***

***

"YOU SHOULD REALLY KEEP STILL, CASS." Daphne told me with a frown as she reached for a tissue from the side, using it to dab away the smudged eyeliner on my face. "At this rate we'll miss the train with the amount of times I'm having to reapply your makeup.

     I groaned as she forced my head in place for what seemed like the hundredth time and began reapplying the eyeliner. Salazar, what was all the fuss for? I was only going to school. "What's the need for all this makeup anyways? Who are you trying to impress?" I asked, trying to keep my head rigid.

     "You mean you are going to impress Theodore Nott, that's who." Daphne began, a sly grin sneaking its way onto her face.

     Not again. There it bloody was. Daphne had the premonition that me and Theodore Nott were made for each other and is continuously coming up with ways to get us together. Call it sisterly love or what you want but Merlin it gets annoying, especially considering the fact the only thing me and Theo would ever be is friends. Just best friends. Imagine having feelings for your best friend. Yuck.

     "Not this again, Daph!" I said, pulling away from her attempts at applying mascara.

     "You need to stop denying what you have, Cass!" My twin reasoned. "You and Theodore just have this connection and it's about time you realised it."

     "We have, Daph — as friends. We've grown up together - he stays here so often, he's practically my brother. I can't believe you'd think that!"

     "Oh well. Say it as you will. But mark my words; this year you are going to charm the absolute knickers off of Theodore!" She squealed excitedly.

     My eyes widened. "Shut it before I whack you senseless with this chair."

     Daphne only played it off with a light laugh and a flick of her bark brown hair. "Oh, my dear twin. You have got so much to learn."

     I shot her a glare. I loved my twin with all lengths of my heart but sometimes she could just be so ignorant.

     "Oh!" Daphne shot a finger into the air as she remembered something. "You absolutely must remember to do your nightly skincare routine! I'll get tell Eva to remind you. It's essential, Cass. Don't give me that look."

     I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and abided. Solely for the reason that I didn't want to breakout as bad as I did last year. Salazar, the scar beneath my eye from that popped spot makes me cringe every time.

     "Have you seen Astoria anywhere?" Daphne broke the fued with her question.

     I shrugged my shoulders. "Why? You want to make her up so that she can also make someone's acquaintance?"

     Daphne giggled, tapping my nose affectionately. "Yes, in fact. Draco Malfoy to be precise."

    No freaking way. Astoria and Draco? Like that would ever happen. Astoria has never even looked in Draco's way before — the only one she's ever had eyes for was, and still is, Blaise Zabini. She'd only recently told me that they'd begin going out just before school ended, and even before it was clear that they'd had feeling for each other.

     "Okay, that is a step too far Daph." I interjected abruptly. "What makes you think they'd be a good couple?"

     "I don't know I just - I have this feeling." Daphne held onto her heart metaphorically, seemingly deep into her words. "They are meant for each other - they just don't know it yet."

     Rolling my eyes, I got up once seeing Daphne was done with my 'makeover' and headed towards the door to gather my stuff before we headed to Kings Cross. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I cringed seeing how much she'd changed me. I really did hate excessive makeup.

     "Daph, what have you done to me?" I asked, horrified.

     "Thank me later," she answered with confidence. "Theodore will love it."

     Salazar save me.

———

AFTER HAVING ARRIVED AT PLATFORM 9 3/4 I had managed to finally pry myself away from a clingy Daphne, (who suggested I wait for Theo outside the train so we could go in together - as if I'd do that, the idiot can make his own way in) who'd been whisked away by her friends earlier on. I had never been more relieved to see Pansy Parkinson's pug-like face latching onto her arm, followed by Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode. I was left to say goodbye to our parents then clambered atop the train, my younger sister Astoria trailing behind.

     "You should consider yourself lucky Daph hadn't managed to change you over too, Tori." I chuckled as my younger sister and I found ourselves a compartment, settled within the depths of the ruby-red train, the seats recently groomed although it was still clear to see some ancient food stains integrated into the firm material. The large windows overlooked the other trains whose steam was unfurling forcefully from the engine, with the image of airy clouds of nothingness preceding it.

     "Yeah, I'm glad." Astoria returned with a brief laugh. "You - you haven't told her, have you? About me and Blaise?" Her eyes widened cautiously from beneath her dark brown tresses, lightly waving over her shoulders. Bless her - she was so... pure. Like a literal angel on earth. She was possibly the kindest Slytherin anyone could ever come across, and there was always a precious smile splayed across her olive skin. Astoria was the kind of girl, that if you were having a really bad day, that the mere sight of her would be enough to make your heart feel lighter. She was just so gentle and empathetic.

     I shook my head with reassurance. "Who do you take me for? Of course I didn't."

     "Thank Merlin. I feel bad keeping it from her... but I know how she'll react. She'll either want to take control or she'll go out her way to embarrass me. Is she still trying to set you and Theo up?"

     "Like it's her last dying wish." I huffed with a roll of my eyes. "You see this makeup? She did it for him. Theo doesn't even like makeup on anyone, let alone me."

     Astoria chuckled, getting to her feet and slinging her bag onto her shoulder. "I should be off now — someone's waiting for me."

