**ps- before you start reading- i know my editing in this chap is non existing and there i s a99% chance ull see tons of mistakes in this chap- pls excuse i barely had time to finish the draft with my studies. i will re- edit this after exams**


***************
Draco practically slammed the Daily Prophet onto Cassie's plate, knocking a piece of toast onto the table.

"Read it and weep, Black."

Cassie shot him a look before picking up the paper. She skimmed the front page. 

MINISTRY SEEKS EDUCATIONAL REFORMDOLORES UMBRIDGE APPOINTED FIRST-EVER "HIGH INQUISITOR" 

*Ministry Intervenes for the 'Greater Good'*

"In a surprise move last night the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unpprecedented level of control at Hogwarts School ofWitchcraft and Wizardry." 'The Minister has been growing uneasy about goings-on at Hogwarts for some time,' said Junior Assistant to the Minister, Percy Weasley.

 'He isnow responding to concerns voiced by anxious parents, who feel the schoolmay be moving in a direction they do not approve.'"This is not the first time in recent weeks Fudge has used new laws toeffect improvements at the Wizarding school. 

As recently as August 30thEducational Decree Twenty-two was passed, to ensure that, in the event ofthe current headmaster being unable to provide a candidate for a teachingpost, the Ministry should select an appropriate person." 

'That's how Dolores Umbridge came to be appointed to the teachingstaff at Hogwarts,' said Weasley last night. 'Dumbledore couldn't find anyone, so the Minister put in Umbridge and of course, she's been an immediate succes-

Cassie openly gagged- "Is their another umbridge we don't knwo?

"This is worse than we thought," Blaise muttered, absently stirring his tea. "She's got real authority now. She can inspect classes, write up teachers—hell, she could probably sackthem if she wanted to."

"Perfect," Pansy huffed. "A toad with a god complex."

Cassie clenched her jaw, eyes flicking over the article again. The Ministry had handed this woman power over everything.

"Guess she' ll be slithering into our lessons now" Draco said lazily, stealing a grape from Cassie's plate.

Cassie didn't respond.

Because she already knew she wasn't going to last the day without losing it...

Atleast the classes started out good- or she thought.

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

Cassie leaned back lazilyas Snape handed back their graded assignments,Without so much as looking at her, he placed the parchment on her desk. A bold*O* sat at the top.  A bit scribbled as though it took Snape everything to go past his ego and give it to her.

Cassie picked up the paper, tilting it slightly, just to let the candlelight catch the ink.

"Are you admiring your own grade?" Pansy asked, unimpressed.

Cassie smirked. "Oh, I know I'm brilliant. I just enjoy the confirmation."

Draco snorted.

At the next table over, there was a sudden choked noise.

Cassie's gaze flicked over just in time to see a bright red Dreadful land in front of Weasley, his ears going an impossible shade of crimson. Granger murmured something reassuring, but Potter's poorly concealed snicker didn't help.

Cassie snorted. Pathetic.

The rest of the lesson passed without a fuss—no fireworks, no drama. Just the usual drudgery of Snape's classroom. Surely, Charms would be the same, right?

Yeah. She was far from right.

Because the moment she stepped into the next classroom, she was met with an unexpected, unwelcome sight—

A pink menace 

Cassie's stomach twisted. Fucking fantastic...This women really wanted to die today-

The tiny professor was wringing his hands together, his usual enthusiastic energy dampened to something more...nervous.

Dolores Umbridge stood primly at the front of the room, clipboard clutched in her stubbyhands, that grating smile stretched across her face.

Cassie barely held back a groan.

"Good morning, students" Umbridge trilled, voice as nauseatingly sweet as ever. "Today, I shall be conducting a little inspection of your dear professor."

Cassie exchanged a glance with Blaise, who looked about two seconds away fromclimbing out the window. Class began. Or at least, it tried to.Every five minutes, Umbridge had to interrupt with something trivial.

"Oh, Professor, do you really think that is the best way to explain this spell?"

"Are you quite certain everyone can keep up with such... advanced material?"

" I suppose that demonstration was acceptable, though perhaps a moreMinistry-approved theoretical example would be... wiser?"

Flitwick's nervous laughter filled the room.

Cassie had been doing her best to tune her out—until Umbridge suddenly stopped right infront of her desk. Ofcourse she did. Cassie didn' t even need to look up to know the woman was staring at her AdvancedCharms textbook.

" I believe this particular reading material is not part of the Ministry-approved curriculum? Professor?"

The room went still.

Flitwick hesitated. " Well, Miss Black has already submitted both the practical demonstration and the written work for today' s lesson. She is... highly gifted, and so I thought—"

"You thought? I see-" Umbridge cut in, her smile tightening. "And tell me, Miss Black, do you believe yourself above the approved coursework?"

Cassie finally looked up face dead but eyes blaziing with anger.

"Oh, no, Professor," she said sweetly. "Not above it." She tapped a manicured finger against the textbook. "Just beyond it." 

A few students coughed to hide their laughter.

Umbridge's eye twitched .

Cassie smiled wider.

 "A rather... arrogant perspective, don't you think?"

Cassie tilted her head, unfazed. "Oh, but it's true."

A few more coughs

Umbridge's fingers twitched on her clipboard. "Perhaps a little humility would do you good, Miss Black."

Cassie's nails dug into the wood of her desk.Humility. From her? After this Ministry puppet had spent the entire class tearing down a professor who actually knew what he was doing? Who actually taught them things?

Her jaw locked. "Perhaps a little competence would do you good, Professor."

The room froze.

Flitwick nearly choked on air.

Umbridge's beady eyes widened, a deep, blotchy red climbing up her neck.

Cassie felt Theo's fingers suddenly grip her wrist under the desk.

Don't.

She turned slightly, catching his gaze.

Umbridge inhaled sharply, nostrils flaring—but instead of firing back, she simply smiled and turned on her heels scribbling furiously Cassie jerked Theo's hand away, staring behind her as Umbridge walked out, heels clicking against the floor.

