A/N For those who have left reviews, favorited my story, and followed thank you from the bottom of my heart! I wish i could update faster but I just had my sweet baby boy and wooh is he a handful! As always, I own nothing. Enjoy
The day of Hallowe'en had finally arrived .Cassia had woke thirty minutes earlier than normal as the anticipation for the day was crowding her every thought. She couldn't believe she would get to experience her first trip to Hogsmeade on a date with Cedric Diggory. Sitting up in bed, she released a deep breath, biting her lip with a smile.
Hermione, who was awake and reading glanced above her book with a smirk. "Smiling already, are we?"
Cassia shrugged, enjoying the rush of all this excitement as her heart seemed to skip a beat at the thought of Cedric. "Can't exactly blame me."
Hermione chuckled. "No, I guess not."
Getting out of bed, Cassia grabbed her things for a shower, practically skipping out of their room, while Hermione grinned as she passed, happy to see her friend so ecstatic.
"'Mione." She heard Harry whisper, as her attention was immediately drawn to the two way mirror that sat on the nightstand near her bed.
Leaping across the bed, she reached for the glass knowing it must be important. She couldn't remember a time he'd reached out to herself or Cassia at this hour. It wasn't even six in the morning yet.
"Harry? Is everything okay?" She whispered, looking about the room to be sure neither Marietta Edgecomb or Cho Chang, their other roommates, were awake to hear them.
"Where's Cass?" He mumbled, barely loud enough for Hermione to hear.
"She just stepped out to shower, why?"
Harry sighed, his eyes looked toward the ground for a moment before he stared back at his friend. "People are saying Lucius was spotted in London last night. An apartment complex set fire after one place was ransacked. The fire was so quick several muggles never made it out."
Hermione's hand dashed to her mouth in shock. Her eyes began to close as she tried to hold back her own sadness. "That's-it's awful."
Harry nodded facing the ground once more. "Sirius spoke with Douglas and they both believe Lucius suspected Narcissa to be there, which proves there is a spy working for Aduna and Lucius amongst the Aurors."
"How so?" She asked.
"Because only Douglas knows where Narcissa and Victoria have truly been hiding and Dumbledore suggested to Douglas that several locations be spread like rumors among the Aurors to see what occurred."
"Brilliant." Hermione replied. "Have they narrowed it down to who?"
Harry shook his head. "No, several people were told the same things, but Douglas believes they shouldn't confront the spy yet, in the hopes that having some of his Aurors followed might lead them to Aduna or Lucius."
"I hope it works." She said, biting her thumb. There was worry in her eyes but there was also hope. Hermione believed that sacrifice, struggle, and goodness did not go unrewarded despite how circumstances looked. That in the end, those who fought for the right things would prevail, and as Harry stared intently into her eyes he could see it. He smiled to himself. Thinking how different they could be and yet how alike they were at the same time. Where Harry was sarcastic and playful, Hermione was grounded. Where she found joy in books and cleverness, he found it in adventure and sports. But it was their values that brought them together, and as he considered this, his stomach did a strange sort of flip, still staring into her big brown eyes, before he attempted to shake it off.
"How is she?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
Hermione sighed, giving Harry a pleading look. "I think he should just tell her. Besides I hate secrets. And she's still mad at him."
"She can be pretty dramatic." He replied bluntly before continuing. "But yeah, that was bloody stupid of him to say."
"If it were me I would want to know the truth."
Harry shrugged. "Even Sirius and Remus think she shouldn't be told.
"But-"
"'Mione." Harry interrupted softly. It wasn't often that he called her that but when he did whatever followed was something Harry wanted Hermione to take seriously. It was the way he always said it that sent a chill through her that would grab her attention in full, ready to listen as the beat of her heart quickened its' once steady pace. "Draco can be a prat, but he always puts Cass before anyone else, even his own mother. He might have said it wrong and maybe the choice to keep it from her is wrong too, but he will always protect her even if it's from herself."
Hermione sighed, unable to deny that Harry was right. She smirked as a thought came to mind. "Do you think he will tell her he fancies her?"
Harry shrugged. "Don't think he's admitted it to himself yet." Grinning, he added, "But I would wager if she sticks around Diggory for long it'll drive him bonkers."
Hermione giggled. "That's what I was thinking earlier."
"Thinking what?" Cassia said as she stepped back into their dorm room. She continued to dry her thick hair with a towel as she moved toward her bed.
