The Slytherin group buzzed around Cassie like a swarm of protective bees, their presence looming as they maneuvered through the crowd with her in the center. Cassie's lips curled in irritation as Blaise practically walked into her line of sight for the third time that minute.

"For the love of Merlin, Blaise! I can't see shit—get out of my face!" she snapped.

Blaise muttered something under his breath but reluctantly stepped aside, casting a side glance at Theo, who smirked.

Just then, a distinct voice, accented and smooth, cut through the noise. "A moment, Cassiopeia?"

Cassie turned to find Cole standing a few feet away. His sharp features and deep green Durmstrang cloak made him stand out like a splash of ink in the sea of Hogwarts uniforms. His dark hair was neatly combed back, but a lock fell onto his forehead

She shrugged, her annoyance  subsiding. "Alright. Go on, guys, get a compartment."

Theo hesitated, looking as though he wanted to protest. "But—"

Draco grabbed Theo's sleeve and dragged him off, leaving her alone with Cole.

"Sorry, Cass," Cole began,  "I heard what happened."

"Mm," Cassie replied noncommittally, crossing her arms. Her gaze flickered to him, Cole's shifted slightly, "Cassiopeia," he began, his voice lower than usual, "I just wanted to end things on a clearer note."

Cassie tilted her head mockingly  "End things? You make it sound like we had a start."

He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You know what I mean. We've been good friends—better than any I have ever had- but with everything that's happening, I don't know when, or if, we'll see each other again."

She paused, her gaze scanning his face, "You're a good friend, Cole," she said finally, her tone softening. "Seeing the times, I'd say we'll meet again. Let's just hope it's not under the circumstances I'm imagining."

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If anyone can get through this madness, it's you. You've always had a way of surprising people, Cassie."

"Is that a compliment or a warning?" she teased, the edge of her lips curving upward.

"Both," Cole admitted, his smile growing. He hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Just... take care of yourself, alright? I know you don't need me telling you that, but I'll worry if I don't say it."

"I'll be fine," she replied "You too. Don't go doing anything stupid."

"Me? Never," 

Cassie rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of fondness in her expression. "Goodbye, Cole."

Cole's eyes lingered on hers for a moment longer than necessary, and then, in a graceful motion, he reached for her hand. Before she could react, he pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles, his touch deliberate yet gentle.

Cassie raised an eyebrow, more amused than surprised. "Seriously?"

"Consider it a Durmstrang custom," he said smoothly,  "Until next time, Cassiopeia."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Cassie standing there, her hand still tingling from the unexpected gesture. She shook her head, exhaling sharply before heading to find her friends.

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

The rhythmic clatter of the train s filled the compartment as the Slytherin group settled in. Cassie sat by the window, her head resting against the cool glass, Mortem perched on her shoulder. Nyx around her hand Blaise lounged across from her, flipping lazily through a magazine. Theo leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his eyes darting toward Cassie every now and then. Pansy, perched next to Draco, adjusted her nails as if she had nothing better to do, while Draco stared out at the rolling countryside

"So," Blaise began, breaking the silence, "the Dark Lord's back." He said it casually, like he was commenting on the weather, but his eyes flicked to Cassie.

Theo straightened up. "And?"

"And things are about to get worse," Blaise replied, leaning forward. "Let's not pretend like we don't know what this means. Sides are being chosen, lines are being drawn."

Cassie finally turned from the window mockingly "So which side are we supposed to be on, Blaise? Enlighten us."

Blaise smiled- "Come on, Cass. We're Slytherins. Slytherins survive."

Draco scoffed, his gaze fixed out the window. "Survive? That's rich, coming from you. Let's talk about what survival means when your father's already chosen his side." he said bitterly

The compartment fell into a heavy silence. Even Pansy glanced at Draco, 

Finally, Theo spoke up. "It's not just about survival anymore," he said. "It's about what happens when we can't control what's coming. Your dad's definitely picked his side, Draco. And honestly..." He paused, his eyes locking onto Draco's. "I don't think he cares if you get dragged along with him."

Draco's jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're talking about, Nott."