*******

Black rubbed her neck. She had managed to control it now—but she didn't know how long she could hold back. "If I see that toad again, I'll snap."

Well, unfortunately for Umbridge, they still had Defence Against the Dark Arts 

Cassie groaned, dropping her head against the bench. "Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant."

*******

They made their way to the classroom, and as expected, Umbridge was already perched at the front, that irritating smile making Cassie's nerves boil. She clenched her fist under the desk.

Theo, sitting beside her, noticed immediately. "Oh, Merlin" he muttered, already bringing a hand to his face, preparing for the worst.

"Wands away," Umbridge instructed again, smiling that [poisonous smile as she settled at her desk.

Cassie lowered her quill, staring at her...Her rage simmering more than ever. It was hell on Umbridge today Theo, beside her, exhaled slowly. "Cass " he muttered under his breath.

She didn't respond.

They were told to open Defensive Magical Theory to page nineteen. Hermione' s hand shot up immediately. Cassie hesitated, then raised hers too. But the moment Umbridge turned to Hermione, Cassie lowered hers. She knew the girl would say what needed to be said.

"I've already read chapter two" Hermione stated.

"Then proceed to chapter three."

"I've read that too. I've read the whole book."

A flicker of annoyance crossed Umbridge's face before she masked it.

" Well, then, you should be able to tell me what Slinkhard says about counterjinxes in chapter fifteen."

"He says that counterjinxes are improperly named, " Hermione answered swiftly. "He says 'counterjinx' is just a name people give their jinxes when they want to make them sound more acceptable."

Cassie let out a sharp, humorless breath. "I disagree. "

The room collectively held its breath as if sensing her fury

" Hand, Miss Black" Umbridge said, sickly sweet. Her eyes, however, were murderous. "Wouldn't want another week of detention, would you?"

Cassie didn't move. Didn't raise her hand. She leaned back in her chair instead, study in Umbridge with a cold, amused tilt to her lips. "If you've read the whole book, "she said, "you'd see Slinkhard has a thing against jinxes in general. Using them in a fight, though? They're useful."

The class shifted uncomfortably.

Theo let out the quietest sigh beside her. "Cassie," he muttered under his breath,"shut up now."

Umbridge raised a brow, as if daring her to continue.

But before Cassie could open her mouth again, Hermione, of all people, spoke up. "I agree with her."

Cassie blinked. That was unexpected.

Hermione turned back to Umbridge hand raised. "Jinxes, hexes, curses—they all serve a purpose. It's about how they're used. "

Umbridge's smile sharpened. "Oh, you do, do you? Well, I' m afraid it is Mr. Slinkhard' s opinion, and not yours, that matters within this classroom, Miss Granger."

"But—"

"That is enough."Umbridge's voice turned hard. "Miss Granger, I am taking five points from Gryffindor. "

Cassie's jaw clenched.

"Same for you, Miss Black, " Umbridge added, voice dripping with condescension.

Cassie narrowed her eyes.

Theo moved before she did. His fingers closed around her wrist under the desk.

Cassie slowly turned her head, gaze snapping to him. "Nott," she said, voice low, "you better take your hand off before I cut it off myself. "

Before Theo could answer, Potter spoke up.

"What for?" he demanded

"For disrupting my class with pointless interruptions, " Umbridge said smoothly. "I am here to teach you using a Ministry-approved method that does not include inviting students to give their opinions on matters about which they understand very little."

Cassie let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

Umbridge continued, unfazed. "Your previous teachers in this subject may have allowed you more license, but as none of them—with the possible exception of Professor Quirrell, who did at least appear to have restricted himself to age-appropriate subjects—would have passed a Ministry inspection—"

Cassie snorted.

And then Potter spoke.

"Oh yeah, Quirrell was a great teacher, "he said loudly,"there was just that minor drawback of him having Lord Voldemort sticking out of the back of his head."

The entire class inhaled sharply. A few students gasped audibly.

Cassie didn't even hide her laughter.

Umbridge's face twitched.

"I think another week's detentions would do you some good, Mr. Potter," she said, voiceslick as oil. 

Cassie hummed under her breath, shifting in her seat.  " Cos that's what happens to those who tell the truth"  she muttered.

Not quietly. Mind you. Umbridge's quill stopped scratching. The air in the room felt thick, tense—like the second before a storm hits .

"I beg your pardon, Miss Black?" Umbridge's voice was thick with honey, her eyes burning with thinly veiled fury.

Cassie didn't blink. "I said what I fucking said. Bitch."

A few people inhaled sharply. Blaise let out a low whistle.

Umbridge's grip tightened around her clipboard. "That is highly inappropriate —"

"You wanna talk inappropriate?" Cassie shot back, standing abruptly. "What's inappropriate is you pretending to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts when the only thing you're defending is that spineless bastard Fudge's ego."

The entire class went rigid.

Umbridge's face twitched . "Miss Black, I—"

"You what ?" Cassie cut in, stepping forward. "Gonna give me another detention? Make me carve words into my skin?" Her voice dripped with venom. "Go on. Try me. I fucking dare you."

Umbridge's eyes narrowed . "I will not tolerate—"

Cassie let out a humorless laugh. "You won't tolerate? You ?That's rich, coming from a Ministry whore who—"

"Cassie- " Theo muttered under his breath, tone sharp.

She ignored him.

"—who sits here, pretending to be some fucking authority, when really, you're just Fudge's puppet . What's it like, huh? Having his hand shoved so far up your ass you can't even form an original thought?"

There were several loud gasps .

Pansy covered her mouth, wide-eyed. Blaise muttered,"Holy shit."

Even Granger— fucking Granger —looked torn between horror and approval .Thouh Harry Potter was openly grinning .

" ENOUGH! " Umbridge screeched...her masked honey voice disappearing

Cassie smirked. "Hit a nerve, did I?"

Umbridge's entire face burned red. "You— insolent, disrespectful little girl— "

"Oh, fuck off."

The class collectively lost their minds .

