Chapter Eleven

Cassian received no sleep that night. Instead of trying to sleep he crept into the Common Room. He'd written in his journal then set it aside, pulling out his History of Magic homework. He was currently writing his paper on Artemisa Lufkin, the first witch to become Minister for Magic. He also finished the two essays he owed Professor Snape. The first was on Glover Hipworth, inventor of the Pepperup Potion. The other was on Cliodna, an Irish Druidess and animagus who discovered the properties of Moondew.

At breakfast he was surprised and grateful that there was no letter from Lucius. Perhaps Draco didn't tell his father about his being able to speak Parseltongue. Of course, he was aware of both Professor Snape and the headmaster watching him again. It was annoying. As was all the whispers going on that he knew had to deal with him.

Charms was irritating as he felt his classmates gazes on him from time to time as well as his professor's. Deciding to use his free time to research Slytherin's line, he went to the library. Taking a stack of books he made sure he was hidden as he read.

Harry was bored. He gazed around the library as Cassian read. He spotted a group of Hufflepuffs huddled together. Apparently their Herbology class was canceled due to the snow. Hearing Cassian's name he crept closer.

"So anyway," one of the Hufflepuff boy's was saying. "I told Justin to keep Dudley in our Common Room. I mean to say, if Ashwood's marked him as his next victim, it'd be better to keep a low profile for awhile."

"You definitely think it is Ashwood then, Ernie?"

"Hannah, he's a Parselmouth. Everyone knows thats the mark of a Dark wizard. Have you ever heard of a decent one who could talk to snakes?k They called Slytherin himself, serpent-tongue."

"But he doesn't seem that bad. Neville and Dudley are friends with him. Dudley says Ashwood isn't the heir."

"He probably confuded him. Who knows what his father taught him before the Aurors caught him."

Clenching his jaw, Cassian angrily stood up and walked over to the Hufflepuffs. Clearing his throat, he watched in amusement as the color drained from Ernie's face and the others stiffened, fear-filled looks going back and forth from Ernie to Cassian. Cassian's cold eyed stare stayed on the loud mouthed boy.

"Hello," he stated more calmly then he felt. Inside he was shaking with suppressed anger.

"What do you want?" Ernie bravely asked.

"To clear up some misconceptions you've seemed to have formed during the Dueling Club."

"We were all there," Ernie stated after figuring out what the other said. "We saw what happened."

"Then you noticed, after I spoke to it, it stopped?"

"All I saw, was you speaking Parseltongue and chasing the snake towards Dudley."

"I didn't chase it at him." Cassian's voice became colder and even Harry was getting angry with the delusional Hufflepuff. "It didn't even touch him."

"It was a very near miss," Ernie stubbornly refused to change his view. At Cassian's expression, he hurriedly stated, "And in case you're getting any ideas, I might tell you that you can trace my family back through nine generations of witches and warlocks and my blood's as pure as anyone's so-"

"I don't care what kind of blood you've got, you ignorant twit!" Cassian was unaware that he was looking at the boy like he wanted to hex him into the next century. He did know that he was getting a headache having to deal with the irrational Hufflepuff. "Why would I want to attack Muggle-borns? Especially the one that is my friend?"

Cassian blinked and frowned as he realized what he'd just said. Did he just claim to have a friend?

"You're Malfoy's cousin and everyone knows Malfoys dislike Muggle-borns. And you're an Ashwood, which makes you worse."

Ernie gulped seeing the Slytherin's eye color shift and become mostly gold with the barest hint of green. Harry nervously wondered if he'd have to go get Fawkes again. Cassian ignored Madam Pince's disapproving look and angrily left the library. His hands were shaking in rage. He needed to do something quickly to be rid of it.

With his anger and need to release it clouding his vision, he was not aware of his surroundings and promptly ran into Hagrid. Picking himself up off the floor, he stared up at the dangling dead rooster in the giant's hand.

"All righ', Cassian?"

"Fine," he lied. "What're you doing in here? And with that?"

"Second one killed this term. It's either foxes or a Blood-Sucking Bugbear, an I need the headmaster's permission ter put a charm around the hen coop."

Harry had stopped listening after Blood-Sucking Bugbear. Cassian was too distracted to keep his emotions and reactions in check, he jumped when the giant moved closer, brows furrowed in concern. "Yeh, sure yeh're all righ'? Yeh look all hot an' bothered."

