Very sorry about the extended delay in posting. School and work have been insane. But as things are leveling out, I should be able to post more often. I won't abandon the story.
I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER – JUST BORROWING
Christmas Eve dawned bright and cold. Cassi yawned and stretched in bed, wishing the day could be over already. This evening was dinner at Malfoy Manor. Dreading the day, Cassi pulled herself out of bed. So far, this holiday hadn't been enjoyable. It was filled with work. Potions mostly, but there were also a few holiday assignments to complete.
Her Father disclosed that he supplied a few apothecaries around the country with quality potions for those who cannot make them on their own. She would like to say it was noble. But more likely, it was just lucrative. Since she had proved her prowess at potions, he had added that to the myriad of items she was supposed to accomplish weekly. Cassi was training nearly daily, working on potions for her father whenever he deemed necessary, dueling practice on Saturday, and training with Madame Pomfrey on Sunday. All of this is on top of regular school work. Merlin forbid she gets marked less than an O. The world may stop spinning. Cassi rolled her eyes as she thought this.
What was her father playing at? Why was he trying to turn her into a house elf? Surely there were NEWT potions students that could help him with his potions for a project grade? 'Well,' Cassi thought, 'not if they were anything like her classmates.' She shook her head as she thought of a few of the catastrophic potions classes she had experienced. She really had no idea how most of the students were still alive, let alone have all their appendages. The professors should all be given an Order of Merlin. Well, most professors. Not Umbridge. She could be classified as a waste of oxygen.
So far, she had been spared detention with dear Dolores. She did as her father instructed and attempted to stay in her good graces. But it was wretchedly difficult. She was a blood purist and tended to mark down students, not only for poor work but for the impurity of their blood. She had gotten into the habit of giving detention for anything that disrupted her ordered little existence. Merlin, how she would love to poison that toad. But she must not give into temptation. Cassi sighed deeply. A girl could dream.
Cassi pulled the brush through her hair when a small pop sounded in her room. "Good morning, Mistress. Is hope you is sleeping well." Meg said with a slight bow. "Master is requesting yous at breakfast, young Mistress."
"Very well, Meg, I'll be down in a moment. I just need to finish dressing." Cassi turned to finish pulling on her robes as a small pop sounded.
She entered the kitchen a few moments later and took her place at the table. "Good morning, Father. I hope you slept well," Cassi said with a brightness she did not feel.
"Having a bit of a lie in this morning?" Her father said, a slight smirk on his face.
She looked at him, eyebrows raised, and said, "As I was in your lab working on your potions until 2 am, and It's Christmas Eve, I didn't think you'd mind me sleeping until 7. Apologies for not getting your permission first, Father."
"Perhaps you should learn how to work more efficiently. You might have finished more quickly," Snape said silkily.
Ignoring his baiting, Cassi dug into the breakfast Meg had just served her. "This is delicious, Meg. Thank you so much." Cassi continued eating, effectively ignoring the fact that her father was present and observing her closely.
She had not mentioned the lack of Christmas decorations. She had not complained. Cassi knew her father's home life with his mother and father was not always pleasant. When her mother had begun at Hogwarts, her father was in his third year. He never went home for the Christmas holiday. Then again, neither did her mother. Many of the students of Hogwarts escaped abuse, neglect, and occasionally starvation by spending holidays at the castle.
"We will be leaving for dinner at four," her father said, finally breaking the silence.
"Thank you for letting me know. I'll have their gifts wrapped by then," Cassi said, a small smile playing on her lips. Her father nodded and finished eating his breakfast in silence. She wondered if it upset him that she bought gifts for their hosts.
Four o'clock came faster than Cassi would have liked. But she stood ready in the sitting room, gifts wrapped beautifully, waiting for her father to join her. She thought she heard a slight creak of a stair and saw him descending almost silently. She wondered how he learned to move so quietly. Wordlessly he walked past her into the kitchen and through the back door. She joined him, shifting the presents into one arm and gripping his arm with the other. He looked down at her curiously.
"Have you ever apparated before, alone?"
Cassi looked into his eyes. "No, never alone. I've led on a few occasions. Mum was always with me, though." She said honestly.
"Why don't you lead this time," her father said, taking the presents from her hands.
Cassi gaped at him. "Are – are you sure?" She asked, not quite daring to believe her ears. He nodded and held out his hand for hers. Cassi took a breath, focused her entire being on the apparition point at Malfoy Manor, and turned on the spot. She felt her father turn with her into the compressing darkness. Then suddenly, light, cold air and the hedgerows of Malfoy Manor were in front of them. Her father looked smugly pleased with her.
"How many times have you apparated before?" Her father asked, still with that smug look.
