Bold*- parstletounge
Italics - thoughts
"Normal"- speech and narrative
Chapter 59: A Late Night
31/10/1994
~~~~~~~~~
The whole hall was silent. There was no applause. No movement. No nothing.
And then it happened.
A buzzing started to fill the room. Angry voices yelling out at Potter, whispering to their friends next to them.
Blaise threw a smirk at the group before standing up on his chair. "Cheat! He's a cheat!!"
Cassandra smirked as many people followed his lead. The Ravenclaws glared, the Hufflepuffs hissed and the Gryffindors just sat in shock: not to mention the faces of the foreign students.
Quite a few people were standing up now. Potter looked frozen in his seat, like he had no idea what to do.
"Dumbledore looks soo calm right now!" Stated Pansy sarcastically. Cassie glanced up at the headmaster and giggled at the rage in his eyes and the shaking of his hands.
"Yup - the calmest!" She laughed out as Professor McGonagall began to whisper urgently in Dumbledore's ear.
The man then straightened up. "Harry Potter!" he called again. "Harry! Up here, if you please!"
The Slytherins watched as Granger gave him a slight push, leaving the boy to walk up to the top table.
Everyone hissed as he walked past, everyone was still yelling about him being a cheat. Across the hall Cass made eye contact with Fred and George, then Luna. They all smirked.
After Potter entered the back room the hall exploded with noise, it took Dumbledore setting off fireworks with his wand to shut them all up.
"You are dismissed! Please head back to your common rooms, or carriage or ship! I bid you all goodnight!"
And with that he swept out of the hall followed by Crouch, Bagman, McGonagall and the heads of the other schools. As everyone got up to leave Cassie made eye contact with her Uncle Severus. He nodded covertly before swooping in the door, following the others.
She knew what that meant and turned to the others. "Hang tight guys! I'll be back with the details soon don't you worry!"
"Alright, just don't get caught okay?" Theo said giving her a small hug. She hugged back, missing the blush on his face and the excited looks on her friends faces.
After she pulled away she said goodbye before sneaking past the students, staying in the shadows and slipping into the room.
It was much smaller than that which she had just entered from; lined with portraits, and a fire roaring in the centre.
She cast a silencing charm on herself, shrinking against the wall and getting a good view of the scene in front of her.
Viktor, Cedric, and Fleur were grouped around the fire: Cassandra couldn't help but think how attractive Cedric looked in the firelight.
She shook her head, she needed to concentrate.
Potter was standing in the middle of the room and everyone was looking at him.
"Madame Maxime!" Fleur exclaimed. "Zey are saying zat zis annoying little boy eez to compete also!"
Cassie let out a giant laugh, extremely glad she had placed a silencing charm upon herself.
Madame Maxime nodded exuberantly. "What is ze meaning of zis, Dumbly-dorr?"
"I'd rather like to know that myself, Dumbledore," Karkaroff cut in, not giving the old man a time to speak. "Two Hogwarts champions? I don't remember anyone telling me the host school is allowed two champions - or have I not read the rules carefully enough?"
"C'est impossible, 'ogwarts cannot 'ave two champions. It is most injust!"
"We were under the impression that your Age Line would keep out younger contestants, Dumbledore. Otherwise, we would, of course, have brought along a wider selection of candidates from our own schools!"
"It's no one's fault but Potter's, Karkaroff," said Severus softly. Cassandra giggled at the look on his face. From in the shadows she saw him send the smallest smirk her way. "Don't go blaming Dumbledore for Potter's determination to break rules. He has been crossing lines ever since he arrived here-"
"Thank you, Severus!" said Dumbledore, cutting off what was surely going to be a rant about Potter.
Professor Dumbledore then turned to the boy, hands still shaking. "Harry, did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire?" he asked 'calmly'.
"No sir!"
A few snorts of disbelief sounded throughout the room, but Cass was unsure of who they came from.
