November 26, 1974 - Hogwarts

Why did it always seem to come down to this? Finding herself in the library, minutes before curfew, attempting to find some source to use for her Defence or perhaps Ancient Runes essay.

Severus had it lucky, that both classes came so easily to him. She could probably copy off his essay, but their professors had sharp eyes for noticing similarities. It hadn't taken long, seeing classmates given zeros for working together, before the idea lost its appeal. At least Severus had helped her with pointing out some good source material.

Which led her to this - scouring the shelves for the book Severus had told her about. Unfortunately, said book was currently located in the Restricted Section. And with too little time to ask for a pass, she had no real plan except sneaking about.

Damn it! Why the hell was Madame Pince's organization system so bloody difficult?

Ah– there it was–

Head whipping back, Cassie froze. Were those footsteps she'd just heard?

She couldn't hear them anymore.

The library was quiet; almost oppressively so. Frowning lightly, still looking out Cassie deftly grabbed the thick book from the shelf and slipped it into her satchel.

"Who's there?" came a whispered question. Heart pounding, Cassie stayed silent, hoping whoever it was would go away.

"Who the hell–"

A girl appeared at the entrance to the restricted section. She was holding up a lantern, and staring angrily at Cassiopeia.

"Nazyalensky. What are you doing here?" she asked coldly.

Caught a second time? By the same person? Cassie stepped out from behind the shelves fully. No use in hiding now, but maybe she wouldn't notice–

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm the library aide!" Dolores exclaimed quietly, looking incredulous. "Means I'm allowed to be here after curfew. But you're not; and I'm telling Ms. Pince."

"You're not," Cassie said quietly, startled at how scary that sounded. She couldn't risk Pince finding out, and then not getting to finish her work "If you tell her, then you won't find out what I know."

"You think I care what you know?" Dolores laughed incredulously. "I don't care–"

"Really? You don't care about a plan to humiliate you, in front of the whole school?"

Dolores put down her lantern, visibly shocked at the words. "Why should I believe you?"

"I heard it myself."

"You'd be willing to take Veritaserum?"

This time it was Cassie's turn to laugh. "No, that'd just be a waste."

Dolores scrutinized her for a few more seconds. "Fine. Tell me and I won't tell Ms. Pince."

"Fine." Honestly, Dolores was not the finest Slytherin, if this was how she negotiated. But at least she'd be able to get the secret off her chest, and get something for it in return. "Tomorrow."

"What? That's–"

"Good for both of us. For now, just don't talk to Black."

Dolores huffed, frustrated. "What if you don't tell me?"

Do I really have to spell it out for you? "I'm not planning on doing that. Now goodnight, Dory."

And with that, Cassie darted past the older girl, running downstairs to her dorm.

Hands still shaking from the encounter, Cassie flipped through the pages of the book. She didn't remember being half as scared in the moment; but now, back in the quiet of her room? She couldn't help but imagine how horribly things could have gone.

She probably could've been expelled.

I'm a fucking idiot, aren't I? she asked herself derisively, finishing up the final citation of her essay. She probably could have done without the book. It'd only be an A, sure, but she wouldn't be shaking like a bloody leaf–

Who was the author again?

She turned back the heavy cover, quickly penning down the name. Finally finished, she sighed; taking a moment to admire the beautifully decorated cover. Although a bit dusty, and clearly well in its years, the gold-plated engravings shone still. There was something oddly familiar in the cover, and she tried to place it in her mind.

Dear Merlin–

Maybe not such an idiot after all.

November 27, 1974 - Hogwarts

Small, pale arms grabbed Cassie from behind; pulling her behind a tapestry. She grit her teeth against the sound wanting to escape from her, and turned around to look her attacker in the face.

"Dolores?" she asked incredulously. "What the hell?"

Dolores frowned at her, crossing her arms against her chest defensively. "You never said where we should meet. I didn't tell Ms. Pince."

Oh bloody hell. "That doesn't mean you can just– attack me!"

"Sorry," Dolores said, clearly not sorry. "Well?"

"Black. He's planning on dating you, then telling the whole school it wasn't real."

The older girl's face blanched, clearly distressed at the thought. "Bloody…Thank you."

"Sure," Cassie smiled. "Remember, you're not allowed to tell Ms. Pince. Or any teacher."

"I won't," Dolores swore.

"May I suggest something, though?"

"Hmm?"

She smirked evilly. "If he asks you; turn him down in the most humiliating way possible. And in front of a crowd, if you can. I would love to see that."

Dolores laughed. "Good idea. I will. Friends?" she asked tentatively.

"Sure," Cassie replied, smiling. "Friends."

November 28, 1974 - Hogwarts

Dear Severus,

I must admit I did not expect to hear from you, especially with such an interesting letter. I am glad, however, to hear from you, and from Cassie.

I'll make my apologies, now, my dear. I am sorry that I have misled you. To be honest, I did not mean for either of you to learn of this. I'm not angry, however; you can reassure Cassie with that.

Your grandparents are indeed alive. I have learned of this myself after writing to them. I did not think that we would ever speak again; and until your letter I did not care to know whether they were dead or alive. It hurts me to write this, but it is the truth.

I have not told you why I left, have I? Why I married Tobias? I do not think so. Simply put, I believe the expectations placed on me by my family were too much for me. I despised being pureblood, truly, which is why this letter from the Rosiers worries me.