"Only a few. Mum was careful only to allow it where others couldn't see or hear. I'm not fantastic at it yet. I sometimes come out slightly off-location. But at least I've never splinched myself." Cassi explained as they made their way toward the manor.
In what seemed no time at all, we were being greeted by the tiny abused house elf and shown into the day room where the Malfoy's were all waiting dressed in their Christmas finery. She handed the bag of gifts to the little elf, who bowed and vanished. Cassi turned, pasting a gracious smile on her face. She curtseyed and bowed. She received a curt nod from Lord Malfoy and a warm but awkward hug from Lady Malfoy.
Lord Malfoy clapped her father on the shoulder as they shook hands. They walked off together to the bar on the other side of the room. Several beautiful crystal decanters were filled with various colored liquors on the bar top. Cassi watched as Mr. Malfoy poured her father a drink and could see them talking but had no opportunity to hear what they were discussing.
"Come with me, my dear. Let me take a good look at you," Mrs. Malfoy said with an approving smile. Taking Cassi's hands, she held her arms wide, looking her over. "Yes. My, my, yes, you're growing into a lovely young woman. I must speak with your father about finding you a suitable match. I don't think your blood status will come into question since we've claimed you as family," she stated boldly, taking Cassi's face in her hands and turning it side to side. Mrs. Malfoy looked haughty but pleased.
Cassi had no idea what to say. The thought of being matched to some pureblood purely to be used as a trophy or a broodmare was not at all appealing. But she must play her part. So instead of looking disgusted, she smiled warmly and thanked Mrs. Malfoy for her consideration. Cassi glanced at Draco, who gave her a sympathetic look behind his mother's back.
Gratefully the dinner gong rang not too long after Cassi's awkward appraisal. They all filed into the dining room, taking their allotted places. Mr. Malfoy at the head, Snape to his right, Mrs. Malfoy to his left with Cassi next to her, and Draco next to Cassi's father. Cassi glanced at her father, who was staring pointedly at her. She sighed internally as she plastered a grateful smile and sat up abnormally straight in her seat. Merlin, Cassi hated formality.
Talk at the table revolved around school and grades, Slytherin's quidditch prospects, and much abuse of Dumbledore and his 'muggle-loving ways.' Mr. Malfoy was bragging about Draco and his grades even though everyone in the room knew he was not first in our year. That honor belonged to Hermione Granger. But the purist in him would never admit that a 'mudblood' ever beat his son in any class.
"Yes, Draco is quite talented," Snape admitted. "Though, Cassiopeia has been doing quite well, herself. She has been learning healing from the Matron, Madame Pomfrey. She has become quite the accomplished healer in the short time she has studied the craft. I'm sure you know it was Cassiopeia who was responsible for returning Draco to full health after the Gryffindor quidditch team attacked him." Everyone at the table turned to look at Cassi. Shit! She hated being the center of attention. She scowled at her father. Mr. Malfoy gave Draco a hard cold look. Draco, however, did not look at his father. But stared instead at Cassi.
"She has also been doing Master level potions. Cassiopeia is well above my NEWT students. She is easily above OWL levels in all her other classes. I have been receiving reports of her extraordinary talents from all of the other professors," Snape paused here for what appeared to be dramatic effect, then continued, "She had begun private tutelage with me on lesser-known magics and has also mastered apparition. Cassiopeia is the one that brought us to the Manor this afternoon." Cassi's face was as impassive as she could make it. She hoped very much he was finished with his dissertation on her abilities.
Mr. Malfoys cold grey eyes fixed upon Cassi's face. "Well," he drawled. "How very fortunate. Cassiopeia will make a great asset to the Dark Lord."
"Indeed, she will," Snape confirmed, nodding in her direction.
The silence in the room was deafening. Cassi was barely breathing. She wanted to shrink away from the attention and the stares, but she kept her head up and her back straight. She would not give them the satisfaction.
Mrs. Malfoy was the first to break the silence. "Cassiopeia is coming of age shortly. She will need to be matched. Have you any thoughts on the matter, Severus?" She asked curiously.
"Cassiopeia is too young to consider such things. Possibly after she finishes secondary education or career training and has fully established herself." Snape put a heavy emphasis on the word 'established.' Cassi was grateful for her father's interference in Mrs. Malfoy's plans. She had no interest in being forced into marriage. She had never heard her father speak about her in such a way. She had no idea what to think. Was he actually proud of her, or was he using her to try and one-up Malfoy? Cassi also registered that he'd never said her name this much before. Had he ever spoken her name before? She knew she couldn't ask. But it was nice to think he was proud of her.
Cassi stayed as quiet as she could throughout the remainder of dinner. After dessert was finished, they retired for a nightcap. When the adults were otherwise engaged, and the coast was clear, Draco grabbed her arm and pulled her silently from the room.
