Cassie adjusted the strap of her bag, the weight of the silver mirror Regulus had handed her pressing against her side. She stepped through the tall iron gates of the Nott property, her boots crunching against the gravel as she made her way toward the mansion. The stone walls draped in ivy . It was the kind of place far too elegant for someone like Theo, who had once spilled an entire potion on his robes and shrugged as though it were normal behavior.

Regulus had given her his reluctant approval for the trip, but not without a lecture. Ten minutes of it, in fact. Then, with a heavy sigh, he handed her a tiny silver mirror. "Call me if anything—anything—goes wrong," he'd ordered, his face a mask of concern.

She'd rolled her eyes and shoved the mirror into her pocket. Ridiculous.

The mansion stood weirdly quiet. Cassie's steps seemed louder against the stillness of the place as she reached the front door. Her hand was raised to knock when—

"Cassie!"

The shout came out of nowhere. She whipped around just as Blaise's blur came barreling toward her. Without thinking, she sidestepped at the last possible second. Blaise's momentum carried him past her, his feet tangling in the gravel, and he tripped spectacularly, crashing into a flower bed with a loud thud.

"Bloody hell," he groaned, spitting dirt from his mouth and lifting his head, his dark hair wild and disheveled.

Cassie blinked, then snorted. "Graceful as always Zabini."

Blaise scowled, getting to his feet and brushing leaves out of his hair. "You dodged!"

"I didn't know what you were expecting," Cassie said, crossing her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Hugs? From me?"

Theo appeared in the doorway, casually leaning against the frame, his gaze flicking from Cassie to Blaise with amusement. His dark curls were a bit messy, like he'd just run a hand through them, and his sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms that made it difficult to focus on anything else.

"What's going on here?" Theo asked, smirking at the scene.

"Your best mate just tried to tackle me," Cassie said flatly, 

"Of course he did," Theo repliedas he leaned against the doorframe. "I assume you won?"

"She dodged," Blaise muttered, brushing himself off,  "Like a maniac," he added, his tone not entirely a complaint.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Or like someone who values personal space," she shot back, striding past him and heading for the door.

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

The Nott dining room was as grand as the rest of the mansion—high, vaulted ceilings, intricate chandeliers and a long oak table that could probably seat an entire army. Cassie slid into a seat between Theo and Blaise, immediately regretting it as the sounds of them bickering filled the space.

Blaise, naturally, reached for the toast on her plate the moment it was placed in front of her.

"Don't," Cassie warned, her tone sharp

"What? I'm hungry!" Blaise protested, his eyes wide with mock innocence.

"I don't give a damn. Touch my food again, and I'll break your hand," she said, 

Blaise blinked, his eyes widening before he pulled his hand back, slowly and with great care. Theo, on the other hand, was fighting not to laugh.

"Do you ever take a break from being terrifying?" Draco asked entering the room, 

"No," Cassie replied without hesitation, her gaze never leaving Blaise's wary expression.

"Thought so."

Pansy strolled into the room a moment later, "Why is Blaise covered in dirt?" she asked, arching a brow as she slid into the seat next to Theo.

"Cassie happened," Blaise grumbled, 

Pansy glanced at Cassie, then nodded approvingly. "Good," 

Before Cassie could respond, the door opened again,  As if on cue, a new voice cut through the morning air. "Theodore, dear, is that Cassiopeia Black?"

Cassie froze as an elderly woman appeared in the doorway, her back straight despite her years, her silver hair twisted into an elegant bun. Her piercing gaze landed on Cassie, " Cassiopeia Black, your hair, such lovely curls. You're too pale, though. Have you been eating properly?"

Cassie blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Uh, yes?"

"'Yes' isn't a proper answer," the older woman said, bustling over to her. "Draco, pass me the butter. This girl needs more on her toast."

Draco, halfway through sipping his tea, paused and gave a sidelong glance at Cassie before obliging with an exaggerated sigh.

"Really, Grandmother," Theo began,  "Cassie is perfectly fine."

"She doesn't look it," his grandmother retorted, already bustling toward Cassie.

Blaise, meanwhile, was barely containing his laughter. "This is the best breakfast I've had in weeks," he whispered to Draco, who nodded in agreement.

As Theo's grandmother spread an obscene amount of butter onto a fresh slice of toast and handed it to Cassie, she sighed dramatically. "Such a shame, wasting that Black blood with poor nutrition."

Cassie accepted the toast with a tight-lipped smile, feeling completely out of her depth.

"This isn't funny," she hissed at Theo as the older woman returned to her seat, satisfied with her work.

Theo, grinning like an idiot, leaned closer. "Oh, it's hilarious."

After breakfast, Cassie followed Theo upstairs, trying to ignore the pit in her stomach. She didn't know why, but something about being here—made her feel exposed.

"Come on, I'll show you my room," Theo said, stretching his arms overhead.

Cassie hesitated, then shrugged. "Sure. Why not?"

"Don't get lost!" Pansy called after them, smirking.

"Or do," Blaise added cheekily.

Cassie shot him a glare. "Theo, hand me one of your daggers"

Blaise jumped out of his chair, holding his hands up. "I didn't even do anything!"

"You exist. That's enough."

Theo chuckled, gesturing for her to follow him. As they climbed the stairs, his grandmother's voice floated after them.

"No running, dear!"

Theo slowed his steps, looking sheepish.

Cassie snorted. "Obedient, aren't you?"

"Shut up."

When they reached his room, Theo pushed the door open, revealing a space that was equal parts chaos and charm.

One side of the room was pristine, the bed made with military precision. The other side was an absolute disaster—clothes and books scattered everywhere. Posters of Quidditch teams lined the walls, and a Polaroid photo was pinned near the desk.

Cassie stepped closer, squinting at the photo. It was of the five of them—herself, Theo, Blaise, Draco, and Pansy—from their third year. She couldn't help but smile at the memory.

"As you can see," Theo said, gesturing toward the mess, "Blaise has been staying in my room."

"That's the messy side," Blaise announced, appearing out of nowhere. "And for the record, he spent all night cleaning his side because you were coming."

Theo groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Blaise—"

"What? It's true!"

Cassie glanced at Theo, her lips twitching. "Too much effort."

He shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed.

Pansy and Draco entered a moment later, Pansy dramatically covering her eyes. "Oh, don't mind me. I didn't see anything."

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Stop overreacting. There's nothing to see."

Theo, looking amused, glanced at her. "Nice of you to wait," he muttered as everyone crammed onto his bed like they owned the place. The mattress groaned under the weight of them, and for a moment, they all just flopped there, a pile of tangled limbs and pillows.

Blaise sprawled dramatically across the mattress, his head hanging off the edge. His hair flopped into his face, and he smirked upward. "Theo, you need a bigger bed. You're rich, for Merlin's sake. Upgrade already."

Pansy perched at the foot of the bed, crossing her legs "No one cares about your bed, Theo. What we want to know is—what's the big plan? You said this Muggle trip was going to be different."

Draco leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed,  "Yeah, Theo, enlighten us. Where exactly are we going, and why should I care?"

Theo sighed waving hsi hands dramatocaly "Alright, alright. I've done some research. We're going to a hotel."

The room fell into silence. A beat stretched longer than necessary.

"A... what?" Pansy asked, frowning as if she couldn't quite grasp the concept.

Draco raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with skepticism. "What's a hotel?"

Cassie grinned, leaning back against Theo's cluttered desk. "It's a Muggle place where people stay overnight when they're traveling. Like an inn, but... more modern."

Blaise sat up, "Wait, you mean like a giant building with rooms? Why wouldn't they just stay in their own homes?"

Theo exhaled a sigh, putting on his best patient tone. "Because, Blaise, Muggles can't Apparate. They actually have to travel—by car, train, or plane—and sometimes that takes more than a day."

Pansy snorted, barely containing her laughter. "How inefficient."

"Agreed," Draco muttered under his breath. "So, we're staying in this... hotel. Why?"

Theo grinned wider, "Because it's not just any hotel. It's in London, near the Muggle nightlife spots, shops, and even a cinema."

"A what?" Blaise blinked, confusion written all over his face.

"A place where Muggles watch moving pictures," Cassie explained, leaning forward, 

"They're called movies," Theo added, trying not to laugh.

