their best try attack from the side. Enzo couldn't tell you a single one of their names, but he knows that Cassie is reciting them over and over again in her head.
One of the Falcons' chasers, Bucky Hobb, Cassie informs, gets ahold of the quaffle and launches it at the Harpies' left hoop. The keeper is just a second too slow, for the Falcons gain ten points before the keeper can even react. They all cheer, Cassie and Cedric considerably louder than everyone else.
The snitch is way too far for both seekers to even attempt following, so they fly back down to pitch-level and hover above their teams. The Falcons' beaters are twins, apparently. They seem to be incredibly co-ordinated, but Cassie says that's because of them being twins. It's a proven fact that in the Wizarding World, siblings, especially twins, can become soul-tied. They think the same, they act the same and can project that onto each other.
Another thirty minutes into the match, and the Falcons are winning 70-30.
Another forty minutes, and Basil Horton has caught the snitch.
Cassie and Cedric scream with pride and jump up & down together in celebration, bringing Amos in with them. A 'Horton!' chant begins, and Enzo and Mattheo feel obliged to join in, along with her other friends.
The team celebrate their win, zooming around the stadium mere metres away from them. Cassie goes feral when the keeper winks at them. This puts the Falcons number two on the league now— how impressive, right? Cassie is so over the moon she fears she might pass out again.
After the crowds calm down and the team exit the pitch, they all start filtering out. Cedric holds Cassie's hand as tight as he can as they shuffle through the huge crowds. Cassie turns around every other minute to see if Enzo and the others are still behind her.
Amos manages to safely navigate them all out of the stadium and back onto the chilly street. It's about nine in the evening now, which makes the air just that little bit more bitterly crisp.
—
After they get back home, a few hours later, Cassie can't seem to sleep. She sits downstairs in the living room with a glass of water, staring into the fire in front of her.
She thinks of Remus and Sirius and what they're up to. She would be seeing them again after the World Cup, a few days before they go back to school. It's odd, Cassie misses them more than she thought she would. They're starting to have a serious impact on her life— and to be honest, that scares Cassie.
She's getting too attached and comfortable around them. It's like it's all too good to be true— they're perfect dads, an amazing mix of Cassie's personalities— they're too perfect.
And then there's Cedric, who is still grappling with the fact he's an only child majority of the time nowadays. He barely sees her at school, let alone at home as well. He knows he shouldn't, but he still resents Remus and Sirius for being so good to her. Don't get him wrong, Cedric believes Cassie deserves the absolute best, whether that's with family, quidditch or school, she deserves the world— but he misses her.
His best friend, his other half.
Cassie chews her lip with guilt. She knows what Cedric is thinking about all of this, she can see it on his face. She's tried to speak to him about it on multiple occasions, but he just tells her not to worry and he's happy she's happy. She doesn't believe him, but she never pushes it.
It looks like Cassie and Cedric both miss each other.
Cassie doesn't notice the figure next to her, or how the figure leans forward and taps her shoulder. She blinks, her heart racing. "Merlin, Enzo, you scared the living daylight out of me!" she exclaims, in a whisper, with her hand on her heart.
Enzo chuckles, "Sorry. Figured you were in your own little world."
"Indeed I was."
"Sickle for your thoughts?"
Cassie sighs deeply, tapping her finger against her cold glass. "Just thinking about Cedric, and how he's coping with me warming up to my dads."
"How is he coping?" Enzo asks. "You forget, Cass, I can't read his mind like you can."
Cassie chuckles, "He misses me, but he won't admit that out loud because he doesn't want to make me feel guilty, or pressured to see him all the time. He hates being home by himself when I'm with Remus and Sirius, because it's so quiet. He hates the lack of my presence, even though I never really went anywhere. He's too stubborn to admit his feelings, so he starts to shut me out, and I start panicking because I know it'll take a lot to get him to open up."
"I thought he opens up easily to you, no?"
"Usually, yeah. But the second his feelings revolve around me, he likes to avoid it completely. He bottles it all up in the hope I won't notice. But of course I do, how couldn't I?"
Enzo shakes his head, "You two fascinate me, you know that?"
Cassie raises a brow and looks him in the eye. "Whys that?"
"Your bond— it's like something out of a film. You're birds of a feather, peas in a pod. It's like you share the same brain cells or something. I'd never be able to tell you what Rose or Atlas were thinking by looking at them."
Cassie shrugs, looking back to the fire. "I don't really have an explanation for it, if I'm honest with you, Enz. It just sort of happens, you know? Victoria reckons me and him are soul-tied, y'know what I told you about the beaters? I don't even do it on purpose half the time." she sighs. "We've always been close, that's common knowledge. I don't think either of us are capable of imagining a happy household without each other."
"But when I look at you two surfing together or playing chess, absolutely pissing yourselves, I don't see that. I see the love you have for each other, and the trust, and the loyalty. You two are both so caught up in what you're making the other one feel that you don't realise how happy you both really are at the moment."
Cassie smiles, "You're good at this, y'know?"
Enzo's eyebrows furrow and he looks at her, "Good at what?"
"Talking." Cassie chuckles. "You ever thought about journalism?"
Enzo shrugs, "I have no idea what I'm gonna do when I leave school."
"You don't have to have it all sorted out just yet, we're almost in fourth year. We have our OWLs next year, but even those aren't half as important in our career choices."
"At least you know what you wanna do. I mean, the way your face lights up in a quidditch pitch? It's like you were born for it."
Cassie hides her grin with her glass. She shrugs, "Some people just know what they're gonna do— it's more of a feeling than anything, really. It's okay that you don't know yet."
"I don't wanna go home tomorrow." Enzo sighs after a moment of comfortable silence.
"Me neither, I told you it's lovely here. When was the last time you've been?"
"The summer we started Hogwarts— remember? It was the year Cedric learned to do a frontflip, and he kept doing them off the cliff."
Cassie laughs, her head tilting back. "I do remember that! Merlin, he wouldn't bloody stop showing off. I think I pushed him off once 'cause I just had enough."
"Yeah, then you told us all you could do a ten times better job. Without any preparation or anything, you just dived off the cliff in a craze. Me, Cedric and Atlas all face-palmed the moment you hit the water flat on your stomach."
Cassie chuckles again and places her glass down on the coffee table in front of them, "I can't be good at everything, you know."
Enzo laughs with a nod, looking into the eyes of his best friend. "That you can't."
Cassie turns to look at him, still chewing her cheek. Neither of them can bring themselves to look away, isn't that weird? Cassie gets lost in the beautiful brown of his eyes, divulging herself in them. Enzo swears Cassie moves an inch closer to his face, but he must've imagined it. Why would Cassie kiss him? Especially after the incident last year.
Enzo clears his throat, looking back at the fire whilst blinking rapidly. "Why are you still up?"
Cassie looks down, "Can't sleep." She looks up at him again. "How about you?"
He takes in a long, deep breath. "Couldn't stop thinking about you, if I'm honest."
The moment the words slip out of his mouth, he instantly regrets it. It shows on his face, without a doubt. His cheeks flush a precious pink as his lips part in surrender, accepting his fate.
Lorenzo Berkshire is going to die.
Cassie feels his words in her chest, and her stomach. Those familiar butterflies she's, oh, too friendly with, swarm her stomach again as her heart pulsates. What is she meant to say now? If she says something just as bold, it could mess everything up. She doesn't get enough time to think about it, before Enzo leans closer.
A million thoughts run through her head at once, unable to sift through important ones. If she kisses him, it makes things complicated; if she doesn't, it's even more awkward, and to be honest, she'd probably regret it. Cassie wants to kiss him, she just isn't prepared for what will come afterwards.
Letting her heart win for once, Cassie lets herself go. Fuck it, she thinks. What's the worst that could happen?
Enzo puts one hand on the side of her face as their lips connect. The second they do, it's like the final puzzle piece has been slotted in. It's like finding the right key for the right door; like the final brushstroke on a long, beautiful piece of art. Cassie's hand is trembling as she puts it on the back of his head, pulling him closer.
The kiss lasts longer than both of them anticipated, neither of them wanting to let go. The moment they let go, it all becomes complicated. For now, they can enjoy the sweet peace and comfort this kiss brings to them.
Even whilst kissing him, Cassie can smell his cologne on him. It's a touch she finds all the more attractive.
Fighting against all of her urges, Cassie wins and forces herself to pull away from his lips. They both seem to catch their breath, pushing their foreheads against each other's with their eyes closed.
"We just kissed." Cassie whispers.
"I know." Enzo whispers back, his tone as soft as ever.
"I'm happy we did." she states. "Are you?"
Enzo chuckles lightly, his forehead still against hers. He doesn't give her a verbal response. He simply grips the back of her head and pulls her closer to him again. Their lips collide again, and this time it feels much more natural, and co-ordinated. He kisses her with such passion she wonders how she'll survive.
This time, when they pull apart, Enzo pulls Cassie into his grasp. Her head rests in the crook of his neck, his arm around her waist. He kisses the top of her head as they stare into the fire. "Let's talk about this another time, okay?" he mutters.
Cassie nods, and looks up at him.
She kisses him again, and Merlin, it feels so right.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The next morning, Cassie tells Pansy everything the minute she wakes up. She has to literally slap her hand over her mouth to shut her up, for Pansy screamed as soon as the words came out of her mouth. "About fucking time, Diggory!" Pansy exclaims.
Before she can protest, Pansy brings Cassie into a hug so tight she can barely breathe. "Pansy.." she says, unable to breathe. Pansy lets go with an innocent laugh.
"So now what? Are you two a thing now?"
Cassie shakes her head, "That part is still a little complicated. We said we'd talk about it another day."
"Do you like him?"
"No, I just kissed him for a laugh." Cassie replies, deadpanned. She almost laughs when Pansy's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "Of course I like him, Pansy, you daft dragon. I think I underestimated how much."
Pansy grins, "You lovesick fool. I'm so happy! Oh my! Wait until we tell the girls!"
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Let me sort out my shit first, yeah? We'll tell them when we get back to school."
"Okay, yeah."
After breakfast that morning, (which Enzo was still fast asleep to attend), Cassie decides to go for one last surf of the holiday with her brother. They stroll down to the beach at their own pace, absorbing the Cornish sun whilst it lasted. Whilst it may be baking back in London, there's something different about the sun in Cornwall. It's richer; more nutritious.
Cassie's back is sunburnt to a crisp, a pink colour so royal it's worrying. She has lovely, white tan lines where her bikinis have been, her arms and legs now a perfect shade of brown. Oh, she loves summer.
When she gets in the water, Cassie is reminded of how blissful it really is. The way it sends the most calming of cold chills through her body. The water is rough today, just how they like it.
"Ready to fucking destroy some waves one last time?" Cedric shouts, before the pair dive into a huge wave. They both emerge cackling with joy, wet hair and wide grins.
They continue doing this for a while, making the most of the choppy waves and warm water. Once they're done, the siblings make their way back to shore, then home.
"You seem chipper today— still buzzing after the Falcons win yesterday?" Cedric grins, nudging his sister as they walk.
"I guess you could say that." she chuckles. "I'm never letting go of that Horton scarf, ever."
Cassie still has no idea Enzo charmed it to fly her way, but Cedric knew the moment it happened. Fair play to him, he had to admit. It's obvious now Enzo fancies his sister, and what a better way to get into Cassie's heart?
Quidditch.
"I don't blame you. Did you see the woman behind us? She was fuming you got it."
Cassie laughs, "She'll get over it."
Cedric chucks an arm around his sister, pulling her closer to his cold, wet torso. She grimaces at his below-freezing skin,"Eugh, you're all soggy and cold." He laughs, squeezing her even tighter to annoy her. "Fuck off!" she exclaims through a laugh. She pushes away from him, but he still keeps his arm around her. They walk back to the house with wide grins on their faces.
Cassie's hesitant to leave. She stands in the kitchen in front of the Portkey, looking out of the window by the door. From where they are, there's a beautiful view of the beach. On said beach are people in the sea; some surfing, some not, people on the beach with their kids, and seagulls for miles.
"This was probably the best holiday I've ever had." Mattheo states.
"It's the only holiday you've had, mate." Draco retorts.
"Well! That's beside the point!" Mattheo argues, making them all laugh. "But really, I've had a great time."
"I think we all have." Theo smiles, nudging Mattheo.
And that they did.
From surfing to laughing; to eating to shopping. This week has been full of nothing but love, sunshine and laughter. Cassie didn't think she'd ever be as happy as she currently is.
Leaving, however, is always the worst part.
But leaving is easier, when you're surrounded by the people that made it such an unforgettable experience.
Notes:
what a chapter, am i right??
a few honourable mentions…
1) Enzo charming the scarf so cassie can catch it
2) “Couldn’t stop thinking about you, if I’m honest” WOAH.
3) Pansy absolutely freaking out after the kiss. She is us we are her.
4) Cassie and cedric surfing bright and early, laughing and “fucking destroying” some waves
i also absolutely love how Cedric immediately notices that tiny change in her behaviour that makes her so much happier. notice what i said about siblings sometimes becoming soul-tied… cedric and cassie have gotta be strong contenders, right?
Chapter 13: Y4 | The World Cup 1/2
Summary:
Y4 notes!
Hi everyone!! Thank u very much for reading up to this point— I swear the plot gets more exciting this year!!
Anyway, I really hope you enjoy 4th year— cause it's a bloody hectic year, that's for sure. I'd say it's my favourite year I've written really, because it's just so thrilling. Cassie goes through a LOT this year so you're gonna have to bear with my girl, she's a little unstable bless her 3
Happy reading!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ IF I HAD A GUN — NOEL GALLAGHER
'Let me fly you to the moon, my eyes have always followed you around the room."
Cassie sits on the steps outside of her home in the Kent countryside, the warm light from the kitchen shining through the window. The light turns off, and the front door opens. Cassie doesn't check to see who it is, for she's too busy looking at the stars. She can see herself, Regulus and Sirius.
"You're staring at me." Sirius states, sitting next to his daughter. She turns to face him, eyebrows furrowed. Sirius points at the constellation of stars to the left. "That's me. The whole Black family tree is named after stars. Hence your name, of course." he points to Regulus opposite, "That's Regulus, there. He was my brother."
"I know. Sirius and Regulus are pretty much never seen without one another. You could be all the way over there; and Regulus would always be close."
Sirius sighs, "Ironic, isn't it?" he laughs. "Me and my brother were the opposite. I ran away from home at fifteen, leaving him behind. He never did forgive me."
Cassie wants to know more about her father's past, but she doesn't know how to ask. "Why'd you run away?"
Sirius squeezes her knee, "Let's just say... my parents weren't the best."
Cassie's blood goes cold. "Where did you run to?"
"James'. His parents were mine just as they were James'. They took me in and loved me like their own."
Cassie smiles, but looks back up at Regulus. She chews her cheek in thought. Why does Sirius talk about Regulus in past tense? Why won't he elaborate on his brother?
"You know, pup, Reg looked strangely a lot like you. You have the same nose, I think. And just the way your features align, I see Regulus in you a lot."
"Tell me about him."
"He was a Slytherin— a year younger than me. He was a seeker, a bloody brilliant one at that." Sirius chuckles. "Reckon that's who you got your seeking skills from. It's in your blood.”
Cassie smiles, "I suppose it is."
"He was friends with Vick, you see. His group of friends consisted of death-eaters I never really got along with— apart from Dorcas Meadowes, Evan and Pandora Rosier. Pandora and Barty were Ravenclaw; Evan Rosier was his year; your mother, Chris Berkshire and Dorcas Meadowes were Slytherin with Reg but in our year. Dorcas joined our side for the woman she loved— the very woman you share a middle name."
"Marlene?"
"That's the one." Sirius smiles, his heart breaking at the mention of his old friend.
"Who were you friends with at school?"
"James, Remus and Peter were my best friends, obviously. We were inseparable, the four of us. But we had other friends, of course. There was Lily Evans, Mary Mcdonald, Marlene Mckinnon, Frank Longbottom—you know his son— Neville, I think."
"He's the sweetest."
"Just like his mother, that boy."
"Are you going to tell me what happened to Uncle Regulus?" Cassie says, after a moment of silence.
Sirius looks down at his hands. His brother is still tormenting him even after his death. "Not the full story, pup. We'll save that for another day. For now, you just need to know that he died young before the war officially started."
Cassie's heart drops. She knew he was dead, but hearing it come out of Sirius' mouth so casually breaks her heart. "I'm so sorry."
"S'alright, pup. It's why I don't want you to let go of your brother any time soon."
Cassie sighs. "We're okay at the moment. I think Cornwall helped all of us. Mattheo more than anyone."
"Riddle? The kids got a hard life, that one. Being related to not only the Dark Lord, but Bellatrix Black? Fuck me, I think I'd kill myself."
"Aren't you also related to Bellatrix Lestrange?"
"Oh yeah— I forget she's a Lestrange. Rodolphus and Rabastan were twins in a few years above us." he says, absentmindedly. "But yeah, I'm related to that... thing."
Cassie blurts a laugh, "And Narcissa, right?"
"Yep, and Andy."
"Andy?"
"Andromeda. She married a man named Ted Tonks, which got her disowned from the family. Lucky her, really. She'd send me muggle vinyls at school 'cause she knew I loved them so much."
"So I'm related to Draco and Mattheo?"
"Mhm."
"Merlin's beard." Cassie sighs.
Sirius laughs, "You better get to bed, pup. It's late and you've got an exciting day tomorrow."
—
The following morning, at six AM sharp, Remus takes Cassie back to the Diggory house. Cassie wears her hair half-up, half-down, with a Krum Bulgarian jersey and black denim shorts. She wears her favourite red converse and sacred bracelet.
Remus hugs his daughter right before he has to say goodbye. "Have the best time, sweetheart. Make sure you take lots of pictures, yeah? I wanna see them all."
Cassie smiles into his shoulder. He's so tall that it's almost comforting to just be in his arms. He's always warm, as well. "I will." Cassie replies, and he kisses her head.
"Yeah— okay, I'll see you when you get back." he smiles.
"Yeah."
Remus apparates out of the house with the click of his fingers. Cassie sighs and faces her brother, who sits on the sofa with a book. "Am I imagining things, or is Cedric Amos Diggory reading by choice...?"
Cedric rolls his eyes, "Shut up."
"Don't tell me— let me guess... Charlotte gave it to you?"
He narrows his eyes over his book. "None of your business."
Cassie laughs and sits down next to him, peering over his shoulder at the book. It's a romance, she notices. "Oh, but it's all my business, Ced. If you've got a girlfriend, and haven't told me... I'm afraid we're gonna have an issue."
Cedric laughs, "Fuck off and go snog Enzo."
Cassie scoffs, sitting upright and facing him. "Enzo?!"
Cedric literally chokes back his burning laughter, his lips pressed so tightly together it hurts. He's trying so hard not to burst into laughter. "A little birdie told me..."
"No she fucking didn't!" Cassie exclaims, standing up immediately.
Cedric lets go, his laughter pouring out of his mouth. His head tilts back and he thinks he might burst. "You just baited yourself out there, Cass."
Cassie's heart drops. Pansy didn't tell him anything.
"You cheeky—" she exclaims, throwing a pillow at him and punching his arm. "How the fuck did you know?"
He shrugs, still laughing. "I just had a feeling. You and loverboy have been very close recently, I couldn't help but notice. I just connected the dots and assumed you two had something going on."
Cassie rubs her fingers against her temples. "Fuck's sake."
"So... do you have something going on?"
"No!" she exclaims. "Well— I, I don't know."
Cedric grins.
"Okay, yes. We do. Happy?"
Cedric laughs again, his shoulders shaking. "Am I gonna have to have a little chat with him?"
Cassie looks at him, completely deadpanned. "Don't you fucking dare."
This only amuses him more, earning a hearty laugh. "I won't, not just yet. You two are together? I mean, I kinda saw it coming—"
"We're not together. We've just kissed, that's all. We said we'd talk about it another day."
"Ooh, rough."
"Rough? What's that supposed to mean?"
Cedric shrugs, "I've got my eye on you two, remember that."
Cassie can't help but laugh. Pulling them away from their, rather annoying, conversation, Amos walks in with a beaming grin. "You ready?"
After saying their goodbyes to Victoria, Amos, Cassie and Cedric leave the house. They walk another ten minutes or so, to a woodland. Upon entrance, are a few familiar faces.
Chris embraces Amos in a brotherly hug, clapping each other on the back. Cedric and Atlas immediately start talking by themselves, walking ahead of the others. Cassie's heart pulses as Enzo hugs her tight. "Hi." she smiles, pulling away but still close.
"Hi." he smiles.
They seem to stare at each other for a moment, neither knowing what to say. Cassie finds comfort in simply looking into his eyes, having no need for words. However, a clearing of Cedric's throat throws them both off. Cassie glares at her brother as her and Enzo start walking side-by-side. He winks and Cassie could kill him here and now.
"I'd ask if you were excited, but I think I already know the answer to that." Enzo chuckles, his arm against Cassie's as they walk.
Cassie snorts, "Yeah, I suppose. I'm excited to see Harry too, I haven't seen him in ages."
"I'm sure he's excited to see you too— what teams are they all supporting?"
"Harry, Ron, Ced and I are team Bulgaria— the correct option— and I think the twins, Ginny and Hermione are Ireland. What about your dad and Atlas?"
"Dad's Bulgaria, Atlas is Ireland."
"Looks like I'll have to have a word with him." she grins, before she advances forward, wrapping an arm around Atlas' neck to get his attention. "A little birdie tells me you're supporting Ireland..."
"Oh, piss off, Cass." Atlas cackles, knowing what's about to come for him. She does this to him every time he supports the opposite team. He knows her ways, and he's not letting it happen this time.
"I didn't even say anything!"
"You do this every time, I'm not listening." Atlas protests, putting his fingers in his ears to make a point.
Cassie scoffs and turns around to Enzo, "Can you believe him?" she exclaims. Enzo laughs, shaking his head. "I mean— ignoring me? That's low, even for you, Berkshire."
When they arrive at the meeting point for the Weasleys, Cassie and Cedric begin their dramatic entrance. They climb up the tree behind Amos and Christopher. Cedric counts down at a whisper as Arthur Weasley approaches Amos.
"Amos!" Arthur greets. "How've you been?"
"Good, good! And you?" Amos replies, shaking his friend's hand. Chris, Arthur and Amos chat as Enzo and Atlas converse with the Weasley children, Harry and Hermione.
"On the count of three..." Cedric whispers. When he reaches one, the pair jump from the tree and swiftly land on the leaves. Enzo rolls his eyes at their dramatics, whilst the twins laugh, and Ron and Harry chuckle. Hermione and Ginny share a knowing look when they look Cedric up and down, thinking Cassie didn't see.
"You must be Cedric!" Arthur exclaims, cheerily. "And of course, Cassiopeia!"
"Hi, Mr. Weasley." Cassie smiles politely, shaking his hand. Arthur moves onto Cedric, so Cassie takes her chance to speak to Harry.
"Cassie!" he grins, hugging her instantly. She hugs him tightly, embracing him. "How was your summer?"
"Pretty good! I'd ask how yours was, but I doubt it was any good." Cassie frowns.
Harry snorts, "You'd be right in thinking so."
Cassie chuckles. The big group of kids walk together in a hubbub, different conversations left-right-and-centre. Cassie's mid-conversation with Hermione and Harry, when she looks at Enzo, he's talking to Ron but looking straight at her, scratching his neck. Cassie pushes down the blush that creeps up her neck and to her ears.
As she talks to Harry, she realises how similar they are. Harry isn't the type to give up or let himself be seen as weak, which Cassie feels all too well. They share ambition and determination, traits of Harry's that leads Cassie to think he'd make a damn good Slytherin. The Sorting Hat almost did put him in Slytherin, and Cassie understands why. But then again— Gryffindor is where his heart belongs. He's born a Gryffindor, it's in his blood.
Cassie still has no idea how she got put in Slytherin, if neither of her parents were. Victoria was, but she's not her birth mother, is she?
Maybe she gets it from her Uncle Regulus? It'd make sense— Sirius also thinks she gets her seeking skills from him. It's a nice thought, Cassie reckons, it makes her feel happy to think she shares traits with the Uncle she never got to meet, but heard such good things about.
"Nah, she's left us."
"Half-way to Spain, some might say."
Cassie shakes her head, looking ahead of her, at what appears to be Cedric and Enzo. "Hi— sorry." she mutters.
"You alright?" Enzo asks, falling back and walking beside her.
"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking." she smiles. Once Cedric knows she's alright, he turns back to the twins and Atlas.
Enzo opens his mouth to say something, but is interrupted by Arthur Weasley. "Come on, kids! Get on the boot!" he exclaims. They all rush forward, standing around a brown, dusty boot.
"What?" Harry exclaims, following anyway.
Cassie hates travelling via Portkey, she always has. It's the most dizzying, unstable feeling you could ever imagine. It's like someone's on a merry-go-round in your head.
"Harry! Get on!" Hermione squeals, seconds before he panics and grabs ahold. The moment he does, all of them begin spinning around the boot. Cassie closes her eyes, shutting out the horrible sensation of the spinning. It's the worst part, she thinks. Her head pounds but she tries to ignore it, knowing that it's from the spinning and not the werewolf burrowed in the depths of her chest.
Once Cassie stabilises herself in the air, she manages to find her feet and gracefully step down. Her, Cedric, Amos and Arthur all float down as the others fall to the ground with a thud. Cassie chuckles as Enzo hits the ground, soon giving him a hand. "You alright?" she teases.
He doesn't let go of her hand, still standing close to her. "How did you do that?"
"A real magician never reveals his secrets, Enzo." she winks, squeezing his hand as they follow the crowd. They walk over the large hill and down to the campsite, Cassie's heart pacing.
Her heart leaps out of her chest at the sight of the campsite, adrenaline pumping her veins. The same four colours stuck out like sore thumbs; Red and black for Bulgaria, White and green for Ireland. However, there are lots of diverse cultures around the site, flags of all different countries everywhere. Cassie laughs and tugs Enzo towards her, walking ahead of everyone else.
The campsite is bustling with people from all over the world— Greek, Chinese, Spanish and Indian flags! Cassie can't believe it! The grass is as green as could be, the sky brushing its grey dusk away to reveal a beautiful baby blue. The sun fights its way through the clouds before making a grand entrance by shining across the campsite.
The Auror asks for Amos' name, just like at the Falcons game. He tells him that they're in Camp Seven, Row Nine, Spot Six. The Weasleys are in the same camp, but opposite rows. "I'll see you soon, yeah?" Cassie smiles at Harry, squeezing his arm. He nods with a grin before going their separate ways.
The Diggorys and Berkshires locate their tent, and frown at it. "Dad, is it meant to be that small?" Cedric asks, a hand on his hip.
"You'll have to wait and see." Amos winks. He holds the tent open for everyone, Chris entering first. Cassie follows behind Cedric, Enzo behind her.
Cassie gasps as she looks around her— it's huge! She looks around in amazement, her jaw agape. "Cedric, Cassie, you're sharing a bunk, Enzo and Atlas in the other." Chris informs. Fair enough, she didn't think he'd want his fourteen year old son in a room alone with the girl he likes.
Cassie nods and chucks herself down on one of the cushioned sofas. "You hungry, Peia?" Amos asks, unpacking his bag.
"Yeah, starving. All I had was a bit of Ced's toast that I nicked." Cassie sighs, earning a scowl from her brother.
"Why don't you guys go find the Weasleys? There are loads of food trucks around the site, I'm sure you can get some chips or something somewhere." Amos suggests.
"Yeah, come on then." Cassie smiles, standing up and swatting Cedric's arm. The four of them step out of the tent and begin wandering. Cassie taps her fingers on the side of her leg to distract herself from the overwhelming noises. There are drums, trumpets and all sorts of cheering. Usually, Cassie didn't mind noises like these, but ever since she'd been fainting, she noticed that for about a week every month, everything gets too much. The lights become too bright, and the sound of Mattheo beatboxing under his breath rings deep in her ears.
The noise all seems to fade into one blurb of chatter in her head. She closes her eyes, trying to listen to Cedric next to her, but failing miserably. It's too much.
When she opens her eyes, someone comes crashing into her front. Cassie catches herself before she can fall, gathering her surroundings as the noise all comes back into focus. She gasps at the boy in front of her.
"You cheeky fucker! You said you weren't coming!" Cassie exclaims, laughing. She immediately hugs Theodore Nott, so incredibly happy to see his face.
"I know, I know. The Minister offered dad last minute tickets, so we thought why not, ay?" he grins.
"Oi, I'm here too." Enzo scoffs. Theo rolls his eyes and claps Enzo on the back.
"So that's Theo? I always get him mixed up with the Flint bloke." Cedric mutters to Cassie. She chuckles.
"He's not half as bad as Flint, don't you worry." Cassie sighs.
"Is Malfoy here?" Atlas asks.
"Yeah, he's in his tent with his dad." Theo replies.
Cassie turns to her brother, "Is it alright if me and Enz go with Theo and Draco? We can meet you at the chippie in like an hour?"
"Yeah, if you need anything let me know." Cedric smiles, wrapping arm around her and kissing her head. "I'll see you later, yeah?"
"Yeah, love you."
"Love you."
Cassie follows Theo and Enzo to Draco's luxury tent, tapping her fingers against her leg to drown the noise out again. She focuses on the pattern she makes with different fingers— 4,3,5,2,1...4,3,5,2,1. It takes everything in her not to cover hear ears with her hands like a toddler throwing a tantrum.
"Enzo, Cassie." Draco states, the slightest evidence of a smile on his face. Cassie knows laughing is a strict rules for Lucius, so she doesn't blame him for not grinning at their appearance.
The Malfoy tent is everything but a tent. It's a gigantic black chalet-type thing. It makes sense though, these were the Malfoys. They didn't even sleep in pyjamas under at least five hundred galleons.
"Come, Draco, we're going to get food." Enzo smiles.
"Yeah, alright, let me tell Father." Draco replies.
An hour later, Cassie sits on a bench with a large portion of chips in front of her. Enzo sits beside her, Draco and Theo opposite. Cassie quite literally had to threaten Draco so he wouldn't keep scowling at Harry for no reason. She made him swap seats with her so Harry was out of his eye-line.
The evening soon rolls around, and Cassie finds herself in an intense game of Uno with her friends. Draco and Theo went back to their tents so the others found the Weasleys. Everyone sits in a big circle by the sofas, the Uno laid out on the coffee table in the middle. By this point, Cassie has two cards left.
Beside her, Hermione only has two; Cedric and Ron have the same. She watches as Cedric lays down a blue seven and calls Uno. Cassie's eyes dart to her own two cards, grateful for the red seven she has. She places it down and calls Uno, glad to be tied with Cedric. As long as they're tied, nobodies winning yet— and she'd rather that than lose.
Hermione lays down a red Uno-reverse card, meaning it's Cassie's go again. She beams as she dramatically chucks down her final card, it being a beautiful, incredible, sacred red three. Everyone erupts into laughter and groans. "Of course it's Cassie! She never fucking loses anything!" George exclaims in a huff, making her laugh. Quite the reputation she has, she thinks.
"Go on, play for second and third place. My moneys on Granger and you, Weasley." Cassie grins, pointing at Ron. She stands up and ruffles Cedric's hair before sitting on one of the sofas, cross legged.
She watches Enzo's face as he chews his lip in thought. Cassie knows what those lips feel like, how they taste. How they align with hers like the answer to a riddle. She also notices how one particular strand of his hair hangs over his forehead, straying from the rest. It makes her want to run her fingers through his hair.
She shakes her head.
What's wrong with her?
Cassie doesn't do this— she doesn't pine over people like this. She doesn't long for their touch, or think about them non-stop.
This is all new to her— she doesn't know how to deal with it. Is this what it's like to crush on someone? To want to be with them all the time? To want to kiss them again?
Oh.
Oh.
Is Cassiopeia in love with Enzo?
Notes:
CASSIE HAS HER “Oh.” MOMENTTTTT
what a coincidence, bumping into theodore and a particular blonde! yay! the more the merrier!
cassie having to switch seats with draco so he stops scowling at harry HELP. poor harry <3
hermione bringing uno might just be the best decision ever. cassie, of course, being the competitive boss she is, winning as per usual. thank you hermione, we all say in unison.
all is well at the moment!
let the match begin…
Chapter Text
➵ THE CUT THAT ALWAYS BLEEDS — CONAN GRAY
'The cut that always bleeds.'
"Blimey, dad, how far up are we?" Ron exclaims as they climb the black metal stairs. They've been on the stairs for what feels like hours, Cassie thinks. As soon as you think you've made it to the top, there's another flight of stairs.
Cassie looks over the railing to a very familiar face. "Well... let's put it this way. If it rains, you'll be the first to know." Lucius spits, his voice cold. Cassie hates him.
Draco leans against the railing beside his father, a sneer on his face. "Hi, Draco." Cassie calls down, hoping to defuse the awkwardness on her level.
"Cassiopeia. Lorenzo." Draco nods. Cassie's gut wrenches. Cassiopeia. Seriously?
Cassie leans into Enzo's shoulder behind her, "Full naming us is mental." she whispers, earning a snort from Enzo.
"Father and I are in the Minister's box! By personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself!" Draco brags, matter-of-factly. Cassie and Enzo already know this, so they don't even pretend to be shocked.
Draco is so different around his father it actually sends goosebumps on a mission around Cassie's body. His posture is tighter and he watches his every move and every word that comes out of his mouth. He's more spiteful, that's for sure. Cassie knows he only does it to impress his father; show him that he can be the man Lucius has always wanted him to be, but it never fails to upset her. He could be a good person if it weren't for his father.
"Don't boast, Draco." Lucius growls, hitting Draco in the stomach with his snake-headed wand. Cassie and Enzo share a look. Draco's silver eyes flash a notion of regret for a split second, but he quickly goes back into proper Malfoy mode. "There's no need for these people." Lucius scowls.
Cassie looks at Harry beside her, who displays no apparent emotion on his face. Lucius catches his hand on the railing with his wand, "Do enjoy yourself, won't you?" he says eerily. "Whilst you can."
Hermione grabs Harry's shoulder and tugs him back up the stairs. Lucius flicks his locks of white hair before taking off ahead of Draco. Cassie and Enzo wait behind everyone else. "You alright, Draco?" Cassie asks quietly, wary of Senior Malfoy.
"Fine." Draco says, a scowl on his face as if she'd just insulted his whole bloodline. He shakes his head, "I'll see you later. Enjoy the match." he nods.
Cassie sighs and turns to Enzo. He parts his lips in utter confusion, shaking his head. "Come on, we better go up." Enzo sighs.
"Yeah." Cassie replies. As they climb the steps just that little bit more, Cassie wonders about Draco.
However, her brain distracts itself completely when they reach the top of the stairs. Her senses overload with different sights and sounds as she scans the humongous crowd. Cassie scoffs in disbelief, her smile wide. The stadium is way bigger than she could've ever imagined— much bigger than the Falcons game in Cornwall.
The stands road with patriotism, pride and adrenaline. Cassie stands in between Harry and Cedric. Cedric cackles with excitement and chucks an arm around his sister, looking down at the crowds. "Oh my god." Cassie exasperates.
"That's the Irish!" one of the twins exclaim. Cassie's jaw drops as the green fireworks transform into a gigantic leprechaun Irish dancing. The vibrant green lights reflect onto the crowd. Pretty impressive, Cassie has to admit. The crowds cheer louder as the Irish players soar around the stadium.
"Here come the Bulgarians!" George exclaims— or it might've been Fred. Cassie can't tell the difference over the top of the crowd.
Cassie's face lights up with excitement when the Bulgarians burst through the leprechaun, killing off the upbeat, Irish music. Huge fireworks go off like Cassie's never seen, and heavy drummed, suspenseful music begins. On the side of the stadium is the camera on Krum, which makes the crowd roar. He lifts his fist in the air and Cassie almost scratches her vocal cords from cheering.
A 'Krum!' chant begins and soon enough the whole crowd is in unison. Cedric looks at his sister and laughs as she cheers, a hand on either side of her mouth for emphasis.
The teams come to a halt as Cornelius Fudge takes a stand, lifting his hand. "Good evening!" he announces, gaining everyone's attention. "As Minister for magic, it gives me great pleasure to welcome each and everyone one of you to the final of the four hundred and twenty-second Quidditch World Cup!" At those words, the stadium breaks into cheers once again. "Let the match..." Fudge starts, lifting his wand to the crowd.
"Begin!"
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Is it odd I spent the whole match staring at Lynch and Krum?" Cassie asks her brother.
"No, I don't think so. You're a seeker— they're seekers. Only makes sense." Cedric shrugs. They're walking back to the tent after the long, drawn-out match. Unfortunately, after a shock to all, the Irish won.
Even more unfortunately, Cassie owes George seven galleons. Before the match, they set a bet on their teams. Cassie put seven galleons on Krum catching the snitch and Bulgaria taking the win— George did the same for Lynch and Ireland.
Cassie sighs, "Merlin, I was so sure Bulgaria had it in the bag. I mean, those chasers? They're brilliant! Especially in the first hour, they played beautifully. No idea where they went wrong after that."
Cedric laughs, "I bet Krum's just glad he caught the snitch."
Cassie sighs, "Probably, and I'm glad he did, but come on, they were ten points off!"
"Ten points make all the difference, Cass. Remember that when you start coaching this year."
"Don't remind me." she groans. Cedric starts talking about his first day as captain, but Cassie's head goes cloudy. She blinks rapidly, trying her hardest to stabilise herself.
No. Not today. Don't you fucking dare.
She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. See, she's okay. She is not going to faint.
Her back is definitely not throbbing and her vision definitely is not blurry.
Definitely not.
They enter the Weasley tent to debrief and discuss the match. Cassie chucks herself down on the sofa immediately, rubbing the palms of her hands on her eyes. The match lasted a strong four hours, which makes it almost midnight. It's also freezing outside, only seven degrees. Cassie shivers, goosebumps arising.
Enzo takes a seat next to Cassie and smiles, squeezing her knee, "Hey, you." She smiles up at him weakly, trying her hardest to mask the mixture of fuzzy feelings she has going on in her head now. "Take my jumper, you're bloody freezing." Enzo says, rubbing her leg.
Cassie doesn't have time to protest before Enzo takes his maroon hoodie off and puts it on her lap. Cassie gratefully accepts the gesture and puts it on, her heart warming at his, oh so familiar, vanilla scent. Enzo wraps an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him. She rests her head in the crook of his shoulder as he kisses the top of her head.
"My back hurts." Cassie mutters, the pain worsening.
"Really? On a scale of one to ten?"
"Er— like a seven?"
"Is there anything I can do? Have you had any symptoms or anything like that in the holidays?"
Cassie shakes her head, "None. I haven't had any in months."
Enzo frowns, "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. If it is, I'll get your dad."
Before Cassie can reply, a grinning George Weasley sits on the sofa opposite them, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "So, Cassie." he declares, a smile on his face. She groans. "Where's my money then?"
Cassie buries her face in Enzo's shoulder. "If I can't see you, you can't see me." she protests. "So leave. Go. Flee.”
Enzo laughs and reaches into his pocket. "How much does she owe you?"
"Seven galleons." George smirks, proud of his accomplishment.
"Is six ninety-five alright?" Enzo asks, holding his hand out.
Cassie slaps his hand back, "You're not giving him the money for a bet I placed, Lorenzo."
"Alright, where's your seven galleons then?" Enzo protests.
Cassie searches her short pocket, only pulling out four galleons and forty sickles. "Er...”
"Exactly." Enzo grins. He hands George the money. "You can pay me back later if it bothers you that much."
"Cheers." George winks, shoving the galleons in his pocket. He rises from the sofa and skips over to his brothers.
Cassie swats Enzo's torso, "You twat."
"You're welcome." he grins, and Oh, Cassie wants to kiss him. She can tell he's thinking the same, because he keeps looking at her eyes, then down to her lips and back up again. He slowly leans down, Cassie about to meet him in the middle—
"Eugh, not in front of your own brothers, please." Cedric exclaims, Atlas at his side.
"Piss off." Cassie scowls.
"Dad!" Cedric sing-songs. "Cassie just said a swear word! She just said piss!" he exclaims. Cassie finds the nearest pillow and lobs it at her brother's head. "Oh." Cedric growls. "I see how it is."
He grabs a pillow and throws it at her just as hard. She squeals and jumps up from the sofa, equipping herself with another pillow. Cedric, too, has another pillow as he chases her around the tent. Their laughter bounces off the thin walls of the tent, Cassie occasionally turning to see Cedric with a pillow aimed at her.
"Cut it out, you two!" Amos declares, as Cassie and Cedric start getting physical. They slam the pillows into each other as they cackle with laughter. Cassie gets him right across the head, and they erupt into stomach-hurting laughter.
Amos rolls his eyes and steps in between his children, just like they were young again. "Come on, you two. You're teenagers, not children." Amos says, sternly pointing a finger. Cassie and Cedric share a look, biting back a laugh.
Cassie looks away, knowing that if she looks at him again, she'll burst into laughter. Instead, she walks the opposite way to the where the twins are harassing Harry. Cassie puts a quivering hand on her back as the pain intensifies.
"Think you're in love, Ron?" Ginny teases. Fred and George circle Ron with their Irish flags around their shoulders like wings. They repeat "Krum!" over and over again to prove a point.
The twins start singing, "Victor I love you, Victor I do," and the others finish. "When we're apart my heart beats only for you!"
All of a sudden, there's a loud crash outside the tent and a round of screaming. Arthur, Chris and Amos run outside to assess the situation. "Looks like the Irish have their pride on!" Fred laughs.
"It's not the Irish." Arthur shouts, running back into the tent with Amos and Chris. "We need to get out of here!"
Cassie looks at Enzo before Chris and Amos begin pushing them all out of the tent. They mustn't of realised how chaotic it had become outside, because, Oh.
Fire. Screaming. Drums? Running. Pushing.
It's all a blur in front of Cassie, her eyes wide with lack of focus.
It all becomes muffled again as Amos orders Cedric to keep his eye on Cassie. Cedric's hand is in Cassie's as she struggles to gain her balance. She searches the hubbub for Enzo, but he seems to of been whisked away by the crowd.
Her heart rate instantly increases, panic surging her head. "Enzo." she whispers. "Where's Enzo?" Cassie hollers.
"Cassie, come on!" Cedric shouts, tugging her one way. Cassie shakes her head, still looking for Enzo. She's repeating Enzo's name under her breath like a mantra.
In the spur of the moment, Cassie unclasps her hand from Cedric's. She joins the crowd, screaming Enzo's name. No reply.
Fuck.
Cassie runs, but the pain in her back slows her down. She curses herself for her health's horrible timing. Seriously? Right now? Out of all times?
She looks back for Cedric, but her heart drops when she realises he isn't there. No. No. Fuck. Where is he? Sweat drips off her head in a panic, her chest heaving. She presses a hand to her forehead, trying to gather herself.
She slowly backs away, catching herself on a tent behind her. Cassie keeps stumbling backwards, until the pain is too unbearable in her back. Her knees give in and she falls to the mud, her hands flat on the floor.
She lets out a scream of horror as the agony spreads through her body. That same feeling she previously had in her back can now be felt all over her body, each and every limb. All of her joints crack and click, and one of her legs snap out of place.
She hollers into the sky as more bones break. Her body is spasming and there's absolutely nothing she can do to stop it. This is it. This is the transition.
She lets out a sob as she looks up.
That fucking full moon.
The tears continue streaming as she looks down at her hands— no, paws. She has fucking claws. Her head pinches with pain, and she presses her hands to her face to prevent it.
What she doesn't realise, however, is that Werewolf claws are so incredibly sharp that they immediately slice flesh. She screams in agony as fresh blood leaks down her cheeks and over her eyelids.
Cassie screams and sobs into the full moon, praying it would all end and it would be a bad dream. This can't be happening. Remus isn't here, he promised he would be. Madame Pomfrey is supposed to give her painkillers and all sorts of potions before. She's meant to take care of her after.
The last thing Cassie processes before her head hits the floor is the horrific shriek of her brother. "Cassie!"
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Oh, Cassie." is the first thing Cassie processes when she wakes up. She blinks a lot, staring at the ceiling. Where is she?
She tries to sit up, but the pain in her chest, stomach and back prevent her from doing so. She falls back against the sofa arm, her head against a pillow. "What the fuck happened?" Cassie mutters, her voice weak and shaky. She had screamed so much that it hurts to talk now.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart." Remus sighs. She's at Remus and Sirius' house. She's safe.
She's safe.
But are Enzo and Cedric? The others?
"No. No. Cedr—"
"Oh, god, no." Remus interrupts, shaking his head. "No, Cassie, everyone's alright. Cedric's okay. Enzo's okay, so is Amos and everyone else. They made it out."
Cassie feels as though a boulder has been rolled off her chest with relief. "Oh." she sighs. She closes her eyes, exhaustion overriding her will to keep them open. "It was a full moon, wasn't it?"
She remembers it all. She remembers the agonising cracks of her limbs, the pain of the claws against her face. She remembers just wanting it all to stop.
But she's okay, isn't she? She's here. She's alive— a little damaged, but nonetheless alive.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I was meant to be there— it wasn't meant to happen yet. Fuck, I'm so sorry." Remus sighs, a tear threatening his eye.
"It's not your fault, shut up." she groans. "I'm alright, aren't I? A little traumatised and physically fucked, but I'm alright."
Remus almost laughs at his daughter's level of stubbornness. "You shouldn't have been put in that position, Cassie. Not yet. Not there. Not then."
"What happened?"
"Well, there was a security breach upon entrance, you see. Deatheaters found their way in, and shortly after the match ended, they raided the camps. They set tents alight and shook fear into everybody, but, luckily, nobody died." Remus explains, as Cassie's eyebrows twist in thought.
"They— um, I saw Enzo get taken away by a crowd. I let go of Cedric, I fucking let go and went looking for him. I couldn't see straight and I had this horrible pain in my back— it got too much and I just collapsed. Next thing I bloody know, I have claws and my bones are snapping everywhere."
"I know, sweetheart. But, the worst is over now. Full moons never get easier, but you learn to cope using them and learn how to put yourself in charge. You're not the wolf, okay?"
The way Remus says that makes Cassie worried. Why did he say it like she did something bad?
"Dad..." she warns, her heart racing.
"I—"
"Dad." Cassie says, firmly. She sits up. Remus can't look her in the eye.
"Cedric, he, um—" Remus starts, and Cassie's blood instantly turns to ice. "he found you mid-transition. Remember, when Snape set the essay? You had to write about how the wolf completely detaches from its human self— it doesn't recognise people as loved ones." he sighs. "You, fuck. How can I say this..."
Cassie shakes her head, "No. No. No I didn't. I'd never— I—" Her breath fluctuates so much she finds herself putting a hand on her heart.
"You attacked him, Cassie. It's not your fault. Do not blame yourself."
Cassie lets out a choked sob, covering her mouth. "No. He's my brother I—"
"He's okay, Cassie. Victoria apparated to the site as soon as word got to Dumbledore. She helped him, she waited for you to complete the transition and then helped you."
"He's— he's okay? How bad was it? Did I— did I scratch him?"
"It'll scar, but he's okay. Nothing critical or anything to worry about. Just a big old scar on his shoulder."
"What if he doesn't want to see me? I— what if he hates me?"
"He's been here five times."
"How long was I out?"
"Two days."
Cassie's jaw drops. "He— he doesn't hate me?"
"You know he'd never."
"He doesn't hate me."
"He doesn't hate you."
Remus holds his daughter as she sobs into his shoulder. He strokes the back of her head and kisses her forehead, a tear rolling down his cheek. He's stiff from his own full moon, but his main priority is always Cassie. Nothing else matters more than tending to his traumatised little girl.
She's only fourteen.
Sirius sits on the bottom of the stairs, his elbows on his knees as a hand covers his mouth. His eyes are wide as he watches his daughter break down in front of his husband. He could never understand the pain they go through every month, but he sure can feel the way they understand each other right now. Remus knows what it's like to hurt someone you love accidentally as the wolf. He knows what it's like to undergo a transition by himself. Sirius considers stepping in, but realises all Cassie needs right now is someone that understands and won't push her.
Remus gets it.
He zones out, staring at the wall. When he looks back up, Cassie is leaving the living room, wiping her nose with a sniffle. Sirius stands up and looks at her, his lips parted and eyebrows low. Cassie sadly smiles before falling into his embrace. Neither of them say anything, but they're both so very happy to be here. Sirius kisses all over the top of her head lovingly. "Is now a good time to tell you I love you more than I could ever even try to put into words?" Sirius laughs.
Cassie chuckles into his shoulder, "Probably not." she shrugs. "But who cares? I love you too."
Sirius, Remus and Cassiopeia all cry. But fuck, they feel like a family, even if they're all sad, traumatised and hurt by all this.
Notes:
CASSIEEEEE
her attacking cedric BROKE me. like my girl would NEVER and the pure outrage she has after remus tells her.sirius watching them both cry :,(
he’s so specialon a lighter note, ced and cassie’s pillow fight makes me giggle. amos treating them like kids even tho they’re teens acting very much like kids😭 give the poor fella a break 3
but at least everyone is okay!!
Chapter 15: Y4 | Healing
Summary:
David Fucking Bowie
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ ME AND MY DOG — BOYGENIUS
'Just me and my dog, and an impossible view.'
When Cassie steps into the shower, her skin burns. It sizzles and burns at the heat seeping into her fresh, open wounds. Fuck, it hurts. She hisses and closes her eyes as it eventually becomes bearable. She runs her hands through her wet hair, tipping her head back into the water.
After the agonising, dreadful shower, Cassie stares at herself in the long mirror. She studies her naked body. She counts her scars. Four on her face; two from her neck to her collarbone, a really wide one on her stomach, five on her knees to her shins.
Twelve in total. Twelve. Twelve scars. Twelve reminders.
She wraps a towel around herself, tired of looking at them. It pains her chest to keep looking. Sirius has laid out a pair of short pyjamas on her bed so her wounds get some air. Very slowly, she gets changed and mutters a hair-drying spell.
Cassie notices that Enzo's jumper is on her chair. She lifts it up, and her heart twists. It's completely ruined. There are rips everywhere and blood on the sleeves. She holds it to her nose, but the vanilla scent is no longer there. Instead, theres a smell of ash and blood.
When Cassie reaches the bottom the stairs (after struggling with Sirius holding her up), she almost sobs at her brother's face. He stands in the living room, his arms crossed as he chews his nails. He looks up, and for a minute, her eyes startle him. They're no longer a burning yellow ember, but back to their warm brown.
Cassie sees the moment he looks into her eyes and recoils slightly, and Fuck, it hurts. She feels it deep in her chest. Cedric doesn't waste another second before hugging her as tight as he can. "I'm so sorry, Cedric. I'm so sorry." she repeats over and over again into his shoulder.
"Please stop, Cassie. I'm not upset." Cedric insists. She buries her head further into his shoulder, guilt and sorrow gliding her nerves.
They embrace for over a minute long, as the adults in the room watch. Amos' eyes fill with tears and he covers his mouth with the back of his hand. Victoria rubs Remus' back soothingly, knowing how painful this all is for him.
When they finally pull apart, Amos hugs her next. He holds her tightly, but not enough to hurt her. "Merlin, I'm so glad you're okay." he whispers.
Victoria is next, and she holds Cassie's cheeks with her pale, cold hands. "How are you feeling, pickle?"
Cassie sniffles, "Better, I s'pose. Less achey, more painful."
Victoria sighs, "I did think that would be the case. Are you up for me having a look and giving you medication just yet?"
"Can I— can I just have a minute? If that's okay."
Victoria smiles, and kisses her forehead. "Of course you can."
They all sit in the front room, and Sirius brings them all a warm cup of tea, buttered toast for Cassie. He knows it's her favourite. "Last night—" Amos starts.
"Can we, er, can we not talk about last night? Just for a bit, I'm sick thinking about it." Cassie sighs.
Amos looks and Victoria, "I— yeah, sure."
"How was the match?" Sirius asks, knowing it'll cheer Cassie up. Just as predicted, she grins.
"It was brilliant, wasn't it, Ced?" she smiles, and Cedric shares a nod beside her with a smile. "I mean, Krum? He's spectacular. If it weren't for those ten points the Irish had over them, they would've won."
"What was the final score?" he asks.
"170-160 to Ireland. Krum caught the snitch in the fourth hour, but Ireland had more points." Cassie replies. "George and I placed a bet, you see. I put seven galleons on Bulgaria, he did the same for Ireland."
"Ooh." Sirius winces.
"Yep." she laughs.
"You didn't even end up paying him." Cedric chuckles.
"No, Enzo did it for me." Cassie smiles, proudly. She ignores the smirk Cedric gives her by swatting his arm.
"He's good to you, isn't he?" Sirius smiles.
"Yeah. We're just friends though." Cassie clarifies, and Remus and Sirius share a look. Cedric snorts. "Shut up." she whispers. He raises his hands in mock-surrender, making her chuckle.
Amos checks his watch, "We better be off, the Ministry is in all sorts of chaos recently. Fudge'll have my head off if I'm late again."
"So soon?" Remus says.
"I'm afraid so."
"Can Cedric stay? I mean, if you want." Cassie asks, looking at her brother.
"I don't see why not." Sirius shrugs. Amos and Victoria share a look and shrug.
"I'll come and get you after dinner, yeah?" Victoria smiles at her son. He nods with a smile.
Once Amos and Victoria leave, Cassie shows Cedric her bedroom. She has all sorts of posters and photographs, similarly to her home in London. Cedric ignores the feeling of jealousy when he sees how comfortable she is here.
A few hours later, they lay on the grass outside, looking up at the clouds. Cedric groans when he turns slightly, the wound on his shoulder stinging. Cassie pretends it doesn't make her blood run cold. Cedric clears his throat, preparing himself. "Please don't kill me when I tell you this."
Cassie turns her head on the grass to face him, Cedric doing the same. "Oh fuck, what have you done?"
He laughs, "I haven't done anything. I'm just not sure how you're going to react to what I tell you."
"Ced, I told you I was a werewolf and you shrugged it off like I told you the time."
Cedric laughs, that familiar grin on his face. "This is true."
"Go on then, what's up?"
He sighs, "You were right— that book Charlotte gave me. It's more than that though, I— I don't know how to say this." He takes a deep breath, looking back at the clouds. "Me and Charlotte were together for about three months."
Cassie sits up straight, ignoring the stinging pain she gets on her stomach scar. "What?" she exclaims.
"Shh, I'm not done. Sit back down." he ushers. She lays back down, her lips parted in shock. "She broke up with me last night."
Cassie looks into his eyes.
Something is off. He's not upset, or angry. He seems... relieved? Like he's satisfied.
"Why?"
"She— um, she said there was someone else."
Now this, however, makes Cassie sit up even straighter than before. "She fucking what?"
Cedric laughs, "Let me finish!"
Cassie doesn't sit back this time, instead resting on her elbows.
"Do you wanna guess who she cheated on me with?"
Cassie wracks her brain as to who it could be. It wouldn't be anyone in her year, so think Cedric's year. Not the Weasley twins, Fred likes Angelina Johnson anyways. Not Lee Jordan, definitely not Eddie. Not Adrien Pucey, Lucian Bole or Matthew Rosenthal.
Not Flint... surely. Who'd cheat on Cedric with Marcus Flint? You'd have to be out of your mind. Cedric's a handsome boy, there's no denying. Charlotte's not anything special, but she's not ugly either. Marcus, however. He looks like underside of a bullfrog.
"Don't tell me it's Marcus Flint."
Cedric's jaw drops. "How in the great fuck did you get that?"
Cassie sits up even straighter, outraged. "No. You're having me on." she exclaims. "This is some sick joke, right? Who the fuck— Marcus Flint!" Cassie says, her eyebrows knitted together.
"I knew you'd say that."
She shakes her head, "Sorry, I'm having a hard time processing this. Marcus fucking Flint? The one with those big buck teeth? The one on my team?"
He nods, "Unless you know any other Marcus Flints with big teeth and on the Slytherin team."
"Fuck." Cassie sighs, rubbing her temples. "Mate, I reckon I'm gonna have a little chat with him when we get back, don't you?"
"Don't." Cedric warns.
"He can't punish me anymore. He's not my captain."
"You're fourteen."
"Your point...?"
"He's sixteen..."
"Yes...?"
Cedric rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "Do not fight Marcus Flint."
"What would you do if it was me?" Cassie retorts, and this makes Cedric deflate a little. She's got him there. "If Enzo cheated on me with someone you absolutely hate."
"Ha! You just described Enzo as your boyfriend!"
Cassie tilts her head at her brother disapprovingly. "It's for example purposes, thank you very much. I could've said Theo or Blaise."
"No you couldn't have."
Cassie sighs with defeat. "Right. Okay, I'll make you a deal. You shut up about Enzo, and I won't knock Flint's door down, yeah? How does that sound?"
Cedric laughs and reaches out to shake her hand. "Sounds good to me."
"Do you wanna watch a film with me?" Cassie asks.
"A film?"
"It's a muggle thing. Remus has a television."
"Sure."
They wander inside and lounge across the sofas. Cassie turns on the television and puts the DVD into the player. She hasn't quite got the hang of how it all works yet. She works the remote with furrowed eyebrows.
"Dead Poets Society?" Cedric asks.
She grins, looking at him. "It's my favourite. You'll love it if I do."
"Mhm..."
"No, promise me now. Promise to watch it with me at least once every year. Preferably at Christmas or something."
Cedric chuckles, and sits on the same sofa as her. They join their pinky fingers, kissing their thumbs. "Weird promise, but I'll do it if it makes you happy."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The following afternoon, Cassie is back at home in London. She slides the letter she wrote to Pansy into an envelope, stamping the edge. She ties it to Coral's leg, feeding her a few treats before sending her off out the window. She stands up from the dining table and puts her walkman on; Changes by David Bowie plays in her ears, and she can't help but dance.
Her socks give her the ability to glide around the kitchen floor effortlessly. She sings the lyrics under her breath as she pours a glass of orange juice, bopping her head to the beat. "Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch changes." she mutters.
Since she woke up yesterday, she feels much better. Her energy levels have improved, and the scars are healing well (according to Victoria, anyway). She's doing better, and is honestly excited to go back to school after the weekend.
Cassie feels as if someone is watching her. She clicks the pause button and slowly turns on her heels, looking at the door. Leaning against the doorframe is a beaming Remus Lupin. He's laughing at her. "Hi." Cassie smiles, as if nothing happened.
"Hi." he chuckles. "I was going to ask if you wanted to go out somewhere, but you appear to be training for the Royal Ballet."
She rolls her eyes, "Shut up."
"Good song choice though— Bowie? Classic." he smiles, nodding.
"Yeah. I'm a Fleetwood Mac girl at heart, but Bowie is a very close second."
"Your dad and I grew up listening to Bowie at Hogwarts. Bowie, Queen, Led Zeppelin, T-Rex..."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah." he smiles. "So, you fancy going anywhere?"
"Sure, anywhere in mind?"
"I know a record shop in Covent Garden." Remus prompts. Cassie grins.
She goes upstairs to get dressed as quickly as she can. She wears a loose white shirt with a Fleetwood Mac design on the front, denim shorts to match. She puts on her comfortable red converse with all sorts of rips and doodles on. They're still muddy, and even a little bloody, from the World Cup. She mutters a spell to clear it off, the reminder fading away.
Cassie worries about what people will think of her scars. She's not left the house since it happened. People at school will see these scars, they'll talk. They'll wonder what she did to get them.
She'll have to lie to Harry and the others.
The thoughts flood her all at once, so she swiftly shakes her head and puts her hair into a ponytail. She traces a light finger over her facial scars, shuddering at the sight. She should be getting used to the sight of them, really, as they aren't going anywhere, but she can't help the feeling in her stomach when she sees them.
Cassie leaves her bedroom and slowly makes her way down the stairs. She may be better than before, but Merlin, she's still stiff.
She halts at the bottom step at the mention of her name. "It's so sweet to see how Cassie's warmed up to you two." Victoria smiles.
Remus chuckles, "We're so grateful to have her." Remus frowns at the glint of sadness in his friend's eye. "You miss her, don't you?"
Victoria sighs. "Don't get me wrong— I'm so incredibly happy she has you two, and loves you both so much. But, agh," she frowns. "It's just hard to come to terms with the fact she's no longer that little girl, you know?"
Remus nods, "I understand. I knew the possible repercussions of my actions. I knew not only she would get attached, but you and Amos would too— even Cedric."
"God, that girl means everything to him. Separating them is gonna be a hard task, Remus, you are aware?"
"I know."
"They've always been inseparable. Absolutely nothing has ever come between them, even her attacking him as a fucking werewolf, Moony." This makes Cassie close her eyes. "Cedric's seventeen now, after Hogwarts I'm pretty sure he'll move out. Cassie deserves to have her real parents. They'll still be close, there's no doubt about that. No distance could ever separate them."
"It breaks my heart, Vick. I mean, do you see the way they look at each other? The way he held her for two minutes straight yesterday? Neither of them said a word, yet they knew exactly what each other meant. That's something you don’t forget, or adjust to others easily."
"I know, I know. But they talk constantly at school, studying and playing quidditch all the time. It's not as if you're sending Cass away to live in Russia or something."
Remus laughs, "Yeah, I 'spose. I just need to think about it— Sirius is set on it. He loves her so much, you have no idea."
"I can't say I blame him, Remus. She's pretty perfect."
Cassie shakes her head, having enough of their conversation. "You ready, sweetheart?" Remus smiles, pushing himself off where he leaned against the kitchen side. Cassie nods with a smile.
What did they mean by separating her and Cedric? What hasn't Remus told her?
—
The pair arrive in the shop and Remus goes to the front desk to speak to the owner (who he seems to know very well), a man in his late seventies for sure. Cassie wanders off to the rows of records. She stops at the letter 'F', flicking through the records in alphabetical order.
She picks up Tango in the Night, a Fleetwood Mac album she doesn't yet have on vinyl. Three pounds— cheap enough, right? Cassie learns about muggle exchange rate in Muggle Studies. One pound is equivalent to seventy-five sickles.
Remus stands next to his daughter by the records, looking at the record she holds. "What've you already got?"
"The Cure, Tears for Fears, lots of Bowie, Queen and the Smiths." Cassie shrugs. Remus smiles. A daughter with good taste, he did well there.
"I have some spare Smiths ones, want them?"
"No, dad— they're yours."
"No, I insist. They're spares anyway."
Cassie looks at him with a hand on her hip. "If they're spares..."
Remus laughs and puts an arm around her shoulder. "God, you really are my daughter."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Cassie, come on! We're leaving in 5 minutes!" Victoria shouts from the bottom of the stairs.
"Coming!" she replies. Cassie quickly ties the laces of her dark green converse and makes sure she has everything she needs. With the flick of her wand, she locks her trunk shut. She grabs the trunk and heads down the stairs.
Remus, Victoria and Cedric stand there waiting for her. "In your own bloody time." Cedric scoffs.
"Shut up." she scowls. She turns to her dad, "Oh, hi. You're here."
"Thought I might as well see you off." Remus shrugs with a smile.
Cassie grins, "Alright, we better get going to get a good seat then."
When they reach platform nine and three quarters, Cassie waits outside with Remus, Victoria and Cedric for the Berkshires. They do this every year, meeting before the train like this. Cassie hasn't seen Enzo since the World Cup, so she's pretty bloody excited to see him.
"I agreed to meet Eddie on the train— can I go now?" Cedric asks.
"If you must." Victoria frowns. She pulls him into a hug and gives him one of her usual, unnecessarily long pep-talks like every year. Cedric then walks over to his sister and lightly hugs her, knowing that he'll see her at school anyway.
"Let me know if you need me, okay?" he says. "But, Cass, do me a favour."
"Hm?"
"Don't kill Charlotte or Flint on the train, will you?"
She laughs, "I'll try my best."
"That'll have to do for now." Cedric sighs. He ruffles her hair before tugging on his trunk tighter, and heading towards the train.
"Cassie." is the next thing Cassie processes. That's Enzo. That's Enzo's voice. Enzo.
She runs toward him, meeting him in the middle. He holds the back of her head, "Why didn't you write to me? I've been worried sick!" he exclaims.
"Fuck, I'm sorry." she mutters, pulling him closer. She's missed his vanilla scent so much.
He pulls away and holds each side of her face, scanning her scarred face. She tries her best to escape his grasp, pushing her head away. His grip is firm on her cheeks. "They look nasty." he winces.
Cassie closes her eyes, not wanting him to see her like this. "Please, don't." she mutters, under her breath. Remus sees how self-conscious she feels, so he swoops in like the good dad he is.
"Enzo! How are you?" he smiles, clapping him on the back. Cassie sighs with relief, looking down. Soon enough, Elizabeth, Enzo's mother, rushes them towards the train.
Remus embraces her so tightly it's hard to breathe. "Have a brilliant term, okay? I'll discuss arrangements for the next full moon on the twenty-first with Dumbledore and Poppy, so you needn't worry. I swear on my life I'll be with you for your next one."
Cassie nods, "Thank you."
"Always, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you."
"I love you to the moon and back."
"I love you more— now go! Get on that train." he grins. Cassie laughs and says goodbye to Victoria, Chris and Elizabeth before following Enzo to the train.
"Y'know, she really reminds me of James sometimes. It's like she's the perfect mix of you, Sirius, him and Regulus, you know?" Victoria points out, Remus' arm around her shoulder.
"I know exactly what you mean."
Cassie turns and waves at Remus and Victoria with a smile. "You ready for our fourth year at this shithole?" Enzo grins.
Cassie laughs, "Think so."
Notes:
okay, first of all; cassie and cedric hugging for like 2 minutes straight. amos crying. vic supporting remus on the verge of tears. everyone fully emotional at how beautiful their bond is. they mean SO much to me you guys don’t understand.
second of all; CHARLOTTE. bet you didn’t see that coming ;) marcus easter bunny flint!! what a crossover.
ced promising to watch dps with cassie every year :,) pls they’re so cute i cant. their little pinky promise tooooooo
CASSIE SINGING BOWIE AND REMUS WALKING IN LMAOOO he’s been there, done that. knowing his daughter ever so well and taking her to a record shop?? dad of the year hello???
he’s an absolute angel.on with fourth year!
Chapter 16: Y4 | Charlotte
Summary:
Sibling instincts, huh? Who could blame ‘em?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER — SAM FENDER
'See, I spent my teens enraged.'
Cassie grins at the sight of her favourite dirty-blonde Nott. She chuckles and hugs him. "Theo," she sing-songs, swaying with him as they hug. He pulls away and look at her face. "What happened to your face?" he asks.
She sighs, "I'll tell you all in a minute."
She moves past Theo as Enzo greets him next, searching for a particular brunette girl. Pansy squeals and jumps out of her seat at Cassie's appearance. Cassie stumbles back as Pansy practically jumps on top of her. "Merlin, Pans." she chuckles, hugging her tight.
"Hi." she smiles.
"Hi." Cassie laughs. When Cassie wrote to Pansy a few days ago, she explained what happened at the World Cup with her full moon. Only Pansy and Enzo know what happened that night. Pansy studies Cassie's face with a sympathetic smile on her face.
"Oi, me next." Blaise says, pushing Pansy out of the way. Cassie chuckles and hugs him, grateful to be around her favourite Slytherins again.
Cassie smiles at Draco, and he discreetly shares one back. It's a small gesture, but it's something, right?
Mattheo is the last one to arrive, and Cassie runs down the train to meet him in the middle. He chuckles and lifts her up off the ground when they hug. "What the fuck happened to you?" he exclaims, eyebrows furrowed.
"Long story, I'll explain in a minute." she frowns.
Once Mattheo greets them all, Cassie takes a deep breath and looks at Enzo for reassurance. He nods with a smile, which calms her nerves more effectively than she thought. "Where'd those come from?" Blaise asks, motioning to her scars.
Okay. This is it. Just get it over and done with, yeah? They'll love her either way. They're her friends.
"Alright, I assume Draco or Theo told you guys what happened at the Cup?" Cassie asks Blaise and Mattheo, knowing she already told Pansy. Cassie knows for sure that Blaise already knows about it, but not from them, but from his mother.
The boys share a look and nod.
"After we left the tent, I watched Enzo get swept away by a crowd of people. I let go of Cedric and went looking for him. But I looked up as I started to get my symptoms again, and of course, it's a full moon."
Cassie pauses to see which of them are smart enough to connect the dots. Blaise will be first, she reckons. Draco next, maybe.
"You didn't...?" Blaise questions.
Cassie looks him in the eye, her bottom lip catching between her teeth slightly. "Yeah."
"Oh shit." Mattheo gasps, only just realising. "Are you okay?" he exclaims.
"Yeah— I am now. I blacked out for like two days straight so I don't remember the worst of it." she shrugs.
"So where did the scars come from?" Draco asks.
"I've got them everywhere— but I only remember causing the first ones. I had a really bad migraine so I put my hands against my face, forgetting my hands were literally claws. I ended up just scratching my face completely."
This is the first time Enzo's hearing this, so his breath hitches all the same as the others'. His heart hurts for the girl he loves. It's so unfair— she doesn't deserve this. If he could, Enzo would take her place without a second thought.
"Are you sure you're okay now?" Theo asks.
Cassie nods, "Yeah." she bows her head. "Please don't pity me, or act like my whole family is dead or something tragic like that. I'm fine. This is something I'm going to have to get used to, so I don't need you all worrying about me every time."
"Cassie, of course we're going to worry about you. It's not pity if we all love and care about you." Blaise states.
"Yeah, it's empathy." Pansy smiles with a shrug.
"Yeah, I know." Cassie sighs, looking around at her friends. How they've stayed at her side four years now bewilders her. The fact they've sat on this train four times now, and not once have they ever hated one another. "But you'll be feeling a lot of empathy, because this is gonna happen to me for the rest of my life."
"Then I guess we'll have to stick by your side for the rest of your life." Mattheo crooked-smiles, warming Cassie's heart.
How did she get so lucky?
—
A few hours later, the group are scattered around the carriage. Cassie has her head on Pansy's lap, and her feet on Blaise's. She zones out of their conversation about possible DADA teachers this year as her bracelet lights up; 'Can we talk?' says Cedric.
'Come to my cart.' Cassie replies, shortening carriage.
'On way.' Cedric says.
"Can we play monopoly?" Mattheo asks brightly.
"We are not playing monopoly. Remember when we played in first year and I dropped the whole game on the floor? Pansy made me pick up every single piece." Blaise exclaims, earning snorts and chuckles from the group of friends. First year seems like so far away now. Life was so simple when all Cassie had to worry about was the apparent troll in the dungeons, and winning against Potter.
Before Cassie knows it, Cedric is stood outside the carriage door. She slowly stands up, her muscles slightly achey, and slides the carriage door shut behind her. "You okay?" she asks, noticing his red nails.
"When I tell you this, you need to promise me you won't go rogue and hex Charlotte?" he says in a serious tone, stepping towards his sister.
"Oh fucking hell." Cassie groans, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "What's the twat done now?"
"She's spreading rumours that I was the one that cheated on her with Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw seeker. The whole train believes her." Cedric sighs.
Cassie physically felt the anger rise up her body and to her throat. She could feel it sitting on her chest, mocking her. Cassie doesn't say anything before pushing Cedric out of the way and storming down the train. "Cassie—" Cedric exclaims.
Cassie ignores him, her face deadpan. If Charlotte even thinks for a second she can mess with her brother and get away with it, she's in for a treat. She is not making it off this train unharmed today, Cassie will be glad to make sure of it.
Cassie smiles as she approaches her carriage. Cedric doesn't interfere past this point, simply standing back with his arms at his sides in defeat. Fuck, this might actually be entertaining.
Cassie slams the door open, crossing her arms. She nods at Charlotte fake-crying surrounded by girls rubbing her back and comforting her. "Charlotte." Cassie says, her tone cold.
The girl looks up, and her expression changes completely. She wipes her eyes, "What do you want?" she spits, her shaky tone now long gone.
"You know, I've gotta give it to you, Charlotte mate. This is impressive— all this." Cassie laughs sarcastically, waving her finger around her fake hubbub with a grin. "Pretty good for an ugly Hufflepuff wanker."
Cedric has to resist the smile that threatens his lips.
"What?" Charlotte says, slipping back into the pathetic, cowardly act.
"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Go on, tell them the truth. You're a lying little cunt and these people are wasting their time on you." Cassie says, effortlessly. She watches as all of Charlottes friends share looks of confusion.
Cassie leans forward, tilting her head and pressing a hand to her ear for emphasis. "I don't hear anything...?"
"What do you want, for fucks sake?"
"For you to tell your little fanclub how you cheated on my brother with Marcus Flint."
Charlotte scowls at Cassie, and oh, she loves it. She laps it up like a dog. Watching how she drops the act completely and sneers at Cassie enough to throw daggers.
Charlotte opens her mouth to protest, but Cassie cuts her off with the flick of her wand. "Flipendo." Cassie mutters, sending Charlotte flying into the wall.
Cedric doesn't stop her, and neither do Cassie's friends who have appeared to see what's going on. They could hear her shouting all the way from their carriage.
Cassie crouches down next to Charlottes weak body on the train floor. "Next time, don't spread rumours about my brother that we both know aren't true." Cassie simpers, her volume low for emphasis. "You're going to go and tell everyone on this train that you lied, and you're very sorry for what you did. If you don't, and I find out that people still are giving Cedric grief, I'll do much worse than a simple hex." she says, her tone strong and clear enough to show she knows what she's doing. "Are we clear, Charlotte?" Cassie says, much louder.
Charlotte sobs (not as an act this time) and nods helplessly. Cassie stands up, satisfied but stops at the doorframe, turning around. "I know I'm only fourteen, but trust me, I can and will make your life a living hell if you pull a stunt like this again." Cassie slams the door shut.
Hagrid begins charging down the train, and Enzo quickly hides Cassie behind them all, his hands on her waist. "You're fucking brilliant, you know that?" he whispers, his face close enough to Cassie's to give her butterflies.
Cassie's anger all drops out of her body at Enzo's touch and words. He's the clearness her cloudy head sometimes needs.
"Come on, Hagrid's coming." Blaise says. They all walk back to the carriage, making sure Cassie isn't in sight. Cedric catches up and walks beside her.
"I would tell you that was stupid, and you shouldn't have done that, but Merlin's beard, Cassie. That might've been one of the best things I've ever seen." Cedric sighs.
Cassie laughs, "You'd do the same, if not worse, if it were me."
"Course I would. Bruise or a broken leg."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
By the time they reach Hogwarts, word spreads across the train that Cedric Diggory's little sister, the Slytherin seeker, had a go at Charlotte Anderson and hexed her. Everyone had soon forgotten about Cedric, for their new focus is Cassie and how she put Charlotte in her place.
"Welcome back, all!" Dumbledore begins, and Cassie rests her chin on her first, bored already.
"Here he goes again." Daphne whispers, earning a snort from Slytherin's small group.
Filch bursts into the hall, Mrs Norris in his arms, and whispers something to Dumbledore even Cassie can't hear with her new heightened senses. Since the full moon, she's noticed her emotions and senses are much more intense. If she's sad, she's really sad; if she's happy, she's really happy, that kind of thing.
The hall echoes a murmur of laughter as Filch hobbles his way out of the hall. "Hogwarts—" Dumbledore says, drawing everybody's attention again. "has been chosen to host a legendary event." he says, building suspense. "The Triwizard Tournament!"
The hall burst into chatter and discussions. "What's that?" Pansy asks.
"Reckon Dumbledore is about to explain, mate." Theo says, earning a snicker from Cassie and Draco.
"To those who don't know, the triwizard tournament brings together three schools for a series of magical contests. From each school, a student is selected to compete." Dumbledore informs. "Now let me be clear! If chosen, you stand alone. And trust me when I say, these contests are not for the light-hearted." he explains. "But more of that later, please join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of the Beauxbaton Academy!" he beams. Cassie shares a look with Pansy opposite her.
Out of nowhere, a large line of beautiful girls emerge into the hall wearing light blue silk dresses. Cassie's jaw drops at their beauty. They randomly lean toward the tables and make a graceful 'Laaa' type of noise as they glide down the tables. The girls look at the boys and they're all in awe.
Enzo, however, looks straight at Cassie when she looks to him. He's not looking at the obviously part-Veelas in front of him, he's looking at the girl he's known his whole life with a condition that turns her into a werewolf. She smiles to herself and bows her head, a blush creeping up on her cheeks.
"Wow." is all that Mattheo manages to say, and the girls laugh amongst each other.
"Horny wankers." Lexi scoffs, making them laugh even more.
The girls of Beauxbatons, a Wizarding Academy in France, create a beautiful performance involving butterflies and blue sparkles. Cassie watches in astonishment. These girls are gorgeous.
However, Enzo isn't bothered at all. He might be one of the only boys in the room that isn't fawning over their excessive hip movements.
The hall erupt into claps and cheers— but it consists of mainly boys, most girls too envious to join. Lots of Slytherin boys cat-call them, which earns disapproving scowls from the girls. Lucian Bole wolf-whistles and Tracey chucks her half-full cup of pumpkin juice at his shirt.
"Looking good ladies!" Mattheo hollers, standing up. Cassie hits him over the head with a newspaper. "What did I do?" Mattheo insists, making the boys laugh.
"Please greet the proud sons of Durmstrang!" Dumbledore shouts, silencing the whole hall in an instant. Finally, something Cassie's interested in. Durmstrang is the school of the brilliant seeker of the Bulgarian quidditch team, Viktor Krum. The same Viktor Krum that caught the snitch at the World Cup.
The boys— well, they look much bigger than boys, enter the hall. They slam their large sticks in a repetitive manner on the ground as they walk with suspense. Every often, they let out a "Heugh!" noise. "It's Krum!" Cassie exclaims as he walked past the Slytherin table, swatting Mattheo's arm over again.
They start running and doing all sorts of somersaults. The whole hall watch in anticipation and shock as they make their way to the front with all sorts of tricks. "I can't even do a rolly-polly." Pansy exclaims.
Cassie laughs, "That's because you don't even attempt exercise."
Pansy rolls her eyes but chuckles, "Shut up."
The headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, looks even scarier than his students. He has a large beard and a mean scowl on his unpleasant looking face. He's wearing a long, maroon woolly coat with a number of golden pins across. "Albus!" the man exclaims and hugs Hogwarts' Headmaster.
The two newest additions of the school take their seats at the extended Hogwarts tables. Most of the Durmstrang boys sit at the Slytherin table, much to Draco and Cassie's delight. Krum is less than ten metres away from them.
"Now, you are all probably wondering more about the tournament. I'm afraid, students under the age of seventeen will not be able to participate for safety reasons."
The hall bursts into chatter and Cassie even hears the Weasley twins shout "That's rubbish!" She gets a wave of dread. What if Cedric tries to enter? He turned seventeen in the holidays. He could get himself seriously injured, if not killed. This tournament is not an easy one.
At least Cassie doesn't have to worry about any of the boys being dumb enough to enter it.
"I know, I know, but it's for the best. Students will write their names on a piece of parchment and place it in the goblet. Entries have to be in by this time next week when the goblet will reveal the contenders!" Dumbledore adds.
"Ugh, I was going to enter." Mattheo groans. The group laugh in his face.
"You wouldn't of lasted two minutes, Riddle." Cassie laughs.
He scoffs, "I don't think you would do any better."
Cassie raises her eyebrows, "Which one of us has caught the golden snitch thirty three times?"
He rolls his eyes, "Oh shut up."
She laughs, "Good thing you have to be over seventeen, then."
All of a sudden, the ceiling charm becomes undone. It to pours with peltering rain and Cassie covers her head with her hands in an attempt to protect her straightened hair. The pounding noise of thunder rings through her body, sending shivers to her skull. On top of that, all of the tables are shrieking— which drives Cassie absolutely insane.
The side door by the staff table bursts open and in the doorway stands a hobbled-over figure. The man whips out his wand and re-charms the roof. From this angle, he looks like— "Is that Mad-Eye Moody?" Theo exclaims.
Mad-Eye Moody is an ugly-looking man. Just one look at him and you get the creeps. His blonde chin-length hair is more split than anything. He isn't fat— but he wasn't skinny either. He's a plump man with one eye missing, a fake one replacing it. He has scars— very similar to Cassie— across his face, somehow suiting him.
"No, it can't be!" Cassie replies, disbelieved.
"Who's Mad-Eye Moody?" Mattheo asks.
"Alastor Moody— he's a famous auror. Worked with my dad, actually. He's a lot nicer than he looks." Cassie explains. The man raggedly makes his way over to Dumbledore who is rather glad to see him.
"My old friend, thanks for coming." he welcomes.
"Bloody ceiling," Moody mutters. The man turns away and drinks from his small, round flask. His head twitches and his tongue slips out of his mouth and back in again. Cassie furrows her eyebrows. Odd.
"What's he drinking?" Daphne asks.
"Probably filling himself up with alcohol— that's what I felt like doing when I stepped through those doors earlier." Theo responds, making the group laugh.
"I'm afraid you will all have to wait a little longer to begin the feast as the sorting ceremony still has to occur!" Dumbledore exclaims as the hall groan in unison.
—
After the feast, Cassie catches up with her brother, who's leading the Hufflepuff first years to their common room. She taps him on the shoulder with a smile, "Hi." she grins. He chucks an arm around her shoulder as they walk. "You're not thinking about entering, are you?"
Cedric rolls his eyes. "I don't know yet, maybe." he shrugs.
Cassie squeezes his hand around her shoulder, "Don't be stupid, Ced. This tournament is dangerous. Do you remember the story grandad told us from when his mate competed in his years?"
"Yes, yes. The bloke is now in a wheelchair."
Cassie sighs, "Well, at least talk to me about it before you make any decisions, yeah?"
He nods, "Go on, I need to sort out these." he motions to the crowd of first years behind him.
"Pinky promise me."
Cedric laughs and holds his pinky out to his sister, who happily joins hers with his. They kiss their thumbs and he ruffles her hair. "Goodnight, Cass." he chuckles.
"Night, Ced!"
Notes:
WHEEWWW what a chapter!! i mean go off cassie… you hex her! i love how supportive not only cedric is but her friends too😭 they’re all just there for the fun of it tbf
cassie telling them about the full moon and mattheo whipping out the “I guess we’ll have to stick by your side for the rest of your life.” UGHHHHH i hate them i love them so much!!!!!!!!!! mattheo having a soft spot for cassie always melts my heart
moody making an entrance as per… what an absolute legend. we all know who we have to thank for that…
like i said, i love the marauders so i will sneak in every reference to barty crouch jr every time i write moody 🥰 sorry not sorry!
Chapter 17: Y4 | Side-effects
Summary:
Basically Enzo being a paranoid little shit after Cassie leaves for more than an hour
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SEX, DRUGS ETC — BEACH WEATHER
"Break the air to feel the fall, or just feel anything at all."
Cassie walks down to the dungeons by herself, the murmur of students in each common room she passed. She tries to ignore how the scratching of the torches on the walls are pounding in her ears, and how she can still smell the leftover food from the feast in the hall. It's frustrating really, having no control over your senses. Perhaps she'll speak to Madame Pomfrey after classes tomorrow.
But for now, Cassie trails down to her dorm with the girls. They're all already in their pyjamas and chatting across the room. Cassie supposes she should tell them about Enzo, and maybe get some advice. It's not easy keeping all of this for yourself, Cassie thinks. Yes, Pansy already knows, but she hasn't had to the chance to exactly discuss it. Cassie wanders into their bathroom and changes into her pyjamas, then lies on her bed.
"Anything exciting happen with Berkshire that we should know about?" Tracey teases, a knowing smirk on her face.
"How the fuck does everyone notice that?" Cassie exclaims. "I literally looked at my brother and he could tell something happened with him."
"What happened?" Daphne demands, sitting up from where she was previously lying on the carpet doing her nails.
Cassie sighs, all of her dormmates' eyes on her. "When we went to Cornwall, it was late and neither of us could sleep. I was sitting downstairs by the fire and Enzo just came and sat next to me." Cassie explains. "We were just talking, nothing interesting." she shrugs. "But I asked him why he couldn't sleep, and guess what he said."
"Err— 'You were on my mind'?" Lexi guesses.
"Not quite— but bloody close." Cassie laughs, and immediately the girls' eyes widen. "He said 'Couldn't stop thinking about you, if I'm honest.' and then, erm— I might've kissed him."
Everyone squeals at once, and Cassie thinks she might go deaf. They all jump up and hug her at once, even Pansy, who already knew all of this. "That's amazing!" Daphne cries. "I'm so happy!" Lexi follows. "About time!" Tracey adds. Cassie has no choice but to laugh.
"So are you two like... together yet?" Pansy asks after everyone pulls away and sits closer.
"No, we said we'd talk about it another day. We still haven't talked about it. I almost kissed him again at the World Cup, but of course, Cedric had to ruin it." Cassie sighs.
"Classic big brother antics, I s'pose." Lexi shrugs.
"Yeah, but bloody annoying. I don't know what to do now though. I can't just talk to him about it, not yet anyways." Cassie frowns.
"I say just see how this week goes, if you decide you don't want to be in a relationship with him by the end of the week then tell him that. But if you do..." Daphne smiles, raising an eyebrow for dramatic effect.
Cassie brings her knees to her chest and rests her head on her arms. "It's all too much for me to think about." she groans. "But yeah, I'll give it a week."
—
The first day of classes go smoothly, Cassie thinks. Their particular trio terrorise poor Sinistra in Astronomy as per, and get taken 20 points away from their house by Snape in Potions, but what's their life if not a little exciting?
After last period, which was a very boring Transfiguration theory lesson, Cassie heads to the Owlery with a letter she wrote to Sirius. It reads:
Dear Padfoot,
How are you both? I'm doing alright here, but still wanted to talk to you. Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Triwizard Tournament this year! Exciting, right? Mattheo is annoyed he can't enter, but he wouldn't last anyways. Only students over seventeen are allowed to put their names in. I bloody hope Cedric doesn't enter because we all know how that'll end.
The boys from Durmstrang are here— they're terrifying! There's also the Beauxbatons students, they're all annoyingly drop-dead gorgeous. But Krum is here, and every time I see him I have to remind myself to keep my cool. He's even more scary in person.
And I also got into a slight— erm... altercation with someone on the train. If dad gets a letter from Snape, it's not my fault. I tried to contain myself, but I couldn't help it. I got so angry. Plus, I'd do anything for Cedric, including hexing the girl that cheated on him and spread rumours about him.
But enough of that, write back soon. I miss you already.
Love you to the moon and back,
Pup x
She finds her snowy owl, Coral, and gives her a few treats before tying the letter to her talon. "Safe travels, darling owl." Cassie mutters under her breath as Coral takes off, her white wings in the distance.
Cassie jumps out of her own skin when she sees someone standing behind her. "Fucking hell! You scared me!" she exclaims.
Harry chuckles, "Sorry. I didn't mean to."
"It's fine." Cassie smiles. "You alright?"
"Yeah, but are you...? Those scars, I— um, they weren't there last week. I was just wondering—"
Cassie panics, every excuse running through her head. "I got into a fight with my cat. Leo can be very vicious at times." Cassie laughs, praying that Harry will believe her. "Are you writing to Padfoot?" she asks, changing the subject.
"Yeah I am actually, how's he been?"
"Good, just bored at home all the time. I can't say I blame him really, there isn't awfully much to do there."
"But he's doing okay, yeah?"
"Yeah." Cassie smiles. "I best be off, Draco wants to start our potions project already."
"Yeah, okay. I'll see you around." Harry smiles.
Cassie nods and squeezes his arm before heading down the steps. Harry's such a lovely boy, Cassie thinks. She looks up at the sunset— a beautiful blend of orange, pink and purples. She only wishes she had her camera, for this is a perfect photograph opportunity.
For some odd reason, Cassie thinks of her Uncle Regulus. She thinks of how his life was so short, yet seemed to have such an effect on Sirius. A strong part of her wishes she got to meet him. From what Sirius told her, she thinks they'd get along just fine.
Cassie strolls through the castle and finds herself at Madame Pomfrey's door. "Cassie, dear, how are you?" Poppy smiles, the maternal glint in her eye.
"I'm good— I was wondering if we could just have a chat?" Cassie asks.
"Of course! Come in, darling." Poppy smiles. Cassie sits down on one of Poppy's brown armchairs before Poppy pours her a lovely cup of tea. "What can I do for you?" she smiles, sitting opposite her.
"Well, I'm assuming dad told you what happened at the World Cup? About my full moon?"
"Yes, he did." Poppy sighs, twirling her spoon around her cup. "I'm so very sorry, dear. I honestly had no clue in the slightest it would happen so early— from now on, we will monitor your patterns much more carefully. At the end of every week, I would like you to fill out a medical report to hand back to me. I just need to see if anything out of the ordinary is happening, you see. You're the first inheriting werewolf I've come across, so I can never be too sure."
Cassie nods, "That's okay. I just wanted to ask about some side effects I've had since." she sighs. "My emotions and senses are definitely heightened. I get angry a lot easier, and when I'm happy I'm so happy it's like I'm on something. My senses are all over the place— I can hear Enzo chewing from the other side of the room, and I can smell the chocolate frog someone is eating in the dorm above mine."
Poppy nods, taking it all in. "Side effects will definitely be heightened for your first transition, but yes, they're completely normal. Anger is always a big one— most werewolves say the same." Poppy says. "It's tough, the heightened senses, because there's not actually anything I can do. The part of you that has these heightened senses isn't you— it's an animal. I can't give you anything to reduce them because it simply won't work."
Cassie sighs. "I have insomnia, but at this point I'm just not even tired at all. I can accidentally stay up all night because I don't feel anything. Even now, I'm not tired, and I slept about three hours last night."
Poppy frowns. The poor girl can't catch a break. "I suppose it's the animal that heightens everything, and that's even including your insomnia. Everything you felt before the full moon is heightened, whether it's romantic attraction, sadness, the way you feel about a certain subject. It's all heightened, I'm afraid."
Does that mean Cassie's love for Enzo has heightened?
"How long will this last, Poppy? I'm already tired of it. I keep snapping at people and zoning out. Everyone is noticing and I just don't know what to say to them."
"Since it's your first one, it's definitely more drawn-out, typically the side-effects only last about three to five days. It's been almost a week since your full moon, yes?"
Cassie nods.
"I suppose it'll last another few days. Will you be alright?"
Cassie nods.
"If you're sure, dear. I can give you a Sleeping Draught and a few Pepper Ups but you mustn't take too many, or I'll get into trouble."
Cassie smiles.
Poppy gets up and grabs the potions, "Professor Snape will be annoyed enough that he has to make more of these. The cheeky bugger is slacking off recently."
Cassie chuckles, "That's Snape for you."
Poppy shakes her head and hands the vials to Cassie. "Not too many, okay? One Sleeping Draught before bed, and only two Pepper ups a day as a minimum. Do you understand?"
"Thank you, Poppy. This means a lot."
"Of course, dear."
Cassie says her goodbyes to the medi-witch before taking her time strolling around the castle. It's not yet curfew, so she has time to wander about. It's nice to have some time to gather her thoughts and take a breather. The castle halls are empty and dark, a gesture that calms Cassie just that bit more.
Making her jump slightly, her bracelet lights up on her wrist. 'Where r u?' it reads.
'Walking'
'Enzo is looking for you'
'Coming to cmmn room' she replies, ignoring how she forgot the o's in common.
Cedric repeats it to Enzo and heads the opposite way, back to his common room. Enzo had come to him asking if he'd seen Cassie anywhere, then they both panicked having no clue where she was.
Cassie sighs and keeps walking, changing her direction to the dungeons. She creeps past Snape's office, careful not to make a sound. A few people had told Cassie that Hagrid found out it was her that caused the havoc on the train, so Snape probably already knows now. She doesn't fancy a detention her first day back, thanks.
Cassie mutters the password before it swings open. Enzo rushes to her side, his arms crossed over his chest. "Where were you? You were gone over an hour!"
"Sorry, talking to Madame Pomfrey." Cassie says, having no energy to talk to him now. She just wants to sleep.
"About what? Do you feel okay?" he asks, pressing the back of his hand to her forehead. She weakly smiles and nods.
"Just knackered, Enz. I'm sorry." she sighs.
"Oi, don't be silly. You have nothing to apologise for." he says, pulling her into his arms. He wraps his strong arms around her neck as hers find his torso.
Cassie looks up at him, his arms still around her. She stands on her tip-toes and presses a kiss to his lips. It's a small kiss, yet it makes them both unbelievably happy. That kiss gives Cassie a boost of energy, a smile on her face. "I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?" she says, her tone soft.
He kisses her head and hugs her again. "Goodnight, Cass."
At that, she smiles and walks up her dorm stairs feeling warm inside. It's like Enzo left an imprint on her body, because she swears she can still feel his embrace.
Cassie starts walking into the bathroom, but is interrupted. "Nuh-uh-uh, where do you think you're going?" Pansy exclaims from Daphne's bed.
"To shower...?" Cassie says, slowly turning around.
"You can shower in the morning. It's girls night." Daphne grins, patting the space next to her. Cassie sighs with a smile, knowing that these 'girls nights' actually manage to cheer her up most of the time.
They sit around the beds in the middle of the room. Over the next hour or so, Lexi paints Cassie's nails a dark green, Cassie plaits Pansy's hair, Tracey shows them all her new clothes she got for her birthday and Daphne pulls out her face-masks.
There's a rap at the door after Cassie puts her face-mask on. "Ugh, can you get it, Cass? You're closest." Tracey says. Cassie sighs and stands up, opening their dorm door.
Mattheo and Blaise stand there with wide eyes and furrowed eyebrows. "What the fuck—" Mattheo starts, as Blaise follows "Why the fuck are you black?" with exclamation.
Cassie laughs, "It's girls night. They're called face masks."
"Ooh, girls night?" Mattheo grins, poking his head around the door. "Can we join?"
Cassie snorts, "Did you hear me...? Girls night."
"Fine. We'll have a boys night without you then." Mattheo huffs, crossing his arms for dramatic effect.
"What makes you think I'd be bothered by that?" Cassie laughs.
They shrug, but Cassie hears Blaise mutter "Suck my cock, Diggory." under his breath.
"I'll leave that to Luna Lovegood." Cassie snorts. Mattheo and Blaise share a look; Mattheo's of fear, Blaise's of accusation. "Yeah, I know about your thing for Lovegood." she grins, making it worse for Mattheo.
Blaise scoffs, "Who told you? I only told Mattheo and Enzo!"
Mattheo looks away and shrugs nonchalantly, "Probably Enzo."
Cassie can't help but let out a laugh, "It was Mattheo."
Blaise scowls at the boy next to him, and Cassie bursts into laughter. "You're dead, Riddle." Blaise chases Mattheo down the stairs, and Cassie can hear him throwing pillows down in the common room.
"I hate you, Cassie!" Mattheo shouts, earning a cackle from Cassie. She closes the door and sits with her friends again.
"What did they want?" Pansy asks.
"Mattheo wanted to join, I said no."
"Why'd Blaise chase him?" Tracey snorts.
"I let slip that I knew about his crush on Lovegood. Mattheo was the one that told me."
—
The room falls silent the second the stubby, scrawny professor walks in. It's either everyone is too scared to speak, or they're stunned with admiration. Moody makes his way to the front and stands still. He studies every students face, searching for any flaws that he could use as leverage. "Alastor Moody. Ex- Auror, ministry malcontent and your new defence against the dark arts teacher. I am here because Dumbledore asked me to, end of story, goodbye, the end." he says all at once. Cassie and Harry share a look. They sit at the front, Enzo and Hermione behind them.
"Any questions?" the man adds. When nobody responds, he continues talking. "When it comes to the dark arts, I believe in a practical approach. But first, which of you can tell me how many unforgivable curses there are?" he questions.
"Three, sir." Hermione blurts out.
Cassie studies Moody. Cassie has met this man on multiple occasions. With Amos working at the Ministry, he's been in close relations with Mad-Eye since the Dark Lord fell all that time ago. The Moody she knew was nice, and cheerful. He was lovely and good with kids.
This Moody seemed the opposite. He didn't care for the kids before him. He was spiteful with his tone and body language.
This isn't the Moody Cassiopeia once knew.
"And they are so named?" Moody asks.
"Because they are unforgivable, the use of any of them will-" Hermione says before being interrupted.
"Will earn you a one-way ticket to Azkaban, correct." he finishes. "The ministry says you're too young to see what these curses can do, I say otherwise. You need to know what you're up against!" he exclaims. "You need to be prepared! You need to find another place to put your chewing gum beside underneath your desk Mr. Finnigan!" he bellows and everyone turns to poor, embarrassed Seamus.
"Ah no way— the old codger has eyes on the back of his head." Seamus whispers to Dean.
"And he can hear across classrooms!" Moody shouts, making everyone jump. Cassie and Harry share yet another look, holding back their laughter. "So, which curse shall we see first?" Moody asks, eerily. Using Unforgivable curses in a classroom is against the law, everyone and their mothers know that. He stands in front of Cassie and Harry's desk. "Diggory! Or should I say Black." he exclaims.
Cassie's heart drops to her stomach. She swallows deeply. "It's Diggory, sir." she says, standing up, not letting him intimidate her. She still can't place why he's become so spiteful.
"Oh is it now? Tell Remus and Sirius I said hello, will you?"
Notes:
poppy being cassie’s therapist i LOVE. we all need a poppy pomfrey in our lives don’t we? the parallels from her talking to cassie to her doing the same with remus all those years ago 😫😫
ALSO enzo shitting himself after cassie leaves for like an hour 😭😭 bro is literally smitten and isn’t even aware. him going to cedric for help makes me CREASE bless his heart <33
and mad eye at the end… woah! he was NOT holding back LMFAO. i mean get it…? but can we not be hating on remus and sirius pls barty we know you love them really. let’s leave cassie alone for the time being, huh? give the poor girl a break xx
Chapter 18: Y4 | A long time coming
Summary:
Cue the romantic music
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LIKE REAL PEOPLE DO — HOZIER
'Honey, just put your sweet lips on my lips. We should just kiss like real people do.'
Cassie's heart thumps in her chest at the mention of her dads' names. How and why did he know their names? "Anyways, give me a curse." Moody mutters.
"Uh, my dad— Amos, did tell me about one. The imperius curse." Cassie says slowly.
"Amos, ay? Good man he was, better than Remus, anyway, the wolf freak." he replies. The anger boils on top of Cassie's pacing heartbeat.
"Keep my dad's name out your mouth." she spits, not really caring how he'd react.
"Cassie..." Harry whispers.
"I see that you've got Sirius' attitude then! Sit down." Moody scowls. Cassie sighs deeply and sits back down.
"What just happened?" Harry whispers.
"You tell me. How the fuck did he know about that? Now everybody else knows!" she retorts, trying to ignore all of the whispers with her name in. She puts her head in her hands as Moody carries on. She isn't listening. She can't.
She focuses on the low murmur of the students. Her heightened sense of hearing makes it much easier to hear the whispers.
Moody is mid-explaining when Mattheo stands up. "Keep Cassie's name out of your dirty mouths or I swear to you, you'll wish you never said anything." Mattheo exclaims, silencing the classroom. Cassie turns around and weakly-smiles at him.
"Riddle! Forty points from Slytherin! Sit back down!" Moody shoots at Mattheo. Mattheo sits back down and he smiles at Cassie for reassurance.
"You okay?" Harry whispers.
Cassie shakes her head, "I need to get out of here." She hears every single whisper in the room. She covers her ears to drown them out, but it doesn't help. She can hear her heartbeat pacing in her palms, as they sweat with nerves.
"Better stay away from her, she's probably a murderer like her dad." Cassie hears someone whisper from the back of the classroom. She has to bite her bottom lip to stop herself from saying anything.
"No wonder she's a slytherin, she's a Black after all." another whispers. She has enough. Cassie does have limits, you see. She gathers her books and violently shoves them into her bag. She stands up and leaves the classroom without a word.
Cassie slams the heavy door behind her and makes her way down the many stairs. She can't send a message to Cedric because he's in lesson, so he wouldn't be able to help. Enzo and anyone else that Cassie would go to for help is also in lesson. She doesn't want to disturb Madame Pomfrey because she has enough to do already— she probably didn't want to put up with Cassie's troubles.
As soon as Cassie gets to the bottom of the steps, she leans against the stone cold wall and lets herself fall into the ground. She puts her head in her hands but refuses to let herself cry. It's embarrassing, she shouldn't be crying over something like this. Moody can't make her weak. Plus, she isn't upset. She's angry. Cassie couldn't stand up for her dad because then everyone would know that she had been in contact with him. She had no choice but to listen to them.
Little did Cassie know, her friends are in that classroom defending her with their lives. Enzo shouts things like "Mind your own fucking business!"; whilst Draco is a little more blunt with it...; "You say one more thing and I'll cut your throat." and Mattheo and Theo throw threats and insults around the room.
She tries to take deep breaths to calm down her racing pulse but it just doesn't work. She's almost hyperventilating. What's wrong with her? She's not weak. Moody won't make her weak. "Cassie, are you okay?" Enzo exclaims, running down the stairs.
Cassie looks up from her hands and sighs with relief when she sees him. She considers lying and telling him she's fine, but she knows he'd see right through it. "No." she says on the verge of tears.
He runs to Cassie's side and sits next to her. He wraps his arms around her and pulls her close to his chest. "It's okay, you have to ignore them."
"It's not that easy, Enzo."
"I know love, I know." He holds the back of her head with his hand as she lets the tears stream down her burning hot cheeks. Cassie knows Enzo would never judge her for crying. He knows she isn't weak.
She's not weak, okay?
Cassiopeia Diggory isn't weak.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Enzo takes Cassie behind the Qudditch pitch, and through the hills to a beautiful spot. Cassie leans against a tree, looking down at the Quidditch pitch. "You feeling better now?" Enzo asks, resting on his elbows beside her.
Cassie sighs, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit frustrated is all."
"Talk to me."
"The most annoying part is that I couldn't stand up for Sirius. If I did, everyone would know I'd been in contact with him. To everyone else, he's still a mass murderer on the loose, right?"
"Yeah, I suppose. It would all be so much easier if he had a trial."
"You're telling me?" Cassie frowns. "Moody knew exactly what he was doing— he knew it would get a reaction out of me. But what I can't figure out is why. You remember him from when we were little, don't you? Good friends with our dads."
"Yeah, he used to sneak us pumpkin juice when our parents said we had too much already."
Cassie laughs, "Exactly. He was such a lovely man, I don't understand what's changed. He used to call me Sugar."
"Perhaps it's worth speaking to Amos, or your dads. I suspect Snape and Dumbledore will be made aware of it all, and Moody will get a bollocking. He's not allowed to do that, and he knows that."
"I don't care what happens to Moody, I just hate how our whole year group now knows my dad is a killer and the other is a werewolf. It's all they're going to talk about."
"We shut up a few nosy Gryffindors, don't worry. It won't keep everyone from talking about it, but I think we've helped the cause. Draco, especially." Enzo laughs. "Blimey, Cass, if only you heard the shit he was saying."
"Draco? Draco Lucius Malfoy defending me?" Cassie scoffs, "He's got to be broken— a screw loose or something. I don't believe it."
"Honest! I was honestly a bit scared of him."
Cassie laughs, "Did you walk out?"
"Yeah, after Mattheo insulted Seamus Finnigan's whole bloodline."
Cassie chuckles, "Lorenzo Berkshire breaking a rule?"
"Erm— I break rules."
"Yeah, ones like Please return the book once you've finished it, or Don't take more than one sweet from the bowl."
Enzo scoffs, "That's because I have a slight bit of self-respect. I care about my education, and not getting detentions every other day like you, Mattheo and Theo."
Cassie chuckles, "Alright, yeah. You've got me there." she grins. "But, if I'm honest, I don't care much for my education. I'm not gonna need to know how to re-root Fluxweed if I'm going to be playing Quidditch, am I?"
"Very true."
"I like Astronomy though. I like the stars and all of the moon phases sort of stuff."
"Ironic, right?"
Cassie snorts, "True."
Enzo sits up and moves closer to Cassie. He rests his head on her stomach and she finds herself running her fingers through his soft, brown hair. He closes his eyes and appreciates the gesture.
"Y'know, the boys saw us kiss yesterday." Enzo says, which makes Cassie's cheeks flush pink.
"They did keep making comments like that in Potions earlier. I just ignored it because I know that they know about your crush on me."
"I— what?"
Cassie chuckles, "I've known since last year. Pansy overheard one of your conversations with the boys in the common room."
Enzo sits upright, looking Cassie in the eye. "And you didn't say anything? This whole time?"
Cassie half-smiles, "I didn't know what to do! I didn't know if I liked you or not, or if I wanted a relationship."
After a brief pause, Enzo swallows and leans up, his lips colliding with Cassie's. He sits upright as they're kissing, giving him a better angle. He cups her jaw as she enters a state of utter bliss. Enzo's lips might just be the gateway to Heaven.
They pull away, and Cassie looks him in the eye, his hand still on her jaw. "Do you know now?" Enzo asks. "If— if you like me."
Cassie laughs, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure."
"Really?"
"No, I've been tricking you this whole time and I think you're revolting."
Enzo's heart stops for a moment.
"I'm joking." she chuckles, earning a sigh of relief from the boy. "Can we um— take it slow? Most people that rush into relationships don't even end up working out, so..."
Enzo smiles, a warm scoff leaving his mouth. "If it means kissing you whenever I want, and showing Flint you're mine, Fuck yes."
Cassie chuckles, "I'm yours, Enzo."
He thinks he's about to burst from joy. He's been pining for Cassie for what feels like his entire life— and what? She's his girlfriend now? Oh my.
He might've fainted if it weren't for Cassie kissing him again. But Oh, this is much better than fainting.
When they pull away, Enzo finds Cassie's hand and intertwines both of their fingers. "I don't think you understand how happy I am right now. I'm honestly considering throwing myself off this hill in the craze I'm currently in."
Cassie laughs, "Please don't, I don't fancy another visit to the Infirmary."
Enzo frowns with a warm intention. "Do you wanna know the moment I knew I liked you?"
Cassie nods.
"The night Hooch told you'd become captain, you came back to the common room screaming and jumping for joy. It took you about five minutes to calm down, and that was after Mattheo made you do breathing exercises with him." Enzo grins. "That look in your eye— the pure and utter happiness in your face. I don't know, it was like I had an epiphany. You looked like the sun, shining so fucking bright I fell in love. I liked you before, but this was it for me, y'know?"
Cassie smiles so widely it hurts her cheeks. "I think I knew I had feelings for you the day after everything happened with Sirius and Remus in the shack. We laid in bed all day and the look on your face when you saw me? Fuck, Enzo, I almost died. Every single time, you never fail to comfort me and make me feel safe. It's always you, Enzo. That's what makes me like you so much."
Enzo sighs with a smile, "You know I want nothing other than happiness for you, Cass. It's you over everything."
Cassie simply kisses him again, and this time, the sparks of whatever feelings they have for each other fly off one another. Cassie can feel it in her bones when he pulls her closer.
Fuck, she's head over heels.
The girls (and Blaise & Mattheo) are going to be so happy.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
When Cassie walks into her Transfiguration lesson, Mcgonagall pulls her aside to her desk. "I've just been informed on the situation that occurred in your Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson earlier on today. Dumbledore wishes to speak to you after supper." Minerva explains. "But for now, Cassiopeia, are you okay?"
Cassie shrugs, "They all know now, don't they? Not much I can do."
"You come straight to me if anyone says something hurtful. I don't want Riddle or the others getting any more detentions or house points off for standing up for you, understand? I appreciate they're your closest of friends and will do anything to stand up for you, but I'm afraid they'll just get into more trouble."
"Yeah, I understand. Thank you, Professor." Cassie says, turning to take her seat.
"And Cassiopeia—" Minerva says, catching Cassie's attention again. "your fathers are brilliant men. Don't listen to anything they say. As long as you know what kind of people they are, that's all that matters. I knew Sirius better than any other professor, you have my full support, Cassiopeia."
"Thank you, Professor." Cassie grins. "But it's Cassie, not Cassiopeia, actually."
Mcgonnagall nods, "Noted."
Cassie smiles and takes her seat beside Draco. "You okay?" he says the minute she sits down, slinging her bag down.
"Yeah, I'm okay now, thank you though."
Draco nods. "He had no right saying that. I think he's a coward, that man. I'll make sure Father sees to it."
Cassie smiles, "It's okay, Draco, I'm speaking to Dumbledore this evening anyway."
"Are you sure? Father could get him sacked before you even realised."
"I'm sure." Cassie smiles, grateful for his kindness(?). On the rare occasion the pair get along, Cassie loves Draco to bits. She knows he loves her, but can't exactly show it. But she's learned to accept that, for Draco is nothing like Cassie, and they've had completely different upbringings. In the end, they're polar opposites.
"Alright, if you insist."
Mcgonnagall begins her typical theory lesson, and everyone goes quiet. Cassie rests her head on her arms over the table, her quill sitting lazily in her fingertips.
About halfway through the lesson, a piece of parchment in the shape of a hawk lands on Cassie's desk. With furrowed brows, she peels it open; You okay? Ignore everyone else. They have no idea. — Mattheo
Cassie smiles, and scribbles back an answer; I'm okay. Thank you for standing up for me, means a lot. — Cassie
She throws it back to him, and he raises a questionable thumbs-up, and an opposite thumbs-down. Cassie smiles and gives him a thumbs up.
Mattheo is one of the few people in Cassie's life that she feels deeply connected to. There's just something about him— something she can't place. Majority of Hogwarts are scared of him, and wouldn't dream of approaching him. Cassie, however, feels the opposite. Mattheo wouldn't even think about insulting her, or hexing her in the corridors. Likewise, Mattheo has a soft spot for the girl.
He's mean, cruel— and most definitely a Slytherin, but Cassie is like a sister to him. Cassie hates the bad parts about him, but she understands him. They're birds of a feather, some might say.
After their transfiguration lesson, it's lunchtime. The group find a tree in the courtyard, and scatter themselves around it. Draco and Theo sit in the branches, their legs dangling by Cassie's head, who's standing against the tree. Pansy and Blaise sit cross legged at the foot of it, Enzo stands opposite Cassie. "How many of you have detentions for what happened in Dark Arts earlier?" Cassie asks, looking up at Theo and Draco.
They all look around at each other, "Er— all of us, I reckon." Theo smiles, everyone nodding.
"Are you joking?" Cassie asks, pushing herself off the tree.
"Guess how many points we lost." Mattheo grins. When Cassie doesn't answer, Mattheo continues. "Eighty!"
Cassie mentally face-palms. "You utter twats."
"You'll be all alone in the common room tonight." Blaise chuckles.
"That's fine by me— I have Quidditch trials to sort out anyway." Cassie smiles, using her hand as a sun-visor.
"Oh wicked! You better keep us on the team." Theo exclaims.
"Well, Theodore, a captain isn't allowed a bias, remember?"
"Mhm..." Theo nods, unconvincingly.
"I told Flint to fuck off earlier." Enzo mutters.
"You did? When?" Draco asks.
"On the way to first period. He asked me to tell Cass how much of a fucking wanker she is—" Enzo frowns. "his words, not mine."
Cassie laughs, "At least he'll stop winking at me all the time."
"Yeah, fucking cunt." Enzo murmurs, his eyes narrowed.
Pansy looks at Cassie with a raised eyebrow. Cassie shakes her head and lets her know she'll tell her later via her facial expression.
"Well, on a brighter note, Krum walked past me earlier and nodded at me." Draco says, matter-of-factly.
"No way." Theo and Cassie say in unison.
"He must know who you are from your father." Pansy comments.
"I suppose— but still, I honestly kind of froze." Draco says, raising his eyebrows for effect.
Everyone chuckles. "Surprised you didn't go into fangirl mode, Draco." Enzo teases, making everyone laugh again.
"Have you seen Draco in fangirl mode?" Cassie exclaims. "He puts on this casual, smug expression but the second we turn a corner, he's all screaming and jumping."
Everyone laughs, but Draco looks around to make sure nobody is listening. "Shut up, Cassie!"
They have another round of chuckles before they all branch into separate conversations. Pansy pulls Cassie around the side of the tree, where the boys are out of earshot. "What happened when you two left Moody's lesson?" she demands in an instant.
Cassie raises her eyebrows in shock. "How—"
"Shut up." Pansy states, raising a finger. "Details—" she points her finger, "Now." she points the finger down.
Cassie smiles thinking about the memory. "I— we kind of got together."
Pansy's jaw drops and she automatically jumps up. "I fucking knew it! Oh my god! Cassie!" she exclaims in a rush of shock, happiness and relief.
"Shut the fuck up!" Cassie retorts, stifling a laugh.
"Sorry, sorry! But oh my—"
"Yes, yes, it's shocking. But we haven't discussed whether we're telling people yet so shut the fuck up and don't tell the boys."
"Okay, okay." Pansy sighs.
"Cass, you coming? Getting food." Mattheo says from the other side of the tree. As Cassie walks away, she looks back at Pansy and does a gesture of a zip closing over her mouth.
—
"Cassiopeia. Come in." Dumbledore's hoarse voice booms from his office. Cassie walks in, steadying her breath. She has never been afraid of Dumbledore, nor intimidated. It's just the principle of being asked to speak to the Headmaster that worries her. She knows why, of course, but nonetheless.
"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore." she says, taking a seat opposite him. There's a horrible, unsettling sense of awkwardness in the room, one that makes Cassie toy with the bracelet on her wrist.
"I have wished to speak to you since you arrived at Hogwarts yesterday evening, but I haven't had the chance." he starts. "First of all, I wanted to ask if you are feeling alright, given the circumstances of the World Cup."
She's a bit taken aback by his question, unable to form an answer immediately. "I— yeah, I'm okay."
"Good, good." he smiles, standing up and picking up a lemon sweet. "Now, I want to make this clear; what Professor Moody said in today's Potions lesson was not acceptable and we are not tolerating his behaviour. I've spoken to him, and have given him a very fair warning that if he does anything of the sorts yet again, he will be punished. He told me he'd be giving you an apology at some point this week."
"That's okay, Professor."
"But on a more important note, I've been made aware of your condition by your father and Madame Pomfrey. I was told a while ago when your symptoms severed, but of course, I could not tell you myself. I know that you transformed under the influence of a full moon at the Quidditch World Cup. Arrangements have already been made for the twenty-first, and I'm sure Madame Pomfrey will like to speak to you about them when you hand in your medical report each week."
Cassie nods, "Yes, that is fair."
"But, Cassiopeia, I must apologise."
"What for?"
"For not speaking to you on the matter earlier. I know about your parentage— as I have your whole life. I should've spoken to you the moment you found out. For that, I am sorry."
Cassie doesn't know what to say.
"But putting all of that aside, your relationship with Sirius Black and Remus is healthy, yes?"
"Yeah— yeah, of course. It's been a little hard on my relationship with my brother, but we're okay. I assume you know Sirius is innocent?"
"Yes, Cassiopeia. I am aware, but you must remember, nobody else is. You mustn't go around defending his name, it will only make it worse for the both of you."
"I know, Professor. You mustn't think of me as a fool."
"All six of your friends were given a detention and eighty house points were removed."
"I am not my friends, Professor Dumbledore."
"That you aren't."
Cassie can't help but wonder if he means something else by that.
"Forgive me, sir, I'm afraid I don't understand your point."
"My point is, Cassiopeia," he sighs. "I am sorry for the inconveniences at hand at the moment. Everyone shall forget it within a week, you understand. People will do anything for gossip."
Cassie sits with this for a moment, her gaze locked on the sorting hat behind Dumbledore's head. "What if I changed my surname? I assume Remus and Sirius have rights to me again, which no longer makes me a Diggory, correct?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"So, what's the harm in changing my surname to Black? Own it. They wanna talk about me? I'll give them a bloody reason to."
Dumbledore seems taken aback at Cassie's blunt proposition. He sits back down and folds his fingers over each other, looking her in the eye. "It's possible— I'd have to go through the Ministry with Remus to do so."
Cassie nods, "That's okay."
"Are you sure?"
Cassie thinks of Cedric.
Fuck.
Cedric. The moment she changes her surname, what is then Cedric to her? The thought hits Cassie like a train, and her stomach churns.
"I'd have to speak to them first, and Cedric. But, yeah. I'm sure. Just don't do anything before I've spoken to Cedric, please."
"Yes, I understand. Have a good evening, Cassiopeia."
Dumbledore is one of the only people Cassie doesn't correct on calling her by her whole name.
She nods and stands up, tucking her chair in. "Thank you, Professor." she says, not looking back to see his response. She closes his door politely but the second she's out, she walks down the corridors at a fast pace.
Fuck me, she thinks, stopping and letting her head fall against the bricks behind her.
With a deep breath, she forces herself back to the common room. She immediately pulls out her quidditch plans for the team, sorting and scanning each player trying out on Friday. She has a strong feeling about Mattheo and Theo staying on the team. Blaise and Lexi are guaranteed spots as beaters, for nobody else tries out and they're too good of players to let go. Adrien Pucey has quit, to Cassie's delight.
Cassie knows when the boys and Pansy are back, because she can hear them. She runs down the staircase and practically falls over into Enzo's grasp. He chuckles and holds the back of her head. The second she comes into contact with his skin, she feels ten times better than imaginable. His presence brings a warmth like no other.
"What did Dumbledore say?" he asks, pulling away but keeping his hands on her sides.
"I don't want to talk about him. I'll tell you tomorrow." she sighs, too exhausted to explain.
Cassie puts a hand on Enzo's heart, his beautiful heartbeat underneath the palm of her hand. She looks up at him, not caring that Pansy, the boys and her dormmates are on the sofas. "Can I kiss you?" Enzo asks, his voice a whisper.
"Yes."
Notes:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
finally!!!!!!!!
we’ve all been waiting for this for 18 whole chapters now. 50,000+ words of enzo and cassie blatantly falling for each other. they finally did it!! i’m honestly kinda proud of them
enzo taking her to a spot behind the quidditch pitch 😭😭😭😭 he knows her so well. who’d of thought the boys teasing them for kissing would be the thing to bring them together?
well, thanks anyway!
enzo asking to kiss her. IN A WORLD OF BOYS, HES A GENTLEMAN. ugh everyone bow down to enzo he is the only man ever atm.
also, surname change… perchance?
Chapter 19: Y4 | Brothers and Brawls
Summary:
What a bad day looks like for Cassiopeia Diggory:
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ WOULD'VE BEEN YOU — SOMBR
'If anyone could've saved me, it would've been you.'
That Friday, Cassie stands in front of a dozen Slytherins trying out for Chaser and Keeper. She looks down at her clipboard, straight to the Beaters box. She looks back up— nobody there other than Blaise and Lexi. Cassie smiles at them and scribbles their names down on the box. Right. That's two positions sorted.
Four more to go.
Enzo, Pansy, Daphne and Tracey are in the stands supporting Cassie and her friends. The fact brings a smile to Cassie's face.
She clears her throat, grabbing everyone's attention. They don't listen. They're all fussing over brooms and bickering between themselves.
"Oi, listen you tossers." Mattheo shouts, ceasing all conversations with ease. Cassie nods at him with a smile.
"Right, okay." she starts, taking a breath. "I'm going to call you up one by one, and I'll assess your abilities based on agility, hand-to-eye coordination, stamina and endurance—"
"Where's Flint?" a random fifth year pipes up.
"Not here." Cassie scoffs. "If you're unhappy with a female captain, I suggest you take your broom and leave. Flint was a twat and I guarantee you I can do a much better job of captain."
"It's not the fact you're a girl. You're Sirius Black's daughter!" another one says.
Cassie can actually see the moment Mattheo's hands turn into fists. She takes a deep breath, regaining her composure. "Yes, I am. If that bothers you, like I said, take your broom, and leave."
"A female captain and the daughter of a mass murderer? Merlin's beard, I'd take Flint anyday." Corvinus Gaunt, a pureblood boy in Cassie's year, laughs, earning chuckles from his peers.
Cassie looks to Mattheo and shakes her head. The boy is literally turning red just by looking at Gaunt. Like Dumbledore said, Cassie can't keep letting her friends get into trouble when it comes to her father. It was bad enough the first time, when they all got detentions. Cassie can't let it happen again.
"I tell you what, you belong in Azkaban with that blood traitor father of yours." Gaunt grins, everyone laughing in agreement.
Cassie doesn't get the chance to stop him before Mattheo lunges at Gaunt.
Fuck.
Immediately, Theo joins him, and Cassie might just bash her head against a wall. She pushes past the crowd of people, watching as Theo and Mattheo punch the boy. "Oh for fuck's sake." Cassie mutters.
Next thing she knows, Enzo and Draco are down here and pulling Mattheo off Gaunt. Cassie and Blaise take to Theo, pulling him away by the arms. "Stop, Theo." Cassie orders.
"He—" Theo starts, his nose running with blood.
"I know. I know." Cassie says, looking him in the eye and stabilising him. "But if you make any more fuss, I will lose this position, and you'll get into much more trouble, okay?"
He grunts and pulls away from Blaise, wiping his nose with his sleeve. Cassie leads him away from the crowd and off the pitch, Blaise, Draco, Mattheo and Enzo following. Once she's sure it's clear, Cassie pushes Mattheo against the wall of the pitch. "What the fuck were you thinking?" she exclaims.
"He's a cunt— you heard the shit he was saying!" he argues, not daring to push Cassie back.
"You're going to get into more trouble, Mattheo! I had it under control!" she shouts.
"Do you think I care about getting into trouble?"
"No, and I appreciate you standing up for me, I really do, but I was handling it. Hooch might not even let you two try out this year, and I'll be fucking lucky if she lets me keep this badge."
Mattheo controls his breathing, closing his eyes and turning his head. "Okay, fine, I'm sorry."
"Don't—" Cassie sighs. "No, it was unfair of me to scream at you like that. But you understand how much this position means to me and the work I've put in to getting it. You and Theo pulling a stunt like that does not help my case, you know that."
"I know, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, but if it comes to it, and Hooch takes my badge, I will be fucking pissed at the both of you." Cassie says, turning and pointing at Theo too, who's being told off by Enzo and Blaise. "Go and sort yourselves out, and I'll see what Hooch has to say." she adds, rubbing the bridge of her nose.
Mattheo walks away and towards the changing rooms, Theo going the opposite way to the stands. Pansy tries to talk to him, but he ignores her. Once they walk away, Enzo walks over to Cassie's side and puts a hand on her back. "You okay?"
"Yeah, fine." she sighs.
Lexi is talking to Hooch on the pitch, the crowd dispersing slightly. Hooch signals Cassie over with two fingers, and she groans into Enzo's arm. "Alright, wish me luck you lot."
"I'll come." Blaise says.
"Good luck." Enzo frowns, Draco's lips thin as he nods. Cassie and Blaise walk back onto the pitch with their heads high.
"Where are Mr. Riddle and Mr. Nott?" Hooch demands.
"Taking a moment." Cassie replies, her voice calm and collected before the referee.
"Okay." Hooch says. "Keep tryouts going, Diggory. I'll take care of those two with Snape. They'll be allowed to tryout another day, but for now, I need them far away from Mr. Gaunt."
Cassie is slightly stunned by her words. She isn't taking her badge? She's still captain?
Thank fuck.
"Okay, thank you, Madame. I must insist, however, you must hear them out. I don't know if Lexi mentioned, but Corvinus was making spiteful comments which led to a physical conflict. It wasn't an unprompted conflict whatsoever."
"Yes, I understand. I'll see what Professor Snape and Dumbledore have to say."
"Thank you, Madame."
"Yeah, yeah. Get back to tryouts, please. I expect a full team by Sunday. You're playing Gryffindor two weekends from now."
"Yes, thank you."
Hooch nods and leaves the pitch with Gaunt, Gregory Goyle at his side.
Cassie turns to Blaise and Lexi with an exhausted expression. They both smile sympathetically before Cassie goes back to her tryout routine. "Right, you lot. I want you three up for chaser first please."
—
After tryouts, Cassie and Lexi walk out of the changing rooms arm-in-arm. "I think Bowen was a good contender. He's got a keeper's build, don't you think?" Lexi comments.
Cassie hums in agreement. "I liked Christie. She's only third year, but I think she makes a good keeper."
Lexi sighs, "I hate that none of them are half as good as Theo."
Cassie nods, "Me too. I'm watching these clearly talented people up there, and comparing them all to Theo's techniques."
"I did exactly the same."
"Well, their tryouts are on Sunday morning, so they might just end up back on the team."
"Probably." Lexi laughs.
Cassie snorts and bows her head, "Right, I'm gonna go back to the common room, where are you headed?"
"Down to the room of requirement. Apparently loads of students are putting their names in today. Pretty much our whole year are down there."
"Oh, cool. I'll probably come down with Enzo and the others."
"Yeah, okay. I'll see you there." Lexi smiles, before they go their opposite ways.
Cassie finds her friends in the common room, Mattheo and Theo worryingly quiet. She sits down next to Mattheo and squeezes his knee. "Oi, don't be pissed at me. I'm not pissed at you."
He looks up, putting his hand over hers on his knee. "Fifty points each and a week's detention with Snape."
"Oh shit."
Mattheo shrugs, "Bound to happen, weren't it?"
"Yeah." Cassie sighs.
"Anyone fancy coming down to the room of requirement with me? Apparently Krum is putting his name in today." Pansy suggests. Draco and Cassie look at each other, a smile on their faces.
"Let's go." Draco says, standing up.
When they reach the Room of Requirement, majority of their year group are there. They take a seat on the stands either side of the goblet, watching its blue flame burn, and burn.
Cassie thinks of Cedric. He hasn't spoken to her in a few days, despite her sending him messages and him not responding. Odd, she thought, but ends up thinking he's just busy. Nothing to worry about.
A Gryffindor boy scowls at Cassie as he walks past, and she has to squeeze Enzo's hand to stop him from saying something. There've been enough fights today, Cassie thinks. Last thing she needs is another boy with a bloody nose.
"Ignore it. I am." Cassie shrugs. Enzo smiles and re-positions their holding hands so their fingers are intertwined.
Cassie thinks her heart has stopped for a moment. "Come on, Ced!" Eddie shouts within a group of eager Hufflepuffs. Cedric grins, surrounded by his friends. He's going to put his name in the cup. Cassie does nothing but watch with wide eyes as he approaches the goblet.
Her brother laughs and chucks a piece of paper in the goblet, earning a roar of cheers from his peers. Even Harry and Ron are clapping from the other side. Cassie puts her head in her hands, rubbing them over her face. "Cassie—" Enzo starts.
Cassie stands up and marches toward her grinning brother. "Cedric Amos Diggory!" she exclaims, a few of his friends chuckling and whispering.
"Oh shit." Blaise whispers to Enzo, who knows this isn't going to end well.
"Cassie." Cedric states, his face deadpan. That's odd, Enzo thinks. He's never stone-cold around Cassie— distant, yeah, but never stone-cold.
"What the fuck? You said you'd talk to me— you haven't said a word to me all week!" Cassie says.
"Why would I talk you, or take your advice? You're fourteen years old, Cassie, I'm the older sibling." he retorts, crossing his arms. His face is cold when he speaks. "Oh wait— I'm not anymore, am I? I'm an only child seeing as you want to change your last name."
Cassie's lips part but nothing comes out of her mouth. "I— Ced—"
"Don't, Cassiopeia. You're not my sister anymore."
Cassie freezes in her spot as he walks over to his friends by the stands. Her lips stay parted and her eyes are wide. What the fuck? Why would he say that? Those are words Cassie never thought she'd hear coming from Cedric's mouth.
Her brother. Best friend.
Feeling absolutely deflated and confused, Cassie walks back to her friends with glossy eyes and furrowed brows. She sits down, rubbing the palms of her hands against her eyes, refusing to cry in the open like this.
"Cassie, love, he didn't mean it." Enzo frowns, taking one of her hands and holding it. All of her friends share worried looks. They all know Cedric means the most to her, so this is a pain like no other.
Cassie shakes her head. "The thing is," she sighs. "he might've been right."
Enzo squeezes her hand tighter, not knowing how he can help her. There's only so much he can do as not only her boyfriend, but someone that knows her inside out. He knows that Cassie's brain works differently when it comes to people she loves— it's like a switch, when it's off, she goes into self-destructive mode and does everything she can to figure out where she went wrong, but when it's on, she loves like it's breathing.
Everyone looks up when the doors fly open, and in come the Weasley twins. They ran through the benches, high-fiving everyone. On the Slytherin part, they only high-five Cassie and Enzo; which only makes Draco, Theo and Mattheo scowl at them.
The twins stand on a bench with a vial of some sort of potion in hand. "Ready, Fred?" George starts. "Ready, George." Fred finishes. "Bottoms up!" they echo, tipping the vials down their throats. Everyone cheers (apart from the Slytherins, of course). Cassie would cheer if it weren't for the previous events that have her wide-eyed and hazy.
After the potion, they look at each other with a smile. They hop over the age-line, as the students roar in suspense. It goes silent as they look at each other once again, nothing happening to either of them. Everyone erupts into cheers again when they put their names in the cup.
All of a sudden, a blue light from the cup fires at the twins, sending them flying. Do they have... beards?! The hall bursts into laughter as they roll over one another as old men. They've aged at least sixty years.
However, the room goes deadly silent when the doors swing open again. Krum struts through the room, his stick in hand. His friends are just as intimidating as him, Cassie reckons. He may be a brilliant seeker, but he's bloody terrifying.
Viktor slyly puts his paper in the cup, a smirk on his face. He walks back out of the room not muttering a word. Nobody cheers, too scared to agitate him. He leaves the room, and the chatter begins again.
Cassie looks over at Cedric laughing with Eddie and his friends, and closes her eyes. Fuck. Where did she go wrong? She thought today would be a good day— tryouts and all. Typical, it all goes to shit.
"Can we get out of here, please?" she whispers to Enzo. He nods and stands up. Cassie looks at her friends and frowns, not having to say anything for them to understand. They know she needs a moment, so they give it to her. And when Cassie's gone, Draco can freely insult Potter and his clan of Gryffindors, so he's more than happy.
Cassie can feel Cedric's burning gaze on her as she walks out, her hand locked with Enzo's. She knows he feels guilty without even having to look at him. It's like there's nobody else in this room, just the pair of them. She can almost read his mind.
And Oh, Cedric feels like shit. He may laugh with his friends to disguise it, but Fuck it hurts. But, how could she? Change her surname without even telling him? Saying that about him? It hurt when he found out.
The rumours going around this week haven't been easy on either of them. Cedric hearing everyone talk about his little sister every other lesson, and Cassie experiencing them first-hand.
Perhaps this all could've been avoided with a bit of communication. Talking to him would've solved this ages ago, but Cassie knows better than that. She knows what Cedric does when his emotions base around her. He shuts her out, and it eventually leads to whatever this is.
Cassie and Enzo take to the Owlery, for Cassie needs to write to Remus.
Dear Dad,
Cedric told me I'm not his sister anymore. He called me Cassiopeia and said he's now an only sibling.
It's all because of what happened with Moody on Tuesday. All sorts of rumours about me have been going around, and one of them seems to be that I'm changing my surname. I did speak of that to Dumbledore, but nothing was final, and he was the only one I told. Fucking Rita Skeeter put it in the paper somehow.
