Chapter 4: Year 2 Part 1
xx
*A/N1: In the first part of my story I wrote Cedric was a fourth year instead of third. I kept trying to change that but it wouldn't let me so pretend I said third year because that's what he's supposed to be.
A/N2: There are a few quotes in here taken from CoS. I recognize that the Queen wrote them, and am in no way taking credit of that. Those sentences needed to be put it for the storyline in my opinion. That's why I used them.
ie: "No one asked you…" and " The Chamber of Secrets has been opened…"
A/N3: I had originally planned to end this chapter at Christmas like I did with the last one, but it felt too weird to continue from where I ended, so that'll just be next.
Disclaimer: I've never been to Scotland. I think that's all the proof needed.
xx
"So, how was your summer holiday?"
Cass and Harry looked at each other and began to laugh before Cass turned back to her friends sitting in the compartment with them on the Hogwarts Express and chuckled, "We'll tell you, but you may not even believe it."
Seamus shook his head in amusement. "We're wizards, lass. I doubt it'd be somethin' that far-fetched. No need to overreact."
"Really?" Cass asked with a smirk. "What if we told you a house elf named Dobby tried to break into our house, was captured by two of our elves, told us that the 'Great Harry Potter' was in grave danger and returning to Hogwarts could prove to be fatal, then began running into a wall for saying too much which was very upsetting in my opinion, then about an hour before the train left tried to seal the barrier before we could get on to Platform 9¾s but didn't account for us being able to apparate home to take the floo in."
The group of friends looked at Cass and Harry with wide eyes and confused expressions, but before anyone could ask for more detail a timid knock was heard from the other side of the compartment door.
Hermione got up with a huff when she realized no one else was going to move. When she opened the door a small girl with flaming red hair looked up at her and squeaked, "We're almost at Hogwarts, just wanted you to know," before running down the train to her compartment.
"Well that was…odd," Seamus chuckled when Hermione had sat back down. "Why'd the lassie get so nervous over her job?"
Hermione cocked her head to the side and asked, "What do you mean her job?
"Well obviously she was told to let each compartment know we would be getting' there soon." Seamus looked at her as though it was the most obvious answer.
"You really are an idiot," Hermione responded before moving to grab her robe from her trunk.
Dean looked at her as though she'd just called him the dumbest man in the world. "He's no idiot Mione. Just because you couldn't figure it out…" he trailed off, not really sure how to finish.
Cass looked at Dean and shook her head, "I clearly dated a dummy. It's not her job. That was Ron's sister. She told our compartment because Ron is in here. Duh."
A collection of 'ohhs' came from the group, but the only thing Ron picked up on was Cass having said dated. "Why'd you two break up?"
Dean and Harry were sitting at the table eating breakfast when Sirius and Cass came down the stairs.
"Morning Cass, Mr. Black. Thanks again for letting me spend a few days here."
"No problem Dean," Sirius said as he pushed his daughter away from the seat next to her boyfriend. "I'll sit here if you don't mind. Hey Pup, didn't you have to pee?"
Harry started to say he didn't need to but the look on Sirius face let him know staying at the table was not an option. After he pushed his chair in and left the room Sirius turned to the boy sitting next to him.
"Mr. Thomas, what are your intentions with my daughter?"
Cass dropped her head onto the table with a thud while Dean's face flushed from embarrassment and fear.
"Well Sir, I…well you see, we…uhm…I like your daughter Sir…and if I…if you…she likes me I think…well I hope so…so we…"
Cass jumped in to save him, "What the hell Dad? Are you seriously going to be like this?"
"I'm always Sirius." He laughed at his own joke before turning his glare back onto the now squirming boy beside him. "Let me make one thing clear. If you hurt my baby girl, you will pay."
Cass slammed her head on the table again and groaned while debating how much trouble she'd get in for hexing her father. The benefits seemed to outweigh the consequences but Sirius began to speak again before she could lift her wand.
"You two are young and great friends. I don't want to see that ruined if you break up. You're still naive and figuring out emotions, you don't need to date yet. I had my first girlfriend in my second year and we ended on messy terms, and we hadn't even begun as friends.
"You two aren't in love. You don't have that deep connection yet. If you still like each other in a few years, the chance of your relationship being successful is going to be much higher. I'm not saying to break up. I'm just saying your friendship is probably more important."
With that said Sirius got up from the table and left the two kids to talk. The moment he stepped out of the room he was grabbed by Alex and brought into a hug.