"Fifteen points from Slytherin!" Umbridge spat. "For insubordination!"

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Fifteen whole points? Oh no, however will I recover?"

"You—"

"And while we're at it, let's talk about your so-called authority"Cassie continued smoothly, her voice lowering. "You think because you sit here, giving out punishments like candy , that it means something ? That we're all gonna bow down and fear you?"

She tilted her head, her smirk curling. "I hate to break it to you, Toad, but you're a fucking joke ." Umbridge was shaking .

Theo was gripping Cassie's wrist now, hard . "Cassie,stop —"

" Back off Nott " Cassie ripped her wrist free. "I'm sick of this shit. I'm sick of her . Pretending like she has any control over what's really happening out there."

She turned, addressing the class now. "We all know what's happening. We all know who' s back. And yet we're sitting here, wasting time reading some Ministry-approved pile of ratshit instead of actually learning how to defend ourselves ."

Somewhere behind her, Potter muttered,"I mean, she's got a point."

"Shut up, Potter, " Granger hissed, though she wasn't even looking at him—her wide eyeswere locked on Cassie.

Cassie turned back to Umbridge. "Tell me something, Professor. When the war comes— and it is coming—where will you be?"

Umbridge's mouth opened—

Cassie leaned in, smiling coldly. "Hiding under Fudge's desk, I imagine."

That was it. That was the line .

Because Umbridge snapped "YOU LITTLE-

Her stubby fingers lunged for Cassie's arm.

And Cassie—Cassie didn't even think .

It was Like- an energy- her magic acted of its own- A raw force, blasting Umbridge back so hard she slammed into her table losing her footing

Cassie stood there, her chest heaving , hands clenched at her sides. Confused. She hadn't drawn her wand. She hadn't meant to do anything.

And yet.

The class was staring at her.

Not in fear . Not in horror . In shock. In something close to admiration.

Umbridge scrambled to her feet, her face pale, her entire body trembling .

"You—You—" she stammered, actually shaking .

Cassie blinked, barely registering what she' d done. 

Umbridge pointed a shaking finger at her. " BLACK—COME WITH ME—NOW— " Walking towards her again

She met Umbridge's panicked gaze, tilting her head. "Don't fucking touch me." Umbridge flinched.

Cassie smugly smiled. satisfied, rolling her shoulders back, smoothing down her robes. "But fine. Lead the way."

As she turned, Theo caught her wrist again . This time more of a are you sure? look

She met his gaze. I'll be fine.

And with that, she followed Umbridge out the door.

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

Cassie strode through the corridors behind Umbridge, grinning . The rush of magic still thrummed under her skin, like a fire that hadn't quite gone out. She had needed that. Needed to get that out of her. In front of her, Umbridge was still shaking . Her usually neat hair was a frizzled mess and her stubby fingers clenched her clipboard so tightly it was a wonder it hadn't snapped in half. As they passed a particularly ugly portrait, she barked at it, 

"Call Professor Snape to my office this instant! "

Peeves, lurking nearby, let out an obnoxiously loud raspberry, then cackled, "Ooooh, the Toad's in a right state! Wot's wrong, Professor? Got hexed by a real witch?"

Umbridge ignored him, stomping ahead like an overstuffed bullfrog . Cassie inhaled deeply, stretching her arms behind her head as she walked. It felt like she'd just ripped something heavy off her chest.

Yeah. That had felt   good .

They reached the office, Cassie whistled lowly, dragging her fingers across the lacy tablecloth before slumping lazily into the chair across from Umbridge's desk. "You actually live like this?" she muttered "looks like a unicorn vomited all over your room"

Umbridge's livid expression only deepened as she tossed Floo Powder into the fireplace and shoved her head into the flames. " Mr. Malfoy," she called sweetly, her voice tinged with malice. "Please come to Hogwarts as soon as possible. I wish to discuss the possible suspension of your niece. And do make sure to bring along Mr. Pierre as well."

Cassie's grin widened at that.

Lucius and Regulus? Oh, this was going to be fun .

Umbridge pulled back from the fire, her lips stretching into a smug little smile, as if that was supposed to scare her. Cassie rolled her eyes so hard it could've been an Olympic event.

A knock on the door.

"Come in," Umbridge squeaked.

The door creaked open, and in swept Snape, his expression as blank as ever. His dark eyes flicked between Umbridge—who was quivering with barely suppressed rage —and Cassie, who was lounging in her chair like she owned the place.

"What now ?" he drawled.

Umbridge bristled as if personally offended by his lack of concern. "What now? What now? " she screeched, her face blotching an ugly shade of red. "This—this delinquent just attacked a professor! In my own classroom! She physically assaulted me!"

Snape turned his gaze to Cassie, lifting a single, unimpressed brow.

Cassie merely shrugged , as if to say, What can you do? Then, with a smirk, she gestured to Umbridge— before slowly dragging her finger across her throat in a slicing motion.

Gasp.

Umbridge clutched her chest like she'd just witnessed a murder . " Look at this, Severus! " she squawked, spinning to him dramatically. "She is unhinged ! She must be expelled ! I truly wonder why Dumbledore keeps such troubled students in this school!"

Snape sighed as if this entire conversation was a waste of his time. "I fail to see how expulsion is a necessary course of action, " he said, voice clipped, "for what I can only assume was provocation on both sides."

Umbridge's jaw dropped . " Both sides? You think I had any hand in this?!"

Snape's gaze flicked down to her disheveled robes, the wild look in her beady eyes, the tremor still in her stubby hands. Then, he looked at Cassie—lounging lazily, legs crossed, watching the scene with barely concealed amusement.

He exhaled through his nose. "I strongly suspect you did Professor"

Cassie let out a sharp laugh, which only made Umbridge vibrate in rage. "Severus, this is no laughing matter ! I will not have a violent student running rampant in my school!"

Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "As much as I would love to continue this riveting conversation, I assume you called me here for an actual purpose ?"