I don't know what to do. I can't lose him— not like this. He means too much to me for that. He tends to shut me out when it's me he's worried about, which clearly led to this.
He put his name in the goblet. A shit revenge move if you ask me.
I want to be a Black, but ruining things with Cedric worries me more than I'd care to admit. I need your help.
Write to me as soon as possible please. I love you both.
— Cassie x
———
Dearest Cassie,
I'm afraid I don't know how I can help. However, I do understand that you have a bond with Cedric like nothing I've seen before. If you love him, Cassie, you can't let him push you away.
When you love something, you have to fight for it. I know it's hard, and honestly a little scary at the moment, but if you don't, Cedric will only end up distancing himself even further. We both know you don't want that. You have to talk to him, even if he doesn't want to listen. Leave him with it, make him think. He'll come around. He can't live without you as much as you can't without him.
I'm sure you'll make things right, you always do. I'm sure Padfoot will write to you soon, he's much better at this sibling stuff than me, you see.
But we both love you so much, sweetheart. Please take care of yourself, we're so proud of you.
I love you to the moon and back.
Lots of love,
Dad x
———
It's been a whole day since the incident in the Room of Requirement. Cedric hasn't spoken a single word to Cassie. She's sent him messages on her bracelet, but he never replies.
She's in the owlery, reading her dads' letters on a Saturday night past curfew. The owl Remus has borrowed is old, and slow, so it takes her a fair while to fully make it to the Scottish Highlands from Kent. The next letter she picks up has a more scrawny, messy handwriting. Cassie would recognise Sirius' hand anywhere.
—
Dearest Pup,
How are you doing? I know it's been a lot recently, but I really hope you're taking care of yourself. I do worry about you.
But regarding the issue with Cedric currently, I can't say I fully understand. My bond with my brother was never close, but I can see how close yours is with Cedric. Whatever you do, pup, you mustn't let him slip away. You'll hate yourself for it. I know you're stronger than that though. You can't give up on your relationships, especially when they mean so much to you.
But more importantly, you mustn't give up on yourself. Take all the help you can get— never turn down support. Your friends want to try and cheer you up? Let them. Poppy asks you how you are? Tell her the truth. It doesn't make you weak, pup. Taking support is never weak— if anything, I believe it makes you stronger. You owe it to yourself to be happy, do you understand?
Me and your father are more proud of you than I could ever put into words. You've been through so much for a fourteen year old girl. You might just be the strongest girl I know.
I love you to the moon and back. Don't forget what I said, okay?
Lots of love,
Dad x
—
Cassie takes a deep breath and folds the letter before putting it in her back pocket. In truth, Remus and Sirius make good points. Letting Cedric slip away is not an option. If he wants to ignore her and keep being an utter knob, that's on him. At least Cassie can say she's tried, right?
She has to make things right with him.
Like, right now.
She doesn't bother typing a message she knows he won't answer, instead, she marches to his common room. When she reaches it, she realises she doesn't know the spell to get in. With a sigh, Cassie taps her foot against the floor waiting for someone to come along.
It's another five minutes before a Hufflepuff seventh year walks in, and Cassie sneaks in behind him. The Hufflepuff common room is much calmer than the Slytherin one. Its overall aura is warm, and sweet. The sofas are brown, with decorative yellow pillows and blankets. On each windowsill sits a row of plants, bringing it to life.
"Cassie! What are you doing here?" Eddie shouts, his eyes a little wide. If he's honest, he didn't expect to ever see Cassie again after what happened.
"Please can you get Cedric? I know he doesn't want to see me or speak to me, but I'm sick of this. It's killing him too, I know it is."
Eddie sighs, "I don't know, Cassie, he's still a bit pissed."
"I don't care, Eddie. Can you honestly tell me he's been happy the past three days? He's been jolly, and laughing all the time with you? He doesn't zone out every so often and stare at his bracelet?"
Eddie frowns, knowing she's right. Fuck, they're so similar. They may not be related, but Eddie swears he can see a bit of Cedric in her eyes. "Okay, but you owe me, Mini-Diggs."
Cassie grins, "Thank you, Eddie."
She rocks on her heels, feeling awkward as the only Slytherin in the room. Most Hufflepuffs hated Cassie's friends, because of people like Draco and Mattheo. She can't say she blames them, just wishes they wouldn't automatically associate her with their behaviour.
When Cedric comes down the stairs with Eddie, Cassie's stomach twists like a knot. His under-eyes are more mauve than usual, and of course, his nails are bright red— a pinky even bleeding. Eddie mouthes "Good luck." but Cassie brushes it off, motioning to the common room door.
When they step out of the common room, Cassie leads her brother around an empty hallway. "I know you really don't want to talk to me at the moment, Cedric, but I refuse to sit here and let you push me away like that. We're better than this, aren't we? All that bullshit about me not being your sister anymore? That hurt, Ced. I can guarantee you that half the stuff you've heard about me isn't true. All I ask is that you listen to me, and remember how much you mean to me." Cassie says, just grateful that he's at least listening to her.
"Save it, Cassie."
"No— let me talk." she sighs. "Please."
Cedric sighs, looking into those familiar brown eyes. He hates how well he knows her face. "Okay, go ahead."
"You know for a fact that there is nobody I love more than you. Not even Enzo, or Mattheo, or my dads. It's you over everyone, that's been clear for years, Cedric." she explains. "The fact you believed all the rumours so easily breaks my heart, because I would've never done that to you. I would've never stood in front of half of the school, and told you were no longer my brother."
This makes Cedric bow his head in shame.
"I know you and I have been through a lot recently, but when have I ever let that affect our relationship? You're my brother through all-in-all, you know that. Hearing you say that I wasn't your sister yesterday fucking hurt Cedric. More so than a bloody full moon."
He shakes his head, "You said it yourself, Cassie, you don't want anything to do with me anymore, so you're changing your surname."
Cassie's brows are low at his words. "I— okay, First of all, I never said I didn't want anything to do with you— do you seriously think I'd ever say something like that? Ced, you know me better than anyone, that's just stupid. I have no idea where you got that from, other than Rita fucking Skeeter, but I only told Dumbledore that I was thinking of changing it." she says, he tone thorough and strong. "Second of all, if I were to change my surname, it wouldn't be to dissociate myself from you, Amos or Victoria. I wanted to change it to go above everyone, making my last name Black to shut them up. Do you have any idea how hard this week has been? Hearing people talking about me and Padfoot everywhere I go? It's fucking exhausting, Cedric, and instead of being my brother, you fucking ditched me when I could've done with someone to talk to. You promised me bruise or a broken leg. What happened to that?"
Cedric feels like he might be sick. "What are you saying?"
Cassie sighs, running a frustrated hand across her face. "What I'm saying, Cedric, is that I don't think I can live without you in my life. When you told me I wasn't your sister anymore, I think I actually heard my heart breaking. You mean more to me than anyone ever has, more than you'll ever know." she sighs. "Do you understand, Cedric? Why does it matter if I change my surname? Seriously, what's the difference?"
Cedric shrugs.
"Exactly. Why even bloody bother with surnames? Fuck, it really doesn't matter to me. You're the one that remembers the ice lollies that Grandad used to make, and you're the one that remembers our games of exploding snap on the beach. That's what matters to me, Cedric. That's what makes you my brother, not a fucking last name."
Cedric's eyes go glossy with tears, but they don't fall. "You never said that, then?"
Cassie scoffs sadly, looking him in the eye. "You've got to be incredibly stupid to think I'd ever say that about you, Cedric."
A heavy tear escapes his eye. "I'm sorry." he blurts, the tears flowing pretty easily now. "When I found out, I was so angry. I almost didn't believe it. I should've— fuck, I should've let you explain. I'm really sorry, Cass."
Cassie crooked-smiles as her own tears fall, "Come here, you absolute wanker." Cedric laughs and pulls his sister into his embrace.
That's better, Cassie thinks.
Fuck, this is better.
"I love you." he whispers into her head before kissing it.
"I love you more."
Notes:
SORRY LMAO let’s talk about mattheo and theo fighting gaunt for a moment. what fucking LEGENDS. they knew cassie could’ve handled it, but they weren’t quite willing to let that slide. i mean, good for them! it’s always nice to blow off some steam, right? at least hooch didn’t ban them from quidditch or take cassie’s badge. that’s all that matters at the end of the day.
and CEDRIC. oh my, my, my. what an absolute twat. the cheek of it?? saying she’s not his sister anymore in front of the whole school? cedric you had ONE job as a brother, mate.
but at least they sorted it out! literally neither of them can live without each other and i think that’s ever so bittersweet, don’t you think?
enzo being the supportive bf we all need in life is just perfect.
Chapter 20: Y4 | The Moon
Summary:
Moonage Daydream who??
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MOON SONG — PHOEBE BRIDGERS
'And if I could give you the moon, I'd give you the moon.'
Cassie meets Theo and Mattheo on the pitch after her and Blaise finish revising for their upcoming Charms exam on a cold September morning. She asks Blaise and Enzo to play as chasers alongside Mattheo when he tries out, otherwise it's pointless. She's yet to make final decisions with tryouts, but she needs to hand in her clipboard by this evening.
That won't be a problem, Cassie thinks. She's pretty sure Mattheo and Theo will end up back on the team.
Cassie gets in the air with the boys. Pansy and Draco are in the library studying for their Arithmancy assignment. The pitch is desolate this time of morning— it only being half nine. The sun is up, but it's not particularly warm.
"Right, whilst Theo is in goal now, anything he misses won't go towards his final impression. I'm focusing on you, Mattheo, and how you pass and throw the quaffle. You know the drill by now." she explains, hovering beside Blaise, Mattheo and Enzo. "Blaise and Enz, your job is just to catch the quaffle and pass it to Mattheo when you get it. It's all on him, okay?"
Once they nod, Cassie flies to the side with her clipboard and quill. "Alright, keep your eye on the quaffle, you lot. Off you go!"
The three of them soar towards the hoops on the other side of the pitch, tossing the quaffle between them. Cassie studies the way Mattheo catches it, yet keeps his gaze on the hoops and invisible bludgers. Blaise chucks it at Enzo, who catches it with ease. Cassie furrows her brows.
She twists the quill by her lips, watching both Enzo and Mattheo now. Theo is doing well in goal— of course he is. Mattheo alone has won Slytherin about seventy points by now.
But Enzo... he's won at least fifty too. She watches as he focuses himself, immersing into the moment. He's quick, and has brilliant coordination. Blaise is a little messy with the quaffle because he's used to having a bat in his hand— understandable.
Cassie has always known Enzo isn't half bad at Quidditch. They all used to play when they were younger, and Enzo was always a good chaser.
Good enough to be on team? Cassie wonders. She reckons he's better than most of the players that tried out on Friday all-together.
"Good, Mattheo!" Cassie shouts, as he gets the quaffle straight past Theo in a beautiful throw.
They continue doing this for another ten minutes and Cassie scribbles down notes on not only Mattheo, but Enzo too. "Right, now we're focusing on you, Theo. All you have to do is stop these quaffles from getting in, yeah?" she shouts, too far from him to speak any quieter.
"Yeah!" Theo replies.
"Alright, you lot." she says, turning to Mattheo, Blaise and Enzo in a quieter volume. "You're doing basically what you just did, but aiming to throw him off. Focus on Theo. You need to test him— Blaise and Mattheo, you know these techniques." Cassie says. "Enzo, just follow their lead and you'll do just fine."
"Alright." Blaise replies.
"Good luck pretty boy!" Mattheo teases Theo, which only ends up in a flipped bird in response.
"Come on, focus!" Cassie orders with a clap.
—
Cedric and Cassie stand outside of the Infirmary doors, facing eachother. He puts a hand on each of her shoulders as if to give her a pep-talk. "You're going to be fine, Cass. Do you know how I know that?"
She shakes her head.
"Because you're the strongest person I know. You've got this. I'll be there the second you wake up— bruise or a broken leg, yeah?"
Cassie nods with a shaky exhale. "Yeah. I love you."
"I love you more. Now go and have fun."
Cassie rolls her eyes as Cedric ruffles her hair with a smile. He walks the other way and she pushes open the Infirmary doors.
It's only been three weeks since Cassie last saw Remus, but she runs towards him with a grin. He hugs her as tightly as he can, dreading the worst to come of the evening.
"Hi, sweetheart." Remus chuckles, kissing her forehead.
"Hi." she grins, pulling away and sitting on one of Madame Pomfrey's armchairs.
"Gosh, you two look so similar beside each other! You definitely look more like Sirius, but oh my." Poppy sighs with a smile.
The three of them catch-up for a half hour or so before Madame Pomfrey gets to the important stuff. "Right, I've a few painkillers for you to take. They won't make a major difference, but I'm hoping it'll make the aftermath easier to cope with." she says, handing Cassie a pre-made potion.
Cassie sighs. She was having such a lovely time talking to Poppy and Remus that she almost forgot about the full moon.
"I've spoken to Cedric, and he says he'll come with me and Poppy to get you from the shack tomorrow morning. Obviously, we'll walk you up there and talk you through the process. I have to transition elsewhere, but I promise I'll be back afterwards." Remus says.
"You promise?" Cassie asks, worried she'll be alone after the last moon.
"I promise, sweetheart. I'm right here." Remus smiles, squeezing her hand.
It'll be over before you know it.
It'll be over before you know it.
It'll be over before you know it.
It'll be over before you know it.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie gasps as she awakes. It hurts. It's throbbing.
Her whole body is throbbing. Every bone aches and burns, every muscle twinges and twangs with pain. There's a huge open wound on her left shin, which leaves her gasping for air and whimpering in pain.
Don't cry.
Cassie doesn't let herself cry, despite the tears at her waterline. She grabs the brown blanket next to her and wraps her body in it, even though it hurts to do so.
As if on cue, Remus, Poppy and Cedric walk through the doors. "Oh, Cassie." Poppy whispers, a hand on her heart.
Cedric and Remus rush to her side. Remus gently places Cassie's head on his lap, pushing the hair out of her face as her eyes falter. "Are you okay?" he asks.
Seeing his daughter like this is a pain like no other. Remus go through a thousand full moons if it meant never seeing her like this again.
Cassie nods, not realising she has a torn muscle in her neck. She winces. "It hurts." she says, her voice shaky as the tears fall.
Cedric is too stunned to say anything. He finds her hand and holds it tightly so she knows he's there.
"I know, sweetheart, I know." Remus whispers, his own tears falling. He kisses her head.
Cassie's body aches from femur to forehead. Every single bone agonises. It's worse than last time because she was asleep for two days afterwards, now, she's experiencing it first-hand.
Remus hates that there's nothing he can do. His father instincts can't protect his little girl. He can't stop this from happening to her. She will have to endure this her whole life, and he blames himself.
"We better get back to school, dear, so we can sort out these nasty cuts." Poppy says, her voice soft. She's done this a million times with Remus by now.
Cedric and Remus hold her up by the waist as her legs tremble. The four of them stagger their way back to the castle. It's at least four in the morning, so not a soul is awake this early on a Thursday.
When they reach the hospital wing, Poppy guides them to an empty bed and immediately starts taking care of her wounds. Cedric squeezes her hand beside her. "How was it?" he asks.
"I don't remember a thing. It was sort of just like a horrible nightmare. I just remember looking up at the moon, next thing I knew I was awake." Cassie croaks.
"You did amazing, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you." Remus says.
"I don't remember it hurting this much last time. Even my lungs hurt." she says, closing her eyes from pure exhaustion.
Once Poppy is done with the spells, she leaves to get some more painkillers. "How bad is my face?" Cassie asks, her voice laced with dread.
Cedric summons a mirror and hands it to her. Cassie studies her face with precision. Only two cuts, and they're nothing huge. "I can deal with that, I reckon."
Remus and Cedric laugh, and Cassie focuses on it instead of her pain. "Can you talk about something so I don't have to think about it?"
Cedric instantly starts rambling about quidditch practice yesterday, and how his team are just rubbish, and Cassie listens.
—
It's well into late October now, and it's much colder. Cassie and her friends are in the common room two nights before Halloween. Tonight's also the night the Triwizard Champions get selected, which has Cassie's nerves all over the place.
Her head rests under Enzo's shoulder, his warm arm around her on the sofa. They lasted a week without telling anyone about them before Mattheo put it together one Potions lesson. Pansy and the girls made Cassie recite the whole conversation one night.
Everyone seems to of noticed Cassie zoning out into the ivy fireplace and occasionally tapping a message to Cedric. It's hard not to, really. Cassie's usually a bubbly, chatty person— but the second she gets worried, it's like everything shuts down. It's the only time Mattheo thinks he sees Cassie that quiet.
"We better head down to the Great Hall, it's six now." Draco says, looking up from his Arithmancy book.
"Yeah, I wanna get a good seat near the goblet." Theo grins, nudging Blaise beside him.
They make their way down to the Great Hall in no particular rush. Enzo finds her hand and squeezes it tight, "You doing okay?"
She nods with a smile, "Just worried about him, you know I am."
"He'll be fine, Cass." Enzo says, swaying into her gently. She smiles further and puts her head on his shoulder. Enzo is the perfect height that Cassie can lean on him perfectly easily.
They reach the Great Hall, and Cassie goes straight to the Hufflepuff table. Cedric smiles as his sister sits down. "Hi, you okay?" he says.
"Yeah, just wanted to talk to you before the ceremony starts."
"Cass, for the last time, I won't be picked. You're worrying over nothing."
Cassie rolls her eyes, "You don't know that yet."
"Well I'm pretty bloody sure. Go have some dinner, and actually eat it please. I don't want you not eating because you're worried about me. I know what you're like."
Cassie sighs and stands up. She kisses his head and ruffles his hair. "I'll talk to you later." she says, receiving a hum of response from her brother.
She sits back down with her friends, Enzo squeezing her knee as she does so. He dishes her up a plate of lasagna because he knows that if he doesn't, she just won't eat. "Eat, Cassie." he says, watching her twist her fork around the plate.
"Too nervous." Cassie shrugs, having some water instead. Enzo sighs, knowing that there's no budging on that matter. Yet again, it's like Cassie's switch turns off when she's nervous.
"Welcome, students!" Dumbledore announces, making everyone jump. The hall turn their attention to the old man in front of them. "Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for!" he exclaims with a smile. Dumbledore approaches the goblet and lets it spit out a blue piece of paper.
Cassie twists her bracelet around her wrist as the hall goes quiet.
"The Triwizard Champion for Beauxbatons Academy is..." Dumbledore says. "Fleur Delacour!" The hall erupts into cheers as the beautiful girl in blue walks up to the front with a smile.
"Of course it's her— she's beautiful." Pansy comments opposite Cassie.
"I know, right." Cassie snorts.
The boys of Durmstrang are on the edge of their seats when Dumbledore begins the Durmstrang Champion. "Viktor Krum!" he shouts, and the hall roars with cheers— Draco much louder than others.
"I'm not even surprised." Enzo says over the cheers. Cassie laughs. As of the past few weeks, Krum seems to be a tad bit overrated. Cassie doesn't think he's all that now.
"And the Champion for Hogwarts is..." Dumbledore says, and Cassie squeezes Enzo's hand beside her. She squeezes it so tight Enzo worries it might cut off his circulation.
"Cedric Diggory!"
No.
No.
No.
Cassie's heart drops. She looks over at Cedric, who's amongst the cheers of his peers. He walks past his sister with a grin on his face, kissing the top of her head. Cassie's lips remain parted, and her eyebrows saddened.
"We have our three champions! A round of applause!"
Mattheo nudged Cassie from her right, "He'll be fine. Delacour is easy. I reckon Krum's not all that special anyway."
Cassie snorts, "I hope you're right."
"When aren't I?" Mattheo grins, cheering her up already. They're good at that, Cassie's friends— cheering up. It's one of the reasons she loves them so dearly.
The hall falls quiet as the goblet beings to spit out a ferocious blue fire. A small piece of burnt parchment flies out of the goblet and into Dumbledore's hand. "Harry Potter..." Dumbledore mutters. "Harry Potter!" he exclaims.
Harry looks around frantically, not knowing whether to stand up or not. Hermione forces him to stand up and Harry awkwardly makes his way to the front. Dumbledore does nothing but stare intensely at him. Harry looks back at the hall and caught Cassie's eye. She frowns at him and he returns it. He walks past Mcgonagall and into the same room as the other champions.
"Dismissed! Go back to your common rooms!" Dumbledore shouts.
Enzo holds on tightly to his girlfriend's hand. Cassie couldn't speak to Cedric as he was talking to the staff, which only stresses her out more. "Are you okay?" Blaise asks on the way back to the dungeons.
"Yeah, fine." she mutters. Blaise frowns and sighs, and Cassie feels bad. "No— sorry. I don't mean to be rude."
"That's okay." Blaise smiles and wraps an arm around her shoulder. He pulls her into a side hug as they walk.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Harry takes his seat next to Cassie in their defence against the dark arts classroom the next morning. Moody isn't in the room yet so everyone talks between themselves. "What happened?" Cassie asks him as he sits down.
"Somebody had put my name in the goblet— I don't know who. But whoever did it knew what they were doing because now I have to take part in this bloody tournament." Harry frowns.
Cassie's jaw hangs loose, "Are you alright?"
He shrugs, "I don't want to do it but Crouch is making me."
Cassie frowns, "What about Dumbledore? Surely he wouldn't want you to compete?"
"He just agreed with Crouch, I dont know what they said after I left."
"Want a hug?" she frowns. He smiles slightly and nods. Cassie brings him into an awkward yet warm hug.
"I'll do everything I can to let Cedric win. I know for a fact I'll be hopeless in this, but if it comes to me and Cedric, I'll let him win."
Cassie chuckles, "You don't have to do that, Haz. Do everything you can to win. To hell with Cedric. He'll get over it."
Harry smiles.
Moody bursts into the room and the classroom fell silent. He begins teaching and as he does so, he's non-stop scowling at Cassie. He still hasn't apologised like Dumbledore said he would weeks ago. "I can't be arsed to put up with him," Cassie whispers.
Harry laughs, "How're you gonna get out of here?"
"Just you wait." she winks and Harry rolls his eyes. "Sir, I don't feel well can I go to the infirmary?" she asks the professor.
Moody thinks about it for a minute but complies, "Alright then."
Cassie gathers her stuff together and whispers to Harry, "Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy."
He laughs as she winks and leaves the classroom. She isn't wrong in a way. She doesn't feel the greatest. There's less than a week until the next full moon, meaning that she has the horrible symptoms yet again.
She doesn't have much else to do so she decides to go up to the owlery and write to Sirius.
------
Dear Padfoot,
I didn't know whether to write to you or dad so just pass this message on to him after you've received it.
Cedric has been chosen for the triwizard tournament. I knew he would, I had a horrible feeling that he'd get picked. I haven't spoken to him since yesterday but I really need to. I'm not worried about Cedric himself, I know he's more than capable. But he's up against Viktor Krum— have you seen the bloke? He's terrifying! I don't know if Cedric can win against him, especially if Krum has Karkaroff breathing down his neck.
Also, somebody has entered Harry's name into the cup without him knowing and he's been chosen to compete too. Im sure he'll write to you and tell you all about it.
I know Cedric will be more than fine, he's athletic and strong. He always has been. I just don't know if that will be enough to defeat Krum.
Remember to pass this on to dad!
Love you,
Cassie xx
Notes:
cassie’s first full moon at hogwarts!! bless her heart 3 remus, ced and poppy being supportive means all the much! that wolf bloody hates her at this rate.
and CEDRIC. c’mon, cedric you absolute imbecile. cassie told you this would happen, did she not? what’s the saying “sisters know best”?? this is ur sign to listen to ur sister.
another thing to add onto cassie’s worryingly large pile of things to stress about! gee, thanks, cedric!
Chapter 21: Y4 | Heartstrings
Summary:
Marshmallows and birthday cake!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ HO HEY - THE LUMINEERS
'So show me family.'
Cassie has another full moon at the end of October. This one's not as bad, she thinks. She's up and out of the Infirmary in the same day.
Her chest stops hurting three days after. When it does, Daphne bursts into the common room with an announcement. "Campfire by the lake in twenty minutes!" she exclaims, as if she's a medieval town-crier.
Cassie and her friends share a smiling look. The last campfire they had was in second year, and Mattheo burnt himself on the fire— but nonetheless, it was a bloody good night.
Cassie and Pansy go up to their dorm to get out of their pyjamas. It's early November now, which makes Hogwarts a lot colder. Especially in the dungeons at the bottom of the castle, everyone is equipped with blankets with heating charms all winter. Cassie puts on a grey tracksuit and her beloved ivy converse— a Slytherin bodywarmer to match.
When the girls go back down to the common room, nobody is there. They share a look before linking arms. "Guess we're a tad late." Pansy shrugs as they exit the common room.
Cassie laughs, "Oh well."
By the time they arrive at the lake, pretty much everyone is there. Loads of Slytherins, a few Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs here and there, barely any Ravenclaws. It's dark outside for only seven thirty in the evening. The fire is hard to miss, it being slap bang in the middle of the grass by the lake.
"Just blend in, nobody will even notice we're late." Cassie says to Pansy, unlinking their arms.
The girls slyly join the crowd, Cassie behind her brother. He's hard to miss, his tall figure in a Falcons sweater. In an attempt to scare him, she runs her hands up his spine like a spider and squeezes the base of his neck. He winces and turns to see the culprit. "Bloody hell, Cass."
She beams, "Did I make you jump?"
"I figured it would either be you or Eddie, so not really."
Cassie scoffs and he ruffles her hair with a laugh before she leaves to find Enzo. There were logs scattered around the fire, some people had even brought chairs. Enzo is standing by the fire, talking to Lexi and Ron with a cup of butterbeer in hand. "Hi, gorgeous." he smiles. She smiles and kisses his cheek in response.
"When'd you get here?" Ron asks.
"Literally just a second ago. Me and Pansy snuck in so nobody would notice we were late." Cassie chuckles.
"Well, Mattheo has been looking for you— something about a marshmallow competition?" Lexi shrugs.
Cassie beams, knowing exactly what he's talking about. At their last campfire, her and Mattheo raced to see who could roast their marshmallow quicker. Mattheo won last time, but Cassie has been plotting her victory ever since. She's going to win this time, she'll be sure of it.
Cassie grabs Enzo's hand and leads him towards a certain curly haired Slytherin. Mattheo is speaking to Enzo's sister and Millicent Bullstrode when they approach. "Oh, Hi Rose." Enzo says flatly, as if he wasn't expecting her to be here.
Rose's gaze drops to where Cassie and Enzo's fingers are locked together. "Hi. You alright?"
"Mhm." Enzo shrugs, looking everywhere but his sister.
Cassie looks between them with furrowed brows. She knows Enzo has never really gotten along with Rose, but she didn't realise it was this awkward. It never was when they were younger— what changed? He's alright with Atlas, but Cassie supposes that's because they're both boys.
"Anyway, what's this I hear about a marshmallow roast rematch?" Cassie grins, breaking the awkward haze over the group.
Mattheo beams, "You up for it? Not too scared I'll fucking destroy you again?"
"Fuck no." Cassie scoffs. "Do me a favour, Millie— gather everyone by the fire. I want an audience."
Millicent laughs and mock-salutes before getting to work.
Mattheo chuckles and shakes his head at Cassie. "I think you and I might be the same person."
"Oh fucking hell." Cassie teases. "Somebody save me, I'm becoming Mattheo Riddle!" she shouts for emphasis. Mattheo just laughs, putting a hand on Cassie's shoulder to stabilise himself.
As if on cue, Millie manages to call everyone over to the fire, where Tracey is prepping the rods with marshmallows. Cassie smiles and cracks her neck and knuckles. Mattheo knows she's going to win this time— the audience? That's Cassie's advantage Mattheo has never understood. An audience motivates her. Crowds excite her— they thrill her.
"The first person to roast their marshmallow and eat the whole thing— and swallow it, wins two pumpkin pasties!" Theo announces, shutting everyone up.
Tracey hands them their marshmallows, and the pair share a devilish look. "You're going down, Diggory." Mattheo scowls.
Unfortunately, negative praise also motivates her. If you ever want to beat Cassiopeia Diggory in a competition, Tip 1: Don't challenge her, Tip 2: Don't do it in front of a crowd, Tip 3: Don't aggravate her.
"You wish." she scoffs.
As Fred Weasley counts down with suspense, Cassie grips the bottom of her metal rod until her knuckles go white. "One!" he exclaims, and Cassie doesn't waste a second.
Everyone cheers around them as they hover their marshmallows over the open fire. Cassie's eyes mirror the fire— dangerous, and unpredictable. The edges of the pink marshmallow on her stick are starting to brown, which is a good sign. She looks at Mattheo's next to her, which hasn't even bothered to brown.
Cassie doesn't smile. She's always told herself that smiling jinxed things. If she smiles right now, Mattheo will win.
"Come on, Cass!" Cedric shouts from the crowd. He's cheering his sister on from the front row of logs. Cedric figures she'll win, thanks to the crowd. He grew up with Cassie, he knows all about her competitiveness and challenges.
"Come on, come on, come on!" Mattheo shouts at his pale marshmallow. Cassie still doesn't smile.
However, the smile breaks the second her marshmallow turns the perfect shade of golden brown, crispy on the edges. She pops the sugar-filled substance into her mouth as the crowd cheers. Cassie recognises the cheers of her friends; Theo and Cedric unnecessarily louder than the rest.
She wipes her hands together as she swallows the marshmallow and throws her arms up in the air upon victory. Everyone cheers louder, boosting her ego that bit more. Mattheo gets too carried away by his laughter he doesn't realise his marshmallow has gone black.
Cassie high-fives as many people as she can in the time it takes Mattheo to swallow his. In the end, they face each other with laughter. Mattheo wraps an arm around her shoulder and rubs her head with his fist.
"Cassie, may I present to you, the two pumpkin pasties you were promised." Theo says, holding his hand out with two sweets. She chuckles and takes them, popping one in her mouth.
She lifts her hands at the crowd, getting them to cheer again.
Fuck, Cassie loves attention.
On an adrenaline high, she grabs both sides of Enzo's jaw and kisses him. Anyone that didn't know about their relationship sure did now. Cassie is pulled off Enzo by her brother, which only makes her laugh more.
—
Cassie awakes to the girls singing Happy Birthday at the foot of her bed. She groans and buries her face under her duvet. "Seriously? It's six in the morning." she complains.
"Yes! It's your birthday!" Daphne insists.
"You're fifteen, Cass!" Tracey grins.
Cassie sighs with a smile and gets out of bed. She puts her uniform on and unwillingly pins the Birthday Girl badge Pansy is making her wear all day. When they enter the Great Hall, the boys are already singing. Cassie loves it up this time, making her entrance dramatic.
Mattheo does what he does every year for one of their birthdays— he stands on the table with a raised glass of pumpkin juice. "Happy Birthday to Cassie Diggory!" he announces. Majority of the hall listen to him and raise their cups with a murmur of Happy Birthday.
After she receives a round of personal happy birthdays, her brother comes skipping down the walkway to the Slytherin table. "Happy Birthday, Cass!" he grins, planting a big kiss on the top of her head.
"Thank you." she smiles, squeezing the hand he has on her shoulder. She turns to look at him and notices he's holding a present of a sort.
He smiles and hands it to her. Everyone leans closer to watch her open it. Inside of the wrapped box is a Slytherin jersey. Cassie furrows her brows. She's already got one of those?
"Hold it up." Cedric nods, a huge smile on his face. He winks at Enzo, who already knows what it is.
Cassie lifts the jersey and twists it the other way, looking at the back. Her jaw drops.
"Black?" she exasperates, her eyes wide. The jersey says Black with her number eleven below it. It's beautiful. Cassie smiles so wide her teeth are all on display.
"Well, do you like it?" Cedric grins.
"Ced, I love it." she exclaims, standing up and hugging him over the bench.
"I had Hooch make it especially for you." he smiles into her cheek. "Also, Padfoot wrote to me and told me to give you this." Cedric says, handing her an envelope. It's in Sirius' usual scrawny handwriting.
Dearest Cassie,
Meet me and your dad at the edge of the forest at 5.30 pm this evening x
P.S Happy Birthday, Pup.
Lots of love,
Padfoot and Moony x
Cedric smiles. "Well, I'm gonna go now. But Happy Birthday again, Cass." he says, ruffling her hair like usual.
"Thank you Ced." she chuckles as he walks away.
Enzo nudges her, looking down. He passes her a small, wrapped box. She furrows her brows and opens it with a smile. No. Fucking. Way.
It's a golden locket— not silver, because Enzo knows how much it hurts. She opens the locket with parted lips. It has multiple layers, the first one being a moving photograph of Enzo cuddling Cassie on the beach in Cornwall with their friends messily scattered around them. The second layer is a moving photograph of Cassie and Cedric with his arm around her at a Hufflepuff party, wide grins on their faces and drinks in hand. The third one is a moving photo of the Diggorys a long time ago in Cornwall in the river in their garden. Cassie thinks she might cry.
The last one is a photo of Cassie in between Remus and Sirius at Christmas.
Cassie holds the locket in her grasp before hugging Enzo tighter than ever before. "I love you Enzo. I love you, I love you, I love you." she exclaims in his ear.
He chuckles, "I knew you'd love it."
"I'm never taking it off."
He moves her hair out of the way and lifts the locket, clasping it around her neck. He plants a kiss at the base of her neck and Cassie knows this is what it means to be in love. Cassie is so in love with Lorenzo Berkshire.
—
"Get to your desks and begin brewing. You fail, and there will be consequences." Snape orders, in his usual cheery manner. Everyone moves to the Cauldron Desks in silence. Cassie stands opposite Draco, Mattheo and Enzo.
They begin their potions, but Mattheo's doesn't seem to be going too well. "Where's the rat spleen?" Cassie asks, peering over her cauldron.
Draco reluctantly hands it to her, the pair grimacing at the sight. She carefully adds it to her concoction of Shrinking Solution.
"Er— Mattheo, mate. I don't think it's meant to be doing that." Enzo states, looking over at the boy's potion. Cassie joins him, her face scrunching up in concern.
"Yeah, that's not normal." she confirms.
Mattheo panics and adds all sorts of ingredients to the potion. Really, potions has never been his strong suit. Cassie mentally face palms as he turns the heat up. "What are you doing?" Draco exclaims with outrage.
"I don't know!" Mattheo replies, his eyebrows high.
Snape struts to their table and practically pushes Mattheo out of the way to get a better look. "You utter fool, Riddle." Snape mutters, adding his own ingredient into the potion.
Out of nowhere, the cauldron splits down the middle and potion fires at Snape's face. Cassie scoffs with shock— there is no way this is happening. Snape closes his eyes and wipes it off his abnormally large nose.
Mattheo stands behind Snape with his jaw agape. He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. The whole class turns to look at their potions master, and immediately start giggling.
"Wanker had it coming." Cassie leans up and whispers to Enzo.
Snape shoves Mattheo out of the way— and I mean, really, shoves him. He bursts out of the classroom and slams the door shut behind him. The class erupts into hearty laughter the second he's gone.
"Did that actually just happen, or did I imagine it?" Mattheo says, his eyes wide with shock.
"No, it most definitely happened." Enzo laughs.
"Should we bunk the rest of lesson? I doubt Snape'll be back anytime soon." Cassie suggests with a shrug. Everyone nods and they take their leave.
They wind up on the Astronomy tower, the one Cassie is way too familiar with for her own good. Cassie and Draco lean against the railing, Mattheo and Enzo on the bench behind them.
"I wonder why my dads want to see me." Cassie thinks aloud.
"Maybe because it's your birthday." Draco says, bluntly.
Cassie chuckles, "No shit."
Draco smiles slightly. "I guess you'll have to wait and see." Now he's actually smiling, which makes Cassie smile.
"You're smiling!" she exclaims, raising a finger at him.
He rolls his eyes and the smile slowly fades. "Well you've ruined it now."
Cassie laughs and nudges the boy beside her. "No, bring back smiley Draco."
"Smiley Draco is dead. I killed him." he teases, the smile creeping back up.
Cassie laughs, throwing her head back. "Well, a funeral is most appropriate, don't you think?"
"No. He didn't deserve it— smiled too much. Bit annoying actually."
Cassie laughs again, and Draco can't help but snort beside her. Cassie loves it when Draco is happy and laughing with her like this. He's a miserable bastard most of the time, so seeing him laugh and grin like that is a very rare occurrence. However, when it does happen, it's like music to Cassie's ears.
—
It's pitch black outside by the time Cassie heads down to the forest to meet her fathers. The tip of her wand is lit up a baby blue, guiding her way down the steps. She looks up at the sky, searching for Sirius, Regulus or even her own star. She finds Regulus, but neither Sirius nor herself.
"Nox." Cassie whispers, the light disappearing. Her heart melts in the best way possible when she sees what's in front of her.
A beautiful lit up archway made of white tulips. Remus and Sirius stand beneath it, smiles on their faces. This is incredible, Cassie thinks. How on earth did they make this? It's gorgeous!
And, Oh, Remus remembered Cassie's favourite flower.
"There's our birthday girl!" Sirius grins, pulling his daughter into a hug with Remus. When they pull apart, Cassie walks toward one of the tulips, picking it from the archway.
"What's all this for?" she smiles, looking from the tulips to them.
"Well..." Remus starts, sharing a smile with Sirius. "We were waiting for your birthday to tell you this."
Cassie looks between her fathers for an answer, her brows low.
"How would you feel about officially being our daughter again? Technically you are, but these are papers that officialise it by the Ministry to say we have full custody of you, and have you registered as our daughter once again." Remus smiles, his eyes glistening with hope. Sirius finds his hand.
This doesn't come as a shock to Cassie, who already knows they have rights to her again, but that doesn't stop her excitement. They're asking her to be their daughter again.
That explains why Cedric got her the Black Slytherin jersey, because he knew she'd say yes. Of course she'd say yes.
"Yes, is that even a question?" Cassie exclaims. She hugs them both again, joy bouncing off the family. They may be a small family, but a family nonetheless. This might just be everything Remus and Sirius have ever wanted, and more.
Sirius is just thankful she said yes. How awkward would it have been if she said no? Especially since Cedric got her the jersey.
He knew deep down that she'd say yes, however. Despite her deep, complicated emotional bond to Cedric, Sirius knew she'd say yes. They had spoken to Cedric, and he said all he wants is for his sister to be happy. And that she is— and Sirius couldn't be more grateful for Cedric's support.
"Oh! And for yours and Cedric's sake, we've made a change to your middle name." Remus says.
Cassie furrows her brows. Her middle name?
Sirius hands her the paper that says they have full custody again. All they need now is her signature. One signature, and she becomes Cassiopeia Marlene-Cedric Black.
Cassie didn't even know you could change your middle name— let alone to a boys name.
But Oh, she's thankful for it. This is the cherry on top. The final brushstroke. The final puzzle piece.
Cedric will always be a part of her. That's fact. He's not going anywhere, and everyone knows it. He's staying firmly, and happily, in Cassie's life.
Cassie grew up prioritising her relationship with her brother because whenever she'd see siblings fighting at the park, or out and about, it made her sad. She didn't want to fight with her brother like that. Ever since, Cassie told herself sibling relationships should always be priority. After all, you only get one lifetime with your sibling, so you might as well make the most of it.
Her whole life, Cedric has been front and centre.
It's time for Cedric to step back, and let Remus and Sirius have their moment. He's still in the loop, of course. His soul is permanently etched within the depths of her heartstrings. But they're older now, and Cedric needs his sister to be happy; even if it means letting her go.
Notes:
mattheo and cassie’s marshmallow competition LMAO they’re way too competitive for their own goods. i love this scene so much i just adore the idea of them all sitting by the campfire telling ghost stories and laughing. really fits in with my obsession with the found family trope if ykwim
CASSIOPEIA MARLENE CEDRIC BLACKKKKKK yay!!! she’s finally a Black! i know it’s odd a girl having a boys middle name but i’m afraid you’ll have to deal with it :) i’m literally so happy for their little family.
REMUS REMEMBERING CASSIE’S FAVOURITE FLOWERRRR putting that big brain of his to use!
and omg the locket enzo gives her. is he the best bf ever or am i imagining things?? a layer for those she loves the most 😭😭 cassie has such a lovely little life currently, and i couldn’t be happier for her
Chapter 22: Y4 | You’re not the Wolf, Cassie
Summary:
Dragons?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SEVEN- TAYLOR SWIFT
'Love you to the Moon and to Saturn.'
One day in mid-November, Cassie sits in the courtyard with Pansy, Blaise and Daphne. For some strange reason, everyone had begun wearing badges in support of Cedric. Cassie appreciates that part, but the other part? The part making fun of Harry? She hated that.
You'll want to take a wild guess at who made said badges.
Cassie glares at Draco, who's boasting about his invention to the older Slytherin boys.
Cassie has been trying to get people to take them off, but they never listen. You'd think so as Cedric's sister, right? But no, they all love to poke fun at Harry, who Cassie knows for a fact didn't put his name in that cup.
"Those badges are ridiculous." Cassie mutters. "I just think Draco is too obsessed with Harry for his own good. He's talking about him more than he isn't at this rate." she shrugs. "If you told me Draco was in love with him, I wouldn't even bat an eyelid in shock."
The others laugh, following her gaze. "He had to of put his name in though, right?" Daphne says.
Cassie turns, "No. Why would he willingly put his name into a notoriously dangerous tournament? The poor boys been through enough, wouldn't you think?"
Daphne shrugs with a hum.
Cassie doesn't budge. She knows her house. She knows majority of Slytherin have pureblood parents once followers of Voldemort. She knows their beliefs— which are actually just their parent's beliefs at the end of the day.
"Whys Potter talking to your brother?" Blaise asks.
Cassie turns to where Blaise is looking. "I'll go over in a minute."
"When's the first task?" Pansy asks.
"Sunday. Three days away."
Pansy nods slowly. Cassie has been a little tense recently. Her head is preoccupied with worries about Cedric and whatever the hell the first task could be. They have no clue what it'll be— he could be fighting a mountain troll for all Cassie knows. The thought eats away at her brain every night, gnawing at every last bit of it.
Cassie tunes out of their conversation, and decides to speak to her brother whilst he's there. He's mid-conversation with Harry when she interrupts. "Oh, Hi Cass." Cedric smiles.
Harry spins around. "Hi, Cassie."
"Hi, what are you two chatting about?" she asks, truly curious.
"Harry's just telling me about the first task. He reckons it's dragons." Cedric informs.
Cassie's lips part and she looks to Harry. "You're taking the piss, right?"
Harry shakes his head. "Wish I was. Hagrid took me to see them last night."
"Merlin— dragons? The first task?" she spits. "If the first task is dragons, I can only imagine what the third one will be li—"
Cedric cuts off his sister with a smile. "Well, thanks again for letting me know, Potter."
Just as Harry is about to walk away, Cassie catches up with him and pulls him to the side. "Are you doing alright? I noticed you've been by yourself a lot recently. Did you fall out with Ron and Hermione or something?"
Harry sighs. He might as well tell her, he has nobody else to. "Ron seems to think I put my name in the cup. Blithering idiot. Why would I want to be in this bloody tournament?"
"He's your best friend— surely he knows you wouldn't put your name in."
Harry shakes his head. "I've been by myself for weeks now. These badges aren't helping either." he says, scowling at a Ravenclaw boy that points at the badge with a grin.
Cassie turns to the boy and throws up a middle finger. "I'm sorry, Harry. I've been trying to get people to take them off, they just won't listen. Draco isn't exactly making it easy, is he?"
"Nope." he sighs. "But thank you anyways, it does mean a lot.
Cassie frowns, "I don't like the idea of you being by yourself all the time."
"Not all the time. Sometimes Moody asks to have tea with me, or Neville hangs out with me."
Cassie frowns even further. "You know I'd ask if you wanted to hang around with us, but I don't think you or Draco would be too happy."
"No, that's okay. I don't mind. I just wish Ron would stop being a twat."
Just as Cassie opens her mouth to speak, Draco calls Harry's surname. "Fuck's sake. What does he want now?" Cassie mutters, following behind Harry towards the tree.
Draco smirks as Harry walks to the willow tree he sits atop. Mattheo and Theo are at his side, Enzo at the bottom of the tree with a book. He looks up at his girlfriend and they share an exasperated look.
"My father and I have a bet, you see. I don't think you're going to last ten minutes in this tournament." Draco teases smugly. Him, Theo and Mattheo jump down from the tree in sync, Enzo rolling his eyes below them.
"He disagrees. He thinks you won't last five."
"I don't give a damn what your father thinks, Malfoy!" Harry says, stepping towards Draco. Cassie couldn't help the smile that appears on her lips. "He's vile and cruel, and you're just as pathetic." he spits.
Cassie catches Enzo's eye and they struggle to swallow their laughter.
Harry goes to turn around, and for a split second Cassie almost has to pull her wand out. Draco draws his wand— but something stops him. Is that... Moody?
Cassie gasps as Draco twirls on the spot and transforms into a ferret. He scurries around the floor in a panic as everyone laughs around him. Cassie has to clutch her stomach from laughter. Her and Harry are in tears. "That'll teach you to curse a wizard when his back is turned!" Moody shouts.
Mcgonagall rushes over in an instant, shouting Moody's name. Mad-Eye is now controlling the ferret (Draco), and he even puts it down Flint's trousers, which makes Cassie laugh that bit more. "Is that a student?" Mcgonnagall demands.
"Technically it's a ferret." Moody says through gritted teeth.
Mcgonagall turns the ferret back into its usual self— Draco Lucius Malfoy. He scampers around the floor, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Cassie groups with her best friends around a self-conscious Draco.
"Oh, that was hilarious!" Theo exclaims.
"I think I almost pissed myself." Pansy laughs.
"Shut up!" Draco shouts, standing up. Everyone looks at each other and laughs again. Blaise helps Draco up, despite his protests. "It's not funny! You wait until I tell Father."
"You've got to admit mate, that was hilarious." Mattheo comments.
"Piss off, Riddle." Draco snarls.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Two days later, Cassie sits by the lake on a chilly Saturday afternoon. The group is sat by the body of water, most of them skimming rocks. "Dragons? Blimey, how's he gonna manage that?" Blaise asks.
Cassie shrugs, "I haven't spoken to him since he told me. I'm hoping he's got some sort of plan— he's not stupid."
"It's not him I think you need to be worrying about." Theo adds, turning from where he just skimmed a rock. "It's Krum."
Cassie sighs, sitting against a tree beside Enzo and Blaise. "I know. I told him that after he got chosen, but he just insisted he'd be fine. But I mean— have you seen Krum? Not even just him, that whole school scare me shitless."
"I get goosebumps every time I walk past one." Pansy shivers.
"I think Cedric will be okay. You know him, Cass, you know how his brain works. He's a lot smarter than he gets credit for." Enzo says after a brief moment of silence.
"Yeah, I s'pose I should talk to him really. Less than twenty four hours now." Cassie sighs.
"Yeah, go talk to him." Blaise smiles.
She taps a message to her brother; Meet on bridge please.
Ok
Enzo puts Cassie's head on his stomach so she can look up at him. He smiles down at her, and oh, she loves that smile. It's the kind of smile that blooms in the driest wood, the kind that brightens the darkest skies.
It's like Enzo is the breath of oxygen Cassie's dried, rotten lungs crave. He's the blood in her damaged veins. She thinks he's always been that to her— it just took her fourteen years to realise that.
But it was worth it. It was worth it because of the stolen kisses they share when their friends aren't paying attention, the way Enzo tucks her hair behind her ears when she's hugging him, the way he kisses her forehead after a long day.
Cassie knew most teenage relationships don't work out, but she'll continue loving Enzo until the breath leaves her lungs. Until her lips go blue. Until her skin goes white. She'd never love anyone the way she loves Enzo, that's just how it is.
Cassie rests on her elbows, pushing herself up to kiss her boyfriend. His lips feel like home. Like a cozy cottage on a cliffside— the kind you sit on the porch and watch the grandchildren on the grass in.
"Eugh, can you stop snogging in front of us please?" Mattheo groans.
"Hardly snogging, Riddle." Enzo says.
"Keep telling yourself that, loverboy." Mattheo sing-songs, skimming a rock.
"I'm gonna go meet Cedric on the bridge. I'll be back soon." Cassie says, kissing Enzo on the cheek before rising. She ruffles Draco's hair when she walks past, earning a grunt from him, who had spent twenty minutes combing his blonde hair this morning.
Cassie appreciates Hogwarts' architecture as much as she can. It's beautiful really. The intricate design of each tower, and the way each window fits perfectly. Hogwarts is home to most people studying here. Even though Cassie gets fed more homework than she'd prefer, and gets bullied by her potions master, she loves Hogwarts for all its beauty. Not just the castle itself, but the people in it as well.
"Hi, Cass." Cedric says as Cassie stands beside him on the familiar cold covered bridge.
"Hiya. You alright?" she smiles.
"Yeah, what's up?" he asks, nudging her shoulder beside her.
"I'm worried about you and this task. Please tell me you have a plan." she sighs.
Cedric laughs, "Trust my little sister who has a million other things to worry about to be the one that stresses about the tournament."
"Don't you remember, Ced? You said to me 'Whether it's a bruise or a broken leg, I will always worry about you.' I'm allowed to worry, thank you very much."
He chuckles and puts an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "You don't need to, Cass, I've got a plan."
"You do?"
"Of course I do. How thick do you think I am?"
"Do you want a serious answer?"
"No, I want a Cedric answer."
Cassie tries to keep her face deadpan from the joke, but she just can't help it. Her and Cedric laugh together, bowing their heads. "So not funny."
"You laughed." he shrugs. After a moment of comfortable silence, Cedric clears his throat. "When's the next full moon?"
"Twenty ninth— so just over a week. I've already started getting symptoms."
"What sort of symptoms?"
"For one, all of my senses and emotions are heightened. I cried when Blaise told me his mother forgot to pick him up from the station one year."
Cedric snorts, "Do you sleep any better?"
"Nah, worse if anything. But Madame Pomfrey gives me Sleeping Draughts at the start of the cycle."
"Does silver still burn you?"
"Only on my cycle days. But I just don't risk it anymore. Anyway, I wear this necklace all the time now."
Cedric takes a good look at the locket, which has an intricate design of a flower bouquet on the front. "Can I see what's in it?"
She takes it off from around her neck and places it in his hands carefully. He opens it up and looks through each layer, a smile on his face. "Take it Enzo got this?"
Cassie nods with a chuckle. "You've got competition, Ced. He's starting to know me just as well as you do."
Cedric laughs, "I'll let him off because I know he loves you."
Cassie smiles and leans into her brother's shoulder. "Y'know, I think you can win this tournament. If you beat Krum tomorrow, you're guaranteed to win, I promise."
He smiles, kissing her head. "Noted."
—
That evening, Cassie ties her letter to Remus to Coral's leg, sending her off. It's dark outside, just how Cassie likes it. She turns on her heel but jumps when someone comes in the doorway as she steps out. "Sorry—" she laughs. "Harry?"
"Why do I always bump into you here?" Harry chuckles.
"I have no idea. You writing to Padfoot?"
"Yeah. Thought he'd might like to hear about the ferret."
Cassie chuckles, "He definitely would."
After a moment of silence, Harry frowns. "Cassie— I don't mean to overstep or anything, but are you sure you're alright? Those scars on your face, they seem to just be multiplying."
Cassie nods, "Yeah, I'm alright."
"No you're not. Can you tell me what's been going on?"
Cassie shakes her head. She knows she can trust Harry, he's a lovely boy, but she can't tell him. Not yet. He'd think of her as a monster— a threat. He would treat her differently if he knew.
But Cassie can't say she could blame him. After all, she is a threat. She attacked Cedric at the World Cup, what's to say she won't do the same again? She's a monster. She's dangerous. She hates herself for it.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
"Don't worry, Haz. I'm fine." she sighs.
"Fine, I'll figure it out myself." he shrugs.
"Good luck with that."
"I'm a better detective than you think, Black!" he shouts as she starts walking down the stairs, shaking her head.
"Believe what you want, Potter!"
That was close, Cassie thinks as she walks away. She hates lying to people like this, it makes her feel unimaginably guilty. This wolf, however, it's a part of her. It lives in the darkest of crevices, in the parts Cassie is never able to see. There's nothing she can do about that. The day she was born, so was the wolf. They are one— and that thought scares Cassie to death. Attacking Cedric or Enzo, or let alone anyone, is her biggest fear. She's not herself when she transforms.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
You're not the wolf, Cassie.
Notes:
“bruise or a broken leg” 😖😖😖😖 they’re so precious to me i literally cannot. cassie stressing herself shitless over the first task whilst cedric does not gaf and is pulling out the nonchalant card. our girl is ripping her hair out over this task and cedric is shrugging it off like it’s nothing!
Btw, Cassie isn’t the wolf, y’know, if you didn’t get it the first time.
Chapter 23: Y4 | The First Task
Summary:
Wheyyy, Firewhiskey!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LOOK AFTER YOU — THE FRAY
'When I'm losing my control, the city spins around. You're the only one who knows to slow it down.'
Cassie can't swallow her lunch. One bite of her sandwich and she pushes it away with disgust. That lump in her throat has taken control of her body, preventing her from relaxing. Her muscles are tense and tight.
"Why aren't you eating?" Pansy asks opposite her on the table.
Cassie shrugs. "Too nervous."
Today is the day of the first Triwizard task. Cassie knows her brother is going to have to face a dragon today, and the thought paralyses her. It makes her feel sick. She can't think, eat or sleep properly. Cedric has been doing interviews and preparation all morning, which only makes Cassie more nervous. She needs to talk to her brother, hug him again. What if she didn't hug him tight enough yesterday? What if he forgets how much she loves him?
"Come on, try and eat something. Not even something little?" Pansy asks, holding up a bowl of strawberries.
Cassie shakes her head, "I'm afraid I'll just throw it up, Pans. I'm fine, really. I'll eat once Cedric walks out unharmed."
Pansy sighs. She knows Cassie, she knows how this anxious feeling she gets tends to eat her from the inside out. She doesn't push Cassie that bit further because Cassie is stubborn like that.
Enzo sits down next to his girlfriend with a smile in the hopes of cheering her up. He kisses her cheek, but she doesn't react. Enzo frowns. "What's wrong, love?" Cassie shakes her head in response, sick of telling people what's wrong, even if it is Enzo asking. "Cedric is going to be fine, Cass. He's got a plan." he says, realising what she's so nervous about.
Enzo has always been good at doing that— reading her like that. Another quality that makes Enzo an absolute godsend. He always knows how to comfort her, even if she doesn't know what words to say.
"I've just got this horrible feeling about this tournament. He's going to get himself hurt."
"Give him some credit, Cass. He's very tactical— and just a good seeker as Krum. He'll be more than fine."
"I don't know, it's just that feeling in my stomach."
"Yeah, it's your growling stomach. Have you eaten?"
She snorts, "No."
He frowns and holds her hand under the table. He knows there's nothing he can say that'll make her want to eat. He's patient with her, which Cassie always appreciates.
Her friends discuss everything but the task in an attempt to distract her. It works for a bit, when Mattheo makes a joke about Flint's teeth. But Mcgonagall begins calling houses over and to the make-shift stadium outside the forest.
"Slytherin fourth year!" she exclaims, leading them to Moody and Flitwick, who then take them to the stadium between the lake and forest.
Cassie's head becomes crazed at the different noises and business of the crowds. She can't focus. Everything is an attack on her senses, and she can't stand it. Drawing herself from the crowd, Cassie heads toward the lake.
She paces around the grounds, her hands trembling. This werewolf is going to be the death of her. Why can't she be normal like everyone else? Nobody else seems to be overwhelmed by the noises and sights. It makes Cassie feel like an outsider to her own life. It's almost like she's watching through a window, her life on the other side of the glass. On her side, it's all a big blur of sounds and sights. Inside the window, it's calm and Cassie's head is clear.
"Cassie?" a soft, familiar voice croaks from behind her. Cassie spins as fast as lightning and sighs with relief. She immediately falls into her brother's grasp. She can hug him tighter and make sure he knows she loves her.
"Where have you been? I've been worried sick about you."
"I know, I'm sorry. Rita Skeeter doesn't know how to leave me alone. She said she's placed all her bets on me, how sweet." Cedric says with a sarcastic tone.
Cassie snorts, looking her brother in the eye trying to read his expression. He doesn't seem nervous. He actually seems quite calm. "How'd you feel? Nervous?"
"Not that bad actually. I'm actually quite excited."
Cassie raises a brow. "You know you don't have to put on that Strong Big Brother act for me, Ced."
He laughs, "I'm not, I promise."
"You definitely have a plan?" she asks. He nods. "A backup plan?" He nods again. "A backup backup plan?"
"Yes, Cass. Stop stressing. I'm going to be fine."
Cassie frowns and hugs him again. "Promise?" He chuckles and pulls away, presenting his pinky to his sister. She smiles and twists hers with his, kissing her thumb. He does the same and Cassie smiles. "I love you so much, Ced. You know that, don't you?"
"Yes, Cassie. And I love you ten times more."
"Impossible."
He shakes his head with a scoff. "C'mon, I better get to the tent." he sighs. The siblings walk back to the stadium arm-in-arm. For that two minutes she spoke to Cedric, Cassie already feels much calmer. What is it about his presence that always manages to bring tranquil to her quivering soul?
When Cassie finds her friends, they're not sat down. They're standing by the entrance with worried expressions. Blaise catches her eye and nudges Mattheo. "Where the fuck did you go?" Mattheo exclaims.
"Sorry, I needed a moment. The cycle and all that got the best of me." she sighs with a frown.
"Oh, Cass." Mattheo mutters.
"I'm fine, I promise. I spoke to Cedric and I already feel ten times better."
"You're sure?" Pansy asks.
"Yes. Now, you're coming with me, Enzo." Cassie smiles. He raises his eyebrows and follows her. She leads him to the VIP seats by the teachers. As the sibling of one of the champions, Cassie gets VIP seats. Courtesy of Mcgonagall, she lets Cassie bring a friend. Enzo was her first thought.
"Well, this is nice." he comments, sitting down next to her.
"I know right." she smiles.
"You must be a bit excited, right?" he asks. Cassie gives him a look. "Nope, nevermind. Alright, let's hope Cedric is first so you can stop worrying and get this over with, yeah?"
Cassie smiles and kisses his cheek, finding his hand. "Yeah."
She scans her surroundings, familiarising herself with the setting. The stadium is big enough to fit Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, but it's nothing huge. There's a low murmur of chatter throughout the place, and Cassie does her best to ignore it. She's fine. The werewolf will not get the best of her again.
"It starts in three minutes." Enzo thinks aloud, looking down at his watch.
"Three? Oh Merlin." Cassie sighs, leaning back into her seat. Okay, now she's nervous. She puts the hand that isn't holding Enzo's over her mouth, her elbow on the arm rest. Her stomach wrenches with anxiety.
Enzo squeezes her hand as a cannon goes off. A figure walks out of the tent, and Cassie looks closer. She'd recognise her brother anywhere. "Fuck." she whispers. Cedric scans the terrain, his face deadpan. Cassie doesn't think she's ever seen him so focused in his life.
Cedric looks up at his sister before tapping a message on his bracelet. I got this. Cassie actually laughs out loud. A typical thing someone would say before tacking a giant dragon, right?
"What'd he say?" Enzo asks.
"I got this."
Enzo snorts in reply, watching his girlfriend's brother.
Cedric cracks his neck and knuckles before approaching the Swedish Short-Snout dragon. It's a humungous ice blue dragon the size of a house. It snarls at Cedric, a light blue flame escaping its nostrils. Cassie actually flinches, jumping back in her seat slightly.
She takes a deep breath, calming herself. Cedric doesn't look scared or intimidated. He looks as calm as can be. This is something Cassie can't say she understands. Yes, Cassie's strong and usually fearless, but if she was put in front of a twenty-two foot dragon and told to take it's egg, she'd look at you like you were crazy. There is no way she'd be able to remain calm in that situation. It's just impossible— how Cedric is managing it, Cassie has no idea.
Cedric bellows a spell Cassie can't hear. Unfortunately, the dragon missed it by an inch. It's chained to the rock below it, which brings a slight sense of comfort to Cassie. Worst comes to worst, the dragon is chained and won't be able to kill him. Plus, Cassie reckons she's at the perfect angle she could jump down and not break a bone or two, and save her brother.
Cedric keeps throwing spells at the dragon but it's not working. He has a plan, he just needs to find the right moment to use it. Cassie is on the edge of her seat, praying to whoever'll listen.
This might be the hardest thing Cassie has ever had to watch. Cedric has spent his whole life being the overprotective, caring big brother. It's odd how the situations have reversed. Is this how Cedric feels every time he thinks Cassie is in danger? If so, she reckons she should stop putting herself in dangerous situations— because this feeling? It's horrible.
Cassie leans forward, untangling her fingers from Enzo's. She clasps her hands together and rests her elbows on her knees.
Cedric keeps hurling spells at the Short-Snout but it's just getting angrier. Cedric has to keep dodging the bursts of flames from the dragon's nose. He has it all planned out, he swears. Him and Eddie spent almost every night in the library researching and studying. Cedric didn't tell Cassie this because she'd go ballistic— "I'm always up at that hour, I could've done it for you." he predicted her saying.
"He has a plan, Cass." Enzo mutters.
Cassie nods but keeps her gaze locked on Cedric. Her throat goes dry as Cedric just about misses the ball of fire. Her breath hitches as a fresh cut appears on his cheek.
He stands up and reveals himself to the dragon. He's found it. He's found the perfect moment. Cedric pulls his wand out and uses a spell Cassie doesn't know.
Cassie gasps, sitting up straight. The boulder Cedric previously hid behind, is now a Labrador dog. The dog barks and distracts the dragon with ease. He did have a plan after all!
Cassie beams with pride, her chest rising and falling with adrenaline. She scoffs, "He has a plan!"
He darts towards the golden egg beside the dragon. Luckily for him, the Short-Snout is preoccupied with the loose Labrador. It's running the dragon all around the rock, dodging its spells of fire.
Cassie sits on the very edge of her seat as Cedric nears the egg. He grabs it— and the crowd roars.
But Cassie roars louder.
He holds up the shiny shape to the sky, the stands cheering with school pride. Cassie screams and shouts for her brother as Enzo claps beside her. "He did it! He fucking did it!" Cassie laughs, hugging Enzo.
"He did it!" he chuckles, kissing her head.
She continues jumping as Cedric walks off the grounds. He's congratulated with hugs and cheers by his peers the second he exits the pen. Cassie rushes out of her seat and springs down the steps, meeting her brother in the middle.
He beams as she comes hurdling at him. "You did it!" she laughs. She's never been so proud of him in her life.
"I did it." he confirms, chuckling. She pulls away and grabs his cheek, tilting his head to the side. Cassie gets a good look of the gash on his face, grimacing.
"You cut yourself." she states.
"Did I?" he says.
Cassie rolls her eyes and calls Poppy over. Poppy performs a small healing spell and gives him a wet flannel to put over it. Cedric and Cassie walk back up to the VIP seats and Enzo congratulates him. "Absolutely brilliant, Ced." Enzo says, shaking his head.
"Thanks, mate."
They sit down and Cassie holds the flannel to Cedric's cheek, her face scrunched up with worry. Eddie comes running up the stairs and hugs his best friend, clapping him on the back. Cassie lets them have their moment and turns to Enzo, who's already smiling at her.
"What?" she chuckles.
"Nothing." he smiles, leaning forward and pressing a warm, short kiss to her lips. She grins and kisses him again, more passionately this time. Cedric's okay. Cassie couldn't be happier.
In total, Cedric's performance only lasted six minutes; which means they all have to sit through every other champions attempt. Cassie is only bothered about Harry's, she couldn't care less about Krum or Delacour. She supposes it'll be good to see how they handle the situation and base the second task tactics off their strengths and weaknesses.
"Who got the second dragon did you say, Ced?" Cassie asks.
"Er— Delacour I think. She got the Common Welsh Green." Cedric shrugs.
Fleur uses a sleeping spell on her Welsh Green, but the dragon snores and breathes fire which catches her bottoms. She manages to extinguish the flames and grab the egg, but Cassie didn't reckon she'd score very high for it. Cassie has already put Fleur at the bottom of the list of champions Cedric needs to worry about.
Next, Krum tackles the Chinese Fireball. It's a scarlet red dragon with beady yellow eyes— arguably more scary than the Short-Snout and Welsh Green. Krum uses a Conjunctivitis charm on the dragon, making it semi-blind. He manages to retrieve the egg, but the dragon can't see where it's going so it destroys half of the real eggs. Krum is docked points for this, to Cassie's delight. He's number one on her list already. Krum was much quicker than Cedric to get the egg, which already places him higher.
Last but not least, Harry is dealing with a Hungarian Horntail, the most vicious of the lot. However, he has a plan. He summons his Firebolt and manages to escape the Horntail. Things go sideways when the dragon pulls itself off the chain, meaning it has free rein over Harry. Draco is lapping up his suffering like a child on Christmas morning, whereas Cassie and those that care about Harry couldn't be more anxious.
Harry succeeds, however. He manages to grab the egg. In the process, the Horntail demolishes the teacher section of the stadium, scaring Snape shitless. This did make Cassie laugh and she swore she heard one of the Weasley twins shout "Yes, dragon!"
This means Harry and Krum are tied first place. Cassie's happy for Harry but wishes it was anyone but Krum. Cedric is second and Delacour is, as predicted, third and final place.
But Cassie's happy with second place. She can work with that. Cedric's happy with it too— so happy, in fact, there's a party in the Hufflepuff common room.
"Go on, Ced! Open it!" Eddie grins. Cassie has dragged her friends along with her because A) They'll do anything for a party, and B) She only knows two Hufflepuffs.
Cedric stands atop a table as everyone cheers. He opens the glimmering egg with a slight struggle. Instantly, the egg starts shrieking the most horrible noise Cassie's heard. Her hands fly to her ears just as everyone else's.
"Close the bloody egg!" Cassie screeches over the noise. Cedric snaps it shut and everyone sighs with relief. Draco could not look more miserable.
"Fuck me." Theo breathes out, making their friends snort.
The music resumes, and Cassie finds her brother at the start of a particular song. SOS by ABBA begins, and that's their song. Even when they were little, at gatherings whenever it'd play, they'd start their whole dance/act performance. They role play a divorced couple finding their way back to each other as dramatically as possible, a whole dance routine involved.
Everyone watches and claps as they dance and sing the lyrics. So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me? SOS. And the love you gave me, nothing else can save me. SOS.
—
An hour or so later, Cassie is by the drinks table with Enzo when Cedric trips his way over. "Some party, huh?" he grins, very clearly drunk. Cassie'll admit, she's had one too many red currant rums today, but she still scolds her brother for being so drunk. He is seventeen, but still.
"You're drunk." she states as he slings an arm around her shoulder.
"No! Lies!" he exclaims, raising a finger for emphasis. It's not his pointer finger. It's his... pinky? Cassie and Enzo share a baffled glance.
Cassie pushes his arm off her shoulder. "Merlin, Ced, you reek of Firewhiskey."
He laughs and tips his cup towards her. "Wanna try some? It's lovely. It's the same stuff Sirius—"
She cuts him off with a hiss. "Shut the fuck up." she warns. Sirius is still meant to be in hiding.
He slaps a hand over his mouth. "Sorry."
"You know what, I think I'll have some after all." Cassie sighs, taking the cup from Cedric's grasp. She takes one sip and it burns her throat like a volcano. Enzo laughs beside her as she grimaces.
Although, once the burning sensation disappears, it tastes rather sweet. Cassie shrugs and downs the rest of the cup in one go. Now, her throat feels like it really is on fire. Cedric and Enzo are still laughing.
She chucks the plastic cup to the floor and holds her arms out to the side. "I don't see why you're laughing, that was easy." she grins.
"You almost collapsed after your first sip." Cedric comments.
"Oh yeah? Get me some more and we'll see if I collapse." she challenges. Now that Cedric has opposed her, she has the burning need to prove him otherwise.
Enzo shakes his head, "Cass, I get you love a challenge, but you're fifteen. Do we honestly think a drinking competition is normal?"
Cassie shrugs, "What's the worst that'll happen?"
"Now that's the spirit!" Cedric exclaims, throwing a hand up into the air. His words are slurred and his steps are uneven.
Enzo rolls his eyes at the pair of idiots. "Whatever, but I'm getting Mattheo and the others over here to witness this."
"Be my guest!" Cassie calls after him.
Cedric raises his eyebrows. "You weren't joking?"
"Do I look like I'm joking, Cedric?"
Enzo's right in a way. It's true, Cassie always feels like she has to be the person that comes out on top. The person that everyone fears to challenge. The person that's never wrong.
Cedric shrugs and walks over to the large bottle of firewhiskey. He pours at least seven ounces and Cassie raises her eyebrows. "Come on, Cassie, you can do this. It's easy." she whispers to herself in preparation.
"What's this I'm hearing about you drinking a load of Firewhiskey?" Mattheo exclaims, joining the hubbub.
"Just you wait, Riddle." she grins, already a bit tipsy. Mattheo and Theo just laugh at her. Mattheo calls over a large crowd to come and spectate her 'performance.' Luckily, crowds motivate Cassie even more.
"Cass, this is a bad idea." Enzo warns.
Cassie waved her off, "It's fine, love."
Cedric hands his sister the large cup and she takes a deep breath. "Come on, Cassie." she mutters under her breath. She can smell the rich flames of the whiskey, and she's starting to regret doing this.
Fuck it. Cassie closes her eyes and chugs the whole cup in a matter of seconds with the crowd chanting "Down-it! Down-It!" Her throat burns like never before, but it soon becomes a sweet taste.
The massive crowd bursts into cheers and Mattheo and Theo go crazy. The two boys pick Cassie up as the crowd praise her, which really boosts her (already worryingly large) ego.
Cassie laughed as they cheer her name— "Cass-ie! Cass-ie!"
This was what she lives for.
"No, don't spin me! Too much Whiskey." Cassie exclaims as Theo attempts to spin her around.
Theo apologises through his laughter and him and Mattheo gently place her back down on the floor. It takes a moment before Cassie can gather her surroundings and stabilise herself. She feels sick all of a sudden— "Shit." she whispers.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦
Cassie rests her head on the toilet seat, completely and utterly exhausted. Cedric lets go of her hair and slumps down beside her. "Why are you still here? I'm disgusting." she croaks, her face pale.
"What are big brothers for?" Cedric chuckles. Even though he was the one egging her on, he sobered up the moment she ran up to the nearest dorm bathroom.
Cassie laughs weakly, hiccuping. "Then why did you let me drink all of that whiskey?"
"I didn't think you'd actually do it!"
"You know me, Ced. You know I never back down from a challenge."
"Nobody challenged you, Cass. You did it completely on your own accord— I just assisted you slightly." he snorts. "You literally challenged yourself, if anything."
Cassie laughs, knowing he's right. Sometimes Cassie's biggest and only opponent is herself. What does that say about her? "I suppose."
"C'mon, let's get you cleaned up properly." Cedric says, standing up and assisting her. She closes the toilet lid and sits atop it, Cedric coming to her with a wet flannel. He wipes her face, the mascara running down her cheeks.
"Please don't tell my dads." she sighs.
"Oh don't worry, I think they'd murder me for letting you do it."
"Sirius is good at that though— murdering." Cassie chuckles, hiccuping again. "Am I right?"
Cassie laughs at her own joke as Cedric shakes his head. "In a way, they both are..." Cedric adds, making both of them laugh. They keep laughing until their stomachs hurt, simply because they're both still tipsy and are finding this way too funny.
Cedric may still be drunk, but his big brother instincts never let him down. As he saw her run, he followed after her and immediately held her hair back for her.
Once Cedric fully cleans her up, he walks her back to her common room. The party is over now and Cassie is knackered, even if it's only seven in the evening.
She turns to her brother outside the dungeon door, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Ced." she mutters. "I'm so proud of you today. You did amazing."
"Thank you, Cass. Now go and get some rest. We have lessons tomorrow."
She groans and he ruffles her hair. "I love you to the moon and back." she mutters under her breath.
"I love you more." he replies, walking away. Cassie forces herself into the common room, where Enzo instantly jumps out of his seat.
"There you are!" he exclaims, holding her hands.
Cassie smiles sheepishly. "Yeah, I threw up a bit."
"Are you okay now?"
"Yeah, Ced was there."
Enzo sighs and brings his girlfriend into a hug. She can be so incredibly stupid sometimes, but that's what makes him love her so much. He loves Cassie for all her stupid decisions and ridiculous choices. "I love you, baby." he whispers, trying out the pet name.
Cassie smiles into his chest. "I love you more."
"But never do that again, you hear me?" he says, pulling away and holding her shoulders.
"I'm not planning on it."
He laughs and kisses the bridge of her nose. "Good."
Notes:
a few honourable mentions this chapter!
1) enzo being the only one that sees straight through cassie. we LOVE him for that.
2) cedric taking the time, facing a dragon, bear in mind, to tap out ‘I got this!’ on his bracelet. cedric mate there is a huge dragon right in front of you, reckon you’ve got bigger things to worry about…
3) cassie going into mum mode the second she sees the tiny cut on his face 😭 where would cedric be without her?
4) cedric and cassie’s song being SOS by ABBA 💀 they have a whole performance and everything?? like props to them!!!
5) cassie challenging herself to a drinking competition LMFAO the best part is nobody even doubted her in the first place.
6) cedric sobering the minute he sees cassie run out of the room. those brotherly instincts kicked in QUICKLY. their drunken conversation in the bathroom LMAO i love them
Chapter 24: Y4 | The Prank
Summary:
Atyd readers, do not stress <3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ WE ARE THE PEOPLE- EMPIRE OF THE SUN
'We are the people that rule the world.'
Cassie is happy after November's full moon. She's happy those awful loud noises and blurry sights have gone. It's a relief like no other— like finally reaching peace.
But that peace doesn't last long, because the following Saturday, Mattheo insists on going to Hogsmeade and pulling a prank on Flint. "No— hear me out!" he exclaims, the hand gestures coming out on the Slytherin table. Cassie snorts as he struggles to gain everyone's attention. "We can put spider-web grenades in his dorm and hex the webs into shooting out the same gas as dungbombs."
Cassie contemplates the idea. It's a lot of work for a prank, but she's pretty willing to do it when Marcus Flint is involved. Plus, they haven't pulled a prank like this since first year. "You know what, I like it. We can even make them invisible so he doesn't know they're there." Cassie suggests.
"Thank you! Someone finally has some sense." Mattheo sighs, sitting back.
"Yeah, I think I'll stay out of this one." Draco says. He and Blaise tend to back off their Flint pranks. Draco pulls all sorts on Harry whenever he fancies, but that's usually with the help of Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle— who Cassie isn't particularly fond of.
"I'll join." Pansy shrugs.
Cassie grins at look to Enzo. He smiles, shaking his head. "I'll do it." he says. "Any excuse to make Flint suffer." he adds with a casual shrug.
"I'm in." Theo beams.
"Blaise?" Mattheo proposes.
Blaise tilts his head to the side. "Eh— I don't know. I don't particularly fancy being in detention for two weeks."
"We won't get caught, promise." Cassie says.
"You say that every time." Blaise scoffs.
"No, I mean it this time!"
"I think I'll pass."
They groan in annoyance. Blaise is never one for their pranks. He tends to sit back with Draco and watch the chaos blow up in their faces. They're both too nonchalant to get involved, Cassie reckons. Draco's father wouldn't be happy if he found out he was cursing fellow Slytherins, let alone pure-bloods. Blaise, however, just has a bit more common sense than the others.
Draco isn't really the same type of chaotic Cassie thinks her, Mattheo, Theo and Pansy are. Enzo can be chaotic when he chooses to, but most of the time he's pretty relaxed. Draco is spiteful and likes to take his anger out on the people he dislikes— Harry, Hermione and Ron for example. He's an angry person with a temper as short as firefly. Cassie can't say she understands Draco, but she does try her best.
"Fine then." Theo shrugs.
After they all finish their lunches, the group head to Hogsmeade. It's cold now, especially since it's the start of December. Cassie wraps up warm with her brown jacket— she has a few pins on the front pocket; one of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane bolt with a white background, a Union Jack and the face of a white Siberian tiger.
She walks in between Blaise and Mattheo as they argue back and forth about the prank. Mattheo seems to of noticed her zoning out, so he lightly nudges her. "What'd you think, Cass? Blaise reckons that this prank is going to go horribly wrong. Personally, I wholeheartedly disagree." Mattheo smiles.
Cassie laughs, "I hate to admit it, Blaise, but Mattheo's right— and that's a sentence you won't hear coming from my mouth very often."
Blaise laughs but Mattheo scoffs. "What makes you so sure it's going to go well?"
"We've got it all planned out, don't we? Get the web grenades from Zonko's, borrow Harry's invisibility cloak and hex the grenades. Place them in Flint's room, and bosh."
Blaise rolls his eyes, "How are five of you going to fit under that tiny cloak?"
"We'll figure it out. We always do." Mattheo shrugs.
Another ten minutes or so of walking and they've arrived at Hogsmeade. Typically, they'd go straight to the Three Broomsticks before anything else, but this time, they go straight to Zonko's Joke shop. They all start searching and scanning the shelves for what they're looking for.
"Where are they? What kind of joke shop doesn't sell dung-bomb spider webs?" Theo mutters beside Cassie, earning a snort from her.
Zonko's is a massive shop— probably the biggest in Hogsmeade. It's three stories tall with prank supplies stocked on every shelf. It's so full of colour and life— it's hard to imagine Hogsmeade without it.
"A-ha!" Enzo exclaims from the back of the shop. Everyone rushes over to him with their hopes high. Enzo stands with a massive grin on his face and two dung-bomb spider webs in his hands. "Enzo you brilliant bastard!" Mattheo shouts with joy.
They all grab as many as they can and place them down on the till. The owner looks at them like they're mad. "All of these for you, huh?" the man smiles as he calculates the total.
"Yep." Cassie replies, grinning.
"I should warn you, these things are pretty powerful. The smell is putrid." he warns.
"Perfect." Theo adds with the most mischievous grin he could conjure. They pay for the large amount of dung-bomb spider webs and leave the shop.
"Right, now I need to go to Scrivenshaft's to get some ink." Pansy sighs as they stand in the middle of Hogsmeade. Unwillingly, they all make their way to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop so Pansy can stock up on ink. Only Cassie goes in with her because the boys blatantly refuse.
"Bloody idiots. I went into that joke shop with them." Pansy mutters as they walk in, making Cassie chuckle.
"What kind of ink d'you need?" Cassie asks, scanning the shelves.
"Dunno. What do I usually get?"
"You tell me! It's your ink."
Pansy groans. "I'll recognise it once I see it."
Cassie's attention turns to the shop front door when none other than Marcus Flint and his friends walk in. They leave the door open so Enzo and the boys can hear everything. Marcus walks past them, glancing at Pansy but glaring at Cassie. She laughs.
Marcus turns to Cassie, walking toward her. "Something funny, Black?"
She snorts. "Yeah, your pathetic arse."
"Do you think you're some kind of tough guy doing that to Charlotte on the train?" he spits, way too close for Cassie's comfort.
Cassie bows her head to stop the laughter escaping in his face. "Get your huge fucking teeth out of my face, and perhaps I'll answer."
He licks his lips, "So I'll take that as a yes?"
Cassie laughs with spite dripping from her tongue. "She cheated on my brother with you— Merlin knows why— then spread false rumours about him. What do you expect me to do, Flint? Sit back and let it happen?" she scoffs. She tilts her head intimidatingly. "C'mon Flint, we both know that's not my style."
"You're a right bitch, you know that, right?" he snarls, stepping way too close. Cassie spits in his face, making him splutter backwards.
She steps towards him, but her attention turns to the open door. The boys walk in and Cassie groans. She has it under control. One of them is going to fuck it up.
What she didn't expect, was Enzo to be the one to fuck it up.
She'd never seen him so furious in her life.
"Get the fuck away from her, you wanker." Enzo spits, his eyes slightly narrowed.
Flint laughs and simply steps closer to Cassie, pushing her flat against the shelf. The next thing Cassie registers, is Enzo grabbing him by the shoulders and pushing him out of the shop. Flint falls to the ground and everyone rushes out of the shop.
"Oh for fuck's sake. I had it under control." Cassie whispers.
"Shh. Let him have his moment. He's wanted to punch the fucker since first year." Blaise says, stifling a laugh as Flint gets up.
Enzo punches Marcus straight across the face. Something in Cassie's stomach tightens. Marcus swings back, punching Enzo in the nose. Fuck, he's bleeding. Cassie grits her teeth as the boys laugh.
Enzo smirks— like he actually smirks— and pins Flint back to the floor. Cassie gasps, but Pansy and the boys cackle with laughter, egging him on. The pair roll around the floor violently, punching and kicking each other. Cassie sees Enzo knee Flint right in the crotch, which makes everyone go "Ooh!" in response.
Marcus punches Enzo in the face so his head hits the floor.
No.
That's enough.
Cassie marches toward them, pulling them both up by the collar. Enzo's head is bleeding. Cassie turns to Marcus in disgust. "I would do absolutely anything for my brother, so I don't care if I gave your little girlfriend a black eye. I don't care that the pair of you are fucking twats. I don't want anything to do with you, Flint." she says, her voice strong.
"What are you, jealous?"
Cassie actually cackles. "Jealous? Jealous of Charlotte? Does the poor girl know how many second years you flirt with? You're a fucking nonce, mate. Why on earth would I be jealous of Charlotte?" Cassie laughs. A muscle in his jaw twitches and he motions for his friends to follow him. They follow behind him as Marcus makes them swear not to tell anyone about this.
As soon as they walk away, Cassie and her friends turn to a bleeding Lorenzo Berkshire. She puts a hand on the wound on his head in an attempt to stop it bleeding so much. "Enzo, you idiot. You know damn well I could've taken care of him." Cassie says, almost like a protective mother.
"I know. But I've wanted to punch him for fucking years, Cass. Ever since he started flirting with you, the weirdo."
"And look where that got you, love." she frowns.
"A bloody nose and a cut? It's fine, baby." he mutters.
Cassie rolls her eyes and turns to her friends. "Why did none of you stop him?"
"Cause he had a bloody good point. Punching Flint is number one on my bucket list— I'm kind of jealous." Mattheo shrugs.
Cassie sighs with defeat. "Alright, let's go to the pub. You're coming with me, Enz."
When they walk into the pub, Cassie and Enzo head to the bathrooms. She makes Enzo sit up on the side as she gets the tap running. "Can't you use a spell?"
"I would, but none of us brought our wands. We're going to Poppy when we get back, you understand?"
He nods. "Yes ma'am."
Cassie wipes the back of his head with a wet flannel, soaking up all of the dried blood. She moves his hair out of the way to get a look at the cut— it's nothing bad or deep, she just hopes it's nothing bad internally. She washes the flannel and tends to his bloody nose.
Cassie steps in between his dangling legs to get a better angle. He smiles down at her, putting his hands on her sides. He moves one of his hands to her jaw, tilting her face up to his. "Thank you for doing that. I could've handled it— but I— I do appreciate it."
"You know I'd do anything for you, love." he whispers in a voice that makes Cassie's knees go weak.
"I love you." she replies, leaning down to kiss him. He smiles and tucks her hair behind her cheek once they pull away.
"I love you more. Now let's go— I'm even more excited to pull off this prank now." Enzo smiles, hopping off the side. Cassie chuckles and finds his hand.
"What took you two so long?" Draco complains (as per).
"He was bleeding, Draco." Cassie says, tilting her head.
"Mhm..." Blaise says in an unconvincing tone.
"What?" Enzo and Cassie exclaim.
"What were you really doing in there?" Mattheo says, a questionable brow up.
"You're disgusting!" Cassie says, as Enzo says "Come on, we're in fourth year." Mattheo narrows his eyes as if that's not a good enough answer.
Cassie just rolls her eyes and walks with Pansy— who pries the truth out of her as they walk, and is disappointed at the response. "You just kissed? Boring." Pansy frowns.
"I'll give you boring, mate." Cassie says.
As they approach the small bridge over the stream, Cassie notices a large wolf-looking animal. Where has Cassie seen it before? Its eyes are familiar. It's black and scruffy and it stares directly at Cassie with a tilted head.
Cassie wants to walk away, but she can't. This dog is freezing her in her spot. The dog is inches away from her but she feels so drawn to it. It places its head underneath her hand to get her to pet it. Cassie does it without thinking. She crouches down and flips over the tag hanging from its collar. "Who are you?" she whispers to herself.
The dog tag reads; Padfoot. Cassie smiles so widely when she realised. It's Sirius.
Cassie laughed, "Dad?" The dog licks her hand and she giggles. Cassie hugs the dog as her friends watch her with pure confusion. Sirius walks around a corner and Cassie contemplates following him.
"Cassie, whose dog is that?" Draco asks. They've all stopped in their tracks after realising Cassie wasn't with them.
"It's Padfoot!" Cassie calls before following Sirius. She knows that Enzo knows who Padfoot is so he'll tell the others. Sirius checks his surroundings before transforming back into his human form. Cassie scoffs with the brightest smile.
He grins and holds her in his arms. Sirius kisses the side of his daughter's head and she leans into his touch. "Hello, pup." he says after letting her go.
"What are you doing here? Does dad know you're here?"
Sirius nods. "He did everything he could to stop me— but I didn't listen. I needed to see my beautiful daughter again. It's been so long."
In reality, it has only been about three weeks.
Cassie smiles with warmth. "How've you been?"
"Ehh, I've been better."
"You're getting bored, aren't you?"
"Extremely. I miss having you at home with us."
"I miss being there."
"What are you guys doing in Hogsmeade? I didn't think you'd actually be here, I was just hoping to scout out the area from pure boredom."
"Er— we started off going to get prank supplies, but Enzo ended up getting into a fight."
Sirius' eyebrows shoot up. "Enzo? Lorenzo Berkshire getting into a fight?" he gasps. "With who?"
"Marcus Flint. He came up to me in a shop and started talking about what I did to Charlotte. I spat in his face when he came too close. Enzo stepped in after Flint called me a bitch."
Sirius' jaw clenches. He went to school with Flint's father— Flavius Flint. He also attended galas and gatherings with his family, who are also part of the Sacred Twenty Eight. "Fucking kid. Want me to speak to his father? I know the bloke—"
"Don't even think about it. You'll get yourself locked up again."
"The fucker called you a—"
"Dad." Cassie states. "I'm fine. Enzo's fine."
"Did he at least win?"
Cassie laughs, "Course he did."
"Good man. Where is he?"
"Over there— want me to get him?"
Sirius nods so Cassie walks back around the corner to her friends. "Where'd you go?" Blaise asks.
"My dad's here. Go on— you guys go back. I just need Enzo for a minute then we'll meet you in the common room." Cassie says.
"Alright." Theo says. Cassie grabs Enzo's hand and leads him around the corner.
As soon as Sirius sees Enzo, he grins and holds his arms out for a hug. Not a handshake this time— a hug! Cassie could melt seeing two of her favourite people become comfortable around each other. Enzo used to be quite awkward around Remus and Sirius, but he's warming up to them quite easily.
"Thank you, Enzo." Sirius says after they pull apart.
"I— yeah, of course." Enzo shakes his head. "He deserved it."
"You're a good man, Enzo." Sirius smiles. Sirius calling someone a good man is almost the equivalent of giving his blessing. He knows that Cassie knows this, so it's him saying he approves of him. He believes Enzo is the right person for his daughter.
"I appreciate that, Padfoot." Enzo smiles.
Sirius leans forward and whispers something to Enzo that Cassie has to focus her hearing on to listen to. "I really appreciate you, Lorenzo. You've been nothing but good to my Cassie. You're all a father wants his daughter to have. Thank you."
Cassie thinks she might cry.
He's right— Enzo is quite literally everything good in a human. He's pure, and he's patient. He loves a good laugh but he knows where to draw the line. He's kind and gentle, polite and loving. He's so good to Cassie, and she realises she should tell him that more often.
Enzo smiles at Sirius and nods.
"Come on, you. We better get back for the prank." Cassie smiles.
"A prank, huh?" Sirius grins. The word is like a trigger for him— it brings back all sorts of happy memories from school. All four of them under James' cloak, watching their chaos unfold in front of them. All the times Minnie called them into her office. Sirius will always hold those memories so close to his heart.
It warms his heart and soul to see his daughter carrying on his legacy. Mcgonagall must see him in her every day.
"Yeah, we're putting dung-bomb spider webs in Marcus' dorm." Enzo answers.
"Oooh, brutal." he says. " I love it." Sirius adds. Cassie approaches her dad and hugs him. For just a moment, she refuses to let go. She hates leaving him. "I love you to the moon and back, pup." he whispers.
"I love you more." she whispers back.
"Take care of yourself, okay? I'll see you soon." he smiles, pulling away from his daughter with hesitation. Cassie nods and looks at her dad one last time, his cold hand on her cheek, before he transforms back into a deerhound. The dog licks her hand and before she knows it, he runs into the forest.
"Blimey." Enzo scoffs.
"Well that was a surprise."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
They're gathered in the common room over an empty table, a silencing charm around them. The dung bombs are scattered across the table, Harry's cloak is underneath Cassie's arm. She still hasn't figured out how all five of them are going to fit under the cloak.
It's pretty cool to have one of the Deathly Hallows in her grasp. Amos used to tell her stories when she was younger, including the story of the three brothers of the Deathly Hallows. She'd thought it a myth until she saw Dumbledore's wand and Harry's cloak.
Draco and Blaise are by the fireplace doing their Potions homework, occasionally glancing over at their friends. "So, how are we going to fit under the cloak?" Pansy asks.
"I have an idea." Cassie says.
"Enlighten us, Cass." Mattheo says, of course with a hand gesture.
"Enzo, do you still have that box of chocolates your mum sent?" Cassie asks, the idea blooming in her brain.
"Yeah, why?"
"We could leave a note on top of it saying something cheesy about Charlotte wanting to meet him somewhere and that way we'll definitely know he's out of his dorm." Cassie explains. "Someone can leave the chocolate outside of his dorm and knock, he'll come out and obviously fall for it 'cause he's a thick twat. Once he leaves the common room, two of us stand guard outside his dorm whilst the other three go in."
"Merlin, I love you Cass." Theo grins.
"Absolute genius." Mattheo shakes his head with a smile.
Enzo runs up to his dorm to get the chocolates while the others write the fake note from Charlotte. 'Come meet me in my dorm ASAP — Lottie xx' is what they decide on, Pansy writing it as feminine as possible.
Once Enzo comes back, they stick the note on top of the box. "This is gonna be wicked." Pansy grins.
After they made sure they had everything in place, Mattheo carefully puts the chocolates outside of Flint's door. He looks back at them for confirmation and knocks. Mattheo sprints down the steps and hides around the corner. They all have to cover their mouths to prevent themselves from laughing.
Out of nowhere, the door creeps open and Marcus makes an "Hm?" sort of noise. Cassie hears him rip off the note and then open the tin. He starts to walk down the steps and the Slytherins make sure that they aren't in sight.
He walks past them with the chocolates in his hand. After he leaves the common room, Cassie, Theo and Mattheo run up to his dorm while Pansy and Enzo go on lookout duty. They scatter the spider webs around his bedroom, making sure they were in sight so he would try and get them down— which would activate the dung-bombs.
"This is exhilarating." Cassie whisper-laughs.
"I know right," Theo replies, tying one to Flint's bedpost. Cassie puts a few more on Pucey's and Bole's beds. They're all prats.
Mattheo puts a web on Flint's bedside table and then they sprint out of his dorm. Enzo and Pansy follow them and they enter the common room again. They rush over to the sofas to tell Blaise and Draco with stifled laughter.
Cassie, Mattheo and Theo are out of breath and still chuckling by the time they throw themselves down on the sofa. "He's in for a treat tonight." Mattheo laughs, making them all chuckle again.
After they all calm down and explain the mastermind plan behind it all, Marcus walks in. They all act completely natural and pretend as if they hadn't just been into his dorm. Cassie leans on the arm of the sofa, her feet in Mattheo's lap.
Flint glances at them quickly before bowing his head and walking up to his dorm. Cassie grabs Mattheo's and Theo's hands in suspense, her body gushing with excitement.
Next thing they know, dung bombs are going off left-right-and centre. Everyone bursts into laughter, Blaise and Draco included. "Black, Riddle, Nott!" Marcus bellows from his dorm. Cassie shares a look with the others and they all jump out of their seats, cackling.
They run as fast they can down the hall as they roar with laughter, all of their hands connected.
Notes:
ENZOOOOO!!! him stepping in knowing damn well cassie had it under control. ugh and him saying he’s wanted to punch him since first year anyway😭 thank you enzo we all say. the silly test had it coming, right! WE HATE MARCUS FLINT!!!!
sirius being in hogsmeade!!! the group being like “erm who’s dog is that?” and cassie being casually like “oh, that’s my dad!” LMFAOO but omg him approving of enzo warms my heart. he’s a simple creature, sirius black.
THE PRANK!!! them running down the halls hand-in-hand 🥹🥹 they actually melt my heart you have no idea. flint automatically knowing it was them HELP he’s been through it this chapter 3
Chapter 25: Y4 | Can you see me?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ FAVOURITE — FONTAINES DC
'You've been my favourite for a long time.'
"Come on, Cassie!" Mattheo belts from about 15 feet below. Cassie pushes herself even further on her broom, speeding up. She's neck-and-neck with the Ravenclaw seeker, Cho Chang.
Chang has been talking to her brother at lot recently, leading Cassie to believe she has a crush on him— he seems to like her back though. That's a good thing, Cedric needs something to take his mind off of everything going on. Normally, Cassie would be happy for him, but seeing as she's inches away from hexing her off her broom right now, it's a little difficult.
Cassie's fingers slip around the snitch and the crowd erupt into roars. Cassie winks at Cho and she rolled her eyes. She has adrenaline flowing through every single one of her veins. "Black does it again! Slytherin win 240-60!" Lee Jordan exclaims.
Cassie lowers her broom down to the level of the stands. Draco & Pansy are cheering louder than anyone. Cedric is grinning and clapping, standing next in between Eddie and Draco.
She lowers her broom even further, hopping off her Firebolt. Before she gets the chance to move, Cassie is bombarded by her team.
Cassie made the not-so difficult decision of keeping Mattheo and Theo on the team. However, she made a new addition to the team of none other than Lorenzo Berkshire.
Because of the tournament, there are less quidditch matches this year. Opposed to the usual three or four a term— it's now one or two. It's their first match since the start of term, and Cassie is so grateful she made the right choices.
Another chaser is a boy called Brian Duke. He's good— just not as good as Mattheo and Enzo seem to be.
"You're brilliant!" Lexi shouts, heckling Cassie with a hug.
Her team surround her with cheers and she chuckles. "Thank you everyone. But come on, give it up for Enzo and Brian— our newest teammates. You two played incredibly, and I'm confident we can win the cup this year."
Everyone claps for Enzo and Brian as Cassie does with a grin. She kisses him on the cheek and he wraps an arm around her neck, pulling her into his side.
After they had all calmed down, the Slytherins walk off the pitch with the blaring crowd behind them and victorious adrenaline. Cassie's arm is linked with Theo's but as he's so tall she has to reach up that bit further.
They go their separate ways into the girls and boys changing rooms. Cassie and Lexi take off their jerseys and grab their stuff from their dark-green lockers. "How do you do it, Cass?" Lexi ask as they head to the Slytherin common room.
"Do what?" Cassie replies, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Win like almost every match."
"Oh stop it."
"No, your talent needs to be recognised! You're the main reason we have so many wins. We're literally one win away from overruling Gryffindor."
Cassie smiles and tucks her hair behind her ears. "Well, Quidditch is my form of a coping mechanism, I guess. My insomnia is so bad that I end up saving up all of my energy for matches."
Lexi nods slowly, "How many wins do you have compared to Potter?"
"I have thirty-nine and he has forty."
"Merlin! That's amazing! Doesn't your brother only have like twenty two? Chang only has fourteen— she isn't a brilliant seeker, that's for sure."
Cassie chuckles, "It's not just me that helps us win, you guys play a massive part in matches."
"Yeah, but we don't win as many points as you do when you catch the snitch. You have to be a certain level of good at quidditch to be able to be a seeker. You have to have a lot of patience."
Cassie laughs, "You see Lex, that's what makes me such a good seeker. I have zero patience." she smiles. "I use it to my advantage. When I'm up there, I analyse every single move of the other team. It's like I channel the impatience into passion."
"Blimey, Cass."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The morning after the match, Cassie's legs are killing her. That Monday afternoon, Snape and Mcgonnagall gather their houses in one of the halls. There's a large gramophone in the corner of the room and Filch is standing next to it with Mrs. Norris in his arms.
"Following the tradition of the Triwizard Tournament, a ball is held for the three schools. I'm pleased to announce that the Yule Ball is in fact, a dance." Mcgonagall announced.
Cassie and Pansy look at each other with grins. Dancing is their group's thing. They aren't any good at all, but they like to try. At every single party, they're always the ones dancing. To be honest, the friend group have always been quite a dance-y group— apart from Draco, obviously. They always have to messily dance in front of everyone, embarrassing themselves in the process.
The girls half of the room are clearly happy with the news, Cassie's dormmates squealing with excitement— the boys not so much. Draco is rubbing his temples in disgust. Blaise, Theo and Mattheo are smiling. Enzo is looking directly into Cassie's eyes with a slight grin.
Ron Weasley makes a comment about Eloise Midgen and Cassie sends him a scowl. Seamus laughs and Cassie rolls her eyes. She's always preferred Dean and Padma over Seamus and Pavarti. Seamus can be a bit of a dickhead sometimes, he liked to make rude comments a lot of the time. The only reason Cassie prefers Padma over Pavarti is just because her and Lavender are unbearable to be around. Lavender and Pavarti are the most giggliest girls alive.
Cassie and Pansy laugh a lot when they're together but not nearly as much as them two. Their giggles are so high-pitched that it made Cassie's ears bleed.
"Mr Weasley, would you like to come up here and demonstrate?" Mcgonagall grins. Cassie smiles to herself. She knows exactly what she's doing. Cassie can see why Mcgonagall was always Sirius' favourite professor.
Ron's friends all push him over to the middle of the room. "Now, place your hand on my waist." she instructs.
"Your what?" Ron exclaims, his cheeks pink. Cassie and Pansy chuckle at his reaction. The Weasley twins are in stitches, which makes Cassie laugh even more. There is no way they're going to let him forget this.
"My waist." Mcgonagall repeats.
Ron sighs and hesitantly places his hand on her waist. The room echoes with laughter as Mcgonagall guides him through the steps. "Now children, the Yule Ball is a dance, meaning that each and every one of you should attend the ball with a date." Mcgonagall adds after she puts Weasley's suffering to an end. Cassie shares a look with Pansy.
Enzo is going to ask her, right? It would be weird if he didn't, seeing as they've been together almost four months now. Cassie's gaze goes to his direction but he's already looking straight at her.
If that doesn't confirm her thoughts, what else would? He looks at Cassie with nothing but love in his eyes. And of course, that Goddamn twinkle. Cassie is pretty sure he's going to ask her.
As the session fell on last period, it means it's now the end of the school day. Cassie is planning on meeting Cedric in the library to discuss the egg and whatever the Second Task could be. "I'm gonna go meet Ced in the library, I'll see you for dinner?" Cassie says amongst the hubbub in the corridors.
Enzo nods and squeezes her hand. She smiles and walks the other way down the emptier, calmer corridor. When she arrives at the library, she heads straight to where she usually meets Cedric— a specific desk by a large window, against a bookshelf. To her surprise, he's already there with the egg in front of him and books splayed around the desk.
He's so focused he doesn't even see her leaning against the bookshelf. She clears her throat, making him jump. Cassie laughs as he clutches his heart. "You still with us?" she chuckles.
"Lord, Cassie you scared me." he sighs.
She chuckles, sitting down next to him. "Gotten anywhere?"
"I wish."
She takes her reading glasses out of her pocket and slides the over the bridge of her nose. "You hear about the Yule Ball?" Cassie asks, picking up the book in front of her.
"Yeah. Fuck knows who I'm gonna take."
Cassie tilts her head at him, her glasses slipping down her nose. "Are you joking?" she laughs. He shakes his head. "Chang, obviously. Are you thick? She's obsessed with you!"
"Cho? She'd never say yes."
Cassie chuckles. "Give yourself some more credit, Ced. You're a handsome bloke, she's a pretty girl with a strangely soothing Scottish accent. It only makes sense."
He laughs, "You picked up on her accent more than anything?"
"It's the only thing I think I like about her."
"Do you talk to her?"
"Not unless I'm telling her to fuck off in the sky."
Cedric snorts, "She's actually really lovely."
"Exactly. Ask her before one of those Durmstrang fuckers do."
He laughs, "We've got bigger problems to figure out, Cass. This task is in two months and I haven't the clue what to do."
"Have you been able to open it without the screeching yet?"
"Nope. These books aren't helping either. Nothing is telling me how to decipher it, and I'm about to go insane."
Cassie sighs, sinking back in her seat. She pushes her glasses back up. "Have you tried talking to a professor? Perhaps Moody or whatever will be happy to tell you. They never said anything about a professor's advice." Cassie shrugs.
"I mean, I can try and talk to Moody. He seems to like me for some odd reason. Maybe he just remembers me from when we were little— I don't know."
"Yeah, maybe. Despite the stunt he pulled the start of term, he's always staring at me and asking me questions. I hate to admit it, but I'm kind of warming up to the bloke."
"Me too. It's strange, isn't it? He's got this thing about him that at first makes you not want to talk to him, but it slowly draws you in. He's got a raging drinking problem though— have you seen how often he pulls out that flask?"
Cassie snorts, "Oh, definitely. Can't say I blame him, all those years at the Ministry has gotta have that effect on you, right?"
Cedric laughs. "I'm so glad neither of us are going to work at the Ministry one day."
Cassie smiles, "Me too. You'll make an excellent healer. It's in your blood."
Cedric smiles and wipes a hand across his tired face. "Well, I won't bloody get the chance if I don't figure out this egg, will I?"
Cassie sighs. "Talk to Moody when you get the chance. For now, all we can do is keep reading."
—
Dearest Cassie,
I'm just writing to let you know when the next full moon occurs. On the twenty-sixth of this month. I know that's annoying, it's Boxing day after all. But I know you're not coming home for Christmas this year anyway.
I hope it won't be too unbearable of a time at the Yule Ball with all those horrible symptoms you and I hate so dearly. I've asked Poppy to supply you a few Pepper-ups and more potions to hold off the symptoms so it won't be so bad.
I miss you always, sweetheart. Me and your father feel lost without you. It's strange, I went twelve years without you or Padfoot, and I've never felt as lost as I do now. I have Padfoot, and that's more than enough to make me happy, but you're the cherry on top. The final piece of our chaotic puzzle of a family.
But anyway, I hope you're doing well. I've sent some chocolate for Enzo's birthday— give him mine and Sirius' wishes.
I love you to the moon and back.
Lots of love,
Dad xx
—
One Thursday night, Cassie is in the Owlery with her brother. Cassie smiles and detaches the small bag of chocolates. Enzo's birthday is a few days away— and she knows for a fact he will love the chocolate. Merlin bless Remus and Sirius for being so considerate.
She turns to her brother, "They sent chocolates for Enzo's birthday."
"That's sweet of them." Cedric smiles, but Cassie can barely hear him over the rowdy owls. "Should we go to the Astronomy tower where I can actually hear myself think?" he asks.
Cassie laughs and nods, giving Remus' owl a treat before putting him in his cage. The siblings exit the Owlery together, Cassie's arm looped through her brother's. Most girls can't say they're this close to their older brothers. Cassie is beyond grateful she can.
They've been inseparable since before Cassie even remembers. They're never rude to each other (except on the very rare occasion of an argument), even as children. Cassie thinks she trusts Cedric with her whole being. Yes, she trusts other people like Enzo, her dads and friends— but there's something special about Cedric.
Cassie likes to think of it as some sort of pyramid hierarchy. On the bottom, you've got people like Padma Patil, Dean Thomas, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. On the layer above you've got Daphne, Lexi, Tracey and Eddie. The third one consists of Harry, Poppy and Mcgonagall. The second to last is Theo, Pansy, Blaise and Draco.
The last one is Enzo, Mattheo, Amos, Victoria, Remus and Sirius.
Above the tip of the pyramid will always be Cedric. He's always just been that tiny, little bit more important than everyone else. Does that make Cassie a bad person? Putting everyone else below her brother?
Then again, who could blame her? They're birds of a feather— twin flames, even.
As the pair walk up the Astronomy stairs, Cassie gets a whiff of a floral type of smell. She furrows her brows, and Cedric grins beside her. He lets go of her arm as they reach the top, motioning for her to go ahead.
She steps forward onto the familiar floor of the Astronomy tower and gasps. The floor is covered in white tulip petals and all of the lights are off— a few candles here and there. Cassie proceeds around the corner, her heart beating like a drum.
Enzo stands with a smile on his face. Cassie scoffs with a grin and falls into his grasp. She hangs both hands around his neck, his on either side of her waist. He looks her in the eye, making her nervous all of a sudden.
"Cassiopeia Marlene-Cedric Black, will you make me the happiest man alive and be my date to the Yule Ball?"
Cassie has never nodded so quickly in her life. She loves the dramatic romance like this. Enzo loves her, and Merlin, he loves her right. He loves her in all the right ways.
He chuckles with relief before their lips connect under the stars. Cassie pulls herself closer, his grip tighter on her waist. If it weren't for Cedric in the corner of the room, they'd be full-on making out right now.
"This is beautiful, Enz." she whispers, her face less than an inch away from his.
"A beautiful place for a beautiful girl." he shrugs.
"So cheesy." she giggles, nudging his shoulder. "How'd you pull this off?"
Enzo looks past Cassie and smiles. "I had help." he shrugs.
Cassie follows his gaze and gasps. Cedric has her camera in hand with a smile. She scoffs, "Cedric? Cedric Amos Diggory helped you set this up? Are you sure we're talking about the same person, love?"
"I asked him how he thought I should ask you. I wanted it to mean something— you see all these lads going up to girls and just asking them in the hallways with all their friends around, and you know— I think you deserve better than that." Enzo smiles. "Cedric mentioned the Astronomy tower, because obviously it's your second favourite place on the grounds."
"Number one being the Quidditch pitch." Cassie and Enzo say in unison, making them
chuckle. "He's warming up to me y'know." he grins.
"He's always loved you, Enzo. He just think he has to put on that cool, mysterious older brother act all the time."
"I heard that!" Cedric exclaims. Cassie laughs and lets go of Enzo, walking over to her brother.
She hugs him and whispers "Thank you." in his ear.
"For what?" he smiles.
"Not murdering Enzo."
Cedric laughs and ruffles her hair, "You deserve to be happy. Enzo makes you happy, so I approve. Enzo's a good man."
Cassie turns to Enzo, "Did you hear that, Enz? Cedric said you're a good man!"
Enzo's grin widens, "I'm honoured, Cedric."
"Okay, now you're just overdoing it." Cedric scoffs. "Anyway, I'll leave you be now. Please be safe—"
"Yeah, okay. Shut the fuck up." Cassie interrupts, an innocent smile on her face.
Cedric cackles and kisses her head, "No, seriously—"
"Piss off!" she shouts, pushing him out of the door with a smile.
"Love you!" he calls up, walking down the stairs.
"Love you more!" she replies before walking back to Enzo. They look up at the stars, their hands joined on top of the railing. "It's our four month anniversary today." she thinks aloud.
"I know."
"You planned this?"
"Yeah. I had it all thought out. After I spoke to Cedric, I knew it had to be on a memorable day. Why not our four month anniversary, ay?"
Cassie smiles. They go quiet for a moment, simply stargazing together. "Can you see me?" she asks, her gaze on the sky.
He turns to her with a furrowed brow, "Yeah, you're right in front of me."
"No, I mean up there." she nods at the stars.
He chews his lip and focuses on the sky. If he looks close enough, he can spot her constellation. Enzo didn't take Astronomy at the start of third year, so he doesn't know how stars work. All he knows is that his favourite star is right next to him, and that's all that matters.
Enzo is the twinkle of Cassiopeia's bright star. He's the radiance that blooms off her shine. He's the glisten in her bright starry sky.
"Yeah, I see you, baby."
Notes:
ENZO YOU ABSOLUTE ROMANTIC. the petals and the lights and the astronomy tower and omg he’s so perfect!! cedric helping him set it up is just the most adorable thing ever. cassie catching cedric being nice to enzo 😭😭 i can’t i love them so much
sirius and remus sending chocolates for enzo’s birthday!!!!!! how freaking sweet is that <33 i love this little family trope they have going on at the moment, it’s awfully cute!
CASSIE AND CHO’S BEEF LMFAOO poor cedric 😭😭
all in all this was a very happy chapter!! hip hip hooray!
Chapter 26: Y4 | The Yule Ball
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ FEARLESS — TAYLOR SWIFT
'You take my hand and drag me head first, fearless. And I don't know why but with you I'd dance in a storm in my best dress, fearless."
There's three days until the Yule Ball, and Cassie is in the Great Hall for her theory Potions lesson. "Hold on— who did you ask?" Pansy asks Mattheo.
"It's a secret!" he replies.
Pansy and Cassie share a look. "Mattheo." Cassie warns.
"I asked Daphne. She's cool." he shrugs. "And she's well fit."
Cassie and Pansy burst into laughter. "Well fit!" Pansy mocks, making Cassie laugh again. They're clutching their stomachs by the time Snape walks over and tells them to shut up. "Parkinson, Black and Riddle. Shut up or it's a detention." he says.
They continue writing their essays while waiting for Snape to walk away. Cassie is in between Pansy and Draco, the others on the opposite side. Once Snape is gone, they carry on talking. "Who've you asked, Blaise?" Cassie asks.
"Take a guess." he smiles.
"Lovegood?" the group choruses. Blaise just grins with a nod.
"Pansy and I are going together as friends. If I'm honest with you, I don't actually speak to any other girls apart from you two and Lexi and all that." Theo shrugs.
"It was Theo or nobody, so..." Pansy adds. Cassie snorts.
"If I were you, I'd of gone for nobody." Mattheo chuckles, making Cassie, Blaise and Enzo laugh. Theo swats Mattheo on the arm with his parchment.
"And you?" Cassie asks the blonde next to her.
"Nobody." he shrugs. "Nobody is good enough."
"By that, he means he's too scared to ask someone." Enzo snorts, making everyone chuckle.
Draco rolls his eyes. "I'm not too scared— look, what's her name?" he nods at a brunette girl further down their table.
"Oh, that's Anne Sallow— Sebastian's twin sister." Pansy informs.
"Eugh, Sebastian? He's odd." Mattheo grimaces.
"I don't think I've ever spoken to him." Cassie shrugs.
"Good." Enzo mutters under his breath. Luckily for Cassie, her senses are beginning to heighten closer to the full moon, so she hears Enzo loud and clear. She smiles to herself. So bloody possessive.
Draco rips off a piece of parchment and scribbles something in his somewhat-illegible handwriting. "Oi, Sallow!" Draco whisper-shouts, throwing the parchment at her.
Anne smiles and writes an answer back. Meanwhile, Cassie and her friends are watching in suspense, wondering if this will be the day someone humbles Draco. Anne carefully throws the parchment back, wary of a lingering Professor Snape.
Draco smirks and opens the parchment. His lips curl into that Draco Malfoy smirk he seems to of perfected over the years. "Told you." he shrugs.
Cassie nudges him and he snorts. "Something comical, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape snarls.
"No, sir." Draco says quickly.
"Then I trust you will remain silent for the remainder of the lesson, yes?"
Draco nods rapidly and Snape walks off. "Not scared of asking out a girl, but you sure are scared of Snape." Theo whispers, which makes them absolutely piss themselves with laughter. Draco just scowls at them.
Oh, how Cassie loves her friends.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Pansy pulls out a beautiful pale purple silk dress. The colour compliments her perfectly, Cassie thinks. "It's beautiful!" Lexi exclaims, clapping her hands together quickly.
"I'm obsessed." Daphne says dreamily, lying across Cassie's bed.
"Thank you— my mum had it custom made for the ball." Pansy smiles. "Come on, let's see yours then, Daph."
Daphne squeals and goes to her wardrobe. She pulls out a baby blue dress— one with white intricate flower designs all over. It's strapless and beautiful. It's the exact same shade of blue as Daphne's gorgeous eyes. "Oh my— I love it!" Tracey exclaims.
It's the Friday before the Ball (Christmas Eve-Eve as Cassie likes to call it) and everyone is busy making final preparations and sorting out all sorts of things. The girls just so happen to be revealing their dresses to each other. Tracey's dress is dark red with floral designs at the base— which Cassie absolutely loves, and Lexi's is a baby pink with rose coloured puffy sleeves.
"It's beautiful, Daph. You're going to look gorgeous." Cassie smiles, lying back against her pillow.
"Thank you!" she grins, carefully placing it back in her wardrobe.
"You're up next, Cass." Lexi proposes.
Cassie smiles and goes into her own wardrobe. Her dress is a dark shade of green with a small, translucent sleeve below her shoulders. From the bodice down are brown stars blended in with the fabric. If you look close enough, there are a few constellations. She has matching ivy gloves and heels the same shade. Victoria sent Cassie a necklace of her own— a beautiful, thick necklace with a forest green pendant. The dress has layers of sorts, different fabrics at the base of the torso. Cassie fell in love with it when shopping for it in Diagon Alley in the summer.
They all audibly gasp at Cassie's dress. "That is the best dress I've ever seen." Pansy states, her jaw loose.
Cassie beams, "I'm in love with it."
"Enzo is going to be so obsessed with you, Cass." Tracey gapes.
Pansy snorts. "He already is."
"Okay, let's discuss hair and makeup. What's everyone's plans?" Daphne says, perching on the end of Cassie's bed by Lexi.
"I'm tying my braids half up-half down with a bun at the back for hair." Tracey says. "Then I'll do some red eye-shadow to match the dress, but other than that, just usual glam makeup."
"I like that— I have a red bow in my drawer. Want it?" Pansy asks.
"Oh yes!" Tracey beams.
Once Cassie carefully puts her dress back, she pulls out the chair from her desk and sits across it comfortably. "I think I'll curl my hair and put it in a bun— what'd you think?" she comments.
"Yes! You can borrow my dangly earrings if you want." Lexi offers. She rushes to her bedside table and pulls out a paid of golden, dangly earrings. They've got gemstones on them— some green, some white.
"They're beautiful, Lex. Thank you." Cassie smiles, placing them gently on her desk.
They continue sharing their plans and ideas, laughing and chatting in between. Tracey is going to the Ball with Robbie Selwyn, a pureblood boy Cassie doesn't know awfully well. Lexi is going with Conan Travers— yet another pureblood boy. They insist they're only going with them because there's nobody else available— but Cassie knows for sure their parents are making them go with these people.
Even Daphne, who's going with Mattheo. Cassie could bet good money her father told her to make good relations with the Dark Lord's son.
It makes her feel sick to think about. Sometimes Cassie feels like her, Enzo and his older siblings are the only Slytherins of pure intent and healthy family relationships. Cassie is a half-blood, whereas Enzo is a pureblood. That doesn't make him any better than her, and he's never shown that in any case. His parents don't associate with the Sacred Twenty Eight.
In some odd way, Cassie and Enzo are related to pretty much all of their friends. Mattheo and Draco more directly— but somewhere along the line of Black's, Black meets Nott, then Nott meets Parkinson, then Parkinson meets Greengrass. It's all confusing really, but Cassie gets the gist of it.
Cassie heads down to the common room to speak to Enzo. She makes him jump by grabbing his shoulders behind the sofa. He chuckles and Cassie leans down to kiss him before walking around the sofa and swinging her legs over his lap. "Do you still know how to dance?" she asks.
"Course I do. Dad didn't teach us all how to dance for no reason." Enzo grins. It's true— Chris used to teach them all how to formally dance at a young age. Cassie and Enzo used to practice together even at the age of seven years old.
"Do you remember when you and I practiced for like two hours because Amos tricked us into thinking we had to keep dancing or our teddies would disappear?"
Enzo laughs, throwing his head back. He rubs Cassie's leg soothingly. "I do remember that. That was actually quite evil of him to do."
"Oh it was so evil. I cried for like twenty minutes once my feet eventually gave up on me."
Enzo chuckles again— the noise makes Cassie unbelievably happy. That laugh, it's a love like no other. "Well, at least we're all prepared now. You shown the girls your dress yet?"
"Yeah. They all love it. Lexi's given me a pair of earrings for wear."
"Are they g—"
"Yes, they're gold."
"Good. Wouldn't want you burning for the sake of some pretty earrings."
Cassie laughs, "Your robes better be all ironed, Enz. You've had them squished in your trunk since September."
"Yes, yes. Blaise and I did it earlier."
"Good." Cassie smiles. Enzo tucks her hair behind her ears and kisses the bridge of her nose. "I'm excited, aren't you?"
"Course I am. The food is meant to be wicked as well."
"I'm looking forward to seeing Snape dance, if I'm honest. Or Filch will be just as funny."
Enzo laughs, "That is very true. Imagine if Snape dances with Mcgonagall."
"I think I'll actually piss myself."
"C'mon, you better get some sleep. We've got an exciting day tomorrow." Enzo grins.
"Yeah, yeah. I know." she sighs. She leans up and kisses him on the jaw, making her way to his lips slowly. "Goodnight, love."
"Goodnight, Cass. I love you." he says as she begins getting up.
"I love you more!" she replies, walking up the stairs. Enzo shakes his head with a wide smile on his face. Blaise gives him that look from the armchair where he's reading.
"What?" Enzo says.
Blaise smirks, "Nothing, mate. Nothing."
—
Cassie walks down the stairs of the hall with Pansy at her side. Enzo and Theo are waiting at the bottom with smiles. Enzo looks out-of-the-ordinary handsome, not like his usual type of handsome. His hair is styled slightly, and you can tell he's done his best efforts to make himself look smart. He's wearing black dress robes with a matching green pocket square that Cassie picked out.
She was shopping with Enzo and his family at Diagon Alley for the dress robes. Cassie and Enzo flicked through millions of different pocket squares until Enzo found one the colour of her dress. Cassie grinned and picked it up.
Enzo, however, feels like he's about to faint. That's his girlfriend...? There's just no way. She looks beautiful— No, she looks more than beautiful. Is there a word for beyond beautiful? Ethereal? Other-Worldly? If there is, that's Cassie. Her hair is tied in a curly bun, which Enzo thinks suits her perfectly. She's wearing that lovely green dress she picked out in Diagon Alley that he loved so much, with matching heels.
She's wearing the necklace Victoria sent her as well as her locket. That's what sends Enzo off the edge.
He looks her from head to toe, taking in every inch of her beauty. His lips are slightly parted as she approaches him. She's wearing a dark nude shade on her lips and Enzo can taste it when she kisses him. "Cassie, you look so beautiful." he whispers. "But I think you look even more than beautiful. I can't find a word for it— but I'll get back to you when I can."
Cassie chuckles, a hand on his chest. "Come on, Cedric is about to make his entry with Cho."
"Oh, first name basis now, huh?" he smirks. They begin walking through the hall, Cassie's arm looped through Enzo's. They find a spot near the front where they can cheer on Cedric and Harry.
"Might as well. She's in love with my brother." Cassie shrugs.
Enzo snorts, "Best stop cursing her on the pitch then."
Cassie laughs, "A first name basis is as far as I go, Enz. I draw the line at no cursing."
He chuckles, "That's my girl."
The hall is charmed to be at least four times the usual size. There's a huge fountain pouring out all sorts of drinks— with a champagne glass tower on the other side. The theme seems to be icy, of some sort of cold weather. There are icicles drooping off the ceiling and snowflakes falling. It's not cold though, how odd?
Everyone goes quiet as the doors open. At the front is Cedric and Cho— which melts Cassie's heart. He looks so handsome, she thinks. Cho looks out of this world, dressed in a traditional gorgeous Chinese gown. Her makeup is perfect, and Cassie is a little jealous. How is it that perfect?
Behind Cedric and Cho are Fleur and Roger Davies, a Ravenclaw boy. Fleur looks as stunning as ever— her blonde hair tied back in a tight bun. She's wearing a light grey/blue dress with laced sleeves. Roger is downstaging her quite a bit, only dressed in black dress robes with a white undershirt.
Next in are Krum and... Hermione Granger? Cassie's jaw drops at her stunning dress. It's light blue with all sorts of frilly bits all over. She wears matching earrings, and blue eyeshadow to match. Cassie has never seen Hermione so beautiful in her life. She's a pretty girl even without the glam, but now?! Merlin, she's beautiful.
"Is that Granger?" Draco spits, outraged.
"Yes it is." Pansy nods, following the girl with her eyes.
Krum is wearing a traditional Norwegian outfit. It's red with brown fur on the shoulders, and he looks way too happy to be with Hermione Granger. Cassie still can't believe her eyes. If you told her before the World Cup that Krum would be in front of her with Hermione Granger as his date, she would've laughed in your face.
Last but not least, looking smaller than the others, is Harry and Pavarti Patil. He looks so awkward, and it makes Cassie smile at him. He smiles back awkwardly, Pavarti the opposite. She's beaming and waving at everyone she walks past. Pavarti is dressed in a gorgeous pink and orange Indian dress. She looks stunning, Cassie has to admit.
Once they all finish their entries, they stand on the dance floor for their first dance. Cassie watches as Cedric perfects the dance from when they were little. She claps along with everyone else, laughing and cheering for her brother.
When Cassie looks at Eddie to see if he's clapping, he's not. His eyes are glossy and his hands are at his sides. He's watching Cedric dance with parted lips and low eyebrows.
Cassie is confused.
However, she becomes distracted when Dumbledore takes Minerva's hand and the pair begin dancing. Everyone takes this as their opportunity to join in. Enzo proposes his hand dramatically, and Cassie laughs. They step to the rhythm, their hands joined. When it comes to the point, he lifts her up by her waist like all of the boys in the room.
She giggles and steps back into their routine, wide grins on their faces. All of their friends are dancing as well— Draco, who knows this routine by heart, actually looks like he's enjoying himself for once.
"Alright, people!" one of the band members announce. The Weird Sisters are performing, and Cassie is beyond excited. They're a huge band in the Wizarding World— in fact, they're only one of few. "Are you ready to get this party started?" he exclaims.
Everyone cheers in response. "Let's go!" he shouts, dragging out the 'o'. The music changes completely to a fast-paced rock song about Hippogriffs. Cassie finds her friends and they all dance together messily. Mattheo and Cassie do one of those moves when one person shimmies their shoulders forward whilst the other leans back, laughing as they do so.
Cassie jumps and dances freely. She laughs and eventually cries from said laughter. Cedric finds her and they dance together just as they used to as children.
Atlas wraps an arm around her neck and she dances with him. He hands her a whole bottle of Daisyroot Draught— a Vodka based beverage. She grins with a cackle and takes it from it, swigging it like a sailor.
Theo gestures for some so he leans back. Cassie pours the bottle down his throat as everyone claps. Cassie even sees Blaise photographing it beside them. She finishes off the bottle, letting the alcohol roam her body freely.
Alcohol is banned for students below seventh year, but when do Cassie and her friends ever follow the rules?
Cassie manages to sneak past Filch, who's guarding the alcohol table, with Lexi and Dean Thomas. Dean quickly hands her a bottle of Red Currant Rum, which she very happily accepts. Dean grabs some other alcoholic beverages and they head back to the dance floor.
Enzo watches the love of his life down half a bottle of rum with a shake of his head. He's drinking tonight too, just not half as much as Cassie and Mattheo seem to be.
Cedric doesn't make any effort of trying to stop her, even after the events of the First Task after party. He's actually getting just as drunk as her.
Eddie drowns himself in Knotgrass Mead, feeling more than miserable this evening. If he's going to feel like shit, he might as well make the most of it and get as pissed as possible. He doesn't speak to Cedric all night.
At one point, Cassie spots Ron and Harry alone on one of the empty tables at the back. She skips over, the alcohol having an effect on her. She sits on Harry's knee with a grin. "You having fun, you two?"
Harry and Ron share a look. It couldn't be clearer how drunk she is. "You're drunk." Ron states.
"No shit, Weasley. The real question is— why aren't you?" she smiles, pointing a finger for dramatic effect.
"Because my mum would kill me." he croaks.
"Oh, if my dads find out I'm fucked. But it's all about that Carpe Diem, YOLO kind of bollocks, isn't it? When else are we going to be fifteen and getting pissed at a Yule Ball?"
Harry sighs, "Cass, get off my leg. Enzo looks like he's about to pounce at me like a lion or something."
Cassie follows his gaze to Enzo, who's gripping his Sherry so tight it's worrying. She snorts and pats Harry's shoulder. "Alright." she sighs. "Get up and join in boys, Carpe Diem!"
She walks back over to Enzo with a grin. He kisses her so hard Cassie fears it'll bruise. His hands are firm on her lower back as he presses her flat against his chest. "Mine," he mutters between kisses.
Pulling Enzo out of whatever weird trance this is, Cedric pries Cassie away from her boyfriend. He lifts her up over his shoulder, her legs kicking in the air. "Put me down you imbicile!" she screams.
Cedric laughs. He walks all the way to the opposite side of the dance floor and puts her down. "I know I said I approve of your boyfriend, but that doesn't mean you can be snogging him like that in front of me, yeah? Let alone at all, thank you very much."
Cassie rolls her eyes, "You know I can just walk back over to him, don't you?"
"Yeah, but it's funny to make you suffer."
Cassie swats him around the head with the back of her hand before pushing past him. She ends up with her friends again, dancing to another Weird Sisters song.
The alcohol actually takes the edge off Cassie's cycle symptoms a considerable amount. That constant murmur of noise isn't as bad and everyone dancing hasn't all blurred into one messy sight.
Perhaps she should drink more often.
By midnight, the hall is emptying out. Majority of Slytherin and Gryffindor have left and the music is slow again. The Weird Sisters are playing a song called Magic Works and a few couples are slow dancing on the floor.
In Cassie's case, she's on Mattheo's shoulders in the middle of a big group walking out of the hall. Her usual friends, Daphne, Tracey and Lexi included, as well as lots of older Slytherin boys Cassie doesn't speak to. Mattheo drums on Cassie's legs to the beat of the song as it slowly fades into the background.
On the stairs, Cassie spots a sobbing Hermione Granger. "Woah, woah. Put me down, Matty." Cassie murmurs. He gently crouches down so she can step off and then she goes back down the stairs to Hermione. "Go back to the common room— I won't be long." she informs as her friends turn, waiting for her.
She sits down beside Hermione and scooches closer. "Hey, what happened?" Cassie asks softly.
"It's Ron—" she cries. "He's being an idiot and it's making me feel horrible."
Cassie's heart breaks. She should give Granger some more credit, really. She does like her actually, it's just taken a lot to get there. Cassie doesn't want her to be upset— especially over Ron. "Oh, come here." she sighs, opening her arms.
Hermione heaves and crawls into her grasp. Cassie frowns and rubs her back up and down soothingly. "You're okay, Hermione." she whispers. "He'll come around. He always does."
After a few moments of sobbing, it finally turns to teary sniffles. "Why— why are you being nice to me?" she sniffs.
"Because you're all alone out here, Hermione. I can't just let you sit here and cry by yourself." Cassie frowns. "Plus, I'm not a heartless monster like Draco. I do like you, in fact."
Hermione smiles slightly, "You do?"
"Of course I do."
"Nobody ever really likes me, Cassiopeia. I appreciate that."
"Yes they do, Hermione." Cassie frowns. "And please, it's Cassie."
"Thank you, Cassie. It means a lot." she says, lifting her head off Cassie's chest and wiping her nose.
"C'mon, I'll walk you to your common room and you can tell me what Ron's being a prick about." she smiles, trying to lighten the mood.
Hermione chuckles, "Yeah, let's go."
Notes:
OKAYYY WHAT A CHAPTER!! let’s divulge into our honourable mentions, shall we?
1) draco just asking anne to the ball on a whim in potions 😭😭 the poor girl.
2) the girls showing each other their dresses AWHH they’re the sweetest group of friends ever. i love how supportive they are of each other it’s literally adorable. special mention to lexi st.james ,who i picture as debut taylor swift, for being an absolute angel from the heavens above.
3) enzo almost choking on his spit when looking at cassie 😭😭 pls he’s so in love with her it’s so cute.
4) eddie…? you alright there mate? 😀
5) mattheo and cassie’s shimmy dance LMFAOOO you can so clearly picture it as well
6) everyone sneaking the alcohol and cassie pouring it down theo’s throat 💀💀 they should really update their alcochol protection… shame on you argus filch!
7) enzo sending daggers to harry when she sits on his knee LMFAOOO he’s a little possessive! then kissing her like nobody is in the room??? like hello???
8) — then cedric stepping in and putting her on the other side of the dance floor HELP
9) mattheo tapping the beat of the fading song on cassie’s legs. they’re literally the sweetest best friends to ever exist. change my mind.
10) HERMIONEEEEEE!!! our poor girl 3 at least cassie was there to save the day! we all need a friend like cassie in our lives, don’t we?
i freaking LOVE this chapter and i hope you all do as well!! party scenes are always silly and fun to write :)
Chapter 27: Y4 | Amos.
Summary:
Well, that’s a nice surprise!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ BIGGER THAN THE WHOLE SKY — TAYLOR SWIFT
'Every single thing I touch becomes sick with sadness.'
The morning after the Yule Ball, Cassie wakes up at one in the afternoon. With a pounding headache, she brushes her teeth and washes her face. Fuck, she looks rough. It's Christmas morning (well, afternoon) and Cassie couldn't feel more hungover.
She doesn't bother getting out of her pyjamas but she does brush her hair out. With a sigh, she leaves her dorm where Pansy, Lexi, Daphne and Tracey are still asleep.
Cassie sighs with relief at the sight of her beloved boyfriend. There's nobody else she can be bothered to speak to with such a horrible headache. Cassie practically collapses over his lap, closing her eyes. "Never let me drink again." she croaks, her throat sore.
Enzo laughs and leans over to kiss her. She's leant against the arm of the chair, the rest of her body weight on Enzo's lap. "I tried, baby. I tried." he sighs.
Cassie snorts, "I feel like shit."
"Yeah, I'm not surprised. Do you remember what happened once it finished?"
"Oh fuck, what happened?"
"You stayed behind with Hermione, I don't know why, then when you came back you drank even more. You literally licked a shot off Mattheo's collarbone."
Cassie sits up straight, "No I did not."
He laughs and nods, "Yes you did, Cass."
Cassie groans into her hands and lies back again. "I have a love-hate relationship with alcohol."
Enzo chuckles, resting his head on her shoulder. "You'll be fine, love. Merry Christmas." he smiles.
She tilts her head to the side and kisses him again. "Merry Christmas, Enz."
"I got you a present." he says quietly, reaching into his pocket.