She looked up at her husband and smiled. "I knew you could follow a script."
xx
The sorting ceremony felt quicker to Cass than it had the previous year; she suspected this was because she was no longer one of the new students being scrutinized by the older ones. Ron's younger sister Ginevra was sorted into Gryffindor along with three other boys, one of whom seemed to keep staring at Harry.
Once Kevin Whitby was sorted into Hufflepuff Dumbledore made his way to the podium in front of the head table. "Welcome back, students and staff, for another school year. A few announcements before our feast begins.
"First, the Forbidden Forrest is to remain as its name states - forbidden. Next, our caretaker Mr. Argus Filch has a new list of items that are banned. This list can be found tacked on his door."
Whatever Dumbledore said next was lost on Cass as she focused her attention to the twin red-heads to her right.
"What d'ya say Forge? Think we can make him add to the list by next week?"
Fred nudged his brother playfully, "Why of course dear Gred. I'm sure we can come up with something in the next five days. Might not be easy to find something we haven't done yet, but I have faith in us oh brother of mine."
Cass chuckled before butting in, "I bet I can get something added by tomorrow night." After adding her piece she turned her focus back to the front of the hall to hear the rest of Dumbledore's speech.
"I think I'm in love," Fred mumbled loud enough for only George and Lee to hear, causing them to burst into a round of laughter.
Dumbledore looked over to the laughing boys but decided to ignore them. "And finally, please help me welcome Mister Gilderoy Lockhart. He will be taking the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year."
The students clapped politely as he made his way up to the podium. "Hello all. I am excited to be teaching you the importance of Defense this year. As I'm sure you know from my many books I am well-traveled and have seen many things. You will learn more from me than any professor so far. Thank you."
The students gave another round of applause, and Cass noticed many of the girls were following him with their eyes, some literally drooling. 'Yeah, he's attractive but he's clearly full of himself', Cass thought as she began to fill her plate with salad and steak.
xx
"Miss Black, Miss Granger, Miss Brown and Miss Patil. A word please?"
The four second year girls stopped outside the doors of the Great Hall as they were heading to their dorms and turned their attention to their head of house.
"What's up Professor?" Cass asked, hoping it was something that could be handled quickly so she could head to bed.
McGonagall held in a laugh at Cass' very American way of asking what she needed. "You may have noticed that Miss Weasley was the only female sorted into Gryffindor house this year. I was hoping you ladies would be willing to allow her to dorm with you."
The girls looked at each other, each making a different face; Hermione seemed intrigued, Lavender exhausted, Parvati annoyed, and Cass indifferent.
"Sure Professor. The more the merrier," Hermione answered before anyone else could. She had noticed Parvati was about to speak and didn't want the poor girl turned away. This was Ron's sister after all.
"Thank you ladies. I will let Miss Weasley know of her new rooming accommodations. Sleep well."
"Happy birthday!"
Cass groaned and pushed Hermione off of her and her bed. Waking up to someone jumping on you and screaming in your ear was never pleasant.
"Caaaasssss," Hermione whined, grabbing her arm and pulling her onto the ground too, "It's your birthday! Be excited."
Now fully awake from the fall onto the floor Cass stood up and grabbed her wand, muttered a quick aguamenti so that she could drench Hermione, then ran into the bathroom to shower.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Cass asked when she emerged from the bathroom and saw Hermione sitting in front of the vanity with an exasperated look on her face.
Hermione groaned before making eye contact with her best friend through the mirror. "It's my stupid hair. It's so bushy and ugly."
"What the hell did you say to her?" Cass had turned so quickly and stalked towards Parvati and Lavender that none of the girls noticed she had also pulled out her wand. Her hair had turned a fiery red and her eyes were filled with anger.
The two backed away from their fuming roommate. "We didn't do anything! I swear," Lavender muttered before the two ran out of the room.
Hermione smiled at her friend in a silent 'thank you' for sticking up for her. "They didn't say anything Cass. I promise. You need to watch your temper."
"Well I think your hair is pretty," a quiet voice spoke from one of the beds. Both girls whipped their heads around and saw Ginevra sitting on the edge of her bed with a shy smile.
"Merlin, I forgot you were here," Cass huffed out between heavy breaths. "You had me terrified for a second Ginevra."