Umbridge huffed, smoothing down her robes as she tried to regain her composure. "Lucius Malfoy and—" she pursed her lips "— Mr. Pierre will be arriving shortly to discuss the matter of Miss Black' s suspension. Given her track record, I don't think they will disagree with me."

Cassie rolled her eyes. " Yeah,' cause Lucius is gonna love hearing that you just handed out detention for questioning your Ministry-approved bullshit ."

Umbridge's eye twitched . "Mind your language , young lady!"

Cassie slumped back in the chair, stretching her arms behind her head. "Or what?" she taunted. "You' ll give me another detention ?" Her grin was razor-sharp. "Oh, wait—you already did. Guess you'll just have to expel me."

Snape's gaze snapped to her, expression unreadable.

Cassie simply grinned wider.

Umbridge opened her mouth, looking gleeful at the prospect— But before she could speak, the fireplace roared to life . Cassie turned lazily in her chair. This was about to get interesting .

Lucius Malfoy stepped out of the fireplace in a sweep of dark robes, brushing a speck of ash off his sleeve with a sharp flick of his wrist. His expression was already set in stone-cold fury, the kind that made people shrink away.

Cassie, however, merely tilted her head, looking utterly unimpressed .

"Miss Umbridge." His voice was smooth

"Mr. Malfoy!" Umbridge squeaked, her tone suddenly honeyed . "I appreciate you coming on such short notice."

Lucius barely inclined his head. His pale eyes flicked once to Cassie, who was still lounging in her chair like she hadn't just started a full-blown war in the middle of class. His lip curled ever so slightly, like he was looking at something disgusting .

Cassie smiled, stretching her arms behind her head and yawning .

"Now, if I may explain what happened, " Umbridge continued, clasping her stubby hands together,"your niece displayed an unforgivable level of insubordination. She verballyassaulted me, physically assaulted me—"

Lucius' gaze snapped to her, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"—and quite clearly has no regard for authority! I demand her immediate suspension."

Cassie barely stifled another yawn. "Merlin, you really love the sound of your own voice,don't you?"

Lucius turned to her sharply, his glare ice-cold . "Do not speak," he bit out, his tone filled with absolute disdain .

Cassie grinned . "Make me."

Umbridge let out an offended gasp , but Lucius didn't so much as blink at Cassie's challenge. He simply looked at her— looked at her like she was some filthy insect that had somehow crawled into his line of sight.

She'd seen that look before. It made her want to laugh .

"Where is Mr. Pierre?" Umbridge added, finally seeming to realize the other half of her requested audience was missing. L

ucius exhaled sharply through his nose and turned back to her. "He insisted on speaking with Dumbledore first."

Umbridge froze . Her face twisted , her sickly sweet smile faltering for just a fraction of a second before she quickly covered it up ."Dumbledore, " she said, her tone suddenly strained . "Of course, Dumbledore would meddle ." Umbridge inhaled deeply, schooling her expression back into one of forced authority.

"Well, then," she said, smoothing down her pink cardigan, "I'll go have a word with the Headmaster as well." She turned to Lucius, her voice once again dripping in fake sweetness . "I assume you would like some privacy to speak with her?"

Lucius inclined his head stiffly.

Umbridge nodded and wasted no time scuttling out the door as if Pierre was gonna turn Dumbledore against her.

The moment she was gone, the air in the room shifted .

And then it rained . Lucius rounded on her, his cane slamming against the floor as he took a slow, measured step forward. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?" he hissed.

Cassie merely twitched, unfazed. "Oh, I don't know, put that hag in her place ?"

Lucius' jaw tightened . "You are an absolute disgrace, " he spat, his tone laced with nothing but disgust . "Do you thrive on humiliation? Do you delight in ruining what littleshred of credibility you have left?"

Cassie leaned back, tipping her head lazily to the side. "What credibility? Thought I lost that years ago."

Lucius' eyes flashed dangerously. "If you think your childish defiance is anything but pathetic, you are gravely mistaken."

Cassie snorted . "And if you think I give a shit about your opinion,you'regravely mistaken."

 "It baffles me how you manage to sink lower every time I'm forced to acknowledge your existence."

Cassie clicked her tongue, tilting her head. "What's the real problem, Lucius? That I embarrassed your precious Ministry lapdog, or that I did it better than you ever could?"

Lucius' grip tightened around his cane, his lips pressing into a thin, furious line.

Cassie grinned lazily, knowing she was pushing every button. "Face it. You might kiss Fudge's ass all you want, but at the end of the day, you're just another pawn pretending to be a king."

Lucius' jaw ticked . "Watch yourself," he said, his voice low, warning.

Cassie let out a short, mocking laugh. "Oh, I'm terrified" she drawled, stretching out her legs. "What are you gonna do, Lucius? Have me killed ? Oh, wait—no, you only do that when the Dark Lord commands it, right?"

The words had barely left her mouth before Lucius snapped .

With a sharp motion, he hooked his cane around the collar of her robe and yanked her up

to her feet, forcing her to stumble forward until they were mere inches apart.

Cassie stilled, her breath catching for just a fraction of a second. That had been unexpected. But she recovered just as quickly, lifting her chin, her expression locked in a look of sheer unbothered amusement .

"You will stand when speaking to me," Lucius hissed, his breath cold against her face.

Cassie's lips curled into a smirk. "A little desperate for authority, aren't we, Uncle?"

She shoved herself back, breaking free from his hold. Lucius' fingers twitched around his cane, his fury barely contained. In the background, Severus Snape remained perfectly still, his face blank, arms crossed, not even pretending to intervene.

Cassie dusted off the nonexistent dirt from her sleeves and let out an exaggerated sigh . "You know, Lucius, for someone who prides himself on control, you really lose your shit quickly."

Lucius exhaled sharply, nostrils flaring. "You are nothing but a pathetic waste of—"

"Oh, save it," Cassie cut him off, rolling her eyes. "If I had a Galleon for every time someone called me a disgrace, I'd be richer than you."

Lucius' hand moved before she could react. The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the room.

