The Third Task loomed closer, casting an uneasy shadow over Hogwarts. The Quidditch field had been transformed into a vast maze, and well- Barty Crouch had been found dead. Yet the most jarring moment occurred during Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The lesson was already underway when Cassie shoved open the door, her bag slung lazily over her shoulder, her hair slightly tousled, The sound of the door banging shut reverberated through the room.

Moody's magical eye swiveled sharply, zeroing in on her l His scarred face twisted, "Late again, Miss Black. What's your excuse this time?"

Cassie sauntered in, barely sparing him a glance. "Thought I'd give you a chance to miss me," she said, her tone mockingly sweet-

A ripple of snickers broke out among the students.

Moody's expression darkened further, his normal eye narrowing. "I'm not here to be entertained by your antics, girl. You think you can stroll in whenever it pleases you?"

Cassie stopped mid-stride, tilting her head thoughtfully. "I don't think, Professor. I know I can." 

"Take your seat," he snapped,

Moody's magical eye swiveled again, pinning her in place. "You've got a big mouth, Black. Let's hope your wand's half as sharp."

She leaned back in her chair, smirking. "It's sharp enough to take down anyone who doubts it."

The tension in the room crackled as Moody's scarred lip curled into a sneer. "We'll see about that," he growled. "Now, as I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, today's lesson is Aguamenti. A simple charm—life-saving in the right situation. Wands out!"

The class hurried to obey, pulling out their wands with a rustle of cloaks and murmured incantations. Cassie, however, remained unmoved, her arms crossed and her wand untouched on the desk.

Moody's magical eye snapped back to her, his growl low and dangerous. "Something the matter, Black? Or are you too important for basic magic?"

Cassie shrugged nonchalantly, a bored expression on her face. "Already mastered it. Thought I'd let everyone else catch up."

The class erupted into murmurs, some impressed, others clearly annoyed.

"Prove it, then," someone shouted from the back

"If you insist," she said, her voice dripping with mock humility.

She strolled to the front of the class, wand in hand, and aimed at the target Moody had set up. "Aguamenti."

A jet of water shot from her wand—not the gentle stream Moody had been demonstrating but a powerful torrent that slammed into the target, shattering it into splinters.

The class ducked as pieces of wood flew everywhere

A loud clatter drew everyone's attention. Moody's flask had fallen from his desk, spilling its contents across the floor.The room was immediately filled with a sharp, acrid odor. Cassie froze as the smell hit her nostrils—a smell that was both unfamiliar and unsettlingly familiar at the same time.

Moody's reaction was immediate. He waved his wand and muttered, "Evanesco." The liquid disappeared in an instant, but Cassie's senses remained sharp. That smell—she knew it.

Her eyes met Moody's, and for a split second, a flicker of something unreadable passed between them. he snapped, "Take a seat."

For once, Cassie didn't bite back. She returned to her desk, her mind racing. That smell—it was something she knew. But from where? 

The rest of the lesson passed in a haze. Moody barked instructions, students struggled to master the spell, and Cassie sat there, barely registering any of it. Her thoughts were consumed by the scent and the flash of unease she'd seen in Moody's expression when the flask spilled.

By the time the bell rang, she was no closer to an answer.

"Oi, Cass," Theo called, catching up to her as she headed for the door. "What was that about? You looked like you'd seen a ghost."

Cassie shook her head, her expression unreadable. "I need to check something," she said.

"What? Now?" Theo frowned. "We've got Potions next."

"Go without me," she said, already turning away.

***********

She found herself in the library, fingers skimming through dusty tomes, her search aimless yet frantic. Pages on potion-making blurred together, none yielding what she sought. If only she could smell it again. Just one more whiff, and she'd know.

The quiet shuffle of footsteps brought her out of her thoughts. Theo stood by the bookshelf, arms crossed, his brow furrowed. "What happened in class, Cass? You've been acting off ever since."

Cassie glanced at him, debating how much to say. Finally, she closed the book in front of her. "I'll tell you later," she said, slipping past him.

Theo caught her wrist. "Cass, seriously—what's going on?"

She pulled free, her expression guarded. "I'm going to Moody's office."

His eyes widened. "You're what? Are you mental? He'll skin you alive if he catches you."

"He'll be in the Great Hall," Cassie replied, "Now's my chance."

"Cass—"

"I'll see you in a bit, Theo," she interrupted, already heading for the door.

