"CASSIOPEIAAAA!"

Cassie's eyes narrowed, and she muttered a curse under her breath, her footsteps quickening as she tried to slip unnoticed back toward the dungeons. But, of course, Pansy wasn't about to let her escape that easily.

"What do you want, Pansy?" Cassie asked flatly, not even slowing her pace as Pansy jogged up beside her.

Pansy huffed, catching up and grabbing Cassie's arm to stop her. "What do you mean, what do I want? We're going dress shopping!"

"Absolutely not," Cassie replied immediately, trying to continue down the hall.

"Oh, come on!" Pansy groaned, tugging on her arm, nearly dragging her to a stop. "You've been skulking around like some dark, brooding vampire for weeks. You need this. Fresh air, pretty dresses—what's not to love?"

"Everything," Cassie replied, deadpan, trying to shake Pansy off.

Pansy tilted her head, looking amused. "What if I told you we could stop by that creepy weapon shop first? You know, the one with the enchanted daggers you're always gawking at?"

Cassie's eyes finally flickered toward her, raising an eyebrow. "Why would you willingly step into a weapon shop?"

"Because I'm desperate to drag you out of your cave," Pansy said

"And if it takes bribery, so be it. You can pick out a dagger. Any dagger. But only if you agree to come dress shopping after."

Cassie's expression softened for a second as she considered it. "Any dagger?" she asked, not quite believing it.

"Any dagger," Pansy confirmed, practically bouncing with excitement.

Cassie let out a dramatic sigh, folding her arms. "Fine. But I'm not trying on anything that sparkles...Or has color for that matter"

Pansy shot her a wicked grin. "Deal."

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

The small, dimly lit shop smelled faintly of metal, the air thick with a weird smell. The walls were lined with weapons of every kind—swords, axes, daggers, and even a few odd-looking ones that Cassie couldn't quite name. 

"Why am I not surprised you're enjoying this?" Pansy muttered from behind, as she trailed after Cassie, arms crossed.

Cassie gave a soft, almost satisfied hum, completely absorbed in the  gleaming blades. She stopped in front of a display case, eyes immediately drawn to a sleek black dagger with a hilt carved to resemble a coiled serpent, the eyes of the snake tiny onyx stones that gleamed like stars in the dark.

"This one," Cassie said, pointing at it without a second thought.

The shopkeeper—a middle-aged man with spectacles perched on the end of his nose—came over, unlocking the glass case and handing it to her. Cassie wrapped her fingers around the hilt, testing its weight. 

Pansy snorted, leaning against a nearby shelf. "What do you even need a dagger for?"

Cassie held the dagger up, inspecting the blade in the soft light. "To stab your date," she replied casually,

Pansy rolled her eyes, but a laugh bubbled up from her chest. "You're hilarious. You can't be serious."

"I'm serious," Cassie said

"Right, right. Because most people carry daggers for self-defense, not to indulge their homicidal fantasies," 

Cassie shot her a smirk before placing it back in its case. "Where's the fun in that?"

"Honestly, sometimes I think you might be a bit too much," Pansy muttered, but she was already dragging Cassie toward the counter, where the shopkeeper was waiting. 

"You are not to stab my date Casss"

Cassie hummed, her gaze flicking over the other weapons as if weighing the possibility of buying another one.

"Come on," Pansy grumbled. "Let's just get this over with so we can go to Gladrags. "

**********

The bustling shop was packed with students—mostly girls, giggling and chatting about the Yule Ball, their faces glowing with excitement. The sight of racks upon racks of gowns made Cassie want to curl up in a dark corner and disappear. The vibrant colors and frills? Completely not her thing.

Pansy clapped her hands, bouncing slightly on her toes. "Alright, let's find something that isn't black!"

Cassie shot her a pointed look. "You're delusional."

She walked straight to the black dresses, her fingers tracing the fabric as she scanned the options. After a moment, she pulled out a long-sleeved gown, the fabric a deep black that shimmered faintly with silver threads. The cuffs and hem were embroidered with intricate designs that almost seemed to move in the light. Cassie held it up in front of her, examining the neckline—a subtle scoop that was both classy and dangerous.

"Really? Black again?" Pansy groaned dramatically 

"Yes. Black again," Cassie replied without even looking back,  "It's elegant. Timeless."