"Cassi, are you-" Draco began but stalled.
"Being presented soon? Yes, I think so," she finished for him. She paused, closing her eyes and leaning against the wall. "Father has been pushing me endlessly. Testing and pushing the boundaries of my magic. I'm exhausted." Cassi heaved a heavy sigh and looked at Draco. "Our fathers have been chatty tonight. Any idea what they're discussing?"
"My father mentioned earlier that he was chosen for an important and highly secretive mission. I don't know what. He has been forbidden to speak of it. But I believe it to be happening soon," Draco whispered.
"Do you know if my father is going too?" she asked quickly. Draco shook his head in answer.
"He's kept me so busy that I've barely had time for sleep. I haven't been able to watch as carefully as I normally would. Perhaps that's been his goal all along," Cassi said thoughtfully.
Draco opened his mouth to speak when her father rounded the corner. "It is time we take our leave," Snape said, his eyebrow cocked in curiosity. He turned, motioning for her to follow.
"Happy Christmas, Cousin," Cassi said. She gave Draco a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, then followed after her father.
Her father allowed her to lead to the apparition point at home. Once there, she excused herself to get ready for bed. She heard a knock on the door as she finished changing into her pajamas. Without waiting for an invite, her father pushed open the door.
"Did you not hear Mrs. Malfoy, Father? I am nearly a woman. Do I not deserve privacy?" Cassi said, her tone slightly mocking.
"No, you do not. You have nothing I have not seen before," Snape said, no trace of humor on his face. "What were you and your dear cousin discussing when I walked in?"
"Nothing of importance, Father. He wanted confirmation on your dissertation of my abilities," she said, looking a little annoyed now. She turned to face him, crossing her arms.
"Are you quite certain that's all?" he sneered.
"Quite," Cassi said confidently. Her face was completely impassive.
He stared intently at her for a moment before returning to the door. "Make sure you are at breakfast on time tomorrow. We have much to accomplish before returning to Hogwarts," he said sharply.
"No," Cassi said flatly.
Her father turned to face her. "What did you say to me?" his voice low. He left the door and slowly advanced toward her.
"I said no," Cassi said firmly, holding her ground. "Tomorrow is Christmas. It's the only day I've ever had free. I will spend it doing things to remember my mother and Bailey. I haven't complained about the lack of decoration. I haven't complained about working every bleeding day of this holiday. I also did not argue or complain about being subjected to the Malfoy's on Christmas Eve or your ridiculous appraisal and listing of my abilities. You put me in the spotlight, which I loathe, but I did not complain. I sat there graciously and tolerated the stares and sneers. I ask that you think of me this once and give me Christmas."
Snape was nearly nose-to-nose with his daughter by this point. His face was a mask, unreadable. He grasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, his eyes boring into hers, and whispered, "I would advise you not to make that a habit." Power was radiating from him. Cassi could feel it prickling on her skin. It was a decidedly uncomfortable position to be in, which, she guessed, was what he was aiming for.
"Yes, Sir," Cassi whispered. Her heart was hammering in her chest. She braced for some form of physical punishment, but it did not come. He released her chin and walked out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind himself. Cassi sucked in a great breath of air. She had not realized she was holding her breath. Panting slightly, she climbed into bed, simultaneously astonished and impressed by her own daring.
The following day, she woke early to make breakfast for everyone, Meg included, despite the elf's protests. The gifts she purchased for her father and Meg were placed on a small table in the sitting room. She didn't expect any gifts from anyone but had received a small pile of parcels this morning. The ones sent from the Malfoys were ornately wrapped. She had sent out chocolates to the girls in her dormitory the previous day and left the presents for the Malfoys at the Manor during dinner.
She heard her father stirring and set the table. She had just finished bringing the food and tea to the table when her father entered the kitchen. When he entered, he was surprised to see Meg sitting next to Cassi but did not comment on it.
"I have asked Meg to dine with us this morning. It was a tradition with my mother to appreciate everyone on Christmas. I've cooked breakfast myself as part of my appreciation for Meg and all she does here, and you for graciously taking me in and giving me a second chance at a family," Cassi said, pouring her father some tea. He nodded to her and took his cup. "Happy Christmas, Father."
She also handed a cup to Meg, who looked about ready to burst into tears. "Happy Christmas, Meg." She then served her father breakfast, then Meg, who really did burst into tears.
"Mistress is too good to Meg," the elf said, wiping her eyes on her tea towel.
After breakfast was finished, Cassi cleared the table and brought in presents. This would have usually been done in front of the fire, on the floor, next to the Christmas tree. But, since there were no decorations or tree, it would have seemed silly to sit in front of a bare hearth on a cold floor. Meg dissolved into another mess of tears and sobbing, and her father looked surprised again. Clearly, he had not expected Christmas presents, which made her think he hadn't thought to buy any either. Cassi could not deny the thought hurt more than she expected, but she was undeterred in her delivery.
