A.N.- Okay, I don't want to keep looking over my shoulder worried about a Balrog being after me so here's the part that was supposed to be with the previous chapter.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

They went to their dormitories and told the new password for the term. Cassian wondered who decided which passwords were used. This term the Slytherin's password was wyrvern. Entering the Third Year boys dormitory, he stopped and blinked. Instead of the large room he had known last year, it was now a hall with four doors. Draco came up behind him and explained about the change as he pushed his cousin into one of the rooms.

Since their course-load would only increase from this year onwards, the Slytherins got a two bedroom in which to better study. Their head of House believed it'd be easier to study and get work done without distractions.

"Who decides on the roommates?"

"Uncle Severus. He makes the decision based on whom he thinks would be best suited."

"Uh huh."

Cassian chose the bed closest to the door. Flopping down on it, he shot back up just as quickly when he heard his cat meow plaintively. The cat was not happy to be kept in the carrier. Cassian let him out and was rewarded with a scratch to his hand and a hiss before the cat darted away.

He sucked his hand with a frown while ignoring Draco's chuckles. "Maybe you should have got an owl."

"What for? I don't write anyone." Cassian didn't bother stating that no one wrote to him either.

In the morning Cassian found the cat curled up beside him. Looking down at the cat he asked, "Forgiven me, have you?"

The cat just stretched and Cassian rubbed it's face, smiling when it purred. By the time he showered and got ready, Professor Snape had already given out the new course schedules. Draco handed Cassian, his as he sat down at their table. He saw he had Arithmancy first thing along with Theo and Daphne. He was glad Pansy and Millicent had Divination with Draco and his two minions.

Cassian headed for the Arithmancy classroom with Daphne. He was happy that Harry wasn't prodding him to talk to the girl like he normally would have. By the same token, that worried him. Harry still wasn't speaking to him, just shaking his head. It was really beginning to get on his nerves!

"Cassian?" Daphne queried. It sounded as if she'd been trying to gain his attention for a minute or two.

"Huh?"

"You alright?" At his look, she continued. "Well, you seem preoccupied and for a second there, you looked angry."

Cassian's brow furrowed and he was spared from answering as they'd reached the classroom. Hermione and Dudley were already there and waved him to come over. Excusing himself, he did so. Dudley gave him a knowing look and laughed when Cassian scowled at him and turned his head away. He saw Theo hurry in and wondered what took the boy so long to get there. Thankfully, Theo and Daphne had seats together. Cassian chose to sit next to Terry.

Professor Vector started the class by breaking down the meaning of Arithmancy. That it came form the Greek word arithmo, meaning number and mancy, meaning prophecy. She smiled as she stated, "Even Muggles realize its' usage but call it by another name, but it is based on the same principles."

She continued that people both wizard and Muggle believed a person's name contained clues to their person. Professor Vector also lectured them about how Pythagoras was the one to realize and teach the meaning of numbers. That everything could be reduced to the numbers one through nine; colors, music, words, everything.

After her lecture and a few examples, she stated that she was sure they were eager to learn what their names said about them. She wrote number one through nine on the blackboard and the alphabet below that. In the one column were the letters; A,J,and S. The two's column was; B,K, and T. And so forth to nine.

"The first step in analyzing your name is to convert them to numbers. So write your names and beneath each letter write the corresponding number. When all your numbers are written down, add them up. If a number is over nine, say twelve; you reduce it. To do so you add the one and the two of twelve to get three. Now, let's see what you get."

Cassian frowned, not really putting much stock in this rubbish. Sighing, he glanced at the chart that professor drew up then took out his parchment and quill. He quickly jotted down his name and corresponding numbers. Cassian Ashwood became 3,1,1,1,9,1,5,1,1,8,5,6,6,4. Added up it became fifty-two, which reduced to seven. Flipping open his Arithmancy book he found the characteristics for seven and read it. Silently he read: Perceptive, understanding, and bright, sevens enjoy hard work and challenges. They are often serious, scholarly, and interested in all things mysterious. Originality and imagination are more important than money and material possessions. Sevens can also be pessimistic, sarcastic, and insecure.