The red-head looked at her feet, "Sorry." Looking back to the girls she gave another timid smile, "You can call me Ginny."
xx
After being sung happy birthday by her friends and the quidditch team in the Great Hall the Gryffindor and Slytherin second years headed to their first lesson of the day - double Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"What do you think of Lockhart?" Hermione asked as she took the seat to the right of Cass. "I'm sure we're going to learn a lot from him."
Seamus snorted from the row in front of her, "Says you and every other lass."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
Seamus turned around so he was facing the girls. "It means every girl in this school saw his face and decided he could do no wrong. Man seems like a wanker if you ask me."
Cass surprised the guys by agreeing with Seamus but before they could continue the conversation the man in topic walked in.
"Good morning children. My name is Gilderoy Lockhart, and I will be your new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. We are going to start today's lesson with a quiz. I hope you've done your reading of the required texts."
Cass rolled her eyes after reading the first question on the quiz. She turned to look at Hermione hoping they had the same reaction, but saw she was already filling out the answer to question three. 'Might as well have some fun.'
1. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite colour?
Why would I know this?
2. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's secret ambition?
If it's a secret then he wouldn't have published it in his books, so why would I know this?
3. What, in your opinion, is Gilderoy Lockhart's greatest achievement to date?
In my opinion, his greatest achievement is somehow becoming a professor. Teaching requires knowing things. Not just being conceited and passing out a quiz to his class all about himself. But that's my opinion.
4. When is Gilderoy Lockhart's birthday, and what would his ideal gift be?
Why would I know when his birthday is? And I'd guess a framed photo of himself. Or a mirror.
5. How many times has Gilderoy Lockhart won Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award?
Enough times he feels it should be a question on a quiz.
6. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favorite charm?
Alohomora. Get it? That unlocks things. You're Lockhart. I love puns.
7. How many books has Gilderoy Lockhart written to date?
However many he made us buy as 'required textbooks'.
8. What is Gilderoy Lockhart's childhood nickname?
I'm not going to answer this so I don't get expelled, but trust me, I came up with some good ones.
After collecting all of the quizzes Lockhart began to read through them with a frown on his face. "I'm very disappointed. Few of you knew that my favorite color is lilac. Did you even begin to read my…" He stopped speaking as he stared at one of the papers in his hand.
"Cassiopeia Black?"
The entire class turned to look at Cass. She sat back in her seat and smirked, "Yeah?"
"Detention, Miss Black. Tonight after supper."
xx
The rest of the day was much more enjoyable for Cass. The twins serenaded her again during lunch and she was able to take a nice nap in History of Magic. When she walked into the Great Hall for dinner she was, again, serenaded by the twins, but this time Seamus, Dean, Harry, Ron and Neville joined in. Hermione sat across from her and could barely sit upright from laughing so hard, especially since Fred and George decided to sandwich her between them on the bench.
"So, Cassiopeia, what's being added to Filch's list tonight?"
Cass turned to the twin on her right and gave him a swift punch in the stomach. "Don't call me Cassiopeia, Fred." She looked to her left and glared at George, "You want one too?"
George held his hands up in mock surrender, "I've never called you anything but Cass or Black. No need to abuse me too."
"Good." Cass pivoted in her seat so she was looking at Fred again. "And to answer your question, Filch should be in any moment with the new addition."
As if on cue, the doors burst open and a furious Filch stormed through and marched to the head table. "Professor Dumbledore. I have a new item for the list. These…contraptions are clearly the work of the Weasley boys. I want them expelled. Or forced to serve detention with me for the rest of the year!"
Dumbledore looked curiously at the battered man in front of him. "What happened Argus? Do you have any proof?"
"Those monsters filled my office with these balls. I tried to throw them away but they kept bouncing out of the rubbish bin. I slipped on them at least five times."
Dumbledore took the small ball from Filch's hand and inspected it before turning his blue eyes back to him, "I don't believe this is the work of the Weasley boys, Mr. Filch. This is a muggle bounce ball, very popular in America. There's no magic to it, just rubber. You may of course add this to the list of banished items, but I am unable to punish anyone without definitive evidence."
As Filch stomped out of the Great Hall the twins clapped Cass on the back, congratulating her on the ingenious idea of using a muggle toy.
Over the next week Cass received another two detentions from Lockhart - one for falling asleep in his class and the other for calling him a dumbass when he released Cornish pixies into the classroom and was unable to get them back into their cage.
"It's almost like you want to spend extra time with the moron," Seamus teased when Cass threw her book bag on the floor of the Gryffindor common room after returning from her third detention with Lockhart.