"I'm fine," he lied again. "I have to get going. I have an appointment with Madam Pomfrey."

Cassian quickly left without waiting to see if the man replied. Along another corridor he tripped over something on the floor. Pulling his wand in anger, ready to blast whatever it was, he growled, "For the love of-"

Seeing what he tripped over, his wand clattered to the floor, his fingers suddenly numb. Dudley Dursley was laying there petrified. Floating above him was a black and smoking Nearly Headless Nick. Cassian sat there in shock staring at the unmoving form of Dudley.

"Cassian, we've got to get help," Harry tried shaking Cassian's shoulder. The Slytherin wasn't responding. He continued to stare wide-eyed.

"Cass? What's wrong?" Harry was worried when the other boy only groaned and clutched his head as if he was in pain.

"Caught in the act."

Harry turned to see Filch standing there looking vindictively righteous. Cassian's only response was to look up with empty glassy eyes.

"I'll have you out this time, Ashwood. Mark my words." And the man was gone to get a teacher.

"Cassian, c'mon. Get up!"

At Harry's commanding tone, Cassian grabbed his wand and stood up. Harry looked around and didn't see anyone save a strange line of spiders scurrying away from the bodies. Swallowing, mouth dry, Harry came to a decision. If they made a run for it, it would be their word against Filch. No one had to know they'd been here. Everyone knew Filch had it in for Cassian because of Mrs. Norris.

Before Harry could get Cassian to move, his decision was taken from him as Professor McGonagall rounded the corner. She gasped as she took in the two petrified forms and Cassian still standing there, wand in hand. She took a good look at the boy's eyes before she carefully asked, "Ashwood?"

Cassian absently looked up then blinked and looked slightly puzzled. "Professor?"

"This way, Ashwood."

Nodding, he followed her to the gargoyle statue. He knew what lay beyond it; The headmaster. And more than likely, an expulsion was awaiting him as well.

Cassian looked around Dumbledore's office, his heart in his stomach. If the headmaster expelled him, he and Harry would have to go into hiding again. His thoughts were interrupted by a choking sound. Cassian's eyes widened to see the headmaster's phoenix looking awful. That would be all he need on top of everything else; for Dumbledore's pet to die while he was alone in the man's office.

The bird caught fire and the boys stared still not able to comprehend how the ugly thing could have been the beautiful creature they'd seen during the summer. A huge pile of ash was all that was left of it now.

A noise caught their attention and the boys looked up to see Dumbledore climbing down a set of stairs. Cassian swallowed and retreated from the bird cage. He was surprised when the old wizard's eyes twinkled merrily.

"Ah, Fawkes finally got on with it I see."

A baby hatchling shook ash off its head and crooned at Dumbledore. It was just as ugly as it had been before it spontaineously combusted, in Cassian's oppinion.

Dumbledore sat at his desk and Cassian relunctantly sat across from him awaiting his doom. He was sure he was going to be expelled. As not to hyperventilate, he forcefully made himself calm down and think. He was mentally going over relaxation techniques so he missed the sympathetic look he was getting from the headmaster.

Before either could say a word, Hagrid burst in causing the door to bang loudly as it rebounded and Cassian to jump to his feet warily.

"It wasn' Cassian, Professor Dumbledore!" Hagrid almost slipped and called the boy Harry. After receiving the drawing from Cassian, he'd rushed to the headmaster, convinced Cassian was Harry. The headmaster said that did not count as proof. It could be coincidence, or maybe Cassian and Harry knew each other. Or, it was even possible that Cassian was Harry, but did not know it.

Professor Dumbledore told Hagrid to just continue thinking of Cassian as Cassian. So, the half giant hadn't said a word that Cassian might be the missing Harry Potter. He continued to treat the boy as he had before he found out. But now!

"I was talkin' ter him seconds before that kid was found, he never had time, sir-"

In Hagrid's aggitated state no one could get a word in. The giant was beside himself and ranted on. Cassian stood in a daze. He was trying to get over the stunned surprise of the giant defending him, even willing to swear Cassian's innocence in front of the Ministry. Then, Dumbledore saying he didn't think it was Cassian either, left him feeling very confused.

