Cassie lounged on the worn couch in the dim drawing room of their  hideaway. The faint light filtering through the heavy drapes barely illuminated the piles of unopened letters scattered across the room—on the table, the floor, and even  balanced on the armrest of her chair. One envelope lay open, its parchment slightly crumpled. It was from Theo, who had somehow managed to keep his weekly updates alive through some ritual he'd insisted on taking. She hadn't read all of it yet, but the opening lines had mentioned his grandmother hilariously dressing him up for some pure-blood event. The faint smile it had brought was long gone.

Regulus entered the room silently, his wand spinning idly between his fingers. His gaze fell on the letters, and a faint crease appeared between his brows.

"Another one?" he asked irritated 

Cassie didn't even look up. She let the letter she was holding dangle loosely from her fingers before dropping it onto the pile beside her. "Fourteen. Or maybe fifteen? I stopped counting after ten."

"And I suppose you haven't replied to any of them?"

"Why should I?" Cassie shot back, finally meeting his gaze with a glare. "If Dumbledore thinks pestering me with letters will make me roll over and join his little club, he's delusional."

Regulus crossed his arms "Ignoring him won't make this go away. The man doesn't give up easily. You know that."

"Good," Cassie said, her tone cutting. "Let him waste his time. I'm not interested."

Regulus moved closer, bending to pick up one of the crumpled letters. He flicked his wand, smoothing out the parchment before scanning its contents.

"Miss Black," he began, his tone deliberately flat,
"your unique position and abilities make you an invaluable potential ally in the fight against Lord Voldemort's resurgence. The Order of the Phoenix could greatly benefit from your involvement, and I urge you to reconsider your stance. Together, we can—"

"Blah, blah, blah," Cassie interrupted, snatching the letter from his hands and tossing it onto the couch beside her. "Same speech, different letter. He's a broken record."

Regulus straightened, crossing his arms again as he studied her.

 "You can't keep dodging this, Cass. If the Dark Lord rises again—"

Cassie cut him off sharply. "Don't lecture me about if, Regulus. He is back. Or have you forgotten the mark you once bore?"

His jaw tightened, "And that's why I'm telling you to think carefully," he said evenly. "Dumbledore isn't the enemy here. You don't have to like him to know he's right about what's coming."

She scowled looking away. "You don't get it, do you? Joining the Order means choosing them over the family. It means turning into Sirius. And I won't do that. I won't betray the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black."

"No one's asking you to betray anything," Regulus countered. His voice grew firmer, but there was no anger in it, only an exasperated kind of patience. "But you can't fight this war alone, Cass. You'll need allies—whether you trust them or not. The Dark Lord-"

"I know he's back, Regulus! Do you think I don't know what that means? Do you think I don't understand the stakes?"

"Then act like it," he said quietly, "You're the heir to this house. You have responsibilities—"

"I'm the heir because you decided to disappear into the shadows and leave me with this mess."

The silence that followed was heavy. Regulus sank into the armchair across from her, his wand tapping lightly against his knee. He avoided her gaze, staring instead into the fire as if it held the answers he wanted to hear.

Cassie's shoulders slumped, guilt replacing her anger. "I didn't mean it like that... Dad," she said softly,  She lowered herself into the chair opposite him, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "It's better for you to stay in hiding. It's just... it's hard. It feels like everything's on me now."

He looked at her then, his gray eyes steady but filled with something she couldn't quite name. "You're strong, Cassie," he said after a moment. "Stronger than I ever was. But strength doesn't mean facing everything alone. It's okay to let people in—even if it's just a few."

She turned her head away, her gaze fixed on the fire as the room fell silent again. 

Regulus watched Cassie for a moment longer, then leaned back in his chair,

"You know," he began, his tone lightening, " I have seen you raiding the kitchen at odd hours. Is this some sort of secret midnight snack ritual I should be worried about?"

Cassie arched an eyebrow, "If I am, you'll never find out. Maybe I'm just feeding Mortem to keep him on my side."

Regulus chuckled, "That owl of yours already looks like he's plotting my demise every time he sees me. I'd say you're doing a fine job of turning him against me."

"Good," Cassie quipped, "Keeps you on your toes."

"Right," he said dryly, his mouth twitching into a small grin. "Because that's exactly what I need—an overfed, murderous owl keeping me alert."

 Regulus tilted his head, studying her again, but this time his expression shifted, growing quieter,

"Speaking of odd hours- why aren't you sleeping well these days? Every night, all I hear is you turning. You're practically wearing grooves into the floorboards with your pacing."

Cassie shrugged "It's nothing. Just some stupid nightmares."

Regulus straightened slightly, his brows knitting together. "Nightmares?" he repeated, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Cassie's tone was dismissive as she waved a hand. "Because I'm not a kid. I can handle a few bad dreams."

"But—"

"They're not bad," she interrupted quickly, as if cutting him off would stop him from prying further. Her voice grew almost hesitant. "I see her. My mum."

"You see Valerie?"

 "Yeah."

"Every time, it's the same thing," Cassie murmured, almost as if to herself. Her hands twisted the fabric of her sleeve absently. "The same cryptic warning. 'Don't let him take you.'"

 "And you're sure it's her? It's not just..."

"Wishful thinking?" Cassie finished, her voice carrying a faint edge of frustration before softening into something wistful. "I know what I see, Dad. It's her. Every detail, down to the way she looks at me... like I'm her whole world."

Her words hung in the air, filled with a longing she rarely allowed herself to show.

Regulus exhaled slowly "And the warning?"

Cassie leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "I don't get it. Voldemort doesn't even know I exist. Why would he need me?"

At her words, Regulus's posture stiffened, his jaw tightening as he averted his gaze. His silence stretched too long, and when Cassie finally looked up, his face had gone oddly pale.