"That I should go over my notes for our test this week in Transfiguration." Hermione replied as she set the two way mirror under her sheet.
Cassia nodded; the idea of Hermione talking to herself not even phasing her. It wasn't like she could judge. It was something she did quite frequently.
Brushing her hair, Cassia felt a memory tug at her heart. The image of her father attempting to braid her curls to no avail while her mother observed laughing came to mind. It was as vivid as her own reflection in the mirror before her and with a deep breath Cassia tried to compose herself knowing the tears would soon begin to fall if she didn't relax.
Searching for a distraction, she pulled out the outfit she'd had in mind for her date. Feeling the need to be extra trendy on such an occasion, Cassia decided on a black baby-doll dress, black tights, and white K-swiss tennis shoes.
"Too American?" She asked Hermione with a smirk.
Hermione laughed. "I thought Atlanta girls wore boots?"
Cassia clicked her tongue as if in shame. "How stereotypical of you." She allowed her accent to really come out before closing the curtains to her bed to dress.
Reaching for the book she'd been going over for DADA, Hermione sighed. "She needed this." She whispered to herself, pleased that her best friend could have a happy distraction.
Draco jolted upright in his bed. Sweat tickled his forehead as his heart continued to pound profusely in his chest. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and ran a hand through his finely kept hair(he took such good care of his appearance that not even sleep could jostle his looks).
It had been the same dream for three nights. The same forceful wake that took him several moments to collect himself. The same fear that stirred his blood and had him wishing he could leave the bloody school, find his father, kill the bastard and be done with it.
In the dream, his father's arm held Cassia still. His wand was pressed firmly against her throat. And then, Lucius would speak with a vicious tone and say the words that had haunted him these last few days.
"I will purge you of this filth you've surrounded yourself with for far too long. Say goodbye to your past and welcome to your future."
Then, with a flash of green light, Cassia's eyes go lifeless and no matter how fast he charges his father, Draco can never make it. He can't save her. He can only watch. Helpless to stop what's to come.
Sitting at the edge of his bed, Draco gripped his wand, contemplating whether remaining at Hogwarts was the best place for him. He was tired of waiting. Tired of hearing Remus and Sirius give him information he wanted to discover for himself. If anyone could find that mad woman and his twisted father it was him. They were, after all, determined to find him so he might as well be bait.
As if reading his thoughts, Harry spoke out in protest. "Leaving won't solve anything. Except give them both exactly what they want, just like Sirius said. They are hoping you'll leave the protection of the school."
Draco turned to face Harry, a bold question on his mind. "If it were you, could you seriously wait around? Could you let everyone else deal with your family problem for you?"
Harry sighed, knowing they both already knew the answer to that question. Neither of them were the type to stand quietly by on the sidelines. They were pushy, bold, and instinctive. They were fighters and as Harry considered this, he tried to think of something that could knock some sense into his friend(otherwise he'd have to follow him on his mad quest to face his father because there was no bloody way Harry would stay behind and let his friend go at it alone).
"What of Cass?" Harry started out. "What of your mother?" He paused. Letting the thought of them both sink into Draco's mind. "If we leave then how can we keep them safe? What's stopping Cass from leaving on her own to look for you? We both know she would."
His last words seemed to hit home as Draco relaxed in his bed.
"Cassia is a pain in my ass." Draco said aloud.
Harry smirked before setting the two way mirror back underneath his pillow. It was just moments before Draco woke when he'd spoken to Hermione regarding Lucius and Aduna, and as he tried to get another hour of rest before breakfast, he found himself thinking of his parents. In their last moments, they stood against Voldemort fully ready to die. Nodding to himself, he realized going after Lucius and Aduna was likely inevitable for Draco. Not just because Draco would stand against evil the same way his parents did, but also because people as bold as himself and Draco couldn't be caged for long. Eventually action would win over rationality. Eventually he would break out.
Cassia handed her permission slip over to Professor Mcgonagall who smiled genuinely back at her.
"You needn't worry about a thing, Miss Picquery." Minerva started out. "Dumbledore has taken extra precautions even at Hogsmeade." The professor did not elaborate further. She knew Cassia would understand why she had mentioned this.
With a smile, Cassia shrugged. "I'm not worried. She started out. "I trust Dumbledore."
"That's good." Minerva replied with a smile.