Cassie's head snapped to the side, her breath hitching at the sudden sting that bloomed across her cheek.

For a moment, she didn't move.

She saw red.

Slowly, Cassie turned her head back, her face completely blank—save for the unmistakable imprint of Lucius Malfoy's ring against her skin.

If Severus had any reaction, he didn't show it. He was still standing in the same position, his face unreadable.

But Cassie could have sworn she saw him move slightly .

A slow, eerie grin crept onto her face

"What's the plan, Uncle?" she asked, her voice deceptively soft. "Gonna slap your way into getting my obedience?"

Lucius' hand twitched again, as if resisting the urge to hit her twice .

Cassie tilted her head mockingly. "What, like you did with Draco ?"

Lucius froze .

Cassie's smirk widened, sensing she had struck gold . "Newsflash," she said "Beating the shit out of someone doesn't make them loyal. It makes them hate you."

Lucius snapped .

He moved so quickly it was almost a blur—his cane raising

But then—

The door creaked open.

Lucius stopped .

His face smoothed over in a split second, his rage bottled up so quickly it was like it had never existed. He took a measured step back, straightening his robes, expression composed. Cassie's fingers twitched. She could still feel the sting on her cheek

She turned her head ever so slightly toward the door

Cassie shifted her hair, letting the dark curls fall over her slightly reddened cheek, but her cold, unwavering stare remained fixed on Lucius. He met her gaze, his expression carefully blank, 

The door swung open.

Umbridge waddled in, her stubby legs carrying her forward with more urgency than usual, her face twisted in barely concealed satisfaction. Oh, she was loving this .

Behind her, the imposing figure of Mr. Pierre stepped inside, though his sharp gaze flicked over Cassie immediately , lingering just a second too long on the place where her hair covered her cheek.

Professor McGonagall followed next, her usual stern face even tighter than normal—lips pursed, eyes sharp, her gaze flitting between Umbridge and Cassie with barely concealed suspicion.

And then—

Dumbledore himself entered. C

The room seemed to shift with his presence.

Before Umbridge could even part her lips, Pierre spoke first. "I would like to speak to Cassie alone, " he said flatly, adding,"Alone," with an edge to histone that left no room for negotiation.

Dumbledore, ever unreadable, gave a small nod, stepping aside

Umbridge, on the other hand, looked positively scandalized —her squat face twitching She clearly wanted to protest, but under the weight of Dumbledore's presence (and perhaps Lucius Malfoy's), she swallowed whatever argument she had been preparing.

"You can give your account to them in the meantime, " Pierre continued, gesturing vaguely toward the room and not bothering to sound like he cared. He then turned, flicking his fingers at Cassie in a silent order to follow.

Cassie could not have been more smug about being excused from the circus if she tried. She sauntered out after him without so much as a glance back at the others.

The moment the door shut behind them, Regulus drew his wand.

"Muffliato."

A faint buzzing filled the corridor, canceling out any possible eavesdroppers.

Then he turned to her.

"The fuck were you thinking,Star ?" His voice was quiet, but sharp. "Attacking a teacher? That too one so close to the Ministry? That's literally signing your own expulsion letter."

Cassie looked down, fingers tightening slightly at her sides. She heard the disappointment in his voice.

"I want to hear it from you, " 

Cassie glanced up, then shrugged. " She was making us read textbooks" she muttered. " No magic in class ."

Regulus exhaled sharply through his nose. " So you attempted murder over that? "

Cassie scowled, looking away.

"What else ?" he pressed.

Cassie hesitated. " If I tell you, you'll probably go in there and try tokill her" she muttered under her breath.

Regulus rubbed his neck, impatience flickering across his face. " Cassie. "

With a sigh, she finally caved. " Detention," she said flatly. " She's been making students use illegal blood quills.The ones Grandfather used. It carves the words into your skin and uses your own blood as ink. "

Regulus went dead silent "Show me"

Cassie, already knowing where this was going, held out her hand. The raw scars glowed under the dim light of the corridor. " I must respect the Ministry" it read in thin, delicate strokes—mockingly neat for something so cruel.

"The fuck? That Bitch-  Why didn't you tell me that before? " Regulus demanded, voiceshaking with fury. " That old hag— "

Cassie sighed. " Because I knew this would be your reaction. " She flexed her fingers, unbothered. " If it was only happening to me, I wouldn't care. But she's been doing this to everyone in detention. "

Pierre muttered something vicious under his breath.

" Not to mention, " Cassie added, rolling her eyes,

" her voice is irritating. So is her face. And the fact that she just spews nonsense about the Ministry and tries to brainwash students into believing Voldemort hasn't returned. "

regulus;s nostrils flared as he stared at the inflamed words carved into Cassie's skin, his jaw tightening like he was holding back the urge to hex someone into oblivion.

His voice was barely controled" Why did you attack her? Like- in front of witnesses I mean- Doesnt seem very you?  "

Cassie shifted, crossing her arms over her chest. " I didn't. " 

Regulus's gaze snapped to hers," What do you mean you didn't? "

She exhaled, pressing the heel of her palm against her forehead as if trying to make sense of it herself. " I lost control. "

He stilled. " What? "

" I don't know. " Cassie's fingers curled into fists at her sides. " I didn't even have my wand out. "

Regulus's expression darkened. " But magic doesn't just— Not when you ahve a wand to channel it" 

"I know, " Cassie snapped, voice sharper than she intended. " But it happened anyway. " His eyes flickered with something—concern? Curiosity? Annoyance? Cassie couldn't tell, and she didn't care to find out.

