Cassie stirred awake to the muffled sound of movement. Groaning, she yanked the blanket over her head, hoping to block out whatever chaos was brewing around her. Unfortunately, peace was a luxury she wasn't allowed.

"Wake up!" Pansy's yelled,

Pansy huffed, standing at the edge of the bed with her hands on her hips. She was already dressed in a chic white sundress paired with a denim jacket, her hair styled into loose waves that framed her face perfectly. "No, not five more minutes. Spill. What happened last night? You're lucky I fell asleep waiting for you."Cassie peeked out from under the blanket, her curls sticking out in all directions. "Nothing happened." 

 "Liar," Pansy accused, narrowing her eyes.

"I dont know what you are talking about-" Cassie mumbled, cracking one eye open.

"Don't play dumb," Pansy said, narrowing her eyes. "You disappeared with Theo last night. The two of you didn't even bother sneaking back in quietly. What gives?"

Cassie groaned, sitting up and running a hand through her chaotic curls. "Nothing gives. We just went too far on the bike- and lost track of time-"

Pansy gasped in mock horror. "You? Cassiopeia Black? Sneaking out for a midnight rendezvous with Theo Nott? This is gold."

"It wasn't a rendezvous," Cassie snapped, though the redness creeping up her neck betrayed her irritation.

Pansy smirked, crossing her arms. "Sure, sure. So, you were just out... what? Stargazing? Holding hands? kissing maybe?" She suggested wiggling her brows

Cassie threw a pillow at her. "Do you ever stop talking?"

"No," Pansy said, dodging the pillow with ease. "And you're not getting out of this. Spill."

Cassie rolled her eyes, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "I'll tell you later. Let me wake up first."

Pansy raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You better. I'm not above Veritaserum, you know."

Cassie padded to the bathroom, muttering under her breath, "You're a menace."

Meanwhile, in Theo's room, the situation wasn't much better. Blaise was sprawled across the armchair, tossing an apple up and down like he had all the time in the world. Theo, however, looked unimpressed as he sat at the desk, lacing up his boots.

"So," Blaise began, breaking the silence. "Care to explain why you and Cassie disappeared last night?"

"No," Theo replied simply, not bothering to look up.

"Come on," Blaise pressed, his grin widening. "You can't just vanish for hours and not expect me to ask questions. Where did you go? What did you do?"

Theo sighed, standing and grabbing his watch from the nightstand. "It's none of your business."

"Wrong," Blaise said, leaning back in the chair. "It's very much my business. We're friends. Friends tell each other things."

"Not this friend," Theo said, his tone firm.

Blaise snorted. "That's cold, mate. What are you hiding? Did you two sneak off to snog in some dark alley?"

Theo shot him a glare. "Do you ever shut up?"

"Nope," Blaise said, grinning. "But I'll stop if you tell me what happened."

Theo grabbed his jacket, clearly done with the conversation. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"And you're deflecting," Blaise said, standing and following him to the door. "Just admit it—something happened."

"Nothing happened," Theo said, opening the door and stepping out.

Blaise smirked. "Liar."

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

Back with the girls, Cassie emerged from the bathroom, freshly dressed in ripped black jeans, a cropped band tee, and her trusty leather jacket. She was towel-drying her curls, which, for once, looked almost manageable.

"Finally," Pansy said, tapping her foot impatiently. "Now, sit. We have things to discuss."

Cassie groaned, tossing the towel onto the bed. "Do we have to do this now?"

"Yes," Pansy said, sitting cross-legged on her bed. "I need to know what's going on between you and Theo. You're being suspiciously quiet about it."

"There's nothing to talk about," Cassie said, grabbing her boots.

"Oh, please," Pansy said, rolling her eyes. "You've never been this secretive. Something happened last night, and I'm not letting you leave this room until you tell me."

Cassie gave her an exasperated look. "You're impossible."

"And you're stalling," Pansy shot back.

Cassie sighed, tying her laces with a bit more force than necessary. "Fine. We went for a walk, okay? That's it."

"A walk," Pansy repeated, clearly unimpressed.

"Yes, a walk," Cassie said, standing and grabbing her bag. "End of story."

Pansy narrowed her eyes. "I don't believe you."

"Too bad," Cassie said, smirking as she opened the door. "Let's go. The others are waiting."

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

The group made their way to the hotel's breakfast buffet, which was a grand spread of pastries, fruits, eggs, and other morning delights. Blaise immediately zeroed in on the pancakes, stacking an absurd number on his plate.