Turning toward Hermione, Cassia fiddled with a strand of her hair. The look in her best friend's eyes informed her that Cedric must have been walking toward them from behind her.
"You look so pretty." Hermione whispered, before motioning toward Harry. "We are going to explore. Have an amazing time." With that Hermione turned away, heading straight for Harry.
Biting her lip, Cassia turned to face Cedric whose smile reached his kind eyes. With a hand in his jean pocket, he stopped just a few feet before her. "You look very pretty."
Cassia grinned, doing nothing to conceal the joy he'd made her feel. "Thank you. You look super gorgeous as usual."
Cedric laughed, feeling a blush creep over his face as he ran a bashful hand through his hair. "I thought I might buy you lunch?" He asked.
"I'd love that!" Cassia replied, excitedly.
"Granger." Draco said as he approached her and Harry.
She turned to face him, before glancing at Cassia and Cedric one last time- the couple now making their way toward Hogsmeade.
"I have a favor to ask." Draco started out, causing Hermione to raise a curious brow. "I need to make polyjuice potion and I need a distraction from you and Harry to get some of the ingredients."
Harry, who knew nothing of this prior to Draco's request turned to face him in surprise.
With a sigh, Hermione rubbed her temple. "Do I even want to ask why you need to make polyjuice potion?"
Draco shrugged, and by his expression Hermione knew he was about to get sarcastic. "I'm pretty sure your approval is not what I'm looking for, Granger. Not my style."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, you tell me why you need it and I'll tell you whether or not I'm willing to help you." She said, crossing her arms.
"I'd sure like to know what you've got up your sleeve." Harry added.
With a annoyed sigh, Draco looked toward Cassia. She was almost out of sight but even from a distance she looked bloody gorgeous. The girl could knock his socks off in a pair of mustard flannel footed pajamas and week unwashed hair with ease let alone a dress like the one she wore for Cedric.
He could feel his skin get hot at the sight of them and was tempted to roll his eyes but kept his composure in front of his friends. Turning back toward Hermione and Harry, he spoke. "I'll tell you later. For now let's just explore."
As Draco began to walk Harry look toward Hermione who raised her hands in question as if hoping Harry could explain.
"I know literally as much as you do right now." Harry replied before taking off to catch up with Draco.
"Oh Draco." Hermione started out, shaking her head from side to side, fairly positive she wouldn't approve. "What do you have planned."
"So, what's Atlanta like?" Cedric asked, keeping their pleasant conversation going.
"Quite a bit different from here." She started out, taking another sip of her butterbeer. "For one I really miss Darnell's."
"Am I supposed to know what that is?" Cedric asked playfully.
"Literally only the best diner in the world!" Cassia closed her eyes imagining the taste of Darnell's country fried steak, the bbq wings, and buttered biscuits. "It's southern cookin' at its best."
"I see." He replied, smiling.
"You aren't excited as you should be." Cassia started out- her hands landing on the table dramatically. "I don't think you understand the quality of food I'm discussing here. This is some new level shiznick."
Cedric laughed. "You take food quite seriously don't you?"
"As serious as I do my studies." She replied honestly.
A smirk played on her lips that sent a shiver down Cedric's spine. She was full of wit and charm and he couldn't resist one bit of it.
"Besides." She started out before taking another bite of her cherry tart. "All the best family moments; holidays, festivals, and parties are all thrown with all the best foods."
Cedric considered this with a smile. "I guess you're right."
"I usually am." She said.
"That might have been the most Ravenclaw thing you've said today."
With a laugh, Cassia's eye caught sight of Draco who passed the window of The Three Broomsticks where herself and Cedric had chosen to go.
His grey eyes met hers as she drew in a breath. Though he always looked dapper, Cassia couldn't help but notice how glorious his shoulders looked in his silver button down or how it brought out the color in his eyes, reminding her of the stormy day she'd long ago associated with those eyes. Intense. Soulful. Bold. Like they told his story. And as Draco stared at her with an expression she didn't recognize, before moving out of view, she realized Cedric had been staring at her awkwardly as if she'd missed something he'd said.
"Sorry?" She started, with a nervous laugh. "Another Ravenclaw trait, I guess. I can be a little in the clouds"
"It's fine." Cedric replied. "I just asked if you could fill me in on all the American things you miss the most."