" She reached for me, and— " Cassie clenched her jaw. " I just... snapped. I didn't cast anything. Didn't even think about it. But the next thing I knew, she was on the floor -

He exhaled slowly, rubbing a hand down his face. " Fuck. "

Cassie snorted. " Yeah. Fuck. "

He looked at her again, this time with something unreadable in his expression. " Has this happened before? "

Cassie hesitated. " No. " A beat. " Maybe. I don't know. Sometimes When im Practcing in the room of requirements- "

Pierre cursed under his breath. " This isn't good, Star. "

Cassie rolled her eyes. " No shit, genius. "

Pierre ignored the snark, his mind already working through the implications. " We need to figure this out before someone else does. "

Cassie raised a brow. " And by 'someone else,' you mean— "

" Dumbledore.  Or worse—the Ministry. "

Cassie scoffed. " Yeah, well. Too late for that, isn't it? "

" Not if we play this right. "

 Cassie could see the moment he decided that this wasn't going to end with a simple 'talk.'

Yeah. Shit was about to go down. For Umbridge Obviously.

***********

He marched forward opening the door, steps sharpand Cassie followed, her own strides shorter but no less determined.Umbridge was still rattling on, her voice shrill with self-importance. "—no respect for the Ministry, no regard for rules or proper conduct—"

"So, Miss Black," Dumbledore's voice cut in smoothly, stopping Umbridge mid-rant. His tone was as unreadable as ever, but there was a sharpness in his eyes as he addressed her.

Cassie inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"Based on what Professor Umbridge has reported, " Dumbledore continued,

"you shouted profanities in class, refused to follow instructions, disrespected both the Ministry and a professor, then proceeded to physically attack said professor." 

Cassie bit back a smile. Yeah, that sounded about right.

"Is that true?"

Before she could answer, Pierre stepped in

"Before she answers. I want answers from you Headmaster." Dumbledore turned to him, his expression carefully neutral. "Answers, Mr. Pierre?"

Pierre's fingers twitched at his sides. "I would like to know why you're allowing her "—he pointed directly at Umbridge—"to use dark artifacts on students under the name of detention."

The room stilled .

Umbridge's face twitched, but for the first time, she looked uneasy. Her beady eyes flickered to Cassie, who only smiled—slow, smug, daring her to deny it.

"I'm afraid I don't understand, " Dumbledore said evenly.

Pierre didn't hesitate. He grabbed Cassie's hand, lifting it so the scarred words were fully visible. McGonagall gasped audibly. Even Snape—always composed, always controlled—looked disgusted.

"Your own professor, " Pierre said "has been using a blood quill on the students."

Silence.

Cassie just kept smiling, because finally, someone was calling this out. And she was going to enjoy watching Umbridge squirm.

" This is a serious accusation, " Dumbledore finally said, his voice still unreadable, though his piercing blue eyes flicked from Cassie' s scarred hand to Umbridge' s rigid form. "Professor Umbridge? "

Umbridge inhaled sharply, schooling her expression into something resembling outrage. " I assure you, Headmaster, I have only used standard disciplinary methods sanctioned by the Ministry— "

" Standard disciplinary methods? " Pierre cut in, his voice laced with venom. " Carving words into students' skin with their own blood? That's standard now? "

Umbridge turned a violent shade of pink. " Well, if students simply followed the rules, such measures wouldn't be necessary— "

" Are you hearing this? " Pierre scoffed, turning to Dumbledore and then to McGonagall, who looked about three seconds away from hexing Umbridge into next week. " She's just admitted it. "

" Indeed she has, " Snape drawled, his voice cold, unreadable. " And I assume we are all meant to pretend we did not hear it? "

" This is an internal matter of the Ministry " Umbridge said quickly, her voice tightening, panic creeping into her expression. " You have no authority to— "

" No" Pierre snapped, his voice razor-sharp. " You don' t have the authority. You think because you have Fudge's backing, you can do whatever the hell you want? "

Cassie grinned, watching the panic rise in Umbridge's beady eyes.

" This is an outrage! " Umbridge shrieked, her voice hitting an octave that made everyone flinch. " You—this girl— " She pointed a stubby finger at Cassie, who merely arched a brow. " She attacked me! She disrespected the Ministry! You dare stand here and defend her? "

Pierre let out a breathy laugh, shaking his head. " Oh, I' m not defending her, Merlin knows she's a menace. But that's not the point, is it?  You tortured students, Umbridge. And you got caught. Simple as that. "

Umbridge's mouth opened and closed like a suffocating fish. " I—this is preposterous! "

Dumbledore, who had been silent this whole time, finally exhaled. " Professor Umbridge, I believe a discussion with the Ministry will be necessary regarding this... revelation. "

" The Ministry— " Umbridge started, but then seemed to realize exactly what was happening.

"Unless," Pierre interrupted smoothly, tilting his head, "we come to a little agreement."*

Umbridge's beady eyes snapped to him, her pink face turning an ugly shade of red.

"You keep quiet about Cassie's so-called 'attack' on you," Pierre continued, voice effortlessly calm, "and I won't say a word to Fudge about your... questionable disciplinary methods."* Umbridge opened her mouth, looking very much like a fish gasping for air.

Pierre smiled. He already knew he had won. "Of course," he added, almost lazily, "I'll make my usual donation to the Ministry as... compensation."

Cassie had to fight back a laugh. It was almost too easy. Umbridge's lips pressed together tightly. She was considering it. 

"But Miss Black—" she started, attempting to salvage some authority.

"—was retaliating to what you were doing to her classmates," Pierre cut in, his voice turning sharp. "I believe you've used this particular form of punishment on multiple students, including Mr. Harry Potter."*

Dumbledore's gaze flicked up at that. McGonagall looked absolutely scandalized. "Why didn't he tell me?" she muttered under her breath.

Cassie shrugged, entirely unbothered. "Not everyone's a snitch, Professor."*

Umbridge, for once, didn't have a response. Her eyes darted around the room, her hands clutching her frilly cardigan as if it would save her.

Across the room, Lucius Malfoy looked like he had swallowed something particularly foul. His grip on his cane tightened, his jaw locked as he glared at Pierre with utter loathing. Cassie could almost hear the words he wanted to spit—But Pierre didn't even glance his way.