Draco sighed dramatically, pinching the bridge of his nose in a way that was completely Draco. "This is already sounding ridiculous."

Theo threw himself back onto the bed, stretching his arms out with a nonchalant shrug. "It'll be fun. We'll blend in, experience the Muggle world, and have a laugh watching Draco struggle to act normal."

"I don't struggle," Draco snapped, his face flushing slightly. 

"Sure," Pansy said with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Sure you don't."

Blaise grinned, nudging Cassie with his elbow. "I'm in. I want to see what Muggles think counts as luxury."

Draco was still standing by the door, but now his arms were crossed even tighter, his posture defensive. "And how exactly do you plan on getting us there without looking suspicious? Or dressed like idiots?"

Theo smirkedas he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a glossy magazine. He held it up triumphantly for all to see. The cover featured a sharp-dressed man with floppy hair, round sunglasses, and a smug smirk, exuding effortless confidence. Across the top, in bold letters, it read: GQ – The Men's Fashion Issue.

"This," Theo said, shaking the magazine slightly for emphasis. "We follow this."

Draco tilted his head, frowning as he stepped closer to get a better look. "I thought I told you, I already have Muggle attire."

"And I told you," Theo replied, his grin widening, "to get the right Muggle attire, didn't I?"

Draco's frown deepened. "What's wrong with what I have? It's tasteful. Sophisticated."

Cassie, who had been quietly watching from her perch near Theo's desk, burst into laughter. "Sophisticated?" she repeated, her voice dripping with mockery. "Draco, what exactly are you planning to wear? A three-piece suit? Maybe a cravat?"

Draco straightened defensively, his expression turning indignant. "Mine doesn't exactly look like that," he admitted grudgingly, nodding toward the magazine. "But I've got suits. Suits are timeless. Muggles wear suits too, don't they?"

"They do," Theo said, flipping open the magazine to a spread of effortlessly casual looks. He turned it around, pointing to an ensemble featuring a denim jacket, a plaid shirt layered over a plain tee, and loose-fit jeans tucked into rugged leather boots. "But not everywhere, mate. Look at this—this is what we're aiming for. Relaxed, modern. Not like you're about to sign a merger deal."

Cassie snorted, leaning back with a smirk. "Yeah, Draco. Unless the Muggle trip involves a corporate conference, you're going to stick out like a sore thumb."

Draco's jaw tightened, and his gaze flicked between Theo and the magazine. "I am not wearing that. I'd look ridiculous."

"You'll look like you belong," Theo countered "Which is kind of the point, isn't it?"

Draco's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly unconvinced. "I'm not prancing around London looking like some sort of lumberjack."

Pansy let out a low laugh, shaking her head. "You're hopeless."

Blaise, who had been lounging lazily on Theo's bed, chimed in with a grin. "Honestly, I can't wait to see him in a plaid shirt. Someone better take a picture."

Draco shot him a withering glare. "Not happening."

Cassie yawned, stretching lazily as if his dramatics were the most exhausting thing she'd witnessed all day. "Ah, well, until Draco finishes sulking over his tragic fashion fate, I think Pansy and I will retire for the night. We've got an early start tomorrow anyway."

Pansy, already halfway to the door, turned. "For once, I agree with you, Cass. Let the boys sort out their wardrobe crisis."

Blaise, still lounging on Theo's bed, grinned cheerfully. "Goodnight, Cassie!"

Cassie paused in the doorway and turned her head slightly, her voice flat as she said, "Hope you survive the night."

Blaise blinked, unsure whether she was joking, but managed a sheepish grin. "That works too," he said, raising a hand in mock salute.

Theo snorted softly, amused as usual, but his gaze lingered on Cassie as she walked out. Her movements were  fluid, like she owned the world without even trying. His eyes traced the curve of her silhouette as it disappeared into the hallway, his thoughts drifting somewhere far from the their trip planning.

"Oi." Blaise's voice cut into the quiet moment, and Theo blinked, breaking out of his trance. Blaise had nudged Draco with his elbow, grinning knowingly. "Your mate here's gawking at your sister."

Draco immediately smackedTheo's arm, hard enough to make the other boy wince and flinch away. "Stop gawking at my sister," he snapped

Theo, for his part, merely smirked, running a hand through his hair in a failed attempt to look nonchalant. "I wasn't gawking," he said smoothly, though the faint flush creeping up his neck betrayed him.

"Sure, you weren't," Blaise said, rubbing his arm and shooting Theo a teasing glance. "You're just fascinated by the... hallway?"

"Shut up, Blaise," Theo muttered,

Draco's glare bounced between the two of them. "I swear, if any of you—"

"Relax, Malfoy," Theo interrupted, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Cassie's perfectly capable of murdering me herself if she finds me intolerable."

"She might actually do it," Blaise added with a grin. "I mean, she did tell me to survive the night."

Draco groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Merlin, why do I put up with you lot?"

Theo leaned back against his desk with a smug grin. "Because you'd be unbearably boring without us."

Blaise snickered, and Draco scowled, but he didn't argue. Theo's thoughts, however, drifted once more to Cassie, and for a fleeting moment, he wondered if she ever noticed how often she lingered in his mind.

*************************
*************************
next morning
************************

Cassie twitched slightly, her eyes snapping open as she jolted awake. Her room was dim, the early morning light barely creeping through the curtains. She glanced around, her breathing uneven, as her mind raced to ground itself. The same old nightmare again making no sense  Sleep had been scarce these days, and whatever rest she managed to steal was never enough.

Pansy was still sound asleep next to her, snoring softly, her face half-buried in the pillow. Cassie sat up slowly, rubbing her temples,  Her head felt heavy, but she pushed the sensation aside. No point dwelling on it.

The creak of the bedroom door drew her attention, and Cassie turned her head slightly, spotting Theo's grandmother peeking in. The old woman's kind face lit up when she saw Cassie awake.

"Are you awake, dear?" she asked softly. "I just got the boys up. They're grumbling as usual."

Cassie nodded, her voice still low and flat from sleep. "Yeah, I'm up. Don't worry, I'll get Pansy up too." She didn't bother turning all the way around, her attention already drifting back to the clock on the wall. It was too early, yet not early enough.

With a small smile and a nod, the grandmother closed the door gently, leaving Cassie alone again with Pansy's soft snoring. Cassie let out a breath, grabbed the pillow beside her, and without hesitation, swung it hard against Pansy's head.

Pansy let out a startled gasp, sitting bolt upright as she flailed her arms. "What—what the bloody hell?!" she spluttered, looking wildly around.

"Wake up," Cassie said flatly, already sliding out of bed and stretching as she padded across the room toward the bathroom.

"That is no way to wake someone up!" Pansy protested indignantly, clutching the pillow against her chest. "Merlin's beard, Cassie, have you no decency?"

Cassie shrugged, pulling her hair into a messy bun as she opened the bathroom door. "You're awake, aren't you?" she said, her tone utterly unapologetic. Without waiting for a response, she stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

Pansy groaned dramatically, flopping back onto the bed. "She's insufferable," she muttered to herself, though there was no real malice in her tone. With a resigned sigh, she began to drag herself out of bed.

By the time Cassie emerged from the bathroom, dressed and with her damp hair combed back, Pansy had managed to pull herself together, albeit grudgingly. The two girls made their way downstairs to find the boys already in the dining room, bickering over breakfast.

"Ah, look who finally decided to join us," Theo said as Cassie and Pansy entered the room. He raised his mug in mock salute. "Morning, ladies."

"Don't 'morning, ladies' me," Pansy grumbled, collapsing into the chair next to Blaise. "I was attacked this morning. With a pillow."

Cassie ignored her, grabbing a piece of toast and biting into it without a word.

"Sounds like you deserved it," Blaise said,

Draco shot him a look. "Don't encourage her."

Theo chuckled, his eyes flicking to Cassie. "How did you sleep?"

"Barely," she replied curtly

"Well, lucky for you, we'll be traveling soon," Theo said, leaning forward with a grin. "That'll keep your mind off things."

"Speaking of which," Draco interjected, his tone exasperated, "how exactly are we traveling? I still haven't gotten a straight answer."

Theo's grin widened. "Oh, you'll love this. We're taking a Portkey to something called a subway."

Draco blinked, looking completely lost. "A subway? What in Merlin's name is that?"