Cedric's smile was broad and Cassia wondered if she would ever get used to it. Leaning in, she rested her chin on her hands, using the table as a rest. "Baseball, for sure. It's not such a big deal in London, but over there." she paused for emphasis. "It's Big Ben size."
Cedric smirked. A muggle sport is what you miss?"
"I forget how seperated most magical people are from no-majs." She paused to correct herself. "Or muggles as you would say. It wasn't like that for my family. In Atlanta my parents believed all cultures should be celebrated and often spent time amongst no-majs and their way of life. It's vastly different, let me tell ya'. From Microwaves, to MTV." taking another sip she continued. "It's pretty cool."
"MTV?" Cedric asked, curiously.
She waved him off. "The truth is baseball was a big thing for us Picquery's. Especially for- well.." She considered if talking about it was worth the effort not to cry, but something about that moment made her feel as if it were one of the few rare occasions where the memory would simply be for joy. Smiling, she continued. "Especially for my dad and I. We used to play together all the time. Draco, me, dad."
She laughed to herself with a far off look at the thought.
"I get why that would mean so much, then." He replied kindly.
Cassia smiled, her expression warm before catching several students jogging pass the window. At first, she thought nothing of it, til several more ran by, followed by two Adults with drawn wands. As her brows drew together in concern, Cedric turned to face the window as well. It was then that Professor Snape burst passed their view, his wand drawn in defense as he blocked a spell that had hurtled toward him.
With a gasp, Cassia rose to her feet as Cedric quickly did the same. With her wand drawn, Cassia headed for the door cautiously, before it burst open suddenly as Draco dashed to her side, indifferent to Cedric's presence or opinion.
"What's going on?" She asked frantically.
"An attack!" Draco answered, forcing Cassia behind him as he used his wand to slam the door shut. "Come on, we should go out the back!"
As Draco ran for the back entrance, he never let loose his grip on Cassia, who followed his lead without question with Cedric hot on their tail. The sound of shattered glass could be heard from behind as witches and wizards alike began to stand their ground in defense of the pub. Several spells missed the three of them by inches, crashing into the the walls around them.
As they reached the back, Draco pressed himself against the wall, glancing out the window of the door.
"Where's Hermione and Harry?" Cassia asked worriedly. Her breathing was heavy as the adrenaline pulsed through her veins.
"Safe." Draco said, surprisingly calm, despite the chaos around them. Though something in him had been expecting it for weeks. An unspoken thought in the back of his mind telling him to be prepared."They were smart enough to head back to the school hours ago."
"Who's attacking Hogsmeade?" Cedric asked, as he too scanned the area outside.
"Maybe thirty plus people." Draco started out. "It happened so fast, Professor Snape and Mcgonagall didn't have time to protect a few students but if it hadn't been for the Aurors Dumbledore siggested to stay here, thinhs would have been much worse. We've got to get to the school, it's our best chance."
"Why are they attacking?" Cedric asked.
With an annoyed expression, Draco answered with quite the snarky remark. "I could give two fucks as to why when someone is throwing the bloody killing curse my way, now let's move!"
With a violent shove, the door flew open as the three of them bursted out. Draco, who began pulling Cassia toward Honeydukes, rather than toward Hogwarts, caused her to shout in protest. "Newsflash! Hogwarts is the opposite way!"
Cedric, who had taken off in the other direction, stopped in confusion. He felt the urge to leave the two of them to fend for themselves, but knew that there was strength in numbers(granted one of them was impulsive and pushy but had proven himself to be a great wizard with intellect and skill).
"Glad to see you know your way back to the school!" Draco replied. "But the way I know is faster and a hell of a lot safer. It's a secret passage, so just trust me Cass to get us out of this."
"A secret passage?" Cassia and Cedric said in unison.
As the three of them continued to run, the shouts of others filled the air. A mix of colors in flashes as spells continued to be uttered in the distance. Some deadly. Some defensive. The smell of smoke and ash burned at their nostrils as a few shops went up in unexpected flames like casualties amongst the battle.
Draco rolled his eyes. "Long story, but it involves a map of Hogwarts. I'll explain later. We've got to get to Honeyduke's!"
The two followed Draco's lead, with Cassia struggling to keep up as Draco's hand still gripped her own. He was tall, and his long strides were three to her one, and she felt as if she was staggering along.
A violent scream could be heard from behind them, causing the guilt to rise in Cassia's heart. "Maybe we should stay and fight." She said turning to look behind her as another building went up in flames.
