Okay, sorry for the long wait! I am currently on my winter vacation in a different country, so I have troubles writing anything. But, I solemnly swear I won't abandon this story, and I am getting new ideas about it all the time. So, here goes the next chapter, hope you'll like it! ^^

3. Snakes and Lions

She was cold and afraid. With a sudden huff of wind, the remaining candles around here were gone and she was left alone in the darkness. The cold ground beneath her feet was sending shivers along her spine. Where was she? It didn't matter how much she moved forward, towards the warmth, it was constantly slipping through her fingers because something was pulling her back into the same coldness she came from. She tried to open her mouth and scream for help, but no sound ever came from her lips. Finally, she felt her body surrendering to the cold darkness that was possessing her more by the second. Not too long after that, her bare soul surrendered.

It was chaos, but she belonged.

Cassandra opened her eyes, expecting to see the yellowish fabric of her old tent. She was surprised that Victoria never came to call her back to the tomb. In the end, Cass knew she cared, she just wasn't sure how to show it to her. But, Cassandra was used to Victoria's personality. That stubborn woman that happened to be her mother would never apologize first, not even if she knew it was her own fault. Guess that was why what she and Cass' father had didn't last for long.

Surprisingly enough, Cassandra woke up in a bed. After four months of sleeping on bare ground, she couldn't complain. Looking around the room with a deep frown, she slowly began to recognize her surroundings. When she fell asleep she half hoped that she would be back in Egypt when she woke up. She wasn't sure how to feel about the fact that she wasn't. As she recollected her memories from yesterday and suddenly realized she had a massive headache.

That's what you get for traveling seventy years back in the past. She sarcastically told to herself. All that thinking about what happened just few hours earlier gave her an uneasy feeling somewhere deep in her stomach. It grumbled in protest and she frowned. At least it seems like her appetite was still with her. Cassandra pursed her lips deciding that breakfast will have to wait until she takes a bath. She rose up from her bed, the room still engulfed in darkness, she realized it was barely four in the morning. The rest of the beds were full and Cass could see a few strands of hair here and there.

Trying not to wake up anyone or get any of the unwanted attention, she slipped into the bathroom. It wasn't big, but it seemed clean and comfy enough for her to use. She stripped down her dirty clothes and began scrubbing away the dirt and sweat from her body. With a sigh she realized that her daily clothes are never going to fit in the forties era. Brown baggy pants and a simple black tee wasn't something girls wore in that time, she was sure. A solution was needed but Cass decided that for now she was going to let herself relax. Whatever and wherever this was, the water was real enough for her and she didn't want to ruin this peaceful moment because she doubted after today there will be many of those.

After emerging from the bathroom in the new uniform, four pairs of eyes were looking at her. It was obvious they were surprised by the newest student in their dorm. Cass was sure that their stunned expressions were mirroring her own. After a few seconds in silence that seemed like a whole eternity, finally one of the girls smiled.

"You must be the new transfer student we've heard so much about," a girl that was nearest to her said and kept a small smile on her lips. She looked like a bottle blonde, with her platinum locks surrounding her heart shaped face and her light brown, almost yellowish eyes.

"I'm Tara Cray, and we are always glad to see new Ravenclaw girls around here," she pulled up from her bed and pulled her into a gentle hug that surprised Cassandra very much. Tara was very tall and thin, almost fragile looking. After she ended the short hug, she started playing with her locks of hair. Her smile never fading she pulled Cass into the center of the room. Her nails were manicured red and her fingers were long and elegant as she wrapped them around Cassandra's elbow.

"That there is Lena Remmington," a petite blonde nodded with a smile "Then we have Amelia Blake, who prefers to be called Amy," a dark haired girl waved slightly not really moving her gaze from the book in front of her "And, of course that over there is Evelyn Weasley," a red haired girl smiled widely at her.

"Umm.. It's nice to meet you, I'm Cassandra Amber, but you can call me Cass," she nodded towards the girls, who still looked at her with obvious interest, except Amy who kept her nose between the pages of the book in front of her.