"You did?" she smiles. He gives her a small wrapped present. Cassie opens it with a grin. It's a tarnished gold ring with an L initial engraved lightly. "There's no way."
"I did worry it'd be a little pretenio—"
"No— I got you basically the same thing but a necklace!"
Cassie sits up and rushes up to her dorm, ignoring how the sudden movement leaves her wobbly. She grabs the present from her bedside table and heads back down. Enzo unwraps it with a smile. It has a gold chain with a small circular dangly pendant that has her constellation engraved on. "No fucking way." he scoffs with a grin. She chuckles and lifts the necklace behind his neck, he leans forward and she clips it together.
"I think we're both a little possessive at heart." Cassie shrugs, nestling under his shoulder.
"Well, you are mine. I made that quite clear last night."
Cassie snorts, "I remember that. You kissed me so hard that Cedric picked me up and put me the other side of the room."
Enzo chuckles, "Yes he did. You just came back and I kissed you again. Fucking Marcus Flint was watching too."
Cassie snorts, "Well you know he's a twat anyway."
"Yeah." Enzo smiles, kissing the top of her head. Only half the room are in the common room today— most of them are first to third years who didn't attend the ball. "Blaise and Draco are up, they're playing a seeker's game outside. You can guess where Mattheo and Theo are."
Cassie laughs, "Pansy and the girls are still asleep. Pansy sleeps like a fucking sloth so I won't expect her up until dinner time."
"Fancy getting some food?"
—
That evening, everyone is up and dotted around the common room. Pretty much all of them are hungover and groggy, but they're doing their best. It's Christmas Day but nobody feels the festive spirit.
Especially not Cassie, who for her it's a full moon tomorrow. She's mid-conversation with Blaise and Theo when she feels her arm snap in half. It's completely out of place, almost like it's broken. She lets out a horrible shriek of pain and Enzo quickly mutters a silencing charm around them. Last thing she needs is people listening.
"Fuck!" she shouts. Mattheo practically leaps out of his seat, rushing to her side. Enzo slides out from underneath her and looks at her arm, his eyes wide.
"She needs Pomfrey!" Draco exclaims over everyone's panicking. Cassie can't get a word out, the pain so rich in her bones. Enzo lifts her off the sofa and rushes her out of the common room, their friends not far behind.
When she gets to the infirmary, Poppy hurries to her side with her wand. She pushes her friends out of the way and performs healing spells and all sorts. Once the spells are done, she dashes back into her office to grab potions.
Cassie is still screaming and shouting in pain. Out of nowhere, another one of her bones snap. Her ankle splinters in half, earning another round of shouting. Poppy curses under her breath and pulls her wand back out.
Cassie can feel her bones slowly moving back into place, very painfully so. Enzo is at her side while the others stand at the foot of her bed absolutely horrified. They've never seen Cassie pre-full moon like this— let alone ever. This shouldn't be happening to her yet, the full moon isn't until
tomorrow.
Although, Remus did say once that major effects of the full moon can sometimes occur before or after. He said it was very rare, and doesn't happen often, but it happens nonetheless. She just didn't think it would happen so early on in her lifetime.
Pomfrey forces potions down Cassie's mouth, despite her hesitation, and performs a last few round of spells. Cassie gasps for air as the pain eases off, resting her head against her pillow with a sigh.
"What the fuck just happened?" Mattheo exclaims.
Poppy frowns and sits beside Cassie on her hospital bed. She squeezes her leg and looks Cassie in the eye. "You, dear, just experienced what we call Early Major Effects of a Full Moon. They can occur before or after a full moon depending on multiple factors. I don't suppose you drunk alcohol at last nights event?"
Cassie looks at Mattheo guiltily. He snorts. "I— yeah, I did. What's that got to do with the cycle?"
"It throws your whole body off— puts it on high alert, I suppose. Your body was so distracted by the hungover you currently have that it let the cycle roam freely. It took control and eventually lead to this." she frowns.
"Merlin fuc—" Cassie stops herself. "Please don't tell my dad."
Poppy chuckles, "I'm afraid I have no choice, dear. I'm not saying this will always happen when you drink, but it's very possible. It's a risk you have to be willing to take if you want to drink."
Cassie groans, rubbing her hands over her face. "Can't I just enjoy something in my life for once?" she sighs.
"I mean, smoking and drugs is always an option." Theo shrugs, making everyone laugh apart from
Poppy.
"Do not listen to Mr. Nott, Cassie. Drugs would actually have en even worse effect on you." Poppy informs with that stern maternal look she knows exactly how to use.
"When have I ever listened to something Theodore Nott has suggested?" Cassie snorts. "You needn't worry, Poppy."
Poppy chuckles and pats her leg again. "You experienced immediate breaking of bones, you see. In your right arm, about here—" she says, poking the spot that was just broken. "and here, on your left ankle."
"Is it going to happen again if I go back to my dorm?"
"I can't possibly say, dear. My advice would be to stay here tonight— Mr Berkshire is more than welcome to stay, but the rest of you will have to clear off and come back tomorrow morning."
Enzo turns to their friends and throws up a sarcastic middle finger. "Yeah, you heard her. Clear off." he teases.
"Piss off, Berkshire." Pansy scoffs.
"We'll be back tomorrow, Cass. Get some sleep." Blaise smiles.
"Thank you." she smiles back, and they take their leave out of the infirmary.
Poppy pats her leg again, "Right, I best get writing to your father. I suspect he'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning to have a chat with you."
Cassie groans again, "Why would you do this to me?"
Poppy chuckles, "I wish I didn't have to, darling. It'd be easier if it were Sirius, who's the more lenient and laid-back kind of man. You're in luck— Remus is not going to be happy." she grins sarcastically.
Cassie laughs, "Thanks a lot, traitor."
"You'll forgive me one day." she sighs, standing up and trailing into her office.
Enzo leans down and kisses her forehead. "Does it still hurt?" he asks, brushing her hair out of her face and behind her ears.
"It's more of an achey pain now— opposed to the searing sensation of bones breaking." Cassie replies casually.
Enzo snorts, "You're brilliant."
Cassie furrows her brows at him. How can he be saying that so easily when she's a literal werewolf? He just witnessed her bones breaking and still thinks so highly of her. If Cassie were Enzo, yeah, of course, she'd still love him with her whole heart, but she can't for the life of her figure out how he's still in love with her.
Then again, she's much like her father like that. Remus spent years wondering how Sirius chose him, a poor werewolf excuse of a man. No matter how many times Sirius says he's beautiful, and not a scary wolf, he never seems to believe it. He often finds himself wondering how anyone could love someone like him. His kind aren't made to be loved— so why do so many people say they love him?
"I hate that you all had to watch that. It was bad enough Cedric witnessing the whole thing at the Cup." Cassie says, her tone shaky.
"What makes you think I love you any less after watching that?"
She shrugs, "I'm a literal werewolf, Enzo. I'm not meant to be loved. You— you just forget about it and I just don't understand why. You should be scared of me like you were of Remus that night last year. I'm dangerous— a threat. I attacked Cedric. Nothing will stop me from attacking you."
Enzo takes in her words but isn't at all convinced. Cassie and the wolf are two separate things in his head. She's not the wolf, the wolf isn't her. He loves Cassie, and if it means loving the werewolf in order to love her, he's more than happy to.
"I love you for you, Cassie. You're not the wolf. Cassie would never willingly attack Cedric, the wolf would because that's its instincts— that doesn't make you unlovable, or even put me off in the slightest. I know who I fell in love with, Cassie. I can promise you I'm not going anywhere anytime soon."
How did Cassie get so lucky? Like genuinely, was Enzo selected by the Gods above? He's the very best one could be, which actually hurts Cassie to think about. He's so pure and genuine she worries it'll come back to bite him one day. She could hurt him as either Cassie or the wolf.
It's in her blood after all, hurting people. Her grandparents were abusive to Sirius and Regulus, her first cousins once removed are corrupt and cruel. Bellatrix is in Azkaban, and maybe all Narcissa wants is to make it out alive with her son, but that doesn't take away the fact they've hurt people along the way. Cassie knows not awfully much about her great Aunts and Uncles Cygnus and Druella Black, but assumes they're much like Walburga and Orion. Sirius always talks highly of his Uncle Alphard, who was disowned from the Black family along with Andromeda Tonks.
There's proof of both good and evil in Cassie's blood— her father is proof of that. Lyall Lupin was a brilliant man, according to Remus, and so was Hope Lupin. Victoria and Amos have hearts as pure as gold. Cassie chooses to focus on the small parts of good in her blood, instead of the large parts of bad. She's good. She's a good Slytherin.
"You haven't seen the wolf, Enzo."
"Neither have you."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The day following the full moon, Cassie feels better than she thought she would. Poppy discharges her from the hospital when she's mid-game of Wizarding Chess with her dad. As of now, she's on Mattheo's bed doing her Astronomy homework. Last Wednesday, she volunteered herself out of the group to check up on their project late at night in exchange for them doing her Charms essay. She's currently copying her observations onto her parchment and drawing accurate diagrams beside each.
"You'd think Sinistra would've loved you for your name, but she just hates you." Theo says to Cassie from his own bed, doing said Charms essay for her. The whole group are in the boys dorms as the common room was way too crowded. Since essentially nobody went home this Christmas for the Yule Ball, the school is just as crowded as usual.
"That's because you fuckers got us three detentions in our first lesson because— and I quote 'I haven't caused enough mayhem today. It's getting boring'!" Cassie exclaims, her pitch high with defense.
Mattheo and Theo chuckle with that mischievous tone to their voice. "It was getting boring!" Mattheo retorts, earning an eye roll from Cassie.
"Was that when you said our names instead of your own and now we have a random detention on our records?" Pansy asks.
This, however, does make Cassie chuckle. "Truly sorry about that." Theo says, a hand on his heart.
"No you're not." Enzo snorts, making them laugh again.
"Oi, Cass, has your brother figured his egg out yet?" Draco asks from his desk.
"Nope. It's in less than two months and he still hasn't managed to open the fucking thing without it just screeching. I suggested talking to Moody but he obviously hasn't managed to do that yet." Cassie says, trailing the end of her quill over her lips.
"I still don't understand Moody, do you?" Blaise asks.
There's a chorus of 'No's around the room at his question. "One day he hates me and the next he's all jolly." Mattheo complains.
"Me too. I can't quite figure him out." Cassie agrees.
Moody seems to of taken a particular liking to the group as well as Harry and Neville. It's odd— Cassie can't figure it out. He's all rude to them in lesson then he'll approach them afterwards asking if he's upset them. And he always has that bloody flask of something. Cassie can often smell it when it's closer to a full moon, but it just smells like a potion of sorts— like something Poppy forces down Cassie's gullet.
"I wish I knew what he was drinking all the time." Enzo comments, as if he'd just read Cassie's mind.
"Me too! My bets on some strong Dragon Barrel Brandy or something." Pansy theorises.
"He does seem like the Brandy kind of bloke." Blaise replies.
Everyone hums in response, but there's a knock at the door that startles them all. As Enzo is closest to the door, he does the honour of opening it. It's Professor Snape and Cassie swears he says her name. "Er— Cass, Professor Snape wants you." Enzo says.
Cassie puts her homework down on the bed with low brows. Snape never wants her unless it's to give her a detention or punish her in some other way. Enzo puts a hand on her back as she walks past, following the Potions master down the stairs.
Everyone goes quiet as Snape struts past them, swishing his cape-type-thing behind him. Cassie pursues with her head bowed. When they exit the dungeons, Snape stops in his tracks. "The Headmaster has requested you in his office. I am here to make sure you get there, end of story, I know nothing." he says before Cassie even gets time to process.
She nods and follows him once he starts walking again. Why does Dumbledore need her? Dumbledore never needs her. The last time she spoke to him was after Moody's lesson in September. Every time she has to speak to Dumbledore, it's after something eventful has happened. Dread fills Cassie's head and she thinks of every possible scenario.
Cassie panics and taps 'R u Ok?' on her bracelet— not bothering with full spellings. As long as Cedric is okay, so is Cassie. A response is all she needs.
'Where are u?' is what she gets.
She sighs with relief but doesn't get the chance to reply before she's already at Dumbledore's office door. Snape opens the door and lets her go in front— odd behaviour from him, Cassie thinks.
Cassie's stomach tangles together like a vine at the sight of Cedric, Remus and Victoria in the corner of the room. Victoria has her head on Remus' shoulder— is she crying? Cedric's eyes are puffy and red and his nails are bleeding by his lips. What the fuck is going on?
"Cassiopeia, thank goodness." Dumbledore sighs. Remus' head shoot's up like a bullet at his daughter's name. He leaves Victoria and brings Cassie into his arms. Is someone going to tell her why the fuck everyone is crying?
"What?" Cassie exclaims. "What is going on?" Anger and impatience begins taking over, just making her even more frustrated. Nobody is answering her. "Someone tell me what the bloody hell is going on!" she shouts, pulling away from Remus.
"Cassie... it's Amos." Remus says, his voice low and hoarse.
Cassie's chest heaves. "What?" she whispers, her knees going to jelly. Remus tilts his head with sorrow.
Oh.
My.
God.
Amos is dead.
"No." Cassie spits, her heart shattering.
"I'm so sorry, Cass." Remus sighs, hugging her again. She sobs into his shoulder. The man she's known as her dad her whole life is dead. Amos. The lovely, jolly man he was. He's dead.
"No— this is some sick joke. You're lying. He's not dead. He's at home—"
"It is not a joke, Cassiopeia. I am very deeply sorry for your loss. He had an accident at the ministry. He was alone in a room full of unknown substances and on instinct, he was curious and snooped around. Unfortunately, he tripped over something and set off a very deadly enchanted gas." he explains with sympathy.
Cassie can't believe what she's hearing. Her vision goes dizzy and she feels completely unstable all of a sudden. She stumbles back but Cedric catches her. Cassie turns to see her brother with tears in his eyes. Neither of them say anything, but she hugs him tighter than she ever has before. Cassie sobs into his shoulder as he holds the back of her head. "I know, Cassie." he whispers. He has to be strong for his little sister.
The two of them hug and cry for what feels like hours. When Cassie snaps back to reality, Remus is holding Victoria in his arms as she screams and cries. The whole room is filled with grief. Mcgonnagall and Dumbledore's eyes go glossy at the sight of so many people mourning at once.
Notes:
oh. my. god.
OKAY, OKAY. i know this is not canon and doesn’t happen in the books/films but it’s my universe and what i say goes 😊 i have the right to kill off and keep on whoever i may like!
but OH amos 33
1) cassie bone breaking experience??? what in the ever living fuck happened there??? thank goodness for madame pomfrey, am i right? and her friends casting a silencing charm is so sweet of them.
2) “You haven’t seen the wolf, Enzo.”,
“Neither have you.”
FUCK ME WITH A CHAINSAW WOULD YOU??? enzo you sodding heathen i love you 😭😭 he’s literally perfect for cassie. he is the clearance cassie’s fucked up head sometimes needs, and we love him for that, don’t we?!3) the group all chilling in the boys dorm doing their homework AWWWHHHH. they’re the bestest of friends.
4) “Cassie… it’s Amos.”
BRO. DID YOU HAVE TO DO THIS???? ced and victoria just being stricken with grief :(((( vic is such a lovely character i hate to do this to her5) cedric trying to stay strong for his little sister :( for once, he needs to be the stronger sibling. ugh omg my heart hurts
very sorry for doing this, i felt rather evil
Chapter 28: Y4 | The Very Best of us All
Summary:
Front row at a funeral is never fun
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ YOUTH- DAUGHTER
'From the perfect start, to the finish line.'
On the morning of Amos' funeral, Cassie feels empty. She hasn't cried since the news— which was three days ago. She's been at home since and has been essentially hibernating. Remus and Sirius do their best to distract her and cheer her up, but nothing works.
Cassie is annoyed at herself. She's annoyed that she didn't make the most of him being here and healthy. She's annoyed that she never got to say goodbye. She's annoyed that he never got to know how much she really loved him, even after finding out her true parentage. Nothing could change her heart, and Cassie's heart will forever lie with the Diggorys.
She stares at herself in the mirror, her stomach dropping at her reflection. Those eyebags aren't healthy, that's for sure. With Cassie's insomnia, the more stressed she is, the worse her insomnia gets. She's slept about ten hours in the past few days.
Cassie reluctantly slips on her black dress with dread. She puts her earrings in and her favourite locket sits around her neck. She opens it and turns to the picture of her, Cedric, Victoria and Amos. Fuck, it hurts. It hurts way more than Cassie thought it would.
She closes the locket and sniffles, closing her eyes. She ties the belt around her waist moments before there's a knock on the bathroom door. "Come in!" she says. Her voice is more hoarse nowadays— more tired.
Sirius frowns at his daughter when he opens the door. Seeing her like this is breaking his heart. She's so sad all the time, and when she's sad, so is Sirius. He knows there's nothing he can do other than be there for her. He didn't know Amos as well as Cassie did so he can't even relate to her. Of course, his death has upset him, but not half as much as it does seeing Cassie so full of grief.
"How you holding up, pup?" he sighs, stepping into the bathroom.
She looks at him through the mirror, applying concealer to her undereyes. "I'm okay. Just a little nervous. The last funeral I went to was Amos' dad— Grandad Donny. I was eight. I just stayed glued to Amos' side all day because I hated seeing him cry. He didn't cry much around me so I knew it would prevent it."
Sirius feels her grief just by looking into her eyes. She's tired. She's mourning and Sirius hates it. "Your dad and I will be there. I know I'll be Padfoot, but you can still pull me aside and talk to me."
Cassie smiles slightly. "Can you plait my hair?"
Sirius smiles and walks out of the bathroom and downstairs. Cassie follows after putting her black heels on. Sirius pats the sofa next to him and Cassie sits facing away from him.
As he plaits her hair, Remus walks in with three cups of tea and a plate of buttered toast for Cassie in the hope she'll eat something this morning. "You feeling okay, sweetheart?" Remus asks, sitting beside her and Sirius. He puts a hand on her knee and leaves it there.
"I don't know if I'm honest. I'm just dreading it I think." she sighs. "It's Victoria I'm worried about, y'know?"
"I know, I am too. She's a strong woman, Cass. It'll take a lot, but she'll be okay eventually. Losing a soulmate is never easy." Remus says, but Cassie can't help wonder if that has a double meaning.
Sirius stops plaiting Cassie's hair for a split second, Remus' words creating a hole in his heart. Remus isn't Sirius' only soulmate— they both know that.
Soulmates aren't always lovers, Remus once told her.
James Potter held the soulmate title from the age of eleven. Sirius lost himself when he lost James. Rotting away in Azkaban with just the image of his best friend's cold body in his head. He couldn't sleep. He saw James' lifeless face everywhere he looked.
"You're right." Sirius says, stabilising himself again and continuing his plaiting. "But Vickie will be okay, pup. You're allowed to grieve without worrying about her."
Cassie closes her eyes— and for a split second, she catches a glimpse of Amos teaching her and Cedric to swim in the river. Cassie had arm-bands on whilst Cedric had already perfected a breaststroke. And the time he taught her how to ride a bike, and how only the way he read all of those Wizarding stories sent her to sleep as an infant. All of the Falcons games he took them to, all of the annoying nicknames he gave her. The first spell he taught her using Victoria's wand.
Cassie feels it in her chest. She feels it all the way up to her throat. It suffocates her. Amos is dead and she's never getting him back. Her dad is dead.
"You okay, love?" Remus asks, noticing her sudden detachment from reality.
She shakes her head, "Sorry, what were you saying?"
Out of nowhere, the fireplace turns a rush of green. Victoria and Cedric step out, and Cassie feels the moment her heart breaks. Cedric is in an all black suit with his bracelet around his wrist. His undereyes are practically purple and his lips are cracked. His nails are bitten to the core and he looks exhausted. Cassie's seen her brother tired on multiple occasions, but this? This is a whole another level of exhaustion. She wonders if he's been sleeping.
Without caring if Sirius had finished her plait or not, Cassie stands up and falls into her brother's embrace. She rubs his back up and down, not having to say anything. They pull away and Cassie holds his arms. The pair do that thing where they have a whole conversation with only their eyes.
Cassie tilts her head. Are you okay?
No, but you're not either.
No, but I'm worried about you.
I'm worried about you too.
We're in this together, aren't we?
Bruise or a broken leg.
I love you.
I love you too.
Sirius watches them with intensity. Him and his brother used to be able to do that when things got out of control in the Black household. He'd be able to comfort his little brother with just the look in his eye. Seeing his daughter do the same thing almost brings a tear to his eye.
Victoria hugs Cassie next, and neither of them want to let go. Victoria looks paler than she's ever seen her before. It breaks Cassie's heart. "You look beautiful, pickle. How've you been?"
"Holding up— you?"
Victoria pulls away and kisses Cassie's forehead. "I'll be okay, Peia. I'll be okay." she smiles, knowing exactly who used to call her that. Cassie won't lie, hearing the nickname come out of someone else's mouth felt strange. It fills her with grief, and she's reminded all why it hurts so much.
"Come on, we better get going." Remus says softly.
The world feels more quiet today— more grey. The birds have stopped singing and the sun is nowhere in sight. It's like the world has shifted out of place without Amos.
Cassie, for the first time in months, misses Amos.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The church is full up besides the front row. That's where Cassie will be sitting during the ceremony. She stands in the middle of the church frozen in her spot.
The person that brings her back to reality is Enzo. He wraps both arms around her waist from behind and presses a kiss to the spot below her jaw. She turns and faces him with a frown. "Hi baby." he says, matching her facial expression.
"Hi." she half-smiles.
He doesn't ask her how she is or how she's holding up. Enzo wraps his arms around her and she sinks into his chest. He knows she doesn't need another person asking how she is. He knows she doesn't want to give a false answer. He knows she's exhausted, even though he hasn't seen her in three days.
"I'm so tired." she whispers, and Enzo feels his heart break. It's one of those things where if he could, he'd take her place in a heartbeat.
"I know you are, love." he replies rubbing her back.
She pulls away but he keeps his hands on her sides. Cassie looks into Enzo's brown eyes and decides that's where she wants to be today. Those beautiful eyes are where she is now, not front row at a funeral for her dad. "Do me a favour, Enz?"
"Anything."
"Stay with me today?"
"Always."
Cassie spots Remus talking with Arthur Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt, an Auror in the Ministry. The Weasleys must be here if Arthur is, right? She makes a mental note to speak to them later. She's too tired to now.
—
After a while of mingling and putting on a fake smile with family friends, Cassie takes a moment outside with Sirius, who's in his dog form. There's nobody else outside so it's safe for him to transform back. Cassie slides down the stone wall and sits with her knees to her chest.
Sirius follows suit, putting a hand on her knee. "My cousin's daughter is in there, yet she has no idea who I am." he says aloud.
"Who's that?"
"Nymphadora Tonks. Andromeda's daughter. I have no doubt Andy has told her about her family, but Nymphadora wouldn't recognise me even if I had Sirius Black written across my forehead."
Cassie frowns and puts her hand over Sirius'. "The ceremony starts in five minutes. What scares me the most is that the second I see that casket, it all becomes real. Right now, I can at least try to pretend it's just a nightmare. When I see Cedric holding his— well, it just gives me no choice but to see it for what it really is."
"Perhaps that's for the best though, pup? I know it's easier to pretend because it means it doesn't hurt so bad, but in order to grieve, you need to hurt. You need to feel these emotions in order to get over it. Pushing them out is just going to make them much stronger when they do come."
"I know, I really do— I just." she sighs. "I just can't."
"You don't have to have it all figured out today. Grief is a gradual thing and it's different for everyone. You're not a bad person for taking it completely different to everyone else."
"I haven't even cried."
"And that's okay. Cedric? he barely has any nails left, Victoria? she hasn't stopped crying, and Chris? he's spoken about two words in three days. Everybody is different, pup."
By the time the ceremony starts, Cassie feels her heart twist like a knot. Sirius is a dog sitting by her feet, occasionally rubbing his head against her leg. On her right is Enzo with his hand in hers, and Victoria on her other side. Cassie's (Cedric's) grandparents are here but she's barely spoken to them.
The pallbearers walk into the church to the quiet, solemn violin. At the front are Cedric and Chris, behind them are Remus and Atlas and at the back are Arthur and Kingsley. And oh, seeing Cedric's face hurts the most.
It hurts even more than thinking about the lifeless Amos in the casket.
Tears stream down both Cassie and Cedric's cheeks. Cassie watches the way Cedric's jaw tenses and he swallows with force. He looks Cassie in the eye and she knows exactly what he's saying. You and me.
Cassie nods. You and me.
They carry the coffin all the way to the front, gently placing it down. On top of the casket is a beautiful funeral coffin spray of flowers. There's a mixture of white tulips, red & white roses, magnolias and poppies. A perfect photo of Amos sits on top of it. It's a family portrait with him, Victoria, Cedric and Cassie. They were at a Falmouth Falcon match— one of Cassie's first matches, actually. They all look so innocent and full of life, Cassie can't bear the sight of it. Enzo pulls her into his shoulder as she weeps. She can't believe what she's seeing.
The service was beautiful and by the end, people are making speeches and giving toasts. Cassie feels the urge to give one of her own. After all, he was her father of twelve years.
She stands up, and Victoria squeezes her hand for support. "As most of you may know, I wasn't related to Amos by blood— but that didn't make him any less my father. He taught me how to swim, how to tie my Quidditch boots so they'd never come undone in the sky, even how to climb a tree if I'd ever find myself in a situation where I needed to climb a tree." she chuckles, looking down at Victoria and Cedric. "I can stand up here today and tell you for a fact that I would not be the girl I am today if it weren't for Amos. My manners, my kindness, my heart. They all come from him and I am so grateful I got twelve years with him." she smiles, choking back tears as Padfoot licks her hand. She lifts her drink of water, "To Amos, the very best of us all."
Everyone raises their glasses in support and Cassie sits down. The second she sits, she crumbles into Cedric's arms. She sobs into his shoulder and he kisses her head. "We'll be okay, Cass. We'll be okay." he mutters.
Would she be okay? Cassie didn't know a pain like this could ever happen to someone. She grieved when her grandfather died, but not quite as much as this. This time she feels it in her chest. She feels it in all the times Amos made her laugh or embarrassed her in front of Enzo. She feels it in every memory.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Later that evening, Cassie sits in the living room with her dads, Cedric and Victoria. Cassie is under a blanket against Cedric's chest, his arm tight around her back. Remus and Sirius are tangled together on the other sofa. Victoria sits alone on her armchair.
"Today was beautiful. You don't realise how many people love you until something tragic happens, isn't that odd?" Victoria comments hazily.
"Very odd." Remus says. He remembers everyone's funeral. Marlene's, Fabian and Gideon Prewett's, Dorcas', Evan's, Regulus', James and Lily's, and even Peter's. Now Amos'.
"You don't realise how much you'll miss them
until they're gone." Cassie says quietly. She still feels guilty for not taking advantage of Amos when he was still alive and healthy. She never wrote to him or asked how he was doing. There are so many things she never did or said. Cassie thinks she'll hate herself forever for that.
Cedric pulls her closer, rubbing her back. "Dad's still here. We just can't see him." he says, motioning to the armchair which Victoria sits.
"I like to think that as well. The ones we love never really leave us." Sirius adds.
Perhaps they don't.
But right now, the ones Cassie loves are here. Her family are in front of her and she needs to remember that. How can she ever complain when her family are right here and alive?
Mattheo has no family— Cassie and her friends are his only family. Draco's family aren't really family, and neither are Theo's or Pansy's. Blaise's father is dead. Harry's an orphan with a horrible Muggle Aunt and Uncle.
She should consider herself lucky at the end of the day. Lucky her family really are her family.
Remus, Sirius and Victoria begin their own conversation about the more important document side of Amos' death, so Cassie looks up at her brother. "Eddie wasn't at the funeral. Is there a reason for that?" she asks.
Cedric clears his throat. He relaxes his hand off Cassie's back. "Er, no. We're not talking at the moment."
Cassie isn't shocked by the statement. She saw them at the Yule Ball— the way Eddie got himself so drunk that he wouldn't have to think about it. She was curious about what they'd fallen out over, but Cassie isn't one for pushing her brother for answers. He'll tell her when he's ready.
"Wanna talk about it?"
"Not really, no."
"That's okay."
"Enzo's good to you, isn't he?"
Cassie smiles. "Yeah, he is."
"I'm glad. When I die one day, it's comforting to know you'll always have someone to lean on."
The hairs on the back of Cassie's neck stand up at the mention of Cedric's supposed death one day. She always thought Cedric would live forever. He wasn't going anywhere, right?
"Don't talk like that, Ced. I'm going before you, believe me."
Cedric snorts. "Not happening."
"Yes it is."
"No it isn't."
"Alright, I'll let you win if you promise to play Heroes by David Bowie at my funeral. And you better put some nice flowers on my coffin— no Orchids, I don't like those."
"D'you want Carpe Diem written on your headstone?"
"Hell fucking yes."
Cedric actually laughs for the first time in days. Him and Cassie chuckle and it feels good. Nobody else has managed to make them laugh recently, not even Sirius who has the humour of a teenage boy.
It's moments like these that make Cassie think Fuck, he might just be my soulmate.
Once Remus said to her "Soulmates aren't always lovers, you know," and it's stuck with Cassie since. Because honestly, there is nobody that reads her mind like Cedric can, or talk to her through facial expressions or speak fluent morse code to communicate with each other.
Not Enzo, not Mattheo, not Remus or Sirius.
Cedric.
It's always going to be Cedric.
"Do you remember what I said to Enzo about the twin beaters at the World Cup being soul-tied?" Cassie says.
"Yeah, I do."
"Do you think we're soul-tied? They say it only happens between siblings or twins, but I'd say we're pretty much."
Cedric chuckles, "Yeah, I reckon so."
"That's nice to think about, huh? Makes me happy— makes me forget about everything else." Cassie says, just saying the words that come to her mind. Cedric doesn't reply, he just kisses the top of her head.
It's always going to be Cedric.
Notes:
oh WOW
1) sirius plaiting cassie’s hair and remus making her favourite meal :( they’re such good dads i love them so much
2) cedric and cassie having a conversation with just their eyes 😖😖 they tend to do that a lot, you’ll notice. it’s another language for them and i love it for them. along with their bracelets, they seem to be the most adorable pair of siblings ever.
3) “I’m so tired.”,
“I know you are, love.”
OUR POOR BABYYY. insomnia on top of all this grief?? she’s going THROUGH it bless her heart4) sirius talking about andy omg. i couldn’t help myself i just had to sneak in an andromeda reference when i could.
5) cassie’s speech :(
6) remus remembering everyone’s funerals 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
7) “The ones we love never really leave us.” SIRIUS ORION BLACK ARE YOU JOKING ME.
8) just cedric and cassie being the best siblings ever yet again. i love them SO muchhhhh
Chapter 29: Y4 | Valentine’s Day 1994
Summary:
V-day!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ KING OF MY HEART — TAYLOR SWIFT
'And all at once you are the one I have been waiting for; King of my heart, body and soul.'
By February, Cassie can go about her day feeling better. She still has her days where she misses Amos and reminisces over her childhood, but overall, she's happy. When she went back to school, her friends did everything in their power to cheer her up and make her smile every day.
And it's safe to say, it bloody worked.
On the Friday before Valentine's day, Cassie is walking onto the Quidditch pitch for practice. She walks ahead of her team, looking down at her clipboard with ideas. She wants to focus on her chasers today then come up with some team-building exercises. Hooch has asked her to time everyone's lap time so there's also that to do.
It's a lot to remember, but Cassie manages. She loves being captain and is already doing a much better job than Flint. Lots of Durmstrang boys watch practice nowadays— it's good, it puts pressure on the team. Now, Krum nods at her in the hallways after watching her coach this team. It does admittedly make her feel good about herself, like it's a reminder she's doing well.
And on top of that, Slytherin are currently at the top of the league. Lower lap times and teamwork equal more points— which Cassie hopes will benefit their case this afternoon.
"Right, the first thing I wanna do today to get out of the way are your lap times." she announces, and it already earns a groan from Mattheo, Theo and Blaise. "I know, it's annoying but Hooch gives me no choice." she sighs. "You will take turns doing five laps of the pitch as quickly as you can. Lower lap times means higher points for us, which then means a higher possibility of the cup this year."
"Aren't we already at the top?" Theo asks.
"Yeah, that doesn't mean we're going to stay there. Gryffindor have their lap times next week so we have a headstart. We all know they're our biggest threat, so beating them is pretty much essential. We don't want another rerun of second year, do we?" Cassie asks.
"Fuck no." Lexi scoffs.
"Okay. I'm gonna start with you, Blaise, because yours seems to be the highest." Cassie smiles. He sighs and gets on his broom, knowing the drill by now. Cassie looks up at the huge clock on one of the stands— which has a setting that you time lapse on when needed. "Right, whilst I'm doing this with each of you, I want you lot doing a teambuilding exercise. Mattheo, use one of the ones Hooch gave us last year— Flint's were shit."
Mattheo nods. "Yes, ma'am."
She hops on her Firebolt and hovers in the middle of the pitch. "Right, on the count of three, Blaise!"
He nods and prepares himself on his broom. Cassie turns to the clock and flicks her wand the moment he takes off. He does five long laps of the pitch (which is 500 foot long, and 180 foot wide), and it takes him 4 minutes and 59 seconds to complete. That's better than Blaise's last score— which was 5 minutes and 3 seconds.
Cassie high fives him on the way back down. "Not bad at all, Blaise. Well done." she smiles.
Next one up is Theo, whose ego is way too large for his just below average lap times. The average on a decent broom is 4 minutes and 34 seconds— Theo's scores have an average of 5 minutes 10 seconds. He completes it in 4 minutes 43 seconds this time.
Cassie is so happy with him when they get to the floor that she literally jumps on him with excitement. "I'm so fucking proud!" she exclaims, jumping up and down grabbing his shoulders.
"Merlin's tits Cass." he chuckles.
As she writes down his time, she shakes her head with a grin. "Four minutes." she mutters under her breath.
Cassie's own average is just above Blaise's at 4 minutes 31 seconds. Then again, she does have a Firebolt whereas the others have brooms like the Comet 140, Cleansweep 11 and Ember Dash. They're all brilliant brooms in fact, the Firebolt is just that bit quicker.
Mattheo is after Theo and he gets a brilliant score of 5 minutes 8 seconds. Their scores have already improved from last year. Oh how Cassie wishes Flint could see her now. She'd laugh in his face if she saw him.
Lexi's time is 5 minutes 29 seconds, which isn't actually that bad for a beater. Her and Blaise are much better with their arms because they carry those heavy bats all the time. She's still proud of her either way.
Brian Duke, the other chaser, gets a time of 7 minutes 2 seconds. She's not annoyed, but not surprised either. He's not a brilliant player, but Enzo and Mattheo's talent seems to overrule his not-so much. It's Mattheo and Theo that get them the win, not Duke.
Last but not least is Lorenzo Berkshire. Cassie smiles as he prepares himself. He's nervous, which makes Cassie giggle to herself. Bless him, she thinks.
5 minutes 11 seconds. Pretty good for his first ever lap time.
Cassie asks Blaise to time hers and it takes her 4 minutes 16 seconds. Her best score yet! She squeals with joy and huddles with her team. They all jump up and down with excitement. They're doing really well this year and Cassie could not be any happier with that. "We're so gonna win this year." Lexi beams, which only makes her happier.
"Marcus Flint can fuck right off. This is the best our team's ever done, right?" Theo asks.
"Yeah— your scores, guys. They're incredible. Especially you two, I'm so fucking proud of you." Cassie smiles, pointing at Mattheo and Theo. They do a fist bump and Cassie grins. "I can't wait to see Hooch's face when I give her these scores."
"Why was Flint such a bad captain?" Duke asks.
"Because, young and naïve one, he was a twat and didn't know how to play quidditch." Blaise answers before Cassie gets the chance, making them all laugh.
"That seems fair enough." Brian shrugs.
"Come on, I'll let you all off early tonight. You all did absolutely perfectly today, I am so happy with your results. Next week we're focusing on the chasers in time for our Gryffindor match, so be prepared." Cassie explains.
They slowly make their way off the pitch, everyone in good moods. Mattheo has an arm around Cassie's shoulder as they stroll at their own pace. "Got any plans for Valentine's day, you two?" he asks.
Cassie shrugs and looks at Enzo. He winks at the pair. "Looks like he does." Cassie chuckles.
"No shagging preferably." Mattheo adds, earning a swat of Cassie's hand right in the stomach. "You cheeky—"
The pair begin play-fighting on the pitch dramatically. Cassie swats him in the stomach and he erupts into laughter. He chases her all the way back to the changing rooms as Cassie cackles. Enzo watches with a chuckle and shake of his head.
—
The second task is on Sunday. This is the last time Cassie will get to discuss ideas with her brother late on the same Friday evening. After practice, she went straight to the library and sat at their usual table.
Cedric had taken Cassie's advice and spoke to Moody after Christmas. Moody told him to use the prefects bathroom and put the egg underwater. When he put it in the bath, it sung, almost. Cedric copied down the song and immediately told Cassie. He would've told Eddie but they're still not talking apparently.
Their weekly task preparation was a little different after Amos died. Cassie and Cedric held off for a while to give each other time to grieve. However, they didn't realise how close it really was until the Second task.
Ever since Moody told Cedric about the egg, Cassie has been wracking her brain for ideas. They know that it'll be in the Black Lake and Cedric has an hour to retrieve something from the bottom. The real problem is how on earth is he going to hold his breath for an hour?
"I'd suggest Gillyweed but that's impossible to get ahold of. They only grow it in the Mediterranean and I have no way of finding out if Snape keeps any in his supply." Cassie says, pushing her glasses to rest on her head.
"Yeah, that's a no-go." Cedric sighs.
"Are there any charms you can think of? I haven't gotten to that sort of stuff in my lessons yet."
Cedric thinks long and hard. Any charms he can use to hold his breath underwater. He thinks back to every charms, transfiguration and DADA lesson he's ever had. There's got to be at least one, right?
"Look, I'll go find a book on it. You think for something in the meantime." Cassie says, squeezing Cedric's shoulder on the way past him.
She scans the shelves for anything usual. Cassie didn't realise so much thought and preparation went into these tasks. She always just assumed the tasks were the worst part. This, however? This is exhausting.
Cedric is always insisting she doesn't need to be helping him and she can stop meeting him in the library every other day— but of course, she doesn't listen. If she sits around doing nothing, she'll be even more stressed out doing that rather than doing something useful to guarantee her brother's safety.
Cassie grabs a few books and chucks them down on the table, but Cedric immediately grabs the top one and finds a specific page. "A-ha!" he exclaims, his finger trailing the page. She watches over his shoulder with knitted brows.
"What is it?"
"The bubble-head charm. Learnt it last year. It's essentially a bubble around your head filled with oxygen. Very useful in a situation like this, huh?"
Cedric's smirking now.
Cassie laughs, feeling beyond relieved they finally have a solution. "You brilliant bastard." she scoffs, nudging him.
"It says here... it lasts up to two hours if remained focused." he adds, reading from the book. "So all I need to do is focus on the charm and I should be as good as gold, yeah?"
"I mean— I think so. You know how to conjure it, don't you?"
"Yeah."
Cassie blinks. "I— yeah. I think we've just found a solution to this problem."
Cedric laughs out of shock. He stands up and hugs his sister. "We did it." he grins.
"No, you did it. Let's just hope you manage to find whatever's down there then, yeah?"
"I'll manage, Cass."
"You fucking better after all that stress." she laughs. He ruffles her hair and packs up the books. They put them away and start walking to their respective common rooms. "Enzo got anything planned for Valentines tomorrow?"
"I think so. Isn't there a party in the Room of Requirement in the evening though?"
"Yeah, you coming?"
"I best fucking be. I'm gonna make it clear to Enzo that I need to be back for the party."
"If you're going, I'm gonna be watching how much you're drinking. We don't want another bone breaking incident, do we?"
Cassie laughs, "I don't need a babysitter, Ced." He gives her that look and she laughs. "I don't!"
"It's me or Enzo, so..."
"Yeah, I'd rather it be you."
Cedric snorts and nudges her. "How long have you two been together now?"
"Since September, so about six months now."
"Impressive." Cedric nods. "How did practice go earlier?"
"Oh my, so good. Guess what my lap time was." she grins.
"Err— five minutes?"
"C'mon, you know me better than that." she laughs. "Guess again— lower."
"Four minutes thirty?"
"Four minutes sixteen."
"No way."
"Yes way."
He immediately high-fives her and they laugh. "That's incredible, Cass. How about the rest?"
"They all did really well— even Enzo and this was his first one. We're playing Gryffindor next so we need to start properly training really. I just had them doing team building practice today."
"Oh yeah?"
Since Cedric became a champion of the tournament, his position as captain got temporarily revoked. Funnily enough, Eddie was next in line. Hufflepuff haven't moved down or up their rank— staying where they are in third. Ravenclaw are last with Gryffindor in second.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The next afternoon, Enzo leads Cassie outside with his hand over her eyes. She laughs and clumsily walks next to him. "Can't you just tell me where we're going?" she giggles.
"No, I can't because that would take away the whole surprise thing I have going on." he insists.
"Rude." she mutters.
By the time they reach their destination, Enzo takes his hand off her eyes so she can see. It's the hill by the pitch on which they got together that day in September after Moody's lesson. Cassie gasps. Enzo's set out a blanket with all of her favourite foods.
"Enzo..." she whispers, tears rimming her eyes.
It's this feeling Cassie gets when she realises just how loved she is. She often finds herself believing she's undeserving of love, and the only person that truly loves her is Cedric. Having someone like Enzo that never fails to remind her just how loved she is is both humbling and the best thing ever.
"Oh— don't cry." he says, pulling her into a hug.
"No— I'm not crying. I just love you so much, Enzo. To the moon and back and even more." she says, chuckling and pulling away.
"To the moon and back and even more." he repeats, a smile on his face. "I like that."
Cassie chuckles and looks down at the food. Toast, strawberries and all sorts of fruit, treacle tart, cinnamon pie, you name it. She sits down cross-legged in front of the food. Enzo pours her a cup of tea and she beams even more. He knows how she takes her tea— not too milky, but nice and dark, no sugar or sweeteners, the handle pointed towards her so she can pick up with her right hand.
"This is— this is so beautiful Enzo." she smiles, sipping her tea.
"I was speaking to the girls about what to do. They suggested somewhere important to us, somewhere that means a lot to us. I figured why not bring you here— they helped me sort all of this out."
Cassie smiles, and she really smiles. What beautiful friends she has.
"That's so lovely. I got you your favourite chocolates and a new hat— I left them in my dorm because I didn't know we were going out yet."
"That's okay, love."
The pair enjoy a perfect picnic together, just talking and laughing as they usually do. By six in the evening, all of the food is gone. Cassie rests sideways, her head on Enzo's stomach. He's absentmindedly brushing the hair out of her face, running his fingers through her hair. "Are you nervous for tomorrow?" he asks.
"Yeah, 'course I am." she replies. "Just not as nervous as last time is all. We've got a plan— well, he's got a plan."
"I think it's nice you consider yourselves as a team. It's sweet, I like it."
Cassie smiles. "Did you know that him and Eddie still aren't talking?"
"Oh yeah, has he told you why yet?"
"Nope." Cassie sighs. "I can't for the life of me think of anything either of them could've done that would be that bad. I mean, Cedric's a good human being— I can't see him doing anything extremely harmful, can you?"
"No, no. Definitely not." Enzo says, shaking his head in thought.
"I mean, unless Eddie did something really bad— but I can't see that either."
"It's odd. They've never fallen out like that before, have they?"
"No, I mean there was one time a few years ago where they didn't talk for like three weeks— but apparently it was because Eddie was talking about Cedric behind his back or something stupid."
"How much you wanna bet this isn't about Eddie talking about him behind his back this time?"
Cassie snorts, "They'll come around, they're best friends. Well I fucking hope they do, Eddie buys me collectors edition quidditch cards every Christmas."
Enzo chuckles, which makes Cassie's head move on his stomach. The sun is going down now, which means it's almost time for the party. There's a part of Cassie that just wants to lay here with her boyfriend and watch the sunset— but who's she kidding? A party is the perfect way to distract her from tomorrow.
"Can we go back to the castle now? I need to curl Daphne's hair for her and the party starts in like thirty minutes." Cassie asks.
"Yeah, of course we can."
They pack everything up and head back to the castle. Cassie finds Enzo's hand as swings their arms as they walk. "Today was perfect, thank you, Enz."
"Anything for you, love."
The party is loud. Charmed strobe lights and shit music. Just how Cassie likes it. She leans against Enzo's torso by the drinks table. Cedric pours her drink for her— less than half of a glass of Knotgrass Mead. She scowls at her brother and takes it from his hand with a snatch. Him and Enzo snort as she walks away.
Instead, she wraps an arm around Lexi's neck and they dance together. They find Pansy, Tracey and Daphne and form a small circle of their own. The girls dance together, not a single one of them co-ordinated or in control. Just feeling happy and relaxed with their friends is all that matters.
They wrap their arms around each other's shoulders and pull each other into one big hug. "I fucking love you girls, you know that?" Tracey shouts.
"We love you!" they all reply in unison.
Cassie truly does love her friends— Deatheater parents and bullies aside. She knows what kind of people they are, but loving them isn't a choice. It's an instinct— a feeling. You don't choose the people you love, it just happens. And sometimes, no matter how much you try not to, it just doesn't work.
Notes:
YAYYYY HONOURABLE MENTIONS LETS GO
1) cassie being over the MOON for theo’s new lap time. we love a supportive captain.
2) ced and cassie spending all of their time in the library together 🥰🥰🥰 cassie is convinced if cedric is in this tournament, so damn well is she.
3) ENZO TAKING HER TO THE SPOT HE ASKED HER OUT. that hill behind the quidditch pitch 🥹 he’s so thoughtful i love him. the whole picnic is ADORABLE.
4) “To the moon and back and even more.”
5) eddie and ced :(
6) cedric monitoring cassie’s alcohol at the party LMFAO
7) cassie dancing with her girlssssss!! they’re so sweet i just wanna put them in my pocket and never let them out again
cassie’s doing relatively okay guys! the grief isn’t over yet, but she’s doing okay!
Chapter 30: Y4 | The Second Task
Summary:
A nice swim!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ USE SOMEBODY— KINGS OF LEON
'Someone like you.'
Cedric pulls Cassie out of the party at midnight in fear of her over-drinking so close to her Moon Cycle. He monitored her drinks all night— but he saw a Slytherin boy slip her a bottle of Red Currant Rum, which she downed before he could stop her. "Merlin's beard." Cedric whispers as Cassie crashes into the stone wall beside them.
She stops herself, putting a hand on her forehead. "Can you please stand still, Cedric?" she says, her head spinning like a carousel.
"Cassie I'm completely still." Cedric sighs.
"What?" she exclaims.
"You're drunk. Again." he says with an eye roll.
"I am not!" she huffs, stopping her right foot against the cobblestone. It's dead silent out here, apart from Cassie and her drunken scene. "You're
drunk."
"I—" he sighs. "Okay. Yeah, come with me." he says, holding her arm. "You're going straight to bed young lady." he whispers as they walk down the corridors.
"Cassiopeia— Mr. Diggory." Professor Mcgonagall says with a startle, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Minnie mouse!" Cassie grins, leaning forward to tap Minerva on the nose. It takes everything in Cedric not to burst into hysterics.
Minerva turns to Cedric with concern. "Is she quite alright?"
"Just a bit tipsy, I reckon." he shrugs.
Minerva rolls her eyes— like she actually rolls her eyes. "Just like her father." she mutters under her breath.
"Which one?" Cassie grins, making herself laugh.
The professor tuts. "I think you know which one, dear."
"Sirius?" Cassie smiles dreamily. "I love Sirius, don't you? Do you know him?" Cedric presses his lips to a line to stop himself from laughing.
"Yes, yes I do. But it's a good thing I ran into you, Professor Snape has been looking for you. The Headmaster requires you." Minerva says, sobering Cedric instantly. The last time he heard that his dad was dead.
"That old fucker? Are you joking?" Cassie exclaims. Cedric lets out a loud, abrupt laugh at her bluntness. He cannot wait to tell her about this when she's sober.
"Miss Black!" Mcgonagall hushes in outrage.
"Sorry, Professor. Excuse my French—"
"I'm not too sure this is a great time for the Headmaster to see Cassie at the moment." Cedric interrupts, holding her up by the arm.
Mcgonagall nods. "Yes, I quite agree. However, it is most urgent."
"Of course it is." Cassie groans.
"Can I at least walk her there? Knowing her, she'll end up in the Whomping Willow by herself." he asks.
"Please." Minerva insists.
"You're just the nicest Professor ever. Did I ever tell you you're my favourite— apart from Poppy of course. I love Poppy Pomfrey." Cassie says, slurring almost every word.
Mcgonagall shakes her head with a smile and squeezes her shoulder before walking away. The siblings reroute, Cassie simply following wherever Cedric is going. She wonders what Dumbledore wants this time.
She hopes nobody is dead again.
Oh my, what if Cedric is dead?
"Cedric.." she whispers. "Cedric. Where is Cedric—" she exclaims, looking around.
There's a laugh next to her which cuts her off. That's Cedric's laugh. "Cass, I'm right here." he chuckles, that lovely familiar smile on his face. A wave of relief gushes over her chest and she sighs.
"Thank goodness you're okay." Cassie says, a hand on her heart.
"Thank goodness indeed."
"You know, you're my best friend. Don't tell Mattheo or Pansy I said that though."
Cedric chuckles, shaking his head. He must admit, drunk Cassie is hilarious and very fun to be around. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." he smiles. "In fact... you're my best friend as well."
Cassie gasps, "Really? I am?"
When they reach Dumbledore's office, Cassie takes a deep breath. "Wish me luck." she frowns.
"Good luck, you'll need it." he says.
"Can you slap me across the face quickly? Might sober me up, I dunno—"
"Cassie I am not slapping you."
"Alright—" she says, hitting herself on the right cheek. "Arch." Cassie groans, rubbing her cheek.
Cedric rolls his eyes and ruffles her hair. "Let me know when you're done. I'll be out here."
Cassie nods and walks into Dumbledore's office. Inside stands Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a small girl from Beauxbatons. "Hermione! Ron!" she exclaims, slinging an arm around Ron's shoulder.
Ron and Hermione share a look. "Are you drunk, Cassie?" he whispers, smelling the rum on her.
"I only had a few drinks!" she exclaims defensively. Ron snorts while Hermione rolls her eyes. That blasted Valentines party, she thinks.
"I don't mean to be rude but why are we here, Professor?" Hermione asks. Dumbledore, Snape, Moody, Barty Crouch and Ludo Bagman are behind Dumbledore's desk. Cassie looks Snape up and down— is he wearing... slippers?
"Nice slippers, Snivellus." Cassie grins, pointing at his footwear. Snape's jaw tenses and he bites back the insult when he remembers where he is and who's around him.
"Listen up, you four." Dumbledore announces. Cassie shakes her head as if to put herself in focus. "For the next task, something important is taken from each contestant. In this case, the important thing being taken is you four." the headmaster explains calmly.
Cassie furrows her eyebrows, "What do you mean? Isn't the next task in the Black Lake?" Cassie is focused now. The stress of tomorrow overrides the amount of alcohol she'd consumed.
"That's correct, Miss Black. The next task will take place in the black lake. I'm afraid we are going to have to place an enchanted sleep spell on you four and you will be lowered into the black lake tomorrow morning before the task takes place. Whilst you are under the spell, it will be as though you were simply taking a rather long slumber. But I guarantee you that you will not drown." he answers
"What?" Ron spits out of shock.
"That's barbaric!" Hermione exclaims.
"I know it's a big favour to ask but we simply cannot proceed to the next task without doing it." Dumbledore adds.
Cassie sighs, "So the champions just have to swim down and rescue us before the hour is up?"
Dumbledore nods, "Exactly that, Cassiopeia." Cassie nods, trying to process what she'd just been told. She's going to be underwater whilst completely unconscious for a whole hour. Great. That's completely fine, completely normal. She's not hesitating at all.
"Why us?" Ron asks.
"Professor Mcgonagall has been playing close attention to who the contestants were the closest to at Hogwarts. Viktor Krum will rescue you, Miss Granger. Harry will rescue you, Mr Weasley, your big sister will rescue you, Miss Delacour. And Cedric will save you, Miss Black." The four of them nod— none of them protesting. Ron did look a bit annoyed at the fact Hermione was Krum's person, but they know it has to be done.
"Do you all understand?" Barty Crouch questions.
"I understand." Hermione replies.
"Yeah." Ron adds.
"Me too." Gabrielle, Fleur's little sister, pipes up.
"And you, Miss Black?" Crouch asks, his voice filled with hope.
Cassie stares at him for moment and sighs, drawing it out. "I understand, sir."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Come on, Cass!" Cedric exclaims through his giggles.
"It's so cold though!" Cassie replies, staring at the beautiful, clear water. The stream isn't aggressive or fast— it's quite peaceful, in fact. Cassie can see the floor, so why is she so nervous to get in? Dad always tells her not to be scared of anything, but be curious of everything.
"I bet you're just scared." Cedric shrugs, knowing that she won't accept that.
"Me? Scared? You wish." Cassie laughs. Before Cedric knows it, she jumps in the flowing river. The movement creates a huge splash in Cedric's face and they both laugh.
"Be careful, you two!" Mum shouts from the other side of the garden. She's setting up the table for dinner, the faint noise of her beautiful children laughing in the river. The sun is just about to set but it's still at least twenty five degrees out. Cornish weather is like that in summer, you see.
"We will!" Cedric shouts back.
The cold water consumed Cassie's body instantly. Her flesh flies up in goosebumps. She quickly gets used to the cold temperature and begins swimming up and down the calm river. It's the perfect temperature— not too cold, not too hot.
Cedric splashes his sister with a big gust of water. He knows damn well she'll retaliate. She splashes him back just as hard, putting in all her strength. It's hard to compete with Cedric as he's three years older than her. Cassie is only seven.
The lake echoes with their playful giggles as they flick water at each other. "Dinner time, kids!" Dad exclaimed from the back door. Cassie groans, not wanting to get out of the water yet.
Cassie has always preferred the outdoors. It's so much more exciting than being indoors. There's a whole world out there to explore but Cassie is forced to stay inside all day and read. She wants to be out there, exploring every single nook and cranny of earth, not doing colouring all day.
She can't wait to go to Hogwarts when she's eleven. Mum and Dad say it's the best.
"Do we have to go in yet?" she complains.
"If you don't want your pizza to get cold, I would reccomend it." Dad grins.
"Pizza!" Cassie and Cedric say at the same time. They jump out of the river and run over to the garden table. Mum wraps towels around their dripping wet bodies. They sit down on the plastic white garden chairs and tuck into their pizza.
"Do you want to hear a funny story from work today, kids?" Dad smiles, sipping his beer.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie gasps for air as she emerges from the Black Lake. Cedric's holding onto her with his chest heaving. Cassie grins from ear to ear when she realises what happened. "You did it!" Cassie exclaims with joy.
"Sure did!" he grins in response.
They swim over to the dock and he helps Cassie get up. Before she knows it, Enzo has wrapped a billion towels around her shoulders and all of her friends are standing in front of her. "Are you okay? You must be freezing to death!" Pansy says like a concerned mother.
"It's okay, you guys. I'm fine." she laughs. Enzo kneels down and pulls her into his chest. He kisses Cassie's wet hair and she feels his heartbeat against her head. His heart is beating like hell.
"Well if that didn't sober me up, I don't know what else would." Cassie snorts.
"We've been so worried about you. None of us knew where you went. Cedric came running into my dorm at like two in the morning telling me that you were missing." Enzo breathes out.
"Oh, Enz."
"I didn't sleep a wink. All seven of us— including Cedric, searched the whole school for you. Wasn't until we went to Snape and he told us where you'd gone that we went back to bed."
"You didnt have to do that, guys." Cassie frowns.
"Of course we did." Theo smiles, lovingly. He didn't say it, but Cassie knows he loves her. Cassie smiles and stands up. She gathers her best friends in a large group hug.
"Careful, you're gonna get my clothes wet." Draco says.
Cassie laughs, "There he is, my Dray."
Draco rolls his eyes as they all chuckle. Out of nowhere, Viktor Krum bursts out of the water with the Hermione at his side. She's beaming with joy and Krum just looks proud to of made it back up.
The Durmstrang boys congratulate Krum and Cassie realises then that Cedric was the first contestant back. Her jaw drops and she jumps into Cedric's arms. "You came first! You won the task!" she exclaims.
"Yeah." he grins.
"That bubble-head charm worked then?"
"Course it did. I focused on it— 'memba?"
Cassie grins, "Good focusing on your behalf, Ced."
He laughs and kisses her forehead, "I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried sick last night."
Cassie frowns, "I know, Enzo said."
"I felt so guilty for leaving you. I didn't know what to do so I just went to Enzo. We soon thought logically and went to Snape."
Cedric thought Cassie was dead. The last time he had anything to do with Dumbledore, someone was dead.
"Yeah, well, I'm okay now, aren't I?"
Cedric smiles.
The crowd converse as they wait in suspense for Harry. Fleur had failed to retrieve her sister as she couldn't get past the grindylows— meaning that she's automatically going to be last place. Cassie is sitting on a bench with Enzo's arm wrapped around her shoulders. He's rubbing her arm to try and warm her up. She's still shivering from the below-freezing lake water.
"You warm yet?" Enzo asks.
"Getting there," she laughs. He kisses the side of her head and she leans even further into his warmth. Enzo is always warm for some odd reason.
"Not to stress you out or anything but do you know when the next full moon is?" Enzo asks quietly.
Cassie shakes her head and Enzo nods in understanding. "Where is Harry? I'm starting to get worried now, it's almost been an hour."
"He's going to be fine. We're talking about Harry Potter here, Cass. He has quite literally fought you-know-who twice before the age of thirteen."
Cassie laughs, "Very true."
As if on cue, Harry emerges out of the water like lightning. He's with not only Ron, but Fleur's sister too. He went back for her. Cassie beams with pride & joy.
She stands up and joins the crowd. Harry's surrounded by his fellow Gryffindor friends. Dean and Seamus are tending to him like an old couple, wrapping him in towels and rubbing his shoulders. Enzo wraps his arms around Cassie's waist and puts his head on her shoulder from behind as Dumbledore begins speaking. He's about to reveal the order of the winners. "In first place, in use of the Bubble-Head Charm and successfully retrieving Cassiopeia Black, we have Cedric Diggory!" the old man exclaims.
Cassie scoffs with a mixture of joy and shock. Cedric turns to his sister and ruffled her soaking hair. His Hufflepuff friends cheer beside him, jumping and clapping. "I'm so proud of you, Ced." she smiles.
"Couldn't have done it without you, Cass." he smiles back.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
There's obviously a party in the hufflepuff common room following the events of the Second Task. However, Cassie is completely and utterly knackered. She told Cedric that she'd miss this party out for once— due to her extreme tiredness & hangover. Of course, he said he understood and just ruffled her hair as usual.
She walks back to the common room holding Enzo's hand. The whole group decide to go down to the dungeons. Cassie thinks not a single one of them slept the night before— she supposes that's her fault.
"Cedric told us what you said when you were pissed last night." Mattheo grins.
Cassie rubs a hand over her face, "Oh god, what did I say?"
"Mcgonagall asked you to go to Dumbledore's office and you said 'That old fucker? Are you joking?'"
Cassie's jaw drops, "I said that? In front of Mcgonagall?"
Mattheo nods while chuckling, "You also called her Minnie Mouse and poked her nose. We absolutely cracked up when he told us."
Cassie groans then sighs deeply, "I have never wanted to sleep more in my life than I do right now." Mattheo laughs and squeezes her arm. He goes back to his conversation with Blaise and Cassie hangs back with Enzo, their hands still connected.
"I'm so fucking proud of him, y'know. People underestimate him— myself included. He's brilliant really." Cassie says, still overjoyed with earlier's events.
"I know. You make a bloody great pair of siblings, I'll give you that." Enzo grins.
Cassie chuckles. "We get that a lot surprisingly."
"Yeah? I'm not surprised."
Cassie smiles as they enter the familiar Slytherin common room. She says goodnight to her friends and goes straight up to her dorm, Enzo following behind. Pansy stays downstairs with the everyone so her and Enzo can have a bit of peace and quiet before her and the girls go up.
"I'm going to get a shower quickly," Cassie informs him. Her clothes are still damp and sticking to her. It makes her feel really uncomfortable— it makes her brain tingle in an odd way.
"Okay love."
Cassie steps into her bathroom and sighs at her reflection. The scars aren't as prominent but they're still an obvious feature of her face and the first thing people notice about her. She hates it. Cassie hates the way people look at her when they see her scars. Nobody dares to ask her where they came from though.
After she gets out of the shower, Cassie gets dressed into her pyjamas and puts on one of Enzo's jumpers that she had stolen from him. It's that vanilla scent of his that she just loves ever so dearly.
When Cassie walks back into her room, Enzo is in his pyjamas and doing something on the television he had summoned. She has no idea where from but she doesn't question it.
"What are we watching?" Cassie smiles, lying against his chest.
"It's up to you, gorgeous."
"Dead Poets Society?"
"We literally watched it last time."
"So?"
"You probably know the whole script off by heart."
"Yeah... Your point is?"
Enzo laughs, "Why don't we watch Titanic?"
"No, It makes me really annoyed. There was clearly enough room for the two of them on that door."
Enzo chuckles again, "So what are we going to watch then?"
She sits up and looks at him with those eyes she knows he can't resist. He rolls his eyes and puts in the DVD that says Dead Poets Society on. Cassie chuckles and kisses his cheek.
Cassie is so incredibly in love with Lorenzo Berkshire.
Notes:
YAYYY SECOND TASK!! it only makes sense that cassie was cedric’s person— it would’ve been the exact same if the roles were reversed.
cassie dreaming about her home in cornwall with amos, vic and cedric while underwater 🥹🥹 their little family was just the sweetest 3 rip amos you’re already missed
cedric rushing to cassie’s friends when she doesn’t come out of dumbledore’s office😭😭😭😭😭 pls they’re all so adorable all of them searching for her
enzo going into full on protective-mum mode when she comes out of the water. bless his heart cassie honestly doesn’t deserve him
i just love to sneak in dps references every chance i get. i know it’s highly unlikely anyone has a television in 90’s hogwarts but yet again, its my fic soooo… deal with it 😊
give it up for minerva mcgonagall and putting up with sirius black drunk, and now his daughter!
Chapter 31: Y4 | Claws
Summary:
*cue claws by charli xcx*
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ ANGEL IN LOTHIAN — SAM FENDER
'I claw until my skin comes apart, until I feel something.'
One night in late March, Cassie finds herself wandering the halls after being discharged from the Infirmary following a full moon. She can hear sobbing down a hall and curiosity gets the better of her. She follows the sound all the way down past the Hufflepuff common room.
Oh my... is that Eddie?
"Eddie?" Cassie gasps, kneeling down beside him. He looks up with a heaving chest. "Oh Merlin, what happened?" He shakes his head as she tries to pull him towards her. "Please, Eddie. What happened?"
"I can't— you're his sister." he manages to get out.
"Yeah, I am, but if he's done something wrong you need to tell me. I love my brother to death but if he's hurt you..."
"No, no. Nothing like that, Cass. It's just—"
"What?"
"I can't, Cassie. He hasn't told you— it's not my place."
"I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on. Cedric tells me everything eventually— even the stuff he tries to hide from both me and himself. It all comes out eventually. I'm asking you to tell me so I can talk to my brother."
Eddie wipes his eyes and presses his palms to his puffy eyes. "I'm fucking in love with him, Cassie, and it's killing me."
Oh.
Cassie should've been shocked at this. She should've gasped, her hand should've flew to her mouth in disbelief. But she's not shocked, or taken aback. If anything, Cassie isn't at all surprised it's something like that. But is Cedric gay? Is this an unrequited thing? Does Cedric know?
"Oh, Eddie." Cassie sighs and puts her hand over his on his knee. "Do you want to talk about it and why you and Cedric haven't spoken since December?"
"He— he took that Chang girl to the ball with him. I was jealous and... frustrated with him. I ignored him all night. I didn't explain myself the next morning and he didn't bother talking to me."
"Is..." she sighs. "Is he— is he in love with you?"
Eddie raises his shoulders, unable to form a response. "You fucking tell me, Black."
Cassie chews her lip. "Look, I don't know what your situation is with Cedric or how he feels about you, but do you know what I know for a fact?"
"What?"
"He loves you. Fuck, he loves you, Eddie. You're literally all he talks about. Oh, Eddie did this today... Eddie said this, how funny is that? Eddie this, Eddie that. You mean everything to him. If you love him, you will fight for him. Love is not an always easy task, but it's one that always wins."
"You mean that?"
"Yes, of course I do. Whether it's platonic, romantic or not, I don't care really, Cedric loves you. He loves you so much it's breaking him to the bone. You think I haven't noticed how quiet he is nowadays, or how he's handling dad's death ten times worse without you? He's miserable, Ed."
"He is?"
"Of course he is. He may love me to pieces, but I'm not you, Eddie. He misses you." she sighs. "Think about it, okay? Just think. If I have to tie Cedric to a chair to make him listen to you, I'll do it. He's the most stubborn twat alive when it comes to arguments, but he comes around."
"I— thank you, Cassie. Please don't tell him I was out here. I ran out here to get away from it all."
"No, of course not. You'll speak to him when you're ready, and I won't say a thing. It's not the first time I've kept a secret from him." she smiles, trying to cheer him up.
He chuckles weakly, "Thank you." He stands up and Cassie follows suit. She opens her arms and pulls him into a hug. He's taller than her so it's slightly awkward but they don't mind.
"You can always come to me if you feel like this again, even if you don't talk about it. I'll always listen."
Eddie smiles, "Careful, Mini-Diggs, I might just fall in love with you too."
Cassie chuckles, "Better get looking at wedding venues!"
He smiles again and squeezes her arm. "Goodnight, Cassie."
"Goodnight, Eddie."
—
By the next week, Eddie and Cedric are talking again. Cassie notices when she walks into the hall for dinner on a typical Friday evening. She hears Cedric's laugh before she sees it. Cassie looks to the Hufflepuff table and they're laughing together— like actually laughing, not screaming at each other or ignoring each other. By some miracle, they're friends (?) again.
Cassie looks closely and notices the hand Cedric has on Eddie's leg. She takes a deep breath and sits down with her friends, pushing it out of her mind.
"Sorry but can we talk about why in the fuck Daphne hates me so much all of a sudden?" Mattheo sighs as they tuck in to their Shepard's pies.
Cassie and Pansy snort. "Cause you're a knob." Pansy states.
"No, I know that— but why now all of a sudden? She's always known I'm a knob." Mattheo argues.
"Cause believe it or not, Mattheo, the girl likes you. You going round flirting with all of Slytherin isn't helping your case if I'm honest." Cassie answers.
"She— she likes me?" Mattheo exclaims, his fork falling out of his grasp; which makes all of them laugh.
"Yes, shut the fuck up or you'll get us into trouble. We weren't meant to tell you." Pansy hushes.
"Fucking knew it." Theo says, shaking his head.
"Okay, we'll have this conversation later. For now, I'm just thinking about Quidditch—" Cassie starts.
"No shit." everyone says in unison, rather eerily actually.
"Alright, yeah. I was thinking about practice later and I just realised I've never played the Gryffindor reserve seeker. That like throws off my whole game, I need to know a seeker before playing them."
"Isn't it that Irish one that blows everything up?" Blaise asks.
"Yeah— Seamus. I've never seen him play, have you?" Cassie asks.
"Nah, can't imagine he's any good though." Blaise says.
"Yeah, even if he is, you have four years of experience on him. You always say to us when we play Gryffindor that we're the main focus of the game— you always have Potter handled. Why should that be any different? They'll still rely on their seeker 'cause they think that works for them." Theo shrugs.
Cassie hums in agreement. "Yeah, I think I'll need to come up with some different tactics this evening."
Cassie is quiet for the rest of dinner, her mind turning like clockwork. There's so much to think about— Quidditch, Cedric and whatever's going on with Eddie, the Final Task being less than three months away, the Full Moon that was two days ago and has left her legs covered in scars.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
After Moody's lesson last period one Wednesday in April, he asks to speak to Cassie after their lesson on how to properly protect yourself from a werewolf. Cassie holds her breath as she sits down opposite him in his tiny room of an office. "Tea?" he offers, hobbling over to the teapot.
"Er, no thank you." she replies, not too keen on drinking anything he gives her.
He grumbles and sits back down. "I didn't upset you in that lesson, did I?" he asks.
Cassie furrows her brows, "Why would you have?"
"Because I know you and your father are werewolves."
Cassie freezes at his statement. Her blood chills with nerve and her eyes remain wide. With a swallow, she clears her throat. "Do you know Remus personally?"
"Yeah. Worked with him in the Order the first time the Dark Lord came to power. Not the brightest of—"
"Don't."
Moody chuckles, "Sorry, I hit a nerve there. Are you always like that when someone talks negatively about your parents?"
"I— yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Your parents weren't at all saints, Cassiopeia. Especially Sirius, sweetheart. Did you know he told Snape where to find the Shrieking Shack on a full moon in fifth year?"
Cassie's chest feels funny. She furrows her brows. She can't believe anything that comes out of his mouth— she doesn't know this man. He could be lying for all she knows.
"I thought you weren't at school with them?" Cassie asks, trying to focus on another strange thing of the question.
Moody's eye flashes a glimpse of fear for a split second. Cassie almost misses it— but it was there. "You're right, I wasn't. But word spreads quickly when you mess things up."
"Forgive me, sir, why should I believe you?"
"I'm not saying you should— I'm just laying out the facts for you. Did you know Sirius left his fourteen year old brother alone in an abusive household?"
"That— that was different. Do not take that out of context. He had to get out so he could get Regulus out." Cassie says, resisting the urge to walk out and slam the door.
Moody chuckles again, and Cassie can't say she likes it, "Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night. But don't forget, Princess—" he smiles, leaning forward. His tongue scrapes the corner of his lips and Cassie furrows her brows. "you're a Black after all."
"Why do you talk about Sirius like you know him awfully well? Is there something I'm missing, Professor?"
Moody stands up so Cassie can't see the look in his eye this time. "I do know your father, Cassiopeia. I know he's a coward and a horrible excuse of a man. He shouldn't have done that to his brother."
Cassie doesn't answer this, she simply stands up and closes the door behind her.
Just like her father.
Cassie heads straight to the Owlery without second thought. If Moody's being a twat, Remus and Sirius should be aware.
Dear Dad(s),
In DADA we were covering Werewolves and how to protect yourself from one. I wasn't awfully bothered until Moody asked to speak to me after lesson. He asked me if he'd upset me, and I just asked why that would be the case. He bluntly said "Because I know you and your father are Werewolves."
But that's not even the part I'm pissed about. He started talking about how neither of you are saints— especially Padfoot. He started talking about how Padfoot ran away and 'left' Regulus, and how apparently you gave away the location of the shack to Snape, which I don't think is true.
I don't know what it is, but he has some sort of grudge against the two of you, but especially Padfoot. He said "But don't forget, Princess, you're a Black after all," as if it was an insult.
He has this weird thing with his tongue and it just makes me think he's a really odd person. I can't figure him out.
I just thought you should know, because I don't know what to do. I miss you both and I hope you're okay at home.
Love you to the moon and back,
Cassie x
—
"Where is she?" Remus demands, pushing open the infirmary doors, ignoring how hurt he is from his own full moon. Poppy puts hands to his chest as his heart pounds.
"Listen— Remus..." she starts, her breath shaky.
"Let me fucking see her!" Remus shouts. He doesn't mean to be aggressive with Poppy, but he just needs to see his daughter. He nudges the nurses away from Cassie, including Victoria, and his knees almost give in on himself.
Her eyes are shut and pale. To anyone else, they'd think she was just asleep. But of course Remus knows better, and he knows that Cassie is suffering. Poppy told him it was the worst moon yet. She said Cassie had so much built-up anger that it projected onto the wolf, which just did everything to hurt itself. Remus remembers his worst moon, he doesn't want his daughter to go through that. Please, anyone but her.
Cedric is on the chair next to her, tracing his fingers up her arm lightly with glossy eyes. Remus sits down, putting a trembling hand over his daughter's pale cheek.
"Oh, baby..." he whispers, his voice breaking.
"Pomfrey said she'll probably be out until tomorrow." Cedric croaks, his voice heavy. "I— I've never seen her like this before." Cedric looks just as pale as Cassie, Remus observes. He looks extremely on edge— like even the slightest of movement would make him jump. He looks scared.
"She'll be okay. She'll be okay." Cedric says, once for Remus, another for himself. He needs Cassie to be okay. The quicker he convinces himself that, the better. "Will— will she be okay, Remus?" he asks, his voice shaky and uncertain.
Remus inhales sharply, "I hope so, Cedric. I really hope so."
Like Poppy predicted, Cassie doesn't wake up until the next day after lunch. Her eyelids flutter open and she adjusts to her surroundings. Enzo's hand is in hers on the seat next to her as he toys with the Cassiopeia necklace around his neck. Cedric, Remus, Victoria and Poppy are in Poppy's office— Cassie can hear them from her bed.
There's a scruffy dog at her side, rubbing its head against her arm. She grins, "Dad..." She clears her throat after realising how wispy and light her voice had become. Enzo looks up like lightning with his eyes wide. "Cassie!" he breathes, relief swarming his pounding head.
"What happened?" she asks as her migraine begins again and the pain in her limbs becomes apparent. Cassie remembers walking to the Shack and chaining herself up. She just doesn't remember what happened that has lead to Sirius and Victoria's appearance and Enzo's immense relief to see her.
"You— it was a really bad moon. Poppy said you were angry so the wolf took it out on itself. You threw yourself against walls— you... you almost carved your own heart out, Cassie." Enzo explains, his own heart faltering at the thought.
"Can you get dad?" she asks softly. She needs time to process all this. He nods and gets up but not before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
When he leaves the room, Cassie turns her head to her dad. He licks her hand she chuckles. She strokes his head as he wags his tail. "I've always wanted a dog, you know?" she smiles.
He just wags his tail even more, making her chuckle again despite the sting of pain it causes in her chest.
The next thing Cassie registers is Cedric flying towards her. He hugs her so tight she thinks it might've cut off her circulation. "Ced..." she manages to get out. He pulls away and grabs both sides of her face before kissing her forehead.
"Oh you're okay." he sighs with relief.
"I'm okay." Cassie confirms, not a sign of a smile on her face. She hasn't forgotten then, Cedric thinks.
Remus hugs her, carefully avoiding her chest which he knows is scarred like no other wound he or Cassie herself have ever inflicted. Victoria embraces her softly, putting one of her cold hands on Cassie's cheek.
"How do you feel?" Poppy asks.
"My chest hurts and I have a bit of a headache, but pretty normal that aside." Cassie sighs.
"Pickle, you almost killed yourself that night." Victoria says in a low voice as if it makes that sentence any easier to say out loud. Her baby. Her first and only daughter.
Cassie's lips part with shock, "No— no, no. I didn't do that. I wouldn't—"
"We know, sweetheart." Remus comforts, sitting on the edge of her bed.
"You're not the wolf, Cassie." Victoria confirms. "Everything the wolf did that night does not put you at fault. Was there a reason you were so angry before the full moon?" she asks.
Cassie looks at Cedric. He shakes his head with his lips pressed together and brows low with worry. "I did shit on my Transfiguration exam, that's all. I didn't realise I was that angry." she lies.
"Well, it's over now, isn't it?" Enzo asks. He knows she's lying— he saw that look she gave Cedric. "She'll be okay, won't she?" he looks up at Poppy and Victoria.
They nod, and Enzo swears he feels his lungs work again, pumping oxygen once again. "I must warn you, dear, the wounds on your chest are nasty ones— the worst ones I've ever seen." Poppy frowns. "They'll take years to fully heal, I'm afraid."
That's it. The sentence that destroys all sense of that little bit of self-confidence Cassie thinks she had. The scars. They're a part of her now whether she likes to admit it or not.
No matter how many times people tell her she isn't the wolf, she just can't shake the feeling they're lying. Cassie and the wolf are opposite sides of the same mirror. One really fucking frustrating mirror, that is.
She looks in a mirror and looks at her scars. They make her feel sick. They make her feel like an animal. The wolf is laughing from the other side. How pathetic? You are an animal, Cassie.
"As happy as I am to see you all, you don't need to be here still. I'm okay." she insists, mainly towards Victoria who Cassie knows is still knee-deep in grief.
"I'm not going anywhere." Enzo states.
"Yeah, neither are we, sweetheart." Remus says, looking at Padfoot on the floor beside Cassie. Cassie's absentmindedly rubbing her fingers through his fur.
"Then you, Mum. Go home. I'm okay." Cassie smiles softly.
Victoria smiles and walks over to her daughter. She kisses her head and squeezes her cheek. "I love you millions, pickle."
"I love you more." Cassie smiles.
Remus goes back into Poppy's office with Victoria and Poppy. Enzo gets up to grab a glass of water so it's just Cassie and Cedric with Padfoot. She looks at him with an unreadable expression. He can't see her and she can't see him. Why does that make Cassie's heart sink?
"You know we don't have to talk about it. I'm fine with pretending it never happened and moving past it." Cedric shrugs, taking the seat Enzo previously sat.
"You know that's not my style, Ced." she sighs, looking him in the eye. Nothing. No emotion or words. There's nothing but brown in his eyes. "Maybe not now, but we're definitely talking about it later."
"Do we have to?"
"Yes, because I almost died last night Cedric and I know for a fact you wouldn't have been able to live with yourself if that's how we left it."
He frowns. Now she gets a glimpse of emotion. She tilts her head as if it pushes her deeper into his thoughts. They look at each other.
Cedric sees pain in his sister's eyes. He sees and frustration and anger. But he also sees love and forgiveness. He sees compassion and familiarity. More importantly, he sees his sister.
Cassie struggles to see through him, but she does it nonetheless. I love you she tries to convey through her eyes. I'm still really pissed at you but I still love you more than anything ever in the history of everything. Cassie sees exhaustion and pain in his eyes in the way his brows are furrowed. She sees love and affection by the way his eyes soften at her face.
I love you too Cedric says back.
We'll be okay Cassie replies.
Yeah, we will.
Notes:
shit went DOWN in this chapter WHEEWW. i need to stress my thoughts so here we go with honourable mentions!
1) eddie just admitting his feelings and cassie being completely okay with it. our girl is a full on werewolf with two gay dads… she’s the last person to judge xx her not being afraid to scold cedric without even knowing why eddie was upset😭
2) mattheo being clueless as to daphne’s feelings for him LMFAOO he’s new at this bless him
3) barty… erm…? that was a bit unnecessary mate😀 i kinda love how he really doesn’t gaf. like that just sums up barty crouch jr to a T. but omg the headcanon of him being really nice to luna BREAKS my heart. his niece 🥹🥹 ugh omg i love barty he’s one of my favourite characters ever written in the history of fiction ever
4) remus BURSTING into the infirmary and demanding shit out of poppy. our moony does NOT play about when it comes to his daughter— not even to poor poppy pomfrey, who is most definitely trying her best to keep her alive.
5) cedric tracing his fingers up cassie’s arm in the hope it’ll comfort her 3 UGHHH I LOVE THEM
6) sirius being padfoot and it immediately calming cassie down. like omg.
7) cassie trying to KILL herself??? what the FUCK?? victoria just says that so casually like HELLO? our girl cannot catch a break 😭😭
8) ced and cassie…? i bet we wanna find out what happened there, don’t we?! like omg cassie is never mad at cedric. the thing with their eyes again omg
Chapter Text
➵ STRANGERS — ETHEL CAIN
'I tried to be good, am I no good?'
9PM on Saturday before the Full Moon
Feeling happy and relaxed before this full moon, Cassie skips her way to the library to meet her brother. Slytherin beat Gryffindor today 280-100, which already makes Cassie the happiest woman alive. She was so nervous for that match but as per usual, she got on that Firebolt and gave her best.
Cassie thinks her heightened senses on her cycle actually helps her a lot during Quidditch. She can tune out the crowd easier and focus it on the player's movements behind her. Everything seems clearer and more easy-flowing.
But the second she stepped onto the pitch floor, the roar of Slytherin pride gets her right in the eardrums. She hugs her friends but buries her head in Enzo's shoulder sideways to block the noise out. It works momentarily before Blaise practically jumps him with excitement.
As of now, Cassie sits in the library standing against the window sill. She looks down at her feet, toying with the bracelet on her wrist. Where is he? He's about ten minutes late now which is very unlike him. Cedric is one of the most time-stressed people she's ever met (besides Blaise). He always has to be on time— early or late is never an option.
Perhaps he got carried away with his friends or homework. Maybe he's talking to a Professor.
Another twenty minutes pass and there's not a sign of Cedric. Cassie gets impatient and starts sending even more messages to him. Where are you? followed by Cedric mate, then a kind Fucking hurry up. He doesn't respond to any of them.
Cassie rolls her eyes to herself and puts her books and quills back into her bag. She swings it over her shoulder and walks out of the library. Now feeling pissed off, she goes to his common room. Cassie waits outside for someone to perform the spell impatiently tapping her fingers against her leg.
"Come on, Ced." she whispers to herself. Where the fuck is he on a Saturday evening? There's no parties or gatherings going on.
Cassie focuses her hearing on the common room. There's shouting and people trying to step in. "Why don't you go fuck that Ravenclaw girl, Cedric? I don't care anymore!" a voice shouts over the top of everyone, making it much easier for Cassie to hear.
Fuck, Eddie.
The common room door swings open as Cedric follows after Eddie. Cassie presses up against the nearest wall so they don't see her. "Oh, you're being like that again? I didn't fuck her, Eddie! It's you— it's you for fuck's sake!"
"Then fucking show me that instead of kissing her right in front of me! You've never been mine, Cedric. You belong to every other cunt you kiss! I'm so fucking sick of feeling like this and excusing it for your own issues with your sexuality!"
Cassie can hear them even when Cedric opens a door to an empty classroom. Hesitating, Cassie follows the noise. She'd of walked away ages ago if it weren't her brother. Cassie isn't the type to just let this go or let them figure it out themselves. Getting context is probably best if she's going to speak to Cedric.
"I cannot help my sexuality issues, Eddie, in case you haven't noticed!" Cedric exclaims, slamming the door.
"Here's a fucking hint, you're gay! You like men! You've been fucking me for weeks in secret and pretending you still like girls! You're lying to everyone you know— including yourself."
Cassie grimaces at the word fucking. Seriously? She knows he's seventeen and is bound to be doing that, but she'd much rather not be hearing about her big brother's sex life.
Cedric seems too stunned to reply. There's a long pause in which Cassie can hear them both heavily breathing. "Do you think I choose to feel like this?" he sighs.
"No, I don't, but that doesn't make it okay. Last night you told me I meant everything to you and you'd never let me go. You told me I was the one you loved— not Chang, not Charlotte, not any of those girls you kiss at parties. Me. Me, Cedric! Do you understand how frustrating it is to be with you?"
"Maybe you should consider the fact you're just as hard to be with? It's not just me that's insufferable in a relationship, Eddie."
"Name one time I've ever done anything like that to you. I would never even dream of kissing anyone that wasn't you— let alone in front of you after we fucked! It makes me sick, Cedric! I throw up almost every fucking time. You have no idea what that's like."
Cassie thinks she might be sick in a minute. What was this side of Cedric? This doesn't seem like her brother. She didn't think he was like that.
"I don't care, Eddie!" Cedric shouts, and that's the moment Cassie feels it. She feels the anger. What the fuck is wrong with him? Yes, Cassie doesn't know the ins and outs of his and Eddie's complex relationship, but gathering from what they're arguing over; Cedric is being mean. Cassie hates it when he's mean.
Kissing a girl in front of the boy you just told you loved? That's low. Like really fucking low.
Eddie laughs humourlessly. "Don't ever talk to me again. We're done, you're a fucking cunt. I hope you feel bad about this, I hope you fucking rot because of it, because then, just maybe, you'll understand what I've been going through the past two years."
"I— Eddie..."
"I don't want to hear it, Cedric. We are over, there is no us. You're free to shag whatever pretty girl you wish."
Eddie swings open the door and doesn't even look in the other direction. He just runs down the hallway as far from Cedric as he can. Cassie, however, she walks into the classroom and clips Cedric round the ear. "What the fuck?" she exclaims, pushing him against the wall.
"How—" he blinks. "How much did you hear of that?"
"All of it, Cedric. If you don't fucking explain to me why you're being such a cunt to Eddie I'm afraid I'll go to him myself."
"Fuck, Cassie." he sighs, shaking his head. "I don't need this right now, can you just—" Cedric groans and pushes her hand off his shoulder. "Can you just leave me alone?"
"Eddie might let you talk to him like that, but I fucking won't. You either explain it to me now or I walk away completely and utterly pissed off with you."
"Piss off then."
Cassie considers slapping him across the face but stops herself, instead clenching her fists to create half-moons on her skin. "Fuck off, Ced." she mutters, walking out and slamming the door behind her.
Feeling even more annoyed than she thought possible, Cassie takes to the gardens. Instead of hurting someone or something, she sits on the bench and puts her head in her hands. She ignores how cold it is outside and how the bitter air gives her goosebumps.
Cassie's now seen a side to Cedric she never thought she'd see. One that she hated. One that she refused to associate with. Her brother is usually a calm, level-headed person. That? That in there? That wasn't Cedric.
She feels disgusted by his words. I don't care, Eddie! Who the fuck says that in an argument? Enzo could murder Cassie's cat and she still didn't think she'd speak to him like that. It's not just me that's insufferable in a relationship, Eddie!
Because then, just maybe, you'll understand what I've been going through the past two years. Two years this has been going on. Two years him and Cedric have had some strange, complicated relationship going on and Cassie had no idea. She didn't even suspect a thing. Even Pansy noticed before her, like what the fuck?
Cassie always thought she knew her brother better than anyone.
She feels much differently after tonight.
—
By the time Cassie gets to the Infirmary for her monthly painkillers, Remus and Poppy are chatting in her office. It's only been ten minutes since the incident, so Cassie still has a lot of built up rage in her system.
However, she forgets about it for a minute when she hugs the familiar frame of Remus Lupin. His sweet chocolate smell makes her happy to the bone. "Hi, sweetheart." he smiles.
"Hi, how are you?" she says, sitting on the arm of Poppy's chair.
"Good— so is Sirius. We miss you, but we're coping." Remus grins. "How about you?"
"Yeah, I'm alright." she lies. She thinks about Cedric again and she feels a headache coming on. "Just wanna get this over and done with. We won today, by the way."
"You did? Well done, Cass!" Remus smiles, leaning over and squeezing her hand.
"She was brilliant, Remus. I wish you'd seen her. Absolutely spectacular up there— reminds me of her Uncle in that Slytherin Black seeker jersey, you know." Poppy comments.
Remus smiles fondly. "Yeah, I do."
"Okay, can we go to the shack now? I'm getting antsy." Cassie says. After her usual round of painkillers, they head out to the Whomping Willow. Once chained up, Remus and Poppy leave with a sweet goodbye.
It's different tonight, this moon. She feels angry. The wolf comes out much quicker this evening; and when it does, all hell breaks loose. Cassie may not be conscious, but the wolf is, and right now, the wolf is in control.
The wolf hates the rage boiling on its chest. It throws itself against the Shack walls, its side colliding with the wood. When that doesn't hurt enough, it starts scratching its arms all the way up. Come on, hurt! Why isn't it hurting?
The anger is crawling over its skin like a herd of tiny ants. The wolf can't escape. It's taking over and there's only so much it can do.
It lifts up the table and throws it out of the window with a loud growl— more of an angry snarl. It keeps punching the wall, watching the way its claws get covered in blood.
It's not going anywhere. The rage, it's on its chest. It's right there and it can't get rid of it.
It's on its heart. Maybe if it reaches in and wipes it off, it'll go away. Yeah. That'll work. All it takes is a dig through its chest.
Without hesitation, the wolf grabs its chest. Its long, dirty nails scrape against its skin and it yelps in pain. Yes. It's going away! Just a little deeper and it'll be gone.
The further it pushes into its chest, the more it hurts. It howls with pain but keeps clawing. It can feel the flesh beneath its claws but it doesn't care. So close. It's almost gone.
A claw scrapes its heart and it immediately screams out in agony. The wolf collapses to the floor, its eyes shutting lightly.
The rage... it's gone.
And Poppy Pomfrey is panicking like never before. She swings open the door with her wand out. What she doesn't expect to see is the wolf asleep on the floor in a puddle of its blood. She gasps and immediately performs a spell. The blood gathers back into its flesh and she does a spell that ensures the wolf is asleep.
Poppy pushes the wolf onto its back. Her breath catches in her throat. She can almost see the heart— it's beating over and over again. Buh-bum. Buh-bum. Buh-bum. The medi-witch wracks her brain for a solution.
She looks outside and the moon is just starting to differ. Would Remus still be in transition? Poppy doesn't know what to do.
She does the smartest thing and contacts help. Victoria Diggory is at her side at Poppy's beckon. Victoria gasps at the sight. That's her daughter...? It can't be. That's a wolf. That's a wolf that tried to pry its heart out.
—
By three AM, Sirius and Cedric are here. Remus is still in transition so Poppy decides to wait until morning. For now, Cassie needs rest.
She insisted to Sirius and Cedric that their presence wasn't necessary, but knowing Cassie's chaotic loved ones, she knows they aren't going anywhere. Since nobody is here, Sirius is free to be in his human form. He sits beside Cassie on her bed and flicks his thumb over her cheek. A tear falls from his eye.
He once saw Remus in a state like this, seeing his fifteen year old daughter like it too just scrapes it. This is much worse. She almost killed herself, Poppy says. His little girl almost ripped her heart out. Sirius' own aches at the thought.
Victoria walks in and puts a hand on Cedric's shoulder. Nobody told Cedric to come down here and nobody woke him up. He awoke in the middle of the night with a throbbing pain in his chest that he just couldn't shake. He knew it was Cassie.
Upon instinct, he just went down to the Infirmary, dodging Filch and his cat. Despite how he left things with his sister earlier, he was not risking it. She had to be okay or Cedric didn't think he'd be able to live with himself.
He was right— he walked in and Madame Pomfrey and his mother were around his sister's bed. She had no shirt on, which made him cover his eyes out of instinct. They were doing spells on her chest, right where her heart was. Before he closed his eyes, he caught a glimpse of how deep the wounds were.
He almost throw up from the sight. He could see her flesh and bones.
Feeling more sick with himself and what he did, he sits down next to her and finds her hand. "Not today, Cass. Please not today." he whispers.
Not like this. Not after what he said to her earlier. Not after the conversation she overheard with Eddie.
"Please, Cassie." he says, his voice breaking.
That was the first time in his life Cedric had ever prayed.
Notes:
WOAH.
okay i’m just gonna get straight onto hm’s…
1) okay so eddie and cedric’s argument is a LOT by itself… i don’t know what else to say other than oh shit. i think they both just needed a good shout at each other (especially eddie… 😬) but like POP OFFFF
2) cassie clipping ced by the ear and slamming him against the wall LMFAOOO she was NOT having it
3) the wolf not understanding the rage she has :( i lowk feel bad for it like it just doesn’t understand what it feels. but cmon… was resulting to suicide necessary???
4) cedric SENSING something bad happened to cassie. PEAK SIBLING ANGST I CANTTTTT. he had a feeling so he listened to it. always go with your gut! even tho she’s mad at him he can’t risk losing his little sister
5) cedric praying :(
but woah that was a heavy chapter… angst is sm fun to write *insert evil laugh* keep the angsty scenes coming we all say in unison!
Chapter 33: Y4 | Love isn’t always easy
Summary:
It’s true.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ CIGARETTE DAYDREAMS — CAGE THE ELEPHANT
'You can drive all night, looking for the answers in the pouring rain.'
Cassie gets discharged a week later. She misses a whole week of lessons. Poppy had her monitored the whole time, Remus by her side and Sirius as Padfoot at her feet. Sometimes he got up onto the bed with her and rested his head on her stomach. Her friends visited as often as they could— they'd been lying to the girls and Harry all week.
Cassie still hasn't spoken to Cedric about Eddie, but she needs to. She won't be able to relax until she does. But for now, Enzo has her on bedrest in his dorm. The boys are in there as well, catching her up on notes she missed. Pansy sits on the edge of Enzo's bed, twirling Cassie's hair soothingly.
Cassie hasn't told anyone about Cedric. She's planning on at least telling Enzo or Mattheo after she's spoken to him, but for now she keeps quiet. Cassie listens to their notes and essays, writes them down and takes it all in. A week of school is a lot to miss at Hogwarts.
After they finish their little study session, Draco asks the question they've all wondered but have been too scared to ask. "So like, you just tried to kill yourself? It was that simple?" he asks.
Immediately, Theo swats his arm for asking that, but Cassie just chuckles. "Essentially yeah. I was really angry and so when I transitioned, the wolf was confused with all this rage I had. It just tried everything to get rid of it. It realised the anger came from my chest so it thought the only solution was to rip my heart out."
"That's... wow." Draco says, taken aback by her answer. He can't even begin to visualise that.
"Fuck, I'm so glad you're alright now. Imagine if it had worked." Blaise sighs, rubbing a hand over his face.
Cassie frowns, "Now that Poppy is aware this kind of thing can happen, she's already made a potion I can take that reduces my emotions as a wolf."
"Does it also stop you from scratching yourself like that?" Pansy asks. Only Pansy and Enzo have seen the scar across her chest. Poppy said to refrain from getting it wet so poor Pansy has to help her bathe. Enzo'd seen it because, well, it's Enzo and she loves and trusts him. She made it very clear she was only showing him the scar, not purposely flashing him on a random Saturday night.
"I can't say just yet, but I bloody hope so. They just keep coming— and they just look like shit, don't they? I mean, they're horrible to look at." she says, grimacing at the pain of sitting up off Enzo's chest.
"I wouldn't say horrible." Mattheo comments. "Discomforting? Yeah, but only because I know how you got them. It's the thought of you going through that makes me feel like discomforted, not the scars themselves."
Cassie smiles at her best friend. For the son of the most notorious war leader, Mattheo has a huge heart— which only beats for his friends. Without his friends he's nothing. They are the one thing in his life that gives him a reason to live.
"Right, I'm gonna get a shower so I'd appreciate it if you'd take this conversation down to the common room, because the last time I showered with Theo in the next room, he stole all of the towels and put them in the common room." Blaise sighs.
Everyone laughs, especially Theo. "He was screaming at me for twenty minutes straight!" he says through his laughter. Eventually, everyone gets up and leaves the boys' dorm.
But as Cassie sits in the common room, she can't help this horrible pressure on her chest. It's not from the scars— that's a different type of pain. This one is more deep, like it's in the smallest crevices of her chest. It's a weighty feeling, one that feels like it's pulling her down with it.
Her bracelet lights up on her wrist and immediately the feeling goes away. Can we talk? Cedric asks. Cassie sighs with relief and immediately responds. Tower?
Yes
With that, she stands up and kisses Enzo's head before walking out. Cassie is just glad that her brother is even open to talking, especially when she knows how sensitive this subject has been. Cedric has never once opened up about his sexuality, but Cassie has never asked. Perhaps that's why? Maybe he needed someone to prompt it, rather than bringing it up himself.
Cassie spends all this time wondering where she went wrong, or what she could've done to make it better, but maybe it's just Cedric's brain that has made it so complicated, not hers. Her brain has this default setting that immediately blames herself and beats herself up for it even if she knows deep down it's not her fault.
Like not appreciating Amos while he was still alive, or attacking Cedric at the cup. And those are just the major ones.
Cassie reaches the Astronomy Tower before Cedric so she looks for a certain few stars. Sirius, Regulus. Leo and Canis Major. Regulus is the brightest star in Leo so he's never hard to miss— perhaps that's why Cassie looks for him before Sirius all the time. Sirius is just as bright, but he's a little harder to spot. Somewhere in the middle is the Cassiopeia Constellation which is never hard to find because she's seen it so many times.
Cassie wishes she could've had a conversation with her Uncle Regulus. With all the stories Sirius tells her, she's more convinced they would've been good friends. Slytherin seekers with Black written on their jerseys seems like a good conversation starter, right?
"Hi." Cedric's voice startles Cassie slightly. She half-smiles as he stands beside her against the railing.
"Hi." she says, focusing back on her stars. Cedric has to be the one to take control of the conversation or it won't go well.
"I—" he sighs, not knowing how to say it. "I'm sorry, Cassie."
She furrows her brows and they share a moment of silence. He can't tell what she's thinking, he can't see her face. "Sorry for what exactly...?"
This stumps him for a minute. "Being mean." he decides on.
"To me or to Eddie? Cause I can handle you being mean, he most definitely can't."
"Both of you."
"Right." she says, her brows still low. "Have you told Eddie that?"
"He won't speak to me."
Cassie laughs humourlessly. "I can't think why, Ced."
"Please, just let me explain." he sighs, rubbing his nose. Cassie looks at him, just looking at him. He looks like he's begging, pleading for her forgiveness and understanding. He needs her to understand him. If Cassie doesn't understand him, he can't even try to himself.
"Go on." she says.
"Eddie and I have had some sort of a relationship for two years now. It's been on-and-off constantly, one day we'll kiss in the empty hallways then the next we'll both pretend each other doesn't exist. Sometimes we'd have a good strong two weeks of it all being normal and I don't know— romantic? But even that was rare. We only lasted a week in Cornwall because I knew you were watching us."
"So why were you sometimes off? Like was there a reason you'd be ignoring each other one day?"
"No, it just sort of happened."
"Are you sure?"
"I— yeah."
"Or did you do something to upset him that you've never realised? Did you get too close to a girl at breakfast, or did you wander off with Charlotte?"
Cedric thinks about what she's saying for a moment, resisting the urge to bite his nails. "I— I don't know. I was struggling with admitting my sexuality— I still am. I just..."
"The only person you owe that to is Eddie, Cedric. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less if you liked boys or girls, it makes no difference to how I see you. If you're kissing and ugh— you know," she says, grimacing. "with Eddie, surely he deserves to know your sexuality. It just makes him seem invalid otherwise."
"I wish I could, Cassie. I can't even admit it out loud, I don't know what's wrong with me.
"Nothing is wrong with you, Cedric. You're seventeen and realising you may or may not like boys. It's bound to be scary." she shrugs. "Maybe talk to Sirius, I know you two aren't close but I know him and Remus went through something pretty similar at school. I can't give the best advice as I can't relate. It's you that's in control, Cedric."
"I've already lost him, Cassie."
"No you haven't." Cassie shakes her head. "No, you've just pissed him off a lot. And I can't say I blame him— did you or did you not kiss Chang?" Cedric sighs and that's all Cassie needs to know. She bows her head over the railing, closing her eyes. "Well there's your issue, Cedric. It's not a matter of your sexuality, or whether you're trying to convince yourself you're not gay, it's a matter of loyalty. If you've been in a relationship with Eddie, kissing other people shouldn't even be an option. I'd never dream of kissing another boy. It's just about perspective, Ced." she explains. "You may see it as figuring yourself out but he sees it as you being disloyal and cheating on him."
Now that Cassie knows what she's talking about, she's on a roll.
"And think about Cho, Ced, have you even thought about how she'd feel? I don't necessarily like the girl but that doesn't mean her feelings need to be hurt. You clearly don't like her so I say you tell her that before she gets too attached. You took her to the fucking ball for gods sake, then watched as Eddie drowned himself in alcohol."
"You saw that?"
"Yes I did, Cedric, and it wasn't just me. Enzo picked up on it and even Pansy noticed. It was pretty hard to miss when he was literally downing whole bottles of Rum and Firewhiskey."
"Fuck." Cedric whispers under his breath.
"I know you, Cedric and I love you. But right now? I don't like you. I think you're being unfair and you need to sort this out before you lose Eddie."
Cedric feels like he's just been punched in the gut. Who'd of thought his fifteen year old sister would be able to knock some sense into him?
"I— now?"
"Now, unless you're willing to let him go."
"No."
"Then go, Cedric." Cassie whispers.
He turns to his sister and plants a kiss on the side of her head. "I— thank you."
"Yeah, yeah, piss off now." she lightly smiles.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie doesn't see or speak to Cedric for a few days. On Blaise's birthday, the twenty ninth of April, everyone is in a good mood. They sing Happy Birthday at breakfast and make him wear a sash with Birthday boy! written in pink, sparkly letters. Mattheo does his usual on-the-table-toast and everyone raises their cups.
It's a Sunday today so the group decide on going to Hogsmeade. It's finally getting warmer now and the trees are getting greener. On the trek to Hogsmeade Cassie has to stop at every bed of flowers and make Blaise take a picture. She even picks a few and stores them in Enzo's jean pocket.
Cassie herself wears a pair of blue jeans and a pink floral vest. Her hair is tied in a bun and she's wearing a pair of pink and gold dangly earrings. On her feet are, of course, her beloved, beaten-up pair of red Converse. Draco once asked why she wears them all the time even though they're so old and she said "Converse don't exactly go out of fashion, Draco."
And she supposes they don't because even Remus and Sirius still wear converse, and they're in their thirties.
"Don't get into any fights this time, Enzo." Blaise teases, nudging his best friend with a grin.
"No promises." he winks sarcastically as Cassie and Theo snort.
By the time they reach Hogsmeade, Draco has complained about ten different things and Theo has tripped over a rock. Never a boring day with these, Cassie thinks. They head straight to the Three Broomsticks as per. Blaise and Enzo get the butterbeers whilst everyone takes a seat.
"Has anyone seen my cat recently?" Cassie asks, realising she hasn't seen Leo in a few days.
"Yeah, he's in the common room most of the time." Pansy replies.
"Oh is he?" she says.
"Anyone notice Flint and Charlotte have broken up?" Mattheo smiles.
"What?" Pansy, Cassie and Theo exclaim.
"Who did what?" Enzo asks, sliding the tray of butterbeers onto the table and sitting beside his girlfriend.
"Flint and Charlotte broke up— Pucey was telling me about it as if I gave a fuck." Mattheo snorts.
"Y'know they lasted much longer than I thought they would." Pansy says.
"I know right— she's probably got about fifty different diseases off him. Measles, fleas, rabies... that kind of thing." Theo comments, which makes everyone laugh, even Draco.
"Those teeth have gotta annoy you in a relationship, right? Imagine making out with him and getting those gnashers in your mouth." Cassie scoffs.
"Eugh, don't put that image in my head." Draco grimaces, putting his butterbeer down. Everyone chuckles.
"Imagine him going down on you—" Mattheo starts but immediately stops as Flitwick walks past their table. They all burst into laughter, Mattheo's face going beet red.
"Fucking face on it." Theo mocks, laughing just as much as everyone else.
"Shut up." Mattheo says through his endless laughter.
After the Three Broomsticks, they aimlessly stroll around Hogsmeade in the sun. Cassie swings her and Enzo's joint hands as they walk, listening to Draco rant about how annoying it is Harry has gotten this far in the tournament. "How could I make it worse for him? Does anyone have any ideas?" he asks, truly deep in thought.
"Have you tried shutting up? That's always a good one." Cassie suggests.
"Nah, Potter'd love that. Draco's looking for things that he'd hate." Mattheo says, which makes Cassie laugh out loud.
"Shut up you two. Serious answers only please." Draco spits, giving them a dirty look. He'd say these group of people are his friends but boy, he never shows it.
Mattheo and Theo start giving him serious answers, Pansy and Blaise contributing every so often. Cassie makes a mental note to warn Harry about the mute spell he wants to put on him before his next interview with Skeeter. She finds herself doing that a lot— warning Harry. Draco wonders why his plans don't seem to be working and Cassie just smiles with a shrug. "It's like that saying— what is it? Er— avoiding like the plague?" Cassie said once after Draco conspired to why Harry didn't fall under his trap.
"Have you spoken to Ced since last week?" Enzo asks.
"Nah, I'm waiting for him to talk to me. I have no idea what happened when he spoke to him, so I can't really say anything yet."
"Yeah, fair enough. Still can't believe it if I'm honest."
"Yeah, you and me both. I just hate how disappointed I was in him, it's not a feeling I usually have with Cedric."
"Yeah, I know. You did the right thing though, talking to him about it. Hopefully that was enough— if not, that's on him. You've done everything you can."
Cassie smiles and puts a hand on Enzo's cheek, pulling his face down to hers. Their lips connect and she feels all of her problems fade away. The sweet pink of his lips is a comfort like no other.
"The day you two stop snogging in front of us is the day I reach peace." Blaise sighs.
"You're so dramatic." Cassie snorts.
They get back to Hogwarts late in the afternoon and as soon as Cassie enters the Library with Pansy and Tracey, she's met with a familiar face. "Oh— hiya." Eddie says sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hi, Eddie." she smiles, motioning at an empty corner of the library. "I'll be two seconds." she says to Pansy and Tracey, they nod and find a table.
Cassie jumps up on a windowsill and Eddie leans against the table. "Did Cedric talk to you last week? I haven't spoken to him so I wouldn't know."
Eddie mutters a silencing charm around them. "Yeah, yeah he did."
"What did he say?"
"Said he'd been thinking about it and would call things off with Chang. Said he couldn't live without me and all that." Eddie's tone is flat and lacks care. Cassie takes it didn't go well then.
"So it didn't go well?" Cassie braces, lifting one of her legs up to get comfortable.
Eddie frowns and shakes her head. "That night he apologised and I believed him. We.. er..."
Cassie grimaces, "Yeah, I get it, please don't finish that sentence." she winces.
Eddie almost laughs. "I gave him a day to break up with Chang."
Cassie doesn't need Eddie to finish his sentence before she buries her head in her hands. She groans into her hands. "Oh for fuck's sake, Cedric." she mutters.
"You can guess what happened." Eddie shrugs.
"Oh I'm gonna kill him." she warns. "I gave him this big speech and I said to him 'You need to sort this out before you lose him.' and he said 'Now?', I went 'Unless you're willing to lose him.'." Cassie sighs. "He said no— then I said 'Then go, Cedric.' I can't believe he'd do that after all I said to him."
"Did he seem genuinely sorry?"
"Yeah, of course he did. He said 'I've already lost him, Cassie' and my heart just broke. I'm not excusing his actions whatsoever but I genuinely do think he's just so confused with his feelings that he doesn't realise what he's doing."
"Yeah, I know. I'm just sick of being at the brunt of it, Cass. I can't go a day without feeling sick at the thought of him. That's not love, Cassie."
"I know."
"Love is you and Enzo— how loyal he is to you and how well he knows you. The things he does for you and the little thing he notices. That's love. I can't have that with Cedric, it's just not made to work. I do love him, so much so that it's tearing me apart, but I give up." he shrugs.
Cassie stands up and opens her arms. She doesn't protest or try and convince him not to. She thinks she understands now. Cedric and Eddie aren't meant to be, and that's okay. Love isn't always an easy task.
"I understand, Eddie. I'm still here for you, friends with Cedric or not."
"Thank you, Cassie."
"Always."
Notes:
as always… our honourable mentions!
1) draco blatantly saying “so like, you just tried to kill yourself? it was that simple?” HELP so insensitive for what😭😭 theo swatting his arm LMAO
2) cassie immediately searching for sirius, reg and cassiopeia 🥹 also notice reg being in the LEO constellation… think pussy cat… 😼 cassie loving astronomy just makes sense, doesn’t it? you’d expect nothing less of someone named CASSIOPEIA.
3) cassie having the emotional maturity of a forty year old woman omg. she is wayyy too mature for her age but blimey did she knock some sense into him! we all need a cassie in our lives sometimes.
4) “I’ve already lost him, Cassie.” UGHHHHHH 😩😩😩 our poor sexually confused teenager
5) THEO SAYING THAT IN FRONT OF FLITWICK LMFAOO the way he went dead silent 😭😭 the moment he walks away and they all CRACK up
6) cedric had ONE job. ONE JOB. he’s just making it worse for himself at this point. like go and break up with cho, save her the heartbreak, and go shag your beautiful scouse bf!! cassie’s disappointment in him is so disheartening and i hate it
moral of the story, listen to ur sisters!
Chapter 34: Y4 | Date Night
Summary:
Awww cutesy romance before the final task!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ UNDER PRESSURE — QUEEN & BOWIE
'Cause loves such an old fashioned word, and love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night.'
There are two weeks before the Final Task and Cassie lies on her front on the Astronomy tower, books and parchment sprawled across the floor. Cassie rubs a frustrated hand over her face, "I don't know anymore, Ced." she sighs.
"My minds just blank." he adds, running his hands through his hair with stress.
It's been over a month since him and Eddie stopped talking. Cedric came to Cassie one night on the Astronomy Tower bawling his eyes out. Cassie listened to him until the sun came up. She didn't think she'd ever understand what happened between them, but all that matters is that both of them are happy. Eddie seems okay and Cedric has been doing better. He broke up with Cho after Cassie made it clear.
Eddie and Cedric however can't live without each other. They've agreed to stay friends, pushing aside whatever feelings they had for each other. It makes Cassie happy to see them smiling and laughing together again.
"Right, let's get our facts straight. It's the Final Task— it'll be the hardest one yet. If you thought holding your breath for an hour to rescue me was hard enough, this will be ten times worse. They'll throw all sorts of obstacles at you, they'll do everything in their power to test you. That's the point of this tournament, Ced."
Cedric nods, "I just wish I knew what the task was. If I knew even a hint it'd make this all a lot easier."
"Let's talk opponents instead— at least we know them by now. Delacour; she doesn't stand a chance against you— well, unless it involves a modelling task." she snorts, making Cedric chuckle. "She came last in the previous task and it took her the longest to get the egg out of all of you. So far, she's right at the bottom of the winners."
"Yeah, doubt she's much of a threat."
"No, definitely not. But I'll tell you who is a threat." she says. "Krum." both her and Cedric sigh. "He's lucky enough to have his headmaster as his mentor. Igor Karkaroff was a Deatheater, he knows how to play dirty. With that said, you must be careful of Krum— avoid him at all costs. However, luckily for you, he isn't all that smart. That makes things easier for you, you see. He's not put a bit of thought into this tournament— it's all Karkaroff."
Cedric writes down pretty much everything Cassie rambles about. She's an easy speaker on stuff she's confident in. Words escape her mouth before she even realises how they make sense.
"Last but not least; Harry." she states. "I'll be completely honest, Ced, I really don't think Harry poses a threat to you. If it comes to some sort of physical fight, he won't fight you. He's too noble for that— he told me himself he'd let you win if it came to it." she explains. "However, he is much smarter than you think. He's got three years of experience on you— three of which he's beaten the Dark Lord."
"Yeah, can't lie— that kind of trumps all of my experience." Cedric snorts.
Cassie laughs, "Another thing I've noticed is Moody taking a liking to him. Yeah he helped you out with the egg, but he's been in Harry's ear the whole time. This makes you the only champion without a mentor. Maxine is definitely helping Delacour— whether she's doing a great job is pretty self-explanatory." she says with a raise of her eyebrows. "Krum has Karkaroff and Harry has Moody and probably Dumbledore— he says he doesn't pick favourites but we all know he has a soft spot for him."
"What can I do about that?" Cedric asks.
"But," she starts. "They don't have a crazy insomniac of a sister, do they?"
Cedric chuckles, "Go on..."
"These tasks keep me up at night, Ced. They give me something to do when I can't sleep. I do my best thinking at night."
"I thought I was the one in this tournament." he laughs.
Cassie rolls her eyes and hits him with her parchment. "When are you going to get it in your head? We're in this together. Bruise or a broken leg."
"Yeah, Bruise or a broken leg." he smiles.
Cassie rests her glasses on her head, "So, in conclusion, Krum is the only threat. Is there anything you think we can do to prevent that?"
Cedric shrugs and Cassie rubs her temples in thought. "Physical training? Duel training?"
Cassie hums in thought. There's no way she's letting Cedric lose this tournament. It's like she's projecting her own competitiveness onto her brother. She jumps to her feet. "Show me all of the offensive and defensive spells you know."
"What? On you?" he exclaims.
"No you div, on the dummies on the fifth floor."
"Ah, that makes more sense."
"Come on then." Cassie holds out a hand and pulls Cedric up. They tidy up their books and head up to the fifth floor. "Be honest, are you nervous for this task? You didn't seem too worried about the others."
"Yeah, more so than last time. It's a dealbreaker, this one. If I don't come first, I lose."
"Well, regardless if you win or not, I'm proud of you. This tournament hasn't been exactly easy, has it?"
"To the least."
Cassie snorts, "But you're not gonna lose, are you?"
"Course I'm not." he grins.
Cassie smiles. Those words are concrete proof they're siblings— they're so alike in that sense.
When they reach the room on the fifth floor, it's clear nobody has used it in a while. It's dusty enough that it makes Cassie cough into her arm. The cobwebs are prominent on each corner of the room and ghosts float in and out of the room coughing.
Cassie rolls one of the dummies to the middle of the room and locks the door so they can't be interrupted. "Right, show me what you've got." she says, crossing her arms behind him.
Cedric takes a deep breath and raises his wand. "Everte Statum!" he exclaims, sending the dummy flying backwards.
Cassie grins, "Good, next!" she exclaims. Leadership and order comes quite naturally to her. Perhaps that's why she makes such a good Quidditch captain. She doesn't mean to come across harsh or intense, but she really can't stand the thought of losing. Cassie isn't harsh, she's determined.
"Stupify!"
"Brilliant, next!"
"Reducto!"
"Yes!"
"Confrigo!"
Adrenaline swims through Cassie's veins as she barks orders at Cedric. He keeps throwing spells at the dummy, each one as powerful as the previous. Krum doesn't stand a chance. He's an incredible wizard, Cassie thinks.
"Pertrificus Totalus!"
By the time Cedric has enough, Cassie is completely satisfied. She high-fives her brother with a wide grin. "That was bloody brilliant, Ced. I don't think we should be focusing on combat. We need to focus on tactics. Your spells are on point."
He nods, out of breath. "Can we start tomorrow?"
Cassie laughs, "'Course." He slouches an arm around his sister's shoulder and they leave the room, tired yet satisfied.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
A few days later, the Slytherins sit in their theory Transfiguration lesson in the hall. Cassie is in between Enzo and Pansy with her head on the table. Enzo lowers his head to he's eye-level with her so they can talk. "You okay?" he whispers. He knows she's stressed and won't push for an answer, but he still has to ask.
Cassie nods, too tired to speak. The task is just over a week away and Cassie has barely slept. Cedric doesn't have a solid plan like he did with the other tasks. They have been studying and developing almost every evening but every plan or tactic they came up with was pointless without knowing what the task was.
The task is creeping up behind them, mocking them for having no plan. Cassie knows she shouldn't be the one worrying so much, but she really can't help it. It's her brother we're talking about. Of course she's going to worry about him until it hurts. He can get seriously injured— or even killed. But then again, that seems pretty unreasonable. Cedric is very capable. It's just Krum that Cassie is worried about.
He's ruthless, he's skillfull and feisty. With the support of his headmaster, he's unstoppable. The thought sends chills down Cassie's spine. Krum won't stop at anything to win.
Neither will Cedric.
"You sure? You keep almost falling asleep, love." Enzo says softly. She closes her eyes and hums in agreement. He leans forward and presses a kiss to her forehead. He puts the back of his hand to her forehead "You're burning up, baby. I know you're stressed but have you been sleeping?"
She shakes her head.
"Oh, Cass." Enzo sighs. He tucks her hair behind her ears as it falls in front of her face. Enzo knows there's nothing he can do to make her sleep better or take her mind of it so he doesn't bother. He just needs to be there for her.
The class start to get louder as everyone starts their own conversations. "Cass, you've barely mentioned Cedric's plan. You two have been studying together for like months." Blaise says, dipping his quill in his pot.
Cassie sighs deeply, lifting her head off the table. "He doesn't have one." she admits.
"Do you have any idea what the task is?" Theo asks, leaning forward and crossing his arms on the table.
Cassie shakes her head, "We've come up with a billion different scenarios, none of then making sense. All we've done is talk strategy against the other opponents."
"Which is?" Draco asks, now interested.
"Well, Delecour is ruled out. She's lost the first two tasks, she doesn't stand a chance. I doubt I need to worry about Harry, he wouldn't hurt Cedric, for my sake, I suppose. Krum is the only one we're worried about, really."
Draco nods but Blaise speaks up again, "Yeah, you don't need to worry about Delacour or Potter."
Cassie sighs, "We've done combat training and read up on a million different strategies and tactics. There's nothing else we can really do."
Theo frowns, "Well, either way, Cedric will definitely win. After all, he has you on his side."
Cassie laughs, "Hopefully."
After the period is over, it's the end of the day. The Slytherins slowly walk down to the common room. Cassie lets herself sink into one of the velvet sofas, more exhausted than ever.
Enzo sits down next to Cassie and wraps an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into him. Cassie sighs with a slight smile. "You okay?" he asks softly.
She nods, "Just tired."
"Fancy going out tonight?"
Cassie looks up at him, "And where might that be?"
"What about the new restaurant? Firebolt Pizzeria? Something like that."
Cassie lowers her eyebrows in thought. She hasn't been out with just Enzo since about Valentine's day— plus it will help take her mind off the task...Enzo reads his girlfriend's expression and his smile widens, "Meet me down here at five."
Before Cassie even gets the chance to answer, he kisses her cheek and drags Blaise up to their dorm.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Pansy ran her hands through the ends of Cassie's hair as she looks in the mirror. "What'd you think?" Pansy grins.
Cassie smiles, "I love it. Thank you, Pans."
Pansy has curled Cassie's hair so beautifully. Her dark curls rest against her back, shining from the bathroom lighting. "You look gorgeous, Cass." Pansy smiles.
Cassie chuckles, "Thank you."
Cassie is wearing a tight purple top with a black skirt. She has shiny, black boots borrowed from Daphne. As it's mid-June it's not exactly cold out at five in the evening.
"Right, now go and have fun with your boyfriend." Pansy grins. Cassie smiles and squeezes her arm. She exits their dorm and makes her way down the stairs.
Enzo's wearing a navy-blue Ralph Lauren shirt with wide shorts. Pretty Impressive, Cassie thinks. Theo nudges Enzo's arm and he spins around to lock eyes with Cassie.
He smiles so widely that he almost looks dizzy. As Cassie approaches him, he puts one hand on her waist and the other on the bottom of her chin, lifting it up to his level. As Cassie looked into his eyes, the twinkle transferred from his into her eyes. "You are so beautiful it's unreal." he whispers before kissing her. Cassie puts one of her hands on his shoulder as he melts into her touch. Cassie's touch is something so sacred to Enzo's skin.
The couple hear the boys shuffle away from them uncomfortably— making Cassie laugh. They break apart and he studies her face for a minute, a soft smile on his handsome face.
Enzo's features are aligned so perfectly. The way his brown eyes shimmer in the light, and the way his lip curls when he's happy. His thick hair is all over the place. If Cassie saw someone else with their hair like that she'd tell them to sort it out. But with Enzo, it suits him perfectly. His fluffy hair really brings together all of his features.
He holds his hand out for Cassie to grab and she does so, a shared smile on their faces. "Have fun you two!" Blaise shouts from one of the sofas.
"Not too much fun!" Mattheo adds, and Cassie swears she can hear Pansy hit him around the head.
"Will do!" Enzo shouts back, ignoring their taunts.
The group laugh as the couple leave the common room, their hands connected. "You look handsome tonight, Enz." Cassie smiles, happiness coursing through her veins.
"Tonight? Are you saying I don't look handsome all of the time?" he laughs.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "You know damn well that's not true."
He chuckled and shrugs, "I am pretty gorgeous."
"Okay, lower the ego, love."
He laughs, "You're so mean."
"I love you really." she smiles. He kisses Cassie's cheek, making her beam with joy. She's so in love.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Enzo pulls out a chair for Cassie and she gently sits down, looking around at the small restaurant. He sits opposite her, looking down at the menus in front of them. "What d'you fancy?" he asks.
Cassie lowers her eyebrows as she analysed the menu. "No idea."
"I might go for the meat one— do you wanna share one?"
"That's a good idea, I probably wouldn't eat much of it anyway." Cassie shrugs.
He nods as he searches the drinks menu, "Butterbeers for the both of us?" Enzo asks. Cassie nods, although he already knew the answer to his own question.
The waitress waltzes over and takes their order. Cassie stares down at her bracelet as Enzo speaks. Her stomach rumbles and she tries to ignore it. However, she hasn't eaten since around lunch time. She wasn't going to tell Enzo that though, he'd turn it into some big lecture on how she needed to eat more.
Although, he did have a point. Cassie always forgets to eat. It's always been a bad habit of hers. She got gets worked up on her worries and eating just slips her mind.
"Love?" Enzo says, snapping her out of her trance.
Cassie shakes her head, "Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I asked if you were losing sleep over the final task."
Cassie's breath hitches and she gulps, "Uh, sort of." Enzo gives her that look that says Don't lie to me. She rolls her eyes, "Enzo, of course I'm losing sleep over it. You know me better than anyone— I worry so much about Cedric's safety."
He sighs, "I guarantee you, Cedric is way stronger than you think he is. He doesn't need you worrying about him."
"No, I know that. But either way I'm going to worry."
"But why? You know that you have nothing to worry about so why do you stress so much?"
"Because, Enzo, I know he would worry ten times more about me if the situation was reversed. When the fainting started last year, he said something to me that I've never forgotten."
"Hm?"
"Whether it's a bruise or a broken leg, I will always worry about you."
Enzo's eyebrows slowly rise, and then lower again. He lets out a weak laugh. "You have no idea how lucky you are to have a good relationship with your sibling."
Cassie frowns, "You get on with Rose and Atlas, do you not?"
He shrugs, "We have our moments. But they're twins— they've always been closer. I was always the one left behind."
"Oh, Enzo."
"I'm not anywhere near as close with them as you are with Cedric."
"You don't have to have a bond as strong as mine and Cedric's to still love your siblings. That's the the thing with siblings, you can never really hate them. They're the only people you can guarantee will always have your back. After all, who remembers the exact same childhood as you?" He nodded slowly before she carried on. "I think about this all the time, Enz. Sibling bonds are so important. Siblings are the only people that can never really leave your life. Despite you saying they're annoying or you don't get along with them, you know that you still love them more than anything."
"Beautifully said, my love."
Cassie raises her eyebrows, "You think so?"
His lips break out into a grin, "Definitely. You explained that perfectly."
Cassie smiles and bows her head, "Staying up all night and your only company being your thoughts has its perks sometimes."
He laughs, "My insomniac of a girlfriend."
Cassie chuckles, her thoughts lingering on the word my. Sometimes, she struggles to believe that Enzo is her boyfriend. She worries sometimes that he'll get sick of her. She's always assumed she has more negatives than positives. She's a werewolf after all. What kind of person falls in love with a werewolf?
The pair get so carried away discussing Blaise and Luna's strange relationship they don't even realise their dinners are being served. They talk and laugh throughout the whole meal, devouring every single piece of pizza. Cassie didn't realise how hungry she really was.
"When was the last time you ate, Cass?" Enzo asks after they finished dinner and begun walking around the village. The sun has set now but it's not at all cold— in fact, the temperature is perfect. Cassie finds Enzo's hand, swinging their joint hands.
"Before we left."
He furrows his eyebrows, "You were with me last period and you didn't eat anything."
"I ate with Pansy whilst getting ready."
"I'm having a hard time believing that, love. Where did you get the food from?"
Cassie sighs and gives in, tired of the questions. "Fine. I ate at lunch."
His eyebrows shoot up and his lips part, "Seriously, Cassie?"
Cassie's shoulders rise, "I forgot."
"This is becoming a serious problem now."
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Enzo, I'm fine."
"You won't be if you carry on forgetting to eat."
Cassie resists the eye roll again, "I really don't think it's anything to worry about."
"Y'know what? I'm writing to your dad and telling him."
"What? That's unfair!"
"Well you don't seem to be taking it seriously."
Cassie sighs and wraps her hands around his arm. She rests her head on his shoulder as they stroll through the familiar paths of Hogsmeade. She doesn't want to be angry or irritated tonight. "Tonight was perfect, thank you." Cassie smiles.
He stops in his tracks and turns to his girlfriend, "I love you so much."
Cassie grins, "I love you too."
Cassie is cut off by Enzo's hands snaking around her waist and his lips colliding with hers. She puts her hands on his jaw as he kisses her. He pulls away and put his forehead against hers. "I'm not going anywhere, Cass."
Cassie furrows her eyebrows in response, "Huh?"
"I know you're worried that I'll find something about you that I don't like and leave you. I can guarantee you that I will never leave you."
Cassie smiles, "You better not."
"Swear on my life. You're stuck with me forever."
"Good."
Notes:
enzo means EVERYTHING to me btw. i started writing this fic on a whim in 2023 during my slytherin boy phase but honestly i’ve grown to fall in love with all of these characters. cedric is LITERALLY my baby. cassie??? she’s all mine. even mattheo and all her friends like omg i love them so much.
i need to get a life 😀
Chapter 35: Y4 | Cedric.
Summary:
Oh, you’re gonna need a box of tissues I’m afraid.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ WHITE FERRARI — FRANK OCEAN
'I'm sure we're taller in other dimensions.'
On the night before the Final Task, Cassie can't even begin to attempt sleeping. She takes to the Astronomy tower with trembling hands tapping the railing. She can't shake the horrible feeling she has in her stomach. Cassie knows her brother and she knows something will go wrong tomorrow.
She just knows.
"Hi." a familiar voice says from behind Cassie. She smiles as Cedric stands next to her. "You alright?"
"Yeah, why are you up here?" Cassie asks, looking at him. It's at least three in the morning. If he's here, it means he also can't sleep.
"Can't sleep, and I know you'd be up here. I wanted to talk to you before tomorrow seeing as I probably won't get the chance before."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best."
The pair go quiet for a moment, simply staring at the sky. If anything, they're just appreciating each other's company while it lasts. Cassie won't see Cedric much tomorrow and that thought makes her feel strangely sick.
"Sickle for your thoughts?" she asks, nudging him.
Cedric picks at his nail before answering, not looking her in the eye. "After you went back to your common room yesterday, I stayed in the library and read up on the dangers of the tournament— specifically the Final Task."
"And?"
"And there's been about thirty deaths."
Cassie's stomach twists. She tries not to let it show on her face, but oh, she's considering jumping off this tower right now. "Thirty?"
Cedric blows out a long, thoughtful sigh. "So if something does go wrong tomorrow—"
"No." she says, cutting him off. "None of that, Ced. Shut up."
"Listen to me, Cass." he states. Cassie turns to look at him, silently shaking her head. If she shakes her head quick enough it will stop her brain from thinking. "If something goes wrong and I do die in this tournament, I need you to know how grateful I am for you. I almost lost myself after dad died— and that whole thing with Eddie, I— I needed you, and you were there. You were there every single time and I can't even begin to tell you how truly grateful I am. I honestly don't think I'd be here today if it weren't for you."
Cassie thinks she might be sick.
"My friends would probably laugh at me for saying this, but you are and have always been my soulmate. One way or another, you and I are soul-tied. You're my everything and there is truly nobody I love the way I love you."
Cassie still thinks she's going to throw up all over Cedric.
"You're not dying, Cedric. Stop talking like that. I know how much I mean to you, you don't need to tell me." she says, just wanting him to stop. Cassie looks back at the stars, focusing on Regulus and Sirius rather than the thought of losing her own brother.
Cedric finds her hand and brings it up to the railing. His fingers twist with hers and he gives her hand a squeeze. "I'm not saying I'm going to die, Cassie. I'm just preparing you for the fact it's a very extremely tiny possibility, and if it does happen, I need you to know how much I love you."
"I already know, Ced." Cassie's voice is weak and small all of a sudden. The thought of losing her brother hits her like a punch to the face. She can't keep thinking about it or she might actually be sick. That same horrible feeling in her stomach is back.
"I know you do, I just need to say it." he sighs.
"You're not dying, Ced. If you die, so do I. Do you seriously think I can live without you?"
"Yes you can because you're you. You're Cassiopeia Black and you might just be the strongest person I've ever met."
"No, I'll survive." she confirms. "But you can't expect me to live without you."
Cedric bites his tongue, his eyebrows low. All he's ever wanted is for his sister to be happy. That's why he's going to try his best tomorrow. That's why he's going to do everything he can to first of all survive, then win— because he owes that to her. He owes everything to Cassie.
"Will you try and sleep?" he asks.
"I'd lie to you and say yes, but we both know you'd see straight through me."
Cedric chuckles. "That I would."
"I don't mean to be mean or make it seem like I'm ignoring everything you're saying. I just honestly think you're not going to die. I'd bet my life on that, Cedric. I'd bet my fucking Firebolt on that."
This makes Cedric mock-gasp dramatically, then make Cassie and himself laugh. "Your Firebolt? Shit, I didn't realise I was that important to you." he teases.
Cassie giggles, "You're always that important to me. Bruise or a broken leg, yeah?"
"Bruise or a broken leg." he confirms, wrapping an arm around hers and pulling her towards him. Her head falls on his shoulder and she doesn't ever want to move. This, right here. She never wants to wake up tomorrow and go down to the stadium. She never wants to watch him go into that task with the slight possibility of him never coming back out.
She never wants to think about life without her brother.
Plus, she's already won the argument on who's dying first. As long as Cedric stays true to his word and plays Heroes by David Bowie at her funeral, she bloody well plans on upholding the promise.
"I love you, Cedric."
"I love you more."
Cedric kisses her head.
"Never forget that, Cass."
How could she?
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie in-fact did not get an hour of sleep. After she went back to her dorm at gone four in the morning, she tossed and turned so much she ended up going back down to the common room so she wouldn't disturb the girls.
Enzo and the boys come down at seven am, where Cassie is curled up on the sofa staring into the fire, her eyes wide. A normal person would've thought she'd gone insane. Enzo runs to her and instantly hugs her. "Fuck, Cassie." he whispers, rubbing her back.
"I couldn't, Enzo." she struggles to explain herself.
"I know." he sighs.
By lunch time, Cassie still hasn't eaten anything. With what Cedric was talking about last night, it's given her a whole another level of anxiety. He could die in this task— like actually die. And it's happening a few hours. In a few hours Cassie there's a slight possibility she might never see her brother again.
Her legs bounce with anxiety and her eyes burn with lack of sleep. Perhaps she should've gone to Poppy and gotten a Sleeping Draught, at least she wouldn't have been so delirious on a Saturday afternoon. Cedric is busy doing Champion things, Cassie doesn't know, so she has no choice but to wait.
"Are you actually going to eat that sandwich or are you just going to stare at it all day? Cause if you don't want it, I'll take it." Theo shrugs. Cassie shakes her head, deadpanned, and pushes her plate towards Theo. His eyebrows lower. "Are you okay, Cass?" he asks, feeling even more concerned.
Cassie nods, her face still completely straight.