Without saying a word Cass took out her wand and pointed it at Seamus. After a quick flourishing movement she asked him to repeat his question.
"Okay? I said that you seem like you want to spend time with the handsome man." Seamus quickly threw his hands over his mouth when he heard what he had said. "What did you do," he half asked, half whined.
Cass sat down next to Ron who was holding his side from laughing so hard before turning a mischievous look to Seamus.
"If you want to imply I like Lockhart, I'll make everyone think you like Lockhart. You may not want to talk about him for the next few days."
xx
That night Hermione flopped onto Cass' bed while she was changing into her pajamas. "Mione, you know you have your own bed, right? I know you love me but a girl needs some things to herself."
Hermione shot a quick stinging hex at her friend before rolling over so Cass could lie next to her. "What's up? You seem a little out of sorts lately. Other people may not see it, but you're my best mate and I can tell when there's something bothering you."
"I'll never be able to get away with anything with you around, will I?"
When Hermione didn't respond to her attempt at changing the topic Cass sighed and decided to confide in her. "Honestly? I'm not even sure where to start. Oliver isn't holding tryouts for the Gryffindor quidditch team this year because no one from last year's team graduated, and if I can't play quidditch I'd want to dance but there're no classes or places for me to practice, I still like Dean, I want a reason to hex Lavender because she's a pain in the ass but she barely talks to me anymore so I have no reason, two Slytherins that I think were third years cornered me in the hall and told me they'd be, and I quote, 'more than happy to show me a good time, and if I changed my look for each it wouldn't even be like sharing', honestly those guys are nasty, Monty's went missing today, I need-"
"You're rambling Cass. Take a breath." After she did Hermione went on, hoping she'd be able to help her friend at least a little, "Some of these are easy fixes. For example, talk to Oliver about being a reserve player. If someone can't participate in one of the games you could take their place."
"I hadn't thought of that. Continue."
"Send you parents a letter asking if they know any secret rooms you can practice dancing in. I'm sure your dad knows somewhere."
That caused Cass to chuckle, "Good point. If there's anywhere to hide in this castle, and I bet there is, I'm sure he knows where to go."
"With Dean I don't think you can do anything other than wait for it to pass. I know Lavender is annoying but isn't it better that she's leaving you alone? And Monty will turn up, I promise."
"You always know what to say to make me feel better." Cass gave her friend a sincere smile before pushing her off the bed and onto the floor. "Now go away. I wanna sleep."
Cass had received a letter from Sirius telling her about something he called 'The Room of Requirement', so for the two weeks before quidditch practices began she danced in the secret room each day after class.
Sirius also sent her information about secret passageways throughout the castle, and one that led to the cellar of Honeydukes in Hogsmeade.
The next day she received a letter from her mother saying that if she found out she was using the tunnel to leave Hogwarts she would be grounded for the rest of the year. Cass used her own interpretation to say her mother was suggesting she could use it as often as she wanted so long as she wasn't caught.
Oliver called the first quidditch practice of the season on the last week in September.
"Alright team, as you know I decided not to hold tryouts this year. Why, you may ask. Because we won the Quidditch House Cup last year!"
His reasoning was met with applause by the other six members of the team.
"What about a reserve?"
Oliver whipped his head around to see who had joined them on the field. He smiled as Cass walked closer with her Nimbus 2000 held over her shoulder.
"Sorry lass, but if a player gets injured during a match they can't be replaced. That's the rules." His Scottish accent and gorgeous face could be distraction, but Cass was on a mission.
"I'm not talking about replacing someone during a game." She was met with blank stares from the team, excluding Harry, so she explained further, "What if Alicia gets detention the day of a game and can't play? Or George gets hurt that morning and is banned from playing by Madame Pomfrey? I already looked at the rulebook, there's nothing that says you can't have a backup."
Angelina walked over and threw her arm around Cass' shoulders. "Okay. You make a good point. But what position do you play? Alicia is a chaser and George is a beater."
"I can play any. I'm probably best as a chaser or a seeker because I'm small but I've got the reflexes to be a keeper and the strength to play beater."
Before anyone could object Harry jumped in, "It's true, she's one of the best players I know."
"Alright lass, let's see what you can do," Oliver grinned, passing her the quaffle.
"Bring it on."
xx
Ron couldn't believe what his brothers were telling him at dinner. There was no way Cass was now on the quidditch team as a reserve for every position.