"This isn't about running away, Cass." Draco started out, almost as if he were offended she would insinuate he was a coward. "Snape was already retreating with students to the school while Mcgonagall searched for the rest. Did you think I wouldn't go straight to find you?"
She'd been mad at him for weeks. Furious really, and Draco had done nothing to apologize. In his mind, he'd been right and that drove her bonkers. So while she held onto her grudge, ignoring him at every turn, he simply allowed it to continue. Yet, in a moment where her life could possibly be at risk, he was there and had it been him she would have done the same.
Cassia looked at him, her eyes taking in his determination and loyalty. She glanced at their joined hands and swallowed. A mix of the adrenalin from their current situation and a jolt of an emotion she'd long tried to deny sent a pleasant heat that hummed through out her skin.
As they reached Honeyduke's, it seemed all but abandoned as the chaos seemed to be heading for Hogwarts. Racing inside, the three of them scanned the area as if preparing for any sudden attacks.
"If this really is a secret entrance we can't risk being followed giving them, whoever they are, access." Cedric pointed out before casting a charm to shield the entrance and windows. He then charmed several objects to barricade the openings as Draco and Cassia began to help.
When the three were satisfied they'd done the best they could to prevent someone seeing them or following them through the secret passageway, Draco lead them to the hidden doorway, which lead to a long tunnel. Closing it behind them, the three lit their wands and raced to Hogwarts.
"I'm going to need full details on this apparent map and how the heck you go your hands on it." Cassia said as they ran.
"Knowing Draco and Harry, I'm sure it'll be a very interesting story." Cedric said with a smirk. Even he, who didn't know the pair personally was aware of their reputation for trouble, heroism, and adventure.
'Mione, they're fine." Harry said comfortingly. Hermione couldn't stop pacing as Minerva had approached Dumbledore with another group of distraught students that didn't include Draco or Cassia.
"Where are they, Harry?" She said impatiently.
"I bet Draco used the map and got them out through one of the passageways." Harry thought with a grin.
"Your talking about that silly Marauder's map Sirius gave you as a birthday gift? The one I warned you could get you both expelled, aren't you?"
Harry, used to Hermione nagging him about rule breaking, faced the entrance to the Great Hal expectantly. He trusted his best friend's instincts. Harry believed he would have used another way to Hogwarts.
"Who were they?" Someone asked in the distance. "They were out for blood." Said another voice. All around Harry and Hermione were students and faculty alike filled with confusion and fear as the crowd became louder and louder with worried questions.
Albus, who was beginning to sense the tension rising raised his arms.
"Everyone." He said, rather loudly. "We must remain calm. Aurors have reported to the scene and many of the attackers have been arrested. Those who haven't are either fleeing or being stopped as we speak."
"Who are they?" Someone shouted, causing others to nod in agreement to the question.
Dumbledore waved his hand as if to gesture for everyone to stay calm. "I can not say for certain but what's more important is that you're all safe inside the castle and charms have been placed to keep it that way."
As the doors to the great hall opened, several students entered with Professor Flitwick as Hermione and Harry searched once again amongst the group for their friends.
"Cassia, Draco!" Hermione yelled as they came into view with Cedric at their side. She sprinted toward them before running straight for Cassia's arms, practically knocking her off her feet. After holding her tightly she jumped for Draco who accepted the hug awkwardly.
"Granger, if you sob on my shirt I hope those dentist parents of yours can rack up the cash for a new one." He said with the same sarcastic expression she'd grown to love and hate.
Ever the gentleman." Cassia said, rolling her eyes playfully.
"It was Draco here that got us out safely. We didn't even catch the worse of the action." Cedric pointed out. "Thanks for that " He finished, with his hand outstretched gratefully.
Draco, who found himself hesitating for a moment, took Cedric's hand, shaking it firmly. As much as he'd wanted a reason to dislike Cedric, he didn't seem like such a bad bloke. This only seemed to irritate Draco further, though he wouldn't admit it.
"A lot of people got hurt." Harry said aloud once he made it to his friends, his expression forlorn. "I heard Ron Weasley jumped in front of Pavarti, taking a nasty blow for her. Everyone's been talkin' about it."
"Wow." Cassia said, looking at each of her friends who all seemed impressed by his bravery.
"Looks like Hogwarts takes care of their own." Cedric pointed out.
