Quidditch match taken from Kindle version of HP compilation 1-7 pages 2165-2170

I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER – JUST BORROWING

It was incredible the number of things that could occur in a few weeks. Cassi had been put in "detention" by her father another few times over literally nothing. But much like the first, he had her working on potions with increasing difficulty. She was also still having dueling instruction with him on Saturday mornings. Sunday morning and sometimes into the afternoon were spent in the Hospital wing with Madame Pomfrey, learning how to heal. Potter's owl had been attacked, or so she heard. Umbridge was making the castle increasingly difficult to maneuver covertly. She had another few impromptu meetings with Hermione in the Library when they found a place to hold meetings. Cassi promised to send word of spells she may find helpful. She thought it would be a good idea for them to be able to set meetings wordlessly. She'd have to mention that to Hermione as well. The ever-growing cascade of homework and pointless essays was nearly insurmountable. And since Gryffindor had gotten permission to reform their team, there was absolute hysteria over the upcoming quidditch match, Slytherin vs. Gryffindor.

Cassi was walking along the 7th-floor corridor reading when she nearly walked into someone while turning down a staircase.

"OH!" Cassi squeaked. "So sorry, I was preoccupied," she said, gesturing to her book. She finally looked up and saw it was Fred and George.

"Well, hello there!" George said brightly. Fred was silent, just looking at Cassi. "I'll just go on ahead, shall I?" George said. When he didn't get an answer, he grinned and left.

"Hi, Cassi," Fred finally said.

"Hi," Cassi said a little breathlessly. His eyes shined in the half-light.

"Um, how are you?" Fred asked.

"Good, just busy," Cassi said, gesturing to her book. "Are you heading to study?" she asked, emphasizing the word study. She knew he was probably heading to the DA session Harry held.

"Oh, yeah," he whispered with a small smile. "I should probably go," he said. But he didn't. He leaned forward slowly, slipped his hand into hers, and stole a small kiss. Cassi was breathless and slightly surprised but very happy with the turn of events.

"You better run. My father seeks out happiness and destroys it," Cassi said with a giggle. "Go. Before you're too late to learn anything. I'll see you later," she gave him a quick peck and sent him on his way.

Cassi made her way back through the castle toward the dungeons. She was happier than she'd been since coming to the castle. She was still attempting to read her book on her way down the stairs, but it was a mindless action at this point. She turned the corner on her way to the common room. Her mind was on Fred. Her hand in his, and his lips on hers. She smiled absentmindedly. A rough hand grabbed her and flung her through a door. Shit! How?! Her thoughts whirled as she hit the floor. Then she saw him.

"What was that for?" Cassi yelled angrily. She got to her feet warily, fingering her wand.

He stalked through the room toward her, his anger palpable. He grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against the wall. Books fell from the shelves from the force of the movement. His eyes bored into hers. She could feel the intrusion and fought with all she had. He forced himself into her mind, ripping through her thoughts. Cassi's mind spun. Her head was splitting from the onslaught. She felt like she was going to vomit. She shoved every innocuous memory she had at him, blurring his senses. He winced and grabbed his temples. She earned a slap for that.

"Tell me, what was on your mind as you strolled through the corridor just now?" Her father asked, his voice dangerously low. "Because you know, forming attachments, especially undesirable attachments, is not permissible." He released her throat and began pacing. "Do you have any idea what could happen to the person for whom you may show affection if the union is not sanctioned? Do you have any idea what could happen to you?" Before she could answer, he continued. "But of course, you do. You've seen your mother's memories. So clearly, you know everything."

She just stared at him. Admittedly she knew that getting involved with anyone would be a mistake, no matter which side they were on. And she had thrown the memory thing in his face a few times over the last few months. Shit. She could get Fred killed or make his family bigger targets than they already were. What a moronic mistake. She felt stupid and small.

She walked over to the table and sat, hand on her cheek, staring at the floor. She had never had the ability to be normal before. Why did she think she'd be able to start now? For all she knew, she'd be presented within the month, and Fred and his 'blood-traitor' family would be dead. She messed up, and she knew it.

Her father pulled a chair over to sit directly in front of her. "You cannot act so foolishly. You cannot make yourself vulnerable," he said, more gently than she had expected.