     Of course, the blush radiating off of my sister's face couldn't be missed by anyone — it was so obvious that she was going to go meet Blaise. From their secret dating, Astoria had told me that they sometimes organise their own secret rendezvous, like this one. I personally find it adorable.

     "Off to see lover boy, eh?" I teased. "You know, I always expected Daphne to be the one to go after someone older than her, not you."

     She shrugged, "One year hardly makes a difference, Cass. And is Daph not currently admiring Cedric Diggory? He's about 3 years older."

     "Daphne? Fancying a Hufflepuff? That's a spectacle. Even if they are as charming and handsome as Diggory."

     "You're not wrong. I'll see you later." Astoria spoke with a light laugh as she exited the carriage. Seeing as Theo hadn't arrived yet and that I had nothing to do, I resorted to gazing at the train station through my window, watching as the last few students begun to hurriedly run on board, like Seamus Finnegan, who'd left his bag with his mum and had to run back quickly to retrieve it. I'm doing so, his mum gave him another peck on the cheek, much to his embarrassment. The Irishman returned to the doorway of the train, mortified, to meet the the even more shameful mocking asides from Dean Thomas, who was watching the scene with amusement.

Lucky for me though, in my wait for Theo, I wasn't delayed that long.

     "I haven't seen my best friend for what, 3 months, and I can't even get a proper hello? Shame, really."

     I could hear the smugness in his voice, which only made me break out into a small grin. Turning around from the window, I caught a glimpse of Theo, almost having to do a double-take when I noticed that he wasn't the same person I'd seen before summer - by all means the personality was still the same, but his appearance changed quite a bit. He wasn't the lanky, thin, measly boy with the buzzcut that he'd been before. He grew out his hazel-coloured hair enough so that he could style it in a quiff as he'd done at the moment, and he'd had a growth spurt - before he'd been around the same height as me - 5ft 6in - but now he was easily 5"11. For the most part, I'd say his little hit of puberty had done him well - not that it would ever change our friendship or the way I felt about him.

     I chuckled, getting up from my seat to engulf Theo in a warming hug, wrapping my arms around his somewhat muscular midriff. "You've gotten tall," I said, pulling away after a lingering moment and ruffling a hand in his hair. "And you've changed your hair!"

     "I wanted a bit of extra 'wow' factor, you get me? I got sick of the flat bowl cut." He said with an unmistakable smirk as we both moved to sit down. It soon turned into a frown as he began peering closely at my face, "What have you done to your face?"

     Rolling my eyes, I said, "Daphne. It's a part of her ploy to get you to fall madly in love with me this year."

     He raised an eyebrow at my statement. "Come again?"

     "She thinks me and you are meant for each other. All a load of bollocks, I must say."

     "It damn right is! I'd sooner date a hinkypunk that fall in love with your ugly coupon." Theo spoke with a playful grin.

     "What's a... coupon?" I asked with strange curiosity.

     He scratched the back of his head hesitantly, "It's a.. it's the Scottish slang word for 'face'. I'd been doing some extra culture research over the summer in our library to pass the time since you know.. I'm not willing to spend time with my dad. And it's not like Mum is free constantly, so not exactly wanting to get involved with him too much."

     I frowned at his revelation, and Theo, noticing this, tried to divert the situation and took out his wand and pointed it at my face. "Scourgify." Seeing all the makeup vanish from my face, he sat back with a content smile. "That's better. I've missed you."

     I gave a light punch to his arm. "You big softie. And here I was thinking you'd gotten sick of my twice-a-day owls on the daily."

     "Oh believe me, having to constantly feed Pearl treats was pretty irritating." He said, referring to my tawny brown owl. "But it was worth it. It really did take my mind off of things at home. Things have been... happening. It's been somewhat different at home. Father hardly ever leaves his office, not that I want him to of course. But he's so easily angered now. It's not like Mother can even do anything about him. Our home is like a jail to her when Father's with us." He hesitated continuing his words. "The other day I - I accidentally dropped his glass of wine onto the carpet and, well, Dad got really mad at me and - just see for yourself." Theo tilted his face to the side to reveal a massive red mark on the left side, obviously, and shockingly, from being hit. I was shocked at seeing it; but even more shocked to think I hadn't noticed it before.

     "Oh, Theo -" I reached a hand up to his face, but he moved the mark out of my hand's reach almost instantly.

     "It doesn't matter. Don't worry about it. Really. It doesn't matter. We're going to Hogwarts, the last thing I want to talk about is my bloody home life." Theo told me assuredly. I only nodded, not pressing him any further. "I only hope Mum is doing fine." He said, frowning sullenly.

     The carriage door then clicked, and our eyes traveled from each other to the door of the train carriage and I recognised those who'd absentmindedly appeared in front of us. Potter, Granger, and Weasley. They looked deep in conversation with each other and hadn't even bothered to notice which carriage they'd walked into. The face they made once they'd realised it was us certainly said it all.

     "What are you doing here, Potter?" Theo asked spitefully. So silly. All Slytherins seemed to be pitted against the Gryffindor trio. Not that I was any better; my tactic was to just avoid them completely. That way no drama could occur on any of out parts. But it's not like I hated Gryffindors. Sure, I wouldn't go out of my way to be friends with them, but it's not like I won't be neutral to them if I had the chance. Be the bigger person, you know?