"Save some for the rest of us," Draco muttered, grabbing a croissant.

"Don't act like you don't want pancakes," Blaise retorted, drizzling syrup over his mountain of food.

Cassie grabbed a plate and filled it with scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, keeping her choices simple. Pansy, on the other hand, was meticulously selecting the most aesthetically pleasing items for her plate.

"Do you think they have oat milk?" Pansy asked, scanning the drink options.

"They're lucky they have coffee," Cassie replied, pouring herself a cup.

As they sat down, a waiter passed by and accidentally dropped a stack of newspapers on the floor near their table. Blaise leaned down to grab one, his eyes scanning the front page.

"Oh, this is rich," he said, holding up the paper with a grin.

"What?" Theo asked, taking a sip of his coffee.

"'Leather Jacket Hooligans Cause Mayhem: Muggles Report Robberies Involving Bikes and daggers'" Blaise read aloud, snorting.

Cassie choked on her coffee, coughing as she tried to suppress a laugh. "You're kidding."

"Nope." Blaise smirked, tapping the headline. "Apparently, they're describing a girl with 'wild curls' and a guy with 'dark hair and a panicked expression.' Sound familiar?"

Theo groaned, burying his face in his hands. "We're leaving. We need to leave."

"Aw, come on," Cassie teased, her lips twitching. "It's not every day you make the news."

"This isn't funny!" Theo hissed, though his ears were turning pink.

Draco glanced at the paper, shaking his head. "Well, at least they didn't get any photos."

Pansy, however, was laughing outright. "I can't believe you two caused such a mess. And here I thought I'd miss all the fun."

Cassie shrugged, taking a bite of her toast. "It was worth it."

Blaise leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying himself. "I say we frame this article. It's iconic."

Theo shot him a glare. "We're not framing it. We're leaving. Now."

"where?" Draco murmered

"This thing- theme park?" Blaise grinned holding up a newspaper

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

The group stood outside the hotel, bags slung over their shoulders as Theo nervously glanced over his shoulder every few seconds. His paranoia about being caught had driven the decision to check out of the hotel early.

"Relax, Theo," Blaise said, shifting his duffel bag higher on his shoulder. "We haven't done anything—yet."

"Yet being the keyword," Theo muttered, scanning the street as if expecting a squad of Aurors to appear out of nowhere.

As they stepped onto the pavement, a flurry of pigeons scattered into the air, startled by their presence. A loud, incessant hooting cut through the morning bustle, drawing their attention to a dark speck soaring towards them.

"Well, well," Blaise drawled "If it isn't Mini-Cassie, terrorizing the local pigeon population."

On cue, Mortem, Cassie's sleek black owl, swooped low, heading straight for Blaise. He yelped and ducked, clutching his bag like it would shield him.

"Bloody hell, get it away!" Blaise shrieked, flinching as Mortem flapped above him.

Cassie chuckled, stepping forward and holding out her hands. "Drama queen," she teased as Mortem landed gracefully, extending its leg to reveal a bundle of letters tied with a red ribbon bearing the Hogwarts seal.

"Looks like the booklists have arrived," Theo remarked, carefully removing the letters from the owl and giving Mortem a quick pat on the head.

"How does Dumbledore know we're here?" Blaise asked, straightening up and brushing imaginary dust off his designer jacket.

"He doesn't, obviously," Cassie said with a smirk. "The letters probably went to Narcissa first. She forwarded them to us."

Cassie untied the ribbon and handed each letter to its recipient. She flipped hers open, scanning the contents.

"Usual reminder about term starting September 1st," Theo said, glancing at his own letter. "And here's the booklist. Only two new ones: The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5, by Miranda Goshawk, and Defensive Magical Theory, by Wilbert Slinkhard."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Defensive Magical Theory? Sounds like a bedtime story."

Blaise snorted. "Probably written by someone who's never had to defend themselves in their life."

Draco and Pansy's envelopes felt oddly weighted. They exchanged curious glances before tearing them open. A collective gasp followed as small, gleaming emerald-and-silver badges tumbled out, catching the sunlight as they fell to the ground.

"Well, well," Blaise said, smirking. "Looks like baby Malfoy's got a badge." He lunged forward and ruffled Draco's hair aggressively, earning an indignant swat.

"Get off, Zabini!" Draco snapped, smoothing down his platinum locks, but his expression was equal parts smug and startled.