"Of course ye don't," Hagrid sheepisly said. "I'll go wait outside then."

Dumbledore and Cassian both looked intently at the other. Suspicion was clearly evident in the younger's expression. Cassian couldn't believe it nor trusted it. "You don't think it was me, Professor?"

"No, Cassian, I do not. However, I do wish to speak to you."

Cassian figured as much. He waited with baited breath.

"I must ask you, Cassian, whether there is anything you'd like to tell me. Anything at all."

Oh there were a lot of things he wanted to say, none of which was anything the man wanted to hear. SO, he shook his head. "No, sir. Nothing."

Cassian ignored Harry's slumped form. Harry wanted him to tell Dumbledore everything. Something he had no plans on doing. He also ignored the disappointed look the man tried to hide as he said, "Very well then. Off you go."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The last week before term ended was a very stressful one for Cassian. He was tired of the mutterings, pointing, and stares he'd received. How everyone moved well out of his way as if they'd be petrified by just touching him. He was angry and wanted to hurt them for their ignorant assumptions. Couldn't they see that it wasn't him? Dudley was his friend. He wouldn't have attacked his friend.

There was also something that pulled at his memory about the Hufflepuff. Harry said they knew him and Cassian spent hours trying to dig up any memories to no avail. It was maddening and frustrating. He'd only had a brief flash of what he thought was a memory when he saw Dudley's petrified form.

Cassian had immediately been assaulted with the memory of Dudley laying sprawled limp inside a car. But the blond had been much younger at the time.

A day before break, Cassian was sitting on the couch in the Slytherin Common Room, legs drawn up, head resting on his knees. He looked up and was too tired to frown at Daphne who was standing in front of him. He just blinked up at her wondering what she wanted.

"I have something to show you."

Before he could ask what it was or tell her to go away, she took his hand and pulled him from the couch. Cassian was too tired emotionally and mentally to object and allowed her to pull him along. Harry was curious however and it continued to grow the further they went. Daphne stopped in front of a broom cupboard.

Cassian gave her an inquiring look, but she just smiled and opened the door. There was a towel and other soft materials for bedding lay a Himalayan cat surrounded by small furry bodies. His eyes widened and looked at Daphne who chose to become nervous and shy.

"Um, I told you, you could have first pick. That is, if you still wanted one?"

"Oooh!" Harry immediately was in the cupboard crouched next to the cats. He looked at all the kittens before he settled on one he wanted. "This one!"

'Are you sure?' Cassian crouched next to Harry.

"Positive! I want this one. It's way cuter than the others."

'If you say so.' They all looked the same to Cassian. Harry stuck his tongue out at him.

"I do!"

'Whatever.' Turning to Daphne he pointed at the small black kitten with light brown stripes. "That one, the runt. Is it okay to pick it up?"

Daphne nodded and Cassian hesitated a moment before picking the tiny cat up gently. It was so small it fit in his one hand.

"Its so tiny," he marveled.

"Happy Christmas!" Daphne smiled and waved as she walked away. Cassian stared after her shocked. "Wha-?"

Not knowing what else to do, he gently cradled the kitten to his chest as he stood. He'd never had a pet before nor had to worry about looking out for anyone save himself. It was a very weird feeling to now have another life he had to look after.

'What do I do with it?' Cassian asked as he carefully walked back towards the Slytherin dormitories.

Harry was beaming and practically skipping down the halls beside him. "Pet it and talk to it."

'Riiiight.' Cassian looked down at the kitten and scratched its head. It began to purr and he found himself smiling at it.

"Told you!" Harry crowed.

'Told me what?'

"You'd be less moody. Admit it. You like our new kitten!"

'Whatever.'

Harry snorted when the kitten mewed at Cassian to keep petting it. He had stopped at Harry's comment.

"Cuuute!"

'Shut up.'

Cassian felt awkward holding the kitten and was tempted to drop it into his robe pocket. Harry shot him a scandalous look. "You can't do that to a kitten!"

'Why not? It'd be easier to travel with it.'

"Because you can't!"

'Fine.'

When they stepped into the Slytherin Common Room, Draco who'd been playing a game of wizard's chess with Blaise, looked up. He immediately spotted the small furry bundle Cassian held protectively.

"What's that?"

"A Christmas present from Daphne."