"It's like an underground train," Theo explained, gesturing vaguely. "Muggles use it to get around the city."

Draco looked horrified. "We're going underground? With Muggles?"

"Yep," Theo said cheerfully. "And it's going to be packed, noisy, and probably smelly. Welcome to the Muggle experience."

"I'm not going," Draco announced, crossing his arms.

Cassie rolled her eyes as she grabbed another piece of toast. "Yes, you are. Stop being dramatic."

Draco scowled, muttering something under his breath about Theo's terrible ideas.

"Don't worry, Malfoy," Blaise said, smirking. "I'm sure you'll survive. Unless the Muggles decide to eat you or something."

Draco shot him a glare. "That's not funny."

"Oh, it's a little funny," Pansy chimed in, her mood improving now that she had a cup of tea in hand.

Theo clapped his hands together, cutting through the banter. "Alright, everyone, finish up. We leave in twenty minutes. Get in your muggle fits, Grab your stuff and don't forget the essentials."

Draco groaned, but before he could retort, Theo was already bounding toward the hall. "Fifteen minutes, people!" he called over his shoulder.

As the group dispersed to grab their things, Cassie couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at the chaos surrounding her. This trip was already shaping up to be... interesting

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

Cassie was the first to arrive, standing near the front door, tugging slightly at the hem of her navy-blue tank top. It was snug, perfectly fitted, and paired with baggy jeans that hung low on her hips in a way that made her leather jacket—pull the whole look together effortlessly. Her dark curls, for once, looked almost manageable, washed and tamed into loose waves that framed her face in a way that was infuriatingly casual but striking all the same. She leaned against the doorframe,, her sharp eyes flicked to the others as they trickled into the foyer.

Pansy arrived next, looking put-together as always. She'd opted for a plain white top tucked neatly into a denim skirt that stopped at her knees Her hair was straightened to perfection, not a strand out of place, Pansy gave Cassie an approving glance but didn't comment, too busy double-checking her lipstick in a pocket mirror.

The boys, on the other hand, were... a mixed bag.

Theo appeared first, his look annoyingly stylish. He wore a dark green Henley that clung just enough to his lean frame, paired with black ripped jeans and a pair of scuffed brown boots his dark hair slightly tousled in a way that seemed intentional. Cassie's eyes flicked to him briefly before looking away just as quickly.

Blaise was next, dressed like he'd walked off the set of a Muggle fashion ad. A crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with slim-fit navy trousers and white sneakers that somehow managed to look expensive. He had a thin silver chain around his neck and a pair of dark sunglasses perched on his head, looking like he was ready for a yacht party.

Then came Draco, who clearly struggled the most with his outfit. He wore a navy-blue sweater layered over a white shirt, the collar poking out neatly at the top. His jeans were dark and tailored, and his shoes were polished loafers He carried himself stiffly, as if the idea of wearing something so casual was physically painful.'

Cassie snorted, glancing at his shoes. "Loafers, really? Did you think we were going to brunch at a manor?"

Draco scowled. "I'm dressed perfectly fine."

"You look like a professor," Blaise teased as he adjusted his sunglasses.

"Better than looking like you're headed to a Muggle beach club," Draco shot back.

Theo stepped between them, hands raised. "Alright, alright, let's focus. Everyone looks... acceptable."

Cassie raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "High praise coming from you, Nott."

Theo just grinned, his gaze lingering on her for a fraction of a second longer than necessary. "What can I say? I've got a discerning eye."

Draco caught the look and immediately muttered, "Merlin, Theo, could you not?"

"What?" Theo asked innocently

"Focus," Cassie cut in, rolling her eyes. "Are we ready, or are we standing here all day admiring ourselves?"

Theo clapped his hands together. "Portkey's ready in the living room. Let's move, people."

Pansy sighed, brushing past Blaise, who grinned and leaned toward her ear. "You should tell Draco loafers are banned. Might improve his mood."

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

"What on earth possessed us to do this?" Pansy asked, leaning back in her seat and glaring at the world speeding by through the train window.

Blaise was busy leaning over the refreshments trolley, shamelessly flirting with the lady manning it. His supposed interest in her was clearly just an excuse to watch the hot chocolate machine whir and hiss like some kind of miniature steam engine. Cassie, sitting across from Pansy, raised an eyebrow.

"Blaise might be the first wizard in history to seduce someone for the sake of a beverage," Cassie muttered.

Theo, sitting next to her, snorted. "Not just any beverage. Train hot chocolate. 

"I don't believe it does that without magic," Draco announced loudly from his seat, arms crossed in annoyance as he stared at the trolley.

The refreshments lady, who had been subjected to this nonsense for at least five minutes now, looked visibly confused. "I'm sorry, what?"

"That thing," Draco said, gesturing at the machine with the disdain of someone pointing at a dragon dung heap. "How does it make drinks without magic?"

"It has to be magic," Cassie interjected, her tone dripping with outrage. "Things don't just run without magic. Admit it—you lot nicked it from us."

The poor refreshments lady blinked, clutching the trolley as though unsure if this was some kind of prank or if she'd stumbled into a very weird cult.

Theo sighed heavily, leaning back in his seat. "Ignore them. They don't get out much." He turned to Draco and Cassie, exasperated. "It's electricity. You know, that thing where Muggles harness lightning and stick it in wires."

Cassie squinted suspiciously at the hot chocolate machine. "Sounds like the kind of mental thing Muggles would do. Catch lightning, put it in a box, and then force it to make beverages."

"Sounds like a fire hazard," Blaise added, finally turning his attention back to the group. He glanced at the machine, then at the refreshments lady, and grinned. "Will it blow something up, Theo? Can I have a cup?"

Reaching into his pocket, Blaise pulled out a handful of coins—Galleons, Sickles, Knuts, and a smattering of random Muggle change. He held them out to the lady, looking extremely pleased with himself. "Which one do you want?"

She stared at the jumble of coins as if he'd just handed her a handful of buttons and lint.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake." Theo reached over and picked out the correct Muggle coins, handing them to the lady. "Two hot chocolates. Please."

"You can't just say stuff like that in front of innocent Muggles," Theo scolded the group as the refreshments lady handed them their drinks and scurried off down the aisle, clearly questioning her career choices.

Cassie, completely unrepentant, took a sip of her drink and grimaced. "This tastes vile."

"It's train hot chocolate," Theo replied, shrugging. "It's supposed to taste vile."

"Then why did we get it?"

"Because you wanted to see if the machine would explode."

Cassie opened her mouth to argue but shut it again because, well, he wasn't wrong.

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

Things didn't get better once they left the train.

Cassie stopped dead the moment they exited the station, gaping at the sheer chaos of Muggle London. Cars honked, pedestrians weaved through each other, and the buzz of the city was so loud it felt like it had its own pulse.

"Is that... lightning in a stick?" Pansy whispered, staring at a streetlamp.

"That's a traffic light," Theo corrected, rolling his eyes.

Cassie barely heard him, too busy gawking at a vending machine on the corner. She watched a Muggle press a few buttons, insert some coins, and—clunk!—a soda can dropped into the tray below.

"No magic," she muttered. "How the hell—"

"It's mental, isn't it?" Blaise said, grinning.

They continued down the street, where a television in a shop window stopped them in their tracks. It was playing an old black-and-white film of two Muggles dancing.

"Alright, I have questions," Draco announced. "How does that work? Moving pictures without magic? Do they trap tiny people in there?"

Theo groaned. "It's called a television. They're not real people."

Draco tilted his head. "Then what's the point?"

Before Theo could answer, the loud roar of an engine made them all jump. A sleek motorbike came to a screeching stop right next to them, its rider clad in black leather.

Cassie took a step back, eyes wide as the man dismounted, pulled off his helmet, and glared at them before heading into a nearby shop.

"What the hell is that thing?" she asked, her voice full of awe.

"It's a motorbike," Theo said, clearly losing patience. "Honestly, don't you lot know anything?"

"How fast does it go?" Cassie's eyes stayed glued to the bike, fascinated

"I dunno," Theo replied. "Fast enough. You want to get to the hotel now, or are we setting up camp here?"

Before Cassie could answer, the man emerged from the shop, now holding a pack of cigarettes. He shoved them into his pocket, gave the group another suspicious glare, and swung back onto the bike. The engine roared as he sped off down the street, leaving behind a cloud of exhaust.