Pansy, meanwhile, was frozen, her eyes wide as she picked up her own badge. "I—I'm a prefect?" she stammered, staring at it like it might vanish. Then her gaze darted to Cassie. "I thought it would be you!"

Cassie, looking over her her booklist, snorted loudly at the suggestion. "Are you kidding me? Me, a rule-keeper? Even Dumbledore has that much sense."

Pansy's brow furrowed. "Still, you're—you know—responsible."

Cassie arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "If by 'responsible' you mean 'skilled at bending the rules without breaking them,' then sure."

Draco cleared his throat, straightening his posture as if to embrace his newfound authority. "Clearly, they saw potential in me—someone who can lead by example."

Cassie rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn't get stuck. "Yes, the same guy who once hexed a first-year for bumping into him in the corridor. Truly inspirational."

"Don't you have somewhere else to direct your jealousy?" Draco sneered, tucking the badge into his pocket with a flourish.

"Oh, trust me, Malfoy, if there's one thing I'm not, it's jealous," Cassie shot back

Pansy, still examining her badge like it might start glowing, finally broke the banter. "Well, I think it's an honor," she said, giving Draco a sideways glance. "And at least one of us takes it seriously."

"Don't let the power go to your head, Parkinson," Cassie said, tossing her curls over her shoulder. "Otherwise, you might start thinking you can boss me around."

"Don't tempt me"

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

They took the subway—an experience that ended with way too many people staring because Blaise couldn't stop acting like a kid discovering magic for the first time.

By the time they reached the theme park, Theo was already regretting everything.

Cassie paused at the entrance, staring at the massive rides, the colorful signs, and the ridiculous number of people. "So, it's just... a giant playground?"

Blaise, however, was already hyped. "This is BRILLIANT. Look at all the lights! And the music! It's like a festival but all the time!"

"This place is already a nightmare," Draco grumbled as they walked past a group of children who were screaming over a balloon animal.

Cassie smirked. "Don't tell me you're scared of a few Muggle children, Malfoy."

"They're loud and sweaty," Draco said with a grimace.

Theo ignored them, pointing toward a massive roller coaster. "Look at that! We should go on that first."

The group stopped and looked up at the towering structure. The roller coaster's tracks twisted and looped in every direction, and the screams of riders echoed across the park.

"Are they... being tortured?" Pansy asked, her face pale.

"No, they're enjoying it," Theo said, laughing.

"Enjoying it?" Draco repeated, horrified. "It looks like they're about to die!"

Cassie tilted her head, "I want to try it."

Draco turned to her, aghast. "You've lost your mind."

"What's the point of coming here if we're not going to do the scariest thing first?" she argued, already walking toward the line.

Pansy grabbed her arm. "Wait, wait! Let's try something smaller first. Maybe something... on the ground."

In anattempt to compromise, they decided to start with the Haunted House.

"It can't be that scary," Blaise said confidently as they approached the dark entrance.

Inside, the group was plunged into near-total darkness. The only light came from flickering candles and the occasional flash of lightning from hidden strobe lights. Eerie music played in the background, and fake cobwebs hung from the ceiling.

"Stick together," Theo said, his voice slightly higher-pitched than usual.

A ghostly figure suddenly leapt out from behind a corner, and Blaise let out a very undignified yelp.

"Scared, Zabini?" Cassie teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

"I'm not scared," he insisted, even as he subtly moved closer to Theo.

The next jump scare came in the form of a vampire lunging at them from behind a curtain. This time, Pansy let out a shriek and clung to Cassie's arm.

"Who enjoys this?" Draco muttered, his wand hand twitching instinctively.

Cassie was the only one who seemed unfazed, laughing every time someone jumped. When a particularly aggressive skeleton popped out of a hidden door, she even gave it a sarcastic wave. "Nice try," she said, smirking.

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

After surviving the Haunted House, the group decided to try the carousel. It seemed harmless enough—brightly colored horses that moved up and down while cheerful music played.

"This is more my speed," Pansy said as she climbed onto a white horse with gold trim.

Draco, however, refused to get on. "I'm not riding a horse. Especially not a fake one."

"Suit yourself," Blaise said, hopping onto a black stallion.

Cassie chose a black horse with flames painted on its sides, grinning as the ride started. "You're missing out, Malfoy!" she called over the music.

Draco, standing awkwardly to the side, glared at her. "This is ridiculous."

Next, they tried the bumper cars, which turned into an all-out war.