Draco came over and reached out to touch the kitten. Cassian had an urge to pull away but resisted the impulse. All the blond did was scratch the kitten's head and smile at the soft purring emenating from the kitten.

Cassian had almost forgot that Draco liked animals. His father's peacocks withstanding. That thought brought another and Cassian couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped, nor hide or fight his grin.

"What's so funny?" Draco was immediately on the defensive.

"Just remembering Lucius' prized peacocks." At the blond's questioning look, he explained. "I recalled the time you got the idea of trying to ride one."

Draco smiled as well. "Yeah, that was pretty funny."

Blaise abandoned the game and the three sat around the fire. Draco told the other boy about when they were around seven at the time and both had been on the short and lean side. They had actually been able to rope the things and ride them; for a few feet. They fell off, losing their grip and ended up being chased by the entire flock. One even managed to bite the blond on the rear, hence his dislike of the creatures now.

Blaise was in stitches and Cassian even laughed, the memory replaying in his mind. He absently petted the kitten in his lap.

"'Course father wasn't too happy about it."

"No, but Aunt Narcissa thought it was cute and funny."

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Cassian was glad for the holidays and the relative peace that came with it. He, Crabbe, Goyle, and Draco were just about the only Slytherins not going home. A few of the older students stayed but didn't bother the four second years.

He was however a bit angry and surprised to feel hurt when the other two he'd considered friends didn't seem to be around. He was angry at himself for the most part. He should have known that they wouldn't believe him and turn against him just like everyone else.

Getting dressed, he picked up his still unnamed cat and placed it in the hood of his sweatshirt. Harry fretted the whole way up to the Great Hall. Cassian tried to tell Harry the kitten was safe and fine. Harry wouldn't listen and stayed behind Cassian in case the kitten decided to try and hop from the hood.

Looking around, Cassian wasn't all that surprised to see so few students. Nearly everyone signed to go home after the attack on Dudley and the Gryffindore ghost. There were a handful of students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw remaining. Sadly, Luna was not one of them. Neville was the only non red head that stayed for the holidays in Gryffindore.

Lifting the cat from his hood, he set it on his lap. He fed it bits of bacon and sausage to it. He smiled down at it as it began to wash itself. Picking up his fork he began to eat as well. He was happy he could actually enjoy eating. The potions Professor Snape made and the spells Madam Pomfrey cast for his mouth, throat, and tongue seemed to be working. At first, he could only taste really strong flavors like things that were extremely sour or spicy. He was to have a check up today and hopefully the last of his treatments. Which if he was lucky also meant no more horrid nutrient potions!

When breakfast was through he headed for the library, and then Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. He came there from time to time to talk to the ghost. From her he learned that Ron, Neville, Dudley, and Hermione had been up to something. Going into the stall that held the ongoing potion, he frowned. From the looks of it, it could be the Polyjuice Potion. Cassian and Harry had really been interested in that when their Professor mentioned it in class. Just imagine what he could do if he looked like someone else for an hour or two!

"Why would they be brewing this?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe for the same reason we would."

"Hmmm."

Opening the door to the ghost's bathroom he peered around. Seeing no one he called, "Myrtle? Are you here?"

The ghost didn't seem to be in at the moment so he went up to the hospital wing. The medi-witch checked him over and agreed that as long as he continued to eat at during the meals he didn't have to take the nutrient potions.

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Cassian was awakened from a peaceful nightmareless sleep by Draco hopping on his bed. Cassian went from groggy to alert to annoyed in quick succession. He roughly shoved the blond off his bed and pulled the covers back over his head. "Go away."

"C'mon, its time to get up!" Draco excitedly replied trying to pull the covers off.

"Why?"

"It's Christmas!"

"So?"

"So, it's time to open presents."

"Have fun with that."

Draco sighed dejectedly, a bit put out. "You know, most people actually like holidays."

"Bully for them." Cassian was successful in wrangling his comforter out of the blond's hands.

"You used to like Christmas," Draco stated softly.

Cassian was quiet. Yes, he used to like Christmas. The reason was selfishly quite simple. He used to spend the holiday with the Malfoys. Ever since his first meeting with them, Cassian had been drawn to the Malfoys. They had always appeared cold in public, but when in the privacy of their home, had been warm and loving family.