"I think I'm in love," Cassie said dreamily.

Blaise wrinkled his nose. "With him? Cass, he was, like, 60."

She shot him a glare. "I meant the bike, Blaise."

"Of course you did," Theo said, shaking his head

"Alright, lovebirds," Draco drawled, gesturing toward the street. "How are we getting to this Muggle inn or whatever it is?"

"It's called a hotel,"

"we're taking the cab , Prepare to be amazed—or horrified."

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

"What in Merlin's name is this contraption?" Draco demanded as the yellow cab screeched to a halt in front of them. He eyed the vehicle like it might grow teeth and attack him.

"It's a cab," Theo said with a long-suffering sigh. "You know, a Muggle taxi?"

Cassie squinted at the car. "So... we just... get in? Do we have to do anything, or does it... fly?"

"It drives. On wheels. Like a cart. You've read about carts, right?"

"I didn't think Muggles actually used them!" Cassie snapped.

The cab driver rolled down the window and stuck his head out, clearly unimpressed with their dawdling. "You lot getting in or what?"

"Apparently," Blaise muttered.

Theo opened the door, but the sight of the cab's interior made Draco freeze. "We're all supposed to fit in that?"

"Of course," Theo said, gesturing impatiently. "Just get in."

With some grumbling, they began piling into the cab. Draco was first, sliding as far over as he could go, followed by Blaise, who immediately complained that Draco was taking up too much room. Pansy was next, but when Cassie tried to follow, the driver held up a hand.

"Woah, woah, only four in the back."

"Four?!" Pansy exclaimed. "What are we supposed to do, sit on each other?"

"Looks like it," Theo said, smirking as he climbed into the front seat.

"Absolutely not! " Pansy protested, glaring at Theo.

"Then you can walk to the hotel," Theo replied, clearly enjoying himself.

With a dramatic sigh, Pansy plopped herself onto Cassie's lap, 

"Oi, don't scuff the leather," the cab driver grumbled, glancing at them in the rearview mirror.

"I'll give you leather," Cassie muttered under her breath, earning a snicker from Blaise.

Theo, meanwhile, looked far too pleased with the chaos unfolding in the backseat. "Everyone settled?"

"No," Cassie and Draco said in unison.

"Good enough," Theo replied cheerfully. "Driver, the hotel, please."
**********************

The cab ride itself was nothing short of an ordeal. Cassie was fairly certain she had permanent bruises on her thighs from Pansy's bony knees, while Draco spent most of the ride muttering about how the cab smelled like "Muggle sweat and despair."

Blaise, on the other hand, leaned out the window like an overexcited Crup, marveling at the city lights. "Look at that! What's that? Is that a giant Muggle picture book?"

"That's a billboard," Theo said.

"It moves!" Blaise exclaimed.

"Yes, Blaise, it's enchanted—oh wait, no, it's electricity."

By the time they arrived at the hotel, the driver looked like he was considering retirement.
****************************

As they piled out of the cab, Theo paid the driver, who didn't bother to hide his relief at their departure. The hotel loomed above them, all glittering lights and polished stone.

"Fancy," Blaise said, looking up at the grand entrance.

"Let's just get inside before someone decides we're loitering," Cassie muttered, hoisting her bag over her shoulder.

The moment they stepped through the revolving doors, a porter in a neat uniform approached them. He had a bright smile and a well-practiced charm that he directed entirely at Cassie.

"Good evening, miss," he said, tipping his hat. "May I take your bags for you?"

Cassie blinked at him, clearly unimpressed. "I've got it, thanks."

"Are you sure? A delicate girl like you shouldnt be-

"I said, I've got it," she repeated, lifting her bag effortlessly.

The porter's smile faltered for a moment, but he recovered quickly. "Well, if you need anything, just let me know."

As he walked away, Theo leaned closer to Cassie, his jaw tight. "He was flirting with you."

"No, he wasn't," Cassie replied, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, he was," Theo insisted.

"And I didn't care," she shot back.

Theo grumbled something under his breath, but before he could say more, Draco cut in. "Can we just get the room keys and move on? I'm exhausted."

At the front desk, the receptionist greeted them with a bright smile. "Welcome! Do you have a reservation?"

Theo stepped forward, pulling out the booking information. "Yes, it's under Nott."

The receptionist typed something into her computer, her nails clicking against the keyboard. "Ah, here we are. Two rooms?"

"Two?" Draco asked, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean, two?"

"You'll be sharing," Theo said, smirking.

"What?" Pansy and Draco said in unison.

"I'm not sharing with her," Draco added, pointing at Pansy.

"Relax," Theo said. "It's two people per room. Cassie, Pansy, you're together. Blaise, Draco, you're with me."

"That's three people," Draco pointed out.

"Yeah, well, you're the smallest, so you're on the floor," Theo replied.

"I am not—"

Cassie sighed, grabbing her key. "I'm going to the room. Pansy, let's go before I end up murdering someone in the lobby."

"Fine," Pansy muttered, following her.

As they walked away, Blaise grinned at Theo. "Think she's mad?"

"She's always mad," Theo replied, shaking his head. "Let's just hope the hotel doesn't regret letting us stay here."

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

As soon as they opened the door to their hotel room, a collective silence fell over the group.

Cassie stepped in first, her boots thudding softly on the plush carpet. She blinked, taking in the sight before her—a neatly made double bed with crisp white sheets, a small but polished desk tucked against the wall, and a flat-screen television mounted above it. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and soft yellow lighting cast a cozy glow.

"This... doesn't look awful," Cassie said cautiously, glancing around as if expecting the room to bite her.

Pansy brushed past her, making a beeline for the bed. "Dibs on this side," she declared, flopping down dramatically. "Oh, Merlin, this is divine. It's like lying on a cloud."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "You've slept on clouds?"

"No, but if I had, this is what it would feel like," Pansy replied, wiggling to get comfortable.

Theo strolled in behind them, his hands casually shoved in his pockets. "Not bad for Muggle accommodations," he remarked, glancing around. He nudged Blaise, who was lingering in the doorway. "What do you think?"

Blaise tilted his head, clearly unimpressed. "It's a bit small, isn't it? And where's the chandelier?"

"It's a hotel room, Blaise, not our Manors," Theo said, rolling his eyes.

Draco, who had finally stepped inside, crossed his arms and looked around with a frown. "It's... clean."

"That's your observation? It's clean?" Cassie asked, 

"Well, I was expecting worse," Draco admitted begrudgingly, running a finger along the edge of the television. "What's this supposed to be?"

"A television," Theo answered, walking over and picking up the remote. He pointed it at the screen and pressed a button.

Cassie nearly jumped as the screen flickered to life, showing a brightly colored Muggle advertisement. "Fucking hell! What is that?"

"It's how Muggles watch their entertainment," Theo explained, flipping through channels. "Movies, news, shows..."

Pansy propped herself up on her elbows, staring at the screen. "It moves without magic?"

"Yes, Pansy," Theo said patiently.

"That's unsettling," Blaise muttered, eyeing the television like it might explode.

Cassie, meanwhile, wandered into the bathroom. "Oi, Pansy, come look at this!"

"What?" Pansy groaned, dragging herself off the bed.

Cassie gestured to the row of tiny bottles lined up on the sink. "Look! Muggles shrink their toiletries!"

Pansy picked up a miniature shampoo bottle and turned it over in her hands. "Why is it so small? Do they not bathe properly?"

Theo leaned against the doorframe, watching them with an amused expression. "It's complimentary. They're for one or two uses."

"That's stupid," Pansy declared, tossing the bottle back onto the counter.

Cassie shrugged. "At least it smells nice." She picked up a bar of soap, sniffed it, and made a face. "Okay, maybe not."

Back in the main room, Blaise had already sprawled across the other bed, kicking off his shoes and sighing contentedly. "I could get used to this."

"You're not even staying in this room," Cassie pointed out as she emerged from the bathroom.

"Details," Blaise said, waving her off.

Theo checked his watch. "Alright, settle in. We'll meet back here in an hour to go over the plan for tonight."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "And if we don't?"

"Then I'll come drag you out myself," Theo replied, 

"I'd like to see you try," Cassie shot back, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips as she grabbed her bag and flopped down onto her designated side of the bed.