"It's boring," Pansy muttered, but Cassie ignored her, heading straight to the fitting rooms.

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

Pansy was flitting around, dragging dresses from every rack in sight. She finally pulled a green gown with a high slit and an intricate neckline adorned with emerald embellishments off a nearby shelf. Cassie raised an eyebrow.

"Good luck finding shoes to match that," she said, eyeing the green fabric with some distaste. "That's a choice."

Pansy shot her a withering glare. "You're impossible."

Cassie strolled out of the fitting room, adjusting the hem of the dress. Her eyes locked onto Pansy as she turned around, raising a single eyebrow. "Well?"

Pansy's eyes widened as she took in the sight of Cassie in the gown. "You look... kind of amazing."

"Kind of?" Cassie shot back, 

"Alright, fine. You look stunning," Pansy conceded, rolling her eyes. "Happy now?"

"Very," Cassie replied, the corner of her mouth twitching upward as she turned back toward the mirror. She ran a hand through her hair, brushing a few stray curls out of her face. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, and the silver accents caught the light in the most flattering way. "I'll take it."

Pansy, who was now holding up her own dress—green, with an impractical slit all the way up to her thigh—looked over at her. "Well, now I need shoes to go with this," she said, flipping the gown dramatically in the air.

Cassie snorted. "Good luck with that. I still don't understand why you're wearing that."

Pansy shot her a look. "Oh, you're impossible, you know that?"

Cassie leaned back against the nearby rack, arms crossed. "I'm just honest. Not my fault you have questionable taste."

"I swear," Pansy muttered, "if I could hex your mouth shut, I'd do it in a heartbeat."

Cassie laughed.

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

Cassiopeia stood before a large mirror, surveying herself with critical eyes. Pansy was by her side, already halfway through applying a layer of mascara,  Daphne was lounging on one of the plush chairs, wearing an expression of half-amusement as she flipped through the latest issue of Witch Weekly.

"Cassie, will you please straighten your hair?" Pansy asked, her voice tight with frustration as she glanced up from her makeup. "You know it'll look better."

Cassie gave her a pointed look. "No. I like it the way it is."

"Your hair looks like a lion's mane," Pansy snapped back, smoothing a tendril of hair into place. "Just a little taming wouldn't hurt. It'll look sleek with the dress. Trust me."

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "I'm not here to look like some preened peacock. I'll set my curls as I please."

Her hands danced through her hair, twisting and pinning strands as she continued to ignore Pansy's disapproving stare. The voluminous waves cascaded around her shoulders, dark and wild with the same intensity that lay just beneath her composed exterior.

"Whatever," Pansy muttered under her breath, returning to her task of perfecting her eyeliner. She knew better than to push it further. Cassie was as stubborn as they came, especially when it came to her appearance.

Cassie took one last look at herself in the mirror. There was something about tonight that made her feel... more alive.

"You're really not going to straighten it, huh?" Daphne remarked lazily, her voice warm but tinged with the usual amusement. "It's your night, Cassie, do whatever you want."

"I don't need to be perfect," Cassie said, her lips curling slightly. 

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

The Great Hall had been transformed into something out of a dream—soft silver light spilling from floating lanterns, enchanted snow drifting lazily from the enchanted ceiling, and Christmas trees lined up their branches dripping with golden ornaments. Students buzzed with excitement, their chatter and laughter echoing against the high stone walls.

The Great Hall glittered with a thousand candles suspended in midair, the bewitched ceiling shimmering 

But then the grand staircase came alive with movement, and silence fell like a curtain.

Cassiopeia Black appeared.

Cassie wore black—the black. The kind of black that made shadows retreat. It clung to her figure like sin, the bodice smooth and deceptively simple, before flaring ever so slightly at her waist. Silver threads glimmered faintly in the fabric, as if the stars themselves had been spun into the seams. The slit that ran up her left leg was bold, revealing flashes of pale, porcelain skin with every measured movement. Her curves and strength were on full display, but the danger came with the details—a silver dagger, strapped unapologetically to her thigh, its hilt ornate with snake

Her hair was untouched, falling wild and raven-dark around her shoulders, each curl alive with a faint shimmer like stardust. Her makeup sharpened her features to something both elegant and unnerving. Smoky eyes framed in charcoal-black liner, lips the color of dark blood, and a faint flush on her cheeks.