"I'm telling you the truth mate-" Fred spoke through a mouthful of potatoes before George jumped in to continue in their 'twin talk'.
"-The girl can play. Didn't miss one shot as keeper-"
"-Only missed two as a chaser-"
"-Caught the snitch faster than Harry two out of the five times-"
"-And after watching her as beater…I didn't know girls could play beater that way."
Lee just laughed at the twins before asking the question everyone who was listening to the conversation was wondering, "So where is the tough one now?"
When the boys shrugged their shoulders Neville leaned over to answer, "She's in some secret room practicing ballet."
The first quidditch match of the year took place two weeks later – Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
Cass sat in the stands with Hermione, Neville, Ron, Dean and Seamus; she invited Ginny to join them but the first year said she couldn't make it before quickly walking away.
The game was intense, Gryffindor ahead by only two goals after an hour and a half.
"What's this?" Lee screamed over the noise, his job as commentator allowing a sonorous charm to be placed on him, "Harry Potter has seen the snitch! Draco Malfoy may have a newer broom but his skills as seeker are nothing compared to Potter's.
"He's almost got it, another meter or so, and - YES. Harry Potter has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins 270-100!"
A chant of 'Go, go, Gryffindor', led by Dean, burst throughout the stands. Cass and Hermione ran down to hug Harry, their momentum knocking the three to the ground in a fit of laughter.
A drawling voice broke up their mirth. "You got lucky this time Potter."
"You're joking, right cousin?" Cass sarcastically asked, a sneer on her face to rival his own.
"This match was a fluke. My broom and skills are superior to the orphan's."
Cass' hair may have begun to turn red from her anger but it was Hermione who spoke with venom in her tone.
"If the Slytherin team's new brooms are any indication, you obviously bought your way onto the team. At least Harry got on Gryffindor's by pure talent."
Draco stepped closer to Hermione so that he was directly in her face, "No one asked you, you filthy little mudblood."
The next thing anyone knew Draco was on the ground with a bloody nose and Cass had a smirk on her face and blood on her knuckles.
Hermione had started crying so Harry pulled her into a hug before turning to his sister. "Let's get to the hospital wing. You might have a few broken fingers and Hermione needs a calming drought."
Before the three had walked off the pitch they were stopped by Professor McGonagall, who saw the confrontation from her seat in the commentator's box.
"Miss Black, you will be serving a week of detention with me. Go see Madame Pomfrey, then head over to my office. I will be there after speaking with Mister Malfoy."
The friends remained quiet until they reached the castle.
"Thanks for defending me Cass."
She pulled Hermione into a tight hug, "Anything for you. I know Harry would do the same, right?" When her brother didn't answer she released Hermione and began walking towards him, "Didn't you hear me? I said we'd always be th-"
Cass trailed off when she saw what had distracted Harry. In front of them was Mrs. Norris, Filch's cat, lying still on the ground in a puddle of water. Above her on the wall was a message written in what looked like blood.
The Chamber of Secrets has been opened.
Enemies of the heir, beware.
xx
Before her detention started, Cass, Harry, and Hermione were questioned by Dumbledore, Filch and McGonagall about Mrs. Norris; because they were the ones who found her Filch assumed they killed her. The kids were happy to find out she wasn't dead but we're kicked out of Dumbledore's office before being told what actually happened. Because of this, Cass was exhausted and annoyed.
"Her Gin, what's up?" Cass questioned her roommate when she went up for bed after her detention. "Why aren't you downstairs with everyone else?"
Ginny quickly slammed the book she was writing in shut and slid it under her pillow. "Hi Cass. Nothing really. How was detention?"
"Boring and tedious." Cass collapsed on Ginny's bed before turning to the red-head. "Why don't you ever hang out with us? Whenever we invite you, you say no and get all awkward then run away. Is it because of your brother? Do you want me hex him?"
Ginny blushed slightly before fidgeting with her blanket, "It's not my brother."
Cass wrinkled her nose in confusion for a moment before understanding who Ginny was talking about. "My brother can be an ass. All guys can. If he said something or makes you uncomfortable I'd be more than happy to prank him or something."
"That's not the problem."
"Then what is?"
Knowing Cass wouldn't leave her alone until she received an answer Ginny muttered, "Ilikeyourbrother."
"Oh," Cass said softly. "But how do you like him if you don't know him? You never hang out with us so I assume you don't."