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

Moody's office was dimly lit and cluttered with strange objects and dark detectors that hummed . Cassie slipped in quietly, her Disillusionment Charm in place, her every step careful.

Her eyes scanned the room, searching for a spare flask or anything resembling the potion she'd seen earlier. The Sneakoscope on Moody's desk spun wildly, emitting a high-pitched whine that set her nerves on edge.

She froze. A faint rattling sound came from a trunk in the corner. Her breath hitched, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. It felt as if she wasn't alone.

Cassie shook off the unease and continued her search. Her fingers brushed over strange vials, papers, and artifacts, but nothing seemed to match the clear liquid she'd seen spill.

A loud clunk from behind startled her, and she spun around, her elbow knocking over the Sneakoscope.

"Oh, fuck," she whispered under her breath, panic clawing at her chest.

The sound of footsteps approached. Moody's unmistakable, uneven gait—wooden leg thudding against the stone floor—grew louder. Cassie darted to the side, her charm shimmering as she flattened herself against a dark cabinet.

The door creaked open, and Moody entered, his face twisted in what could only be described as barely contained fury. His magical eye swiveled wildly, scanning the room. He muttered under his breath, his movements tense and hurried.

Cassie watched as he went straight to a drawer, pulling out a vial of clear liquid. Her heart stopped. That's what it was. The smell, the texture—it hit her like a train. Polyjuice Potion.

Her mind raced. How could she have missed it? It was so fucking obvious now.

Moody held the vial to the light, his hands trembling slightly, before stashing it away. He turned, his magical eye swiveling again, this time locking onto the fallen Sneakoscope and the disarrayed desk.

Cassie's breath caught. She remained perfectly still, willing her charm to hold as his gaze swept closer. But then—

"Petrificus Totalus!" Moody barked.

Cassie didn't even have time to react. Her body stiffened, her wand clattering to the floor as she fell, rigid and helpless. The Disillusionment Charm faded, leaving her fully visible.

Moody's lip curled into a sneer as he loomed over her, his real eye narrowed. "Black," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Not quite as impeccable as ever, I must say. That Disillusionment Charm was downright choppy."

He waved his wand, banishing the charm entirely. Cassie lay frozen, her eyes wide, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Moody scratched his chin, his expression shifting from anger to something darker. "Well," he muttered, half to himself, "I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out."

Cassie's gaze darted to the drawer where he'd stashed the vial. Polyjuice. Her mind screamed at her to move, to fight, but the curse held her in place.

Then, before her very eyes, Moody's face began to change. The scars faded, his skin smoothing out. His nose shrank, becoming whole again. The grizzled mane of gray hair shortened and turned straw-colored.

With a sickening clunk, the wooden leg fell away, replaced by a normal one. The magical eye popped out of its socket, rolling across the floor as a real eye took its place.

Cassie wanted to scream, but no sound came.

The man who stood before her was pale-skinned, freckled, with fair hair.

Barty Crouch Jr.

Her mind reeled. This isn't possible.- He was dead- regulus told her himself- 

Crouch smirked, crouching down to meet her frozen gaze. "Fighting it, are you?" he drawled. "Don't bother. You're not getting out of this one."

Cassie's wide eyes screamed what her voice couldn't.

He chuckled darkly. "Poor little Black, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Cassie's head lolled slightly as Barty crouched over her, his wand hovering menacingly close to her temple.

"Can't have you remembering this, can we?" he muttered, his voice laced with cruel amusement.

His wand-tip glowed faintly as he whispered, "Obliviate."

Cassie's vibrant, stormy eyes dulled in an instant, clouding over like a haze had settled in her mind. Her breathing steadied, but her body remained limp on the cold stone floor.

"Such a waste," Barty murmured, straightening. He shoved the flask of Polyjuice Potion into his pocket and downed the last of it, his body contorting painfully as he transformed back into Moody's grizzled form.
"You're tougher than you look," he muttered, as he aimed a sharp kick to her side. Her body jerked lifelessly in response,

With a quick wave of his wand, he cast a Disillusionment Charm over her unconscious body. "Cant have anyone seeing this mess," he sneered, dragging her into a shadowed corridor before clunking away.

***********

The Slytherin common room was unusually quiet.Theo tapped his foot impatiently, arms crossed tightly as he glared at the clock on the mantle. "Where the hell is she?"

Blaise, lounging lazily on the armrest of a chair, gave an exaggerated shrug. "Library, maybe?"