"Stop targeting me!" Draco shouted as Cassie slammed her car into his for the third time in a row.

"Maybe if you drove faster, you'd stand a chance," she taunted, laughing as she dodged Blaise's car.

Pansy, meanwhile, was screaming as Theo's car relentlessly pursued hers.

"This isn't funny!" she yelled, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

"It's a little funny," Theo admitted, grinning as he crashed into her.

By midday, they were starving. The group made their way to a food court, where the overwhelming smell of fried food and sugary treats made Blaise's stomach growl.

"What is all this?" Pansy asked, staring at the menu. "It's just... grease."

"It's delicious," Theo said, ordering a plate of nachos and a giant soda.

Cassie opted for a corndog, while Blaise ordered a turkey leg the size of his forearm. Draco, of course, refused to eat anything.

"I'm not putting that in my mouth," he said, pointing at the greasy burger Theo was devouring.

"You're missing out," Theo said through a mouthful of food.

As they ate, a group of costumed park employees walked by, waving and taking pictures with visitors.

One particularly enthusiastic employee dressed as a pirate approached their table. "Ahoy there, mateys!" he said, leaning in dramatically.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Are you supposed to be scary or just annoying?"

The pirate pretended to be offended. "Why, I'm the most fearsome pirate in the seven seas!"

"You're the most ridiculous pirate I've ever seen," Cassie shot back, earning a laugh from Theo.

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

Finally, after much persuasion, they convinced Draco and Pansy to try the roller coaster.

As they climbed into the seats, Pansy looked like she was about to cry. "This is a terrible idea," she muttered, clutching the safety bar.

Draco, sitting next to her, was pale. "If I die, I'm haunting you, Theo."

The ride started with a slow climb, the clicking of the chain adding to the suspense.

"This isn't so bad," Blaise said, grinning.

Then came the drop.

Cassie screamed—not in fear, but in pure exhilaration—as the coaster plummeted. Theo was laughing uncontrollably, while Blaise looked like he was having the time of his life.

Draco and Pansy, however, were another story.

"Why is it upside down?!" Draco shouted as the coaster twisted into a loop.

"I hate you all!" Pansy yelled, her eyes squeezed shut.

When the ride finally came to a stop, Pansy stumbled out, looking like she might throw up. Draco was shaking, his hair a mess.

"That... was awful," he said, glaring at Theo.

Cassie, however was exhilerated-  "Why dont we have this in our world- a wizards version?"

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

The group meandered through the buzzing crowd when Blaise spotted a man standing near a brightly lit booth, holding a neon sign that read, "If you dare, do the dare!"

"Dares? Sounds like trouble," Blaise said, nudging Theo.

"Sounds like a waste of time," Draco muttered, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Sounds like fun," Cassie said, already walking toward the man.

The guy, a cocky twenty-something with a lopsided grin, perked up when he saw them approach. "Ah, brave one, are you?"

"Depends," Cassie said, arms crossed. "What's on the line?"

"Nothing much," the man replied, gesturing toward a massive stuffed panda sitting behind him. "You do the dare, you get the panda."

The boys groaned in unison.

"Not worth it," Blaise said, shaking his head.

Pansy's eyes lit up like fireworks. "It's adorable! Cassie, do it!"

"For a panda? Absolutely not," Cassie scoffed.

"For me?" Pansy said, clutching Cassie's hand and bouncing on her toes. "Please, Cass! It's perfect. I need it!"

Cassie sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Shoot."

The man's grin widened, clearly enjoying the attention. "Simple. Kiss anyone—"

"Done," Cassie interrupted, already exuding confidence.

"—but not just a peck. A proper kiss," the man finished, smirking.

The boys froze for a beat, then howled with laughter.

"Have you seen her face?" Blaise managed to gasp between cackles. "She'd rather fight a dragon!"

Theo smirked but said nothing, his eyes locked on Cassie, waiting for her response.

Draco shook his head, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. "Public affection? This is going to be good."

"You can do it, Cass!" Pansy cheered, practically vibrating with excitement.

Cassie turned to the man, narrowing her eyes. "Anyone?" she confirmed.

"Anyone," he said, leaning back with a smug grin.

Cassie's sharp eyes scanned the group, lingering on each of the boys for a split second before her lips quirked into a smirk.

"Well, you wanted the panda," she said, turning to Pansy.

Before anyone could react, Cassie grabbed Pansy by the neck and pulled her in. The kiss was deliberate , her fingers brushing Pansy's cheek as their lips met. It wasn't rushed or hesitant—Cassie made a statement. The park noise faded, their friends' gasps and laughter a distant hum.

