August 27, 1975 - Malfoy Manor

Cassiopeia and he walked the streets of Diagon Alley, finishing up their shopping for the new year. Aided by two pouches filled to the brim with Malfoy gold, it was the first time that either of them had been able to spend more liberally, purchasing several sets of new robes, and gleaming new textbooks.

While Narcissa had at first offered to come, it was soon deemed too risky for the three of them to be seen together. Instead, they had been sent on their way with the Malfoys' elf.

Dobby was… strange.

A gift from Narcissa' mother, it was clear that much separated him from others of his kind. Incessantly talkative and clingy, he was at times extremely amusing, and horribly irritating.

Like right now.

"Please shut up, Dobby," he muttered exasperatedly. The house-elf eyed him reproachfully but fell silent. "Thank you."

Cassiopeia huffed in amusement, and he glanced up to see a small grin playing around her lips. When their eyes met, however, she looked away, and his heart twisted.

"Is Little Mistress be needing anything else?" the creature squeaked a minute later, when they'd passed through a crowd of wizards gathered around the Quidditch shop.

"I think not, Dobby," she smiled kindly, taking his hand into hers. "But you've been a wonderful help."

"Thank you, Little Mistress," he beamed fervently, his large eyes shining. Leading them both into a side alley - audacious behaviour, had he been with any other family - he grasped Severus' hand as well.

Seconds later they stood in the foyer, and Dobby disappeared once more, this time with the assurance that he would deliver their purchases to their respective rooms. For a moment, Cassiopeia and he stood in a tense silence, before she turned to leave.

He had to speak, before he lost his nerve. "Cassie – "

She paused on the first steps of the stairwell, her hand tightening on the ornate handrail. She didn't turn, but it was clear that she was listening.

"I wanted to speak with you," he continued hesitantly. "Would you be willing to meet me in the library after dinner?"

He couldn't breathe, fearful of missing her answer should he make even the slightest noise. She stood as still as a statue, before finally, finally giving him the smallest nod.

"Thank you."

She made a small noise, and disappeared upstairs.

For the rest of the day, he could do nothing but think of the evening to come. For hours, he paced his room, and when Narcissa called for him to come downstairs at eight, he had half a mind to beg off the meal.

In the end, however, he hadn't been able to deny her insistence.

"More, Severus?"

He shook his head. "No, thank you."

Narcissa was a wonderful cook, but he was too nervous to eat. Instead, he spent most of the meal pushing food around on his plate, while the rest of the room's occupants conversed quietly.

"Are you feeling ill, love?" Narcissa asked finally, her voice concerned. Cassiopeia and Lucius ceased their conversation, and the former met his eyes questioningly.

"I don't think so, but may I be excused?"

"Of course," was the indulgent reply.

He left the table, and behind him he heard Cassie stand as well, murmuring her excuses to Lucius and Narcissa. Quietly, he made his way into the Malfoy library, highly cognizant of the sound of footsteps behind him.

The heavy wooden door swung closed at his back, and several tall candles flared to life, shrouding the room in an eerie sort of glow. Discomfited, he settled on the arm of an opulent armchair, observing through the semi-darkness as Cassiopeia did the same.

"Dinner was nice today, wasn't it?"

He cringed in embarrassment as the words left his mouth, but he hadn't been able to stand the strained silence.

Cassie indulged him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It was. It's nice that Lucius allows Cissa to explore her talents."

They fell silent.

"Cassiopeia – "

She met his eyes, and his breath caught at the way the candle-fire framed her face, casting an ethereal glow across her skin.

"Go on, Sev'rus."

He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. This could be his only chance. "Cassie, I – I regret what I did. So fucking much. I had no right to be angry with you – " he broke off, allowing his hair to fall forward and conceal the anger and shame that coloured his cheeks. "I – I should have never ignored you, never let you stay alone for the summer. Will you forgive me?"

Eyes downcast and heart threatening to break from its cage, he awaited his verdict.

There was a rustle of fabric, and he heard her settle down beside him, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

Damn it.

Moments later, she reached over to him hesitatingly, her warm hand coming to rest against his own, and he froze, stunned.

How long had it been, since they'd held hands, since they'd touched? However much time, he was sure it'd been too long. Had he nearly forgotten the comfort that a single touch of hers could bring, the affection that filled his heart as she stroked her thumb against his?

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?"

When no answer was forthcoming he glanced up at her, disheartened to see the sad smile on her face.