Enzo can see the way her lips are slightly pursed and the way her eyebrows are pinched just that little bit. He notices every small movement and every little habit she does. Twisting her bracelet seems to be a big one; same with cheek chewing and leg bouncing, then there's the anxious finger taps on her thighs and the rapid blinking.
"Are you sure?" Theo asks.
Enzo looks at Theo and shakes his head. Theo gets the memo and nods, going back to his conversation with Daphne and Blaise. Enzo puts a hand on Cassie's leg to stop the leg bouncing. "Talk to me, love." he whispers, gliding his thumb over her leg soothingly.
Cassie shakes her head, no words forming in her mouth. She wants to talk to Enzo but she can't. There is something physically stopping her from talking to him and she can't prevent it. She hates herself for it.
"I understand, Cass, but you know I'm right here, don't you?"
Cassie half-smiles and puts a hand over Enzo's. He smiles and moves his hand so it's holding hers, and he gives it a comforting squeeze.
"Cass, are you going to eat anything?" Mattheo asks in that tone of his he only uses on Cassie. It's a soft, understanding tone.
She shakes her head, "Can't." she mutters, the word only just leaving her lips.
Mattheo frowns. "C'mon, you have to eat something. Not even a pumpkin pastie? I've got a few in my pocket."
Cassie shakes her head and Mattheo just frowns further.
"When's your dad getting here, Cassie?" Draco asks.
Cassie looks at the gigantic clock at the back of the hall. "Er, not too long I think."
"That's good, isn't it? You excited to see him?" Enzo smiles in the hope of cheering her up.
"Yeah, wish Padfoot could come too. Dad says it's too risky for him to come, even as Padfoot, with all the Ministry around."
That's the biggest sentence Cassie has been able to form since three am.
"We better go— Mcgonagall is calling houses." Blaise sighs, standing up from the bench.
They head over to Mcgonagall after she shouts "Slytherin fourth year!", followed by "Miss Black, Mr Malfoy and Mr Berkshire!"
Cassie sighs and steps aside with Draco and Enzo, Enzo's hand on her back. "All of your parents are attending the task today. So that's Lucius, Christopher, Elizabeth, Victoria and Remus." Minerva explains. The three of them nod in understanding. Cassie isn't sure why Enzo's parents and Draco's dad are coming though. They haven't mentioned it. "Will you follow me? They're waiting in Dumbledore's office for you."
The trio comply and follow the Professor to the headmasters office in silence. Cassie hesitates before entering. This is where she found out about Amos' death.
She takes a deep breath before following behind Draco and Enzo. Her eyes close upon instinct as she steps into the room.
Cassie relaxes instantly when she opens her eyes and sees her dad. Upon seeing his familiar face, she hugs him as tight as she can. He kisses the side of her head and smiles. "Hello to you too." Remus chuckles.
"I missed you." she says, her voice breaking slightly. Remus just holds her tighter. He can feel how much she's shaking and it breaks his heart.
When they pull apart, Cassie embraces Victoria and then Christopher. "Cassie!" he smiles.
"Hiya." she replies.
"You excited for today?"
Cassie pulls away and shakes her head. "Bloody terrified, Chris."
"Oh." Chris frowns. "Why's that?"
"Well, my brother is about to participate in one of the most intense events in wizarding history."
Chris laughs, "Okay, fair enough." Cassie smiles as he squeezes her shoulder and turns to Enzo. After they all greet one another, Dumbledore begins speaking.
Without realising, Cassie stands unusually close to Enzo. He slips his fingers through hers and squeezes her hand, letting her know that he's here. "Thank you all for coming on this fine Sunday. I've gathered you here to explain how today will pan out." Dumbledore speaks flatly— almost rehearsed. "First of all, the champions will have many interviews, which they are currently doing. After they're finished, the rest of the school will take their seats in the stands. The marching band will start and the champions will be introduced. Ms Diggory and Cassiopeia, you will be able to walk out with Cedric when he gets introduced. All of your seats will be in the VIP area, above everyone else. Does that make sense?" Dumbledore explains thoroughly.
Everyone looks at each other and slowly nods. However, Cassie has a few questions. "Professor, are you able to tell us exactly what the task is?" she asks.
"I'm afraid not, Miss Black. All will be explained before the task commences." he answers.
Cassie isn't done.
"Do people die in this task?"
"Cassie." Remus warns with a whisper.
"It's okay, Remus. It's a fair question. In truth, Yes. People have died in this tournament. However, I have full confidence in all of our answers." Dumbledore answered.
Cassie nods, "Why do you favour Harry over Cedric?"
"Cassie!" Remus warns, much louder this time. Enzo and Draco accidentally let out a small laugh.
"Go on. You say that you'll help anyone who asks for it but then you only help Harry? I get that he's been through a lot and sometimes needs your help, but what about Cedric? Every other champion has a mentor. Delacour has Maxine, Krum has Karkaroff and Harry has you and Moody. Who does Cedric have?"
"Cassie stop it." Remus spits.
"No! I want a genuine answer! He thinks it's okay to treat certain people better than others just because they've had a bad history! What about Mattheo? What about Sirius?" Cassie looks at Remus. "What about me?" she exclaims, the anger winning. Enzo squeezes her hand as her heartbeat escalates.
"Do you know, Cassiopeia, I have an incredible amount of respect for you?" Dumbledore says.
Cassie furrows her eyebrows, "What?"
"Not many people would stand up to one of the most powerful wizards of all time like that." he answers, walking around his desk. He's a powerful man, that's for sure, but that doesn't mean Cassie has a reason to cower before him.
Cassie shrugs, "I'm not scared of you."
"I know. And because of that, I'm admired."
Cassie rolls her eyes and pushes the office door open. She walks out with zero shame. Remus quickly follows behind her, shouting her name. Cassie ignores him, not wanting to argue. He grabs her shoulder and spins her around so she's facing him. "What was that all about, Cassie?"
Cassie shrugs with a sigh, "I just get so angry."
He frowned, "I know the feeling, but you can't snap like that, Cass. Especially in front of Dumbledore."
"I—" she sighs, closing her eyes. "I'm so tired, dad." Her voice breaks and Cassie thinks she's about to cry.
Remus looks her in the eye and sees the red tint to her eyeballs, and just how puffy her eyelids are. How bad is her insomnia?
"Did you sleep last night?"
She shakes her head, a tear rolling down her cheek. Cassie quickly wipes the tear and puts her head in her palms. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped like that." she says, regaining her composure.
He sighs deeply, "Go and get some fresh air— speak to Cedric, even. Just take a minute to calm down."
Cassie sighs, "Yeah, I'll um— I'll see you in the stands."
He nods and kisses his daughter's head before making his way back into the Headmasters office. Cassie lets herself slide against the cold stone wall. She sits outside Dumbledore's office against the wall with her head in her hands, trying to ignore how the tears burn her eyes.
Today is already going to shit. Hopefully she'd been through the worst of the day and the rest would go completely smoothly. When something annoys Cassie, she gets really angry about it. Her anger levels shoot up to an unbelievable number. She can't control it— almost like the werewolf.
"Cassie?" a familiar voice echoes down the hall.
"Hi." Cassie says, looking up at Mattheo. With furrowed brows, he slides down the wall and sits beside her. She rests her head on his shoulder and he strokes her hair.
"Why are you out here?" he asks softly.
"Just had a row with fucking Dumbledore." she replies through the tears.
"Oh shit— what happened?"
"I asked Dumbledore why he favours Harry over Cedric. I was saying how unfairly he treats everyone else and the fact he gives Harry special treatment just because he's had a bad past. He's done absolutely fuck all for you, me and Cedric."
"Dumbledore's a twat. We figured that out years ago, Cass."
Cassie laughs, "I know, I know. It just makes me so angry sometimes. It doesn't help that I'm running off zero hours of sleep and a cup of tea."
He snorts and rubs her arm soothingly. "Dumbledore will get over it. He's a fully grown man, if he gets upset over what a fifteen year old student says to him, that's definitely a him problem."
Cassie chuckles muffle against Mattheo's shoulder. "I'm so worried about today, I don't mean to shout at people."
"It's not your fault, Cass."
"I know, I just hate how guilty I feel after snapping like this. I'm not a mean person— yeah, I have strong opinions and I voice them very freely, but I'm not mean."
"Exactly— don't doubt yourself for a single second, Cass. You're brilliant."
The two of them stay silent for a minute or so. Silence is never awkward with Mattheo. He's such a good listener, Cassie always feels like she can tell him anything and he won't even dream of judging. "Everything's going to be okay. You know that, right?"
Cassie nods, "I really hope you're right, Matty."
"I'm always right."
The both of them chuckle, their laughter bouncing off the empty Hogwarts corridors. "C'mon, everyone's taking their seats."
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Mattheo and Cassie wait for Enzo and Draco before walking back to the stands. They slowly move through the crowds, attempting to find their seats. Remus and the others aren't in the VIP area so Cassie decides to stay with her friends in the meantime.
There are no spare seats so Pansy pats her lap, making Cassie chuckle. She sits on her lap, an arm around her neck. "You okay?" Pansy asks.
He's going to be okay.
"Yeah." Cassie smiles, pressing her cheek to Pansy's head. Cassie surveys her surroundings, the chatter getting louder. The full moon is at the very end of this month, so Cassie is at the start of her cycle. It's not always as bad on the first day but sometimes heightens with stress.
And right now, Cassie is really fucking stressed.
Cassie spots her dad at the bottom of the stands, motioning for her to come down. She sighs and stands up, "I'll see you later, okay?" she says to her friends. When they nod, she smiles; "Love you all!"
"Love you!" they chorus back messily.
Enzo follows Cassie down to her dad. It's time for him to go up to the VIP section anyway. "Hi, Vick and Cedric are waiting for you in the tent." Remus smiles.
He's going to be okay.
Cassie's breath is shaky before she answers. "Already?"
"He'll be okay, sweetheart." Remus comforts, his voice soft. "He's getting restless in there, pacing and stressing. He needs you."
Cassie smiles. He's going to be okay.
Remus kisses the top of her head before sending her off into the tent, going up the stands with Enzo. Dumbledore is speaking to Harry in the corner, Krum is (probably) discussing tactics with Karkaroff while Delacour converses with what looks like her family— however, they're all speaking fluent french.
Cassie sighs with relief, the weight on her chest actually leaving, and grins when she spots her brother. Without thinking, Cassie sinks into his arms. He laughs and hugs her back just as tight. Cassie pulls away and holds his arms. "You okay?" she asks.
He tilts his head to the side, "Eh, I'm alright."
Cassie frowns, "You're going to be absolutely fine, Ced. We've done an insane amount of research and training. You literally couldn't be more prepared."
He nods, "I know, I know."
Cassie turns to Victoria, "You gonna walk out with us?"
Victoria shakes her head with a smile, "No, you two can go." Cassie smiles with a slight empathetic look.
Dumbledore has left the tent and is now making a speech outside. "Please welcome our first two contestants!" he bellows. Cassie grabs Cedric's arm and squeezes it for support. "Up first, we have Cedric Diggory!" Dumbledore exclaims. Cassie and Cedric jog out of the tent, arm in arm, as the stands cheer for him. A mix of both Cassie and Cedric's friends are going crazy. Cassie can hear Atlas and Eddie cheering ten times louder than everyone else.
They stand in the middle of the grass, in view of everyone. "Harry Potter!" Dumbledore adds as Harry awkwardly walks out of the tent. Cassie smiles at him for reassurance and he smiles back.
Remus is close to tears. His parents would be so proud of him. He may look like James, but he sees his best friend in Harry all the time.
Shortly, the other two champions come out and are gathered by Dumbledore. The music stops all of a sudden and everyone takes their seats. "Earlier today, Professor Moody placed the Triwizard Cup deep within the maze. Only he knows it's exact position. Now, as Mr Diggory..."
He is cut off by the stands jumping up and roaring with pride at the mention of Cedric's name. Cassie beams and looks up at her brother. She grabs his wrist and pulls his arm up into the air. He gives her a warning look and she chuckles, lowering their joint arms.
"... and Mr Potter.." The Gryffindor side of the stands stand up and clap for Harry. Cassie claps along with them and even cheers for him. "... are tied for first position, they will be the first to enter the maze. They will then be followed by Mr Krum..."
The Durmstrang part of the crowd cheer for their peer. Cassie doesn't bother clapping for Krum. He doesn't deserve it. "... and Miss Delacour. The first person to touch the cup will be the winner!" Dumbledore finishes. Every part of the stands rise and cheer. Cassie smiles up at Cedric. "I've instructed the staff to patrol the perimeter. Should, at any point, a contestant wish to withdraw from the task, he or she need only send up red sparks with their wands. Contestants! Gather around!" he adds.
Cassie lets go of Cedric's arm as he circles Dumbledore alongside the three other champions. Cassie looks up at the stands, her eyes locking with Enzo. He grins and she returns the smile. "I love you." he mouthes.
Cassie lightly chuckled, "I love you too." She blows a kiss at him and he pretends to catch it, making her chuckle.
The champions disperse away from Dumbledore as he shouts, "Champions, prepare yourselves!"
Cedric walks back over to his sister and they make their way over to his spot. Cassie takes both of his hands in hers and looks him in the eye. "Whatever happens in that maze today, Cedric, I am so fucking proud of you."
He smiles and looks down at his bracelet. He peels it off his wrist and closes his hand around it. "Take this. I don't want it to get ruined or lost in there. Dumbledore said that people change in the maze, I don't want it accidentally getting destroyed."
Cassie frowns, "Are you sure?"
"You can just give it back to me afterwards."
Cassie nods, her heart racing. "Yeah, of course." she mutters. Cassie brings him into the most loving hug she could give. Cassie isn't all that sure if this is going to be the last time she sees him or not so she makes sure that it counts. "I love you, Ced." Cassie whispers.
"I love you more." he whispers back. "Bruise or a broken leg?"
Cassie pulls away and brushes the hair off his forehead lovingly. She lifts his head down to hers and kisses his head. "Bruise or a broken leg." she confirms, a smile on her face. Her big brother.
He's going to be okay.
"Good luck, Ced." Cassie smiles, forcing herself away from him as Moody approaches.
Cedric looks scared. It makes Cassie want to hold him in her arms and never let him go. Her brother. Her soulmate.
She looks him in the eye as she walks away. They begin that thing they do with their eyes again;
Don't be scared. Please don't be scared.
I'm not.
Yes you are.
Stop worrying.
Never.
I love you.
I love you too.
Go.
I'm going.
The marching band begins the second Cassie gets to her seat at the top of the stands. Her heart is beating like a racecar. She can hear it pounding in her ears. "On the count of three! One-" Dumbledore begins.
He's interrupted by Filch letting the canon go off. Cassie gets one last look at her brother before he goes in. This is it. There's no going back now.
A part of her wants to scream and run down while she can still see him. Pull him out and never let him do anything dangerous again.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
An hour into the task, and only Delacour & Krum have come out. Cassie felt immense relief after Krum emerged from the maze. It meant Cedric could win. However, she's still worried why Cedric hasn't already come out. Cassie is quite literally on the edge of her seat with her legs bouncing and her head in her hands.
Her heartbeat hadn't calmed down once. Enzo keeps trying to reassure her but nothing stops her from panicking. Her legs are bouncing at a rapid pace, resulting in Enzo putting his hand on her knee to stop it. "Calm down, love." he says softly.
Cassie feels violently sick. She has the most horrible lump sitting in her throat. "Why hasn't he come out yet? I don't unde-"
She's cut off by an excruciating pain right in her heart. She squeezes Enzo's hand with so much force, making him panic. "Hey, what's wrong?" he exclaims.
"My heart— it really hurts." she manages to get out. His eyebrows furrow and he calls Remus over. He sits on the other side of his daughter and takes both of her hands.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?"
"Out of nowhere, I got this really painful sting in my heart. It's slowly going but it's still there."
Remus's eyebrows lower, "That's odd. How much does it hurt on a scale of one to ten?"
Cassie sighs deeply as the pain faded, "It's gone. It was the same sort of pain that I got in my legs that one time— when they went numb and I couldn't move them."
Enzo's eyebrows shoot up, "My god."
"It's probably from the nerves. You'll be okay, I promise." Remus comforts with a squeeze of Cassie's hands. He stands back up and kisses her forehead, before going back to Christopher, Victoria, Elizabeth and Lucius.
Cassie can't shake the horrible, daunting feeling she has that something has gone wrong. The pain in her heart feels as if she's only confirmed that. Cassie wishes she never let him anywhere near that goblet. Anyone else. Please, literally anyone else. She can't handle this anxiety she gets for her brother.
Another hour passes and out of nowhere, the crowd erupt into cheers and the band begins again. Cassie jumps out of her seat in anticipation. Everyone is shouting Cedric's name.
He won! "He did it!" exclaims exclaimed with pure joy. Cassie jumps up and down, hugging Victoria. The crowds roar with joy. Enzo kisses her cheek as she bounces up and down. She starts to make her way through the crowd so she can congratulate him.
However, she stops in her tracks when she hears a deafening scream. Cassie's heart drops down to her stomach. Cassie pushes people out of her way and runs down the many stairs. Her vision is blurry and everything feels surreal— like she's not actually here.
Cassie freezes on the stairs.
Dumbledore. Harry. Blood. Screaming. Panic.
Dumbledore. Harry. Blood. Screaming.
Dumbledore. Harry. Blood.
Dumbledore. Harry.
Dumbledore.
Cedric.
Cassie's jaw drops further than she thought possible and she screams with pure horror. She runs over to her brother's bloody body and puts his head on her lap. "No no no! Cedric! Wake up!" she cries, her hands trembling like a leaf. Her blood is chilled like an arctic plane. She can't think straight.
She shakes his body back and forth, hoping for a response. Any sort of response. Please.
Oh my god.
Cassie puts her hands over his chest and tries performing CPR. She does it over and over again until she can't breathe. She feels his ribs crack beneath her fingers. She screams at the top of her lungs, her world crashing down right in front of her. Why isn't he waking up?
Tears stream down her face as she clings onto his body. He isn't dead. He can't be. He promised. "Please, Cedric!" Cassie bellows louder than ever before, her heart throbbing.
Remus pulls his grief-stricken daughter into his chest as she sobs and screams. Her brother is dead. He's dead. "Shhh, it's okay." Remus whispers as he rubs the back of her head.
Cassie can physically felt her heart shattering. The sound of the glass scraping against each other and falling down her body rings deep through her ears, goosebumps running wild around her body. "The body needs to be moved!" Fudge exclaims.
The body.
No.
That's Cedric.
Her brother. Her big brother. Her best friend. Not the body.
"No!" Cassie screeches, moving out of Remus' grasp. She puts her head on top of his heart as she broke down. A heartbeat is all she asks for. Just one beat. Please, Cedric.
The whole school stands watching poor Cassiopeia Black scream and bawl with empathetic tears in their eyes.
It's moments like these when all Cassie needs is her big brother.
However, she's just lost him. He's gone. He's not coming back.
He's not coming back.
"Cassie, come on!" Enzo shouts as people tried to pull her off his body.
"Get off of him!" Cassie screams as Snape puts his cloak over the top of Cedric. "No!" she cries as she sinks onto her knees by his body. Enzo pulls her into his chest with his hand on the back of her head, "It's okay, Cass. Let it all out."
Cassie quite literally screams into her boyfriend's shoulder as her heart shatters.
This is the very thing Cassie has been worried about her whole life.
Her worst nightmare has come true.
Cedric is dead.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie leans against the familiar railing of the Astronomy tower, the same place she spoke to Cedric less than twelve hours ago. She'd never speak to him here again.
Her chest physically hurts. She can't breathe properly, her breath coming out laboured and shaky. Why should she get to breathe when Cedric would never get to again?
Cassie opens her closed fingers over Cedric's bracelet. She hasn't let go of it since he gave it to her.
"Oh, Ced." she whispers into the nothingness. Cassie sobs into the night sky, watching as the stars dimmed.
Her whole world has ended tonight. She will never be the same after what happened this evening.
She was meant to die first.
He was meant to play Heroes at her funeral and put Carpe Diem on her headstone.
The fucker died first.
Cassie's so angry.
How did this happen? How dare he leave her? He promised.
Spots of darkness flood her vision, swallowing her up like a wormwhole. She lets the dark take her. She'd rather be anywhere than here, grieving her big brother.
The darkness spits her back out when her dad steps onto the Astronomy Tower.
"Cassie, sweetheart?" he says, his voice shaky and not sure how to approach.
Cassie wipes her tears and bows her head. He can't see her like this. She's not weak, is she?
"I'd ask how you were feeling, but that's a stupid question." he says, standing next to her.
They stay silent for three minutes straight.
Regulus and Sirius aren't the only stars up there tonight.
Cedric.
"He's dead. Like he's actually dead." Cassie whispers, her voice cracking. "He's—"
"He won, Cassie."
"What?"
"Well, Dumbledore discovered that Moody wasn't actually Moody. A man named Barty Crouch Jr was taking polyjuice potion to look like him. He was a deatheater. Voldemort is back. Pettigrew was the one that killed Cedric."
Cassie's stomached twisted like a vine. She didn't think she'd ever hear killed and Cedric in the same sentence. "Pettigrew?"
"Mhm."
Cassie scoffs, "If I had known, I would've killed him that night in third year."
Remus frowns, "Cedric won, Cassie."
Cassie nods, a slight smile on her face, "He won." she whispers. "He won." she repeats.
Cassie breaks down yet again and bawls into Remus' shoulder as he lowers them both to the floor.
A piece of her died with Cedric.
So much for Bruise or a broken leg.
Notes:
oh, ced :(
okay so every time i re read this chapter my heart physically breaks. you don’t understand the pain i felt writing that for the first time in 2023 before another 59 redrafts. CEDRIC MY BABYYY.
do NOT come at me for killing him off. it has always been an essential part of the plot and cassie would be perfectly happy if he lived… and we can’t have that, can we? what’s a fic without a little bit of grief and angst, huh?? especially sibling angst 😀 (reg and sirius in crimson rivers and ahb im looking at you.)
oh, how will cassie carry on??? how is she meant to recover from this?? her BEST friend. her soulmate??? like omg she’s distraught and i can’t even say i blame her.
i had the same reaction 3
sorry for killing off our beloved ceddy! cassie will be happy one day, i promise!
Chapter 36: Grief is a thing with wings
Summary:
Grief; mental or emotional suffering or distress caused by loss or regret.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LOML — TAYLOR SWIFT
'And I'll still see it until I die, you're the loss of my life.'
Cassie wakes up in a pool of her own tears. Enzo stayed with her all night, even when she screamed and pleaded for it to stop. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Cedric's lifeless body. She couldn't escape it. In the morning, her eyes are rich with pain from the lack of sleep and constant sobbing.
Cassie forces herself out of bed and to the bathroom. The girls are still sound asleep but Enzo is awake and sitting on the bathroom counter. She closes the curtain on the shower and turns it boiling hot.
"Please, Cedric!"
So much blood. So much screaming.
Dumbledore whispering, Fudge panicking. They tried to take him away. They covered him up.
Cedric.
'The body'
Cedric is dead.
The thoughts hit her like a train and the grief swallows her up— she lets it happen. Cedric isn't coming back. When she goes down to the Great Hall, he won't be there. Cassie will never hear his beautiful laugh ever again, or study with him in the library after a long day of lessons. He'll never ruffle her hair again.
She'll never get a response on her bracelet ever again.
The tears come uncalled for but come nonetheless. She slides down the shower wall, gasping for air. "Dead. Dead. Dead." she whispers, her voice shaky and pained.
Enzo immediately jumps off the counter and rushes to the shower. He pushes open the curtains and doesn't even think twice before turning off the shower and grabbing a towel. She rocks back and forth, her eyes wide with tears. "He's dead." she whispers.
He rubs her arms around the towel. "Come on, baby. You need to get up." he says softly. Enzo is nothing if not patient with Cassie.
"Cedric's dead."
"Cassie."
"Cedric's not coming back."
Enzo draws in a long breath. This is going to be a hard process, but he's going to be there for her. Grief is not an easy task, especially by yourself. Enzo will not let Cassie fall apart.
Once he gets her out of the shower, Pansy wakes up. She grabs Cassie some clothes for her and does her hair in the bathroom while Enzo gets dressed himself.
Cassie feels empty— hollow, even. If you'd cut open her body it would all be rock hard. Numb isn't quite the right word, she knows what happened last night and isn't numbed by that, she just feels completely and utterly empty.
When Pansy and Cassie walk down to the common room, the boys look at Cassie with low brows. Even Draco looks sad for the girl, and everyone knows he's heartless.
"How're you holding up?" Mattheo asks when she sits next to him on the sofa. She shakes her head, afraid that she'll cry again if she speaks.
"Where's Enzo?" she croaks.
"Getting dressed still." Blaise says. Cassie nods and twists her bracelet around her wrist. "Will you be staying the last two weeks of school?" he asks.
Cassie shrugs, "Depends what Dumbledore decides."
"We've got you, Cass." Theo smiles sympathetically.
"Thank you."
By the time Enzo comes back down, they head down to the Great Hall, where the overall mood is a strange one. People stare and whisper at Cassie as she walks in, her hand squeezing so tight she might've cut off his circulation. Pansy and the boys glare at anyone that stares, managing to make it that bit easier for Cassie.
She's shaking by the time she sits down next to Enzo. The most Cassie can consume is a hot cup of tea. Any food she puts in her mouth she will just chuck back up.
Twenty minutes go by and Cassie doesn't take her mind off Cedric once. It's all she can think about. He's not in the hall— he never would be again. She keeps looking over at his table out of habit, then her chest aches at the sight of Eddie eating by himself. What's wrong with her?
She should speak to Eddie, really. He can't be taking this any easier than she is.
There's a tap on Cassie's shoulder and she turns to see Professor Mcgonagall. "How are you, dear?"
"Um— I'm alright." she frowns with a light shrug.
"Dumbledore is requesting you in his office after breakfast— he's about to give a speech on the events of last night. I think we'd all benefit from a speech from you as well— but you don't have to. It's up to you, dear."
Cassie looks at Mattheo and he smiles. "Er, yeah, I suppose I owe it to him, don't I?"
Mcgonagall puts a soft, maternal hand on Cassie's shoulder. "Come with me." she says, her tone careful and soft.
Cassie sighs and stands up. Enzo squeezes her hand as she walks past him, reassuring her with a small gesture.
Once Dumbledore tells the school what really happened last night, Cassie prepares herself for her speech. She has nothing prepared; but that's the thing with Cedric, talking about him has never been hard. She could talk about her love for him for the whole of Britain.
"Now, a message from Cedric's little sister— Cassiopeia Black." Dumbledore says, holding his arm out as a signal.
Cassie walks onto the platform, the overwhelming sense of everyone staring at her getting to her instantly. She instead focuses on Enzo's familiar, beautiful face. He doesn't look away even when she blankly stares at him. Cassie takes a deep breath and clears her throat. "Most of you knew my brother as the Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain or a Hufflepuff prefect. Some of you had the same classes as him, he may of lent you a quill or smiled at you. Some of you were lucky enough to know him as something more— a friend, maybe." Cassie looks to Eddie for this part, ignoring how the tears in his eyes makes her want to throw up in front of the whole school. "But I was the luckiest of them all. I knew Cedric as my brother."
She pauses, looking back at Enzo. Her voice cracks and she takes a deep breath. Come on, Cassie. You can do this. You're not weak.
"As many of you may know, Cedric wasn't my brother by blood. That didn't make him any less of my brother. He understood me in ways that even my closest friends couldn't. All we had to do was look at each other sometimes and we knew exactly what we meant. It was this unspoken thing between us— we were soulmates. I am so incredibly grateful that I got to spend fifteen beautiful years with him. Yes, it hurts that he's no longer here— like it really hurts— and I don't think I'll ever recover from last night, but it comforts me to know how loved he was. I think I'll miss my brother for eternity— but one day I'll learn to look back on my love for Cedric and not cry my eyes out. I'll laugh, smile and reminisce. But for now, I'll grieve. God, I'll grieve. I'll grieve until my lungs give out."
Cassie blinks as if it brings her back to the present. She looks around the room— her eyes locking on Harry. He's got tears down his wounded cheeks. Oh, she needs to speak to him. Cassie turns her attention to the Hufflepuff table, which seems to be full of mourning, sad peers of Cedric's.
Everyone may not understand what Cedric meant to Cassie, but they understood the friend they had.
Cassie nods before walking off the platform. "Thank you, Cassiopeia." Dumbledore concludes as she practically sprints out of sight. She's immediately met with a teary Victoria Diggory.
"That was so beautiful, pickle." Victoria sobs, pulling her into a hug. Victoria has lost so much this year. First it was Amos, the love of her life, then her first-born son. Cassie thinks she might be the strongest woman alive. How she's still thriving is a shock to everyone.
"I miss him so much." Cassie heaves, the tears coming so frustratingly easy. Even though he's only been gone less than twenty four hours, Cassie feels his absence more than ever. She's spent way more than a day not speaking to him before, but this? This is horrible. This is stomach-churning, lung-constricting and utterly heartbreaking.
"Me too, Peia, me too." Victoria sighs, rubbing her daughter's back. "You, Liz and Chris, Remus and Sirius are all I have left."
"I'm not going anywhere."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie sits in Dumbledore's office for the second day in a row— only yesterday, Cedric was alive. Today, Cassie is conscious of the fact her brother is no longer breathing. He's not in this school anymore. He's not coming back.
The worst part about it all is that usually, Cedric would be the one Cassie'd go to with all these horrible things she feels. He'd be her first thought and she'd rant to him on the tower until the sun came up. Now, however, she feels like everything is out of place now that she doesn't have him to talk to. He was Cassie's safe space— someone she knew would never judge her. How is she meant to carry on? How is she meant to bounce back from this?
She has so many questions, so many things she'd usually ask Cedric.
He's not coming back.
"Is that okay with you, Cass?" Remus' voice brings her back to the man in front of her. Cassie shakes her head, blinking rapidly.
"What's that?" she asks.
Remus wants to cry. She's not herself. Cassie's skin has taken to a tone that of snow. Her eyes are burning red and her nose is sniffly from the constant crying. Remus notices her slipping from the present more than often, zoning out into a world where Cedric is most likely still alive. He can't say he blames her— she's doing what she can to keep herself from going insane. He can't lie, Remus thought Cassie would cry herself to death last night. He's just proud that she's still breathing this morning.
"Stay the rest of today and come back home tomorrow, a few weeks early."
"I— yeah, that's fine."
Remus and Victoria resume a conversation with Dumbledore and Cassie feels antsy all of a sudden. She stands up and walks out of his office, taking to the Owlery. Cassie presses her palm against her heart as she walks as if it would help slow her already pacing heartbeat.
When she gets to the Owlery, Coral is hooting with a letter tied to her talon. Cassie half-smiles and feeds her Snowy owl a treat before untying it. Without doubt it's from Sirius.
—
Dear Pup,
Moony told me what happened last night. I am so so sorry, Cassie. Losing Cedric is probably the hardest thing you've ever had to go through. However, I promise you I wont let you fall apart. When my brother died, I almost lost myself. I refuse to let you do the same.
Whatever you do, please don't suffer in silence. I want you to tell me when you're struggling, when you have those really bad thoughts, when you feel like you can't do this anymore. I will always listen to you, pup.
I love you more than I can put into words. Please stay strong for me.
Take care of yourself, I hope to see you soon x
Lots of love,
Dad x
—
Sirius knows what Cassie is going through. Losing a brother is a gut wrenching experience they have in common now. Cassie breathes in a shaky, long breath. She pockets the letter and lets her back hit the wall.
Cassie really has no idea how she's meant to live her life without Cedric. He'd never see her get married or meet her kids one day. He'd never comfort her after a rough day or congratulate her on winning a match. She'd never feel his touch ever again; the annoying hair ruffles, the bittersweet kisses on her forehead and the gentle linked arms. And Oh, his hugs. Nobody hugs like Cedric does— no, did.
Fuck.
Cassie is never going to see her brother again.
Cassie can't breathe.
The floor. The floor is sharp but she falls to it anyway.
He's gone.
He's actually gone and this isn't all some joke.
What if she forgets his face? What if she forgets the sweet sound of his laughter and the perfect pattern of his smile?
Oh, my god.
Cassie is never going to play quidditch with her brother again. He'll never see the day she makes the English Quidditch team when he was the one that introduced her to the very sport.
He never got to be a healer.
Him and Eddie never did find that romance they so deserved.
Bruise or a broken leg, my arse, Cassie thinks.
There's a gasp in the Owlery. Cassie looks up as Harry rushes to her side. "I'm so sorry, Cassie, I'm so sorry." he repeats, kneeling beside her and holding her hands. "I'm so sorry."
He feels guilty. Harry feels so guilty. He watched her brother die. He brought Cedric's body back to Cassie. He cursed the sky for taking him from Cassie.
"It's not your fault." Cassie chokes through her tears. She truly doesn't blame Harry whatsoever. There's no way he could've known the cup was a portkey— and there's no way he'd let Cedric be killed willingly. She trusts him.
Once Cassie calms down and stops crying, her and Harry walk down the stairs to the gardens. "Dad told me what happened yesterday but I don't know the details— do you reckon you could tell me? You don't have to, I understand it was horrib—"
"No— yeah, of course I can. You deserve to know." he interrupts, shaking his head. "So the task started off alright. However, Krum got bewitched by Moody— well, Barty Crouch Jr. He attacked Fleur so that's why I sent the red sparks." he explains.
Cassie eyes widen, "Oh blimey."
"That's not the worst of it. Me and Cedric were head-to-head going for the cup. At one point, the vines almost pulled him into the maze. I pulled him out and we agreed to go for the cup together. What we didn't know, was that the cup was a portkey. It lead us to a graveyard— the same one I've been seeing in my dreams. I was telling Cedric to get back to the cup once I had recognised it. He refused and stood next to me. Wormtail walked around the corner with this baby-monster thing, which turned out to be Voldemort. Voldemort ordered him to kill the spare. Before I could do anything, Wormtail killed him."
Cassie feels like she's going to be sick. She heard Remus say that Pettigrew killed him but now that she knows the whole story, it physically hurts. She feels it on her chest.
"Cedric fought until the very end, Cassie. Actually, he reminded me of you when he refused to give up." he adds, making Cassie's eyes water.
"You see, Cedric grew out of the competitiveness as he got older. Instead, he passed it on to me." Cassie smiles.
Harry smiled but it slowly faded, "I can't tell you how sorry I am, Cassie."
Cassie shakes her head, "Please stop blaming yourself."
"I should've sent the red sparks after the bushes got him— that way he could've made it out safely."
"Stop beating yourself up over it. There was nothing you could've done. You didn't know that the cup was a portkey— it's not your fault."
He sighs, "But you don't have your brother anymore. He was your best friend."
Cassie nods, "I got fifteen happy years with him. Yes, it hurts, like it really hurts, that he's not here anymore but I guess that's life, right? People die. There's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is remember the good times." Harry's head hangs low as Cassie speaks. She feels so sorry for him. You can tell how sorry he really was just by looking at him. "Harry, nobody is blaming you for his death." Cassie adds, her hand on his shoulder.
"I am." he whispers , making Cassie frown.
"Harry James Potter. If you don't stop blaming yourself, I swear to Merlin."
He lets out a small laugh, "You promise you're not mad at me?"
Cassie can't help but scoff, "How could I be?" He smiles and she pulls him into a hug. He needs the hug just as much as Cassie does. They stay there for over a minute.
Cassie hates to admit it, but for a split second, she imagines Harry as Cedric. That's what keeps her latched onto him.
It's always Cedric.
Even after death, it's always going to be Cedric.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Me and Vick are going back today but I'll be here when you come home tomorrow. Will you be okay today?" Remus asks.
Cassie nods, "I have Enzo and my friends."
Remus sighs with a sympathetic smile. He can feel Cassie's grief even by the way she hugs him. Her grip is more tight this time— like she's scared she'll lose him too. Remus is very confident in saying that he is going absolutely nowhere. Cassie is his number one priority and that is never going to change.
Remus knows Cassie isn't okay. It doesn't take a genius to see she's mourning. But he knows she'll be okay in the end— she's like Sirius in that way. He doesn't know what the road to healing is going to look like for Cassie, but he knows for a fact he'll be by her side throughout it all. So will Sirius and Victoria and Enzo.
Enzo.
Thank the fucking saints above for Enzo.
If it weren't for him, Remus doesn't think Cassie would be all that willing to stay here. He's her sole purpose and Remus can't say that doesn't give him a huge sense of relief. As long as Cassie has Enzo, she'll be okay.
"I love you to the moon and back, sweetheart." Remus mutters, pulling away and kissing her head.
"I love you more." she sighs.
Victoria hugs her next, her hands as cold as usual. "I know it's daunting, but his funeral will be next week. I stayed up all night thinking about it. I'll be round in the week to let you know details."
Cassie pretends like the word funeral doesn't chill her to the bone. She barely made it through Amos', how on earth is she going to manage Cedric's?
"Alright." Cassie says in an almost whisper.
Victoria pulls away and smiles. "You know he's not really gone, don't you?" she questions. She points to Cassie's heart, giving it a light poke. "He's in there. Merlin knows Cedric would never leave you— what is it you two used to say all the time?"
"Bruise or a broken leg."
Victoria's eyes go glossy with tears. "Never forget that, pickle. Never."
"Impossible."
"We're going to get through this, Cassie. Amos and Ceddy will always be with us."
"I know."
"I love you."
"I love you more."
Talking to Victoria about Cedric is so much easier than talking to Remus or Harry. They didn't know how special Cedric was. They didn't watch the pair grow up absolutely inseparable. Victoria did. She loved Cedric all the same as Cassie did.
—
Rebecca pushes Cassie onto the pavement with full force. Cassie can't protect herself. Rebecca had been bullying her all summer. Cassie had fought back but she was stronger than her.
"Aww, are you scared?" Rebecca fake-pouts.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Grow up, Rebecca. It'll take a lot more than a small push to really knock me down." Cassie stands up but Rebecca quickly pushes her back down. She grits her teeth in anger and her hands take the shape of a ball.
Before Cassie knows it, somebody has pushed Rebecca straight into the pavement. She gasps as she realised it was Cedric. "Stay away from my sister or I'll do much worse." he warns, anger in his eyes.
Cassie can't help but smile as Rebecca frantically runs out of the park. "You okay?" Cedric asks, putting a hand out for his sister to grab.
Cassie takes his hand and stands up, "Thank you."
He smiles and puts an arm around Cassie's shoulder, "Bet I've scared her off forever now."
Cassie giggles, leaning into her eleven-year old brother's grasp. "Reckon I could've done that myself," she laughs sarcastically.
"Oh no, I don't doubt that." The two siblings chuckle as they walk back into the house.
When they walk in, Amos calls them in for a game of Exploding Snap in the front room while Victoria gets on with the cooking. They end up playing for ages, laughing and grinning at each card that explodes.
----
Cassie wakes up screaming with tears down her face. Enzo holds his grieving girlfriend close to him as she sobs and screams. "Shh, it's okay. I'm here." he whispers.
"He's dead!" Cassie keeps screeching, sweat dripping from her forehead.
"It's okay, Cass. You're okay." He repeats, rubbing her back and kissing her head. He's trying his best not to cry. He hates it.
"Make it stop, Enzo!" she screams, the vision of Cedric's dead body floating around her brain. Enzo might just be sick. There's nothing he can do.
"Make what stop?"
"He's gone!" Cassie repeats over and over again as she bawls.
Cedric isn't coming back.
Notes:
oh my heart HURTS for poor cassie. bless enzo for staying with her at night 🥹 she doesn’t know it but oh she’d be helpless without that boy.
the sibling angst will actually kill me btw
i miss cedric already ☹️
Chapter 37: Y4 | We can be Heroes
Summary:
“I, I will be king,
and you, you will be queen.
Though nothing will drive them away.
We can beat them, just for one day.We can be Heroes,
just for one day.”
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ HEY BROTHER — AVICII
'What if I'm far from home? Oh brother I will hear you call.'
The next morning, Cassie sits in the common room before she has to start packing. Her friends don't bring it up or say anything to set Cassie off. That's the thing with Cassie's friends; everyone in Hogwarts outside of Slytherin views them all as boisterous and obnoxious (which they are, majority of the time) but Cassie doesn't see that part of them. Well, she sees it, that's for sure, she just looks past it sometimes.
Because right now? What they're doing by not mentioning it and being gentle with her is so appreciated and Cassie loves them for it.
Even now, Mattheo notices Cassie toying with the locket around her neck instead of listening to their conversation. "Did you see Snape today? He's had a bit of a haircut, y'know." he smiles, nudging her.
"Good on him, he needed one." Cassie replies, only the slightest evidence of a smile on her lips. She hasn't gone as far as laughing, let alone a full on smile, in two days.
The others chuckle but Cassie goes back to fiddling with her jewellery in silence. Cedric's funeral is creeping up on her and she hates it. The more she thinks about it, the more sick she feels.
"Do you wanna go sort out your trunk now, Cass?" Pansy asks, realising how Cassie is slightly leaving the present again.
"Yeah, sure." Cassie says. Enzo smiles at her before she turns and walks up to her dorm. When up there, she lifts her empty trunk from her wardrobe and places it on her bed.
"Did you sleep at all last night?" Pansy asks, sorting out Cassie's bedside table.
"Er, a bit. Had a nightmare though. Enzo's had to put silencing charms over my bed so I don't wake you all up."
Pansy's grimaces with sadness for her friend. "It's that bad, huh?" she frowns.
"Yeah." Cassie says, her voice almost a whisper.
Cassie begins transferring her clothes from her wardrobe to her trunk, leaving only a few tops behind. She reaches the bottom of her wardrobe and rummages through the scraps of clothing chucked in there.
Oh, shit.
Cassie catches a glimpse of a yellow and black scarf. Is that... Fuck.
It's Cedric's.
Cassie lifts it to her nose, Cedric's cologne still lingering on the material. She clings it to her chest as her knees sink further to the floor. The tears flow without warning nowadays. They even surprise Cassie sometimes.
"Cass?" Pansy croaks, kneeling down beside her. Cassie shakes her head and puts the scarf over her mouth. Her grief is still raw— fresh, even. Cedric died two days ago. How is she ever meant to move on from this if she can't even pick up one of his scarfs without breaking down?
"Cassie, come here." Pansy says, opening her arms. Cassie sinks into her friend's grasp, her tears falling onto the scarf. Oh, Cedric. Look what you're doing to me, Cassie thinks.
"He's dead, Pansy." Cassie heaves.
"You're going to be okay."
Will she?
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Before Cassie has to go to Dumbledore's office, she makes sure to say goodbye to all of her friends. Mattheo hugs her extra tight, rubbing her back soothingly. He's so worried about her— he's not sure he wants her to go. "Please take care of yourself until I next see you, Cass. You know I love you."
Cassie is a little startled by his comment. Mattheo has always struggled with his emotions— especially saying I love you. With Cassie, he didn't even have to think about it.
"Yeah, I love you too, Matty."
After Mattheo, Cassie hugs Enzo even though she's going to see him for the funeral. He kisses all over her head and onto her face, finishing with a warm kiss to her lips. "I love you." he says, her head against his shoulder.
"I love you more."
"I'll see you in a few days, yeah? Write to me when you can, I'll worry about you."
"Yes, yes. I will." she pauses. "Thank you, Enzo."
"What for?"
"For not giving up on me— I know I've been a nightmare the past few days. I can't say that'll change quickly but I'm trying my best. You being patient with me means more to me than you'll
ever know."
"You know I'd do anything for you, baby. Don't be silly."
Oh, Enzo.
By the time Cassie gets to Dumbledore's godforsaken office, Remus is already there. Despite only seeing him yesterday, she still appreciates his hug like it's been weeks. "You ready, sweetheart?"
She nods and they step into the fireplace. Dumbledore says his goodbyes and gives his kind regards. Remus shouts the name of his Kentish cottage and the fire explodes into a green flame. When they arrive, Cassie takes a moment to stabilise herself. Travelling via Floo is never easy.
As soon as she gathers her surroundings, Cassie is met with a huge hug. Sirius' long black hair falls on the side of Cassie's face as he holds her tight. He's never been so happy to see her in his life. He knew there was the slightest chance Cassie wouldn't survive without Cedric, so he's naturally relieved to see her alive and in one piece.
"Oh, pup." he whispers, holding the back of her head.
"Get in here." Cassie says to Remus, who gratefully accepts. Three people. Two dads and a traumatised, grieving werewolf for a daughter. Yet, a family. Their family is small, but a family nonetheless.
Cassie wants to keep her dads right here where she knows they can't be hurt. Nobody can take them from her. They're hers— not Voldemort's. Remus and Sirius belong to her and they're not going anywhere if she can help it.
"Tea and toast, baby?" Sirius asks.
"Is that even a question?" Cassie replies. For just a moment, a split fragment of a second, Cassie forgets about Cedric. She forgets about the nightmares and the consuming grief. Remus. Sirius. They're all that matter right now.
They break apart and trail to the kitchen, Sirius getting to work with Cassie's tea and buttered toast. Remus and Cassie sit at the dining table as Sirius puts down three mugs of tea. "I don't mean to bring the mood down, Cass, but the funeral is in two days. He'll be buried by the river near your old house in Falmouth and the ceremony will be held in the garden— I understand it's a huge field, yes?"
Cassie feels like someone has just slapped her across the face. The river. Cornwall.
Oh, my god.
Before their last surf, Cedric said to Cassie "Ready to fucking destroy some waves one last time?"
One.
Last.
Time.
Neither of them knew it would actually be their last time.
How is Cassie meant to go back there? How is she meant to go to Cornwall, the house she grew up in, and not go absolutely insane? That house is so very full of memories, not of only Cedric, but Amos too. The days they'd spend at the sea and come back home smelling of seasalt and sand before Victoria made them get showers.
The days they'd play in the river, splashing and laughing all day long. Sometimes Amos and Victoria would get in as well— they'd play family games of catch and all sorts of water games.
Cedric is going to be buried near that river.
"Sweetheart?" Remus' voice grounds Cassie again. She blinks rapidly, gathering her surroundings. She's at home with Remus and Sirius. Cedric is dead.
"Sorry." she whispers, shaking her head and resting her eyes on her palms, rubbing them aggressively. "Sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You're grieving, pup. Nothing is wrong with you." Sirius smiles, placing the toast in front of her and sitting next to her.
"I— I keep zoning out— but it's different, it's like I don't feel real. Everything is all blurry and I get dizzy all the time. I think of Ced— Cedric— and then I can't stop."
"Like I said, you're grieving. You've lost a part of your soul, Cassie. It's completely normal. Cedric was your soulmate." Sirius reiterates.
"What were you saying about the funeral? I— I heard about the river. What else?" she says, shaking her head before tucking into her toast. It's the only decent thing she's eaten since that day.
"It's only family and close friends. It's not anything big so don't expect to be overwhelmed." Remus replies. He slides over a piece of parchment with the guest list.
Me, Cassie, Remus, Padfoot, Chris, Liz, Enzo, Rose & Atlas, Edward & his parents, Mum, The Weasley's & Harry and Hermione, Pansy & her mother, Draco, Narcissa, Theodore and his mother, Mattheo, Blaise & his mother, Kingsley, Nymphadora, Mad-Eye, Ted & Andy. By the looks of it, Victoria has written it.
"Yeah, okay. I can deal with that." Cassie confirms with a nod.
"You sure? Vickie asked me to check with you before she sent the letters out."
"Yeah, that's fine."
"How have you been? I know that's a ridiculous question and I don't expect you to give me a positive answer but I just generally want to know how you feel." Sirius asks.
Cassie doesn't know how to answer.
"I— er, I spend a lot of the time crying." She feels embarrassed. "I have nightmares. Enzo stays with me. He's doing his best but I don't know what happens to me— I just wake up and start screaming." she sighs. "I feel empty most of the time— like I have no purpose without Cedric. I'm also really angry because we had so many plans for the future. I said I'd die first as long as he'd play Heroes by David Bowie at my funeral. I'm so annoyed at him sometimes. There are so many things he'll never get to do."
"That's the thing with grief, Cassie. You have so many emotions and not a clue what to do with them. Nightmares are normal, it was a traumatic night for you." Sirius says.
"You have every right to cry often, sweetheart. It would actually be odd if you didn't— he was your best friend." Remus adds.
"I just want to stop feeling like this." she sighs, her voice cracking like a drought.
"You don't need to stop, Cassie." Remus says firmly.
She shakes her head. "No. No— you don't understand how I feel at the moment. Nobody can. The only person that would've is Cedric— and he's not here. He's dead." she exclaims, her volume raising. "My brother is dead and I don't know what to do with that!"
A tear falls and Cassie knows she's gone.
"I just want my brother back." she sobs. Sirius pulls her into his chest, knowing that feeling all too well.
"I know you do, pup." he whispers.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The river looks all the same, even if Cedric isn't here anymore. The droopy willow trees sway in the wind, along with the dull grass blades. Softly, the breeze dances over the large lake, resulting in a range of different ripples in the water. The gut wrenching horror of finding out he was gone floods back to Cassie as she recalls her childhood summers spent here.
Something is missing, though.
Someone is missing.
Cassie detached from her dad's and goes down to the water. She curls up on the grass and looks at her reflection. About seven or so years ago, Cassie's reflection was full of life. She was beaming with happiness with her brother at her side in the middle of summer. Her freckles had come out and her hair was plaited with daisies in. Cassie would giggle as Cedric blew raspberries at her.
Seven years later, Cassie is staring at her pale reflection, her eyes extremely heavy. On the day of her big brother's funeral, she is lifeless and exhausted. Cassie is wearing an all black dress with a black bow in her hair. The colour has completely drained from her face and she couldn't feel more alone.
"Hi pickle." Victoria says softly, sitting next to Cassie.
"Hi." she croaks, clearing her throat. Why is her throat so dry?
"Do you remember all of those summers? All the times we had to drag you and Cedric out of the water because you just refused. All the times we'd eat dinner over there on the blanket."
"How could I forget?"
"I think we made the right choice of burying him here. It's the place that means so much not only to him, but to you and I as well."
"I completely agree. It's what he would've wanted."
They take a moment or two to scan the place with their solemn eyes. Cassie remembers sitting under the willow tree, watching as Cedric struggled to do a cartwheel. She remembers teaching him how to do a handstand underwater. She remembers their water fights and the times they'd pretend they were hunting down dinosaurs with sticks.
Fuck, it hurts.
"Come on, pickle. The guests will be here in a minute." Victoria says, squeezing her shoulder.
Her and Victoria join Remus and Sirius, who were talking to the funeral services operatives on the large area of grass. It has a beautiful black and white flower archway above the dark wooden stage. The chairs are laid out in an orderly fashion in rows. There's a faint aroma of freshly cut grass filling Cassie's nose.
"Who are the pallbearers?" Cassie asks Victoria whilst her dads are mid-conversation with the other people.
"This was what I was going to ask you, how would you feel about being at the front? It's completely okay if you don't want to." Victoria answers.
Cassie is a bit thrown back by her question, unsure of what to say. "Who else is doing it?"
"Eddie— he'll also be at the front, Chris, Enzo, Atlas, and Remus."
"I'll do it."
"Really? You don't have to if you don't want to."
Cassie shakes her head, "No, I want to do it."
"If you're sure, pickle." Victoria sighs and put an arm around Cassie's shoulder, pulling her into a side-hug.
Moments before guests are set to arrive, Cassie paces the venue anxiously. Her bracelet sits tight around her wrist, Cedric's own in her dress pocket. She really has no idea how she's meant to make it through today.
Cassie hears a loud commotion by the place of portkey. She closes her eyes and her head falls back. Cassie takes a deep breath and shakes her hands. Come on, you can do this, she repeats in her head, as if it will help.
She braces herself and begins making her way over to the crowd. One look at them and Cassie knows they were the Weasley's. She puts on that fake-smile and hugs most of them. Molly and Arthur converse with Cassie's dads as the Weasleys detach.
Harry spots Cassie instantly and pulls her into a hug. "How are you?" he asks.
"Spectacular."
He frowns and pulls away, "That was a stupid question, sorry."
Cassie weakly chuckles and shakes her head, "It's fine, I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot of 'How are you?'s today."
He frowns again, "You don't owe anyone anything."
"Thank you for coming, Haz. I know it can't be easy coming to the funeral of a friend you watched die before your own eyes."
He bows his head, "I was so close to not coming. I felt so guilty and I couldn't bare to see the look on your face when you saw his coffin. To be honest, you're the only reason I came. I wanted to be here for you, Cassie."
Cassie frowns and pulls him in for another hug, a smile appearing on her face. "What have I told you about blaming yourself?"
He laughs, "I know, I know. I'm sorry."
"I'm banning that word from you today. You aren't allowed to say sorry at all."
He chuckles and shakes his head, "Whatever you want, Cass."
"Cassie!" Cassie hears Enzo shout over the crowd. She'd never be able to not recognise his voice.
He stands there in his all-black suit, searching through the hubbub to find his girlfriend. Cassie squeezes Harry's arm, "I'll speak to you later, okay?" He nods and Cassie strolls over to Enzo. His gaze softens as he sees her approaching.
Instead of saying anything, Cassie simply melts into his touch. He puts a hand on the back of her head and kisses her cheek. "How're you holding up?" he asks, pulling away but still holding her hands at her side.
Cassie shrugs, "I haven't cried yet. Teared up once or twice but no tears."
He slightly smiles and sighs, "Do you want me to stay with you?"
"Please. I don't know how I would cope without you."
He smiles and kisses her forehead, "Not too overwhelming so far?"
"No, I've proof-read the guest list and it's all people I know and love."
He nods, "Is the whole group coming?"
"Yeah, Mattheo is coming with Draco and his mum, the others are coming with their parents."
"You'll be okay, Cass."
Cassie smiles but it soon turns into a frown as she watches Eddie walked into the venue with his parents, his face dropping. "I'll be two seconds." she says to Enzo and quickly finding Eddie.
One look at her and Eddie sighs with relief. Without a second thought, she falls into his grasp. She rubs his back with a frown. "How've you been? I know that's a stupid question— I've been asked the same thing way too many times. But I care about you, Eddie."
"Honestly?" he says, raising his brows. "Not great. I didn't realise how much I'd miss him until he was gone, y'know? I feel guilty— I should've tried harder."
"No. No. Don't start all that. Whatever happened between you and Cedric was not your fault. It wasn't his either— it was some weird twist of fate taunting you both. He loved you, that's all that matters."
"I can't believe he's gone, Mini-Diggs."
"Me neither." Cassie frowns. "But if I'll be okay, so will you. He wouldn't want us to grieve like this."
"It's not that easy though."
"I know." Cassie whispers, pulling him into another hug. When they pull away, Eddie ruffles her hair just like Cedric used to.
"We'll be okay, Mini-Diggs."
—
Cassie's heart feels like it's about to burst out of her throat, choking her to death. She can't breathe looking at Cedric's coffin. Yellow and Black flowers. Photograph of him and Cassie. His initials on the front.
If it weren't for Sirius holding her arm, she would've fell to her knees with horror. Her big brother is in there. He's not coming back.
Cassie stands opposite Eddie before they lift the coffin. Sirius stands at her side as she holds it above her head. A thick tear rolls down Cassie's cheek and she turns to face Eddie, whose eyes are glued shut— too afraid to open them.
"I'm here, Cassie." Enzo whispers behind her.
Cassie looks at Sirius, who mouthes "I love you." before they begin walking.
The song that plays startles Cassie so much she almost drops the coffin on her head. Fuck. Why this song? Why? Why?
Why?
Heroes.
David Bowie.
Why?
The tears come in heavy now, flowing one after another. Her legs tremble as she slowly walks with everyone else in sync. Cassie can't feel her heartbeat. Is she dead? She must be dead.
This moment has murdered her, stabbed her in the heart over and over again with the sharpest knife in the shape of grief.
Though nothing, will keep us together.
We could steal time, just for one day.
We can be heroes for ever and ever.
What'd you say?
Cassie's friends press tissues to their eyes, Draco's eyebrows only lowering in sympathy. Narcissa sheds a tear but everyone else's parents' faces remain stone cold. Andromeda, Cassie's first cousin once-removed, cries not for Cedric, but the raw grief in Cassie's eyes— which also happen to be Remus'. She squeezes Sirius' hand beside her. Andromeda catches Narcissa staring at her from across the field. She pretends like she doesn't see it and squeezes Sirius' hand tighter.
Sirius' eyes are streaming with tears. Yes for Cedric and Cassie, but for his own brother too. He didn't get to see his brother's funeral. Perhaps that's a good thing; because there is no way he'd be able to handle one. How Cassie is managing blows his mind.
They reach the end of the aisle and Cassie gently puts the coffin down on the stands with the others, her heart breaking more and more every second. The funeral officiant stands on a podium about two metres away from Cedric's coffin. Cassie rubs a hand over her wet eyes and stands to the side.
She completely zones out as the officiant speaks, her gaze locked on the coffin. Cassie's dead older brother is in there. His lifeless body will never see the light of day again. He's not coming back.
Enzo slips his fingers through Cassie's and squeezes her hand. Her hands quiver a concerning amount as her throat closes in on her. She can't breathe as she stares at the dark casket. Her lungs aren't functioning. They can't be. She's already dead.
"Cassie." Enzo whispers, his head motioning to Victoria stepping up to the podium. Cassie clears her throat and turns her attention to Victoria.
"I am so grateful to be able to say that I was Cedric's mother. I watched and taught him how to be the best possible person he could be. On Halloween 1981, I lost two of my best friends, and the other got sent to prison for something he didn't do. My life practically fell apart within the span of an hour. However, Cedric and Cassie were the only things keeping me going. At the time, Cedric was only four years old. Once, he walked in on me bawling my eyes out in the bathroom and gave me some daisies which he picked himself from the garden. He told me to stop crying because it made him sad to see his mummy upset." Victoria smiled, recalling the memory. "That was the day I knew that Cedric was going to grow up to be the most loving, considerate boy alive. It hurts my heart to know that I won't get to see him in his adult years— which I'm sure he would've done great things in." She pauses and turns to look Cassie in the eye.
"After all, he had his little sister to protect. On the days when I had zero energy and Amos was at work, Cedric would take care of Cassie. He would run her bath for her and stay with her in case she somehow drowned. The year after the Potters died, I almost gave up. Cedric saw that and helped me out in every way possible. I love him more than he'll ever know." she adds, her voice breaking.
Cassie is now uncontrollably sobbing, the tears sprinting down her cheeks like it's a race. Everyone facing the podium has tears filling their eyes to the brim. Sirius catches Cassie's eye and smiles for reassurance. Victoria stepped away from the front and came to her side, "You ready, pickle?"
Cassie nods, bringing herself together. She takes a deep breath and swallows deeply as she steps towards the podium. "On the night of June Twenty-fourth, I lost my best friend. Everyone here knows how and why he was killed, but nobody really knows how close I was to Cedric." she breathes. "This may sound ridiculous but he was genuinely my bestest friend. He knew me better than I knew myself. All I had to do was look at him and he knew exactly what I wanted to say, even when I couldn't find the words.
And now that he's gone, it's the most daunting thing I've ever had to experience. Sending a message on my bracelet and not getting a response is a pain like no other. It physically hurts. I get this horrible knot in my stomach when someone mentions his name. My heart shatters when someone speaks about him in the past-tense." Cassie sighs, taking a deep breath. "Like Vick just said, he had his little sister to protect." she breathes.
"And that he did. My whole life, he has been as protective as he possibly could without crossing boundaries. He always knew how to cheer me up, because in truth, he knew me better than anyone did. He understood me. I have so much to thank him for. He was my heart and soul— many said we were soul-tied. He believed in me when maybe other people didn't sometimes. And that was all I needed. All I needed was my big brother." Cassie's voice trembles and her eyes tear up as she says the last sentence.
"And Merlin, I still do. There is nothing I need more than a hug from my best friend at the moment. I will love you forever, Ced. Life or death, you are my bestest friend. Bruise or a broken leg." Cassie's legs almost give out from how much they're shaking. Enzo holds her waist as she walks off the podium and away from the crowd, down to where Sirius sits.
"Are you okay?" Enzo asks.
Cassie nods, the tears falling again. "I miss him so much, Enz."
He nods, also tearing up. "I know you do, baby." He pulls Cassie into his grasp and she sighs shakily. A part of her is scared to love Enzo too much. What if she loses him too? Cassie can't lose somebody else. What if she gets too attached and he dies, just like Cedric did? "Please don't leave me." she whispers.
"You know I would never." he whispers back.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie wraps Enzo's suit jacket even tighter around her shoulders and makes her way towards Cedric's grave. He has a beautiful headstone which reads;
Cedric Amos Diggory
-... .. --. / -... .-. --- - .... . .-.
(meaning 'Big brother')
1977-1994
with a daisy engraved below it.
Cassie curls up against the piece of stone and rests her head against it. "You have no idea how much I miss you now, Ced." she whispers. "I need you now more than ever. I hope you're looking down at me right now, because I have been trying so hard to keep it together today. I know crowds are usually my thing but today was completely different. Speaking to the people in front of me was like speaking to a blank wall. I just wanted to break down there and then." she says. "But I did it, Ced. I stayed strong for you." Cassie adds, a tear escaping. She looks down to her bracelet and spells out 'I love you.'
She pulls Cedric's bracelt out of her pocket and taps 'I love you too.' just to feel something. One last time.
"Goodnight, Ced." she whispers, her forehead against the stone.
Notes:
OHHHH they BREAK me guys. i’m literally dying over here (just like cedric)
too soon…?
anyway… on with the hms!
1) cassie’s friends being supportive!! taking her mind off it and trying to make her smile is SO sweet of them. pansy helping cassie pack her trunk because she knows she’s exhausted from head to toe.
2) the group hug with remus and sirius :,) i love their little family so so much
3) CORNWALL. THE RIVER. “Ready to fucking destroy some waves one last time?” ONE. LAST. TIME. UGHHHHH 😫😫 you guys really should’ve picked up on that subtle foreshadowing…
4) sirius knowing how cassie feels :(( losing a brother is not an easy experience for either of them. rip reggie i miss you
5) “My brother is dead, and I don’t know what to do with that!” MY BABYYYY omg she’s so fragile atm it breaks my heart
6) harry only coming to support cassie :( his survivors guilt is so overlooked and it makes me so sad. he deserves so much better for the main character in his OWN FRANCHISE. fuck you jk rowling xx
7) eddie ☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️ oh i just know he feels SO guilty. his first love is dead :(
8) HEROES. BY. DAVID. FUCKING. BOWIE.
UGHHHHHHH I HATE DAVID BOWIE. (that’s a lie)
omg i can’t i miss cedric so much already9) victorias speech 🥹 the daisy omg
10) CASSIES SPEECH. MY HEARTTTTT. enzo being the most supportive bf ever does NOT go unnoticed i promise you. he is an absolute godsend and we all love him
11) last but not least, cedric’s headstone. i’ll leave that as it is.
Chapter 38: Y5 | Headquarters
Summary:
Grimmauld Place
Grim, old place.
Notes:
I just want to point out that this story is completely inaccurate. I guarantee you, I've probably gotten about a billion things wrong and for that I apologise!!
Also, I wanna remind you guys that this is a completely different fic to Filthy, where Enzo is originally from. He has a whole different personality and I've changed his character loads- but credits to @babynaomi for creating him!!
I'm VERY sorry for killing off cedric but it had to be done 3 It was absolutely essential to the plot and Cassie's story. I'm gonna miss writing him as much as you guys, he meant so so much to me :(
Rip Cedric, you will be missed 3
5th year is about to be an emotional rollercoaster so you're very welcome <3
Poor Cassie can't catch a break.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ REMEMBER MY NAME — SAM FENDER
'But it's never the same without you.'
Cassie rubs a tired hand over her face, exiting her shared room with Enzo. He's already awake and in the living room— Cassie can hear him speaking to Remus from upstairs. "Morning, sweetheart." Remus says as Cassie sits beside him on one of the sofas. It's a large living room— despite the house's small size. But that's magic for you, huh.
"Morning." Cassie replies groggily.
"Sleep well?" Remus asks. He asks every morning and it's the same answer. She still gets nightmares, she still wakes up screaming with Enzo holding her. She still sleeps a few hours.
"Not at all." she sighs, rubbing her eyes.
Remus frowns and puts a hand on Cassie's leg. She stares into the fireplace, zoning out. Cassie spends most days exhausted now. The grief has taken its toll on her, destroying her from inside out. She's gotten better since Cedric's funeral, but only slightly. She doesn't cry at the mention of his name anymore and she's learning to laugh once again.
There's been one full moon since his funeral, and it was not easy on Cassie or the wolf. The wolf didn't quite understand where this sad feeling had come from all of a sudden. The wolf howled and wept and scratched, leaving Cassie with marks all up her legs. They're healing rather well actually.
But as of now, there's just over a week before they all go back to Hogwarts. Cassie has been at Grimmauld Place since the night of Cedric's funeral. Sirius' childhood home became Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix, an organisation lead by Dumbledore used to fight in the first Wizarding War, now the second.
Voldemort is on the move again. He's back and the Ministry are in denial. Dumbledore stops by sometimes but it's never for long. He's doing all he can to figure out Tom's whereabouts. Cassie doesn't know all that much though, Molly and Elizabeth don't think the kids should know too much.
It's been nice being around the Weasleys, Hermione and Enzo's family. They're good company sometimes, especially when Cassie feels alone. She feels lonely more often than you'd think, despite her being in a house of sixteen. Lots of Aurors and other Order members come by often but they don't live here like the others do.
"Morning, baby." Sirius smiles, walking in. "Harry's coming today— Moody will be bringing him here this evening." Sirius says from his armchair, Daily Prophet in hand as he sits down.
"That's today?" Cassie exclaims.
"Yeah, you excited?" he smiles.
"Yeah." Cassie replies.
She smiles a lot more nowadays. For the first few weeks, Cassie found it hard to show positive emotions. She thought it all pointless without Cedric. Now, she's finding her purpose again with the help of her family and friends— and Enzo of course.
Cassie has no idea how he hasn't had enough of her yet. Sometimes, when Cassie is really tired, she manages six or seven hours of sleep without waking up from a nightmare. Enzo loves her nightmare or not. He will always be patient with her— he knows how much she needs it.
"Oi, Cass! You still up for that chess game?" Ron exclaims from the dining table.
"You're on!" she shouts back, rising from her seat.
Remus, Sirius and Enzo watch her walk out of the room. Chris sits down and Ginny and Hermione soon enter as well. "She's doing better, don't you think?" Enzo says to Remus.
"Yeah." Remus smiles. "Yeah, I do."
"The nightmares aren't as frequent anymore which is good. She seems to be eating a lot more and laughing more than usual." Enzo comments. "It makes me happy. Very slowly, she's becoming herself again."
"She has nobody but you to thank for that, Enzo. We truly do appreciate you, you know that. Your support and compassion is the only thing keeping her going."
"I do try my best."
"I know, and I couldn't be more grateful."
"I really love her, Remus."
Remus smiles in such a pure way Enzo's heart melts. "I know, kid, I know." he grins, nodding. Truly, Remus thinks Enzo might be the best thing that's ever happened to Cassie. He's so incredibly in love with her— and he loves her so loudly. It makes Remus' heart full to know how loved she is.
—
Cassie toys with her bracelet as she listens to her dad's conversation outside of their bedroom. "How do we tell her that the full moon is on the same night one of her best friends comes home?" Sirius exclaims.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out, Sirius!" Remus shouts.
"She must realise she's on her Moon cycle, right? She barely managed the previous full moon, I don't know how she's going to do another one."
"Come on, have some faith in her, Pads."
"I have plenty of faith in her, Remus, but she has been through a lot recently and on top of it all, she has to become a werewolf once a month. The poor girl is exhausted. You can tell she's not happy."
"I know but there is nothing we can do, we just have to be there for her. She needs us now more than ever."
Cassie hears Sirius let out a deep sigh. "I hate seeing her like this."
"I know, I know. But you have to admit, she has made some amazing progress. There was a time when she only ate half a meal a day and spent all of her time in her bedroom. Now, she's eating three meals a day and spending time with all of us. We have to be grateful that she's still even here, for God's sake! I'm surprised we didn't lose her after Cedric's death." Cassie closes her eyes at the mention of Cedric's name.
"I know, Moony. I know." Sirius sighs.
"We can't ever leave her, okay? Not me, not you. We promised her."
"I would never."
Cassie pushes herself off the wall, having enough of eavesdropping. She goes up the next flight of stairs and makes her way into the Weasley Twins' bedroom. Ron, Hermione, Enzo, Fred & George, Rose & Atlas, Ginny are gathered in there around the room.
"You okay, love?" Enzo asks as Cassie cuddles up against him on the cushioned floor. He puts an arm around her shoulder and kisses her forehead. She nods and finds his hand, intertwining it with hers.
"D'you reckon Harry will be pissed off that we didn't tell him about the order?" Ron asks.
"Oh definitely. He'll probably want to fight, he doesn't like being left in the dark." Cassie replies.
"Very true." Fred shrugs.
"It's not our fault Dumbledore swore us to secrecy, right?" Hermione questions.
"Exactly. There's nothing we could've done." Enzo adds.
"Oi, Cass— you excited for us to destroy you in the next match when we go back?" George asked.
"You wish, Weasley." Cassie scoffs. She smiles as her cat sits in her lap with a small purr. She rubs Leo's neck as he gets comfy on Cassie's chest.
"Oh please, you serpents are rubbish." George teases.
She rolls her eyes, "And you lions are any better?"
George laughs, "Let's agree to disagree, Black."
She chuckles with a mock scowl. Everyone branches into their own conversations and Cassie looks up at Enzo. "I miss you." she mutters, rubbing her head further into his chest.
"I'm right here, love." he whispers.
"I think I want to go and see Cedric today. I haven't been in a while."
"Yeah? Want me to come with you?"
"No, it's okay. I like to have some one-on-one time with him sometimes. Rant about how bored I am and all that."
Enzo chuckles, running his hand up her arm softly. "We go back to school in a week, do you reckon you can last?"
"We'll have to wait and see."
"Yes we will."
Cassie gets up, not before kissing Enzo, and heads downstairs. She looks out for Kreacher, the elf who just loves to remind her she's a werewolf every time he encounters her. Technically, Kreacher has no choice but to obey Cassie as she has Black blood, but he scowls and says unthinkable things around her.
"Master Regulus would be disgusted at the level of Homosexuality in this house. Absolutely disgraceful. That wretched girl is a disappointment to the Black family." Cassie hears him mutter as he dusted the painting of Walburga Black. Her jaw tightens but she shakes her head and continues her route down the stairs.
"Is it okay if one of you comes with me to see Cedric? I haven't spoken to him in a while." she says abruptly as her dads converse in the kitchen.
"I'll take you, what time do you want to go?" Sirius volunteers.
"Now-ish would be great."
He nods and puts his coffee down on the side, "Roger that, pup. Meet me at the door in five minutes." Cassie nods and he kisses her forehead as he leaves the kitchen.
"There's something I need to tell you, sweetheart." Remus says lowly, avoiding eye contact.
Cassie pretends she doesn't know what he's talking about and simply replies "What's up?"
"The full moon—it's tonight."
She takes a deep breath and bows her head, "The usual place I'm assuming?"
She'd only undergone one full moon out-of-Hogwarts and it was in the middle of a massive, empty field. She was chained to the ground with enchantments holding her down. The field was surrounded with charms to block the sound out, thankfully.
He nods with a frown, "I'm so sorry, Cassie. I know you're excited to see Harry when he gets here."
"It's okay, he'll still be here tomorrow."
Remus sighs and brings his fragile daughter into a hug. "I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."
She half-smiles, half-frowns into his shoulder as he holds her close. "Love you."
"I love you too, Cass. Now go, your father is waiting." he smiles.
Cassie smiled as he kisses her forehead. He makes conversation with Victoria and Elizabeth so she leaves the room and makes her way to the foyer. Sirius stands in his human form with a black leather jacket and black jeans. "Wow, dad. Nice coat." Cassie grins.
"You think so? Remus picked it out for me in a charity shop— whatever that means. He said it reminded him of my adolescent years." Sirius shrugs.
Cassie grins even further, "It suits you."
He winks and puts his arm out. Cassie grabs ahold of his arm— sending them to the lake. Her mind feels completely warped as she gains balance. Apparating isn't for the weak, Cassie thinks. "You alright?" Sirius asks, chuckling at the fact she gets so dizzy from it.
She nods, "Spectacular."
Cassie knows the exact spot of Cedric's grave. He's buried only a few feet from the flowing river. Cassie's legs take her to his gravestone, her heart shattering like a wine glass. This never gets any easier.
She kneels down next to it, her fingers lightly tracing the inscription. "I'll give you a minute." Sirius says from behind her.
Cassie sighs and kisses the gravestone, her eyes tearing up. She can't help but get emotional every time she visits. Seeing his name on the headstone is hard enough. "I'm doing better, Ced. I'm actually starting to socialise more and smile again. I know I'll never truly be happy without you here, but I'm doing better. Enzo hasn't left my side, surprisingly. I worry that he'll get tired of me one day." Cassie's gaze travels down to her bracelet as she begins tapping it.
"We go back to school soon, y'know. It's going to be my first year going back without you. How I'll manage, I have no clue." she snorts. "However, I can't wait to see my friends. The Order is boring me to death. It's the same crap every day. I wake up, find out that Fudge is being a cunt again, play chess with Ron, eat lunch, gossip with Ginny, Rose and Hermione, eat dinner and then go to bed and have the same nightmares. It's killing me, Ced."
A flock of swallows glide over the river and Cassie smiles to herself. It comforts her to know Cedric is surrounded by such beautiful living things. There's often ducks in the river and the trees are never not swaying. They really couldn't have chosen a better place for his burial.
"I miss you, Ced." she frowns, tracing the daisy. "Talking to my dads is never as easy as talking to you was. Sometimes I didn't have to say anything and you understood what I meant. We'd sit in silence on the Astronomy Tower and it always made me feel better. I don't feel like that anymore. I'll sit in silence on the Tower but I won't feel comfortable or relaxed."
She closes her eyes, letting the sound of birds chirping and the river running consume her senses. Everything is heightened on the day of the Full Moon.
"It's like you were the one piece of thread that held my whole life together. Now that you're gone, it's all fallen to pieces. I feel worthless and sad all the time. Nobody ever told me losing a brother would be this hard."
Cassie sighs. "I love you, Cedric." her voice comes out in an almost whisper. "Please come back to me."
Sirius doesn't know where Regulus is buried— or even if he was buried. He's not sure whether he'd like to visit his grave or not. He doesn't think Reggie would be too happy about him visiting. At least with Cassie she knows Cedric loved her and would want her seeing him often.
Sirius feels Cassie's pain. He knows what it's like to panic when someone asks if you have any siblings, and the old family portraits that feel as though they're haunting your narrative. It's not easy, that's for sure. Losing a loved one is hard enough, but a brother is even worse. How are you meant to live knowing you're an only child when you've spent so long with a brother at your side? The endless questions and pleading have nowhere to go so you end up just feeling absolutely hopeless. Sirius knows that feeling all too well.
Cassie steps back and Sirius holds his arm out. She holds his arm and looks up at him. "Can we stay out? I don't want to go back yet." she asks.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Can we go for a walk? I think I'm ready to tell you absolutely everything about how I feel."
"Of course we can, pup."
So that's what they do. They walk through acres of fields, talking about Cedric, Amos and sometimes even Regulus. Cedric remains the hot topic throughout most conversations. Cassie tells him all about her dreams and how they make her feel, the horrible weight on her chest when someone brings it up, the awkwardness between her other friends that are too scared to ask her if she's alright. Sirius assures her everything she says is completely normal and is a process of grief. He'd know.
They get back to Grimmauld Place at dinner time. Everyone is sat at the dinner table when they arrive, discussing how Harry is being picked up from Privet Drive this evening. Cassie takes a seat next to Enzo, his hand going straight to her knee as she kisses him on the cheek. "You okay?" he asks, a slight smile on his face.
As she replies with a very detailed answer, his gaze never leaves her face. His fingers dance in the ends of her hair as she speaks. The butterflies in her stomach go crazy in their cage, their wings flapping frantically the more Enzo smiles. "You feel much better now then?" he asks.
"Yeah, Sirius is really good with words. He can also be a very good listener, which is something I need, really."
"I'm glad, baby." Enzo smiles. He puts a hand on her lower jaw and lifts her up to look him in the eye. "I love you." he whispers. Fuck, his eyes are so beautiful. Cassie leans in and kisses him, making sure it counts. Every kiss with Enzo counts because they know how much love lies behind their lips.
"I love you more." Cassie smiles, sitting back.
Dinner comes and goes in a matter of minutes, everyone now gathered around the table, chatting. Remus is on the other side of Cassie, a glass of wine in his hand as he laughs with his husband. Cassie remains rather quiet throughout dinner, her mind fixated on the full moon. It's not as if she's worried about it, she just doesn't have the energy. All she wants to do was curl up in bed next to Enzo without having to do or say anything.
"You okay, love? You're being unusually quiet." Enzo asks, his arm around the back of Cassie's chair.
She stops zoning out and shakes her head, "Hm? Yeah."
The high-pitched noise of Hermione and Tonks giggling floods Cassie's ears. She rubs her ear against her shoulder, trying to drown it out. She focuses on the pattern her fingers create on the side of her leg. Enzo realises instantly. "The full moon is tonight, isn't it?"
"How do you do that?"
"Do what?"
"Read me like I'm one of your favourite books."
He laughs and shrugs, "I'm more than a pretty face, Cass."
Now it's Cassie's turn to laugh, "Oh yeah?"
His wide smile melts her heart. The way his eyes shine to match his teeth-flexing smile sends a fuzzy sensation through Cassie's stomach. Once her and Enzo calm down after their small laughing fit, Remus begins speaking to his daughter. "We'll leave at about ten-thirty, okay?" He assured, resulting in a simple nod from Cassie.
"Go on, up to bed you lot!" Molly exclaims from the head of the table.
Fred and George groan, as per usual, and so; Cassie, Enzo, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and the twins make their way upstairs and into their separate bedrooms. Enzo goes to get a shower but Cassie doesn't want to get into bed yet. She's restless, the full moon only three hours away.
Instead, she roams the dusty house. It still amazes her, knowing that this is where Sirius and his brother grew up. It isn't the nicest of houses— there's an insane cobweb problem, broken floorboards, ripped curtains & wallpaper, and the floors and walls are extremely delicate. The overwhelming scent of dust fills Cassie's nose as she approaches a huge, oak door.
There's a rusty silver label on the top of the door which reads; Regulus Arcturus Black. The knot in Cassie's stomach twists and she slowly opens the door. Her eyebrows rise as she scans the bedroom. The wallpaper plastered on the wall is horrible, ripped and black. Her attention turns to a dark, wooden desk. Out of curiosity, she pulls open one of the drawers.
There are two photographs. The one on top looks a lot like Harry. No... That's not Harry.
That's James.
Why did Regulus Black have a photograph of James Potter in his drawer?
There's another moving photograph of a curly-haired boy— who looked no older than sixteen or seventeen (no doubt Regulus, who looks a lot like Sirius). Next to Regulus stands a pale, attractive black-haired boy with a green stripe in his hair. On Regulus' other side is Victoria, who has an arm around his shoulder. Behind them three are four people; one is a beautiful, light blonde girl with funky pink & blue glasses on; on her right is a black girl with gorgeous dreadlocks wearing a slytherin quidditch jumper, Cassie recognises her from the common room display. On the blonde girl's left stands a boy as blonde and pale as her—they look like twins. Elizabeth and Chris are on either side, his arm around her waist.
Cassie flips the photograph around, scanning the other side. The writing is much neater than Sirius'— it was more formal and elegant. It reads; Vickie, Reg, Barty, Liz, Chris, Dora, Evan, Dorcas, 1976.
Barty. The name sticks out like a sore thumb. That's the man that put the portkey in the maze—the same portkey that resulted in Cassie's brother's death. Her jaw tensed and she folds the piece of parchment, shoving it in her jean-short pocket.
"What'dya nick?" A voice speaks from the door. Cassie's heart jumps out of her body and she spins around. (Not) To her surprise, Sirius leans against the doorframe with a smirk.
"I was just looking. This was your brother's bedroom, right?" Cassie asks, deflecting from the photograph she stole.
"Mhm. Horrible, isn't it? I always thought Regulus' room felt extremely dull and dusty."
"It's not too bad."
That's a lie.
He laughs, "I'll ask again, what did you take?"
Cassie rolls her eyes with defeat and picks the photograph out of her pocket. She hands it over to her Dad with a shameful look. "Ah. Reggie's friends." Cassie's head lowers to stare at her grey fluffy-socks. She doesn't know what to say. "Pandora was the nicest out of the lot— aside your mother and the Berkshires. She was a Ravenclaw, Luna Lovegood's mother." Sirius informs, his eyes remaining on the piece of parchment.
"Oh really? Luna's the spitting image of her."
He nods, "Next to her is her twin— Evan Rosier. He was a spy for Dumbledore but Moody didn't know, so when he came to warn the Potters about Peter, Moody killed him. Sad, isn't it?" Sirius frowns. "Most of them were Deatheaters. Not Dorcas though. I always liked Dorcas, she was with Marlene, y'know."
Cassie's eyebrows rise again. "Who's that one? Barty?"
Sirius's mouth turns into a frown. "Unfortunately, yes. I always thought him and Evan were bad influences on Regulus. Yet again, James was a bad influence on me." he chuckled.
"God, I can't even look his photo in the eye without feeling sick."
Sirius rubbed Cassie's upper back in a supportive manner. "I know, pup. He paid for what he did. I promise you."
She smiles and looks up at her dad. "Do you ever miss him? Regulus?"
His jaw twitches slightly, "Oh, always. He died thinking I hated him. I didn't hate him. I could never hate him." he rushes. "I just hated the household I was put into. I needed to get out of there."
"How bad was it?"
"You have no idea, Cassie. I still have scars." Cassie's eyebrows shoot up and a wave of empathy rushes over her. From what he's told her, he had the worst childhood imaginable. Every time he mentioned it, she could see the look in his eye. He deserved so much better. "But enough of that, what were you doing looking around in here?"
Cassie shrugs, "Enzo was in the shower and I physically couldn't relax so I thought I might explore a bit."
"You should've told me— I would've given you one of my own Sirius Black House Tours."
Cassie chuckles, "Do I want to know what that is?"
"Oh most definitely! Would you like a house tour, madame?"
"I would love to, kind sir!"
He holds his arm out and she grips onto it with a smile on her face. "Lead the way, my lord."
"You're in for the tour of your life, fair lady."
The father and daughter laughter echoes off the walls as he leads her around corners—and more corners.
Little do they know, Remus is standing in the doorway of his bedroom, watching the two people he cares about the most. Little did Remus know, Lily and Cedric are standing next to him. Lily, with her transparent hand on her best friend's shoulder. Cedric stands, his gaze intent on his little sister as she laughs.
In that moment, Cedric knows she'll be okay. He knows that she has enough people around her to get her through it. She's strong— Cedric is very aware of that. He has an incredible amount of faith in his grieving little sister.
She's going to be okay.
Notes:
cedric :(
Chapter 39: Y5 | The Commencement of Fifth Year
Summary:
A change in atmosphere.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LITTLE FREAK — HARRY STYLES
'I was thinking about who you are, your delicate point of view, I was thinking about you.'
Cassie's heart pounds with a mixture of excitement and nerves. It feels horrible arriving on platform nine and three quarters without her brother at her side. Every year for the past four years, Cedric has walked through this wall with her. This year, she has to do it with his ghost.
Cassie takes a deep breath, bracing herself. Her knuckles turn burgundy from the unintentional tight grip on her trunk trolley.
In reality, Cassie isn't going through the platform alone. She has Enzo and her dads. If anything, she's the complete opposite of alone.
Cassie isn't alone. Cassie is lonely.
She is lonely in the sense that her brain is so against herself that it's convinced her into being constantly glum and low-energised. She is lonely in the sense that there is one person that she doesn't have by her side, and that completely sabotages her own mind. Cassie is was lonely in the sense that she doesn't have the comfort of her big brother with her, which is something she had gone her whole life with.
"Can I speak to you quickly, pup?" Sirius asks, motioning to a room off the side of the platform. Cassie nods and follows behind him into the dull room. She takes a seat next to him, unsure of what he's about to say. "I know going back to school this year isn't going to be easy, Cassie. I can see it on your face, you hate the idea of wandering the Hogwarts halls without the comfort of knowing your brother is alive and well. You hate the thought of being an only-child and it's killing you."
Has he just read her mind?
"But I need you to know that you have so many people around you that love you. For example; me, your dad, Enzo, Pansy, Mattheo, Blaise and all of your other school friends, and even Poppy. I could go on forever if you let me." he adds, taking both of his daughter's hands into his.
She nods, "I know but— dad, none of those people you listed were Cedric. That's what upsets me. I know how loved I am and I'm incredibly grateful for everyone, but none of them will ever be Cedric."
He sighs, "I know, pup. I know. But you know that we love you more than anything, don't you?" Once she nods, he carries on. "Me and your dad will always be here for you, Cassie. I swear to you on my life we will never leave you."
"I don't know how I'm going to do a whole school year without him, Dad. How am I going to play against Hufflepuff again?"
"Nobody would blame you if you couldn't play a match against them. They could always get someone from the reserve team."
"I know but if I let my team down, it makes me look weak. Looking weak is one of my biggest fears. I'm not weak. I don't want to be weak."
"Exactly. You are stronger than you'll ever know, Cassie. Not once in my life have I ever thought you were weak." Cassie's father rises from his seat and holds his arms out for her to embrace him. She's the same height as him now so hugs were slightly odd. "I love you to the moon and back, pup." he whispers in her ear, making her melt with happiness. Cassie truly loves Sirius.
"I love you more."
—
Cassie sits on the train in between Enzo and Theo, her head on Enzo's chest. She's completely spaced out in the silence. She has nothing to say to them— and neither do they, clearly. You'd think all the stuff going on with Voldemort's rise at the moment would affect Cassie's relationships with her friends, seeing as most of their parents are Deatheaters.
If you thought that, you'd be correct. Something is different in the air this year. Everyone is more quiet; more secretive. Nobody speaks in case of spilling all of their darkest secrets. Something happened over summer but Enzo and Cassie wouldn't dream of asking them about it.
Nobody has really checked up on Mattheo since Voldemort's return. Of course, he'd mentioned it a few times but Cassie doesn't think he's ever spoken to somebody about it in detail. Everyone was so worried about whether Cassie was going to throw herself off the Astronomy Tower that they slightly brushed it under the rug. Usually, Mattheo goes straight to Cassie when he has a problem. Now, he stares at her with low brows and regret.
The annoying thing about being friends with both Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter is that there is always going to be some sort of feud between them. Whether it's as small as Draco teasing Harry, or as big as Draco's father being a Deatheater, there is always something.
Cassie and Enzo are forbidden of telling anyone else about The Order— especially Draco and Theo as their fathers are well-known, trusted, followers of the Dark Lord. They tell them that they spent their summers separately, as they usually did.
On top of that, Draco has been promoted to 'Head Boy' for Slytherin— and to make Cassie's life worse, Pansy is Head Girl. The two of them have to sit in the prefects carriage, along with the prefects of other houses. That leaves Cassie, Enzo, Mattheo, Theo and Blaise. Cassie can hear voices but it's all muffled in her head. She's tired of thinking.
"Cassie? Hello?" Theo says, waving his hand across her face. She shakes her head and looks at Theo with her eyes wide. "Huh?"
"How've you been holding up recently?"
"Oh, yeah, erm.. I've definitely improved a lot I think. I came downstairs and socialised with my dads a lot more and found myself smiling and laughing again."
Theo's lips fade into a genuine smile, "That's brilliant! I'm so glad to hear that."
Why is Theo being so nice? What has happened over the summer that Cassie doesn't know about? He's never this nice. Yes, he cares about Cassie's wellbeing, but not like this.
He goes back to conversing with Blaise so Cassie turns to Enzo. "Is he acting weird or is it just me?" Enzo asks in a whisper.
"No, it's not just you. He's being oddly nice." Cassie whispers back, speculations running her mind as she watched her friends chat. They keep checking their surroundings and whispering.
Something is different this year. Cassie isn't sure she likes it.
A few hours later, Cassie gets up to grab a portion of sweets from the trolley. She makes eye contact with one of the last people she wants to see.
Charlotte.
"Cassiopeia, can we talk?" she asks quietly.
Cassie scowls at her, handing her money to the trolley woman. "No thanks." Cassie spits, going to turn back to her carriage.
"Please, it'll only take two minutes."
Cassie contemplates it for a few seconds, unsure what to do. She didn't want to have to speak to Charlotte again in her life. What she did to Cedric last year has not gone forgotten in Cassie's books.
"Whatever." Cassie says, the trolley lady walking away. She steps further into the train walkway, Charlotte standing opposite her.
"I just wanted to say sorry, I don't expect you to forgive me but I needed you to know." Charlotte admits, unusually confidently.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "I don't think 'Sorry' is going to cut it, Charlotte. You cheated on my brother and spread rumours about him— then got your weird boyfriend on me. It's going to take lot more than that to forgive you."
"I know but now that Cedric's gone, I feel horrible."
"So you didn't feel bad before he was murdered? You are a right cunt, you know that?"
Before she gets the chance to reply, Cassie scoffs and turns her back to Charlotte, walking back into her carriage. As she sits down, she rubs a frustrated hand across her face. Cassie isn't going to let Charlotte get to her. She has too much on her plate for that.
"What happened? We saw you talking to that Charlotte girl." Mattheo asks.
"She apologised for cheating on Cedric— I then told her that sorry wouldn't cut it. Guess what she fucking said afterwards." Cassie explains, trying to not let the anger get to her head.
"Oh god, what did she say?" Blaise asks, leaning forward in anticipation.
"'Now that Cedric's gone, I feel horrible.'" Cassie quotes with nothing but a scowl on her face.
"No she fucking didn't." Mattheo spits.
She nods, "Almost hexed her again."
"Why didn't you?" he exclaims, making her laugh.
"What did you say after that? I'd gladly punch the shit out of her if she said something like that again." Enzo says.
"I said 'You're a right cunt, you know that?' and walked away before I let it get to me."
"I still think you should've jinxed her." Blaise shrugs, leaning back. Cassie laughs and lets the anger slowly fizzle out of her blood.
As much as Cassie wants to draw blood, she needs to remind herself; What good would it do? Sure, Charlotte probably wouldn't speak to her anymore but Cassie wouldn't have truly overcome anything. It'd feel good for a millisecond and then she'd have to deal with the consequences.
"You alright?" Enzo asks, running his fingers through the ends of her hair.
"Yeah, it's easier to suppress it when I remind myself what I'd actually get out of doing it. Remus has been helping me a lot with managing my anger. I think it's working."
"That's good, love. I'm proud of you. This time last year, you would've hexed Charlotte off this bloody train."
Cassie snorts.
This time last year, Cedric would've been alive.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie grits her teeth and closes her eyes as she walks into the Great Hall. When she opens them, her eyes dart to the Hufflepuff table out of habit.
Cedric isn't coming back, Cassie. Stop looking for him.
Her heart shatters at the sight of Eddie biting his nails, surrounded by peers but none of them Cedric. Cassie frowns and keeps walking, turning to the Slytherin table.
By the time all the students had finished eating and the noise level in the Hall was starting to creep upwards again, Dumbledore gets to his feet once more. The chatter ceases immediately as everyone turns to face the Headmaster. "Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start-of-term notices" says Dumbledore. "First-years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out-of-bounds to students— and a few of our older students ought to know by now, too.
"Mr Filch, our caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four-hundred-and-sixty-second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr Filch's office door.
"We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to introduce Professor Umbridge, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There's a round of polite applause, during which Cassie and Enzo exchange slightly panicked looks. Dumbledore continues, "Tryouts for the house Quidditch teams will take place on the—" He is interrupted, a confused look on his face as he looks at Professor Umbridge.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Umbridge smiles, "for those kind words of welcome." Her voice is high-pitched when she croaks yet another "Hem, hem."
"Well, it is lovely to be back at Hogwarts, I must say!" Umbridge smiled, making Cassie feel slightly uneasy. "And to see such happy little faces looking up at me!" Cassie scans the room for a happy face. Not a single student (or staff member) looks happy. "I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and I'm sure we'll be very good friends!"
Cassie and Enzo exchange another look, hiding their grins. "I've never seen someone wear so much pink in my life— it's rather blinding." Theo says, making the group erupt into chuckles.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. The rare gifts with which you were born may come to nothing if not nurtured and honed by careful instruction. The ancient skills unique to the wizarding community must be passed down the generations lest we lose them for ever. The treasure trove of magical knowledge amassed by our ancestors must be guarded, replenished and polished by those who have been called to the noble profession of teaching."
"Every headmaster and headmistress of Hogwarts has brought something new to the weighty task of governing this historic school, and that is as it should be, for without progress there will be stagnation and decay. There again, progress for progress's sake must be discouraged, for our tried and tested traditions often require no tinkering. A balance, then, between old and new, between permanence and change, between tradition and innovation..."
At this point, nobody is paying much attention to her speech. Cassie notices Lexi pulling out a version of The Daily Prophet, and Daphne leaning over her shoulder to read with her. The whiny professor seems to not of taken any notice of the absence of attention the students are giving her.
". . . because some changes will be for the better, while others will come, in the fullness of time, to be recognised as errors of judgement. Meanwhile, some old habits will be retained, and rightly so, whereas others, outmoded and outworn, must be abandoned. Let us move forward, then, into a new era of openness, effectiveness and accountability, intent on preserving what ought to be preserved, perfecting what needs to be perfected, and pruning wherever we find practices that ought to be prohibited."
After she finishes her (very long) speech, she sits down with a pleased look on her face. Dumbledore claps. The staff follow his lead, though Cassie notice several of them clapped rather pathetically, only clapping once or twice. A few students begin clapping, but most haven't been paying attention so nobody realised she has come to a halt.
"Thank you very much, Professor Umbridge, that was most illuminating." Dumbledore smiles politely.
"Did any of you lot pay attention to what she said? I honestly zoned out for the whole thing." Tracey asks. The whole group shake their heads, which they laugh about afterwards. Cassie isn't particularly fond of the new D.A.D.A Professor they have unfortunately been supplied with. Why can't Remus be their teacher again?
Once Dumbledore dismisses the hall, Pansy and Draco go to lead the first years to the Dungeons so the rest of them trail behind the large group of eager Slytherin students.
Cassie has her arm hooked around Enzo's as they walk. Barely anyone speaks. It's rather everyone is simply exhausted, or they feel like they had to keep their mouths shut in case they reveal anything. Either way, Cassie hates it.
That night, she heads straight up to the Astronomy Tower. She hesitates before stepping onto it, knowing it was the place she went after Cedric's death. Cassie braves it and heads towards the railing.
With arms folded over the rail, she looks up at the sky. She thinks about how she won't be able to see Cedric until their next half term. That's going to make her wellbeing plummet even further than before. Talking to Cedric whenever she fancied was one of the only things getting her through those long months at Grimmauld Place.
On top of that, Cassie is left to deal with her friends being weird. She doesn't know how to deal with it, this has never happened before. They've never argued or fallen out— it's not their style. This is an entirely new thing to Cassie.
She supposes she probably shouldn't blame them, but their parents instead, but she can't help but feel that way. She knows for a fact their parents are always behind everything— or else they wouldn't be in this position, would they? She knows they wouldn't be half as bratty or cruel if it weren't for their upbringings. Draco, especially. Cassie knows Lucius is the worst.
After Christmas in second year, Draco came back to school with bleeding knuckles and a limp. Everyone noticed but nobody said anything to him.
Lucius' mental and physical abuse has never gone unnoticed to Cassie. It makes her sad to think about. Draco wouldn't be this way if not for his father. His mother maybe not so much, but Lucius? He's completely to blame for Draco's bullying. Lucius loves his son, but being disappointed in him comes too easily for him.
Sirius said Narcissa's wedding was the most boring event he'd ever been to. All of the Malfoys look the same apparently, long white hair and silver eyes. Narcissa didn't belong with the Malfoys. She's a Black at heart.
The Noble House of Black, huh? Funny how Cassie is the only last heir with a surname of Black. She doesn't feel like she is. She shouldn't be— she's a halfblood. That itself goes against every rule of the House of Black.
Cassie is lucky. She's lucky that she has loving parents. She's lucky that Sirius, despite his nurture, turned out to be a good man. She's lucky he met Remus, an absolute angel of a man.
She's lucky she's not a Pureblood.
Notes:
ugh cue the most infuriating DADA teacher hogwarts has ever had. i actually hate writing umbridge she does my head in to even think about.
everything changes this year for cassie and her friends!! every little detail is important so pay close attention guys…
on with fifth year!
Chapter 40: Y5 | Silent Treatment
Summary:
Things are changing.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ BACK TO THE OLD HOUSE- THE SMITHS
'I would love to go back to the old house, but I never will.'
When Cassie wakes up the following morning, the birds are singing a sweet melody that makes her want to fall back to sleep. She lies under her forest green duvet, her head soft against the pillow as she stares at the ceiling. Pansy and the girls are fast asleep and so when Cassie gets up, she makes sure not to make too much noise.
She slips on her familiar uniform, leaving her robes on her chair as it's still quite warm— it only being the second of September.
She can't help but remember Cedric isn't also putting his uniform on. He'd never put it on again.
When Cassie goes down for breakfast, only Blaise and Mattheo are sat at the Slytherin table. She sighs deeply and took a seat opposite the pair. They go completely silent as soon as Cassie sits down, resulting in her furrowing her eyebrows. "Morning," she smiles, trying to act normal.
"Morning." they grumble in response and silently ate their meal. What on earth is up with them? They were acting relatively normal yesterday— talking to Cassie and trying to make her laugh. What's changed overnight?
Around fifteen minutes later, Enzo and Theo also come down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Enzo sits next to his girlfriend with a smile— however, she doesn't return it. She's still speculating about Blaise and Mattheo. Not only they are acting odd, but now Theo joins them in whispering.
Enzo follows Cassie's furrowed gaze and nods. "They're acting really weird, aren't they?" he whispers in her ear.
She nods, "You've noticed too, then?"
"It's impossible not to. Has Pansy been any different?"
"Dunno, I've barely spoken to her since we arrived."
"Something's different this year. I don't like it." Enzo admits, sending a wave of relief over Cassie. She isn't the only one that feels that way.
"I've been thinking the exact same thing, Enz." she replied, a frown on her face as she watched some of her best friends check that nobody heard what they were saying.
Oh, how things are going to change.
—
First, Second and Third period drag on for what feels like years. Cassie and Enzo make their way to their Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom in a glum mood. Neither of them have enough energy to speak. They're both tired of their friends avoiding them all day. They literally walked away from them at break, whispering in a huddle.
They've never acted like this before. It really is horrible. Pansy has spoken a grand total of ten words to Cassie today— opposed to her usual millions.
Cassie kisses Enzo on the cheek when they walk through the classroom and go to their seats— which are opposite ends of the room. Thankfully, Cassie sits next to Harry. "Hi Cassie." he smiles as she takes her seat.
At least he's not being weird with her.
"Hi, you okay?" she replies, grateful to be speaking to someone that wasn't miserable or whispering every other second.
He nods, "Alright, you?"
Cassie shrugs, "Been better. Draco and all that are being weird." She holds a finger up when Harry goes to speak. He's about to say 'Well, they are weird,' but Cassie stops him mid-sentance.
"Probably cause of their parents, right?" he says, instead of offending her.
Cassie nods and twists her bracelet on her wrist, "Yeah, I reckon."
A piece of parchment in the shape of a bird has taken flight around the classroom, making everyone laugh. Cassie chuckles as it flies over her and Harry's desk, onto Padma and Dean's.
However, the room falls completely silent once a "Hem hem!" is announced and the bird burns to pieces. Everyone spins around to see Professor Umbridge standing in the doorway, dressed in pink from head to toe.
"Bloody hell, it's like a life size pygmy-puff." Cassie whispers to Harry, earning a snicker from him.
"Good morning, children." she squeaks before walking between the desks, towards the chalkboard. "Ordinary.. Wizarding.. Levels.. examinations!" Umbridge exclaims, writing on the board with her (unsurprisingly) pink wand. "O. W. Ls— more commonly known as; Owls!" Cassie and Harry share a look before she continues, "Study hard, and you will be rewarded. Fail to do so, and the consequences may be... severe." And with the flick of her wand, books are sent down the rows and onto the desks. "Your previous instruction of this subject has been... disturbingly uneven."
"She's not wrong." Dean turned around and whispers to Cassie and Harry, making them chuckle.
It's true— the DADA curriculum has been absolutely shocking over the years. Voldemort, a daft twat who definitely shouldn't have been teaching such a deft lesson, a Werewolf that quit after a term, and a spy for Voldemort. Cassie doubts Umbridge will be their saviour— better luck next year, huh?
"But you'll be pleased to know, from now on, you will be following a safe, ministry-guided course of learning." Umbridge adds, scanning everyone's faces. Hermione's hand shoots up into the air, causing Umbridge to snap around. "Yes?" she spits.
"Um.. there's nothing in here about using defensive spells." Hermione says in a questioning voice.
"Using spells?" the professor laughs like as high-pitched as a cruel witch. "I can't imagine why you would need to use defensive spells in my classroom!"
"We're not using magic?" Cassie exclaims.
"You're learning about spells in a secure, risk-free way!" she responds, making Cassie cringe.
"Well what use is that? If we're going to be attacked it won't be risk-free." Harry says.
"Students will raise their hand when they wish to say something!" she exclaims, making her way to the front. Cassie and Harry share yet another odd look. "It is the view of the Ministry that theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations! After all, that's what school's about!"
"How's theory supposed to help us from what's out there?" Harry spits, outraged.
"There is nothing out there, dear! Who do you imagine would want to hurt children like you?" she smiles.
"Oh, I don't know, Lord Voldemort? The same Lord Voldemort that killed my brother?" Cassie exclaims, now furious. How dare she? The class erupt into whispers and gasps as the words spill out her mouth.
Umbridge looks taken aback but she soon fixes her position and becomes professional yet again. "Now let me make this very clear. You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again." she pauses in front of Cassie and Harry's desk and looks at the pair of them. "That is a lie."
"It's not a lie! I saw him— I fought him!" he shouts. Umbridge only replies with "Detention Mr Potter!"
Cassie rises from her seat, now completely riled up. "Do you seriously think Harry would still be alive if I knew he had lied about my brother's death? I would've killed him the first chance I got!"
"Ah, you can join Mr Potter in detention, Miss Black!" Cassie's jaw clenches at the woman. Umbridge knows exactly what she was doing as she scowls at her and Harry.
"Fucking wanker." Cassie mutters before sitting back down with a huff.
When will she ever get a sane, stable Defence Against the Dark Arts professor?
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie eats dinner as miserably as ever. Barely any of her friends are speaking and it's starting to get on her nerves. Cassie can't stand the silent treatment. She needs her friends now more than ever. This is the worst thing that could happen at the moment.
Cassie takes a deep breath, "You lot trying out for Quidditch next week? Same positions?" Theo and Blaise nods and she got a "Hmph." sort of noise from Mattheo. Cassie's stomach twists with anger and impatience. She couldn't take it any longer. She needs to say something.
"What the fuck is your guys' problem? You've collectively spoken a total of twenty words to me and Enzo all day!" she exclaims as Enzo puts a hand on her knee. They all look at each other in confusion, and when nobody responds, Cassie gets even more frustrated. "Stop with the fucking silent treatment! I don't know what me and Enzo could've possibly done to piss you off that much that you have to ignore us!"
"We're not annoyed at you two for anything, if that's what you're implying, Cassie." Draco replies with a scowl.
Cassie rolls her eyes. "What happened to 'Then I guess we'll have to stick by your side for the rest of your life?' Huh? What is your fucking issue?" she shouts, causing people to stare. "You know what, you can all go fuck yourselves. I am sick and tired of putting up with your bullshit just because of your families. Do you think we don't know why you're acting so off? It's because you're on the other side!"
"Cassie, you have no idea what you're talking about." Mattheo spits.
"Then fucking help me to! Instead of giving me and Enzo the silent treatment! Do you know infuriating it is to be ignored by your bestest friends when you need them the most?" she exclaims, her voice breaking and eyes watering.
"Cass..." Theo says sadly.
"No! You're saying that I don't understand— but you don't either. You have no idea what I've been through this summer and how hard it is to be here without him. You knew damn well I needed you. I thought; I'll be okay, I have my friends to cheer me up and make me laugh. You guys were supposed to be there for me. You promised." Cassie says, her voice raspy with emotion.
They all share looks with each other and remain silent, making her jaw clench again. "You're overreacting, Cassie." Draco mutters with a laugh, making her head tilt slightly with rage.
"Piss off, you cunt. You're all being twats for what? So you won't spill any of your precious information on You-Know-Who? Just because me and Cassie have decency, doesn't mean that we're going to go round telling everyone your secrets. If you spoke to us about it, we would've understood and we could've moved past it. But you have made it so difficult by whispering and going quiet every time Cassie and I come near you." Enzo explains, more calmly than Cassie would've. "I thought you were better than that." he frowns before standing up and taking Cassie with him.
"They're being absolute dickheads. They don't know what they've gotten themselves into with all that dark magic shit." Enzo mutters, his grip tight on her wrist. "How dare they? How dare they take their anger out on us knowing damn well we love them more than anything? We would've never done that to them."
"Enz..."
"No! It's pissed me off!"
Enzo pulls her around a corner and before Cassie knows what's happening, he has his hands on her waist and is pinning her to the nearest wall. She gasps as she watches his chest heave up and down with anger. "Enzo.." she whispers.
He cuts her off with a powerful kiss. Sparks of fire transferred from his lips to hers, setting off fireworks in her abdomen. His hands trail from Cassie's shoulders to her thighs as he kisses her with nothing but passion. She wants to stop him as his lips find her neck and he begins sucking and lightly biting it but something in her doesn't let herself do it.
"Enzo— we can't. Not now. We're fifteen." she whispers, lightly tugging on his hair. He groans into her neck, making her go weak in the knees. "I mean it, Enzo. I don't fancy getting pregnant at fifteen."
He reluctantly pulls his lips off Cassie's neck and clenches his jaw as he looks into her eyes. "You wait until we're both sixteen."
She laughs, "Only about three months." He chuckles and finds her hand as they began walking to the common room. "Shit, my detention." Cassie exclaims, checking the time. She sighs with relief— she has five minutes to make it to Umbridge's office.
"Meet me on the Astronomy Tower afterwards." Enzo says before kissing her again.
She practically sprints to Umbridge's office, the opposite side of the school. When she arrives, Harry's eyes widen at her neck. "I know, I know." she whispers, covering the mark with her ponytail.
Harry knocks on the door and the short professor opens with with a creepy smile. Cassie's eyebrows shoot up as she gets a good look of Umbridge's office. There's not a single part of the room that isn't a shade of pink— even her quills are a pale pink. The walls are decorated with cat portraits on small plates, each one's meow unique.
Cassie and Harry silently sit down on the provided desks opposite hers. Umbridge smiles with a grin that made Cassie feel sick. She has that look about her that just makes you want to punch her in the face. "You two are going to be doing some lines for me today." she says quietly, that uneasy, fake smile not faltering.
Cassie and Harry awkwardly look at each other as she stands up. They begin reaching to grab their quills but she stops them instantly. "No, no, you're going to be using one of my quills today." Umbridge grins, two feathers in her hand.
The professor carefully places them on their small desks, but she doesn't give them any ink. "You haven't given us any ink." Harry states bluntly which almost makes Cassie snort a laugh.
"Oh, you won't need any." Umbridge simpers before sitting back down.
"What kind of quills don't need ink?" Cassie whispers before picking it up. Harry shrugs and picked up his own.
"Miss Black, I want you to write; I must not be rude to staff. Mr Potter, I want you to write; I must not tell lies." she informs, earning an eye roll from both Cassie and Harry.
"How many times?" Cassie asks, her head down.
"Let's just say... how long it takes for the message to sink in." she answers with a smile.
Cassie shakes her head and puts the quill to the parchment. To her surprise, it writes the same as a normal quill would. This is strange. Why was the Wizarding World evolving to use Muggle inventions? That doesn't usually happen.
She writes the sentence on the parchment twice before she starts to get an immense pain in her left hand. Her head snaps around to Harry's— his hand as maroon and sore as hers. The words 'I must not be rude to staff' appears on the dorsal side of Cassie's hand in blood. She clenches her hand in pain as it oozes with blood. She doesn't cry or wince. She'd been through worse. She isn't weak.
Umbridge stands in front of Cassie and Harry's desks with a satisfied smile. Her and Harry have identical sneers on their faces as they stare at the woman with rage.
In this moment, they look awfully like Sirius and James.
But Oh, Cassie has the pure rage of Remus Lupin right now. This woman might be sent from the gates of Hell. If she thought having Voldemort as a Professor was bad, this is worse. Even Barty Crouch Jr didn't torture his own students.
Umbridge lets them go and they pack up their stuff as quickly as possible. Within an instant, they're out of her office. "She's evil. Sent from the devil, I'm telling you." Harry mutters as they walk down her stairs. Cassie hums in agreement, nodding her head. "You okay? Well, apart from whatever happened in there." he asks.
Cassie sighs, "Yeah, Umbridge is the least of my problems at the moment."
Harry's eyebrows knit together, "Why? What's going on?"
"All of my friends are being dickheads. They've been completely ignoring and avoiding me and Enzo since we arrived yesterday. Both me and Enzo had a go at them at dinner. It's horrible. I hate arguing with them."
"Why were they ignoring you?"
"Take a guess, Haz."
"Oh."
Cassie laughs, "They're good people. It's their families that are the bad ones. I've known them all five years and they haven't ever done me wrong until today."
He sighs, "I hate to say this, but what did you expect? Voldemort is literally Mattheo's father, surely this was inevitable."
Cassie nods and twists her bracelet with her head down. The scary thing is that Harry has a point. There's no way possible Cassie can be friends with them and still be a good person. It's not their fault— she's very aware of that. They didn't choose to be born into dark wizarding families.
Yet again, Sirius was born into a dark family. He's a good person, despite all he's been through. Perhaps Draco, Mattheo, Theo, Blaise and Pansy will grow up to be like Sirius— good people.
Cassie really hopes.
—
Her and Harry parted ways— Cassie up to the astronomy tower to see Enzo and Harry to the Gryffindor common room. When Cassie arrives on the tower, she's hit with a wave of (sad?) nostalgia.
This tower holds way too much history. It happens to be the place Cassie and Cedric spoke the night before the final task. It was the last night she had ever spent with him and she didn't even realise it.
Cassie blinks rapidly to stop the tears from forming. She isn't weak.
Enzo spots her and rushes to her side in a hurry. Cassie's knees sink to the floor and her lips part. "Hey, what's wrong?" he whispers, holding her close. She does everything in her power to hold back the tears. She isn't weak.
No, no, no, no.
"Shh, it's okay." he whispers, holding the back of her head. Cassie uncontrollably sobs into his shoulder. She isn't weak. She isn't weak. She isn't weak. She isn't weak.
She isn't weak.
Notes:
okay so there’s a LOT to digest this chapter!!
1) harry being nice to cassie and them two understanding each other means SO much to me. like they are literally siblings in another life change my mind. if not for voldemort, cassie and harry would’ve been raised together. can you imagine that??
2) the beef with umbridge will NEVER end. i hate the hoe more than life xx YOU TELL HER CASSIE AND ENZO!! good on them for shouting at her
3) the argument at dinner… well okay! that hurt like a LOT. it’s so sad because cassie just wouldn’t of ever expected that of them. they let her down :( it makes her doubt herself and wonder why she even thought they could ever be good in the first place. i feel sooo bad for her and enzo atm
4) enzo being a bit naughty??? outrageous, lorenzo. what would your mother think??
5) cassie breaking down on the astronomy tower ☹️☹️ ugh our girl isn’t doing well currently
everyone comment a prayer for cassie pls and thanks
Chapter 41: Y5 | Lonely and Alone
Summary:
Cassie’s grief with a side of loneliness and Umbridge
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ I MISS YOU, IM SORRY — GRACIE ABRAMS
'Nothing happened in the way I wanted, every corner of this house is haunted.'
It's been a week since Cassie and Enzo's argument with their friends. One morning, Cassie and Pansy are getting ready for school in utter silence. She's refusing to speak to Cassie no matter how much she tries. The other girls are neutral in all this, but there's still a level of awkwardness.
As they brush their teeth, side-by-side, Cassie's eyes are hit with a rush of tears. She doesn't let a single tear fall down, afraid of Pansy seeing her weak side. Instead, she takes a deep breath and wipes her eyes. "Are you crying?" Pansy asks after spitting her toothpaste into the sink.
Cassie turns to face her, her eyes wet. "No, I'm fine." she mutters.
"Cassie..." Pansy starts, taking ahold of her hand as Cassie turns to walk out of the bathroom.
"Don't start acting all sweet now as if you haven't been ignoring me for a week straight. It's pathetic, Pansy."
Pansy's jaw clenches, "I'm pathetic? You're the one that doesn't stop screaming and crying all the time."
"Oh I couldn't think of anything I would be crying about! I must be crying over nothing!" Cassie says sarcastically, earning an eye roll from Pansy. "You're supposed to be my best friend, Pansy. What happened?" Cassie says, her voice more low and calm.
"Don't get all soppy with me again. You do nothing but cry, Cassie."
Cassie scoffs, "Oh, I'm so sorry for showing my emotions. Pansy, I've lost my absolute best friend, for god's sake! I'm a werewolf with a dead dad and brother. I'm sorry for being upset once in a while."
"Oh just piss off, Cassie."
Cassie feels as if she'd been hit by a truck at her words. She's lost the people she was the most terrified of losing. Pansy was Cassie's best friend. She was supposed to be there for her through thick-and-thin.
The one person Cassie needs to speak to right now is dead. She needs Cedric more now than ever.
Pansy slams the bathroom door behind her and Cassie faintly hears her sprint down the dormitory stairs into the common room. Cassie closes her eyes and bows her head.
"Hey, you okay?" Lexi asks, warily stepping into the bathroom.
Cassie takes a deep breath. "Yeah, fine. Just getting to me— all this. Pansy doesn't seem to be making it any easier for me." Cassie laughs.
"Ignore her, Cass. You're doing really well at the moment, and just in case you haven't heard it in a while, I'm proud of you." Lexi smiles, taking both of Cassie's hands.
Cassie's eyes threaten tears again and her lip quivers. "Thank you, Lex. That means so much."
"Of course. You coming down to breakfast now?"
"Yeah."
It's like everything has gone downhill since Amos died. Cassie has never been through so much pain all at once. The emotional whiplash is excruciating. It just feels like everything is hitting her at once, each slap hurting even more than the previous. Her body is limp from her own mind beating itself up. Cassie isn't just bruised on the outside, but the inside too.
Fuck.
She isn't weak.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie's heart pounds with anxiety as she walks into her Astronomy classroom. This is the only lesson where their seats are absolutely permanent, meaning that she isn't allowed to ask Sinistra to let her move seats.
She sits down next to Mattheo with her head high. She can't let this get to her. Professor Sinistra approaches the three of them with a stern look. "I don't want any trouble from you three today, okay?"
Cassie sees Mattheo's jaw twitch before he responds. "Oh, don't worry professor. That won't be a problem."
Cassie's heart has been ripped to pieces. It's like somebody has taken out her heart and shoved it in a shredding machine. She's lost her best friends. Her partners in crime. The only people that understood.
Cassie is alone again. She thought she could survive without her friends and she could live with only having Enzo and her dads in her life.
Oh, how she was wrong.
The rest of the lesson flies by with Mattheo and Theo completely ignoring her (and admittedly struggling with their constellations) and Cassie escapes the classroom as quickly as she can, desperate to find Enzo. Her chest aches with metaphorical pain. She can't do this without her friends. She needs them more than she thought she did.
—
It's been another two days without her friends. Every second Cassie spends apart from them, she feels even empty than before. She isn't herself without them, and not having Cedric to rant to is absolutely killing her.
Last night's nightmare was horrifying. Enzo no longer sleeps with Cassie so the nightmares have crawled their way back in every night. Last night's was Cedric's body screaming for help, but there was nothing Cassie could do. She was stuck. She wanted to help him but she couldn't. That kind of nightmare is very common with Cassie— she supposes it relates to how she feels as if it's her fault and there was something she could've done to prevent it.
Cassie makes her way down to the hall for dinner and spots Enzo sitting next to Ron on the Gryffindor table. She smiles and heads their way to join them. Harry, Hermione and Ginny were sitting opposite Ron and Enzo.
"Hi love," Enzo smiled as Cassie takes a seat next to him. She's about to respond but is interrupted by Hermione.
"Is Parkinson alright, Cassie? I don't talk to her but something is off— she's awfully pale. We spent the whole train ride together as we're both prefects, you see. Even then, she looked very ill.
"Oh, we haven't spoken in a while."
"Perhaps you should. She doesn't seem to be doing well. Did you see her in Potions earlier?"
Cassie shakes her head.
"She looked as miserable as ever. I figured it was to do with what's going on with you recently."
Cassie nods, thinking about it. Is this affecting Pansy as much as it's affecting Cassie? Are they all like this? In truth, she's never missed them so much in her life. She's needed a laugh since they arrived back at school and she's yet to find one. "I think I know exactly where she is."
"You do?"
"I'll be back, don't go anywhere." Cassie says before kissing the top of Enzo's head and running out of the hall. People give her odd looks as she sprints around the school halls.
Cassie's feet take her as fast as they can out of the school and round to the Black Lake. She sighs with relief and a slight smile appears on her face. Pansy is sitting against their tree. Without even thinking, Cassie runs down the patch of gravel to the other side of the lake. Pansy looks up from her hands and her gaze slightly softens as she watches Cassie slow down her pace.
She stands up before Cassie even gets the chance to say anything, bringing her into an abrupt hug. Cassie's eyes widen but she quickly hugs her back. She needs her best friend back so badly, and she's willing to do absolutely anything to win her friendship back.
"I thought I could do this without you, Cassie. Theo and Draco kept telling me to stay strong and not give in but it's impossible to stay away from
you. I miss you so much, Cassie. I've been completely miserable since we fell out. I'm so sorry for everything I said, I didn't mean a single word." Pansy spits out all at once after they pull apart. "What you and Enzo were saying was so right and I'm genuinely so sorry for ignoring you. I should've explained everything."
Cassie nods rapidly, "It's okay, Pansy. I understand. You did what you had to do."
"I don't think I'm allowed to tell you anything going on at home but I need you to understand that I love you more than anything, Cass. You really are my best friend. I'm not going to lose you just because we're on different sides of whatever is going on."
"I know, me too. I just don't know what to do about the others. They really don't want to speak to me. Draco has gone as far as giving me dirty looks every time I walk past as if we haven't been best friends for the past five years."
"I know, I know. They don't understand, Cassie. They've all been brainwashed by their parents. You can't tell anyone this, especially Harry, but You-Know-Who has reconnected with Mattheo and is in contact with both him and Draco. Theo's parents are the same— and Blaise's mother. They've changed so much it's unreal. I hate hanging out with them. They're always whispering about something."
"The only reason I've been so upset about all of this is because I thought I could count on you guys, out of all people, to stick by my side and cheer me up. That's what you guys have always been good at—cheering me up. I know I've been improving slightly with my mental health since Ced's death but in no way, shape or form am I okay. I needed you guys and you weren't there."
Pansy's eyes watered with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Cassie. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't forgive me, I have been a horrible friend to you recently and I get that. But I can't go another second knowing that I'm the reason my best friend is miserable. Well— if I'm still your best friend." she says, bowing her head.
Cassie chuckles slightly and held both of her hands. "Pansy, of course you're still my best friend. After all, who's the one that I survived five years with those lot with?
Pansy smiles and looks Cassie in the eye, a tear escaping. "I'm so sorry." she whispers.
Cassie smiled and pulls her into her arms again. "I forgive you, Pansy."
"Oh my god, did you see Adrien Pucey's new hair? I saw him walk past in Divination the other day and turned around to tell you but then I realised." She says after they pull apart.
Cassie laughs, "It's so bad isn't it? He's cut half of it off."
She chuckles, "It's like— if you're gonna go bald, at least go the full way." As Cassie laughs with her best friend, she can't be more grateful to be talking to her again. She really needed her.
When they walk back into the castle, everyone is crowded the far stairs by the great hall. Cassie and Pansy trail behind them and search for Enzo in the crowd. "What's going on?" Cassie whispers.
"Mcgonagall and Umbridge are about to have a scrap!" Seamus whispers back, making Cassie's attention snap to the ladies arguing on the stairs.
"Things at Hogwarts are way worse than I feared! Cornelius will want to take immediate action." Umbridge warns, her gaze not leaving Mcgonagall as she scowls.
"Absolute cunt." Cassie says as the crowd make their way back into the hall.
"I would give you a punishment for saying that, but I couldn't agree more, Miss Black.." Mcgonagall says, walking past Cassie and Enzo. Cassie gasps, realising what she said. Enzo, Hermione and Pansy chuckle while her cheeks turned a light maroon.
"You two made up, then?" Enzo whispers, his lips dangerously close to Cassie's ear, sending a shiver through her body.
She nods, "I'll tell you everything later."
Everybody resumes eating their meals with noise of a louder level after the previous events. Cassie and Pansy weren't there to hear the full argument but from what they heard, Mcgonagall had put Umbridge in her place.
Speaking of Umbridge, Cassie has gotten two more detentions with her (both of them oddly being with Harry) and Enzo still hasn't noticed her scabbed left hand. Although, it did blend in quite well with all of her other scars so Cassie doesn't expect him to pick up on it. Her facial scars have only paled slightly— the ones from her most recent transition more prominent than the others. She isn't as insecure of them now that everyone at Headquarters was aware of her condition. She doesn't feel like she had to hide them from Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny or the twins anymore. Cassie is beginning to feel comfortable in her own skin.
"You okay?" Enzo asks as he watches her smile slowly fade after laughing with Pansy and Ron.
"Yeah," Cassie smiles, genuinely. It's crazy how fast her mood had changed. Sure, she still hasn't made up with four of her other friends but she'd rather have Pansy back and not be friends with the others than be friends with others and not have Pansy. She means the absolute world to Cassie and she is so glad to have her best friend back.
Enzo seems to realise how genuine her smile is so he smiles too, his eyes glistening. Cassie places a small, sweet kiss on his cheek to show her appreciation for him. Enzo is the only one that has stuck by her side throughout everything. He's the one person she trusts with her whole being.
"You have no idea how happy it makes me to see you smiling again." he grins, brushing his finger against her cheek.
Cassie beams, "I love you."
"I love you more."
A / N : I'm literally so sorry this chapter is TINY. I really didn't know how else to tackle this chapter, hence why it's no different from the original. Vv sorry!
Notes:
cassie is going THROUGH it at the moment… will the poor girl ever get a break 3
hm’s… even if there’s barely any LMAO
sorry for the really short chapter guys i literally had a complete mind blank at this chapter.
1) pansy being an utter TWAT and lexi telling cassie she’s proud of her 🥹 i just know pansy saying that HURT poor cassie like nothing before. she trusted her :(
2) mattheo and theo being spiteful little cunts 😒 lowk hate them atm
3) hermione mentioning pansy being sad and cassie dropping everything to find her despite what happened two days before I CANT.
4) cassie just wants her best friends back :(
5) MINNIE AHAHAHAH ugh i love her soooo much she’s so precious to me
6) enzo being the soppiest soul to exist. we LOVE him for that.
Chapter 42: Y5 | Sparks
Summary:
Alexa play “Sparks” by Coldplay…
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ END OF BEGINNING- DJO
'And when I'm back in Chicago, I feel it. Another version of me, I was in it.'
On the following Friday morning, Cassie is in Potions with Ron, Enzo and Harry. Cassie didn't fancy sitting with Theo, Mattheo and Pansy so she decides to sit with the others. Umbridge sneaks her way in silently, standing at the back of the potions classroom. She's been evaluating all Professors recently, something Dumbledore clearly doesn't like.
Snape has that usual grim look on his face— which for some odd reason, comforts Cassie. It's like nothing had changed. When in reality, almost everything has changed.
"Black, Berkshire, move back to your usual seats. You know you don't sit there, don't think of me as a fool." Snape orders, earning a groan from the pair. Cassie's usual seat is beside Mattheo, opposite Pansy and Draco.
She unwillingly picks her bag up and makes her way to her seat. Her and Enzo share a worried look, the awkward silence making them both equally as uneasy. Mattheo and Draco simply stare at Cassie as she takes her seats. Cassie shoots Pansy a look that says "Help!" when she sits down.
Majority of the lesson is spent in silence, Umbridge watching from afar. This is only a theory lesson so she'd chosen the wrong time to come and evaluate Snape.
As they write down their theory on the Draught of Peace, Umbridge makes her way to the front of the classroom, inspecting Snape's desk. "You applied first for the Defence Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?" she pipes up, drawing everyone's attention to her.
"Yes." replies Snape, glumly.
"But you were unsuccessful?" she pouts.
Snape takes a moment before responding, the class in utter silence. "Obviously."
Cassie almost lets her laugh slip out and she covers her mouth with her hand to stop it from escaping. She looks to her right and sees Mattheo doing the same thing. The both of them burst into laughter at the exact same time, their hands flying away from their mouths. It's like old times— laughing with her best friends with Snape prowling behind them.
The laughter doesn't last long before Umbridge walks out and Snape approaches them. He pulls out a piece of parchment and hits Cassie and Mattheo on the back of their heads. "Oi!" Mattheo exclaims, making her laugh again.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Quidditch trials begin the same afternoon. Cassie has until Sunday to pick her team. Since Blaise and Lexi's positions are permanent, they're already a definite. Enzo will be remaining on the team after a brilliant run last year. The Quidditch House cup wasn't awarded to anyone last year after the events of the Final Task. Cassie is making it her mission to get it this year.
Mattheo and Theo don't turn up to trials. Instead, Draco does with Crabbe. Cassie converses with Enzo and Lexi as Blaise approaches Draco and Crabbe. Not everyone has arrived yet so it gives Cassie time to sort herself out.
"Can you believe that? Malfoy? When has he ever wanted to do Quidditch?" Lexi asks.
"Since never. He called me a pathetic half-blood, an embarrassment to Slytherin in second year." Cassie snorts.
"Merlin." Lexi sighs.
"No Theo or Mattheo then." Enzo comments, surveying the crowd.
"I can't decide if that's a good thing or not." Cassie replies, toying with her bracelet.
"It's good short-term, but if you're all gonna make up soon and they don't bother showing up, they're gonna regret it and the team is definitely going to be affected." Lexi says.
"Mhm." Enzo shrugs.
Cassie rubs a frustrated hand over her face with a groan. "Alright, I'll give them until Sunday to decide if they still want to try out. If not, we'll have to manage, won't we?"
"Yeah." Lexi frowns.
Cassie calls up five people to tryout for keeper. The only decent-ish one she finds is Lucian Bole. Of course, he's not half as good as Theo is, but that's something Cassie needs to compromise with at the moment. She's planning on trying to speak to them later, ask them if they're sure about the team.
Picking the chasers is much harder. Enzo is already guaranteed a spot, so that only leaves two spots. Draco and Crabbe tryout with Enzo, which for Crabbe, goes horribly wrong. He falls off his broom and has to get escorted off by Hooch.
"Fucking idiot." Cassie mutters under her breath.
As for Draco, however, he's not too bad of a chaser. Compared to the others Cassie has tried out, he seems to be the best so far. But is she going to let him get it that easily?
No way.
She may love Quidditch, but she will always prioritise her ego. Draco doesn't deserve this position so she's going to make him work for it. Leave him wondering what she thinks. Her face is stone cold as he plays, not giving even a slight hint of indication.
By the time tryouts are over, it's late in the evening. Cassie and Enzo head back to the common room to shower before regrouping downstairs. When Cassie goes down, she spots Mattheo and Theo sprawled over the sofas.
She might as well talk to them now, get it over with.
With her head held high, Cassie sits down on the armchair opposite them. They immediately stop their conversation and look at her in unison. "Cassie." Theo states.
"Boys." she nods. "Tryouts were tonight, you weren't interested, no?"
They share a look. "Clearly not, Black." Theo scoffs.
"So the past three years have meant nothing? For you to just give up your bloody brilliant positions in Quidditch is just... it's just strange."
"Ah, you admit it! We're bloody brilliant." Mattheo quotes.
"I've never hid that, Mattheo. You and Theo are pretty significant parts of our team, that's never been a secret. I've never had a keeper as good as you, Theo, and all of the chasers that try out are useless compared to you." Cassie says.
"Aw, you're helpless without us." Theo pouts.
"I wouldn't say helpless. I can quite easily get this team to the House Cup this year without you. I just figured it was in your best interest. But if you're really not interested, I guess I can sign on Lucian as keeper..." she sighs, twisting her bracelet. She knows how much Theo hates being compared to others. If she can manipulate this conversation in the way she needs to, they'll be back on the team by Sunday.
"Bole? He's fucking useless, Cass." Theo snorts.
Cass.
She's got him hook line and sinker.
"He's not too bad actually." she shrugs.
Theo is getting visibly more irritated, sitting forward in his seat. His eyebrows are close together— a clear indication of the frustration. "You're serious? Lucian fucking Bole is better than me?"
"In some lights, sure." Cassie nods. "And Oh— Crabbe is a brilliant chaser, much better than you'd think so. I'm thinking him, Enzo and Draco..."
"Crabbe?" Mattheo exclaims, almost jumping out of his seat. His eyebrows are high.
Cassie's ego is so high right now.
"Yeah, he deserves more credit." she smiles innocently, holding her facade rather easily.
"Fuck that. Let us try out again." Theo snaps. "Fucking Bole." he mutters under his breath.
Cassie ego just got even higher.
"Alright. Sunday afternoon alright for you both?" Cassie asks.
They nod.
"Alright, but you can't blame me if I decide to go with Bole and Crabbe." she shrugs, standing up and leaving them with that. The smile of success breaks the second she turns her back. Lexi holds her hand out and Cassie high-fives her.
—
On Sunday afternoon, Cassie heads to the pitch with Enzo and Lexi. Pansy and the girls are in the stands for support and pure boredom. Cassie feels good about this. Now that she's pushed the right buttons, hopefully that means they'll put even more effort into getting this position. Cassie hates to admit it, but this team isn't a team without Mattheo or Theo. She needs them.
Theo and Mattheo turn up after ten minutes of waiting on the pitch. When they do, Cassie takes a deep breath. "I'm first." Theo commands, halting by the others.
"No, Mattheo is first." Cassie says, standing her ground. She's the captain, not him. He doesn't need to know that she was going to put him up first. Mattheo winks with a smile before nudging Theo, who nudges him back just as hard. "You know the drill by now, Mattheo. Theo, get up there. Whilst I assess Mattheo you'll be keeper, then vice versa. Understood?"
"Yeah, yeah. Let's get on with it." Mattheo sighs, hopping on his broom. Cassie looks at Enzo and they share a look before following suit.