The Ashwoods were a cold family, period. Markale had been his guardian; raising and training him in more than just magic. Yet Cassian had never really thought of him as a father figure. While Markale had never been unnecessarily cruel, neither had he been affectionate or overtly kind to Cassian. He was sure Markale didn't view him as a son either, but more like a tool to be used for his own purpose.

The Malfoys treated him like one of their own. During the winter holiday, Cassian and Draco would play out in the snow. When they came in, Narcissa would spell their clothes dry as they sat in front of the fire drinking hot chocolate. He and Draco would then annoy the blond's parents singing the wrong words to their favorite carols. Cassian had also enjoyed watching the Malfoys decorate the living room.

Shoving the covers aside, Cassian got up. There wasn't any chance now of him going back to sleep. Looking around the quiet empty room, he frowned. "Where's Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum?"

"Great Hall eating breakfast."

"Ah." Cassian paused, something niggling at him. Realizing what he was missing, his eyes shot wide open. Frantically he searched through his bedding, then dropped to his hands and knees looking under the bed.

Draco watched him for a minute then voiced his curiosity. "What are you doing?"

"The kitten. Where's the kitten?" And where was Harry? Harry had been a constant presence in his life. 'Harry? Where are you?'

"In the Common Room," Draco replied. Eerily, Harry echoed him. The blond smirked. "Even your cat likes presents."

"What are you talking about?" Cassian sharply asked. Not bothering to wait for an answer, he brushed past Draco and headed for the Common Room. He spotted wrapping paper strewn about and his and Harry's kitten was diving amongst the colored paper. Harry had been playing with the kitten with a ribbon, but dropped it, seeing the blond behind Cassian.

Cassian was relieved to see the kitten unharmed. He'd thought for a moment he might have squished him, or hurt him when he'd fought with Draco over the covers. Picking up the kitten he petted it and smiled when it began to purr.

Draco went over to the tree and began to divide the stack of presents that remained. Picking up one stack, he dumped the parcels onto the end of the couch unoccupied by Cassian. The much larger remaining pile was soon being attacked by the blond.

Setting the kitten on the floor his lips quirked seeing it immediately dive into the wrappings and bat at the paper. Picking one of the presents up he was surprised to see it addressed to him. He was even more surprised to see who it was from. Opening the parcel he found a quill and inks of different colors. A note inside informing him that the quill and ink was charmed so whatever was drawn would move.

Cassian also received a book from Lucius on proper wizarding behavior and etiquette. If Cassian didn't think it'd be sacrilege to throw the book in the fire, he would have. Narcissa's present was much more enjoyable. She had sent him a nice leather portfolio case. Celtic knots were burned into the leather.

From Daphne he received a book on cats which Harry was ecstatic over. She also gave him a few toys for the kitten: a jingle ball, feathers on a stick that when moved, imitated the flight of a bird, a mouse that was charmed so the kitten could learn to hunt.

Cassian also received a box of tea from Hagrid, the half-giant apparently heard of his dislike for sweets. Then there was the last present. Picking it up he looked up to find Draco gone. The blond had gone down to the Great Hall. Fingering the present, he wondered if Draco had stacked the presents on purpose; making sure his was the last one Cassian would open.

Sliding a finger under the wrapping paper he opened the parcel slowly. When the present was free of wrapping paper, Cassian just stared. It was a beautiful wood frame holding a team picture of the Holyhead Harpies. Each player had signed it as well. This was something he'd wanted back when he'd actually been interested in Quidditch. The Holyhead Harpies had been his favorite team. How long had Draco had this?

Picking up his gifts he took them back to his dormitory and secured them in his trunk. He changed out of his pajamas and into his comfortable worn jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. On his way out of the Common Room, he scooped the kitten up and placed it in his sweatshirt pocket. One hand scratching the kitten's face he felt himself smiling hearing the purr.

Since he was so late to breakfast, most of the students had already finished. Cassian didn't mind the nearly empty Great Hall. He was mostly relieved and felt as if he could finally breathe! When he was finished eating he went to the courtyard. He still didn't eat much but it was more than when he hat to take the nutrient potions.

"So what should we name him? Or is it a her?" Harry asked. He was tired of Cassian just referring to their kitten as 'Kitten'.

Taking the kitten from his pocket, Cassian held it up. "Congratulations," he deadpanned. "It's a boy."