The grand staircase seemed to stretch longer as she moved, heels clicking softly against the marble, every step ringing with unspoken authority.

"Is that—"

"Cassiopeia Black," someone breathed, as though saying her name might summon her gaze.

Harry and Ron froze mid-conversation. Ron's jaw dropped so quickly it might've dislocated. "Bloody hell," he blurted, eyes practically bulging out of his head. 

"She looks like she's here to hex everyone in the room and still win the best-dressed award."

Harry shifted uncomfortably, his brows furrowing. "Well... she does look like she might stab someone."

"Or several someones," Hermione added dryly, though even she looked momentarily stunned. Her frown deepened as she observed Cassie's dagger. "I'm fairly certain carrying weapons into a school event is against the rules."

"Who's going to stop her?" Ron shot back, still gaping. "Look at her!"

Cassie's piercing grey eyes scanned the room, narrowing slightly as they landed on Astoria Greengrass, who stood too close to Theo for her liking.

Theo had been mid-sentence when he saw her. His words caught in his throat, eyes widening just a little as Cassie walked in. The dress she wore seemed to draw all the attention, fitting her perfectly and making her look effortlessly powerful. He couldn't help but watch as she moved through the room, the way she held herself so naturally confident. For a split second, he forgot what he'd been talking about, his thoughts a little scrambled. It was just that... Cassie had that effect on him, even if her didnt wanna admit it-

Cassie's sharp gaze locked onto Theo, and for a moment, her irritation faltered as she took him in. The midnight-blue velvet suit hugged his tall, lean frame perfectly. The loosened tie around his neck, paired with his unruly dark hair, gave him an effortlessly disheveled charm.

His eyes, however, darted to Astoria, who brushed an invisible speck off his sleeve, giving an unnecessary girlish giggle.

His jaw tightened, his posture stiffening. Cassie's gaze flicked over Astoria, her stomach twisting—especially because Astoria was standing far too close to him. The way she lightly touched his arm, laughing at something he said, made Cassie's blood simmer.

Her narrowed eyes lingered on Astoria's delicate pink gown, a little too innocent and understated, in Cassie's opinion. Cassie's lips curled into a scowl as she thought, What's she even laughing at? Theo's not that funny.

"Cassie!" Pansy's delighted squeal broke through the tension. She abandoned her date, Tyler, to rush toward Cassiopeia, who raised a brow at the gesture. Pansy twirled dramatically, her deep green gown flaring around her, before grabbing Cassie's hand.

"You look so pretty! Doesn't she, Tyler?" Pansy said, turning to her date.

Tyler, a Hufflepuff with floppy brown hair and a disarming smile, was the picture of a golden retriever in human form. He wore a mustard-yellow waistcoat over a crisp white shirt, his robes tailored but slightly too cheerful for the occasion. He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
"That's a trick question, isn't it?" he joked, his grin widening.

Blaise standing nearby with Daphne Greengrass, let out a low whistle. "Merlin, Cass. Give the rest of us a chance, will you?" his dark burgundy robes striking against his smooth complexion. Beside him, Daphne looked stunning in an icy-blue dress with silver embroidery, 

Draco sauntered over, his hands in his pockets, his polished black robes immaculate as always. His pale features were lit with his signature smirk. "Well, Mother's going to be very pleased."

Lyra, his Ravenclaw date, looked enchanting in a soft silver gown that sparkled like starlight. Her delicate features were framed by loose waves, and she clung to Draco's arm nervously, her cheeks pink as she nodded politely at Cassiopeia.

Waiting at the bottom of the staircase was Cole, his lean frame draped in immaculate black dress robes accented by the crimson trim of Durmstrang. His polished boots gleamed, and his tie was loose enough to seem intentionally careless.

"You clean up nice," he remarked, his smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as his dark eyes roamed over her.

Cassie paused, her gaze drifting to his outstretched hand. For a moment, she looked as though she might walk past him entirely, her expression unreadable. Then, with deliberate slowness, she slid her fingers into his grasp. Her eyes flicked to Theo for the briefest of moments- deliberately

Cole's grin widened as he guided her toward the center of the Hall. Together, they sauntered across the polished floor, turning heads and drawing whispered murmurs from every corner. They looked like they owned the room—a power couple

By the time Dumbledore stepped forward, clinking his goblet to draw everyone's attention, all eyes were already on the champions entering the Hall. The music shifted to a slow, elegant tune as the champions began their traditional dance.

