Cassiopeia slouched against the cold stone wall of the dimly lit corridor, her arms folded lazily across her chest. The flickering torchlight barely illuminated the empty hallway, 

 Her gaze fixed on Draco Malfoy, who stood towering over a fumbling Neville Longbottom,

"Draco, are you done yet?" she drawled, her tone flat, as though bored to tears.

Across from her, Draco smirked maliciously, holding up a battered Herbology book that Neville was desperately trying to retrieve. "What's this, Longbottom? A book about your only friends?"

Neville flushed red, stammering, "Please—just give it back!"

Cassie glanced around the corridor, barely suppressing a sigh. Bullying Longbottom... How original-, she mused sarcastically.

Draco held up a small vial, inspecting it with mock scrutiny. "Did you brew this yourself? Looks like something a troll would cough up."

Cassie's gaze flicked back to them for a moment, but only because the vial caught the light. She didn't intervene, didn't even seem to care. Until—"Hey! Leave him alone!" a voice rang out, sharp and fierce 

Cassie's ears perked up as she turned her head, interest sparking for the first time. Ginny Weasley stood at the other end of the corridor, her wand already out, her fiery hair catching the faint light. Cassie straightened slightly, her dark eyes narrowing with curiosity. She'd heard of Ginny's reputation with hexes; her knack for wild and unpredictable spells made her infamous.

 Slowly, Cassie stepped closer, her posture casual but her attention fully locked on the scene.

 Draco turned, a smug smirk curling on his lips. "Oh, if it isn't the littlest Weasel," he sneered. "Come to save your little friend, have you? How noble." 

 "I said," Ginny retorted, her voice low and steady, "leave him alone." Her wand was unwavering, the tip aimed directly at Draco. 

 Before Draco could retort, Cassie stepped forward. She moved with deliberate slowness, the heels of her boots clicking softly against the stone floor. Her expression was calm, almost amused, as she stopped just in front of Ginny. Cassie tilted her head slightly, her dark gaze boring into Ginny's."Well, well," Cassie said, her voice smooth and low, "the baby Weasley has teeth. Impressive."

Ginny's grip on her wand tightened, though her composure faltered for a moment. "I'm warning you," she said, her voice faltering just enough to give Cassie the opening she needed.Cassie's smirk deepened. In one swift movement, she reached out and grabbed Ginny by the collar of her robes, yanking her closer. Ginny let out a soft gasp, her free hand instinctively moving to claw at Cassie's grip.

"You're warning me?" Cassie whispered, her voice dangerously soft. "Do you even know who you're talking to, Weasley?" 

Ginny's breath hitched, her wand hand trembling slightly now. Cassie's grip tightened, and she leaned in closer. "I could make you regret opening that little mouth of yours. Do you really want to test me?"

With a final shove, Cassie released Ginny, making her stumble. Ginny barely managed to keep her footing, her breathing heavy and face pale.

"Let's go, Draco," Cassie said, her voice casual again.

Draco sneered at Ginny one last time before turning to follow Cassie.

"Wait! His bag!"

Cassie halted, her expression cold. "Draco," she said sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Draco muttered something under his breath before kicking the bag across the floor. The contents scattered further, but he didn't care.

Cassie shot Ginny one last icy smirk. "Next time, think twice before playing the hero." With that, she strode away, her boots echoing against the stone.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here, Georgie?"

"Looks like some Slytherins slitherin' out of trouble, Freddie."

Cassie rolled her eyes, turning to see Fred and George Weasley at the far end of the hallway, identical grins on their freckled faces.

Draco groaned audibly. "Fantastic. As if one Weasley wasn't insufferable enough."

Fred straightened, pointing an accusatory finger in Cassie's direction. "Oi, Black! Was that you threatening our little sister just now?" 

 George clicked his tongue, feigning disappointment. "That's not very friendly, is it, Fred? We might have to have a word about that." 

 Cassie's expression didn't waver. Instead, a slow smirk spread across her lips as she took a step forward, her dark gaze locking onto the twins. "Oh, please," she drawled. "Are you here to give me a lecture on morality? the irony-

Fred let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest as though wounded. "Morality? Us? Never. We just don't take kindly to bullies."