Severus, such a letter will not be the last. I had hoped Cassie would pass beneath the nobles' notice, but it is clear that will not be the case. It shocks me, however, that a sacred family is already petitioning for her hand. I do not think such a thing would have happened in my day. Is there an absence of daughters in the twenty-eight?

I believe, however much I am reluctant to do so, that Cassie should continue her correspondence with my mother. She is right to understand that such letters are not intended for the eyes of young girls, and it would be seen as much more proper should another communicate for her. My mother would probably be a good choice.

I may continue writing to her, and to my father as well; but it is difficult for me to do so. It has been so many years, that it is almost impossible for me to take in.

If anything important is exchanged, I will let you know, Severus. I also ask that next time you send an owl, please try to do so later at night. I do not wish to have to hide such an animal in my closet ever again. However, please still write. It was wonderful to hear what you two have been up to.

All of my love,

Your mother, Eileen

Where was Althaia?

Cassie walked along the corridor, almost desperately searching for the portrait. Was there something wrong with her? The painting wasn't in its usual place anymore; and in fact it was nowhere to be seen.

Had someone moved it? Why would they do that?

She turned back once more, running her fingertips against the rough stone walls.

"Are you looking for something, Miss Nazyalensky?" a voice asked, startling her. She turned around, trying to maintain her composure.

"Professor Foster."

Should she tell him?

"I'm looking for a portrait. It was here a couple of days ago."

The older man nodded, his silvery-brown hair falling slightly into his face. "The portrait of the White Lady, I assume."

White Lady? Did others not know her name?

"Yes, sir."

The professor stared at her thoughtfully for a second, his blue eyes seeming to bore into her soul. "Professor Dumbledore has decided it would be best to remove her, I'm afraid. He is worried that students might be… influenced by her dark past."

"Her dark past?"

The professor smirked, shaking his head. "I'm not going to tell you, young lady."

"But I can try finding out myself?" she asked hopefully.

He laughed. "Knowledge is power, Miss Nazyalensky. As long as nobody else knows, I see no problem in it."

"Thank you, sir."

She hadn't noticed him much before, but maybe her professor was a bit more interesting than she'd thought.

December 5, 1974 - Hogwarts

Severus and Cassiopeia sat together in their practice room, leaning comfortably against the back of the leather sofa they'd conjured. It had taken a few visits, but they had soon learned the true nature of the room, and could easily summon whatever their hearts desired. At the moment, it was a rumbling fireplace, with a living-room-like setting of armchairs, a couch, a table, and a large, beautiful window looking into the stars.

"You wanted to tell me something?" Severus prompted, his voice loud against the quiet of the room. "Again?"

Cassie huffed good-naturedly, remembering with embarrassment her crying session in Severus' arms several days prior. "I do. It's different, though, than last time Remember that book you recommended to me?"

"Was it bad?" Severus asked, barely concealing the hurt in his voice.

The girl shook her head. "No, it was wonderful. Do you remember the author, though?"

Severus turned his head to stare at Cassie, clearly struggling to understand what she was on about. "Alexia…. Philomaena?"

"Yes. Well, the name is only a pseudonym. Her actual name is Althaia."

"And that is important… how?"

"Prince."

Severus frowned. "Althaia Prince? So… she's related to me?"

"She is. But more importantly, up until recently she had a portrait in the castle. I got to speak with her; not for long, unfortunately, but she intrigued me. She's actually the reason why I first owled your grandparents."

"Okay…" Severus replied, his brows furrowing. "And now she's not here?"

"No, her portrait got taken down. Apparently, she has a dark past."

"Interesting... Do you know what she's done?"

Cassie pouted, and Severus' eyes flicked down to her lips. "I haven't been able to find anything yet. But, did you know that you're related to Hector Dagworth-Granger?"

Severus' eyes flicked back to Cassie's, wide and shining with excitement. "Really? That's amazing."

His friend smiled widely, glad to have made him happy. "Isn't it? He was Althaia's–"

She was interrupted by a tapping on the window, and the two of them glanced over. Against the windowsill rested a beautiful snowy owl, a thick piece of parchment tied to its leg with twine.

"That's your grandmother's owl," Cassie remarked excitedly, already moving to open the window. "His name's Caius."

She pushed open the ornate glass, shivering in the blast of cold air that hit her. The owl hopped inside, and she quickly closed the window back up.

Severus untied the letter, glancing at Cassie for approval to read it. She nodded, and he gently unfolded it, reading aloud.

"Dear Cassiopeia, I believe such a thing could be arranged. Although my only experience in such matters has been Eileen, my own mother taught me well. I would, however, prefer to discuss this face to face, which brings me to this. Would you be opposed to visiting our manor for the Yule holiday? I would love to see Severus and Eileen as well, and will write an invitation to them, but it would be understandable were they to say no. If you do agree, however, please write quickly, so that we will be able to make arrangements for your stay. All my regards, Eimear Prince."

Severus glanced at Cassie, who was grinning with excitement. He himself felt slightly shocked, this being the first piece of tangible evidence he'd seen as to the existence of his grandparents.

"What do you think?"

Getting to meet his grandparents, and not having to spend the holidays with the Gryffindors or his da? "That sounds...wonderful. We'll see what mum has to say."