"Well," Dumbledore finally said, breaking the silence. "I believe the matter is then... settled. However, thirty points will be taken from Slytherin for your behavior, Miss Black."*

Cassie placed a hand over her chest, feigning deep regret. "Of course, Headmaster."*

Dumbledore's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he turned to Umbridge. "Professor, you are to retrieve and hand over any dark artifacts in your possession immediately. And if I hear even one more complaint about your methods..." His voice remained light, almost casual. "I'll be having a conversation with Minister Fudge myself."*

Umbridge's hands curled into fists. She huffed, storming to her desk, yanking open a drawer, and grabbing a small ornate box—likely containing the blood quills.

McGonagall watched her like a hawk, her lips pressed into a tight line of disapproval.

Pierre simply smirked.

"Well," Dumbledore said as he turned toward the door, "have a lovely day."

Cassie grinned as McGonagall followed him out, though not without shooting her a particularly stern look on the way.

Umbridge, seething, snatched the box and clutched it to her chest, casting Cassie a nasty glare. "This isn't over," she hissed under her breath before stomping out.

"Oh I dont expect it to be Professor"

********************
The room emptied, Leaving well-Pierre, Snape, and ofcourse dearest Lucius 

Lucius took a step forward, his cane tapping against the floor as his icy glare bore into Cassie.

"You little—"

Before he could finish, Pierre casually stepped between them, one hand adjusting the cuff of his coat like this was all a mild inconvenience. "Yeah, you might wanna mind that tone towards my daughter, Lucius."

Lucius froze mid-step, his face twisting . Cassie swore she could hear his teeth grinding.

His lip curled. "Your daughter," he sneered, as if the very word left a foul taste in his mouth. Without another word, he turned sharply, storming toward the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of Floo powder, muttered something under his breath, and disappeared into the green flames.
********

Pierre's posture remained rigid as he met Severus's gaze.

Severus inclined his head—barely a movement, just a flicker of acknowledgment. "My My, the same anger- Looks like you didn't change, Reg."

Regulus—Pierre—just nodded. "Severus."

Severus exhaled sharply, his dark eyes scanning him. "I couldn't believe it when Albus told me. I would have thought you'd have told your... friend if you were alive."

Pierre scoffed, the sound sharp. "Friend? As far as I remember, you were too busy sucking up to Dark Lord, trying to be his favorite."

Severus didn't flinch. "So were you. What changed?"

Pierre held his gaze for a moment before his lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk, wasn't quite a grimace. "Time."

Cassie's gaze flicked between them, her curiosity piqued, but she bit her tongue. Whatever the hell that was, it wasn't meant for her.

Pierre exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair before placing a firm hand on Cassie's shoulder. "Come on, Star. We're done here."

Cassie scoffed "I was done the second I walked in."

Pierre chuckled dryly, steering her towards the door. Severus watched them leave, his expression unreadable. But Cassie swore, just before the door closed, she saw his fingers twitch—like they wanted to form a fist but never quite did

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

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

Cassie walked down the corridor, her steps slow, mind still replaying the conversation with Regulus- Before he left. His warning rang in her ears—don't mess with the Ministry, Star. They don't take kindly to people like us.

Like us.

She huffed, rolling her shoulders back as she took in her surroundings. Apparently, word had spread through Hogwarts about what she had done—how she had publicly humiliated Umbridge, how she had ended the tyranny of her inhumane detentions.

Some students looked at her with wary admiration. Others, especially younger ones, looked at her like she was some kind of dark hero.

Cassie snorted to herself. A hero. Yeah, sure. That was a joke.

She reached the entrance to the Great Hall and spotted the familiar figures of her Slytherin group—Draco, Theo, Pansy, Blaise. But before she could head towards them, another group approached from the other side.

Potter and his lot.

Cassie stopped, her expression sharpening. She braced herself for whatever self-righteous speech was about to come flying out of their mouths.

To her shock, it wasn't Potter who spoke first. It was Granger.

"Good job," Hermione said stiffly, her arms crossed like the words physically hurt to say.

Cassie blinked. "Granger, is that you?" she mocked, tilting her head.

Granger stiffened but gave a curt nod. " She deserved what she got."

"I must be dreaming. The Golden Trio actually acknowledging me for something other than attempted murder."

Ron let out a grunt"You really took one for the team, Black. How the hell did you get out of that stunt without getting expelled?" Cassie snorted as if it was obvious"I have money, Weasley."

Ron scowled. "Of course you do."

"And connections," she added smugly. "Can't forget those. The Ministry bends real nice when you throw enough galleons at it."

Hermione looked like she wanted to say something—probably about ethics or privilege or some nonsense—but even she couldn't deny that Cassie had, for once, done something beneficial.

"Wel well- look at the golden trio finally accepting you great i am-

Ron muttered something under his breath, likely disagreeing, but Potter just sighed. "Don't get used to it, Black."

Cassie shrugged turning around "Oh, trust me, Scarhead, I won't."

Hermione huffed something furiously under her breath.

Cassie's eyes snapped to her. "What was that, Granger?" 

The trio froze. Fidgeting. Clearly debating whether this was a terrible idea. "You wanted to ask me something." Cassie sighed, shaking her head. "So obvious."

"I told you she can read minds," Harry muttered.

"Faces," Cassie corrected smoothly.

Ron muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "know-it-all." Cassie arched a brow. "What was that, Weasley?"

"Nothing—" Hermione cut in hastily, throwing Ron a glare.

"Oh, come on, Granger." Cassie crossed her arms. "Spit it out. I don't have all day."

Hermione hesitated, suddenly looking awkward. "So—uhm—since Umbridge isn't teaching us anything useful, we thought maybe..."

Cassie narrowed her eyes. "Maybe?"

"Maybe we need to learn how to defend ourselves," Hermione said, shifting uncomfortably. "You-Know-Who's back," Ron added, a little quieter.

Cassie scoffed. "You want to defend yourselves, but you can't even say his name?" Hermione gulped. "Voldemort." She said it like the word physically pained her."is back-"

Cassie tilted her head. "Hmm. Alright. And?" Hermione took a deep breath. "Harry's faced him before, so I thought he could—" she hesitated, then rushed out, "teach us how to fight back."