He frowned at that and was annoyed when Harry actually spoke to him. "Sounds familiar doesn't it?"

'Talking to me, now?'

Harry sighed. "I'll tell you when class is over." At Cassian's look he said, "Promise."

'Well then, let's see what your name means.'

Harry actually seemed interested and watched as Cassian quickly and rather small, wrote Harry's name and numbers. Harry's name came out to 8,1,9,9,7,7,6,2,2,5,9. Tallied up it was sixty-five that became eleven then two. Once again, he silently read: Two represents interaction, two-way communication, cooperation, and balance. Twos are imaginative, creative, and sweet natured. Peace, harmony, commitment, loyalty, and fairness are characteristic. But two also introduces the idea of conflict, oppressing forces, and the contrasting sides of things: night and day, good and evil. Twos can be withdrawn, moody, self-conscious, and indecisive.

Cassian arched an eyebrow at Harry's look.

Professor Vector cleared her throat. "Ah, looks like you're all done. Now, the number you've just reduced is called the Character Number. This number indicates your general personality. The next number we will reduce is the Hear Number, or your inner self. Your desires and/or fears you hide from others. To get this number you add all the vowels in your name.

"The third number or Social Number is the outer self that you present to the world. To get this you add all the constanents in your name. With the Character, Heart, and Social Numbers, we can get a picture of who you are."

When the class had all completed adding their names and reducing the numbers to a single digit, Professor Vector smiled. "Finally, we can add a few finishing touches. Returning to the numbers you first wrote down, see if any number occurs more frequently than the others. Ah, how about you, Mr. Ashwood?"

Cassian blinked at her while the class all turned to look at him. He did not like being call on, more so with something like this that might betray him. Licking his lips he replied, "One."

"Would you pleas read the characteristics for ones?"

No, Cassian wanted to tell her. Sighing, he stood and read aloud, "One. This is the number of the individual. Ones are independent, focused, single-minded, and determined. They set a goal and stick to it. They are leaders and inventors. Ones find it difficult to work with others and don't like to take orders. They can be self-centered, egotistical, and domineering. They are often loners."

He sat back down with a blank face even though he felt like scowling. His numbers were 7,6,1 with 1 being the reoccurring number. Harry's was 2,3,8 and the reoccurring number was 9. Cassian was happy when the professor concluded the class and was one of the first ones out the door.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Draco rolled his eyes and frowned at his so-called professor. Maybe he should have taken Arithmancy like Cassian or Ancient Runes with Blaise. Anything but this. Divination had seemed like an easy class, but he wouldn't have signed up for it if he'd known he'd have to listen to this drivel. He had snickered when Longbottom broke his teacup after the woman said he would. That was an old parlor trick to get you wondering if you would've done the same had the 'seer' not said anything.

When it was time to partner up, he chose Longbottom to get away from Pansy who'd been eyeing him. The Gryffindore looked at him surprised and Draco quickly stated, "Don't read too much into it, Longbottom."

They drank their tea and swapped cups. Draco flipped through Unfogging the Future. "Alright, Longbottom, you have a hammer which means triumph over adversity, hard work. And that looks like a vase which means a friend in need of help. Better stick close to the Weasel then Longbottom."

"Shove off, Malfoy," Ron glared at him. The redhead had the table next to theirs.

Draco smirked then impatiently asked, "Well? What's my cup say?"

"Um." Neville looked through his Divination book. "I think that's a cloud...so, um, doubt. That, I know is a dragon, which is changes."

"That's it?" Draco frowned. "I knew this was rubbish."

"Well, there's also a cross. That means trouble on the way."

"Swell."

At least Draco was entertained for a bit when Trelawney predicted the death of the Weasel. The red head actually believed it and Draco gloatingly remarked, "Who knew you're tea leaves would be right, Longbottom!"

Transfiguration was next and Draco left for it in a better mood and took a seat next to his cousin. They were told about Animagi and their instructor demonstrated by changing into a tabby cat and back again. There was a scattering of applause but the class was mostly subdued. When McGonagall questioned them, one of the Gryffindore's raised their hands and told her about their Divination class. McGonagall asked who'd be dying this year, shocking the students. She informed them that that was Trelawney's favorite way of greeting a new class. The rest of the period went pretty much back to normal.