When Cassie pulled back, Pansy stared at her, wide-eyed and blinking rapidly.

"Wow," Pansy finally breathed, pressing a hand to her lips.

The boys erupted in laughter, Blaise leaning against Theo for support as he howled.

Cassie shrugged nonchalantly, stepping back and crossing her arms. "There. Where's my panda?"

The man handed it over, grinning like he'd just witnessed the highlight of his day. "Well done. You've got guts, I'll give you that."

Cassie handed the panda to Pansy, who hugged it tightly, still looking dazed.

"I should've known you'd find a loophole," Draco added, still shaking his head, his silvery hair falling into his eyes. "Kissing Pansy—what a safe bet."

"Safe?" Cassie raised an eyebrow, her smirk unrelenting. "She's got standards, Malfoy. I don't think you could pull that off."

Blaise laughed so hard he nearly dropped his phone. "I'll give you that one, Black." He turned to Pansy, who was still hugging the panda like her life depended on it. "Oi, Pans, you alright there?"

Pansy blinked and nodded slowly, but her cheeks were blazing red. "I'm fine. Better than fine." She glanced at Cassie, then the panda. "That was... yeah, wow."

"Wow?" Draco teased, nudging her. "You sound like you just discovered Quidditch for the first time."

"I think she just discovered something else," Blaise quipped, earning a snort from Draco.

Theo, who had been standing silently with his arms crossed, finally spoke, his voice calm but tinged with something else. "Alright, show's over."

Cassie shot him a sideways glance, her smirk widening. "Jealous, Nott?"

His jaw tightened, but his tone remained even. "Not at all. Just amused by your... creative problem-solving skills."

"Amused?" Cassie stepped closer, folding her arms as she tilted her head. "You look like you're about to punch someone."

Blaise grinned, sensing the tension. "I mean, he did just witness you plant one on Pansy. Poor bloke's probably rethinking his entire life."

"Shut it, Zabini," Theo muttered, his ears turning slightly pink.

Draco, still laughing, pointed at Theo. "Oh, this is rich. Look at him—he's jealous. Black, I think you've broken him."

"I'm not jealous," Theo said, his tone firm but his gaze flicking toward Cassie briefly before he looked away.

Cassie took a step closer to him "You sure about that, Theo? Because it looks like you've got something to say."

He met her gaze, his green eyes unwavering. "If I did, I wouldn't say it here," he replied smoothly.

The group erupted in another round of laughter and mock cheers.

"Oi, Theo, if you want your turn, just say so!" Blaise teased, dodging as Theo swatted at him.

"Relax, Zabini," Theo muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I'm not fighting anyone for a panda."

"Good," Cassie said, stepping back but still holding his gaze. "Because you'd lose."

"Bold of you to assume," Theo shot back

Blaise dramatically wiped an imaginary tear. "This is the best day of my life. Someone get that guy back here; I need a dare now!"

"No," Draco deadpanned. "We're leaving before this turns into a circus."

Pansy clutched the panda tighter, her wide grin unshakable. "No complaints here. Best day ever."

As the group moved on, Theo fell into step beside Cassie, his tone casual "You really enjoy keeping everyone on their toes, don't you?"

Cassie smirked, brushing a curl out of her face. "Life's more bearable that way."

******"


SO- UHM-

HI?

IM ALIVE?

A LOT OF SHIT HAPPPENED GUYS- I MIGHT NEED TO WRITE A SEPERATE CHAP ABT IT- BUT- YEA

I HAVE MY FINALS IN A MONTH SO U MIGHT EXPECT A LOT MORE CHAPS BECAUSE I ALWAYS GET THE MOST INSPO B4 EXAMS-

THERE IS A PART 2 OF THIS CHAP (ITS 95% DONE- EXPECT IT TMRW) 

 YEA I KNOW - I TOLD U WE'LL MOVE ON TO HOGWARTS  AFTER THIS BUT THE NEXT ONE IS LAST I SWEAR ITS PRETTY IMPPORTANT I FEEL

AND IM SO SORYYY-- FOR ALL THAT DELAY- 

ALSOOOO DID YALL READ THE CHAT GPT ROAST OF MY BOOK? ITS GOLD U SHUD READ IT- ITS ON MY MESSAGE BOARD

TILL NEXT TIME\

MXRIDDLE 

XO-