     "Nott, Greengrass." Harry Potter spoke, immediately backing away and stumbling into Weasley behind him, who winced from being stood on. "Sorry. Wrong carriage. We'll be off."

     "Yeah, you damn right should be." Theo retorted, making Granger, who was also lurking behind, let out a big scoff. Potter didn't look too fazed - his face was as neutral as can be. If anything, it looked like being confronted by Theo seemed like the last thing he was bothered about.

"Since when are you a talker, Nott?" Weasley threw in, glaring at Theo from beneath his vivid red hair. Theo looked triggered, and was about to stand up to contest against them. So obviously I had to step in. Boys.

     I turned to the three, dismissing Theo's words by placing a hand on his chest. "Ignore him. You guys can go."

     Doing so, the three left us to our compartment again, leaving me to face a pissed off Theo.

     "What was that for?" He asked with irritation.

     "Merlin Theo, be a bit more reasonable. I'm not exactly a fan of the three, but you don't see me picking fights with them."

     "Well if you were going to play fair you should have been sorted into sodding Hufflepuff for Salazar's sake."

     "You took it a tad too far, Theo. He was about to leave anyways." I reasoned, giving him a strict eye.

     He seemed highly offended by my words. "Me? Taking it too far? Potter was the one who decided to strut into our carriage. And didn't you hear Weasley? What right does he have to comment on how often I talk?"

     "Yes and Potter realised his mistake right away. Also, not that he wasn't rude by any means, but I would be pretty shocked if I were Weasley, considering you hardly talk in class."

Theo scoffed, "Yeah, that's cause all Slytherins let Malfoy and Parkinson do the talking with their humongous gobs. But still, why should he point that out? Salazar, I hate Weasley's."

"Drop it." I told him sternly, watching as he sunk back into his posture.

     "Fine." Theo huffed. He almost immediately perked back up again. "So, you want to explain to me what's going on between Little Greengrass and Blaise?"

———

WE SOON ARRIVED AT HOGSMEADE STATION and joined up with a few others to get the carriage to Hogwarts. After arriving to the school, we were left to just return our things to the dormitories and then make our way to the Great Hall for the Sorting and the Feast. The Sorting, as boring as it usually was, passed quick enough.

     Sitting in the seat opposite Theo and beside me were my roommates Eva and Maryam, and I observed the rest of my Slytherin comrades along the wooden table. A few seats along sat Draco Malfoy alongside his brainless minions Crabbe and Goyle. Beside them was Pansy Parkinson, crooning over Draco as she always did. Salazar, could she be any more obvious? She sat opposite Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode, and next to Daphne. Beside Theo was Blaise Zabini who was silently chatting with Adrian Pucey, the Slytherin Chaser and Terrence Higgs, the Seeker, who were both in the year above us. And looking at Blaise, my eyes immediately scanned the table for my younger sister, finding her sat at the complete opposite end of the long table to where Blaise was sat, occupied by a friend of hers.

     All in all, nothing seemed to have changed much at Slytherin over the summer. That is, apart from the few hits of puberty to some of the guys and girls in my year over the summer, bar Theo of course.

     Just then I felt something clash with the side of my face and looked to see one of the golden goblets, which were on display for the Feast, fall clumsily onto my plate. Some idiot decided to throw the goblet at me. I then realised who, as the male in front of me, Theo, called out my name.

     "Oi, Greengrass! Stop daydreaming." He told me.

     "What was that for?" I questioned him harshly, not failing to notice the laugh Higgs let out at seeing me get hit. Bastard.

     "The Sorting's about to end. Dumbledore will make his announcement. Might be something important. You looked in a trance." Said Theo, trying to conceal his already well-hidden grin.

     "It's never important and you know that." I rubbed the side of my face, "Prick." At that, he let out an amused laugh.

     Dumbledore began to speak, preventing me from unleashing my temper onto Theo; "I have but one thing to say to you all - tuck in."

Following his important announcement, the empty plates along the middle of the table filled up with all sorts of warm dishes and everyone was seen beginning to fill up their plates.

     "Some fucking announcement Nott," I sarcastically fumed towards Theo. "Well worth a goblet to the cheek, ain't it?"

     Theo only laughed. "Watch your language, Greengrass." He warned me with a false threat. "Go on, have a bit of steak."

     I decided to subside my temper for a bit; it was only Theo. He strived to be a nuisance. To me, his best friend, especially. Reaching out, I began to fill my plate with some steak and mashed potato and began talking to Eva and Maryam about our holidays. Once we'd finished our dinner and dessert arrived, I was about to take a piece of cake for myself, when I had a brainwave and decided to get my revenge.

     Picking up one of the ring donuts on the golden dishes, I hurled it at Theo, and it landed smack bang in the centre of his face, hanging off the tip of his nose. "Have a donut, Theo!" I said. I couldn't hide the small laugh that escaped me at seeing where the donut landed, and neither could those around me.

     "Greengrass, you bitch!" Theo spat as he glared in my direction, taking the donut off of his

     "You have a bit of icing there, by the way." I informed him innocently, before taking some of the chocolate cake on my own plate and smearing it across his face as he had a new issue to deal with apart from the already-present donut icing. More laughter sprouted from our fellow Slytherins.