Meg opened a new festive tea towel, red with an ornate S on the front in glittering green thread. Cassi was unsure she would take to having decorations placed all over her, so she got her something festive to wear for the Christmas holiday. Her second parcel contained a soft woolen blanket for her quarters. As she could not give her clothing, this was the next best thing to ensure she had a soft, warm place to sleep. Meg flung herself into Cassi's arms. The little elf was sobbing too hard to be understood. She walked off with her gifts, wiping her eyes endlessly as tears poured down her face.
Her father opened a set of ornate crystal ingredient bottles and a rare first-edition potions book he had mentioned in passing during class one day. He had an odd look on his face. Had he never received a present? She saved him from having to react by saying, "I'm sorry if it was not what you were expecting, Father. Please feel free to return anything that is inadequate."
He looked at her as if he just realized she was there. There was a moment's pause, and then he pulled her into a bone-breaking hug. "They are perfect. Thank you." He broke the hug and then quickly left the room. Cassi sat there, alone in the kitchen, with her mouth open. This was not how she expected Christmas to go. Maybe she should have just agreed to do the potions instead. Walking across the vacant kitchen, she began to clean the dishes.
No one returned to the kitchen that morning. Feeling slightly dejected, Cassi left the empty room and returned to her bedroom with a heavy ache in her chest. A tear rolled down her face as she closed the door behind her, leaning against it. Cassi took a deep, steadying breath as she pushed herself off the closed door.
She saw the small pile of gifts and picked up the one on top. It was from the Malfoy's. It was a beautifully ornate silver and onyx hair clip. She placed it on her dressing table with the one her mother had given her a few years previously. Draco sent her chocolates and a spectacular phoenix feather quill. She turned it over and over in her hand. He really did have an eye for things like that. Some of her dorm mates had sent sweets.
Sitting at her desk, she nibbled one of the chocolates Milly sent. Picking up the beautiful quill she had been given. She began thank you letters to the senders of her gifts. She would send them first thing in the morning.
She did not hear anything in the house, no noise. It was as if she was there alone. Not wanting to spend the whole day in her room, she went back downstairs into the sitting room and stoked the fire. She pulled down an interesting book, sat in the chair her father usually occupied, and began reading. She sat there reading contentedly. After what felt like hours, she could hear Meg in the kitchen. Cassi got up, stretched, and went into the kitchen. Meg was wearing her new Christmas towel. Meg smiled at Cassi when she saw her.
"Meg, do you know where Father is?" Cassi asked quietly.
"No, Mistress, Meg doesn't know. Does Mistress want Meg to find him?"
"No, thank you, Meg," she said, looking toward the kitchen table. His gifts were still sitting where he left them. Cassi wasn't sure what to do. She was sad and very lonely. This is not the Christmas she had imagined. "I'll be upstairs if you need anything, Meg."
Cassi returned to her room, curled up on her bed, and began to cry. She had never felt like she mattered less in her life. She was woken up by a small tap on her door hours later. Her head ached, and her eyes were puffy and dry. It was Meg.
"Mistress, dinner is ready. Would you like me to bring it to you, or would you like to come downstairs?" Meg asked, looking at Cassi with some concern.
"Oh, thank you, Meg. I'll be down in a moment," Cassi said, her voice hoarse and broken. She shuffled off to the bathroom to wash her face and survey the damage. She didn't feel well. Certainly not like it was Christmas. Before going to dinner, she grabbed a headache cure from her bag and drained the bottle.
The table was set for one. Cassi sat alone and ate in silence. She didn't bother to ask where her father was or where his gifts had gone. She sat there chewing her food, barely tasting it. After she finished her plate, she excused herself to return to her room.
She should be mad. She should look for him. She couldn't manage the strength. She was devastated at the loss of her family. Her body ached with it. She thought she could incorporate some of her traditions with her father's. Clearly, that was a mistake. She had no idea he didn't celebrate Christmas. Had he ever? Had she opened some horrible old wound he carried? It was clear she had done more harm than good. She went back to bed, feeling more lost and alone than ever.
Cassi didn't hear her father return. She didn't hear him when he opened the door to check on her. He saw the small pile of candies and chocolates on her desk and a lovely quill. Well, at least her friends had come through for her. He nursed his ribs, the latest gift from the Dark Lord, as he surveyed the room. He wasn't sure what he had done to deserve her. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and she'd never be permitted to know that. He could not show weakness, not even when it came to his child. He would never let the Dark Lord discover what she meant to him.