Each of them nodded in agreement, before a silence seemed to fall over them. They all waited for answers as to who it was that had planned the attack and why. And as time passed, Cedric had left the group to check on his friends, promising Cassia they would spend more time together soon.
As time went on, the Aurors had stated that for the remainder of the day, everyone should stay within the Great Hall, even to sleep if need be until each individual involved was either found, or the entire grounds had been thoroughly searched. Many grew restless in the waiting as Dumbledore did his best to keep the peace.
"With everything that's happened, I think it's time you tell her." Harry said to Draco.
Draco, who had been deep in thought trying to decipher who had attacked and why, turned to face Cassia. Her head was tilted to the side in confusion as she looked between Draco and Harry.
"Tell me what?" She asked.
Draco sighed. It was true that if the attack had something to do with Aduna and Lucius, then she was bound to find out on her own. He'd tried for so long to allow Cassia to focus on school and healing but knew it wouldn't last forever.
"Guess you're right." Draco said irritably. His hand went through his hair before he spoke. "Cass, the thing I didn't want to tell you was about Aduna and Lucius. Harry and I have been trying to figure out what they are after and why. We've been asking Remus and Sirius questions and though Remus thinks we shouldn't be involved at all, you know Sirius." He said with a smirk. "He thinks we're just as capable as they were during the war. Turns out she recently ransacked another museum and this time something went missing and apparently it was a map, but no one aware what the map lead to."
Cassia's skin grew hot. Had she not been so distracted lately with thoughts of her father, she might have figured out what they were up to. More than that, she was upset that he'd had a decent lead and didn't share it.
"I hate when you think you know what's best for me, Draco!. You can't keep deciding shit based on your opinion! I'm my own person you jackass!"
Her outburst had caught the attention if others around them, but Draco did nothing to show it had bothered him. It was years of practice at pretending to remain unaffected by the opinions of others at work, and he displayed it like a champion.
"Cass." He started out rising from his seat. As usual he was going to be blunt. That's how he made all his points. But this time, he wanted her to see his side. To get her to yield. "Do you remember that night I went to your room and you were awake trying to find out everything you could on Aduna?"
Cassia's hands when to her hips as she scrunched her brows in annoyance. "What does that have to do with what-"
Draco let out a perturbed breath. "Just answer the question."
"Sure. She replied sharply.
"You were hellbent on finding her at that point. Then- when what happened.. happened.. you gave up. And not because you were literally giving up because let's face it, you're relentless at times. But because your mind wasn't ready to look for answers. You needed time to heal even if you didn't realize it yourself. So I chose to give your heart and a chance to catch up with all this bloody pain."
Hermione wiped a tear away as she tried to avoid looking at her two friends. She'd ofcourse heard every word but felt it was still only meant for them. His words had been so beautiful she couldn't help but shed a tear. Even though she still believed Cassia should have known, hearing him say that made her understand a little better."
Cassia bit into her bottom lip as her hands were both in tight fists. She looked toward the ceiling doing her best to fight back her tears. With a deep exhale she looked back at Draco, feeling angry but deeply loved all at the same time.
"You can be such a-"
"Stupid head? Yeah I know." He interrupted. There was the smallest grin on his face that most wouldn't have been able to even notice but Cassia had. And as angry as she still was, she couldn't help but hug him, staying with her head to his chest for quite some time.
It had been one month since the attack at Hogsmeade had taken place, causing security at Hogwarts to double. Trips to Hogsmeade had been cancelled until further notice, no student was to travel anywhere alone, and the grounds were to be searched every night, including student dormitories.
Some parents had come to retrieve their children fearing that another attack would take place. Especially after Ilvermorny had almost shared the same fate when several had attempted to break the protective charms in order to harm those who attended the school.
After an interrogation had taken place, several of the captured witches and wizards claimed to be working with Aduna ready to purge the wizarding community of bad blood, even if it meant pureblood casualties. The plan was to start with the young to prevent another generation of impurities.
Rumors that a war was coming began to fill most conversations, even in the classrooms. Some seemed to be numb to it all, while others become riddled with anxiety that plagued even the best of students.
Much was changing amongst the wizarding world and all anyone could do was their best to simply keep up.
Sirius, who had come to the school to visit Harry, stood in Dumbledore's office waiting for the Headmaster. He paced the room, glancing at the portraits and various objects throughout the room.