Cassie leaned casually against the drinks table, idly swirling the goblet in her hand. "Riveting," she muttered, yawning pointedly as she watched the procession unfold.

Behind her, Cole chuckled softly as he sidled closer. She ignored him for a moment, uncorking a small, concealed bottle of Firewhisky from her clutch. With practiced ease, she tipped a splash of the amber liquid into her drink, her lips curling into a sly smirk as she took a sip.
"Sooo..." Cole drawled, his tone light and teasing as he leaned on the table beside her. "Are we gonna dance, or what?"

Cassie's eyes slid toward him, her expression unreadable. She raised her goblet to her lips and took a slow sip, the smirk deepening as the Firewhisky burned its way down her throat.

Before Cole could press further, a crisp voice cut through the low hum of chatter. "Miss Black."

Cassie's head whipped around, her smirk transforming into an innocent, almost genuine smile. Professor McGonagall was approaching, her sharp gaze narrowing as it landed on the goblet in Cassie's hand.
"Minnie!" Cassie greeted, her voice dripping with exaggerated cheerfulness as she swiftly slid the small Firewhisky bottle behind her back.
McGonagall's lips thinned as she crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "You look..." she began, her eyes scanning Cassie's attire. "Beautiful," she admitted.

Cassie tilted her head, her grin turning mischievous. "Why, thank you, Professor. You look quite ravishing yourself tonight. That skirt is just... divine," she added with a wink.

"Miss Black," McGonagall began reproachfully, her sharp gaze dropping to the silver dagger strapped to Cassie's thigh, visible through the dangerously high slit in her gown. "I hardly think a weapon is necessary at a school event."

Cassie shrugged with feigned innocence, the corner of her lips curving into a sly smile. "It's purely decorative," she said lightly, brushing imaginary dust off her gown. "Besides, one never knows when they might need to... keep a date in line."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, unimpressed. "Why aren't you dancing?"

Cassie raised a brow, glancing at the swirling couples on the dance floor. "With whom?" she asked, her tone dripping with exaggerated disinterest.

McGonagall's gaze flicked to Cole, who stood awkwardly beside Cassie, suddenly finding the floor far more fascinating. "Your partner, perhaps?"

Cassie rolled her eyes dramatically, setting her goblet down with a clink. "Why?"

McGonagall crossed her arms, her expression firm "Cassiopeia Black, you will dance- everyone does- there are hardly any slytherins out there- go-. Now."

Cassie sighed heavily, her exasperation clear as she snatched up the last of her drink, draining it in one go. "Ugh. Fine." She placed the empty goblet down with a loud thud and turned to Cole, her sharp gaze pinning him in place. "Let's go," she said, her tone more a command than an invitation.

Cole blinked, startled, before quickly composing himself. "Right," he muttered.

Cassie rolled her eyes, extending her hand with a bossy flourish. "I'll lead," she said, her tone commanding.

Cole had amusement in his eyes. "Of course, you will."

The pair strode onto the dance floor, the enchanted lights casting a glow as the music shifted to a slower, more sensual melody. Cassie took her place, lifting her chin with the practiced elegance of someone who had been bred for occasions like this.

Her fingers settled against Cole's shoulder, the other hand still gripping his firmly. His arm slid around her waist, his touch steady but tentative,

 Cassie didn't pull away. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes locking onto his.
"Relax," she murmured, her voice low enough that only he could hear. "I don't bite."

"Not without reason, anyway."

Cole snorted, his smirk returning as he drew her a fraction closer.

As the music swelled, Cassie allowed herself to slip into the familiar rhythm of the dance. Growing up under Narcissa's watchful eye, she had been dragged to countless balls and galas, always expected to perform as a proper Black. The first lesson had been pureblood dances—fluid, formal, and utterly commanding. It was a skill she had mastered young, and now it came to her as effortlessly as breathing.

Cole, to his credit, wasn't entirely out of his depth. He followed her lead, his steps surprisingly precise. Yet there was something untamed about the way he moved—unpolished but magnetic. Cassie found herself intrigued, the corners of her lips curling upward as she pressed her frame slightly closer to his.

"You're not terrible," she admitted.

"I'll take it," Cole replied, his voice husky as his gaze dipped momentarily to her lips before snapping back to her eyes.

