June 22, 1972 - Hogwarts

Severus and Cassie cuddled on the couch in their common room, the second-to-last day of school almost over. The girl's head lay on Severus' lap, her mouth twisted in a disappointed frown.

"Cassie, your score wasn't even that bad," Severus comforted. "It's just one Acceptable, in your first year. It won't ruin your chances at a career."

"Severus…" Cassie replied, her tone angry and disappointed. "He only passed me out of pity."

"No, he didn't!" Severus protested quietly, mindful of the others in the room. "You're amazing at theory!"

"And I could barely pick up my wand for the practical examination!"

His face softened, and stroked Cassie's fine, wavy hair gently. "It's not a bad thing that you don't like hurting people."

"But I wouldn't have even hurt him. I know that. It was just some jinxes, if I'd managed to hit him – which I doubt."

"You're too harsh on yourself. Besides, I–" he blushed, "–I like that you're not like me."

"Like you?" Cassie asked, brows furrowing.

"Quick to anger," Severus replied, ducking his head. "Like with Black. I want to have my revenge on him, for how awful he is, but you're just fine with it. I don't understand!"

Cassiopeia sat up, grabbing his hands and gazing seriously into Severus' dark eyes. "I'm not fine with it, Severus. If I could stop him, I would; and I wish I had the strength to stand up to him. I just also know that if I hurt him for hurting me, I'd be no better than–" her voice broke.

"I didn't know. I'm sorry, Cassie."

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. He's not as bad to me as he is to you. And it's okay to want your revenge on him – I won't hate you for that."

"So I can show him why he should stop being mean to us?"

His friend laughed, and the sound rang in his ears as sweetly as always. "You have my full go-ahead."

June 25, 1972 - Spinner's End

"And he still hadn't managed to figure out how to change it back on the train," Cassie giggled, recounting the tale of Severus' revenge to Eileen.

"And the older students didn't want to help him when they saw the rainbow hair?"

"No!" she laughed. "He and his friends have been pulling so many pranks, even the Hufflepuffs didn't want to help!"

Eileen smiled, hugging the slight child to her chest. "I'm glad that you found such a fun way to get him back. I just hope that he actually stops bothering you. When will the spell be released?"

"I counter-spelled it just as he was leaving the train," Severus interrupted.

"Yeah," Cassie added. "We didn't want him to get in trouble with his family."

Eileen's arms tightened around Cassie. "His family's not….kind?"

"From what he said – no."

Sighing, Severus' mother kissed the top of Cassie's head. "Then I want you to realize that he might be acting out - that he might be pushing his problems onto you. I'd try to be sympathetic."

Cassie's blue eyes looked up into Eileen's gray ones. "We haven't done anything against him for the entire year. I'm trying to be, really, I am – but, we're not bullying anyone, and our –"

Eileen grabbed Severus as well, holding the two children to her tightly. "I'm so sorry that I can't protect you, darlings. I'm so sorry."

"I don't blame you, ma."

"It's not your fault, Eileen."

Severus' mother sighed deeply, taking in a shuddering breath. "I wish that were true. I'm sorry that I'm not strong enough."

July 10, 1972 - Spinner's End

Hello, Severus,

Thank you for your last letter, and I hope this message finds you well. I've received some news that I wanted to share with you, as I know you do not keep up with these things.

My older sister, Adelaide, is to be married in a month to an older wizard by the name of Osiris Borgin. She doesn't seem too eager, but knowing her, she already has a plan to get rid of him. I just hope the ceremony doesn't take too long - I'm sick of all the balls. Speaking of, the purebloods held a Summer Ball several days ago, and the Rowle family have announced Calluna's engagement to Raymond Greengrass.

Remember him? He was a fifth-year student last year. It's unprecedented, but I believe they're worried that if they wait, all the other Sacred Twenty-Eight will be taken. You know that the Rowle family has always flitted around the edges of the Sacred, along with the Weasleys and the Bulstrodes. They want to secure their position of power, especially having been blessed with two children this generation.