"So what should we name him?"

"I don't know," Cassian sighed. He was beginning to grow bored of this conversation. Harry had been annoying him about a name ever since they got the kitten.

"Hoodie?" Despite Harry's protests, the cat seemed to enjoy the hood of his sweatshirt.

Harry frowned. "No way!"

"Pockets?" The kitten hadn't protested riding around in his robe and hoodie pockets.

"No! I want to give him a real name."

Cassian sighed again. "Fine. Then what do you want to call him?"

"Something that fits him."

"And Hoodie and Pockets don't?"

"No."

Cassian rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

He smiled a little as the cat leapt form the bench and landed in a patch of snow that nearly buried it. Rescuing the kitten, he set it on the bench beside him. He pulled the string from his hood and cast an animation spell on it.

"Tiny or Runt?" he suggested as he watched the cat attack the string.

Harry frowned. "You're not even trying are you?"

"No, not really. No. I've given you almost a dozen names. You've turned them all down. You have yet to come up with one."

"You can't call our kitten Cat or Dog!"

"Why not? He's a cat. Cat fits him perfectly, yes? And what's wrong with Dog? It's kinda funny. A cat named Dog."

"It is not funny."

"Yeah, well. We already knew I have a warped sense of humor."

"Oh, yes." Harry scathingly replied. "I'm well aware of that. Like the other name you came up with. There are so many levels of wrong, I am not going into it."

Cassian shrugged indifferently. "Fine by me. If you cant' come up with a name, I'm calling him Hoodie."

Harry glared. Cassian's hand shot out and gently tweaked the cat's tail. He chuckled as the cat jumped then abandoned the string in favor of his hand.

"I can't think of anything," Harry admitted. "Why don't we ask some of the others for names?"

"I guess we could ask Myrtle. Or maybe some of the other ghosts?"

"You mean like how you were going to ask them about me?" Harry was still a bit resentful and bitter that Cassian had yet to do that. He had promised, and that had been two months ago!

"you are not going to let that go, are you?"

"No!" It came out spitefully. Harry crossed his arms.

"Fine. Then let's go ask a ghost."

Harry stared, slowly uncrossing his arms. Cassian picked the kitten up and placed it in his sweatshirt pocket. Picking up the wriggling string he ended the animation spell and put the limp string in his pants pocket. He'd replace it in his hood later.

"You mean it?"

"Yeah. I've been thinking about it and thought Myrtle or that ghost she told us about would be the ideal choice."

Harry furrowed his brow. "You mean the ghost that haunts the quidditch pitch?"

"That's the one."

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Neville glanced over at the Slytherin table and felt guilty and worried when he didn't see Cassian. He had wanted to let his friend know that he didn't' believe the wild rumors of Cassian petrifying Dudley and Nearly Headless Nick. Neville desperately wanted to tel him that Hermione was busy with the Polyjuice Potion in order to clear his name. Of course he knew it wouldn't go over to well that they believed it was Draco at fault.

Neville looked over to Ron who was busy arguing with his brothers. Ron couldn't make up his mind if the culprit was Draco or Cassian. On one hand, Dudley as Cassian's friend; on the other, Cassian was a Parselmouth.

Resolving that he would find and speak to his friend, Neville let the Great Hall. He stopped to think where his friend might be. Deciding the library was the best first choice, he headed that direction. Not finding who he was looking for, he wondered where else the Slytherin could have gone. As he crossed the courtyard he happened to Cassian headed toward the grounds. He knew it was Cassian because of the sunglasses.

Neville knew he was too far away to hear him if he called out so he followed him. He wasn't as clumsy as he used to be, but he still found himself sprawled in the snow a few times. Each time Cassian got a bit further ahead, but at least the Gryffindore knew where his friend was headed. He just didn't know why.

When Neville finally made it to the quidditch pitch it was to see an irritated Cassian glaring up at a ghost on a broomstick. The Slytherin huffed then muttered, "Well that was a complete wast of time."

Turning he saw Neville and frowned. Something fluttered too fast for the Gryffindore to see on Cassian's face. The boy's face went neutral as did his voice when he said, "Hello."

"Hi," Neville nervously smiled. "Um, why weren't you at breakfast?"

Cassian gave him a curious look. "I was. Mostly everyone was gone when I came up."