     "Hey Greengrass, you would make a fair Chaser, so you would." Higgs called out amidst his laughter. I flipped my hair with pride. It's not everyday you get complimented by a Quidditch player.

     "Cassia, what the hell!" Theo shouted, trying to clean himself up. Chuckling, I threw him a napkin.

     "Don't throw a goblet at me again." I threatened, grinning. He furrowed his eyebrows at me, pouting. "Oh, cheer up and eat your donut, Nott."

     As soon as the dessert dishes had been cleared, with which Theo had managed to clean up the cake and donut covered face of his (he just ate most of it), Professor Dumbledore has stood up again, obvious that he wanted to make an announcement.

"May I have your attention, everyone." Dumbledore announced, smiling pleasantly at everyone from underneath his half-moon spectacles. Everyone at each table directed their limpid eyes onto the elderly teacher at his podium. "Mr Filch, the caretaker, has asked me to tellyou that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle has extended to include Screaming Yo-yos, Fanged Frisbees and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises over four-hundred items, I believe and can be found outside Mr Filch's office for reference. As ever, the I would like to remind you that the Forbidden Forest is out-of-bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third-year.

     "However, it is my painful duty to tell you that the inter-house Quidditch Cup will not take place this year." My eyes immediately darted over to the boys sitting across from me, seeing the horrified facial expressions of Pucey, Higgs and Malfoy - even Zabini looked disheartened, as he mentioned he planned to try out for Chaser this year. It was a bit of a downer, really. I enjoyed watching Quidditch - it was an enjoyable break from the stresses of school life, and not to mention all the fun entailed in the after-parties.

     "This is because of an event that will be happening starting in October and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy, which I am sure you will all enjoy. I am proud to announce that this year at Hogwarts -"

     Dumbedore wasn't able to continue his much-anticipated announcement, for a great rumbling noise reverberated throughout the Great Hall - the ceiling above, enchanted to reflect the night sky, was enduring a large storm, and there and then, the doors to the Great Hall billowed open, and in stomped a man whose face was darkened with the shadows of the storm. There was an irritating clunk sound travelling along the stone floor towards Dumbledore as the man began limping heavily towards him. And while we couldn't properly see this man's face while the darkness hid it, it was only when a large bout of lightning struck that we could distinguish who this man was. Maryam gasped from beside me.

     His face got skelped by the light reserved from the lightning, and it was clear to witness that this man... did not look like a man. His face was calloused, unchiselled, there were scratches and burn-marks splayed right across his inhumane face, and his mouth looked lopsided and bruised. If you peered closely, you could even figure out that a chunk of his nose was missing. When you looked at his eyes, though, you felt truly intimidated. They were mismatches quite significantly - one was miniscule and beady and so dark it was easy to mistake the whole eye as the pupil, whereas the other was a terrifyingly piercing blue, which swivelled in its place all over as if scrutinising things from the back of his head and it appeared mechanical and had no connection to its widely differing paired eye.

     "Is that - Mad-Eye Moody?"

     I looked to Maryam, whose face was equally perturbed at the sight of this man as everyone elses. "Who?" I asked.

     "Alastor Moody - the Auror!" She pointed out. I thought for a second, trying to digest his appearance further - and then I remembered something. Mother, who worked in the Ministry as an Obliviator, mentioned being in discussions with the Auror Office once, long ago - and she did happen to make a mention of Moody.

Safe to say she was right about him having been through a lot in his profession - the guy doesn't even look human anymore!

     Moody got to Dumbledore, and shook his terribly disfigured hand with his as they mumbled words to each other too quiet for anyone else to hear. He sat own and began to eat, viciously piercing his sausage with a fork as his mechanical eye began whizzing and interrogated all the students in the hall as if his introductory appearance was orderly.

     "May I introduce your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," Dumbledore began, smiling widely. "Professor Alastor Moody!"

     Rather than applauding the new teacher as everyone would normally do, everyone just sat there, staring up at him wildly - the only ones who did bring their hands together were Dumbledore and Hagrid. Moody didn't seem affected by this welcoming at all, and pulled out a hip-flash from inside his cloak, taking a large swig from it. His cloak shifted slightly, revealing a peg leg. Ouch. That'd hurt.

     "Would you look at that," Theo sniggered quietly, "our new teacher's an alky!"

     "An 'alky'?" Eva questioned, raising her eyebrows.

     "An alcoholic. Scottish slang," He added, seeing the blonde's puzzled look. "Don't ask."

     "Wasn't going to.."

     "Who even says that's alcohol in there?" I directed at the chestnut-haired Theo opposite me.

     "Well, do you have any suggestions? There's a jug of pumpkin juice right in front of him!"

     "I mean -"

     "Can you bunch of five-year olds shut it and listen to what Dumbledore has to say?" I looked over to see Blaise's dark features glowering, and said no more as Dumbledore continued his speech.

     "As I was saying, this year Hogwarts will be having the honour of hosting an event over the coming months, which hasn't been held for over a century - I am very pleased to announce that Hogwarts will be hosting the legendary Triwizard Tournament this year!"

     A wide array of interested murmurs filled the hall, removing the awkward atmosphere that existed when Moody made his appearance. Theo shared a mischevious grin with me. Fred Weasley was heard to have shouted 'You're JOKING!", to which most people, including Dumbledore, found hilarity in.