Ginny sighed, "I've read all of the books about him and he's incredible. And then when I came here and saw what a great friend he is…"
"But Gin, you don't know Harry. The books are about 'The Boy Who Lived'. The real Harry is different than that rubbish. Maybe that's who you like. The hero Harry. Not my brother. Just think about that."
Once Cass had walked into the bathroom Ginny pulled the journal out from under her pillow and began to write again.
-Tom, I don't think I'll continue writing to you. Thank you for listening to me talk about Harry, but his sister just made a good point. It's something I need to consider so I don't think I need your help anymore, but thank you for being a good friend.
After she finished writing her words disappeared from the page and were replaced by someone else's handwriting.
-It is nice to know someone is there for you, Ginny, but I need you for my plans.
When Cass emerged from the bathroom she noticed Ginny was gone and the book was left open on her bed. Deciding there was no harm in looking at what was left behind, she was able to read the words before they disappeared from the pages.
One question ran through her mind - 'What the hell does that mean?'
"Good morning students." Dumbledore's voice spread throughout the Great Hall at breakfast, instantly stopping all other conversations. "As you may have heard, Mr. Filch's cat was found petrified under a message claiming that 'The Chamber of Secrets' has been opened."
The room broke out into whispered conversations about the infamous chamber and the monster rumored to live there, but the students once again stopped speaking the moment Dumbledore continued his speech.
"There is no 'Chamber of Secrets'. This was a prank by one of the students here - though I am not sure who - to cause a little mayhem. I ask kindly that whoever was behind this prank to please not do it again."
Once Dumbledore returned to his seat Cass turned to Harry and Hermione. "You're not buying his bull, right?"
Harry had just shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth so Hermione was the one to respond, "If it were truly a prank I don't think the professors and Filch would have questioned us last night as intensely as they did. Something is going on."
"You want find out what it is, don't you Cass?" Harry asked with a resigned look on his face.
"Obviously. You in or out?"
Harry and Hermione looked at each other before nodding their heads. If Cass was going to end up doing something stupid or dangerous, which she likely was, they wanted to be there for her.
***huge jump in time***
Harry, Cass and Hermione were sitting in the Gryffindor common room after their last class for the month of October.
"So I was thinking," Cass started but was interrupted by Seamus jumping into the spot next to her on the couch.
"That's never a good thing."
After shoving him off and laying down so he couldn't sit there again she continued, "It's been a month and there haven't been any more attacks, right? And tomorrow is the 31st. I know its tough Harry, but that's the day your parents were killed. I can almost guarantee that there will be another attack tomorrow."
"What do my parents' deaths have to do with that?"
Seamus rolled over onto his back so he was looking at Hermione. "What are they talkin' about?"
Hermione ignored Seamus and prompted Cass to continue her thought.
"The writing on the wall said 'enemies of the heir, beware'. Who's the only known heir of one of the Hogwarts founders and is also a man who made many enemies? Voldemort. Who killed Aunt Lily and Uncle James? Voldemort. If some nutjob is planning on causing another attack, the day of his master's demise seems like a good time to do it."
Hoping they wouldn't ignore him again Seamus added, "But Voldemort is dead lass. How would he be openin' the chamber here?"
"That's what we plan to find out."
As the Gryffindors were walking towards the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning a small voice spoke from behind them.
"Cassiopeia Black?"
Cass turned to see a small girl with waist length dirty-blonde hair and large silver-blue eyes. She'd never seen anyone with such an unusual eye color, nor had she seen this girl before.
"Hi, who are you?"
"My name is Luna Lovegood. I have something that belongs to you."
Cass' eyebrows rose in question but when the girl pulled a small snake out from behind her back she jumped up and down before pulling her into a hug.
"I found him about a month ago near the area Mrs. Norris was found. There are also some things I think we should talk about. Would you mind walking with me?"
The two left the castle and walked towards the Black Lake, choosing to sit on the grass under a large tree.
"Thank you, Luna. I can see you took good care of Monty and that means so much to me. But, how did you know he was mine? We've never met."
"I love wood nymphs."
Cass stared at Luna, who now had a dreamy look on her face. "Okay…?"
"I try and come to visit them as often as I can. Sometimes I have too much homework though."
"Is there a point to this?"
A small giggle escaped Luna, "When I found Monty I brought him up to my room. He seemed nervous - I have never seen a nervous snake before - so I chose to bring him out here to relax; wood nymphs have an ability to make those around them feel calm. We came outside almost every day to see them but it wasn't until last week the wood nymphs told me that he was your familiar. I am sorry you have gone so long without him Cassiopeia."