The room around them seemed to blur as they moved, their bodies swaying in perfect synchrony. Cassie's gown fanned out with each turn, the black shimmering under the lights. The hand on her waist tightened slightly as Cole guided her into a spin.

From the edge of the hall, Theo Nott's sharp gaze tracked every move Cassie made. He sat rigid, ignoring Astoria Greengrass's attempts to pull his attention back to her. Astoria frowned, clearly miffed, her grip tightening on Theo's arm as if to remind him she was there.

"Stop staring," Astoria snapped softly, though her voice trembled with irritation. "Honestly, Theo."
Theo ignored her, his eyes dark and unreadable as they burned into Cassie's back.

Cassie felt it. Oh, she felt it. The weight of his stare, the tension rolling off him like a storm held at bay. Her smirk curled at the corner of her lips as she allowed Cole to spin her, deliberately letting the slit in her gown reveal more skin—just enough to push Theo's jealousy from a simmer to a boil.

"She's doing this on purpose," Pansy hissed again, tugging on Daphne's arm. "Look at Theo! Astoria's going to explode."

Daphne merely snickered, amused by the chaos. "Let her."

Cassie didn't bother responding. Instead, her gaze flicked back to Theo just once—just long enough for him to see her smirk. A deliberate, pointed gesture. Theo's jaw clenched visibly from across the room, his knuckles whitening where his hands rested on the table.

"Oh, he's seething," Daphne whispered gleefully.

Astoria finally huffed and pulled Theo back toward her. "I'm your date," she reminded him sharply. "Not her."

But Theo didn't reply. His focus remained on Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia's pulse quickened. Whether it was the music, the heat of his touch, or the way his dark eyes seemed to drink her in, she wasn't sure.
Around them, the crowd began to step back, giving them space. Whispers rippled through the hall, but Cassie barely noticed. For once, she wasn't performing for anyone. She was simply... present.
Cole, meanwhile, couldn't keep his thoughts entirely composed. He had never danced like this before, not with someone who seemed to command every step without losing an ounce of her power.

As the music slowed, Cassie's fingers trailed from his shoulder down to his chest, lingering there for a moment before returning to her side. Cole leaned in slightly, his breath brushing her ear.

The final notes of the music faded, and the room erupted into polite applause. Cassie stepped back, her composure perfectly intact despite the slight flush on her cheeks. Cole offered a playful bow, his grin returning as he straightened.

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

Cassiopeia and Cole made their way toward the table,

"Not bad, Cassie," Draco said from the table, "Didn't know you still had it in you."

Cassiopeia chuckled slightly, keeping her gaze forward. "I try not to surprise you," she replied dryly,.

"Cole's got moves," Pansy commented, her voice casual, though her eyes lingered to Theo. Theo's eyes flicked to her for just a moment, an unreadable expression crossing his face. But just as quickly, his gaze returned to the table, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the glass of his drink.

"Honestly, I didn't think you'd dance at all," Blaise added, arching an eyebrow.

Cassiopeia's lips curled into a thin smile. "I am a Black after all," she replied, barely giving him a glance as she settled into the seat opposite Theo.

Theo didn't look up. His drink was the center of his attention now, his posture stiffening ever so slightly, though he still hadn't said a word.

"Sure you don't want to give it a go, Theo?" Draco teased from the side, leaning in a little too eagerly. "I've seen you attempt the waltz before, but I'm not sure it's your thing."

Theo didn't respond immediately. He took another sip from his glass, his fingers lingering on the rim for just a moment longer than necessary. Cassie could feel the tension building in the air, "You're one to talk, Malfoy," Theo muttered, his voice low, but Cassiopeia noticed how his gaze flickered toward her for a fraction of a second before he quickly looked away.

Something shifted between them—something too subtle to name but undeniable nonetheless. She caught it. The way Theo's breath seemed to catch when she met his eyes. The way her pulse quickened, not from anyone else, but from him. She couldn't help it.

Cole, sensing the moment passing between them, leaned toward her, his voice casual, almost too much so. "So, now that the dance is over, you and me—maybe a drink?"

Cassiopeia gave him a eye roll- "Don't think of it too much " she remarked but her attention remained locked on Theo, who was now visibly irritated, his jaw clenched as he set his drink down a little too forcefully.