 George nodded, "Especially ones who pick on our dear Gin-Gin."

 Behind them, Ginny straightened up, her wand still gripped tightly in her hand. "I don't need your help," she muttered, 

 Draco scoffed, stepping up beside Cassie. "Oh, look. The Weasley family reunion. How touching." 

 Fred grinned, undeterred. "We're always happy to see family, Malfoy, you wouldnt know that now, would you?

Draco reached for his wand, but Cassie stopped him with a flick of her hand. "They're not worth it."

Before she could leave, a sharp voice called out. "Miss Black!"

Cassie froze, irritation flashing across her face. Professor McGonagall stood with her arms crossed. Cassie smiled sweetly. "Minnie, how are you this fine evening?"

"My office. Now," McGonagall snapped.

"Why?" Cassie drawled, crossing her arms.

"Now." McGonagall's tone was clipped, brooking no nonsense.

Cassie raised a brow defensively. "If this is about the bloke stashed in the cupboard on the sixth floor—"

McGonagall's eyes widened in horror. "What—no—it's not about—wait, WHAT?!"

Cassie blinked, feigning innocence as she tilted her head. "Oh. So it wasn't about that? Good to know." She paused, the faintest trace of amusement curling her lips. "By the way, he's just unconscious. Wasn't me—but I think I saw Potter near there."

McGonagall's mouth opened and closed, struggling to decide which outrage to address first. "There is—who—unconscious—?"

"Miss Black!" McGonagall cut her off, her voice rising an octave. "My office. Five minutes. Now!"

Cassie groaned, tossing her head back like the weight of the world rested solely on her shoulders. "Fine!" she snapped, throwing her hands up. "But if I'm late, blame Potter."

Draco snorted quietly, and Cassie shot him a glare before stalking off toward McGonagall's office.

McGonagall stayed rooted in place for a moment longer, muttering something under her breath before spinning on her heel to follow. "Filch! Get to the sixth floor, NOW!"

From the corner of the hall, Fred and George Weasley exchanged wide-eyed glances, barely able to contain their laughter.

"Did she actually stash someone in a cupboard?" Fred whispered.

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

Cassiopeia slouched in the stiff wooden chair, her legs crossed and one arm thrown lazily over the armrest. Her wand twirled idly between her fingers, reflecting her complete lack of interest in whatever McGonagall was ranting about.

"Miss Black," McGonagall snapped, halting her pacing to glare down at Cassie. "Are you even listening to a word I'm saying?"

Cassie yawned, dramatically covering her mouth. "Sure. Something about behavior, boundaries, blah blah."

The professor's lips thinned into a severe line. "Your insubordination—"

"Is this why you called me here?" Cassie cut in, arching a brow.

McGonagall stopped mid-rant, momentarily taken aback. She adjusted her glasses and folded her arms. "No," she admitted.

Cassie smirked, leaning back further. "Well, that's a relief. I was starting to think you just enjoy spending time with me." She added a playful wink.

"Don't tempt me, Miss Black," McGonagall said sharply, before moving to the door. "Come in," she called out.

Cassie's smirk faded as the door opened, revealing Cole Gregwitch. He sauntered in, his trademark smirk plastered across his face.

Cassie sat up straight, glaring. "What the fuck is he doing here?"

"Language, Miss Black," McGonagall chastised.

Cassie groaned, throwing her head back. "You've got to be kidding me."

McGonagall ignored her theatrics and motioned for Cole to stand beside the desk. "Mr. Gregwitch has been caught attempting to sabotage the champions."

Cassie perked up, leaning forward slightly. "Was it Potter?"

Cole grinned proudly. "It was."

McGonagall shot him a warning look, but Cassie couldn't help the faint smirk curling on her lips. "Points for creativity," she muttered.

"But," McGonagall continued, her tone steely, "as a result, Mr. Gregwitch has been instructed by his headmaster to shadow a responsible student for the day. That student is you, Miss Black."

Cassie froze, her smirk dropping entirely. "What? Why me? I'm literally the least responsible person here!"

"That is debatable," McGonagall replied dryly.

Cassie groaned loudly. "What about Draco? Or Theo? Or—"

"I requested you," Cole interrupted, his grin widening.