Mattheo is, of course, playing absolutely beautifully. Crabbe has absolutely nothing on him. Cassie thinks she hates that— but she also thinks she hates the fact that she hates it. Mattheo is like a song that you can't get out of your head— you love the song, but you get annoyed with how attached you get to it.
Crabbe scored 30 points.
Mattheo gets 110.
"Fuck's sake." she whispers, shaking her head. Being a captain is a lot harder than it looks.
"How'd I do?" Mattheo winks, landing on the ground with ease.
"No point in asking a question you already know the answer to, Matty." she shrugs, closing the quidditch trunk with a click.
Mattheo laughs, and it's a sound Cassie wishes she could trap in a box and keep beneath her bed. Just for now, his laughter is her only source of joy.
"Theo, you're up!" Cassie shouts.
By the evening, Cassie is frustrated with the effect they have on her. She hands in her official team to Hooch after dinner, anxiety filling her stomach. Is she making the right choices? Should she have let Draco on the team?
"Mr. Malfoy, I see?" Hooch observes.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm afraid he was my only option. If it were up to me, he wouldn't be on the team." Cassie admits.
"That's quite alright— a good player is a good player, right?"
"Indeed."
"Nott and Riddle? Bold choices, but good nonetheless."
"I'm afraid so, Ma'am. They're too good of players not to keep. They're vital parts of this team whether I like it or not."
"Understandable." Hooch nods. "Well, thank you, Miss Black. Practice will remain each Friday as usual. I'd recommend focusing on some team-building exercises. Especially with Malfoy on your team, I worry he'll be a problem."
"I quite agree. I've already got some ideas."
"Brilliant. Thanks again, Miss Black. Have a good evening."
"You too."
After she leaves Hooch's office, Cassie heads to the Owlery to write to Sirius. She hasn't yet updated either of them on the situation with her friends at the moment. She supposes it'll be nice to get it off her chest.
But, oh, it'd be easier if she had her brother to rant to.
----
Dear Dad,
Things have been odd at Hogwarts recently. Draco absolutely despises Enzo and I, Mattheo and Theo only slightly tamer. I'm okay with Pansy but Blaise hasn't spoken to Enzo in ages.
As soon as we got to school, they all started acting really odd with both of us. They were completely ignoring us and whispering every two seconds— we came to the conclusion that they had been told by their parents not to speak to us in case they revealed any information on you-know-who. Both me and Enzo had a go at them like a week or so ago and we've barely spoken since.
However, a few days ago I spoke to Pansy by our tree. She apologised for everything and I forgave her. I was so miserable without her, Dad. You have no idea.
To be honest, I miss them more than anything. But the annoying thing is that if I want to remain a person with good morals and integrity and support Harry, I don't know if I can still be friends with them. Their parents are horrible people and I know damn well that their parents will somehow brainwash them into following their footsteps. They're good people. I swear on my life they're brilliant people. They were just born into the wrong families, that's all.
I don't know what to do, Dad. Mattheo and Theo are slowly starting to speak to me but it's still awkward. I'm at a point where I just genuinely don't know what to do.
I love you both to the moon and back.
- Cassie x
------
Cassie feeds Coral a treat before sending her off with her letter tied to her talon. "There we go." Cassie smiles. She turns to leave and head down the stairs. When she reaches the bottom, there's a familiar face.
Mattheo is stood against the wall, picking at his fingernails. Cassie stops in her tracks on the grass and looks at him with low eyebrows. She clears her throat to get his attention.
Mattheo presses off the wall, blinking at her. "Um— can I speak to you, Cassie?" he asks, unusually awkwardly for Mattheo. "It'll be quick."
"Okay."
Why does he want to speak to her? Are they going to argue again? Cassie doesn't want another argument with one of her friends. She's so sick of it.
"Can I hear your opinions on everything? I wanna know what's going on in that big brain of yours." he says, casually, as they start walking.
"Opinions on our argument?" Cassie raises an eyebrow. He nods so she takes a long, deep breath before speaking again. "Well, you know that I love you lot to bits and I would do absolutely anything for you— but how can I still be friends with you if I can't trust you? I know you guys are good people, I've known you five years and you haven't ever done me wrong— but I also know that with everything going on, things are going to change. I really do love you guys, more than you'll ever know, but I guess I just want to remain on the good side." Cassie sighs. "Before you say anything about that, I need you to know that it's nothing against you or the others. It's just the way our lives have been moulded. Mattheo, my dads are Gryffindors that were best friends with Harry's parents, my life is already written before me. Do you get what I'm saying?"
Mattheo looks like he's just been winded straight through the stomach. Cassie can't tell whether he's about to cry or not.
"Cassie, I love you, I really do and I really want us to be friends again." he halts in his tracks. "We can still be friends but be on different sides, I swear. I just want things to go back to how they used to be— you know, when we were pulling pranks every other day and laughing twenty-four-seven. I miss you both." He's rambling now. "I think I've lost my spark without you and Enzo. Is it wrong to say I'm depressed? I have never been so miserable in my life."
Mattheo is so vulnerable around Cassie. He doesn't know why. Something just clicks and he's spilling all of his darkest secrets to her. Perhaps that's why he felt like he had to stop talking to her. He couldn't risk telling her everything.
Now it's Cassie's turn for her eyes to water. She pulls Mattheo in for a warm hug and he willingly accepts. Her heart shatters as the tears escape his eyes. "I don't want this, Cassie." he whispers in a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of way, weeping into her shoulder. She only hugs him tighter to let him know she's here and listening to him.
"I know, I know." Cassie replies. She'd predicted this. It's their parents that are setting them up to it— Cassie knows deep down that neither Mattheo, Theo, Draco, Blaise and Pansy are really evil. Sure, Draco seems evil on the outside but there's more to him. She doesn't quite know what, but there's something.
Cassie holds his forearms, looking him in the eye. "Mattheo, you're still one of my best friends. I love you and the others so much and I would give anything to be friends with you guys again. We can make it work— we'll just have to have a strict no-you-know-who-policy where we just don't discuss him or anything to do with what's going on at the moment— that way, neither of us will feel obliged to spill information." she smiles. "We both have our secrets and that's okay."
"I agree— thank you, Cass."
Cassie smiles, "Come on, Enzo is probably having a panic attack about why I've taken longer than ten minutes to speak to Hooch."
He wipes the dry tears from his eye-line and smiles. All of a sudden, Cassie feels like she'd gotten some sort of spark back. She smiles, and she actually meant it this time.
—
Cassie and Mattheo gather everyone on the common room sofas to discuss what they agreed on earlier that day. Draco, Theo and Blaise stare at Cassie and Mattheo with blank expressions as they explain.
"Oh thank goodness." Blaise sighs and jumps up to do his handshake with Enzo instantly. Theo goes straight to Cassie and they hug briefly, which makes Cassie want to bawl on the spot. She's so happy to be back with her favourite people.
Once Cassie hugs Blaise, she stands in front of Draco with a smile. "Come on, you can't not speak to me for over a week and not expect a hug after we make up." she points. He rolls his eyes but Cassie sees the faint smile plastered across his lips. Without giving him the chance to object, she wraps her arms around him. He sighs and hugs her back (very reluctantly).
A short while later, they sit around the sofa's talking as usual. They discuss their shared hatred for Umbridge— and how hilarious Snape's evaluation was.
"I swear he blushed." Theo says, shaking his head with a smile. They all burst into laughter. The idea of Severus Snape blushing is the funniest thing to exist.
"Imagine he gets sacked." Pansy grins.
"I'd pay ungodly amounts for that to happen." Cassie comments.
"Oh yeah, how much?" Blaise leans forward.
"Millions of galleons, Zabini. Millions."
"Woah."
In that exact moment, time stops for a moment. Cassie has her spark back. She's laughing and smiling as if she hadn't been through an excruciating amount of pain within the past year or so. She's with her friends again, which is all that mattered.
Cassie is happy.
And Cedric is so proud.
Notes:
YAYYYY OKAY HONOURABLE MENTIONS SO I CAN EXPRESS MY EMOTIONS!!
1) the incident with snape and umbridge 😭😭 too iconic i fear. mattheo and cassie laughing like nothing happened :((
2) cassies ego refusing to give draco the satisfaction LMAOO what a boss. making her captain was a legendary move from hooch i reckon
3) cassie tricking mattheo and theo into trying out HELP she knew what she was doing and she looked incredible doing it. her and lexi high-fiving after 😭
4) poor cassie ranting about her life to remus LMAO if it makes her happy, let it!
5) MATTHEO BABYYYYY i’m sorry i am a fool for a bit of soft best friend!mattheo. especially when he doesn’t stand for his fathers beliefs. i know it’s probably unrealistic and how ive written these intense pureblood slytherin characters isn’t at all accurate, but like ive said before, it’s my fic! if i say mattheo and theo will be absolute softies for a character, then that it shall be!
YAY WE’RE ALL FRIENDS AGAIN!! the relief for cassie omg. our girl is slightly happy now!
Chapter 43: Y5 | Umbridge
Summary:
Dolores Umbridge being a twat, basically.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ AS IT WAS- HARRY STYLES
'In this world, it's just us. you know it's not the same as it was.'
By mid-November, Cassie is recovering from her full moon. She hasn't cried in a week— a pretty solid record for her so far. Cedric remains in her thoughts pretty much twenty-four-seven, but she's not letting it affect her like it did. She's better now. She isn't weak.
And Cedric isn't coming back.
Also, the entrance to the Great Hall is plastered is covered in all sorts of Decrees being enforced by Umbridge. Slowly, she's been taking over the school. In DADA they're learning nothing and students are walking around school with burning red hands. Cassie thinks even having Barty Crouch Jr was a better choice— and he's the reason her brother is dead.
The whole school gather around the courtyard, Professor Trelawney quivering in her spot. Filch hobbles over to the trembling Divination Professor and hands her (lots of) trunks to her. "This is absolutely cruel. She hasn't done anything wrong!" Lavender Brown squeals from behind Cassie. She can't help but agree. Sure, Trelawney is as mad as a hatter but she is one of them. She has worked at Hogwarts for years.
The large metal doors swing open and Umbridge waltzes out of them with her usual creepy grin plastered across her face. She approaches Trelawney with a menacing smile as the crowds of Hogwarts students watch in anticipation.
Harry pushes his way through the crowds and stands in between Cassie and Enzo. "What's going on?" he whisperers, his chest heaving.
"Dunno, apparently Trelawney failed her evaluation." Ron answers instead.
"Six..." Trelawney stutters, almost tumbling over her trunks in the process. "Sixteen years I've... I've lived and taught here. Hogwarts is my home."
Cassie frowns, her eyebrows sinking. As much as Cassie isn't fond of her, she doesn't deserve to be fired. As sane as Divination professors go, she isn't that bad.
Trelawney begins weeping and wiped her soggy eyes with her baggy, scruffy sleeve. "You... you can't do this."
Umbridge gives her a sarcastic sympathetic smile, "Actually, I can." Umbridge lifts a piece of parchment with a ministry logo on the top to prove her point. Cassie's blood boils at her words. Umbridge is honestly the most frustrating person Cassie has ever come across— and she's had to put up with Marcus Flint.
Mcgonagall pushes past Cassie and Harry, rushing to Sybil's side in an instant. She wraps her arms around her comfortingly. Cassie has always admired Mcgonagall. She's always been her favourite professor— simply because of her undying confidence, which is hilarious at times. Plus, she actually cares about her students— which is an area most Professors lack in.
"Something you'd like to say, dear?" Umbridge simpers towards Mcgonagall. She's stupid enough to start a vocal argument with Minerva Mcgonagall. Minnie always wins.
"Oh, there are several things I would like to say!" Minerva spits, a rich scowl on her face. She resumes comforting Trelawney, handing her tissues and rubbing her shoulders. "There there, shh."
Out of nowhere, the same doors Umbridge had previously walked through burst open with a large rattle. Dumbledore struts through the doors and onto the courtyard while everyone stares in awe. As much as Cassie hates him, he bloody knows how to make an entrance. "Professor Mcgonagall, might I ask you to escort Sybil back inside?" Dumbledore orders. Umbridge doesn't even flinch at his words.
Mcgonagall leads Sybil out of the courtyard— Trelawney thanking Dumbledore about a million times.
"Dumbledore may I remind you that, under the terms of Educational Decree Number twenty-three, as enacted by the Minister—"
"You have the right to dismiss my teachers. However, you do not have the right to exile them from school grounds." Dumbledore interrupts, coldly. "That power remains with the headmaster."
Umbridge's smile only tenses, her posture failing to falter. "For now."
"Don't you all have studying to do?" Dumbledore bellows as he turns around to walk away from Umbridge. The crowds disperse instantly, everyone too afraid to ignore the Headmaster's orders. However, Harry runs to follow Dumbledore. He hasn't spoken to him since the hearing at the Ministry.
Ron and Hermione follow Harry so the rest of them make their way back to the common room. Enzo's hand is intertwined with Cassie's as they walk.
"Hate her all you want, she doesn't deserve to be banished. Umbridge is the one we should be worrying about." Pansy admits. By now, every single one of them have scars on their hands from Umbridge's detentions. Cassie, Mattheo and Theo seem to have it worse, the dorsal sides of their hands permanently maroon.
"I couldn't agree more. We need to get rid of that miserable cunt as soon as we can." Theo answers.
"I second that." Cassie adds with a scoff.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
After practice, Cassie and Enzo wander the halls after long hot showers. "This time last year I was worrying over Cedric's plan for the First Task." Cassie thinks aloud.
"A year ago." Enzo whistles. "How does that make you feel?"
"I don't know— daunted, in a way? Like I feel stuck with the fact he was alive this time last year. I don't know what to do with that."
"That's normal, love. You lost him five months ago. You're not going to heal that quickly."
"I'm not sure I'll ever heal, Enzo."
"And that's normal too. Nobody expects you to."
Out of nowhere, Hermione, Harry and Ron rush over to them. "Enzo— Cassie, can we speak to you?" Hermione manages to get out, extremely out of breath. The pair follow them around a corner with no clue what to expect.
"We've come up with an idea. You know how Umbridge isn't teaching us any real magic?" Hermione explains. Once Cassie and Enzo nod, she carries on. "Well, what about if Harry taught us instead? He knows way more than any of us."
"Oh that's a brilliant idea! Where would we do it?" Enzo replies.
"That's what we're trying to figure out— you wouldn't mind keeping it a secret from your friends, right?" Hermione asks, which makes Cassie realise how serious it is.
Right, they made an agreement.
She doesn't have to feel guilty about this.
"Yeah, of course. When do we start?" Cassie answers.
"Well, that's the thing. Right now. We've gathered loads of people in an empty pub in Hogsmeade." Ron says.
"Brilliant."
—
They arrive in the empty pub rather out breath. They had practically ran the way there— Hermione rushing them. When they get upstairs, Cassie is surprised by the amount of people sat in there. Cassie recognises; Rose & Atlas, Lola Diaz, Eddie, some of Cedric's friends Cassie never learnt the names of, Fred & George, Cho Chang, Luna Lovegood, Angelina Johnson, Colin & Dennis Creevey, Neville, Ginny, Padma and Pavarti, Dean, Seamus and Ernie Macmillan. The rest she doesn't know. Cassie, Enzo and his older siblings are the only Slytherins in the room, which makes Cassie slightly uncomfortable.
"So... you all know why we're here. We need a teacher." Hermione says, breaking the awkward silence across the room. "A proper teacher. One who's had real experience defending themselves."
"Why?" Ernie pipes up.
"Why? Because you-know-who's back you tosspot!" Ron answers before Cassie gets the chance. She grins at his sassy response.
"So he says." Macmillan shrugs, his gaze on Harry as he says it.
"So Dumbledore says." Hermione corrects.
"So Dumbledore says because he says. The point is; where's the proof?" Ernie spits back, infuriating Cassie.
"Maybe the fact that my brother isn't in this room? That's probably a contributing factor, right?" Cassie replies, getting more pissed off by the minute.
"If Potter could tell us more about how Diggory got killed..." another kid added, making Cassie's body fill with rage.
"Oh piss off you inconsiderate twat. If you're only here to hear about Cedric, you might as well sod off now." Enzo barks, holding back what he really wants to say.
"Oh come on, they're only here 'cause they think I'm some sort of freak—" Harry starts.
"Is it true you can produce a Patronus Charm?" Luna interrupts, making Harry cease instantly.
"Yes. I've seen it." Hermione says, proudly.
"Blimey, Harry. I didn't know you could do that!" Dean exclaims, a surprised tone in his voice.
"And he killed a Basilisk with the sword in Dumbledore's office!" Neville adds.
"It's true!" Ginny responds.
"Third year, he fought off about a hundred dementors at once." Enzo adds, obviously feeling obliged to mention how Harry saved Sirius' life.
"And last year, he really did fight off You-Know-Who in the flesh—"
"Wait—" Harry cuts off Hermione. "Look, it all sounds great when you say it like that. But the truth is, most of that was just luck. I didn't know what I was doing half the time, I nearly always had help."
"He's just being modest." Hermione rolls her eyes.
"No, Hermione, I'm not. Facing this stuff in real life isn't like school. In school, if you make a mistake, you can just try again tomorrow. But out there— when you're a second away from being murdered, or watching a friend die right before your eyes." Cassie's eyes glue shut at the mention of Cedric without even realising. Enzo slips his hand through hers, sensing instantly. "...you don't know what that's like."
The room now has a more glum, silent atmosphere as everyone takes in what Harry was saying. Cassie has so much respect and admiration for him. He has fought so much— and still somehow manages to not give up, not even once. That's what she admires about him. He doesn't give up in a way that reminds Cassie of herself sometimes.
"You're right, Harry. We don't know. That's why we need your help— because if we're going to have any change in defeating... Voldemort..." Hermione struggles on the word, her eyes closing for a brief second.
"He's really back?" Dennis asks, sadness behind his eyes. Harry nods, his jaw tight and eyes tired. Cassie's heart aches for him. He really does deserve better.
Once everyone has written their names down on the binding parchment, Hermione hands out coins that tells everyone what time meetings were being held at.
They walk over the covered bridge in the light snow. Cassie has Cedric's Hufflepuff scarf on (a gesture she finds comforting these days), an old knitted cream sweater and her usual jeans.
"First, we need to find a place to practice where Umbridge won't find out." Hermione says, walking at a rather quick pace.
"The shrieking shack?" Ginny suggests, making Cassie's stomach twist. That's where she has to undergo full moons.
"No— that's where Cassie transitions." Fred whispers as Neville is with them.
"Forbidden Forest?" Enzo suggests.
"Not bloody likely— I'm still traumatised from the spider incident in second year." Ron exclaims.
Cassie chuckles, "I need to know what the spider incident was."
"Harry, what happens if Umbridge does find out?" Ginny asks.
"Who cares? I mean, it's sort of exciting, isn't it? Breaking the rules." Hermione shrugs, resulting in a lot of grins and risen eyebrows.
"Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" Ron scoffs with shock in his voice.
"Anyway, at least we know one positive thing that came out of today." Hermione says, changing the subject. "Cho couldn't take her eyes off you, could she?" she smirks, Harry bowing his head with a smile.
"What? You like Cho Chang?" Cassie exclaims, her eyebrows so high they almost reach her hairline. Her and Enzo share an extremely surprised look
"No way." Enzo grins. Harry simply blushed, resulting in giggles from Cassie and Hermione. Ginny looks like she could kill all of them.
They emerge off the covered bridge and enter the castle again, the sound of their heavy shoes on the cobblestone floor. Cassie's legs and core ache for some odd reason— then again, the full moon was only two days ago, it being November twenty-eighth.
Her Birthday has been and gone this year, just as usual. She will admit, it was probably her worst birthday yet. Cedric didn't run down the hall to give her his present, or he didn't sing Happy Birthday to her at every chance. It made her sad. Even on a day like her Birthday.
"Right, over the next few days, we should each come up with a couple of places we can practice in. We have to make sure wherever it is, there is no chance Umbridge will find it." Harry explains as they walk through the halls.
"Roger that, Potter." George grins.
Later that evening, Cassie and Enzo sit in the Library with Ron, Hermione and Harry. They sit down on the sofas at the back and Cassie can't help but feel a mixture of nostalgia and sadness when she spots her friend group's carved initials on the side. Cassie catches Enzo staring at it too, a frown on his face— which only upsets her more.
"Did you see the new Decree Umbridge put up? It says 'Any student in noncompliance will be expelled.'" Hermione says. "It's like she's following us or something."
Cassie sighs, "She probably is."
Just as Ron is about to speak, Neville bursts into the library with his eyes wide. "What is it, Neville?" Hermione exclaims.
"I've found a place for us practice! Come look!" he says, very out of breath.
Cassie and Enzo let Hermione and Ron run after Neville and they slowly make their way behind them. Cassie is still quite sore from the Moon and therefore, can't run after them. Enzo rests his hand on his girlfriend's lower back for support as they walk. "Sorry for being such a pain," she says out of nowhere.
"What?" Enzo exclaims.
"Y'know, if I wasn't so bloody stiff we could've followed Ron and Hermione much quicker."
He chuckles, "Love, in no way, shape or form are you being a pain. There is absolutely nothing you could do that would make me think of you as a pain." he kisses her head and tightens his grip around her waist.
Cassie smiles.
The couple arrive a short while after Hermione, Harry and Ron do— somehow, Ginny and the twins are there too. Cassie and Enzo walk in behind them, admiring the large, empty space before them.
"You've done it, Neville. You've unlocked the Room of Requirement." Hermione smiles.
"Holy shit." Cassie whispers under her breath.
Yet again, I apologise for the short chapter!! 3
Notes:
yet again i apologise for such a short chapter 3 idk what happened when i wrote this but apparently my mind gave up on me :) let’s ignore that and roll on with hms…
1) cedric being a constant thought in cassies head :( oh she loves her brother so so much it hurts
2) dumbledore being a dramatic bitch and making a boss ass entrance. i hate how i kinda love him sometimes. my fav little anti-hero
3) DUMBLEDORE’S ARMY!!! YAYY!! i love their little meeting in the pub and when ron and cassie put macmillan in his place 😭 harry’s self confidence is WAY too low for someone that’s defeated voldemort 5 times…
4) we love you neville we all say in unison
Chapter Text
➵ CALL YOUR MOM — NOAH KAHAN
'Don't let this darkness fool you. All lights turned off can be turned on.'
It's been three days since Neville discovered the Room of Requirement. Cassie and Enzo are sitting in the common room with their friends before dinner commences.
Cassie and Blaise are working on their herbology homework that was due the following morning, first period. "I don't get it, how on earth do you get a Screechsnap to shut up?" Cassie exclaims, slamming her quill on the carpet out of anger.
"Fucked if I know anymore." Blaise admits, massaging his temples.
"Perhaps you should go ask Longbottom for help— he's practically in love with Professor Sprout." Draco says, a proud grin on his face. Mattheo and Theo laugh but Cassie simply rolls her eyes.
"At least Neville gets good grades, unlike someone." Cassie points, her gaze still on her homework.
Draco scoffs, "At least my parents aren't—"
"Don't you dare, Malfoy." Cassie spits, her anger levels shooting up like a rocket. He crossed a line and he knows it. Draco chuckles but stops when he sees Mattheo's head bowed and Theo licking his lips with a straight expression.
Out of nowhere, Cassie feels a vibration in her skirt pocket. She shares a look with Enzo and pulls out the shiny coin, making sure to hide it from the other's views. Enzo catches her eye and motioned to the common room door. Cassie nods before saying "Me and Enz are gonna go get some food from the kitchens. We'll be back in a minute."
"Get me some cookies, will you?" Theo says as Cassie stands up. She gives him a thumbs-up gesture and just like that, her and Enzo leave the common room.
"It's a bit exciting isn't it? Our first proper meeting." Cassie smiles, linking arms with her boyfriend.
He laughs, "I'm sure we'll have a blast."
—
They stand in two long lines, Neville and Harry at the front. Cassie is third in the line, Enzo on her right-hand side. Neville stands with his wand at the ready as the dummy in front of them prepares itself.
Cassie can't help but reminisce of the time her and Cedric spent on the third floor practicing for the final task when she saw the dummy. They're the exact same ones they had used. Cassie still thinks about Cedric everyday. She still dreams about him every night. She still grieves until it hurts to do so.
"Expelliarmus!" Neville exclaims, very nervously. The lines duck in unison as the Dummy's wand flies across the room, ricocheting off the mirror at the back. "I'm hopeless." sighs Neville.
"You're just flourishing your wand too much. Try it like this— Expelliarmus!" Harry exclaims, disarming the Dummy as easily as a knife through butter. They all stare in awe as he did it. It's the fact he did it so casually that shocks Cassie.
After Neville attempts it again (and fails, bless him), Ron and Hermione have a turn. Then, it's Enzo's turn. "Expelliarmus!" he exclaims, flicking his wand in the correct way.
The Dummy's wand flies a few metres— just as it should've done. Cassie beams with pride as he turns around and winks at her. "Brilliant." she smiles.
"Your turn, gorgeous." he smirks before going to the back of the line.
After the meeting ends, Cassie and Enzo wander the halls with Harry, Hermione, Ron and the Twins. The Bloody Baron floats by and pretends to tip his hat towards Cassie and Enzo, fellow Slytherins of his. "I think you're born for this, Haz. Everything you did up there seemed so... natural." Cassie compliments, her arm around his neck. Luckily, he's shorter than her.
"I don't know... do you think so? Macmillan looked bored out of his mind." Harry shrugs.
"Macmillan is a knobhead." Ron comments, earning snorts of agreement.
"Don't pay attention to Ernie, mate. You're doing well, that's all that matters. We're learning already, isn't that amazing?" Cassie comforts, nudging him.
"Yeah, thanks." he smiles sheepishly.
"Padfoot will be proud. You should write to him." Hermione says.
"Oh definitely. You know he adores you. He's always asking me how you're doing." Cassie smiles.
"He is?"
"Course he is. You're his godson— he loves you." Cassie smiles. "He's hoping by the end of the next year, you'll be able to live with us."
Harry looks like he's about to melt. He wants nothing more than a happy family— and to him, that idea lies within the Black family household. Cassie would be the perfect sister— plus, she could really deal with a brother again. The whole being an only child thing is kind of killing her over here.
"I— that's brilliant." Harry grins.
Cassie's just glad to of cheered him up. He seems so down all the time, it makes her sad. Harry deserves to be happy. He's such a lovely boy.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Over the next few days, Cassie and Enzo manage to attend every one of the meetings. Somehow, the others aren't getting suspicious whatsoever— but then Cassie realises that isn't shocking, Mattheo and Theo aren't the observant type.
Plus, Cassie and Mattheo agreed on the fact that they're allowed their own secrets. They decided that they didn't have to tell each other everything, so technically they aren't doing anything wrong by taking Harry's lessons. They're just simply finding another way of practical learning.
Cassie is sitting in the courtyard with Theo, Enzo, Draco, Blaise, Tracey and Lexi when Harry and Ron stroll past them. Cassie smiles and waves, Ron doing the same thing back. However, Draco has the strongest scowl on his face.
Before Cassie even gets the chance to protest, Draco has his wand up and is about to send a spell in their direction. On instinct, she performs the disarming spell that they'd learnt in Harry's meetings. Cassie holds Draco's wand in her hand and he spins around with his jaw loose.
"What? How did you do that?" he exclaims, his face scrunched up.
Cassie looks at Enzo, not sure of how to respond. "It's easy— we learnt it last year." she lies.
"Don't lie, Cassie. I would've known if we had learnt it last year."
"Oh, I got confused with the water spell. Cedric taught me whilst we were practicing for the last task." Cassie knows that Draco wouldn't carry it on if she brought up Cedric so he slightly nods, his eyebrows still low. A wave of relief flows through her body as she let out a deep sigh.
"That was close." Enzo whispers, so close to her ear that it sends shivers down Cassie's spine.
"You're telling me?"
"Good save with the Cedric thing, though."
That evening, Cassie writes to Cedric. She does that a lot. Writing to him and not having anywhere to send the letters to. It's therapeutic, she thinks. It's one of her Healthy Coping Mechanisms, as Remus calls them. He's been helping her with her anger management and grief recently. It's definitely had an impact on Cassie.
Cassie lies on her front atop the Astronomy Tower, her quill in hand. She tugs her glasses down to her nose and dips her quill in her ink.
Dear Cedric,
I'm still not sleeping well. If my insomnia doesn't keep me up, the nightmares sure do. My nightmares tend to be so vivid that they become all I can think about— which then leads to them crawling back into my dreams again. They linger and they leech. They cling and claw.
I often wonder if they'll ever go away. They have to at some point or another, right? I can't spend my whole life grieving like this. It'll kill me.
I think my grief has an effect on the Wolf too. It's more gentle when it comes to self-inflicted wounds now. It tends to just roam the grounds, sniffing and wandering. It's a much better alternative, I must admit. I still ache and sting as much as usual, but it's not as heavy as before. I can deal with this.
Full Moons don't bother me anymore. Not since mid-fourth year, I don't think. I tend to just want them over and done with now. I'm not scared of the Wolf or whatever power it may hold over me. I'm not scared of what it'll do to me. In fact, I'd like to think I've befriended the Wolf. I mean, we're rather similar, aren't we?
Temper of a short fuse, happiest at night, overwhelming emotions, anger so ferocious it ends up worse on both ends.
I think my grief has made me who I am, though. Yes, I̶'m̶ I was much more me when you were alive, but I'd like to think I'm still me, just with more trauma and depth to myself. I sure do have a great ice breaker— Fun fact about me; I'm a Werewolf with a brother killed by the Darkest Wizard of All Time.
That doesn't take away my longing for your touch, your smile, your laugh. The way you ruffled my hair or rubbed your eyes after too much studying in the library. The cackle of laughter surfing a wave. That glint in your eye on Christmas Morning.
I've grieved.
I'm still grieving.
And I'll keep grieving until the oxygen leaves my lungs.
I love you to the moon and back.
—
"Stunning spells are one of the most useful spells in your arsenal. It's sort of a wizard's bread and butter, really. So, come on then, Nigel. Give me all you've got." Harry smiles, standing at the opposite side of the room to little Nigel. Everyone is split across two sides of the room in messy lines. Cassie stands in between Hermione and Enzo, intrigued in what's about to happen.
Nigel snuffles and looks around anxiously before slowly pulling his wand out. "Come on, Nige!" George encourages— which seems to give him a slight boost of confidence. "Stupefy!" he bellows, sending the spell towards Harry.
Surprisingly, Harry goes flying a few feet back. Gasps flood the room as Nigel, also, flies back. The poor boy must've been too overwhelmed.
"Good. Not bad at all, Nigel..." Harry groans before standing up, surveying his surroundings and brushing off the dirt. "Brilliant." he adds with a cheesy grin.
Cassie and Enzo stand with Ginny and the twins after the previous events of Nigel and Harry. "I'm surprised little ol' Nigel performed a very successful stunning spell against the Harry Potter." Fred scoffs, a grin on his face.
"I know right— he's only like what? Second year?" Cassie replies.
"First year, actually." says Ginny.
"No way." Enzo reclaims. "How'd he manage that then? I couldn't even turn a mouse into a cup in first year!"
Everyone begins getting back into the two same lines from earlier so they start to do the same. This time, Cassie stands next to Ginny and Enzo— she rarely stands without him. "Come on, Ron!" George whistles as Ron takes his place opposite Hermione.
"Twenty knuts on Hermione." Cassie whispers to Enzo.
"You're on."
They all watch with intensity as they prepare to stun the other. Hermione is smarter than Ron, meaning that she thinks more logically when it came to spells. She knows how and when to use them— while Ron just blurts spells out without a second thought.
"Stupefy!" they shout in unison. However, Hermione beats Ron by a millisecond. He goes zooming behind, his body limp as it hits the floor. Cassie, Enzo, Ginny and the twins chuckle quietly. Enzo reluctantly hands Cassie twenty knuts, which simply makes her smile grow further.
"I let her do that." Ron says as he slowly stands up, making them laugh even more.
After a long few rounds of duels, it's Cassie's turn and she's standing at an opposite end of the room to her boyfriend. He promised that he'd go easy on her— but he knows damn well she's stronger than him. Whether he likes to admit it or not, Cassie has always been better at physical work. Perhaps it's from all the quidditch she played— but yet again, Defence Against the Dark Arts is probably one of her best subjects.
"Come on, Cass." Cassie hears Harry mutter under his breath as he stands not too far from her. The knot in her stomach twists at his words. That should've been Cedric saying that to Cassie. He isn't here to watch her learn all of this— did he know all of this?
She grits her teeth and pulls her wand out of her pocket. Enzo locks eyes with Cassie and she knows he's about to wink at her. Before he gets the chance, she sends the spell his way. He gasps and flies backwards, making Cassie beam with pride. Harry high-fives her, "Knew you'd do it."
Cassie walks over to Enzo, holding her hand out so he could stand up. "Come on, love. You didn't seriously think you'd beat me?"
He rolls his eyes and kisses her cheek, "I didn't doubt you for a single second." He knew what he was doing by saying that he'd go easy on her. He knew that negative praise only drives Cassie to fight harder. She smiles to herself when she realises. Enzo truly knows her too well.
After the meeting had ceased, Cassie and Enzo go straight back to the common room. She begins writing a letter to Remus in the hopes of informing him about their new organisation.
Dear Dad,
I assume Harry has already written to Dad about this but I supposed I might as well tell you as well.
Harry has begun teaching us proper Defence Against the Dark Arts after school. You know what I said about Umbridge not teaching us anything? Well, we've decided to take matters in our own hands. It's been going brilliant— we've only had about four lesson so far.
We still don't have a name for it yet but that doesn't matter. Me and Enzo are forbidden from telling our friends about it— which is very fair enough. When we made up, Mattheo & I said that we were allowed our own secrets and that was okay— so technically, I'm not betraying them in any way, right?
But with all this going on, it makes me think of Ced a lot. Every time I do something well in meetings, Harry says things like "Yes, Cassie!" or "Come on, Cass!" just like Cedric used to. I know he's only being supportive but every time he says it I freeze and my thoughts go straight to Cedric. I just wish he was here to see my progress, you know?
I miss him every day, Dad. I may be smiling and laughing a lot more but Cedric is almost always in my thoughts.
We have a match against Ravenclaw this weekend, so hopefully that'll take my mind off things.
Love you lots and hope everything is okay at home. I miss you two loads x
Lots of love,
Cass x
------
"On my third whistle!" Hooch exclaims from the bottom of the pitch. Cassie takes a long, sharp breath as she fixes her position on her broom. She has her 'Black' jersey on that Cedric had bought her the previous year— which when she put on, made her sit and stare at for a solid five minutes.
Hooches whistle blew once; Cassie cracks her knuckles and neck. Hooches whistle blows twice; Cassie tightens her grip on her broom. Hooches whistle blows thrice; and Cassie is off.
Cassie lunges towards the snitch, Chang on her tail. In an attempt to distract her, she swerves her broom back and forth. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Chang briefly close her eyes with annoyance. To use this to Cassie's advantage, she flies just that little bit faster, getting as close to the snitch as possible.
However, as soon as her pointer finger makes contact with it, it jolts sideways and flew in a complete different direction— the one Chang is closest to.
However, the snitch has a complete mind of its own and flies so far away neither of them can spot it. Cassie decides not to waste her time searching for it so she hovers down to see her team. Enzo passes to Mattheo, who gets the quaffle straight through Ravenclaw's right hoop. She turns to her own keeper, watching as Theo's eyes dart from each player.
Lexi and Blaise are doing a brilliant job, as per usual. Cassie never has to worry about them giving their best— they're incredible.
Draco likes to hog the quaffle for himself sometimes, persistent on getting the goal himself. If there's one thing about Draco Malfoy, it's that he hates sharing his victories. He believes he is above everyone and everything, including his own friends.
Chang is watching her own team while Cassie subtly flies back upwards, surveying her surroundings again. Is that...?
She takes off in an instant, grabbing Chang's attention immediately. The pair race towards the snitch, determined.
Chang gets ahead of Cassie slightly. "Fuck!" Cassie mutters, shaking her head and getting back into the game. Her heart is pulsating as fast as a cheetah spotting its prey.
Cassie leans forward lightly to get a quicker pace going. Chang surveys her surroundings, including looking back at Cassie to see how close she is. In that moment, Cassie does exactly what she's best at.
It's like time has frozen for a minute and her mind is working like a madman. Her broom flies even quicker, zooming past a very confused Cho Chang. "What?" Chang exclaims as she watches the end of Cassie's broom fly past her in an instant.
Cassie puts more pressure on her broom so she can focus on getting her fingers around the snitch. Chang flies around, frantically trying to get past her. However, Cassie is blocking her in every direction. Her patience levels are all the way at the bottom, which only makes her push further. Cassie's impatience is what drives her to the win.
The tips of her fingers grasp the snitch and Cassie only has to lean slightly further to get her whole right hand over it.
"Come on, Cass." Cedric's voice whispers in her head. She clenches her jaw and pushes as hard as she could, wrapping her hand over the tiny, golden ball with wings. The knot in Cassie's stomach comes undone and she sighs with a large amount of relief. She did it!
She flies back down to see everyone in the stands— her attention flies straight to Harry and the others on the Slytherin side. Harry is jumping up and down, clapping and cheering her name. Cassie chuckled to herself and turns her attention to her team, who are grinning with house pride and wiping sweat off their foreheads.
Cassie looks at the scoreboard and beams at what she sees; 190-50. In that moment, Cassie finally feels like she's herself again. Just for a single second, she's never been happier.
When she reaches the ground, Lexi, Enzo, Mattheo, Blaise and Theo race over to her and hug her at once. Cassie chuckles as they all surround her. "Brilliant, Cassie! Absolutely brilliant!" Blaise repeats, which only makes her more proud.
Moments like these are what makes Cassie have full confidence in that quidditch is her thing. She's doubted a lot of things in her lifetime, but somehow, quidditch never seems to be one of them.
"Slytherin win 190-50! Another fantastic win from our Cassiopeia Black! Will anyone ever beat her?" Lee exclaims, making Cassie chuckle to herself.
Notes:
let’s dive right into hms after slytherin’s cunty quidditch win!
1) cassie shutting draco up before he even finishes his sentence. good on her! dissing alice and frank is UNACCEPTABLE. i’m ashamed in you draco.
2) cassie writing to cedric knowing he can’t ever respond BREAKS my heart. idk how writing to him brings her comfort cause it makes me utterly miserable. cedricccccccccccccccccc :(((((
3) poor little nigel 😭😭
4) cassie hearing cedric’s voice in harry’s praise :( he may be dead but he still leaves such a prominent trail in cassie’s life. she just misses her brother 3
5) CEDRIC’S VOICE DRAWING CASSIE TO THE WIN. i’m so done with the sibling angst i’ve read too many regulus/sirius angst fics.
Chapter 45: Y5 | Friends into Foes
Summary:
Draco being Draco
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ THE GOLD- PHOEBE BRIDGERS
'I don't think I love you anymore. That gold mine changed you.'
Cassie, Enzo, Ron and Seamus watch as Fred manages to hold Nigel in the air. "Great!" Harry smiles as walked past, observing what everyone is doing.
Once Fred puts Nigel back down, it's Cho's turn. Cassie notices Chang sending scowls in her direction pretty often— probably from the events of last week's quidditch match. It's been a total of nine days since the match— meaning that it's December now.
Harry puts his hand over Cho's in an attempt to guide her wand. Cassie and Ron share a look as they watch Cho blush. "A little bit higher," Harry says, tightening his grip on Cho's hand.
However, this makes Cho look back at Harry—breaking her contact on Nigel. Poor Nigel flies to the ground with a thud. "Oh my god!" Cho exclaims. Cassie, Ron, Enzo and the twins burst into laughter as Harry walks away guiltily. "Shut up," he mouthes as he spins around, which only makes them laugh more.
At the end of the session, Cassie heads down to Madame Pomfrey's office. No reason in particular, she just fancies a catch-up. Luckily, the Full Moon this month is early on so Cassie will be able to enjoy Christmas without worrying about side-effects or any other cycle related issues. She knocks on Poppy's door lightly, glad that she has no patients at the moment.
Poppy knows who it is before she even opens the door. She squeezes Minerva's shoulder before rising and opening the door. "Hi, dear." Poppy smiles, happy to see her beloved student.
"Hi, is now a good time to talk?" Cassie asks, her eyes darting to Minerva.
"Of course, Minerva gives brilliant— if not better— advice. She won't tell, don't fret." Poppy comforts.
Cassie nods with a smile before entering. She sits on the armchair by the fireplace, opposite Minerva and Poppy. Poppy, as usual, pours her a cup of tea before sitting. "How've you been, Cassie?" she asks.
"I've been alright— better than I was, I think." Cassie shrugs.
"Still getting those nasty nightmares?"
Cassie frowns. "Every time I close my eyes, Poppy. I can't escape them anymore— I think I've learned to accept that. The quicker I accept it, the easier it gets, right?"
"Not necessarily true, dear. You'll deal with them on your own terms. Accept what you want to, and don't what you don't want to." Poppy shrugs.
"I can't even daydream without thinking about him. I'll be doing something completely unrelated to Cedric quite happily, but he's always in the back of my mind. I can try to ignore it but it doesn't go. It's this small ball of grief in my head, I can't seem to let it go. It's even here now as I'm talking to you."
"That's because he was your brother, Cassiopeia. Losing him was never going to be easy, you know that, I know that. The ones we love the most often hurt us the most, sweetheart. Cedric's death will affect you until you see him again, that's a fact— just as yours would affect him." Poppy explains.
"When a soul-tied bond breaks, it breaks even more than a typical heart. You lose half of you. You lose a piece of you that you never thought you would lose. That small ball of grief in the back of your head will never go anywhere, I'm afraid. But you must learn to look at it in a different way— perspective changes everything." Minerva tracks. "For example, you should stop seeing it as a ball of grief, and a ball of love, memories and warmth instead. That's the only way you'll get through it."
Cassie nods, absorbing Minerva's words. "So you're saying in order to get over it, I have to change perspective?"
"Not get over it, dear, you'll never get over it— but live. Right now, you're not living. You're simply existing. Breathing and thinking as a normal being— but you're not living."
This shifts something in Cassie's way of thinking. Perspective. Who knew all it took was a bit of perspective?
"I— thank you, Professor."
"Please, Cassie, it's Minerva in a setting like this."
Cassie smiles and raises a proposing eyebrow, "Minnie?"
Minerva is, admittedly, hit with a wave of nostalgia. Merlin and Morgana both, Cassiopeia looks just like her fathers— Sirius in particular. When he'd sit in her office and either take the bollocking she'd give him for a prank, or rant to her about how much he hates his family. When he cried on her shoulder all evening after one night in fifth year. When he wept after seeing his little brother's dark mark. When he was still crying from laughter after being split up from James.
Minerva looks at Cassiopeia, but Oh My, she's talking to Sirius.
Minerva doesn't say anything, she simply shakes her head with a smile.
"Anything else to report, dear?" Poppy asks.
"Okay, well there's..."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"I've signed up for the Inquisitorial squad, y'know." Draco informs, proudly.
"What?" Cassie, Enzo, Pansy and Mattheo blurt out.
"What?" Draco shrugs.
"Umbridge's thing? Mate, you've got to be mental to like that woman." Mattheo says, shaking his head.
Unsurprisingly, Draco rolls his eyes. "Got to get on her good side one way or another, right?"
"Oh as if, you know damn well you're only doing it to spite Harry." Cassie spits, her eyes down on her charms homework.
Despite Cassie telling Draco to leave Harry alone on countless occasions, he doesn't listen. She still doesn't actually understand what Draco actually has against him— Harry genuinely hasn't ever done something to kick off whatever rivalry has been going on between them since first year. Draco's just a spiteful little fucker sometimes.
"What if I was?" Draco retorts. Yep, definitely a spiteful little fucker. Cassie takes a deep breath before answering, not wanting to say anything too offensive.
They're sat in the common room a week later. Since then, Cassie and Enzo have carried on going to the D.A meetings every day. In truth, they've learnt loads from Harry. They'd only been doing it just over a month and Harry has taught Cassie more than she thought possible.
The Full Moon is tomorrow and Cassie is absolutely restless this evening. It's taking everything in her not to drop this homework and crawl upstairs to bed.
Also, there's a petty Draco Malfoy she's dealing with.
"Then you'd be very petty, Draco. Harry hasn't done anything to you, this whole rivalry between you is starting to become one-sided, mate. Harry doesn't care about you."
"What makes you think I want him to care?"
"Because you're going through all this trouble just to piss him off. If I'm going to be honest, Draco, you're a bit obsessed with him." Cassie shrugs. Enzo and Blaise snort and Pansy bows her head to hide her grin.
"Obsessed? Me? Do you realise how ridiculous that sounds? Why would I be obsessed with a specky, orphan kid with anger issues?"
Cassie scoffs, "Why am I friends with a vile, rude, ferret boy with daddy issues?" This makes Theo, Enzo and Mattheo let out a loud laugh. Blaise chuckled under his breath and Pansy covers her mouth to contain her laughter.
"Why am I friends with a depressed, annoying werewolf with a dead brother?"
"Draco!" Pansy exclaims at once.
Cassie's right eye twitches and she bites down on her tongue to stop herself from screaming at him. It isn't the words he said that stings, it's that it's Draco said it, which hits her like a bullet. One of her best friends for the past five years, who knows damn well how much Cedric's death affected her, brings that up in an argument.
"What the fuck, Draco?" Mattheo scowls.
Before Draco gets the chance to respond, Enzo's fist meets his face. Cassie gasps as Draco's eyes begin filling with tears. "You're a fucking cunt, you know that? You say something like that again and I'll do a lot worse than a punch." Enzo sneers, his eyes almost burning. The twinkle looks like it's been replaced with a flare.
Draco escapes from underneath Enzo's scowl and runs out of the common room, his eyes wet. As soon as he leaves, Pansy and Theo burst into laughter.
"Did he just fucking cry?" Mattheo chuckle.
Cassie stands up and takes Enzo's hand, giving it a squeeze. "You didn't have to do that, Enzo." she says quietly, looking into his eyes. He still has a portion of leftover rage in them, Cassie can tell from the fact they're twinkling no longer, on fire instead. His jaw is still clenched— which is what makes Cassie realise just how angry he must be.
"He had absolutely no right to say that. He is a fucking prick and I'm sick of nobody doing anything about it."
"I can second that." Theo says, shrugging slightly.
Cassie gets on her tip-toes and kisses Enzo on the cheek, putting her spare hand on his jaw in an attempt to un-hinge it. "I love you." she smiles.
At her words, his eyes go back to their usual state. Twinkling like the brightest star. "I love you too."
"Right, what are we gonna do about Draco?" Blaise asks.
"I say we leave him. Ignore him when he tries to speak to us. What he said was bang out of order." Mattheo suggests.
"All those in favour?" Enzo prompts. Just like that, they all raise their hands.
"Brilliant." Theo smiles, satisfied.
Cassie doesn't sleep at all that night.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Over the next three weeks or so, Draco confides in Marcus Flint and Adrien Pucey— just to piss Cassie off even further. She tries to not let it get to her head but it's admittedly eating away at her brain.
However, Cassie and Enzo spend most of their time in the Room of Requirement with Dumbledore's Army. In the previous lesson, Enzo had succeeded in performing Reducto, one of the hardest spells to learn without a proper teacher (in the words of Harry).
After practice, Cassie and Lexi go to the common room and sit with Enzo, Tracey, Pansy, Mattheo, Daphne and Blaise.
"Where's Theo?" Cassie asks, sitting down between Enzo and Blaise.
"Still getting changed," Mattheo answers, earning a satisfied nod from her.
Enzo wraps an arm around his girlfriend's shoulder and pulls her into his shoulder, her face nuzzled into his neck. "You look so pretty when you play quidditch." he says quietly as the others converse around them.
Cassie laughs, "I guarantee you I don't. My hair is all over the place and I'm all sweaty and frustrated."
"Mhm." Enzo simply says, his eyes on her lips.
"What?" she chuckles.
"Nothing, baby." he whispers and kisses her forehead.
The group of them fall silent when Draco waltzes into the common room with Flint at his side. Cassie rolls her eyes as Draco pretends not to see them.
They'd informed Lexi, Tracey & Daphne on what he did so now they dislike him just as much. Cassie doesn't hate Draco like she hates Flint. She could never hate him. She just isn't fond of him in the slightest.
When Cassie told Sirius what Draco said, he said "Just like his parents. Cheeky fucker. Want me to come down there and sort the prick out? I'll fight his father too." but really, Cassie didn't expect anything different from him. Surprisingly, Remus had a similar reaction. He draws a line when it came to people hurting his little girl's feelings. He goes all Sirius-mode, throwing curse words and threats around.
If Cedric were here, he would've brutally murdered Draco. Yet again, Draco wouldn't of said it if Cedric was still alive. She wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for Cedric's stupid, untimely death.
Cassie had undergone this month's full moon by now. Enzo's birthday has been and gone, which was a day spent most lovely. The group went to Hogsmeade, the girls included, and each bought Enzo a treat. That night, he hinted about him and Cassie shagging, which she scoffed at and playfully smacked his cheek at.
Cassie always liked December. It's the perfect level of cold, Christmas is always creeping around the corner and Cassie gets to go home for two weeks. She gets to see Sirius, Remus and Cedric again— which she has to admit, gives her a lot more motivation to get through the week and a half of school.
"Cass? Love?" Enzo says, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Yeah?"
"Mattheo's speaking to you, baby."
Cassie turns her head to Mattheo and he's sitting in a circle on the carpet, Pansy on his left, Tracey opposite him and a space on his right. She notices the pile of Exploding Snap cards sat in the middle, which leads her to think Mattheo is asking her to play.
"You playing or what?" he grins.
Knew it.
—
Once everyone had gone upstairs, Cassie and the girls sit in their dorm with face masks on. Pansy demanded that they needed another girls night— their last one being a year ago.
"Oh my god, did I tell you guys about Pucey?" Tracey exclaims at the foot of Cassie's bed.
"No?" Cassie and the others exclaim, now insanely intrigued.
"Right so you know Fred Weasley and Angelina Johnson?" Tracey asks, tilting her head slightly. Cassie nods. Of course she knows Fred Weasley, she's spent loads of time with the Weasleys since the summer. But of course, they don't know that. Angelina Johnson is the Gryffindor Team Captain— also Fred's girlfriend.
"Apparently Pucey fancies Angelina and Fred found out the other day. He went up to him and was like 'Are we gonna have a problem?' and guess what Pucey did."
"Um— cry?" Lexi suggests, earning snorts of agreement from the others.
"Close— he ran away."
Cassie and the girls laugh out loud, not expecting any different from Adrien 'Pussy' Pucey. He really does live up to his nickname. "Tell me why I'm not even surprised— are we forgetting Draco's house second year, Pansy?" Cassie chuckles.
In Second year, the group stayed at Malfoy Manor for a few days. Down the road, Adrien and his friends asked if they would be up for a match. Of course, Cassie forced them all into doing it. However, it was clear Pucey was trying to push Cassie off her broom. She noticed this immediately and started pushing back. At one point, she must've pushed him a bit too hard because he fell straight off his broom and onto his garden floor. Lucius sent her home the same day, resulting in a very furious Victoria Diggory.
Pansy laughs but stops when she begins thinking back to the memory. "It's weird not having Draco around, isn't it?"
Daphne hums, "Yeah, but I don't wanna speak to him. He was out of line saying that."
"Oh of course— I'm not like on his side or anything. You all know that, don't you?" Pansy exclaims.
Cassie nods and laughs, "Of course we do."
She feels horrible not telling Pansy or girls about the D.A. The girls are some of the only people Cassie used to tell absolutely everything. In that moment, she's almost tempted to tell them. She stops herself when she remembers the consequences that it would have if she did. "How are you and Mattheo, Daph?" Cassie asks, trying to stop thinking about the D.A.
Daphne sighs, "That's something thing I wanted to talk to you guys about. He keeps insisting he likes me and all that, but he acts completely off with me the next day."
"What do you mean 'off?'" Lexi asks.
"I don't know...it's like he's hiding something from me. Is that me being paranoid?" Daphne asks. But of course, Mattheo is hiding something from her. He's hiding something from all of them.
"You're probably overthinking it— you know what he's like, he's a twat. He probably doesn't even realise he's doing it." Pansy comments.
"Yeah, you're probably right. Do I speak to him about it?" Daphne asks, looking to Cassie, who she knows is closest with Mattheo.
Cassie shrugs, "It's up to you, Daphne."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Come on! We have to save him!" Cassie cries, her gaze fixated on the poor little bird laid flat by the edge of the river.
"What?" Victoria echoes.
"The bird!" Cassie exclaims, taking a step closer but not wanting to hurt it. Cedric, Mum and Dad rush over to see what she was talking about. "Oh, pickle." Victoria sighs and squeezes her shoulder.
"The bird's dead, Peia." Amos frowns.
"What? No it's not! Look!" Cassie shouts although she knows it wasn't true. The bird is very clearly dead. It's not breathing and it's all covered in blood.
Cedric pulls his little sister into a tight hug. After he pulls away, he holds her arms and tilts his head so he's eye-level with her. Sadly, Cedric is way taller than Cassie. "Y'know, that bird has gone to a beautiful place where it will forever look down on you, grateful for your help. You were probably the only person that has ever cared so much about that bird. The bird will be forever grateful, although it was too late for you to save it."
—
As Cassie gets older, she realises that Cedric is the bird. She always held that story close to her heart, not ever wanting to let go. Just like seven year old Cassie with the bleeding yellow bird by the lake.
Cedric is the bleeding yellow bird. She realises that after she awakes from her dream. He's buried beside the stream, similarly to the bird. Cassie was the only one that cared that much about him. Cedric has gone to a beautiful place where he would forever look down on Cassie, grateful for her help. The bird is gone.
But even after the bird died, seven-year-old Cassie would talk to its tiny headstone the Diggory's created with a rock, carved into it was; Little Bird.
Even after Cedric died, sixteen-year-old Cassie talks to his large headstone beautifully made by professionals. Instead of Little Bird, it says Cedric Amos Diggory - - .... . / -... . ... - / -... .. --. / -... .-. --- - .... . .-..
The bird stayed in Cassie's thoughts for another week or so after its death. After that, she slowly forgot about the yellow bird. She stopped visiting and talking to it every day.
However, Cedric has never left Cassie's thoughts. It's been nine months and the grief never went anywhere. She won't stop visiting Cedric. School got in the way a lot of the time, but there is nothing else she would rather do than speak to Cedric.
Seven year old Cassie moved on from the yellow bird.
Sixteen year old Cassie will never move on from Cedric.
Notes:
WHEWWW LETS DIVE INTO HMS BEFORE I TWEAK OUT!
1) poppy and minnie giving the best advice EVER??? it’s no secret the pair are in love i mean it’s pretty hard to miss… but omg i love them SO much. they went from caring for sirius and remus to now their daughter 🥹 the full circle is full circling and i freaking love it.
2) draco mate… i get ive slightly changed his character and made him that bit more bearable… but he is a malfoy after all. he’s bound to have these twat kinda moments just cause that’s who he is. i’m warning you now, his character is a complicated one and it’s one i’m actually very willing to explore in more depth throughout sixth and seventh year. his and cassie’s relationship will go beyond the simple friendship of hogwarts i promise you. draco will get his redemption arc in the end i swear, it’s just a very messy process :/ bear with me guys, i know what im doing!
3) enzo punching draco… 😋😋 LAWDDDD he kinda deserved it tho so thank you enzo :)
4) the girls being girls just warms my heart. talking and gossiping like every other teenage girl makes me so happy like they’re honestly just girls :(
5) the bird 😕
Chapter 46: Y5 | Christmas Eve ‘95
Summary:
Crimbo with a sprinkle of grief
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MARJORIE- TAYLOR SWIFT
'What died didn't stay dead. you're alive, you're alive in my head.'
The kids arrive back at Grimmauld Place only minutes before nine pm— the train ride taking slightly longer for some odd reason. When Cassie saw Remus for the first time at the station, she hugged him so hard he almost passed out. She hadn't seen him in weeks.
Cassie opens the door to number twelve to see a very happy Sirius Black. "Dad!" she beams. He chuckled and hugs her as tightly as he can.
"Oh I've missed you, pup." he says into the side of her head before kissing it.
"Alright, alright, let everyone past." Molly ushers. Cassie leaves Sirius' side and trails into the living room as Harry hugs him. She sighs with a smile and hugs Victoria.
"How've you been, pickle?" she asks, sitting down on one of the sofas.
"I've been okay— better than I thought I'd be. How about you?"
"Much better, actually. Your dad— well, Remus—signed me up for this muggle thing called therapy—you heard of it?" When Cassie shakes her head, she continues. "Well, it's where you sit down with a professional and talk about your feelings, they give you advice and things to do to help you cope."
"Oh really? How's that been going?"
"Quite well actually, I didn't realise how much I needed to get off my chest." Victoria chuckles and Cassie smiles. "Enough about me— how've you and Enzo been?"
"Oh! We've been okay— same as usual, really. Draco has been a bit of a prick but that's nothing new."
"Oh really? What'd he do this time?"
"Well, him and I were arguing and he said 'Why am I friends with a depressed, annoying werewolf with a dead brother?' and then Enzo punched him in the face."
Victoria gasps, "Oh Merlin! What a cunt! Not Enzo, of course."
Cassie laughs, "He is exactly that. He hasn't spoken to us in weeks— which is for the best. He's been hanging out with Marcus Flint just to get on my nerves."
"He is just like his parents, I'm telling you. Sirius would agree."
"What'you talking about me for?" Sirius smiles, sitting down next to his daughter and wrapping his arm around her.
"We were discussing how all of the Malfoy's are attention-seeking, rude little pricks." Cassie answers before Victoria can. Both her and Sirius burst into laughter, not expecting her to say something like that. Cassie starts laughing too, "It's true, isn't it?" Victoria and Sirius carried on laughing but nodded as well.
Laughing with Victoria makes Cassie feel like Cedric and Amos are still here and laughing with them. It's like he's sitting in the chair opposite them, chuckling like a maniac. Amos would be next to Victoria as the both of them laugh in the same way they always did.
"What are you three giggling about?" Christopher asks, sitting opposite them— ruining the image Cassie had of Cedric sitting there instead. She shakes her head and the smile slowly fades.
"Cassie just said something hilarious about the Malfoy Family." Victoria answers, still slightly chuckling.
"Don't even get me started on that family— Enzo told me what he said to you the other day. I had never been so proud once he told me he punched him afterwards." Chris sighs.
"Yeah, Malfoy ran off crying as well." Cassie adds, the smile creeping back. Chris, Victoria and Sirius chuckle, all of them not expecting anything different.
"Up to bed, you lot! It's very late!" Elizabeth exclaims, already pushing Rose and Hermione up the stairs.
"Well, I'll see you in the morning." Cassie smiles at Sirius.
"G'night pup." he smiles and kisses the side of her head. She skims past Elizabeth and Remus, making her way up the stairs towards hers and Enzo's bedroom. When Cassie walks in there, Enzo is standing in his green plait pyjama bottoms without a shirt on. He sees her in the corner of her eye as her jaw hangs loose. He simply laughs to himself, his eyes glistening.
He throws a white shirt on and approaches his girlfriend. "Did you expect to see me fat, love?"
"Six hundred pounds at least." she laughs.
Enzo wraps his arms around her from behind. He chuckles, his head rested on her shoulder. "Come to bed." he whispers, sending warm butterflies around her stomach.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Over the course of the next four days, Cassie remains remotely happy. She spends most of the time playing quidditch with the others, playing chess with Ron, decorating the house for Christmas and cuddling with Enzo.
It's Christmas eve and Cassie is stood in front of Cedric's grave.
Her dads stand a few feet behind her, not wanting to leave her alone in the deep snow. She hasn't yet visited Cedric since she arrived at Headquarters—but she didn't realise how hard it would be to talk to his gravestone yet again. Seeing the words 'Cedric Amos Diggory' in bold by the lake never fails to fracture her heart, damaging it even more than before.
Cassie sighs deeply and kneels down next to the tombstone. "It's my first Christmas without you, Ced. How on earth am I meant to cope? Christmas was always our favourite time of year— not even because of the presents, but because of mum's sausage rolls." Cassie laughs to herself as she thinks back to her glorious childhood. In reality, she'd give absolutely anything to be a child again. Sixteen sounds scary.
"You'd be pleased to know that I'm not friends with Draco anymore— although, you've probably been watching over me, wishing it was you instead of Enzo punching him in the face." Cassie chuckles again. Her smile slowly fades as she looks out towards the frozen river. "Remember that one year me and you managed to convince mum and dad to let us go to the river and skate on it? After we fell, they never let us go again in the winter." she smiles, bowing her head and reaching for her bracelet.
Cassie's fingertips are as red as the Gryffindor logo from the deathly chill of December. She has her Slytherin scarf around her neck and a woolly hat knitted by her 'Grandmother' for extra warmth—although, it isn't really helping.
"Merlin, I wish you were here, Ced. There's so much going on and it would all be so much easier if you were here for me to rant to. You always put up with my rants— even when I spoke so fast I didn't even know what I was saying myself. I always loved you for that." Cassie sighs and runs her hands over his gravestone, removing the excess snow. "I love you to the moon and back, Ced."
Remus stands behind his grieving daughter with a hand on her shoulder. He uses his spare hand to perform a spell she doesn't quite catch. She looks back at her brother's grave and there's now a circular reef of red and white flowers. "Merry Christmas, Cedric." she smiles before standing up.
Cassie and her dads end up sitting in a pub not too far from the river. She spent lots of evenings in the White Hen as a kid— Cassie and Cedric would always get a basket of chips to share between them whilst mum and dad talked and laughed with their friends.
Instead, Cassie sits in there today with two completely different parents and no Cedric. Yes, that hurts more than it should've, especially on Christmas Eve.
But Cassie shakes away the negative thoughts as Remus walks over to the table Cassie and Sirius sat at with a Diet Coke, a beer for Sirius and a Dr Pepper for Cassie— they're her favourite muggle drinks (introduced by Remus). Cassie's mood is slightly brought down since visiting Cedric but she has to look on the bright side— for example, she has Remus and Sirius. The two very men she loves with her whole heart.
"How's the DA going?" Sirius asks, froth on his moustache from the beer. Remus points to his moustache and he quickly wipes it with a chuckle.
"It's been going brilliant actually— have you spoken to Haz about it?" Cassie answers after slightly giggling.
"Haz?" Remus asks.
"My nickname for Harry, dunno where it came from really." Cassie shrugs before taking a long sip of her fizzy beverage.
"To answer your question— yes I have. But I want to know from your point of view." Sirius adds.
"Yeah, I mean, we've learnt absolutely loads. We owe it all to Harry, really. The stuff he's taught us is out of this world. I never thought I'd be able to stun someone this early on in fifth year."
"Have you done patronuses yet?" Remus asks.
Cassie shakes her head, "After half-term, Harry said."
"That'll be brilliant— I wonder what yours'll be." Sirius says, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. "I reckon you and Enzo will have matching ones like James and Lily did. His was a stag, hers was a doe."
"You think so?"
"Either that or it'll be something super strong— like a lion! Or a hippo!" Remus adds. Cassie and Sirius burst into laughter. "What's so funny?"
"I'd rather not my patronus be a hippo, dad." Cassie chuckles.
"Okay yeah— but they're well strong! Have you seen them?"
This only makes Cassie and Sirius laugh even more, clutching onto their stomachs and rolling their heads back. Eventually, Remus starts laughing too, not at the joke but at the fact that his daughter and husband are crying from laughter. Remus has never been so happy in his life.
He probably shouldn't be so happy, seeing as they've just come from his daughter's brother's grave.
Cassie could stay in that moment forever and not ever complain. Laughing with her dads is something Cassie knows she has to cherish and hold close to her, as she's fully aware either one of them could leave her at any given moment, like Cedric did. Cassie knows they won't be around forever— she knows she wouldn't be around forever— so she makes sure to cherish these moments like they're her last.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie and her dads get home at four in the afternoon when Molly and Elizabeth have already started getting the dinner on. Cassie walks through the living room and sits next to Enzo with a sigh. They share a small kiss and he puts his arm around her. "You okay?"
Cassie nods, "Spoke to Ced for a bit then we spent ages in the pub afterwards— Remus.." Cassie was about to say 'Dad' but then realised that Enzo wouldn't have known which one she was talking about. She must find a way to differentiate between them. Moony? Or is that too corny? Sirius can be Dad and Remus can be Moony. Right?
"...erm— he reckons that my patronus is going to be a hippo. Me and Dad were crying from laughter 'cause of how random it was." Cassie finishes. Enzo laughs and traces light circles on her hip. "I was just thinking— how could I differentiate between my dads? Couldn't I call Remus 'Moony' and Sirius 'Dad'?"
"Yeah that's a good idea— I've noticed you having to say their actual names instead of calling them 'Dad' when telling stories with both of them."
"Yeah, it's a bit annoying really."
"Speak to 'em about it?"
"Good idea."
"Not now though, you're so cold." And at that, he pulls her closer, rubbing her back in an attempt to warm her up.
"It's absolutely freezing out there— that's my fault for not wearing gloves, really."
He laughs, "Thought complaining about winter was part of the spirit?"
Cassie chuckles, "That's exactly what it is— well done for remembering that."
"More than a pretty face."
Later on in the evening, everyone residing at Grimmauld Place are gathered in the living room with either a cup of hot chocolate or tea. Cassie is lying between Enzo's legs on the floor, right below where Remus and Sirius are cuddled up on the sofa.
The fireplace is crackling in a way that makes Cassie feel at peace. Mostly everyone is in their own little conversations as the clock approaches ten-thirty pm.
Enzo has his fingers in Cassie's scalp, massaging it slightly. She closes her eyes as she focuses her hearing on the fireplace. That's a skill she's learnt since transitioning last year— she can focus her senses on things if she tries hard enough. It's a bit creepy but it's rather useful when trying to eavesdrop into conversations at school.
"I can't believe this is my first Christmas without him." Cassie says quietly, not expecting anyone to hear.
"Me neither," Victoria frowns, her gaze fixed on the crackling open fire.
"It almost makes me feel guilty— like I have no right to be enjoying myself on Christmas Day because they're not with us, y'know?" Cassie adds.
"I know the exact feeling, pickle."
Enzo kisses Cassie's head and continues running his fingers around her scalp. "You have every right to be happy, Cass. Do you seriously think Cedric would want you to be miserable at your favourite time of year?"
"No, but that doesn't take away this guilty feeling I have on my chest. Christmas can't be Christmas without him, Enzo." she explains. "The waking up at six am and rushing downstairs together, the counting how many presents we each got to make sure they were equal, the waiting for Christmas dinner. I'll never experience that again."
Enzo sighs, admitting his defeat. "Yeah." he frowns. "Yeah, I suppose." he repeats.
"You're so warm," Cassie says, her head on his lower abdomen. He hums in agreement and runs his fingers through her hair.
"You okay, sweetheart?" Remus asks, looking down at Cassie and Enzo.
She nods, "Yeah, I might go up in a minute."
"Okay, Enzo going up with you?"
"Course I am," he interjects and Remus nods with satisfaction.
"Oh! Dad! I've just remembered what I wanted to talk to you two about!" Cassie exclaims, sitting up and tilting her head towards them. Her heart melt as she looks at her dads cuddle in a similar way to how her and Enzo do. Remus is lying down but Sirius fits in the gap between Remus and the back of the sofa with his head on his chest.
"Oh yeah? What's up?" Sirius answers.
"I've thought of a way to differentiate between you two— Moony for you," Cassie motions towards Remus. "Dad for you." she then nods at Sirius.
They share a look and shrug. "Works for me." says Sirius. "It's up to you," Remus says shortly after Sirius speaks.
"Brilliant. Moony and Dad it is." Cassie smiles.
They chuckle and Sirius ruffles Cassie's hair. Her stomach twists like a rope as he did it. Victoria seems to notice as she whispers, "Cassie..." so that nobody else hears.
She shakes her head, "It's okay."
Cassie can't let Cedric's death affect her like this. She'd gotten better. Cassie isn't weak, remember? She isn't going to let herself get bad again. She refuses. "I'm okay." Cassie smiles, not too sure if it was sincere or not.
"What did I do?" Sirius whispers to Remus.
"That was Cedric and Cassie's thing— he was always ruffling her hair like that." Remus whispers back. Sirius' expression transforms within a matter of seconds.
"Oh, pup, I'm so sorry. I didn't know." he says, frowning.
"It's okay, really. I'm fine." Cassie keeps saying she was okay even when nobody has even asked her if she is. It isn't everyone else she was trying to convince— it's herself. "I'm going to go to bed," she says quickly, her eyelids flickering.
"I'll come with you," Enzo adds instantly.
"I'm okay." she whispers aloud without meaning to. Cassie is okay, she really is.
Well, she thinks she is, anyway.
Cassie is okay. She can't let small things like that bring her mood down— not again. She's so sick of feeling like that. "You okay, love?" Enzo asks behind her on the stairs.
She nods, her breath running short as her chest slightly heaves. "I'm okay."
"It's okay to not be okay, Cass. Nobody expects you to be okay all the time." he says as if he'd read her mind.
Cassie shakes her head, "I'm not weak, Enzo."
"Nobody said you were."
She sighs shakily, turning around on the stairs and facing Enzo with tears in her eyes. "I just want my brother back, Enzo. I'd give anything for just one hug from him. Just anything from him."
"I know, baby. I do. And that's completely okay—you've done so well recently and I am so incredibly proud of you. You're going to have those moments when you get teary over something that reminds you of him— that will never go away. He was such an important person in your life, you're not going to get over his death. But you've found ways to cope with that— and you have done absolutely brilliantly. He would be so so proud of you, Cassie."
Without a second thought, Cassie brings into a hug. How does he always do that? He always manages to say the right things to calm her down.
It looks like Cedric has some competition when it comes to knowing Cassie better than anyone. Cedric is slipping away from Cassie's grasp— but is that such a bad thing? She loves him more than he could ever know, but she can't keep grieving like this— it's killing her still.
Why can't things go back to how they used to be? When all Cassie was worried about was how much height she could get on the swings at the park. When she spent all her days laughing and playing with her big brother. When she didn't have a care in the world. When she was happy.
"Please don't leave me."
"Why would I ever leave you?"
"That's what Cedric said, Enz."
"Cassie, I would never leave you. I'm not going anywhere and that's a promise."
Cassie sighs and kisses him with nothing but true love behind her lips. She truly doesn't deserve Enzo. He's an angel.
Cassie is so in love with Lorenzo Berkshire, it's unreal.
Notes:
this was also quite a chaotic chapter (well, to me anyway, who is absolutely dying at the lack of cedric i’m writing) so i feel the strongest of urges to dive straight into hms:)
1) remus introducing vic to therapy 😭😭 bless her heart she definitely needs it
2) sirius being sirius. you guys have no idea how much he means to me. ever since i read crimson rivers i formed an emotional bond with sirius black and i will never let go of it. he may just be my favourite character of this fic…
3) cedric’s grave and cassie ranting to him like she used to:( it’s like everything but nothing has changed at the same time and i kinda hate it. “Merry Christmas, Ced.” SHOOT ME IN THE FACE WHY DONT YOU??
4) remus introducing dr pepper to cassie 😭😭 i just love how they sat in a pub and laughed over cassie’s possible patronus like the adorable family they are. remus and sirius have deserved this, and that’s to the least. the shit they’ve been through, and seeing cassie grieving is probably the hardest thing they’ve ever witnessed.
5) “I can’t believe this is my first Christmas without him.” and vic understanding immediately. their grief is so soul crushing i hate it.
6) moony for remus, dad for sirius!
7) the hair ruffle:( poor sirius didn’t know 😖 cassie’s reaction is so valid like her grief is still SO raw and at such a sensitive time of year, she’s bound to break down at the slightest reminder of him. she’s fragile and i can’t say i blame her. like draco said, she’s a depressed werewolf with a dead brother.
8) lorenzo berkshire.
Chapter 47: Y5 | Xmas 1995
Summary:
Harry Potter’s best Christmas yet,
one that Cassie would rank not so high on her list.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ CALIFORNIA — CHAPPELL ROAN
'Come get me out of California, the leaves are brown. I miss the seasons of Missouri, my dying town.’
Cassie swings open her bedroom door, racing down the hall. She raps on Cedric's bedroom door. "Ced! Wake up! It's Christmas!" she exclaims, her face inches away from the door.
Why isn't he waking up? He always wakes up extra early on Christmas morning. The door peels open and Cassie's smile beams like the sun, "Quick!" she smiles.
"Cassie? It's six in the morning— give me another half hour and we'll go down."
That's not Cedric— that's Remus. Cassie furrows her eyebrows in confusion. Why isn't Cedric in his bedroom? More importantly— why is Remus in Cedric's bedroom? Remus only stares at his daughter with similar confusion on his face as Cassie ponders.
This isn't Cassie's home in Waterloo. That isn't Cedric. This isn't Cedric's bedroom.
"Sweetheart?" Remus asks, snapping Cassie out of her trance. Her stomach churns and her lips part as the realisation sinks in. She snaps back to reality in an instant. "Oh my god." she whispers, her chest heaving.
"Cassie? What's wrong?"
Cassie shakes her head, "Cedric's dead isn't he?"
Remus nods slowly, "You knew that, Cassie... what's going on?"
"Oh my god." Cassie gasps, ignoring his question. She'd just gone knocking on her dads' bedroom door thinking it was Cedric's. Cedric doesn't even have a bedroom, for Merlin's sake! What's wrong with her? She knows he's dead— who else has she been grieving for months?
She takes a step back, trying to slow down her heart rate. "Pup? What happened?" another voice speaks— it's Sirius'.
"I..." Cassie trails off as the tears ran down her cheeks like they're competing in a marathon. Why on earth is she crying? It is Christmas day!
"Oh, sweetheart." Remus said softly, bringing her into his arms.
Cassie doesn't want to cry on Christmas Day. She's stronger than that— isn't she? So what, it's her first Christmas without Cedric? It doesn't mean she has to be weak and cry over it. What the hell is wrong with her this morning?
But, Oh, she misses her brother.
She misses him so much.
Cassie's dads come downstairs with her so they can talk about previous events. Sirius begins making tea and toast for her while her and Remus sit on the sofa. Nobody is awake yet and they can definitely feel the chill of the snow seeping through the walls.
Cassie holds her arms close to her chest, fiddling with the locket around her neck, as she cuddles up against the arm of the sofa with wide eyes. After Sirius finishes her toast, they all sit in the lounge in silence. The only sound heard is Cassie's chewing.
"So, I think we should talk about what just happened— cause I'm still completely and utterly baffled." Sirius said as Cassie puts the empty plate on the coffee table. His first priority was making sure Cassie ate, now he can relax and let her explain.
She nods and looks down at her bracelet, twisting it lightly around her small wrist. "If I'm going to be honest, I don't quite know what happened myself, really. I woke up, completely forgetting that Cedric was... y'know, dead... and I went knocking on what I thought was his bedroom door— but it was actually your door. It was like I had completely forgotten— it was so weird." Cassie's dads share a worried look, which only raise her anxiety levels.
"What did you dream about?" Remus asks.
How is that relevant? "Um, Christmas morning when I was nine. Cedric had come back from Hogwarts for Christmas and we spent almost every minute together 'cause of how much we missed each other. I had gotten a new broomstick— it was only cheap, but me and Cedric played a match with our new brooms even though it was chucking it down with snow."
"My guess is that you were so caught up in your dream that you weren't quite aware that your body had woken up. You carried on as if you were living in the dream." Remus explains as both Cassie and Sirius listen carefully.
"Probably," she mutters, her gaze still fixed on her bracelet.
"Are you okay, Cassie? You said you were getting better." Sirius frowns. Her jaw clenches at his words. Why does he sound disappointed?
She nods, "I thought I was too— it's just being away from Hogwarts that does it. School takes my mind off it, I s'pose."
"That makes perfect sense. Being back here gives you more time to sit and think— you don't like being alone with your thoughts do you? That's probably why you listen to music so much as well." Remus explains. He's so good at explaining.
"I've always been a people person. I've never enjoyed my own company— it always makes me feel uncomfortable in my own skin. I like being around people, even if they're not even speaking to me. It just takes the edge off, I guess."
"But thats what makes you you, Cassie. You've always been like that, haven't you? Thats nothing to be ashamed of— it just means you're more...what's the word?" questions Sirius. "Open minded." he decided on.
"You make sure to keep people close to you—even if that means pulling them apart and searching for flaws so that you'll never be alone."
"God, how are you two doing that?" she laughs
"Doing what?"
"Reading me like that— Enzo does the same. It's creepy how well he understands me."
"That leads to me what I was going to say next. I think Enzo is your person. You've known him your whole life and haven't found a single thing you dislike about him. Surely that means he'll never abandon you, right?" Remus replies.
Cassie nods, "Thats what I'd like to think."
"No, sweetheart. You dont think, you know. Otherwise you would've dropped him by now. He is the only person you know won't ever do you wrong."
And Merlin, he's right, just like he usually is.
—
Victoria passes Cassie a small box wrapped in brown reindeer paper. She smiles and begins unwrapping it as carefully as possible. It's a small golden bracelet with a black orb charm in the middle— funnily enough, it looked quite similar to her morse code bracelet.
"Look closely through the small ball," Victoria instructs, pointing to the dark orb.
It felt like Cassie's heartstrings are being pulled apart like thread. As she puts the orb to her eye, she gets a good look of what's inside. It's a photograph of Cedric pushing her on a swing when they were young— she looks around five or six.
"I was going to give it to you for your birthday last year but then Enzo told me he had bought you a similar necklace so I put it away. But then everything happened and I thought you might like to have it." she explained.
"Oh I love it." Cassie whispers, her eyes filling with tears. She jumps up and hugs Victoria with as much love as she can find.
"I knew you would. I know it's pretty similar—looking to your bracelet you have on but either way.."
"I love you so much," Cassie says quietly as Victoria rubbed her back. Cassie does love Victoria. She truly does. Even if she isn't her real mother, she still loved her all the same. If there's anything Cassie has learned over the past few years, it's that family isn't always blood. Family is the warmth in each hug and the light behind each smile. Family is the burst of excitement at the sight of them, the hole in your chest when they leave and the soul-crushing pain of when they leave forever. Family is not always blood, and Cassie will stand by that until death.
"Aw, pickle. I love you more." she smiles, tears forming in her eyes.
Not long after, Enzo passes Cassie (one of) his presents for her. She smiles and unwraps it with no clue what it can be. Cassie scoffs with a smile and held up the t-shirt. It's a t-shirt with a printed photograph of Todd Anderson from Dead Poets Society. "Where on earth did you get this?"
"Not telling you," Enzo grins. She kisses him on the cheek and sits back down. He hands her the next present— it's much smaller than the t-shirt. It's the golden snitch she caught on the day of Enzo's first match with the team. She'd engraved their initials in tiny letters on the left wing, a small, yet lovely, gesture.
"Is this...?"
"The snitch I caught on your first match? Yes," she grins. "Yes it is."
"You soppy prick, come here." Enzo chuckles, holding his arms out. When Cassie falls into his arms, he showers her head with light kisses. "Have I ever told you I love you?"
"Once or twice." Cassie shrugs.
"Well, I'll say it again, just in case you didn't catch it the first time." he smiles. "I—" Kiss. "Love—" Kiss. "You." Kiss.
Cassie chuckles in his arms, looking up at his eyes. They'll never fail to put her in that lovely trance she loves so much. She just wants to bite him. She wants to take every sacred part of his body and consume it. She wants to consume every single part because Enzo really is that beautiful. He's so beautiful it brings a pain to Cassie's chest. How can someone be so pretty? It's unfair, she thinks. Nobody should ever be allowed to look at Enzo. Nobody can appreciate his beautiful features. Just Cassie. He's hers and she likes it that way.
Mine, Mine, Mine Cassie thinks as she reaches up to kiss him again.
Yours, yours, yours Enzo chants over and over again in his head.
And Merlin and Morgan's both, he's all hers.
—
After the long winded process of present un-wrapping, Cassie and Enzo take their presents up to their bedroom. Cassie dumps all of them on her bed with a smile. She has even received her very own Weasley jumper, knitted by Molly. It was dark green with a large white "C" on the front.
Remus and Sirius bought Cassie a new pair of converse— dark brown ones, five new vinyls (Bowie, Queen and The Beatles), the black dungarees she's wanted for ages and a pair of gorgeous golden earrings.
Harry bought her a limited edition version of Pride and Prejudice and a box of sweets. Rose & Atlas bought her a Bee Gee's vinyl, Chris and Elizabeth bought her a Falmouth Falcon scarf and a perfume. Unsurprisingly, Fred and George bought Cassie a pack of prank supplies (which would come in handy when pulling pranks with Mattheo and Theo).
Cassie had sent Pansy's present to her via owl earlier on in the morning and she hopes it will reach her by the end of the day. She didn't buy presents for her other friends this year. She felt horrible not doing it but in reality, there's no way she'd be able to send it to them cause she has no clue where they're staying anymore. That also means that Pansy's present for Cassie would arrive at Victoria's house because she doesn't know she's staying at Grimmauld Place.
"I'm so lucky to have all this- your parents bought me a scarf and a perfume. How rich are you, Enzo?!"
He laughs and wraps his arms around his girlfriend's waist, pulling her into his chest. His expression changes as he studies each layer of her eyes. He's slightly frowning. "Why were you so upset when we came down earlier? You looked all wide-eyed and flustered."
She bows her head, scared of him judging her. It was foolish, what happened this morning. Cassie was being absolutely ridiculous. What if Enzo thinks the same if she tells him? She can't risk being embarrassed like that.
Then again, this is Lorenzo Berkshire we're talking about. He'd throw his head on a spike for the girl he loves. Cassie hardly thinks she should be immensely worried about telling him. What's a relationship without trust?
"Sit down with me quickly," she replies. Cassie sits down on the edge of their bed and Enzo sits next to her. She tugs at her new bracelet before speaking. "Please don't laugh at me for this." she states.
Enzo's eyebrows lower further. Why would she ever think he'd laugh at her? "Never, baby. What's up?"
"I— it's hard to explain, just bear with me." she sighs. "When I woke up this morning, I went knocking next door. I was telling Cedric to wake up. Remus opened the door and told me to go back to bed. I had completely forgotten that he was dead." she takes a deep breath. "It was so horrible, Enz." she says with a shake of her head.
"Oh my god, Cass. Are you okay?"
Cassie shakes her head, "Yeah, I am now. It's just frustrating because I thought I was getting better. Sometimes I feel like I'm going backwards, y'know?"
"You're not going backwards, Cassie. Look how much happier you are. I remember a time when you didn't even smile or speak to anyone other than me. Now, you talk and laugh with people without a second thought. You have so much to be proud of and I love you so much."
Cassie smiles, bowing her head. "Dad reckons you're my person. You're the only person I haven't argued with or disliked for any reason."
Enzo smiles and takes her hand into his. "I'd like to keep it that way, love."
"I beg."
"Fancy a walk?"
"It's snowing and I'm in my pyjamas,"
"You love the snow."
"Very true."
"So...?"
"Okay fine. Only if we can make snow angels."
Enzo laughs, "Why of course!"
Cassie and Enzo leave the house after a long while of convincing their parents. She has her new Falcons scarf on with her Weasley sweater. She also has a pair of black jeans she found at the bottom of her wardrobe.
The weather is angelic. That's the only word Cassie can find to describe it. Angelic. There is snow absolutely everywhere— at least four inches of it too. The couple walk through the small park opposite the house and then through the empty streets. There isn't a single person in sight.
"I didn't buy anything for the others this year, did you? I bought Pansy a new jumper but that was it." Cassie admits, her cold hand intertwined with Enzo's.
"Nah, I wouldn't know where to send it."
"That was what I was thinking— it also means that Pansy's present for me will be at either Victoria's house or back at home. I can't remember if I gave her the address of my dads'."
"It's horrible, isn't it? Lying to everyone like this. I know it's for the best but keeping things from them just feels wrong."
"I know, Enz. There's been so many times I've just wanted to blurt out everything that has happened when I'm with the girls. I know that if I did, though, it wouldn't end well."
Enzo sighs and squeezes Cassie's hand, "At least we have each other, right?"
"Yeah, that's all we need."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
They all sit around the large dining table with the lights dimmed and candles on the table. Everyone has their crackers in their hands, ready to pull. Cassie is in between Remus and Enzo with two crackers in her hands.
"Three..." George grins. "Two... one!" And at that, everyone pulls their crackers and laughs. Cassie has gotten both of the good ends, which makes her, Remus and Enzo chuckle. She puts on the purple paper crown similarly to everyone else.
Molly quickly gets up to get the roast potatoes out whilst they all talk between themselves. "You didn't get anything?!" Cassie laughs, realising that Harry didn't get anything in his cracker. Ron and Atlas are laughing at poor Harry but it was too funny for her not to laugh.
Everyone takes turns reading out their (very bad) jokes from their crackers— the only reason everyone chuckles is because of how cheesy they are.
Cassie notices as Harry laughs with them, he looks around at everyone as if to savour the moment. Big, happy family Christmas dinners have always been a dream for poor Harry— and it has come true as of today. In this moment, Harry James Potter has never been happier.
Sirius catches a glimpse of his best friend as he watches Harry laugh with Ron. He sees James in him every day. Not a single day went by where Sirius didn't miss his partner in crime. His prongs. His bestest friend.
Molly and Elizabeth come over with all of the food, carefully putting it all on the table. Fred and Sirius get the first grabs, going in for as much as they could. Remus rolls his eyes, which only makes Cassie laugh more. "God, you would think he was an animal!" he mutters. Cassie and Enzo gave Remus the exact same look and he bursts into laughter.
"Ow! Mum! Are you trying to kill me?!" Rose exclaims as Elizabeth accidentally spills a bit of the gravy on her hand— she replies with a brief "Sorry, darling!"
Enzo serves Cassie's plate for her as she can't quite reach all of the essentials. After everyone has gotten their food, they tuck in and chat during.
"These are brilliant! Thanks mum," Ginny smiles, gravy all over her lips.
"Got a bit of gravy there, Gin." Arthur chuckled. Everyone chuckles slightly, not wanting to embarrass Ginny too much.
Cassie doesn't quite finish her meal, being too full up, but she ate more than she usually would. Moony seems to notice too. "You've done well, sweetheart." he smiles.
"Yeah, absolutely stuffed now." Cassie laughs.
He smiles even further, "Proud of you, Cass."
"Thank you."
After everyone finishes their meals, they slowly move to the living room. A game of monopoly is started and Cassie knows things are about to get heated— especially with her and Ron playing.
Cassie, Ron, Sirius, Fred, Atlas and Sirius sat around the board with their small game-pieces. "Everyone knows how to play, don't they?" Fred asks.
When everyone nods, the game commences. Everyone that isn't playing is on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Cassie rolls a twelve first, putting her one place ahead of Ron.
"You cheeky bugger," he scowls, making her laugh. Victorias put the Christmas Hits vinyl on the record player so they ended up singing along to a few songs whilst playing. Cassie, admittedly, thinks of her own Diggory Christmas Days. Just the four of them and Amos' beloved Christmas Hits vinyl. Cassie knows Victoria is thinking the same and they share a loving smile. They never really left them, did they?
Cassie rolls the die, praying that she wouldn't get a seven because that was one of Atlas' expensive properties. "Get a seven." Atlas kept repeating and Cassie ends up throwing his own game-piece at him to shut him up.
She groans and puts her head in her hands when she looks at the die. It's a seven. Everyone laughs, especially Atlas and Sirius. "You specky twat." she mutters, making everyone laugh more.
"You utter twat," he says back, quietly so that Elizabeth wouldn't hear.
Cassie gasps, "Liz, did you hear that? Atlas just called me a big twat!"
"Atlas!" she exclaims.
"It wasn't me!" he says, which results in laughter from almost everyone. As Cassie laughs, she realises she had nothing to complain about there and then. Sure, she would prefer to have Cedric there too but there isn't anything she can do to change that. Cassie is happy with the people around her currently— grateful, even.
However, Cedric is, rather annoyingly, always in her thoughts. But she's matured in the sense that instead of getting too upset about the fact he wasn't here, she pictures him sitting here playing with them. He's definitely cheering her on from wherever he may be— and that just about gives her just about enough motivation to carry on.
And so to end the day, Cassie sits in the living room with company of only the fireplace, watching Dead Poets Society by herself. Cedric never did get to sit and watch Dead Poets Society with her at Christmas. He promised he would.
Cedric Diggory made a lot of promises that he never got to fulfil.
Instead of crying at Todd Anderson's tragic love story with Neil Perry, Cassie cries thinking of her older brother.
Notes:
CHRIMBOOOOO
okay i’ll admit i tried to make this a happy chapter but already failed the second i started writing…i couldn’t fight the urge to make cassie suffer x
so… on with the hms!
1) whatever the hell happened when cassie woke up. i’m so sorry for that but cmon, it’s her first christmas without him. she’s not going to take it well no matter what. thank goodness remus and sirius are such patient dads cause omg
2) vic’s present 🥹 she knows her so well.
3) enzo getting cassie a t shirt with todd anderson on LMAO that’s just the dps lover in me i’m deeply sorry
4) CASSIE’S present for ENZO. she’s so sentimental i love her.
5) cassie getting a weasley jumper 🥹 all of the presents she got is just so lovely and i’m so happy she has so many lovely people around her
6) harry realising this is all he’s ever wanted while cassie is on the verge of tears thinking of all of her previous christmas’ :( they’re so similar yet so different i can’t quite explain it. harry and cassie’s bond will also be explored in more depth throughout the years i promise. right now they’re kinda on the verge of siblings but not quite cause cassie is still mourning her brother with ever fibre in her body.
7) the monopoly game and atlas & cassie’s beef LMAO cedric would be so proud
8) cassie crying to dps but thinking of cedric :((
i honestly kinda loved this chapter, it’s probably one of the happiest i’ve written in a while…
oh take me back to the yule ball chapter 3
Chapter 48: Y5 | Sledding
Summary:
Long story short, Cassie is Sirius Black.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ FOREVER — NOAH KAHAN
'Oh my god.'
Four days later and the amount of snow surrounding Grimmauld place is starting to become concerning. Everyone has agreed to go sledding— the idea suggested by Cassie and Fred. Sirius was over the moon when they mentioned it, which was automatically a yes. Molly, Victoria and Elizabeth decided to stay home and have a bit of a ladies day.
Cassie gets changed into appropriate sledding-wear, making sure to put lots of layers on. Enzo does the same and then they wait downstairs for the others. Remus has his camera; him and Arthur are only coming so they can laugh at everyone and record it all. It took a lot of convincing for Hermione, but Harry and Ron managed to convince her. They're going to a hill in the middle of nowhere— perfect for Sirius.
"I honestly can't wait, this is going to be so much fun." Cassie smiles, eager to leave.
"I know, imagine if Mattheo, Theo and Blaise were here." Enzo says without even thinking. Despite them all making up, Cassie and Enzo still feel distanced from them. No letters, no pranks. Nobody ever addresses it, but it's clear everyone feels the same. There's only so much a group of teenagers can do in the midst of a war much bigger than they'll ever be.
Cassie sighs, "I wish they were, we'd have such a laugh."
"Well, it'll be funny enough watching our dads go down the hills anyway," Enzo smiled.
Cassie chuckles, "Oh a-hundred-percent,"
Sirius stomps down the stairs with a wide grin. "Right, you ready then?"
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The hillside echoes with giggles as Cassie, Sirius, Harry and Ron line their sledges up at the top. Cassie veins course with familiar adrenaline. The same adrenaline she happens to adore with her whole heart.
"Come on, Cassie!" Remus exclaims. He stands with the remaining people a few feet from where Sirius, Cassie, Harry and Ron sit, with an old camera in his right hand.
"Oi! What about me?" Sirius retorts, feeling jealous of the attention his husband isn't giving him. He's had his fair share of Remus' attention over the years, however.
Remus rolls his eyes, "And you, Sirius!" Sirius winks at his loving husband, which only tempts Remus to roll his eyes agin. Even though both of them won't admit it aloud, they still think like their fifteen-year-old selves at times. It's like they're young, free and happy without a worry in the world— their only worry being what pranks they haven't already done.
The group have chosen a beautiful winter scene to sledge at. Surrounding the paper white hill was a bed of dark green spruce trees, their tips dipped in a pool of white snow. It's still snowing currently, a gesture Cassie loves all the more. A heavy snowflake lands on her nose and from where Enzo is standing, he wants to kiss it. He wants to kiss his girlfriend right here, and right now in such a beautiful spot.
"On the count of three, you'll slide down the hill and whoever makes it down the quickest wins!" Atlas shouts. Rose and Christopher stand at the bottom of the hill, ready to watch who'll come first.
Cassie cracks her knuckles and neck, preparing herself. She catches Enzo's eye and he mouthes, "You're going down!" with a thumbs down gesture. Cassie rolls her eyes with a scoff. She sticks her middle finger up at her boyfriend as he cackles.
"Three..." Atlas begins. "Two..." Sirius shuffled his sled, getting ready to absolutely destroy his daughter, godson and his best friend. Cassie can see him muttering encouragement to himself under his breath in her peripheral vision, making her giggle to herself. "One!"
At that, all four of them shoot off the ground with a heave. Cassie leans forward to push more force against her, gaining speed. She uses her familiar quidditch analysing skills to drive her to the win.
"Piss off!" she shouts at Ron in an attempt to throw him off. As soon as she hears him laugh, she leans forward again, giving her more speed. Sirius is on her tail, she can still see him in her peripheral vision. He's just as determined to win as Cassie is. After all, Sirius is definitely the father Cassie inherits her competitiveness from.
Harry catches up with Sirius, bashing into the side of his sled. Cassie can't help but chuckle as the loud, repetitive sound of their clashing sled's floods her eardrums. She's still in front, which was all that matters.
As soon as the finish line comes into view, she chucks her arms into the air with a "Woo!!" of celebration. Accepting their fate, Ron, Harry and Sirius also begin cheering, despite them all losing to Cassie yet again. She's one three out of eight matches now. Everyone spectating laughs as the chaotic quartet make it to the end, Cassie ahead of them. Enzo cheers with pride. Merlin, he loves his girlfriend. Only would be so happy about winning a sledding match.
Cassie high-fives Sirius, despite him being annoyed that he didn't win. "Well done, pup." he says, to his displeasure, but the smile on his face says otherwise.
"If it makes it any better, you were very close behind me. Second place isn't too bad." Cassie shrugs. He cackles, throwing his head back.
"I worry you've got all of my genes, Cassie, there's not even a bit of Remus in you."
"Is that a bad thing? Should I be worried?"
"Oh no, it's terrible," Sirius grins with a nod. "but life's more exciting when you're in the Sirius Black mindset." he shrugs a shoulder.
Cassie chuckles, "I should hope so."
To end their sledding session later on, Cassie sits in the front of the sled, Enzo behind her with his arms tight around her waist. Remus and Sirius prepare themselves next to the couple. Everyone has split into two's to participate in one massive race. Ron goes with Harry, Ginny is with Hermione, Rose goes with Atlas, Chris goes with Arthur and Fred & George pair up.
"If you make us lose Enzo, I swear to Merlin, I will kill your whole family." Cassie threatens, jokingly.
"Even my sweet old grandad?" Enzo gasps.
"No, I'll spare him— but him only!"
"Fine, I'll eat your leftover sweets."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Oh I would!"
The couple laugh but Cassie instantly stops when George clears his throat. "On my mark, each team will set off, the first team to the finish line are the ultimate winners!"
Everyone cheers in response, Cassie, much louder than the others. "Three..." George says, his tone filled with anticipation. Cassie took a deep breath, preparing herself. She's against seven other teams— she has more of a competition. Competitions have never been a worry for Cassie though, she knows how to win. However, she knows how competitive Sirius, Chris, Fred and George are. "Two!" George announces.
"Come on, Cassie." Enzo whispers. Cassie cracks her knuckles a millisecond before George reaches the final number. "One!"
At that one word, all seven teams take off. Cassie hears Ginny squeal as their sled gets jammed in the snow. "Lean, Enzo!" Cassie exclaims, letting the competitiveness swallow her whole. He listens to his girlfriend, feeling slightly scared of her when she's in the zone.
Cassie and Enzo are in the exact same spot as Remus & Sirius, Fred & George and Ron & Harry. Most teams have given up and slowed down completely. Cassie listens to Chris have a go at poor Arthur for making him lose.
Remus & Sirius gain speed, putting them in front of Cassie & Enzo. Cassie wracks her brain for a plan. There has to be something.
Then, she remembers she has Remus' wand in her pocket from earlier. She pulls out of her jean pocket and performed a familiar spell of "Accroître Momentum," sending Cassie & Enzo metres ahead of the others.
"Oi!" Harry bellows.
"You can't do that!" Sirius exclaims, absolutely outraged. But, oh, he's proud of her for coming up with something like that. She is so him that it worries him sometimes.
"We never said we couldn't use magic!" Cassie replies with a grin, her victory merely inches away. The sled tips over the finish line and Cassie feels a massive wave of pride and relief. She hops up and cheers with her boyfriend. He hugs her so tightly that she almost can't breathe. "We did it!" Cassie cheers.
Shortly after, the remaining teams catch up, accepting their defeat. Sirius chucks a proud arm around his daughter's shoulder. She reminds him of himself so much that it's uncanny. It's like looking in a mirror sometimes. Admittedly, that scares Sirius sometimes.
"You're bloody brilliant, you know that?" Sirius smiles, placing a kiss on her head.
"Oh I'm very aware."
"Merlin, you are so me it's unreal." he chuckles.
Cassie reckons she's always known that. Even from the very first night they met in third year. Just from looking in his eyes, Cassie saw herself. She knew then and there Sirius was her. That was all the proof she needed to trust him. She didn't quite realise that at the time, but now, it couldn't be more obvious.
Sirius and Cassie are twin flames— two sides of the same mirror. Cassie will happily take that fact to the grave.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
A few hours later, everyone sits in the living room with either a hot chocolate or a tea (Cassie being the only one with a tea). Everyone is still recovering from the bitter December chill, blankets smothered across their bodies. Cassie lays across one of the sofa's with her head on Victoria's lap as she runs her fingers through her hair. This isn't just therapeutic for Cassie, but for Victoria too. Cassie is the only family she has left.
The only sounds in the room are the fireplace and the low murmur of small conversations throughout the groups. Cassie focuses her hearing on her Dad's conversation with Enzo. "Are you friends good to Cassie at school? I often worry about her, as a normal father does, but there's something so unsettling about my daughter being friends with kids like that." Sirius asks. Cassie closes her eyes.
"They're all good to Cassie. Mattheo is essentially Cassie's soulmate. She's the only one he trusts and opens up to. I mean, she's never told me anything he's said to her in confidence, but he's been through a lot. That orphanage... it's not easy on him. He came back from St. Edmunds after Christmas one year barely able to walk."
Remus' ears prick up at the mention of St. Edmunds. "Did you say St. Edmunds?" he asks, sitting up straight from where he was sprawled across the arm of the sofa.
"Yeah." Enzo replies, his eyebrows low.
"That's— that's the orphanage I went to. Matron, she— she never did anything about it. The boys are still that bad?" Remus asks. He admittedly thinks of Grant, which he knows Sirius is as well. I'm yours, he says in his head, without even looking at Sirius, hoping and praying he understands.
"I assume so. I don't know the ins and outs really, you're better off asking Cass. Although she probably wouldn't reveal much. She loves Mattheo to bits." Enzo says, bringing a small smile to Cassie's face. "But like I said, they're all good to her— Draco aside. Pansy is one of her closest friends, along with her dorm mates Lexi St.James, Tracey Davis and Daphne Greengrass. Everyone loves Cassie, she's just got that about her. You can't not, y'know?"
"I do know." Sirius nods, a smile on his face. "And as a Quidditch captain?"
"Oh, she's phenomenal, Sirius." Enzo grins, truly proud of his girlfriend. "She talks, and everyone immediately shuts up and listens. They all know she means business about quidditch, it's about the only time you'll see Theo and Mattheo be quiet. She's kind of scary in the zone sometimes."
Sirius laughs, his mind going to his old best friend. "I'm not exactly surprised, Enzo. Her competitiveness, that's all me, unfortunately. However, her need to prove herself and show everyone she can do it, that's all Moony." Sirius looks at his husband fondly.
Enzo looks between them and smiles. He hopes his and Cassie's love will last just as long as theirs has. He's never seen two people be so in love before— other than him and Cassie, of course.
"What's Cassie like in lessons? Is she in trouble a lot?" Remus asked.
Cassie rolls her eyes. Surely Enzo won't snitch on her to her own fathers, right? "She's not too bad, actually. It's just Snape, really." Enzo answers. Cassie sighs; she's okay with that answer. As long as he doesn't mention the number of detentions she'd received last term, she'd be alright.
"Oh don't get me started on Snivellus. He's all nice in meetings in front of everyone but we all know it's an act. He's a greasy little bastard—always has been." Sirius spits. Cassie laughs, startling Victoria.
"What's funny?" Victoria smiles.
"Just listening to Enzo's conversation with Moony and Dad. They're talking about Snape." Rory answers.
"Oh goodness. Snape and the boys have had beef since I can remember."
"Probably why he absolutely despises Harry and I then."
Victoria laughs, her warm fingertips brushing Cassie's scalp. "It's highly likely."
—
The last day of half term comes around much quicker than Cassie would've preferred. She had a full moon on December 30th— the day before New Year's Eve. It's the fifth of January and Cassie has just finished packing her trunk for Hogwarts.
She groans and falls back on her bed, completely exhausted. Her core still aches from the full moon, which doesn't exactly help. She'd received a collection of new bruises all over her body. She doesn't even know what the Wolf gets up to anymore. She assumes it's still as violent as ever, making sure to inflict as much damage as possible.
"I don't want to go back yet," Cassie sighs.
Enzo turns around, facing his tired girlfriend. "I know you don't, love. But everything'll be fine. Think on the bright side— we're doing patronuses this term."
Cassie smiles slightly, "I suppose."
The main and only reason Cassie is dreading going back is seeing Draco again. She isn't sure if they'd ever be friends again. It's not like she isn't talking to him just because of what he said— it's because of all the small stuff he'd said and done to affect Cassie's life over the years. The petty arguments that Cassie never forgot, all the times he hexed one of her best friends for no reason, the unnecessary constant rudeness. She got sick of it.
"Come on, let's take these downstairs." Enzo sighs.
Cassie stands up, heading towards her full trunk. She wraps her skinny fingers around the handle, attempting to lift it. Since she's still weak from the full moon, the trunk falls straight to the floor. "Oh for—" she mutters, attempting to lift it again.
"Let me take it, love." Enzo suggests.
"No, no, it's okay. I can do it." she groans, putting in all her strength. Before Cassie gets the chance to protest, Enzo takes the trunk from her grasp and left the room. "Oi!" she exclaims, defeatedly.
That night, Cassie and Sirius sit on the steps outside Grimmauld Place, simply staring at the stars. Cassie has her head on his shoulder, her arm wrapped around his. "Is it wrong for me to still feel bad for Draco sometimes?" Cassie admits.
Sirius hums in thought. "No, I don't think so. He's been a close friend of yours for years, Cassie. You know him and you know the environment he grew up in. You have every right to feel bad for him because you're good like that. He doesn't deserve you, baby. Nobody ever does."
Cassie squeezes his arm. "I know he's bad, dad. He's literally as cruel as it gets— but I mean, that cruelty has got to come from somewhere, right? Nobody is a bully like that just for the sake of it. It's all for a reason." Cassie sighs. "I've never been able to understand his reason, but I'm trying so hard to. I know that Lucius is both mentally and physically abusive to him, which isn't an excuse to bully, but it's a stressor of the kind, right? Lucius is to blame for all of his behaviour at the end of the day." Cassie says. "Well, that's what I choose to believe anyway."
"Yes, you choose to believe that because you're good, Cassie. You're kind and you're so full of love. I couldn't be prouder of you for that, Cassie, it's all I ever wanted in a child, but..." he sighs. "Listen, the Malfoys are never going to be a family you'll be able to understand or make sense of. That's just how it's always been, believe me, I've tried." he sighs. "Once Cissa and Lucius got married, Reggie and I did our own research into the family. We'd known them before, of course we had, Pureblood balls and galas were way too frequent. More people knew Regulus and I's name by the time we were five than names I had ever learned before. Lucius, he— erm, his family are all the same. Bratty, spoilt and cruel. Like you said, it all comes from somewhere, right? It's not exactly their fault, but they have a choice. At the end of the day, they can choose. Draco knows for a fact you'd accept him into a loving household without a second thought, but he chooses to stay. He chooses to act like that. None of that will ever be enough for you to understand, baby. That's just the way it is, I'm afraid."
Cassie nods, "But we'd have good moments, dad. He only hugged me like twice, but I didn't care. He was never affectionate, but I suppose that makes sense." she shrugs. "However, I think he loved us. I'll never be able to tell for real, but I like to think he did. He cared about me, that's for sure. He always came with them to check up on me after a Full, and he was always happy to see me alive and in one piece. Seeing him smile was like Merlin and Morgana coming down and blessing the ground we walk on, dad. It was so rare, but so beautiful. That smile was just a reminder that he is human and he does have feelings, y'know?"
"My brother was quite like that, actually. Quiet, observant. Spiteful, of course. But he loved. He loved me, he loved his friends. Although we never said the words, I always knew. I also was never able to figure out Regulus, and I've learned to accept that. The quicker you do with Draco, the easier this all becomes, pup."
Cassie falls silent for a moment, staring at the sky. Cassiopeia, Sirius and Regulus aren't out tonight.
Draco is. He's always out in January-February time.
"I just wish he wasn't so horrible to Harry. Truly, Harry is one of the sweetest boys I've ever met. I can't for the life of me think why someone could ever hate him like that. He's a little awkward sometimes, but that's oddly what I love about him. He's himself, even though everyone paints him as a certain way. I'll admit, I was one of those people at one point. I didn't think he had real emotions or anything exciting about him— but that was before we became friends. Now, I can't imagine my life without him. He's kind, funny and a fucking good seeker."
Sirius chuckles, not caring for her language. "That'll be both the James and Lily in him."
"James." Cassie states. "Regulus had a photograph of James in his drawer. Were you all close back then?"
Sirius takes a deep breath. "I never understood what James and Regulus had. Before either of them could explain to me, Regulus was dead and James had a kid. I suppose I'll never know, but they had something. Something special." Sirius says. "But that goes without saying, James was utterly in love with Lily Evans."
"What about you and Moony? What's your story?"
Sirius grins, like he really grins. "Cassie, I was so stupid. It took me six years to realise how in love your father was with me. I kissed him at a party and snogged Mary five minutes later. How fucking stupid of me, right?"
Cassie snorts, "Pretty bloody stupid, dad."
"Yeah." he smiles. "But, Gods, it was worth it in the end. We only got five years together before everything happened. In the second, we bought our own house next to the Potters in Godric's Hollow. In the third, Vickie gave us our beautiful baby girl."
"Do you have any photographs from when we were younger? I find it completely mad Harry and I were once babies together."
"James was Uncle Prongs and there was Auntie Lily, Marlene, Mary, Dorcas, Pandora, Vickie and Lizzie. Uncle Wormy and Frank too."
Cassie's heart tightens. She scoffs and bows her head, "Why is life such a kick in the stomach sometimes?"
Sirius huffs, resting his head on his daughters. "I'll never know, baby. I suppose we just have to take what life gives us and make the bloody most of it. I know for a fact I'm perfectly happy with what's in front of me today. I mean, a healthy, lovely daughter and a perfect husband? Can I ever really complain?"
Cassie snorts, "Probably, yeah, as it seems to be one of the only things you know how to do."
Sirius swats her arm with a chuckle, "Shut up, you." he rolls his eyes.
"Love you, dad." Cassie says after a moment of comfortable silence.
"I love you to the moon and back, pup. Always."
Notes:
okay i LOVEEEE this chapter!! cassie’s grief is put aside for one smidge of a day and she finds out she is the copy and paste of her father. sirius seeing himself in cassie is the sweetest thing ever.
have i mentioned that i love sirius black…?
on with the HMS!
1) remus and sirius still being adorable at the age of 36&37 after being apart for 12 years is just perfect.
2) the first race with cassie LMAO they hate to see her coming.
3) “Life’s more fun when you’re in the Sirius Black mindset.” LMAO ICON. i wish i had the sirius black mindset lowk3
4) enzo being scared of cassie when she’s in the zone HAHAHAH bless his heart😭😭
5) the paired race CRACKS me up; you’ve got chris screaming at arthur for making them lose, teams screaming and getting stuck, remus and sirius catching up and cassie resorting to magic 😭😭😭 it was so chaotic yet so fun to write!
6) “Merlin, you are so me it’s unreal.” SIRIUS I LOVE YOUUUUUUU
7) enzo talking to cassie’s dads about school is just adorable. they both so approve of enzo and i think that’s the sweetest thing ever.
8) and omg cassie and sirius stargazing. that will never get old. i just love the idea of him stargazing with his daughter who is also named after a star. it’s so bittersweet, given his past, and the fact they’ve both been through so much is just astonishing. the stars tends to be one one of the only things they feel secure about all the time. it’s lovely they bond over that.
i also love their really long, deep conversations. i don’t particularly write all of them but i can guarantee you the stargazing conversations are more common than you may think. the thing is, cassie is SO sirius, and he is SO cassie, so when you put them two together, you get remus. remus is then the perfect mix of them both, then it all becomes a circle of similarities. they are quite literally the perfect family.
Chapter 49: Y5 | Patronus
Summary:
Draco is a bit of a knob.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ NOT A LOT, JUST FOREVER —ADRIANNE LENKER
'Not a lot, just forever intertwined, sewn together.'
The students arrive at Hogwarts late at night on the Sixth of January. Cassie has barely spoken to Blaise, Mattheo or Theo on the train. They were acting slightly odd again and Cassie still doesn't quite know what to do with that. Has something important happened with The Dark Lord over Christmas? Is Harry a target? Cassie has so many questions, but she knows that by asking them, she'd ruin her friendships— which is something she isn't willing to risk ever again.
So instead of asking those burning questions, she sits in the common room with the company of Enzo, Daphne, Tracey and Blaise at nine pm. "Guys, promise you won't judge if I tell you this." Tracey blurts.
"We'd never," Cassie replies.
Tracey looked down at her rings, twisting them around her bony fingers. "I'm seeing someone— someone you lot aren't very fond of."
"Oh Merlin, who is it?" Blaise sighs.
Tracey takes a deep breath before bracing, "Lucian Bole."
Cassie's jaw drops. Enzo scoffs, rather loudly, actually. Blaise bursts into laughter and Daphne's eyes are as wide as a tunnel. "Lucian bloody Bole?" Cassie laughs out of shock.
"You said you wouldn't judge!" Tracey protests.
"Ew, Trace! You're way too pretty for him! He looks like a demented goblin!" Daphne exclaims.
Enzo and Blaise turn to each other and burst into a fit of laughter. Cassie whacks her boyfriend's arm as a warning. "What, so are you two like together?" Cassie asks, wanting to know more.
"Not yet— but we exchanged letters over Christmas. He said he wanted to kiss me." Tracey answers, which only made Blaise and Enzo cackle again. Cassie gives them a warning look but they carry on laughing.
"Oh, Trace." Daphne sighs, shaking her head. Cassie can't help but join in with the laughter. She doesn't mean to laugh but Lucian Bole really is ugly. He hasn't had a girlfriend since he was in second year— and that was only because the girl lost a bet. He's two years older than Tracey, to make matters worse.
Out of nowhere, Lexi bursts into the common room and throws a copy of The Daily Prophet at Cassie. "Cass, you might wanna read this." she sighs, sitting down next to Blaise and resting her head on his knee.
Cassie's eyebrows furrow and she scans the newspaper. In big bold letters, the words BELLATRIX LESTRANGE AND TEN OTHER CONVICTS ESCAPE FROM AZKABAN shine as a headline. Underneath that, it reads; With the help of Notorious mass murderer, SIRIUS BLACK.
Rumours have sparked since the escape of ten Azkaban convicts, previous followers of the Dark Lord, that Bellatrix Lestrange's younger cousin, fellow Azkaban convict, was the one that helped them break free. Nothing has been heard of Black since he escaped two years ago, is now finally time for him to make a comeback? Will we see Sirius Black striking again?
Sources say that Lestrange and Black were the fondest of cousins when they were younger. Always playing and laughing together. Who's to say he wouldn't pull a favour for his favourite cousin?
"What the fuck?" Cassie exclaims. Sure, Bellatrix may be Sirius' cousin but there is no way he'd help her and ten other Deatheater convicts escape.
"I know, there's no way he's helping them, right?" Lexi asks.
Cassie nods but she looks at Blaise, who has his head down and is picking at his thumb. She looks to Enzo and motions towards Blaise— which only makes him frown. This makes Cassie sad. Their friends are still holding back so much, which rightfully so, and it's pushing them apart. "Here, read it." Cassie says, chucking the newspaper at Enzo.
Enzo's eyebrows knit together as he read. "That's absolutely ridiculous."
Cassie nods but motions towards Blaise, Daphne and Tracey, knowing that their parents are all possible Deatheaters. Enzo nods, understanding what Cassie is implying instantly.
Oh, how things are changing.
—
Over the next two weeks, Cassie and Enzo attend multiple meetings. They're becoming stronger by the minute— Harry's teaching really is spectacular. Soon, he's going to begin teaching them patronuses— which Cassie is quite nervous for.
On another note, the first O.W.L exam takes place in three weeks time. Every night, Cassie and Enzo study as hard as they possibly can, sometimes even with the help of Hermione in the library. Despite Cassie not having too much care for her subjects, she still wants to succeed. That's the competitiveness in her speaking, really.
One evening, Cassie and Enzo sit with Harry, Ron and Hermione for dinner. Harry's gaze is locked on the newspaper as it, yet again, puts the blame on Sirius. "It's just so ridiculous—Fudge is that in denial that he's putting the blame on Sirius. He's out of his mind." he sighs, exhausted by it all.
"Exactly. It's the safe option— blaming Padfoot. He knows it'll have no consequences." Hermione adds.
Cassie swallows a mouthful of soup and leans forward. "Earlier, in charms, Mattheo asked me what I got up to over Christmas. I told him I didn't do much, other than spend time with my dads and visit Cedric. Then, I said 'How about you?' and he went dead silent for a solid thirty seconds." Cassie explains, swallowing and using hand gestures. "I went 'Mattheo?', waving my hand across his face. 'Oh, not much either really.' he said." Cassie finishes. "I didn't think too much of that, Mattheo zones out a lot. But then he asked how you were." she adds, looking at Harry.
"What?" Harry spits, his eyebrows low with confusion.
"He doesn't like Harry as much as Draco does— why on earth would he ask that?" Enzo asks. Cassie shrugged, no words forming in her mouth despite her lips parting. She's out of ideas, out of energy, and out of willingness to wrack her brain for answers she knows she'll never be able to find.
"Maybe he's trying to gather information for You-Know-Who?" Hermione suggests.
"It's possible— but you'd think he'd do it more subtly, right? I mean, this is Mattheo we're talking about. Enz, me and you know him, he's good at these sort of things. All his life, he's had one goal; Survive. He's not stupid— he's street smart, he always has been. You'd think he'd word it better, or work it into a conversation which made more sense than that one." says Cassie, the cogs in her brain scraping against one another.
"Very true, plus Christmas was like two weeks ago." Enzo confirms
"Maybe he's desperate. We all know what the Dark Lord is capable of— however, we have no idea what he's telling Riddle to do. Sure, it's his own son— but do we seriously think that would stop him from killing him?" Hermione replies, absorbing the information Cassie has given. This makes Cassie's stomach churn with anxiety.
"The thing is, guys, Mattheo has a good heart. If he didn't, I would never of been friends with him in the first place. Theo and Blaise have good hearts too— Draco maybe not." Cassie raises her eyebrows for emphasis. "If they had a choice whether to live lives like ours— happy, loving and full of life, or whether to live the one they currently have, I think I know what they'd choose." she explains. "I know Sirius was good— despite his family, but that's different. Mattheo is the son of Voldemort. He puts a toe out of line? He's dead. He has no choice but to comply. Sirius' mother, underneath all of her hatred for her children, she had an inch of love for them. She wouldn't kill them." Cassie says. "Do you get what I'm saying? They aren't the enemy here. They're the messengers, they're the men on in the inside. The others are the enemy. Please don't forget that."
"Yeah, I agree." Harry mutters.
Cassie looks him in the eye and smiles slightly. "I completely understand if you hate them. If I were you, I would too. But I need you to know, Harry, none of this is their fault. If I thought they were truly bad people, I would've stopped associating myself with them ages ago, you know that. Please listen to me. Voldemort is the enemy. He's the one that killed my brother— your parents— not Mattheo."
"I understand, Cass. I trust you. You know that." Harry smiles, his eyes tired.
Cassie squeezes his hand and turns her attention to Hermione and Ron. "Do you two get what I'm saying?"
"I think you're brilliant, Cassie." Ron scoffed. Cassie's eyebrows furrow, wondering what he means. "You could not of worded that more perfectly— it's like, you've changed my view on them like that." he says, clicking his fingers.
Cassie smiles, bowing her head. "They were there for me when I didn't think I'd make it out alive, you guys. They made me smile on the days where all I wanted to do was lay in bed and cry. I could always count on them to cheer me up. That's why I love them. I really wish you guys could've seen what they were like for how they really were."
"They played a massive part in keeping this one alive." Enzo nudges Cassie with a smile. "Even though I hate to say it, she might not be here to this day if it weren't for them. They're not the bad guys. If they were, they wouldn't have made that much of an impact on our lives." Enzo sighs, his eyes watering with raw emotion. There was once a time when Enzo couldn't sleep at night because he was scared he would wake up in a world without Cassie in. He was so scared of losing her— that's why he tried so hard to look after her. Losing her would've broken him.
Luckily, she survived.
She made it through.
And she owes everything to Enzo.
—
"Um— good evening, everyone! As I'm sure you all know, today we will be learning how to produce the Patronus charm. The patronus charm is used to fight off dementors, using the spell Expecto Patronum. Can you all repeat that for me, please?" Harry asks.
"Expecto Patronum." the room repeats, excitement in their voices. Even Cassie has to admit, she's beyond excited to see what patronus she had. Cedric's was a Siberian Tiger— just like Victoria's animagus. And I mean, what an animal, right? Cassie has always been jealous of that. She thinks tigers are one of nature's most beautiful mammals.
"Good. Now I want you all to close your eyes and think of the time you've been the most happiest. Focus on it." Harry instructs.
Cassie's mind immediately goes to Christmas last year— with everyone sat around the table with laughter ricocheting off every wall. The memory is so warm and cozy. It makes Cassie smile to herself, her eyes glued shut.
"Now, take out your wands and follow what I do." Harry adds and everybody opens their eyes to watch what he's about to do. He lifts his wand and flicks it in a circular motion. "You try." he smiles. Everyone does the exact same movement, only Neville managing to do it wrong. Fortunately, Ginny helps him do it the right way.
"Now you can try it with the spell. Remember to focus on that memory. Play it out in your head as long as you have to. If you can't find the right memory, that's okay. You just have to look deeper. I promise, it's there somewhere." Harry guides. He's a natural at teaching, Cassie thinks.
"You got one?" Enzo asks, tilting his head around to Cassie.
"I think so." she says, squinting her eyes. She goes back to the memory, letting it flood her thoughts like a tsunami. Laughter. Love. Family. Warmth. Happiness. Joy. The words Cassie associates with that memory.
However, when she tries it with the spell, she fails. She furrows her eyebrows and wracks her brain for any possible memory that could make her happier.
That memory of Christmas... it's like something was missing. A person, maybe? It's something Cassie has to search the deepest crevices of her mind to find.
Oh.
She knows when she finds it. It feels right. This time, when she lifts her wand to perform the spell, it works. A navy translucent animal in the shape of a tiger flies out of her wand. It roars, jumping up on its hind legs. Cassie scoffs, her eyes filling with tears. Cedric.
The memory went like so;
Cassie was seven years old. She was in Cornwall for the summer with the Berkshires. The kids were in the water, splashing and giggling with each other. On the shore, Victoria and Elizabeth were lounging on the sand with wine and cheap sunglasses on. Chris and Amos began running down to the water with the kids, laughing and pretending to chase after them.
They all squealed and swam away, but not before Chris grabbed Cassie's left ankle. She erupted into giggles as he tickled the sole of her foot. Enzo stepped in and pushed his dad out of the way, sacrificing himself as Chris lifted him up over his shoulder with a heave.
This left Cassie open for Amos to target her, but she swam away with her laughter ricocheting off the water. Her and Cedric squeal and find each others hands, swimming frantically.
They all came to halt when Elizabeth announced they would be going to get some dinner now at the chippie down the road. This automatically made them run out of the water, sopping and grinning. Cassie and Cedric ran to shore hand-in-hand, not letting go all the way to the chippie.
Enzo laughs and wraps an arm around Cassie's shoulder, watching the tiger prowl. "A tiger, huh?" he smiles.
A tear rolls down Cassie's cheek in the blink of an eye, her smile failing to falter. "Cedric. It's Cedric."
Before Enzo can reply, there's a loud thud. Cassie frantically looks around, unsure of where it's coming from. The ground starts to rumble and the chandelier chimes as it shakes. The glass mirror shatters out of nowhere— which makes Harry pull out his wand and stand in front of Nigel.
Cassie takes a step forward, holding her wand high. Enzo catches her eye and they share a panicked look.
The shattering has created a small hole in the wall. Cassie and Enzo join the small crowd, shielding the younger students. Harry approaches the wall, his head low. Umbridge's voice makes Cassie's blood boil in an instant. "I'll make short work of this." she smiles.
Harry yanks Nigel out of the way and pushes everyone back. "Bombarda Maxima!" Umbridge exclaims, setting the wall off into dust. The noise of the explosion is deafening and Enzo protects Cassie by wrapping his arms around her waist.
Umbridge stands with a stern look on her wrinkled face, her inquisitorial squad behind her. Filch huffs and scowls at the lot of them. He's hated these blighters since their first year.
Cassie stands up, squinting her eyes to get a closer look. A familiar face has Cho Chang by the collar, dragging her to the front of the crowd. Cassie's jaw clenches, betrayal filling her blood. It's Draco.
"Get them!" Umbridge squeals.
Cassie looks at Enzo, her chest heaving. He shrugs, his lips parted in shock. The inquisitorial squad climb through the hole in the wall and started grabbing members of the DA. Cassie panics, her senses on high alert.
She shakes her head as Draco approaches her, "You make me sick, Draco! We loved you! We did nothing to you!" He rolls his eyes and grabs her by the collar. "Get off me, you prick!"
"Get your hands off her, Malfoy!" Enzo exclaims.
"What are you going to do now, Black? You don't have your big brother to protect you now." Draco spits, his smirk showing how much he's truly enjoying this.
Cassie resists, trying to punch him. He grabs her hands and pushes her out of the Room of Requirement. Percy Weasley has a hold of Harry and Cho, dragging them to the Headmasters office. Cassie has nothing but pure disgust on her face. Draco is a monster. To think that she once thought of him as a friend makes her sick to her stomach.
Notes:
AWHHH CASSIE’S PATRONUS!! this was not a hard decision whatsoever lmaoooo
you’re yet to find out enzo’s…
but ugh draco can you not?? you’re ruining the moment my love xx
overall this is quite a light chapter, no angst here! but it’s okay, you’ll get your angst soon!
Chapter 50: Y5 | Grawpy
Summary:
BFG but make it Harry Potter
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ IN MY ROOM — CHANCE PEÑA
Umbridge is now headmaster. Cassie, Enzo, Hermione, Harry and Ron stand outside the great hall, watching Filch nail yet another decree on the wall. Dolores Jane Umbridge has replaced Albus Dumbledore as Head of Hogwarts School of Wichcraft & Wizardry.
Cassie sighs, rubbing a frustrated hand over her face. "I'm so done with this shit." she mutters.
"You and me both." Ron sighs.
Umbridge has ruined Hogwarts. It's lost its spark. The walls are bare, stripped of its portraits. So many rules have been put in place that students are afraid to move. Morale is as low as it had ever been— and Hogwarts had suffers a lot over the past five years.
Not to mention, O.W.L's have began by the time April rolls around. Cassie had her Potions examination today and it didn't go well. She's been in a dull mood since leaving that examination hall, with the lingering side-effects of the Moon cycle. The Moon is tonight and Cassie has just about had enough of everything.
"I'm going to go to Pomfrey now. Might as well." Cassie shrugs, only really telling Enzo despite being with Ron and Harry as well. He frowns, facing her and finding her hand.
"You okay?" he asks, looking into the beautiful brown of her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Just tired is all. Potions went to shit and I just want to get tonight over with." she sighs, letting her head fall on Enzo's shoulder.
"That's okay, love. I'm heading to the library to do some last minute Runes revision with Blaise and Pansy, I'll be down there in the morning, yeah?"
"Yeah, don't rush, love. I don't mind."
Enzo chuckles, knowing damn well the second he wakes up he's going straight down to the infirmary. Poppy always holds Cassie in there for an hour or two after her bad last year. Enzo can't say he blames her. "I love you baby, be safe."
"I love you more." Cassie smiles, letting go of his hand and walking the other way.
Cassie finds herself enjoying her own company a lot more nowadays. The thought of wandering the halls alone used to be a pointless activity before, and activity Cassie wouldn't see herself doing when she has her friends to speak to. Now, she finds herself taking a long walk to calm herself down and regulate her thoughts.
Hogwarts is peaceful this time of night, it only being shortly after dinner time. Nobody is really around anyway. You get the occasional third years sitting on a bench, or a mission-centred first year with a book in their hand, but otherwise, Cassie's only company are the ghosts.
However, tonight seems to be different.
"Watch where you're going, Black." Flint scowls, nudging Cassie's shoulder. She wasn't even anywhere near him when he walked past.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Fuck off, Flint. Go tend to your poor little Draco."
"Yeah? How about you go cry to your daddy."
"Oh, I will. And I'll make sure he knows every tiny thing about you, Flint. My father has a reputation, you see." Cassie shrugs a shoulder.
Marcus sneers and walks away, Cassie rolling her eyes yet again. What an utter twat. The day Flint leaves Hogwarts this year will be one of pure celebration and joy for Cassie. Only a few more terms, Cassie keeps telling herself.
By the time Cassie makes it to Poppy's office, she plonks herself down on her brown armchair. "Rough day, dear?" Poppy asks from her supply room, not even bothering to wonder who could be wandering into her office this time of day.
"You have no idea." Cassie sighs.
"How'd Potions go?" Poppy asks, walking back out of her supply and instead placing the designated concoctions on their rightful places on her shelf.
"Absolute dogshit, Poppy. I forgot the Valerian Sprigs in my Babbling Beverage and didn't twist my Erumpent tail before putting it in." Cassie groans, rubbing a hand over her face. "I also didn't read one of the theory questions right and started writing a whole essay on Polyjuice when the question specifically mentioned Hair-Rising potion. I mean— what an absolute idiot? How in Merlin's great godfather did I read that wrong? I'm so annoyed at myself— oh! And I also didn't put the powdered moonstone in my Draught of Peace. That's like the main ingredient, how did I miss that?" she rambles, and Poppy listens. "I didn't even get to finish writing up my conclusion of Babbling Beverage— that's already cost me at least sixteen marks. I am completely and utterly fucked. I'm going to get nowhere in life."
"Woah, woah. Let's slow down there, dear. Just because you messed up a bit on your potions O.W.L does not mean you're going to get nowhere in life. You're one of the best seekers I've ever seen— that's enough to get you pretty bloody far, Cassie. You needn't stress so much, potions isn't going to be something you'll need in your life I presume. Anyway, your N.E.W.Ts are more important. O.W.L's are just a foundation for your higher years."
"I know, I know, I just hate being so annoyed at myself like this. I mean— how could I be so thick? My mind just went blank. Literally blank. I took one look at Mattheo and we both knew we were fucked."
Poppy chuckles, "I can promise you, Cassie, you will be absolutely fine, no matter your score."
Cassie lets out a noise of frustration before sitting up straight and wandering to Poppy's teapot. She mutters a water-warming spell and pours her own cup of tea. "On a lighter note, what are you up to?"
"Sorting medicines in order of Antidotes, Essence, Powder, Pills, Tonics and Alcohol-based medicines." Poppy mutters, looking down at a label on one of her jars.
"In English, please."
Poppy turns her head, "Sorting medicines."
Cassie nods, "Ah. I see." she smiles. "Anything exciting today?"
"Not really, dear. I had tea with Minerva and Professor Snape delivered his new supply of Draught of Peace and that's all."
Cassie snorts, "Let's hope his Peace is better than mine was."
Poppy tuts, "Stop stressing, Cassiopeia. When's your next examination?"
"Next week." Cassie sighs, sitting back down. "Astronomy, though. I'm pretty confident about that one so I'm not cramming in any last minute revision like Enzo is with Runes."
"Your family sure do enjoy the stars."
"Oh, they're lovely. I like to think of them as my friends."
"That's sweet." Poppy smiles. "Your father used to say the same thing to me— Sirius, that is."
"He and I like to bond over our shared love for stars. It's one of the many things we seem to have in common."
"You've always been more Sirius than Remus, I think. But at the end of the day, you're the perfect mix of them both. I like to think you've got a bit of them all in you, though. Regulus, James, Lily, Marlene, Dorcas, Evan... you get the gist. You put all of those together and you get you and Harry."
Cassie beams at this. "I like that."
—
Cassie sits in the common room with Enzo after their third detention of the month, their hands burning with pain. It's been a few days since the Moon, and Cassie recovered way quicker this time. Scars aren't as common anymore, thankfully. Bruises seem to be a reoccurring problem, however.
Out of nowhere, Mattheo bursts into the room with Theo at his side. "When were you going to tell us about this Dumbledore's Army?" he exclaims.
Cassie looks at Enzo before answering. "We don't owe you anything, Mattheo. We agreed that we could have our secrets and it was okay to do so. You can't deny that."
"That's where you two have been sneaking off to every evening." Theo adds.
"Are you even listening to what Cassie just said? We don't owe you anything. Just like you don't owe us anything." Enzo replies, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Whatever." Mattheo sighs.
"Draco." Cassie speaks up, making them spin around again. "He um— he grabbed me by the collar and said 'What are you going to do now, Black? You don't have your big brother to protect you now.'" she explains. "We're not the villains here and you know that, so don't make us the villains just because you're upset we kept something from you for once."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Over the month of April, Cassie has taken six of her O.W.L exams now. Herbology, Charms, D.A.D.A, Astronomy and Divination. All she has left are Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic.
Currently, she's on the bridge with her friends. "It's not your fault, nobody could win against that old hag." Ron consoles. It's been about two weeks since Dumbledore fled and Umbridge became Headmistress. Harry seems to be taking it worse than the others.