Draco sighed loudly. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the other room, contemplating why I agreed to this insanity."

"Because you'd be lost without us," Blaise said, grinning.

Draco sniffed. "Hardly." But he didn't argue further as he followed Theo and Blaise out the door, leaving Cassie and Pansy alone to properly unpack.

"First impressions?" Pansy asked, lying back on the bed with a smirk.

Cassie shrugged. "It's not the Manor, but it'll do."

"That's high praise coming from you."

"Don't push it, Parkinson."

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

An hour late teh girls endedup going to the boys room Cassie lounged on Theo's bed, flicking idly through one of the hotel brochures 

"So what's the plan?" Blaise finally asked, . "We didn't come all the way to London to sit around and admire the wallpaper."

Theo smirked  snatching the brochure from Cassie's hands and holding it up triumphantly. "There's a nightclub a couple of blocks away—drinks, music, dancing, the whole package."

Cassie arched a brow, her tone skeptical. "And what makes you think they'll admit a bunch of teenagers?"

"This," Theo said with a cocky grin, pulling a small stack of laminated fake id cards from his pocket.

Cassie snorted as he handed them out, inspecting hers with a derisive laugh. "Cassandra? Very original, Theo."

"Like anyone's actually going to care," Theo shot back, rolling his eyes. "We all look older than our age anyway. Well... except Pansy."

"Excuse me?" Pansy shrieked, grabbing a pillow from the chair and smacking him squarely in the chest.

Theo ducked, laughing as he dodged the second hit. "Alright, alright, I take it back!"

Draco inspected his fake ID, his expression dubious. "This feels ridiculous. If anyone figures out we're not actually of age—"

"No one's going to figure it out," Blaise cut in, already on his feet and grinning. "Relax, Malfoy. Just enjoy yourself for once."

Cassie rolled her eyes but stood as well, stretching lazily. "Fine. Let's get this over with. But if we're doing this, I'm not walking in there looking like this."

Pansy brightened immediately. "Oh, we're doing outfits. Good."

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

The group reassembled in the hotel hallway half an hour later, their outfits a far cry from the casual wear they'd sported earlier.

Cassie was a sight in a sleek violet corset-style top with lace detailing, paired with tight leather pants that clung to her figure like a second skin. Her heeled boots added a few inches to her height, and her curls—freshly touched up—framed her face in perfect waves.Over it all, she draped a cropped leather jacket, Her deep red lipstick was the finishing touch, 

Pansy had opted for a tight navy skirt that barely skimmed her thighs, paired with a glittering silver crop top 

Theo kept it simple yet devastatingly effective: a fitted black shirt with the top few buttons undone, dark jeans that sat just right on his hips, and sleek leather boots. Blaise on the other hand wore a burgundy velvet blazer over a black turtleneck, paired with tailored trousers.

Draco, despite his initial protests, looked annoyingly good in a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and black jeans His platinum hair was slightly tousled, giving him an air of careless elegance.

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

The nightclub hit them like a wall. As soon as the group stepped inside, they were bombarded by flashing  lights, deafening music, and a haze of sweat and alcohol that hung thick in the air.

"Merlin's bloody beard," Draco muttered, stepping back as if he'd been physically attacked. "What is this place?"

"It's called a club, Malfoy," Theo said as he adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. "You'd know that if you ever did anything remotely fun."

Cassie shot Theo a look. "Even I wouldn't call this fun," she said dryly, glancing at the heaving crowd of sweaty bodies on the dance floor.

Pansy, undeterred, tugged on Cassie's arm. "Oh, come on, Cass, we look amazing, and we're here now. Let's at least get a drink."

Cassie shrugged, letting herself be dragged toward the bar, where Blaise was already chatting up the bartender, his charming smile firmly in place.

"Four shots of something strong," Blaise said, sliding some money across the counter.

The bartender raised a brow. "ID?"

Theo stepped in smoothly, flashing his fake card with a confident grin. "Here you go, mate. Cassandra here is a lightweight, so go easy on her."

Cassie smacked Theo's arm. " You're never living this down." she muttered

"Better than Draco's ID," Blaise chimed in, laughing. "His says David Malford."

Draco glared at him, his ears turning red. "It's not like I had a choice!"

The bartender, apparently satisfied, handed over their drinks. Cassie inspected the shot glass with a skeptical expression before raising it. "To Theo's ridiculous plans," 

"To Blaise's terrible flirting," Theo countered, clinking his glass against hers.

"And to Draco's face when he realizes the dance floor is non-negotiable," Pansy added with a wicked grin.

Draco froze, mid-sip. "What?"

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

The drinks didn't help Draco's mood much, but they loosened the rest of the group right up.

Before long, Blaise and Pansy were on the dance floor, twirling each other around dramatically. Pansy's sequined top glittered under the club lights, and Blaise managed to charm at least three strangers into joining their impromptu dance circle.

Draco sulked by the bar, glaring at anyone who came too close, while Cassie leaned against the counter, sipping her second drink and surveying the chaos with amusement.

"Enjoying yourself?" Theo's voice came from behind her.

Cassie turned, raising a brow. "Define 'enjoying.'"

Theo chuckled, stepping closer.  "You're holding up the bar like it's your job. Not much of a party mood?"

Cassie shrugged, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "It's just a lot. The noise, the people..."

"The fake names," Theo added with a smirk.

Cassie rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "That too."

A sudden shout of laughter drew their attention to Blaise, who was now trying to teach Pansy some ridiculous dance move involving a lot of arm flailing. Pansy looked absolutely mortified, which only made Blaise laugh harder.

Cassie snorted. "And that's why I'm over here."

Theo grinned. "Fair point. Come on."

"What?"

"I'm rescuing you," he said, grabbing her hand.

Cassie hesitated for a moment before letting him pull her through the crowd. He didn't stop on the dance floor, though—instead, he led her toward a quieter corner near the back of the club, away from the worst of the chaos.

Cassie leaned against the wall, crossing her arms as she looked up at him. "What's this, then? Some grand gesture?"

Theo leaned one arm against the wall beside her, his face inches from hers. "You looked like you were about to hex someone back there."

"Tempting," she admitted, her lips twitching. "But I left my wand at the hotel."

"Well, that's a shame," Theo said, his voice low. "You'd look pretty hot throwing hexes in that outfit."

Cassie raised a brow, her tone dry. "Careful, Nott. You're dangerously close to sounding sincere."

Theo smirked, stepping back just enough to let her breathe. "Can't have that, can we?"

The music thumped louder, and the bass seemed to vibrate in Cassie's chest as Blaise let out a whoop, waving Theo and Cassie toward the dance floor.

"I bet Cassie's a better dancer!" Blaise shouted over the music, his voice carrying just enough to catch Theo's attention.

Theo raised a brow, crossing his arms smugly. "No, she's not."

Cassie, who was nursing the last of her drink and looking slightly flushed, turned her head sharply. "Oh yes, I am, mister," she said,

Blaise smirked, nudging Pansy. "Now she's got something to prove."

Cassie stepped closer to Theo, her dark curls bouncing as she tilted her head, a challenging glint in her eyes. "You saw me at the Yule Ball, didn't you?"

Theo's jaw tightened, his expression flickering for a moment. "Yeah, I saw you."

"And?" Cassie pressed, clearly enjoying the upper hand.

"I didn't get a dance that night," Theo admitted, his tone quieter, almost sulking.

"Well," Cassie said, reaching out to tug at the collar of his shirt with a smirk. "You'll get one now."

Pansy, standing just behind them, squealed and clapped her hands together. spinning toward Blaise. "Can you believe Cassie is actually joining us?"

Draco, leaning against the bar and still nursing a drink, groaned. "Merlin help us all."

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

Cassie wasn't sure what possessed her as she pulled Theo onto the dance floor, but the rush of the moment made her giddy. The beat of the music was infectious—fast, pulsing, and chaotic, with a heavy guitar riff that made Blaise cheer loudly.

"What is this?" Draco asked from the sidelines, recoiling as Blaise grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him onto the floor.

"It's Nirvana!" Pansy shouted back. "Come on, Malfoy, live a little!"

Cassie didn't have time to hear Draco's grumbled retort because Theo spun her suddenly, his hands settling lightly on her hips as the two of them found the rhythm.