"I'm getting another drink," Theo said abruptly, his voice clipped.

Cassiopeia tilted her head, watching him stand. He hadn't said anything since she sat down, hadn't looked at her much. But now he was leaving. The way he moved—it was almost like he was running from something, or perhaps someone.

Astoria, who had been sitting beside him, stood up immediately, a little too eager. "Theo, wait!" Her voice was sweet but persistent, almost too much so. "Let me come with you."

Theo didn't look back. "No need," he muttered under his breath, quickening his pace toward the drink table.

Astoria followed without hesitation, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, her figure darting in and out of the crowd as she chased after him.

Cassiopeia watched them go, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of her glass. She could feel the pull between her and Theo, even though the space between them felt as wide as the distance of the room. Every glance, every brush of his eyes against hers—it all felt like something simmering beneath the surface.

Draco watched Theo and Astoria's departure raising an eyebrow. "Didn't think he would react this much," he muttered, leaning back in his chair.

Cole, sensing the shift in Cassiopeia's focus, raised an eyebrow. "You alright?"

"Mhm," she replied with a small, unreadable smile.

The music shifted suddenly, the tempo picking up with the fast beats of a Weird Sisters song pulsing through the room. The crowd seemed to surge, a new energy filling the air as the bass dropped. Pansy grabbed Cassiopeia's arm, pulling her away from the table with an excited tug. "Come on, let's go dance!" she urged, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Cassie didn't hesitate, though she wasn't sure if she was excited about the dancing or just wanted a distraction from everything else. Pansy's enthusiasm was contagious, and before she could think twice, they were heading toward the floor. Theo was already gone, and something about that made her feel... unsettled. It wasn't like her to care about what someone did after they walked out, but for some reason, Theo's sudden departure left an odd gap in the night.

The dance floor was crowded with students, all of them moving to the beat, some with practiced grace, others with more abandon. Cole followed her too, his presence easily spotted by his height. Cassie tried to ignore him, tried not to notice how he seemed to be more in his element than she was, but something about the way his eyes locked on hers as he danced caught her off guard. His grin was wicked, the kind that made her pulse quicken before she could stop herself.

Cassie couldn't help but notice how he moved, how his rhythm seemed to align with hers without effort. There was an unspoken challenge between them in the way they danced—every step, She couldn't decide if it was exhilarating or infuriating.

Meanwhile, Theo was long gone, and as she glanced toward the door, her eyes instinctively followed his figure as he walked out of the Great Hall. His shoulders were tense, his steps quick and stiff. Something about the way he walked away felt not right, and Cassie couldn't ignore the knot that formed in her stomach. The air around her felt heavier, and as if on impulse, she pulled away from the dance floor, muttering something to Pansy about needing air. She didn't wait for a response, her steps quick as she made her way toward the door.

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

The cool night air hit Cassiopeia's skin as she stepped outside, the music from the Great Hall still echoing in her ears. She had seen Theo walk out without a word, and it gnawed at her. She wasn't used to him acting this way, and she certainly wasn't used to caring about it.

She found him near the entrance, leaning against the stone wall, arms crossed, looking like he was trying to fight off something His gaze was fixed ahead, and he didn't notice her approach at first.

"Seriously?" Cassie's voice was sharp as she came to a stop in front of him, arms folded across her chest. "You're just going to leave without saying anything?"

Theo still didn't look at her. "There's nothing to say."

Cassie scoffed. "Oh, come on, Nott. Don't give me that. You've been sulking all evening. What's your deal?"

"I'm not sulking," Theo muttered, finally glancing her way but refusing to meet her eyes.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Could've fooled me." She gestured at the way he was practically radiating tension. "You stormed out of the hall like someone set your robes on fire. So, what is it? Spill."

Theo huffed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's nothing, Cass. Just leave it."

"Oh, no. You don't get to play that card with me," Cassie snapped. She paused for a moment. "I wore a dress for once tonight. And I didn't hear a single compliment from you. Does it look that bad?"

Theo's head snapped up instantly, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her blink. "No," he said firmly, almost too quickly. "You look gorgeous."

He took a step closer, his gaze sweeping over her as if he wanted to make sure she understood. "You look... incredible, Cass."

Cassie tilted her head, her arms still crossed. "Then what's the problem?"

"The problem," Theo snapped, his voice rising slightly, "is you, dancing with him."

