"Cassiopeia Black!" Regulus shouted, his voice echoing down the hall as he chased after the curly-haired witch.

Cassiopeia had grown taller, her hair wild and curly as ever. Her arms, now toned from muggle weightlifting, swung with energy as she darted away, laughing uproariously. 

She threw a pillow at Regulus, who deftly caught it and placed it aside before collapsing onto the nearest sofa, trying to catch his breath.

"Just because I allowed you to practice with a dagger doesn't mean you can turn our home into a battlefield and destroy all furniture" Regulus said, trying to sound stern but failing to hide a hint of amusement.

"I was practicing!" Cassiopeia retorted grinning

"Does 'practicing ' involve plastering pictures of Sirius all over the place and aiming at them? you even destroyed Walburga's favorite cushion  Regulus asked, exasperated yet unable to suppress a small smile.

Cassiopeia chuckled before settling down beside him, leaning comfortably against his shoulder. "It helps me improve my aim."

Regulus sighed deeply. "And would you care to explain why Kreacher found a book on becoming an Animagus in your room?"

"I've been studying, Dad." she said quickly

Regulus raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh does that include suspiciously detailed notes and markings along with list of places where you can get the ingredients illegally?" 

Cassiopeia sighed "Oh come on dad. I was just trying out stuff ..But being an Animagus would be so cool"

"I always dreamt of becoming one myself. But remember Cassie, you are not to attempt being an unregistered Animagus...Its too dangerous"

Cassiopeia pouted  

"Cheer up Cassie...I never said you couldn't become a registered one."

Cassiopeia's face  lit up exclaimed "Dad, seriously?" her excitement bubbling as she hugged him tightly. "You're the best!"

After a brief moment, she jumped up "I'm going to write to Minnie right now!"Regulus chuckled at her excitement 

 "Speaking of which, where's Mortem? He should have been back-

Before she could finish, a loud hoot interrupted her. "speak of the devil" Cassiopeia's grinned as she held out her hand for the black tawny owl that flew in, carrying a worn parchment.

"Oh, look, it's from Uncle Moony!" Cassiopeia said excitedlyRegulus frowned slightly, in disappointment "I still don't understand why you insist on corresponding with that wolf," he spat

"Dad," Cassiopeia sighed, a hint of frustration in her voice as she opened the letter, "we've talked about this. He's technically my uncle, and he's a great person." Her eyes scanned the neat handwriting. "Oh, look, he wants to talk about something...and wants to meet at this muggle café."

Regulus shook his head firmly. "You are not going to meet him.""Dad, pleeassase," Cassiopeia pleaded

No, Cassie.""You really think if you say no, I won't find a way to go?" Cassiopeia challenged, 

Regulus sighed, realizing he might not win this battle. "

Fine," he relented, shaking his head. "But you're taking your dagger and your bracelet, and I will accompany you—"

"No, Dad," Cassiopeia interrupted firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It's too risky for you to come along."Regulus sighed again, reluctantly conceding. "Alright, but take Kreacher with you."

"Deal!" Cassiopeia nodded eagerly. 

"When are you leaving for the World Cup?"

"The day after tomorrow," Cassiopeia replied.

"When are you meeting him then?

"Like Now"

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

"Kreacher, I told you it's fine, you can go back," Cassie insisted, eyeing the house-elf with a mix of understanding and impatience.

Kreacher's gaze bore into the sandy-haired man seated at the table with utmost disdain. "Master forbid me to return without you," he muttered grudgingly,


"Alright but wait outside ?"  Cassie urged... he reluctantly nodded and bowed low before shuffling out of the café.

Turning back to Remus, Cassie grinned. "So, Uncle Moony, what's new?" 

She looked at him intently, he looked tired, older than she last saw him, his face sporting a new scar

Remus hesitated,

Cassie interrupted. "But first, let's get you something to drink." She glanced over at the young waiter who had been staring at her. "Hey, you!" Cassie called out, catching him off guard.

The waiter's cheeks turned crimson as he hesitantly approached their table. "Y-yes, ma'am?"

"What's your most famous drink here?" 

"Um, iced coffee," the waiter replied quickly, eager to please.

Cassie raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Yeah, bring us two of those."

The waiter hurried off and returned shortly with tall glasses filled with a dark liquid. Cassie eyed hers suspiciously before taking a tentative sip and immediately grimacing. "Is this rat shit?" she muttered to Remus, who chuckled softly, struggling to contain his amusement.

"Muggles drink this?" Cassie exclaimed incredulously, reaching into her pocket and producing a small bottle of fire whiskey. "Want some?" she offered suggestively.

Remus frowned slightly. "You're not old enough, Cassie," 

Cassie laughed "You say that like it ever stopped me."

With a smirk, Cassie poured a splash of fire whiskey into her coffee, then did the same to Remus's drink. "You'll thank me," 

Remus shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "I have a feeling I might," he admitted,

"So, what did you wanna talk about?" Cassie asked casually, 

Remus hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. "I have a feeling you might not like this," he began cautiously.

Cassie raised an eyebrow, 

"I'm pretty sure Sirius is planning to fly back north," Remus confessed.

Cassie's feigned nonchalance her brows knitting together "Uh so?"

"He wants to come out in the open," Remus said. "He doesn't seem to grasp how dangerous it—"

Cassie interrupted sharply, "Why now? What's the urgency?"

Remus hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Harry's scar... it's been hurting again," he admitted reluctantly.

Cassie rolled her eyes dismissively. "Of course, because Itty-bitty Potter's scar twinges-

Remus leaned forward  "Cassie, it might mean something more. The last time Harry's scar hurt, Voldemort was near. Dumbledore suspects there could be a connection."

Cassie leaned back, "So Dumbledore thinks Voldemort might be returning?"

"It's a possibility," Remus confirmed gravely.

Cassie huffed " And That's exactly why I wanted to kill that rat, Mark my words Moony. Pettigrew will be the reason Voldy will be back."

 "And then in Hogwarts..." Remus began

 "The Triwizard Tournament. Draco mentioned- wait-- Cassie said realising

Remus nodded

"Dumbledore thinks someone is gonna interfere?" cassie said connecting the dots

"Yea" Remus sighed

"Despite all this, he's still hosting it?" Cassie said incredulously

Remus sighed heavily. "Dumbledore believes the protections are enough.""

"He has fucking lost it. Seriously how many proofs he needs to figure his protections are trash?"

"Dumbledore is our best hope...he always has been" Remus said quietly

"I dont trust that man one bit. He knows way more than he lets on" Cassie snided

Remus didn't say anything as they both slurped their drinks. After a moment, he set down his mug with a soft clink against the table's worn surface.

"Alright, Cassie. I'll see you later then?" he said, pushing back his chair and standing up.

Cassie nodded, her expression unreadable as she reached into her pocket for a handful of crumpled muggle bills, which she left on the table

Cassie gave him a side hug. "Bye, Uncle Moony," she said softly.

"Bye, Cassie," Remus replied with a slight smile

Very normal chap-

with this year three has ended

i was ill for the past week. i still am

but yea

college has been fun!

till next time

mxriddle