I worry for Calluna. She has never been comfortable with the expectations demanded of her, and the announcement came out of nowhere. I had hoped that she would find in Cassiopeia a close friend, but I understand now that your friend is quite difficult to get to know. Calluna will not wish to talk about this with me, but maybe she and Cassie will be able to converse. But I digress.

I look forward to hearing from you soon, but it is unlikely I will be able to contact you often. This summer is looking to be exhaustingly long. Give my regards to Cassiopeia, her parents, and yours as well.

Your friend,

Augustus Rookwood

August 5, 1972 - Little Park, Cokeworth

"Cassie?"

Oh Merlin, his friend looked terrible. There were black-and-blue bruises on her arms - finger-shaped - and exhausted circles under her eyes. She was sitting under their meeting-spot tree, leaning her head against the trunk.

"I thought the magic on your da would hold."

"Sit with me, Sev'rus?"

"Of course," he replied quickly, sitting next to her. Cassie's head slid into his lap, her hand grabbing his, and bringing it around her body.

"Did something happen to your ma?"

His voice stuck in his throat. Tobias had been released from prison yesterday – forcing Cassiopeia to return home. He'd been enraged, and had beaten his wife violently - Severus having gotten away mostly unscathed by hiding away in his bedroom. He'd had to heal his mother with their stash of potions, almost draining their entire supply. It had been harrowing, worsened by how unused to the violence he was. He'd been shocked - too shocked to act as quickly as he normally would've - leaving Eileen with bruises not unlike the one's on Cassie's arms.

"I think the magic was damaged when she was hurt."

"It was bad, wasn't it?" Cassie asked softly.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry."

"And you?"

"He was angry about having magic used on him. Very. But he was still quite confused. He didn't manage to do too much before he passed out."

"And you still snuck out?" Severus asked worriedly. "I don't want you to get hurt again."

Cassie bit her lip, holding Severus' arm even tighter. "I didn't want you to worry."

"Cassie...you can't risk yourself for me like that."

"Severus, I'd do it again. You're my best friend."

Severus smiled fondly. "You're my best friend, too."

August 20, 1972 - Diagon Alley

"Tuney's boyfriend broke up with her," Lily whispered to them, giggling behind her hand. "She threw a fit, but I'd honestly never wish that boy on anyone."

"Who was he?" Cassie asked, surprisingly interested. Weird, she hadn't thought that she'd ever be interested in boys. Excluding Severus, of course.

"His name's Vernon. He's fifteen. Very big. He said that 'Tuney's too childish for him, but he's about as smart as a five-year-old. Mean and rude too – he didn't even say hi to me when he visited earlier this summer."

"Oh," Cassie replied, glancing up to Mr and Mrs Evans in front of them, "Why would your sister ever want someone like that?"

"I don't know," Lily shrugged. "But Mum and Dad were mad. I think they told him to break up with her."

"Ah," Cassie said, and smiled when she saw a friendly face on the opposite street. "Can I go say hi to Narcissa, Lily?"

"And Lucius," Severus added.

"Sure. Mum? Dad? Can we go say hi to a friend?"

"Sure, dear," Mrs Evans answered, slowing down, and Petunia glared from several feet in front of them. Lily's mother glanced down to her older daughter. "Why don't you take Petunia as well?"

Well, I'd wanted to go only with Severus… "Of course."

The three of them crossed the street, Petunia sullenly following them. Narcissa and Lucius had stopped when they'd noticed them, waiting for them to come over.

"Hello, everyone," Narcissa greeted, opening her arms. "It's wonderful to see you, Severus, Cassie, Lily. And who might you be?"

"Petunia," Lily's sister answered curtly.

"Nice to meet you, then, Petunia. I am Narcissa Black, and this is my betrothed, Lucius Malfoy."

"Nice to meet you," came the sullen reply.

"Well, how are you doing this summer? It's been incredibly busy for us, what with the Summer's Ball," Narcissa said. "Oh, have you heard of your classmate's engagement?"

Severus nodded. "Augustus mentioned it."

"Poor girl," Narcissa sighed, then frowned. "Where did your parents go?"

They turned back to see that, indeed, the Evans had left. "They must have just gone into a shop."