"Oh," Neville replied bashfully. He hadn't thought of that.

"Why're you here?"

"I followed you, rather, I just saw you when I was looking for you and followed you."

"I gathered that, but why?"

"I thought you could use a friend," he mumbled.

Blinking,Cassian stared at him. Neville's eyes widened seeing a head poke out of one of the Slytherin's pockets. Cassian brought the kitten into view.

"Daphne gave him to me."

"What's his name?" Neville hesitated then looked at his friend. "Can I hold him?"

Cassian shrugged and handed the kitten to Neville who smiled and petted it. "Can't decide on a name. How'd you come up with Trevor for your Toad?"

"Great Uncle Algie already named him when he gave him to me."

"Oh."

The boys walked together towards the castle and warmth. "what about Tiger or Stripes?"

Cassian's lips twitched. "That would have to be no."

"Hermione could probably think of a name."

"Hm. Where is she anyway?"

"In Myrtle's bathroo-oops."

Cassian raised an eyebrow at Neville's flushed panicky face. "Does this have anything to do with you guys brewing Polyjuice Potion?"

Neville's eyes widened but then he seemed to relax. The Gryffindore was relieved he no longer had to hide it from his friend. Frowning he asked, "How'd you know it was us?"

"You're not the only ones to visit Myrtle. She and I talk."

"Oh."

"So what're you brewing it for?"

"Um..." Neville shifted. "Well, promise you won't be angry?"

"Neville?"

The Gryffindore took a breath then rushingly stated, "We'rebrewingPolyjuicePotioninordertoclearyournameandfindoutwhotheheirreallyis."

Cassian blinked. Then blinked again. "Could you try that again, only slowly this time?"

"Ron thought you were Slytherin's heir until we convinced him you weren't. So then he thought Draco's the heir and -"

Cassian put up a hand. "You're brewing Polyjuice Potion to get Draco to tell you he's the heir?"

Neville nodded. He tensed sensing that his friend was angry. He was proven right by the icy tone. "All you had to do was ask me. I could have told you he's not he heir. His family might have all been in Slytherin, but none are of Slytherin."

"I'm sorry. We just-"

"Forget it." Cassian held out his hands and Neville handed the kitten back. As the Slytherin turned for the dungeons, Neville couldn't help but ask, "Are you going to tell Draco-"

"No," It was said sharply. "But I won't help you either."

Neville watched his friend go and sighed. He had known they should have included Cassian in their plans. And like he'd thought, the Slytherin wasn't happy to learn he'd been excluded. He decided to head to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Maybe Hermione would know to do now.

The only problem was Hermione wasn't in the bathroom. He wasn't able to find her until dinner and by that time his stomach was twisted in knots. He didn't dare glance over at the Slytherin table. He ignored the Weasley twins who had bewitched Percy's prefect badge. He didn't even have the heart to really sing that loud when Dumbledore had them singing carols.

Hermione joined the Gryffindore table next to him and Ron soon joined them. While the Ravenclaw calmly told them to get the bits of who they were changing into, Neville shifted. She went on to explain she had put Sleeping Draught into a couple of cupcakes. All the boys had to do was make sure Crabbe and Goyle ate them.

Neville finally blurted what Cassian told him. That Draco wasn't the heir and Cassian knew about the Polyjuice Potion. Ron frowned and placed the blame on Neville.

"Great, he's probably already told Malfoy and -"

"No. I asked if he was going to and he said he wouldn't."

Ron still looked skeptical and unbelieving. Hermione on the other hand had a thoughtful look.

"He said he wouldn't help us either."

"So, we're on our own then," Hermione mumbled. "Still, it has to be someone in Slytherin. Doesn't it?"

"So, now what?" Ron looked as if he was relieved that he wouldn't have to drink the potion or bits of Crabbe.

"We get into the Slytherin Common Room and snoop around," she said determinedly.

"And Cassian?" Ron asked.

"Well, he said he wouldn't give us away nor would he help us. So, we'll just have to be careful."

0o0o0o0o0o0o

Cassian didn't bother singing during the carols, he just continued to gaze at his plate. Draco kept looking at him as if he wanted to ask what was wrong, but kept silent. He was grateful for that. He'd already had an awkward moment with the blond earlier. He'd thanked Draco for the autographed picture and asked where'd he'd gotten it. Draco had replied he'd planned on giving it to him last year as a birthday present. But since he never had a chance to give it to him, had held onto it until he could.