Cassie's gaze flicked to Harry, who looked... weirdly uncomfortable. "Potter, teaching?" she mused. "That's new."

"Yeah, well..." Hermione cleared her throat. "Actually, Harry said that you—" she hesitated, then pushed through, "know more spells and jinxes than him. And strategy."

Cassie's brow shot up so high it nearly disappeared. "You're telling me," she drawled, "that Potter—" she gestured vaguely at Harry, "—said that?"

Ron nodded.

"With his own mouth?"

Hermione blankly stared.

Harry exhaled sharply. "Well, you do know more." His tone was short, as if he was trying not to sound embarrassed.

Cassie turned to Harry, smirking. "So Potter, tell me—how did it feel, saying that out loud? Hurt your Gryffindor pride a little?"

Harry scowled. "Look, you do know more, alright? Just—stop making a big deal out of it.*"

"Oh, but it is a big deal," Cassie said  "The Boy Who Lived just admitted I'm better. Feels nice, doesn't it?"

Harry just sighed, rubbing his temple. "Are you going to help or not?"

Cassie smugly smiled but tilted her head in thought. "You do realize your godfather won't be much pleased by this idea of yours, yeah? Including me?"

"He doesn't have to know," Hermione said quickly.

Cassie looked genuinely surprised before letting out a low chuckle. "Well, well. Look at the Golden Trio rebelling. Good to see, huh, guys?" she turned mockingly toward Ron.

Ron frowned. "Dunno if this is a good idea anymore..."

"What do you say?" Hermione pressed.

Cassie tapped her fingers against her arm. "You're actually serious about this?"

All three nodded. "Hmm," Cassie hummed. "Alright then—sure. My first three minions, I guess."

"We're not your minions," Hermione huffed.

"You kinda are now."

"Yeah, nah," Ron said immediately.

"Oh, shut up, Weasley," Cassie waved him off,

"Not just us three" Hermione admitted. "More."

Cassie arched a brow. "How many nincompoops are we talking?"

"Not that many—"

"No, no, give me a number. Do I need to bring a leash?"

"Cassie!" Hermione groaned "So?" adding impatiently.

Cassie drummed her fingers on her arm, then shrugged. "Sure. Why not? I reserve the right to call all of you idiots whenever I want."

"Yeah, yeah, we figured that much," Harry muttered. "So... you're in?"

Cassie smirked. "I'm in." Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode towards the Great Hall.

"Uh—okay?" Hermione called after her, sounding a little thrown off.

Cassie pushed open the doors to the Great Hall, and immediately, half the hall erupted into cheers. She blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

"What the fuck—" she muttered under her breath.

Students were grinning, whispering, throwing her looks of admiration—some even clapping. Gryffindors, mostly. A few Hufflepuffs. Some Ravenclaws. Even some younger Slytherins. She rolled her eyes, ignoring them as she stalked towards the Slytherin table.

"If it isn't the new celebrity," Blaise drawled the moment she reached them.

"Shut up, Zabini."

"No, seriously," Pansy leaned in, smirking. "You've got half the school singing your praises. Even the Hufflepuffs look impressed—how does that feel?"

Cassie scoffed. "I feel like I need a shower."

Draco, looking thoroughly unimpressed, gave her a once-over. "How the fuck did you get out of that?" he demanded. "I thought for sure you'd be expelled."

Cassie smirked. "What do you think, Dray?" She gestured vaguely, fingers rubbing together in the universal sign for money.

Draco snorted. "Ah.figures."

"Mmm. The Ministry bends over so easily for Galleons," Cassie mused, picking up a piece of toast from the table.

Theo watched her. Really watched her.

The way she leaned back so casually, biting into her toast like she hadn't just pulled off one of the biggest stunts in Hogwarts history. The way her lips curled in that sharp, cocky smirk, like she knew she was untouchable. Like she knew she was unstoppable.

And maybe she was.

"Still staring, Nott?"

Cassie's voice was teasing, but when she turned to him, there was something else in her eyes. A flicker of curiosity. Theo smirked, masking the fact that his heart was slamming against his ribs. "Just thinking."

"Dangerous habit."

His lips twitched. "Yeah. You should try it sometime."

Cassie huffed, rolling her eyes, but she was smiling.

And Theo—he didn't know when it had happened. When this had happened. But as she turned back to her plate, muttering something snarky to Draco, Theo exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of the table like it could steady him.

Merlin help me.

Because he was falling-all over again—and he wasn't sure he wanted to stop.

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

SUPER LONG CHAP AS PROMISED BEFRE I DISAPPEAR 

- THEO IS LOVE OMG- SO CUTE

ALSO- HAHAA UMBITCH'S KINDA TYRANNY ENDED- FOR NOW?

WHEN I READ THE OOP- I WAS LIKE- IT WOULD HAVE JUST ENDED- IF HARRY TOLD MCGONAGAL RIGHT AFTER THE FIRST DETENTION- UK- THATS SMTH EVERYONE SHUD KNOW- ITS NOT WRONG TO BE A SNITCH- AT TIMES IT IS NECESSARY

UHM- REGGIE COMING AND CLUTCHING IN TEH END OBVII- LUCIUS  BEING A SPOILED DIVA-

AND---

CASSIE IN DA???!! IDK IM JUST TRYING STUFF

YEA--

I KNOW YALL WANT CONFESSION MOMENT- AND HONESTLY- I AM TRYING MY BEST TO MAKE ITHAPPEN SOOM- PLS DROP SOME SCENE IDEAS FOR THE GETTING TOGETHER PART . UK HOW I BAD I GET IN FLUFF

ANNDDD- TEHN U CAN EXPECT A RAIN OF CHAPS TILL THEN- PLS GIVE ME IDEAS FOR THE GETTING TOGETEHR PART

LOVE YALLSM

TILL NEXT TIME

MXRIDDLE
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