"Even Dumbledore didn't see this coming. Harry, if it's anyone's fault, it's ours." Hermione said. Cassie, Enzo and Ron nod in agreement.
"Yeah, we talked you into it." Ron says.
"Yeah, but I agreed." he snaps, his head whipping around. "I tried so hard to help and all it's done is make things worse."
"Don't say that, Harry. I wouldn't know half the stuff I do now because of you. Hell, I even learnt how to produce a patronus! If you said that to me last year, I would've laughed in your face." Cassie said.
He smiles slightly but turns around again, looking down at the pale lake. "But none of that matters now, anyways." he frowns. Cassie shares a look with Enzo. "Because I don't want to play anymore. All it does is make you care too much. And the more you care, the more you have to lose. So maybe it's better to just..."
"To what? As someone who lost a lot last year, Harry, the worst thing you can do is stop caring. I tried that. It only made things worse for me. I thought that I was protecting the people I loved by pushing them away. Believe me, it doesn't help." Cassie interjects.
"To go at it alone. I understand what you're saying, Cass, but this is different. I could get a lot of people killed if I'm not careful." Harry says.
Before any of them get the chance to reply, Hagrid pokes his head around the corner. "Psst!" he exclaims in a whisper. The giant has a large wound down his face, blood lingering on his forehead. Cassie furrows her eyebrows together in confusion. Where has he been?
—
The five of them have followed Hagrid into the forbidden forest, oddly enough. "Any idea where he's taking us?" Enzo asks.
"Not a clue, mate." Ron replies.
"Hagrid, why can't you just tell us?" Harry asks. Cassie takes a big step over a massive tree root, wary of where she's walking. The forbidden forest has never been Cassie's place of choice. It always gives her the chills, reminding her of her nights under the Full Moon. The trees are humongous and occasionally, you can hear these deafening, unknown noises from the depth of the forest.
Out of nowhere, a neigh is heard. That's exactly what Cassie had meant.
The herd of centaurs gallop past the group, shaking the ground whilst doing so. The centaurs like Cassie. They know her as the Wolf, and often find themselves chatting away to her on a Full Moon, despite the fact Cassie A) doesn't understand them, and B) can't reply.
"I've never seen the centaurs so riled and they're dangerous at the best of times." Hagrid says, avoiding Harry's question. "The Ministry restricts their territory much more and they're gonna have a full uprising on their hands."
"Hagrid, what's going on?" Hermione asks, getting more impatient by the minute.
"I'm sorry to be so mysterious, you lot. I wouldn't be bothering you at all with it, but.. with Dumbledore gone, I'll likely be getting the sack any day now." Hagrid explains. "And I couldn't just leave without telling someone about him."
Cassie's initial thoughts are that Hagrid is about to reveal his secret boyfriend.
Oh how she's wrong.
Footsteps as loud as thunder stomp through the wood, sending panic through the quintet. Cassie's jaw drops as her gaze went up. A real giant.
"Grawpy? Down here you great buffoon!" Hagrid exclaims.
Cassie shares a concerned look with Enzo, his expression clearly showing how confused he is. They all take a step back as the giant approaches them. Enzo takes Cassie's hand, standing in front of her. They duck in unison as the giant tries to grab a flock of butterflies.
"Oh Grawpy... I brought you some company." Hagrid shouts
Grawpy looks down at the five teenagers, a smile on his face. Cassie feels bad for him. He looks sweet, really. He is just so big.
Unexpectedly, he starts to run towards them. Cassie's eyes widen and she runs backwards, holding onto Enzo's hand and Harry's arm. Fortunately, a rope pulls Grawpy back so he can't get any further.
Cassie sighs with relief and brushes her hair out of her face. "I couldn't just leave him, because.. because he's my brother." Hagrid reveals. Cassie's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"Blimey." Ron exclaims, quietly.
"Well, half-brother, technically. He's completely harmless, just like I said." Hagrid says, as the said harmless giant tries to step on the scared teenagers. "Little high-spirited, is all."
"High-spirited?" Cassie scoffs.
Hermione almost trips over a tree root but before she can stabilise herself, Grawpy has grabbed her. He holds her close to his face as she screams. She looks like a child's toy compared to him.
"Hagrid, do something!" Ron shouts. Cassie, Enzo and Ron search for something to throw at him in order for him to put her down.
"We discussed this! You do not grab!" Hagrid shouts, sternly. "That's your friend, Hermione!"
"Aha!" Cassie whispers, passing a small log to Ron. He grabs it and runs towards Grawpy. He swings the log at the giant's leg— however, it just breaks the log in half. Cassie and Enzo sigh with a mix of frustration and held back laughter.
Grawpy lightly kicks Ron, sending him backwards. Cassie accidentally lets a laugh slip. Her and Enzo stop laughing when they realise nobody else is.
Hermione begins to get annoyed. "Grawpy! Put me down!" she shouts. Ron gulps, his gaze fixed on Grawpy. Slowly, the giant lowers Hermione to the floor. "You okay?" Cassie whispers to her. She nods with a smile.
"I think you've got an admirer." Harry says, looking up. The others follow his gaze, watching Grawpy. He picks up a handle off a bike and turn around, looking at Hermione.
"You just stay away from her, alright?" Ron exclaims, his voice slightly shaky.
Grawpy rings the bell on the handle, quite pleased with himself. Cassie smiles. She didn't know giants can feel remorse. He gently gives the handle to Hermione. His finger is almost the size of Cassie.
Hermione stands there, not knowing what to do with the gift. Cassie and Enzo share yet another look, holding back their laughter. Hermione rings the bell, a smile on her face. Grawpy beams, happiness on his face.
"He's quite cute actually." Cassie smiles.
"He gets his own food and all. It's company he'll be needing when I'm gone." Hagrid informs as Grawpy thumps to the floor, sitting down. "You'll look after him, won't you? I'm the only family he's got." All five of them nod.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"How'd your lesson go with Snivellus?" Cassie asks, sitting with Harry in the library.
"Very odd. I ended up looking into his mind." Harry sighs.
Cassie gasps, "What did you see?"
"Our dads— they were bullying him? I saw Snape sitting against a tree, reading a book. Our dads and Pettigrew go up to him and steal his wand. Sirius said 'Finish him off!' so my dad performed Impedimenta and everyone started calling him Greasy Snivellus."
Cassie bursts into a fit of laughter, to Harry's confusion. "What's funny?"
"They didn't bully him, I promise you. Snape has changed that memory to make it look one-sided. They were both as bad as one another. Your dad was not a bully, Haz. I've heard it from Sirius myself.
"But why?"
"Because they were teenage boys! Snape started picking on Remus in first year so obviously, James, Sirius and Peter stuck up for him. I suppose it just kicked off whatever rivalry they had. That's why Snape hates us so much. He sees our dads when he looks at us."
"So my dad wasn't a bad person?"
"No way. Do you seriously think your mother would marry him if he was? Your mother was the sweetest woman on this planet, Harry. She was also friends with Snivellus."
"I suppose." Harry says, biting his cheek. "Earlier, I walked by Fred and George comforting a first year after his first detention with Umbridge. I looked around and she was standing right there. It's like she's following me."
"Knowing her, she probably is. She hates us as much as Snape does."
"That's saying something."
Cassie laughs. Then Harry does too. Cassie is so grateful to have Harry. He has become somewhat like family to her. After all of this is over, Cassie hopes Harry can live with her and her dads. She hates being an only child.
It's a constant reminder in her head. She knows she lost the sister title the second she found out about Remus and Sirius, but it was always there, y'know? It never really went anywhere. Cedric was still alive and her brother, after all.
Now that he's dead, it's like the sister title is one Cassie will never get to see the light of day of ever again. That's a daunting fact. A very daunting fact.
And as per usual, Cassie shuts her green curtains and slides her wand onto her nightstand. Her head hits the pillow and she thinks of her brother.
Notes:
cassie ranting to poppy pomfrey may just be my favourite thing ever. she is SO remus sometimes despite being a copy and paste of sirius.
but anyway this chapter wasn’t too heavy… just a bit depressing is all!
1) mattheo and theo being pissed off… uh oh. but in all fairness, cassie and mattheo did agree to have secrets! they can’t blame them for not telling them about it
2) GRAWPYYYY ugh what a cutie. he’s just the sweetest gigantic creature ever. how do i get a grawpy?? i want one.
3) cassie and harry bonding :,) i love their relationship so much. they both need someone like a sibling to lean on sometimes, cassie more so, and i think it’s beautiful. nobody will ever be cedric, that’s a fact, but harry is someone cassie is willing to accept in her life as a brother-figure. harry wants nothing more than a family.
Chapter 51: Author’s Note
Chapter Text
Hi! If you don’t care for what the characters look like and prefer to create your own ideas in your head, simply skip this chapter! :) This is just a recap of how I view each character, it’s okay if you see them differently! Even I’ve changed my mind on each character’s looks at least three times and I’ve been writing this fic for 2 years :,)
So here are my ideas of each character’s looks!
CASSIOPEIA BLACK is
Nina Dobrev in season 1-2 of the Vampire Diaries
LORENZO BERKSHIRE is
Louis Partridge
CEDRIC DIGGORY is
Robert Pattinson
VICTORIA DIGGORY is
Elizabeth Olsen
AMOS DIGGORY is
Paul Bettany
MATTHEO RIDDLE is
Benjamin Wadsworth in Deadly Class
THEODORE NOTT is
Lorenzo Zurzolo in Baby
PANSY PARKINSON is
Scarlett Byrne
DRACO MALFOY is
Tom Felton
BLAISE ZABINI is
Louis Cordice
LEXI ST. JAMES is
Debut / Fearless Taylor Swift
REMUS LUPIN is
Matt Hitt
SIRIUS BLACK is
Ben Barnes in Shadow&Bone
EDWARD HOWARD is
Hunter Doohan
DAPHNE GREENGRASS is
Dove Cameron in Liv&Maddie
TRACEY DAVIS is
Taylor Russell
HARRY POTTER is
Daniel Radcliffe
CANON GRYFFINDORS/SLYTHERINS as they are in the films
CHRISTOPHER BERKSHIRE is
Micheal Fassbender
ELIZABETH BERKSHIRE is
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe
ATLAS BERKSHIRE is
Michal Mzarik
ROSE BERKSHIRE is
Kaylee Bryant in Legacies
Chapter 52: Y5 | The Prophecy
Summary:
Bit of a rough one
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ THE PROPHECY — TAYLOR SWIFT
'Please, I've been on my knees, change the prophecy.'
Cassie wracks her brain for answers as she reads the question on her History of Magic exam. Where did the first Goblin rebellion take place? She's read this a million times when studying it so why on earth can't she remember now?
She looks up from her desk, her gaze catching on Umbridge. The headmistress stands at the very front of the great hall, smiling at the students. Everybody in that room knows that smile is as fake as it gets. Umbridge doesn't care about a single one of her students. At least Dumbledore cared about a few (by that; Harry Potter).
Cassie looks at the clock, panic washing over her. She has five minutes left and six questions to answer. She sighs with frustration and goes onto the next question. What year was the Werewolf Code of Conduct induced?
Cassie's jaw tenses. She hates learning about werewolves in school. Even though nobody ever is, she always feels like all eyes are on her. It always makes her shuffle in her seat or rub her neck as an uncomfortable response.
Luckily for her though, she actually knows this answer. '1637' she writes underneath the question. Feeling proud of herself, she moves onto the next page.
However, she hears a loud noise in the distance. She hears it before anyone else— the full moon only being two days ago. Cassie turns her head toward the back of the hall. Enzo follows her gaze, his eyebrows low.
Then, more people start to turn around. It's getting louder. Umbridge's expression morphs into confusion in an instant. She begins walking down the hall, struggling to keep her composure as everyone stares.
"What is that?" Enzo whispers from the seat in the row next to her.
Cassie shrugs, "Not a clue."
The great hall doors swing open and Umbridge took a step out, poking her head around. Cassie squints to get a better look— are those sparks?
She sits up higher, not being able to see awfully well over Ron's head. The sparks dart around Umbridge's face as she tries to get away from it. The sizzling noise can only be heard faintly— but Cassie hears it loud and clear.
Then, the spark flows into the hall and erupts into a tiny blue firework with a pop. Everyone breaks into smiles, not having a clue what's going on. Umbridge steps further, determined to find who did this.
Cassie vaguely heard the sound of whizzing broomsticks and laughter. "Broomsticks— the twins!" Cassie chuckles when she hears Fred go "Ready, George?" and George reply with "Ready, Fred."
Then, the twins fly into the hall on (as Cassie predicted) two broomsticks. They throw firecrackers and fling all of the students' papers into the air. The hall blows up with fireworks, colours flooding the ceiling. Everyone stands up— lots of people even cheering.
They throw dozens of fireworks, each one as loud as the next. Cassie laughs with Enzo, not taking her eyes off the ceiling.
"Wicked." Ron grins.
One lands on Draco's face, covering him in ash. Cassie scoffs and bursts into laughter. If that isn't karma, she doesn't know what is.
The twins high-five as they watch their chaos unfold before them. Umbridge is as stressed out as she's ever been. She struts through the hall, anger boiling through her veins as she ducks underneath the fireworks.
Filch has also entered the chaos now, ready for Umbridge's orders. "Ready when you are!" one of the twins shout. Cassie thought it was Fred— but they sound so similar it's hard to tell sometimes.
He throws a massive firecracker at the ceiling, it taking the shape of a Chinese dragon. It roars with passion as it stares intently at Umbridge herself. Cassie smiles so far it begins to hurt her cheeks. "This is going to be good." she grins.
The dragon chases Umbridge down the hall and out of the building as she whimpers in fear. The whole year group burst into laughter, following after the chaos. The fireworks have destroyed every single decree on the wall.
The twins fly out of the school and every student follows. Umbridge gets trampled in the process, nobody bothering to help her up. She lies flat on the pile of broken decrees.
Cassie grabs Enzo's hand and runs after the hubbub. The whole school gather in the front courtyard as Fred and George paint the sky with fireworks. Everyone claps and cheers for the twins. "They're bloody loving this." Cassie mutters with a grin, earning a laugh of agreement from Enzo. Above everyone, a gigantic W has been created out of fireworks in the blue sky.
Cassie turns abruptly, sensing something is wrong with her strange cycle-powers (as Enzo calls them). Her stomach falters as she watches Harry's smile drop and his eyes dart frantically. His chest heaves and he struggles to keep his balance. Cassie eyebrows furrow and she stops clapping.
Harry falls to the floor. Cassie sits at his side, taking his hand. "What is it?" she asks, softly.
"S-" he gasps.
Cassie's face warps with confusion. "S?" she questions.
"Sirius." he breathes. Cassie's heart drops and her stomach twists. What about Sirius? What happened? Is he okay? Her eyes bulge slightly and her heartbeat immediately picks up.
Quickly, Harry stands up. He grabs Ron and Hermione by the arms and motions to the school. Cassie slides her fingers through Enzo's and follows after them.
"What's happening, Harry?" Cassie exclaims as soon as they enter the building.
"Voldemort has Sirius." he says, his chest still heaving. He doesn't stop walking as he explains. Cassie feels like she's going to be sick. "They're at the ministry— the department of mysteries. He wanted something from Sirius— a prophecy." Cassie's heart rate increases by dozens as the words spill out of Harry's mouth. There is no way she was letting Sirius die too, even if it's the last thing she does. Sirius is not dying.
They end up by the moving stairs, rushing up them. "Are you sure, Harry?" Hermione asks.
"It's just like with Mr Weasley, it's the same door I've been dreaming about for months, only I couldn't remember where I saw it before." he says. "Sirius said Voldemort was after something, something he didn't have last time and it's in the Department of Mysteries."
"Harry!" Hermione exclaims. "Please, just listen. What if Voldemort meant for you to see this? What if he's only hurting Sirius to get to you?"
Cassie turns to Hermione, "What if he is? Do you expect us to let him? Hermione, that's our dad." Both Cassie and Harry brush past the Our Dad comment, too stressed to think about anything other than Sirius.
Enzo squeezes Cassie's hand, knowing how truly stressed she's getting. He can always tell when it gets really bad like this. Her chest heaves and she gets irritated ten times easier. However, she never gets irritated with Enzo. If anything, he's the only one that has the ability to calm her down.
Hermione sighs with defeat and shares a look with Ron. "What do we do?" Ron asks.
"We'll have to use the Floo network." Harry suggests as they run through the halls.
"But Umbridge has all of the Floo Networks under surveillance." Enzo says.
"Not all of them." Cassie replies, an idea sparking in her head. She remembers taking notice of the fireplace in Umbridge's room the first time she had a detention with her.
Once the quintet arrive outside the Headmistress' office, they unlock the door and quietly creep in. It reminds Cassie of those moments in the films where the characters tip-toe through the room and any noise can set off the deadly alarm.
The cats on the plates on the walls meow in confusion, the sound lingering in Cassie's eardrums. Harry crouches down by the fireplace, Cassie next to him. "Alert the Order if you can." he says.
"Are you mental?" Enzo spits.
"We're going with you." Ron says.
"It's too dangerous." Harry sighs.
"When are you going to get it into your head? We're in this together." Hermione exclaims. Harry looks at Cassie and she nods.
"That... you... are." a familiar vile voice gasps from the entrance. All five of them spin around in unison, their stomach's dropping.
Shit.
As if on cue, Draco bursts into the room, followed by the Inquisitorial Squad. Cassie grits her teeth to suppress her anger. He approaches them, grabbing Cassie by the collar and wrapping one of his arms around her neck. One by one, the five of them are being held by a member of the squad.
Draco lets go of her neck but puts his wand to the back of her head in an attempt to threaten her. Cassie isn't threatened. However, to make matters worse, he has her wand. She looks to her right and sees Flint with Enzo under his grasp. "Get. Off. Him. Flint." Cassie says through gritted teeth.
"Shut up, Cassie." Draco spits.
More of the Inquisitorial Squad bring in members of the DA. By now, Ginny, Neville and Luna are being held as well. Harry is placed on Umbridge's chair as she stands in front of him.
"You were going to Dumbledore, weren't you?" she simpers.
"No." Harry replies, flatly. Umbridge's hand meets Harry's cheek with a slap. Cassie glues her eyes shut as a reflex. "Liar!" she shouts.
Then, the last person Cassie wants to see appears at the door. "You sent for me, headmistress?"
"Snape. Yes." she says quickly, looking at the professor. Snape surveys the room, studying each student's face. Cassie scowls at him, knowing that he won't do the right thing and alert the Order. "The time has come for answers, whether he's willing to give me them or not. Have you brought the veritaserum?"
Cassie's chest heaves even faster. She doesn't know what to do. She's out of ideas.
"I'm afraid you've used up all my stores interrogating students. You used the last of it on Miss Chang." Snape says flatly. Cassie bows her head but Draco grabs her hair and pulls her head back up. Anger bubbles in her throat, wanting nothing more than to punch his face. "Unless you want to poison him, and I'm more than happy if you did— I'm afraid, I cannot help you."
"Padfoot. He's got Padfoot, he.. he has Padfoot at the place where it's hidden." Harry gasps, praying that Snape will be a decent human being for once and do the right thing.
"Padfoot? What is Padfoot? Where what's hidden?" Umbridge scrawls for answers. "What's he talking about?"
Snape turns around, looking Cassie in the eye. "No idea."
That bastard.
How dare he look at her while saying that.
"Very well. I'm afraid you leave me with no choice, Mr Potter." Umbridge sighs. "As this is an issue of Ministry security, I have no alternative. The Cruciatus curse ought'a loosen your tongue."
"That's illegal." Cassie spits. Draco tightens his grip on Cassie's shoulder as she speaks, making her even more frustrated.
"What Cornelius doesn't know can't hurt him." she says, turning the portrait of him over so you can no longer see his face.
Cassie's chest heaves as her brain searches for a plan. Nothing. Harry is about to be crucio'ed and there's nothing Cassie can do to help him. Umbridge holds her wand close to Harry's face as panic washes through every DA member in the room.
Draco's expression is unreadable. He has Cassie and her weird Gryffindor friends but he can't seem to take his mind off the boy with glasses before Umbridge. He forces himself to snap out of it and realise where he is and who Potter is.
"Tell her, Harry!" Hermione bellows out of nowhere.
"Tell me what?" Umbridge orders. Harry looks at Hermione with confusion, hoping that she has a solid plan.
"Well if you wont tell her where it is... I will." she says, her brain very clearly trying to figure out how to play this.
"Where what is?"
"Dumbledore's secret weapon."
Cassie tries to regulate her breathing by taking deep breaths. She's on the verge of a panic attack with the thought of her father dead at the hands of Voldemort. She needs to get out of here— she needs to help Sirius.
"Show me. Now." Umbridge spits, lowering her wand. Harry instantly stands up, relieved to be out of her wrath. Vincent Crabbe lets go of (shoves) Hermione and she leads Umbridge out of the room.
Cassie sighs with relief as Umbridge leaves her sight. Now that she's gone, Cassie knows she can get rid of Draco and the others. She looks at Enzo and nods briefly. He returns the nod, understanding what she's going to do.
Cassie's wand is in Draco's pocket, mere inches away from her. She locks her eyes on it and makes a move. She quickly grabs it and faces Draco, holding up her wand as he does the same.
He scowls at her as she bites back her smirk. "Let go of Enzo and nobody has to get hurt, Draco." she says, calmly. She turns to Flint and looks Enzo in the eye. The familiar glisten makes her instantly feel better.
"Why would I do that?" Flint scoffs.
"Because, you of all people, Flint, know that I tend to go a little far when people hurt my loved ones." she states, her face deadpan. His jaw tenses as he recalls what happened to Charlotte— and then how Enzo fought him. "Let him go, Easter bunny." she says lowly.
"Don't fall for it, Marcus. Cassie's a deceitful little cow and you know it. She thinks she's smart just because she knows how to fight." Draco says.
Cassie scoffs and turns to her old friend. "Don't you start, you twat. I've done nothing but be your friend, Draco. Five years. Five fucking years I loved you as a friend. Five years I wasted being your friend!"
Draco laughs, "Aw, you're cute when you're angry."
"You haven't seen me angry, Draco." she says, implying her werewolfism without actually saying it.
"Ooh. I'm so scared." he pouts.
Cassie squints, temptation coursing her veins. She wants nothing but to hex him like she did to Charlotte. "You know, there's a reason me and you never really got along, Draco." she says, twisting her wand.
"Oh yeah? Why's that?"
"Because you're incapable of love. I know for a fact Blaise, Mattheo, Theo and Pansy love me. They'd do anything for me. You however, you never once implied it. I tried so hard to be your friend, Draco. But the truth is, you're just a cold, heartless creature who'll never find love."
He sneers before lunging towards Cassie. That's enough for Enzo to elbow Flint in the face and push Malfoy to the floor. "Expelliarmus!" Cassie exclaims, catching all four of the Slytherins' wands and letting the others go.
"Get off me, Berkshire!" Draco shouts.
"Go! Get out!" Cassie shouts at Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna. They run for the door, escaping Umbridge's office safely. Enzo stands up, grabs Cassie's hand and follows after the others. "Colloportus!" Cassie exclaims, locking the door behind them.
"Come on, we need to find Harry and Hermione!" Neville rushes.
The six of them run down the steps and through the school halls. The sounds of their footsteps on the cobblestone floor of the courtyard rings in Cassie's ears. They sprint toward the bridge, where they meet Harry and Hermione in the middle.
"How'd you get away?" Hermione exclaims.
"Cassie did it." Ron beams.
"It was simple, really. Draco really does have a short temper, doesn't he, Enzo?" she shrugs, earning a smile from Harry.
"So, how are we getting to London?" Ginny asks.
Harry swallows, looking down. "It's not that I don't appreciate your help, but I've got you into enough trouble as it is."
"Dumbledore's Army is supposed to be about doing something real. Or were those all just words to you?" Neville states.
"Maybe you don't have to do this by yourself, Haz. We've got your back, always." Cassie smiles.
He takes a deep breath, "So, how are we getting to London?"
"We fly of course." Luna smiles.
—
Cassie can see thestrals. Not because of Cedric or Amos, but because of her Grandfather. He was very ill and being taken care of by Victoria. Cassie and Cedric were by his side when he took his final breath.
Enzo sits behind Cassie on the thestral, similarly to how they sat on Buckbeak in third year. That all feels like so long ago now, even though it's only been two years.
They fly over Hogwarts and into the night. Cassie is in awe the whole time they're in the air. The view from that high up is truly breathtaking. Cassie is always more content in the air.
As the group approach the city of London, it starts to storm. Bolts of lightning glaze the sky, leaving a beautiful blue light. Cassie always found lightning interesting. When she was little, her and Amos used to sit in the conservatory and watch the lightning strike whenever it stormed at home.
The screech of the thestrals is truly deafening. With Cassie's heightened hearing, it gets to the point where she has to cover her ears. Enzo's grip is tight around her waist. As he can't see thestrals, he's absolutely terrified.
Not long after, they finally arrive at the Ministry. Sirius is here. He can be dead already. That thought makes Cassie want to throw up on the spot. She can't bear losing someone else. She doesn't know what she'll do if Sirius dies. She's afraid she won't be able to survive if he does. She barely made it after Cedric died, Merlin knows how Cassie would take Sirius' death.
They run through the halls of the Ministry with purpose. Cassie is glad that Enzo is there. It's a sort of comfort, knowing that he's by her side in case things went wrong.
"Where are we headed?" Cassie asks.
"Department of Mysteries. If I'm right, he has Sirius there." Harry replied as they approach one of the lifts. All eight of them get into the lift, heading towards the Department of Mysteries.
"You okay?" Enzo asks in a low voice.
She nods, "Once I know that dad is, I will be."
The corridor in front of them couldn't be more ominous. The walls and floors are identical shiny, black bricks. They're so clean that it gives Cassie goosebumps.
"This is it." Harry confirms, fear and determination in his eyes. He begins walking ahead of the group but Cassie doesn't exactly want him to be alone so she shortly follows.
The group slowly walk along the corridor, very wary of their surroundings. Once they reach the door, Harry's trembling hands find the doorknob. He twists it and the door eerily swings open. Through the door is a colossal room filled with shelves of blue small, round, glowing balls. Cassie isn't quite sure what they are or what their purpose is. They look much like the balls they studied in divination in third year.
"Lumos." Cassie whispers, the tip of her wand lighting up. The others soon follow suit, doing the same thing. They analyse their surroundings, trying to make sense of the situation. A low, rumbling noise can be heard— which doesn't fail to make Cassie nervous.
"What exactly are we looking for?" Ginny asks.
"Row ninety-seven. That's where Sirius is." Harry says, nervously playing with his wand.
They begin walking, scanning every row number for the nineties. By now, they have found row eighty five. "Eighty-six, eighty-seven, eighty-eight, eighty-nine, ninety, ninety-one, ninety-two.." Harry whispers, methodically reading out each number as they pass each one. "Ninety-three, ninety-four, ninety-five, ninety-six.." Harry trails off, approaching the ninety seventh.
Most of the group had stayed behind as Harry got more stressed. His pace quickens as he gets closer to the number. However, Cassie is right next to him. She waves her wand around, trying to see her surroundings more clearly. There are no signs of Sirius, nor Voldemort. "It should be here." Harry sighs, not knowing what to do.
"Harry." Neville says flatly. "This one's got your name on." Cassie and Harry walk back to the group, intrigued by the small blue ball. Harry steps closer, his gaze fixed on the ball.
There is a faint tinkling noise as Harry lifts the ball. Someone's breath can be heard— and it isn't any of them.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. And the Dark Lord shall mark him as his equal, but he shall have power the Dark Lord knows not." the ball speaks. It's the voice of Trelawney. Cassie shares a worried look with Enzo. "For neither can live, while the other survives." As the ball speaks, Cassie knows something is up. This is a trap of some sort.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaims. Cassie spins around to see a man in a mask. The same mask from the World Cup last year. The group form a huddle, their wands high. Enzo tries to stand in front of Cassie but she refuses and pushes past him.
"Where's Sirius?" Harry asks the man.
"You know..." the voice speaks. It's then that Cassie realises it's none other than Lucius Malfoy. "you should really learn to tell the difference between dreams..." he trails off, lifting his wand up and removing his mask. "... and reality. You saw only what the Dark Lord wanted you to see. Now, hand me the prophecy."
Cassie is almost relieved. Her father is safe.
"You do anything to us and I'll break it." Harry threatens, putting Lucius in his place.
"He knows how to play!" a high-pitched female voice exclaims. She takes more steps, the sound of her feet heavy on the floor. "Itty... bitty...baby..." she pouts. It's Bellatrix Lestrange. Cassie recognises her from the Black Family tree at Grimmauld Place. "Potter." she spits.
That's her first cousin once removed. Her blood is Cassie's too.
Cassie's jaw tenses but she thinks of Neville and how hard it be for him to look her in the eye. "Bellatrix Lestrange." he says, his voice shaky and unsure.
"Neville Longbottom is it? How's mum and dad?" Lestrange smirks. Cassie could've killed her right there and then for that.
"Better now they're about to be avenged!" Neville exclaims, lifting his wand. Enzo pushes him back and Hermione grabs him. Cassie would've joined Neville if the time was right.
"Now, let's all just calm down, shall we?" Lucius says as Neville slowly lowers his wand. "All we want is that prophecy." he states.
Bellatrix is an attractive woman, even Cassie has to admit. She has long, curly black hair down to her hips. Her cheekbones are as sharp as blades— a feature that gives her a form of elegance. Her eyes are large as she stares intently at the group of teenagers. She oddly looks like Draco.
Lucius, however, is the complete opposite. He has hair the identical colour to Draco's, only much longer. He has a large nose and bushy eyebrows, which are narrowed as he tries to navigate the situation.
"Why did Voldemort need me to come and get this?" Harry asks.
"You dare speak his name? You filthy half-blood!" Bellatrix exclaims. In that moment, she looks like the craziest woman alive. Her eyes are as wide as wormholes and her hair brushes across her pale face.
"It's okay, he's just a curious little lad, isn't he?" Lucius adds.
The worst part about this, is that Enzo and Cassie have slept under the same roof as Lucius. They've been fed by this man. Their parents trusted him and Narcissa to take care of them. And here he is, threatening to kill them.
"Prophecies can only be retrieved by those about they are made." Lucius says. Cassie begins to panic once she realises they're now surrounded. There's death-eaters at every turn. Cassie's shoves Enzo behind her and stands back-to-back with him, her wand in the air. "Which is lucky for you, really. Havent you wondered what was the reason for the connection between you and the Dark Lord?" Lucius says, stepping closer. "Why he was unable to kill you when you were just an infant?"
By now, him and Bellatrix are too close for Cassie's comfort. Not only that, but there is no way out. Everywhere Cassie looks, there are death-eaters.
"Don't you want to know the secret of your scar? All the answers are there, Potter, in your hand." Lucius says, trying to lure Harry in. Cassie knows Harry isn't stupid enough to listen to him.
Cassie has her back to Enzo, her wand at the ready. All seven of them stood behind Harry are on high alert, ready to fight if necessary.
"All you have to do is give it to me, and I can show you everything."
There are footsteps from every direction now. Cassie panics, her arm across Enzo as they step carefully. Harry looks down at the prophecy, not even considering the offer Malfoy was giving. "I've waited fourteen years." he says.
"I know." Lucius replies, a fake empathetic frown on his face. The death-eaters are way too close now. Cassie's chest heaves as she waits for Harry's cue. Whatever he's about to do, she knows it will end in chaos.
"I guess I can wait a little longer."
Notes:
WHEWWW what a chapter!! i’m just gonna get straight to hms i have so much to rant about
1) fred and george omg we LOVE you. that scene is always one of my favs (until harry has his little fit…) i just love seeing dolores umbridge being humbled. bye bye umbridge! warrrrr issssss overrrrr
2) cassie and enzo getting them away from draco & the others 😭 all it took was a few pushes of draco’s buttons… which ultimately led to one of enzo’s buttons being pushed. i just love how protective he is of cassie. we all need an enzo sometimes.
3) lucius.malfoy.is.a.prick!! lets say it louder! i don’t understand how people say lucius is physically abusive with draco… it literally makes zero sense. yes, he was very much emotionally abusive with his ideologies which he projected onto draco, but he did it all to get out with his son and wife. narcissa and lucius’ love for draco should never be overshadowed by lucius’ intense beliefs. i hate him as much as the next person but you mustn’t underestimate the things he’d do for his son.
4) cue bellatrix!! hiiii!!! i only like her character in certain fics if im honest. canon bella?? i hate her. killing sirius AND nymphadora?? disgusting. however, i love her in crimson rivers and loads other Black Brothers fics.
5) harry is just such a good character. how can he be so incredibly underrated and overlooked in his OWN film franchise?? it’s literally all about him but nobody cares about his character. i think all of his trauma and guilt is SO overlooked and he deserves much better. justice for our haz 3
next chapter is very very very heavy, so a little pre-warning! you might wanna chuck on a dramatic playlist for effect
Chapter Text
➵ THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL — ABBA
'So the winner takes it all and the loser has to fall.'
"Now!" Harry bellows.
"Stupefy!" choruses the group of teenagers, sending half the death-eaters flying. Lucius blocks the spell but they don't care about that. They just run.
They run like they never have before.
They stop abruptly as a puff of black smoke appears before them. Lucius stands with his hand out but they run the opposite way. So much is going on that Cassie has lost track of who was where.
All she knows is that Harry, Hermione and Ron are in front of her. Enzo is right behind her, not taking his eyes off her for a split second.
They have to split up as the corridors are too small and the death-eaters are on their tails. Cassie sprints down a corridor and all she can see were the prophecies on each side of her. She comes out of the corridor at the same time as Enzo, Harry, Ron and Hermione. They look at each other, not knowing what to do.
Cassie's jaw tenses as death-eaters appear at either side of them. "Stupefy!" Enzo exclaims, sending one of them backwards. Once it's clear, they run for it. They send spells behind them, firing at the death eater following them.
"Stupefy!" Cassie bellows, adrenaline coursing her body. Adrenaline is literally the only reason she's running so fast right now.
As they run, Hermione begins pushing all of the prophecies off the shelves. Each one hits the ground and shatters with a loud crash. A death eater catches up and flies right next to Harry, his face dangerously close.
Cassie sees and decided to do him a favour. "Stupefy!" she shouts, getting rid of the man. She finds Enzo and grabs his hand, running towards the others. They crash together, so very afraid of losing each other.
They stand in a circle as a Deatheater flies towards them. "Protego!" shouts Ginny, creating a large, bright blue explosion. At first, they were relieved by her action.
That was before the prophecies began falling.
They take slow steps backwards, watching them collapse in front of them. "Shit." Cassie whispers.
"Get back to the door!" Harry shouts. Enzo grabs Cassie's hand faster than he ever has and they run. They run as fast as their legs can possibly take them. This is a life or death situation and Cassie isn't about to give up any time soon. The more the glass falls, the more the floor shakes— therefore, the faster they sprint.
A tsunami of relief washes over Cassie as she spots the door. Harry pushes it open and they all run for it.
What they don't expect, however, is the door to open to a massive pit. They fall about eighty feet at a rapid speed. It reminds Cassie of when she fell off her broom during quidditch once in second year, only this was much more intense.
Cassie braces herself as she approaches the floor, closing her eyes. Hermione and Ginny scream but no noise comes out of Cassie's mouth.
I'm coming, Cedric Cassie thinks as she's mere inches from the ground. However, there is some sort of enchantment on the floor that catches them before they can hit the floor.
It only catches them for a second or two before dropping them to the floor. Cassie groans as her body hits the floor, not half as heavily as it would've if the enchantment wasn't there.
Harry still has ahold of the prophecy. How on earth, Cassie has no idea. Everybody groans as they stood up, trying to figure out where the door has taken them. "You okay?" Enzo asks, brushing the dirt off Cassie's torso.
"I'm okay, you?" she asks.
"Great." he smiles, earning an eye-roll from Cassie.
"Department of Mysteries. They had that last bit right, didn't they?" Ron sighs.
"I'll second that." Enzo replies, his chest heavy.
Cassie's eyebrows furrow. A noise. A sort of whisper. But where is it coming from? She watches as Harry walks up to the stone slab archway in front of them. Cassie follows after him, drawn to the whispers.
"The voices. Can you tell what they're saying?" Harry asks.
"There aren't any voices, Harry." Hermione says. "Lets get out of here."
"No, I hear them too." Cassie says slowly, her lips parting.
"Me too." Luna adds.
"Cassie... it's just an empty archway." Enzo says, uncertainty in his tone.
"Please, Harry." Hermione begs.
"They're getting louder." Cassie says, her head tilting slightly.
"Get behind me!" Harry exclaims. Cassie's eyes find Enzo and she sighs with relief. She rushes him towards her, pushing him behind her. Cassie and Harry stand in front of the group, their wands high.
All of a sudden, the dark smoke comes back and so do the Deatheaters. One has Cassie by the throat as she tries to perform a spell. The dark clouds whoosh past the children and there is nothing they can do to stop it.
A Deatheater wraps one of his arms around Cassie's neck, his wand against her head. She resists, trying to escape his grasp. That only makes him angrier so he tightens his grip.
Harry is left alone in the middle of the room, lying down with the prophecy in his hands.
Cassie recognised the death eater that has her. It's fucking Fenrir Greyback. The same Fenrir Greyback that bit her dad as a child and ruined not only his life, but Cassie's too. He doesn't recognise her. Cassie hates him for it.
Cassie doesn't cry. She doesn't wince. She is so frustrated that she doesn't care what harm is being done to her anymore. Greyback pulls her about, poking her and pulling her hair but she isn't paying attention. She's thinking about the many ways she can kill Greyback once she gets out of this.
Harry stands up as Lucius makes his way towards him. "Did you actually believe, or were you truly naïve enough to think that children stood a chance against us?" he smirks. He looks at Rory and Greyback with a smile. He knew exactly what he was doing by assigning him to Cassie. He knew Remus' history— not Cassie's, however.
"I'll make this simple for you, Potter. Give me the prophecy now... or watch your friends die."
Harry looks around at his friends, feeling absolutely helpless. He's more than ready to give up the prophecy to save his friends. There is no way he'd let them die. However, none of them want him to give Lucius the prophecy and let them win.
"Don't give it to him, Harry!" Cassie screams. Greyback puts his wand against her throat as tightly as he can. "Shut up, pathetic girl." he growls. Cassie is so ready to kill him. She hates him.
Harry does it. He gives Lucius the prophecy.
However, as soon as he did so, a bright light shines from behind the archway. Cassie gasps when she sees who it is. "Get away from my godson." Sirius spits, looking Lucius in the eye. God, he would be so happy to kill him.
Instead, he punches him in the face, similarly to how Enzo and Hermione have done to Draco. Cassie scoffs with happiness and pride. That's where she gets her confidence from, that's for sure.
More and more clouds of light hit the ground, like the deatheaters but a blinding white instead. Lucius drops the prophecy. It's over.
The light behind Cassie makes Greyback disappear, and when Cassie looks around, Remus stands in front of her. She sighs with relief, her chest heaving. He rushes towards her, "Oh thank god you're okay, sweetheart. I need you to go down there with the others, we're going to get you out of here, okay?" Remus instructs.
Cassie laughs, her chest still heaving, "Yeah, we both know that's not happening."
"Cassie." Remus warns.
"I don't care, Moony. You know damn well I'm not just going to sit here and watch you all fight. Just make sure Enzo's okay, please." Cassie sighs.
"He's fine. He's down there with the others— where you should also be."
"Yeah, good luck trying to stop me."
Remus and Cassie duck behind a boulder as a Deatheater throws spells at them. "Stupefy!" Cassie exclaims, sending the deatheater backwards.
"Yeah, okay, point proven." Remus sighs with defeat. Cassie snorts.
"Black!" Lucius bellows, pulling his wand out. Cassie runs out from behind the boulder and joins Harry and Sirius, standing at their side. Lucius throws a spell at Cassie but Sirius blocks it, sending it back to the death eater next to Lucius.
All five of them fight, the only sound being heard being the zapping of their wands. It takes everything in Remus to leave Cassie to fight and check on Enzo and the others. He knows she'll be safe with Sirius. He wouldn't let her get hurt. Never in a million years.
The Deatheater next to Lucius goes flying backwards after Cassie sends a spell his way. Sirius has never been so proud of his daughter in his life. "Expelliarmus!" Harry bellows.
"Nice one, James!" Sirius exclaims. That even makes Cassie stop and widen her eyes. It's just Sirius and Lucius. Cassie and Harry have frozen.
Sirius has won. He has gotten rid of Lucius' wand. One last spell and Lucius has gone flying. Cassie beams with pride but her smile drops immediately as she hears the words escape Bellatrix's mouth.
Cassie drops to the floor, every bone in her knees crushing against the stone. "No. No. No. No!" she exclaims, tears streaming down her face. "NO!" she bellows.
She watches her dad ascend up into the veil and never return. She clutches her stomach and her head hit the floor. "No!" she cries, the grief swallowing her whole again.
"Oh my god, Cassie." Enzo whispers, running to her, pulling her up and rubbing her back.
Through the shield of tears, her eyes dart to Remus. He stands there, jaw wide open and eyes blind with shock. He can't breathe. This isn't happening. He's dreaming. No. He hasn't lost his husband again. No. He refuses.
No.
Cassie runs towards him, crashing into his arms and breaking down. He sobs into his daughter's head, shock flowing through his blood. Harry is screaming and being held back by Moody.
"I can't, dad. Not again. I can't do this again." Cassie cries.
"I know, baby. I know." Remus sobs, his head rich with pain. He's just lost the love of his life for the second time.
The.
Second.
Time.
Cassie has lost her second father figure.
Her.
Second.
Father.
Figure.
The last time a loved one died, it almost killed her. She isn't so sure she'll be able to survive this time.
Harry and Cassie have two very different reactions to Sirius' death. Cassie, she is grief-stricken. She's in shock, denial. She can barely stand up. She can't breathe properly. Harry, he has never been so angry in his life. He wants Bellatrix to pay for what she did. She deserves to die. She killed his godfather and his best friend's dad. Harry Potter despises Bellatrix Lestrange.
With that said, as soon as he spots her, he runs for it. Cassie had never been so angry in his life, the adrenaline rushing his veins. "I killed Sirius Black!" she taunts with a cackle. Harry's breath catches in his throat but the burning flame of anger in his head overpowers the grief. He isn't going to let Bellatrix get away with killing the only family he had left.
"Crucio!" Harry screams. Bellatrix squeals and falls to the floor. Harry holds his wand to her, contemplating how to play this out, his head pounding. Sweat drips down his bloody face as his chest heaves. Bellatrix whimpers on the spot.
"You've got to mean it, Harry." Voldemort's voice runs deep in Harry's ears, sending shivers through his whole body. He twists his neck to the side as he listens to Voldemort. "She killed him. She deserves it. You know the spell, Harry."
Harry attempts to catch his breath as he struggles to figure out what to do. Suddenly, a dark figure appears next to him with a hiss. Harry tilts his head, ignoring how much pain his scar is causing him. "Do it!" Voldemort orders. Harry's eyes widen with fear once he realises how clear the voice is this time. He's here.
Cassie looks around, her head whipping in different directions. "He's here— Voldemort." she breathes out, her chest heaving again. "I— I need to help Harry."
Remus has never grabbed his daughter so quickly. "You're not going anywhere near that man, Cassie. I'm not losing you tonight as well. You're staying with me and that's an order." Remus says, sternly. He isn't going to let Cassie slip out of grasp like Sirius did.
"So... weak..." Voldemort teases as Harry's wand hits the floor. He's out of ideas. He should've killed Bellatrix when he had the chance.
As if on cue, a large green flame fills one of the Ministry lifts. Out of it, steps none other than Albus Dumbledore. "It was foolish of you to come here tonight, Tom. The Orders are on their way." he says, calmly.
"I'm sorry, dad. I'm not losing Harry too." Cassie says, her voice strained. A tear escapes her eye and she runs before Remus got the chance to grab her. Remus holds his hand out a second too late. She's gone.
Fuck Sirius and his stubbornness.
"By which time, I shall be gone, and you.. shall be dead." Riddle grins. Dumbledore pushes Harry out of the way as both men pull out their wands. Bellatrix runs to the nearest Ministry lift and is gone in seconds.
Cassie sneaks behind Dumbledore and Voldemort, going to Harry. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" she whispers.
"I'm fine. Bellatrix is gone." he says, his jaw twitching. Cassie sighs, her eyes rich with pain.
The two men fight— similarly to how they did all those years ago. Harry and Cassie sit back, watching as they did so. Bolts of blue and red light came out of each wand. Cassie has lost track of who is where at this point.
She wraps an arm around Harry and they put their heads down together. The wall behind them begins to shatter but Cassie holds Harry tighter. She keeps thinking We're going to be okay but the words don't seem to escape her mouth.
In one move, Voldemort turns his spell into an explosion of flames. It slowly takes the transformation of a snake as Riddle cackles, clearly enjoying this. Cassie wants nothing more than to kill him. He ruined Mattheo's life. He ruined Harry's life. He ruined Draco's, and Pansy's, and Theo's, and Blaise's. He ruined Cedric's life.
Cassie lets go of Harry but squeezes his hand for comfort. Dumbledore has to act quickly otherwise him, Harry and Cassie will be dead. On instinct, he begins simply attacking the snake with spells. The wind is so strong that it takes every muscle of Cassie's to keep her in place.
Dumbledore sends the snake in Voldemort's direction in an attempt to return it. However, he deflects it. Albus performs a water spell, drowning his opponent.
Cassie stands up and helps Harry up too. They slowly trail behind Dumbledore, waiting for instructions. "Why aren't you with the others, Cassiopeia?" Dumbledore spits.
"Do you expect me to let Harry die as well? I've lost too much for that, sir." Cassie says. As Voldemort gets closer, Dumbledore throws a spell at the pair, sending them backwards. Cassie pulls Harry backwards, prioritising his safety over hers.
Cassie can't even tell what's happening between them at this point. They are noir clouds of evil left-right-and centre, with mixtures of blue clouds from Dumbledore. Voldemort fires a spell so vicious that it shatters every single Ministry window.
Cassie pulls Harry's head to the floor and they cover their heads with their arms. Voldemort stands with his arms out at his side, cackling with pride.
Cassie pulls her head up as the glass begins forming together. Riddle sends it flying towards them— but of course, Dumbledore shields it. Harry stands up, pulling Cassie up with him.
And just like that, Voldemort is gone. The wind stops. There was nothing but deafening silence— and it makes Cassie extremely uncomfortable, her heart churning with grief and shock.
She snaps out of her own thoughts as Harry makes a choking noise beside her. He falls to the ground as he trembles. He tries to push out the voices but he can't. Cassie lowers to her knees but doesn't touch him. She doesn't know what's happening.
He grunts and pants as Voldemort consumes his brain. "You've lost, old man." It's Voldemort's voice, yet it comes out of Harry's mouth. His eyes have turned a pale blue, ridding of his pupils
"Harry..." Cassie whispers.
He yells, moving his head to try and get him out. Harry thinks of his mother. How she held him, knowing that her husband was dead downstairs. How she protected him, despite it costing her life. He owed everything to that woman, and she would never know it.
Then, he thinks of Cedric. How that horrible green light took his last breath. How he absolutely destroyed Cassie's life. How he fought until the very end. Even though Cassie strictly told him not to, he still blamed himself for Cedric's death. He saw how much it broke Cassie.
Sirius. He thinks of when Sirius said "Nice one, James!" mere seconds before Bellatrix killed him. He saw Harry as James. But then, Harry also saw Sirius as James. In a way, they were each other's James. But now he's gone. He's ruined Cassie's life again.
The thoughts overwhelm Harry— each one piercing a part of his brain. The dementors, the death, the pain. It's too much. The grief, the heartbreak, the loneliness.
"Harry..." Cassie says, tears filling her eyes. What's happening to him?
"So weak... so vulnerable." Voldemort points as he surfs through Harry's horrible memories. He wants Harry to suffer as much as he did. He makes Harry look him in the eye.
Harry's eyes go back to normal but he doesn't stop moving. "Harry, it isn't how you're alike, it's how you're not." Dumbledore says in an attempt to console him and get Voldemort out.
Harry yells in pain, breaking Rory's heart by the second. "Harry you are so loved. He isn't. He has nobody. You have me! You have Hermione and Ron. In no way are you in this by yourself. I won't let you fall apart. Voldemort's the weak one, not you." she says in a panic of words.
Harry looks absolutely exhausted as his movements calm down and his eyes rest. He slowly catches his breath back, his mind elsewhere. He looks around him— how his friends stand in front of him, how Cassie risked her life to help him and how the Order saved their lives.
He changes his mindset in an instant, thinking of the good parts. Laughing with Ron, hugging Hermione, his parents' faces in the mirror of Erised. The way Sirius held his head when they hugged. How Cassie loved and forgave him even though he watched her brother die. He thinks of his closest friends as tears fill his eyes.
"You're the weak one, and you'll never know love... or friendship." Harry says, fighting back. Cassie loudly sighs with relief, her muscles relaxing. "And I feel sorry for you."
The bad thoughts leave Harry's mind effortlessly. Voldemort yells out of anger, spiteful that he has lost to a fifteen year old boy. Harry flips over, the evil exiting his body and creating some sort of a shield around him. Voldemort stands in front of him. "You're a fool, Harry Potter, and you will lose... everything."
The Ministry lifts open and dozens of workers walk out of them. Cornelius Fudge, himself, watch as Voldemort disappears. His worst fear has came true. "He's back."
Harry's eyes fall shut. Cassie sighs and grabs both sides of his head, pulling him to her mouth. She kisses his forehead, like how she used to with Cedric. "You're so strong, Harry. I'm so proud of you." she whispers.
Cassie stands up, turning around to where Enzo is rubbing Remus' back. Cassie sinks into Remus' grasp, healing his heart ever so slightly. He'll be okay, as long as Cassie is safe. That is all that matters to Remus. He kisses the top of her head, "I love you so much, baby. But don't ever ignore me like that again."
"He didn't even touch me, dad. I'm okay. So is Harry. That's all that matters." Cassie sighs.
Once she lets go of Remus, she looks Enzo in the eye and lets herself fall into his arms. She rests her head on his shoulder, relief flowing her veins. "I'm so sorry, Cassie. You're going to be okay, I promise."
"I know." she whispers.
Notes:
Oh.
Yeah… that happened.
I’m so sorry. By now, you all know how much I well and truly ADORE sirius black and he is literally one of my favourite characters ever, but this was NECESSARY!! just like with cedric, these deaths are essential for the plot unfortunately:( i promise you it pained me just as much to write it as it took for you to read it.
rip sirius we love you so so much :(
hms are literally just remus and cassie’s grief tbf. our poor little family is grieving again:(
yet again, very sorry! i love u all
Chapter 57: Y5 | What now?
Summary:
A nice fluffy chapter <3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ IT'S TIME TO GO — TAYLOR SWIFT
'That old familiar body ache, the snaps from the same little breaks in your soul. You know when it's time to go.'
Cassie wakes up in the comfort of her bedroom at Grimmauld Place the next morning. Remus lies across the small sofa in her bedroom, his legs too long for the furniture. She rubs her eyes and sighs. Neither of them could be left by themselves last night. Sirius is dead and they're both grieving immensely.
Cassie stands up and creeps past her father, not wanting to wake him up. He needs his rest more than ever. Cassie's heart palpates as she hears voices in the kitchen downstairs. She feels numb this morning. She feels worthless, very similarly to how she felt after Cedric died. However, it's different this time. When Cedric died, it took Enzo physically pulling her out of bed and forcing her to eat got her to actually do those things. She can do them by herself this time. When Sirius once told her "Grief only makes you stronger," Cassie didn't think he actually meant it.
Pretty much everyone is already awake. Relieved, Cassie continues her route downstairs. As soon as she reaches the bottom step, she is brought into a hug from Victoria. "How'd you sleep, pickle?" she frowns, pulling away and looking Cassie in the eye. Honestly, Cassie has never slept so well in her life. They didn't get home until two-thirty in the morning.
Cassie thinks back to last night with dread.
Once the Ministry arrived, so did the papers. Photos were taken and the Order had rushed all of them out of the Department.
Cassie's head pounded as Christopher's hand guided her out of the room. She turned around to make sure Harry and Remus were okay. Remus walked solemnly with his head down, whilst Harry walked beside Dumbledore with his face deadpan.
Photographs were taken left-right-centre and Cassie could already smell the newspaper articles being written. There was no way Fudge could pin it on Sirius this time. He saw Voldemort with his own eyes. Sirius is dead, anyway.
Once they had safely left the building, everyone except Neville and Luna were all taken to Grimmauld place, despite Cassie and Remus' hesitation to do so. They had to go to ensure their safety. Voldemort was unpredictable— especially after the events of that night.
"Brilliantly, actually." Cassie almost laughs but she doesn't think she has it in her. Victoria sighs and guides Cassie into the kitchen to get some breakfast.
Instead of sitting down, the first thing Cassie does is hug Harry. He doesn't say anything, he just simply hugs her back. They both suffered a great loss last night, and they need each other this morning.
Cassie thinks the worst part about it is how Sirius won't be able to have a proper funeral. There's no body. He's gone. When Cedric died, his funeral gave Cassie the chance to speak about him and find comfort in talking to his grave. What is she going to do now?
"What's the plan, then? What's Dumbledore doing about all of this?" Cassie asks, sitting at the dining table. Nobody dares to ask her if she's okay, or if Remus is, afraid of upsetting her. Cassie prefers it that way. The less people mention it, the less she thinks about it.
"He's busy tackling the press. He's been speaking to Fudge almost all night. We think Fudge has finally come to his senses, now that he saw him." Chris explains.
"What about Sirius?" Cassie questions.
"What about him?" Elizabeth replies.
"Will there be some sort of a funeral? It's the least we deserve after everything."
"I'm afraid not as there's no body to bury, honey."
"I need this though— Harry needs this too. Dad needs this. When Ced died, I got so much closure by having a funeral for him, I just want the same for my dad."
"I'll speak to the others." Arthur adds.
"Thank you." Cassie smiled. Molly makes her a cup of tea, she thanks her and heads into the living room. She takes a seat next to her boyfriend, his arm wrapping around her shoulder and giving it a squeeze.
"Morning, beautiful. How're you coping?" he frowns.
"I'm okay— well, I'm not okay but I'm thriving. Dad, however." Cassie says worryingly. "I don't think he has ever been so vulnerable in his life. I care more about his wellbeing than my own— he comes first, always. He's the only family I have left and I'm not letting him slip away like I almost did last year." she adds.
"He won't slip away, Cassie. You're his sole purpose. He's not leaving you anytime soon, I promise."
Cassie sighs with a nod. "How are you lot, anyways?" she asks, motioning to her friends across the room.
"I'm okay. Victoria healed most of our wounds so none of us are in pain anymore." Hermione replies.
Cassie nods, "That's good. Do any of you know if we're going back to school?"
"I don't think so. Dumbledore's been speaking to Fudge for hours now. Dad reckons it's not safe for us to go back yet. I can't help but agree." Ron shrugs.
"Yeah, especially for Harry. Plus, we're all grieving and I refuse to leave my dad to grieve by himself. I mean, I don't fancy seeing Draco either, really." Cassie sighs.
"I'm not going to lie, I had forgotten about him." Ginny adds, earning a small chuckle from Cassie.
Harry walks into the room and sits next to Rory with a half-smile. Enzo kisses the side of her head and she smiles at him. "I'm okay, Enz." she whispers.
"No you're not, love." he replies.
—
Dumbledore arrives back at Grimmauld place at eleven in the morning. Cassie relies on Enzo to tell her everything Dumbledore says while she goes upstairs to wake Remus up.
She sits down on the corner of the sofa and places his hand in hers. "Dad," she whispers as softly as she can.
He groans and his eyes slowly open, everything coming into focus. His eyes meet Cassie's face and he sighs with relief. He had a nightmare. Remus Lupin hasn't had a nightmare since he last lost Sirius. He squeezes Cassie's hand and slowly sat up. "Morning." she smiles.
"Morning, sweetheart. You doing okay?" he asks, more concerned for her wellbeing more than his own.
She nods, "Dumbledore's just gotten back. He's been at the ministry all morning."
"What's the time?"
"Erm— five past eleven."
Remus' eyebrows shoot up, "I need to get up— I need to speak to the others."
Cassie shakes her head as he frantically looks around. "They've got absolutely everything under control, dad. You need to take time for yourself and make sure you're okay before anyone else is."
He sighs and lets his head fall back against the sofa with another sigh. "Did I really sleep on this thing? My legs are killing."
Cassie laughs, "Neither of us wanted to sleep by ourselves. I even chucked Enzo out so you could sleep in here."
Remus smiles, "I'm honoured, sweetheart."
Cassie lets go of her father's hand and looks him in the eye. "You're going to get through this, dad. Do you know how I know that?" He shakes his head, indicating for Cassie to finish. "Because I did. When I lost Cedric, you were the one that helped me through it. Now it's my turn to repay the favour and stick by your side."
"I'll be okay— how are you?"
"I'm not okay. But neither are you, dad. You don't need to hide that from me. I know it's hard. And I know that it won't get easier for a long time but you have me. I'm not going anywhere, I promise you. It's just me and you now, dad. We have to stick together, okay?"
"Cassie, you know I'd never leave you." Remus sighs. Cassie swallows the lump in her throat, knowing that Sirius said the exact same thing, and we all know how that ended up.
"I love you so much, dad. You know that, don't you?"
"I do know that. And I love you even more, pup."
Hearing that nickname spill out of Remus' mouth makes Cassie's throat go dry and her stomach twist. Remus has never once called her pup. That was Sirius' nickname. Sweetheart is Remus'.
He saw that look in her eye as he said it. He knows he shouldn't have— but he couldn't help it. Cassie swallows and blinks, gaining her stability. "Come on, let's go downstairs."
—
Instead of a funeral, the Order decide on having a Wake. It's being held at Grimmauld place from two pm tomorrow. Cassie doesn't know how she felt about that. The good thing, however, is that none of them had to return to Hogwarts until Dumbledore is sure it was safe and his position gas been reinstated.
So, Cassie sits on the steps outside of the large black door leading to the home of number 12 Grimmauld Place, staring at the stars. It brings Cassie a sense of peace, knowing that Sirius is with Cedric. He isn't alone up there. He has his best friend back. He has his brother back.
Sitting out here alone, when only a few months ago she did the same with Sirius, makes Cassie's lip quiver. Regulus is up there tonight. Cassie prays with every fibre in her body that Regulus will welcome him wherever they may be. As Cassie has always thought, your brother is your best friend. She just hopes they both see that, especially with all they've both been through.
Cassie chews her lip as her eyes burn with tears. She wipes them before the tears get a chance to fall. Not a day goes by where she didn't miss her own brother. Cassie would give absolutely everything to see him again.
It's been over a year since his death but yet, she feels like no time has passed at all. It's like time stopped the day he died. As soon as that spell left Pettigrew's wand, time froze— and so did Cassie.
She's not saying that she hasn't been happy without him— she's had some amazing moments with her family and friends over the past year. She just feels like none of it was worth it without Cedric. He was what made life worth living.
"Sickle for your thoughts?" Enzo's voice rings deep through Cassie's ears, making her jump slightly.
"You don't have a sickle." she smiles as he takes a seat next to her, exactly where Sirius used to sit with her.
He laughs, knowing that she was right. "No, honestly, what's going on in that beautiful brain of yours?" he asks, tapping her head with his fore finger. "Sirius?" he questions when she doesn't answer.
"Cedric, actually."
He raises his eyebrows, "Go on."
"Just thinking about life since he died. It's been more than a year, so why do I feel like it was just yesterday?"
"Because his death partially paralysed you, I suppose. Those days when you couldn't even get out of bed or speak without crying— they were painful, weren't they? I suppose your brain has tried as hard as it could to erase those memories, leaving a blind spot."
"You have such a way with words, sometimes. You know that, Enz?"
"I still write a lot." he admits, slightly embarrassed.
"You do? I didn't know you still did." Cassie asks.
"Mhm. I think I know what I want to do when I'm older now."
"Yeah?"
"I want to do journalism. Y'know, write for the Daily Prophet or something like that. Maybe even start my own paper."
Cassie beams, "I think you'd do an amazing job, love. Much better than Rita Skeeter, anyways."
He chuckles but slowly stops himself as the thought of his friends back at Hogwarts crawls into his brain. "D'you reckon Draco's told the others what happened? I mean, Mattheo probably already knows but still."
Cassie shrugs and closes her eyes, truly thinking. "I was thinking about writing them a letter."
"That's a good idea."
They go quiet for a moment.
"I don't think we can be friends with them anymore, Enzo."
Enzo smiles with a sigh and places his hand in hers. "I know, Cass. I think we've both known that for a while now."
————
Dear
Pansy, Mattheo, Theo, Blaise and Draco.
As you've noticed, Enzo and I are no longer at school. This is because of events that happened at the Ministry last night— ones that I don't really want to talk about. But, I lost Sirius. He's gone.
I just want you all to sit with that. Especially you, Draco. If he didn't tell you, his father and aunt killed my dad. He and the rest of the Inquisitoral Squad grabbed us and Draco attempted to strangle me. Enzo and him fought each other but, obviously, Enzo won. Draco had no other reason to this other than spite.
After last night, I realised something. There is nothing I can do to prevent this war. There's nothing I can do to stop you guys from siding with your parents. I've accepted that. However, I refuse to accept that our friendship wasn't real.
Since September 1st 1991 on that train, you lot have been my absolute best friends. We went four years without a single argument. I hate that it's changed simply because of one man. One horrible, cruel, spiteful man. You guys are better than him. Don't ever forget that.
And so I feel like I've brought myself to a conclusion.
We can't carry on like this. I saw your faces when you found out about Dumbledore's Army. I can't have that happening every time one of our secrets are revealed. It's exhausting and unnecessary.
But in no way shape or form does that mean that I don't still have so much love for you. Your friendship was the realest thing I've ever known and for that I'm forever grateful. You made me smile on the days where I wanted to do nothing less. You turned my bad days into good ones so bloody easily and I'll never forget that.
Pansy, you've been the light of my life and bestest friend I could've asked for. You were a sister to me. You always made me feel comfortable enough to share my deepest secrets with. I'm so sorry that feeling was unrequited. I understand why you're doing what you're doing but just know that I'll never forget our girls nights, the times we got ready for parties in our bathroom, the moments we awkwardly shared looks because the boys were being strange. You mean more to me than you'll ever know, pans, and I'm so sorry our friendship has to end like this.
Mattheo. You and I are birds of a feather. You saw me for who I was and I'll never forget that. I looked in your eyes sometimes and I just saw myself. You're like a brother to me— and I know that I've always been like a sister to you. That's why I'm so sorry I have to be doing this. I know you don't want this life. You have such a pure heart and I know you have good intentions. I'm sorry that you were born into such a horrible life. I love you so much Mattheo, if you ever need anything, please come straight to me.
Blaise, you are such a sweet, genuine boy and I have so much love for you. You never once made me feel out of place— which I'm so grateful for. You always made me laugh, even when I didn't feel like it. You're such a lovely person and I hope that never changes. Never forget your kindness, Blaise, it's the most important thing you have. I know not being friends with me and Enzo is going to feel horrible—especially as Enzo's your best friend. But just know that our love for you has never changed— and none of this is your fault.
Theo. Thank you. Thank you for never failing to make me smile or laugh. Thank you for being the most chaotic, stupid boy I know. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know. Whether it was on the quidditch pitch, or in the middle of a charms exam, I was always smiling because of you. You always made sure I was okay and I'll forever be grateful for all those times you checked up on me when I needed it the most. I know this situation really isn't ideal, but please don't think that our friendship wasn't real. Because it was honestly the realest thing I've known.
Last but not least, Draco. I feel sorry for you. I feel sorry that you get up every morning and decide to act like this. I feel sorry that you may never learn to love if you don't start trying. Enzo and I have done nothing but give you our love, time and support, just for you to throw it away like that. God, I loved you so much. Your pettiness towards Harry always made me laugh— but that was before it started going too far. I know you can be good, Draco. I've seen it with my own eyes. I know you have a good heart deep down. Please understand that. Please realise that you have a choice. You can change. My dad did. He grew up in a family identical to yours— he changed his mindset and realised what his family was doing was wrong. You can do the same, Draco. I know you can.
I don't mean to sound dramatic or foolish but this is mine and Enzo's goodbye. I'll still see you around school— but I don't want any bad blood between us. Because we all know we're incapable of hating each other. I love you guys too much for that— and I know that you feel the same towards me and Enzo. I love you all so much, but this is why this has to happen. I can't lose someone else again. I'm so tired of losing people.
Goodbye.
- Your favourite werewolf
Notes:
OHHH THIS HURTS. their friendship means SO much to me and the fact it’s all over is just horrible :( it’s all voldemort’s fault btw
on with the hms :’)
1) remus not being able to sleep away from cassie :( oh he’s so scared to lose her— and i can’t even say i blame him. the poor man has so much trauma
2) “No you’re not, love.” OH ENZOOOO he just gets cassie and i love that about him
3) cassie sitting on the steps stargazing BROKE me. even though she lost her dad last night, she’s STILL thinking about cedric. it’s been a year now and she can’t stop thinking of him. if that’s not love i don’t know what is. cassie also hoping that regulus will welcome sirius :,) that’s so bittersweet i hate it
4) THE LETTER. oh so many emotions all at once. this was pretty much necessary for cassie and enzo and their part in the plot of the harry potter films/books. this is a clear warning, they will be part of the golden trio as of now and will follow them horcrux hunting in the future. you guys aren’t even ready for their response letter.
yeah i lied in the chapter summary :)
Chapter 58: Y5 | What now?
Summary:
A nice fluffy chapter <3
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ IT'S TIME TO GO — TAYLOR SWIFT
'That old familiar body ache, the snaps from the same little breaks in your soul. You know when it's time to go.'
Cassie wakes up in the comfort of her bedroom at Grimmauld Place the next morning. Remus lies across the small sofa in her bedroom, his legs too long for the furniture. She rubs her eyes and sighs. Neither of them could be left by themselves last night. Sirius is dead and they're both grieving immensely.
Cassie stands up and creeps past her father, not wanting to wake him up. He needs his rest more than ever. Cassie's heart palpates as she hears voices in the kitchen downstairs. She feels numb this morning. She feels worthless, very similarly to how she felt after Cedric died. However, it's different this time. When Cedric died, it took Enzo physically pulling her out of bed and forcing her to eat got her to actually do those things. She can do them by herself this time. When Sirius once told her "Grief only makes you stronger," Cassie didn't think he actually meant it.
Pretty much everyone is already awake. Relieved, Cassie continues her route downstairs. As soon as she reaches the bottom step, she is brought into a hug from Victoria. "How'd you sleep, pickle?" she frowns, pulling away and looking Cassie in the eye. Honestly, Cassie has never slept so well in her life. They didn't get home until two-thirty in the morning.
Cassie thinks back to last night with dread.
Once the Ministry arrived, so did the papers. Photos were taken and the Order had rushed all of them out of the Department.
Cassie's head pounded as Christopher's hand guided her out of the room. She turned around to make sure Harry and Remus were okay. Remus walked solemnly with his head down, whilst Harry walked beside Dumbledore with his face deadpan.
Photographs were taken left-right-centre and Cassie could already smell the newspaper articles being written. There was no way Fudge could pin it on Sirius this time. He saw Voldemort with his own eyes. Sirius is dead, anyway.
Once they had safely left the building, everyone except Neville and Luna were all taken to Grimmauld place, despite Cassie and Remus' hesitation to do so. They had to go to ensure their safety. Voldemort was unpredictable— especially after the events of that night.
"Brilliantly, actually." Cassie almost laughs but she doesn't think she has it in her. Victoria sighs and guides Cassie into the kitchen to get some breakfast.
Instead of sitting down, the first thing Cassie does is hug Harry. He doesn't say anything, he just simply hugs her back. They both suffered a great loss last night, and they need each other this morning.
Cassie thinks the worst part about it is how Sirius won't be able to have a proper funeral. There's no body. He's gone. When Cedric died, his funeral gave Cassie the chance to speak about him and find comfort in talking to his grave. What is she going to do now?
"What's the plan, then? What's Dumbledore doing about all of this?" Cassie asks, sitting at the dining table. Nobody dares to ask her if she's okay, or if Remus is, afraid of upsetting her. Cassie prefers it that way. The less people mention it, the less she thinks about it.
"He's busy tackling the press. He's been speaking to Fudge almost all night. We think Fudge has finally come to his senses, now that he saw him." Chris explains.
"What about Sirius?" Cassie questions.
"What about him?" Elizabeth replies.
"Will there be some sort of a funeral? It's the least we deserve after everything."
"I'm afraid not as there's no body to bury, honey."
"I need this though— Harry needs this too. Dad needs this. When Ced died, I got so much closure by having a funeral for him, I just want the same for my dad."
"I'll speak to the others." Arthur adds.
"Thank you." Cassie smiled. Molly makes her a cup of tea, she thanks her and heads into the living room. She takes a seat next to her boyfriend, his arm wrapping around her shoulder and giving it a squeeze.
"Morning, beautiful. How're you coping?" he frowns.
"I'm okay— well, I'm not okay but I'm thriving. Dad, however." Cassie says worryingly. "I don't think he has ever been so vulnerable in his life. I care more about his wellbeing than my own— he comes first, always. He's the only family I have left and I'm not letting him slip away like I almost did last year." she adds.
"He won't slip away, Cassie. You're his sole purpose. He's not leaving you anytime soon, I promise."
Cassie sighs with a nod. "How are you lot, anyways?" she asks, motioning to her friends across the room.
"I'm okay. Victoria healed most of our wounds so none of us are in pain anymore." Hermione replies.
Cassie nods, "That's good. Do any of you know if we're going back to school?"
"I don't think so. Dumbledore's been speaking to Fudge for hours now. Dad reckons it's not safe for us to go back yet. I can't help but agree." Ron shrugs.
"Yeah, especially for Harry. Plus, we're all grieving and I refuse to leave my dad to grieve by himself. I mean, I don't fancy seeing Draco either, really." Cassie sighs.
"I'm not going to lie, I had forgotten about him." Ginny adds, earning a small chuckle from Cassie.
Harry walks into the room and sits next to Rory with a half-smile. Enzo kisses the side of her head and she smiles at him. "I'm okay, Enz." she whispers.
"No you're not, love." he replies.
—
Dumbledore arrives back at Grimmauld place at eleven in the morning. Cassie relies on Enzo to tell her everything Dumbledore says while she goes upstairs to wake Remus up.
She sits down on the corner of the sofa and places his hand in hers. "Dad," she whispers as softly as she can.
He groans and his eyes slowly open, everything coming into focus. His eyes meet Cassie's face and he sighs with relief. He had a nightmare. Remus Lupin hasn't had a nightmare since he last lost Sirius. He squeezes Cassie's hand and slowly sat up. "Morning." she smiles.
"Morning, sweetheart. You doing okay?" he asks, more concerned for her wellbeing more than his own.
She nods, "Dumbledore's just gotten back. He's been at the ministry all morning."
"What's the time?"
"Erm— five past eleven."
Remus' eyebrows shoot up, "I need to get up— I need to speak to the others."
Cassie shakes her head as he frantically looks around. "They've got absolutely everything under control, dad. You need to take time for yourself and make sure you're okay before anyone else is."
He sighs and lets his head fall back against the sofa with another sigh. "Did I really sleep on this thing? My legs are killing."
Cassie laughs, "Neither of us wanted to sleep by ourselves. I even chucked Enzo out so you could sleep in here."
Remus smiles, "I'm honoured, sweetheart."
Cassie lets go of her father's hand and looks him in the eye. "You're going to get through this, dad. Do you know how I know that?" He shakes his head, indicating for Cassie to finish. "Because I did. When I lost Cedric, you were the one that helped me through it. Now it's my turn to repay the favour and stick by your side."
"I'll be okay— how are you?"
"I'm not okay. But neither are you, dad. You don't need to hide that from me. I know it's hard. And I know that it won't get easier for a long time but you have me. I'm not going anywhere, I promise you. It's just me and you now, dad. We have to stick together, okay?"
"Cassie, you know I'd never leave you." Remus sighs. Cassie swallows the lump in her throat, knowing that Sirius said the exact same thing, and we all know how that ended up.
"I love you so much, dad. You know that, don't you?"
"I do know that. And I love you even more, pup."
Hearing that nickname spill out of Remus' mouth makes Cassie's throat go dry and her stomach twist. Remus has never once called her pup. That was Sirius' nickname. Sweetheart is Remus'.
He saw that look in her eye as he said it. He knows he shouldn't have— but he couldn't help it. Cassie swallows and blinks, gaining her stability. "Come on, let's go downstairs."
—
Instead of a funeral, the Order decide on having a Wake. It's being held at Grimmauld place from two pm tomorrow. Cassie doesn't know how she felt about that. The good thing, however, is that none of them had to return to Hogwarts until Dumbledore is sure it was safe and his position gas been reinstated.
So, Cassie sits on the steps outside of the large black door leading to the home of number 12 Grimmauld Place, staring at the stars. It brings Cassie a sense of peace, knowing that Sirius is with Cedric. He isn't alone up there. He has his best friend back. He has his brother back.
Sitting out here alone, when only a few months ago she did the same with Sirius, makes Cassie's lip quiver. Regulus is up there tonight. Cassie prays with every fibre in her body that Regulus will welcome him wherever they may be. As Cassie has always thought, your brother is your best friend. She just hopes they both see that, especially with all they've both been through.
Cassie chews her lip as her eyes burn with tears. She wipes them before the tears get a chance to fall. Not a day goes by where she didn't miss her own brother. Cassie would give absolutely everything to see him again.
It's been over a year since his death but yet, she feels like no time has passed at all. It's like time stopped the day he died. As soon as that spell left Pettigrew's wand, time froze— and so did Cassie.
She's not saying that she hasn't been happy without him— she's had some amazing moments with her family and friends over the past year. She just feels like none of it was worth it without Cedric. He was what made life worth living.
"Sickle for your thoughts?" Enzo's voice rings deep through Cassie's ears, making her jump slightly.
"You don't have a sickle." she smiles as he takes a seat next to her, exactly where Sirius used to sit with her.
He laughs, knowing that she was right. "No, honestly, what's going on in that beautiful brain of yours?" he asks, tapping her head with his fore finger. "Sirius?" he questions when she doesn't answer.
"Cedric, actually."
He raises his eyebrows, "Go on."
"Just thinking about life since he died. It's been more than a year, so why do I feel like it was just yesterday?"
"Because his death partially paralysed you, I suppose. Those days when you couldn't even get out of bed or speak without crying— they were painful, weren't they? I suppose your brain has tried as hard as it could to erase those memories, leaving a blind spot."
"You have such a way with words, sometimes. You know that, Enz?"
"I still write a lot." he admits, slightly embarrassed.
"You do? I didn't know you still did." Cassie asks.
"Mhm. I think I know what I want to do when I'm older now."
"Yeah?"
"I want to do journalism. Y'know, write for the Daily Prophet or something like that. Maybe even start my own paper."
Cassie beams, "I think you'd do an amazing job, love. Much better than Rita Skeeter, anyways."
He chuckles but slowly stops himself as the thought of his friends back at Hogwarts crawls into his brain. "D'you reckon Draco's told the others what happened? I mean, Mattheo probably already knows but still."
Cassie shrugs and closes her eyes, truly thinking. "I was thinking about writing them a letter."
"That's a good idea."
They go quiet for a moment.
"I don't think we can be friends with them anymore, Enzo."
Enzo smiles with a sigh and places his hand in hers. "I know, Cass. I think we've both known that for a while now."
————
Dear
Pansy, Mattheo, Theo, Blaise and Draco.
As you've noticed, Enzo and I are no longer at school. This is because of events that happened at the Ministry last night— ones that I don't really want to talk about. But, I lost Sirius. He's gone.
I just want you all to sit with that. Especially you, Draco. If he didn't tell you, his father and aunt killed my dad. He and the rest of the Inquisitoral Squad grabbed us and Draco attempted to strangle me. Enzo and him fought each other but, obviously, Enzo won. Draco had no other reason to this other than spite.
After last night, I realised something. There is nothing I can do to prevent this war. There's nothing I can do to stop you guys from siding with your parents. I've accepted that. However, I refuse to accept that our friendship wasn't real.
Since September 1st 1991 on that train, you lot have been my absolute best friends. We went four years without a single argument. I hate that it's changed simply because of one man. One horrible, cruel, spiteful man. You guys are better than him. Don't ever forget that.
And so I feel like I've brought myself to a conclusion.
We can't carry on like this. I saw your faces when you found out about Dumbledore's Army. I can't have that happening every time one of our secrets are revealed. It's exhausting and unnecessary.
But in no way shape or form does that mean that I don't still have so much love for you. Your friendship was the realest thing I've ever known and for that I'm forever grateful. You made me smile on the days where I wanted to do nothing less. You turned my bad days into good ones so bloody easily and I'll never forget that.
Pansy, you've been the light of my life and bestest friend I could've asked for. You were a sister to me. You always made me feel comfortable enough to share my deepest secrets with. I'm so sorry that feeling was unrequited. I understand why you're doing what you're doing but just know that I'll never forget our girls nights, the times we got ready for parties in our bathroom, the moments we awkwardly shared looks because the boys were being strange. You mean more to me than you'll ever know, pans, and I'm so sorry our friendship has to end like this.
Mattheo. You and I are birds of a feather. You saw me for who I was and I'll never forget that. I looked in your eyes sometimes and I just saw myself. You're like a brother to me— and I know that I've always been like a sister to you. That's why I'm so sorry I have to be doing this. I know you don't want this life. You have such a pure heart and I know you have good intentions. I'm sorry that you were born into such a horrible life. I love you so much Mattheo, if you ever need anything, please come straight to me.
Blaise, you are such a sweet, genuine boy and I have so much love for you. You never once made me feel out of place— which I'm so grateful for. You always made me laugh, even when I didn't feel like it. You're such a lovely person and I hope that never changes. Never forget your kindness, Blaise, it's the most important thing you have. I know not being friends with me and Enzo is going to feel horrible—especially as Enzo's your best friend. But just know that our love for you has never changed— and none of this is your fault.
Theo. Thank you. Thank you for never failing to make me smile or laugh. Thank you for being the most chaotic, stupid boy I know. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know. Whether it was on the quidditch pitch, or in the middle of a charms exam, I was always smiling because of you. You always made sure I was okay and I'll forever be grateful for all those times you checked up on me when I needed it the most. I know this situation really isn't ideal, but please don't think that our friendship wasn't real. Because it was honestly the realest thing I've known.
Last but not least, Draco. I feel sorry for you. I feel sorry that you get up every morning and decide to act like this. I feel sorry that you may never learn to love if you don't start trying. Enzo and I have done nothing but give you our love, time and support, just for you to throw it away like that. God, I loved you so much. Your pettiness towards Harry always made me laugh— but that was before it started going too far. I know you can be good, Draco. I've seen it with my own eyes. I know you have a good heart deep down. Please understand that. Please realise that you have a choice. You can change. My dad did. He grew up in a family identical to yours— he changed his mindset and realised what his family was doing was wrong. You can do the same, Draco. I know you can.
I don't mean to sound dramatic or foolish but this is mine and Enzo's goodbye. I'll still see you around school— but I don't want any bad blood between us. Because we all know we're incapable of hating each other. I love you guys too much for that— and I know that you feel the same towards me and Enzo. I love you all so much, but this is why this has to happen. I can't lose someone else again. I'm so tired of losing people.
Goodbye.
- Your favourite werewolf
Notes:
OHHH THIS HURTS. their friendship means SO much to me and the fact it’s all over is just horrible :( it’s all voldemort’s fault btw
on with the hms :’)
1) remus not being able to sleep away from cassie :( oh he’s so scared to lose her— and i can’t even say i blame him. the poor man has so much trauma
2) “No you’re not, love.” OH ENZOOOO he just gets cassie and i love that about him
3) cassie sitting on the steps stargazing BROKE me. even though she lost her dad last night, she’s STILL thinking about cedric. it’s been a year now and she can’t stop thinking of him. if that’s not love i don’t know what is. cassie also hoping that regulus will welcome sirius :,) that’s so bittersweet i hate it
4) THE LETTER. oh so many emotions all at once. this was pretty much necessary for cassie and enzo and their part in the plot of the harry potter films/books. this is a clear warning, they will be part of the golden trio as of now and will follow them horcrux hunting in the future. you guys aren’t even ready for their response letter.
yeah i lied in the chapter summary :)
Chapter Text
➵ STOP CRYING YOUR HEART OUT —OASIS
'Cause all of the stars are fading away, just try not to worry, you'll see them someday.'
Everybody has to wear red for the wake. Not only was it Sirius' favourite colour, but it was the colour of his Hogwarts house (a.k.a, his pride and joy). Cassie, very hesitantly, slips on her maroon dress and puts the matching earrings in her ears. She isn't as pale this time round. Then again, she hasn't cried half as much.
After the initial shock of his death, Cassie cried a total of five times. When Cedric died, she didn't stop crying. This time, it's like she had no energy. She didn't have it in her to cry all the time. Sirius's death has drained her.
Cassie shakes her head, coming to her senses as somebody knocks on her bathroom door. "Hi, sweetheart." Remus says.
"Hi, dad." she replies, her eyes trailing down to the letter in his hand. Her heart drops.
"It's from your friends. Vick went back to your old house and got all of the post. This was the only thing for you."
Her lungs constrict slightly, but she doesn't let it show. "Can I have it? I'll read it later on."
"Something's happened with them, hasn't it?"
She takes a deep breath and leans against the side, considering whether to tell him everything. "I said goodbye to them yesterday."
"Goodbye? What do you mean goodbye?"
"I said that we couldn't carry on like this. Our friendship was falling apart. I don't know how they'll react so I'll wait until after the wake to read it."
"Oh, Cassie. Are you okay?"
She shrugs, "I feel guilty all the time."
"What for?"
"First of all, me and Enzo have ditched our closest friends. Second of all, I've barely cried over dad's death."
Remus sighs, his eyes heavy. "Your dad had this same conversation with you after Amos' death, sweetheart. You know better than to blame yourself for feeling guilty. Everybody handles grief differently." he shrugs. Remus wanders over to his daughter and lets his fingers trail through her hair. He gathers it all and starts plaiting it. "I mean, I haven't cried much either. I feel numb— like I have no reason to get out of bed in the mornings. Then, I remember that I have you, and suddenly that numbness goes away."
"So all I have to do is think about the good things?"
Remus nods and looks at her in the mirror, "That's exactly what you have to do, pup."
—
Cassie can hear Moody's booming voice all the way from her bedroom. She sits on the edge of her bed, toying with her bracelet. Mostly everyone has already arrived, but Cassie is too nervous to go downstairs. She isn't ready. If she goes downstairs and talks about Sirius, that means it was real— and she isn't prepared for that.
Cassie's head whips up as she recognises Enzo's footsteps up the stairs. Her bedroom door creaks open and Enzo stands in the doorway with a frown. "You coming down, love?" he asks, his tone soft.
She nods, her gaze going back down to her bracelet. "In a minute."
He sighs, hating to see his girlfriend like this again. This has happened once before, and Enzo couldn't bear seeing her go through that much pain. He isn't going to let her go through it again. "Come on, everyone's waiting for you."
She groans and stood up, slowly walking towards Enzo. He puts his hands on each side of her face as she wraps her arms around his torso. "You're going to be okay, Cass." he says.
She only looks him in the eye for a split second— yet, his gaze makes her feel whole. Those gorgeous brown eyes never fail to comfort her. "I know." she whispers, placing a kiss on his cheek.
The couple leave Cassie's bedroom, hand-in-hand. Cassie braces herself as she goes down the stairs, everyone's voices ringing deep through her ears. "I don't know if I can do this, Enzo." she whispers, her breath getting raggedy.
"Yes you can, Cassie. You're here to talk about Sirius and how good of a person he was. You don't need to be sad, love. You're surrounded by people who love you." Enzo consoles. She takes a deep breath and lets go of Enzo's hand, going for it. She knows that if she didn't push herself, she'll never be able to do it.
"Cassie! There you are!" Victoria smiles, embracing Cassie in her arms. Cassie smiles and hugged her back, no words escaping her mouth.
She lets go of Cassie and moves onto hugging Enzo. Cassie catches Remus' eye across the kitchen and he winks, just like Sirius would've done if he was there. All of a sudden, a brunette woman in her late thirties appears in front of Cassie. She looks awfully like Narcissa and Bellatrix... is that...?
"Cassiopeia— hi!" the woman smiles. The crinkle in her eye wrinkle reminds Cassie of Sirius. "You don't know me— not really, I think. I don't know if your father ever mentioned me before but my names Andromeda Tonks."
"Andy." Cassie states. "Yeah, of course I know you." she smiles.
"You do?" Andy smiles. Sirius spoke about her. "That's good. That makes me happy."
Cassie gives in and hugs the woman, absorbing the Sirius off her. She grew up with Sirius. She's his cousin. "I'm glad you're here, Andy." Cassie whispers. She feels as if she already knows the woman. How strange is that?
"I'm glad I'm here too. Sirius was such a good man— always was. He was definitely a menace, but brilliant." Andy says, pulling away and holding Cassie's hands. "And oh my, you look just like him." her eyes water.
"Remus' eyes though, don't you think?" Cassie smiles.
"Oh most definitely. But oh, Cassiopeia, you made me jump from how similar you look. Even with that long dark hair of yours, I thought you were him for a moment."
Cassie wants to cry.
"Please— call me Cassie."
"Oh— of course! I have a feeling you and I are going to be great friends, Cassie."
Cassie smiles, "I think so too, Andy."
"Now, I'll let you go see your friends. Come find me or my husband later on— you'll know when you see him, his hair is bright blue." Andy grins with a wink.
Cassie grins before turning on her heel and finding Ron, Harry and Hermione.
"Hi, you okay?" Hermione asks.
She nods, "I will be." Hermione half-smiles and offers Cassie a hug. Gratefully, Cassie accepted it. Once she lets go, she decided to tell them about her goodbye to her friends. "Enzo and I sent letters to Mattheo and all of them yesterday. We said goodbye to them."
"What'd you say?" Ron asks.
"I basically said that our friendship just wasn't going to work anymore. I told them I loved them and I wrote each of them a paragraph. They've written back but I'm going to read it later, after today." she explains.
"How are you after that?" Harry asks.
She shrugs, "I don't know anymore, Haz. I'm glad that I've done it as it needed to be done, but I can't help but feel slightly crap."
"That's okay, Cass. I'm proud of you for doing it, though."
Cassie's heart falters and she smiled, "Thank you, Harry." She grins as Enzo joins their conversation, but she decides to slip away and talk to some more people, something that she doesn't realise is already a sign she's doing well.
"You alright, kiddo?" George asks.
She looks up at him and half-smiles, "I'm thriving— you?"
"Alright, I suppose." he shrugs.
"Y'know, Sirius absolutely loved you two." she smiles, motioning to Fred too. "He said that you reminded him of himself and James, sometimes."
Fred smiles, his finger tapping on the glass of water he's holding. "You'll be okay, Cassie."
She blinks, looking him in the eye with a smile. "Thank you, Fred." He squeezes her shoulder and she makes her way to Remus.
He wraps an arm around her shoulder as he converses with Kingsley and Arthur. "Hiya, Cassiopeia." Kingsley smiles.
"Hi, Kingsley. You alright?" she replies.
"I'm okay, you?"
"Never been better." Cassie replies. He gives her that look and Remus chuckles. He kisses his daughter's head and pulls her to the side. "Is this too much for you?"
"No, I'm okay."
"Promise?"
Cassie holds out her pinky and looks up at her dad. He wraps his pinky around hers and Cassie kisses her thumb. He furrows his eyebrows but does the same thing. "It's what me and Ced used to do. The kiss seals it." Cassie smiles.
"Ah." Remus nods, a faint smile on his lips. She smiles and finds Enzo in the living room. She takes a seat next to him, crossing her legs.
"You doing okay?" he asks. Instead of a verbal response, Cassie simply nods.
This isn't as hard as she thought it would be. How strange?
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Ten-thirty pm, and everyone has gathered in the living room to share their favourite stories with Sirius. First, is Victoria.
She chuckles before even telling the story, hiccuping slightly. Almost every adult has had a bit too much to drink today— including Cassie whenever she got away from Enzo or Remus. "My favourite moment with Sirius was after Cassie was born. In the delivery room, Sirius was the first one to hold her. I saw that look in his eye— he was absolutely in love with you, pickle." Victoria smiled, looking at Cassie. Cassie returns the soft smile and bows her head. "But— that's not the best part. She farted so loudly that Sirius' face dropped. He handed her to Remus and ran out of the room." Victoria chuckles.
The whole room echoes with chuckles but Cassie buries her face in her hands with embarrassment. Out of all stories, that's the one she chose?
"My god, I remember that. Poor Sirius was traumatised." Remus adds, making Cassie giggle to herself.
Next, it's Chris' turn. "I remember once in fourth year, we had won a match against Gryffindor and naturally, there was a party in the Slytherin common room. Mid-way through the party, the Slytherin banners turned into Gryffindor ones, and the music changed from Led Zeppelin to David Bowie's Let's Dance. I knew immediately it was the work of Sirius Black and his friends." Chris laughs, earning chuckles from the rest of the room. Cassie smiles, knowing that is such a Sirius thing to do. It's also a very Mattheo and Theo thing to do— which doesn't fail to make Cassie look at Enzo with a solemn look in her eye.
"Oh Merlin! I remember that!" Elizabeth laughs.
Enzo is next to Chris, opposite to Cassie, who is sitting in between Remus and Ginny. That means that it's his turn next. "My favourite moment I had with Sirius was after I got into that fight with Marcus Flint." Enzo smiles, looking at Cassie. She grins, knowing what he's going to say. "After I won, which was bound to happen—" everybody laughs at that, though Cassie rolls her eyes with a smile. "A familiar dog appeared in the middle of Hogsmeade. Obviously, Cass realised it was him and pulled him round the corner. Two minutes later, she dragged me over there with her. Sirius pulled me to the side and said 'You've been nothing but good to my Cassie. You're all a father wants his daughter to have.' and I knew then, he'd approve if I ever asked for his blessing."
Cassie's gaze softens and a fond smile forms on her lips. She truly loves Enzo more than anyone. "Aww"'s are recited around the room and Remus even nudges his daughter. She laughs and waves him off.
Harry is next to Enzo, meaning it's his turn. "I have so many to choose from— but my favourite's got to be Christmas last year. Him and I were playing a round of chess and I beat him with one move— which obviously confused him. 'What? I always win— how's that possible?' and Cassie stepped in, saying 'Can't always get what we want in life, dad.' and his jaw just dropped further as he tried to figure out how he went wrong. He then proceeded to push over the board out of anger and threw a full on strop."
Cassie laughs, "He sat on the sofa with his arms crossed for a solid fifteen minutes."
By the time it gets round to Cassie, she panics on which memory to choose. There are too many to choose from. "Can I say multiple? I have way too many to choose from." she whispers to Remus.
"Yeah, of course you can, sweetheart." he replies.
She clears her throat and sighs, "The first memory of mine with Sirius was when I met him for the first time in third year. Well, it wasn't my first time meeting him, but y'know what I mean. The way he looked me in the eye and said my name— I knew there wasn't an ounce of evil in his blood. I mean, how could there be? He went through so much and came out of it with a smile and sense of humour." she smiles, slipping her hand into Remus'.
"He had the same eye shape as me, that was the first thing I noticed. Then, I noticed the shape of his nose and the way his eyebrows were set— then, I realised that this man was me. And I believe that over the years, he's done nothing but prove that even further. He saw straight through me, he picked my brain apart because he understood it. I saw myself in him every single day." Cassie sighs, smiling as she recalls each memory of her late father. "I still do. I look into my mirror and I don't see Cassiopeia Black— I see sixteen year old Sirius."
"That was beautiful, baby." Remus smiles, his eyes full with tears.
"Death does funny things to you. I think it gave me the ability to give poetic speeches." she laughs, earning chuckles from everyone else. "I have another one, if that's okay." she adds.
She takes a deep breath, preparing herself again. "It was the summer of third year and I was staying at Remus' for the first time." she smiles. "Him and I were so bored that we thought it was a good idea to bake something without magic. Even Moony knew it wasn't going to go well— seeing as neither of us even knew how to use an oven. He said 'I'm going to remove myself from this room before this goes terribly wrong.'" Cassie grins. "He was absolutely right. We almost blew up the kitchen." Cassie chuckles, genuinely. "Moony had a go at us and made us clean it all up— without magic, might I add. Instead of fulfilling those orders, me and dad decided to listen to ABBA and dance with the cleaning utensils Moony had given us."
"I had to do most of the cleaning myself." Remus adds with a grin, making everyone laugh again.
"Can I say one more?" Cassie asks.
"As many as you like, love." Andy replies with a comforting smile.
"Him and I went to visit Cedric's grave one day in the summer. He held me as I sobbed. In truth, I was suffering more than I ever had before. But instead of trying to distract me and take my mind off it, dad made me go for a walk and talk about it. And I mean talk about it. Every tiny detail, he wanted to know all of it. I ranted for what felt like hours— and he listened. That was the first time I had ever opened up that much about Cedric. Even now, I'm not sure I could talk about it for that long without losing it. Sirius had that about him. He made you feel like you could pour your whole heart out to him— and he wouldn't tell a soul. He never wanted anything from me. All he wanted was for me to be honest with him, so that he could help me." she sighs, twisting her bracelet. "I don't think I'm a bad person for thinking that his death has been easier to handle than Cedric's. I think the only reason I'm coping better this time is because Sirius told me exactly what to do in these situations and how to cope. I don't feel lost or alone like I did before. I have my dad's advice to hold onto. His advice saved my life— and it pains me that he'll never know that."
Cassie lets out the biggest breath of her life. She didn't even realise how much she had on her chest— and how much she needed to get off it. Remus squeezes her hand as tears roll down his scarred cheeks. "I love you so much." he whispers and kisses the side of her head.
Cassie scans the room, almost everybody has shed a tear or two (apart from Moody, obviously). She catches Enzo's eye and he sends a warm, fuzzy smile to her. She returns it and looks at Harry. "Thank you." he mouthed.
Her eyebrows furrow, "What for?" she mouthes back. He smiles. It took her a minute, but Cassie knows why he's thanking her. He's thanking her for saying what he couldn't. He's handling Sirius' death much differently to Cassie— he chose a happy memory so he wouldn't have to talk about the bad parts. Cassie doesn't mind talking about the bad parts. That's what makes her so strong, Harry thinks.
Yet again, to end the night, Cassie ends up on the stairs outside of Grimmauld place, staring at the star-filled sky. This time, it isn't Enzo that joins her. It's Harry.
He clears his throat to announce his presence and she turns her head around to him with a smile. She pats the step next to her and he takes a seat. "What'cha doing out here?" he asks.
She shrugs, "I like looking at the stars. It's why I spend so much of my time on the Astronomy tower." He gives her an odd look. "I have bad insomnia— I don't sleep well." she clarifies.
He nods, "The Black family were named after stars and constellations, weren't they?"
Cassie nods, not taking her eyes off the stars. "Cassiopeia is her own constellation visible all year round with a magnitude of two point two." she recalls. "Sirius' is a magnitude of one point four-six in the Canis Major constellation. Regulus— his brother's — has one of one point three-five and in the Leo constellation. I could go on if you like."
"You've done your research, then?"
She smiles, "I have a lot of spare time, Haz."
He laughs, "Have you ever seen his star?"
"Loads of times. Not since his death, though."
It's true. She's seen loads of Black family constellations, but they never seem to be Sirius. It seems like he's always been like that for Cassie. She was doomed to always miss Sirius.
He nods, "Well, do me a favour and if you ever see it in the middle of the night, come and wake me up."
Cassie smiles and rests her head on his shoulder. He wraps his arm around her and rubs a hand up and down her shoulder. "'Course." she sighs, looking up at the sky.
Oh, Cedric.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie's eyes burn with tears as she reads the letter. Droplets from her eyes land on the parchment, staining it. She wipes her eyes and holds the letter to her chest. She can't believe the words she was reading.
When will life stop being such a punch to the gut?
Notes:
oh this chapter was NOT fun.
i love to see cassie healing well this time round. she’s not going insane by the second like with cedric. she’s stable and we love her. i suppose we owe that to sirius :’)
hms:(
1) remus plaiting cassie’s hair as a parallel i CANNOT. it’s just them two now :( they’re each the only family they have left
2) enzo refusing to let her get bad again, forcing her downstairs with motivation. he’s such a good bf i hate him
3) ANDYYYYY!!! the only good part of this chapter lowk. i’m so so happy our girl is making an appearance— she will definitely be an important character throughout this story and i can’t wait for you guys to see the bond she forms with cassie and harry!
4) ugh just everyone being really sweet and checking up on her. hermione hugging her and the twins asking if she’s alright :’( i love them all so so much
5) the stories UGHHH cassie having so many to choose from as well :((( i love how she opts for three, three of which are perfect and make remus sob.
6) harry and cassie. guys you don’t understand how precious their bond is to me. him mouthing thank you to her??? him sitting outside with her and asking about the stars??? HIM ASKING TO WAKE HIM UP I CANTTT omg i love them so much
there is still lots to come with hers and harry’s relationship!
now, the next chapter is brief but it will make you sad :)
Chapter Text
Dear our favourite werewolf,
We just wanted to reply to your recent letter, even though we wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to read it. We can't even express how sorry we are about Sirius. We really hope you're doing okay, Cassie. You don't deserve this.
We read yours and Enzo's letters— and we have nothing else to say than you're so right. We're only sorry that this has led to the downfall of our friendship, because being your friend has been a blessing.
We each wrote something for you— we've done the same for Enzo in his letter, and we hope this finds you in good spirits, Cass.
Pansy wrote;
I love you so incredibly much, Cassie. Never forget that. I'll admit, I've been a horrible friend to you at points, but none of that meant that I didn't love you. You were my bestest friend and I can't believe this is all happening. I don't want to lose you— but I know it's for the best. I just need one thing from you, Cassie. I need you to promise me that once this is all over, we'll be friends again. Because, honestly, I'm not sure I'll be able to do this without my best friend. I also need you to promise me that you'll take care of yourself. I saw how Cedric's death destroyed you— I don't want you to go through that again, Cass. I love you so much. Never forget that.
From Theo;
I'm so fucking sorry. You shouldn't have to be going through this again, Cassie. You've lost so much and I can't even put it into words how sorry I really am. You deserve so much better, rors. I'm also sorry that it's had to get to this point. I never thought I'd receive a letter like that from you before. But I need you to know that I'll also never forget the times we laughed together. Your friendship was the light in my life. When days got dark, you helped me out. I can speak for everyone here when I say that you're the most caring person out of all of us. I love you lots, Cass, and I'm going to miss you. But hopefully, once this shit is over, we can sort everything out.
Mattheo wrote;
I don't even know how to say this, Cassie. I don't know how I can say all this knowing that you're grieving like that again. I'm so fucking sorry. If I could do anything to change it, I swear to you I would. Because, honestly Cass, you deserve the absolute world. You saw me for who I really was. You chose to look past the bad parts and embrace the very little good parts I had. You saw in me what most people in this fucking school fail to see. You understood me. You empathised with me. I don't know how I'm going to go my every day life without you, Cass. I know theres nothing I can do to change your mind, but I just need you to know that I will always be here. I understand why you're doing this but please don't forget about me, Cassie. I love you so much I can't even put it into words.
Blaise said;
You have no idea the impact you've had on my life, Cassie. You spun my whole life around with just a few words. "Your name is Zabini Blaise?" I knew then that you would become one of my absolute best friends. I can't express how truly sorry I am for all of this, Cassie. You deserve the world and I honestly believe that you'll be okay. You survived it once, you can do it again. You're the strongest person I know, and I'm not even just saying that. You inspire me every single day. I love you so much it's inhuman, Cassie. Thank you for being my friend.
We know this is very typical of him, but Draco refused to write anything. Mattheo punched him in the face after storming to his dorm once you'd sent the letter. He won't even look at us now.
We're all truly sorry, Cassie. However, we all have strong faith that you'll find the light and be happy once again. But, we need you to know that we love you more than anything.
Just know that one day, you'll be on your broom representing England for the world cup, and we'll be in that crowd— and God, we'll be cheering.
Goodbye, Cassiopeia.
- your favourite idiots x
Notes:
i’m just gonna leave you with that one 😊
Chapter 63: Y6 | Pygmy Puff
Summary:
Draco and mummy…
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ KIDS- CURRENT JOYS
'Oh I'm just a kid.'
'I'm no longer a kid.'
Cassie sits on the edge of her bed, re-reading the letter from her friends. It’s been four months since they sent it, yet she can’t stop thinking about it. She wasn't surprised that Draco chose not to say anything— she was surprised that the others did. Mattheo's words were the ones that made Cassie cry. She really wishes she didn't have to send that letter. She misses them more than anything.
But she can’t let that affect her. After all, her mental health is ten times better than it was. Remus has improved too, really. He still has those days where he doesn’t want to get out of bed or do simple tasks, but Cassie is patient enough to let him mourn. She knows what it’s like to have to really push yourself just to do the simplest of tasks.
Cassie gets up and tucks the letter away in a small compartment of her Hogwarts trunk. She then opens the letter with handwriting that could only be deciphered as Andromeda Tonks’.
Dearest Cassie,
I hope all is well. I’ve sent over a box of quills so you don’t need to worry about getting any in Diagon Alley this week. I don’t know what ink you use so I apologise for not sending any. I bet you’re excited to go to Diagon Alley though, yes? With the Weasley Twins new shop open, I reckon it’ll be bustling!
That goes without mentioning everything in the news recently. I do hope you try not to read too much of it. It’s one of those things where when you start reading, you can’t stop. I especially struggle with reading it— with Bella’s name all over the paper, it’s not the easiest thing. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand. It’s something I like to keep rather close to my chest.
I saw Sirius last night, did you? He looks even brighter now, isn’t that weird? I’ve never noticed his pure brightness until now. He’s almost as bright as Regulus, and that’s saying something. He always did manage to outshine his little brother somehow.
Speaking of brothers, how are you doing with your own? I know you mentioned in our last letter that it’s been two years now yet you can’t stop thinking of him. I hope you realise that’s completely normal, love. From what you, Sirius and Remus have told me about Cedric, I know he meant a great deal to you. Grief doesn’t have a time limit or a cap— it’s a gradual thing and we all handle it differently.
Let me know if you need anything else and I’ll send it as soon as I can. Almost time for school now! Try not to worry about it too much? Yeah? I’m always just a letter away, love, don’t forget.
Lots of love,
Andy xx
Over the past few months, Andy has been sending constant letters to Cassie, Harry and Remus. Cassie is beyond grateful for her— it gives her a great sense of relief to know there’s family out there that will take her or Harry in if things were to go sideways. But, Cassie is doing okay at home with Remus. It’s quiet nowadays but she finds comfort in that. Silence is good sometimes.
It’s August thirtieth, meaning that the day after next, Cassie will be on the train back to school. She’s not particularly nervous, she just really doesn’t want to go back. She barely even managed to look Mattheo in the eye last term— how is she meant to for another two years? As long as she has Enzo, she’ll be fine, but it goes without saying that they both miss their best friends.
Cassie heads downstairs to see her dad watching television in the living room. Remus and Sirius absolutely loved watching television in the evenings. Now, Remus watches it by himself.
Cassie leans against the doorframe and picks up a copy of the Daily Prophet. DEATHEATERS DESTROY DIAGON ALLEY AND STRIKE FEAR THROUGH LONDON. Cassie sighs and reads further. There’s something in the air at the moment— something bad. The clouds seem to be darker and the grass a duskier green. Cassie gets the chills every time she steps out of her house. Voldemort is on the move and now that the Ministry are aware of it, they’re lost on how to handle it all.
On top of it all, Fudge resigned the minute he saw Voldemort in the flesh. These horrible things are happening daily— yet the Ministry refuse to go into detail. How can everyone feel safe if their own Ministry don't themselves?
Cassie walks further into the living room, sitting next to her father. He smiles and squeezes her knee. "You okay?" she asks.
He nods with a smile, "How would you feel about going to Diagon Alley with Harry, Ron, Hermione and Enzo to see the twins' new shop tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I haven't seen them in a while."
"Yeah? Okay, I'll let Molly know."
Cassie sighs, seeing right through her dad's facade. "What's bugging you?"
"Hm?" he questions, his eyebrows low. "Nothing, why?" She gives him that look and he sighs. "I just worry that I'm not doing enough to protect you. Without Sirius, it's just me left to keep you safe."
Cassie looks him in the eye and tilts her head slightly, "I know you don't want to hear it, but I don't need protection, dad."
He rolls his eyes, "You're sixteen, Cass. You're sixteen in the middle of this horror of a war and so, of course, I'm going to want to protect you. You're all I have left and I'm not going to risk that."
She knows he was right, really. Despite her strength and stubbornness, Cassie will always need her dad to protect her, right?
The most recent full moon was five nights ago, but Cassie doesn’t feel too bad now. Victoria came over and healed all the wounds she could on both Cassie & Remus. It was times like those when Cassie was incredibly grateful to have Victoria.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Cassie!" Ron and Hermione smile at the same time. Cassie grins and hugs both of them, before moving onto Harry. She hugs him as tightly as she could.
"How've you been?" he asks. Harry looks older this year— so do Hermione and Ron, really. His hair is shaggier, a look Cassie reckons suits him more than the shorter look. He hasn’t grown much though, being the shortest of the group, bless his heart.
"I've been good, you?" Cassie smiles. He nods so she squeezes his arm and turns to her favourite person. He stands there with his arms open and a grin on his face. She only saw him two weeks ago— but that isn’t the point. She sinks into his touch as he kisses the top of her head.
"Hi, love." he chuckles.
"Hi." she beams.
"Come on, I'm bloody buzzing to see this." Ron urges. Cassie kisses Enzo's cheek before the group of them make their way to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Cassie catches up with Harry and loops her arm through his.
"How've you been? I haven't seen you in ages." she asks.
He sighs, looking down at his maroon Converses. "Not too bad. I miss him— but I suppose I'm just trying to forget about it."
"You don't have to forget about it, Haz. I haven't even attempted to. Mainly because I know that I can't forget it. It was such a horrible night and the more I replay it in my head, the more I miss him." Cassie sighs. "But every time I catch myself letting it destroy me, I remember how Cedric's death affected me. I refuse to let myself go through that again. If you ever feel like that, Harry, please come to me." Cassie half-smiles. Harry smiles and squeezes her hand as they walk up the derelict alley.
Diagon Alley has changed. The sky is dark and the shops are either empty, destroyed or without a sign of light. Cassie absolutely hates it. A few years ago, this alley was full of colour and life. Bustling crowds of excited students, owls hooting and soaring above the hubbub, the sun beaming down on the unbalanced, ragged brick floor. Cassie would run the street with her big brother at her side and parents keeping an eye on the pair just in case they got lost, nothing but dopamine in her veins.
As they walk into the joke shop, Cassie’s smile grew. She looks back at Enzo and beamed, him finding her hand and giving it a squeeze as they walk in further. Cassie spots the twins stood on the stairs, luring students into buying their smart products.
It had taken a lot for them to officially open this shop. Molly absolutely despised the idea. She thought her sons were too smart to be wasting their wits on a joke shop— which she thought would be a flop. However, the twins did everything in their power to prove her wrong.
And that they did.
Fireworks shoot from every direction and all sorts of different wild creations make as much noise as they can. Cassie looks up and takes in the wonders of the bustling shop. It’s incredibly busy— which makes sense, seeing as it was opening day. Cassie doesn’t know where to look, there’s so much going on.
She gasps as she approaches a shelf full of little pygmy puffs. She grabs Enzo's arm and tugs on it. "Please can we get one? I've wanted one for years." Cassie pleads. "Plus, Stevie gets lonely sometimes, she needs a friend."
"Only if I can name it." Enzo bargains.
Cassie sighs, "Fine. But Rodrick is out of question. You know how much I hate that name."
"I still never understood why."
Cassie shrugs and leans forward to select a pygmy puff. She cups her hand and lifts a cute little rosy pink one. She lifts her hands to hers and Enzo's faces, getting a closer look at it as it wriggles in her hands. "He’s so cute!" Cassie beams, her heart melting.
Enzo looks at his girlfriend and smiles, "I've chosen his name." Cassie raises an eyebrow and looks at Enzo. "Padfoot."
Cassie beams and lets out a small chuckle. "It's perfect."
After a long while of browsing the shop and conversing with the twins, everybody pays for their stuff and leaves the shop. "Hi Ron." Lavender Brown mutters as Ron trails behind the group. Ron awkwardly smiles and returns the greeting. Ginny stays with Fred and George as the quintet roam the empty streets of Diagon Alley.
"Gosh, how are Fred and George doing it? Half the Alley's shut down." Hermione says. In truth, their joke shop is the only splash of colour in sight. It sticks out like a sore thumb.
"Fred reckons people need a good laugh nowadays." Ron sighs.
"I reckon Fred's right." Enzo replies, Cassie and Harry humming in agreement.
However, all five of them stop in their tracks when they survey a certain shop. Ollivander's Wand Shop has been absolutely destroyed; the windows shattered and walls falling apart. "Oh you're joking! Everybody got their wands from Ollivander's!" Cassie exclaims.
Harry steps in front of the group, pushing the door open with a struggle. The rest follow with a slight feeling of uncertainty. The shop is almost pitch black inside— not a single lamp in sight. "Lumos." Enzo whispers behind Cassie.
Cassie scans every inch of the room, a deep feeling of sadness rooted in her chest. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see all of her childhood memories in Diagon Alley being demolished.
"Oi, you two." Ron motions at Cassie and Enzo, catching their attention. They stand at his side and followed his gaze. It’s Draco. "Is it just me, or do Draco and mummy look like two people who don't want to be followed?" Ron questions. Cassie internally groans, rubbing a hand over her face as she watches Draco and his mother check their surroundings. What are you doing, Draco?
"Come on." Cassie initiates, abandoning the shop and beginning to follow her old friend. They turn a corner, down yet another alley. The walls are plastered with Wanted posters. Cassie’s veins chill at the sight of Greyback and Bellatrix's feral faces.
They come to a halt as they wait for Draco to walk ahead, afraid of him spotting them. It doesn’t take long before Cassie gets impatient and begins walking again. They brush past a man speaking to a wall, which doesn’t fail to make Cassie’s eyebrows knit together in confusion and concern.
As they turn more and more corners, the eery sound of dogs barking and footsteps pounding rings deep through Cassie’s ears. The full moon wasn't too long ago so her hearing is still rather sensitive. She twitches her head to the side, a dog bark hitting deep in her eardrum. Enzo rubs the back of her arm for comfort as they walk. He can always tell when Cassie’s senses are overwhelming her. Her head tilts and she will usually tap her fingers on her the sides of her thighs.
When Draco and Narcissa finally reach their destination, the group realise they’re too close. They find a passageway leading to the top of a shed roof. They sit above it, slightly peaking over the top and into the shop where Draco stands. Borgin and Burkes. Cassie has never known Draco to go furniture shopping. Why the sudden interest?
Draco and a few other Deatheaters gather around a cabinet-looking thing. Draco runs his fingertips along the cabinet as if he’s appreciating the chiseled details on the sides. "What'd you think he's doing?" Ron whispers.
"Definitely not browsing for furniture, that's for sure." Enzo replies.
Cassie’s eyes narrow with hatred as Greyback steps in front of the window. Enzo pulls Cassie down, all five of them ducking so he can’t see them. Cassie has a burning urge to pull her wand out and kill Greyback there and then. There is truly nothing stopping her from doing it while his back is turned.
Apart from Enzo, of course. He looks her in the eye and shakes his head. She rolls her eyes before hopping down from the tile roof.
None of them speak a single word until they know they are out of earshot of anyone possibly overhearing. Cassie is the one to break the silence as they trail down the empty main street of Diagon Alley. "God I hate him." she mutters.
Cassie doesn’t hate Draco. She hates how much she still cares for him despite all the pain he’s caused her and so many others. She hates that protective feeling she gets seeing him surrounded by so many Deatheaters. She hates how she just wants to grab him and hold him as tight as she can so nobody can ever touch him.
Harry hates that he feels the same.
"Who? Draco?" Ron asks.
"Who else, tosspot?" Hermione spits. Ron furrows his eyebrow and curls his lip before Cassie replies.
"His face just looks so punch-able." she sighs. This, however, this was very true.
"I can confirm— it is." Enzo adds, making Cassie and the others chuckle.
"I always forget you punched him— why did you do it again?" Harry adds.
Enzo looked at Cassie for confirmation before telling the story. "Well, Draco was sharing his hatred for you and of course, Cassie wasn't having it. He said something like 'Why would I be obsessed with a specky, orphan kid with anger issues?' and Cassie said 'Why am I friends with a vile, rude, ferret boy with daddy issues?' but of course, Draco had to take it too far and say 'Why am I friends with a depressed, annoying werewolf with a dead brother?'— so naturally, I stood up and punched him in the face. He ran out sobbing." he explains with a chuckle at the last part. Cassie also laughs at the last sentence. Draco was never one to put up a fight like that.
That was the last time Cassie spoke to Draco.
"How dare he?" Hermione spits.
"I know right." Cassie scoffs.
"Well done for punching him, mate, he deserved it." Ron says, his eyebrows risen.
"Someone had to do it." Enzo shrugs. Cassie laughs and intertwines his fingers with hers. He gives them a squeeze as they head back to the portkey.
—
Instead of spending her last night of summer with her friends, Cassie spends it watching Dead Poets Society with her father. She lies her head in his lap, his fingers in the roots of her hair. Neither of them will admit it, but what they’re doing right now, is their ideal evening. Cassie adores spending time with her dad— and he feels the same about his daughter. They are all each other has; they hold onto that. God, they hold onto it.
"I love you so much, sweetheart, you know that, don't you?" he says, his volume hushed and tone relaxed.
Cassie smiles, "Of course I do."
"And don't you ever forget it."
Notes:
this is such a short chapter, for that i apologise, but there’s still so much angst :’)
hms!
1) andy being the most supportive cousin ever??? omg i love her so much. i live for supportive Black family relatives. alphard and andy you mean so much to me <3
2) PADFOOT THE PYGMY PUFF!! oh he’s adorable. enzo is just a sweetheart btw
3) borgin and bourkes… shit is getting real now guys. cue all of the dark death eater plot lines. you guys are in for a treat! this year is very much very heavy for cassie and enzo’s characters, i’m telling you. but they’ll be okay cause they have each other :)
4) cassie and remus are ADORABLE. cause i’m lovely like that, i’ll let you in on a secret…
REMUS DOESNT DIE!!!!
hooray!! there is no way i’m letting him die. it would be cruel not only to myself but for our poor cassie who has lost way tooooo much. when remus says he won’t ever leave his daughter, he damn well means it! put some respect on his name guys!
Chapter 64: Y6 | Home sweet home
Summary:
Nostalgia and bloody noses
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SMOKE SIGNALS — PHOEBE BRIDGERS
'I'm at the exit, looking back through the hall, you are anonymous, I am a concrete wall.'
Cassie sighs as she trails behind her friends, who are struggling to find a carriage. Her mood is worryingly low seeing as it's the day she returns to Hogwarts. She has never disliked school before. Now, however, she can think of a million other places she'd rather be.
Cassie shakes off the dreary thoughts as her eyes lock on the very people she hoped to avoid. She stops in her tracks, watching Blaise in a fit of laughter with the others. Cassie's frown tugs down at her cheeks as she freezes in place. Pansy looks up from her seat and looks Cassie in the eye.
Oh.
Cassie's lips part but she can't manage to get any words out. She blinks more than usual and takes a deep breath before following after Ron. "Wicked! An empty one!" he beams.
Cassie slowly trails behind, taking her seat next to the window by Enzo. He squeezes her knee and she looks him in the eye. Her heartbeat relaxes as his autumnal eyes wrap her heart in a blanket of comfort. "You okay?" he asks, noticing her increased breathing pace.
She nods, "I saw the others. Blaise was laughing with Pansy, Theo and Mattheo. I couldn't seem to take my eyes off them. Pansy made eye contact with me so I just carried on walking. I must've looked like an idiot just standing there watching them."
Enzo sighs and takes Cassie's hand into his. "It's okay to miss them. I know I do— god I miss them, Cassie. I miss laughing with my best friends every bloody second. But I'm not going to let that feeling ruin my mindset. They're irrelevant from here on." Cassie lightly smiles, giving his hand a squeeze and looking out of the window.
A few hours later, the train runs into a malfunction. The students get told they're going to be on this train for a lot longer. Most students conjure pillows and blankets and get comfy. Cassie, however, can't seem to rest. She stands up and slides open the carriage door. She notices it's pitch-black outside now. How late is it?
The werewolf walks, and walks, and walks until she reaches a familiar carriage. She peaks inside, curiosity overwhelming her. Mattheo is wide awake and sitting against the window, staring at the stars.
Cassie sighs. She knows she probably shouldn't be speaking to Mattheo right now, but in this very moment, she wants to do nothing less. So, despite her morals, she lightly knocks on the carriage door, catching his attention. His gaze softens immediately and he heads to the door. Cassie turns around and faces the window as he slides the door open.
She can feel Mattheo's warmth as he stands next to her, his eyes also on the noir sky. "They're pretty, aren't they? I can see why you spend so much time on the Astronomy Tower now." Mattheo speaks, his voice slightly hoarse. His voice sounds different, Cassie notices. It isn't a type of different that any old person would notice. Cassie can't quite explain it.
"Oh they're beautiful. I quite like the fact I'm named after them." Cassie weakly smiles.
Mattheo smiles, bowing his head. He has so much to say to Cassie, but he knows he'd just make it worse. "How are you doing?" he asks, casually, hoping that she wouldn't shut him down and walk away. She had made her intentions very clear in that letter.
"I'm okay. Dad's worse." she shrugs, knowing that he was referring to Sirius' unfortunate death.
Mattheo's heart sinks ever so slightly. He couldn't help but feel guilty for Sirius' death. After all, it was his mother that had killed him. "I'm so s-"
"Don't." Cassie interrupts. "I don't want an apology, Mattheo. You have nothing to apologise for. You're not your mother, nor your father."
Mattheo's heart wrenches as those words spill from her mouth. She was wrong. "But—"
"No buts."
Mattheo sighs with defeat, his gaze going back to the sky. "How's Stevie?"
Cassie chuckles, "She's great. She misses Pansy though."
Mattheo chuckles, "Give her my love."
"She's a cat, Mattheo."
"All the more reason."
Cassie rolls her eyes. "Excited for quidditch season?"
"You most definitely are. You're seventeen in November, you'll be old enough for Hooch to recommend you for teams. Better make the most of Hogwarts quidditch, Cass, you'll miss it when you're up there in front of millions."
Cassie smiles, "Of course I'll miss it. I already do and I haven't even left yet."
"You've always been sentimental like that."
"Yeah, I'm afraid so. Being captain is fun, though. I enjoy it."
"O captain, my captain." he whispers. Cassie's eyes widen slightly and she turns to look him in the eye for the first time.
"You finally watched it?"
He laughs and shakes his head, "Before you and Enzo got together, he watched it over and over again and wrote notes on it so he could prove he'd watched it."
Cassie's heart melts as she smiles. Of course he did. "That's adorable."
"I know, right."
Cassie sighs and looks out of the window again. "I better go back, Enzo will wonder where I am."
He sighs and turned to her, dreading the words that are about to come out of his own mouth. "I know this is the last time we'll have a conversation like this, so I just want you to know how much I really do love you, Cass. You've always been my best friend."
Cassie's eyebrows sink as she blinks the tears away. "It's not goodbye forever, Mattheo, I promise."
He smiles and wraps his arms around her. Cassie can't help but sigh as she familiarises herself with Mattheo's hug, knowing that she won't have another one for God knows how long. "I know." he whispers. Mattheo kisses the top of her head as she lets go of him and walks the other way, without a glance back. She knows that if she did, she'd run into that carriage and hug all of her friends. Cassie has never struggled with her self control so much in her life.
—
A few hours later, not long before the train arrived at Hogwarts, Cassie takes her headphones off as Harry begins speaking, pausing her Queen cassette tape. "So, what are everyone's theories on Malfoy and the cabinet?" he asks. "And who were all of those people?"
Cassie sighs, "I know what you're thinking, Haz."
"Don't you see? It was some sort of ceremony— an initiation!" he exclaims. Cassie shakes her head, twisting her bracelet as he speaks.
"Stop it, Harry, we know where you're going." Hermione adds.
"It's happened! He's one of them." he confirms. Cassie and Enzo share a look. They hate to admit it but they knew it was going to happen either way. It has always been completely, and utterly inevitable. However, they refuse to accept it had happened so soon.
"One of what?" Ron asks, his eyebrows furrowed.
"Harry reckons that Draco is now a Deatheater." Cassie sighs.
"You're barking!" Ron exclaims.
"Yeah, mate, where's your evidence?" Enzo adds, trying to gaslight himself into thinking that Draco had some decency left in him.
"Well, then what's he doing in Borgin and Burkes? Browsing for furniture?" Harry doesn't wait before finishing, "I don't think so."
"It's a creepy shop, Harry. He's a creepy bloke." Cassie shrugs, picking up a copy of the Daily Prophet.
"Look, his father is a Deatheater. It only makes sense!" Harry sighs. Cassie considers his words but tries to push them away. She doesn't want to think about Draco becoming a Deatheater. Despite everything, she doesn't want him to suffer like that. "Besides, Hermione saw it with her own eyes." Harry adds, using hand gestures to make a point.
"I told you guys, I don't know what I saw." she replies.
Harry's jaw tenses, he bounces his leg and stands up. "I need some air."
"Want me to come?" Cassie asks, worried that he's getting stressed out.
"No, I'm fine." he answers, rather bluntly. He grabs his invisibility cloak and heads out of the carriage.
"What'd you reckon he's really doing?" Ron asks once he was out of earshot.
"Dunno, but I don't think it's taking deep breaths." Enzo replies. Ron and Hermione start their own conversation so Enzo turns to Cassie. "Where'd you go last night? I was all cold when you left me."
Cassie still hasn't told Enzo about her conversation with Mattheo. She was afraid he'd be annoyed at her for speaking to him after sending that letter. She had dreaded telling him, but lying to Enzo isn't something that comes naturally to Cassie. "I went for a walk along the train but I stopped when I saw Mattheo sitting in their carriage looking out the window."
"Oh, don't tell me he said something to you."
"No, no. I know you're probably not going to he happy about this, but I knocked on the window and he came out to speak to me." she sighs. "He asked how I was— and how Stevie was, funnily enough. I told him I was fine and he tried apologising, but I didn't let him. He just hugged me and told me how much he loved me. He knew we wouldn't have a conversation like that again for a long time."
Enzo sighs, his jaw clenching slightly. He isn't annoyed at her for speaking to him, if anything, he predicted it would happen at some point. Enzo knew that Cassie wouldn't be able to really distance herself from them. She isn't the type to let things go that easily.
"That's a good thing, right?" he replies.
"Yeah, I suppose. You're not annoyed are you? I know what you're thinking but I couldn't stop myself."
He laughs and wraps an arm around her shoulder. She lifts her hand up and connects it with the one he has around her. "Of course I'm not."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Where's Haz?" Cassie asks once she realises she can't spot her favourite black-haired boy with glasses on the platform.
"He's probably already there." Ron shrugs, not too bothered by his absence.
Cassie and Hermione aren't convinced but they follow Ron and Enzo anyways. They end up by the gates, Flitwick stands with a clipboard. "Names?" he points.
"Sir, we've had you for six years." Enzo replies.
"Still, no exceptions!" he exclaims. Once the four of them had given their names, they walk past the piles of trunks and other belongings. Apparently, all of them have been searched for 'safety reasons'. Filch stands by the luggage as if he's in a position of authority.
Once inside, Cassie and Enzo say their goodbyes to their Gryffindor friends and sit at the end of the Slytherin table, near Lexi, Tracey and Daphne. The hall maintains a low murmur of chatter and laughter as students converse with their friends.
However, Cassie notices that Harry still hasn't arrived yet. She looks at Hermione and mouthes, "Where is he?"
She shrugs and replies with, "No idea." Cassie chews her bottom lip with worry. She knew she should've carried on looking for him on the train and not of just walked away.
Enzo dishes up some food for Cassie because he knows that if he doesn't, she'll forget. She reluctantly eats the roast chicken with a frown. Enzo smiles as she puts her fork down after her last bite. He kisses her cheek and she can't help but let a smile slip.
"Anyway, you excited for the season, Cass?" Lexi asks.
Cassie smiles, "Extremely."
"Since Potter is the new Gryffindor captain, we might have to up our game, y'know." Lexi raises an eyebrow.
"Oh, I know, don't worry. I've already got plans." Cassie winks.
"That's my girl." Lexi grins.
Not long after the sorting ceremony ceases, Enzo taps Cassie's leg and motions to the hall doors. Harry emerges through them with a bloody nose. Cassie sighs with a mixture of relief and concern. Why is he bleeding? Who had made him bleed?
He sits down at the Gryffindor table next to Ginny, opposite Ron and Hermione. Cassie furrows her eyebrows in thought as she tries to figure out why his nose is bleeding.
"Why'd you reckon he's bleeding?" Enzo asks quietly.
"I don't know, but look who else has just arrived." Cassie points out, nodding towards Malfoy's entrance to the hall. Enzo swallows hard, pushing down the sickening feeling he has. Cassie does the same, pretending like it's not hurting.
The low murmur of the hall dies down as Dumbledore takes his place at the podium. "Very best of evenings to you all." he says, gaining everybody's attention. "First off, lets's introduce the newest member of our staff. Horace Slughorn." he says, holding his arm out to the rising professor.
"That's the one Harry told us about." Enzo observes, Cassie nodding in agreement.
"Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say has agreed to resume his previous post as Potions Master. Therefore, the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts has been occupied by Professor Snape." Dumbledore adds.
Cassie's head whips around to Enzo, "Snape? Seriously?"
"Why can't we just have your dad again? Snape's the last person I want as my Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher." Enzo replies. The majority of the Slytherin table clap, apart from the few that aren't too fond of Snape.
"Now, as you know, each and every one of you were searched upon your arrival today— and you have the right to know why; once, there was a young man, who, like you, sat in this very hall, walked this castle's corridors, slept under its roof." Dumbledore says, without a care that Mattheo is in the room.
Cassie and Enzo shamefully look at Mattheo, who has his head down. They share a worried look and turn back to Dumbledore.
"He seemed to all the world a student like any other. His name? Tom Riddle." he says, slightly eerily. Whispers immediately spark, most about Mattheo being in the same room as them all. Cassie closes her eyes briefly and looks at her old friends. Enzo does the same, despite everything in him telling him not to. Theo catches Cassie's eye and looks away immediately, as if embarrassed. Cassie chest weighs down with a glum feeling after the tiny interaction.
"Today, of course, he's known all over the world by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking upon you all tonight, I'm reminded of a sobering fact. Every day, every hour, this very minute, perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, their greatest weapon is you." Dumbledore speaks, with a few certain students in mind. "Just something to think about." he adds, as if he hadn't said anything at all. "Now, off to bed, pip-pip."
Cassie looks at Enzo before they make their way out of the hall with the rest of the school. They catch up with Ron, Hermione and Harry, eager to find out what happened to Harry.
"I'll tell you in a minute, we need to go somewhere more private though." Harry replies.
"The library?" Cassie suggests.
A few moments later, Cassie sits on one of the desktops by the window, opposite Ron and Harry with Hermione on a chair and Enzo next to her. Cassie takes a deep breath before Harry begins explaining.
"I went to Malfoy's carriage— which he sat in with random Slytherin people I didn't recognise, and set off a dung bomb. I went under the cloak and hid on the trunk rack above them. Once the train had stopped, Malfoy stayed behind as the others got off. He knew I was there so he jinxed me to the floor. He said 'Didn't mummy ever tell you it was rude to eavesdrop, Potter?' and kicked me in the nose. 'Oh yeah, she was dead before you could wipe the drool off your chin.' he said before chucking the cloak back over me and leaving. 'That's for my father. Enjoy your ride back to London.' was the last thing he said before leaving." he explains, swiftly.
"That's for his father? I could fucking kill him and say 'That's for Sirius' just to piss him off." Enzo replies, just as annoyed as Cassie.
Cassie shakes her head and buries it in her hands. She isn't surprised, that's the thing. She knows Draco. She knows how petty he is. That's why she couldn't be friends with him anymore. However, Cassie never stopped being this angry whenever he has his 'petty moments.'
"He's a cunt, Harry. I'm so done with him." Cassie sighs.
"I know." Harry responds, biting the inside of his cheek.
"How did you get off the train?" Ron asks.
"Luna found me, funnily enough. She said my head was full of wrackspurts or something like that." he replies. "We walked to the gates and saw Malfoy picking a fight with Filch. Then, Snape stepped in and of course saved his arse."
Hermione groans, "I thought Snape was partially on our side."
"That's what I thought. I don't trust him one bit." Harry answers.
"Neither." Cassie agrees, Enzo and Ron humming in agreement.
If you told eleven year old Cassie all that had happened over the course of the past three years, she would've laughed in your face. Even sixteen year old Cassie couldn't quite fathom all that had happened to her, let alone her eleven year old self.
She wouldn't believe you if you told her Cedric died. She would've slapped you in the face and screamed at you for lying. Losing Cedric had truly been Cassie's biggest fear her whole life.
However, if you told her that Sirius died, she wouldn't care as much. She didn't know Sirius. She had absolutely no idea who he or Remus Lupin were. She had no idea that they would become two of the most important people in her life.
Regarding the issues with the Dark Lord and her friends, eleven year old Cassie would've been devastated. Once meeting them, Cassie changed her judgements of them and began to love them for who they were, not their parents reputations. Now, she began to question whether she should've made that decision.
What if she never sat in that carriage with them in first year? What if she never got dormed with Pansy? What if she judged them based off their parents and never spoke to them?
But Cassie realises, as she sits at her lone dorm window in the evening, that she'd be absolutely miserable if she had made those decisions. Up until Voldemort's return, those five people were Cassie's whole world. She recalls all the times they got detentions together, all the times they pulled pranks on Flint, when they would mess about in Sinistra's lessons, when they would win quidditch matches, when their stomach muscles ached from laughter.
Cassie can't wait until all this is over. As long as none of them make horrible, life-changing decisions before Voldemort disappears, Cassie can be friends with them again and they will recall their old memories together.
She has faith in them, not Draco— obviously, but she has faith. If she knows her friends like she thinks she does, they'll get out of this mess with good hearts and intentions. Just like how they treated Cassie over the years.