     "I am not joking, Mr Weasley." Dumbledore smiled amusingly. "But wih that in mind, I did hear an excellent joke over the summer about a troll, a hag and a leprechaun who all go into a bar -"

      A throat was cleared, and Dumbledore glanced bashfully over at Professor McGonagall. "Er - maybe this isn't the time.. no. Where was I? Ah yes, the Triwizard Tournament... well, some of you may not know what this Tournament entails, so I hope those who do know will forgive me for making a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely.

     "The Triwizard Tournament was established firstly some seven hhundred years ago, as a friendly competition between three of the largest European Wizarding schools - Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. A champion was selected to represent each schools nd then the three champins competed in three magical tasks. The schools took it in turns to host the Tournament once every five years, and it was generally agreed to be a most excellent way of establishing ties between young witches and wizards of different nationalities - until, that is, the death toll mounted so high that the Tournament was discontinued." Death toll? Goodness.

     "There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the Tournament, none of which have been successful. However, our own Departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided that the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that, this time, no champion will find himself or herself in danger.

     "The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their shortlisted contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which three students are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money."

     The faces of eager students were made clear as they hyperactively discussed with their neighbours the prospects of winning such a prize. I looked up at Theo, whose grin hadn't lce the announcement was made.

     "You're entering, aren't you?" I asked, chuckling.

      "You bet I am!" He reached over, slapping my arm to which I frowned at. "What better chance to -"

     "Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts," Dumbledore said, interrupting Theo's proclamation. "the Heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction on contenders this year. Only students who are of age - that is to say, 17 years or older - will be able to put forward their names for consideration." Various people, including Theo and Fred Weasley who were eager yet underage, made noises of disarray, causing Dumbledore to speak slightly louder. "This is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tasks will still be dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth year and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion. I therefore beg of you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under 17." Theo made a disgruntled noise at that, slouching down into his seat.

     "The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will extend every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it is late, and I know how important it is for you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime! Chop-chop!"

     As soon as Dumbledore made it clear it was time to file out of the Great hall, a massive swarm of students rampaged out the doors, some very aggravated at hearing they wouldn't be able to enter the Tournament.

     "What a load of rubbish." Theo huffed, falling into step in between Blaise and I as we headed for the Slytherin dungeons.

"Please, Theo." Blaise scoffed.
"As if you could handle the Tournament. You'd be lucky if you got the wand-movement right when disarming."

Theo tilted his head challengingly towards Blaise. "Really, Blaisey? Are you forgetting I beat you every time in the Duelling Club in second year? And at least I can handle getting myself a little grubby, you can't even touch frog spawn if it means getting your hands a tad slimy!"

"That's because I have a pretty appearance I need to handle!" Blaise retorted. Goodness. They're so immature.

"You guys are ridiculous." I scoffed, shaking my head as they both recognised me still present. "Yes, I'm still here."

"Oh boys, quit arguing, you're both pretty!" Came a mocking voice, and two hands got thrown around each of their shoulders as another figure jumped in between them, making them drop awkwardly from this unexpected weight. There, with his trademark smirk and near-white hair styled neatly in all its glory, was Draco Malfoy, grinning pleasingly to himself.

"Malfoy, you're extraneous." Theo said, an eyebrow cocked up but grinned, nonetheless pleased to see Draco at his side.

"I didn't know extraneous was in your vocabulary, Theo. Look at you, being a big boy. Changed your hair, no doubt. And is that a bicep I'm feeling? Either way, you're still the lanky bastard we all know and love." Draco grinned, ruffling Theo's hair with the hand around his shoulders, who immediately grimaced and went back to smoothing his quiff out.

"What's got you in such a good mood?" Blaise enquired with raised eyebrows.

"Can I not be happy to just see my two best friends?" He held the hand that was on Blaise's shoulder to his heart, feigning his hurt.

"Where have the zombies gone to? Pissed off since you have nothing for them to do?" Came from Theo.

He waved a hand dismissively in the air. "Agh, Crabbe and Goyle are off away to scavenge food from the kitchens. I'll deal with them later."

It was only when my unimpressed stare grew more and more intense on the side of Draco's pale face, in between both Theo and Blaise and still weighing them down with the weight of his arms, that he recognised my presence amidst the swarm of the students.

"Ah, Greengrass!" He cheered, giving me an overemphasised wave.

"Malfoy.." I said, acknowledging his presence with as distant of a stare as possible.

He smirked even wider, his blond hair shining in the dark of the dungeons as we approached the common room. "You done something with your hair? Suits you. You know Greengrass, as the years go by I am finding difficulty in deciding who's the better looking twin - you or Daphne. Who knows, you might win it this year." Draco said, the hefty grin not once faltering.

My mouth fell open. "You're joking, Malfoy. Shut up before you embarrass yourself even further -"

He paid no heed to my warning. "And then there's the Mini Greengrass. I wonder how she'll turn out. Won't be long before she has guys crawling at her feet. I wouldn't be entirely opposed –"

"Shut your gob, Draco!"