"Fabulous! Now I suppose that our Emilia showed you around, but feel free to ask us anything you are interested in or don't understand, okay?" before Cass could answer, Tara continued "Now girls, we only have two more hours until breakfast starts, so we should begin preparing ourselves."

Just like that, Cassandra was forgotten as the morning euphoria began though their room. She walked to her bed, which was situated between Evelyn's and Amy's, and searched through the large wooden chest at the bottom of her bed. She was surprised to find a note from Dumbeldore in it, along with some books and a wooden stick - or a wand as the message suggested. It also contained the list of her subjects.

"We have Ancient Runes together," a small voice said behind her. She looked over to the red haired girl, Evelyn, who was standing behind her "If you want we can walk together."

"Oh, sure.. That's nice, " Cassandra wanted to sound more enthusiastic, but her voice somehow sounded disappointed. How was she supposed to get a grip in these subjects when she never even heard about them in the first place? She didn't even know what half of the subjects were.

"Your schedule is very full, you must've been a great student at your old school," Evelyn said after a while "Your grades were probably all Outstanding, since they don't let just anyone transfer here."

"Yeah, most of the time I was," Cassandra confirmed, although she doubted any of her knowledge in her school could be used in these classes "I just sometimes had problems with behavior and school rules," she shrugged.

"You should then watch out. There are some nasty detentions here," the girl gave her a knowing smile.

Before Cass could ask some more questions, Tara announced that they were ready to leave for breakfast. While Cassandra usually disliked being in a group, she decided that it was the best solution at the time. She didn't want to get lost or worse be left alone among all that weird people. Grabbing some of the things she needed, she hurried after Tara and her group of girls. Her new wand was stuffed in her pocket. It wasn't that long, perhaps 10 inches of dark, reddish wood. Somehow it was warm and familiar in between her fingers. Among those things, she carried her journal with herself, and she also took, albeit cautiously, the amulet and put it around her neck.

The hallways weren't that busy in the morning, but there were still some students walking around, talking and even running though. Tara walked proudly at the head of the group, elegantly strolling though the small crowds of students. She was still quite tall, but there was also something else surrounding her that made her look like she owned the place. Other girls and even some of the boys that walked by greeted her cheerfully and she returned with her charming smile across her full, red lips.

The large, wooden door in front of them opened and Cassandra finally got her first glimpse of the Great Hall everyone was talking about. It truly was large, with four long tables full of food in the middle of the room. The girls continued following Tara through the Hall, until they reached one of the middle two tables and sat. Reluctantly, Cass followed their movements.

"I doubt that will ever happen, Amy," Tara's voice sounded as cheerful as ever as she talked to the dark haired girl, who looked as serious and grim as ever "Someone from his family would never stoop down to that level," Lena flinched at her words and slightly blushed, although it was obvious that the words weren't directed to her.

"But, let's not talk about these things anymore," Tara obliviously continued her cheerful speech "Cassandra dear, although you are adorable when confused, I suppose we should explain some things here, right?"

Cassandra slightly pursed her lips and nodded, while other girls filled their plates with food. Tara's plate stayed empty.

"In front of us, we have the dazzling view of the school's most notorious students, the Slytherins," she said with a slightly sarcastic tone as Cass switched her gaze to the table next to the wall, right in front of them, whose students threw snarky remarks to other tables "They are not the friendliest bunch to other Houses. Well, they are not really friendly with each other either, so best to avoid them like most people do," Tara said simply.

"Behind us, we have the fluffy and yellow Hufflepuffs. They are usually friendly with everyone, if a little dull," Tara said with obvious distaste "Not the most interesting bunch, nor the most clever but they have their use,"

Amy looked over to the Hufflepuffs who mostly sat silent or talked were quietly between each other. Cass wasn't really interested in them, but certainly preferred them to the students from Slytherin.