Cass wasn't sure how to respond at first so instead chose to pull Luna in for another hug.
"Thank you, Luna. And you don't need to call me by my full name. I'm not a fan of it to be honest."
"Of course. The wood nymphs said you go by two nicknames. Would you prefer I call you Cass or Pia?"
Cass must have looked as shocked as she felt because Luna began to giggle again.
"I guess you only use Pia with your friends in New York. Cass it is."
The two stood up and were walking back to the castle when Cass threw her arm over Luna's shoulders. "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
xx
"Diggory and Davies are neck and neck. The snitch is making its way towards the Ravenclaw hoops and would you look at that! Diggory caught the snitch! Hufflepuff beats Ravenclaw 220-130!"
Once the celebrating died down the students began making their way to the Great Hall for dinner. All was going well until a scream echoed throughout the castle and Hufflepuff's house ghost, the Fat Friar, descended through the ceiling with a terrified expression. McGonagall was the first to take command.
"Students, head into the Great Hall. Prefects, make sure each member of your house stays there until one of the professors tells you it is safe to leave."
Cass was able to grab Harry's arm and pull him into a secret alcove during the chaos of students trying to rush inside the room.
McGonagall looked around to make sure there were no stragglers before asking the Fat Friar to explain what happened.
"The chamber was opened once again Minerva. I found a young first year Gryffindor in the same state Mrs. Norris was found, but he is near the library. Professor Dumbledore is refusing to acknowledge the danger Hogwarts is in; what do we do?"
"The only thing we can do now is speak to the headmaster and hope he finally sees this is a serious issue. Someone is attacking the children." The two began to move towards the stairs so they could find the petrified child. "I heard Gilderoy commenting he knew what the monster was, as well as the location to the chamber."
The siblings looked at each other with wide eyes. Harry's were filled with fear but Cass' eyes held a look of adventure and excitement.
"Harry! We're one step closer to finding out what's happening! And I told you there'd be an attack tod-"
Harry's hand shot out to cover his sister's mouth. Her annoyance to his interruption subsided when she looked towards where he was pointing- or rather, who he was pointing to.
Ginny Weasley had just turned around the corner. Her hands were shaking and there were tear marks on her cheeks. She didn't notice the two hiding as she continued down the hall and went into one of the girl's restrooms.
"Oh my God…"
After being separated from Monty for almost a month, Cass chose to bring him with her everywhere she went the next day. Seamus was currently waiting for the friends by the Black Lake, and Cass was planning on scaring him with Monty. As she, Neville, Harry and Hermione walked down the corridor Harry stopped dead in his tracks and all color drained from his face.
"Harry? What happened?" Neville questioned. "Do you feel sick?"
Harry gave a weak laugh before calling out, "Very funny Fred and George, you can come out now."
Hermione gave a concerned look to Harry before turning to Cass, hoping she knew what was wrong with her brother. Cass shrugged before reaching into her shirt, apparently trying to grab something.
"What's going on you two?"
Cass finally succeeded in grabbing the bothersome object in her shirt – Monty. "I don't know what happened to him. He was sitting in the hood of my sweater one second and the next he slithered into my shirt, almost as though he was hiding. And I have no idea what's up with green eyes over there."
Harry looked between his friends, obviously confused. "Didn't you guys hear that just now?"
"Hear what Harry?" Neville's voice was sympathetic and calm.
"The voice in the walls, talking about killing people. It's gotta be one of the twin's pranks. It just scared me for a second. I'm surprised you guys didn't respond."
Cass walked closer to her brother and looked into his eyes while grabbing one of his hands, "There was no voice, Harry. Are you feeling okay? Should I take you to Madame Pomfrey?"
Before he could respond, Monty used their connected hands to move to Harry's shoulder. After a small hiss Harry's face went pale.
"We need to see McGonagall. Now."
xx
"It is a shame Albus won't let me do anything to take care of this monster, as I am the only one who could make sure the problem went away forever," Lockhart pompously told the other professors gathered in the 'Professors' Lounge'. "A pity too. I could have used the opportunity to write a new book."
Before any of the other professors could respond Cass and Harry ran in, out of breath and speaking over one another.
"What is the meaning of this?" Professor McGonagall asked worriedly.