My mouth fell open again, and so did Theo's, as we looked at the source of the massive shout, attracting the attention of few other Slytherins as we entered the darkened common room, lit by a crackling fire at the hearth of the room. Stood there beside Draco, his eyes enraged, was Blaise, seething through his teeth. Draco himself was shocked - he didn't expect Blaise to act this way towards Astoria. Me and Theo knew why of course - but Draco had no clue of whatever was going on between the Italian and my younger sister. Blaise quickly made a move to release the his clenched fists in a bid to not make anything obvious.

"O-kay, Blaisey..." Draco spoke, putting emphasis on his speech as he turned back to me, forgetting whatever shock Blaise had caused him before. He began to smirk again. Salazar, that smirk became absolutely infuriating sometimes. "If you're ever up for a late night snog, Greengrass, you know the boy's dormitories aren't charmed with protective enchantments.."

I scoffed, unable to stop the laugh escaping me at the absurdity of the comment while all he could do was grin wildly at getting a reaction out of me. I even caught Theo smiling, knowing all Draco was doing was trying to push my buttons. "Draco - you - I - I'm going to bed!"

And before he could say another thing I began to dash away through the common room to my dormitory. But before I escaped from his embarrassing presence, I caught a reverberation of Draco shouting an antagonising 'Love you!' throughout the common room aimed at me, and even heard the snickers of both him and Theo as I held up my middle finger behind me towards him, hiding my face from surrounding people.

Welcome back to Hogwarts, Cassia.

———

ONE THING I DEFINITELY WASN'T LOOKING FORWARD TO coming back, was having to deal with the insomnia I faced on a daily basis. Sure, I could've gotten used to it at home but even then I have the rest of the day to make up for it; at Hogwarts you still had to carry on and go to your lessons regardless of how drowsy you felt.

This exactly is what led me to this moment. Slipping my feet into a pair of shoes, I pulled on a jumper and made my way across the floor of my dormitory, ensuring to take light steps to not wake any any of my roommates. Just because I'd had a restless night so far, didn't mean I had to give them one. I took one fleeting glance at the faces of Eva and Maryam and stepped outside my room, closing the door shut behind me.

I wasn't sure entirely what led me to take this decision. Okay, that was a lie. It was due to something Astoria told me about an article she saw in Witch Weekly saying to go elsewhere from your bed if you have difficulties sleeping. So maybe it was worth taking the advice of worthless magazines to see if they did have a worth after all. Who knows, maybe it could give me a bit of ease. Maybe by some miracle it would allow me to catch a few snores before daybreak.

Not really having a care where I was going, I let my feet begin to carry me outside the Slytherin portrait hole and automatically they started carrying me out of the dungeons and up the archaic stairs. I made sure to keep an eye out for Filch and his annoying cat, or even worse, for any prefects on their patrols. Not that I ever did get caught.

Somehow, it was as if my own feet had the premonition that I needed to be somewhere that would give me a sense of peace and self-regulation. And with that thought, I found myself arriving at the Astronomy Tower, cascaded by the darkness and illuminated by only the smallest rays of moonlight. I walked further into the space and held my hand around the handle surrounding the edge of the tower, the feeling cold and metallic beneath my skin. There was a chilly breeze present; not too cold, but the right amount to allow me to feel some kind of balance between my own body temperature and that of the outdoors. It felt nice, and refreshing.

I began to become entangled in my thoughts as the events of the day engulfed my memories, making me reminisce in being back at Hogwarts - firstly there was Daphne, thinking me and Theo were meant for each other and in all honesty it was the most absurd idea she'd ever had - but she's only ever had the best intentions at heart for me and Astoria, so, as infuriating as it was to have her claim such a delusional idea, and as manipulative and assertive of a person as she was, it made me feel happy to know she cared that much - even if she did bypass the facts entirely.

And then I couldn't help but frown at recalling what Theo showed me - the abusive tendencies of his father weren't a one-time thing. It worried me when I thought of Theo being left at home along with Nott Sr - but then I remembered that he wasn't alone. He did have some sort of protection in the form of his mother Luciana Nott, who is everything Theo had ever wanted in a parent and more. And he loathed his father. Loathed him for everything he stood for, loathed him for being a loyal Death Eater in the past, and loathed him for trying to bring Theo up to be the same. Theo has had little family members who cared deeply about him - his mother was the last of his true family after his grandmother passed away summer before last. His grandfather wasn't any better. If anything, he was worse than his father himself. Always putting Theo down, his mother down, for being the one to encourage Nott Sr and giving him ideas of being involved in the Dark Arts - it was, and still is, torture to both Luciana and Theo. Pureblood as they may seem, the Dark Arts that has flowed through the pure Nott bloodline over the centuries, making Theo more susceptible to a career in the Dark Arts should there ever be one.

And it was no secret that Nott Sr. was a former Death Eater. After the First Wizarding War, he'd vaguely managed to avoid Azkaban imprisonment, and was now currently living detaching himself from any connection with Dark Magic, as if he'd never taken the Dark Mark on his forearm, aside from the vague comments Theo's grandad would often make regarding the Dark Arts.

It worried me sometimes what path Theo would take. He's my best friend and I know him inside and out. Yes, he may be snark, and he may make sarcastic comments filled with that dark sense of humour he had. Sure, he may have his natural-born prejudices against Muggles having involvement with the Wizarding World. But I know the person that he is, and he would never willingly agree to joining a race that vouches to obliterate those they feel are inferior to them.