"Did you ask an older student to put your name in for you?"
"No sir!"
The headmaster nodded and stepped away from the shaking boy.
"Ah, but of course 'e is lying!" cried Madame Maxime.
"I insist upon resubmitting the names of the rest of my students!" stated Karkaroff. "You will set up the Goblet of Fire once more, and we will continue adding names until each school has two champions. It's only fair, Dumbledore!"
"But Karkaroff, it doesn't work like that," said Bagman. "The Goblet of Fire's just gone out! It won't reignite until the start of the next tournament-"
"-in which Durmstrang will most certainly not be competing!" exploded Karkaroff.
So much for international magical cooperation, thought Cass: still giggling at the scene in front of her - eyes flicking now and then to Cedric who was sat on a chair, head in hands.
"After all our meetings and negotiations and compromises, I little expected something of this nature to occur! I have half a mind to leave now!"
"Empty threat, Karkaroff," growled a voice from near the door. "You can't leave your champion now. He's got to compete. They've all got to compete. Binding magical contract, like Dumbledore said. Convenient, eh?"
Cassie grinned as Moody entered. Surprisingly she saw her Uncle Sev glance warily at him, with a slight glare - surely Barty had told him who he was?!
"Convenient?" said Karkaroff. "I'm afraid I don't understand you, Moody."
"Don't you? It's very simple, Karkaroff. Someone put Potter's name in that goblet knowing he'd have to compete if it came out."
The two heads went at it again, complaining thoroughly about Hogwarts having two champions - but good ol' Professor Barty shut them up.
"If anyone's got reason to complain, it's Potter! But, funny thing, I don't hear him saying a word!"
"Why should 'e complain?" burst out Fleur "'E 'as ze chance to compete, 'asn't 'e? We 'ave all been 'oping to be chosen for weeks and weeks! Ze honor for our schools! A thousand Galleons in prize money - zis is a chance many would die for!"
Cassandra felt a bit bad. She knew her and Fleur would most likely become close friends, Viktor said he owed her, plus she had a feeling they would be friends also and Cedric, well, was Cedric. She didn't like the idea that she was ruining her friends chances at a proper tournament.
However there was one thing that made everything better. They were in control of the last task and no one would be harmed apart from Potter! They would all be safe and that was what really mattered!
She tuned back in to the conversation.
"-it would have needed an exceptionally strong Confundus Charm to bamboozle that goblet into forgetting that only three schools compete in the tournament - I'm guessing they submitted Potter's name under a fourth school, to make sure he was the only one in his category!"
"You seem to have given this a great deal of thought, Mad-Eye!" said Karkaroff coldly.
"It was once my job to think the way Dark wizards do, Karkaroff - as you ought to remember!"
"Alastor!" said Dumbledore warningly as Cassandra took pleasure in watching the colour drain from Igor's face.
"Well, shall we crack on, then?" Bagman said. "We all know the only way for this to work is for Potter to compete, so let's stop our arguing and give our champions their instructions! Barty, want to do the honors?"
Mr Crouch explained about the tasks and rules for the tournament. Each champion listened intently but Cass could still see Potter shaking. Once he was done Dumbledore turned to the Minister.
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay at Hogwarts tonight, Barty?"
"No, Dumbledore, I must get back to the Ministry; it is a very busy, very difficult time at the moment!"
"You'll come and have a drink before you go, at least?"
"I think not, sorry Dumbledore." said Crouch before leaving the room, Bagman on his heels trying to convince him to stay.
McGonagall and Severus left next.
"Professor Karkaroff? Madame Maxime? a nightcap?" said Dumbledore.
But Madame Maxime was already halfway out the door, arm around Fleur's shoulders. Karkaroff beckoned to Krum, and they too exited the room.
It was just Moody, Dumbledore, Potter and Cedric now.
The headmaster glanced towards Cass's hiding spot, eyes twinkling. Moody followed his gaze and coughed before saying, "Cassandra you can come out now!"