"No," Pansy interjected, her frown deepening. She glanced toward the entrance. "She would've been back by now."

Theo's jaw tightened, his frustration palpable. "We're finding her." He stood abruptly, grabbing his wand and striding toward the door.

Blaise arched an eyebrow, though he made no move to stop him. "You think Moody caught her?"

"Who else?" Theo snapped, already heading out.

Draco groaned from the corner, reluctantly pushing off the wall. "Both of you are going to get us killed," he muttered, following 

The group marched through the dim corridors,  Reaching Moody's office, Theo knocked sharply—too sharply.

After a tense beat, the door creaked open, revealing the ex-Auror's scarred face. His magical eye whirled madly, 

"What do you lot want?" he growled, leaning on his staff.

"Have you seen Cassiopeia Black?"

Moody's lips curled into a sneer, his magical eye pausing on Theo for just a fraction longer than necessary. "Why would I know where she is?"

"She didn't come back to the common room," Theo pressed,

Moody chuckled, low and menacing, the sound sending a chill down their spines. "Probably got herself in trouble-

Theo's fists clenched at his sides. "If you've done something—"

"Be practical, Theo," Draco hissed, cutting him off. His eyes darted nervously toward Moody, who now stood straighter, his wand-tip faintly visible.

Moody's gravelly voice cut through the tension. "Watch your tongue, boy." His magical eye glinted dangerously. "Unless you want me to dock points"

Blaise stepped in swiftly, grabbing Theo's arm before the situation could escalate further. "Let's go," he muttered under his breath. "We're wasting time."

Theo didn't move, his jaw tight with fury, but Pansy quickly added, "Sorry, Professor," and dragged him away

"She could be anywhere!" Pansy exclaimed, her voice cracking.

"Maybe- Moody is right- maybe she landed herself in detention? Draco suggested "Wait. Do you hear that?" Blaise halted abruptly, his eyes narrowing "yes-"

They turned a corner to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione crouched over a figure on the floor.

"Move!" Theo barked, shoving past them. His breath caught when he saw Cassie—pale, motionless, her head resting awkwardly against the cold stone.

"Cassie!" Theo dropped to his knees, shaking her gently.

"She's breathing," Hermione said quickly, her voice tinged with concern. "We found her like this."

"What the hell did you do to her?" Blaise snapped, his wand already drawn.

"Nothing!" Ron retorted, stepping forward with his own wand raised. 

"We were just walking by—" Before Harry could finish, Theo surged forward, grabbing him by the collar and slamming him against the wall. "You expect us to believe that?" Theo growled, his face inches from Harry's. "You just happened to stumble across her like this?"

"Let him go, Nott!" Hermione yelled, springing to her feet 

Harry didn't flinch, glaring back at Theo despite the tight grip on his robes. "We didn't do anything—she probably messed with someone too strong for her—stupid bitc—"

Theo's arm shot up, ready to strike, but Draco stepped in holding his arm. 

"Say one more word about her, Potter, and I'll make sure it's the last you ever say." Theo snarled

"Shut it, Theo!" Blaise barked, grabbing Theo's arm before he could lash out further. "She just looks stunned. Let's get her to Pomfrey"

Theos glare lingered on Harry for a moment longer before he released him with a shove.

Ignoring the Gryffindors, Theo crouched beside Cassie, his expression softening as he carefully cradled her limp form in his arms. Without another word, he straightened, carrying her 

When they burst into the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey gasped, her hands flying to her chest. "What happened?"

"She was stunned-  maybe- ," Theo said, his voice tight. 

Madam Pomfrey quickly ushered Theo to an empty bed,  "Set her down, carefully," 

Theo hesitated for a heartbeat, his grip on Cassie tightening as if reluctant to let her go. Finally, he lowered her onto the bed, his hands lingering at her sides as though his touch alone might protect her.

Madam Pomfrey wasted no time. She waved her wand over Cassie, muttering, "Finite Incantatem." A red glow pulsed from her wand, washing over Cassie's still form.

Nothing happened.

"Definitely not stunned," Madam Pomfrey muttered,

"Then?" Theo shot back

"Calm yourself, Mr. Nott," Pomfrey snapped,

"Out, all of you," Madam Pomfrey ordered suddenly, her tone brooking no argument. She waved her wand, gesturing toward the door. "She needs peace, not your hovering."