"Lily," Narcissa said seriously, lowering her voice. "I don't know if you've heard, but there has been a string of attacks on Muggles lately, and they suspect that the source is a group of wizards."

Lily gasped, and Petunia looked worried.

"I wish it weren't true, but Muggles aren't safe anywhere. We should find your parents."

"Of course."

Lucius and Narcissa exchanged a glance. The children in front of them didn't know it, but the two of them suspected who was behind those attacks. The Dark Lord.

"There you are," Lily sighed. Mr and Mr Evans were sequestered in the corner of Flourish and Blotts, examining a book. Safe and sound. "We were worried."

"Oh," Mrs Evans exclaimed, turning back to them. "I'd have thought it would still be some time before you came back."

Lucius stepped forward. "Mr and Mrs Evans. You, as Muggles, are not safe. Here or anywhere. There have been attacks staged against your kind, and being alone only makes you a target."

"Attacks?" Mrs. Evans exclaimed. "But it wasn't in the news!"

"You get the Daily Prophet?"

Lily's mother nodded.

"It doesn't do the best reporting. We – Narcissa and I have better sources. It's really much safer if you stay with your children."

"Alright. Thank you. We'll keep that in mind."

September 1, 1972 - Hogwarts Express

"What book is that, Lily?"

"Oh," Lily smiled. "Mum got it for me. Advanced Charms."

Cassie smiled. "You've always been good at those. I wish Hogwarts offered advanced classes – Severus would definitely benefit," said, blushing.

"Yeah," Lily replied, a far-off look in her eyes. "That'd be nice. What about you, Remus?"

Remus startled, glancing up from his own book. "What–?"

"If Hogwarts had advanced classes, which would you take?"

"Oh," Remus answered. "Herbology, maybe? Alice–" he broke off, a blush on his face.

"Alice?" Lily asked, a wicked smile on her face. "You don't say…"

"She's my friend!" Remus exclaimed defensively, and Severus smirked at him. Yeah, right.

"Of course," Lily said sarcastically, though she was smiling widely. "Don't worry, Remus. I won't tell."

Their friend sighed, exasperated. Lily smiled with satisfaction, and went back to her book.

Severus relished the quiet and calm of the compartment, and especially the feel of Cassie's head resting against his shoulder. They'd managed to grab Remus from the Gryffindor boys, and find a place only to themselves; and it was nice to have almost all of their friends in one place.

He was a little hurt that Remus continued hanging out with Black, but he and Cassie had never confided in anyone about his harassment of them – which happened mostly in empty corridors before and after classes. Lily knew a little, and had stood up for them, but had not discouraged Remus from being friends with the Gryffindors.

It wouldn't matter much in the end, he knew; the four Gryffindor boys had bonded so tightly that Severus didn't want to find out who Remus would choose if forced to. Especially, if it was like he feared. Severus saw Remus as a good friend, but he knew he'd never be on the same level of friendship with Remus as the others.

Cassie squeezed his hand, as if sensing his thoughts spiraling downward. "We're almost at Hogwarts. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," he whispered back to her.

They filed out of the train onto the platform, hearing Professor Kettleburn directing the first-years. He'd almost followed the Professor himself, when he'd realized that, no, he wasn't eleven anymore.

"Where are we going?" Cassie asked, as they followed the crowd of older-years uphill. It was quite dark, but not too difficult to see where you were going - and still they had no idea what was happening.

"Carriages?" Lily asked, squinting. Indeed, there, a little-ways off, were several rows of silver carriages, facing away from them.

It took some time, but eventually they managed to get in - their carriage the second-to-last one in the procession - and already containing Augustus, whom they greeted fondly. He hadn't noticed it before, but looking down, he couldn't see what was pulling the carriages forward.

"Augustus? Do you know what's pulling the carriage?"

Augustus raised an eyebrow, peering outside. "I'm pretty sure they're just pulling themselves."

"Really?" Lily and Cassie asked with interest, but Remus continued reading.

"Yeah," Lily remarked, looking down, but Cassie looked confused. "Don't you see them?"

"See what?" he asked.

"The horses. Pulling the carriage."

"Cassie…" he said slowly.