Cassi looked directly into her father's face and asked, "You mean like you did when you took me in? Why would you do that if it would make you vulnerable?" He didn't answer. His face changed smoothly into the mask he wore. That's when she knew. He wasn't vulnerable. He wouldn't save her if it would cost him. The feeling of being small increased.

He dismissed her. Cassi went back to the common room with more thoughts than she wanted to have floating around her head. She changed and flopped down on her bed. It was long after lights out that she finally fell into an uneasy sleep.

The morning of the Slytherin vs. Gryffindor match dawned cold and bright. Draco and the rest of the team were handing out badges they had made for the Slytherins to wear. Cassi took one happily and snorted when she read it. "Weasley is our King? What are you on about?" Cassi managed through her laughter.

"You missed the creation of our song last night. The girls will fill you in on the way to the Great Hall." Draco said with a smirk. "Were you off studying again or something?"

Cassi nodded and grimaced. "I feel like that's all I do."

Draco laughed, "That IS literally all you do."

Pansy pounced on her. "But not today! Today you're coming to the match, and I'm ordering you to have fun!"

"Okay, Pans, okay. You got me. I won't even bring a book," Cassi said with her hands raised in mock surrender.

Pansy growled at her, and Cassi laughed. It felt good to laugh. Cassi reasoned even the Dark Lord got to be happy once in a while.

She went down to the Great Hall with Milli and Daphne for breakfast, reading over the song Draco made as she went. As she walked through the door, a truly ludicrous sight met her eyes. There was a girl with waist-length, stringy blond hair wearing a life-size lion's head. Daphne jumped and dug her nails into Cassi's arm when the thing gave a loud realistic roar.

"What in Merlin's name is wrong with that girl?" Daphne asked. Cassi chuckled.

The majority of the girls at the Slytherin eyed the boys on the Quidditch team covetously. Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle sat down across from Milli and Cassi with huge smiles on their faces.

"Excited?" Cassi asked. She looked at Crabbe and Goyle and asked, "This is your first match, isn't it?" Crabbe and Goyle both nodded. Cassi smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll be great!" The girl's lion head roared again. Goyle started and pulled a face.

Despite all the distractions of the upcoming match, Cassi was quite looking forward to it. She had never been to one before. She was looking forward to forgetting her newest revelation. She walked down to the pitch with the masses. It was loud and boisterous. Crude songs were being sung, bets were placed, and opposing houses were boasting their team's prowess on the field. Cassi couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement.

"I'm just going to run to the loo before the match starts. I'll be right back. Save my seat," she told Pansy as she ran back down the stands.

She made it to the girl's lavatory and quickly wrote two small notes. "They've written a song. Brace yourselves" She quickly sent them both out. One to Hermione and one to Harry. She just hoped they'd get them in time.

She ran back to her seat in time to see the Slytherin team walk out onto the field. She stuck her forefinger and thumb in her mouth and whistled loudly. Draco looked for the source and smiled when she waved at him.

The two team captains approached Madame Hooch and shook hands. When she blew her whistle, both teams kicked off from the ground, and play commenced. The match was being commentated by Fred and George's friend Lee. From what she had heard, he might be a bit biased, but he was amusing. She looked at Harry, she saw the piece of parchment in his hand. He crumpled it angrily and glared at the Slytherin team.

And it's Johnson, Johnson with the Quaffle, what a play that girl is, but she still won't go out with me –"

"JORDAN!" yelled Professor McGonagall.

"Just a fun fact, Professor, adds a bit of interest – and she's ducked Warrington, she's passed Montague, she's – ouch – been hit from behind by a Bludger from Crabbe… Montague catches the Quaffle, Montague heading back up the pitch and – nice Bludger there from George Weasley, that's a Bludger to the head for Montague, he drops the Quaffle, caught by Katie Bell, Katie Bell of Gryffindor passes to Alicia Spinnet and Spinnet's away – "

The commentary rang through the stadium over all the cheering, yelling, and booing. Pansy looked at the Slytherin end and started shouting the song Draco made. More and more of the Slytherin crowd were taking it up.

Weasley cannot save a thing,

He cannot block a single ring,

That's why Slytherin's all sing:

Weasley is our King.

