Disclaimer: Just like anyone else on the site, I don't own Harry Potter.
The character of Cassie is mine, though, and so are Laura, Kenya and any other OCs. I also claim full credit/blame for the writing and elements of the plot.
A/N: It's taken forever, I know. But here it is, the moment you've all forgotten about – Little Bat and the Chamber of Secrets! I hope it's worth the wait, and please leave a review if you enjoy it!
The Best Birthday
"If I could have everybody's attention, please?" Narcissa Malfoy waited until all eyes were on her, then gracefully guided their eyes to her husband as he stood at the head of the table to make a toast. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We are all here, as you know, to celebrate the birthday of my son, Draco. He is a vital part of the next generation of purebloods, and has just completed his first year at Hogwarts, where he has upheld the family name admirably…"
Cassie tuned out. She didn't want to hear Lucius Malfoy spout Pureblood propaganda any more than she needed reminding that they had survived their first year at Hogwarts. She knew that she'd been up to things that Draco's father would certainly disapprove of, such as reading about Muggles and, worse, conversing with Muggle-born Gryffindors… She was glad that she wasn't a Malfoy, although they'd never shown her anything but kindness. Cassie had no idea how her best friend could stand the pressure.
Laura hadn't been able to make it to the party, so Draco and Cassie were sat alone together at the foot of the table. The rest of the long table – set up in the dining room despite the beautiful summer weather – was filled with elder members of the Malfoys, Parkinsons, Notts, and any other distinguished Pureblood clan you could name. Cassie realised that she herself carried the Prince name, and wondered if her friend Laura had in fact been excluded on the grounds of her uncertain magical heritage. 'Smith', after all, was not a distinguished, Pureblood name.
Draco poked her with his foot under the table and leant over to speak quietly in her ear. "Want to disappear?" Cassie glanced at Lucius and back. "It's fine," Draco hissed, as if reading her thoughts. "I always go off during the speech, tea's finished anyway so everyone's in a good mood. Dobby will cover for us… Come on." They slipped away from the table and the blond led the way out into the grounds, easily striding ahead of his shorter companion, whose long, dark hair flew out behind her as she ran to catch up.
A few hours later found them sitting in a tree in an orchard, two Nimbus 2001 brooms leant casually against the trunk below them, laughing about their year. "I can't believe he thought Pomfrey was going to buy that he was bitten by a dog," Draco scoffed, "it turned green, for Merlin's sake!"
Cassie grinned. "And you're going to try out for the Quidditch team this year? So no doubt you'll get your share of strange injuries there." After the way she'd seen Draco fly just an hour ago, she had no doubt he'd make it onto the team. He was about to reply when Dobby appeared below them. "Dobby is coming to tell you that your cousin has arrived, Miss Prince. Master Draco." He bowed, and vanished again. Draco swung from the tree and caught a reluctant Cassie as she lowered herself down. "I suppose I'd better go." Draco nodded. "Come back over the summer some time, it gets boring with just my parents around." Cassie promised, then went off to find her cousin, who was blond again today as part of his disguise.
For some reason Cassie couldn't quite fathom, her cousin and guardian thought it unwise for anyone to know of the family ties between Cassandra Prince and Severus Snape. At least it would keep her from being accused of favouritism at school. She thanked her hosts for having her, then headed home to Spinner's End ready to enjoy her summer.