"I'm not leaving her," Theo said stubbornly,

"Yes, you are," Pomfrey snapped, "She needs rest and care, not an audience"

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

next morning, Cassie's eyelids fluttered open, the sharp scent of antiseptic potions filling her nose. Her vision blurred momentarily, the sterile white of the Hospital Wing's ceiling pressing down on her. She blinked rapidly, groaning. "The fuck?"

"Cassie?" a groggy voice broke through her haze.

Her gaze shifted sluggishly to the familiar figures around her bed—Theo, Draco, Pansy, and Blaise.

"What happened?" Her voice was hoarse, and she struggled to sit up,

"Don't." Pansy immediately placed a hand on her shoulder. "You need to rest."

Cassie frowned, frustration bubbling as she tried to piece together the puzzle in her mind. She remembered entering somewhere... a gruff voice... and then—nothing. Her thoughts slipped away like smoke through her fingers.

"I—I don't remember..." she murmured, her brows knitting together.

"Maybe you hit your head too hard this time, Cass."

"Draco, now's not the time," Pansy snapped, shooting him a glare before turning her attention back to Cassie. "Do you really not remember anything? Not even why you were in Moody's office?"

Cassie's head snapped up, "Moody's office? When? What are you talking about?"

Theo exchanged a worried glance with Blaise before stepping closer. "You mean you don't remember being missing for hours? We thought—"

"I don't even remember leaving the common room," Cassie interrupted, 

Theo straightened "We need to let someone know."

"Don't be ridiculous, Nott. Who?" Cassie shot back, 

"Your father," Theo said bluntly, turning to Draco. "Malfoy. You can call her house-elf, can't you?"

Draco raised an eyebrow but didn't argue. "I can."

"Do it," Theo demanded, 

"Don't." Cassie's scowled

"Do it," Theo urged, unmoved.

Draco sighed dramatically before calling out, "Kreacher!"

With a loud crack, Kreacher appeared, his bulbous eyes wide and gleaming. He looked around suspiciously before his gaze landed on Cassie.

"Mistress Cassiopeia!" Kreacher rasped, rushing to her bedside and bowing low.

"Kreacher," Theo said briskly, stepping forward. "Go to Mr. Pierre. Tell him what's happened and that she's here."

Kreacher's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Mr. Nott." With another crack, he was gone, leaving an uneasy silence in his wake.

Cassie shot Theo a glare. "I'm fine, Theo. I probably just hit my head or something."

Before she could argue further, Madam Pomfrey bustled into the room, her sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on Cassie. "Ah, you're awake. Good. Now, all of you, out. She needs rest."

"I'm fine, Poppy," Cassie said firmly, throwing back the sheets and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "And I'm leaving."

"Oh no, you are not, missy," Madam Pomfrey retorted, planting her hands on her hips as she blocked Cassie's path. "Back in that bed this instant."

Cassie's glare could've withered a Mandrake, but Pomfrey remained unfazed.

"You can glare all you want," Pomfrey said briskly, "but if you step one foot out of this ward, I'll ensure you're banned from Hogsmeade for the rest of the year."

Cassie grumbled, sliding back into bed with a scowl. "This is ridiculous."

"It's for your own good," Pomfrey replied sharply, fluffing the pillows behind Cassie with practiced precision. "And as for you lot," she said, turning her stern gaze to the others, "out. Now. She needs rest."

"You'll stay here until tomorrow—just to ensure your mind isn't dabbled with."

"Tomorrow?" Cassie shot upright,  "You're keeping me here until then?"

"Yes, you can leave for the third task-"

Cassie groaned loudly, flopping back onto the pillows

"Ughhh, this is ridiculous."

"It's called precaution," Pomfrey retorted, her lips pursed. "Now, rest. The sooner you do, the sooner you'll leave."

**********

The next day dawned bright, though Cassiopeia wasn't feeling any of it. The Hospital Wing was unusually lively, and it had everything to do with her visitors.

Theo, Draco, Blaise, and Pansy had returned each taking turns fussing over her in their own way.

"Honestly," Cassie muttered, her voice heavy with exasperation as Blaise offered her yet another pillow. "I'm fine. I don't need to be babied."

"You don't look fine," Theo shot back, 

"Merlin's sake, Theo," she snapped. "I'm not dying. Stop looking at me like that."