And of course, there was the issue of the ever-pure Malfoy family. The Malfoy and the Nott families have been close for years and both have had a history in the Dark Arts - Lucius Malfoy was previously, a dedicated Death Eater. It's why Theo and Draco have been so close for years on end (including Blaise). And sometimes I have the squandering, upsetting thought that should Draco have any involvement with the Dark Arts, then Theo would - and vice versa. My best hope is just for it to never come to that point.

These wavering thoughts of mine suddenly evaporated away when I heard light patters begin to ascend the stairs of the Astronomy Tower, the exact place I was currently in. Oh, shit. Praying it wasn't someone who would be enforcing the rules, I peaked out at the side of a pillar and felt a sense of relief, or even felt surprised, when I saw the person who decided to join me on the Tower had adorned that excruciatingly familiar, unmistakable, unruly, black hair. Potter?

"Greengrass?" He said, confusion brimming in his green eyes.

"Potter." I confirmed, my eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Fancied a walk." Potter said casually, coming beside me to lean against the same railing as I was. "What about you?"

"Couldn't sleep." I explained, and he nodded in comprehension.

"You're not Daphne, correct?"

I shook my head. "No - I'm Cassia." Potter made a noise to convey his understanding, and I vaguely managed to catch his gaze from beside my blindspot as I looked myself out at the almost-immobile Great Lake.

He made to move away from his spot, a hand lingering on the railing. "If I'm disturbing you, I can leave-"

I shook my head almost apologetically. Maybe my behaviour and body language had been a bit rejective. "No - by all means, you can stay. I could do with the company." I assured, adding a meek smile onto the end.

"Me as company?" He spoke heartily. "Surely your fellow Slytherins wouldn't approve? I haven't exactly got the best relationship with your lot."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Who cares what they think? It's not like they'd find out anyways."

He chuckled. "You're different, aren't you? Unlike the rest of the Slytherins. You, at least, don't have as much of a big mouth as some of them. I don't see you interacting that much in class. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever recognised you in any of my classes."

By big mouth, I knew Potter was referring to such Slytherins like Malfoy and Parkinson, who without a doubt even got on the nerves of Slytherins sometimes.

"Yeah, I don't really make a fuss of talking in class unless spoken to. But believe me, we've been in classes together. Usually me and Theo linger at the back, let Malfoy and Parkinson do all the talking. And you can't deny that you Gryffindors chat as much either, Potter." I teased, grinning lightly.

He laughed, his voice ringing throughout the small invisible air bubble occupying his own head. "Fair enough, Greengrass."

"How did you manage to get up here anyways without getting caught?" I asked curiously. Although I didn't have a care in the world regarding my own trek up to the moon-lit Astronomy Tower, that isn't to say the same about the Golden Boy Potter stood beside me.

He looked at me hesitantly, before lowering his voice. As if anyone would hear us anyways. "Can - can you keep a secret?" He asked me.

I narrowed my eyes. "Depends who for... just kidding. Knock yourself out."

After getting my confirmation, he fished into his pocket revealing a piece of shiny, silvery fabric. I raised my eyebrows, not knowing what I was looking at. "What's this supposed to be?"

He surprised a sigh, before throwing the fabric over his body - which disappeared. My eyes widened. How the hell –?

"You have an Invisibility Cloak?" I asked in disbelief. He nodded, removing it to reveal his body yet again and stuffing the robe back into his pocket. "Wow, Potter. Didn't expect you to have resources like that... sneaky, so you are."

"It was my Dad's when he was at school." Potter said. "Someone gave it to me as a Christmas present in my first year. Don't know who, but I'm not complaining." He turned to me, a look of desperation on his face. "You can't tell anyone. Only few people know about it."

"I'm honoured." I said sarcastically. "You have my word." I held a hand over my heart to signify a promise being made. He smiled, returning to gaze at the Lake again.

     Something about the way he so easily told me about such a sacred thing took me by whirlwind - I was a Slytherin. He was meant to hate me, or at least be cold to me. Was that not the unofficial Gryffindor-Slytherin code? I could comprehend why he... trusted me.

"So, what's your opinion on this new Triwizard Tournament, then?" I asked, willing to make subtle conversation if I was to be stuck out here with Potter for the time being.

"Honestly? I'm just glad I'm underage so there's no chance of me getting chosen. I just want this year to be the one normal year at Hogwarts, no having to fight dark forces or whatever decides to throw itself at me." He answered, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

     "'One normal year'?" I questioned. "I mean, I get in first year you saved the Philosopher's Stone and in second year you killed the basilisk. But last year? What happened last year that made things not normal?"

     Potter realised what I was on about, and changed his stare so it resembled the same hesitant look he wore before. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Okay... can you keep a secret?"

     I rolled my eyes. "You've already asked me this question before. And what could get worse than an Invisibility Cloak?" Seeing the way he still held his gaze waiting for my word, I said, "Try me, Potter."

     "Promise not to tell!"

     I laughed incredulously. "Fine, I promise I won't tell! Salazar, the way you're pushing me makes it seem like you don't trust me or something."