Weasley was born in a bin,

He always lets the Quaffle in,

Weasley will make sure we win,

Weasley is our King.

"- and Alicia passes back to Angelina!" Lee shouted, trying to overtake the song echoing through the stadium. "—She Shoots – she – aaah.."

Bletchley, the Slytherin keeper, saved the goal and tossed the Quaffle back to Warrington who took off toward the other side of the pitch. The song got louder and louder the closer Warrington got to Weasley, the Gryffindor goal keeper.

Weasley is our King,

Weasley is our King,

He always lets the Quaffle in,

Weasley is our King.

Warrington looked like a human Bludger the way he was flying aggressively toward the keeper. Cassi couldn't see him well from her vantage point, but Lee's commentary was audible above the Slytherin's song.

"- and it's Warrington with the Quaffle, Warrington heading for goal, he's out of Bludger range with just the Keeper ahead –"

Weasley cannot save a thing,

He cannot block a single ring…

" – so it's the first test for new Gryffindor Keeper Weasley, brother of Beaters, Fred and George, and a promising new talent on the team – come on, Ron!" Lee was virtually screaming into the magical megaphone to be heard over the song.

The Slytherin end of the pitch erupted with screams and cheers as Warrington scored. The song was doing what Draco intended and throwing Weasley off his game. Pucey scored next. Slytherins were scoring goal after goal. The Gryffindor team was definitely rattled. Slytherin was ahead.

She saw Potter dive, and Draco hadn't. She whistled loudly and pointed wildly to Potter. A look of utter horror crossed his face. He flattened himself on his broom and streaked after the snitch. The Slytherin end was screaming itself hoarse.

The snitch changed position, which suited Draco better. They were neck and neck, both reaching out for the snitch. She saw Potter grab the snitch and pull up, raising his hand about his head. The Slytherin end erupted in boos and complaints while the majority of the rest of the stadium broke out in cheers and applause.

He was a few feet above the ground when he was hit in the back by a Bludger from Crabbe. The stadium erupted, and Madame Hooch blew her whistle. Cassi could see the Gryffindor team landing to check on Potter, and Draco landed not far from them. He appeared to be saying something to them. She saw what looked like Fred and George trying to get to Malfoy. Shit! Shit, shit, shit that isn't good. Cassi tried to fight her way through the crowd, but it wasn't moving fast enough. She looked over the edge and gauged the height from the bottom tier. It looked to be twenty, maybe twenty-five feet down. Dammit, this was gonna hurt.

Cassi pulled out her wand and leaped over the railing. She screamed a cushioning charm. She knew before she landed that it was a truly bad idea. She hit the cushion hard, grunted, and rolled, springing up to her feet just in time to see Harry and George throw themselves on Draco. Shit!

Madame Hooch had seen the altercation, and she was landing as Cassi was sprinting to the boys. Harry and George got thrown off Draco by an impediment curse. She yelled at them to get to their Head's office and turned back to check on Malfoy. Cassi had reached his side and was helping him to his feet. He had some bruises and a bad bloody nose but overall didn't look too bad.

"Come on, let's get you to the hospital wing," Cassi said gently. She put her arm around him and supported him as he walked.

"How'd you get down here so quick?" He turned his head and spit blood out of his mouth.

She cringed, "I jumped, threw down a cushioning charm, and prayed to Merlin I wouldn't break my legs," she turned and looked directly in Draco's face. "DO NOT tell my Father," She said firmly.

Draco looked at her like she was crazy. "Don't look at me like that. What did you want me to do? My favorite cousin was in trouble," Cassi said lightly. In reality, this showed Draco that she was on his side. This action would allow her to get into his head more easily. He wouldn't be on guard as much.

"I'm your only cousin, moron," He began to laugh, then grabbed his ribs. "No, no, don't make me laugh," he gasped.

Cassi got Draco to the hospital wing and laid him on a bed. She called for Madame Pomfrey. She bustled over and asked what happened. Draco and Cassi explained about the fight, and then Madame Pomfrey looked expectantly at her.

"Have you run your diagnostic spells yet?" She asked Cassi.

"No, I was waiting to get him to the hospital wing. I didn't think the other teachers would appreciate and more spellwork on the Quidditch pitch," Cassi said plainly.