"And, of course, on the other side of the room we have the Gryffindor, the bravest and certainly the loudest bunch in the school," Tara smiled widely as she turned towards them "They are great fun! But as you can see, they have some great deal of issues with the Slytherins ahead,"

Certainly, the loudest table in the room belonged to Gryffindors, who were all chatting loudly about school, people and their holidays.

"But, no worries, Ravenclaw is still the best House in Hogwarts," Tara added confidently and winked to Cassandra.

Even after the small lesson about the mysterious school she was in, Cass was still feeling a bit lost and confused. Her appetite was, thankfully, still good and she managed to eat a whole bunch of things before Tara once again announced that it was time for them to go to their first classes. Amy and Lena had double Arithmancy, while Tara had Muggle Studies. So, Evelyn and Cass were left to find their ways to Ancient Runes.

Again, Cass didn't really bother to remember the path. The school was so large and had so many large hallways that all resembled. It was crazy to even try and remember the way. So, she just continued walking slightly behind Evelyn Weasley while she led them to the classroom.

"So, are Runes tough here?" Cass asked, hoping to get some more detail about what they will be doing.

"Well, they aren't easy. Last year, only one fifth year student got an Outstanding," Evelyn said "It's quite interesting actually, but I was sick during one part of the school year so I missed a lot. In the end I was satisfied with an E,"

"Oh, yes E-s are good," Cass nodded, trying to sound like she understood what she was talking about.

"Yes, last year I had almost all E-s, and an A in Potions," Evelyn rolled her eyes "But I'm sure you will do great in both!" she beamed towards Cass.

They continued their walk in silence, as Cass tried to stall as much as she could. Stupid school with stupid classes. What brightened her day even more (if that was possible) was the fact that they shared the class with Slytherins. There were at least twenty of them in the classroom, while there were only three more Ravenclaws, beside Evelyn and Cass. Reluctantly, Cass sat next to her new friend, but she could very much feel the gazes of the Slytherins behind her plastered on the back of her head. Damn the transfer student special treatment.

"Well, there are certainly fewer students than last year," Evelyn looked around the half-full classroom "And certainly more green color than I am used to."

"Charming," Cass shortly commented, sarcasm obvious in her voice. Why the hell did professor Dumbledore put her in this class? It was obviously tough for students who studied it for the past few years, so how was she supposed to fit in. Tara was smart to have Muggle Studies, because apparently it was an easy class almost everyone took because of the easy grades and simple tests.

"And here comes the King of the Snakes," Evelyn interrupted Cassandra's silent contemplation. Her voice was nothing like Cass was used to, it sounded harsh, almost hateful. She raised her head over to the place where Evelyn's gaze was drilling a hole.

He was standing next to the other Slytherins who were talking about something with malicious smirks on their lips. He was, on the other hand, completely calm and collected. His Ancient Runes book was standing ready and open in front of him as he watched other students in the classroom. His House mates were obviously trying to pull him into their conversation, but he didn't seem to be interested. Cass was ready to admit that he was very handsome, with his dark hair and green eyes, but that didn't mean she liked him. There was something about the way he sat there like he owned everything and knew everyone's deepest secrets that made her unnerved and gave her the chills.

"Who's he?" she finally asked, tearing her gaze away from him.

"Tom Riddle," Evelyn answered coldly "The best student in our generation and the male Prefect for Slytherin, undoubtedly the future Head Boy, the idol for most guys in the school and the guy who probably has half of the girls in here swooning," she rolled her eyes "In fewer words, an arrogant prick with good acting skills."

Cassandra opened her mouth to ask something else about him, but in that moment the teacher came in. It was an old woman with gray hair and big, blue eyes hidden behind her large glasses. Her name was Rosemary Sitch, and Cassandra almost immediately decided she liked her.

"Welcome students to sixth year class for the Study of Ancient Runes," the teacher started "This year, we are fewer in numbers but that doesn't mean the classes will be any less interesting than the last year. In sixth year we will be learning about Egyptian and Mayan runes," finally some words she could understand. With little luck, she will have little trouble understanding Egyptian runes. Mayan might be slightly more of a challenge, but at least she knew with what she will be dealing with.