"Alright, Cassandra," he said, leaning closer so she could hear him over the music. "Prove it. Show me you're a better dancer."

Cassie's eyes narrowed, but the challenge made her grin. "Watch and learn, Nott."

She stepped closer, closing the space between them as she moved her body to the beat. Theo's eyes darkened as he watched her, the corner of his mouth twitching in a half-smile.

"You're not bad," he said, his voice low.

"I'm amazing," Cassie corrected, twirling away from him just to make him chase her.

And chase her he did. Theo grabbed her hand and spun her back toward him, their bodies colliding lightly. The neon lights from the club flickered across his face, making his features look sharper, his smirk even more attractive.

His gaze dropped to her lips for a split second, and Cassie's breath caught,

"Oi, lovebirds!" Blaise's voice broke through the moment, making them both pull back slightly.

Cassie turned to glare at Blaise, who was now dancing dramatically with Pansy Cassie found herself swept into Blaise's utterly ridiculous dancing.

"Come on, Cass!" Blaise called out, twirling like an overzealous ballerina. Cassie couldn't help but laugh as she mimicked his moves, the two of them looking more absurd by the second. Even Pansy joined in, throwing her hands up dramatically and laughing.

"Alright, alright," Cassie said, catching her breath, her curls bouncing as she moved to the rhythm.

But then she noticed a man, tall and greasy-looking, sidling up to Pansy. as he placed a hand on her waist and leaned in,

Pansy immediately stiffened, trying to step away, but the man didn't take the hint. "What's your hurry, sweetheart?" he drawled, gripping her wrist.

Cassie's eyes darkened, her playful grin vanishing. She stormed over, shoving herself between Pansy and the creep, her expression dangerous.

"Back. Off," Cassie snarled, 

The man raised an eyebrow, clearly not taking her seriously. "What's your problem, sweetheart? Just having a bit of fun."

"Touch her again," Cassie said,, "and I'll make sure you regret it."

The guy's smirk faded as he straightened up, his face hardening. "You've got a real attitude problem, don't you?" he slurred- clearly over drunk

Before anyone could react, he lunged at her, his fist aiming for her face. But Cassie moved faster, dodging the punch with ease and delivering a swift, brutal kick to his groin. The man doubled over with a loud groan, his face contorted in pain.

"Guess that's what happens when you mess with the wrong girl," Cassie said flatly, brushing imaginary dust off her shoulder.

"Cassie!" Theo called, rushing toward her as Blaise and Draco quickly joined.

Unfortunately, the commotion had drawn attention, and the guy's friends—three equally rough-looking men—were already making their way over.

"Oh, brilliant," Blaise muttered. "Now it's a party."

One of the men pointed angrily at Cassie. "You think you can just kick my mate and get away with it?"

Theo stepped forward immediately "She didn't think. She did. Maybe you should teach your friend some manners."

"Or maybe we should teach you," the guy snapped, his hands balling into fists.

Blaise cracked his knuckles dramatically. "Alright, mate. Let's see you try."

Draco, standing off to the side, rolled his eyes. "Oh, for Merlin's sake. Can we just avoid a scene for once?"

But the scene was unavoidable. The guy lunged, and chaos erupted. Blaise tackled one of the men, and Theo grabbed another, his punch landing squarely on the guy's jaw.

Cassie, meanwhile, pulled back, her hand reaching instinctively for her dagger. In one swift motion, she unsheathed it, the blade gleaming under the club's neon lights. She pointed it directly at the man who had started the fight, her expression deadly serious.

"Do you really want to keep going?" she asked, her voice low and chilling.

The man froze, his eyes wide as he stared at the blade. But before anything else could happen, the club's security stormed in, shoving through the crowd.

"Whoa, whoa! MIss! No weapons allowed!" one of the guards barked, his eyes locking on the dagger.

Cassie reluctantly lowered the blade but didn't sheath it. "Maybe you should enforce that rule on creeps first," she snapped, gesturing toward the man who was still recovering from her earlier kick.

The crowd, now fully focused on the drama, began whispering and gasping, their attention fixed on Cassie and her group.

The guard shook his head. "Doesn't matter. You lot are out. Now."

"Fantastic," Draco muttered, 

Theo grabbed Cassie's wrist, gently prying the dagger from her hand. "Let's go before they call the Muggle police," he said, his voice low

Cassie huffed but didn't argue, slipping the dagger back into its hidden sheath.

As they were escorted out of the club, Blaise grinned. "Well, that was fun. Let's do it again sometime."

Theo gave him a flat look. "Maybe without the weapons next time?"

Cassie shrugged.

The flickering neon lights of the club cast long shadows on the pavement as the group stepped into the cool night air. Cassie kicked a loose pebble, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her leather pants. As they walked, her eyes landed on a sleek black motorbike parked just outside the club..ignoring the guy on it.

Her lips curved into a mischievous grin. "Oh, look at that Muggle bike," she drawled, tilting her head. "Let's take it."

Theo froze mid-step, turning to look at her as though she'd just suggested they rob Gringotts. "First of all, that's stealing. Second, you don't even know how to ride it."

Cassie snorted, her grin widening. "Muggles do it all the time. How hard can it be?"

Blaise laughed nervously, sensing where this was going. "Cassie, no. Absolutely not. Let's just go back to the hotel and—"

"Oh, come on," she cut him off, already heading toward the bike, her boots clicking against the pavement. "We're not walking all the way back. Now, just to get that guy off—"

She nodded toward the bike's owner, a burly man in a leather jacket, casually smoking a cigarette nearby.

"Blaise, act like a robber or something," she said casually, gesturing for him to step forward.

"What? No!" Blaise hissed, his eyes widening. "Are you insane? Actually, don't answer that. We're not stealing a bloody motorbike!"

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll do it myself."

"Watch and learn, boys."

Before anyone could stop her, she sauntered over to the man, 

"Hey," she said, her voice smooth as silk.

The man glanced up, clearly surprised. "Uh, hey?"

"Nice bike," she said, running a hand lightly along the handlebars. "How fast does it go?"

He blinked, caught off guard by her sudden interest. "Pretty fast," he said, puffing on his cigarette. "You into bikes?"

"Absolutely," Cassie lied effortlessly, flashing him a flirty smile. "But I've never had the chance to ride one. Think you could show me how it's done?"

Theo, watching from a distance, muttered under his breath, "I can't believe this is actually working."

Draco sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is ridiculous."

The man grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. "I'd have to say no to letting a stranger ride my bike, but I could take you for a spin."

Cassie's smirk faltered slightly, her sharp eyes narrowing ever so subtly. "Tempting," she drawled, taking a step closer to the sleek, midnight-black motorcycle. "But I'd rather you just tell me how it works."

The man raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as he leaned casually against the handlebars. "What's the fun in that? It's better if I show you."

"I'm more of a hands-on learner," Cassie replied smoothly, 

He tilted his head, clearly amused but not fully understanding the edge behind her words. "Alright, then. You've got your clutch here on the left," he began, gesturing to the lever. "The throttle's on the right handle—give it a twist to rev the engine. Gears are controlled by the pedal down there—one down, the rest up. You'll want to balance the clutch and throttle to get moving."

Cassie's gaze followed his hand as he pointed to the various parts, her expression unreadable. She nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Seems simple enough."

The man laughed, . "Yeah, simple. But trust me, you don't want to try it without practice. I've seen enough people crash trying to show off."

"Oh, I won't crash," Cassie said softly,

The man blinked, his grin faltering slightly as he noticed the sudden shift in her tone. "Uh, I mean, that's good, but—"

"I'm afraid I'll have to take it from you now," Cassie interrupted, pulling a dagger from the inside of her leather jacket.

The man froze like a deer in headlights, his eyes darting between Cassie's dagger and her unwavering, cold stare. He looked utterly bewildered, the kind of guy who probably thought he'd only need to worry about drunks outside a nightclub—not a leather-jacket-clad teenager holding him at knifepoint.

"Look, miss, you don't need to do this," he stammered, raising his hands defensively. "It's just a bike. You can't even—"

"Save it," Cassie interrupted, her tone low and laced with menace. "Turn it off, get off, and walk away. I won't ask twice."

Theo's sharp intake of breath behind her was audible. "Cassie, for Merlin's sake, what are you—"

"I've got this," she cut him off, her eyes never leaving the man's.