Leaving Crabbe and Goyle in the Great Hall, Cassian and Draco went back down to the dungeons. The blond talking about how he couldn't wait for the holidays to be over. Slytherin was to play Ravenclaw and Draco was sure they could win. He wanted a rematch with Gryffindore and to secure the Quidditch Cup for Slytherin yet again. That coupled with the House Cup would make his year.

When they got to the Common Room, Draco went to their dorm and handed a newspaper clipping to Cassian. "Father's just sent it to me."

After scanning it Cassian guessed, "Lucius is against the Muggle Protection Act, I assume?"

Draco nodded then frowned. "Where's Crabbe and Goyle?"

"Probably still eating," Cassian replied. He wondered if Neville, Hermione, and more than likely Ron, were still planning on impersonating Slytherins. Of course even if they did, the three would still have to find their way to the Slytherin Common Room and their password.

"Why don't you go fetch Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum? Eating that much is just not healthy."

"Says the person who barely eats."

Cassian was about to snap back but decided against it. It wasn't any business of Draco's to know why he barely ate. Instead, he replied, "I'm getting better though."

Draco nodded. "Which is a relief. Mother wouldn't let you get away with that over the summer."

Cassian started a game of Wizard's chess with Blaise and had just lost his third pawn when Draco reentered the Common Room. Accompanying him were Crabbe and Goyle. As he surreptitiously watched them he recognized the Ravenclaw's mannerisms in Goyle. Which meant that Crabbe was either Neville or Ron. Tipping his king in surrender to Blaise, he stood and went to the Slytherin bookshelf.

Eyes quickly locating the book he wanted and opening it, pretending to read as he lounged against the wall. He listened in on their conversation and nearly laughed when Draco gave the clipping to the imposters to read. The way 'Crabbe' reacted, it had to be Ron.

"Well?" Draco demanded impatiently. He wanted to know what his two friends thought about what his father had said.

"Uh," Goyle replied with a quick look at Crabbe. "Weasley's a Muggle lover?"

"You'd never know they were pure-bloods the way they behave." Draco frowned as if he tasted something unpleasant. "I wonder why the Daily Prophet hasn't reported any of the attacks. I suppose Dumbledore's trying to hush it all up. He'll be sacked for sure if it doesn't stop. Father said-" Draco stopped and once again frowned.

Cassian knew it was because Draco realized that he was about to voice his father's opinion on the matter instead of his own.

"Probably why that Gryffindore Prefect was nosing around the dungeons. Tying to catch Slytherin's heir and save Dumbledore from getting sacked."

Cassian knew that was a perfect opening for them to ask Draco about the heir and sure enough -

"You must have an idea of who it is," Goyle stated.

"You know I haven't Goyle. How many times do I have to tell you?" Draco was getting irritable. "And father won't tell me anything about the last time the chamber was opened either. He says if I know too much, it'll be suspicious. All I learned was that last time the chamber was opened was fifty years ago. Last time, a Mud-er Muggleborn died. It's only a matter of time before one of them is killed this time...."

Cassian and Harry stared at each other. "You don't think-" Harry stated.

'That Myrtle was the one who died?'

Harry nodded.

'Dunno. We could start with her since she's the most recent ghost. Unless whoever died didn't become a ghost.'

"Either way, Myrtle would know, probably."

'So, we gonna ask Myrtle who she died?'

"Think she'll tell us?"

'More than likely. She's like me,' Cassian half smiled. 'She's got a warped sense of humor.'

A nose brought their attention back to Draco's 'friends' who were quickly leaving the Common Room. Maybe the Polyjuice Potion didn't last as long as they thought. Draco came over to him, a suspicious look on his face. "What got into Crabbe and Goyle?"

Cassian couldn't help it or stop himself ; he began to laugh. At his cousin's shocked look, he laughed harder.

A.N. - Ok, I lied. Tom Riddle's diary will be in the next chapter. This one was getting too long and taking too long to post. I've been trying to upload this chapter for what seems like forever. I decided to try again it FINALLY let me upload.

Poll Results:

Luna- 12

Daphne- 8

Hermione- 4

None- 2

Other- 0