"Oh, don't I?" Theo countered, leaning forward now, "You think I haven't seen the way your father talks about the Dark Lord? He's already in—at this point, I don't even know if we have a choice. Especially if—" He hesitated for a moment before finishing, his tone grim, "—if the Dark Lord's ex-followers escape Azkaban."

The compartment fell into an uneasy silence. No one dared to speak. Everyone knew what that would mean: Theo's father, Bellatrix Lestrange, and the rest of the imprisoned Death Eaters, free to wreak havoc once more.

Draco shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "They won't escape," he said, but his voice lacked conviction. "The Ministry wouldn't let that happen."

Blaise snorted, leaning back with his arms crossed. "The Ministry couldn't stop the Dark Lord from coming back. What makes you think they'll keep his most loyal followers locked up?"

Pansy's face had gone pale. She glanced at Draco, her voice trembling slightly. "If Bellatrix gets out...she's your aunt. What do you think she'll—"

"Don't," Cassie interrupted, "Don't start speculating. It's pointless."

Theo leaned back, his lips pressing into a thin line. Blaise, sensing the tension, changed the subject. "Look, we're all in this together, whether we like it or not. The question is, how do we play this to our advantage?"

Pansy finally spoke up, her tone sharp. "Advantage? There is no advantage when the Dark Lord is involved. You do what you're told, or you end up dead."

Cassie's gaze shifted to Pansy. "Not all of us are so eager to roll over and play loyal servant."

Pansy bristled. "And what's your brilliant plan, Cass? Defy him and end up dead?

"Don't," Theo said quickly, cutting Pansy off. "Just don't."

The compartment fell silent again,

Blaise cleared his throat. "Look, all I'm saying is, we need to stick together. No matter what. If we don't, we're as good as—"

The door slid open, and a Gryffindor prefect poked his head in. "Keep it down in here, will you?"

Cassie shot him a glare so venomous that he quickly shut the door and walked away without another word.

Draco snorted. "Still terrifying, I see."

 "Always."

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

The train screeched as it slowed to a halt, the familiar chaos of the platform just visible through the window. The group shuffled in silence, grabbing their trunks as they prepared to disembark. No one said much—it wasn't the time for cheerful goodbyes. Not with everything that had been left unsaid .

Cassie adjusted her grip on her trunk, her gaze flicking over the platform. Lucius Malfoy stood out instantly, looking as pompous as ever, though there was something off about him—his usual sharpness dulled, his complexion a shade paler. Narcissa wasn't there, and Draco's reaction was immediate.

"See you soon, yeah?" Draco muttered, already stepping off the train. He barely waited for an answer before rushing toward his father.

Cassie watched him go, her lips pressing into a thin line. Blaise and Pansy were next, both tense and uncharacteristically quiet. Pansy looked like she wanted to say something but settled for a quick nod in Cassie's direction. Blaise gave her a look, something unreadable flickering in his dark eyes, but he followed Pansy without a word.

And then it was just her and Theo.

He turned to her, his trunk already in hand. "Write to me," he said, his tone low but insistent. His hand came to rest on her shoulder,  "Every week, okay?"

Cassie raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching in a faint smirk. "Is that supposed to be an order?"

Theo's lips curved into a small smile. "A request."

She tilted her head, studying him for a moment before giving a light shrug. "Alright."

But when he didn't move, she stepped forward, surprising even herself as she pulled him into a hug. It wasn't quick or casual like she might've intended—it lingered, her arms wrapped tightly around him. For a moment, Theo didn't react, but then his arms came up, holding her just as firmly.

"Bye, Cass," he said, his voice quiet near her ear. "Take care, yeah?"

She pulled back slightly, her hands still on his arms as she met his eyes. "You too," she said softly,

Theo picked up his trunk, hesitating for a moment before walking away. Cassie's eyes followed him as he weaved through the throng, his figure growing smaller and smaller until he disappeared into the crowd.

For the first time in a long while, she felt an unfamiliar ache—a quiet longing she couldn't quite place—as she watched him go.

Seems pretty special, huh?"

Cassie froze at the voice, her heart skipping before recognition set in. She whipped around, her sharp gaze softening instantly.

"Uncle Moony!" she exclaimed, 

Standing just a few feet away was Remus Lupin. He looked even more worn than usual—his face paler, the scars more prominent against his skin, and his robes slightly frayed at the edges. Yet, despite it all, there was a familiar comfort in the way he smiled, a faint glint of humor dancing in his tired eyes.