The guy's hands trembled on the handlebars as he quickly killed the engine and swung his leg over the bike. "Alright, alright, just—don't hurt me," he muttered, backing away cautiously.

"Smart choice," Cassie replied smoothly, slipping the dagger back into her boot but keeping her intimidating glare locked on him. "Now, turn around and walk. Don't look back."

The man hesitated for half a second before bolting like a scared rabbit, disappearing into the shadows of the street.

Cassie turned to the others with a triumphant grin. "See? Easy."

"Easy?" Theo spluttered, "You just threatened a random guy with a dagger!"

Draco groaned "She's unhinged. Completely unhinged. Why am I even here?"

Pansy glared at them "We could've just... asked! You know, like normal people!"

"Normal's overrated," Cassie said nonchalantly, mounting the bike with an air of confidence that made Theo groan. "Now, who's coming with me?"

Theo looked at her like she'd grown a second head. "You don't even know how to ride it!"

Cassie twisted the throttle experimentally, causing the bike to roar to life. "How hard can it be? If Muggles can do it, I can do it."

"That's the worst logic I've ever heard," Pansy muttered, folding her arms.

"I'm not getting on that death trap," Draco declared firmly, stepping back as if the bike might explode. "I value my life, thanks."

"Suit yourself," Cassie said, shrugging. She turned to Theo with a daring smirk. "You coming, or are you scared too?"

Theo groaned, muttering something under his breath about regretting every decision he'd ever made, but he climbed onto the bike behind her, his hands hovering awkwardly at her sides.

"Hold on," Cassie said over her shoulder.

"I'm not holding on to you," Theo shot back stubbornly.

"Fine, fall off then."

Blaise snorted, leaning against Pansy. "This is either going to be the most entertaining thing I've ever seen, or the stupidest."

Pansy rolled her eyes. "Both, probably."

Cassie revved the engine, the bike lurching forward a few inches, causing her to wobble slightly. Theo grabbed onto her waist reflexively.

"Thought you weren't holding on?" Cassie teased.

"Shut up and focus!" Theo barked, his grip tightening.

The bike jerked forward again, this time moving a little more smoothly. Cassie grinned, her confidence growing. "See? I told you I could do it."

"You're barely moving," Theo grumbled.

"I'm figuring it out," she retorted, her tone dripping with mock patience.

The bike wobbled down the street, Cassie swerving slightly as she got the hang of balancing and accelerating. Pansy, Blaise, and Draco watched from the curb, their expressions a mix of horror and amusement.

"This is going to end in disaster," Pansy muttered.

"Probably," Blaise agreed. "But it's entertaining."

Draco sighed dramatically. "Let's just go back to the hotel before they get arrested."

"Or crash," Pansy added.

"Or both," Blaise said cheerfully.

As the trio flagged down a cab and climbed in, Cassie started to find her rhythm, the bike now moving steadily down the street. She laughed, exhilarated, as the wind whipped past her face.

"This is brilliant!" she yelled, glancing back at Theo, who looked less thrilled.

The city lights blurred into streaks of yellow and white as Cassie swerved the motorbike through the busy streets, laughing openly—a sound so rare it caught Theo off guard despite his growing panic.

"Cassie, slow down!" Theo yelled, clutching her waist with a grip that bordered on desperate. "You're going to kill us both!"

"Relax, Theo!" she shouted back, her voice brimming with exhilaration. "This is brilliant!"

"It's suicidal!" he snapped, ducking instinctively as a car horn blared beside them.

Cassie barely flinched, weaving between cars with a confidence that could only be described as reckless. She leaned into a sharp turn, the tires screeching slightly, and Theo swore he saw his life flash before his eyes.

"Are you laughing right now?" he demanded, incredulous.

"Maybe," she admitted, grinning. The wind whipped her curls around her face, but for once, she didn't seem to care. She looked... alive.

Theo, on the other hand, looked like he might throw up. "Cassie, this isn't funny! Do you even know what you're doing?"

"Of course I do!" she shot back, though the wobble in her steering suggested otherwise.

Before Theo could argue further, a sharp wail of a siren cut through the air.

"Oh no," Theo groaned, glancing back to see a police car with flashing blue and red lights weaving through traffic behind them. "Cassie, we're being chased!"

She glanced over her shoulder, her grin unfaltering. "Muggle police? This just keeps getting better."

"Better?" Theo yelled. "We're going to get arrested!"

"Not if they can't catch us," she said with a smirk, revving the engine and speeding up.

"Cassie!" Theo shouted, his voice a mix of terror and exasperation as they shot past another car, narrowly missing its side mirror. "You're insane!"

"And you're still holding on," she quipped, dodging a slow-moving truck with a smooth swerve.

The police car blared its siren again, now closer. A voice crackled through a loudspeaker. "Pull over the vehicle immediately boys"

"Sorry, no can do!" Cassie called back, as if they could hear her.

Theo buried his face against her shoulder. "This is a nightmare. This is an actual nightmare."

Cassie laughed again, a sound that made Theo momentarily forget how terrified he was. She rarely laughed like this—wild, unrestrained, completely free. He couldn't help but feel a flicker of awe despite the madness.

"They're gaining on us!" Theo yelled, snapping him back to reality.

"Not for long," Cassie replied confidently, spotting a narrow alley up ahead.

She yanked the handlebars to the side, the bike skidding slightly as they veered off the main road and into the alley. The police car screeched to a halt, unable to follow.

The alley was dark and cramped, barely wide enough for the bike. Cassie slowed down just enough to maneuver through without toppling over, 

"What the hell are you doing?" Theo hissed, glancing behind them.

"Making sure they lose us," she said, her voice calm

As they emerged from the other side of the alley, Cassie brought the bike to a near stop, rolling it silently into the shadows of a side street. They waited in tense silence as the police car sped past, its sirens fading 

Cassie exhaled, finally stopping the bike completely. She turned to Theo with a triumphant smirk. "See? Told you I could handle it."

Theo stared at her, his face pale. "You're completely mental."

She shrugged, hopping off the bike. "Maybe. But admit it—that was fun."

"Fun?!" he repeated, his voice rising an octave. "You just committed grand theft and evaded the police! We could've been arrested!"

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Oh, relax. They didn't even see our faces. They are convinced its two guys-"

"That's not the point!" Theo exclaimed, running a hand through his hair. "Do you have any idea how insane that was?"

She smirked, leaning casually against the bike. "And yet, you're still here."

Theo opened his mouth to retort but closed it again, shaking his head. "Unbelievable. You're unbelievable."

Cassie patted the seat of the bike. "Come on, scaredy-cat. We've still got a ride to finish."

Theo groaned but climbed back on, muttering under his breath about never trusting her again. As she started the bike and they pulled back onto the road—this time at a much saner speed—he couldn't help but think that, despite everything, he'd follow her anywhere.

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

The distant hum of traffic faded as Cassie brought the bike to a stop at the edge of a quiet, dimly lit park. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of damp grass and night-blooming flowers. She swung her leg over the bike and stretched, tossing her hair back with a sigh.

Theo climbed off after her, his legs unsteady. "You do realize I just aged twenty years back there, right?"

Cassie smirked, pulling her leather jacket tighter around her. "You'll survive."

They walked toward the park's entrance, the gate secured with a rusty padlock. Cassie didn't even hesitate. She pulled out her dagger and, with a quick flick of her wrist, snapped the lock open.

"Breaking and entering too?" Theo muttered, shaking his head.

She glanced back at him with a mischievous grin. "Would you prefer we sit in a back alley?"

He didn't respond, following her inside as she pushed the gate open. The park was quiet, the faint glow of streetlights casting long shadows over the neatly trimmed grass. Cassie plopped down in the middle of an open patch, sprawling back with her arms behind her head.

Theo hesitated for a moment before lying down beside her, though he kept a respectable distance. The sky above was a canvas of stars, the city's light pollution doing little to dim their brilliance.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The silence was companionable, broken only by the distant rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of a cricket.

Theo turned his head slightly to glance at Cassie. She looked relaxed—almost serene—with her eyes half-closed and a faint smirk still lingering on her lips. Her curls framed her face, catching the soft glow of the streetlights in a way that made them look almost golden.

"You're staring," she said without looking at him, her tone teasing.