"Well, I'd get to work then," she said a little sharply and strode off to her office.

Cassi looked at Draco and asked, "Do you trust me?" He nodded his head, but his eyes were a little wide. Draco allowed her to run a diagnostic on him. She found that he had some bruising on his face, arms, legs, and ribs but nothing appeared broken. She told him her findings and wend to get Madame Pomfrey.

"Madame Pomfrey, nothing is broken. He's just a little banged up. I'd like to give him something for his pain if that's okay," Cassi said.

"How much pain potion would you prescribe?" Madame Pomfrey asked interestedly.

"Given his size and weight, a half measure should be appropriate," Cassi said confidently.

"Very well, I'll leave you to tend to your patient," Madame Pomfrey said with a small smile.

Cassi took the potion, flask, and water and brought them to Draco's bedside just as her father came through the hospital wing doors. He looked at Cassi and scowled. Well, this should be fun.

"What happened to you, Draco?" Snape asked imperiously.

Draco began explaining what occurred, avoiding any blame being put on himself as only Draco could do. He made it sound like he was nearly murdered instead of being roughed up. He explained that Cassi had brought him to the hospital wing and diagnosed him herself.

Her father turned to her, eyebrow raised, and asked, "Are you sure you've done everything correctly?"

"Yes, Father," Cassi mumbled, her face flaming. "I was just about to administer some pain potion for his injuries."

He looked down at her imperiously, motioning her to continue. Cassi measured out the potion and gave it to Draco, along with a small glass of water. She knew he hated taking potions and would ask for water. He sighed and smiled.

"Better?" Cassi asked.

"Much," Draco said.

Cassi looked at her father and asked, "What's going to happen to the Gryffindor team?"

"The Weasley twins and Potter have been removed from the team. Draco should probably stay here and rest for a few hours. He can go to the Great Hall for dinner as long as he's feeling well enough," Snape said. "I have a few things to attend to. If you need me for anything, send a house elf to find me." With that, he turned and left the hospital wing.

Cassi made sure Draco had everything he needed. She didn't have anywhere to be, and all her homework was done, so she and Draco spend a few happy hours talking about nothing. It was nice to be able to relax with him without the expectations of others and his reputation getting in the way.

Breakfast on Monday was a noisy affair. Apparently, Professor Hagrid had returned from his long holiday. He was the largest man Cassi had ever seen. He towered over the other professors and had a long mane of shaggy black hair and a beard. But that wasn't the alarming part. He looked like he had been in a fight with several trolls. He was beaten black and blue and had what looked like fresh blood in his hair.

Cassi looked over to Nott, "Who the hell is that, and what the hell happened to him?" she said, looking rather alarmed.

He looked to where Cassi was staring and grimaced. "That's Professor Hagrid," he said, sucking air through his teeth, "I have no idea what's happened to him."

Cassi watched the Weasley twins and their friend Lee run up to the top table and shake Hagrid's hand. If they liked him, he must be a decent bloke. Cassi averted her eyes from the scene when her father came into view.

"Come with me," he said quietly and walked away.

Cassi groaned internally, gave a small shake of her head at Draco and Pansy's inquiring looks, and followed her father out of the Great Hall. She stopped when she saw her father standing with his back to the Great Hall doors, hands clasped behind him. He didn't turn to register that he saw her, just began walking. Cassi followed him all the way to his office and closed the door behind her. What could she have possibly done this time?

He sat behind his large desk, rolls of parchment stacked neatly in the left corner. Cassi assumed they were essays for grading. As she had not been invited to sit, she stood in front of his desk, hands clasped in front of her so she didn't fidget.

"I'm sure you've been wondering where you will spend your holidays. You will be coming home with me to Spinners End for the Holidays. You will not be taking the train home. We will leave from here and floo to the house," he said in a low, oddly uninterested voice.

"Will we be visiting friends or family over the holiday?" Cassi carefully asked.

"It is possible," he said equally as carefully.

She stood there waiting for him to continue. She knew better than to ask to be dismissed. He sat there surveying her, his elbows on the desk, fingers steepled in front of him. His fingertips lightly brushed his bottom lip. He looked as though he was having some internal debate.