Notes:
i hate it already. i miss writing them :’(
“you take the man out of the city, not the city out the man.” PREACH. cassie will never be able to forget them, that’s a fact. she has to live with this until voldemort goes.
hms:(
1) cassie giving in and speaking to mattheo. ouch. their friendship was always a favourite of mine— i am a sucker for bestfriend!mattheo :’) him having a soft spot for cassie alone is just so heartbreaking and i miss them
i cba
Chapter 65: Y6 | 6th year Trials
Summary:
Quidditch yay!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SYMPHONIA IX - CURRENT JOYS
After the first few days back at school, Cassie decides she’s going pay a visit to her favourite medi-witch. She knocks on her office door, the nurse coming to the door almost instantly. "Cassie! Come in, come in!" Poppy exclaims with a smile, truly happy to see her.
Cassie sits down by the fireplace as Poppy pours a glass of water for her. "How've you been, dear?" she asks, sitting down next to her.
"Not too bad— I've been worse."
"How've you really been?"
Cassie sighs, tapping her finger on the glass. "I mean, I miss him more than anything. I stay up all night thinking about him. I am struggling without him— but I think I'm coping. I don't think I'm struggling like last time."
"That's good, darling. But know that it is okay if you're not okay."
Cassie nods and twists her bracelet, "I know." she sighs, "I think the worst part about it all is seeing how it's affecting dad." Poppy's heart sinks at the thought of her favourite student mourning entering her mind. "He's doing a lot better than he was, that's for sure, but he still has his days. I think me being away from home isn't helping either. You know what he's like, he'll spiral without someone there to remind him of reality."
Poppy nods, "I think Remus will be okay as long as you are."
"Yeah, I suppose."
"I noticed you not spending time with your usual Slytherin friends, have you fallen out?"
Cassie sighs and took a long sip of water. "Enzo and I decided it was for the best that we stopped being friends with them. We ended things on good terms but I don't know, ...I miss them. I know I did the right thing and it would've been worse if I didn't, but they were my best friends— I can't just forget them that easily."
"Nobody expects you to move on from them that quickly— they've been your best friends for the past six years, dear. You'd be insane if you could forget them easily."
Cassie nods, "I just don't know what to do with myself really."
"But that's okay. You don't owe anyone anything. As long as you stay alive, that's all that matters."
Cassie smiles but tugs at her bracelet. "Is it normal to grieve for this long?"
"Sirius only just passed, dear, it's completely normal."
"No no, not Sirius." Cassie says, shaking her head. "Cedric, I mean."
Poppy nods with understanding and guilt. "Cedric was your best friend, darling. Even before I knew you like I do now, I saw how much he meant to you. He'd always be the first person in here after you were brought in. He would refuse to leave, now matter how much I would pester him. You two were each other's everything— so yeah, I think it's completely normal." Poppy stands up, motioning for Cassie to do the same. She wraps her warm arms around her shoulders and brings her close. Cassie sighs and rests her head on her shoulder. "You're going to be okay, dear. If you're ever not okay, come straight to me. I care about you ever so deeply."
—
A few weeks after the start of term, Cassie begins to adjust. She gets used to smiling at Pansy whenever they walk past each other. She gets used to the pit in her stomach when she watches Mattheo and Blaise whisper. She gets used to being with Ron, Hermione and Harry all the time. She gets used to relying on Enzo.
So, one late September morning, Cassie, Ron and Harry stand by the side of the manic corridor, watching and laughing as students scramble to get to lesson. Mcgonagall stands in the middle of the hallway, shouting and sending students in different directions. Luckily, the trio have a free period while Hermione and Enzo are in Potions with Slughorn.
"Ha! Look how small that one is!" Ron laughs, motioning to the tiny first year with his head down in his map of the school. Cassie and Harry chuckle.
However, all three of their smiles drop when Mcgonagall calls Harry's surname. "This can't be good." Harry mutters, making Ron and Cassie giggle. Harry converses with Mcgonagall as the pair people-watch, analysing students.
"Did you hear?" Ron exclaims, catching Cassie’s attention.
"No, what?" she demands with intrigue.
"Zabini and Luna broke up— apparently she even slapped him!" he laughs. Cassie fake smiles but her eyebrows were low. Blaise really liked Luna. She wonders why or how they broke up— but she assumes it was something to do with the whole Deatheater situation.
Drawing Cassie away from her thoughts, Harry walks back over with a dramatic frown on his face. "Mcgonagall is making all of us take potions."
"What?!" Cassie and Ron exclaim in unison. After her O.W.L exams, Cassie had dropped potions. She decided she wouldn't need it as a N.E.W.T subject in her future. The only ones she was worried about were Astronomy, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Quidditch (an extracurricular N.E.W.T option).
Ron and Cassie reluctantly follow Harry to Slughorn's classroom, Ron complaining the whole way there. "I don't wanna take potions. There's quidditch trials coming up, I need to practice." he moans. "Cass, d'you reckon you could give me extra training?"
"But then I'd be helping the enemy, and I don't particularly fancy that." Cassie shrugs.
Harry chuckles, ahead of them. "Yeah, good luck trying to get tactics from Cassie, mate."
The trio approach the brown door that read; Professor H. Slughorn— Potions Master , in bold, silver writing. Cassie braces herself— however, the comforting thought of Enzo being in there helps to calm her down in an instant.
Harry slowly opens the door, Cassie and Ron trailing behind. "Ah! Harry, my boy, I was beginning to worry!" Slughorn grins. Cassie looks at Enzo and he furrows his eyebrows. She shrugs with a confused expression as a response. "We've brought some friends with us, I see." he adds, motioning to Cassie and Ron.
"Cassiopeia Black, sir." she smiles.
"Black, eh? I'm so very sorry for your loss." he frowns, the image of Sirius Black’s death announcement in the Daily Prophet appearing in the professor's mind.
Cassie swallows and blinks rapidly before conjuring a response. "Thank you." she mutters.
"Ron Weasley, sir." Ron says, breaking the awkward silence. "But I'm dead awful at potions, a menace, actually. I'm just gonna—"
Harry pushes Ron in front of him as Slughorn replied; "Nonsense— we'll sort you out. A friend of Harry's is a friend of mine," he smiles at the pair. "Get your books out."
"We haven't actually got our books yet, professor." Harry states.
"Get what you want from the cupboard. Now— as I was saying..." Slughorn answers.
Cassie heads to the cupboard ahead of Ron and Harry, peeling it open. There are three books at the bottom; two very clean, new copies, and one old, scruffy copy. She takes one look at the boys and grabs one of the good copies, leaving them to figure out who got the good one themselves. She laughs as they slam each other into the cupboard.
She sneaks into the crowd of students next to Enzo. He squeezes her hand, "You okay?" She nods with a smile and squeezes his hand back.
She takes one look at Draco, Pansy and Blaise in the corner and feels her stomach twist. They’re all in dead silence with bored expressions as Slughorn explains the lesson.
Cassie’s becomes distracted from her thoughts as Hermione's hand shoots up. Hermione states her surname after Slughorn fails to remember it, then approaches the potions at the front of the room. "That one there is Veritaserum. It's a truth-telling serum; and that one would be Polyjuice potion and its terribly tricky to make." Hermione says, speaking from her own experience.
"Good! Who else?" Slughorn asks, motioning to the last potion. Hermione slides back into the crowd as Cassie sniffs. She can smell vanilla. She stands on her tip toes, analysing the potions in front of her. "Thats amortentia, isn't it?" she asks. Slughorn gives a supportive nod, motioning for her to carry on. "The most powerful love potion in the world." she says, walking towards the potion. "It's rumoured to smell differently to each person— you smell what attracts you. For example, I smell… vanilla... chocolate… and, parchment."
"Thank you, Miss Black!" Slughorn smiles. She stands next to Enzo again, a fat smile across his face.
"What?" she laughs.
"Nothing." he grins.
Cassie chuckles, bowing her head. "Vanilla— your cologne. Chocolate— your beloved hot chocolate. Parchment— the homework you forget to do." she explains, her eyes on Slughorn as he speaks.
"Buttered toast— your favourite. Cat hair— pretty self explanatory. Grass after rain— almost like the quidditch pitch." Enzo retorts, a smile on his face.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Dear Dad,
The first few weeks back have been alright. It's horrible seeing Pansy and the others around school but I think I'm getting used to it now. I love spending time with the Ron, Harry and Hermione though— they're such sweet people.
I'm quite nervous for today though, its quidditch trials. The only players guaranteed a spot are Lexi and Blaise as they're beaters— I can't help but wonder if Theo and Mattheo will try out this year. I hope they do. It'll give me an excuse to talk to them, I guess. I do miss them, dad. More than I'd care to admit, really. It's an odd feeling.
Anyway, wish me luck. Last years trials were hard enough as it is.
Hope you're doing okay— remember I love you more than anything, right?
I love you to the moon and back,
Cassie x
———————
Cassie stands in the middle of the quidditch pitch, Lexi and Blaise not far behind her. She watches as the crowd of Slytherins in front of her struggle to grab a broom each. She sighs and rubs a frustrated hand over her face.
All of the students are chattering between them— it’s driving Cassie absolutely insane. The full moon being tomorrow night really isn’t helping. "Can you all shut up and grab a bloody broom please?" she exclaims.
Lexi puts a hand on Cassie’s shoulder, "We've got you." Her and Enzo are beside Cassie— although Enzo isn’t technically guaranteed a spot on the team, Cassie is pretty sure he’ll stay where he is. Cassie sighs, taking a deep breath as the students step closer to her. They stand in front of her, completely silent.
"Okay, hello everyone. My name's Cassiopeia Black and I’m your captain." she states, quickly.
"As in Sirius Black?" one of the students interrupts.
Cassie nods before carrying on, brushing past the question. "Anyway, just because you were on the team last year, it does not guarantee you a spot this year. At the end of last year, we were top of the league. I need you to do the same thing this year. If you don't think you can do that, you need to put that broom down and get off the pitch, do you understand me?" she says, rather sternly. Cassie isn’t a stern person. She is just determined— and a little quidditch-insane.
She notices that Mattheo and Theo haven’t turned up— but Pansy is in the stands with Daphne and Tracey. Why does this make her heart twist?
"So today, you will take turns trying out for your chosen spot. The only places available are three chasers and a keeper— so only four of you will end up on this team today, okay? I need each and every one of you to put in your full effort if you want to make it onto the team. I'm as serious as it gets about quidditch so I don't need any shit players, thank you." she says, not meaning to come across too harsh.
"Not so hasty, Black." a familiar voice speaks from behind the crowd. Cassie furrows her eyebrows as Theo and Mattheo appear in their quidditch kits. Cassie struggles to bite back her smile.
"Bit late, don't you think?" Cassie points, the smile becoming apparent.
Mattheo shrugs and looks at Theo, "Are we getting started or what?" he asks.
Lexi passes Cassie a clipboard with a list of names. The name at the top is 'Aaron Boyle' so Cassie calls him up first. She sits on her broom above the stands as Boyle prepares himself. He’s trying out for keeper. He doesn’t really have a keeper's build, Cassie thinks. He’s quite a tall, bony boy with dirty blonde hair and dark freckles.
Blaise hovers by the middle of the pitch, a quaffle under his arm. He takes off and passes it to Lexi— who then passes it back to him. Lexi and Blaise are put on as chasers whilst the keepers try out, which is always rather unusual for Cassie to watch. Blaise throws it in Boyle's direction. Cassie’s heartbeat quickens in suspense, unsure how it would go.
She sighs with disappointment as Boyle dodges it. Usually, keepers are easy to pick. You're either good at it, or not, it's not really up for debate. Keepers have to be brilliant from the start— or you've got the wrong keeper on your team.
"Go again!" Cassie orders. Blaise nods and takes his position again. Cassie looks down at Enzo, who is watching Blaise and Lexi pass the quaffle between them, preparing to bat it towards Boyle.
But Cassie is watching him.
She is snapped out of her trance as the laughter of Blaise and Lexi rings through her ears. Her head tilts sideways to attempt to drown out the noise. Boyle had missed it again. Cassie knows then that he isn’t the one.
The next person to try out for keeper is a small fourth-year boy with jet black hair named Jacob Harton. He takes his position by the main goal and watches Blaise and Lexi pass the quaffle. When the quaffle nears Harton, he swoops his broom to the side as if to hit it, which gives Cassie an ounce of hope, but instead flies away from the goal.
Cassie groans and massages her temples. She thinks she might never find a keeper as good as Theo.
Theo.
She goes back down to the floor to grab the next person to try out for keeper. "Change of plan— Nott, you're up." She says it as quick as she can so she wouldn’t change her mind.
He smirks as he gets on his broom— and Cassie knows then that Theo isn’t going anywhere. And perhaps that’s unfair on the other students that are trying out, but it doesn’t take a genius to know that Theo has much more talent than any other student in that crowd.
As predicted, Theo hits every single quaffle that comes toward him. Cassie shakes her head with a secret smile of pride as she flies back down to the floor. "Sorry to anyone trying out for keeper, but I'm afraid we've already got one." she sighs. The students groan and complain between themselves before walking off the pitch. The only students left are the ones trying out for the chaser position.
"You knew exactly what you were doing by turning up here late, you two." Cassie scowls. "You knew that it would throw me off and I'd compare you two to every student trying out today. You knew you were better than them."
"Yet, here I am, the Slytherin keeper yet again." Theo shrugs.
Cassie laughs and shakes her head before picking up the clipboard again. "Can I have Rosie Barnes, Louis Kenning and Enzo for chasers please?" Cassie asks. Louis Kenning is a fifth year that Cassie recognises from last year’s tryouts. Every year since first year, Cassie’s spot on the team has been permanent. She’s always been too valuable a player. Nobody can do what Cassie can on the pitch.
Rosie Barnes is a third year with dark maroon hair. She has blue rimmed glasses— yet they seem to suit her. She shrugs and gets on her broom, Cassie’s eyebrows lower as she studies the girl.
She also gets on her broom, motioning for Lexi, Blaise and Theo to do the same. They follow her up and get into position. Rosie studies the terrain as if she’s analysing like Cassie does. Cassie tilts her head in thought. She has a good feeling about this one.
Kenning and Enzo prepare themselves either side of Rosie as Theo stares at the trio. "Go!" Cassie orders. Enzo passes the ball to Rosie and she flies ahead before passing it behind her to Kenning. Kenning grabs ahold of the ball as tight as he can, focusing on not dropping it as he flew.
However, his problem isn’t holding it, it’s his throwing that makes Cassie decide he isn’t the one. He doesn’t even watch as he throws the ball to Rosie. "What are you doing, mate?" Rosie exclaims at the boy.
Cassie decides to keep Rosie and Enzo on— she thinks they work quite well together. She tries four more players but, to Cassie’s annoyance, none of them are as good as Mattheo.
She flies down and faces Mattheo. He’s the last one standing on the pitch as patiently as possible. If you didn't know him, you would almost think he was a calm person. "You know, you're a natural at this, by the way." Mattheo smiles.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Just stop, Mattheo. I know exactly what you and Theo are doing."
"But..."
Cassie sighs with defeat and twists her bracelet. "But..." she begins. "It's working."
Mattheo laughs, a sense of relief washing over him. "Knew it would."
"Don't get too cocky, mate. I can always just replace you."
"No you can't."
Cassie takes a minute before replying, but decides on; "Yeah, you're right."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Later on in the common room after Cassie had showered, she sits down next to Enzo. He’s mid-conversation with Lexi as Cassie enters. "You okay?" Enzo smiles, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"Mhm." she smiles. She then looks at Lexi, "Do you think I made the right decision by putting Riddle and Nott back on the team?"
Lexi smiles, "I think that I have never seen a quidditch captain as good as you— so I believe that whatever decisions you make with this team, they're the right ones."
Cassie grins and sighs, "Thank you, Lex. It really does mean a lot." Lexi stands up and squeezes Cassie’s shoulder from the back of the sofa before going over to Daphne. "How about you? What do you think?" Cassie asks Enzo, looking up at him.
"I agree with Lexi. Mattheo was just the missing piece, I s'pose."
"What about Barnes?"
"I think you and I both know who she reminds us of."
Cassie laughs and bows her head, "Merlin, she's literally me, isn't she?"
Enzo chuckles and entwines his fingers with Cassie’s. "She is."
Notes:
straight to hms!
1) poppy pomfrey i LOVE YOU. she’s grieving sirius as well guys :(
2) AMORTENTIAAAA!! them just reciting what each scent means is so adorable. they just KNOW. i love them so much.
3) trials were definitely SOMETHING! at least mattheo and theo didn’t get into a fight or not show up this time xx i love how cassie tries so hard to deny the fact she needs them. it’s so cute.
4) cue rosie barnes!! she’s a proper character and i love her so much. she’s literally a mini-cassie!!
overall, not an angsty chapter! but the mood is definitely down since the start of term :(
Chapter 66: Y6 | Life & Death
Summary:
Much-needed closure from the help of Draco Malfoy
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MEDICINE — THE 1975
'Cause you're my medicine.'
On the first of October, Remus arrives at Hogwarts to see his daughter. He opens the doors to the infirmary with a heave and sighs with relief after seeing her all in one piece. Poppy had told him that this was the worst moon yet— almost as bad as the one in fourth year. That scar over her heart is still prominent and will most likely never leave her side. Luckily for her, Enzo has already seen it so she needn't worry about being self-conscious of it.
Enzo is at her side, his hand in hers. Harry, Ron and Hermione are standing around the bed. Harry paces with worry as Cassie sleeps. Remus remembers this look on Enzo’s face from the last time. His leg bounces rapidly and the colour has completely drained from his face. His eyes are wide as he rubs his girlfriend's hand.
Remus storms in, rushing to his daughter immediately. "How is she?" he asks Enzo, his breath raggedy as he studies his daughter's sleeping face.
"Not good. Madame Pomfrey said she's never seen anything like it. She also said Cassie had a minor seizure in the shack once she went to get her. She woke up after the seizure but went out of it again two seconds later. She's been out since." Enzo says, his eyes glued to Cassie’s pale face.
Remus' gut wrenches. There is no way he’s losing his daughter to the very thing that once tried to kill him too. He’s seen her like this before and he refuses to let it happen again. He charges into Poppy's office, the door slamming. "Please, Poppy. You need to do something." he begs, his voice cracking. Poppy is rummaging through her remedies and medical books, searching and scanning for cures.
"I'm trying, Remus, I really am." Poppy sighs.
"Well, can you try a bit harder please? I'm not letting my daughter die right in front of me like Sirius did."
"I know, Remus. She's not going to die. I swear to you on my life, she'll be completely okay." Instead of replying, Remus leaves her office and sits at his daughter's side. He puts his head in his hands as he sits down on the chair next to her bed.
"She'll be okay, won't she?" Harry asks.
Remus shakes his head, "I wish I could tell you, Harry." Harry bites his lip and faces away from Cassie. He can’t stand looking at her like this. If she’s going to die, he can’t watch. He is so sick of watching people die.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Enzo pushes Draco to the floor, his fist meeting his face over and over again. "You." Punch. "Fucking." Punch. "Cunt." Punch. "She could've died!" Punch.
"I didn't have a choice." Draco gasps, blood streaming out of his nose.
Enzo laughs, pulling Draco up by the collar and pushing him to the common room sofa. "I don't give a fuck Malfoy. What would you of done if she died? Huh?" Enzo bellows, fury flowing in his veins.
"She's alive isn't she? Stop wasting your time on me and go see her."
Enzo laughs, watching as Draco's nose bled. "You've got to be insane if you think I'm letting you off that easy, mate." Punch. "I hate you." Punch.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
"Hi, sweetheart." Remus whispers, pushing the hair out of her eyes. Cassie slowly opens her eyes, her head absolutely pounding. Cassie has never felt so weak in her life.
"Dad. Where's Cedric?" she replies, croakily. Her eyes are half shut and her mind is incredibly unstable. She looks to her side but he’s not there. That’s strange. Cedric is always there when Cassie wakes up in the infirmary.
"He's coming, sweetheart. Hold on for me, okay?" Remus comforts, not wanting to scare her.
Enzo bursts back into the infirmary. His knuckles bright red and dripping with blood. His eyes look dark and fused with fury before he takes in the sight of Cassie’s open eyes. He practically runs to Cassie’s side and grabs her hand. Cassie sighs with relief and a smile appears on her face. "Enzo."
He smiles, a tear dropping from his eye. "I'm right here, love." Remus stares at Enzo's bloody hand and wonders just how far he took it with Malfoy.
Poppy ushers Remus and Enzo away for a minute as she performs a series of healing spells on limp Cassie. Remus uses this as his opportunity to ask Enzo about Malfoy. "What exactly did you do to Malfoy, might I ask?" he prompts.
Enzo shrugs, "I punched him."
"How many times?"
"Once for every time he's been a cunt to Cassie."
In this moment, Remus Lupin has never been so happy to hear something in his life. He knows for a fact Sirius is cheering in the stars— he always loved Enzo. Remus can’t believe Cassie has someone in her life willing to do that for her. He’s stunned by their romance.
As it turns out, Draco had put a drop of an unknown substance into Cassie’s usual painkiller that she takes before every full moon. That substance almost killed her. It resulted in seizures, foaming at the mouth, migraine and slowing of the heart.
Whilst Madame Pomfrey was figuring out exactly what had caused Cassie’s reaction, she discovered an unknown substance. She examined further and came to the conclusion that someone had put it in there. She had told this to Remus, Enzo and Harry. All three of them thought of the same person.
Draco.
The only person on this planet that would go that far to be accepted by his father. The only person that would throw away everything for his father's validation. The only person that would betray every bone and moral in his body to feel even the slightest of affection.
Remus had to physically stop both Enzo and Harry going to find Draco. Hermione and Ron dragged Harry back to their common room to calm him down. However, Enzo slipped past Remus' grasp and ran to the Slytherin common room. He told everyone to get out so it was just him and Draco. He didn't hesitate before punching him in the mouth.
Remus lets out a deep breath before embracing Enzo. It’s an awkward hug at first but Enzo warms up quite easily. "Thank you." Remus whispers.
Enzo smiles, "Anything for our Cassie."
Cassie opens her eyes, and she could’ve sworn she saw Sirius and Cedric also hugging Enzo. She furrows her eyes but instead of complaining, she appreciates the moment and lets it sink in. Her favourite people.
She feels a tear drop down her face, but she lets it fall. She has nothing to hide anymore. She doesn’t need to hide her weak spots from those she loved. After all, they'd already seen her at her weakest after Cedric died.
Cedric.
Cedric.
Cedric.
…
Cassie squints her eyes as the light from the windows in the infirmary almost blinds her. She had never seen the sun so bright in her life. She lifts her right hand to cover her eyebrows, blocking out the light. For some strange reason, she feels absolutely fine. Her head has stopped pounding and she feels as strong as ever.
When all of a sudden, her big brother sits at her side. Cassie lets out a horrified gasp and grabs his hand. She puts two fingers over his wrist to feel his pulse, as if to check whether he’s really dead or not.
There is no pulse.
Cassie furrows her eyebrows.
"Where am I?" she asks, her voice shaky.
Cedric smiles and ruffles her hair. "I'm so incredibly proud of you, Cass. Don't ever forget that, okay?"
"Cedric?" she says, her voice breaking as tears stream down her glossy cheeks. He smiles as she wraps both arms around him as tight as possible. "Oh my god." she sobs, over and over again, as Cedric simply rubs her back and cries with her.
"You can't stay here, Cass. You haven't lived yet." he says, pulling away from her grasp.
"What do you mean? Stay where?"
"Cassie, how do you think you can see me right now?"
Her eyebrows sink in thought. No. She isn’t dead, is she? That's impossible! She’s doing okay, her health is getting better, Madame Pomfrey said so herself. "What?" she gasps, her breath shortening.
"Do you hear me, Cassie? It's not your time yet. You can't leave Enzo or Remus. You promised them."
"You promised me, Cedric."
"I know, Cass, and I'm so sorry I had to break that promise. You have no idea how truly proud I am of you. My death almost killed you too. It broke me watching you suffer like that. Those nights when you'd scream and cry in Enzo's arms, you have no idea how much I pleaded for it to stop. But look where you are, you're so incredibly strong, Cassie. I know you may not feel it at the moment, but you really are the strongest you've ever been." Cedric smiles. "Always remember that I'm by your side. Even though you can't see me, I swear to you I've never left you. Not once."
"Bruise or a broken leg?"
Cedric laughs, a tear escaping. "Bruise or a broken leg." he smiles. "Now go, live your life for me, Cassie. It's the only thing I ask of you."
"I miss you so much."
"I know, Cass. I love you."
She hugs him as tightly as she can, not wanting to ever let go. "Promise you'll stay with me?" He holds his pinky out, making Cassie chuckle. She wraps her pinky around his and they kiss their thumbs.
Cedric ruffles his sister's hair and smiles. "I swear on my life, Cassie, I will never leave you."
—
Over the next week or so, Remus stays at Hogwarts to be at his daughter's side. After a week and two days, she’s walking like normal and functioning almost normally. Whilst she was in the hospital, Pansy visited one night.
It was gone midnight by the time Cassie had woken up. Remus was asleep in Poppy's office and Enzo was fast asleep on the chair next to her. However, she was wide awake.
She began thinking about all the quidditch practice she had missed and immediately wanted to get out of that hospital bed and onto the quidditch pitch. What annoyed her the most about not being able to do that, was the fact she physically couldn't. Before, it had been a case of Cassie not being able to do quidditch because she mentally couldn't. She could recover from that. She learned to be happier again. However, she wasn't sure she'd ever recover now.
She shook off the thoughts as the infirmary doors opened and Pansy walked down the room, her head bowed with a sense of shame(?). She stood at the end of her bed with a frown. Pansy knew Cassie would be up at this hour. She always was.
"How are you doing?" she whispered.
Cassie shrugged, "I've been better, that's for sure."
Pansy sighed. The sight of Cassie like this truly made her heart break. She knew about Draco's plan— but yet she didn't stop him. She hated herself for it. Every night since Draco did it, Pansy lay awake, regretting her decision. "I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault, Pansy."
"I should've stopped him— I could've stopped him. I completely understand if you hate me, I would too if I were you, but I need you to know that I'm so incredibly sorry, Cass."
Cassie sighed, "I know."
The night after Remus left Hogwarts, despite his unwillingness to, Cassie lies in bed with Enzo. There’s a party in Ravenclaw which means none of the girls are in their dorm yet. Even if they were, they wouldn’t mind Enzo’s presence. They all like Enzo.
The same television Enzo's had since third year sits across from Cassie’s bed, playing Dead Poets Society. She realises then that she hasn’t told Enzo about her conversation with Cedric. He doesn’t even know she had died for a second. "I take it dad didn't tell you about the night I died." Cassie says quietly.
"What?" Enzo exclaims, his hand in Cassie’s hair coming to a halt.
"I know that sounds mad but I died for a total of four minutes two nights ago. It was so weird, the infirmary was so bright and I couldn't see anything. I had sat up in my bed and then Cedric was there all of a sudden. I checked his pulse but there was nothing. It was really him, Enzo. I hugged him and we had a long talk about everything. He told me it wasn't my time yet and I was yet to live my life."
Enzo's jaw loosens slightly as she speaks. He can’t believe what he is hearing.
"He told me I couldn't leave you and dad because I promised you I wouldn't. I said to him 'You promised me, Cedric.' and everything he said after that made me cry. He hugged me and for the first time in two years, I felt alive. I didn't want to let go, Enzo. It was so surreal. He promised he would never leave my side and next thing I knew, I was back in my normal bed, in the normal infirmary."
"Oh my god, Cassie. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't know, I've been processing it since it happened. I didn't believe it happened for a few days— well, until Madame Pomfrey told me I had quite literally died." Cassie laughs.
Enzo chuckles, "Merlin, will you ever get a break?"
Cassie sighs, "I just can't believe Draco would do something like that. I mean, I knew he hated me and I hated him— but I didn't think he'd try to kill me."
"You and me both."
"I still can't believe you did that."
Enzo laughs, "He bloody deserved it, love."
"Oh I know, I just couldn't believe it when dad first told me. Seven times. Seven times you punched him."
"Bruise or a broken leg, I will always worry about you." Enzo quotes. Cassie’s heart stops for a split second as the words escape his mouth. She furrows her eyebrows when she realises the gut-wrenching feeling isn’t there anymore. Nor is the crushing feeling on her chest, or the stomach twisting.
Talking to Cedric has healed the part of Cassie that his death had broken in the first place. She feels as if she’s come to peace with his death. She doesn’t want to cry when thinking about him anymore— instead, she smiles.
"Sorry." Enzo sighs.
"No, no. I'm okay."
And for the first time in two years, Cassie means it.
Notes:
fuck me with a chainsaw why don’t you???
CEDDYYYYYYY😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 you guys don’t understand how much i miss writing him omg. it’s chapters like these when cassie talks about cedric that make me realise i’ve written a whole year without him. it BREAKS my heart i miss him so much
hms :’)
1) remus begging for poppy to do something so he doesn’t lose his daughter 😣 oh my baby i love him so much
2) ENZO??? HELLO?? i mean pop OFF!! draco lowk deserved it so you do you, enzo! seven times he punched him. SEVEN. draco honestly could’ve suffered from head trauma from that… yay! thank you enzo we love you
3) okay i’m not gonna dive into cassie and cedric’s conversation cause i think ill cry but the “You promised me, Cedric.” UGHHHH do you hate me?? (i’m the author) their whole conversation hurts to re read and i hate myself for writing it in the first place :)
4) remus hugging enzo 😭😭😭 sirius and cedric hugging him too 😭😭😭 OH I CANTTT
5) pansy stopping by :( so far we know that she was the only one that knew of dracos plan. the GUILT. oh i just know they’re all suffering.
6) enzo quoting cedric and cassie NOT getting upset?? so that’s new! i’m happy for her, she deserves that type of closure, don’t you think?
very heavy chapter unfortunately, but hopefully the next will be chill! 😀
Chapter 67: Y6 | Katie Bell
Summary:
We love Hermione Granger here
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ THE VIEW BETWEEN VILLAGES —NOAH KAHAN
'It's all washing over me, I'm angry again.'
By the end of November, Cassie has made a full recovery. She's undergone two full moons since, but everything went as usual. She didn't have another seizure, she didn't wake up with a deathly migraine. She's just simply covered in new scars.
Hogwarts is wrapped in a blanket of paper white snow. The grounds are muffled by the thick layers above. Cassie wears a cream knitted sweater and jeans with a pair of woolly boots. Enzo forces her to wear a hat and scarf, despite her annoyance. Her Slytherin scarf sits snug around her neck, hugging it tightly.
Cassie walks in between Enzo and Hermione, her arm linked with Hermione's. They're in Hogsmeade for a restock of some school supplies.
"Isn't it mad that this time last year, we had just made Dumbledore's Army?" Cassie says, curiously.
"Bloody hell. How's it been a year?" Ron replies.
"I must say, I'm bloody grateful Umbridge is gone." Enzo laughs. Cassie and Hermione hum in agreement.
Cassie knows what Harry is thinking— because she thought it too at first. It's almost a year since Sirius died. She can see it on his face. The way he goes quiet and bows his head.
Truth is, Cassie still thinks of Sirius every day. Each time she stands on the Astronomy tower, Sirius is her first thought. She still hasn't seen his star, but that's okay. She knows he's up there somewhere with Reg.
"Also, Harry, you carry this book around for weeks, practically sleep with it, and yet you have no desire to find out who he is?" Hermione questions. Recently, Harry has taken a particular liking to the old Potions book he got from Slughorn's classroom. Hermione had informed Enzo and Cassie that the book belonged to 'The Half-Blood Prince' , whoever that may be.
Harry has been exceeding in potions by far, all because of that book. Slughorn absolutely loves him for it. Slughorn definitely liked to pick favourites— and of course, it's Harry. It's always Harry.
"I didn't say I wasn't curious, and I don't sleep with it!" Harry replies.
"Well, it's true. I like a nice chat before I go to bed." Ron says, making Cassie snort. "Now all you do is read that bloody book. It's like being with Hermione."
Enzo and Cassie laugh. They truly love spending time with this trio. Cassie, especially, she absolutely loves them. They're such beautiful people, inside and out. That's something Cassie & Enzo's old friends lack in, unfortunately.
"Well, I was curious so I went to—" Hermione starts.
"The library." Ron, Harry, Cassie and Enzo chorus. "And?" Harry adds, despite Hermione's eye roll.
"And nothing." Hermione sighs. "I couldn't find a reference anywhere to a Half-Blood Prince."
"There we go. That settles it." Harry nods.
The quintet comes to a halt as Slughorn passes Flitwick, asking him to join him in the Three Broomsticks. Flitwick politely declines and walks past the group of teenagers.
"Anyone fancy a butterbeer?" Harry asks.
"Don't have to ask me twice." Cassie shrugs. The group walk further into Hogsmeade, heading into the familiar pub. Cassie has so much love for that little place. They sell the best butterbeer and it has a rather cozy atmosphere in the colder months. The stone fireplace crackles in a way that sends tranquil through Cassie.
Enzo holds the door open for the others, embracing the warmth of the pub as he does so. They begin walking to a table in the back but Harry stops them; "No, not there. Over here." he says, motioning to a table by the stairs.
Cassie sits next to Hermione opposite the boys before Harry interrupts. "Cassie, d'you mind turning your chair to the side slightly?" Cassie furrows her eyebrows but follows his request anyways.
They all take their coats, hats and scarves off, hanging them on the back of their chairs. Cassie rubs her numb hands together, trying to get the slightest of friction. Luckily, they aren't too far from the fireplace.
"Something to drink?" one of the waiters prompts.
"Five butterbeers please." Ron answers.
Enzo's eyes narrow with hatred as Draco appears on the other side of the staircase. Draco looks him in the eye and his heart paces. Enzo had not only broken his nose, but punched a total of three teeth out.
Cassie and Harry both see the look on Enzo's face and follow his gaze. Cassie's heart drops as Draco stands there. He looks away as soon as Harry makes eye contact with him and walks the other way towards the back of the pub. She turns around again and looks Enzo in the eye. They share a knowing look. The both of them hate Draco more than anyone on this godforsaken planet.
"Oh bloody hell." Ron says, distracting Cassie. The rest of them trail Ron's gaze to the corner of the pub. On one of the back tables sat Ginny and another fifth year boy Cassie can't remember the name of. The boy is holding Ginny's hand as they talk between them.
"Honestly, Ronald, they're only holding hands." Hermione scoffs.
"And snogging." Cassie snorts, turning back around.
Ron's jaw twitches and he looks away. "I'd like to leave." he declares.
"What?" Enzo chuckles.
The waiter brings over the five butterbeers, placing each one in front of the students. "Thank you." Cassie smiles as he walks away. Cassie lifts the beverage to her lips, euphoria meeting her tastebuds. She loves butterbeer.
"You can't be serious." Hermione laughs.
"That happens to be my sister." Ron exclaims.
"So? What if you were snogging me and she looked? Would you expect her to leave?" Hermione says. Cassie and Enzo share a look as Ron freezes.
It doesn't take a genius to see Hermione and Ron have something between them. It can't have been more obvious. Cassie thinks Hermione and Ron make a nice pair. They make sense, somehow.
Harry waves his hand above the table, smiling at someone. Next thing Cassie knows, Slughorn is standing at their table. "Harry, my boy!" he smiles.
"Hello sir. Wonderful to see you." Harry replies. Cassie furrows her eyebrows. Harry is up to something.
"And you, and you." Slughorn greets, shaking Harry's hand over Cassie's head.
"So, what brings you here?" Harry prompts.
"Oh me and the Three Broomsticks go way back. I remember when it was called the Two Broomsticks!" Slughorn chuckle, heartily. He tips his mug of whatever beverage he had (some sort of rum, Cassie reckons), and spills half of it across Cassie and Hermione. "All hands on deck, you two!" Slughorn says, rather loudly. Cassie and Hermione share a look as they try to swipe the drink off the table.
"Listen, my boy, back in my day I used to throw together the occasional supper party for a few students or so. Would you be interested?" Slughorn asks.
"I'd consider it an honour, sir." Harry replies. He is definitely up to something.
"You'd be welcome too, Black— and of course, you too Miss Granger." Slughorn adds, ignoring Enzo and Ron. The boys share a look as Slughorn smiled.
"I'd be delighted, sir." Hermione replies, but Cassie simply smiles politely.
"Splendid! Look for my owl." he grins before leaving the table.
Once he's out of earshot, Cassie asks; "Right, what are you up to, Haz?"
Harry shrugs, watching Slughorn walk away. "Dumbledore's asked me to get to know him."
"Get to know him?" Enzo repeats.
"I don't know. Surely it's important, I wouldn't be doing it if Dumbledore hadn't asked." Harry replies.
Cassie takes another sip of her butterbeer and taps the side of the glass. Every time she finds herself feeling lost, or grief-stricken, she reminds herself that Cedric is standing right next to her. Now that she thinks of it, Cedric looked more grown up. He had the slightest of stubble on his lower jaw and his features looked more defined. Cassie wonders how time works after death. Will Cedric continue to grow? Or will he stay seventeen forever?
As Cassie's birthday had now passed, she has now almost outlived her brother— in March, she will have. That thought hits her like a train.
—
Hermione and Cassie walk ahead of the boys, their arms linked. "You fancy Ron, don't you?" Cassie smiles.
Hermione's cheeks go pink but Cassie can't tell whether it's from embarrassment or from the bitter winter air. "What?" she exclaims.
"I'm not blind, mione."
Hermione sighs, "We'll talk about it later, okay?" Cassie smiles and nudges her. She has grown to love Hermione as a best friend. To think that she used to hate her the first few years of school is absolutely mad to Cassie.
They all come to a halt as Leanne, a Gryffindor girl, screams in horror. Katie, yet another Gryffindor, lies on the snow as Leanne panics. "I warned her! I warned her not to touch it!" she screeches. Hermione and Cassie let go of each other and step slightly closer. Enzo approaches Cassie from behind and stands in front of her.
All of a sudden, Katie starts aggressively moving from side to side on the floor. Cassie's jaw hangs loose ever so slightly as she watches the girl in front of her suffer.
Katie flies up a few feet, her arms out to the side as she screams. It's absolutely horrifying to watch, Cassie thinks. She has definitely been cursed.
Cursed.
Oh.
Then, Katie slams back down to the ground with a thud. She begins twitching, her head moving randomly. Her limbs spasm quickly, resulting in Cassie biting her lip with worry.
"Do not get any closer! Get back, all of ya's!" Hagrid shouts from behind. He pushes past the group of students and makes his way to Katie. Harry approaches the necklace Katie had been holding but Hagrid stops him immediately. "Do not touch that— except by the wrapping!" he exclaims.
Cassie stares at the necklace with curiosity. It's making an odd sort of noise as it sits on the snow. There is no way Katie hasn't been cursed.
However, there is only one person Cassie can think of that would curse another student.
That person just so happens to be the same person that cursed her, too.
Half hour later, the five students stand in Mcgonagall's office, Leanee standing not too far from them. "She said it was important that she deliver it." Leanne informs.
"Did she say to who?" Mcgonagall asks.
"To Professor Dumbledore." Leanne replies.
"Very well. Thank you, Leanne. You may go." the professor says. Leanne awkwardly looks at the students before exiting the room. They all stand in front of Mcgonagall with a slight shameful look. They know they've done nothing wrong but their involvement makes them feel guilty. "Why is it when something happens it is always you lot?" she asks. She felt the same way about a group of four Gryffindor in the 70's, too. It doesn't help that these students look awfully like them.
"Believe me, professor, I've been asking myself the same question for six years." Ron replies.
Mcgonagall becomes distracted as Snape appears in the doorway. "Oh Severus!" she exclaims. Snape walks into the room, scowling at the five of them as he does so.
He stands next to Mcgonagall at the front, analysing the necklace before him. With the flick of his wand, he lifts it up. The necklace seems to shriek as his wand makes contact with it. It was an odd noise, Cassie thinks, one rather unexplainable. You can easily tell it's seeping with dark magic, just by the sound of it.
"What do you think?" Minerva asks.
"I think Katie Bell is lucky to be alive." Snape says, ominously. Always so ominous with this one, Cassie thinks.
"She was cursed, wasn't she?" Harry pipes up. "I know Katie, off the quidditch pitch she wouldn't hurt a fly. If she was delivering that to Professor Dumbledore, she wasn't doing it knowingly."
"Yes, she was cursed." Mcgonagall confirms.
"It was Malfoy." Cassie and Harry accuse in unison. Hermione and Ron shoot the pair a look but Enzo nods in agreement.
"That's a very serious accusation, you two." Mcgonagall says.
"Indeed. Your evidence?" Snape asks. Of course he would try and stand up for Draco.
"Because he's the same person that cursed me." Cassie shrugs with attitude. She has no respect for Snape whatsoever— therefore, she doesn't waste her niceties on him.
"You have nothing to prove that— besides, who's to say Draco had cursed Miss Bell too?" Snape answers.
Cassie scoffs, pressing her tongue to her cheek. "Yeah, okay, go run back to Lucius and tell him his son is a monster."
"That's enough, Cassiopeia." Mcgonagall warns. Cassie rolls her eyes and walks the other way and out of the room.
Cassie makes her way up to the Astronomy tower while it's still light. She sits down by the railing, resting her chin on her knees. It's moments like this when she could do with an inspiring pep talk from her dad.
Those moments then turn into moments when she misses her dad. Then they turn into ones when Cassie grieves again. It's like a never ending cycle.
She takes long, deep breaths to calm herself down. She gets so angry so quickly and there is nothing she can do to stop it. This werewolf in her will never let her be calm about anything in her life. She will never be able to have a normal reaction to something that bugs her. She'll always have to get too annoyed and lose control of it all.
Harry sits down next to Cassie on the tower, making her jump slightly. He sighs and sits in the same position as her. "You okay?" he asks. When she doesn't reply, he begins talking again; "I get angry too, y'know." Cassie looks up at him to show she's listening. "I know the feeling. I know how guilty you feel after you shout at someone. I know how when something annoys you, it really annoys you. I know that leaving things alone isn't an option, you simply have to sort it out."
"I'm going to be stuck with this feeling my whole life, Harry. There's nothing I can do to stop myself from getting angry. This fury— Harry— it lives in me."
"I know, and I wish I could say I understand, but I'll tell you what I do understand." he replies. Cassie raises her eyebrows. "That you're not alone. If you ever get angry, please come to me. That way, if I ever get angry, I'll come to you."
Cassie sighs with a slight smile, "Deal."
———
Dear dad,
Katie Bell, a Gryffindor girl in my year, was cursed today. I know it was Draco— there's nobody else it could be. Harry and Enzo also reckon it was him. We saw him in Hogsmeade minutes before it happened. It's got to be him, dad.
Me and Harry told Snape and Mcgonagall that we thought it was Draco and Snape asked for our evidence, so I said 'He's the one that cursed me.' and he then proceeded to say that I had no proof of that. He's so clearly trying to cover up for him.
I don't trust him, dad, and I don't think you should either. The whole double agent thing seems a bit too suspicious, don't you think?
Anyways, I put Mattheo and Theo on the team again this year so I'm a bit nervous for practice tonight. It's the first practice I've had with them since I was in the hospital. Surely it'll be fine, right?
I've put a third year girl named Rosie Barnes on the team too— Merlin, you should see her, dad. She's so similar to me it's uncanny. I think I made the right decision by putting her on the team. Maybe she'll even be captain one day.
I'll see you at Christmas, not too long now! Love you so much.
Lots of love,
Cassie x
—————
Cassie walks onto the pitch after the rest of the team. She stands in front of them and takes a deep breath. "Hooch has just told me who we're playing next week. Can someone tell me what we know about playing Ravenclaw?" Cassie asks.
"Ravenclaw's seeker, Cho Chang, is absolutely shit." Rosie pipes up. Cassie's eyebrows shoot up and she lets a laugh slip. She shares a look with Lexi as they contain their laughter. "What's funny?" Rosie asks.
"Nothing— but I think I should be punishing you for swearing." Cassie replies.
"Punishing your best player? That doesn't seem like a good idea." Rosie shrugs.
Cassie scoffs. "Best player, huh?" Rosie nods with full confidence. Cassie takes a deep breath before continuing. "Anyway, back to Ravenclaw. Yes, Barnes has a point, Chang isn't the best seeker. Since I've been this team's seeker, we haven't lost to Ravenclaw once. That all goes down to Chang. I can easily beat her— it's you guys we need to focus on. You lot play the key part in getting us this win, okay?" Cassie explains. She realises she quite likes being able to get everything off her chest like this. The leadership role comes to her rather easily.
"They have decent chasers— but we have better ones. Mattheo, Barnes and Enzo I need you to up your game. We're gonna focus on you three first so get up there. Blaise, d'you mind bringing the quaffle up?" she adds as the chasers get into position. Blaise nods and opens the chest.
Cassie flies up to meet her players, Theo sitting by the main hoop. "Theo, we need you to be the other team's keeper so do your best to block the quaffle— you three, get it past him." Cassie orders.
After they finish practicing with the chasers, Theo's keeping skills need to be tested. Cassie doesn't need to worry about Blaise and Lexi— they've always been brilliant beaters. They're amazing at timing and batting bludgers to the opposing team. Cassie doesn't doubt their talents for a single second.
Nor Theo's, really, she just has to make sure he knows what he's doing sometimes.
Rosie passes to Mattheo, who then lobs the quaffle toward Theo. Of course, Theo angles his broom to send it the other way. Next, Enzo flies to the right goal, passing it to Mattheo, who then passes it to Barnes, who then throws it. It hits Theo's shoulder and ricochets back to Rosie, who catches it.
After a while of practice, Cassie claps her hands to gather everyone's attention. "Brilliant work from all of you! Theo, you're doing absolutely perfectly, just carry on doing that and we'll win. You three—" Cassie says, motioning to her chasers, "Amazing passing— I just think we need to work on your throwing, Barnes, then we'll be fine." which earns an eye roll from Rosie. "Don't roll your eyes at me, Rosie." Cassie points. "But for now, I have a few tactics I want to try out." she adds.
Notes:
if you look closely enough, you’ll start seeing the tiny hints of drarry… if you don’t like drarry simply pretend you haven’t read it! they will be endgame so if you don’t like that i’m sorry 😊
(i’m not)
on with the honourable mentions!
1) i live for enzo and ron’s friendship— along with cassie and hermiones. such beautiful friendships are blooming and i love it! literally every dynamic of this group is adorable and i love them.
2) cassie and harry bonding over their anger issues. is that not the sweetest thing ever?? i just know cedric is rolling in his grave rn knowing she’s starting to see someone else as a brother figure…
3) rosie LMFAO i love her. she’s so cassie i love it.
not too bad of a chapter lowk! just the occasional mention of sirius/cedric, as per…
Chapter 68: Y6 | Slughorn’s party
Summary:
Blaise is an angel.
Chapter Text
➵ I REMEMBER EVERYTHING - ZACH BRYAN
'I remember, I remember everything.'
One Friday evening, Cassie and Hermione sit in the library by the window while the boys sit on the sofas near them. Cassie leans forward and puts her book down. "Are you going to tell me about Ron or am I just going to have to figure it out myself?" she asks.
Hermione rolls her eyes and marks the page she was reading before closing her book. "If I tell you about it, will you shut up?" Cassie nods eagerly. Hermione takes a deep breath before explaining; "He’s one of my best friends, Cassie. I had a tiny crush on him in first, second and third year but I didn't think much of it.” she sighs. “Now, I don't know, it feels different."
"I s'pose you've both matured in that sense, though. You may of liked each other when you were much younger, the fact that you still like him shows that it wasn't just a small crush and you didn't grow out of it." Cassie shrugs. "Well, that's what I tell myself with Enzo, anyways. If we didn't really love each other, our love would've expired by now, y'know what I mean?"
Hermione nods, "I get it. I've always been jealous of yours and Enzo's relationship, actually."
"Really? Why's that?"
"Because your love is just so pure. You take one look at you two and you can instantly tell how in love you are with each other. I mean, the way Enzo looks at you? God, that man loves you, Cassie."
Cassie smiles and bows her head, "I'm very lucky to have him. We've been together since forth year now, isn't that mad? I swear it was just yesterday he asked me out."
"That's what I mean— you both knew what you wanted, so you went for it. And I think you made an amazing decision by doing it."
"Now we just need to get you and Ron to that point." Cassie grins.
Hermione rolls her eyes, "I'm really going to regret telling you all this now, aren't I?"
Cassie laughs, "Nonsense! I'm only going to mention it every two seconds."
"Cassie!"
The girls burst into laughter, catching the boys' attention. Enzo smiles to himself as he watches his girlfriend laugh. It’s been a while since he’s seen her laugh like that. He’s proud of her.
"What'd you suppose Max sees in her? Ginny?" Ron asks, aimlessly staring at the bookshelf behind Enzo.
"Well, what does she see in him?" Enzo replies.
"Max? He's brilliant. Doesn't take a genius to see it." Ron answers.
"You called him a slick git last week." Harry adds, his eyes on the marauders map which sat on his lap. Enzo could’ve sworn he was watching Malfoy, but Harry now has it tilted away from both boys.
"Yeah, well, he was running his hands all over my sister, what'dcha expect? Something snaps and you've gotta hate him, y'know— on principle, I s'pose."
Harry and Enzo share a look and shrug. "I suppose." Enzo says. His siblings had left Hogwarts this year— the same as Fred & George. He hates to admit it but he prefers it that way. He has never really gotten on with his siblings. That’s something he was always jealous of Cassie for. A healthy relationship with a sibling was all he wanted growing up.
"So what is it he sees in her?" Ron repeats. Enzo becomes distracted by Cassie asking him a question about the Potions homework so only Harry is left to answer Ron's pestering question.
"I don't know." Harry shrugs. "She's smart, funny. Attractive."
Enzo joins the conversation again with a raised eyebrow. "Attractive?" him and Ron say in unison.
"Well, y'know, she's got nice… skin." Harry panics, his shoulders tensed.
"Skin?" Enzo laughs.
"You're saying Max is dating my sister because she has lovely skin?" Ron points, making Enzo chuckle.
"Well, no, I mean, I'm just saying— it could be a contributing factor!" Harry replies, defensively. The boys go quiet for a moment, thinking about the previous conversation. However, the silence is soon interrupted.
"Hermione's got nice skin. Wouldn't you say? As skin goes, I mean…” Ron says. Enzo and Harry share a concerned look. Poor Enzo struggles to contain his laughter as he watches Ron's puzzled expression.
"I mean, I've never really thought about it." Harry responds. "But I suppose it's alright."
Before Ron got the chance to reply, Cassie chucks herself down on the sofa which Enzo sits. She puts her legs over his lap and Hermione sits down opposite the pair. He rubs her legs and smiles at her; "You alright?" he asks. She nods with a grin.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
The next week flies by and Cassie is walking down her common room steps, her Mary Janes loud on the stone. She wears a ruby red knitted sweater with a black denim skirt. The black tights hug her legs just enough to keep them warm. Tonight is the night of Slughorn's dinner party— despite Cassie’s hesitation to go. In the end, Enzo is making her go.
"Right, I'll see you soon then." she says, passing Enzo sitting on the common room armchair with a book in his hands.
He grabs her hand and stood up, facing her. He puts both hands on either side of her waist and pulls her in closer. "You look beautiful, love." he says, quietly.
Cassie rolls her eyes and cuts him off with a kiss. However, her maroon lipstick leaves a faint tint on his lips. She chuckles to herself as he licks his lips in confusion. "I won't be long, hopefully." she says.
"Have the best time." he smiles as she pulls herself away from his grasp. It takes everything in her to not ditch this party and watch television with Enzo up in her dorm.
"Go see Ron! He's in the library!" she shouts as she nears the common room door.
"Love you!" Enzo replies shortly before Cassie says it back to him and leaves.
She walks the lone, dimly lit hallways alone. She appreciates the silence and smiles to herself. It’s been a while since she has felt so content in these (usually very busy) hallways.
She heads to Slughorn's office with no intention to run. She isn’t early— nor late, which makes her feel rather calm.
She isn’t dreading the dinner party, she just would rather not be attending. Cassie fears she’ll come across as rude if she doesn’t attend, so she feels obliged to come. The thought of Harry and Hermione also being in there with her convinces her just that tiny bit. Slughorn is a lovely man, just a tad mad, Cassie thinks.
When she arrives outside his office, there is a huddle of students. Cassie scans the hubbub for Harry and Hermione but instead, to her confusion, finds a lone Blaise Zabini. She debates speaking to him but decides on her 'Oh fuck it,' mindset.
He is standing awkwardly with his hands in both pockets. He’s wearing a forest green turtleneck sweater and black trousers. Cassie thinks it suits him.
"I see Slughorn dragged you into this party too, then?" she prompts, drawing his eyes up to her. His eyes light up ever so slightly and a small smile crawls onto his lips.
"Unfortunately, yes." he laughs.
"Well, you are brilliant at potions so I can see why he invited you."
Blaise shakes his head, "Not really, but thank you, though." he chuckles. "Where's Enzo? Or are you by yourself?"
"I was supposed to meet Harry and Hermione but they don't seem to be here yet. Poor Enzo wasn't invited." Cassie sighs. Blaise hates to admit it, but the fact Enzo isn’t coming makes him sad. He was hoping for the opportunity to speak to his best friend again.
"Oh, he's lucky then."
Cassie laughs, "I suppose he is."
"Oh by the way, I forgot to tell you this the other day but I think you're an amazing job at captain this year. I honestly think you’ll have hundreds of offers by next year." Blaise adds.
Cassie smiles and bows her head, absolutely flattered. "Thank you, Blaise. I keep worrying that I'm messing things up— you don't think I made a mistake by keeping Theo and Mattheo on the team, do you?"
Blaise shakes his head immediately; "No, no, no." he says quickly. "There's no denying, they have talent. I mean, when Marcus was captain, as a team we've never been ones for losing so I can see why you'd want to keep it that way. Plus, all the players that tried out were absolutely shit compared to them two— despite their worryingly large egos."
Cassie chuckles, "They do have massive egos. But if I'm honest, that's what made me want to keep them on the team. I have respect for the way they showed up ten minutes late with a clear mission to win me over. And that they did."
Blaise laughs, "I don't actually dread practice now because of you— haven’t done for the past two years now. Flint just made it absolutely unbearable, don't you think?"
"Oh definitely. I've never been so glad to hear that somebody has left the school before in my life. Not seeing his face in the common room is like heaven, Blaise.”
Blaise laughs, "Plus, it's cool spending some more time with you. I mean—" Blaise panics. In truth, he misses Enzo and Cassie’s company more than anything. He thinks they were what brought life to the friend group. Without them, it’s lifeless. Blaise sighs with acceptance. "I just mean that I miss having you around. It's nice that I get to see and talk to you once a week. I look forward to it."
Cassie’s eyebrows lower and her expression softens. "I miss you too, Blaise. You know damn well that I'd be back with you lot if it wasn't for everything going on at the moment."
"No, it's okay. I get why you did it— we all agreed it was for the best— but I can't help missing you both."
As soon as Cassie is about to respond, someone has grabbed her shoulders. She turns around to see Harry and Hermione standing there. Slughorn has opened the door to his office so slowly students begin to filter in. Blaise smiles and Cassie squeezes his arm in response before he walks into the room.
"Were you talking to Zabini?" Harry whispers, walking into the office.
"I'll tell you later." she whispers back. Her, Harry and Hermione find three seats at the end of the table and sat down. Cassie surveys the students around her but only recognises a few.
"Good evening, students! How are we all?" Slughorn asks, merrily. A low murmur of 'Good''s is the response, but no voice stands out. "Good! For starters, I've made garlic bread." he smiles.
"He means the house elves made garlic bread." Hermione corrects, earning a snort from Cassie.
"Anything we'd like to share, Miss Granger?" Slughorn prompts.
"No, sir." she says, bowing her head. Cassie and Harry laugh at her almost-mortified reaction to being told off.
After dinner was served, a house elf by the name of Wendy gives the students each an ice cream sundae. Cassie watches Belby scoff his and is immediately put off. She slides the sundae forward, her appetite gone.
"So, Cormac, do you see your Uncle Tiberius nowadays?" Slughorn smiles. Mcglaggen has always creeped Cassie out. He’s like the Gryffindor version of Flint— just not half as bad. There is nobody as gross as Marcus Flint, Cassie thinks.
"Yes, sir. Actually, I'm going hunting with him, my father and the Minister over Christmas." Mcglaggen replies.
"Well, be sure to give them my best!" Slughorn cheers. Next, Horace makes eye contact with Cassie, which she regrets as soon as he begins talking. "Miss Black! How's good ol' Remus these days?"
Cassie nods, fiddling with her spoon. "He's not too bad." she shrugs. She owes Slughorn no information on her father, so she simply chooses to lie.
"His condition any better? I don't suppose Poppy has found a cure yet, ay?" he adds. Cassie takes a deep breath and grips her spoon. Harry puts a hand on her knee to remind her where she is and the situation she is in. She can’t reply with a snarky comment so she chooses the easier route.
Blaise looks up, intrigued how Cassie would play this one. He knows what she’s thinking— he can see it in the way her grip tightens and her chest slightly heaves, he just doesn’t know whether she’ll remain calm and collected or not.
"Um, no." she mock-chuckles and bows her head. All teachers know of Cassie’s condition herself but they’re all also drawn to secrecy. That information is incredibly private and confidential— as Mcgonagall once said to her.
"Anywho, what about your father, Belby?" Slughorn smiles, harassing yet another student. Cassie zones out as the potions master converses with Marcus Belby. She doesn’t care for whatever invention his uncle had created.
Her leg bounces and she looks down to her bracelet. Out of habit, she taps it over and over again, knowing she won’t get a response. That has become muscle memory to Cassie now. Every so often, she’d panic that she’d forgotten all the morse code she'd learnt and force herself to form long sentences to prove she remembered it all.
Cassie strings herself away from her thoughts as the door opens and in came Ginny Weasley, eyes wet and hands shaking. Cassie and Hermione share a worried look. "Her and Max have been arguing again haven't they?" Cassie whispers. Hermione nods and looks back at Ginny.
"Ah— Miss Weasley. Come in!" Slughorn announces.
"Sorry, I'm not usually late." she states, glumly taking her seat. However, Harry rises from his chair. Cassie and Hermione bite back a snort and bow their heads. It might have been the most awkward interaction Cassie has ever witnessed.
Harry doesn’t seem attracted to Ginny, just simply interested. Ginny, however, she’s been in love with the boy for years. Cassie has never been able to figure out whatever dynamic they have going on.
"No matter! You're all in time for desert!" Slughorn beams.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
After the dinner party ceases, Cassie practically sprints out of Slughorn's office and heads to Madame Pomfrey's. Speaking to Poppy has become quite a regular thing for Cassie even now. Poppy always looks forward to Cassie’s visits. She loves how Cassie is the perfect mixture of Sirius and Remus. She thinks it makes Cassie the perfect human being.
Cassie lifts her hand to knock on her office door, her hands shaking ever so slightly. She’s just glad to be free from Slughorn's pestering.
The door swings open and in stands a smiling Madame Pomfrey. Cassie looks past her and sees Minerva Mcgonagall one of her sofas with a glass of red wine in her hand. "I knew it'd be you! What've you got to tell me?" she smiles, welcoming her in. Cassie groans and took the seat next to Mcgonagall.
“Rant away, my dear.” Minerva smiles, patting Cassie’s arm.
Cassie sighs and folds her hands. "Well, I spoke to Blaise earlier."
"Was this before or after Professor Slughorn's dinner party?" Madame Pomfrey asks, pouring a glass of water for Cassie.
"Before— I went down at the agreed time to meet Harry and Hermione but neither of them were there. However, Blaise was. I plucked up the courage to just go and talk to him. I mean, Blaise is the sweetest out of that lot anyways so it wasn't like I had to be scared of anything." Cassie explains.
"I’ve always liked Zabini— he always seems like he’s actually listening in my lessons." Mcgonagall comments.
Cassie smiles, "Oh definitely. Him and Enzo were always known the nice Slytherins. But this leads me onto my next point— we were talking about quidditch and he was telling me how good of a captain this year, then he openly admitted to missing me. He said that quidditch was the perfect opportunity to be able to speak to me again. He said— and I quote— 'It's nice that I get to see and talk to you once a week, I look forward to it.'"
"Oh blimey." Poppy says, handing the water to Cassie and sitting down opposite her and Minerva.
"Surely that's a good thing, yes?" Minerva responds.
Cassie shrugs and takes a swig of water. "If I'm completely honest, I miss them more than anything and it's absolutely killing me not spending all of my time with them. But I'm mature enough to realise I'm doing what's for the best. It would've made things much more complicated and uncomfortable if we had stayed friends, right?"
"Oh definitely. I know I say this a lot but I truly am very proud of you, dear. Not many people have enough self respect to ditch their friends like that. Your courage and maturity will forever go beyond me, Cassie." Poppy replies.
"Just like your fathers, I think." Mcgonagall smiles.
Cassie half-smiles and taps her glass. Even though Sirius had died almost a year ago, Cassie still thinks about him daily. Every time somebody mentions his name, she still gets that slight weight on her chest. That feeling will never go away, however. Cassie knows that. She’d learnt that from Sirius himself.
However, she will never be able to prevent the grief.
"I love it when people say that. I may look a lot like Sirius but I think I have a very clear combination of both his and Remus' personalities." Cassie smiles.
"It's true, Cassie. You are a perfect combination of both of them." Mcgonagall replies. She had loved Sirius like a son once upon a time. His death absolutely crushed her. "I remember the day you were born, dear." Minerva adds, gaining both Poppy's and Cassie’s attention and intrigue. "I received a letter from Sirius. I believe still have it, in fact."
Cassie beams, "Could I see it?"
—
That next day in Cassie’s transfiguration lesson, Mcgonagall slips Cassie a piece of parchment. "Sirius' letter. He loved you so very much, Cassie." she whispers.
———
Dearest Minnie,
I have the best of news... our baby girl is here! Vicky gave birth to her less than five hours ago and Remus is currently holding her in his arms by the fireplace.
I tell you, Minnie, I cried so much when I saw her little face. She's an angel. She's the perfect mix of me and Moony, you wouldn't believe it. She's absolutely perfect.
You always said to me that ‘nobody is perfect’, but I think my daughter might just be the only exception for that.
I'm in love with her, Minnie. Prongs and Lily have been round, they absolutely love her too. Her and the Potter's baby are going to be the best of friends, I know it. Even Pete said how alike she looks to me! Isn't that amazing? I feel so lucky right now. It all feels rather surreal. Marls and Dorcas have been over too— everyone just adores her.
Oh you have to come and meet her, I beg. I can't wait for the day she starts Hogwarts and you start teaching her and the Potters' future baby. You're going to hate having two more James Potters and Sirius Black's causing trouble at school.
We know you loved it, really.
But anyways, as of today, I consider myself the luckiest man alive. My daughter couldn't be more perfect, Minnie. Her name is Cassiopeia Marlene Black. Isn't it perfect? We're thinking about using 'Cassie' as a nickname— what'cha think? Marls was absolutely honoured when we told her about Cassie’s middle name.
Please come see us soon! Cassie’s going to love you!
Loveliest regards,
Your favourite little family x
Chapter 69: Y6 | Sly vs Rav
Summary:
Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ DECODE — PARAMORE
'How'd we get here? I used to know you so well.'
Cassie sits on the bench in the changing rooms, her leg bouncing rapidly. She can hear the crowd outside the room— which excites her, but also terrifies her. Cassie has never lost to Ravenclaw before, but she's scared that it will all change somehow.
Lexi stands in front of her and squeezes her shoulder. "Come on, Cass." she smiles. Cassie takes a deep breath and stands up.
Rosie walks behind Cassie and Lexi as they meet the boys in the middle of both changing rooms. The Ravenclaw team are announced and begin their walk-on. Cassie taps her bracelet out of habit and sighs.
"We've never lost to Ravenclaw before— I don't plan on changing that anytime soon, d'you understand?" she says, ever so slightly aiming it at the her newest player.
"Got it." Rosie responds.
Since Lee Jordan had left school, the new school's commentator is Colin Creevey. He's a Gryffindor fifth year and quite good friends with Ginny— but that is all Cassie knew. From what she's figured out, he seems like a nice person.
"Up next, we have the spectacular serpents! Here come Slytherin!" Creevey exclaims. Mattheo squeezes Cassie's arm and she lets out a big sigh before stepping onto the pitch.
She looks up at her surroundings and all of a sudden, that nervous feeling disappears. Instead, it's replaced with adrenaline and dopamine. A smile breaks on her lips and she scoffs. She is absolutely in love with this sport.
She goes the opposite way to her team to the middle of the pitch, as they take their places. She stands opposite Chang with Madame Hooch beside the pair. "Shake hands." Hooch instructs. Hooch has always been a hard person to read for Cassie. She can never tell whether she likes Cassie or not. She decides that Rolanda Hooch is utterly indecipherable.
Cassie reluctantly shakes hands with Chang, a fake smile on both their faces. Even Cho Chang knows they're going to lose. The fact Slytherin always beat them is a permanent weight on her shoulders.
Cassie doesn't hate— nor dislike— Cho Chang. She'll happily admit, Cho is a terrible seeker and probably shouldn't still be on the Ravenclaw team. But, however, that doesn't mean she doesn't like her. She saw something in her brother. Cassie never knew, or understood, whatever happened between her and Cedric, but she should always thank Cho for whatever it was. Cedric died a happy man. Cassie supposes Cho was a part of that.
But, in this very moment, Cassie can't think of anything better than absolutely destroying Ravenclaw— Chang and all.
Hooch reads the rules and gives her regular nod of approval, which means each seeker could take their places with their teams. Cassie flies upwards, hovering a few feet above Blaise.
She catches Theo's eye and he winks for support. Cassie smiles and rolls her eyes in response. "We're going down, Black." he mouthes. Cassie cocks her head to the side ever so slightly, processing his words.
"3...." Hooch begins. Cassie shakes her head and cracks her knuckles & neck. "2..." says Hooch, tension building throughout the stadium. Cassie sucks in a sharp breath of preparation. "1!" she exclaims. Blaise and Lexi pass the bludger between them before aiming at the Ravenclaw team's beaters. Mattheo is quick to throw the quaffle to Rosie, who then screams at Enzo to get closer to the hoop before throwing it to him.
Enzo launches the quaffle towards the middle hoop and past the Ravenclaw's keeper, Grant Page. Cassie beams with pride and lets a smile slip. The snitch is nowhere in sight so she doesn't have to worry just yet. This happens a lot during quidditch as a seeker. There is a lot of sitting around.
She watches as Blaise and Lexi do what they do best— dodging and hitting every bludger that comes their way. Cassie can always trust them two to put on their best performance. If she had to pick her two favourite team members— secretly, she'd choose them.
Theo, as per usual, keeps guard of the Slytherin hoops with ease. He's amazing at what he does— Cassie has to give him credit. No other keeper compares to Theo, she thinks.
Cassie's eyes lock on a certain brunette chaser, watching as his eyes narrow with purpose. He looks beautiful. He always does. The way his hair sticks to his forehead and—
Cassie's attention flies back to the current game as the sound of clashing brooms can be heard. Mattheo and one of the Ravenclaw chasers are bashing into each other rather aggressively. The Ravenclaw is trying to grab the quaffle out of Mattheo's hands as he tries to get rid of him.
You can see the moment Mattheo gives in and pushes the boy off his broom. It happens so quick, yet Cassie can slow down every one of her thoughts.
"Penalty!" Hooch screeches. Cassie groans and rubs a frustrated hand over her face. This is the last thing she needed. Her and Chang fly down to the centre of the pitch to meet Madam Hooch. "Riddle pushed Davies off his broom!" Chang screams at Cassie.
"Only because Davies was trying to grab the quaffle straight from his hands! That's not allowed!" Cassie shouts back. She isn't about to let Chang get away with screaming at her like that.
"No he wasn't!" Cho replies
Cassie scoffs, "Don't even try to lie to me, Chang. I saw it happen."
"Oh did you really?"
Cassie rolls her eyes and turns to the referee, "Madam, I think Ravenclaw should receive the penalty."
"Take a walk, both of you. We will reconvene once I've made a decision." Hooch replies, sternly. Cassie takes a deep breath and walks the opposite way of Chang and off the pitch.
Mattheo catches up behind her and grabs her shoulders, spinning her to face her. "I swear on my life it was Davies— did you see him? His hands were literally in my face."
"It's fine, Mattheo. I know it was Davies' fault. I'm just hoping Hooch will see that and we won't get a fucking penalty." Cassie replies with a sigh and rub of her temples.
Mattheo frowns but is interrupted by the loud hubbub of the rest of the team. Cassie walks further out of the changing rooms and around the corner. She rests her head on the stone wall. Is this her fault? Is her training the reason for this? Maybe Marcus was a better captain, after all.
"Cass." Enzo sighs. Cassie opens her eyes and smiles at her boyfriend. "You okay? I was watching Davies— he was well out of line. Mattheo is in the right."
Cassie nods, "I know, I know. But you know what Hooch is like— even since second year, she's had a bias for every other team. Especially now with everything going on, I'm not sure she's willing to give us a win if she can help it."
Enzo sighs, "That's true. I didn't think about that."
Cassie shrugs and looks down at her feet. "I feel like a shit captain, Enz. I feel like I'm letting my team down. I don't want to lose."
"Oi, don't say that, Cassie. You're a brilliant captain and you know it. Stop beating yourself up over something you can't control. Everyone on this team has said at least once that they think you're a brilliant captain. Stop doubting yourself, love, you're better than that." Enzo replies.
Cassie sucks in a long, deep breath and looks up at her boyfriend. He has a point, really. "Thank you, Enz."
He smiles and holds his arms out for a hug. She gratefully accepts and embraces his vanilla scent. He kisses the top of her head and in this very moment, she feels like the true winner. "I love you." she whispers.
"I love you too, baby."
—
Cassie flies toward the snitch with nothing but passion. After receiving earlier's penalty (which wasn't even Mattheo's fault), Cassie has a new sense of anger and energy.
Chang is on Cassie's tail, but she is blocking every opening she has to the snitches direction. Her eyes are locked on the snitch and there is no key about.
Chang swerves swiftly around Cassie, putting her ahead of her. Cassie scoffs and does the same thing, pushing her out of the way. The snitch is in reach. She almost has it.
Chang pushes Cassie away from the snitch— but little does she know, that push actually nudges Cassie toward the snitch, not away from it. Cassie's fingertips graze the golden ball and she clasps them together, holding the snitch in her palm. Cassie beams with serotonin as Chang bows her head.
However, Cassie's smile drops as Chang begins smiling and a 'Ravens!' chant is started in the stands. Cassie buries her face in her hands as she flies back down. Her eyes dart to the scoreboard quicker than light. 320-330.
"Fuck!" Cassie shouts, her knuckles hitting the side of her broom so hard that they begin to bleed. The snitch writhes in her hands so she lets it go. Shamefully, she flies down to the grass and meet with her team.
"What happened guys? We were so close! I caught the fucking snitch for Merlin's sake!" she exclaims, the serotonin turning to cortisol in her veins.
"I almost fucking hit it. I missed it by an inch." Theo sighed. Cassie shakes her head, no words escaping her mouth. She closes her eyes and walked away. She doesn't want to say anything hurtful so she decides not to say anything at all.
Enzo follows after Cassie in an instant. Cassie crashes into his arms as Cho watches. Enzo tucks Cassie's hair behind her ears as he looks her in the eye, telling her how proud he is of her and how it doesn't matter that they lost, he still loves her. Cho's heart aches.
As of today, Cassiopeia Black is the real winner.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie sits in the common room against Enzo's shoulder. The fireplace crackles before them as the chatter lowers ever so slightly.
Cassie has always loved the look of the Slytherin common room. She loves the way the forest green wallpaper has no creases or rips. The tables and chairs across the room complement the royal colour of the walls. Next to the sofas are the dark tinted windows. They are stain-glassed ones with the story of Sazalar Slytherin. On a sunny day, the sun shines directly through the coloured shards of glass, creating a range of green auras.
Mattheo sits down opposite the couple, pulling out a copy of The Daily Prophet. He looks up at Cassie and Enzo briefly, simply observing their conversation. "Y'know, I think we still won today." he interrupts.
Cassie looks Mattheo in the eye. "How so?"
"I mean, you caught the snitch, did you not? We were only ten points off, Cassie."
Cassie notices as she speaks to Mattheo that he has a long sleeved jumper on. She thinks back to all the times he turned up to practice in long shirts and his quidditch jumper, instead of his usual short-sleeved jersey. Cassie's heart shatters with disappointment. She almost refuses to believe it. She doesn't want to. She thought that Mattheo was better than that.
Mattheo is a deatheater and there is nothing Cassie can do to change that.
Theo and Blaise walk through the common room and up to the dorms— but Cassie can't help but notice them both wearing sweaters. No. Not them too. Mattheo, she can understand. But, Theo and Blaise?!
Cassie cuts Mattheo off by saying; "I forgot— I need to give Madame Pomfrey my health update for this week— can you come with me, Enz?" she says, turning to Enzo. That's a fat lie. Her weekly health reports had ended two weeks ago since the incident.
"Health updates? What for?" Mattheo asks, dumbfounded. "Was that why you weren't in lessons for like three weeks? Did something go wrong with the transition?" he asks, a whisper at the last word.
Cassie looks back at Enzo, both of their eyebrows low. Does Mattheo not know about what Draco did?
"Um— I don't suppose Draco told you how he got that broken nose of his, did he?" Enzo laughs.
Mattheo's eyes widen and he puts the paper down, leaning forward. "No— what did you do? And why?" Cassie and Enzo share a look, not knowing what to say.
"Draco poisoned me, Mattheo. He put something in my painkiller that I take before each moon and I almost died." Cassie says quickly. "I did die, funnily enough." she laughs.
Mattheo's lips part and his eyes transform drastically in a way Cassie can't explain. Sympathy, almost. Empathy? Sorrow? Shame? Cassie can't tell anymore.
"He did what?" he exclaims.
"We assumed you knew. Pansy did." Cassie says, bowing her head.
"This fucking boy doesn't know when to quit! I swore to my father that he wouldn't touch you two. He promised he wouldn't lay a finger on you both!" Mattheo shouts.
"You did..?" Enzo says.
Mattheo sighs and leans back in his chair. "Of course I did. I said that if he didn't hurt either of you I would finally..." he trails off, his eyes darkening.
Cassie and Enzo know exactly what he means.
"I don't know what to say, Mattheo. I really don't." Cassie sighs.
Mattheo's shoulders rise and he lets out a breath. "I could fucking kill Malfoy for that, I swear. Please tell me the broken nose wasn't all you did?"
"Three teeth out and a black eye." Enzo says, deadpanned.
"That's more like it." Mattheo smiles, almost.
Cassie studies Mattheo from head to toe. Heart to bone. Brain to soul. Yet, she can't seem to find a part she doesn't like.
To any other person, a Gryffindor in particular, Mattheo can be seen as the devil. He is the son of the darkest wizard alive— surely he is just as bad, right? He's spiteful, he's rough. He's powerful, he plays dirty.
He also makes Cassie laugh. He checks up on her. He has decent grades. He's passionate. He plays dirty in the perfect way. He knows his place and his worth.
To people like Cassie and Enzo, Mattheo is nowhere near a devil. A sinner, most definitely. But in no way, shape or form is Mattheo Riddle a devil.
———
Dear Dad,
I've had an eventful day, that's for sure. First of all, we lost to Ravenclaw. For the first time in six years, might I add. I caught the snitch but unfortunately, we were ten points behind. But if I'm going to be completely honest, dad, I'm not too bothered.
Definitely, I'm annoyed and I believe we shouldn't of received the penalty that we got and I'm slightly disappointed in my team for letting me down, but I'm not furious. I would've really preferred to of won, but today didn't all go to shit.
Mattheo, Theo, Blaise, Draco and Pansy are 100% deatheaters now. Me and Enzo have talked about it and there's no way they're not.
However, Mattheo revealed something. He told us that his father had promised him not to touch me or Enzo as long as Mattheo got the mark. Obviously, his father didn't follow through and gave Draco the mission of poisoning me, but he did it without Mattheo or the others having a clue.
That makes me feel better— should it? I find myself pondering about them every evening, dad. I debate whether I should hate them. Although, as much as I hate to admit it, every evening, I come to the same conclusion.
I don't hate them. I can't.
I love you to the moon and back dad. I miss you more than words can explain. Take care of yourself until I see you, okay?
Lots of love,
Cassie x
Notes:
bit of a short chapter, sorry guys :’) i also haven’t read this one in a while so lowk forgot what it’s about
so therefore hms are pretty basic:)
1) roger davies when i CATCH YOU
2) MATTHEO. MATTHEO. MATTHEO.
oh my heart HURTS.
he took the mark for enzo and cassie 🥹 the worst part is that he didn’t have to do it, but he did. his father went and hurt them anyway :( this is a turning point in their friendship tho so keep an eye out for small things like that!
Chapter 70: Y6 | Slughorn’s Christmas Party
Summary:
Alexa play “party on u” by charli xcx
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MY TEARS RICOCHET — TAYLOR SWIFT
'And so the battleships will sink beneath the waves.'
Cassie laughs as the room chants Ron's name in a massive circle. Gryffindor had beat Hufflepuff less than ten minutes ago and there is already a party in their common room. Ron had played amazingly though, Cassie has to admit.
Apparently, according to Hermione, Harry had put a drop of liquid luck in his drink this morning. Cassie doesn't know whether she believes that though. Harry isn't like that. Enzo believes it, however. The trio sat and gossiped through the whole match in the stands.
Gryffindor banners fly up into the air and confetti floats around the room. The only sounds heard are the chants of Gryffindors as they surround Ron. Seamus is especially loud, Cassie can hear his loud Irish accent over the top of everyone.
Harry, Cassie, Hermione and Enzo stand to the side of the room, simply observing with smiles. Cassie downs the remaining firewhiskey in her cup as she watches. They're all proud of Ron, but don't feel the need to chant his name in a circle. That's too far, Cassie thinks.
"You really shouldn't of done it." Hermione speaks, her eyes locked on Ron, however. Harry, Cassie and Enzo all turn to Hermione in unison.
"I know. I suppose I could've just used a Confundus charm." he drugs. Cassie and Enzo's jaws fall agape.
"You didn't!" Enzo exclaims.
"Hermione Jean Granger you cheating bugger!" Cassie laughs.
"Shh! That was different— that was tryouts. This was an actual match!" she says in the most defensive tone Cassie has ever heard. Hermione doesn't like being told she's in the wrong. She rarely ever is.
Harry laughs and digs through his shirt pocket. Out comes a small, full vial of Liquid Luck. He didn't put it in.
"You didn't put it in." Hermione says, piecing it together. "Ron only thought you did."
Cassie and Enzo share a look and chuckle. "Knew he didn't have it in him." Cassie laughs, shaking her head.
"Oi! I do have it in me! I just thought it wasn't the best, nor safest, option." Harry exclaims, making Enzo and Cassie laugh again.
However, all four of them freeze as Lavender Brown steps up to face Ron. She crashes her lips onto his and wraps her arms around his head. Ron kisses her back, his hands flying to her torso. Harry, Enzo and Neville laugh and clap but Cassie turns to Hermione.
Tears fill her eyes and her hands tremble. The room echoes with cheers as the kiss deepens— but Hermione wants to sob on the spot. She turns around, pushed past Dean & Ginny and exits the common room. Cassie debates following her but makes eye contact with Harry.
She nods in Hermione's direction of exit and Harry nods with understanding. After he leaves, Cassie worries whether she made the right decision. She knows what Harry is like— he can be a very awkward person sometimes.
But sometimes he knows exactly what to say. That night when he sat outside with Cassie at Grimmauld Place, admiring the stars, has always stuck with her. He had changed her mood with the click of his fingers, which she was very grateful for.
She only hopes that the poetic, empathetic side of Harry will help Hermione right now.
A while later, Cassie is at the drinks table after pouring another glass of Firewhiskey. It's become a favourite of hers since Cedric introduced it to her in fourth year. "Cassie! Oh my gosh! I feel like I haven't spoken to you in forever!" Padma beams, hugging Cassie briefly.
Cassie chuckles, "I know right! Last time I spoke to you, Umbridge was in charge."
"Eugh. Don't remind me of that evil woman." Padma shudders, earning a laugh from Cassie.
"Anyway, how've you been?" Cassie smiles.
"I've been okay! I'm not too happy with my N.E.W.T subjects at the moment— but I'm sure it'll pass."
"Oh really? Why's that?"
"I didn't want to take charms but Flitwick insisted I took it because of my grades. I hate the subject but I'm actually really good at it."
"I'm the same with potions, really. Mcgonagall made me take that as well. The only options I chose were Astronomy, Defence Against the Dark Arts and quidditch but Mcgonagall said me, Ron and Harry would be better off with another N.E.W.T."
Padma laughs and takes a sip of her butterbeer. "She does like to do that."
"I swear she enjoys watching us suffer." Cassie jokes. In all seriousness, she adores Professor Mcgonagall. She has the same maternal sense about her that Poppy does. It always makes Cassie feel like she can trust her and speak to her about anything.
"Anyway, I think you did brilliantly the other day. Y'know, the match against Ravenclaw."
"You do? Oh thank you, Padma."
Padma smiles, "Davies definitely should've gotten the penalty, not Riddle, though. He was very clearly grabbing the quaffle."
"Thank you! It infuriated me that Hooch didn't see that."
"I know right! But either way, you did amazing. Cho isn't the best seeker ever..."
Cassie chuckles, "I couldn't agree more. Y'know Cho has never caught the snitch when playing us before." Padma looks down awkwardly, her feet tapping on the floor. Cassie furrows her eyebrows and looks behind her, where Padma kept darting her eyes.
Cassie sighs with realisation. Cho is standing right there, listening to their conversation. "Excuse me, Padma, do you mind if I speak to Cassiopeia quickly?" Cho asks. Padma nods and shoots Cassie a look that says 'Good luck!'
"What did you wanna talk about?" Cassie prompts, knowing damn well what she wants to talk about.
"Do you hate me or something?" Cho says, catching Cassie by surprise.
Her lips part in surprise and her eyebrows rise. "What? Why would you think that?"
"Well..."
"Okay, yeah, I can see why you'd think that but I guarantee you I don't hate you."
"Well, dislike me then?"
"On the pitch? One-hundred percent. Off the pitch? Not really."
"Okay... well, let's talk off the pitch. Then what?"
Cassie sighs, "I've never hated you, Cho. How could I? I mean, you made my brother happy, I can't deny that, can I? You two were complicated. Of course, I was curious about your relationship with Cedric, but then again, he was my brother. I was always protective of him— just like he was with me. It's nothing personal."
"Yeah, but now that Cedric's..."
"Dead?" Cassie asks, an eyebrow raised.
"Gone." Cho corrects. Cassie slowly nods before Chang carries on; "What then? It's like every time we play Slytherin you're ready to kill me."
Cassie chuckles and looks down at her glass of Firewhiskey, refraining from downing the whole thing and walking away. "Have you seen the way I act toward the Hufflepuff seeker?— even Harry, for Merlin's sake. I'm hasty toward everyone I play against. Yet again, it's nothing personal. I'm as passionate about quidditch as it gets."
Chang sighs, "So you don't hate me?"
"I don't like you— nor dislike you. I appreciate you and how happy you made Cedric but we're not really friends and I don't know you awfully well. That doesn't mean I don't like you, Chang."
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
It's the last day of term and Cassie is in the library with Harry, Hermione and Enzo. Harry and Hermione sort through some books while Cassie & Enzo do their D.A.D.A homework.
At Slughorn's dinner party, he revealed that he would be hosting a Christmas party and everyone was allowed to bring a date. Cassie would much rather not be going, but as soon as she mentioned the idea to Enzo, he's making her go. He wants to see what Slughorn's club is all about.
"He's at perfect liberty to kiss whoever he likes." Hermione lies, her eyes on the books before her. Cassie and Enzo share a look. "I really couldn't care less." she says.
Harry filled them in on what happened after he followed after her at the party. He then also admitted to fancying Ginny, which Cassie and Enzo swore to never shut up about.
"Was I under the impression him and I would be attending Slughorn's christmas party together? Yes. Now, given the circumstances, I've had to make other arrangements." Hermione adds.
"Oh Merlin and Morgana both, tell us!" Cassie exclaimed, slamming her quill down to the table.
Hermione hesitates but before Cassie gets the chance to pester her for an answer, Harry interrupts; "Ugh. I was thinking you and I could go together as we both can't go with who we really want to. As friends, obviously."
Hermione sits down and sighs, "How didn't I think of that?"
"Why? Who're you bringing?" Enzo asks, curiosity lacing his voice.
Hermione's cheeks slightly blush. "Erm... it's a surprise."
"Oh, come on, Mione!" Cassie pleads.
Hermione waves her off and changes the subject. "It's this one we have to worry about, anyway." she says, motioning to Harry. Cassie snorts at his baffled face. "You can't just take anyone."
"Oh, Harry!" Cassie exclaims, standing up and resting against the table next to him. "You see that girl over there?" she asks, discreetly motioning to Romilda Vane. Secretly, she still holds a grudge against the girl for when she fancied Enzo in third year. "That's Romilda. She's trying to slip you one of the twins' love potions."
"Really?!" Harry beams.
Cassie laughs, "Y'know she's only interested in you because she thinks you're the chosen one." she air-quoted the last words for emphasis.
"But I am the Chosen One...?" Harry says, making Cassie and Enzo laugh. Hermione, however, hits him with the book she had in her hand. "Sorry! I was joking!" he exclaims, which only makes Enzo and Cassie burst into another round of laughter.
"So... who will you take?" Enzo asks.
"I'll ask someone I like. Someone cool." Harry replies with a smile.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Cassie wears a formal, short black dress with tights and chunky white heels. She also wears a white headband and leaves her hair the way it always is. On her ears sit a pair of white earrings bought by Remus for her birthday this year. Of course, she wears her golden locket and the same two bracelets as usual. She never takes them off.
She stands in her bathroom with her locket in hand. Cassie slowly opens it, flicking straight to the photograph with her, Remus and Sirius. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes with the thought of her father. She closes the locket and holds it to her chest, her eyes still glued shut.
As she walks down the dorm stairs, she makes eye contact with Enzo and her heart melts. He wears a creamy-white coloured shirt with a black tie and obsidian dress robes over the top. His hair looks as messy as always, yet so perfect.
He places a hand on either side of her waist and pulls her into his chest. "Technically, we could still legally have sex..."
Cassie laughs and slaps his arm. "For the last time, Enzo, not in the middle of a bloody war."
"You're telling me I have to wait until all this shit is over?"
Cassie chuckles again and shakes her head, "Yes." He sighs dramatically before pressing his lips to hers. Cassie breaks from his grasp but he kisses her again, more passionately this time. "Enz, we have to go." she says, pulling away again. He pecks at her neck and kisses all the way down it.
Cassie seriously considers not going to this party and dragging Enzo up to her dorm in this moment. But unfortunately for Enzo, she knows better than that. "Enzo." she warns. He hums into her neck and she has to forcefully remove his lips. "We're going to be late."
He rolls his eyes, "If you insist."
A short while later, Cassie and Enzo walk into the room hand in-hand, immediately spotting Harry by himself. "Where's Hermione?" Cassie asks.
Harry shrugs, "I think she's hiding."
"D'you know who she's brought with her?" Enzo asks.
"No clue. You?" he replies, his gaze on Cassie. She shakes her head and Harry sighs.
"Ooh! Dragon tartare!" Enzo exclaims and runs over to one of the waiters, earning an eye roll and chuckle from Cassie.
"So... who've you brought then?" Cassie smirks.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Cass. It's only Luna." Harry laughs.
Cassie groans, "No Ginny? Seriously?"
"She's with Max, remember?"
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Fuck him! I'm one-hundred percent sure if you went up to Ginny right now and asked her to kiss you, she'd do it without hesitation."
"Yeah, right."
"Channel your inner James Potter, Haz!"
He laughs, "God, you're annoying sometimes."
"You love it."
Before Harry can protest, he's interrupted by Neville. "A drink, anyone?" he smiles. Cassie beams and grabs a glass. The beyond pleasant taste of Turnip wine lingers on Cassie's lips as she grins.
"Hi, Neville." Harry smiles.
"Hiya. I didn't get into the Slug Club. It's okay though, he's got Belby handing out towels in the loo." Neville sighs.
"Well, there you go then. There are much worse jobs than this one, right?" Cassie says in an attempt to cheer him up.
"I s'pose." he shrugs.
Neville walks away as Enzo strolls back over. Cassie and Harry's faces scrunch up in a mixture of concern and confusion. Enzo has tartare all around his mouth. Harry is distracted by Hermione walking in so Cassie grabs the hankerchief from Enzo's robe pocket. She wipes his mouth like a concerned mother.
"What?" Enzo asks.
"Got a bit excited with the tartare did you?" she laughs. Enzo furrows his eyebrows but Cassie simply chuckles.
—
While Cassie converses with Harry and Hermione, she notices Enzo speaking to someone in the corner of her eye. She turns ever so slightly to see who it is.
Her heart shatters once she realises it's Blaise. You can see how much Enzo misses his best friend just by looking at him. He feels like he doesn't have someone to laugh with about everything. Nobody finds the same things funny as Blaise would've.
Cassie focuses her hearing on their conversation. She's become rather skilled at doing that now.
"How'd you get into the Slug Club?" Blaise asks.
"Oh, I'm here with Cass." Enzo laughs, quite awkwardly. "How about you? You've always been crap at potions."
Blaise snorts, "True— I have no idea how I got in, really. Slughorn just came up to me and was like 'Wanna join my club?' and I said yes because I have nothing else better to do."
Enzo chuckles— like he actually chuckles. Cassie hasn't heard him laugh like that in a long while. She likes it. In fact, she loves the sound of Enzo's laugh. It makes her feel giddy.
"What N.E.W.T options did you pick?" Blaise asks.
Just as Enzo is about to reply, Cassie becomes greatly distracted. Draco is hauled into the room by the scruff of his neck. Filch has him; "Get your hands off me you filthy Squib!" he protests.
Enzo immediately comes to Cassie's side, his jaw clenched. He puts a hand on Cassie's back, feeling oddly protective. They both watch as Filch drags him into the room.
Slughorn approaches him with a look of confusion. He obviously hasn't been invited. "Professor Slughorn, sir, I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs. He claims to of been invited to your party." Filch explains.
"Ten galleons say he wasn't invited." Cassie whispers. Enzo hums in agreement, his gaze locked on Draco.
"Okay, okay! I was gatecrashing!" Malfoy exclaims. Cassie also doesn't think that is true. He's up to something— and it definitely isn't gatecrashing a party he would've called absolutely pathetic in private.
"I'll escort him out." Snape spits, his expression stern as he looks at Malfoy.
In that moment, everything blurs out and stops. Cassie looks Draco in the eye. For a split second, Cassie thinks she can see a glint of guilt. She wants to dive into his pupils, explore and discover each part. She wants to know how and why he's doing the things he's doing. She wants him to know how he hurt her. Cassie does everything she can to convey that through her eyes as she looks at him.
Then, he looks away and everything comes back to life.
"Certainly, professor." Draco smirks. Cassie shares a look with Harry. They're thinking the exact same thing. The professor drags Draco out of the room but the room remains awkwardly quiet.
"Okay, everyone, carry on!" Slughorn says in an attempt to fix the sense of awkwardness. The music begins again but Cassie won't be able to relax until she's gotten her thoughts of Draco and Snape off her chest.
"I'm gonna speak to Harry a second, d'you mind?" she says to Enzo.
"No, no, of course." he smiles, letting go of her back. Cassie waltzes toward Harry, Hermione also disappearing from his side.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Cassie asks.
"Malfoy and Snape?" Harry prompts. Once Cassie nods, he continues; "There's definitely something going on there. Want to come with me and find out?"
"Obviously."
Notes:
oh draco 😖 you’re killing us here mate 3 as an avid draco defender, this is getting pretty hard to defend now
on with the hms!
1) poor cho thinking cassie hates her 😭😭 makes me CACKLE the poor girl 💔 she was convinced every move on the pitch was personal bless her heart
2) cue the romione! i absolutely love this ship and yes they will be endgame, if you don’t like it leave!! they’re perfect change my mind.
3) enzo asking for sex again… the cheeky blighter
4) blaise and enzo talking again :( oh they all miss each other so bad it’s actually painful to watch
anyone else miss third year summer in cornwall??? i know i do 3
Chapter 71: Y6 | Oh, Moony
Summary:
We love Remus Lupin here
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ TWO GHOSTS — HARRY STYLES
'We're not who we used to be. We're just two ghosts standing in the place of you & me.'
Cassie and Harry sneak out of Slughorn's party, careful of anyone possibly watching them. They didn't tell Hermione or Enzo what they're doing— but they figure they'll do that later. The halls are a gloomy type of dark— the only source of light coming from the dimly lit lanterns high by the ceiling.
The pair hide behind a neighbouring wall, the sound of Snape & Malfoy's footsteps on the raggedy floors. "Maybe I did curse Black and Bell, maybe I didn't— why do you care?" Draco whispers. Cassie's head whips around to Harry. His jaw clenches but he carries on listening.
There's a loud, explainable noise that even Cassie can't make out. "I swore to protect you. I made the unbreakable vow." Snape exclaims, his voice hushed and wary. Cassie furrows her eyebrows. The Unbreakable Vow really is unbreakable. If you betray the vow, it results in death. You'd have to be insane to make an unbreakable vow. Cassie isn't sure that Harry knows what it means so she makes a mental note to fill him in later.
"I don't need protection!" Draco replies. "I was chosen for this out of everyone. Me. Not Riddle, not Zabini, not Parkinson. Me. And I don't plan on failing him."
Cassie's heart shatters at his words. The mention of her old friends only breaks her heart further. Chosen for what? Whatever it is, Cassie knows, is not a good thing.
"You're afraid, Draco. You try to hide it but it couldn't be more obvious. Let me assist you." Snape says. Cassie thinks deeply about his words. Cassie knows Draco— more so than she'd care to admit. She knows how he tends to go to unbelievable lengths to prove himself— which Cassie sometimes sees herself in. She also knows that Draco has become at expert at hiding his feelings over the years. The only one he could never seem to hide is disgust.
"No! I don't want your help! This is my moment!" he replies. This only confirms Cassie's thoughts. Because he himself had been chosen for a task, he will complete it no matter the consequences or what he has to do in order to complete it. His self-validation will forever go beyond Cassie.
The sound of footsteps slowly escapes out of earshot. Cassie sighs deeply, her head hitting the wall. Once she's sure they're no longer in the hallway, she turns to Harry.
"Do you have any idea what the Unbreakable Vow is, Harry?" Cassie asks.
Harry swallows, "Go on."
"If you break it, guess what happens to you."
Harry sighs and looks Cassie in the eye. "Death?"
Cassie nods.
Both her and Harry feel sick to their stomachs all of a sudden.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
As Cassie steps off the train, she searches the busy platform for her father. Once she spots Enzo making his way toward his mother and father, she knows that Remus & Victoria won't be far. She follows Enzo and sighs with relief as her dad comes into view.
He also seems to be relieved to see her in one piece. After Cassie's near-death incident, paranoia has warped Remus' brain. Every time a letter comes from his daughter, he feels immediately feel a heavy weight leave his chest. She's okay.
He wraps his arms around her, embracing her company. He couldn't be more happy to be spending Christmas with his daughter again. He missed her ever so much. "Oh I've missed you." Remus sighs.
"I missed you more." Cassie replies, just as grateful to see him.
Once Cassie greeted Victoria, Chris & Elizabeth, they all make their way to the nearest pub. Cassie takes a seat in between Enzo and Remus at the sticky table. Chris makes Remus help him order at the bar— afraid of pronouncing any muggle words wrong (which Remus laughs at rather pathetically.)
"How's school been? Apart from Draco— it's going good, yeah?" Elizabeth asks, opposite Cassie and Enzo.
Cassie and Enzo share a look and shrug. "Yeah, I mean, other than Draco being a prick, it's going fine." Enzo answers, Cassie humming in agreement.
"What about the others? Have you spoken to them much?" Victoria asks.
"I speak to Mattheo, Theo and Blaise every Friday when we have quidditch— Pansy occasionally but its always just a 'Hi', or a 'Y'alright?', y'know what I mean?" Cassie answers.
"Oh yes, I always forget you're quidditch captain!" Elizabeth exclaims, a smile on her face. Cassie has always loved Elizabeth. She's the perfect amount of loving, lenient, strict and smart.
Cassie laughs, "I really tried to pick someone else for the chaser and keeper position— but I kept finding myself comparing each one to Mattheo and Theo. They were just too good for me not to keep on the team— I'd just be sabotaging the next season of quidditch."
"No, I still think you made the right decision. They may have huge egos— but in quidditch, that's a good thing, I suppose." Enzo adds.
"How's quidditch going for you, Lozzie?" Elizabeth asks. Cassie knows how much Enzo hates that nickname so when he rolls his eyes, she unintentionally snorts.
"I enjoy it, definitely. I'm not half bad at it either. It's good fun— I just get distracted quite easily."
"We all know why you really get distracted." Chris smirks, motioning to Cassie as him and Remus bring the drinks over. Everyone laughs but Enzo blushes slightly, which makes Cassie chuckle even more. Remus sits next to Cassie on her left while Chris takes a seat next to his wife.
Both Remus and Victoria hate to admit it— but seeing Chris and Elizabeth laugh and show their love for each other makes them feel horrible. They are both widows with a whole lot of love to give, but nobody to give it to.
"How is being captain going this year, Cassie?" Remus asks, the froth of his beer scarce around his moustache. Cassie motions to her lip, which immediately makes him wipe it off, making everyone chuckle.
"Yeah, no, it's going alright. I mean, we lost to Ravenclaw the other day— which we've never done." Cassie sighs. Even talking about it still riles her up. She's still fuming about the results— and Enzo knows it. He puts a hand on her knee as she takes a breath. "So, yeah, that was annoying, but other than that, it's going pretty smooth. I have this third year chaser, her name's Rosie and she is literally me." Cassie laughs.
"How so?" Remus smiles.
"I mean, her temper? Me. Her attitude and passion? Me. Her competitiveness? Literally me. She has the most gorgeous red hair— wouldn't you agree, Enz?" she says, Enzo humming.
"Looks like you've got a mini-diggs!" Victoria chuckles, referencing exactly what Cassie thinks she is. Cassie smiles and bows her head. She hasn't spoken to Eddie since he'd left school— perhaps she should.
———
Dear Eddie,
How are you? I know we haven't spoken since the start of term but I just wanted to check in. I also need to tell you something about Ced that happened a while ago.
So basically, I had been cursed by someone and spent a few days in the infirmary. However, at one point, I actually died. I died for a total of four minutes in the middle of the night. Insane— I know right?!
But when I died, I saw something. The room went bright white and the infirmary was literally empty. I looked to my left and saw Cedric sitting at the foot of my bed. It was weird— he looked the exact same. He was in his Champion shirt and was covered in dirt and blood. He looked exactly how his body did on that night.
But that wasn't the weirdest part, Eddie. I remember rushing to find his pulse and being confused that there wasn't one. I was used to having those sort of dreams and usually, Cedric had a pulse in them. It was him, Eddie. I'm not even joking when I say that. He spoke to me. He told me that it wasn't my time yet— he said how proud he was of me and how much he loved me. It was so surreal— yet it made sense? It wasn't like my dreams where I felt uneasy and everything was cloudy. I was present. I was there and talking to my dead brother. Mental, right?
But now that I think about it, I think that conversation helped me. I would always worry that he wasn't at peace— or he wouldn't be himself. But that one conversation just confirmed how peaceful he really was.
I sleep better now. When I catch myself thinking about him, I remind myself of how peaceful he is. When I tell myself I'm worthless and stress about quidditch, its his voice in my head that telling me how proud he is of me.
I hope thats the case for you too, Eddie. But if it ever isn't, please talk to me. I out of all people understand what its like.
Cedric would be so incredibly proud of you.
Lots of love,
Mini-diggs xx
———
Cassie sits opposite Remus in the living room, a wooden chessboard between them. In the background is a spinning David Bowie record on the turntable. Cassie hums along to Suffragette City as Remus plots his next move.
"Rook to E5." Remus huffs, satisfactorily.
Cassie nods, figuring how to play it. "Knight to D5."
Remus chuckles as his Rook crumbles. "How about we stop playing and have some tea?"
Cassie erupts into a hearty chuckle and shakes her head, "You're not getting out of it that easily, old man."
Remus sighs and mutters under his breath; "Just like your father, you are."
They play chess for another forty minutes before Remus decides to cook a nice lasagna. They sit at the dining table, ignoring the absence of Sirius at the head as best as they can, and gossip about all sorts of things. Remus tells Cassie all about Dumbledore's love life and his history with Grindelwald, a story Cassie is way too intrigued in. "I mean, Dumbledore being gay somehow makes sense, doesn't it? Minnie and Poppy, too. They just have that look about them." Cassie comments.
"Oh most definitely. I caught Minnie and Poppy holding hands in Poppy's office in second year and they decided to just tell us so we'd stop pestering them both about it."
"Minnie is in her office a lot of the time. She's a good listener, I'll admit. Gives great advice too. Her and Poppy are my own therapists sometimes."
Remus chuckles, "They've always been like that. It's nice to know some things never change."
"Yeah, I suppose it is." Cassie smiles.
To end the day, Cassie sits in the living room with a burning hot cup of tea. The room is dimly lit, a few cinnamon scented candles on the window sill. They used to be chocolate scented but Remus had to change them for obvious reasons.
Cassie lies her head on her father's lap as her cat sits on her feet. Remus relaxes and drinks his cup of hot chocolate as the film in front of him plays. Cassie has forced him to watch Home Alone after Enzo made her watch it not too long ago.
Outside the windows, graceful snowflakes dance their way to the white grass. The sky is dark and heavy with shining stars. The moon cowers behind a group of grey clouds, the light managing to seep through still. Before Cassie found out about her condition, she would've told you that she thought the moon was beautiful.
Now, Cassie can't help but look at it with disgust. That moon is the reason she has to tear herself apart once a month for the rest of her life. The reason not only her, but her father too, will have to suffer for eternity.
So now instead of confiding in the moon, Cassie confides in the stars.
She feels at peace when she looks out at the midnight landscape and spots her familiar friends. Like she said to Mattheo once before, the stars are just about the only thing that are always awake the same time as her. They keep her company when nobody else can. They never ask anything of her.
"I love the stars. Have I ever told you that before?" Cassie murmurs as Remus' fingertips meet the roots of her hair.
He hums, "Once or twice."
"There's just something about them, y'know? I can't stand looking at the moon so I suppose the stars are the only other option."
"Really?" Remus says. "Is it odd that I quite enjoy looking at the moon? It fascinates me that it's that very thing is the reason I change into a wolf once a month. It also baffles me when I think too deeply into it."
Cassie shrugs, "I don't know. It just makes me feel uneasy. I feel like I should hate it. I mean, I've had insomnia my whole life and so I've seen the moon more than I'd care to admit— but I can't stand the sight of it."
"That's fair enough, I s'pose." Remus sighs. "Have you ever seen Sirius' constellation?"
"Harry asked me that at his wake— unfortunately, I still have the same answer." Cassie frowns. "I mean, I've seen all of the Black constellations— his and Uncle Reggie's loads— but not once since his death. That's odd that, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is."
Cassie feels like now that she's back home and with her favourite person (tied with Enzo, of course), she feels like she can rant to Remus for the whole of England. He has that about him, Remus. He is such an easy person to talk to.
"I should be annoyed that all of my friends are now deatheaters, but I'm oddly not." she thinks aloud.
"So how do you feel about it?"
"I don't know really, but I know I'm not angry— which makes a change." she laughs. "I think both me and Enzo knew this was going to happen at some point. Even in our first few years, it was clear Mattheo's past wasn't all behind him just yet. I just chose to stay in denial as long as I could."
"Which is fair enough though. Cassie, I think you're handling all this so incredibly well— much better than I would've if I were you. I can't even explain how proud I am of you."
"Thank you, but if I'm completely honest, I'm bloody winging it, dad. I have no idea what's about to happen or if I'll make it out of this mess alive. I think I'm just making the most of everything whilst I can."
"Don't say that, sweetheart. Of course you're going to make it out alive. If any of us were to die in this, it would be me."
Cassie freezes, the hairs on the back of her neck sticking up. That fact hits her like a bullet. If Remus were to die, Cassie will have no family left. She'll be completely on her own.
"But I'm not going anywhere, so don't overthink that, baby." he adds.
A moment passes. "I'm not scared of death, y'know. I think I've sort of come to a term of agreement with it. Theres so many people I love over there, dad. Don't you agree? To an extent, I mean." Cassie says.
Remus sighs, taking his daughter's hand in his. "I don't know, Cass. There's a lot of things I don't know at the moment." he frowns. "But there's one thing I can tell you that I'm sure of."
"Go on."
"That I love you more than anything on this bloody planet and I will never leave you."
Notes:
remus lupin.
that’s it.
that’s the honourable mention.
Chapter 72: Y6 | Buried Secrets
Summary:
An insight to Cedric and Eddie’s relationship and the effect it has on Cassie now
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ LOML — TAYLOR SWIFT
'And I'll still see it until I die, you're the loss of my life."
As Cassie walks further down the pathway to the (snow-covered) river, she can just about see someone by Cedric's grave. She frowns and furrows her eyebrows with confusion. As she advances forward, she gets a closer look.
It's Eddie.
She sighs and makes her way closer, her boots crunching on the thick layer of snow beneath her. Eddie whips his head round, his heart pounding. Cassie half-smiles and puts her hands in her pockets.
"Cassie." he smiles, truly happy to see her. Instead of hugging him, she kneels down by Cedric's headstone and wipes off the veil of snow that covers his name.
"Me and Ced came here every summer of our lives. It's truly beautiful in summer— do you remember?" she asks, her eyes still fixed on the grave.
"Yeah, I do. It's perfect. Definitely where Cedric would've wanted to be buried."
Cassie nods and stands up before looking at Eddie. It's now his turn to blatantly stare at the grave instead of Cassie. She sighs before the next words left her lips; "Y'know, I always thought it was the girls in Cedric's life that made him happy; like Charlotte and Cho. Until I found out everything, I assumed that Chang was the reason Cedric died happy."
Eddie's eyebrows knit together with confusion and dread. He knows exactly what she's getting to. He hates thinking about it nowadays.
"But it wasn't, was it?" she says, flatly. Eddie bows his head in shame. He doesn't know what to say. He still never told Cassie everything. "It was you," Cassie adds. "You're the reason Cedric died happy. He loved you. But last night, I read your letter and found myself thinking about your relationship again. I realised I never really understood what actually happened between you two. I saw two teenage boys struggling with sexuality and a relationship, but that was as far as it went."
Eddie breathes out, his lungs clearing. He knows what she was saying was true, yet he still has the strongest urge to deny it all. He knows Cassie was there through the whole thing, yet he still wants to cower and hide— he wants to tell her it wasn't true and he's not still upset about it. He's used to doing that, though. Deny, Deny, Deny. That's all he ever does when someone mentions his sexuality.
"I think the worst part about all this is that Cedric didn't feel comfortable enough to tell me the full story. I found myself wondering whether it was my fault that he couldn't open up to me or tell me the truth." Cassie sighs.
"Never, Cassie, you were never the problem. Nobody was. Cedric was just— erm— struggling. He didn't even like saying it to me."
Cassie takes a deep breath. "So do me a favour, Eddie, and tell me what happened between you."
Shortly, Cassie sits down opposite Eddie in the White Hen pub by the river. The very same pub Cassie sat in with her fathers this exact day a year ago. She unwraps her Slytherin scarf from her neck and sets it on the chair, along with her coat and hat. She sighs and places her bloodshot fingertips around her steaming cup of tea.
Eddie sighs before beginning to explain. This is the first time he's ever opened up about what actually happened between him and Cedric, so naturally, he's trembling. "I think I knew I was gay in first year. I remember sitting on the quidditch stands watching the Slytherin team walk out. I thought it was normal to find the boy players attractive— everyone else did, right?" he says. Cassie nods to show she's listening. She meant it when she said she'd always be there for Eddie back in fourth year. "But late on in second year, I started to notice Cedric a lot more. That was the year we became proper friends, before, we were simply acquaintances in a few lessons together. He would talk to me like he understood me, like he could see right through me. I found comfort in talking to him— and silently staring at him across the room."
"I remember him coming home for Christmas that year. He was non-stop rambling about his new best friend and I remember being so jealous." Cassie laughs, Eddie chuckling too. "I hated the idea of sharing my best friend with someone. But, the way he talked about you, Eddie, I understood. You made him happy, that was something I could never deny."
Eddie smiles, bowing his head. "He kissed me in third year. We were in the library in the dead of night— Filch had accidentally locked us in. Naturally, we found it hilarious and decided to just stay in there. We sat on the sofas and talked about everything— and I mean everything. Out of nowhere, he went quiet and put a hand on my shoulder. Before I knew it, he had kissed me. Obviously, by that point, I was madly in love with him so I kissed him back, in shock that it was actually happening." he explains.
Cassie's heart aches in a way she couldnt explain. She doesn't feel that weight on her chest in disgust, but in disappointment. Disappointment in all forms. Disappointment in a way Cassie can't explain.
"I was over the moon, personally. However, I don't think Cedric had figured out his sexuality like I had by then. He ran out of the library and didn't speak to me for three weeks. I was miserable, Cassie."
"He told me that was because you had apparently slagged him off to Lola."
Eddie laughs and shook his head, "Merlin, I wish it was." Cassie sighs before he carries on. "One night, I sat in the common room by myself. He came down and sat down next to me. We sat in silence staring at the fire for a solid three minutes. That wasn't until he put his hand on my shoulder again. The only words he spoke were 'I'm sorry.' before kissing me again."
Cassie's eyebrows rise in shock. She can't believe she didn't know any of this— that Cedric didn't tell her any of this.
"Whenever we could, we would kiss in broom cupboards and empty hallways. I only joined the quidditch team so I'd have an excuse to touch him. I was in love with him and he was in love with me. However, he still wasn't comfortable about telling anyone— even you, the only person he ever loved more than me." Edward sighs. Cassie's gut wrenched at that part and her eyes glue shut as a reflex. "He assured me I was the only one he loved, but then would flirt with every girl he laid his eyes on. He had more internalised homophobia than I thought possible."
"That book. The summer holidays before the world cup. You had given him a book." Cassie states. Eddie smiles and nods. "It was the first time I'd ever seen him reading without having to for homework. I pointed it out and he said 'Charlotte gave it to me.' Naturally, I started asking questions about her and he just told me that he didn't like her and she was just a friend. That whole conversation could've been avoided if he had said 'Oh, Eddie gave it to me,' because I wouldn't of asked further questions. Was that how bad his internalised homophobia was?" she asks, not sure whether she'd used those words in the correct context.
"Yeah. He was so afraid of being caught that he wouldn't even partner up with me in some lessons."
Cassie's heart shatters at his words. She knew Cedric was struggling with his sexuality— she just didn't know how much. She can't even imagine how Cedric had felt all those years.
"What about Charlotte? Did they actually date?" Cassie asks.
Eddie nods, "He thought it would be best if we wanted to hide it. I told him that nobody even suspected us and we didn't need to worry, but he absolutely insisted. We had a huge fight over it."
"I remember the day she broke up with him— I hadn't even known they were dating."
"They'd only been dating two weeks before she cheated."
"He said six months."
Eddie half-smiles. What does Cassie know, anyways? She feels like an outsider to her own brother's life. The same life she thought she knew everything about.
"Cho?" Cassie asks.
"Nothing really happened between them. They dated— that's for sure. I just don't think Cho realised how distant Cedric always was with her. That's why I wanted him to break up with her— it was destroying the poor girl. She deserved better and if I'm honest, I wanted him all for myself. He was having— y'know with me while dating her. Is that not cruel for all parties?"
"Definitely. But, oh, the amount of times I've thanked Cho for making Cedric so happy. What an idiot— he didn't make her happy."
Eddie laughs, taking a deep breath afterwards. He takes a long sip of his coffee as tears fill the rims of his eye sockets, his pupils glossy. "On the night before the Final task, he asked me to be his boyfriend for real that time. The apology he gave me was one I would've never expected from him. It was beautiful, Cass." Eddie frowns. "He almost ran to your common room to tell you, bursting with excitement. I made him stay back and tell you after the task."
A tear escapes Cassie's right eye before she gets the chance to stop herself. "Oh, Merlin." she whispers, shaking her head.
"I'm so sorry, mini-diggs. He should've been the one to tell you— I— I fucking stopped him. You two even spoke on the Tower that night."
"No, I'm not annoyed, Eddie. I just hate the thought of him going through that and me not knowing to what extent. He never opened up to me about it in truth. He knew me better than I knew myself. It makes me feel horrible that he had to hide the biggest part of him from me that long."
"He loved you more than anyone on this planet, Cassie. It was like an unspoken thing— nobody came between Cedric and his little sister." Eddie smiles. "Also, you forget, he was only seventeen— the same age as you are now. You're still young, right?"
Cassie sighs, "I suppose. I just wish he didn't have to be so stubborn and hold it all in."
Eddie finishes his cup of coffee and crosses his arms. "As long as he's at peace, so am I."
"He's at peace." Cassie confirms.
Peace; freedom from disturbance; tranquillity.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
After Cassie finishes explaining all that Eddie had told her, Remus says nothing. He holds Cassie as she sobs and rants for what felt like hours. She has so much to say and too many emotions to cope with. It didn't even become about her conversation with Eddie, it ended up being about her grief all over again. She thought of all the things they'd never get to do— what Cedric would never get to do, and it set something off inside her.
The next morning, however, it's Christmas Eve and the day Remus and his daughter visit the Weasleys. They arrive at the burrow at midday, amongst the chaos of Christmas. Cassie greets Harry, Ron and all of the Weasleys. However, Enzo is yet to arrive. She needs to talk to him now more than ever.
She takes a seat on a cushion opposite the sofa on which Ron and Harry sit. "What've you been up to?" Ron asks, casually.
"Not much, really. Me and dad have been out for loads of walks and stuff like that. You?" she replies.
"Not much either. We've played loads of quidditch though, haven't we Harry?" Ron answers with a grin.
Harry nods, keeping his gaze on Cassie, almost as if analysing her. He can sense something is wrong in the way she speaks. Her tone is different— shaky, almost. He doesn't know what might've happened, but he is determined to find out.
"Cass, can I show you my new captain's badge? I wanna know if Hooch has given us the same one." Harry says, lying on the spot.
"Sure." she shrugs, standing up. She follows him upstairs and into his and Ron's shared room. As predicted, it couldn't be any messier. Cassie expected nothing less of her friends.
Cassie sits down on the edge of one of the beds while Harry sits opposite on the other. "Right." he declares. "Something's wrong, isn't it?"
Her heart paces but she remains calm, furrowing her eyebrows. "No, why?"
Harry tilts his head, "Don't lie to me, Cass."
She sighs, "Can I tell you later? It's something I haven't quite figured out how to put into words just yet. I haven't really told Enzo yet either, but he does know the basis." she explains. "I'm okay, though. Just missing Cedric a bit more than usual, y'know?"
"Promise you're okay?" Harry frowns.
Cassie nods and holds her pinky out. He kindly accepts and wraps his around hers. She kisses her thumb as Harry watches with concern. "You have to do it too to seal it."
He shrugs and kisses the tip of his thumb, earning a satisfied smile from Cassie.
—
Half an hour later, the front door opens and there stands Elizabeth, Chris, Victoria, Rose & Atlas and of course, Enzo. Cassie shoots up from her seat and stands by the door as everyone walks in. She hugs everyone quickly, wanting to see someone in particular.
Enzo chuckles as Cassie practically jumps into his arms. He kisses her head as she embraces him as tight as she can. "I only saw you a few days ago." he laughs.
"Don't care. Missed you." she mutters into his shoulder.
A few hours later, Cassie sits in the dining room with Harry and Enzo. Harry has forced her to tell them both what's wrong— they could both tell she wasn't in the right headspace. "I went to Ced's grave the other day." she says, flatly. "But that's not what I'm down about. I'm more down about the fact Eddie was there."
"Eddie? Who's Eddie?" Harry asks.
"Cedric's best mate." Enzo replies.
"Best mate." Cassie scoffs.
Enzo furrows his eyebrows. He is sat opposite her while Harry sits on her right. "Yeah, best mates." he sighs.
She takes a deep breath. "Cedric was gay, Harry. He had been secretly dating Eddie since we were in first year." Harry's jaw falls agape but Enzo simply frowns. Enzo already knew this, it's not a shock to him, but he's worried. He's worried about why Cassie is mentioning this now and why it's made her so upset.
Harry pretends like the word Gay doesn't make his stomach churn. He ignores the fact his brain goes straight to a certain blonde Slytherin.
Harry also pretends like Cedric wasn't his own sexual awakening (which he would never admit aloud, because nobody even knew he was gay, let alone his best friend's dead brother).
"Did you already know?"
Cassie nods, "Not to Eddie's extent. He told me everything. Where it all started, Cedric's internalised homophobia, all of it. Cedric never told me about that. He told me he struggled to admit his sexuality aloud— even to himself. I'm annoyed at myself for not taking that seriously enough. I didn't realise how much it was killing him."
Harry's heart twists in his chest. To this day, he still feels guilty for what happened that night. He feels as if he's the one that took Cassie's brother from her. He only has himself to blame. "Oh my god, Cassie." Harry sighs, truly overwhelmed.
"And how are you coping with that?" Enzo asks, his sole focus on how Cassie is feeling.
She sighs and rubs her temples, "I think I'm more annoyed at myself for not pushing him to tell me those things. He suffered for so long— so did Eddie. They were both— Merlin, they were the same age as we are now. I can't even imagine going through that at my age, how did both of them even do it?"
"I think you were the best sister Cedric could've asked for. He was still figuring things out, it seemed, so you can't blame yourself for not pushing him. You knew Cedric better than anyone, and you knew pushing him would've made things worse— otherwise you would've done it a long time ago. Stop beating yourself up over it, love." Enzo says, Harry humming in agreement.
Cassie sighs and puts her head in her hands. She knows she shouldn't be so worked up by all of this but she truly can't help it. The thought of her big brother, the same brother that always seemed to have things figured out, suffering like that for seventeen years makes her feel sick. He didn't deserve to feel like that all by himself. Cassie always wouldve been there for him, no matter the gender preference he had. Internalised homophobia shouldn't have to be such a horrible thing to go through— we should be able to admit our sexuality aloud and not worry about what people might think. How can love be so damaging to people on the outside?
Cassie saw the way Sirius and Remus loved each other, no different to how Victoria and Amos did. How devoted Dean and Seamus seem to be to each other, the exact same way that Cassie and Enzo are. She would never, in a million years, judge Cedric for that. He should've been comfortable enough to tell her everything.
He should've been able to tell Cassie about him and Eddie finally getting together and being able to admit it. They should've celebrated his final task win in a pub with all of their friends and family. Cedric should've pulled Cassie aside late into the night and told her.
He should've been able to survive. He should've been able to live.
Notes:
oh i just love eddie’s character, don’t you? our little gay scouse baby 🥰🥰
hms!
1) cedric’s internalised homophobia is SO sad but unfortunately it’s a very real thing :( always talk to someone if you feel similar ways! it’s not an easy thing to go through, that’s for sure
2) “even you— the only person he ever loved more than me.” KMSSSSSSS!!!!
even though cedric and cassie’s respective relationships, they still prioritised each other over everyone :’)3) harry instantly knowing something was wrong with cassie is adorable. they’re so siblings and they don’t even realise it.
4) i miss cedric diggory
Chapter 73: Y6 | The Burrow
Summary:
The Great Fire of the Weasley Burrow
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ PLAY WITH FIRE — SAM TINNESZ
'I've always liked to play with fire.'
The snow has cleared by the morning, somehow. It had rained so torrentially through the night that it's all turned to mush and puddles. The sun hangs low in the sky, peaking over the horizon as the clock strikes eight AM. Contrasting the time of year, the birds whistle in the trees, waking Cassie peacefully.
She seems to be one of the last ones awake, as the bubbly chatter from the living room is loud enough to wake up a whole street. Since the Burrow is so huge, there are just about enough rooms for everyone. Cassie bunks with Remus and Victoria in an old, small room. It isn't too comfortable, but Cassie is just grateful to be getting some sleep.
Enzo beams up at her as she walks into the room. Ginny is in the middle of messily unwrapping one of her few presents as Cassie sits down next to her father. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart." he smiles.
"Merry Christmas." she grins.
He passes her one of her presents carefully. It's a thin, rectangular shape as light as a feather. She furrows her eyebrows and peels it open with a smile. Inside was a small photograph of Cassie and Sirius sitting in the garden one summer night in third year. It's sunset outside and they're sat on two garden chairs, Cassie's legs chucked over the arm. Sirius is admiring his daughter while Cassie aimlessly stares up at the sky. Cassie didn't even know this photograph existed.
Behind the photograph, a number of letters are attached. There must've been over thirty letters altogether. However, they're all from Sirius. Remus must've made this himself— no amount of magic could've made something this precious and full of love.
"I know you miss him, sweetheart, I do too. I put together all of his letters to you in the hope that it will remind you of his wise words whenever you may need them. He was always a better speaker than me." Remus smiles.
A teardrop falls from her eye and onto the parchment with a plop. Cassie laughs and brings her father into the warmest hug she can find. He kisses the top of her head and closes his eyes. If he had the option, he would never let go.
A few hours later, it's dinner time. Christmas dinner this year is different. Everyone acts fine between themselves and speaks to others with smiles on their faces, but everyone at that table has something else on their mind. Cassie guarantees that nobody is thinking about Christmas at the moment.
For instance, Cassie is worried about the full moon being a few days away. Actually, worried isn't the right word. Dread fits better. Cassie doesn't worry about full moons anymore. She knows they are inevitable— but she figures she might as well allow herself to dread it every month. As much as it doesn't stress her out, she would much rather not be doing this every month for the rest of her life.
Harry is thinking about how good last Christmas was. Everyone was themselves and enjoying the time they were all spending together. When they went sledding, when they played group board games, when their stomachs would ache from laughter. He misses it. He misses Sirius.
The majority of people at the table would agree that the attitude would be completely different if Sirius was present. If he was sitting at the head of the table cracking jokes left-right-and-centre, morale would be much higher. He was the light in everyone's life that they sometimes needed when their bulb had burnt out.
Cassie fills her plate with roast dinner, grateful for Molly's magical cooking (pun unintentional). Enzo puts an arm around the back of her chair as he laughs with Atlas. Cassie listens to Ginny and Chris's conversation across the table as they discuss quidditch.
"Even Cassie agrees— doesn't she?" Ginny says, catching her attention.
"Huh?" Cassie smiles.
"Hooch can be oblivious sometimes." Ginny clarifies.
"Oh my, don't even get me started. Did you see Davies grab the quaffle from Mattheo's hands the other day? How on earth did we get the penalty for that?" Cassie exclaims. She loves talking about things she's passionate about.
"Exactly! The whole of Gryffindor were on your side— well, apart from those few..." Ginny smiles, earning a warm smile from Cassie.
"I miss quidditch." Chris sighs.
"D'you reckon you could still play?" Cassie grins.
"Oh definitely. Just you wait, Peia, I'd beat you easily." he scoffs. Cassie pretends like Amos' nickname doesn't still hurt to hear sometimes— especially when it's coming from his best friend's mouth.
Cassie laughs, "Yeah, okay." Cassie loves Christopher almost like a father. He has the perfect sense of humour— which means a lot to Cassie. She can always rely on Chris to cheer her up.
"You okay, love?" Enzo asks, rubbing Cassie's shoulder.
She smiles and turns to face him, "Yeah, full up though." she sighs.
He chuckles and runs his fingertips through the ends of her hair, "That's good though— proud of you." he smiles, looking directly into her eyes, sending a wave of warmth through her soul.
She smiles and places a light kiss on his cheek, his face flushing a rosy pink at the gesture, which she notices. "Did you just blush?" she laughs.
He laughs awkwardly, "Maybe." Cassie chuckles again and rolls her eyes before leaning into his touch. He kisses the top of her head as everyone chats between themselves.
Soon enough, dessert rolls round and everyone is stuffing their faces— particularly Ron and Atlas. Molly had made a massive chocolate cake but due to her allergies, she made Cassie her own little bowl of custard, which Cassie is very happy with. Who doesn't love custard?
"I love custard." she grins, turning to Enzo. He laughs as he looks at the dob of custard around her mouth. He licks his finger before wiping it off and licking it off his fingertip, earning a chuckle from Cassie.
"Oh, Cassie! I forgot to give this to you— it came in the post yesterday morning." Victoria exclaims, reaching into her bag. She pulls out a thick letter with Cassiopeia Black on the front. She furrows her eyebrows as she wipes her mouth and takes the letter. She doesn't particularly recognise the handwriting.
Enzo leans over to watch as she peels it open. Cassie can't for the life of her think who would send her a letter currently.
Oh, that handwriting...
That's—
Cassie,
Merry Christmas. I wasn't sure if anyone had already bought you this yet but I remember you a while ago saying how badly you wanted one of those black headbands we saw Daphne wearing.
So, here you go! I know we haven't spoken in months, and it really does feel horrible, but I thought the least I could do was buy you a present. I truly do miss you, Cassie. I feel as though I'm completely alone— I have nobody. Sure, I have the boys but they don't understand me like you did.
Anyway, I hope you have a good Christmas. Tell Enzo, Vickie and Stevie I said Hi. I don't expect you to say it back but I love you always, Cass.
Lots of love,
Pansy x
———
Cassie takes the black headband out of the letter, getting a better look at it. She looks up at Enzo, complete speechless. That is the last thing she had expected to come in the post.
"I don't know what to say." she murmurs.
Enzo sighs, "Merlin, this is killing us, isn't it?"
As much as Cassie and Enzo really love each other and appreciate each other's company, they're getting slightly bored without them. They hadn't been themselves since they sent those letters. The past few months at school has been hell for both of them— the awkward small talk whenever they accidentally bumped into each other or the small smiles they felt obliged to give them. As Enzo says, it's killing them.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
It gets to around nine o'clock in the evening when Remus announces that him and Cassie are leaving now. It's the first day of both of their cycles— which means they can't risk being somewhere like this at the moment. They begin saying their goodbyes to everyone as they near the front door.
"Thank you for dinner, Molly, it truly was delicious." Cassie smiles, briefly hugging the plump woman as Remus stands in the doorway.
"Oh don't be silly! Are you sure you won't stay? I know my Ginny would love to have a girly catch-up with you!" Molly smiles.
Cassie chuckles politely, "No, it's okay." she says, looking at her father, "We really should get going." Remus looks uneasy— anxious, even. Whether it's from the cycle, the amount of food they'd eaten, or something being actually wrong, Cassie can't tell.
"Remus?" Chris speaks, standing next to Molly.
Cassie's father furrows his eyebrows as he scans the terrain. Cassie stands next to him, following his gaze.
Something is wrong.
As soon as she steps outside, she feels it.
The hairs on her arms and neck stand up, raising goosebumps all over. "Dad." she whispers.
Out of nowhere, a large gust of fire hits the crops. It happens too quickly before Cassie knows what's happening. Her eyes water from the immense heat, her whole body going on high alert.
The ring of fire surrounds the burrow, a messy circle of flames trapping it at every angle. Not long after, the familiar black smoke from the Ministry comes back. Remus shoves Cassie behind him immediately once he sees who it is.
Bellatrix fucking Lestrange.
Cassie wants to kill her. Remus wants to kill her.
Only one of them has slight self control.
Cassie runs as fast as she could, anger fuelling her speed. She hears footsteps and shouting behind her— but she doesn't care. Without a second thought, she jumps over the aggressive ring of fire and towards Bellatrix.
"Cassie!" she hears Remus bellow from the burrow. Another scream is heard mere seconds later; "Lorenzo get back here right now!" and it's Elizabeth's. Not only Remus and Enzo had run after Cassie, but Harry too. He's right behind her as they sprint through the tall crops.
Cassie has her wand out and ready to kill a deatheater. The adrenaline has kicked in so highly that she feels on top of the world. Unstoppable, even.
"I killed Sirius Black! I killed Sirius Black!" Bellatrix teases, her tone high and playful. This only makes Cassie and Harry run faster, wanting nothing else than to murder the woman that killed Sirius. "You coming to get me?" she squeals, simply taunting the pair.
Cassie groans out of pure anger as her legs pace. Why isn't she faster than this? Why are her legs going so slowly? She screams at herself to hurry up. This is the only chance she has to kill her. She is so close.
"Black! Potter! Can you get me?" Lestrange sings, spite lacing her tongue. She is enjoying this.
And, Oh, Cassie wants to kill her for it.
Cassie comes to a halt, a rustling sound being heard. She looks up, down, to the side. Nothing. The only sound she recalls is the sound of Harry's heavy footsteps.
She shakes her head and picks up her pace. Her ankles are wringing wet from the thick puddles, but that is the least of her concerns currently. The only thing on her mind is avenging her father. Bellatrix took him from her— Cassie isn't about to let that slide. Not quite her style.
Cassie hitches her breath as she comes to the end of a row of grass. She's standing in the middle of a giant puddle in pitch black. She lifts her wand, observing her surroundings as she catches her breath.
Cassie looks up and almost falls to her knees. Sirius' constellation. The first time she'd seen it since his death. Is this a sign? Is she meant to kill Bellatrix tonight? "Dad." Cassie gasps, her voice a shaky whisper as she looks up.
A low growl brings her back from her thoughts, now putting her back on high alert. A figure emerges from the crops. A figure she recognises as Fenrir Greyback. She has so much adrenaline she feels like she can kill him here as well.
"You." she spits, her wand high. "You bit my dad when he was four years old."
Greyback chuckles, eerily. "I don't know who you are." His voice is the lowest, most gruff Cassie has ever heard. It doesn't take a genius to see he is a werewolf.
As soon as Cassie begins to reply, Harry bursts out of the field and throws a spell at Greyback. The werewolf blocks the spell and ascends back up into his smoke form.
There are footsteps and whooshes! coming from
every direction. The pair's heads whip to each sound, overwhelmed.
"Cassie!" Enzo's voice warms Cassie's temporary stone cold heart in an instant. He jumps out of the crops and sighs with relief at the sight of his girlfriend. He stands next to her as all three of them spin in a circle, following the noises.
The next people to emerge out of the grass are Remus and Chris. Remus, yet again, shoves Cassie behind him with his wand high. Chris pushes Harry and Enzo behind him, keeping his arm out to protect them.
Out of nowhere, spells shoot from every direction. All five of them react, throwing spells back at each direction. They don't know where they are coming from, but they don't have to. They all have enough adrenaline to fight off anything.
Cassie spots Bellatrix through one of the thick bushes of crops, a match of rage lighting a fuse in her veins. She tries to push past Remus to get to her but he pushes her back, his arm out. She turns to the other direction but Chris stands there, also with his arm to the side. She yells an indescribable noise of rage, wanting nothing more than to crush the woman that killed her father.
Cassie watches as Bellatrix flies upwards, alongside Greyback and other deatheaters. "Fuck!" she bellows at the top of her lungs. They'd gotten away.