Cassie turned to him, incredulous. "Why the fuck would you- Are you fucking insane?!"

"Miss Black, language. You will let Mr. Gregwitch accompany you," McGonagall said firmly. "The headmaster has approved this arrangement, and it is not up for debate."

Cassie muttered something unintelligible but likely impolite under her breath. "Of course, Dumbles would think this is a good idea," she grumbled.

"Out. Both of you," McGonagall ordered, waving them toward the door.

Cassie stormed out first, Cole trailing behind with an irritating bounce in his step.

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

Cassie stormed into the common room, her robes billowing behind her. Draco and Theo were seated on the couch—Theo flipping through a book while Draco polished his wand.

"What's with the stormy face?" Draco drawled without looking up.

Cassie threw herself into the armchair across from them. "McGonagall is punishing me for existing again."

Theo finally looked up. "What now?"

Cassie gestured vaguely to Cole, who had just strolled in, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Theo paused, his eyes narrowing at Cole. "Why the fuck is he here?"

"Apparently, I'm his babysitter for the day," Cassie said flatly. "Something about sabotaging the champions."

Draco smirked. "Was it Potter?"

"Yep," Cole said proudly.

Draco let out a quiet laugh. "Good one."

Cole gave a mock bow. "Thank you, thank you. I aim to please."

Theo frowned, closing his book with a snap. "And why are you stuck with him?"

"Because McGonagall hates me, and apparently, he requested me," Cassie said, throwing a glare in Cole's direction.

Theo's frown deepened, and he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "You're not actually going along with this, are you?"

"Do I have a choice?" Cassie snapped.

Draco leaned back, smirking. "Well, at least this will be entertaining."

"Not for me," Cassie muttered.

"Or me," Theo said under his breath.

**************************"

The sun hung high over the castle, golden light spilling through the tall, arched windows of the corridors as Cassie strode ahead, her robes swishing with every step. Behind her, Cole kept pace with a casual swagger, hands in his pockets and a smirk plastered on his face.

"Are you planning to slow down anytime soon?" Cole drawled teasingly.

"Are you planning to shut up anytime soon?" Cassie shot back without turning around.

"You wound me," he replied dramatically, clutching his chest.

Cassie came to an abrupt halt, spinning on her heel to glare at him. "Why me?" she demanded, exasperation dripping from her voice. "Don't you have a flock of picture-perfect blonde girls hanging around, dying to bask in your stupidity?"

Cole stopped short, his smirk faltering. He shrugged. "They're not you," he said simply.

Cassie blinked, caught off guard. "There's nothing in me, Cole," she retorted after a beat, though her tone lacked its usual venom. "I'm not some... shiny prize for you to add to your collection."

Cole tilted his head, his smirk fading entirely. His blue eyes searched hers. "I didn't say you were," he replied, his voice sincere. "But there's... something about you, Cassiopeia Black. You don't pretend to be anything other than what you are. No games, no fake smiles." He shrugged, the movement almost self-conscious. "It's rare."

Cassie stared at him, her mind racing. Did he really mean that?

"That and... you're hella scary. That's hot," Cole added with a grin.

And just like that, the moment was gone. Cassie rolled her eyes and turned back around.

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

As they stepped into the courtyard, the group lounging by the fountain glanced up. Theo looked up from the book in his hands, his brows knitting together when he saw Cole trailing behind Cassie.

"What's he still doing here?" Theo asked, his tone clipped.

Cassie groaned, dropping onto the stone ledge of the fountain. "Don't remind me. I'm trying to forget he's there."

"Why is he here though?" Pansy asked curiously.

"McGonagall hates me," Cassie sighed.

"That, or she has a twisted sense of humor," Blaise snorted. "You should've said no."

"I did," Cassie snapped, rubbing her temples. "Dumbledore overruled me."

Cole grinned, leaning casually against the fountain. "It's been a lovely day so far, hasn't it, Cassie?"

Cassie shot him a glare that could have frozen the Black Lake. "One more word, and I'm feeding you to the Whomping Willow."

Draco snorted, but Theo's frown deepened. "Why would you even ask to shadow her? You're not stupid enough to think that's a good idea."

Cole's grin didn't falter as he straightened up. "Because she's interesting."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "That's one word for her."