His friend's eyes flashed with hurt. "It's true. There's two of them and they look almost like skeletons of horses."

"What's wrong?" Remus asked, sensing the growing tension. "Cassie?"

"Nobody else sees the horses pulling the carriage, Remus," Cassie replied.

Remus' reaction was… unexpected. "You can see them too?"

"Yeah… what does it mean?"

Remus' eyes turned sad. "They're thestrals. Horse-like creatures that can only be seen by those who've seen death."

Cassie frowned, and sat down next to Severus, suddenly boneless. "How did you know?"

Remus' eyes widened in fear, though his answer did not correspond to his emotions. "They were in a book I was reading. On Dark Creatures."

"Ah," Cassie said, her voice small. "Who… Remus?"

Remus shook his head. "It's not that bad. My grandma. And you, Cassie?"

Cassie swallowed, her hand snaking down to Severus' and gripping tight. "My ma."

"Ah. I'm sorry, I didn't know."

"It doesn't matter. Let's– let's talk about something else."

The rest of the carriage started to discuss their plans for the new year, but Cassie's mind was still stuck on the thestrals, and on what she knew of her mother. She'd never spoken much about her past, from what Cassie remembered, but several years ago Cassie had discovered her journals in a hidden cache in the library - which had been insightful.

Vienne Nazyalensky had always been a little under-appreciated. The younger of two, her parent's attention was often on her brother, who would become Heir of House after their death. Her brother, Liam, had been a prodigy in the field of Curse-Breaking, and spent many hours refining his techniques with his tutors – unlike Vienne, who was simply trained in the manner of etiquette, and taking care of her future husband and family. One day, while Vienne was taking care of the garden, Liam had lost control of a powerful cursed object. There had been no time to do anything, the cursed fire consumed him, his tutor, and their parents in the next room. It had burned through almost their entire house before Vienne had managed to extinguish it - the small manor collapsing and destroying whatever could have been saved from the fire.

Terrified and alone, Vienne fled to the Muggle world. Their family had been very secluded, and their tutors under strict contracts to never reveal any information about them. She had no idea who she could ask for help.

Eventually, she had managed to find some semblance of a life, working at a small cafe in the English Midlands. Her wand destroyed in the fire, she had no way to use her magic, and eventually lost control of it completely. While she was calm it caused no problems, but when she was scared or angry it sometimes slipped out and caused damage - which scared her badly.

She'd resigned herself to a lonely and unrestful life when she had met Henry. He was a simple and kind Muggle boy, who'd wooed her and eventually convinced her to marry him. They'd wedded without a ceremony, and spent the next year in bliss. Unfortunately, then she'd discovered she was pregnant. Henry wasn't too eager, as was she, but they promised each other they'd make it work.

Cassiopeia Vienne Nazyalensky was born December 20, 1960. Vienne had wanted to keep her own last name, to honor her family, and Henry had hated his, so they'd decided to keep hers - an unprecedented move, but it had made them both happy.

The first couple of years of her daughter's life were wonderful. They'd been cautious, but Cassie with her bright-blue eyes and wide smiles had charmed them, and they loved her to the ends of the earth.

That changed when, days after Cassie's sixth birthday, Henry had been witness to one of Cassie's episodes of accidental magic. There'd been several beforehand, but they had only happened with Vienne.

He'd been enraged. Vienne hadn't understood his anger, and it was only when he'd growled out his life story that she felt the heavy guilt of what she'd done.

Henry was actually Hendrix, a Squib son of the Selwyn family. He'd been disowned at eight years old, thrown out onto the streets to die. Against all odds he'd lived, and had sworn to never interact with the wizarding world again. And now he'd found out that his wife and daughter were witches, and had hidden it from him for seven years.

Abandoning all logic, Hendrix threw himself at his wife, trying to strangle her. Vienne's magic reacted, throwing him against the wall and causing him to lose consciousness. Unfortunately, the magic had been too powerful for her, and Vienne felt herself losing strength as well. She fell against the floor, dead several long seconds later.

"You okay, Cassie?" Severus asked, wiping the tear from her cheek. She hadn't even noticed she was crying.

"Yeah, just… remembering."