Cassi looked into his eyes for a moment. She cocked her head slightly to the right debating her next move. She pushed slightly, entering his mind just enough that he would be able to deny her entrance if he wished to.

He didn't stop her. She arched her eyebrows in surprise. This was either going to be informative or very painful when his gates crashed down. She steadied herself and pushed in farther, waiting. Then, image after image flooded her mind. The words "It took you long enough" echoed through her head. She winced slightly. He held her gaze and shoved more images forth. She understood then, he was under observation he could not speak freely. The exchange of information took moments, but her brain was battered. She felt like she had been talking for hours.

He approved of her saving Malfoy. It gave her an edge. It put her in the right light. No one had found out about her interlude with Fred Weasley, and he intended it to stay that way. Pictures of Malfoy manner had flashed into her mind. She wasn't sure about the meaning behind it. Was that the 'family' they would be visiting over the holiday? Images of Umbridge and the words 'headmistress' had flashed through. She was drying to displace Dumbledore from Hogwarts. Damn, that woman. She thought she had gotten all the meaning possible from the images he had put forth.

Cassi took a deep breath and nodded to her father. He took a breath, looking like he wanted to speak, but he remained silent. He arched an eyebrow at her and pursed his lips slightly.

"Dismissed," he said curtly.

The rest of the day was much less cryptic. The Christmas Holidays were nearly upon them. Cassi had become compliant and docile in Umbridge's classes. The pointless reading and coping of chapters were mind-numbing. Aside from Umbridge, McGonagall, and her Father, every other teacher had given up teaching them anything new when the holiday break was upon them. Cassi couldn't fathom why this would be a reason to stop teaching. She had never had a break at home, and she wasn't expecting one here.

It was finally the beginning of the holidays, and it was clear that something had happened. The feeling in the Great Hall was tense, and strained. Cassi glanced at the top table. Dumbledore, as usual, looked serene. Umbridge's face was scarlet with suppressed rage. She looked less toad-like this way and more like a tick about to pop. McGonagall was also furious. Her eyebrows had contracted, and she was glaring at her plate like a bird of prey. She caught her father's eye and snapped her eyes back to her plate. She scanned the Great Hall briefly and noticed Granger on her own. That was odd. Ginny was usually with her if no one else was. There were no Weasleys at the table at all. What had happened? Where was everyone?

"Are you even listening to me?" a disgruntled voice broke through her flurry of thoughts.

"What?" Cassi said, a little disoriented.

Draco frowned at her and said, "I asked if you were coming to the manor over the holidays. Mother sent an invite to your father weeks ago."

"Truthfully, I don't know. He seems thoroughly uninterested in the holidays. I have no idea if we're even going to have a tree at the house. I can't even guarantee his elf will make a holiday meal. I did buy him a present, but as far as everything else, I haven't got a clue," Cassi said like this was truly interesting.

After breakfast, Cassi waved her friends off as they got into the carriages to go home for the holidays. She gave hugs to the girls and Draco, and smiled warmly at the boys, and wished everyone a Happy Christmas. She waved as the carriages left and made her way back to the castle. The Entrance Hall was empty, save for Hermione. She pulled her into an empty classroom off the Great Hall and told her everything Dumbledore had just told her about what happened to Mr. Weasley and how Harry dreamed about the attack with the snake. She told her he had been dreaming of a locked door. She told her everything that had happened in the last few months when they couldn't have contact.

Cassi's mind was racing. She had asked a few questions but, for the most part, just listened. Hermione was more perceptive than the boys were. She thought about those extraneous details that they sometimes glossed over. She thanked Hermione for telling her and took a moment to calm her down. She shoved down her own emotions before sending Hermione on her way. Hermione wasn't taking the train either. She was packing to board the Knight Bus to order Headquarters.

"Please tell everyone I'm thinking of them. Tell Sirius and Harry I'll be in touch when I can," Cassi said. "Be safe, Hermione," Cassi said quietly. She gave Hermione a hug and shoved her through the door. Cassi waited a moment to make sure no one would think they were talking together before leaving the classroom herself. She shoved all her thoughts and emotions as far down as she could before making her way to her dorm room to finish packing. This was going to be an eventful Christmas.