"You hurt me, Sev. This past year – " she shook her head, her expression pained. "But I hurt you as well, and for all it's worth, know that I regret it too." She sighed, reaching out to brush the hair back from his face. "I won't forget it - I don't think I'd even be able to. But – I do forgive you."

He nodded, and her smile became somewhat less sad.

"I'm glad you understand," she said softly, and he allowed himself to be enveloped by her embrace.

"Thank you."

September 2, 1975 - Hogwarts

The beginning of a new school year had brought with it a swath of new teachers, the most notable of which now stood in front of the classroom, waiting for the Gryffindors and Slytherins to settle in.

Professor Sayre, the fifth Defence teacher they'd had over the course of as many years.

"Quiet, class," she intoned, her faintly American accent catching everyone's notice. Cassiopeia glanced around the room, bemused at the raptness with which her male classmates came to attention.

She caught Severus' eye, who gave her a cautious smile.

"I was informed that your past instruction in this subject was… rather lacking," she spoke, pacing slowly in front of them. "I will attempt, then, to remedy such a situation." She paused, smirking, "It is your O.W.L. year, after all."

Groans echoed around the room, particularly from the Gryffindors who had gathered together at the back of the class.

"But Professor, that's not fair," Sirius Black yelled out, Potter snickering at his outburst. Lily, who sat beside McKinnon just in front of them, seemed faintly annoyed.

"And who might you be?" Sayre asked with an annoyed frown.

"Sirius Black," the Gryffindor said, smugness practically radiating off of him.

"Ah, Mr. Black – " she began, her frown disappearing and a spark of interest appearing in her eyes. "While I may agree with your assertion, it is nonetheless my duty to prepare you for your exams. Speaking of – "

She flicked her wand, moving their desks away from them and against the wall, much to their surprise.

"I greatly prefer to teach practice, not theory."

When nobody moved, she raised her brows. "Well?"

They stood, each student pairing off with one of their house. In the end, only Lucy Talkalot was forced to pair with a Gryffindor - earning her pitying looks.

Cassiopeia herself was paired with Severus. Like always, came instinctually to her mind, however false that statement was. Still, even if the air between them wasn't yet completely cleared, she was eternally grateful that it wasn't Frank Longbottom who was her partner.

"What should we practice, Professor?" Rory asked, once the class had organized itself. The shiny novel badge on her chest had given her a newfound confidence, and it made Cassie smile.

Sayre shrugged, her stereotypically-stateside blonde curls bouncing with the movement. "No killing each other, but show me what you know."

From the moment the words left her mouth, chaos erupted around them. The Gryffindors, especially, seemed eager to show off, and it was only seconds later that one of them was lying on the ground.

Sayre, looking exasperated, made her way to the back of the room.

"Ready, Cassiopeia?" Severus asked, meeting her eyes.

She took a steadying breath. Defence had never been her best subject, but at least her hands didn't shake so much anymore. "Go for it."

"Locomotor Mortis – "

"Protego!"

Her shield emerged just in time, deflecting Severus' spell to Crouch Jr, who fell to the floor.

Severus had no intention of stopping, however, for as soon as she had gathered herself, he cursed her again.

"Densaugeo, Calvorio, Petrificus – "

Her shield buckled under the barrage, and finally disintegrated, causing Severus to cut himself off mid-sentence. He gave her a grin, and her cheeks flushed with pride.

"Expelliarmus," he exclaimed a half-second later, catching her off-guard and allowing her wand to sail into his hand. Swallowing back her panic, she congratulated him, walking over to retrieve her prized possession.

Purple light streaked towards her from the side, and in a moment of desperation she raised her hands. "Protego – "

The curse grazed her shield, disintegrating it, but veering off-course in the process. Cassie whirled around, watching as the spell struck the desk behind her, causing it to explode.

She swallowed, her wide eyes meeting Severus', who looked equally unnerved. That had been – too close. He made his way to her quickly, seeming to make sure that she was unhurt. "Are you alright?"

"You're shaking," he added when she didn't speak, handing over her wand, which she gripped tightly. "You should probably be done for today."

She nodded shakily, her eyes once more seeking out the broken wooden pieces. The Professor seemed to be of the same opinion, for she called for them to take their seats, easily repairing the damaged furniture

As the two of them settled down in their seats, Severus could not hold himself back from asking any longer. "That was what I think it was, right?" he asked quietly.

Meeting his eyes, she nodded.

•••

I hope you liked this chapter. As always, thank you especially to SilentMayhem, and to all of you here. I hope you have a delightful week :)