Before Theo could retort, the door to the Hospital Wing creaked open. A familiar figure entered, his gait measured, his expression carefully neutral. Cassie stiffened immediately, her heart lurching.

"Mr. Pierre," Theo greeted tersely, stepping aside to allow him through.

Regulus nodded at him curtly before his eyes settled on Cassie.

"Cassiopeia," he said, his voice low and strained. He crossed the room in quick strides,. "What happened? Kreacher wouldn't give me a straight answer. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Everyone is overreacting."

"She doesn't remember anything," Theo interjected sharply from the corner

"What?" Regulus's gaze snapped to Cassie, panic flashing in his eyes. "You don't remember?"

"It's no big deal,". "I probably just hit my head or something. Madam Pomfrey cleared me—I can leave now." She yanked the sheets off and swung her legs over the side of the bed, ignoring the group's protests.

 "Cass-"

"Let's go talk outside, Dad," she interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Before Regulus could respond, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward the door with surprising force.

Cassiopeia slipped out of the Hospital Wing with a sigh of relief, "I hope you realize how reckless this is," Regulus muttered, his tone clipped as he glanced at her. He looked like he hadn't slept, the faint shadows under his eyes betraying his lack of sleep

Cassie waved him off dismissively.

"You shouldn't be here," he continued, his voice lowering as they walked. "This castle—it's not safe anymore." He hesitated,. "My mark has been burning more than ever, Cassie. Something's happening. I—" He broke off, running a hand through his dark hair. "I'm scared."

"What?" Cassie asked, her steps faltering.

Regulus quickened his pace, his tone sharper. "The mark... it's not just burning. It's pulsing, alive in a way it hasn't been since..." His jaw tightened, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air.

Since the Dark Lord fell.

"Have you told anyone else?" Cassie asked quietly.

"Who would I tell?" Regulus snapped. "Dumbledore? The Ministry? They think I'm dead, Cass— and for good reason." He exhaled shakily. "He's getting stronger. And if he is... Cassiopeia, you need to be careful."

"I can take care of myself," she said, though her voice wavered.

Regulus shook his head, his eyes piercing. "Not against this. You don't understand the depths of his power. I've seen what he can do—what he's willing to do."

"Then what do you suggest?" Cassie snapped back. "Run away? Hide?"

"If it keeps you safe, yes," Regulus replied without hesitation.

Her jaw tightened, her eyes flashing. "I'm not running. Not from him, not from anyone."

Regulus's expression softened, though the worry in his eyes deepened. "You're too much like him," he said quietly. "Stubborn to a fault."

Cassie opened her mouth to respond, but distant voices from the Great Hall caught her attention. Snippets of conversation drifted through the corridor.

"...the champions' parents..."
"...arrived this morning..."

Her eyes flicked to Regulus, curiosity sparking. "Do you think—"

"No," Regulus interrupted firmly, his expression darkening. "Let's get you out of here. You shouldn't be near any of this. The last time it felt like this..." He trailed off, his hand instinctively covering his forearm.

Cassie quickened her pace, keeping up with him. "Dad, wait. Why are you acting like this? What aren't you telling me?"

Regulus stopped abruptly, turning to face her. "I'm scared, Star," he admitted, his voice breaking. "You're all I have left. I can't lose you. Not to him. Not to anyone."

Her throat tightened, and she reached out, her hand brushing his arm. "You're not going to lose me, Dad. I promise."

Regulus's lips twitched into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "You're just as stubborn as your mother."

"And you're just as dramatic as Sirius," Cassie quipped, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Don't compare me to that bitch," Regulus muttered, his tone cutting.

Cassie chuckled despite herself,

Regulus straightened his shoulders, regaining his composure. "Whatever it is, stay out of it. Let's get back to the dormitory."

"It's almost time for the Third Task," Cassie suggested. "Why don't you stay here?"

"I'll be back soon, Cass," Regulus said, glancing toward the exit. "I have to tell Cissy before she starts panicking."

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

---SO- PRETTY OBVIOUS NEXT TWO CHAPS WILL PROLLY BE TEH ENDING- 

OR THREE IDK

THEN---IG A BONUS CHAP OR YEAR 5 INTRO CHAP

IK THIS CHAP WAS PRETTY UNECCESARY- BUT I JUST DIDNT KNOW HOW ELSE TO TRANSITION TO THIRD TASK-

SOOO YEA ENDING YEAR 4 SOON---

TILL NEXT TIME 

MXRIDDLE