However, Draco had noted the strange glint in Cassian's eyes when their professor had transformed. Cassian's mouth stayed in a hard line. Draco said nothing until they were heading for lunch.

"What was that about, in class?"

"What?" Cassian replied distractedly.

"When McGonagall transformed. You had this look on your face."

Cassian didn't pause as he entered the Great Hall. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Draco let the matter drop but silently fumed. Why didn't his cousin trust him!

Lunch consisted of Cassian moodily pushing his food around his plate. Glancing up at the Head Table his eyes narrowed. Did he have to worry about Professor McGonagall spying on him as well? He recognized her animagus form as the cat who'd been at his foster home the day Dumbledore visited. That at least explained why it had behaved so unusual. Had she been observing him for the headmaster?

Shoving his plate away, he stood and left, intent on going down to Hagrid's hut. He had to pass the greenhouses to do so and saw a few Second Years milling around. He guessed when he saw they were Ravenclaws and Gryffindores, one of which was Luna. Deciding to go over he said hello to her.

Luna replied, "Oh, hello. It's you again."

Cassian nodded. "I've got Care of Magical Creatures."

"That's nice. I wonder if you'll be learning about Knargles, or Blibbering Humdingers, or Crumple-Horned Snorkacks."

A couple of the Second Years snickered and Cassian glared at them. They quieted. Luna didn't even glance at them as she said, "Don't mind them. They just don't believe what they can't see."

Seeing the belted Monster book under his arm, she curiously asked, That seems a strange way to carry your book."

Cassian couldn't help the smile that stole onto his face. Seeing his classmates making their way towards them, he realized he had to go. "My class is gathering. I hope to talk to you later."

Luna blinked owlishly at him. "I'm sure that's more than probable. We'll be at school together for four more years. Unless something unfortunate happens."

Grinning, Cassian waved and headed off to join his classmates. Draco seeing the smile, stated, "You're in a good mood."

Cassian just shrugged. Draco shook his head and the stood by their housemates. Hagrid seeing they had all gathered led them to a paddock near the Forbidden Forest. The giant told them to form a group and open their books. Draco sarcastically wanted to know, "And how exactly are we to do that?"

"Stroke the spine 'o course," Hagrid replied as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Draco arched a brow and stroked the spine of his book. Cassian looked at his own book and did the same. Hearing a snapping book and yells, they turned along with most of the class to see Neville wrestling with his own book. While the others laughed, Draco scornfully stated, "Don't be such a wimp, Longbottom."

"I'm okay! Okay, okay. Augh!" When Neville finally got control of his book, his robe was in tatters. Ron seeing this told him, "You're supposed to stroke it."

"Yeah," Neville wearily replied letting his bag drop.

Hagrid came back leading a dozen half bird/half horse like creatures that the giant informed them were hippogriffs. Harry was staring at the creatures in wonder and Cassian couldn't wait until he could draw them. They were magnificent. Cassian decided he'd draw them later with his colored inks and charmed quill.

"So," Hagrid said. "If yeh want ter come a bit nearer."

Before Cassian could take a step forward, Neville beat him to it, albeit a bit hesitantly. Dudley and Hermione followed suit. Hagrid smiled at them and told the class that hippogriffs were proud creatures and easily offended.

Cassian whispered to Draco, "Sounds like a Malfoy."

Draco sneered at him and Cassian turned away hiding his grin. Hagrid told them about letting the hippogriff make the first move and bowing. He asked who wanted to go first and most of the class backed up. Neville swallowed and took a step forward. Hagrid was ecstatic and led Neville to a hippogriff.

"This should be amusing," Draco retorted.

In response, Cassian called out, "C'mon, Neville. You're a Gryffindore, aren't you? Be brave!"

Neville smiled at his friend's encouragement and was relieved when the hippogriff bowed back. Grinning broadly, he petted the creature and the class applauded. Turning, he saw his friends smiling at him. Draco scowled, but refrained from saying anything.