Ignoring the jab, Cole looked at Cassie, his tone softening slightly. "You're not as predictable as everyone else."

Cassie rolled her eyes, though her fingers twitched slightly as if she wasn't quite sure how to respond. "Great. I'm a human puzzle. How thrilling for you."

"Thrilling isn't the word I'd use," Cole replied, his voice softening just enough to make her pause.

Draco's smirk faltered as he exchanged a glance with Theo, whose expression grew stormy.

"You know," Theo said coldly, his eyes fixed on Cole, "we're not exactly short on people who find Cassie 'interesting.' Maybe it's time you moved along."

Cole held up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Nott. I'm just observing."

"Don't push it," Theo warned, his tone dangerous.

Cassie sighed, standing abruptly. "Alright, enough. I don't need this testosterone-fueled pissing contest right now."

"Testosterone? Really, Cass?" Draco snorted. "Have you been talking to Granger much?"

Cassie gave him a withering look before brushing past Cole, her shoulder purposefully bumping his. "Let's go, Gregwitch. If I have to suffer through this day with you, at least try not to slow me down."

"I'll see you in Potions, guys," she added, before disappearing down the hall with Cole in tow.

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

By the time they reached the library, Cassie was on the verge of snapping. She rifled through the shelves, her movements sharp and irritated, while Cole leaned casually against a nearby bookcase, that same infuriating grin plastered across his face.

"You know," he drawled, watching her with a teasing glint in his eye, "you're kind of fun when you're annoyed."

Cassie froze, her fingers gripping the spine of a book. Slowly, she turned to glare at him. "Do you ever stop talking?"

"Not when I'm around you," he replied smoothly.

She groaned, snatching a random book from the shelf and pretending to inspect it.

Cole reached over, pulling out a book with a rather gaudy title—something overtly romantic. He held it out to her. "How about this? Looks like your kind of read."

Cassie took one look at the cover and rolled her eyes. "I don't read that kind of trash," she muttered, shoving it back into place.

He stepped closer, his voice dropping slightly. "You don't have to try so hard, you know. To push people away."

Her body stiffened, her hand tightening on the book she held. For a moment, silence stretched between them, thick and tense.

When she finally spoke, her voice was sharp and cold. "And you don't have to try so hard to make me care. It's not going to work."

Cole didn't respond immediately. Instead, he closed the book he'd been holding and placed it on the nearest table, his usual smirk nowhere in sight. His tone softened, carrying an unfamiliar sincerity. "Maybe I don't want it to work. Maybe I just want to know you."

Cassie turned to him, her sharp gaze locking onto his. For once, no snarky comeback came to her lips. She stared at him, feeling her defenses waver ever so slightly before she slammed them back into place.

"Let's get one thing straight," she said quietly, her tone icy. "I'm not some project for you to figure out. Whatever you think you're going to get out of this—out of me—it's not going to happen."

"Noted."

Cassie brushed past him, her movements brisk. "I'll be late for Potions. Let's go."

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

When they arrived at the dungeon corridor, the usual crowd of Slytherins loitered outside. Cassie leaned against the cold stone wall, arms crossed as her sharp eyes darted toward Draco. 

Draco sauntered over, holding up a badge that flashed obnoxiously between Support Cedric Diggory- THE REAL HOGWARTS CHAMPION  and Potter Stinks.

"For you, Cass," he said smugly, holding it out.

She took it without enthusiasm, inspecting it with a bored look. "This is what you've been working on? A badge? Wow, Draco, your creativity astounds me."

"It's genius," Pansy chimed in, activating her badge with pride.

Cassie pinned it to her robes with a sigh.

As Harry, Ron, and Hermione arrived, the mood shifted. Draco's smirk widened, and he pressed his badge, making it flash Potter Stinks in glowing red letters.

Draco's laughter echoed in the passageway as he pressed the badge again, making the letters vanish and reappear in glowing green: Support Cedric Diggory — the REAL Hogwarts Champion

 "Oh, how mature," Hermione muttered, her tone sharp.

 Draco smirked, stepping forward. "Want one, Granger?" he sneered, holding out a badge. "Careful, though. Don't touch my hand. I've just washed it and don't fancy a Mudblood sliming it up." 