Cassie blinked, caught off guard for a moment. "Cole? That's what this is about?"

Theo's jaw clenched. "He's been all over you all night, Cass. And you—" He broke off, gesturing vaguely. "You didn't seem to mind."

Cassie let out a short, incredulous laugh. "Are you serious right now? You're jealous? Of Cole?"

"I'm not jealous," Theo said immediately, though the edge in his voice suggested otherwise. "I just don't trust him"

"Could've fooled me," Cassie retorted

Theo glared at her, his frustration boiling over. "He looks at you like you're the last star in the bloody sky, Cass. And you just let him. Do you even realize what you're doing?"

"Excuse me?" Cassie shot back, stepping closer to him now. "I'm dancing, Theo. That's it. Merlin forbid I have a little fun for once without you brooding in the background."

"Fun?" Theo repeated. "Is that what you call it? Letting him fawn over you like that?"

Cassie threw her hands up in exasperation. "Oh, for Salazar's sake, Theo! It's just Gregwitch. We're friends. You know that."

"Friends don't look at each other like that," Theo bit out, his tone sharp.

"And what about the way you look at me?" Cassie shot back before she could stop herself.

Theo froze, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at her. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife.

Cassie exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable, you know that? I didn't ask for your opinion on who I dance with, Theo. If you've got a problem, maybe try talking to me about it instead of running off like a fucking child."

Theo's took a step back. "Fine," he said coldly. "If that's how you feel, enjoy your night, Cass."

He turned on his heel and began walking away.

Cassie stared after him for a moment, her anger simmering, before calling out, "Maybe try asking me first next time before someone else does."

Theo paused mid-step, his shoulders stiffening, but he didn't look back. Instead, he shook his head and kept walking.

Cassie stood there, her heart pounding. A small, bitter part of her wanted to chase after him, but her pride held her in place. "Let him stew," she thought, turning back toward the hall, her resolve firm.

"Fine," she muttered to herself, turning to walk back toward the hall. But as she did, she heard faint shouting from inside, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone crying.

Curious, she moved quietly down the hall and peeked around the corner, where she spotted Hermione sitting on the staircase. Her hair was a mess, her dress crumpled, and tears streaked her face. The sight made Cassie hesitate for a moment, before she approached, sliding down the stairs to sit beside her.

Hermione's eyes were red, and she looked up, startled to see Cassie beside her. "What do you want, Black?" Her voice was hoarse...immediately wiping her tears

Cassie shrugged, crossing her arms and leaning back casually. "Bad date?"

Hermione wiped her eyes, shaking her head. "More like shitty friends."

Cassie looked at her for a long moment, then sighed. "Same," she said quietly.

Hermione looked at her in confusion. "Wait, what? You?"

Cassie let out a chuckle, though it was tinged with bitterness. "Yeah. You're not the only one who's tired of it."

Hermione frowned, rubbing at her tear-streaked cheeks. "Why are you here, though? You hate me."

Cassie leaned back against the staircase, crossing her arms. "True," she said simply, before adding with a smirk, "but I hate egoistic men even more."

That earned a snort from Hermione, despite herself. "You're one to talk. You're not exactly lacking in the ego department."

Cassie shrugged, unbothered. "I am a Black though"

Hermione gave her a long look before sighing. "What do you even want, Black?"

Cassie tilted her head. "I don't know. Maybe I wanted to see if you were going to sit here all night wallowing or if you were planning on getting back out there."

"And why do you care?" Hermione shot back.

"I don't," Cassie admitted with a smirk. "But I can't stand watching you let them ruin your night. It's pathetic, really."

Hermione bristled slightly but said nothing, her gaze dropping to her hands.

"Look," Cassie said. "You can either sit here crying over them, or you can get up, fix your dress, and go back to whoever you were dancing with before this mess."

Hermione hesitated, glancing sideways at Cassie. "And what would you do?"

Cassie gave her a sly grin. "Oh, I'd go back in there and make sure they're regretting it for the rest of their lives. But that's just me."

Hermione blinked at her for a moment, "You're right," she said softly. "I'm not going to let them ruin it."

Cassie gave her a sharp nod of approval, pushing herself to her feet. "Good. But just so we're clear—this never happened," she added before walking back toward the noise of the Great hall.