To Cedric's and Potter's surprise she stepped out from the shadows. "Um heyy?!"
"Cass!" Cedric exclaimed, running up to her and wrapping his arms around her.
"Miss Riddle would you like to explain what you are doing here before I presume the worst?" Dumbledore asked as Potter glared at her from behind his back.
"Well sir, I was extremely worried when Cedric's name exited the cup and I needed to talk to him before he went to his common room. I also wanted to know what he would be facing, and yes I know he would have told me, but I just needed some validation before I became too panicked."
She snuggled into Cedric's chest, breathing in the familiar scent she loved so dearly.
Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a moment. "That is understandable, just next time please ask before doing things like this. I know Alastor considers you to be his best student, and obviously you are his apprentice so I just wanted to congratulate you as I'm sure he would be proud of your skill to stay hidden, right Alastor?"
"Absolutely Dumbledore! You'd make an excellent Auror!"
Cassandra held back her laugh and nodded in thanks.
"Now I think it's best that you three get to bed! Off you pop!"
The trio exited into the now deserted Great Hall. As soon as the door closed behind them Potter whipped around to face her.
"What the bloody hell Riddle?! Why do you always have to be around! I don't care if you're trying to get the scoop on what happened or if you're trying to find a way to embarrass me but just piss off! Literally no one wants you here!!"
Cassandra reached for her wand but Cedric stepped in front of her. "Harry that's no way to speak to a lady. I understand you are in different houses but so are me and Cass! We get along perfectly great and you need to suck it up and stop with the insults okay?!"
Cassie placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Ced, Potter's just a egotistical dickhead who wants to gain fame. Why else do you think he put his name in the Goblet Of Fire?"
"I did not put my name in that cup Riddle! And Diggory why aren't you telling her not to insult me!?"
Cedric grinned, almost like a smirk - almost. "She's an independent woman she can say whatever the hell she wants, I don't control her!" He shrugged and Cassandra smiled proudly at him. She was rubbing off on him.
The Hufflepuff just looked down at her adoringly. "C'mon Cass let's get to the common room! The twins will be waiting for me no doubt!" And with that he lifted her up and carried her out of the hall, Potter exiting behind them.
———
"Wait, Ced?"
"Yes Cassie?"
"This isn't the way to the dungeon!?"
He looked down at the girl in his arms. "That's because you, along with Fred and George, are invited to the celebrations! And that, my dear, is in the Hufflepuff common room!"
Cassandra grinned. They made their way down a few corridors and headed down a floor to the basement of Hogwarts.
"It seems so cheery down here, even though it's basically the dungeons; this is so weird but cool at the same time!" Stated Cass as Cedric placed her down next to a painting of a bowl of fruit. Directly opposite was an assortment of barrels.
Ced pointed to the painting. "That is the bonus of being sorted into Hufflepuff, because through there is the kitchens, and here," he tapped on a barrel, "is the entrance to our common room!"
"Merlin! That's awesome!!"
"We think so too!" Stated a voice coming up behind them.
"Yeah it's much easier than walking all the way down from Gryffindor tower!"
"Fred, George!" Cass yelled, jumping up to give her two friends a hug. After they pulled away the boys did the 'bro hug' whilst Cassandra held in a giggle.
"Okay now that we're all here," he tapped his wand in a rhythm on one of the barrels and the wall lifted up to reveal a room, "welcome to Hufflepuff!"
Cedric entered the room and there was a gigantic cheer, with shouts and tons of applause - it was deafening! Cass followed, with the twins, and found herself on a cute little balcony looking over the entire common room.
A spiral staircase led down from where they were standing, leading to the cosy, fire lit room that was full of plants and furniture with honey coloured wood. There was just the right amount of black and yellow, as well as a portrait of Helga Hufflepuff above the mantle.