In the distance, a blinding orange light explodes. Cassie furrows her eyebrows, getting a closer look. The Burrow.
The Deatheaters have shot straight through it, attacking it from each side. The whole house is up in flames. Cassie prays to Merlin that everyone got out of that house in time. "Oh." she whispers.
Harry begins running back— which kicks Cassie and Remus off too. She has to know if they're safe. Enzo grabs Cassie's hand and runs with her; not wanting to ever let go of her. She scared the life out of him, running towards those Deatheaters like that. However; he didn't expect anything less from her. You'd be stupid if you thought Cassie would sit back and let Bellatrix get away again.
Her chest heaves as she comes to a halt. She does a mental head count of everyone there. Earlier, there was a total of twenty one of them.
A tear escapes her eye.
Not in sadness, but relief.
There are still twenty one.
Remus pulls his daughter to his chest as tightly as he can. His grip on the back of her head is enough to break a wall. "When will you ever learn to listen to me, Cassie?" he says through gritted teeth, his body trembling with relief.
She laughs weakly, "Never."
"You look just like your father." he says, pulling away and putting his hands on her shoulders. In this very moment, Cassie had never looked more like her father in her life. The pure rage in her eyes, the look of pure craze. The messy dark hair and sweaty forehead paired with that Black family determination. The sight almost makes Remus throw up. The grief of his husband is killing him.
But every time he feels himself going under, Cassie pulls him back up again and gives him a reason.
Notes:
muhahahahah i LOVEEEE this chapter!! angry cassie is just so entertaining and i love her. she was SO ready to kill bellatrix and bloody well would’ve if it weren’t for remus.
hms cause i just love this
1) cassie’s present from remus 😖😖 THE PHOTOGRAPH TOOOOO i can’t i miss sirius so much. remus is literally so thoughtful i love him more than anything ever
2) can we get some love for chris over here??? he’s literally an icon i love him
3) pansy’s present :(
4) cassie and harry being HELLBENT on vengeance. i literally sat here writing this with an evil cackle and my fingers together like mr burns in the simpsons. “hello, bellatrix…”
5) SIRIUS’ STARRRRR
typical he only comes out now when cassie is about to avenge him, right? always has to be the bloody centre of attention6) remus HOLDING cassie back. he was not letting go of her even if it was the last thing he’d do. he was not playing around and i honestly respect him
7) then, remus’ pure relief to hold cassie again.
“But every time he feels himself going under, Cassie pulls him back up again and gives him a reason.”
STOP IT NOW.
Chapter 74: Y6 | Life goes on, right?
Summary:
Oh, sixth year…
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ SPACE SONG — BEACH HOUSE
'It will take a while to make you smile. Somewhere in these eyes, I'm on your side.'
Once Victoria left the cottage after cleaning both Cassie and Remus' wounds, Cassie finds herself making tea and buttered toast. She is weak. After the events of the burrow two days ago, she feels odd. Something doesn't feel right.
She hates how easily they can get to them— how easily they can get to Harry. They didn't even see them coming.
Cassie then thinks about how close she was to avenging Sirius. Bellatrix was mere metres away from her but Remus' grasp held her back. She resented him for doing that— but she also understood. Cassie is fully aware that she is the sole purpose for Remus, and if she were to get hurt or even killed, Remus wouldn't be able to hold on any longer.
She admires him for how long he has held on. For starters, he lost three of his best friends and the love of his life in one night. He lost his daughter and nephew. He went through one hundred and forty-four full moons without anyone by his side. Now, he's lost his husband again and his daughter inherited his condition— which he never thought was possible, nor likely.
Cassie always thought she got her perseverance from Sirius; but seeing Remus like that the other night, she changed her mind. Remus and Sirius are as strong as each other, just in different ways. Remus was lonely— he survived all by himself. Sirius left an abusive household behind, his little brother with it. Cassie thinks they're the strongest people she's ever known.
Cassie wears her black headband today, alongside a pair of grey jogging bottoms and her Slytherin quidditch jumper. She sits in the living room with her tea and toast and the television on before her. It's on the muggle news channel, which she finds surprisingly interesting. NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral. Cassie has no clue what NASA was, but thanks to Astronomy, she knows what Mars is.
Remus strolls into the living room, sitting down next to his daughter. He could smell the toast from the other side of the house. If he's being completely honest, it hurts his heart to see Cassie making the very same meal Sirius would make for her after a full moon. Cassie hadn't even noticed, but of course Remus did.
"You okay, sweetheart?" he asks.
She smiles and nods, "My head still hurts and these bastards are still stinging but other than that," she sighs, looking at the fresh wounds on her ankles, "I'm as good as gold."
Remus frowns, "They'll heal quickly, they're not too deep, Vick said so herself."
Cassie nods, taking a bite of her warm toast. "Can Enzo come over later?"
"Yeah, I was just about to ask if you wanted someone round. I've got some stuff to do in the garden so that should be fine." Remus says.
Cassie thanks him and puts her plate down. Remus starts to get up but Cassie stops him; "Dad." she says. He raises a brow and sits back down. "Yeah?" he replies.
"I saw dad's constellation the other night at the burrow." she says, flatly. "I looked up and it was right there and it was as bright as I've ever seen it. I'd never seen such a clear constellation before. I took it as my sign to avenge him that night."
Remus frowns, "I know, sweetheart." he lets out a deep sigh. "But I couldn't risk her getting to you and doing exactly what she did to Sirius. I wouldn't be able to live with myself, Cassie."
"Yeah, I know." she frowns. "Why didn't you try to kill her as well? I know you hate her too— probably even more than I do."
He shrugs, "I've learnt to manage my rage ever so slightly over the years. I knew that if I went after her in that moment, you'd be left defenceless and I would've left you— which was something I promised you I would never do. You're my main priority in every situation, pup."
—
Enzo apparates to the cottage at four in the afternoon. Cassie jumps (soon regretfully) off the sofa and hobbles her way to the kitchen. Her ankles are still throbbing and therefore slowing her down. She sighs with relief as Enzo stands in her kitchen with a smile. She sinks into his arms and he kisses the top of her head.
They walk back into the living room, Enzo's hand on Cassie's back to stabilise her. Stevie pesters Enzo as he sits down next to his girlfriend, which makes her chuckle. "How bad was it?" he asks.
"Ehh... not too bad. I somehow scratched my ankles so it's pretty hard to walk— but I'll be fine. Vickie came over and fixed some of them and dads." Cassie shrugs.
Enzo frowns, petting Cassie's clingy birman cat. "Stevie's happy to see me."
Cassie chuckles, "She thinks you're her boyfriend."
He chuckles and looks her in the eye, "Can you believe we've been together two years now?"
Cassie shakes her head, "How you've managed to put up with me that long is what amazes me."
"I know right." he chuckles.
Cassie supposes it is rather odd how they have gone two years without a single argument. Even Remus and Sirius argued but they knew they still loved each other no matter what. Should Cassie be concerned?
A few hours later, Cassie and Enzo sit in the kitchen as Remus makes dinner. He's chatting to them both about Draco. "I spoke to Harry about this at the Burrow— it's rubbish, Cassie. There's no way Snape would betray Dumbledore like that. As much as I dislike the man, I can't ever deny his loyalty to Dumbledore." he shrugs, his eye on the bolognaise on the stove.
"But an unbreakable vow? Dad, that's as binding as it gets." Cassie sighs.
"He could be lying, we don't know." Remus shoots back.
"He is up to something though, Remus. As much as I don't want to believe it, there's no way Voldemort hasn't put him up to something. He's on the inside— Draco's an easy spy." Enzo adds.
"Yeah, and you know what Draco's like. If he's given an important task, he'll do whatever it takes to fulfill it just to get some sort of praise or validation." Cassie says.
Remus sighs and lets his shoulders fall as he faces his daughter. "Let's agree to disagree, shall we? I personally don't believe Snape would make an unbreakable vow to protect Draco, but if you do, then go ahead. Just please don't do anything to prove that theory."
—
The train ride back to Hogwarts is a drag. It rains the whole way there and almost everyone is in a foul mood. Ron doesn't crack a single joke the whole way there— which Cassie thinks is incredibly odd. Even Enzo is unusually quiet.
Nobody pays much attention to Dumbledore's welcome-back speech or whatever food is in front of them. It isn't just Cassie and Enzo that had a terrible Christmas. Almost the whole of the Slytherin table eat in an oddly comfortable silence.
After dinner, Cassie goes up to her dorm and un-packed most of her stuff. Pansy darts straight into the bathroom, presumably to take a shower, while the other girls talk about their presents. Cassie picks up her present from Remus— all of Sirius' letters. She flicks through them until she comes across one from early fifth year.
5th September 1995,
Dearest Cassie,
I know things are tough at the moment with your friends— it's bound to be with everything going on. I know that exact feeling you're describing; everything feels off and out of place, nobody is quite happy, not a single smile is real and all everyone wants to do is sit in silence. It happened when I was at school, too.
The best thing to do in those situations is to wait it out. It will all blow over eventually, despite the horrible, long-winded process. It may seem terrible at the moment, but soon enough everyone will be back to normal and your smile will become genuine once more.
I know it's horrible at the moment, pup, I really do. Sometimes even me and your father have days like it. This whole war is bigger than any of us, we have no idea what's about to happen— and neither do your friends. Everyone's just as confused and awkward as another. You need to remember that this war will not be forever. We'll make it out of this shitshow and be happy, do you hear me?
I love you more than words pup and I hope to see you soon. Give Enzo and Harry my love.
Lots of love,
Dad x
————
Cassie doesn't cry at that letter. Instead, she bites her cheek knowing that everything he said is the truth— apart from the 'We'll make it out of this shitshow and be happy' part.
She takes in his words and lets them burrow cavernously in the depths of her soul. This truly was the best present Cassie could've asked for. Sometimes all she needs is a reminder of Sirius' wise words.
Since they'd arrived at Hogwarts on a Friday, it means quidditch practice falls on the same day. So instead of Cassie wallowing in her own stress, she puts her quidditch jersey on and heads down to the common room.
Lexi is leant against the back of one of the sofas conversing with Blaise and Enzo. Cassie smiles to herself at Enzo's warm grin as he speaks. She can see how much he misses his best friend. It warms her heart to see them speaking. If Cassie is allowed to speak to them, why shouldn't Enzo?
"Hiya you lot." Cassie interrupts with a smile. Enzo smiles and puts a hand on her lower back before Lexi responds.
"Hey, you. Ready for practice?" Lexi beams.
"Of course." Cassie smiled.
Once they reach the quidditch pitch, Cassie takes a long, deep breath at the sight of Mattheo and Theo whispering. Mattheo scratches his forearm and Cassie wants to curl up and cry. She meets her team in the middle of the pitch, taking everything in her stride. She can do this.
Mattheo looks up and winks at Cassie, which she hates to admit boosts her mood in an instant. "Evening, you lot." Cassie sighs. It's pitch black already outside— even though it's only six-thirty in the evening. All of the flame torches around the pitch are bright on the field to give them some source of light.
A few "Evening,"'s are chorused but rather quietly. "I'm yet to know who our first opponents will be, but my guess is Gryffindor as we haven't played them in a while. After our last match with Ravenclaw, I'm gonna be pushing you guys a lot harder. I refuse to let us have a repeat of last time— especially with Gryffindor." she explains. "If you know me, you'll know that Potter and Weasley are two of my closest friends, but in no way does that mean I go easy on them. If anything, it drives me harder. If they win, they won't shut up about it."
"It's gonna be us that won't shut up about it, right?" Theo adds. A few snorts echo and Cassie smiles.
"Exactly that, Theodore. You guys know Gryffindor— even you, Barnes." Cassie motions to Rosie, who looks rather bored. "Their best player has always been Harry. He and I are two of the only seekers to have joined the team in first year— which is very impressive for both of us. But that means they are a lot more reliant on Harry's role as seeker. They think that if Harry gets that snitch, they'll win." Cassie says. The words flow so satisfyingly out of her mouth. She knows what she's talking about. "So that also means that their players below start to get lazier. In the first ten minutes or so, they have a load of energy and are completely on it. As the match progresses, they rely on Harry and slowly give in. We're going to take advantage of that."
"How do you know we're even playing Gryffindor?" Rosie asks.
"Cassie has like a sixth-sense when it comes to quidditch, mate." Mattheo replies before Cassie can. Cassie chuckled and so do the others, who all know it's true.
"He's not wrong." Lexi shrugs.
"I guess you could say that— but really it's all about calculating and analysing everything. We played Gryffindor once last term, we played Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff twice— which then leads me to believe it's Gryffindor's turn next." Cassie explains, earning a nod from Rosie.
"So what's the plan for tonight, Cass?" Blaise asks.
"I want to focus on our chasers. Gryffindor have brilliant chasers— they always have. However, we have even better. You three get up there, I have a job for the rest of you." Cassie orders.
Mattheo, Rosie and Enzo fly upwards while Cassie pulls Theo, Blaise and Lexi to the side. "Okay, so I want you three to work on passing. As amazing as you all are at it, a little work with the bludger won't hurt. I just want you to try different techniques and different ways to catch it— especially you, Theo. It's more of the chasers I want to focus on but a little more practice is always useful." she explains. The three of them nod and Blaise opens the chest of the bludger, quaffle and snitch.
She squeezes Theo's shoulder before heading over to the chasers. Mattheo sits to the side of Enzo and Rosie as the pair converse, twiddling his thumbs. Cassie notices how he keeps scratching that arm of his. "Right, now you lot. Whilst Katie Bell has been subbed for Dean Thomas, that doesn't mean they're any worse. But definitely, Dean is less of a threat than Katie would've been. It's Ginny Weasley and Demelza Robins we need to worry about."
"Why is Bell being subbed?" Rosie asks.
"That doesn't matter." Cassie chooses not to elaborate on the matter knowing that Mattheo is there. Although he didn't know about Draco's cursing on Cassie, he most definitely knew about Katie Bell. "Anyway, I need you lot to up your game for this match. The Gryffindor chasers are probably the best ones we have to play, okay?"
—
Cassie sighs as she lies across her bed with her hair wet. She isn't tired whatsoever, despite the hour and a half she spent coaching quidditch. She is tired mentally, more-of-the-less. She thought that being back at Hogwarts would keep her mind off things, but this time, it's different. There's so much to stress about.
So instead of sitting there in her own self-pity, Cassie finds herself knocking at Madame Pomfrey's office door once again. "Come in, dear!" Poppy shouts. She has now gotten so used to Cassie's knock that she doesn't have to question who's there.
"Good evening, Poppy." Cassie smiles, sitting down by the fireplace. Despite the hour, Poppy is always so happy to see her favourite she-wolf.
"Good evening, yourself! How've you been, dear? Remus told me all about the incident at the Weasley's house!" the medi-witch exclaims, sitting next to Cassie with a hot chocolate. Knowing of Cassie's allergy, she supplies her with a glass of water instead.
"I've been okay, just a little drained." Cassie shrugs. "I mean, a lot has happened this Christmas. I don't suppose I've told you about what happened between Cedric and his best friend in fourth year?" Poppy shakes her head, indicating for Cassie to continue. Cassie takes a deep breath. "One evening, I was walking the corridors and I heard someone crying from outside the Hufflepuff common room. Naturally, I went to check who it was, and it was Cedric's best friend, Eddie." Cassie sighs. "He was crying over Cedric— they had fought. He told me he was in love with my brother."
"Oh my! I never would've predicted that!" Poppy exclaims.
"Me neither— but that isn't the worst part." Cassie frowns. "Remember that really bad moon I had when I tried to... y'know?" Cassie motions to her chest.
"How could I forget?"
"Well, the reason I was so angry that night was because I had overheard Cedric and Eddie's argument. Cedric said some really fucked up things to Eddie. I clipped him around the ear and shouted at him, of course, but he just told me to piss off. I was so annoyed with him that night, I'd never heard him like that."
"Oh, sweetheart. What were they arguing over?"
"Cedric went out with Cho Chang whilst him and Eddie were constantly... er—"
"Ah."
"Yeah." Cassie frowns. "I didn't really get the full story from either of them until Christmas. I spoke to Eddie by his grave and he told me everything. He said they got together the night before the Final task. Cedric was planning on telling me after his win." Cassie twists her bracelet.
Poppy frowns and puts a hand on Cassie's. "It seems like Cedric was struggling with his own sexuality— and that's something not exactly easy to put into words. I, myself, struggled once upon a time. It's not easy to admit aloud, let alone to yourself, dear. What happened between him and Eddie is between them— and it will always remain that way." Poppy says. "Like you told me when you spoke to Cedric that night, he's at peace, yes?"
Cassie nods, "It seemed so."
"Exactly, dear. He's at peace. He's happy with himself and his sexuality. You shouldn't feel upset about it all, especially if he isn't himself. You should be happy that he had someone like Edward in his life that made him that happy, instead. Even if he's gone now, I'm sure his and Edward's love has gone nowhere. As hard as it is to accept, darling, he wouldn't want you feeling like this. He's happy now, dear. Let him rest."
Cassie sighs, "You give amazing advice, you know that, right?"
Poppy chuckles, "I've heard it once or twice— by the very people from which you come from."
Cassie smiles and bows her head, "Thank you, Poppy."
Madame Pomfrey smiles and squeezes Cassie's hand. "Always, dear."
Notes:
i don’t have much to say other than i freaking love poppy pomfrey
Chapter 75: Y6 | Romilda Vane
Summary:
Always bloody Romilda Vane
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ EVERMORE — TAYLOR SWIFT
'Can't not think of all the cost, and all the things that will be lost.'
Cassie walks through the second floor hallway with Harry, Hermione and Enzo after their previous potions lesson; "It's so easy for them to get to you! You're bloody lucky you weren't killed you three." Hermione reiterates. She has been non-stop stressing about their safety since they got on the train. She seems to be more concerned than anyone affected. "You have to realise who you are, Harry." she says.
"I know who I am, Hermione, alright?" he spits. She sighs and even Cassie chews her cheek. He is becoming even more prone to snapping a lot recently. "Sorry." he adds.
The four of them stop in their tracks when they hear Ron's croaky voice. "Lav, come on, of course I'll wear it." he says.
"That's my Won-won!" Lavender exclaims, wrapping her arms around Ron's neck.
"Excuse me, I have to go and vomit." Hermione remarks.
Cassie snorts, "Think I'll join you." She kisses Enzo on the cheek and he squeezed her hand before she links arms with Hermione and goes the opposite way.
Harry and Enzo walk further down the hallway together, bored of waiting for Ron to ditch Lavender. "You alright, mate? You seem a bit, I don't know, on edge." Enzo says.
Harry shrugs, "Everyone's staring again. I've never liked the staring."
Enzo sighs, "They'll soon forget about it. They're all just nosey buggers with nothing else to gossip about. It'll blow over."
"Thanks, Enzo."
"Of course."
Meanwhile, Cassie and Hermione head to the gardens. "God, it just drives me insane seeing them two together." Hermione spits, her tone passionate.
"You and me both. Lavender is way too in love with him. It's sad really. Ron clearly doesn't like her as much as she likes him."
Hermione shamefully smiles at that.
"Did you just smile?" Cassie chuckles.
"No!" Hermione shoots back, defensively. It takes everything in her not to let a smile break.
"Sure you didn't." Cassie says through her laughter before Hermione joined in.
However, the pair go silent as a familiar group walked past them. Draco, Pansy and Mattheo stroll past; Pansy & Mattheo's heads down with shame, Draco's held high with confidence. Cassie could've punched him there and then if not for the place & time.
Cassie catches Pansy's eye and half-smiles. Pansy blinks rapidly and pretends like she didn't see. Once they turn the corner, Cassie and Hermione let out a chorused sigh.
"It's okay to miss them, y'know, Cassie?" Hermione says softly as they emerge into the frosty, barren gardens. Cassie sighs again and approaches the nearest bench. She swipes off the leftover frost/snow and takes a seat.
"I know." Cassie shrugs.
Hermione bites her cheek and sits down next to Cassie, facing her. "Occasionally, I see you watching them in lesson. I see how your face drops when they start whispering and tugging on their sleeves. You still care about them, Cassie. Nobody is going to be annoyed at you for that."
She sighs and looks down at her bracelet, "I know. It's not like I'm not happy with you guys— I've gotten so close to you all recently and I love you all to bits." Cassie adds, Hermione nodding with a smile. "There's just that constant voice in the back of my head that reminds me of how much I miss them. Enzo has the same thing— I can see it on his face. It's the most horrible feeling, y'know, seeing your bestest friends turn into the very thing you thought they'd never turn into."
"I understand, Cassie, I really do. Obviously, I have no idea what they were all like before all of this happened, but from everything I've gathered from you and Enzo, I assume they were nothing like they are now. You once explained to us that they were the reason you were still alive after your brother's passing. Nobody could be annoyed at you for missing them, especially if they made that much of a difference in your life."
"You're good with words, did you know that?" Cassie smiles.
"I read a lot." she shrugs, a sheepish smile on her lips.
Cassie chuckles, "Y'know, I used to hate you." Hermione scoffs with a laugh, taken aback. Cassie begins laughing too. "What's so funny?" she chuckles.
"Nothing, I just wasn't expecting that." Hermione giggles.
"It's true! If you told second year Cassie that she would become best friends with Hermione Granger, she would've told you to bog off. I'm annoyed at myself for taking so long to get to know you. You really are brilliant, Mione." Cassie smiles. "And it doesn't take a genius to see that sometimes all you need is a girl best friend." she grins, nudging the smiling Gryffindor.
"I think you're right." Hermione admits.
"I always am. Just like how I always beat Gryffindor." Cassie winks.
"Oh gosh, I forgot about the match next week."
"Gryffindor are going down, Granger."
"Oh, I don't know about that..."
"Are you seriously doubting me?!" Cassie exclaims, teasing her.
Hermione laughs, "I would never!" Cassie chuckles and stands up, offering Hermione a hand. She gratefully accepts and stands up. Cassie then puts an arm around Hermione's shoulder as they continue their walk through the bitter gardens.
—
Cassie takes a deep breath after tying her hair up in a plait and putting her jersey on. As she does so, she notices that the number eleven has been one of the few constants in her life. 11th November 11:11pm, #11 Black—Seeker.
The rain pelts down on the changing room roof as dread fills Cassie's blood. Rain games are never great. It makes her job as seeker much harder to find the snitch. As protocol, they have to put a charm over their faces that repels the rain, because when the rain hits you at that speed, it's a pain like no other. Cassie learned that the hard way from the endless hours she played with Cedric as an infant.
She meets the rest of her team in the middle of the changing rooms as they complain about the weather. "Look, I know the weather is absolutely shit, but what do you expect? It's the middle of January! We've never let rain stop us before, have we?" Cassie says, drawing everyone's attention at once.
"Sod off Black, it's raining heavier than the Amazon Rainforest!" Lexi exclaims.
Cassie rolls her eyes, "Where the hell has our spirit gone, you lot? When have we ever let weather dictate our games?"
"She's right. Let's just get out there and win so we can get dry sooner." Blaise sighs.
"Thank you, Blaise! You heard him, we're gonna walk onto that pitch with our heads held high and chests out. We are not losing again, do you understand me? Especially not to Gryffindor." Cassie reiterates.
"C'mon you lot. We can do this." Theo grins. He puts his hand out, waiting for everyone to join in.
"Oh I am not doing one of those cliche hand shakes where we all chant our team name." Rosie spits.
Cassie chuckles and puts her hand on Theo's, shortly, Enzo, Blaise and Lexi following. Cassie looks up at Rosie with a gleaming grin; "You part of this team or not?" She groans and puts her hand on top, despite her strong and obvious hesitation.
"On the count of three... one..." Theo grins. "Two... three!"
"Serpents!" everyone choruses, their hands flying into the air, despite Rosie's whisper. Cassie and the others burst into laughter as they pull their hands back.
Hooch blows her whistle, as if on cue, and Cassie takes a deep breath. They approach the end of the walk-on tunnel, looking up at the weather and crowd. It really is raining.
Cassie practically struts with pride, her strong team right behind her. She looks up at the stands and beams at Hermione, who waves with a smile.
"I will kill each and every one of you if we don't win this match, you hear me?" Cassie warns, an innocent smile on her face with a whisper. Before anyone can protest, she motions for them to take their places in the sky. Meanwhile, she heads to the middle to meet Hooch and Harry. She has a good feeling about this match.
Cassie smiles sweetly at Harry as she stands opposite him. He returns the dramatic smile as Hooch stands in between them at their side. Cassie studies Harry's expression as he listens to Hooch explain the usual rules— which both Cassie and Harry could recite in their sleep at this point; he seems to also be confident about this match. Cassie has to admit, that does make her slightly nervous. However, she knows that her determination to win is what gets them the win.
"Now, shake hands." Hooch orders.
Cassie grabs Harry's hand nice and tightly, squeezing it to make a point. "Good luck, Potter." she grins.
"You too, Black." he winks.
Hooch pretends like this exchange doesn't remind her of two particular students with the same surnames and house colours back in 1976.
Cass rolls her eyes and lets go of his hand playfully. They go their separate ways and get into position with their teammates.
—
Hooch calls her whistle and Cassie groans— but so does Harry. The weather has gotten so torrential it's been deemed too unsafe to play in. Neither Cassie or Harry know who's won by this point, they'd been incredibly high in the sky for the majority of the match, they can't even see the pitch floor.
The pair fly down far enough to see the bright scoreboard at the head of the pitch.
180-170.
Cassie yells with joy, her smile so wide she fears it would scar. "Shit." she hears Harry whisper behind her, but she doesn't care at the time being. They won!
She flies down to the pitch floor to meet her teammates, her body absolutely soaked with rain. Cassie bursts into a hug with all of her team, each of them jumping with joy. A win has never felt so good in their lives.
Harry shakes Ron's hand in disappointment and the solemn lions converse between themselves, sending scowls at the beaming serpents. "Off the pitch, now!" Hooch bellows. Everyone on the stands filters off the pitch and inside the warmth.
Cassie's face may be a luminescent pink colour from the cold and her hands may be completely numb, but she couldn't be happier. Rain drips off her hair and off the tip of her nose as she cackles with Mattheo. He chucks an arm around her shoulder as the happy Slytherins walk off the pitch, completely and utterly satisfied.
Once everyone dries off and dresses into dry, cozy clothes, they head back to the Slytherin common room. Cassie still has so much adrenaline, despite the match being cut short. They only played for forty minutes— compared to what was usually an hour minimum.
After Lexi recites the password, her, Rory, Mattheo, Enzo, Theo & Blaise step inside after separating from Rosie— the girl going to find her Ravenclaw friends. Cassie's smile grows as Enzo collides with her and they share a warm kiss. She chuckles, "What was that for?"
He shrugs, "I just think you're amazing." She rolls her eyes and kisses him again.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
January's full moon is a bad one. It left her weak— more exhausted than usual. Cassie has been in the hospital wing for six days straight. It was only after her insistence to Madame Pomfrey that she was fine to go back to her dorm that she lets her go.
Poppy offers to walk her back to the common room but Cassie politely declines, determined to show she's completely fine and able to walk herself. In truth, she probably could've benefitted from a helping hand, but she's too stubborn for that.
As she wanders the halls on the evening of February fourth, the castle seems to be at peace. With Valentine's day round the corner, the school had a few decorations scattered here and there. Cassie thinks it's sweet gesture— although she knows for a fact it isn't Dumbledore or Snape putting up those decorations. Mcgonagall or Flitwick would make more sense.
Cassie's gut twists like a vine as an all too familiar face walks past. Draco walks along as if in his own world. His head is down and scanning a book with his fingertip as he whispers all sorts of words. Cassie furrows her eyebrows as he pays no mind to her whatsoever. He doesn't even look up.
She sighs and shakes her head. She has no idea what Draco or the others are up to— but she isn't sure she wants to know either. When she thinks too much about it all, she fears her head will explode. As much as Cassie would love to forget about all of her old friends' bad parts and their unforgettable family situations, she sometimes struggles to put it past them.
However, that doesn't stop her from choosing to see the good in them.
Cassie will never stop seeing the good in them. That's all she sees in them, whether it's the right thing or not. Draco poisoned her, for Merlin's sake, yet, she tries to empathise with him and put herself in his shoes. She refuses to believe that the people she once knew are no longer there. It's impossible.
Because deep down, she knows they aren't here anymore. Cassie knew that the second they all got on the train after the summer before fifth year.
However, Cassie chooses to remain delusional for the time being. She already has so much negativity in her life, she doesn't need to start picking apart her old friends on top of that too.
As if pulling away from her thoughts, Cassie hears a hushed voice around the corner. She pauses, trying to listen closer. "Shhh, you'll see her soon." the voice whispers.
Cassie furrows her eyebrows, "Harry?" As if on cue, him and Ron turn the corner and face Cassie. Harry has an arm around Ron's shoulder and Ron looks as drunk as a giant. "What on—"
"Love potion." Harry mouthes. Cassie's mouth forms an 'o' shape and she nods. "Who?" she mouthes back.
"Romilda Vane." he whispers.
"Romilda?!" Ron exclaims. "I'm coming for you Romilda!"
"Yeah, I'm sure you are." Cassie laughs, raising her eyebrows briefly.
"Shut up and help me, will you?" Harry says, Ron pulling his head about. Cassie rolls her eyes and peels Ron's arm from around Harry and puts it around her instead.
"Hiya, Cassie! Have you seen Romilda?" Ron grins as they start walking.
"Where do you think we're going, silly?" she plays along, although her laughter is threatening to jump out her throat by the second. Cassie tilts her head back to look at Harry; "Where are we going?" she lip-syncs.
"Slughorn." he whispers, earning a nod from Cassie. Cassie winces as one of the cuts on her hip pulses with pain. She probably shouldn't be walking this quickly just yet.
"You're better, I see." Harry says.
"Sure." Cassie shrugs.
"No?"
"I'm thriving, Haz."
After a long while of putting up with a bamboozled, annoying Ronald, the trio wind up at their potions master's door. Harry filled Cassie and Enzo in on what happened with Slughorn while she was in the infirmary. The whole horcrux questioning didn't go particularly well according to Harry.
Harry knocks on the door while Cassie keeps Ron distracted. She's showing him how her bracelet works and he watches with intensity. "I'm sorry, sir, I wouldn't bother you if it weren't absolutely necessary." Harry says, his tone strong, yet desperate.
Ron finally catches onto what was going on and pushes Cassie's wrist away from him. "Where's Romilda?" he exclaims, stomping his foot like a child throwing a tantrum.
"What's the matter with Wenby?" Slughorn mutters through the small hatch in his door.
"Very powerful love potion." Harry leans forward to whisper so Ron doesn't hear.
"Very well. Better bring him in then." Slughorn sighs. Cassie smiles and grabs ahold of Ron's hand, afraid he wouldn't comply. However, he willingly follows with a dumbfounded grin on his face.
Cassie guides him to one of the sofas before walking over to Slughorn and Harry. "I would've thought you could've whipped up a remedy for this in no time, Harry." Slughorn states.
"I thought this would call for a more practiced hand, unfortunately." Harry sighs.
Cassie rolls her eyes as Ron approaches the three of them, even after she sat him down. She bites back her laughter as Ron's hands snake around Slughorn's waist and he puts his head on his shoulder. Cassie turns around with the back of her hand over her mouth so Ron won't see her laughing.
"Hello, darling! Fancy a drink?" he slurs, which does it for Cassie. Harry nudges her as she tries her best to contain her already let-loose laughter.
"Perhaps you were right." Slughorn states, his eyes wide.
"Sort him out, will you?" Harry pleads once Cassie brings herself together. She sighs and grabs Ron's shoulders. She leads him back over the sofa and makes sure he'd stay. Cassie vaguely hears some of Harry & Slughorn's conversation; Harry saying something about being sorry for their misunderstanding and Slughorn waving him off. Cassie is too focused on trying to keep Ron sat.
Once she's convinced she'd done a good job, she walks back over to Slughorn and Harry by the remedies.
What a mistake that is
Next thing Cassie knows, there's a crash and Ron's feet are in the air. She lets out a sudden laugh but quickly goes back over to him after Harry gives her a look. She sits him down for the third time with a stern— yet painful, look. Cassie has never had to contain her laughter so hard before in her life.
Fortunately, Slughorn and Harry have finished concocting the remedy. Cassie sits next to Ron to keep him from standing up again as Slughorn hands him the potion. "There you are, boy. Bottoms up!" Horace says sarcastically. He could think of a million different things he'd rather be doing right now.
"What's this?" Ron asked, turning to Cassie.
"Uh, tonic for the nerves." she says quickly, panicking on what to say. Ron smiles satisfactorily and took a big swig. Cassie and Harry watch closely, afraid of it somehow going wrong.
All of a sudden, Ron looks around and his facial expression morphs in an instant. "What happened to me?" he exclaims, Cassie and Harry's smiles huge.
"Love potion." Harry laughs.
"A bloody strong one at that." Slughorn sighs.
Cassie chuckles, "You should've seen you, mate."
However, Ron doesn't laugh like Cassie thought he would. "I feel really bad."
Slughorn offers him a billion different alcohols but Cassie and Harry watch Ron with concern. They share a worried look. All the colour in Ron's face has dropped.
Ron stands up and Harry helps him hobble over to the fireplace. Slughorn hands him a glass of Mead, along with Harry and Cassie too, despite Cassie's hesitation. She isn't too fond of mead— strange aftertaste.
"To life!" Slughorn cheers, raising his glass.
Cassie's heart drops to her stomach as Ron falls to the floor. She knew something was wrong. Her and Harry drop to their knees to see what's going on. Ron is foaming at the mouth and seizing uncontrollably. Cassie's heart paces by a million as she panics on what to do.
"Do something, Harry!" she exclaims. She's hopeless at potions— there's not much she can do.
Harry shoots up and rummages through Slughorn's drawers for some sort of cure. Slughorn just stands there as confused as the others; "I don't understand."
Ron throws himself about on the floor even more, therefore panicking Cassie even more. She holds his shoulder down as if it will help. "Harry, quick!"
"I'm trying!" he shouts.
All of a sudden, the movements calm down and the foaming fizzles out. Ron lies completely still on the old carpet. Cassie feels like she's going to be sick. "No, no, no." she repeats, her voice hoarse.
Not again.
Harry rushes over and opens a box of something. He shoves it in Ron's mouth and closes it as quick as he could. Cassie shakes his shoulders, "Come on, breathe." she whispers.
"Ron!" Harry shouts.
"No, no, no." Cassie says, yet again. No. She looks up at Harry with tears in her eyes. She can't believe what's happening.
Harry gasps as Ron's chest bounces back to life. Ron's head springs up and he coughs his lungs out, gasping for air. Cassie lets out the biggest sigh of relief she's ever experienced. A tear escapes her eye from relief.
He's alive.
He's okay.
Harry's chest heaves as his head fell back. He can't believe what's just happened. He almost lost his best friend right in front of him.
Cassie closes her eyes and sits back, her heart still pounding and hands trembling.
"These girls, they're gonna kill me." Ron sighs.
Notes:
OKAYYY a wild chapter!! ron having a near-death experience was NOT on cassie or harry’s 1996 bingo card…
hms 😓
1) cassie and hermione being girl bffs is just ADORABLE. i will stand by this; HERMIONE NEEDED A GIRL BEST FRIEND!! she was lonelyyy everyone else had their BESTEST friends while she was second to harry and ron :( i just love their friendship and i think it’s beautiful
2) also, i love harry and enzo’s relationship. they’re kinda giving brothers in a strange way? enzo gives older cool brother and harry is mysterious little brother
3) the slytherin team celebrating in the pouring rain is SUCH a cinematic scene in my head and i love it. i miss them all so much you guys
4) i love how the thing with ron went from being extremely hilarious to absolutely terrifying in the span of like 2 minutes. 💀 talk about emotional whiplash, gosh
Chapter 76: Y6 | Sectumsempra
Summary:
I told you sixth year would be fun!
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ MIDNIGHT RAIN — TAYLOR SWIFT
'I guess sometimes we all get some kind of haunted, some kind of haunted.'
The morning after Ron's near-death love potion experience, Cassie sits in the infirmary with Enzo, Harry, Hermione and Ginny. Cassie, Enzo and Harry stand whilst Hermione sits on the chair next to him and Ginny sits on the edge of his bed. He's been out of it almost eight hours.
Dumbledore, Mcgonagall, Snape & Slughorn wander into the infirmary, their eyes darting to poor Ron. "Quick thinking on your part, Harry, using a bezoar." Dumbledore states, turning to Harry. "You must be extremely proud, Horace." he adds.
"Hm?" Slughorn replies. "Oh— yes, very proud."
"I think we can all agree, Potter's actions were heroic. The question is... why were they necessary?" Mcgonagall asks, analysing Ron.
"Why, indeed?" Dumbledore replies, stepping toward the very man that he believes put Ron in the infirmary in the first place. "This appears to be a gift, Horace." the Headmaster states, taking the object from Slughorn's grasp. "You don't remember who gave you this bottle? Which, by the way, possesses remarkably subtle hints of licorice and cherry when not polluted with poison." Dumbledore shares a look with Snape.
"Actually, I had intended to give it as a gift myself." Slughorn asks as Snape lifts the bottle to his large nose.
Cassie, Enzo and Harry listen to their professors' conversation to take their mind off the fact they almost lost Ron last night. Cassie feels sick every time she thinks about it.
"—to whom, might I ask?" Dumbledore says.
"To you, Headmaster." Slughorn responds, bowing his head.
Hermione and Ginny soon look up as a familiar, high-pitched voice enters the room. It's none other than Lavender Brown. "Where's my Won-Won? Has he been asking for me?" she exclaims, pushing past Snape to the end of Ron's bed.
Enzo and Cassie share a look, holding back their laughter. It doesn't take a genius to see Ron is sick of Lavender. Cassie supposes she's just a young girl deeply in love— but it doesn't help the fact she is extremely annoying.
"What's she doing here?" Brown spits, eyeing Hermione.
Hermione stands up, outraged. "I could ask you the same thing!"
Cassie and Enzo share a look of amusement. This is going to be fun to watch.
"I happen to be his girlfriend!" Lavender snaps back, resulting in Cassie turning away to hide her laughter, her head on Enzo's shoulder.
"I happen to be his..." Hermione panics, not knowing how to play this one. Cassie cringes, feeling for her. "...friend." Hermione decides on.
"Don't make me laugh! You haven't spoken in weeks!" Lavender spits. Cassie and Enzo share yet another look, using every muscle in their mouths to hold back their excruciating laughter. "I suppose you want to make up now that he's all interesting!" Lavender adds.
"He's been poisoned you daft dimbo!" Hermione exclaims. Cassie loses it, letting out a laugh. Enzo nudges her and they both struggle to keep themselves together. "And as a matter-of-fact, I've always found him interesting." Granger adds.
As if on cue, Ron gasps lightly in his sleep. Lavender, somehow, thinks Ron is talking to her. "Ah, see? He senses me." she says, fully confidently (which makes Cassie snort again). Lavender steps closer to the bed, squeezing Ron's leg. "It's okay, Won-Won, I'm here." she says.
Hermione and Cassie share a look. Cassie doesn't know what to say.
"Her...mione.." Ron mumbles in his slumber, furrowing Cassie's eyebrows. Ron's chest heaves slightly, "Hermione." he whispers, his eyes glued shut. Cassie and Enzo share a look with risen eyebrows. "Hermione." Ron says again, as if to rub it in. Oh, Cassie is holding on for dear life.
Lavender takes one look at Hermione and runs past Dumbledore, heading out the infirmary doors. Hermione smiles and sits back down, intertwining Ron's fingers with hers. Cassie grins and bows her head.
"Oh to be young, and to feel love's keen sting." Dumbledore sighs. "Well, come away everyone. Mr Weasley is well tended to." he adds, motioning to Poppy.
As the staff, Ginny and Harry filter out the infirmary, Cassie scans the room for her favourite medi-witch. She strolls toward her office, Enzo behind her. "Hi, dear." Poppy grins, her eyes down on the potion she is concocting on her desk.
"Hiya." Cassie sighs and sits down, Enzo following suit.
"You two been okay?" Poppy says, her gaze glued to her potion.
"Yeah." the pair say in unison. "I was just wondering when you reckon Ron will be well enough to play quidditch again? We have a practice match against Gryffindor soon so I just wanna know if I need to switch up my training plans for Theo." Cassie adds.
"Er... I'm not too sure at the moment, sweetheart." Poppy replies as she reaches for the top of her shelf.
"Not even a rough date? A week or two?"
"A week and a half probably— I don't know." Poppy faffs, waving her hand in dismissal. "When's the match, anyway?"
"Two weeks on Friday." Enzo answers before Cassie can.
"Oh he'll be fine by then." Poppy assures. "Now go on; I have stuff to do and medicine to make." she adds. With a huff, Cassie pushes herself off the chair and Enzo does the same.
"Okey dokey, I'll see you soon then?" Cassie shrugs.
"See you later, darlings, take care." Madame Pomfrey sings.
—
By the end of February, Ron is completely healed.
So, one evening, Cassie sits with her usual group of peers at the Gryffindor table. Cassie is next to Harry, opposite Ron, Hermione and Enzo. Ron's expression shows nothing but worry and concern as he looks past Cassie and Harry.
You can tell Ron is in deep thought because it starts to lightly snow from the Great Hall ceiling and onto their warm dinners. "Stop it, Ron. You're making it snow." Hermione snaps, looking up from her copy of the Daily Prophet.
Cassie, Harry and Enzo swipe off some of the snow from the table and onto the floor with a small smile. "Tell me how I broke up with Lavender again." Ron queries.
Cassie and Hermione share the same look as Harry & Enzo. "Um... well, she came to visit you in the infirmary and you may or may not of said something." Cassie shrugs.
"I don't think it was a very long conversation, really." Enzo adds in an attempt to make it sound better.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm bloody thrilled to be rid of her— it's just... she seems a bit... uh, put out." Ron says, lowly.
As if on cue, Harry, Hermione, Cassie & Enzo turn to look at Lavender on the table behind them. Cassie has never seen the girl so uptight. Dark eye-bags sit below her tired eyes, tear residue collecting beside her nose.
Cassie snorts and turns around. Her and Enzo share a look as they hold back their judgemental laughter. Unfortunately, they're Slytherins at heart. "Yes, she does, doesn't she?" Hermione says, an almost satisfied smile on her face. "So you don't remember anything from that night?" Hermione adds. "Anything at all?"
"Well, there's something." he says, his eyebrows low in thought. Cassie and Harry share a glance. "But it can't be..." Ron laughs. "I was completely boggled, weren't I?" The rest awkwardly chuckle, not completely convinced.
"Right. Boggled." Hermione repeats, uncomfortably shuffling. Cassie's heart twists with empathy for the girl.
Enzo, Ron and Hermione converse on their side of the table while Cassie finds herself reading the Daily Prophet yet again. Ever since Sirius died, Cassie likes reading the paper, despite Skeeter's clear bias. She has the constant urge to see what's being written about it all. The Ministry themselves don't understand this mess, but then again, neither does Cassie.
Cassie looks up across the great hall and squints. She nudges Harry with her elbow, his eyes drawing away from his potions book with hesitation. "Oi, Katie Bell's back." Cassie says quietly. Ron, Hermione and Enzo look up as Harry closes his book and stood up.
He walks toward Katie with the sole purpose of closure. He needs to know if it was Malfoy, for his sake, really. "Katie." Harry states, catching Bell's attention. She knew Harry would ask questions sooner or later. "How— how are you?" he asks.
"I know you're going to ask, Harry, but I honestly don't know who cursed me. I've been trying to remember, I swear, but I just can't." she sighs.
She looks past Harry and in the direction of the Great Hall doors. Although Cassie is too far away to hear their conversation, she follows Katie's gaze to the door.
It's Draco. Of course it's Draco.
Cassie looks back at Harry, who is already walking Draco's way. Malfoy spins on his heel with a panicked fiddle of his tie. He looks guilty. Draco has always been a difficult person to read, Cassie thinks, but his expression right now has never been clearer.
She stands up, not telling Enzo or anyone else what she's doing. Cassie follows behind Harry and Draco all through the corridors and walkways. She doesn't know what Harry's intentions are but they definitely aren't good. However, as much as she hates Draco, she doesn't think she'd like to see him dead. An extreme injury is as far as her mind goes with Draco Malfoy.
The school is overcast with an uncomfortable tranquil. Each hallway is as bitter and dark as the next. With every footstep, the noise ricochets off the stone walls.
Draco is a few metres ahead of the pair, Harry on his tail. Cassie isn't too sure if Harry even knows she's behind him, but she doesn't let that stop her. If Harry is only following him to have a stern talk with him, Cassie is more than happy to join in.
Although, she doubts Harry just wants to talk.
Draco ends up at the out-of-use boys bathroom, somewhere Cassie never thought she'd be going. She figures it's fine to enter since it hasn't been in use for years.
The werewolf stops in her tracks as Draco comes into view. Harry enters the bathroom another way, as if to surprise-attack him. Cassie watches as Draco's tense fingertips grasp the sink. He has such a tight grip Cassie thinks he might break it. He pulls his sweater over his head in a frenzy and turns the tap on. His eyes dart left-right-and centre as his blood rushes on adrenaline.
Draco looks at himself in the exiled mirror. Cassie catches a glimpse of his face. Does she feel bad for him? She notices each and every tense muscle on his face, stressed wrinkles, the wide eyes and even the maroon under-eyes. Her gut wrenches with a mixture of feelings. Sorrow, confusion, empathy?
He sobs into the empty bathroom as Cassie stands at the bottom of the steps, eyebrows low and lips parted. Cassie might just cry in a minute. She has no idea where Harry is or what he has planned, but she doesn't quite care. Why is Draco crying? Is there more to this than Cassie originally thought? What is Voldemort telling him? She has so many questions she knows he'd never answer.
Harry steps forward, his wand by his side. "I know what you did, Malfoy." Draco's eyes grow wider. "You hexed Bell, didn't you? You even poisoned Cassie as well."
Cassie hides behind the nearest wall as Draco turns, his chest heaving. Cassie doesn't think Harry cares for his state, he thinks Draco inhuman. That's where him and Cassie differ.
Well, that's what Cassie thinks, anyway.
Instead of responding in a calm manner, Draco throws the first spell he can think of. Of course, Harry dodges it and shoots one back. They begin duelling, each spell laced with spite. They hide behind walls, grunting and groaning. Cassie freezes, unsure what to do.
If she were to step in, Harry would expect her to defend him.
Cassie isn't prepared to hurt Draco.
All of a sudden, it goes quiet. Too quiet. She creeps up the stairs, pulling her wand out her pocket. The bathroom floor has flooded with the sink water, making Cassie's shoes full. The pair are behind the stalls, throwing spells at each other again.
Cassie trudges through the thick layer of water and turns off the source of water. The minute she does it, her heart sinks. Draco flies backwards, toward Cassie. His body hits the ground with a splash. She has no clue what spell Harry has just fired at him, but it is not good.
She looks down at Draco's face. He's gasping for air. "Harry..." she whispers, her feet tied to the floor. A wine red gash appears on Draco's torso. As soon as it appears, he seems to start bleeding out. The water around him turns a red Cassie will never be able to unsee.
Cassie's knees hit the ground in an instant and her fingers find Draco's pulse point.
It's there, but very faint.
Draco had once been the reason Cassie's heart stopped.
Cassie isn't going to let that be the other way round today.
Not here, not today, not like this.
She rips the sleeve off her shirt and attempts to pressurise the wound. The wounds are spreading like wildfire. Cassie isn't sure she has enough cloth to put pressure on it all. She hasn't yet learned the spell that heals wounds either— that's something she'd only seen Poppy do in the infirmary. Cassie's mind wracks with solutions but nothing seems well enough to fit the situation.
Harry stands there, simply watching. He knows what he did— he can see it in front of him. So why doesn't he feel guilty? Harry feels nothing when he looks at Draco— something Harry isn't used to.
Draco looks Cassie in the eye as she pushes on his wounds. "I..." he whispers, his pulse weakening by the second. Cassie feels as if his pulse is a ticking time bomb about to go off in her head. He's running out of time. "I'm sorry." he manages to get out.
Those words alone are ones Cassie has never heard come out of Draco's sincerely all the years she's known him.
This time, however, she feels it.
His eyes threaten to close and she panics. "Draco. Draco. No, no. Keep breathing, okay? Don't you dare." she breathes, her chest out of control. His eyes flutter and a tear falls from her cheek to his body. "Don't you dare, Draco Malfoy." she shouts.
His hand finds its way to Cassie's bloody wrist.
As if on cue, a dark figure Cassie recognises as Snape struts into the bathroom and stands behind Cassie. How is it that Snape always appeared in situations like these? "Move." he spits. Cassie obliges, something she doesn't often do with Snape, and stands up, her hands dripping with Draco's blood.
Once she knows Snape is healing Draco, Cassie looks at Harry. Her shoulders fall as his rise. Unwilling tears trail her cheeks. She can't tell what he's feeling at the moment— his face isn't enough. Instead of a verbal response, he turns around and walks out the bathroom, the potions book tight in his hand.
—
Cassie follows Draco and Snape all the way to the hospital wing. She strangely doesn't want to leave him. She knows she won't be able to rest until she knows he's okay.
It's ironic, really. Draco is the one that literally killed her a few months ago. A normal person in Cassie's situation would've let him die— he deserved to, right?
Cassie didn't feel like she had it in her. The only occurrences where she's ever had the power to kill someone was after the deatheaters destroyed the Weasley's home at Christmas and when Bellatrix murdered Sirius at the Ministry. She'd never be able to kill Draco, not after their history.
The reason they never got along was because of their polar opposite personalities, but really, it's more than that. It's a feeling Cassie struggles to explain aloud. It's just that— a feeling. She feels a strange way toward Draco, she always has.
She doesn't care if her friends would think of her differently, or punish her for helping him. She knows they will definitely have a strong opinion on it but she isn't willing to argue about it. Harry almost killed Draco tonight. Draco threw the first spell. They duelled. Harry won.
So, Cassie sits on a chair at the foot of Draco's bed with her head in her bloody hands. The infirmary doors swing open— it's Enzo, Cassie can tell just by his footsteps. He places his hands on her shoulders as she looks up at him. Enzo's breath is ragged and panicked. "What happened?" he lets out, his eyebrows low as he looks down at her hands.
Cassie shakes her head, looking at Draco as he sleeps. "I couldn't let him die, Enzo." she whispers. "You don't understand— he was on the bathroom floor bleeding to death. I ripped my shirt and attempted to pressurise the wound but it just kept spreading. I couldn't let him die."
"Oh my god, Cassie." Enzo sighs.
Cassie's eyes glue shut at the thought of it. She supposes Lucius will be through the infirmary doors any minute now.
However, it isn't Lucius that walks through those doors. It's Blaise and Theo, Pansy and Mattheo. Both Enzo and Cassie experience the same strange feeling in their chest.
A group reunited— but at what cost?
They all study Draco with confusion before looking back at Cassie and Enzo.
All of them look at Draco, apart from one. Cassie looks up at Mattheo and frowns, tears threatening her eyes. His head tilts with a soft expression. Cassie stands up and hugs him.
"Is someone going to tell us what the fuck happened?" Theo blurts after a few seconds. Cassie pulls away, wipes her nose, and stands beside her boyfriend.
"Harry spoke to Katie Bell, Draco saw and ran to the old boy's bathroom. Harry followed, and so did I. Draco practically broke down into tears at the sink but Harry said something about Katie. Draco's first thought was to spell him." Cassie explains with a shaky voice, her bracelet being abused by her trembling fingertips. "They duelled and I watched it happen. I don't know what spell Harry put on him but all I knew was Draco was barely breathing and bleeding out. He had wounds all over his stomach that just kept spreading. I tried my best to pressurise them but Snape walked in."
"You helped him...? Even after everything he's done to you?" Pansy questions.
Cassie bows her head, "I know he probably wouldn't do the same if it was me— but I'm not the type of person to watch someone I love," she sighs, "die in front of me. Not again."
"He never did deserve you, Cassie." Blaise shakes his head.
Cassie shrugs.
"What did Potter do?" Mattheo asks.
"He walked away the second Snape came in. Please don't say anything to him, you lot. I need to speak to him before any of you do." Cassie sighs.
Draco opens his eyes, squinting at the group in front of him. Is that... Cassie and Enzo... with the others? His eyebrows furrow. He figures he's dreaming. Cassie and Enzo would never be visiting him in the hospital, they definitely wouldn't have been speaking to Mattheo, Theo, Pansy & Blaise, that's for sure. Cassie and Enzo hate him.
Poppy walks past the group and smiles at Cassie. Cassie returns the pained smile.
"Go get some sleep, Cass. It's late now." Theo says, his expression soft. Cassie looks at Enzo and he nods.
"Okay, okay. When he wakes up, do me a favour and don't tell him we were here." Cassie sighs. "Last thing I need is him knowing I tried to save his life. Merlin forbid I care about him." she snorts. The others half-smile with empathy.
Draco is awake.
Cassie tried to save his life?
No, he absolutely has to be dreaming.
Cassie squeezes Mattheo's shoulder and motions to Enzo. They leave the infirmary feeling odd.
"I think I've just had the most chaotic evening of my life." Cassie says in thought.
"Agreed." Enzo sighs, his hand finding hers despite Draco's dried blood.
Notes:
okay so you guys don’t understand how much i love this chapter… bit strange, i know, but i love it. the angst and the friends coming together?? oh i LOVE IT
hms!
1) poor lavender LMAO
2) “subtle drarry… subtle drarry…” i sing into your ear like a magical fairy singing a lullaby
3) the moment draco starts crying and cassie feels immediately bad for him. she’s too good for him, honestly.
4) cassie doing everything she can to save his life oh my god. i told you their relationship was very complicated and would be explored further— so here you are.
i’m just gonna rant about cassie and draco bear with me
okay so he APOLOGISED. something you don’t usually associate with draco malfoy, right? to cassie, that’s like the gates of heaven opening. "Don't you dare, Draco Malfoy." CASSIE BRO I CANT. she loves him so much but she knows she shouldn’t. family is family to cassie, you don’t choose your family. in her case, draco has always been family. letting him die was NOT an option for our girl. we all know draco probably wouldn’t do the same for her, but that’s what’s so interesting about their dynamic. she’s so willing to love him; he distances himself. they were never made to be friends— yet they can be.
and OH, the hospital wing. mattheo taking one look at cassie and her immediately falling into his arms. pansy asking why she saved him after all he did to her omg. they’re all so aware of the people they’ve become, but they can’t help but love one another.
then draco waking up and seeing them talking, immediately deeming it a dream, cause why would cassie and enzo be visiting HIM? he literally killed cassie and enzo almost broke his face. hearing cassie say she cares about him fucked with his brain so hard, you just know it.
yet again, i love this chapter and i love draco Malfoy, soooo…. 😬
Chapter Text
➵ WHITE WINTER HYMNAL — FLEET FOXES
'I was following the pack, all swaddled in their coats.'
Cassie doesn't sleep that night. She stands on the Astronomy tower staring at the same old stars. She isn't alone for very long, however. Harry stands next to her, anxiously tapping the railing.
"I need to get rid of the book." he states.
Cassie nods, her gaze locked on the starry sky. "I agree." she pauses, taking a long, deep breath. "What you did earlier was reckless and if I'm honest, a bit out of character for you, Harry. I'm not annoyed at you, he threw the first spell. I just— I don't like seeing you like that. It's not how I'd like to picture you, Harry, you know that."
"I know." he sighs. "I thought you hated Draco." Harry questions.
Cassie frowns, "I did— I have... multiple times, actually. But letting him bleed out was not an option for me, Harry."
Harry shakes his head, "Yeah, yeah I know. Stupid question, sorry."
"It's fine. Poppy says he'll be okay soon enough. If I know Draco, he'll be too embarrassed to be in the infirmary by the time it's morning anyway."
Harry scoffs. "I'd say sorry but, honestly Cassie, I don't feel guilty. Malfoy's been nothing but a prick to me, you and pretty much everyone since I've known him."
"I know— believe me, I do— but Draco's a very complicated person. I'd never defend his actions, but I've learned to not be so quick to punish him for them. I often think about his father and that horrible family. They're to blame." Cassie shrugs. "Not saying that's an excuse or anything— he still has a choice at the end of the day, I s'pose, but to me it's always been about perspective with him."
"I s'pose."
"The Black family is the only family of Voldemort's followers that have abolished all pureblood values. You have to realise that it's honestly not that easy for Draco to know any different. Sirius scraped by because he had his friends, and had your grandparents to support him. Draco, however, he's surrounded with dark wizards and fellow Deatheaters. I know I shouldn't, but I'm always holding out for hope with him. Even if it's just a tiny bit— it's something, Harry. I'd rather have that than lose him completely."
"Did he ever open up to you? Like— back before this all started."
"Not particularly. Mattheo is the only one that's ever opened up about home life. Everything pureblood and family related was always off the table for us. It was sort of always the elephant in the room, y'know? Especially the few days after Ced died. Oh, it was horrible, Harry. They all looked guilty. I see that look in their eyes in my nightmares sometimes."
"So you really have no idea what their families are like, then?"
"No, but based on what I've inferred and what Sirius told me about each of their parents, I'd say I have a good understanding. Draco used to come back to school with bruised knuckles and a limp— he never said the words, but we all knew what was going on. It only stopped when Mcgonagall picked up on it and went to Lucius herself."
Harry's gaze shifts slightly, his eyebrows heavy like the rain. "When was that?"
"Second year." Cassie shrugs. "I assumed it was to do with the whole Heir of Slytherin rumours that went around— but I reckon it was much bigger than that." Harry chews his bottom lip subconsciously, his pupils dilating back and forth. He looks so deep in thought Cassie wonders if he's present. "What I'm getting at, Haz, is that you need to let this go. Stalking Draco on the map twenty-four-seven isn't doing anyone any good, and you know it. He's going to keep making his father proud whether we like it or not. The quicker you accept that, the easier it becomes. I'm not saying I'm over that fact, or I'm able to move past it easily, but I've given up trying. It's the same with the others— they're too far in it now. We just have to sit back and see where it leads them, and where the hell we fit in, yeah?"
"I don't like waiting." Harry says, tapping the railing.
"Neither do I." she sighs. "First thing tomorrow, the book goes, okay? Hermione or Ginny can go with you and hide it somewhere stupid. I'll even go with you if you want— just..." she sighs and turns to him. "Please don't touch the book again."
Harry nods, "Got it."
And so that's what he does. The next day, Harry and Ginny go to the room of requirement to hide the book. The only person that knows its whereabouts is Ginny, and nothing will change that. Harry will have to spend forever wondering who the Half-Blood Prince is.
Cassie sits on the Astronomy tower one night, the same as the day before, and the day before that, then the day before that. She blinks. Is that— no. It can't be. It's February.
Sirius' star.
Oh.
It's February.
Cassie takes one look at it and heaves into a guttural sob out of nowhere, all of her feelings coming crashing down on her at once. All the grief and the guilt is too much all of a sudden. The loss of her dad and brother will forever leave a heavy hand-shaped imprint on her heart. But she is learning to cope with that— to morph the grief into something she can take in like a breath.
It's the recent events with Draco and Harry, then the overwhelming guilt of still not being friends with the Slytherins and knowing they're all deatheaters. That's what hurt the most, Cassie thinks. Them being deatheaters.
There is some, naive, delusional part of her brain that thinks that maybe, just maybe, they could be putting on an act and would end up doing something like Uncle Reg did. Maybe they can be good again. Maybe they can do the right thing. Maybe they can get out of this mess.
So to end her little breakdown, Cassie wipes her tears and walks off the tower.
—
The quidditch match a few weeks later is one Cassie is oddly looking forward to. After Slytherin's previous victory with Gryffindor, she's buzzing to get back into the atmosphere. She has faith in her team— they've been training as hard as they can with Cassie breathing down their necks every Friday. Plus, Hufflepuff are an easy team without Cedric as their seeker. That's how it's been for the past three years, (un)fortunately.
The morning of, Cassie sits in the Great Hall with Theo, Mattheo, Blaise, Daphne, Lexi and Enzo. They're discussing the match and how they're going to destroy Hufflepuff.
"Also, has anyone else noticed how that Rosie girl is literally Cassie?" Blaise says, sliding his plate of eggs away.
Cassie chuckles, along with the others. "I thought I was the only one." she says.
"Her attitude? God, it's like you have a secret, younger, red-haired twin." Theo scoffs.
They all chuckle, "What's she like in training?" Daphne asks.
"How you'd imagine Cassie is, to be honest. She's loud, very passionate and determined. She also loves to scream at the others if they do something wrong before Cassie even gets the chance." Mattheo explains.
"Honestly, I'm a bit scared of her." Enzo shrugs.
Cassie laughs, "I'm not loud, I just like to get my point across, that's all." she shrugs defensively. They all laugh, earning an eye-roll from Cassie.
Twenty minutes later, "We lose today and I swear I will get each and every one of you replaced, okay?" Cassie smiles, innocently, as she speaks to her team in a circle. They stand in the tunnel of the changing rooms, the patriotic sides of the pitch roaring with cheers.
"Impossible." Mattheo winks.
Cassie squints her eyes, "I mean it, you lot. Losing is not an option, alright? We're gonna go out there, obliterate the yellow bastards and win the house cup this year."
The team of determined Slytherins nod in immediate understanding. They're going to win this match, whatever it takes. And to be fair, they are all honestly a little scared Cassie would kill them if they didn't, as well.
"And here come the sinister serpents!" Creevey announces over the microphone. Cassie takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with harmony.
"I'm counting on you lot, okay?" she says before walking out the tunnel, her proud team following.
Harry, Hermione and Ron all being obvious Gryffindor supporters, hate to admit that the Slytherins look cool. They think they all walk with such pride— their heads high and chests out. They have a dark sense to them, one none of them can seem to put into words. The way Cassie leads her team of talented players makes their skin crawl in such a strange way.
Cassie meets the seeker, Freddie Lang, in the middle of the pitch as the others take their places. She looks him in the eye and smirks. "Watch your back, Lang."
"I could say the same, Black." he fires back.
Hooch stands next to them, her whistle at the ready. "Hands!" she shouts. Freddie and Cassie shook hands, spiteful grins on their lips. Cassie always says her being competitive and therefore a bit rude is never personal. She's the same level of spiteful to Lang that she is to Harry and Cho.
Black and Lang walk opposite ways and quickly get into the air. "And as two of the greatest seekers Hogwarts has ever seen, they prepare themselves for the big match. Who will win? The boastful badgers or the sneaky serpents?" Creevey says, his words flying straight past Cassie's ears.
Cassie makes eye contact with Mattheo and he winks encouragingly, comforting her for a split second. She takes a deep breath and cracks her knuckles & neck out of habit. Her hair sits in two dutch plaits, no makeup or jewellery to be seen (apart from her locket and bracelets, of course). She wears her sacred jersey over a long-sleeved dark green quidditch top.
With a suspenseful countdown, Hooch prepares the whistle inches from her lips. Cassie takes a long, deep breath.
And as Hooch reaches one, Cassie takes off.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
On the night of February's full moon, Cassie is surprised to see Remus, Victoria, Kingsley, Enzo and her familiar Gryffindor friends with Poppy. She walks towards them slowly with a questionable brow. Remus smiles and hugs his daughter, happy to see her despite his reasoning for being here.
"Oh, don't tell me someone else is dead." Cassie groans, pulling away from her father.
"Nobody is dead, pickle." Victoria reassures, releasing a sigh of relief from Cassie.
"Then what are you all doing here? The full moon is in two hours." Cassie asks.
"Come talk in my office, dear." Poppy smiles, motioning for Remus and Victoria to follow. Kingsley stays behind with the students as Cassie sends a worried glance at Enzo. Poppy closes the door behind her as Cassie sits in her usual spot.
"We've had an idea." Remus declares, opposite Cassie by the fireplace.
"Go on..." Cassie says, truly baffled as to what could possibly require this audience.
"An experiment was trialled in Lithuania just over a week ago involving the taming of a young werewolf." Remus starts, immediately making Cassie's stomach churn. "It began with slow introductions of certain loved ones to the wolf, showing it that the people aren't going to harm it in any way. The wolf, over time, learns to get used to these people and trust them— therefore, taming it and proving it not a threat."
Cassie's lips part from the sheer overwhelming idea. Taming the wolf? That seems impossible. This wolf— it's wild and ruthless at a full moon. Who's to say she won't kill anyone? Who's to say she won't hurt someone like she did Cedric at the World Cup?
"I— I can't. That's too much of a risk, dad— I mean, remember the World Cup? I ripped Cedric's shoulder to pieces. Who's to say I won't do it again?" Cassie says.
"Well, that's what the slow introductions are for. First, we start off with just their scent. We'll dot various scents around the forest for the wolf to find on its own accord. Once it familiarises itself with said scents, in a few moons time it will be deemed safe to slowly introduce them." Victoria takes over. Cassie's mind is working like clockwork, truly overwhelmed with thoughts.
Cassie looks to Poppy, "You said I'm the only inheriting werewolf you've ever treated. What if— what if it doesn't work for me? I'm— I'm a different kind of werewolf, what if it only works for bitten ones?"
"The trial was done on an inherited werewolf the same age as you, my dear." Poppy smiles.
Cassie's eyebrows are low with worry as she looks from her dad to Victoria repeatedly. "Whose scents?"
"Ours, Enzo's, Hermione, Harry and Ron's." Remus replies.
Cassie takes in everything she's been told with a deep breath. Is there a chance she can change the wolf? She might even be able to use this as an advantage if a war were to break out— imagine a ten foot werewolf staring you down with those blades for teeth. Surely that has to be a benefit, right?
"They've all said yes to it, pickle. It's just you we're waiting on." Victoria says with that warm, motherly smile of hers Cassie is so used to seeing.
She sighs again, twisting her bracelet. "You promise I won't hurt them?"
Poppy looks Remus in the eye. He nods. "I promise, dear."
So, that full moon, the wolf takes a liking to a branch with a familiar vanilla scent. It sniffs and prods, letting the smell consume its senses. It's a nice smell, it thinks. Maybe this scent will stick around a little longer. Continuing its journey, committing the vanilla smell to memory, the wolf approaches all sorts of scents.
Lavender, chocolate, musty book pages, freshly mowed grass, damp broomsticks, cat hair. The smells are an overwhelming sensation, one the wolf finds itself searching further for. The vanilla scent is its favourite, it thinks, so the wolf likes to sniff around the vanilla-scented tree for the majority of the night.
A butterfly with identical dark green wings flutters its wings and lands on the wolf's wet nose. It curls its nose upward, sniffing the insect. It's not intimated by the creature, or scared of it. It's a gentle creature, it's okay.
The butterfly takes flight, flapping its intricate, beautiful wings into the distance. The wolf follows the butterfly, watching as it flies up a tree, out of sight. The wolf whines, wanting it back.
Instead, the wolf crawls around the tree, looking up. If a wolf could beam with happiness, this wolf would be doing just that. There's a kaleidoscope of green butterflies of all shades— eight in total. When the wolf sniffs them, its chest pulls it towards the kaleidoscope. It's a compelling feeling, one drawing it their way.
However, the butterflies sense the wolf below them and flap their wings away in a rush of panic. The wolf whines again and curls up on the floor, its head between its paws on the mossy ground. Above, the moon is slowly reaching dawn.
The wolf watches the moon go down as content as it's ever been.
—
"Well, how'd it go?" Hermione exclaims, her voice ringing deep in Cassie's eardrums. She winces, her eyes pressing shut. She briefly hears Harry shushing her before someone squeezes her hand.
She opens her eyes to a smiling Remus Lupin. "Hi." she sighs.
"Hi, sweetheart. How'd you feel?" he asks, his eyes heavy from his own moon.
"Sensitive, but alright." she half-smiles.
"Notice anything different?" Victoria asks from the foot of Cassie's bed.
"Not really— I remember something about a group of butterflies." she frowns, her eyebrows pressing together. "I do remember the distinctive smell of vanilla and lavender." she says. "And Chocolate." she adds.
"That'll be me, Poppy and you, Moony, right?" Enzo says, resting on the edge of Cassie's bed.
"Most likely." Remus nods.
"I don't remember being repulsed by the scents— interested if anything. It's all a blur, like most moons." she frowns, shaking her head.
"That's okay, Cass. Hopefully it will become clearer the more we test these smells." Remus sighs, letting go of her hand and patting her leg.
"I'm tired."
"You can go back to sleep love, I'll be here when you wake up. It's a Friday." Enzo smiles.
"Yeah, I'll be more than happy to copy my notes down from lesson to give you." Hermione offers with that friendly smile of hers.
"Thank you, Mione." she softly says, closing her eyes slightly.
"Go to sleep, sweetheart. I won't see you until the next moon, so have a brilliant term and make sure you write to me when you can. You know I love you to the moon and back, pup." Remus comments, standing up. He kisses Cassie on the forehead and she smiles, leaning into his touch.
"I love you more. Take care of yourself, dad." she smiles as he starts walking away.
With a nod, Remus enters Poppy's office. Hermione, Harry and Ron say their goodbyes to Cassie before going to breakfast, promising to wait in the hall for Enzo. Enzo tucks a strand of hair behind Cassie's ear as her eyes flutter shut.
"You really reckon this is gonna work?" Cassie croaks, her eyes shut.
"I don't know, love, but I hope so. I think one of the main reasons I said yes was because I know how guilty you feel at the thought of hurting me or anyone else. It'll ease both my mind and yours to know you can't harm any of us."
Cassie pushes out the darkest of thoughts. He's right. What a relief it would be to not have to worry about hurting anyone. For nobody to fear her. For nobody to see her as anything but Cassiopeia Black, the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. Cassie, a friend, a daughter and a sister.
"I really hope this works, Enzo."
"Me too, Cass."
Notes:
this is our last happy-ish chapter before it all goes to shit! :) it’s almost the end of sixth year, and we all know what that means…
i’ll let u guys find out xx
but please bear in mind from now on there will be much darker themes and heavier content!
Chapter 78: Y6 | Lucky
Summary:
Cassie’s self-control is holding on by a thread x
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ THE LUCKY ONE — TAYLOR SWIFT
"But can you tell me now, you're the lucky one?"
A whole month passes since the incident with Draco and Harry. Since then, Harry is still grappling with trying to pry open Slughorn and the guilt from that night. Regarding the Slughorn side of his current issues, he's found a solution. A good solution.
Cassie can't believe her ears as he explains the plan to her, Enzo, Hermione and Ron. They sit in the library with low eyebrows and questionable feelings.
Harry is planning on taking his portion of liquid luck to speak to Slughorn and get information out of him. At first, Hermione absolutely refuses; "No. No, No, Harry. It's completely ridiculous!" she protests. However, she soon comes round when she realises how important this is to both him and Dumbledore.
Cassie, on the other hand, doesn't give a fuck about Slughorn, or Dumbledore. However, she sees the way Harry pleads for them to understand and let him do this, the way his breath falters and how sweaty his forehead becomes. He needs this, whether it's for himself or Dumbledore.
Once Hermione and Cassie are on board, so are Ron and Enzo. On one condition, however;
Cassie has to go with him.
They could've sent Hermione, or Ron, but they know Hermione would've been too paranoid and Ron would just let Harry do whatever he wanted with no regard to the consequences. Enzo offers but Cassie insists. Plus, it might even be entertaining... Who knows?
Harry takes the vial of Liquid Luck out of his shirt pocket and breathes in. Cassie watches as he grimaces at the taste and blinks rapidly. He slowly begins to smile as the luck floods his system. Cassie and Enzo share a look.
Harry is now beaming, his eyes almost twinkling. "Well... how'd you feel?" Hermione asks, her tone wary and unsure. She doesn't like this plan.
"Excellent." Harry grins. "Really excellent." he adds, his smile shining so bright Cassie thinks they might need sunglasses.
"Alright, remember, Slughorn eats early, takes a walk and returns to his office." Enzo says. He's more aiming it at Harry because he knows Cassie already knows what she's doing, Harry, however, he looks off his tits.
"Right." Harry smiles. Cassie nods with a sigh. "I'm going down to Hagrid's." Harry adds, an innocent grin on his face.
"What?" Hermione, Cassie, Enzo and Ron chorus.
"No, Harry, we're going to speak to Slughorn." Cassie says slowly. All five of them are stood up now, Harry by the library door. "We have a plan."
"I know, but I have a strangely good feeling about Hagrid's. I just— I feel like it's the place to be right now. D'you get what I mean?" Harry insists.
"No." the others reply in unison.
"Well, trust me. I know what I'm doing. You coming or not, Cass?" he asks, spinning on his heel toward the door. On his way out, he passes a random student and exclaims "Hi!" Cassie chuckles, coughing to cover it up.
"Right, wish me luck then." Cassie braces. "Pun unintended." she sighs.
"Good luck." they reply.
At that, Cassie follows Harry down the hallways and past tens of students that he insists on greeting with a huge grin. "Harry, slow down." she groans.
"Keep up, Black." he smiles, stopping in his tracks and waving his arm. Cassie skips a step and falls in sync with Harry. They walk all the way down to the indoor greenhouses out of the castle, where Cassie spots Slughorn. She nudges Harry and juts her chin at the man, who is definitely stealing from the greenhouse, which would typically result in a fuming Pomona Sprout. Harry smiles without a word before walking toward the potions master. Cassie reluctantly follows.
Harry stands only a few inches from Slughorn, Cassie beside him. Slughorn must've seen them out of the corner of his eye, because he physically flinches by the sight of them. "Merlin's beard, Harry!" Slughorn exclaims.
"Sorry, sir. I should've announced myself." Harry smiles sheepishly. "Cleared my throat, coughed, dunno. You probably assumed I was Professor Sprout."
"Yes, I did, actually. What makes you think that?"
"The overall behaviour, sir. The sneaking around, jumping when you saw me." Harry says.
"Are those Tentacular leaves, sir?" Cassie interrupts, hoping to get Slughorn on board. "I hear they're very valuable, aren't they?"
"Ten galleons a leaf to the right buyer." Slughorn replies, not taking his eyes off the plant. "Not that I'm familiar with such transactions, but one does hear rumours. My own interests are strictly academic, of course."
"These plants always kind of freaked me out." Harry comments with a shrug. Slughorn hums in agreement so Harry walks away. Cassie sighs and follows after him. He's a little unpredictable currently, you see.
"Exactly how did you get out of the castle, you two?" Slughorn asks, straying from the greenhouse. Cassie and Harry stop in their tracks and face the professor with the same look. Merlin's beard, they look alike sometimes, Slughorn thinks.
"Through the front door, sir." Harry replies bluntly. Cassie pushes her lips together to prevent chuckling at his plainness. "We're off to Hagrid's. He's a dear friend and we fancied a visit, didn't we, Cassie?" Harry says, and Cassie nods. "So, if you don't mind, we'll be off now."
They walk away again, Cassie jogging slightly to keep up with Harry. Why is he so quick all of a sudden?
"Harry!" Horace exclaims, baffled by his bold behaviour.
"Sir." Harry responds, and Cassie smiles so brightly it hurts to do so.
"It's nearly nightfall." Slughorn enforces. "Surely you realise I can't allow you to roam the grounds without a teacher."
"Well then, by all means, come along, sir." Harry smiles simply. Slughorn glances around him before giving in and hobbling after them. Harry links his arm with Cassie's as they walk. His grip is way too tight on her arm for her liking.
"Merlin, Harry, what did that potion have in it?" she mutters.
"Luck, my cousin." he grins. "Luck!"
Cassie can't help the laugh that escapes. They walk all the way down the bank where Hagrid's hut lies. It's not quite dark yet— the sky is an angry grey, yet a murky brown. It's been a cloudy month, that's for sure.
Hagrid isn't in his hut. With a huff, Harry lets go of Cassie's arm and marches towards the half-giant. Hagrid is stood next to what seems to be a deceased arachnid. Fang, the great loaf he is, licks Cassie's hand and she pets the top of his head. She's always wanted a dog— maybe not one as big as Fang or Padfoot. A german shepherd, perhaps?
Hagrid is crying when the three people approach. He must've been close with the spider then, Cassie reckons. Herself, she's never seen this creature before. If anything, it's rather unsettling a creature.
"Merlin's beard! Is that an actual Acromantular?" Slughorn exclaims. Ah, that's what it is. An Acromantular. Remus taught them about those in third year DADA.
"A dead one, I think, sir." Harry replies, pointing at the grey creature. Cassie mentally facepalms and slaps the side of Harry's arm.
"Harry!" she whisper-shouts.
"Good God! How on earth did you manage to kill it?" Slughorn demands, looking at Hagrid with fascination. Cassie is going to take a guess and say Hagrid didn't exactly kill this Acromantular. He may just be the most friendly half-giant alive— especially when it comes to misunderstood creatures like Norbert and Buckbeak.
"Kill it? Me oldest friend, he was." Hagrid replies. As Cassie thought.
Harry doesn't look quite present, Cassie thinks. He's looking all around him with not a single thought behind his mother's green eyes. He looks restless— bored, even.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't—" Slughorn rushes.
"Oh, don't worry. You're not alone. Seriously misunderstood creature, spiders are." Hagrid insists, which Cassie also predicted him saying. "It's the eyes, I reckon. They unnerve some folk."
"Not to mention the pincers." Harry comments, making a gesture that of a spider's pincers while clicking his tongue. Cassie shuts her eyes and pushes down whatever laughter she can feel arising.
Hagrid pauses for a moment, quite taken aback by his gesture, as the normal person would. It's rather obvious Harry isn't himself this evening. Cassie just hopes Slughorn is too oblivious to see that.
"Yeah, I reckon that too..." Hagrid says slowly, his bushy brows low.
"Hagrid... the last thing I wish to be is inconsiderate, but Acromantular venom is extremely rare. Would you allow me to extract a vial or two?" Slughorn proposes, rather indelicately. "Purely for academic purposes, you see." Cassie presses her lips together with a questionable expression. She doesn't think she particularly likes Horace Slughorn.
Hagrid breathes in. "Well, I don't suppose it's going to do him much good anymore now, is it?"
"My thoughts exactly!" Horace exclaims, a smile on his face. Before Hagrid can change his mind, he approaches the arachnid and inspects its front. Cassie watches with low eyebrows and a tilted head. This can't be morally right, can it? It's only just died.
"I wish you'd of seen him in his prime. Magnificent, he was. Just magnificent." Hagrid thinks aloud, his voice cracking with emotion.
Laughter is a curse sometimes, Cassie thinks. For something so joyous, why does it bring so much pain to contain?
Slughorn has accidentally ripped off the Acromantulars front pincers. Harry looks at Cassie through the side of his eye and Cassie has never struggled with self-control so much in her life. This is painful.
"Oh dear..." Slughorn mutters, to make things worse. He quickly finishes up and comes back toward Hagrid, Cassie and Harry. Fang, yet again, licks up Cassie's hand, making her grimace and wipe the slobber on her jeans.
"Would you like me to say a few words?" the potions master offers. Cassie takes a deep breath as Hagrid says yes. They should've sent Hermione. At least Hermione wouldn't struggle not to laugh at an obituary.
"He had a family, yes?" Slughorn asks.
"Oh, yes." Hagrid smiles, and Harry huffs a laugh too. This makes Cassie wonder if Harry's ever encountered this Acromantular before. She often forgets there's a two year gap of which she wasn't friends with Harry.
Everyone takes a deep breath, Hagrid and Slughorn even shut their eyes. Cassie channels all self-control. "Farewell..." Slughorn trails off.
"Aragog." Hagrid finishes. Ah— Aragog. The creature thought to of killed all of those muggleborns when the Chamber of Secrets first opened. Yes, Harry's mentioned him before. Ron shared his terrifying encounter with Aragog's family in the Forbidden forest— a story that made everyone laugh.
"Farewell, Aragog, king of the arachnids. Your body will decay..." he says. Fang interrupts with a low howl, his nose pointed at the sky. "but your spirit lingers on. And your human friends find solace in the loss they have sustained." he finishes. Hagrid wipes his tears with a dirty rag as Cassie and Harry share a look.
After a moment of sniffling and deep breaths, Hagrid straightens himself. "Fancy coming to my hut for a drink?" he asks. This, Cassie enthusiastically nods at.
By the time it gets dark, Cassie is in the small confines of Hagrid's warm hut. She's sat on a chair beside Harry and Fang, who has his heavy head on her lap. He's an adorable feature to the castle, she thinks. Always so happy.
By this point, Hagrid and Slughorn are both drunk. The most Hagrid let Cassie have was a pint of Knotgrass mead. She protested, of course, as a seventeen year old witch of age, she should be allowed to drink whatever she may fancy. Hagrid, as a responsible (?) adult, disagreed.
Harry is bopping his head to Hagrid and Slughorn's slurred shanty. He's swaying his body slightly as if he's actually enjoying it all. Hilariously, he seems to be having fun.
When they finish the song, Harry happily claps and Cassie joins in with less enthusiasm. Hagrid and Slughorn erupt into hearty laughter. Cassie finds their height difference rather amusing.
"I had him from an egg, you know. Tiny little thing he was when he hatched." Hagrid says, taking about Aragog yet again. It's all he's talked about all evening. "No bigger than a Pekinese! A Pekinese, mind you!"
"How sweet! I had a fish once." Slughorn starts. Cassie sighs and takes a sip of her mead, despite it being rather tasteless. "Francis. He was very dear to me. One afternoon I came downstairs, and... he'd vanished!" he exclaims. "Poof." he adds for emphasis.
"Poof." Hagrid nods. "That's very odd, isn't it?"
"It is, isn't it?" Slughorn agrees.
Cassie is rather glad Harry is choosing to remain silent at the moment. All this talk of death, Cassie worries he'll say something out of pocket at the wrong time. A liquid-luck induced Harry is like a golden retriever puppy. Constantly happy, smiling all the time with not a clue to its surroundings. He looks rather intrigued about Slughorn's disappearing fish, lips parted with interest. Oh, she can't wait to report this all back to Ron and Enzo.
"But that's life, I suppose." Slughorn starts. Oh great, Cassie thinks, an inspirational outlook. She's had enough of those from Dumbledore over the years. "You go along and then suddenly... poof!" he sighs.
Hagrid thinks deeply about this, then simply agrees. "Poof." he reiterates.
"Poof." Harry says. He says it more sensibly, this time. Perhaps the luck is wearing off. He seems more in control now— and aware of the original plan. Cassie supposes Slughorn's fish also relates to his past with Tom Riddle, in a way. She can see why Harry picks up on this.
Hagrid puts his head back, and within seconds, he's gone. He's fully asleep and snoring before Cassie can even count to ten. Harry chuckles, humbling Cassie in realising he's still high as a kite on liquid luck.
Slughorn, however, he looks sad. His eyes have softened and a warm smile remains on his face. Harry frowns, looking from Cassie to their professor. "It was a student who gave me Francis. One spring afternoon, I discovered a bowl on my desk. Just a bowl with a few inches of clear water in, and floating on the surface was a flower petal." This is what makes Cassie realise he's talking about Harry's mother. That explains the sudden change in tone and demeanour. Cassie hopes this doesn't upset Harry.
"As I watched, it sank. Just before it reached the bottom, it transformed... into a tiny fish. It was beautiful magic." Slughorn smiles, Harry along with him. He hasn't yet clocked that he's talking about Lily. "Wondrous to behold." he smiles, looking Harry in the eye. He holds his gaze for a moment, and Cassie knows for a fact he sees Lily Evans. "The flower petal had come from a lily. Your mother." Slughorn frowns, his eyes glossy.
Cassie looks at Harry. He's not frowning, nor crying. His gaze remains blank and she wonders if he's even processed what he said.
"The day I came downstairs, the day the bowl was empty... was the day your mother." he sighs. This, unfortunately, makes Harry's eyes fill with tears. Oh, she wants to take those tears and never let him shed them again. He's too precious for tears. "I know why you're here, you both, but I can't help you. It would ruin me."
This sobers Harry instantly. He visibly straightens his back and sighs. "Do you know why I survived, professor? The night I got this?" he says, pressing his scar lightly. "Because of her. Because she sacrificed herself. Because she refused to step aside— because her love was more powerful than Voldemort."
Slughorn flinches. "Don't say his name."
Cassie sits back and lets Harry handle this. This is his fight, and his past. He is all that matters.
"I'm not afraid of the name, professor." he says, standing up and approaching the professor. "I'm going to tell you something. Something others have only guessed at. It's true. I am the Chosen One. Only I can destroy him, but in order to do so, I need to know what Tom Riddle asked you all those years ago in your office, and I need to know what you told him." he sighs. Cassie analyses him from head to toe. "Be brave, professor. Be brave like my mother."
It must be the alcohol, because Cassie swears she can feel tears pricking her eyes.
"Otherwise, you disgrace her. Otherwise, she died for nothing." he states, his tone strong and firm. "Otherwise, the bowl will remain empty forever."
This awakes something in Slughorn. Cassie rises and stands beside Harry. She finds his hand and squeezes it. He did it. You can see the moment Slughorn gives in, reaching into his coat pocket.
"Please, don't think ill of me when you see it. You've no idea what he was like, even then." Slughorn frowns, pressing the tip of his wand to his head.
Cassie gives Harry's hand one last squeeze before reaching into her own pocket and pulling out the vial Hermione gave her. Slughorn pulls the memory from his hippocampus with delicacy. She hands the vial to the professor, who, with shaky hands, feeds the memory inside. Harry holds his hand still, and Cassie looks at his face for a moment.
Sometimes Cassie finds herself looking at him and thinking Wow. That's it— just Wow. He never fails to amaze her, even in moments like the one with Draco in the bathroom.
Cassie thinks she is always going to be in awe of Harry Potter.
—
That night, Cassie walks Harry to Dumbledore's office. Outside, he comes to a halt and looks at her. The luck has completely worn off now, to her relief. He takes one of her hands and smiles. "Thank you for tonight, Cass."
Cassie furrows her brows. "You're thanking me? Harry, you just single-handedly did the impossible. You just did what Dumbledore himself has never been able to do all this time. Give yourself some credit, you're incredible."
Harry has never taken compliments well. He smiles sheepishly and squeezes her hand. "Thank you for coming with me, though. You're one of the bestest friends I've ever had, Cassie."
Cassie smiles, "Always, Harry. Now go on, give that to Dumbledore and report back in the morning. I'll tell the others about tonight."
Harry sighs with a relieved smile. "Goodnight, Cass."
"Goodnight, Haz." she grins, letting go of his hand.
Notes:
hms!! i love this chapter.
1) book harry shining through is just the funniest thing ever. he’s like a puppy in this chapter i love him so much 😭😭
2) cassie trying with EVERY bone in her body not to laugh at poor aragog. especially when harry is so out of pocket💀
3) lily evans mention but at what cost. 😕 (i love lily evans)
4) cassie and harry’s relationship is perfect to me and i love them so so much. they’re the sibling they each didn’t know they needed :’)
like i said, chapters will be much heavier after this!! dare i say this is the last happy chapter for a while… 😬
Chapter 79: Y6 | The Battle of the Astronomy Tower
Summary:
SEVEN. New. Ways. That. You. Can. EAT. YOUR. YOUNG.
yes, we’re looking at you dumbledore xx
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ EAT YOUR YOUNG — HOZIER
'Seven new ways that you can eat your young.'
"You mean to say you're going with him?" Hermione exclaims. The group are in the empty courtyard the following morning. It's a Sunday morning, no students are awake this early. Harry explained all Dumbledore told him, and what the memory entailed. Cassie doesn't know how to feel.
Seven pieces.
Seven pieces of his soul could be anywhere.
And Dumbledore is asking for Harry's help to find one.
"You don't understand, I have to—" Harry protests.
"No you don't, Harry. By the sounds of it, this is very dangerous. Do you even know what he needs your help for?" Hermione asks.
"No, but I don't need to. He's asked for my help and I have to give him that. I owe it to him."
"You don't owe him anything, mate." Ron says, plainly.
"I owe him my life, Ron."
"No, you owe your life to your mother. Dumbledore's done fuck all for you." Enzo shrugs. "Why should you help him?"
"Because if we want any shot of destroying Voldemort—"
Cassie stands up and paces, shaking her head. "He asks too much of you, Harry. He's taking advantage of you and you know it. Dumbledore doesn't need you, he can easily ask Snape or Minnie to help him. He's asking you because you're young and willing to help. He's making you a soldier, not a helping hand, and you're blinded by martyrdom."
"That's not true—" Harry starts.
"She's right, Harry." Hermione sighs.
"Alright, it's better I do this on my own, anyway." Harry shrugs, sitting down with defeat.
"You're not on your own, Harry, that's not what we're getting at whatsoever. I'm just making you aware of the fact he's using your bravery and willingness for his own good. He's been making you interrogate Slughorn for months. You're a puppet on his strings and I don't trust him." Cassie raises her shoulders in defence. "But that's not to say I don't trust you. Whatever you decide to do, we'll follow, but I need you to consider all of your options before you go ahead with this. If you haven't realised by now, Harry, you mean a lot to us."
Harry looks Cassie in the eye and she frowns. He then looks to Hermione, and Ron, then Enzo. With a deep sigh, he shakes his head. "I'm helping him whether you like it or not. I'd appreciate your support, but I won't ask that of you if you don't want to. It's my fight at the end of the day."
"When will you ever realise we're not leaving your side, Harry?" Hermione sighs.
"Alright. It's decided, then. I'll go— but I want you to do something for me."
"Anything." Ron states.
Harry hands out four vials of liquid luck to each of them. "Take these before I go. It's all I have left."
—
A few hours later, Cassie finds herself on the Quidditch pitch with her team. She called a last minute training session when Hooch delivered the mid-season stats. Gryffindor are at 976 points, Hufflepuff are at 703, Ravenclaw are at 599.
Slytherin are at 958.
20 points makes all the difference in the House Cup in a few months time. Cassie needs her team to up their game in time.
"Right, I know this is unplanned and you all probably have better things to do on a Sunday afternoon, but Hooch has recently given me the mid-season stats for the House Cup. We're twenty points behind Gryffindor." Cassie states.
"You're joking." Theo says with a scoff.
"I know— we have three weeks until our next match with Ravenclaw. I'm expecting to get those twenty points back, alright? The only way we're going to be able to do that is if you up your game. Chasers; you need to focus on new techniques and passes— you don't pass half as much as you should. Mattheo could be a metre away from a hoop and Rosie, you'll throw fifty metres away. It's silly and unnecessary— those are ten points we're missing out on."
Rosie rolls her eyes, and Cassie resists the urge to do the same.
"Stop rolling your eyes at me, it's childish. Just accept the criticism I'm giving you and change it." Cassie huffs. "Beaters; I don't really have any feedback on you, I'd say just keep up what you're going and we'll be fine. You two are my favourite people to ever exist and I love you both. You're my angels."
Lexi and Blaise chuckle. "Yeah, we love you too." Blaise grins, folding his arms over his chest. Cassie and Enzo pretend like that didn't hit them square in the chest.
"Theodore Edward Nott; for the love of Merlin and Morgana both, stop getting distracted. When we played Hufflepuff, you stopped to tell me gossip you'd seen from the stands. That needs to stop. As much as I love hearing your gossip, it can most definitely wait until we get off the pitch, yeah?"
Theo frowns like a toddler. "Fine." he shrugs. "I see how it is."
"What about you, Cap? You're all about criticising us while bigging yourself up to be this perfect player. Let's not mention all of the times the snitch has escaped your grasp, Black." Rosie huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.
Cassie scoffs, "You fucking what?"
"You heard me. Merlin, last year was a shitshow. Remember our first Hufflepuff game? It's like you were scared of their new seeker—" Rosie stops herself. She realises what she was saying and the death glare the whole team have suddenly given her. "Oh, shit." she whispers.
"You have no idea what you're talking about, Barnes. Next time, keep your mouth shut on things that don't concern you." Mattheo spits.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise—"
"Forget it, Barnes. Theo, I want you to practice with the chasers with passing techniques. Blaise and Lexi, you're free to go if you like. I'll be in the stands if you need me."
Cassie walks off the pitch in a newfound bad mood. Enzo watches her walk away and swallows. He stops Mattheo mid-sentance and puts a hand on his arm to excuse himself. He catches up with Cassie and finds her hand. "You alright?"
Cassie takes a deep breath, "I can't let things like that get to my head, Enz. I'm sick of it. But, oh, I'm angry. I have this burning desire to just—" she runs a hand through her hair. Cassie sighs. "Pathetic, isn't it? Seventeen years old and I can't control my fucking emotions like a child."
"Seventeen years old with a lot of grief and a werewolf condition, may I add." Enzo says.
Cassie snorts, "Way to rub it in, Enzo."
"No, that's not what I—"
Cassie chuckles, throwing her head back, "I'm joking, love. I understand what you meant."
He laughs, "You're evil, you are."
"Thanks, I get it from my dad." she smiles. "Go on, Enz. Mattheo needs you. After this, we'll get some lunch. I'm okay."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
Cassie watches her team practice from the front row of the stands. She watches the way Theo does his absolute best to keep focused, and the way Mattheo remembers to pass to Enzo so easily. It's satisfying, as a captain, to watch your team actually follow your advice and do it beautifully. Her team have always been good at that.
Her thoughts are interrupted when someone enters her peripheral vision. Blaise smiles and sits down beside her. "Hi." he says.
"Hi— I thought you and Lexi went down to lunch?"
"Yeah, we did. I don't actually have anything to do this afternoon, so I thought I'd join you. Plus, you looked sad up here by yourself."
Cassie snorts, "I'm not sad, Blaise, just thinking, is all."
"Oh yeah? About what?"
Cassie bites her tongue instantly. Nope. Change the subject immediately. "If I've been feeding Leo too much. Does he look chubby to you?"
"All cats look chubby."
"Well, yeah, but more chubby than usual."
"Not particularly... why? What have you been feeding him?"
"The odd snack of mine..."
"No wonder he's putting on weight, Cass." he teases, making Cassie chuckle. It feels good to laugh with her old friends. Blaise also laughs but they soon stop, staring at the field in a comfortable silence.
"How's Draco?" Cassie asks. The dreaded question she's been too scared to ask any of them since it happened, over a month ago.
Blaise rubs the back of his neck, "Er— yeah. He's alright. He hasn't talked about it at all."
"I saw he got discharged the day after. I don't suppose his parents had anything to with that."
"No shit."
"Has he said anything?"
"Don't ask questions you already know the answers to, Cass."
Cassie sighs, resting her chin on her fist. There's a light drizzle of rain from the sky, one that actually relieves Cassie, who is burning up with stress. The grass all of a sudden looks beautifully green, along with the array of trees behind.
"Is— Does Lucius still... y'know?"
"Also, don't ask questions you don't want the answers to, Black."
Cassie shakes her head, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms over her chest. "I still hate him, you know. Even though I almost saved his life, I still keep every grudge I've held. I even hold grudges against you. And Mattheo, and Pansy, and Theo. Doesn't mean I still don't love you all."
"So you hate him... yet love him?"
"Pretty much." she shrugs.
Blaise quietly chuckles, "I've never been able to figure you out, Cass."
"You don't need to, it's just how I feel. Those feelings can change, y'know. So don't go and slaughter a village of children because you know I still love you."
This makes Blaise laugh out loud, "A village of children? Really?"
Cassie snorts, "I'm serious!"
Blaise gives her that look.
"Way to disrespect the dead, Zabini." she grins. Blaise throws his head back with laughter, and Cassie can't help but join him.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
Harry has gone with Dumbledore. Cassie and her friends find themselves restless from the moment he leaves. They hate not being with him, knowing what's going on. They're forced to sit with that horrid feeling in their gut of the unknown.
The unknown has been and will always be Cassie's biggest fear. The unknown has taken too much from her. Not knowing what was happening behind the maze, not knowing Amos could be too curious, not knowing what was happening at the Department of Mysteries before they arrived.
And now, for all Cassie knows, the unknown could take Harry too.
"We shouldn't have let him go." Cassie mutters, pacing the library.
"We wouldn't have been able to stop him. You know what he's like." Ron shrugs.
"Well, I wish he would've let us go with him." Hermione says.
"Yet again, he would never have let us. He's too noble a Gryffindor." Enzo reiterates.
"You fucking Gryffindors." Cassie whispers, shaking her head.
Ron snorts, "I reckon we could say the same about Slytherin, Black."
"Oh, definitely. I'm not saying my house isn't full of vile twats, I'm saying yours is, despite that noble front they all put on." Cassie shrugs. "No judgement, all houses are like it. Even Hufflepuff can be evil little shits— take Charlotte for example." Cassie points at Enzo.
"True." he nods.
Hermione lifts the Marauder's Map and waves her hand. "Look, Harry and Dumbledore are gone." From where they used to be on the Astronomy tower, they're now gone.
"I thought you couldn't apparate within Hogwarts walls?" Enzo says.
"Well, he is Dumbledore, after all." Ron sighs.
"He makes a good point." Cassie frowns. "I wonder where they're going."
"I don't know, but I don't like it." Hermione says with a sad expression and tone.
—
It's been an hour since Harry left. Cassie detached from her friends just over ten minutes ago and went up to the familiar comfort of the Astronomy Tower. She turns her bracelet around her wrist, her gaze locked on the open sky. Regulus is out tonight. He's such a beautiful star.
Cassie opens her locket and turns to the photo of her dads. She's so incredibly grateful she still has Remus. Merlin only knows how lost she'd be without him. Family used to be such a sacred, beautiful thing to Cassie. Now, it's just a daunting reminder she'd never have a happy Christmas again, they won't see her in a white dress or meet her future children. It's funny how such important things to you can change that easily. The word Family changed the night Amos died at the Ministry.
She has to be grateful for the family she has left.
All of a sudden, the air shifts. It's the kind of air that makes the hair on the back of her neck stick up and arms flare with goosebumps. Oh, she knows this feeling. It's the same one she had at the Burrow at Christmas.
Dark wizards.
Darkness.
Deatheaters.
She knows she's not just imagining it when the faint smell of Deatheater cloud floods her senses. Cassie runs behind some of the pillars to the right, keeping her back flush against the wall. A Deatheater Cassie doesn't recognise cackles and runs up the tower. He raises his wand and performs the godforsaken spell.
The Mark.
The Deatheater cackles yet again before running back down the tower. Cassie holds her breath until she's sure he's gone.
She's not sure how much time passes before Cassie hears Harry. Him and Dumbledore hobble to a bench, where Dumbledore can barely breathe. She takes a step forward, about to help, but stops when a familiar voice sends a paralysing chill down her spine.
"Expelliarmus!"
Oh, Draco.
Cassie's head hits the wall and she mutters a curse under her breath.
"Good evening, Draco." Dumbledore's voice is nothing if not calm and collected, despite just being disarmed by a teenager. Draco scans the tower, his gaze sharp yet wary. Cassie can see him, but he can't see her. She just hopes he doesn't check the secret spots she showed them all in second year.
She watched Dumbledore previously paralyse Harry out of sight without his wand. To Draco, it's just him and Dumbledore. Cassie holds her breath.
"Who else is here?" Draco asks, his wand steady.
"I could rather ask you the same question, Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore replies. "Or are you acting alone?"
"No. I have backup. There are Deatheaters in your school walls as we speak."
Cassie's heart drops. Enzo. Hermione. Ron.
Are the Order here? Is Mcgonagall keeping the students safe? Cassie needs to get out of here.
No— she can't. Not yet. Once she knows Draco is... safe she can leave.
"Well, well." says Dumbledore. "You found a way to get them in. I don't suppose you had help from your friends."
"No. It was all me. I did it all right under your nose, and you never even realised!" Draco exclaims. He sounds frantic— and looks it, too. His eyes are as pale as ever, yet so driven. He's trembling with what Cassie takes as a mixture of anger, determination and fear. She knows Draco. She knows he's scared underneath it all.
And right now, he's doing the very thing Cassie has always known him to be doing.
Impressing people.
Even though Lucius remains in an Azkaban cell, he's still impressing his father. Impressing Voldemort. Impressing Mattheo and the others. Impressing Dumbledore.
That sobering fact is the reason Cassie holds onto whatever kind of love she has for him.
"Ingenious, indeed..." Dumbledore says, pacing the tower. Cassie can practically hear Harry's heart beating across the opposite side of the room. "Though I must ask, where are they now? You seem unsupported here, Draco."
"They met some of your guard. Lupin and the traitor," Cassie stops breathing for a moment. Remus and Andy. "they're fighting below. They won't be long, I came along ahead. You see, I have a job to do."
Cassie swallows and it feels like a boulder down her throat. A job to do.
What are you doing, Draco?
"Well, you best get on and do it, my dear boy." Dumbledore smiles, sincerely.
It's silent.
Too silent.
Oh.
Oh.
Draco was sent to kill Dumbledore.
"Draco, you're not a killer." Dumbledore coos.
"How do you know?" he replies, and he sounds like a child all of a sudden. He knows this, and his cheeks flush in the green light from the Mark. Cassie just so happens to know that face in every detail. "You don't know what I can do— what I'm capable of! You don't know what I've done!"
"Oh— yes, I do. You almost killed Katie Bell and Ronald Weasley— not to mention, one of your closest friends, Cassiopeia Black, the same girl that saved your life in those bathrooms last month." Dumbledore says, sending a chill across Cassie's already goosebumped skin. He knows she's up here.
Cassie watches Draco's face for any sort of reaction to her name. His breath becomes heavier, she notices. That can't be guilt, can it?
"You've been actively trying to kill me all year. Forgive me, Draco, but they have been weak attempts... so weak that I wonder if your heart has ever really been in it." Dumbledore says, knowing damn well he's aggravating him.
"It has been in it! I've been working on it all year and tonight—"
A yell rips through the sound barrier, sending Cassie's heartbeat into a frenzy. She relaxes when she realises it's not the yell of her father. She's heard him yell, and that's not it. Nor is it Andy's— it can only be that of a Deatheaters.
"Someone's putting up a good fight." Dumbledore sighs as if they're having a casual conversation. "But anyway— as you were saying... yes, you've managed to sneak Deatheaters into my school, which I always thought impossible. I must ask, how did you do it?"
Draco isn't listening. He's listening to the commotion downstairs just as Harry and Cassie are. People they love and care about are down there.
Dumbledore notices Draco's false presence and uses it. "Perhaps you should get on with the job alone. What if your guard has been destroyed by my guard? As you already know, members of the Order of the Phoenix are here tonight. After all, you hardly need any help and I'm windless. I can't defend myself."
Draco simply looks at Dumbledore. Cassie can almost see the thoughts behind his head churning like clockwork. He's always had that about his concentration face— blank, apart from the slight knit of his eyebrows. Being an observer has its perks, you see.
"I see." Dumbledore states, standing still. "You're too afraid to act until they join us."
"I'm not afraid!" Draco bellows, yet he stays put. Cassie's heart aches for Draco. She should hate him. She should be helping Dumbledore. She has a wand and is in perfect condition to fight.
But she can't.
Not him.
Not here.
"It's you who should be scared!" Draco adds, adrenaline fuelling his veins.
"Why? I don't believe you'll kill me, Draco. Killing isn't as easy as the innocent believe. So, tell me, while we wait for our lovely company, how did you smuggle them in?"
"I had to mend that broken Vanishing Cabinet that nobodies used for years. The one Montague got lost in last year." Draco says, on the verge of either throwing up or killing their headmaster.
"Aha." Dumbledore nods. He sounds as if he's in pain, Cassie notes. She wonders what they had to do in order to get the horcrux tonight. "There's a pair, I take it?"
"There's another in Borgin and Burkes." he says. Cassie closes her eyes as a reflex. That day in Diagon Alley in the summer, Draco was already plotting on Dumbledore's death.
That doesn't make her angry, or vengeful.
She feels sad.
While other teenagers were having normal summers, Draco, and the others too, were having the opposite. Cassie herself had a horrific summer. That makes her realise just how small they are in all of this. They're kids. They're teenagers in this shitshow they're calling a war.
They should be staying out late drinking with friends, and playing truth or dare at parties. They should be making plans for after Seventh year and preparing for their last year of school.
Not standing on the Astronomy tower facing their Headmaster with the intent to kill. Not witnessing the people they love fight to keep them safe. Not grieving like this or becoming soldiers at merely sixteen years old.
Draco explains how he made the connection between both cabinets with that tone Cassie knows as his boastful one. He wants Dumbledore to be impressed by him— he wants him to be afraid of him.
"Very good." Dumbledore nods. Cassie thinks Dumbledore is doing a good job right now— the worst thing he could do is destroy his ego completely. The best way to keep him occupied is to fuel that ego. "So the Deatheaters were able to pass from Borgin and Burkes into the school to help you... a clever plan, a really clever plan, and as you said, right under my nose."
"Yeah." replies Draco. He puffs his chest slightly. "Yeah, it was."
"But there were times, weren't there, when you were not sure you'd succeed in mending the cabinet? And you resorted to sending me a cursed necklace bound to reach the wrong hands and poisoning mead only the slightest chance I would end up drinking. But what I can't figure out is why you poisoned Cassiopeia." he says, and Cassie watches Draco visibly panic. "Was it spite? But no, it couldn't have been. You were friends once upon a time. Love like that doesn't go anywhere. That leads me to think you were coerced into doing it."
Draco twitches his head, "What if it was spite?"
Cassie shakes her head.
"Impossible. You are not incapable of love, Mr. Malfoy."
"Why is this relevant? You had no idea who was behind that stuff, did you?"
"As a matte of fact, I did. I was sure it was you."
"Then why didn't you stop me?" Draco demands.
"I tried to. Professor Snape has been keeping an eye on you on my orders—"
"He hasn't been doing your orders, he promised my mother—"
The Unbreakable Vow. Cassie's intrigued to see what Dumbledore has to say about this.
"Of course that's what he'd tell you, Draco—"
"He's a double agent, you imbecile! He isn't working for you like you thought he was!" Draco argues, and this makes Cassie tilt her head with intrigue.
"I beg to differ, Draco. It just so happens that I trust Professor Snape..."
"Well you're losing your grip! He's been offering me plenty of help— wanting all the glory for himself— wanting some of the action. But I haven't told him what I've been doing in the Room of Requirement, he's going to wake up tomorrow and it'll all be over and he won't be the Dark Lord's pet anymore. He'll be nothing compared to me. Nothing!"
Cassie grits her teeth. That's the Lucius in him speaking, that's for sure. She hates that his father lives so prominently within him. He could've been so kind if not for him.
"Very gratifying." Dumbledore says with a strange satisfaction. "We all like appreciation for our work, yes, but you must've had an accomplice. Someone who works in Hogsmeade who was able to slip Katie the—"
Dumbledore stops.
"Ah. Rosmerta. How long has she been under the Imperius curse?"
Cassie's lips part in shock. She was only in her pub last weekend with her friends. She would never of known she was under the Imperius curse.
Draco smirks in that same way he always used to. It's a strange comfort to Cassie, is that weird? It's one of the only things about him that's never changed. She's glad they haven't managed to take everything from him.
"Got there at last." Draco says.
Another bellow of pain rings through the tower and Cassie holds her breath. Not Remus, or Andy, or anyone Cassie recognises. Draco looks just as worried as Cassie and Harry do. She still can't see Harry, but judging by the fact he hasn't made any noise or appearance, he must be doing okay. Or he's dead...
No— obviously not.
Cassie almost laughs at how ridiculous the thought is.
Dumbledore expresses his theory in which Rosmerta is involved. Draco gives him information like it's nothing. Cassie wonders if that'll have any consequences on him in the future. He has no idea she and Harry are in the room.
As it turns out, Draco used the idea of enchanted coins from Hermione and the DA. "Yeah, I got the idea from them. I got the idea of poisoning the mead from Mudblood Granger as well. I heard her talking in the library with Black about Filch not recognising potions."
When Draco uses words like those, Cassie is reminded with what kind of person Draco is, and it hurts. Those parts of him, she chose to block out years ago; seeing them come out again is daunting and frustrating.
"Please do not use that derogatory word in front of me." Dumbledore states. At least his morals are somewhat in the right place.
Draco laughs, and it's laced with frost. "You care about me saying Mudblood when I'm about to kill you?"
"Yes, I do." Dumbledore replies.
Cassie wonders where Enzo and the others currently are. She hopes with every fibre and cell in her body that they're okay. They have to be.
They have to be, because if they're not, Cassie doesn't know what she's going to do.
"But for someone who was sent up here to kill me, Draco, you've had several long minutes now. We're alone and I'm utterly defenceless. Yet you are still to act."
Draco grimaces. Cassis doesn't like it.
He won't kill Dumbledore.
Draco doesn't have it in him— murder. Bullying and the occasional harsh spell is as far as he'll go. Yes, he almost killed Cassie with that poison, but he wasn't at the scene of the crime. He didn't watch her choke on her own saliva and foam at the mouth. He didn't watch the way Poppy Pomfrey screamed and brought her back to life. He didn't watch the rage swallow Enzo whole.
He could never watch someone die at the hands of his own. That's where him and his father differ, you see.
"Now, about tonight," Dumbledore carries on. "I am rather puzzled at how it occurred. You knew that I was out of school...? But of course." Dumbledore realises mid-sentence. "Rosmerta saw me leaving, she tipped you off, I'm sure."
"That's right." Malfoy smirks. "But she said you were only going for a drink. You'd be back."
"I certainly did have a drink... and I indeed came back. So you decided to trap me like a mouse?"
"We decided to put the Dark Mark over the tower to get you up here thinking someone had died." Draco says in that proud tone of his. "And it worked!"
"Well, yes and no. But I presume, then, that nobody is dead?"
"Someone's dead." Draco confirms, and Cassie feels her heart drop like a heavyweight. "One of your people... I don't know who, it was dark. I stepped over the body. Male, though."
Please don't be Remus. Please. Please don't be Remus.
"I was supposed to be waiting up here but your bloody Phoenix lot got in the way." Draco complains. This, admittedly, makes Cassie smile slightly.
"Yes, they do tend to do that." Dumbledore shrugs.
All of a sudden, there's a chorus of shouting, spells and sounds Cassie can't pick up. They're fighting on the staircase. They're getting closer. It won't be long now until someone comes up here and realises Cassie and Harry have been here the whole time. Cassie's grip remains tight on her wand. The last way she's going to die is without putting up a fight, anyway.
How can she be scared of death when there are so many she loves on the other side?
"We're running out of time, Draco. What are you going to do? Let's lay out your options."
"My options?" Draco beckons. "I'm standing here with a wand— literally about to kill you—"
"If you were going to kill me, you would've done it when you disarmed me only earlier. This chit-chat would not of happened."
"I don't have any options!" Draco screeches, and Cassie feels it in her chest. "I have to do this! He'll kill me! He'll kill my whole family— Cassie and Enzo too! All of my friends!"
Cassie's knees involuntarily hit the ground. She's aware of the fact it made a noise and Draco panicked— but she doesn't care. He's doing this for her, whether he knows it or not. Hes doing it for his parents. He's doing it for Enzo and Theo and Blaise and Mattheo and Pansy.
A tear rolls down her cheek and she clasps a hand over her mouth.
Oh, Draco.
Notes:
OHHHH WHAT A CHAPTER.
let’s just get straight into hms i need to rant about draco.
1) cassie and the others humbling harry in saying that dumbledore probably shouldn’t be trusted means a LOT for the plot guys. i’m not one of those people that DESPISE dumbledore but i sure as hell don’t love him. they’re kids and he used them like soldiers— the marauders, too. so yes, i will do everything i can to make my characters aware of that 🥰
2) mattheo putting rosie in her place. ugh you guys don’t get how much i love that boy.
3) blaise and cassie laughing about sirius LMFAO
4) cassie instantly recognising draco’s voice and her heart dropping. having to hide from one of your own best friends can NOT be easy.
5) i’ve always said this and i will forever stand by it; draco is a COMPLEX CHARACTER. you guys are so quick to say he was just a bully and had a spoilt childhood. yes, he was most definitely spoilt as a kid and was horrible towards harry and the others, but i truly believe that’s all from lucius. i am the no.1 lucius malfoy hater. he moulded his son into this horrible person and eventually forced him into becoming a deatheater. THAT IS NEGLECT. fight me on this idc i am more than willing to defend him🤗
6) the whole thing with draco poisoning cassie is MUCH bigger than we thought guys. just hear me out on this; don’t believe everything draco says :)
7) “He’ll kill my whole family—“
HE. WASNT. TALKING. ABOUT. HIS. PARENTS. 🥹🥹if you couldn’t tell by now, i’m an avid draco defender and i just love writing about him. on with the rest of the chaos!
Chapter 80: Y6 | Dumbledore
Summary:
Alexa play No One Mourns The Wicked
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
➵ HOPE UR OK — OLIVIA RODRIGO
'I knew a boy once when I was small, a towhead blonde with eyes of salt.'
"I understand the difficulty of your situation, Draco. Why else do you think I've not confronted you until now? I knew you would've been murdered if Lord Voldemort realised I suspected you."
Draco's bottom lip quivers at the mention of his name. Cassie wonders just how deep of an effect Voldemort has on him. She hopes that when this is all over, he'll get better. He'll get the help he needs, even if it's Cassie doing it herself. She will do absolutely everything she can to help him— and the others, of course. Leaving them behind is not an option. As Mattheo once said, 'Then I guess we'll have to stick by your side for the rest of your life.'
"I didn't dare question the mission I knew you'd been given in the case of Legilimency. But now we can speak truthfully to one another. No harm has been done, you have not hurt anybody; although you are extremely lucky none of your poison victims died. I can help you, Draco." Dumbledore says, and Cassie debates whether that's possible.
"No, you can't! Nobody can! He told me to do it or he'd kill my family."
Cassie feels like she's going to be sick.
"If you join me, Draco, I can send members of the Order to keep your mother safe tonight. Your father is safe in Azkaban— when the time comes, we can protect him too."
"No, no, I'm not talking about them. Yes, I wish for my mother to be safe, but it's not them. He said he'd kill my family— my friends. He'd be more than happy to take out Cassie and Enzo, but he was all the more willing to kill his own son."
Another tear falls from Cassie's eye and she forces herself to stifle her sobs. She curls up against the pillar, putting her head in her hands. Draco's doing this for them. Cassie, Enzo, Mattheo, Blaise, Pansy and Theo. It's all for them. Not his father.
Not his father.
Cassie feels like she's choking all of a sudden.
Forcing herself to breathe, she closes her eyes and rests her head against the wall.
"Come over to the right side, Draco. I can keep them all safe. Cassiopeia and Lorenzo are already as safe as can be— you needn't worry about them."
"How so?"
"I assume Cassiopeia is either fighting alongside her father, or wishing she was. Lorenzo will be wherever Cassiopeia is, and Remus Lupin will not let anything happen to his daughter."
Tears. More tears.
Cassie presses the back of her hand to her mouth. She can't cry like this. They'll find her.
"You're not a killer, Draco." Dumbledore states. Cassie nods along as if he could actually see her.
"But I got this far, didn't I? They all thought I'd die in an attempt, but I'm here, and you're at my mercy. I'm the one with the wand, I hold all power." Draco replies.
"No, Draco." Dumbledore's voice is soft all of a sudden. It's the same tone he had when explaining Amos' untimely death, and what would happen to Cassie after Cedric's. "It is my mercy, and not yours, that matters now."
Draco is about to respond when pounding footsteps thunder their way up the stairs. Before Cassie can see what's happening, Draco is pushed to the side and four Deatheaters stand facing the Headmaster.
That means they won the fight below.
Where is Remus?
Remus.
Remus.
It takes every bone in Cassie's body not to take to the stairs in an instant. It's too late now. They'd take one look at her and kill her. This is a life or death situation and Cassie needs to remain calm, and as hidden as possible.
For safety measures, she performs a series of charms to block her scent and sound. As long as she holds these charms, they won't be able to hear or smell her.
"Dumbledore cornered!" the male of the Carrow twins bellows. "Dumbledore wandless and alone! Well done, Draco, well done!" Draco grimaces, his face so pale it looks painful.
"Good evening, Amycus." Dumbledore replies. How he manages to remain so calm is a wonder to Cassie. "And I see you've brought Alecto too... charming."
The female of the pair stomps her foot like an angry toddler. "Think your jokes will help you on your death bed, old man?"
"Jokes? Hardly, these are simply manners." he shrugs.
"Do it." Greyback growls. Cassie grits her teeth with spite. She hates Fenrir Greyback. With every atom, every cell, every organelle in her body. She hates him.
"Is that you, Fenrir?" Dumbledore asks.
"Happy to see me, Dumbledore?" he snarls, so wolf-like it flares Cassie's skin with goosebumps. She shuts her eyes as if it would make him go away. She just wants to grab Harry and Draco and run. Keep them both locked away and safe forever.
"No, I rather can't say I am."
Greyback smiles and it makes Cassie's stomach churn. Those teeth are the reason she is what she is— Remus, too. Those very canines live within Remus' skin, infested with evil and the moon. Oh, how good it would feel to rip them from his skull. Cassie makes a mental note to aim for the teeth when she next comes into contact with him.
It's then that Cassie realises Greyback is licking his blood-stained lips. There is blood all the way down his chin, and Cassie's sure it's not his own. "But you know how much I like kids, Dumbledore."
Cassie's heart freezes. A student. A DA member, most likely. Fortunately, since it's not a full moon, they won't be affected by his bite. Unfortunately, they will have the remains of Greyback's teeth in their body forevermore.
"Would I be correct in saying you're attacking even without the full moon? This is unusual for you, Fenrir, you have developed a taste for human flesh that can cannot be satisfied once a month?" Dumbledore says.
"Yeah. Frightens you, doesn't it?"
"Well, I can't pretend it doesn't disgust me, and yes, I'm concerned that Draco invited you here, of all people, to the school which his friends reside— and one you have personal history with herself."
Cassie holds her breath.
"Ah, yes, baby Black. The she-wolf of Hogwarts. How the Dark Lord would love for me to get my hands on her." Greyback answers. Oh, Cassie wants to push him off this tower.
"I didn't invite him. I didn't know he'd come." Draco spits, not daring to look away from Dumbledore. He does care, after all. He wouldn't want Greyback anywhere near his friends, that's for sure.
"I wouldn't miss a trip to Hogwarts for the world! Not when there's throats to rip out... just delicious." Greyback grins. "I'd have you for afters, Dumbledore..."
"No." says another voice, one Cassie recognises. "We've got orders. Draco has to do it. Now, Draco, quickly." Bellatrix smiles, nodding at Dumbledore. Both Cassie and Harry grind their teeth with rage. If not for the place, or time, they'd attack her within seconds.
Draco looks scared. Not the kind of scared that he was when Moody (Barty Crouch Jr.) turned him into a ferret, or when Hermione punched him in the face in third year. This kind of scared is the same one Cassie saw in the bathrooms last month. When Draco was mere moments away from bleeding out on the floor. When he grabbed Cassie's hand and apologised.
"Dumbledore's hanging on by a thread, as is! Look at him— what happened to you, Dumby?" Amycus Carrow cackles.
"Oh, weaker resistance and slower reflexes tend to take a toll on an old man. One day, it'll happen to you, if you're lucky."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Carrow bellows. "You're all bite, no bark, Dumby. I don't know why the Dark Lord even bothers with you! Come on, Draco, get on with it!"
Cassie's body goes limp at the sound of her father's voice. "They've blocked the stairs— Reducto!" he shouts, and the bright red light flashes so bright it lights up the room— contrast to the green from the night sky. Cassie doesn't dare to breathe that burning sigh of relief. He's okay. They haven't won yet.
"Now, Draco!" Bellatrix demands, her face too close to his face for Cassie's liking. She wonders where Mattheo is. If his mother is here, he must be near. She wonders where the others are. Not fighting, she hopes. Enzo wouldn't be able to hurt them.
Draco hesitates, yet again. His hands are shaking more than ever. Cassie, all of a sudden, gets the picture of eleven year old Draco on the train in first year. The day they all met after Pansy crashed into Cassie and introduced her and Enzo to her own friends. Draco recognised Cassie— and so did she. Their fathers were once friends at the Ministry. Cassie remembers being wary of Draco at first, tutting and shaking her head whenever he'd make a nasty comment.
But she also remembers laughing with him and the others when Blaise accidentally tipped over the monopoly board and Pansy made him clean it up. She remembers the smile on her face burning from its intensity. She went to bed that night with tense cheek muscles and an aching core.
Draco looked so innocent back then. Those beautiful grey eyes remain, but they've now seen stuff Cassie can't even begin to imagine. Draco was just a boy— he still is.
"I'll do it." grins Greyback, more than eager to complete the job. His teeth come out again, and Cassie closes her eyes.
"I said no!" Bellatrix shrieks. You can tell she's the one with most power here. She talks, and they all listen. Whether it's out of fear, or respect, Cassie has no idea.
"Do it, Draco, or move out the way so one of us—" Alecto Carrow starts. She's cut off by the swish of a cape and narrowed eyes. Severus Snape looks dangerous as of right now. He scans the terrain, from a limp, weak Albus Dumbledore, to the evil company and then to the teenage boy.
"We've got a problem, Snape. The boy won't do it—" Amycus says.
"Severus." Dumbledore says, his voice almost a whisper. He sounds weak and frail. Cassie doesn't reckon he has long left, either way. Something in his voice makes Cassie believe he's desperate— pleading, almost.
Snape's mouth remains shut but he pushes Draco out of the way with no kind regard to it. The Deatheaters move back, Bellatrix included. She's met her match. Severus Snape is not a man to be meddled with.
Snape looks Dumbledore in the eye and for a split second, Cassie sees the thin line of regret across his face. To the naked eye, he looks devilish and ready to kill. But if you were to look closer, you'd see the guilt, and apology behind the facade. Cassie has never been able to figure out Professor Snape, and this doesn't help her case.
"Severus... please." Dumbledore sighs.
Oh, my god.
Snape is about to kill Dumbledore.
He raises his wand at Dumbledore, and Cassie clasps a hand over her mouth.
"Avada Kedavra!"
The gasp that leaves Cassie's mouth is harsh and sharp. She watches Dumbledore fall down the tower with an agape jaw and eyes as wide as wormholes. The most powerful wizard of all time is dead at the hands of their potions master.
"Quickly, out of here." Snape orders. The Deatheaters vanish through the door, and Cassie sees the moment Harry steps out and hexes Amycus Carrow, the last through the door.
"Harry!" Cassie bellows as he takes to the stairs. Harry continues, running down the spiral staircase. She realises then that she forgot to remove her silencing spells. Draco is supposed to be the last one through the door, but he runs out just as the door slams shut.
Both Cassie and Draco halt in their tracks, facing each other with widened eyes. Two hearts, two rising chests.
Cassie and Draco have always had their differences, that's to go without saying. But right now? That doesn't matter. None of that matters.
Cassie, without thinking twice, wraps both arms around Draco. He's taken aback by this, that's clear by the look in his eye. But when he realises it's her, and she won't hurt him, he relaxes. She kisses the side of his head as a tear escapes.
"I hate you, Draco. Fuck, I hate you." she says, her voice hoarse and cracked. She hugs him tighter. "But, for fuck's sake, I love you so much."
He won't say it back. He can't. Cassie knows this.
"I'm telling you this now because I don't think I'll see you again for a while." Draco starts, his voice shaky. He pulls away and looks her in the eye. Those same grey eyes Cassie has known for six years of her life. "He's not just after Potter. He wants to take you out just as much as him. He sees you as a threat— even more so than Dumbledore."
Cassie's heart pounds. "Me? What?"
"There was a prophecy— I don't know that much, we weren't allowed to those meetings. Another one. I don't know details but it states that while you're still alive, protected by your father's love, you pose an indescribable threat."
Cassie runs a million thoughts in her head, trying to regulate her breathing simultaneously.
"Okay. Okay." she sighs. "I'll worry about that later— what about you? What's going to happen to you?"
"I don't know. I need to find my mother."
Cassie's eyes fill with tears. "Please don't ever forget, Draco. I really fucking hate you— but I also really fucking love you. Enzo, too. It's difficult and complicated, but we love you so much. The others, as well. You're all my best friends until the very end, understand?"
He nods, no words escaping his mouth. "Go. Find your dad."
Cassie also nods, taking a long, deep breath she's been holding since this all started. "Good luck, Draco."
"Good luck, Cass."
—
When Cassie reaches the bottom of the stairs, she gets caught in the middle of a brawl. Moody is fighting what seems to be Corbin Yaxley. Cassie, who has needed to get some of the rage of her chest this evening, throws a spell so aggressive it sends Yaxley through the next two walls.
"Thanks, Black." Moody growls.
"Where's my dad?" she says, her breath out of control.
"With Andromeda and Kingsley— they're fighting with Dumbledore's Army."
"Dumbledore's dead."
Cassie has never been able to read Moody, but the expression on his face has never been clearer. She supposes it is a sudden change and a rather daunting sentence. "Oh, shit." Moody mutters, shaking his head. "Alright— go find your dad, I'll let everyone know."
Cassie races down the halls, skidding and sliding. She stops herself by the Great Hall. Remus, Liz, Andy, Enzo, Luna and Dean are fighting a bunch of Deatheaters. Pushing Enzo out of the way, she fires all sorts of spells at each one. She leaves no room for mercy, or kindness.
At once, in unison, all Deatheaters take to the sky. They cackle as they burst through the Great Hall windows, causing all sorts of chaos and damage. The whole hall is ruined and before they can react, they're gone.
Cassie doesn't waste another minute before hugging Enzo. She hugs him so tight it hurts. "Where the fuck have you been?" Enzo sighs, pulling her even closer. He kisses her head so many times Cassie can't count.
"I'll explain later. Dumbledore's dead." Cassie says, attempting to catch her breath. She pulls away and falls into Remus' grasp. His hug is softer, more delicate. He holds the back of her head while breathing a sigh of relief.
"Dumbledore's dead?" Luna gasps.
"Yeah." Cassie sighs, pulling away from her father. Andy is next to hug her, pressing a motherly kiss to her head.
"How'd you know?" Dean asks.
"I watched it happen."
"When we've cleared this all up, you're explaining everything in detail, Cassiopeia." Remus says, firmly.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I just need a minute—"
She's out before she can finish her sentence.
༻✦༺༻✦༺༻✦༺
When Cassie wakes, she's surrounded. Madame Pomfrey smiles and leans down to kiss her forehead. "How are you feeling?" Enzo asks, on the chair next to her. His hand is tight in hers.
"It feels like I'm in shock, in a way. So much happened." she frowns. "Who died?" she exclaims, remembering Draco said one of theirs was dead.
"Nobodies dead. Bill took a nasty cut to the face— could've as well looked dead. It was Greyback." Ron explains, his arms folded over his chest.
It's then Cassie realises Harry is here too. "How long was I out?"
"Just over twelve hours, pup." Remus sighs, pushing her hair behind her ears.
"Harry, come here." she orders, patting the bed. Harry, with zero emotion on his face, follows and sits next to her. She finds his hand and squeezes it. "Where did you go last night? After Snape..."
"I followed him out. I tried using Sectumpsempra on him— he blocked it. Bellatrix set Hagrid's alight. He's okay though. Where did Malfoy go?"
Cassie sighs, her chest aching at the mention of him. "He found his mother. He told me something— something I'm not sure you've all been aware of." Cassie looks at her father.
"What is it?" Remus asks.
"There was a second prophecy; one that says that as long as I'm still alive— by your protection— I pose a threat to Voldemort."
"You?" Enzo exclaims.
"How's that possible?" Hermione gasps.
"Did he say which prophecy it was?" Remus asks.
"No, he said they weren't allowed into those meetings. He said Voldemort wants to take me out just as much as he does Harry."
Enzo stands up and kicks the chair, rubbing a hand over his face. "Are you joking?"
"Why would I joke about that?"
"For—" he sighs. "Just for one fucking second, why can't we just be normal teenagers? Why do we have to put up with this shit? You haven't done anything to him, haven't even spoken to him, and now he wants to kill you? Make it make fucking sense."
"Calm down, Enzo. We're all angry. But a lot happened last night, and once we get Cassie's account, as well as Harry's, we can decide what to do and how to keep them both safe." Remus explains, calm as ever.
"I don't believe this." Enzo shakes his head.
"He did it for us, Enzo." Cassie says, her eyes turning to tears. "Voldemort ordered him to kill Dumbledore. If he didn't, he said he'd kill his family."
"His family? What makes you think I give a fuck what happens to his family?"
"I'm not talking about his parents, Enzo."
Cassie watches the moment Enzo's face shifts. His eyebrows lower and his lips part. All of a sudden, he's gone completely soft. "Us? He did it for us?"
Cassie nods. "The boys and Pansy, too. He did it to protect us."
"Then why'd he poison you?" Ron asks.
"Good point." Harry snorts.
"He said it was spite. I don't believe him." Cassie shakes her head. "The way he looked at me— the love behind his eyes. You can't fake that."
"So what are you saying? He was forced to do it?" Ron queries.
"No, not quite. Let's take into account the fact Voldemort wants me dead. Let's say, for instance, he plans to attack me over Christmas when I'm out of school. Draco and the others know I'm a wolf. What's better? Bellatrix murdering me in cold blood without even a slight chance of survival? Or poisoning me and knowing I'd get help instantly, and survive?"
Enzo nods, "It was a risk, but it was one he had to be willing to take. He knew even if there was a slight chance you could survive, he had to do it."
"Alright, why are we making it seem like Malfoy's this knight in shining armour all of a sudden? Are we forgetting he poisoned me too?" Ron says.
"He wasn't poisoning you, Ron. He was poisoning Dumbledore. We just so happened to go to Slughorn that night and toast to your recovery." Cassie explains.
"Katie Bell?" Hermione proposes.
"Who did her friend say Katie was delivering it to?" Cassie replies.
Hermione deflates.
"Okay, but we're still not gonna pretend he's a saint in disguise." Ron argues.
"Of course not, but we need to remember he's not the devil in disguise, either. He's the reason I'm alive whether I like it or not— you too, Enz. I have no idea what the others are up to, but if I have to take a guess, they will all do anything to keep us safe. With me and Enzo on your side, you're guaranteed a lot more safety than you'd have without us."
Harry squeezes Cassie's hand with a sigh. "You're always on our side."
Notes:
hms…
1) “And Remus Lupin will not let anything happen to his daughter.” THATS RIGHT. remus being the best dad ever is incredible
2) greyback’s a bit noncey isn’t he…? i remember that quote SO vividly so i just had to include it. surely he’s gotta be on some sort of wizarding sex offender list… along with the millions of people he’s killed xx
3) probably the best thing severus snape has ever done is kill albus dumbledore… ☺️☺️ thank you snivellus we all say in unison
4) cassie and draco’s hug 🥹 despite everything he’s done to her, she loves him. cassie may just be the most forgiving, loving person to exist. AND WE LOVE HER FOR IT!!
5) cassie’s a threat… oops! voldemort better be scared mate you do not wanna mess with remus lupin🥶🥶 ok no seriously this is very important to the plot and will become more apparent as time proceeds :)
6) enzo being pissed off is lowk understandable, we need people to get pissed off more often. he has such a valid point. they are CHILDREN.
7) the poison theory… 🫣
8) “You’re always on our side.” harry james potter i love you.
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jpottersversion on Chapter 5 Thu 15 May 2025 08:42PM UTC
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