 The Gryffindors froze

 Harry's wand was out in an instant. "Take that back," he hissed. 

 "Go on, then, Potter," Draco taunted, pulling out his wand. "Let's see if you're as brave without Moody watching your back." 

 Hermione grabbed Harry's arm. "Don't," she whispered urgently. 

 But Harry didn't listen."Furnunculus!" he shouted. 

 "Densaugeo!" Draco countered. 

The spells collided in mid-air, sparking and ricocheting. One bolt of light hit Hermione, making her teeth grow at an alarming rate. The other struck Cole square in the face.Cole let out a yelp, clutching his nose as boils erupted across his skin.

 Whoa, that's—" Cassie began, but her voice trailed off as she saw how bad it really was.

Cassie turned sharply, her wand drawn in an instant. "Fucking brilliant, Potter!" she snapped 

"Cassie—" Theo began again, but she was already ignoring him, walking toward the source of the disruption.

And that was when Snape appeared. 

 The whole group went silent as Snape's shadow loomed over them. His cold eyes flicked over the scene before him ."Explain," . 

 "Potter attacked me, sir," Draco said, barely hiding his smug satisfaction. "I was minding my own business, and he—" 

We attacked each other at the same time," Harry shouted, cutting Draco off.

 Snape raised a brow but said nothing as he inspected Cole, who looked like he'd been turned into a toxic mushroom."Hospital wing, gregwitch," Snape said flatly, not even blinking at the hideous sight. 

 "Malfoy hit Hermione!" Ron blurted out, dragging her forward to show Snape the full extent of her oversized teeth. 

 Hermione was desperately trying to cover her mouth, but the teeth were too large. The Slytherins behind Snape, were laughing so hard they could barely stand. 

 Snape glanced at Hermione before turning back to the group. "I see no difference," he said, almost bored.Hermione's eyes welled with tears, and she turned to flee, running down the hall without another word. 

 Ron and Harry started yelling at Snape in unison, but the sound was almost swallowed by the thick stone walls. Snape didn't even flinch at their combined fury. 

 "Let's see," Snape said, as if savoring the moment. "Fifty points from Gryffindor, and both of you—" he paused, giving them a long look, "—detention. Now, get inside, or I'll make it a week's worth." 

 Harry and Ron shot angry glares at the Slytherins as they reluctantly entered the dungeon

Snape turned around his dark eyes settling on Cassie. "And you," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Losing your temper like this again... just like your father."

 Cassie froze.Cassie's entire demeanor shifted. Her wand was in her hand again in a flash, the tip aimed directly at Snape's chest. 

 "Don't," Theo said quickly, stepping between them. "Cassie, don't." 

 For a moment, it looked as though she might ignore him. Her hand firm and her eyes burned with fury.

 "Miss Black," Snape said, his voice as calm as ever, though his lips curled into a mocking smile. "Prove me right, why don't you? Let's see how far you'll go." 

 "Cassie," Blaise said quietly. "It's not worth it." 

 "Bloody snivellus" 

  Snape's nostrils flared, "Detention, Miss Black."

 "Make it two," Cassie snapped back without hesitation.

 Snape's mouth curled into a bitter smile. "As you wish. Three detentions. Care to push for more?""

Cassie!" Theo hissed, grabbing her arm and dragging her back. "Don't." 

Cassie glared at Snape harder " Fuck off"

Snape's nostrils flared. "Four detentions. One more word, and I'll make it five."

Cassie stormed out, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Theo hesitated only a moment before following. "Cassie, wait!"

---

YES I HAVE MY END SEM LIKE DAY AFTER- BUT LIKE I COULDNT STUDY COS I KEPT THINKING ABOUT THIS- LIEK-


yes- im rationalizing my procastinating for no reason-

pls- pray that i pass

ANYWAYS- LIKE AS U CAN TELL- NEXT FEW CHAP WILL HAVE A LOT MORE COLE X CASSIE-

AND - I think--- the twins and cassie can be a gr8 TRIO liek what-

and--- its almost yule ball time- so- lemme know if u have any dress insps or scene inspso-

also- feedback!!

hope yall are doing good-

till next time (if i survive end sem)

MXRIDDLE