"Also, I understood we have a new student in class, am I right?" the professor's gaze turned to Cassandra who was again uncomfortable with all the attention "Will you please introduce yourself, dear?"

With shaky legs she stood up and took a deep breath. She always hated introductions when she switched schools home.

"My name is Cassandra Amber," she bit her lip. What the hell was she suppose to say? "I.. I have a certain level of knowledge already concerning Egyptian runes, since those were always my favorite."

She lied swiftly, hoping that no one noticed. With the corner of her eye she could see that the Slytherins were now obviously looking at her. Cassandra took a deep breath, hoping that the professor won't ask her any other questions about her past, her future or whatever.

"Wonderful! Then I am sure you won't have nay trouble fitting in." the professor smiled widely and turned away. Thankful, she sat back down in her seat, her heart racing in her chest.

Somewhere mid-way though the class, Cassandra finally found herself relaxing. She was, as were all the other students, translating ancient Egyptian runes in silence. She quickly understood what was she supposed to do and she was finishing her work fairly fast. Evelyn was good too, but she had gotten stuck on one of the symbols and was trying to make sense of it.

Sometime soon, Cassandra finally finished all of her paragraphs and rose from her seat to bring them to the professor. Finishing all her work on classes was a great way to get rid of the homework. Heavens knew she needed all of her free time here in order to find a way to escape this place and time. But seconds before she could place her work on the table, someone was faster. Cassandra rose her gaze up to meet the cold green eyes of the Slytherin.

"Perfect, as always Mr Riddle," professor said with a wide smile after examining his work and turning towards hers.

"Thank you, professor," he said. His voice sounded perfect also, with the words and the tone matched wonderfully to create the mask of politeness. Beside him, Cass slightly pursed her lips, she had to admit he was good.

"Ms Amber, I have to say that your work is also wonderfully done," professor added "Perhaps this year we will have more Outstanding grades than last time. Both Slytherin and Ravenclaw get ten points"

Cassandra gave an honest and wide smile to the professor as she returned to her seat. She couldn't have imagined this class any better than it was. By the time that it ended, only one more student finished the task, but it wasn't as good as hers or Riddle's. Everyone else had homework to finish by the next class. Evelyn was nearly done with her translation so she didn't have much homework left.

"Say, Evelyn, this place does have a library, right?" Cassandra asked while they walked through the hallways on their way to the Transfiguration. Evelyn nodded, as her mouth was full of some cookies she took from the Great Hall on their way.

"You're going to take me there sometime today, right?" she asked, and yet again in response got another nod. Cassandra just couldn't leave her faith in the hands of someone other than herself. She hoped that there was a chance of her cracking this case on her own, or at least solving a piece of it.

She was thankful that her next class was shared with Hufflepuffs, but the fact that she needed to work some actual magic in it, didn't made her feel any better. Completely uninterested for whatever professor Dumbledore was talking about she continued thinking about the library, certain she could find something that could at least shed some light on what was happening. Cassandra raised one of her hands and touched the amulet that was still cold against her skin. She tried to stay out of everything and keep a low profile, but it was getting harder at each given moment. Questions were rising out of nowhere and she felt that some student were already suspicious of her. While some might be naive enough to accept her right away, she knew that some of the smarter and more ambitious ones were already asking around about her past. The only problem with that was that even she wasn't sure what her past was.

He said three words, and yet he seemed perfect... Well, that remains to be seen. Anyway, the pressure is now bigger than ever on Cass, and as the writer I can only promise that it will get much worse for her. Next time we have some dueling, some embarassing situations for our dear ex-muggle girl. Also a visit to the library and the first Potions class that will be very interesting by all accounts! Of course, I promise some more of out favorite Slytherin to make things even more interesting for Cassandra!

R&R, thanks! ^^