Cass took the lead, "We were heading to go outside when Harry stopped all of a sudden. He looked terrified and his face flushed. So Neville asked if Harry felt sick, which he said he didn't, and the next thing I know my snake is in my shirt!"
"I heard a voice, I thought it was the Weasley twins playing a joke, but Cass, Neville and Hermione said they hadn't heard anything. The voice was talking about killing students, and then Monty came over to me and said the monster is in the walls. And he knows what it is."
McGonagall was looking back and forth between the two students, but it was Snape's drawling voice that broke the silence.
"Whoever Monty is was clearly in on the joke. Twenty points from Gryffindor for wasting our time."
Cass narrowed her eyes at the greasy professor and pulled Monty out from his hiding place in her pocket. "Meet my familiar, Monty."
When the realization that Harry was told by a snake what the monster was Flitwick gasped, "Harry, you're a parselmouth?"
"I am. I guess that's why I heard a voice in the wall that no one else did. But the monster isn't just any snake."
Lockhart spoke up from the back of the room, "What do you mean 'not just any snake'?"
Snape turned his signature sneer to the man he now realized he may hate even more than Potter and Black. "You of all people should know, Gilderoy. You've bragged about knowing how to find and defeat the monster. Your time has come. Are you ready to fight a basilisk?"
The gasps of the other professors was loud enough that no one heard the thump of Lockhart's body hitting the floor when he fainted.
Monday morning's feast began like any other, but when Sirius and Alex Black walked through the doors behind Professor McGonagall, everyone realized something big must have happened.
McGonagall continued walking to her seat at the head table but Sirius and Alex ran straight to their children and pulled them into a hug.
"Hi Mom and Dad, what brings you here?" Cass was trying to keep a straight face during her question but her father's expression caused her to snort.
"I don't know Soap. Why are your mom and I here? Maybe just to visit you and Pup. Maybe to check in on your education. Maybe check on that poor Colin kid to see if he'll be getting the petrification antidote anytime soon.
"Or maybe," Sirius turned towards the head table and glared at Dumbledore, "it's to see how my kids are after going into the Chamber of Secrets with two of their professors to kill a basilisk by throwing roosters at it."
The students had been quiet when the parents walked in but after Sirius finished speaking you could have heard a pin drop. Dumbledore looked as though he'd just stepped in hippogriff shit.
"Mr. Black, I'm not sure what your children told you, but perhaps this is a conversation for some other time in a more private location."
Professor McGonagall rose from her seat and walked to the podium Dumbledore normally made his speeches from.
"Students, today's lessons will be canceled due to an impromptu staff meeting. After breakfast please feel free to do as you wish so long as you do not break any rules."
The Great Hall burst into applause and some of their fellow Gryffindors began congratulating Harry and Cass on their recently announced accomplishment.
Fred, George, Lee and Oliver were sitting together and looked down the table towards the siblings.
"That lass is somethin' else," Lee chortled to the guys.
The other boys nodded in agreement before Fred added, "She helped kill a giant-ass, deadly snake by throwing a rooster at it. I know I say this a lot but I think I'm in love."
The guys were so busy laughing they didn't notice Cass pulling Ginny out of the Great Hall.
xx
When the girls made it to their room Cass sat on her bed and offered Ginny a seat next to her.
"Ginny, I know it was you." The red-head's eyes widened and began to fill with tears but Cass quickly continued, "I also know it wasn't your fault. I think you were being possessed by your diary."
Ginny looked at Cass, wondering how this girl didn't hate her. "I tried to stop myself but I couldn't. Everything I did was because it had control over me."
"I'm assuming you didn't buy the diary." When Ginny shook her head Cass pulled her into a hug. "Gin, you aren't going to like what I'm about to say.
"The diary was once Voldemort's." When Ginny gasped and began to cry Cass tightened her hug and finished explaining. "The back of the diary is engraved with a name – Tom Marvolo Riddle. That's the real name of the creep who turned into the monster Voldemort. I think one of his followers planted this on you. Harry and I believe they wanted to use dark magic to finish what he started. But they can't now."
"I'm so sorry."
Cass ended her hug with Ginny so that she could look her in the eye, "You don't need to be sorry. You didn't want to do this, you were forced. And you're safe now, which is the most important thing.
"Come with me. I think we should give this to McGonagall so that she can pass it on to the head of the DMLE."
Ginny stood and grabbed Cass' offered hand before they left to finally end the nightmare.