Dudley, Hermione, and Ron had a hippogriff while Cassian, Terry, and Draco had another. Draco stated he didn't see what the big deal was. Terry was able to keep the blond from saying anything else that might offend the creature. Cassian stated that Terry should have let him insult the hippogriff.

"It'd serve you right."

Draco scowled at him. Hagrid had them feed the hippogriffs and told them they ate small rodents and even been known to eat bats. All in all, Harry rather enjoyed the class. Cassian thought about how the charmed drawing would look, flying about the page.

It wasn't until they were heading back inside the castle that Cassian asked Harry, 'So, how come you've been so silent?'

Harry was quiet for a moment then stated, "When the dementors came into our compartment, I heard screaming. I heard mother screaming."

Cassian wisely kept silent. He cleared his throat and finally said, 'Right. I guess I'll have to ask Professor Lupin.'

Harry turned to gaze at the other quizzically. Cassian just returned his look with one of determination and resolve as well as dislike.

'He made the dementor on the train go away, right? If we find out how he did it, we can protect ourselves from the dementors.'

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

In Potions class the next day they had to brew a shrinking solution. No one was surprised anymore to see Cassian and Neville partner up. It would have been strange if they hadn't. The boys nodded to each other as they set their cauldrons and ingredients up. Most of the period went fine. They prepped their ingredients and began to brew their potion.

Seamus and Ron were at the station next to Neville and Cassian. The Gryffindores were talking about what Seamus had read that morning in the Dailey Prophet. Seamus was eager to share the news about Sirius Black being spotted. At that name, Cassian's head snapped up and he actually listened to what they were saying.

Cassian had been adding the leech juice and his hand shook as he clenched the vial. The delicate glass broke and the entire vial of leech juice went into their cauldron turning the potion a sickly yellow. Cassian glared at his cut hand and muttered to Neville he'd be right back.

While Cassian went to the sink to clean the wound, Neville added the rat spleen to their potion and panicked when the potion turned a pale orange. Naturally, Snape had to come around to check on their progress. The man made disparaging comments and told Neville that he would feed his potion to Trevor at the end of the hour.

Cassian was too busy thinking about how close Black was, to hear what was going on. He was mentally urging the man to come to Hogwarts. He smiled darkly as he watched his blood flow down the drain. He had read a good deal over the summer and couldn't wait to put some of what he learned into practice.

Drying his hands he quickly cast a low level heal spell on the shallow cuts. Going back to his cauldron he frowned at Neville who looked like he was near tears. Cassian grimaced at the potion and he hurriedly went about setting it to rights. All he had to do was double up on the ingredients, save the leech juice, since that was what caused it in the first place. By the time they were to let it stew, the potion wasn't the acid green it was supposed to be, but it was close enough.

"Sorry," Cassian told Neville as they cleaned up their station of ingredients.

"At least it's fixed," Neville replied.

Cassian shook his head. "It shouldn't have needed fixing. I just..." he made an angry sound and went to wash their ladle and knives. Neville waited nervously by their potion and was greatly relieved when fed the potion, Trevor became a tadpole and wasn't poisoned.

Cassian slowly followed after Draco to the DADA classroom after lunch. He took a seat in the back next to a Ravenclaw girl he thought was named Lisa. Professor Lupin came in and had them all stand. He temporarily moved their desks to the back of the classroom to clear a space. A mirrored wardrobe stood at the front of the class. When it shook and wobbled, most of the class stepped back from it. Lupin smiled reassuringly at them. He explained that a boggart had moved into it.

Lupin asked what a boggart was and Hermione's had shot up and answered the question. "It's a shape shifter. It can take on the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us most."

Cassian stared at the wobbling wardrobe. What one fears the most? What did he fear the most? He turned and looked at Harry who was staring at the wardrobe apprehensively. Cassian nearly missed Lupin directing a question at him.

"Have you spotted it, Cassian?"

"Um..." He blinked and Harry quickly informed him what Lupin had been saying about having an advantage by having company when confronting a boggart. "Right. There are so many of us, it won't know what shape it should be."

"Precisely." Lupin then had them wandlessly practice the charm that would repel a boggart. By the third Riddikulus, Draco rolled his eyes muttering, "This class is ridiculous."