     He raised an eyebrow at my teasing statement, making a grin crawl upon my face. Still, I couldn't understand why he'd decided to bestow yet another secret with me... did I seem like a trustworthy person? I mean, I know that I am one, I've just never thought I looked like one (whatever the hell trustworthy people look like, I've no idea).

     But why on earth did Potter trust me so easily? (Not that I'm complaining - I am loathe to any kind of gossip or tale.)

     "Right. Are you sure you want to hear it? It's a long story. Really long." After seeing my impatient stare at his unconvincing attempts to steer away from the story, he spoke, "So, you know Sirius Black?"

     I nodded slowly, "Sirius Black? The psychotic mass murderer that killed all those Muggles?"

     He grimaced, holding a finger up. "Here's where you were wrong. He wasn't a mass murderer. He was wrongly accused."

     An eyebrow of mine rose, finding it difficult to process the words he was saying. "How is that–"

     "Sirius Black was my Dad's best friend. So was Remus Lupin, our ex-defence teacher and Peter Pettigrew, who happened to be Ron's family's pet rat. Don't ask - I'll get to it." After seeing me nod at my comprehension so far, he continued, "The night my parents got killed, Sirius was the Secret Keeper of my parents so that Voldemort wouldn't find out our hiding location." He ignored the way I winced at that name. "But right before he killed them, Sirius thought it best to change Secret Keeper - to Pettigrew. He thought it would be the safer option. He was wrong - Pettigrew told him of our location which led to my parents' death. It was Pettigrew that betrayed my parents and killed all those Muggles in the surrounding village with the Blasting spell and deserved to get locked up - not Sirius."

     "Right..." I nodded, tapping my finger against the railing. "So Pettigrew should have been locked up instead of Black.. then how does this explain everything that happened last year?"

     "I'm getting there!" He said irritatingly, and I held my hands up in surrender, letting him continue. "Last year when Black escaped, everyone thought he was coming to Hogwarts after me because, get it - he's my godfather. And he came to Hogwarts, but not to kill me as everyone thought - it was to kill Ron's rat Scabbers, because he was Peter Pettigrew and was hiding for the last 12 years as a pet after his massive betrayal. And then we got Sirius cornered in the Shrieking Shack, then Lupin came and realised Sirius was innocent and they uncovered the rat as Pettigrew. But it was the full moon so Lupin transformed and Pettigrew escaped and Snape came and caught Sirius and locked him up, so me and Hermione went back in time–"

     "Hold on - you went back in time –?"

     "Yeah, with Hermione's Time Turner–"

     "Wait.. Granger has a Time Turner–?"

"Yeah, she took extra classes last year - now will you let me finish? We used the Time Turner to go back to when Buckbeak the Hippogriff was about to be executed and managed to save him and then after the full moon when Dementors came for Sirius I cast a Patronus to save Sirius and I from the Dementors —"

"You can cast a PATRONUS?!"

"Yes — then me and Hermione took Buckbeak and helped Sirius escape on it. There. I'm done." He let loose of the breath he'd held the entire time he'd been telling the story, and looked slightly relieved to not have to deal with my interruptions any longer. All I could do was stare at him wide-eyed.

     "Wow... remind me never to wish to be you, Potter." He cast a small chuckle at my comment. "So - a real Patronus? Corporeal and all?"

     "Yeah. My Patronus takes the form of a stag." He spoke fondly, smiling to himself.

     "That's... real impressive." I smiled. "And what about Black, now? Is he in hiding?"

He nodded his head. "Yeah, him and Buckbeak are both in hiding - I don't know where exactly, but he's still managing to keep in touch with me. Somehow."

     "Well... good for them. And you, I guess. You have a godfather out there."

Checking my watch, I decided it was about time I headed back to the dungeons. I'd been out here long enough - maybe I'd be able to fall asleep now having had a late night stroll to calm the senses. Who knew. I just knew I had to go - I'd been out here long enough with Potter, not that anyone was bound to find out. Besides, he was probably waiting for something to happen for me to leave - I'll give him the satisfaction of not being the first one to go.

"I should probably leave –" I said, moving away from the handle I'd leant so preciously upon throughout my time on the Tower.

He cast a glance my way, nodding casually. "Yeah, sure. Goodnight."

"Night." Just as I was about to descend the stairs at the top of the Tower, I felt Potter's voice stop me from moving, and tilted my head back to make distant eye contact with his green orbs.

"Hey, Greengrass?"

"Yes?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows curiously.

A grin creeped upon his features. "Don't get caught."

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my mouth, barely just managing to stifle it with my hand. "Wouldn't dream of it, Potter."

***

eeeesh my writing is so SHITE i hate it omg. a proper long first chapter for you though - over 8800 words phew! i'm really sorry if it seems a bit boring as of now - i'm never good at starting stories!! it will get better (i hope haha)💘💘💘💘

also I thought I would mention that there will be a few chapters written in first person - like this one - because I had already prewritten a couple of the later chapters and I did it in first person to try something new. and I like the way it turned out, although I don't think it's a permanent thing for me which is why there'll be a couple of chapters in first person! the majority will be in third person though. sorry for the confusion if any!🥰

thank you so much if you decide to read this, the support is priceless and means so much to me! hope you're all doing well! 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

— saar xx