Cedric grabbed Cass's hand, pulling her with him as he ran down the stairs. Cassandra grabbed Fred's hand, him grabbing George's, and they all went together. {A/N - think about how Snape was dragging Harry in HBP}
On the last step someone tripped and all four of them landed flat on their faces.
Cassandra landed on top of Cedric.
The Hufflepuffs in the common room fell silent. Slightly glaring at the Slytherin and the boys from the house of the cheat that stole their thunder.
"Get off him you little slut he doesn't want you! Hufflepuff is where it's at hun, he ain't interested!" Someone yelled out.
Cedric craned his head to look at Cass, Cass looked at Ced, George looked at Cass, Cass looked at George.
Fred then burst out laughing.
Uncontrollable laughing.
He was laughing so hard he was rolling around on the floor and banging his hand against it.
This set George off, which set Cassandra off. She rolled off of Cedric and onto her back, clutching her stomach.
Cedric was not laughing.
He was not smiling.
He was not impressed.
He pushed himself off the ground and stood, steely look on his face. In the midst of her laughing Cassandra caught a glimpse of it and stopped. She immediately got up and went to his side, hugging his torso, looking up at him. "Ced what's wrong? Are you okay?"
The rest of the house looked shocked, I mean, they knew they were close but... everyone knows you don't get that close to a Slytherin!
He looked around the room and pointed at Cassandra. "This is my baby, and ain't nobody gonna touch her! {A/N - I'm sorry I had too lol} Okay? You don't insult her, you don't come at her, you don't do anything. She is my best friend and I would be lost without her! Act like she is a part of the house: but like also sort of keep your distance - she doesn't really like new people."
He was met with silence.
"Please guys!"
More silence.
"Um... she can help us get back at Potter for taking away our deserved glory without making it look like we did anything?"
There was suddenly a loud cheer and Cedric smiled shaking his head.
That was when the party began.
Fred and George dragged their laughing butts off the floor and walked over to the couple that wasn't actually a couple because they were both too scared to ask.
"You know you could have added us into your 'don't kill her or else' speech right?" They asked in unison.
"I know!"
There was a pause for a moment.
The four then burst into laughter once again before dancing, drinking and eating their way into the night.
———
1/11/1994
Fred and George had just dropped a 'slightly' drunk Cassie off outside of the Slytherin common room and she was now looking curiously at the wall. She had forgotten the password.
"Damn it, I don't freaking know do I you stupid wall just open!"
That seemed to have done the trick as the wall split apart revealing the inviting green hue of the dungeons. Cassie sloppily stepped inside.
Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her, pulling her inside. She got plonked on the couch and when her eyes focused again she saw a very angry/tired looking Blaise, Pansy, Daphne and Theo. Greg and Vince were asleep on the other sofa.
"Where have you been!" Exclaimed Pansy.
"Bed still empty!"
"No note!"
"You said you wouldn't be long!"
"You said it would only take a few minutes!"
Cassandra giggled.
"Good lord, is she drunk?" Stated Blaise, starting to fuss over her, placing his hand on her forehead and inspecting her face.
"Cassie...?"
No answer.
"Cass...?"
Still no answer.
"Andrea!?"
Cassandra whipped her wand out almost instantly and held it to Draco's throat. "Only Uncle Barty is allowed to call me that Draco so shut the hell up before I hex you!"
Blaise laughed, "well at least she knows something about herself!" He then turned back to Cass, face now stern. "Where were you? It is literally four in the morning!"
She grinned, "the yellowy common room, for Ceddy's celebration - duh! Gred and Feorge were there too! It was loadsss of fun. Ceddy and I danced and Freddy gave me a piggyback and Georgie helped me do a keg stand! Food! Also food! Ceddy deserves it, he's the best!"
Theo clenched his fists.
Daphne was just about to say something but Cassandra had begun looking around suspiciously. She then grabbed Blaise and Draco's ties, pulling them towards her. The others drew closer, to hear what she was going to say.
"Badges." She whispered. And then, she was out like a light.