As Cassie stepped back into the Great Hall, the music had shifted again—this time, it was slower, more romantic, the soft strains of a waltz filling the air. The guests were still mingling, but the atmosphere had changed. The room, with its dim lighting and floating candles, seemed to close in around her, making her feel oddly alone in a crowd of people.

Before she could take another step, Cole was suddenly in front of her, his eyes bright with that ever-present grin. He moved quickly, his hands already reaching for her waist before she had a chance to respond.

Cassie rolled her eyes. She wasn't in the mood but at this point, she figured, why not? "Let's do this," she said with a shrug, her voice indifferent as she slid into his arms.

The music swirled around them, and Cole's hand found the small of her back as they began to move. He was leading—but for once Cassie didn't mind. Her feet moved with ease, matching the rhythm of the dance as they glided across the floor. His hand brushed her waist in a way that wasn't unfamiliar, and she could feel the faint pulse of his body against hers. He was close. Too close. But there was something about the way he moved with her that kept her from pulling away.

She could hear him humming along to the music, his breath warm against her neck as he leaned in a little too much. His eyes—those infuriatingly charming eyes—were locked on hers, but she refused to look at him too long. Cassie wasn't the type to let herself be swept away by charm. Not anymore.

"Is this what you wanted?" Cole asked mockingly

Cassie looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. "What do you think?" she replied dryly, but she couldn't suppress the slight curve of her lips. He was persistent, she'd give him that. Persistent and frustratingly confident.

The crowd around them seemed to fade into the background, the only thing left was the way Cole held her—just a little too tightly now. They moved in sync, but her thoughts wandered. Was this really what she wanted?

A pause in the dance gave her a moment of clarity. Cassie pulled away slightly, looking up at Cole. He didn't pull back, not even when she noticed that the space between them had narrowed even more. The way he was looking at her, his gaze fixed on her lips for just a second longer than necessary, made her stomach twist in a strange way.

But then—nothing. Cole hesitated, leaning in just a fraction more, but then he stopped, his lips hovering near hers. His breath was shallow, and his eyes flickered nervously, a shift in his demeanor that Cassie didn't expect.

For a split second, she thought he might pull back completely. She could see the doubt in his eyes—the hesitation that didn't belong. He wasn't sure. He wasn't that sure about her.

Cassie snorted softly, amused by the sudden shift in power. "Didn't think you'd be the one to back out," she said with a light chuckle, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Without a second thought, she closed the gap, her lips pressing firmly against his. This time, there was no hesitation. The kiss was deep, immediate, and full of heat. Cole's hand tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, and Cassie responded, matching the intensity. His lips moved against hers, softer now, more insistent as if he were trying to prove something.

For those few moments, it felt like everything around them had faded away—the whispers of the crowd, the music, the flickering candles. It was just them, in that moment, wrapped up in the kiss. Cassie could feel the rush of adrenaline as their kiss deepened, the way his body aligned with hers as they moved to the rhythm of the ending song 

But as quickly as the kiss had begun, it ended. Cole pulled away, his cheeks flushed a deep red, his breath shallow. He looked at her, clearly at a loss for words.

Cassie couldn't help but smirk. Well, she thought, at least she's not the only one a little shaken by that.

She let out a loud chuckle as the last notes of the music began to fade, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Quite the night, huh?" she said casually, her voice laced with amusement, 

Cole nodded, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something more, but the words never came. He was still flushed, his cheeks bright, and his expression stuck somewhere between awe and embarrassment. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk deepening "Didn't think you would be this- flustered"

Cole shook his head, still at a loss for words, and she could tell that he was utterly embarrassed, his usual charm slipping. For a moment, Cassie almost felt bad for him—but not quite.

Instead, she gave him a small nudge and then, without another word, walked off, leaving Cole standing there, looking like he was trying to catch his breath.

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



OMGGGGG GUYSSYYSYS I TOOK AGES ON THIS CHAP--- AND I LIKE IT SO MUCH AAHAHAHHAHSH

I DONT USUALLY WRITE ROMANCE THAT OFTEN SO- I DO NEED UR FEEDBACK-

WHATYA THINK"

DW THE KISS WILL BE CLARIFYED IN THE NEXT CHAP-

UHMM AND YEAHSHSH

IM LITERALLY SQUEALING-X0-

HOPE YALL ARE DOING GREAT- TILL NEXT TIME- 

MXRIDDLE