Theo flushed slightly and turned his gaze back to the sky. "I was just wondering what goes on in that head of yours."

"You'd be surprised," she replied lightly.

They lapsed into silence again until Theo spoke, his voice quieter this time. "You laughed back there. Properly laughed."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"And you don't do that much," he said, glancing at her again. "You're always so... guarded."

Her smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered quickly. "Maybe I just find you entertaining."

Theo didn't bite. "Or maybe you let yourself forget for a moment."

Cassie turned her head to look at him, her expression unreadable. "Forget what?"

"Whatever it is that's eating at you," he said, meeting her gaze.

She snorted, sitting up abruptly. "You're reading too much into it."

"What happened at your family home earlier?"

Cassie scoffed, not even glancing at him. "Nothing."

"Yeah, I don't believe you," he said flatly, turning his head to look at her.

She sighed, tilting her head just enough to catch his eyes. "It's nothing new, Theo.nothinng you dont know Potter being his usual arse self. Sirius being... well, Sirius. Defending his stupid choices and openly declaring he never wanted me around in the first place." Her tone was casual, but there was a tightness to it, "The usual family drama."

Theo frowned slightly but stayed silent.

"its fine tho- I've got Reg," she added after a moment, her voice softening just a little.

"Who?" Theo asked, catching on immediately.

Cassie paused for half a second before correcting herself. "Pierre. Dad, I mean."

Theo's brows furrowed, but he didn't press. He just nodded slightly, leaning back on his elbows as he studied her.

"Why are we even talking about this? Why let that bitch ruin the night, right?" Cassie scoffed

Theo smirked faintly at her sudden change in demeanor, sitting up as well. "Right. No point giving them that satisfaction."

She glanced at him, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Exactly."

For a moment, they just looked at each other, Then Cassie huffed, lying back down again.

"Though I'll admit," she said, staring up at the sky, "this night turned out better than I expected."

Theo chuckled, lying down beside her once more. "That's because I'm here to save you from your own bad ideas."

Cassie snorted. "Sure, Theo. Keep telling yourself that."

"Hey, you're the one who drove a stolen bike through Muggle streets," he reminded her.

"And I didn't even crash," she pointed out, grinning.

Theo laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Alright, I'll give you that one."

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it was lighter, more comfortable. Whatever had been weighing on Cassie seemed to have lifted, even if just for the night. "Let's head back before they freak out," she said suddenly , 

"They're probably asleep by now," Theo muttered, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "But still, better not take chances."

Cassie nodded, but as she turned toward the exit, her eyes widened. "Oh, fuck."

Two policemen were standing by the bike, their flashing lights illuminating the area around them. 

Theo cursed under his breath, his hand instinctively going to the back of his neck. "Fuck, fuck, fuck. What now?"

Cassie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "They didn't see our faces. And they think there are two dudes- uhm- Don't worry." She paused, glancing around. "Let's climb over that fence there. It probably leads to that alley we saw earlier."

Theo looked over, his nerves still obvious. "Are you sure?"

Cassie gave him a look, "We don't have a choice, do we?"

They hurried to the fence, scaling it swiftly, before landing on the other side in the shadowed alley. The sounds of the city seemed distant here, muffled by the towering buildings. The air felt strange—thick with the sound of a distant car engine and muffled voices.

"Shit, I hear footsteps," Theo said, his voice low, glancing around as he stepped cautiously behind Cassie.

Cassie motioned for him to stay quiet, then crept forward to peer around the corner. Sure enough, the policemen were walking in their direction, eyes scanning the area.

"Did you check the alley?" one of the officers asked.

Theo's voice caught in his throat. "Oh, fuck, now what?"

Cassie's mind was working a mile a minute. A wicked grin spread across her face. "Pretend we're making out," she said, her voice eerily calm.

Theo blinked at her. "What?!"

"Yeah, it'll make them uncomfortable. They won't want to stick around and watch." She moved closer to him, grabbing him by the shoulders. "Trust me."

Theo shook his head, looking horrified. "You want us to—what?!"

Cassie groaned, exasperated. "It's not a big deal. You're not even doing anything, Theo. Just act like you're into it."

Before he could protest further, Cassie placed her hands on his neck, gently pushing him against the wall. She leaned in close, her lips just barely brushing his ear as she whispered, "Don't overthink it. Just follow my lead."

To anyone else, it might've looked like they were kissing- or well even doing more-

Theo's heart hammered in his chest as he felt Cassie's breath against his face. He could barely process what was happening before he heard the police officers' footsteps nearing.

"Hey!" one of the officers called, his voice cutting through the quiet night.

Cassie pulled back slightly, tossing her hair in a messy wave. Her expression switched to an exaggerated, awkward sweetness as she stumbled a bit, running a hand through her tangled hair. "Oh, uh, sorry," she said, her voice dripping with feigned shyness. "I didn't realize we were... uh, making such a scene."

Theo blinked, his face flushed, completely caught off guard by the change in direction. He tried to play along, nodding awkwardly. "Yeah, uh, sorry about that. Just... with my girl here." He forced a grin, his voice a little strained but sincere enough to pull it off.

The police officers exchanged a glance, clearly uncomfortable, and a little confused. "Uh, just keep it down, alright?" one of them muttered, his face flushed.

"Of course, officer," Cassie said with a sweet smile, eyes twinkling  "We'll be super quiet."

Theo let out a nervous chuckle, though his face still felt like it was on fire. The officers didn't linger long, both of them retreating with obvious haste.

Once they were out of earshot, Cassie broke into a loud laugh, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "That was too easy."

Theo wiped his forehead, still flustered. "I thought we were going to get arrested!"

Cassie shrugged nonchalantly,  "You were pretty convincing back there, though."

"Alright," he said, still chuckling under his breath. "Let's head back before we get into more trouble."

Cassie agreed, but there was a sparkle in her eyes. "Next time, we take the bike for a spin. You'll be the one pretending we're making out."

Theo rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Deal," he said, shaking his head at her antics. "But next time, we're doing it without the police chasing us."

Cassie snickered "thats the fun part"

The duo finally managed to flag down a cab after their adrenaline-fueled escape. As they piled into the backseat, the cab driver kept glancing at them through the rearview mirror, his expression suspicious

Cassie caught one of his stares and responded in kind with a sharp, pointed death glare, her eyes narrowing dangerously. The man immediately snapped his gaze back to the road, muttering something under his breath.

The cab pulled up to the hotel, and Theo was the first to climb out followed by Cass.  He shot Cassie a fleeting glance before heading toward his room, his pace quicker than usual. Cassie lingered for a moment, watching his retreating figure before turning and walking toward her own room.

When she opened the door, a soft glow from the bedside lamp illuminated the space. Pansy was sprawled out across one of the beds, her arms flung over her head in an uncharacteristically undignified position. She was fast asleep, her blanket tangled at the foot of the bed.

Cassie shook her head, . She stepped in quietly, closing the door behind her, and turned off the light. Grabbing the discarded blanket, she pulled it over Pansy, making sure her friend was properly tucked in.

She then slipped out of her leather jacket and changed into a simple tank top and shorts, her movements silent not to wake Pansy. As she slid into her bed, the events of the night replayed in her mind—the reckless speed of the bike, Theo's grip on her waist, and the fleeting glances 

"Back, huh?" Pansy muttered groggily, her voice muffled as she shifted slightly under the blanket.

"Yeah," Cassie replied softly. "Go back to sleep."

Pansy yawned, her eyes fluttering closed again. "Give me the tea tomorrow."

Cassie chuckled quietly, shaking her head as she pulled her own blanket up. "Goodnight, Pans."

Her mind raced as she stared at the ceiling, the adrenaline from the night slowly fading into a strange mix of exhilaration and contentment. For the first time in what felt like ages, she felt the faintest hint of peace—and as she drifted off, there were no nightmares to disturb her sleep. Just the memory of laughter, fleeting touches, and the thrill of being alive.

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


ITS BEEN AGES I SMILED SO MUCH WRITING A CHAP- AS U CAN SEE- BY HOW LONG IT IS- I DID HAVE TOO MUCH FUN WITH IT!

but i think we needed this fluff after the angst filled last chaps

theo and cassie are endgame omgsggsgs- im so in love-

ahaha i wont have many chaps of their outing maybe one or two more before they are back at hogwarts

till next time 

mxriddle