"Very good, now, Neville. Would you please come here?"

Neville gave the class a terrified look before going to stand in front of the professor.

"What would you say frightens you most?"

Neville spoke so quietly that no one heard.

"Didn't catch that, Neville, sorry."

Neville choked out, "Professor Snape."

Everyone laughed at that including Lupin who said, "Yes, he frightens all. I believe you live with your grandmother?"

"Yes, but I don't want that boggart to turn into her either."

Everyone laughed again, but Cassian had seen the stern woman and thought Neville had a point. Lupin whispered something in Neville's ear that made the boy look at him as if he had to have heard him wrong. Lupin just smiled. "Wand at the ready."

Neville quickly took out his wand and starring apprehensively at the wardrobe door. Lupin counted to three and the door opened. Out strode Professor Snape. Lupin reminded Neville to concentrate and the teen cried, "Riddikulus!"

Snape was suddenly in a green dress, fox-fur stole, a hat with a stuffed vulture, heels, and a carrying a handbag. Everyone found the sight of a cross-dressing Snape as hilarious. Draco and Cassian grinned at each other as they laughed. It was priceless.

Lupin then had them line up and Parvarti strode forward as Neville headed to the back of the line. Parvarti's fear was of Mummies. Cassian being who he was, was filing away the fears of his classmates in case he ever needed the information. Seamus' was a banshee, Lavender's a rat, Dudley's was a snake.

When Ron's turn came and the boggart turned into a spider, Cassian saw Draco's eyes light up. He knew the blond would have fun with that information to either humiliate or scare the Gryffindore. More than likely it was both.

It was now Cassian's turn and he strode forward eyeing the scrambling spider. The spider twisted and contorted until he became humanoid with a long flowing cloak. As the creature headed for him, Lupin stepped in front of him, redirecting the boggart's attention. It turned into a silvery orb and Lupin said, "Riddikulus," turning it into a deflated balloon and directing it back into the wardrobe.

Lupin awarded points to all the participants as well as to Hermione and Cassian for answering his questions. As the other students filed out all excited over the class, Cassian's eyes narrowed as he stared at the professor. Why had the man stopped him from taking on the boggart? Did the man think him weak? How dare he judge him because of the incident on the train!

"Cassian! We're going to be late for Ancient Runes!" Blaise called back to him.

The two went to Professor Babbling's classroom. Ancient Runes even though Cassian would normally have loved the class, couldn't pay attention. His mind kept wandering and it irritated Blaise who was partnered with him.

Before dinner, Cassian visited Moaning Myrtle. The ghost actually came up with three names Harry didn't immediately discard for their cat. Myrtle was Muggle-born so knew about Cleopatra of Egypt. Cleopatra's sons had been Ptolemy Caesar, Alexander Helios, and Ptolemy Philadelphus. Cassian was rather keen on the last one, specifically because he could shorten Philadelphus to Delphus.

Grinning, Cassian thanked Myrtle. The ghost seemed pleased to help and that he liked her suggestions. Of course, she got upset when he asked why she couldn't have come up with these names last semester.

That night, Cassian tossed and turned unable to sleep. When he finally did get some sleep it was far from restful. He dreamed of being held, mother's green eyes gazing at him with love. She smiled softly and her red hair fell into both their faces as she kissed him on the head. She sat him down and watched as he played with a ball, rolling it to his father.

There was noise and confusion as his mother picked him up, holding him protectively to her chest. There was yelling and an urgency in his father's voice. There was screaming and the light of the Killing Curse.

Cassian woke with a start, sweating. He looked to Harry who looked apologetic. He gazed over at Draco's bed and was relieved that the blond was still asleep. Running a hand through his hair, Cassian got to his feet and went to the Common Room. He gazed into the fire, face hard. He wasn't sure if that dream had come from Harry or himself. Sometimes, that was the problem with his link with Harry. It didn't matter though. To Cassian it was all the same.

Quietly but with vehemently, Cassian promised Harry, "If Lupin's in on it, he'll pay too."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

POLL RESULTS

Luna – 21

Daphne - 19

Hermione - 5

None - 5

Other - 0