"Regulus," she said sharply, sitting upright. "What aren't you telling me?"

He didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the fire

"Dad," Cassie repeated, her voice rising. "If you know something, you need to tell me. Now."

"its- nothing-"

Cassie stared at him "You're lying."

Regulus didn't deny it, but he didn't confirm it either. Instead, he reached for the pile of letters, picking one up absently, his fingers smoothing the edges as though to deflect. "We need to figure this out," 

 "Before it's too late."

Cassie's fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. "Before it's too late," she echoed bitterly, her tone sharp. "You sound just like her."

Regulus flinched, his lips parting as though to respond, but the sharp crack of apparition interrupted them.

Kreacher appeared in the middle of the room, hunched over and trembling, his gnarled hands wringing together in a frantic rhythm. "Mistress! Master Regulus!" he croaked, his voice high-pitched and panicky.

Cassie stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor as she turned to the elf. "What now, Kreacher?"

"Them! Them blood-traitors and their allies!" Kreacher sputtered, his large eyes glistening with anger. "They are throwing away Black family treasures!  tossing heirlooms like they're rubbish!"

Regulus sat up straighter, his grip tightening on the letter in his hand. "What exactly did you see, Kreacher?"

"Old Mistress's silver goblets! The cursed music box! Even Master Orion's enchanted globe!" Kreacher wailed, his voice rising with every item he listed. "Thrown into sacks, taken away to Merlin-knows-where!"

Cassie's jaw tightened, her expression darkening. "They think they can just waltz in and desecrate this house?" she hissed. "Who's behind this? Is it Sirius?"

"Y-yes, Mistress," Kreacher whimpered, his voice trembling. "That blood-traitor Master Sirius commands them! And the filthy blood traitor weasleys- And... and..." Kreacher's voice dropped to a disdainful mutter. "The Mudblood girl."

Cassie slammed her hand down on the table, making Kreacher jump. "That's it. I'm going down there," she growled, her wand already in hand.

"No," Regulus said sharply, rising from his chair. "

Cassie spun to face him, "They're tearing apart our house-Regulus! "

"And storming in there will only make things worse," Regulus countered,

Cassie glared at him, her chest heaving as she struggled to rein in her temper. Kreacher, meanwhile, shuffled closer to her,

"That Bitch has forgotten his place-" she snapped, her voice sharp. "I'm going."

"No, Cass. You don't have to go."

"Yes, I do, Dad," Cassie shot back, "Sirius needs a little reminder about whose house that is. He can't just take over and do whatever he pleases." She folded her arms, smirking slightly. "Plus, it's a great way to find out exactly what Dumbly's little gang is up to."

Regulus leaned forward, "Cassiopeia, think this through. You walk in there, and what happens next? Sirius won't just back down quietly. He'll fight you—verbally, at least—and the Order will take his side. You'll be walking straight into a trap."

Cassie raised an eyebrow, "Let him try. I've handled worse than Sirius's barking."

"This isn't about proving you're tougher than him," Regulus countered, his voice rising slightly. "This is about keeping you safe. Sirius is reckless, but Dumbledore isn't-

Cassie's expression hardened, but a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes. She turned away, pretending to inspect the fire, though her thoughts were clearly racing.

"Dad," she said finally,  "If we don't act now, they'll think they can walk all over us. I won't let that happen."

Regulus sighed, his hand raking through his hair. "Just... be careful, Cass. Don't let your temper get the better of you. Sirius knows exactly how to push your buttons."

Cassie rolled her eyes and turned away, pacing again

"You know what? Fine. I'll come with you."

"No way, Dad," Cassie snapped, stopping dead in her tracks and turning to face him.

"What?" Regulus protested "The disguise works well, I can be in and out without anyone knowing."

Cassie shook her head vigorously. "This is not the time to play risk, Dad. We don't need to test your disguises right now." She narrowed her eyes, voice rising with frustration. "It's dangerous, and you're not coming with me. Not this time."

"At least wear your bracelet," he insisted . "It'll help. And call me immediately if you need me. I don't care what happens, I'll come for you."

Cassie hesitated, "Fine," she muttered, reaching into her pocket for the bracelet he'd given her in her third year. "But I'm not calling you unless I really need to, and that won't be because I'm caught up in a shouting match with Sirius."

Regulus watched her closely. "of course-  but promise me, Cassie. If things go south, you'll let me know- or better- head straight back"

She nodded- slipping the bracelet on her wrist. "I promise, Dad. Now stop worrying. I can handle this. Sirius is not the only one who knows how to push buttons."

Regulus shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite himself, Turning to address Kreacher "Mistress Cassiopeia is going to Grimmauld," Regulus said firmly. "You're to stay by her side and keep her out of trouble."

Kreacher bowed low, his voice croaking, "Yes, Master Regulus. Kreacher will protect Mistress. Kreacher will not let those filthy muggle lovers harm her."

Cassie picked up her wand, tucking it into her sleeve.  "Don't worry, Dad. I can handle a few blood traitors"

Regulus didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "Just remember," he said softly, "you're walking into a house full of people who think you're the enemy. Keep your guard up."

Cassie's grin turned almost predatory. "Always."

*********************

YES- I KNOW- 

YEAR 5 CHAP 1- PRETTY DRY?- well- i cant just start with the angsts and the fights-soo fillerrr

soooo yea-- im excited to write cassie x weasleys x sirius- interaction

and fights obvi-

so- also yall must be thniking- why wud dumbly want cass in the order- since she is underage- right?
personly i think he is just trying to get her on his side before voldy does-

and regulus is soo- adorable-

and my back to college was pretty eh-
i miss home already-

how are yall doing

till next time- xo-

mxriddle