"Sirius." Dumbledore started out. "How are things at Grimmauld Place?"
"Dreadfully dull without my Godson I'm afraid." Sirius replied before continuing. "Now it seems only Christmas and the summer months are truly exciting anymore."
Albus smirked. "Children have a way of filling our homes with such frantic business that when they are gone it seems almost too still."
Nodding, Sirius changed the subject. "Truth is, I came here on behalf of Douglas, Dumbledore."
"Oh?" Dumbledore said, curiously.
"He said there are few he can trust anymore, especially with something as alarming as this."
Waiting for Sirius to continue, Albus crossed his arms patiently. Ready to take in whatever Sirius was about to tell him.
"There is a disturbing rumor, and one that makes my bloody skin crawl. But if it's true, then the bitch must be stopped. Douglas believes if anyone would know for sure it would be the man who studied him backwards, which leaves you." He pointed at Dumbledore before continuing. "Is it possible for Aduna to bring Voldemort back?"
"There's been another attack." Cho said, as she set the Daily Prophet on the table before sitting down to join her fellow Ravenclaws at breakfast. Her large brown eyes were full of sadness as she stared at the headline which read, "Mcfarl's Goodies turned to ash. Three killed."
The wizarding candy shop located in New York was quite popular and often busy around the clock. Cassia's shoulders sunk when she'd leaned across the table and read the headline as well. "I'd gone there as a kid. Just so sad"
Hermione shook her head. "The poor families that lost someone."
"It's just going to get worse, isn't it?" Cho asked, no one in particular.
"No." Cassia replied. "Because I believe we can stop her."
"We?" Marietta said with a raised brow. She stared at Cassia wondering what a thirteen year old witch could do about Aduna Adams.
"Yes, we." Cassia snapped. "Meaning anyone willing to stop someone evil like her. Someone willing to do the right thing."
Taking it a little too personally, Cassia stood from the table, ripping her muffin from the plate and stomping away.
Hermione sighed, turning to face Marietta. "You know what that lady did to her father, Marietta. Maybe if she'd hurt your family you'd understand Cassia's need to stop her."
"I didn't mean it like that." She replied feeling guilty. Her strawberry blonde hair fell around her face as she looked down at the table.
"I know." Hermione said before rising from the table to follow her best friend.
When she'd finally managed to catch up to Cassia, she spoke. "You know she didn't mean it like that."
Cassia sighed, still making her way to Divinations. "I do. I'm just on edge with the attacks and no new information on her whereabouts."
Hermione nodded. "I get it, but just watch that melodramatic attitude." She nudged Cassia's shoulder playfully before continuing. "Not everyone is as accepting as your best friend here."
Cassia smiled. "Got it. Save the drama for my mama."
"Exactly." Hermione laughed.
"Cassia!" Cedric called out from behind, causing her to turn around on her heel. She grinned wide at the sight of him approaching her, grateful for the fun he always seemed to bring.
"Study with me tonight?" He asked with grin.
She laughed. "We don't share any classes, and I am more than positive any help I can offer wouldn't be as ideal as someone in your own year."
Cedric shrugged as a playful look filled his eyes. "I'm sure we can think of something to do together then." His bold statement caused Cassia's cheeks to burn as Hermione held back a laugh. With a wink, he began walking backward. "Meet me in the courtyard after dinner, I have a surprise for you."
Nodding, Cassia spoke. "Okay, I will." There was a slight squeak to her voice that revealed just how excited she was before Cedric gave one final wink.
With that, Cedric was off to class, hoping the day would fly by to begin the evening he had planned for her. Over the last month the pair had spent at least one day a week together. Playing wizard's chess, chatting in the courtyard, taking walks around the school, all while heavily flirting during each interaction and getting dangerously close to their first kiss.
To Cedric, Cassia was amazing. Funny, charming, passionate, intelligent, and a little eccentric. What he admired most was how much she's gone through and yet did not stop fighting for what was right. If anything it had made her push harder. She'd been diligent in her search to stop Aduna and often spent hours researching her family heritage and if that might give insight to what was on the map she'd taken.
It was that very drive that made him want to be with her, and tonight, when he'd ask her to be his girlfriend, he hoped she would agree.
A/N
Thank you for reading the latest chapter. Things are starting to pick up in pace, don't ya' think? I hope you're enjoy it, feel free to leave me a review.