Cassie rushed forward, throwing a hasty, casual side-hug around him, mindful of his lanky frame. Lupin chuckled softly, the sound warm despite his evident exhaustion, and ruffled her hair 

"Someone's grown taller," Lupin teased gently, his voice light. "And I heard you've been getting yourself into more trouble lately."

Cassie pulled back, crossing her arms. "Me? Trouble? I would never."

Lupin chuckled, his tired eyes glinting with amusement. "Right. And I suppose all the stories I've heard are just wild exaggerations?"

"Exactly," 

Lupin tilted his head, his grin turning sly. "So... you and that Nott boy, huh?"

Cassie recoiled  "What? No! Theo's just a friend."

"Mhm," Lupin said, clearly unconvinced. "Don't worry—I do like him. Seems like a decent sort."

Cassie shook her head firmly, her cheeks tinged pink. "It's nothing like that. Seriously, Moony, drop it."

"Alright, alright," he said, holding his hands up in surrender, though his grin didn't fade. "But for the record, I've got a good sense about these things."

Cassie groaned, rolling her eyes. "You've got a good sense about everything, apparently."

Lupin chuckled softly, taking the trunk from her hand as though it weighed nothing. "It's good to see you, Cass."

Cassie tilted her head, "You too, Moony. But what's the special occasion?"

Lupin blinked, feigning innocence. "What special occasion?"

"Oh, come on," Cassie said "Spill, Moony. You expect me to believe you just randomly showed up at the station to meet me? Out of the blue?"

Lupin's mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.

"Wait—" Cassie's eyes narrowed,c her tone gaining an edge. "He sent you, didn't he? Sirius?"

"No!" Lupin said quickly, his tone defensive but too hesitant to be convincing.

Cassie raised a brow, crossing her arms. "Uh-huh. Or was it Dumbledore? It's got his meddling written all over it."

Lupin sighed, shaking his head. "It wasn't like that, Cass— it's just that Dumbledore is getting the Order back together, and—"

"He needs a headquarters," Cassie finished for him, her voice flat. "I know, Lupin. He wants Grimmauld Place."

Lupin nodded, looking a bit uncomfortable.

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Ah, thanks, Moony. Here I had me thinking you actually came to meet me." She grabbed her trunk from him and began walking away.

"Wait— Cass," Lupin called, a hand on her shoulder. "This is serious. If he's back, there's no time for personal grudges." He paused for a moment before adding, "We have to focus. The Dark Lord's return changes everything."

Cassie's frustration simmered, and she exhaled sharply. "I know, Moony," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance. "I get it. Believe me, I'm aware of how serious this is."

Lupin's expression softened as he lowered his hand, his voice quieter now. "Grimmauld's the safest place the Order can operate from. We can't afford to make mistakes, not now."

Cassie looked at him, then down the platform, her thoughts swirling. "Where's Sirius?" she asked suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Lupin's gaze flicked to the corner of the station, where a familiar black dog was peeking around the edge. He nodded in that direction.

Cassie's eyes followed a frown forming at her lips as she caught sight of the dog

Lupin stepped closer, . "Cassie, this isn't the time for anger. You're better than this. You know that, right?"

Cassie didn't look at him. Her eyes were focused on the ground, her lips pressed into a thin line. 

"I don't need your pity, Lupin," she muttered, 

Lupin sighed softly, taking a step back. "It's not pity, Cass.  You are better than him"

Cassie let out a sharp breath, finally lifting her gaze to meet his, her eyes narrowing. "Tell Dumbledore he can have Grimmauld," she said, her voice suddenly cold. 

"But remind him it's still mine. I'll lower the wards, but don't forget that, Lupin. Grimmauld will remain mine—no matter what he thinks." Cassie spat, throwing a pointed glare at the black dog. "Let your little friend know that."

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


END- OF YEAR 4 !!!!!!!!!!!!!

GUYS-- HOW DID U LIKE THIS YEAR???

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AANNDDD--- 

YEAR 5 CAST CHAP COMING SOON 

TILL NEXT TIMEE

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